A/N: A short update this time. I had Stella crying and feeling bad for the longest time – so now, Stella will be smiling. Enjoy!

You tell me 'bout the love you've had
I listen very eagerly

That night, I couldn't take it anymore. As soon as I clocked out, my feet took me to her apartment complex. From the parking lot, I can see that no one's in her apartment as of now since the lights are out. Or she might be sleeping – Stella could sleep up to 13hours after a double shift. I decided to give her a ring in case she's in. After three tries and just getting the machine, I gave up. Just when I was about to go, somebody walked up behind me.

"You don't like the message on my machine, Mac?" a female voice said. "It's in Greek. It says that I'm not around to take your call so leave me your name and number. It's a twist on that old answering machine staple." Stella was carrying three grocery bags in her arms and a smile on her face.

"Let me help you with that, Stell," I offered, taking two bags from her. She mumbled her thanks. "I bought you some Japanese food, by the way. I know how toxic you sometimes get in the kitchen." She swatted my arm jokingly as we made our way to her apartment.

Settling the bags down and locking her door, she said, "I guess I don't need to tell you to make yourself at home then." I made myself comfortable on her couch and watched her organize her groceries in her fridge and pantry. After a few minutes, she handed me a bottle of beer and flopped down beside me. "So what brought you over here? And don't give me the 'I'm just checking up on you' drama. That's so yesterday."

I chuckled. Stella's straightforward like that. "If that's the case then maybe I'm stuck in the past." We laughed together. It's been a while since we've done that. I like the way her laugh strikes my ears and makes her eyes sparkle. "Look, Stella… about last night, I…"

Her hand gestured me to stop. "You don't have to explain and/or apologize for that." She shuffled close enough to hold my hand and continued, "I'm your best friend. Of course I understand. And besides, it's not my concern what happens between you and Peyton." Unlike the woman she just mentioned, Stella didn't say her name in a disdainful tone. "That's between you and her. I'm happy to see you happy, Mac. You know that."

Yeah, I do. And that means a lot. Her smile was genuine. The hand on my hand was firm and comforting. Stella's happy for me. "Thank you, Stella. You're a great friend."

ChocoBetty – well, I still don't know where this is heading. I'm just following my muses and get ideas from spoilers and character discussions. So if you want to contribute to the story, please be my guest. It'll be a long while until I watch the 3rd season of CSI:NY – probably April 2007. So right now, I'll just play it by ear.

Mandi – yeah, no power sucks. I missed writing this story.

mj0621 – yes, I'm a Filipino.