"EL-AH pway choo choo?" Mackie asked turning his big blue eyes on his Auntie Stella.

" We'll Play Choo Choos soon, First somebody needs a bath" the CSI said as she tickled the boy in front her. He was covered in his " Nana Pancakes" and she wondered how much he really ate. Stella never thought there would come a day she would be thankful for her boss' aversion to syrup on pancakes. Taking the little hand beside her she began to walk toward the hallway bathroom, but Mackie planted his feet firmly on the carpet.

" Mackie come on" the boy refused to move

" Mah-key go Doh-hee " Mackie said and tried to pull Stella to Flack's room. This time it was the CSI who planted her feet.

" EL-AH!" Mackie shrieked as he tried to pull Stella again and when that didn't work he tried to push her from behind. Stella chuckled at the little boy's determination to make her move. " Alright We'll do it your way" was said in mock exasperation as she allowed little Mac to push her to Flack's bedroom and on to the master bath. Once inside she instantly rolled her eyes at the NY Ranger's themed room. Despite it's black counter tops, chrome fixtures and fluffy towels it was very much Rangers territory. The CSI was convinced the detective needed a 12 step program for his hockey addiction. The bucket of tub toys explained why he'd been so insistent on this particular bathroom.

Setting the tub to fill, Stella turned around and helped the little boy with rest of his clothes. She bit back a laugh not only did Mackie have pancake in his hair and on his face, he'd gotten it in his diaper as well. While tub continued to fill she watched the tyke grab the giant rubber duck by it's head and drag it over. It was like watching a cave-man with his kill.

Duck in position Mackie sat down and happily started to bounce on his new rubber friend giggling with every squeak his bouncing made.

" What sound does a Ducky make Mackie? "

" Mooo" was the excited answer.

" Ducky says quack quack"

" What does a sheep say? "

" Mooo" the boy said as he clapped his hands.

" Sheep says Baa Baa"

" What does a doggie say? "

" Mooo" The little boy said again.

" No baby cows say moo a doggie says woof woof" Stella said as she lightly poked the bare tummy gaining more giggles.

" What does Danny say?" Stella asked the little boy just for fun.

" Boom"

" Well I'll be" Stella said at the answer she was given. Danny would love to have heard that one. Stella stopped the tub at level she judges would be at the little boys waist and put the boy in the tub and then the array of tiny rubber duckies, boats and plastic army men.

…..

They had agreed to meet at a small little coffee shop in the city. Colin was new to state and beyond the bass just outside city, Time Square and a mall or two he'd had no idea where anything was and had allowed down to make the suggestions. Don was no dating virgin, yet felt like one. He'd started tugging on his pant leg in the car a nervous habit he'd picked up from his father. Taking a deep breath and stepping into the shop he scanned the faces for Colin and couldn't see him.

" Hello Don" Flack almost jumped out of his skin at the voice behind him. Turning around he came face to face with the smirking marine and took him in. He was in simple blue combat pants, black belt and plain white t-shirt his shoes were shined to high buff.

" Way to stop a guy's heart" The detective said " Did you just get here?"

" Oh no just needed the head"

" I beg your pardon" Flack shocked that his date would admit to getting head just prior to his arrival.

" The bathroom, Don" the Marine deadpanned as he realized the how a civilian could interpret the word.

"Oh" the sigh of relief was easily picked up and Colin just laughed as the two men headed to a booth in the back by the window.

" Uh sorry about the clothes, I just got back " the marine said shyly as he eyed the table.

" It's alright they you look good" was the honest reply.

" Wait, just got back?"

" Afghanistan"

" I'd say that's nice but I doubt you were vacationing" Flack smiled on the inside as the man before laughed.

" No I wasn't, started in Iraq in 2003; been serving in Afghanistan since 2005"

" 2003? That was seven years ago" Don said stunned " You were there when it started"

" Country called, I answered" Colin said as he changed the subject. " What do you do?"

" Homicide Detective NYPD"

" I guess that's something we both have in common; We have seen a lot of death"

" That we have Sergeant…that we have".

The two man continued to make small talk as they drank their beverages and enjoyed their sandwiches. Don internally cringed at the Black Coffee Colin had chosen, and chalked it up to being a Marine thing. Mac's idea of coffee could strip paint. He'd opted for a hot chocolate and Colin had teased him by offering him a spoon. It was pushing 1:00PM when the marine was forced to end their lunch but he had to return to bass for his afternoon rotation of privates. Standing in front of the shop doors the two men said their good byes. Flack was taken by surprise when Colin gave him a peck on the cheek before giving him a cheeky smile and heading for the fire engine Red Ford Pick-up across the street. Touching his cheek and smiling the detective headed to his own vehicle to the start the ride home.

The next chapter will finish out Stella and Mackie's afternoon. Then the boys are going to go spend some time with Sid.

Thanks for reading I hope your all enjoying this.

P.S check out my Gibbs doesn't do sick story…if Stella/ Mac are also your cup of tea. Even though it's NCIS and Tony/ Gibbs. Stella and Mac almost have the same amount of screen time.