Prompt: Awake

When Mac heard Stella's voice, he went from half-asleep to wide-awake. His eyes popped open and he jumped out of bed. Her voice let him know, much more than her words that she needed him immediately.

He hailed a cab five minutes later, but it still seemed to take forever for him to get her apartment. Once he was there, he took two steps at a time and when he let himself in and saw her sitting on the couch he wished he'd gotten there faster.

"Stel," he said quietly, and watched her face lift to his. Her eyes were red, and she'd clearly been crying. She had a blanket around her shoulders and her curls were in wild disarray.

He moved towards her, sitting on the couch and pulling her close. She collapsed into his arms, her body practically melting into his as she cried.

He had no idea what was wrong, so he just held her until she cried herself to sleep.

&&&&&&

When she woke she was confused, and she blinked several times, as she looked at him, "Mac?"

He nodded, "Yeah, it's me. You called me over, remember?"

"Oh," she said, looking over at the clock, "Oh, I'm sorry Mac, it's so late."

"Don't worry about that," he said, kissing her head softly.

She nodded, standing, stretching before walking a few feet away from him, the blanket still wrapped securely around her shoulders. She took a deep breath, and turned her head just slightly so she could see him, "I'm pregnant."

He stood, walking over to her, "Your okay? I mean the baby's okay and everything, right?"

She nodded, "I went to the doctor today, and she said everything is fine. I need to make an appointment with an OB-GYN. Aren't you going to ask how I was irresponsible enough to let this happen?"

"Oh Stel," he said, grabbing her arms and guiding her so she faced him, "Of course not. I mean, I'm assuming by your reaction that this wasn't planned, but that doesn't mean it's something you should be ashamed of."'

"I'm not," she said, "I'm happy Mac, so happy."

"I'm glad," he said, kissing her cheek, "I'm happy for you."

"The father wasn't so happy."

"Who is he?"

Stella shrugged, "Just a guy. He's not interested in being involved."

Mac growled under his breath, "He doesn't have to be interested. He has a responsibility. Tell me who is and…"

"No," Stella said, firmly, "I don't….I don't want anyone in my baby's life who doesn't want to be there. I know what its like to be unwanted."

Mac sighed and kissed her head again.

"I just…I can do this," she said, and then nodded as if confirming it, "I can do this by myself. I can do this alone."

Mac stepped back, his hands cupping her face. He kissed her lips softly, and then pulled back, waiting until her eyes were on his, "Who said anything about you doing this alone?"

Stella smiled through tears and her hands tightened on his arms, her body leaning towards his wordlessly. He pulled her close as she whispered her thanks against his neck.