A/N: All my readers and reviewers are the best ever! I so love you, guys! That's one of the reasons why it's hard for me to finish our little piece. But don't worry – I had the grandest idea of writing one or two companion pieces after this is all done. I hope you all stick around for that.

Anyway, on to the fic. Did I promise a happy ending? Did I give hints of possible smex? Maybe I did, did I? Lol… I'm a woman of my word. So here goes…

Enjoy!

We both were engaged in the kiss that we didn't realize that the rain stopped falling on us. Stella looked up and laughed out loud. "Don!"

Flack was beside us with a large umbrella. "As much as the people of New York are appreciating this free screening of 'Days of Our Lives' NYPD style, you two look like you need a room," he joked, walking us over to the sidewalk. "Not to mention, you picked a very public spot to make out," he added, pointing straight ahead.

"Oh my…" Stella sighed, hiding her head in her hands. We were right in front of Sullivan's. Several familiar faces were looking at us with their thumbs up and goofy smiles on their faces. Danny and Sheldon even had their camera phones out. It was my turn to blush. We'll never hear the end of this.

"It's about time, you two," Danny yelled from across the street. Lindsey came out of the bar carrying a drink for the two. "Cheers!" he continued clinking bottles with her and Sheldon. Opening their own umbrellas, the three went over to us.

"Now, it's either you carry on with your little lovey-dovey scene or you drive on home – which one's nearer, I would recommend," Don said handing me a set of keys. "I'll hitch a ride with Danny."

"Now, you behave yourselves, a'right?" Danny said winking at the others.

"Well, look who's talking," I said, finally managing to speak. "Is it a bit late for you children to be still up and about? It's way past your bedtime."

Danny made a face but laughed. "Anyway, all I can say is…" Sheldon said, "finally."

"Okay, okay, let's go," Lindsey said, rounding up the men and going back across the street. "Let's leave them to their night. Happy birthday, Mac – and Stella…" she paused giving her a mischievous wink – whatever that could mean – which Stella returned.

"My place?" she sweetly said, taking my hand and heading over to the car Flack loaned us.

"Sure. It's closer." I wasn't completely innocent with my decision.

CSINYCSINYCSINYCSINYCSINYCSINY

It's funny what a series of seemingly harmless winks can mean quite the opposite.

When we arrived at Stella's place, we showered (separately) and changed into dry clothes. I had two sets with me. Technically, my birthday has passed but Stella gave me her presents. She gave me two.

The pocket watch she gave me was resting on top of the bedside drawer. I took a quick peak to check the time – still too early to go to work. I slowly slid back under the covers careful not to wake up the beauty beside me. I took the time to stare at her face.

Stella can be as fierce as a volcano one moment and the next, can be a meek little bunny. As motherly as she can sometimes be, she's still a little child inside. She's clutching the blanket in her bunched fists, her hair fanned around her. The relaxed and sated look on her face gave away what we did last night. My back stings a bit – but hey, you won't hear me complaining.

She began to stir. "What time is it?" she mumbled. Opening her eyes, she stretched up and yawned.

"We don't have to go to work for another three hours," I answered, marveling at her naked body… so early in the morning.

"Okay," she yawned again. "Mac…" she whined, "Why is it cold?"

I chuckled. Even good CSIs have their moments too. I gathered her in my arms and held back a moan when skin and skin met. "Because, Stella… it's a bit chilly outside and we're both undressed as of the moment. Having the blanket pooled around your waist doesn't help either." She hit me playfully on the chest. We stayed that way for a little while until she – again – broke the silence.

She didn't really say anything right away but the look in her eyes said a lot. It's a mix of uncertainty, questioning and doubt. "Mac… do you think we're…"

"Do you regret what we did?" I asked just to make sure. I looked away because I was scared of what she'll say. Did she? Or did she not? "Because I don't, Stella."

I held my breath those few seconds that followed. Instead of answering, she laughed out loud. "Mac, you're turning blue," she said giving me a big kiss. "Ew… morning breath."

I kissed her again. "We cancel each other out, y'know," I joked. "But Stell, that doesn't answer my question. Please…"

"No, Mac," she cut me short. "No, I don't regret any of this." She took my hands in hers and turned all serious. "I'm just… scared. After all I've, you've… been through. If this fails, I don't know what to do anymore."

I understood what she meant. We both suffered losses in the past. A big chunk of our lives were taken away in an instant. Yet, somehow, going through it with her by my side brought a little semblance of wholeness in me. I wanted her to see that… feel that.

"Stella, what we've lived through – it's not just yours or mine. They're ours, understand? You were with me when I lost Claire. I was with you when you were attacked by Frankie," she flinched upon hearing his name but she relaxed back in my arms. "I couldn't count how many times you saved my life and how many nights you spent crying in my arms or over the phone." I could see her eyes misting up as I spoke. "If there is one person out there in the world whom I want to spend the rest of my life with… it's someone who understands me, who cares for me. And that's you, Stella. You."

"But what about Peyton?" she asked, pulling the blanket up to her chest again. I explained to her last night what happened between us. Yes, we broke up.

"I'll talk to her," I reassured her. Quite frankly, I still don't know what I will say to her today. It's inevitable that we'll meet, assuming she'll be going to work today. I surely am. Stella will too. "I love you, Stella. And I was too stupid to realize that what I've been looking for has always been by my side. We'll take things slow, if you want. I want to make this work."

The fervor in her kiss told me that she absolutely felt the same.

We showered (together, this time) and got ready for work… and what lies ahead.

Is this the end? We'll see…

Galxychld – it's the way I see their relationship on-screen (in my world at least lol). Everyone but the two of them knows that they have the hots for each other hahahah…

tvshowaddict – heya! Well, we'll see if this chapter is the end… or not. ;)

Volonta forte – really? What a coincidence. :)

Crazy Mokis – lol, my attempt at SMACked humor… it's sorta inspired by the steam from Trapped hahaha. On that piece, I also get to pick on Danny and Don (oops, not supposed to divulge that hahahahah)

Paly Messer Stokes – awww… thank you so very much!

mj0621 – hahahaah, naku I won't even ATTEMPT writing Smacked (or any other fic) in Tagalog. Ang chaka kasi eh hahahah. Hindi ko maimagine – nagtatagalog? Hahahahah!