A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for all the reviews. They made my rainy day worthwhile.

Anyway, this is the Peyton situation follow-up chapter. The reasoning here might seem pretty lame but I can't think of anything else – and this exact situation happened to my best friend in the past. I managed to use her experience here. Yet, I'm not fond of this chapter as much.

I'm working on another SMACked fic. And I think this'll be a bit on the gutter side of the world hahahah…..

I hope you like this. Reviews please! Thank you!

I have no idea why I approached Stella about that a few weeks ago. I mean, she's the most helpful about it, she was fairly open to talking to me about him, and well… she's the best choice. Stella knows Mac better than the entire lab combined.

And to be honest, it irks me so much that she does. I'm not blind; I could see how they look at each other. They have a certain understanding that only the two of them could feel. Chances are, they don't think it exists – but other people could indeed see it. Call me paranoid, but I can actually feel it.

I guess that's the reason why it was hard for me to warm up to her. Her 'relationship' with Mac, whatever that is, is so strong. I get pretty jealous over it. When I would ask Mac about it, he would brush if off – saying it's nothing, just friendship, "nothing to get green-eyed over".

And if that wasn't enough, he has been talking about her a lot lately. He has been working with her more – I don't know, maybe because they're partners or something. I shudder sometimes when I see them walk in my office, smiling and laughing at something they're talking about. Then switch on to professional mode when they face me. It makes one feel like an outsider, to be frank.

When I got the nerve to call Stella for lunch, I really wasn't sure if that's a good idea or not. It's like going behind someone's back. Yeah, exactly like that. It was too late for cold feet because I already picked the place and was telling her the time we'll be meeting. Call it… premeditated.

At first, she almost took it the wrong way. No, I'm not driving her away from Mac; I don't think that's humanly possible. I hope I don't rub her the wrong way when I ask this of her.

"I need your help… concerning Mac," I slowly say. I could tell she was slightly taken aback. And I don't blame her; but I don't have any other choice. "Call it cheating the test but I…"

Stella placed her chopsticks down and cut me off, "Need to know more about him in order to be closer to him? Is that it?" I smiled. So, it's not just Mac's mind she can read.

"I can understand if you don't want to help me," I started. "After all, he's your…" Her what, Peyton? Before I could say anything else, she was smiling.

"It's okay, Peyton," she said. "I understand how you must be feeling." She does? "I mean, Mac's a real keeper. But he's also a tough guy… on the outside. He's softie on the inside, just so you know." She had that far away look in her eyes whilst she was saying this to me. She proceeded on telling me stuff about Mac – his favorite dishes, movies, topics of discussion; those mundane things – with that same lost look.

To tell you the truth, I felt a wee bit bad – asking her these things, acting that way towards her – all the while sensing what she felt for him. Because hey, I'm a woman, too. Stella kept on fiddling with of the chopsticks and kept talking. Something in me wanted to stop her. It looked like she was going to burst out in tears anytime.

When she was talking about how Mac is very protective of his lab, especially of his team, she did burst out crying. I was right. Stella does have something for Mac. Innocently enough, going into this, I never thought I'd prove myself right. Now, I feel really bad.

As I tried to comfort her and apologize, she brushed me off and said, "It's not your fault, Peyton. And I don't blame you for falling for him. You're such a lucky lady that he fell for you." I had to bite my lip. Yes, now I know how lucky I am. She took my hand in hers and whispered, "I'm asking you this as his friend – please, don't hurt him. Okay?"

Okay, Stella. I won't.

all the glitters – yeah, I love pretty Danny.

ChocoBetty – just on the forehead. Other places to kiss… to come. Lol!

mj0621 – of course Flackie boy is pretty too. As for Mac… Gary Sinise has always been high on my list even before CSI:NY lol…he's one of the first reasons why I watch it.

wynter – thanks, it's okay. Hope to chat with you again soon!

Everybody – THANKS!