A/N: Short one this time. Buying time for that Peyton situation. If you have something in mind on that, please tell me. I'm going down from my first semester high. I can breathe again.

Thanks for the reviews! Keep them coming, okay:)

But deep inside you never see

This feeling of emptiness that makes me feel sad

Peyton's trying. But I'm not.

I still couldn't shake off what Stella said some months back. It's not her exact words… but the tone of her voice that bothers me. It was somewhere between sadness and defeat. But from what? Because of whom? I would look at her now and sure she's smiling, we would talk; still that look is there and the tone sometimes returns.

Believe it or not, I've talked to Danny about this. When it's matters concerning Stella, I usually keep to myself. But this time, I'm afraid that this is having an effect on me, on her – on our relationship. Who knew Danny has a good head on his shoulders?

When I approached him with my problem on the way back to the lab from a crime scene, spoken like a true man, he said, "If something's goin' on between you two, you'd better talk to her about it pronto. I mean, as much as you talk to others about it, we wouldn't be much of a help. We have no idea what is going on, like it's any of our business. For all I know, you're all fine and dandy. But as you said, if you feel's something is off – talk to Stella. If there is indeed stuff to be taken care of, she'll know what you're talking about. She'll know what to do."

"Danny, I can't tell you how thankful I am for that," I said to myself. And come to think of it, he's right. It's helpful to get this off my chest but this isn't the solution to my problem.

I'm trying to understand Peyton more and more everyday. Why is she like this or what does she like for special occasions… those kinds of things. By this time, I thought I should've known already but in the early stages of our relationship, I was a bit reluctant to open up. I let her give and give without me reciprocating. I guess I was never used to that. Ever since my late wife, I have refused to be vulnerable at the expense of potential romantic relationships. But Peyton stayed, no matter how difficult I am; that told me that she's worth the shot.

Lately, she has been inviting me to have dinner at her place more. All of a sudden, she wanted to cook for me. Sometimes I would offer to buy something from a restaurant (often my favorite dishes) but lo and behold, she knows what they are.

One time, she called me up, "Mac sweetie," I always cringe when she calls me with terms of endearment but what can I do, "dinner again tonight at my place."

"Peyton, we just had dinner there last night. Take a rest, it's been a long shift for you," I try to beg off but she's persistent as always. But I'm not in the mood. "I have some things to settle before the day ends. I hope you understand."

"Is everything all right, Mac?" she said, obvious concern in her voice. "We can talk, it's okay with me."

"Yeah, nothing big," I answered. "No need, thank you. See you tomorrow." Then we both hung up.

I do have to eat dinner and right now, I want to spend it with another woman. Stella.

So what does Mac need now?