a/n: Thanks for the reviews to that last chapter! I'm glad you liked it cuz I really did not. If I did not respond to you I apologize profusely, it was appreciated very much indeed. Sorry this did not get posted earlier, this weekend was a bit busy. Hope this does not disappoint!

XXX

12:30

It had been fun, Mac admitted to himself. The protection the shelter had provided them had kept him mostly dry, confining a majority of the wetness to his head, but as Stella had told him; he would dry. Stella had clearly enjoyed herself, she was more playful than he had ever seen her as she washed and spoke to the animals. She talked to them like they were people, introducing Mac to each animal they got, going so far as to tell the animal various facts about himself. Once she had picked up a particularly cute ball of fluff she called Mia and whispered into its ear. Naturally, upon his inquiry she had mischievously refused to divulge what she had whispered.

Stella joined Mac after making touch ups that had become necessary as a result the activity they had just completed. Mac's hair was still wet causing it to have a more pronounced wave than usual and she was sorely tempted to run her hand through it.

"What now? Or should I just stop asking?" Mac inquired.

"Well, I've decided that since you were such a good sport about my little water adventure I'd allow you to decide where we go to lunch. After all that, I'm getting hungry again."

"Really? Does this mean you're letting me pay too?"

"That remains to be seen. Any ideas?"

"Yes actually. But it requires going back to the lab to get my truck; it's not really within walking distance."

"Ok. But you are not allowed anywhere near the 35th floor."

It wasn't long until they were back to the overly familiar parking structure and in Mac's truck. Once they were on their way Stella asked what Mac had in mind.

He gave her a very self-satisfied smirk. "Oh, you just expect me to follow you with no information and yet when the situation is reversed I'm supposed to tell you where we are going?"

"Something like that yes. After all this whole day is my idea. Admit it Mac: you're having fun."

"Despite the fact that I smell like dog now: yes. But it's more the company than anything else. And to answer your first question, we are going to Korea town for Korean barbeque."

"Never had it. How'd you hear about it?"

"Flack and I were interviewing some witnesses in the area several weeks ago and decided to try it out. It's very good despite not being what you'd expect."

"Flack was driving eh? So what should I expect?"

"Hard to explain really. You'll just have to see when we get there. And what tells you Flack was driving?"

"C'm on Mac! Since when do you voluntarily stop to eat during a case? You've perfected eating on the run."

Arriving at the restaurant, they were led to a low, small round table with a recessed center. The height necessitated sitting on the floor. After Mac had placed their order, a flame was lit in the middle of the table and a grill placed over it. Raw meat was brought out and placed on the grill. When it was ready Mac showed Stella how to cut up the meat and eat it wrapped in little lettuce leaves with the addition of any of the numerous sides that were brought out. Surprisingly Mac was not that adept at chopsticks causing much laughter in the process of eating the meal which Stella had to admit was excellent. After the main part of the meal was cleared away sliced fruit and some ginger-cinnamon tea was brought out. They lingered long over the tea, discussing the cases they had come across that had involved food. Their favourite food-related case was the same: the one when, after it had been solved Danny had bet Mac that Lindsey would not eat the rather strange faire that included a variety of bugs. Both shared a laugh at the memory of Flack's face as Lindsey had bitten down on the spider.

"I think that's when Danny really started to like Lindsey." noted Stella. "You think it'll work out?"

"It'll be rough going at first but provided Danny doesn't mess it up they'll end up all right. But I'm pretty sure Danny's determined to see it work, he loves her and wants to spend the rest of his life with her."

"What about you Mac?" Stella focused intently on him. "Have you ever thought about marrying again? If the right person comes along?"

Mac stared into his cup, refusing to meet her eyes. "Maybe someday. But she'd have to put up with lots from me. I don't know if any woman deserves to put up with my schedule and habits. She'd have to be a very patient and understanding person and even if she were I'm not sure I could ask someone I love to live with the uncertainty that is our job. I know we're scientists but we are not just in the lab all day; you know as well as I that there are dangerous times. I know what it's like to lose someone and I'm not sure I want to put a wife through that."

"Mac." Stella gently turned his face to her. "You are selling her short; whoever she may be. Don't make a decision that will make you miserable just because you are trying to save someone else from hurt. Let her make that decision, whoever she is, when ever you find her. You are worth the risk." Her calm voice and gentle demeanor concealed well the voice inside that said "I understand. I will take that risk. I would take you just as you are, even with the uncertainty that is our job. Please, let me love you the way you so desperately need."

The look on Mac's face was undecipherable; his eyes a stormy shade of grey that indicated that his thoughts were in a turmoil.

They were interrupted by the server bringing the check. The mood lightened again when both reached for it causing a slight tug of war.

"I know!" There was a gleam in Stella's eye. "Koreans like 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' right? Since this is a Korean restaurant lets settle it their way. Winner gets to pay." She proffered a closed fist, wondering if he'd go for it. To her surprise he did, mirroring her gesture. Not breaking eye contact they motioned three times, on the third movement producing the desired hand formation. Much to Stella's frustration Mac won, his rock crushing her scissors. Placing bills in the small folder he pushed himself off the floor and extended his hand to Stella, helping her up. Not relinquishing her hand he led her out of the restaurant and back to the truck.

XXX

Yeh, so I live in Korea, gimme a break, I could not resist putting something Korean in here. The meal they are eating is called galbi (sometimes spelles 'kalbi'). It's kind of a short rib thing. If you ever get a chance to try it go for it! It's amazing. And Koreans do indeed play Rock Paper Scssiors all the time. A friend of mine swears thats how they decide their president.... (=