A/N: I had the idea for this one before I went to New York, but visiting Ground Zero made the story much easier to visualize. So, though it wasn't inspired by my visit, it was enhanced by my visit. I just hope I did it justice...but I know you guys will tell me either way ;)

The subway station that had previously been the closest stop was still out of service, so Stella glanced at the map and chose another a few blocks away. It was cold, but she didn't mind walking. Not for this visit.

She exited the subway tunnel at Battery Park, ascending the stairs and pausing to glance at the familiar buildings and streets. She had always liked Lower Manhattan, liked the feel of the financial district. But since September 11th she didn't come down here much, partly due to her lack of free time, and partly out of the sadness and the little bit of guilt she felt every time she thought of Claire.

If the Towers hadn't fallen that day, Mac would still be with her…

She pushed the thought away with an angry shake of her head. It was selfish of her, she knew, to take a tragedy of that magnitude and make it all about her. She began moving again, picking her way through the multitude of construction sites in existence even now in this part of the city, trying to keep clear of the few cars still on the road without falling into a mess of broken pavement.

She found the street she was looking for and turned right, her steps slowing unconsciously as she neared her destination. She had only come here twice before since the dust settled—once after the scene had been rendered safe to pay her respects, and once with Mac when he had confessed to her that he didn't have the strength to come alone. It was this second trip that stood out in her mind, memories flooding back as she drew closer to the site.

Mac walking unsteadily beside her.

His breath catching in his throat as they approached.

Her arm reaching out for him as his knees buckled.

The stricken look on his face.

The anguish in his voice when he whispered Claire's name.

His body clinging to hers for support.

His tears seeping through her shirt as the sobs tore through him.

Stella shuddered and closed her eyes, forcing her feet to carry her forward the last few steps. Her outstretched hand encountered the cold metal of the security fence and she opened her eyes tentatively. She had arrived at Ground Zero.

Outwardly there was little to distinguish this from any of the other construction sites in the area. Debris had been removed and the crater had been stabilized structurally, machinery stood ready for further use, and every few minutes the sound of a subway train traveling through the rebuilt tunnel reverberated off the foundation. In fact, had it not been for the hushed voices of a few tourists and the plaques bearing the names of the victims, Stella would have believed this was just another work area.

Visions of her last visit returned and she leaned her forehead against the fence, trying to maintain her composure. In her mind's ear she could still hear the sounds of Mac breaking down and her grip on the fence tightened as she closed her eyes once again, reminded this was not just another construction project.

"Claire," she whispered softly, "it's Stella. I…I need your help." She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Remember the agreement we made way back when Mac and I first became partners at the lab? We promised each other we'd take care of him together, his wife and his friend looking out for him, because when he got wrapped up in a case or a cause he didn't think to look out for himself. Well, since you've been gone," Stella's voice crackled as she spoke making her pause, swallowing hard. "Since you've been gone," she began again, "I've tried hard to keep taking care of him for you…but something happened along the way."

She rolled her forehead slowly over the fence, her cheek meeting the hard steel as she searched for the right words. "Claire, I love him," she continued quietly. "I love him more than I ever thought was possible, and want to be with him. I think he wants to be with me, too, but neither of us can let go of you. He…he still loves you so much, Claire…and I don't want to do anything that would hurt him…or you…"

Stella sighed with grief and frustration. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that Mac needs your blessing to move on, and I do too. We were good friends, you and I, and it would mean a lot to me…and to Mac…if we knew you approved…"

Her grip on the fence loosened and her fingers slid down the metal grating. "He still needs us both Claire…but in different ways now…" She sighed again, this time more softly, bowing her head against the security fence.

"I just want him to be happy."