I don't own CSI NY.
"I…" Stell just stopped. The computer on Mac's desk went to his screen saver and the first picture was of him at the first lab Christmas party. Mac was dressed in a red and white dress suit and had a Santa hat on. He was standing by her desk with his coffee mug that she had searched all over New York State for. It was a Marine mug that had a cost her most of her vacation time and pay check to find and buy. That year Mac had given her the greatest gift of all, a job as his second in command.
Flashback
The New York City crime lab was buzzing with activity. It was the first Christmas party and every thing was going great. The girt exchange was going to begin in a few minutes too.
"Ok, let's all go into the conference room!" Mac yelled. Don, Aiden, Sid, Danny, and Stella followed Mac into the conference room where the Christmas tree with gifts was.
"Well, I'll start!" Danny ran to the tree and grabbed a box.
"Don, I had you." Danny handed it to his friend. Don took the bow off and opened the top. He pulled two pieces of paper out.
"Rangers tickets, you rock, Danny! Oh and a hat. Thanks bud. Well, I had Sid, here." Don handed him a bag.
"A NYPD sweat shirt, you totally asked me. Thanks, Don, here Aiden." Sid threw her a package.
"Thanks Sid." Aiden opened it and found a make-up bag.
"Stell, your gift is hanging…" Mac interrupted her.
"Stella, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Mac."
"Well, I want you to be my number two. The people coming in have been making an office for you."
"Mac?"
"Come, I'll show you." Mac led her into the new room.
"Yes, I'll be your second."
"Good." Aiden then came in and pointed to painting on the wall.
"One of my favorites!" It was a Greek painting copy.
"Thank you, you two."
"Let's go back to opening gifts."
"Well Mac, I had you. Here, it's fragile." Mac carefully took the box. He carefully opened it and his face glowed when he pulled the mug out.
"Stella! This means the world to me. Where did you find this?"
"I found it in a little antique store."
"Thank you, I am so thankful."
"You're welcome."
"Oh, Danny the new desk that Stella's opened up in now yours."
"Thank you."
Stella and Mac walked together for awhile and talked but after a quite a bit of time, Stella was pulled away by the others. Mac waited patiently at her desk and then he escorted her to a cab and the two parted ways for the night.
End Flashback
