A/N: I wrote this after seeing 'Blood, Sweat & Tears' yesterday on t.v. The cute storyline popped up in my mind, I thought I would post it. Hope you enjoy!

Clowns, Cannonballs & Cotton Candy

"I'm going home," Stella stated cheerfully, poking her head in the doorway. She half-swung around the doorframe as she waited for his response.

Smirking, he lifted his head and looked at her. "What's got you in such a giddy mood?"

Her grin stretched from ear to ear, lighting up her already dynamic blue eyes. "I had a good day," she retorted simply.

"Really…" he eyed her suspiciously, fighting the urge to smile. Her energy was infectious, he knew, and it was working its magic at that exact moment. "I thought Romeo and Juliet's story was rather depressing," he shrugged wryly, "But think what you like." He bent his head to finish up his paperwork, knowing full well that after his comment, there was no way she was going to leave.

"It's romantic, Mac, but you wouldn't know that if it hit you in the ass." She plunked down in the chair in front of his desk and rolled her eyes.

"Maybe not," he conceded, "But not everyone has to be like you."

She grinned. "I take offense!"

"You do not." This time, he couldn't stop the smile. He chuckled. "Go home."

"Okay." Jumping up, she added, "See ya on Monday. Don't stay too long, 'kay?"

"Yes, Mom."

/\/\

The sound of her phone ringing early Saturday morning made Stella want to murder it, although, she mused, that wasn't quite possible. She groaned as she groped for the cordless on her bedside table. "What?"

"I take it you aren't a morning person" was Mac's amused reply.

"Why," she groaned again, drawing the word out with a slight whimper, "Are you calling so damnearly?"

"Get up, shower, and get dressed. I'm coming over."

"You can see me in my pyjamas then, 'cause I sure as hell am not getting out of bed," she snapped. "What is wrong with you?"

"I'm having a good day," he countered matter-of-factly. "Hurry up; I'll be there in half an hour."

"I hate you," she muttered just before he hung up the phone. Slamming down the phone on her dresser, she yawned and stretched lazily. Then she glanced at her alarm clock.

"SEVEN THIRTY?"

Dragging herself out of bed, she cursed under her breath and wrapped her robe on, heading for the shower. She blinked sleepily while washing her hair, and was finally waking up as she stepped out of her sauna of a bathroom and got dressed. Studying her open walk-in closet, she decided on beige khaki capris and a blue halter top. By the time Mac arrived, her hair was tamed, makeup was on, and he could smell coffee- strong coffee- brewing in her kitchen.

"Good morning."

"To you, maybe." Her blue gaze shot daggers at him. "You'd better have a good explanation for this, because I know how to murder you and get away with it if you don't."

"I brought breakfast." He held out a brown paper bag filled to the top with bagels, fruit, yogurt, cereal and donuts."

"Wow, you go all out, don't you?" she commented, eyes wide. "How much do you think I eat?"

He shrugged. "It's not just for the morning," he paused, surveying his surroundings. "Turn off the coffeemaker, grab your purse, and let's go." Narrowing his brow, he changed his mind and said, "On second thought, leave your purse. Come on."

With an expression of utter confusion, she did as he ordered, locked the door behind him, and followed him down the apartment steps and across the parking lot to his car. "Where are we going and what are we doing?" she demanded, taking the bag so he could unlock the doors. She set it down carefully in the backseat and slid in the passenger one beside him.

"You'll see," he answered mysteriously, and pulled out of the lot and onto the crowded NYC road. "You can sleep on the way, if you want," he added sympathetically when she glared at him. "It's up to you."

She glared at him once again, but leaned her head against the window and was soon fast asleep.

A smile lifted the corners of his lips, and his deep blue eyes twinkled at the thought of what she would think once they got to their destination.

A/N: This is a WIP, so please review if you want the rest!