Flack was your typical male and that meant the TV remote, and what was on the TV belonged to him, but little had sweet babbled him into watching Thomas the Tank Engine. How could he say no to "Tom-ish Choo-Choo" and that tiny million dollar smile? With Mackie currently laying on the floor engrossed in his choo-choos. The two men lapsed into a comfortable conversation.

" Flack did we really just spend an hour watching Tommy Choo Choo?" Danny asked almost in wonder.

" Wasn't that bad Mess, FYI it's Thomas the Tank Engine"

" Whatever, It's Barney for the mechanic's kid"

" Smart Ass " Don retorted as they fell into their comfortable banter. Stella often accused them of being an old married couple. Even though she and Don had occasionally fought over the same guys; Once he'd finally came out to her. She just squealed went AWW and said they should shop at IKEA and life went on. Stella in away had become his big sister even though he happened to be taller.

" So, Don who's taking the cup this…." Danny's sentence was cut off by tiny hands pulling at his pants.

" Dah-hee pway Choo-Choo?"

" uh Kay" Danny said not to sure how to play, because he couldn't see a train set.

" How do we pl…" Danny was cut off again by the rambunctious little boy trying to climb on his back.

" Gotcha" Laying on his stomach, he allowed Mackie to climb on and started to crawl around the room.

" Choo Choo" the little boy practically squeaked enjoying his train ride. Don couldn't pass the moment up and snuck off for his camera, and captured the moment. Flack spread his legs as he was turned into an impromptu tunnel. Seeing as it was pushing game time, he set the TIVO to record and ushered the little conductor and his train into Mackie's room.

" Alright Danny Kaboose over to the station" Don said as he playfully kicked his pal, made Mac giggle and received a glare in return from Danny.

" Choo Choo Dah-No" Mackie said as he bounced and clapped his hands and almost fell off. Only to be stopped by Danny throwing his arm up to steady him. Certain his heart was in his throat and scared that Mac could of really hurt himself. He picked up the boy and chastised him for not holding on. Tears welled up in Mackie's eyes as the boy started to sob and buried his face in Don's shirt, While he mumbled " Doh-Hee". Flack felt like a total ass for making his little wing man cry. He knew he had to do what he did, but it still hurt his heart. He now wondered if this was how his parents had felt when they'd had to discipline him. Snuggling baby Mac closer Flack began to whisper soothing words to calm the little guy down. Mackie, however seemed to be having none of it, Giving Danny the universal gesture for give me five he carried the still sobbing lad out of the room.

Danny didn't know who he felt worse for his babyfied boss or Don. He knew even a blind man could see nothing but unconditional love in Flack's eyes when it came to little Mac. It was safe to say his hard as nails marine boss in pip squeak form had stole the detective's heart. Pulling his knife from his pocket he began cutting the tape to remove the furniture. Messer had to admit the furniture was both radical, cute and simple to assemble. He continued to unpack various pieces, and smiled when he picked up on Flack's voice as the detective sang to little Mackie. He couldn't understand a word of it and figured it was some form of Gaelic.

When Danny started unloading the last piece. Mackie no longer crying toddled into the room carrying Cooper in one arm and a plastic screw driver in the next.

" You ready to work soldier?" Danny said in his best imitation of a drill sergeant. He was sure adult Mac would of cringed and rolled his eyes. Mackie on the other hand excitedly nodded yes. Finding something the baby could " Put Together" with out doing any damage. He sat back and watched as the little boy build. Flack entered the room a few minuets later armed with two big boy screw drivers, two beers and a sippey cup of apple juice. He handed Danny his beer and little Mackie his apple juice, but Mackie didn't take it.

" No, dat apo boose" Mackie said as he pointed to Danny's beer. Both men let out a rich laugh and only laughed harder at the confused little face.

" Doh-hee dat apo boose" Finally composing themselves Danny told the boy it wasn't apple juice.

" Dat apo boose?" Mackie said and pointed to his sippey.

" uh huh" Flack said and Mackie took his sippey cup.

It didn't take took long to assemble the bedroom set. In fact if they'd screwed more then 20 screws in they'd did a lot. Flack had to admit the furniture looked even better in person then in picture. The little car bed looked just like a real race car. It was red and and blue with a matching dresser that looked like a tool chest. It came with a set of matching shelves with red,blue and white storage bins for toys. Even a mini man desk with chair and a small end table that resembled an oil barrel. The little man had it made. Don was brought out of his thoughts when the sound of hammers and nails could be heard. Looking over he couldn't help the smile at Messer hanging up some framed artwork. He'd thought about getting some from the store, but they were all incredibly tacky. Instead it looked like Mackie would have Messer originals. There was a police car, fire engine and ambulance all done in studio pencil crayons in chrome frames now hung low on the wall above the desk. There was also hand drawn USMC logo in a wider frame above the little bed. Once all the toys were moved in and clothes packed, Flack noted more items had show up then he'd bought. He looked over at Danny questioningly and Danny caved.

" Alright Sheldon sent the Doctor's play set, incase Mackie wanted to grow up to be just like Uncle Sheldon" Flack couldn't help the snort at that one. " And?"

" Stella's responsible for the soldier costume, the " Party at my crib 3:00AM" shirt, orange and blue quilt and the rocket ship nightlight." He really appreciated the nightlight seeing as he'd forgot to purchase one earlier.

" Anything else?" Flack asked as he quirked an eyebrow at Danny.

" Oh and Adam knows were to find the coolest Shi"

" Danny!" Don barked making Danny flinch

" Stuff…The little Mac man's got a lil Kawasaki ATV. It's awesome and that's parked in your gear closet for trips to the park and stuff."

" I'm convinced Mac might be the single most spoiled child in the country" Don laughed as Messer joined in. Followed by Mackie who really didn't know what he was laughing about.

" Uh Toh Pee Pee" The little tot announced to no one in particular. Whisking the boy away for a change. Danny was asked to heat up a bottle of milk. They'd had pizza earlier and it was well past the bed time of a little boy. When he returned to the TV room Flack handed Mackie over to Danny and went to turn the covers down. He'd calmed down substantially and was nursing his bottle.

" Uh Flack….can I borrow a shirt? getting kind of cold in here" Danny asked and with one detour to grab Danny. Don returned to very sleepy Mac.

" Say night night to Danny" Don told his cheeky boy

"nigh nigh Dah-hee" the sleepy voice said as he'd hugged Danny good night. Ruffling his hair Danny gave Mackie a kiss on the forehead. Once again safely in his Doh-hee's arms Mackie fell asleep, but not before giving Flack a kiss on the nose and a " Wuv u Doh-Hee". Following behind the detective Danny smiled as he watched his best friend tuck the tot in and lovingly rub his cheek before kissing his forehead. Messer was almost moved to tears when Flack whispered back his own Love You to the baby and wished him sweet dreams.

Turning on the baby monitor grabbing the other for himself. Don met up with Danny at the door turning on the nightlight on the way. The two men settled in to catch the days hockey game and fell into comfortable conversation. Things were going well until Danny mentioned something out of the blue.

" I think you should call him"

" Who?" Flack asked confused by the sudden statement.

" Colin, you seemed happy after only being with him a few seconds"

" I can't just call him, he's a Marine"

" He gave you his card hint hint, a straight man wouldn't give another man his card practically saying call me we'll hang"

" You sure"

" Take a chance, whats the worst that could happen? fact I'll give you $20 right now to do it."

Flack pocketed the change and called the number for Colin.

" Hello" the thick voice travelled through the phone

" Colin?" Flack asked almost timidly and Danny tried not to laugh

"Yeah, Who's this"

" Uh..it's Don…Don Flack"

" Right Sears, Whats up?"

" I was wondering if you'd maybe like to grab a coffee or something tomorrow ?" Flack waited on hitched breath for Colin's reply.

" Coffee sounds good, I've got privates to train in the morning and most evenings. Would lunch work" Colin asked hopefully. The detective's beautiful eyes etched into his brain.

Flack relayed the happily message to Danny as they settled in for the third period of the Rangers vs Sharks game.