A/N: OMG! FINALLY! I updated. Thank goodness!

Are you guys still with me? I sure hope so. One more exam for me and I'm officially on semestral break. More time to write and update.

This is another long one. And hopefully, this is a good one.

Thanks and enjoy!

CSINYCSINYCSINYCSINY

But these places and these faces are getting old,

So I'm going home

I'm going home

I walked Stella up to her apartment after we spent an hour just walking around her block. I parked my car across the street from her building and, "The night's really pretty, Mac. It's a shame to waste it," she said pulling my hand.

So we walked. The stores were still open; the distinct smell of coffee was coming from 24-hour diners. I was holding her hand; she was leaning against my shoulder, sighing happily from time to time. Not many words were exchanged because we were contented with just our contact.

It felt nice. The change of situations that Stella and I had for that night was different but we managed to get with it. Stella, that night was my date. Not just my colleague. Not just my friend. That afternoon when I first opened up to her, she was apprehensive (as I was) but I felt that she wanted this, too. I knew she wanted to run away, to escape it all before it overtook her yet when I told her that I was going to ride this train with her, she agreed to go with me.

I must admit that I've always wondered what was with Stella that set her apart from other women. Her being special… I used to chalk it up to her being my best friend. That she understood me best because she stayed. I developed a respect for Stella. An admiration.

And somewhere there, I fell in love with her. Only I was too convinced that what I was feeling was that admiration I had for her. Everything she did made me happy. Well, almost everything. For those little mishaps, I forgave her. It was hard to stay mad at her. It got to a point that every time she passed by, my eyes followed her. Danny and Sheldon caught me spacing out once or twice.

Holding her the way I was felt different but at the same time, it felt so natural. She fitted so well in my arms when we were dancing. Her hand had a firm grip disguised by its delicate appearance. She was so beautiful tonight. I was almost sad that the night had to end and tomorrow, we were back to being Detectives Taylor and Bonasera again.

"I had fun tonight, Mac," she said, holding me at arm's length by her door. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," I said, cupping her left cheek. I wanted to kiss her. Just to properly cap off the 'date'. Though, I wasn't sure if she would allow me.

Stella sighed and chuckled. "We should do this again, you know," she shyly said, her eyes looking down.

Oh thank God!

I was actually wondering if she'd want me to ask her again. My hand stayed trembling on her cheek. "Can I…" you can do this, Taylor, "Can I?"

She finished the thought for me. With her heels, Stella was the same height as me. All she had to do was walk two steps forward and lean closer. I felt her soft lips on the right edge of my own. Her eyes were closed as I felt the slight pressure of the very chaste kiss. I pursed my lips to return the kiss.

We stayed like that for a few seconds but those moments were the highlights of my day. My hands were itching to pull her closer; to deepen the kiss; move a few millimeters to the right so I can really kiss her. But as soon as the semi-kiss started, it ended. Stella pulled away and managed to unlock her door while I was still recovering.

"Good night, Mac," she said, half-hidden by her door. "See you tomorrow."

"You, too," I said when I regained my bearings. She smiled one more time and closed the door. I heard the locks click and her soft footsteps walking away.

My heart was racing on my way back to the car. What a night! On my drive home, I replayed the night in my head. The lilies, the daisies, her dress, my tie, the roses, the food, the dancing, the walk, the kiss. The kiss. I had a smile on my face until I woke up the next morning.

I found Stella in the locker room the next day, strapping on her gun and badge. "Morning, Mac," she simply said with a smile, not hinting of anything that happened last night. Danny was also there, so that would explain why.

Danny sat on the bench behind me, tying his shoes. "She's pretty sunny today," he whispered and pointing his thumb towards Stella's direction. "Went in 'ere hummin' and all. With a spring in her step; there's a box of cookies in the break room even." He lowered his voice even more that I had to lean in to hear him. "I'm tellin' ya, boss. There is one person in this room who got some action last night. And it ain't me."

I almost dropped my gun. What? I had to bite my cheek to keep myself from laughing out loud. All I could say was, "What makes you say that?" I stood up and holstered my gun. Poor Messer, if only you knew.

Danny checked if Stella was still busy with the stuff in her locker and leaned on the locker beside mine. "Just look at her, Mac. Ever the strands of her hair are happy," he whispered, his hands doing half of the talking for him.

Stella broke out into a humming of a song from some musical. And Danny shot me a look that said, "See what I mean?" I'd learned that it was useless to argue with Danny Messer when it comes to non-work-related matters.

"Happy today, Stella?" I said out loud just to satisfy Danny's curiosity.

She wheeled around and closed her locker with her foot, still humming. "Oh you know it," she said with a wide smile. She did look happy. Did I really make her that happy last night? "I had a great time… last night." She winked and Danny chuckled.

"Oh man," the younger CSI sighed. "That's all I need to hear." He made a beeline to the door.

Before he completely exited the room, Stella added, "I was on a date, Messer. That's all." Danny waved in acknowledgement. Stella's eyes connected with mine. "And a fine date that was."

I had to agree. But my voice wasn't working so I let my smile do it for me.

When we left the locker room, we were back to professional mode. In the office, it was like last night did not exist. The smiles didn't mean anything but professional satisfaction and every time I looked at her, she was in a white lab coat. Not in that glorious cocktail dress that left so little to the imagination.

Every time we talked, there was no telling glint in her eyes. Although by the bye, she would be playful.

We overheard some female lab techs admire Flack's new haircut. Stella did comment that it suited the young detective very well. She turned to me and stared with interest in her eyes. "What?" I asked with a chuckle.

She tapped her chin with her index finger and hmm-ed. Her eyes traveled up and down until she said, "Don't you change your hair, okay?" And as if it was nothing, she went back to processing the area rug in front of her.

I shook my head in disbelief. Disbelief on how easily we were able to weave in and out of flirting and professionalism. Disbelief on the way Stella checked me out blatantly. Disbelief because we were dating and we were hiding it from everybody.

Not that it was any of their business. It was kind of exciting actually. Having a secret – a secret I shared with someone I work so closely with.

At shift's end, I got my chance to get back at her for her earlier comment. We were both in the locker room and Lindsey was talking to Stella about the musical RENT. "Yeah, remind me to bring the DVD tomorrow," Stella said, brushing her hair back. "And make sure you have enough popcorn this weekend."

"What's going on this weekend?" I asked just to get in to the conversation.

Lindsey yanked open her locker and answered, "Stella's going to introduce me to RENT. Might not be the stage play but the movie musical will do." The younger CSI sat down and laced her sandals. "Want to join us? Flack and Danny would be there, too. Beer will be on my brother. He'll be here for two weeks."

Okay, those dashed my plans for a weekend out with Stella. Good thing I haven't made any concrete plans yet. Stella's eyes were trained on mine. A smirk playing on her lips. "I'll get back to you on that, Lindsey," I answered. Somehow, I wasn't entirely sure that I won't be spending the weekend without Stella.

"Come on, Mac," Lindsey almost whined, "All work and no play…"

"Makes Mac Taylor a very dull boy," Stella finished with a faux frown to complete the effect. "And no woman would want that, right Lindsey?" Even then in plain sight, she managed to flirt with me. The younger woman agreed.

Oh you're on, Stella Bonasera. "I do come out and play," I said, undertones of a challenge in my voice. "Like last night," Stella visibly stiffened and her eyes were saying, "Don't you dare…"

Lindsey lit up immediately. But Stella beat her to the retort. "And who was the unfortunate woman?" she clearly accepted my challenge. Her eyebrow shot up but I knew it was just a bluff. She wasn't sure whether I would make up a story or distort the truth.

I held her gaze for a while and gave in, "A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell, Stella. You know that." I heard, more than seen, her release a sigh of relief.

"Aw… you're no fun, Mac," Lindsey whined again. "Well, I'm off. The offer still stands." And Stella and I were alone again.

"I'm appalled, Stella," I told her in mock hurt. Turning my back to her, I continued, "Having dinner with me… 'unfortunate'?" I made a show of shaking my head in defeat.

I heard her chuckle and sit on one of the benches. "Well, better me than other women out there, you know," she countered. "So come to think of it, I sacrificed myself to save those women out there from you." Her voice had a tone of humor.

We laughed out loud until someone game in and interrupted us. Unfortunately, it was Danny with Flack in tow, arguing over baseball scores. "Oh hey Mac, Stella," Flack said upon spotting us.

"Hey Don," Stella and I chorused. Danny's eyebrows shot up in amusement. Flack distracted him again.

I turned back to the only female in the room and asked, "So… if you see it that way. Was your sacrifice worth it?"

The mischievous glint in her eyes was back again. She leaned closer to me and answered, "I would willingly do it again." And winked. "It was more than I bargained for and so, I can't wait for the next time." She paused, as if unsure. "That is… that is if…"

Flack and Danny fell silent. I knew they were eavesdropping. I decided to give them what they quieted down for. "Oh there will be a next time. Don't worry about that," I said in a rather loud voice.

Stella looked like she was stuck in the moment, not noticing the two men behind us. She had a soft smile on her face as she squeezed my left shoulder.

Somebody coughed, snapping Stella back to reality. She withdrew her hand as if burnt. Her eyes flew to the other occupants of the room who were conveniently engaged in a conversation.

"So, Don…" Danny said, "we still on for hoops next week?" He tried to seem oblivious but Danny was no master of poker faces.

Flack, however, was. "Yeah sure. The guys in the 1-6 are itchin' for a rematch," the taller detective said, flicking something invisible from his yellow and green striped tie. He cleared his throat and continued, "Not to mention the Manhattan Major Case up against the Vice guys."

"Want to watch, Stella?" Danny asked, closing his locker. "Laramie from the 1-6 Homicide will be there." My attention went fully to his every word. "Those guys don't stand a chance against us so yeah, he could use some – oh I don't know, inspiration maybe?" Stella smiled shyly and giggled.

Laramie? That thrice-married loudmouth? No… Stella would never give that loser a time of her day.

"Yeah," Flack followed. "Poor guy's been askin' for your number from everybody. Won't get it from me, that's for sure." Danny said the same. "I doubt anybody would."

"Good for them," I said under my breath. I thought nobody heard it but Danny sniggered. "What?" He just shrugged and hid his evil grin. Oh crap… so much for keeping secrets.

Stella slid over next to me and laughed. She then said, "Relax. I'll be there. But I'll be cheering for you guys. Why would I root for the another when the best is on my side?"

I'd be stupid if I hadn't read into that. Her smirk at my direction was a great clue as well.

"Right, Mac?" she said, elbowing me slightly.

"I'll watch the game with you," I said – more to her than to the men. "Then you guys can treat us to hotdogs after the game." Danny and Flack agreed and excused themselves from the room.

Little did Stella and I know that outside the locker room, Danny paid Flack $20, scowling.

Back inside, Stella and I gathered our things and decided to head on to our own homes. I walked her to her car and watcher her drive off.

CSINYCSINYCSINYCSINY

Cryingblacktears – oh yes. How many times had he held the door open for Stella. :)

NM 42 – thank you very much.

Mercy – well, thank you. I hope this one's good.

Serien – so true. I think there's another side of Mac that the writers did not show when he was with Peyton (that is, assuming that they are no longer). I wanted to show that.

Mo – you know for sure that we are going to get "there". ;)

Alisa – oh we all know that Mac is one hot man! Haha

Moska – so true. I just wished that the writers showed that. But hey, we wouldn't want to see that romantic streak wasted on someone other than Stella, right? LOL.

MJ – oo naman. Thrill muna. Build up before the SMex! Grabe, ang benta nung line na yun haha.