Chapter 6: Surfing on love

A/N: Well, just before I leave, here it's a new chapter, hope you all like it, it's getting really late here so I hope it makes senses. And since my schedule is going to be all messy next weeks, I will reply and stay in touch though with more delays, but I will do my best to keep the chapters coming.

And again thanks a million to all who reviewed and put this fic in fav or alert. Enjoy.

This story hasn't been beta-ed, so all mistakes are mine.

Summary: Sequel to JBH. Mac and Stella start to take things toward a common future while a deadly killer piles up body in NYC. Whole team whump, deadly game between killer the city and the team...

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, besides the characters I created for this story. CSI NY belongs to CBS and Jerry Bruckeimer.

Warmth was enveloping him, and Mac lingered in the soft sensation as he shifted on the bed. Slowly, his senses came back one by one, and he cracked an eye open. Last night had finished in a delightful blur, and he wasn't sure what had really happened after thtat. He remembered being with Stella and talking to her, her hands had caressed his back, and then nothing. He grinned inwardly, or he should say everything. He had the delightful sensation that his body had surrendered to her, and the next minute he had ended up in a country of soft warmth wrapping him until now. He smiled as he felt the warm sunrays bathing his face. His vision was still a bit fuzzy, but he knew that this time, he wasn't alone in bed.

No, this time when his arms tightened around the body lay against him, that same body softly moaned and tightened its hold around his chest as well. He smiled delighting to feel Stella so close to him. Even if he was still a bit confused about last night, he had a clear idea that nothing had happened between them, beside a gentle nursing session, thanks to her again. He sighed in content, and his eyes, now fully opened, he peered down to the cuddled form in his arms, and the mass of curly golden hairs. He was lain on his back, and Stella was confidently sprawled over him as if it was the most natural pose. And it is, his mind whispered. In fact, he wanted his future mornings to be just like this one, with her, and waking up before her so he could watch her. Though, for that he would need to catch up with sleep as well.

He smiled, and softly moved, careful not to wake her up. No, the sight of her sleeping face pressed against his bare chest was too precious for him to break it. He wanted to keep this image forever in his mind, engraved it, so that when he would be alone during the day, he would have her with him. His eyes gently caressed her small, closed eyes, traveled to her soft jaw line, and finally her sweet pulping lips gently parting when she tightened her hold around his chest. His smile widened as her hand lazily rubbed down at his naked chest. He closed his eyes, and felt her fingers slowly brushing his skin over his stomach. It felt good, maybe too good, his body inwardly screaming for more. Swallowing the burning desire growing inside him, he froze when her fingers continued descending to his waist band. Oh God, his mind whispered in misery as his body instantly betrayed him. He clenched his teeth, as his body arched silently run by small tremors of pleasure. Then, he opened an eye, and frowned, his breath short. He had the weird feeling that he was being played right now, and as to confirm his assumptions, he caught a mischievous smile grazing her face. Biting his lower lip playfully, he watched as her eyes remained closed, and he wondered if she was really awake, or if she was acting through a dream.

And then, she did it again. Her fingers traveling softly over the lower part of his chest. But this time his stomach instantly retracted, and her fingers remained caught between the waistband of his pants, and his now burning skin. Frozen, he waited, his mind expecting her to make a quick retreat, while his body begged her to go further and take the step. Oh God, he loved her so much that it was hard for him to really make a choice. But quietly, her hand softly went up as if she didn't want to go too far without his oral agreement. He smiled, knowing that she had made a conscious retreat. This was no accident. With a mischievous smile tugged at the corner of his lips, he decided that as the teasing game was open, he'd better play it too. Gently, his hands snaked over her back, and softly rubbed the soft fabric of her top. He watched with delight as her lips parted to form a gentle smile. She stirred softly in his arms, and he decided it was the right time to wake her up the best way he knew it.

Careful not give up his intentions, he silently shifted under her. Then, when he was close enough, his head rose from the pillow. At first his warmth breath only grazed her soft cheek, his eagle sight gazing at her closed eyes, and a genuine smile spread over his lips.

Stella smiled inwardly as she felt the warm body under her moving softly. She knew Mac was awake, and to be honest, she had been herself for sometime now. But she hadn't resisted to the pleasure of discovering a little more of his body in her own way. Then, she suddenly froze as his warmth caressed her cheek and nose, as if his face was inches of hers. She frowned lightly, but it wasn't possible last time she had checked his face was too far, and...oh damn it! Her thoughts stopped, as his burning lips delicately brushed hers. Oh God, her mind whispered as her core was set on fire. He can't be doing that? This is torture, her mind pleaded when his lips retreated without giving her the so-awaited kiss. Mac? her mind moaned. But it's when she heard his voice filled with a gentle smile that she realized she had uttered his name aloud. She blushed, and stirring lightly, slowly opened her eyes to meet his blazing, ocean gaze.

Mac grinned, as Stella moaned his name the second his lips left hers. He knew she was awake all along. But what he hadn't planned was for him to be caught in his own game. The minute she had moaned his name, his core had been set on fire as well, and it was hard to stare at her eyes slowly opening and not comply to her demand. So when her gleaming emeralds rested on his face with a gentle plea, and her lips seemed ready for a real show, it was pure agony not to act.

Stella gazed at his charming face, and noticed with delight how he seemed on edge, his eyes blazing, hungry flames. Her mouth slowly parted, and she knew he would understand what she was asking for. And seeing the idea sinking into his mind, she delighted as his face closed the distance.

His lips gently brushed hers, wanting to be sure he had understood her perfectly, and hadn't come up with an idea of his own. But when her eyes gleamed with excitement, he knew what to do, and deepened the kiss. At first, only their lips played together, rubbing softly their mouths, sharing their warm breath in an infinite, intangible bond created between them; each one breathing the soul of the other, connected in a unique, and eternal bond. He moved softly, his hands slowly descending to her exposed skin near her waistband. Smiling, their eyes met, both shining with heated passion as his fingers discovered her naked skin under her top. Stella moaned softly as soon as his fingers softly caressed the small of her back, and lingered in the small crook formed by her spine. He felt her arched softly in his arms, and his hands, although desiring to continue their discovery of her perfect body, remained still against her naked skin.

Breaking the kiss, his head fell back in the fluffy pillow, his body on fire, and his breath short. He knew for their sake they couldn't go further, or the risk that they slipped into what both desired so much was too great, and considering the short time left before he had to go back to his apartment to get ready for work, it would be too rushed out, too quick.

"God, you're amazing," Stella praised gently as she rested her cheek in the crook of his shoulder, closing her eyes, and lingering in the electric sensation he had sent her into. She took a small breath, trying to focus her thoughts, but Mac's hands on her back were right now taking the whole place in her mind, well, minus his rising, naked chest pressed against her too.

"Easy with someone so beautiful and already convinced to my cause," he praised with a smile.

Her hands gently brushed his chest, and he froze, wondering what she was going to do, but when her fingers finally rested protectively over his ribs, he let out his breath in content. Then, with regret he checked the clock on the nightstand, and sighed.

"I have to leave soon," he said his words spoken softly. Her arms tightened around his chest, as to keep him longer against her, and he knew this was going to be hard on both of them. "Got to get changed for work, I'm sorry," he added with regret.

She sighed at his words, but she knew he was right. He had to go. "Dinner tonight?" she asked.

He frowned, embarrassed. He wanted to, but tonight was Wenesday, and he had promised to Bobby that he would show up, and give a hand. He sighed deeply.

"I would really love too...but I promised to help a friend, and..." his voice trailed off, hoping Stella would understand.

She tightened her lips with sadness filling her heart, but then she remembered. "Right, we're Wenesday," she said in understanding. Her eyes now full of hope, she lifted her head, and her chin rested over his bare chest to peer gently into his charming, green pools. "You're at Cozy's, right?"

He nodded slightly. "Sorry, I said to Bobby that I would be there." He offered her a pout of remorse.

But her smile didn't disappear. "Is it alright if I come and watch you play? I mean it's not like it would be the first time, but I don't want to embarrass you or make you uncomfortable."

He frowned. "You, embarrassing me?" he smiled broadly. "That will never happen, Stell. And besides, as you said, you already came before. So yea, would be fine. We could grab a bite after that if you want to?" He stared at her gleaming emeralds. "It wouldn't be a real dinner but..."

She smiled with pleasure and cut him off gently. "Will be delighted."

"So here it is." He said with a wide grin spread over his face. "Tonight at Cozy's."

She smiled back. "Tonight."

Then, the silence settled between them as each lingered in the comforting, and warm presence of the other.

"Mac?" Stella asked after some time, looking in dread at the ticking clock getting them closer to his departure.

"Yes," he answered softly as his fingers were lost in her golden curls.

"If you don't mind, I'd like we talk about something in particular."

"Go ahead." He smiled. Whatever she had in mind, he was ready for anything right now with her.

"I mean, last night had been great, and I don't want you to ever think again that I want to be alone... I mean..." She sighed, not sure how to say it. "Well it's not easy for me."

Her fingers drew small circles over his chest, and his body quickly responded by a series of small goose bump spreading over his chest. He offered her a warm smile to tell her that he was carefully listening.

She nodded slowly. "I have been alone for so long...and...well... I would like you to consider that you can come over, anytime you want to see me." She bit her lower lip, waiting nervously for his answer. She knew what her words had implied; serious relationship, and now she hoped he wasn't going to freak out by her proposal.

He smiled widely, and gently stroked her cheek, before he leaned to lay a warm kiss on her hairs. "Last night had been hard on me too. Well not the part when I was with you." He corrected quickly with a small grin. "But mostly when you were not there. I can't just explain it, and I don't want you to freak out because this is going too serious. That's why I didn't know how to behave really..." He paused looking for her reaction, but all he could see was her beautiful, mesmerizing eyes staring back at him, and encouraging him to give his heart away. "I...I just assumed that maybe you needed some quiet time after all the time we had spent together. Ya know, to adjust and be alone." He sighed.

She smirked lightly. "I don't need to adjust to you, Mac. I love you as you are."

He smiled, and gently pressed her body against him. His right hand gently brushed her cheek, tucking a small golden strands behind her ear. "I know, just don't want to make you think I'm rushing anything, when you would prefer going slow or..."

She cut him off gently as her hands lay flat over his chest and her chin rested on them. She smiled. "Well, that's exactly what I was saying Mac. I don't want to rush you in anything, or pressure you too. Or that you think I'm chaining you somehow. But..." She sighed. "My heart aches as well when you're not there."

He chuckled lightly, his hands caressing her hair. "I guess we're dealing with the same fear then. You know." His blazing eyes smiled gently to her. "I love you too much not to respect your decision, Stella. And yes, I don't want to put pressure on you. So if you happen to feel that way one day, will you tell me?" He asked as he peered into her emeralds.

"Will you?" she replied teasing a bit.

He raised his brows with a soft smile. "I asked first, City Girl," he answered back, his thumb stroking her cheek as she looked at him, her eyes shining in happiness.

"Alright, Mac. Yes, I will."

He smiled, noticing the amused sparkles in her emeralds. "Well I'm happy you will. Really warms my heart to know that now." He paused and looked at her mischievously.

She frowned. "You haven't answered?" she said.

He shook his head with a sheepish grin. "No, but what do you think?"

"Mac Taylor, are you playing with my feelings?" She uttered on a playful tone. "I know how to get you down in less than five seconds, so you better answer right now," she smiled with mischievous sparkles in her eyes.

He chuckled. "You wouldn't dare?" he stated with a boyish grin, waiting to see if she would really put her threat into action.

"Huh? Try me, right," she replied as she propped herself up from his body, and lay on her right side. Then, her left hand slowly descended his chest, gently caressing his ribs, her eyes staring at Mac with a smile.

Mac lost his smile as he followed her fingers went lower, teasing his waist band, and setting his core on fire.

"I thought you said slow, Stelllll..." his voice rose quickly as her hand softly brushed his stomach up, and she felt him react immediately. "God, Stell, you...you...can..." his breath came out short, and he peered into her eyes with an intense desire, his core burning in fire. "Yesss,... I...will." He finally muttered, trying to catch his breath.

She smiled, and lowered herself against his burning body, happy he had reacted so easily. She knew that she had made more than just a point, maybe even more an everlasting impression.

He swallowed, trying to get his breath back, and his heart rate to normal. "You know..." He swallowed. "It's dangerous to do that."

"Dangerous?" She quirked her brows in amusement.

"Yea, dangerous. I can't control myself when you do that, and you're well aware of it," he quipped with a broad smile. "But I'll get my revenge." His eyes shone with joyful sparkles.

"Oh, you think so," she teased back.

"Oh, I know I will," he stated with a mischievous smile.

"So to be more serious, and without any of us freaking out," she said, her eyes sparkling toward him as she propped herself on her elbows to gaze at his face with a new smile. "You know, I'll feel more comfortable if you happen to bring some clothes over here. I mean, you're leaving soon, and well, if you want to drop by, and let's say, remember things with me," she said with a smile, referring to his words about needing to remind himself of the taste of her lips. "Then, it will be really more appropriate that you feel a bit more at home." She paused looking at him, with a loving stare. "Well, I'm not talking about giving you half of my closet,..." she frowned, hesitating. "I mean...do you want...?"

He looked at her, his smile gone as she looked more serious, and his heart was again beating furiously in his chest. Was this real? Did he hear her right?

"Mac you're okay?" She asked seeing his face frozen and his eyes unfocused.

He swallowed back the petrifying knot in his throat, realizing that he wasn't dreaming, this was real. His face changed into a warm smile. "Just lingering in the moment. I mean, you're the second woman to be comfortable enough to ask me that, Stella. It's ...it's just..." He frowned, not sure how to express his feelings right now. It felt just so unreal. Only Claire had, and now Stella, he smiled inwardly, feeling as if he was the most luckiest man in the world.

Seeing his smile, she continued, trying to reassure him that it wasn't a commitment for life. She wanted him at her place, in fact she wanted to remain with him forever, but right now they had so many things to deal with, that it could be a bit too rushed out. "Like I said, it's not a big deal... Just a bag, or, well, more if you're up to... I just don't want to put pressure on you or..."

His face shone, and he pressed a finger over her lips. She instantly froze, and her eyes remained glued to his ocean eyes as he spoke.

"I'm honored you want a part of me to remain in your apartment." His smile widened tenderly, and his eyes sparkled with love. "And so, I will be delighted to fill, whatever space you'll have for me." His arms wrapped around her, and his lips brushed hers gently to confirm his words.

Breathing his soul, she let herself sink into his passion, and moaned in soft pleasure as he caressed her neck. His fingers gently glid to ensnare her face, and keep her close to his, before their burning lips finally parted.

"I love you, Mac. I just don't know how I can show it to you," she whispered to his ear, before her head lay back against his naked shoulder.

He smiled and tightened his warm hold around her. "You just did, Stella. You just did." He softly said, his face brushing her hairs, and breathing her floral shampoo. He sighed in content and closed his eyes for a minute, lingering in her soft, sweet perfume, and the warm feeling that they were together, and hopefully forever.

xxx

The day was grey and cloudy over the city, and although it was the middle of July, both had been able to feel the morning chill seeping through their clothes as they had walked a bit to the avalanche. Stella shivered as she climbed in the avalanche.

"You cold?" asked Mac as he sat, and delicately grabbed her hands. He stared at her, with a worried look.

As he had told her earlier, he had left quickly to get changed, but seeing the shadow growing in her eyes the moment he was leaving, he had finally decided to proceed with a small change of plans. So, instead of stopping on his way back to the Lab to get his breakfast, he had told her that he would be back to pick her up. This way, both would have more time to be together. Adding to that, that he would be sure that she would have made it safely to the Lab. Well, not that he was worried. He sighed inwardly. Of course, he was, who was he kiddin'? But fifteen more minutes with her in a day was too precious not to make everything in his power just to get it. Especially before they both started to be busy on their case. After all, the previous days had proven that even with their plans carefully prepared, their jobs could mess with them at anytime. He stared at her as he had instinctively cuddled her hands in his, and smiled broadly.

Stella's eyes gleamed at his warm gesture. "I'm okay, just the morning chill I guess." But her fingers squeezed his, and he smiled back. "I guess I miss your arms," she said sheepishly.

His smile widened, and his left hand went to her cheek to caress her soft skin. His eyes sparkled as his thumb gently stroke the soft, red spot forming on her cheek.

"Are you blushing, Stella Bonasera?" he asked mischievously, although he knew the answer.

She chuckled lightly. "Well, when you touch me like this, yea I do, Mr. Taylor."

He swallowed the warm feeling invading his core. "Maybe I should do that more often then."

She watched him with a genuine smile. "Told you. You should act more on your impulses Mac, as you used to do." Her lips tightened at the mention of his old self before Claire died. For a second she saw a dark shadow lingering in the depth of his eyes? She winced inwardly at her own words that had probably hurt him. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said..." but she was unable to finish her sentence as Mac had leaned closer. His face mere inches of hers.

His lips covered hers gently, and sucking her breath, her words escaped her. She closed her eyes, feeling his kiss deepening, and wandering inside her mouth to cling at her soul. After a long minute, his hand nestled in her golden curls, gently breaking the kiss.

"It's okay, Stell," he spoke softly, referring at her previous words. "You're right, and I know I changed after Claire died." He sighed, his lips tight in remorse. "All I know is that I want to be with you, and be the one you want and dream of." He offered her a timid smile, his eyes rising to her shyly. "I'm not gonna deny what I've been, and that I changed." He took a deep breath. "But I know I can change back because of you." His eyes connected with hers with a deep intensity. "And with your help, I'll be a better man." His lips tight, he stared at her, waiting nervously for her answer.

"Mac, you don't need to change. You're the most amazing man I could dream of," She reassured him, her eyes smiling gently. "I just want you to be happy." She smiled genuinely, and her eyes sparkled, amused. "But I must admit, it's the first time a man wants to change for me."

He gave her a shy smile, and his hand softly caressed her golden curls. He swallowed the knot in his throat. "You deserved so much, Stell," he confessed, with a warm voice.

She smiled back. "I have you, Mac. That's all I need," she stated warmly.

He smiled, and gazed at her magnificent, sparkling emeralds. They remained still, watching each other for a moment, before her hand cupped his cheek, and he blushed slightly.

"So I see. You too are blushing, Mr. Taylor," she quipped, with a light grin.

His warm hand covered hers, and he smiled broadly. He didn't talk, and finally kept her hand in his as he turned toward the road, and she could see his cheeks reddening. He gently squeezed her hand before he let go, and turned on the engine. As they both put their seatbelt on, he glanced at her mischievously, and then, led the car into the dense traffic.

She grinned at his shy move. And all the way to the Lab, she gazed at his profile, though he turned to her many times to smile. But she knew that today again will be a long day without seeing each other, and she didn't want to lose a second of just looking at him. She wanted to be sure that his face, his way to move, and smile to her would be printed forever in her mind.

Unfortunately, the road to the lab was short, and they both exited Mac's car with a grim look lingering behind their eyes as their separation was getting closer. At least we're working at the same place, Mac's mind whispered, trying to be comforting.

Silently, they both stepped into the lift, their heart heavy as they leaned against the wall. Without really being conscious of what they were doing, their shoulders rubbed at each other to share a last bit of warmth before the coming separation. Gently, Mac felt Stella's fingers sliding in his palm, and his shoulders relaxed instantly at her warm squeeze. He knew that whatever happened from now on, they would be together, and none of them would have to face it alone anymore. He smiled genuinely at her. And didn't feet lost when her fingers left his hand as the doors were about to open.

He saw her lips mouthed a small I love you, and his eyes mustered the same words as the doors opened and the busy life of the Crime Lab invaded the lift. Both took a professional look as they walked side by side until Stella reached her office. He nodded to her, and headed for his too. They had killers to catch.

xxx

Mac growled as Danny stepped inside his office.

"Wow, what's up, Mac?" asked Danny, wondering what could put his boss in such a gloomy mood.

Standing behind his desk, Mac raised his eyes on the young CSI, and hung up the phone a bit too harshly. He shook his head, and made a sign for Danny to come in. "Just Sinclair." He said, shaving quickly the subject as he circled his desk. "Did you get my message?"

"The one about our list of suspects requiring a chemistry degree? Yea, I got it half an hour ago, and I'm still on it. Meanwhile, Flack sent me another list you wanted." He showed a sheet of paper in his hands. "Not really long though, but contained all Marlyn's friends, and those who approached her in the last three days.

"Good. Let's go." Mac grabbed his black jacket and slipped it on, heading outside his office, Danny on his tails. "I want to pay a visit to the deliveryman first. We know from the camera placed outside her apartment that the delivery occurred around 8PM."

Danny nodded, as they entered the lift. "You think he might recall who made the order?"

Mac shook his head, and as they passed before Stella's office, once again he noted that she was busy in one lab, and that again, he had missed her. "I hope he'll have something for us," he dropped as they reached the parking lot and headed for his avalanche.

Danny glanced at Mac's bike still parked in a dark corner of the parking lot. "You wanna some help for getting' this baby back home?" He grinned at Mac.

Mac sighed with a small frown. "I forgot about it. Was too busy." He glanced at his Harley, and then at Danny. "I don't know, yeah maybe I'll call you if I need a ride back."

Danny's smile widened as he climbed inside the avalanche. "Or you know I can take it back to your place if you need too."

A light chuckle escaped Mac's lips. "I know you ride too, Danny. But I think I'll be okay, thanks."

Danny frowned. "How do you know?"

Mac shook his head. "C'mon, as if you haven't talked a million times about it with Flack."

"Ya know, I didn't think you would ride too." The young CSI admitted.

"Why, because I don't dress up like you?" Mac smirked. "You should know that there's the job, and the life around it, Danny."

"Yeah, well you didn't seem that interested in life outside the job, since I've known you. No offense, Mac," quipped Danny.

Mac pulled the car into the traffic, and stared at the road in silence. He sighed heavily. "I know. I had other things to do, and well..." his voice trailed off, not sure he should talk that much with Danny. But the young CSI was a friend, almost like the young brother he had never had. "Let's just said, that my mind wasn't really up to all this."

He sighed inwardly. He was just beginning to realize how much Claire's death had made him shell back from the world, cutting him from the life around. But truthfully, he had no heart to put in this life that had been ripped apart when she had died. Only with Stella had he dared to express himself again. Maybe because he could see how hurt she seemed to be when she was looking at him. Otherwise, he would probably have given up a long time ago. And he would still be in his shell if it hadn't been for her. Her sleeping face appeared before him, and he couldn't suppress a small smile of content.

Danny watched as Mac's face went from a deep sadness to a light smile starting to lighten his mood. "So, that new girl is for something in your new behavior?" tried Danny.

Realizing that he was smiling to the road, Mac bit his lower lip, and glanced at Danny with a light frown. "Maybe," he dropped casually.

A small grin grazed Danny's lips. "Where did you meet her?"

Mac frowned taken aback by this sudden, personal question. He hadn't thought about this one in his story about his date, so his mind raced to find a logical answer, and the only one that popped into his mind made him smile even more.

"So, Mac?" asked Danny as he saw his friend smiling. It had to be a good memory, and obviously Mac was in a good mood to share a little more about his date. So Danny took his chance.

Mac took a deep breath, and stared at the road, his hands lightly squeezing the wheel. He had never really talked about this. But it was true that it was a good memory. "Well, it was at a barbecue actually." He glanced at Danny, who affected a broad smile.

"Oh, C'mon, Mac. Now that you started you can't stop like this. So what happened?" asked Danny eagerly, his eyes sparkling in excitement.

"Well, actually, nothing happened. I noticed her with a couple of friends. But that day I was kinda transparent for her." He sighed, his mind back at that beautiful day where he had first seen her. "She was busy helping a friend, and so we never really talked."

Danny smiled. "You mean, you noticed her, but you, the tough Big Mac didn't go for it? You're kiddin' right?"Danny couldn't believe his ears.

His lips tight, Mac stared at the road. "I was..." his mind looked for the more appropriated word. "...I was busy at the time, Danny. And it wouldn't have worked right anyway. So I didn't go for it, as you just suggested." He winced inwardly. No, at the time, he wouldn't have gone for it. Not with his current life.

Danny shook his head and frowned. "So when did you two meet really?"

"Huh, few days later. We kinda bumped into each other as we headed to the same place. I recognized her. And since we were going in the same direction we started to talk. And that was it."

"That was it?" repeated Danny, bewildered. "Mac this is more than just a coincidence. It's like fate."

Mac smiled lightly. "I don't believe in fate, Danny." He bit his lower lip with pain. How could he? With Claire dead, he had refused to believe in things that would mean that he had lost her for a purpose. Death had no purpose in his book, especially when you were happy. No, he had run out of luck that day, but fate had nothing to do with him meeting her that day. He frowned, as a small doubt invaded his mind. No, it couldn't be?

"Well, maybe you don't. But I think, everything has a reason. I mean with Louie in the coma, and Don and you..." his voice trailed off, and he stared at the window outside. "I mean, our friendship grew the day Louie was put into a coma. Even more than you can imagine, Mac." He took a small breath, and met Mac's glance. "I've always respected you, ya know, but that day when you took care of the case, and got my back... Well, no one had ever done that for me." He sighed heavily. "And I thought my brother too hadn't, until I realized it was too late." He tightened his lips, and stared at Mac. "What I mean is that I really appreciated your support, and you showing up after all the bad news I had that day, and well, letting me..." Danny stared at his hands on his laps as the words were suddenly hard to pronounce, remembering the tears he had shed on Mac's shoulder.

As he pulled over to a small delivery shop, Mac looked at Danny, his heart heavy. He could see the pain growing in his friend's eyes at the evocation of his brother, and the fact that he had let go his barriers in front of him that night. His lips tight, he gave a nod of understanding to Danny. "It's okay Danny. I know what you mean." He smiled warmly to his young friend. He turned off the engine, and warmly patted Danny's shoulder. "Let's see what our deliveryman has to say," he added on a light tone. The subject wasn't easy, and his friend needed to get his mind on something else than pain, or it would hurt him too much. So, he did the only thing he knew in this case that would keep Danny up; he went back to work mode.

With a small pout, Danny nodded, realizing that Mac was trying to help him get his control back, and once again, he was thankful for his friend's consideration. He knew that Mac wasn't easy on personal matters, but when he had needed him to let go his frustration and pain, he was there, and that was all he was remembering. His friend's embrace when he had thought the world was crumbling around him. He looked up to see Mac jumping out of the car. His boss was his friend, and when things were tough he turned to be his tough big brother looking out for him. A faint smile spread over his lips, and he followed Mac to the shop.

The air was heavy and humid outside. The grey sky over them becoming darker as if rain was about to pour its cold shower into the hot, burning streets. Danny looked up and realized that with all the heat around, it wouldn't be a bad day if it happened to rain. Yeah, he really could use some fresh water dripping right now. He glanced at Mac, who was giving him a warm smile, waiting for him at the threshold. So, now he knew how he had met his date, and for Mac to tell that much, she had to really mean something. He frowned, wondering if getting intel like that about his friend's date was so important for his curiosity when Mac seemed so happy. He was glad if Mac had finally found someone to heal his heart, though all these years he had always thought that Stella would be the one. He smiled, but knowing the both of them, nothing could be really definitive about their date until one really gets married. He grinned, yep, until then, he would bet his next paycheck that one day the pair would end up in the arms of each other.

Giving his friend a warm smile, Mac turned to the small delivery shop where their deliveryman was supposed to work. He hoped his words had been enough for Danny. Though they had both shared personal stuff, and well, it wasn't where he was the most comfortable with, but he seemed a bit more at ease. He smirked, remembering Sinclair. Well, a call from Sinclair was always a sign of trouble, and again, the Chief of Detectives hadn't changed his reputation. He sighed, the Chief wanted him to go to a political evening. And really it wasn't really his thing. Kissing political ass that was Sinclair's job, not his.

"Just get your ass into a nice tuxedo, and come with a date!" Had voiced the Chief. "The mayor will be there and all the people leading this city."

He had smirked at that one. Yea, all the political brass would be there, so why would he need him? He had sighed deeply.

"Not your job, but it goes with Head of the Crime Lab, and you damn know it, Taylor!" had continued to groan Sinclair after he had said that it wasn't his job to go. "So bring your ass on Thursday at 8PM, and if you don't have a date, just brought Bonasera to tag along! I'm sure she won't mind giving you a hand," had shouted the Chief.

He had been furious at the tone implied by Sinclair at Stella's name. "And what do you just mean by that, Chief?" he had shouted in his office, pacing like a lion in acage, while his harsh tone had quickly garnered him surprised look from his staff working in the surrounding labs.

"Nothing more than what I said, Taylor. I know you too are friends, and since she's always ready to take your defense, I'm sure she won't mind helping you out this time again." The tone of the chief had then changed to soften. "Mac, I know these events aren't your turf, but I need my Head of the Crime Lab tomorrow," he had finished, his voice almost pleading. Well, almost because Mac knew better than take the Chief of Detective so lightly. No, the man could be dangerous if he wanted to. So his gentle tone was only used for political issue that could compromise his career. But honestly, he didn't see anything that could threaten Sinclair's carrier at that event. Then, he had taken a small breath before answering to his boss.

"Okay, I'll be there," he had answered, hoping Stella would forgive him for that night out for work. Though he wasn't going to oblige her to go. No, in fact, he would go alone. He shook his head. That Sinclair would be mad, or not, at him wasn't important. He wasn't going to mess with her evening, and ask for her help when she needed rest too. No way.

He sighed, at least Sinclair hadn't asked for tonight, which would really have pissed him off. He looked at the door of delivery shop as Danny stepped beside him.

"Ready, Mac?" asked his friend.

Mac nodded, although, if Danny had asked about Sinclair's deal for the next evening, he would have probably said no.

xxx

Her heels echoed in the corridor as she headed with a smile to Mac's office. She just wanted to check on him, and seeing the time, she had thought it would be great to have lunch together later. It was still early, but taking an appointment with their busy schedules wasn't a small thing after all. Stella turned on the right, and peered to his office only to be met by an empty chair. She sighed in frustration. It seemed to be common lately for them, to look for each other, and not find them unless it was due hours. But at least tonight, they would share a real evening. Well, she was hoping for it anyway. Taking another turn toward her own office, she bumped into a frantic Adam. The young lab tech grinned sheepishly at her, as he pressed his small screen against his chest.

"Ah sorry, Stella, you wanted to see Mac?"

She frowned wondering when he had got his shrink diploma. Was it obviously painted on her face that she was craving to see him? "You read my mind Adam." She smiled, trying to sound casual, and he blushed instantly. "You know where he is?"

"I think he took off with Danny half an hour ago," replied Adam as he pointed at the lift. "Outside."

"Yea, well, I know where outside means, Adam," she quipped, teasing her young friend for his need to always add elements to his words. "But thanks." She nodded with a grin, and was about to leave when he stopped her.

He handed her his tablet. "Huh, I got your DNA result from your case."

"Good, let's see that," she said as she took the tablet.

She frowned. "You're sure this is right?"

"All of them. I double check every sample you gave me yesterday."

She shook her head. "Thanks, Adam."

The young lab tech nodded, and left with a shy grin lighting his face. Stella looked again at the screen. It indicated that the fluid they had found on Parker's armchair belonged to him and another woman. As for the hair they had found, it was male, and didn't belong to the two others DNAs. She bit her lower lip, thinking. So, her hypothesis was still holding. Someone could have watched him die slowly. She cringed at the idea as she entered her office and found Lindsay on the phone.

"Yes, yes, I'll tell her," finished harshly Lindsay before she hung up the phone, and sighed heavily.

"Lindsay?" asked Stella. "Is everything all right?"

The young CSI shook her head. "I just had Detective Fincher on the line." She pouted as Stella sat behind her desk, her eyes rolling to the ceiling in dread.

"What did he want?" the simple mention of the name of this pain in the back made her cringed.

"Well besides sending his regards to you, he said that our vic met a woman in a bar the day before he was killed, and according to the barman that served them, they seemed pretty into each other." Lindsay smirked. "And that's me translating his words." She finished, her brows rose in disbelief.

Stella shook her head. "I see."

"He managed to get an address and a name though." Lindsay smiled. "At least he got some decent job done," added Lindsay, knowing what Stella was thinking about that jerk.

"We'll see," replied Stella grabbing her jacket, and not ready to put that guy into the good guys' world until she had seen otherwise. No, Fincher was a jerk, she had no doubt about that. "Then, let's go talk to her."

She sighed inwardly. If she couldn't get to see Mac, then, she might just as well get some job done in case he would be back to his office for noon. Maybe then, she would be able to catch up on him, and see if a lunch would work for the two of them. She smirked, especially since she didn't remember seeing him having any kind of breakfast this morning. As she stepped into the lift, she quickly typed a text, hoping that this time, fate wouldn't play again against them.

...TBC

A/N: So what do you think? Lunch or not? Are their plans for the evening going to work this time? Well, next time the cases will unfold more. As always feel free to give me your thoughts, and have all a great weekend.