AN: I watched Grounds for Deception recently for the first time in years and it was just as great as I remembered. Mac and Stella's chemistry is just *chef's kiss*. This is a little one shot set during said episode.
The title from this fic comes from the song "Kiss Me" by Ed Sheeran.
After contacting Temmas about the attack, Mac turned his attentions to his partner. Stella was sitting on the edge of the bed, absentmindedly focused on her fidgeting hands. Mac knew she had been shaken by the incident, but to see her so outwardly vulnerable was new. He sat down gently on the bed beside her.
"Stell, it's okay," Mac said, "Everything's okay."
"Thanks to you," she replied, looking at him with tear filled eyes, "If you hadn't shown up -"
The tears started to fall. Without a second thought, Mac wrapped his arms around her. She leaned into him, crying on his shoulder.
"You're okay Stell," he repeated, rubbing small circles on her back, "I've got you."
He continued to hold her, reassuring Stella that she was not alone. Eventually the tears slowed and she started to pull away. Reluctantly, Mac released her from his grip.
"I'm sorry," Stella apologized, wiping her eyes, "I'm just kind of a mess right now."
"Don't be," he said, "It's been a long day."
"You could say that again," she replied with a small chuckle.
The two sat for a moment, a silence overtaking them. Mac knew Stella needed some sleep. He did too for that matter. Yet, he couldn't quite bring himself to leave her. Fears of the attacker returning flooded his mind, and he was sure hers too.
This whole investigation had made Mac realize that he didn't want to lose Stella. He couldn't lose Stella. She meant more to him than anyone. That idea terrified him, but so did the thought of losing her forever. It was what had prompted him to come to Greece in the first place.
"Mac, I understand if you want to go," Stella said, "It's late and we both need sleep."
"You're right," he replied "We do need sleep, but I don't want to go."
Stella turned to him and he could see a look of shock in her eyes. He brushed a stray curl back from her face.
"I meant what I said earlier," he said, "I do care about you Stella."
He slowly leaned towards her and gently brushed his lips against hers before pulling back. Stella's green eyes were staring at him in a mix of wonder and joy.
"Let's get some sleep."
Mac laid down on the bed. Stella laid down beside him. He put his arm around her and she lay her head on his chest. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her curls.
"Sweet dreams Stell."