A/N: I'm exhausted, I spent all day doing some hardcore work for my Aunt and Uncle (if you consider stacking wood hardcore). I came home and watched NY and boom, this idea hit me. It might be a little OOC, but it's Mac and Stella, so can it on the complaints, k-pish?

Disclaimer: I really, truly own nothing, and that, my friends, is heartbreaking.


The worry was eating away at her from the inside out. He saw her trying to focus all day and all he wanted was to reach out and reassure her somehow. It was a completely helpless feeling to see your best friend in the world trying to cope with something so overwhelming on their own. She wasn't alone. He was always right there when she needs him, all she had to do was ask for it.

Mac smiled as he watched her, so predictable as she paces in front of his office, "Stella," he called from his desk, "I don't need a moat in front of my office. Quit pacing."

"Sorry." She mumbled and enters his office, "Any news from Sid?"

"He's fine." Mac got up and rounded his desk.

Stella sniffled, "For now."

"Stella... the odds that you are HIV-positive and passed it through to Sid through saliva are about the same as Adam and I having the same taste in music." Mac grinned.

The corners of her mouth turned up at the joke, "Mac."

Mac leaned against the corner of his desk and reached out, his hand tracing over her jaw, "It's going to be okay Stella."

"I just wish I could believe it." She swiped at her tear.

His fingers interlaced with hers and he pulled her to her feet. She took a step closer to him and their eyes met, "What do I have to do to make you believe?"

"Mac." She breathed and he could feel it on his lips.

He lowered his head and his lips sought hers. His fingers weaved into her curls, cradling the back of her head while holding her to him. She resisted for a moment before sinking into the kiss, her hands grasping his lapels and pulling him closer. They kissed for a long while, til the need for air became necessary.

"What..." She trailed off as they gasped for air.

"I'm not afraid, Stell." He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, "If you have HIV then we're going down together."

"Mac!" Stella snorted with laughter as a smile overtook her face.

"I got you to smile." Mac grinned and traced his thumb over her jaw, "You're going to be okay, Stella."

She gave a single nod.

"Besides, I'm not going anywhere."

"Because that's what partners do." Stella grinned.

"It's right under that 'take-a-bullet-for-you' clause in the contract, 'kiss-to-convince-partner-they-don't-have-HIV'."

"I think I need some more convincing."