A/N: Hey people! Just settling into the second semester in school; I haven't been able to work on both my Smacked fics and Snickers. Everything's been hectic and I hope my stress doesn't crossover to my little story. Don't worry, we're in the home stretch.

Anyway, I'm cooking up another Smacked fic for all of you. Probably try my hand at humor. We can't have just all-angst, right? Hahahahaha… so watch out for that.

Enjoy!

I just ignored him. What is he doing here anyway? And why is he looking for me? "Walk on, Bonasera. Ignore him," I told myself as his voice got nearer and the splashes his feet made had shorter intervals. People are stopping and staring at him… at us. I bet we look like something out of the pages of a romance novel. Only, our story might not have a happy ending.

Right then, I broke down. A fresh batch of tears broke my dam, mixing in with the rain. I let him catch up to me at last. My knees began to buckle, just in time when his arms wrapped tight around me. "It's okay, Stell. I'm here," I could hear him whisper, holding me up as my knees gave out. "I'm sorry… so sorry."

"Please let me go, Mac," I pleaded against him. We were both soaking to our underwear and I know there are people watching us intently. "You're not supposed to be here. Please let me go…"

"No, Stella," he insisted, grabbing my shoulders and twisting me to him. I couldn't look at him directly; I didn't want him to see that I was hurting. "Why do you want me to let you go? Have you?" he almost screamed at me.

"Have I what?" I mumbled, seeing the crowd of people watching us from across the street and in the different establishments.

The rain was stronger now. As were my tears. He lifted my chin up to finally meet his eyes as he said, "Have you let go of me?"

With that, I had to look away. Have I? "Leave me alone, Mac," I whispered, meaning well and hopefully not driving him away.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?" he shook me to my senses. "Walking in the rain… alone. Stella, you have me. You know that!"

I pushed him off me. I don't give a rat's ass about our audience at this moment. "You want to know why, Mac?" He held my gaze strong. I want to look strong to him so he won't baby me anymore. But the rain softened my walls and Stella came tumbling down. "I always like walking in the rain because no one can see me crying."

"Oh Stell," he said, taking me tightly… and safely into his arms. "I can always see you crying, Stella. I do. Even if you don't want anyone to see you – I always do." Mac's voice quivered as his own tears mixed with my own.

"You shouldn't be here," I said, my own arms snaking around him.

"But I am now," he whispered back. "I always will be."

I looked up and met his eyes. It saw sincerity in them, the look that makes me smile and feel safe… and truthfully, I saw love in them. "I love you Mac," I finally said out loud. "I'm sorry I kept it for so long."

I sunk into his chest and sobbed. I didn't expect him to reply; I just want him to hold me in this rain. At least here, I can live what I've dreamt of for so many lonely nights.

Never did I anticipate what he said next.

CSINYCSINYCSINYCSINYCSINYCSINY

"Me too, Stella," I admitted. I felt her stiffen in my arms. "And I'm sorry… I refused to recognize it. Your friendship meant so much to me that the idea of going beyond that scared me. I was scared that… that… you wouldn't feel the same."

Stella took my face in her hand and softly placed her lips against mine. Our first kiss. Before I had the chance to return the favor, she pulled away, with a smile on her face and a glint in her eyes. She doesn't have to say anything. I pulled her into one more kiss – hearing the people watching us sighing and cheering us on.

I imagined myself as one of the spectators; I would probably cringe and walk away. But no, I don't care if we look like a page out of a Danielle Steele novel. At that moment, all that mattered was the woman in my arms. This is our story.

Crazy Mokis – thanks! I haven't watched any s3 episodes so I'm glad I was able to capture that part of Mac.

mj0621 – well, I'm easing in nicely in school. I'm glad that I'm finally able to pursue something I REALLY like and want.

Cora Clavia – thanks! I remember reading "Sophie's Choice" and I like how the author described Sophie's abusive boyfriend and still made him likable. Since this little piece is close to the end, I don't want to exit by bashing a character. I'm glad you like it!

probysgirl – wow, thanks! 45minutes! I'm not so much on D/L though but I have read some good ones. Why are they in English? I don't know either lol…I'm bilingual (er… semi-multilingual really hahaha) and I tried writing fics in my Mother tongue (Filipino) and it doesn't really work as well.