A/N. I started writing this in between the end of Season 5 and the beginning of Season 6, so I just assumed nobody was hurt in the shooting. I'm also working on the assumption that Mac was never told about Adam's family history.

There are a lot more story breaks here than usual, because for some reason my line breaks aren't working.

Adam hurried through the lab with his head down. So far it seemed as if nobody had noticed him, and he let out a sigh of relief when he reached his workstation without incident. The relief was short lived.

"You're late."

Adam visibly stiffened at the voice and slowly turned to face the source.

"Mac, I'm sorry. It's been a pretty crazy morning." There was a flicker of compassion in Mac's expression, and Adam relaxed slightly.

"Don't let it happen again." Adam nodded and turned to his station as Mac left. A moment later Danny walked in.

"Hey, Danny. What can I do for you?" Danny smiled at the lab tech; looking from the door Mac just left through and back.

"What was that about?" Adam scratched his neck self consciously.

"Yeah… I was late today."

"That's not like you. Something wrong?" Adam shrugged.

"My apartment building's being fumigated. It's making things a little hectic." Danny nodded understandingly.

"Where are you staying?"

"A hotel, for now at least. My super's insisting on advanced rent this month; to stop anyone from moving out. It's pretty annoying, actually." Danny laughed softly and shook his head.

"Well, I'd offer you a place to stay, but with Lindsey and Lucy…" Adam nodded.

"It's fine. I'll figure something out. Thanks though." Danny nodded with a smile before handing Adam a brown evidence bag.

"Call me as soon as you get something on this."

"Sure; no problem." Danny smiled once more before leaving Adam to his work. Adam had barely opened the evidence bag before Stella was walking into the lab.

"Hey, Adam, how busy are you? Things are gonna get crazy in here tonight." Adam held back a sigh and smiled at Stella.

"Just got one thing to run for Danny, so just bring it in as you get it." Stella smiled widely and patted Adam on the shoulder.

"Thanks Adam, you're amazing." Stella turned quickly and left. Adam turned back to the evidence; carefully removing it in his gloved hands.

(~*~*~)

Stella was right. The night had gone from busy to hectic, and Adam was grateful to have a minute to himself. All the evidence he was working on was either finished, or he was waiting for one of the many machines to beep at him with an answer. Taking a deep breath, Adam sat down on a stool and closed his eyes. The shrill sound of his phone ringing caused Adam to open his eyes and sigh heavily. He reached into his pocket and answered.

"Hello? … Yeah, this is he… What? … I don't understand… Ok, yeah… I'll make sure…" Adam hung his phone up slowly, a forlorn look on his face.

"Something wrong?" Adam jumped at the sound of a voice behind him. He turned to see Mac looking at him with concern.

"How long have you been standing there?" Mac couldn't help smirking.

"Long enough. What's going on?" Adam shook his head.

"It's nothing. I can handle it."

"Adam…" Mac gave Adam an expectant look and, as always, Adam crumbled.

"My apartment building is being fumigated and I was staying at a hotel but they just called and said my card has been declined for another night, so now I have nowhere to stay and, apparently, no money." Adam answered in one breath, being careful not to look at Mac. His boss was silent for a long moment, and Adam couldn't help looking up. Mac seemed to be contemplating something, and when Adam remembered to breathe again, Mac looked at him; a determined look in his eye.

"Your shift is almost over," He started, reaching into his pocket. "When these tests are finished, go to the hotel and get your stuff." Adam looked confused as Mac handed him a key. "You can stay with me until you get something figured out." Adam was dumbfounded. He shook his head, even as his hand tightened over the key.

"Mac, I couldn't…"

"I don't want any arguments, Adam," Mac replied resolutely. "I'll write down the address to my place." Mac began scribbling down his address as Danny walked into the lab. "Go there and get settled once you're done here. There should be plenty of food, but if there's not you'll find take-out menus on the fridge." Mac gave Adam the address and left before the younger man had a chance to argue. Adam looked down at the paper, and then up at an amused Danny.

"What was that about?" Adam faltered for a second before looking at the key in his hand.

"Apparently I'm staying with Mac for a while."