I know, another update! But to be honest, I was starting to hate this story (I still hate chapters 2 and 3) but I was writing today and now I know exactly how this is going to play out; before it was just a vague idea. I apologize in advance if this chapter makes this story bipolar. It leads away from the fluff and into the more dramatic stuff that I am more comfortable writing. I have discovered that I suck at writing fluff. (IMO) Also: I noticed some terrible spelling errors in that last chapter. Sorry about that, it comes from posting at midnight I guess.

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After dropping the truck at the lab, Stella informed Mac that their next destination was again within walking distance so they set out again. Their drive had been silent and the silence extended into their walk. In both cases they were thinking of the conversation at the restaurant. It had not been brought up again, but neither had it left their minds.

Stella was starting to wonder if she hadn't been too forward. Her feelings for Mac had passed the point of mere friendship a few years previous yet she was content to stay friends. In her mind the whole unrequited love thing was infinitely preferable to losing her best friend and the only constant that had ever been in her rather transient life. Usually she was able to keep those feelings tucked away, though on occasion they made their presence known. Like at lunch. Mac had not said much after leading her out of the restaurant, but than again, neither had she. Both were too absorbed in their thoughts. Her mind moved to their destination. She could not help but wonder how Mac would react when he saw where they were headed. That lunchtime conversation had made for an unintentional segue way into the afternoon. She had planned this part long ago, before she had even decided to "steal" Mac from the lab for the day. She could not help but feel slightly apprehensive.

Mac too was thinking about their conversation. Only recently had he come to the realization that he just might not want to spend the rest of his life alone and that there was a specific woman that he might want to spend that time with. He had yet to do anything about his realizations; they were as yet too new. But he did know that if he were to start something with Stella it would be with the intent of forever. It would not be an experiment. The intent would be permanence. Yet what he had said at the table were all issues in his mind, issues he was trying to reconcile with himself before he said anything to her. But maybe she was right; he ought not sell her short and maybe ought to just allow her to choose. She'd be making the decision with eyes fully opened. No one knew him like she did and she knew first hand the perils of the job. But then there was the fear that she might chose....

The silence had not been awkward during the walk, just thoughtful. Mac had been so focused on his thoughts that he had not seen where they were until Stella's hand on his arm brought him outward again.

He was neither mentally nor emotionally prepared for their location; Ground Zero. So surprised was he that his words came out much harsher than intended "What are we doing here?" His tone did nothing to soften the scowl that he did not realize was on his face. He was not upset; just very surprised and more than a little emotionally confused, what with his thoughts during the walk and the thoughts that being here brought to the surface.

Stella was hurt by his tone and look but attempted to explain; "Mac, I know you come here on certain days or after particularly difficult cases, but those times are not happy times. I just thought you might like to come on a happy day. To start associating this place with happy times as well as sad times."

Mac was having a difficult time of it internally. The wide range of emotions and thoughts that were in his head and the hurt look on Stella's face made him feel as if he had violated something sacred. The turmoil inside was causing him great confusion. He had never dealt well with confusion, it made him angry. And it did so now.

"Stella," his voice was still hard. "You should not have brought me here. You had no business—" He broke off abruptly and turned his back to her, walking away. His back was ram-rod straight and tension was coming off his body in waves so strong that even from several feet away Stella felt suffocated.

What had just happened? Stella could not stop the hurt and tears. If she had thought his reaction would have been like that she would never have brought him here. She brought slender fingers to her lips, but not before a sob escaped. "I'm sorry Claire." She whispered. "I just wanted you to see him happy."

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Also, I just noticed some reviews that I never got notices for. Thanks to everyone and I'm sorry if I did not respond, it's quite likely that I never got notified. Hafta check on that.