A/N. This is my new story.

Mac is Officer in the US Marines serving in Afghanistan, he is 35.

Stella is the lead Detective of the New York City Crime Lab, she is 35.

On the start of his 4th tour of Afghanistan Mac places a Pen pal ad in a well known US Magazine, this is what happens when Stella answers Mac's ad. It's sort of set in real time.

I have no knowledge of the US marines so if it's wrong then don't get to upset I have a little bit of knowledge on tours, please tell me truthfully what you think...and if you like it I will carry on writing...

Lt Mac Taylor sighed as he reached the main gate of Camp Bastian he had reached a relatively safe place in this country of war, returning from patrol he ensured that his company was safely behind the gates before he entered the camp himself, being in command Mac had a responsibility to ensure that the welfare of his company was high priority, the young men looked up to Mac for guidance and reassurance and Mac tried his hardest to make sure that is what they got.

He watched on as the platoon Sgt got them formed up in to three ranks, ready for Mac to address them.

"Right lads well done for today another successful patrol, you all did good and we all came back as a full company, everyone knows the drill, shower then dinner and make sure you keep your weapons with you at all times," Mac said as he looked at the group of young men, some of whom were barley adults.

"Yes Sir" said the Sgt as he saluted Mac, soon the company was ordered to stand down, watching his men march away Mac felt a sense of pride, these blokes where the closet thing he had to children, and he cared for them a great deal.

They all strived to be the best and Mac was keen to help them achieve that goal.

Heading back to his tent that was now his home for 6 moths Mac smiled when he bumped in to his best friend Ron, they had been friends for over 10 years; they first met during their first tour of Iraq and since then they had shared the highs and lows of life and had always come out fighting at the other end.

"How was the patrol" Ron asked as Mac entered the tent and approached his bed space.

"Oh you know, the lads where switched on and keen as always, and it was pretty quiet" Mac replied as he took his helmet and body armour off, placing in on his camp bed he looked around the small sleeping space, each sleeping section had been divided by concrete bollards, they where there in case the camp came under attack so the troops would had some sort of shelter from any flying objects.

Mac smiled as his friend approached him, and watched as he sat on the small camp bed next to him.

"Here Gracie sent you this" Ron smiled as he handed Mac a small white envelope.

Gracie was Ron's 5 year old daughter and Mac's god Daughter; he smiled as he looked at the child's writing on the front.

"To Uncle Mac" it read.

"She is getting good at her writing" Mac smiled as he glanced up at Ron, Ron agreed with a nod of his head before he stood up and walked over to his bed space, leaving Mac to read his letter alone.

Turning the envelope over he opened the seal and pulled out two items, one was a letter and the other was a picture of a smiley face.

Placing the picture down Mac started to read the letter.

"To Uncle Mac,

My first day at school was really fun and I have made lots of friends, My teacher said that I'm good at talking but not listening, my daddy said I get that from my mommy. I hope that you like the smiley face I done for you, if you are sad you can look at my picture and smile. Please take care of my daddy for me and I can't wait to see you soon.

Lots of hugs and Kisses Gracie"

Mac smiled as he read the letter, he could almost hear Gracie read it herself her small voice rang out in his hears, picking the picture up he placed it on the wall beside the other ones that she had sent.

"How is Maggie" Mac asked referring to Ron's wife.

"She is good sends her love, say's that Gracie and Baby Mason are keeping her busy" Ron said, a smile tugged at his lips as he spoke fondly of his children.

Mac envied Ron, not on a bad way, no he envied him as he was happily married with two wonderful children, Mac had not found that special someone yet, but he hoped one day he would, Maggie kept reminding him that there was someone for all of us in this life, and she would often refer to her and Ron's relationship when she did so, she always made Mac smile when she said that.

He held on to those words and hoped that one day they would come true and that he would find someone special.

After getting a shower Mac settled into his camp bed and pulled out his writing pad, he had thought about asking for a pen friend while he was out here, anything that made this tour more bearable was welcomed with open arms.

He did worry that he would get all sort of weirdo's reply and he also worried about the security part,

"But some of them could be genuine" he thought, deciding to go for it he placed pen to paper and started to write.

"My Name is Mac Taylor,

I'm a serving officer in the US marines based in Afghanistan; I would love to have a female pen friend that I could correspond with while I'm out here.

I'm originally from Chicago and have been in the marines for 15 years now, I'm 35 years old single no wife or children. I'm 5ft 8 I have brown hair and blue/green eyes.

My interests include running and exploring new places, I also like camping and enjoying the good outdoors, all though I'm from Chicago, I have become very fond of New York and I class the City as my second home.

I won't say too much about myself as I would like to keep you interested, I hope that makes you smile.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Yours Mac Taylor"

Folding the letter he placed it in the white envelope and sealed it closed, placing it on his side table he took one last look at it "I will post you tomorrow" Mac smiled, before turning over on to his side.

Saying good night to Ron, Mac zipped his sleeping bag closed and hoped for a peaceful night's sleep, but as this was Camp Bastion anything but a peaceful night's sleep was possible.

The next morning after a very restless night sleep due to the camp coming under attack, Mac got up early, getting himself washed and dressed he got all his safety kit on and grabbed his weapon.

Picking up his letter he placed it in his pocket and headed to the post room, stopping at the post box he wondered if he should go ahead and post it or not.

Deciding that he had nothing to lose he placed the white envelope into the slot letting it fall from his hand, walking away he headed towards the dining area and hoped that some nice genuine lady would reply to his ad.

Ok bit short but if I do continue them ill try and make them, longer but that all depends on wither you want me to continue or not, please let me know what you think the next chapter will see Stella's life, then it will be when she reads Mac's ad, don't worry the setting maybe a war zone but that does not mean Mac will be getting killed or anything...Please RnR ... Thanks' so much...

CSI KANE