Title: Unnecessary Thanks
Spoilers: Yes, 'Creatures of the Night'.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything…but, mmm, that Carmine.
(A/N) This is my first M/S story, so be nice…) And plus, I wanted to see how Mac would react to Stella's involvement.
Unnecessary Thanks (1/1)
Stella Bonasera stared back at Billy fiercely as he was lead away and only broke contact when he rounded the corner.
Running a hand through her damp hair, she stood up, and walked for a bit. Looking up, she found herself in front of Mac's office and her mouth quirked upwards.
Peering through, a sad smile blossomed on her face when she saw the famous 'cold cases'.
"Door's open."
She jumped at Mac's voice, and poked her head through, meeting his amused gaze. Before she could ask how he knew she was there, he waggled his eyebrows, "I like to call it the sixth sense."
Stella gave him a half smile. "Grab a seat," Mac motioned to one of the two seats in front of his desk, and waited until she sat down before standing up and sitting down in the chair beside her.
Her breath caught when she realized the hidden meaning.
He was a friend…not the critical supervisor behind his stern-looking desk.
Blue eyes met green. "Congratulations Stel. You got the guy."
Stella shook her head, "No…that's actually why I'm here. I want to thank you. If not for you, I'd have my own pile of cold cases."
Mac reached out and tapped her nose, startling Stella momentarily. "I'm not here to take credit. I'm just here to prevent criminals from going free."
Her heart swelled and she bit her lip, to resist the sudden urge to hug him. Reaching over, she began to pat his hand, but stopped halfway, and her hand returned to her lap.
"Mac, you're an incredible man, you know that?" Her voice was filled with heartfelt honesty and admiration.
Mac grinned, his blue eyes twinkling, "That's what they all say."
Stella rolled her eyes, and Mac turned serious, "So you got involved."
Her head shot up, and Mac held up his hands, "No, no…that was good." His concerned eyes searched her face, "But do you want to talk?"
Stella's eyes flickered to his, hesitance and fear clearly seen in them, despite her attempts to hide the emotions.
She managed a smile, "No, I'm fine, really."
Mac nodded, not pressuring her, "Okay…go get some rest. Get outta here. This place can really bring a person down."
Stella stood, her shoulders tense, and walked to the door. Her hand on the doorknob, she paused at Mac's low voice.
"You know I'm here for you, Stella."
His confident, reassuring tone cracked Stella's thick resolve and she gave him a small, gentle smile, her eyes brightening.
"Yeah."
Then she left, out of his office, but not his thoughts.