Love Happens

Summary: Mac Taylor always believed Valentine's Day was nothing but hype and bling. But this year he finds he wants it to be more. Will he finally get the courage to do what he should have done a long time ago? SMacked two-shot

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is only a fan fiction story. CSI:NY and all the characters are the property of Anthony Zuiker and CBS. I'm just a fangirl who can't resist playing with their wonderful creations:-)

A/N: It's almost the 14th where I'm from so as promised, here's the second part;-) Hope you'll enjoy it!

The first chapter focused on Mac, so this one has Stella in the centre. Also, for the sake of this story, V-Day is not on Sunday this year in my New York;-)

A happy V-Day to all of you!


Chapter 2 – Done Waiting

"What the…" Stella found herself mutter as she entered her office on the 14th February to find a heart-shaped card lying on her desk and an opulent bouquet of red roses placed next to it.

She sniffed at the roses – they had a beautiful sweet smell that erased the stern expression from her face immediately. Still a tad leery, though, she proceeded to open the card. As she looked at the text inside, a smile lit up her face. Then she sobered up and looked up and around the lab suspiciously. Nothing caught her attention, though. Everybody was just going about their business and no one seemed to take any notice of her.

She shook her head, grabbed the card and headed for the working stations. She wasn't a CSI for nothing – the anonymous sender wouldn't remain so for long.

XxXxXxX

"Hey, Stell, what's up?" Lindsay asked as she came into the lab and saw the older woman sigh with exasperation over a microscope and then give a red heart-shaped card a frustrated shove along the working table. "A V-Day crime of passion already this early in the morning?" she asked with a teasing smile.

"Oh, there will be a crime of passion alright when I find the sender," Stella quipped with a half-smile as she turned around to face the younger CSI. "I come into the office this morning and I find this invitation card and a bouquet of roses waiting for me. Anonymous, of course."

"It sounds to me like you won't be spending today in front of the TV after all. You've got yourself a secret admirer," she playfully nudged Stella in the side.

Stella gave her a tight-lipped expression.

"Unfortunately, secret is the right word," she sighed. "I've fumed it and did the whole ID procedure on it but nothing. After an hour's work I still have no idea who the sender is."

"Please don't tell me you've ran a Valentine's Day Card for fingerprints and DNA."

"Of course I did," Stella said ignoring Lindsay's incredulous tone. "But this guy's good. The card is pristine. No trace of anything. And it's a typical model so no way of tracking him by the producer or anything."

"May I have a look?" Lindsay reached out her hand for the heart-shaped piece of paper and had to keep herself from smiling as she saw the card carefully placed in an evidence bag. The job did make you kinda obsessive about certain things. Then she looked at the text and frowned.

Empire State Building, 14th February, 9 pm

"Well, he sure has a way with words," she said with a half-smile. "Still, he wants you to meet him at the Empire State Building!" Lindsay exclaimed and earned several raised eyebrows from a couple of lab techs working nearby.

"I'm not going, Lindsay."

"But that is the most romantic thing I've ever heard!"

Stella crossed her arms over her chest. "I've had my fair share of secret admirers and other wackos. And after Drew Bedford…"

"Come on, Stell. Who would ever bother with not leaving any fingerprints or other traces on a V-Day card? This can only be someone from the lab who knows his way around our procedures, which means he's either a cute shy detective or a lab geek."

"Linds, this could be practically anyone who knows I'm a CSI. And that's not exactly top secret information, you know."

Lindsay wouldn't be swayed, though. "Stell, you can always carry your piece with you."

"Gee, that's the most romantic thing I've ever heard," Stella deadpanned.

"Come on, Stell. A million girls would kill to get such a V-Day invitation."

Stella looked at her quizzically. "Interesting choice of words, Linds."

Lindsay shrugged unfazed. "They'd kill or die for it, believe me. This guy's obviously gone through a lot of trouble for you. You're going to leave him out in the cold?"

"What I'm gonna do is nail him," Stella said with determination and made a threatening swish with the card and jumped of the stool she was sitting on, directing her steps towards the computer room.

XxXxXxX

"So, I hear you've got a secret admirer?" Mac asked with a half-smile as he came by Stella's office.

"Go away," she said with embarrassment and hid her face in her hands. "Is nothing private in this lab anymore?"

"I don't think so," Mac eased himself into the chair opposite her, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "I thought you liked the whole idea?"

"Oh, come on, Mac," she rolled her eyes. "After Frankie and Drew Bedford you can't expect me to accept this," she motioned at the card lying on her desk.

He sighed. "Ran it through CODIS and AFIS?"

"Yup," she acknowledged and he had to smile at her disappointed expression. "Nothing. It's pristine. But then so was Bedford."

"Stell, I guess it's understandable that you're suspicious but it's only an innocent card. It's not like he's asking you to jump on a parachute with him. And you can always take your gun with you," he added teasingly.

She furrowed her eyebrows. "Is the 'date gun' a cop thing or are you and Lindsay using the same gag writer?"

Mac chuckled but then looked at her earnestly. "Stell, I've told you once that we're similar this way. I do understand your reservations more than most and I know you've had bad experiences but I still think you should do it."

She raised an eyebrow at him, crossing her hands over her chest. "Why?"

Honestly, she was disappointed that he was pushing her so much into doing this. She thought he would be at least a bit jealous or disappointed but instead he was pushing her in the arms of another man? This could only mean two things. Either he had something to do with this or he really didn't feel anything beyond friendship for her.

"Because you should give yourself another chance. Take a risk. Who knows, maybe you'll finally find that right guy who will love and appreciate you like you deserve?"

She looked at him skeptically. "And this coming from Mr. Valentine's-Is-For-Wimps-And-Restaurateurs?"

He shrugged. "I just think you should enjoy yourself if you have the opportunity. If it happens to be on Valentine's Day, so be it," he replied with a half-smile and stood up.

"And what will you be doing?"

"Me? Lots of work to do," he said waving a manila file folder he was holding. "Have to review this for tomorrow's court. Besides, I didn't get any invitations from secret admirers."

"Gee, I wonder why," she quipped.

He shook his head and was gone with a "See you, Stell."

As she looked after him, she couldn't help but feel confused. Her gut told her that he knew more than he was letting on but on the other hand, he was the last person she would suspect of playing games with her. They knew each other too long for that. This realization left her disappointed because she knew she wanted this secret person to be Mac and no one else. But she realized she was also tired of putting her life on hold for him. He clearly didn't want their friendship to expand into something bigger or he would have made his move long ago. He did date Rose and Peyton and so she knew he was over his commitment issues. That led to one conclusion. He simply didn't feel for her like she did for him. They would forever remain friends and nothing more. She had convinced herself she was satisfied with that before Greece, she could do it again now. And there was some cute romantic guy who was interested in her waiting for her at the Empire State this evening. The perfect opportunity to prove to herself she could get over Mac.

XxXxXxX

The day passed by quickly and by the time Stella was ready to call it a day, she had talked herself into going without further doubts. Donning her jacket, she chanced a glance in the direction of Mac's office and frowned. He was sitting at his desk, once again deeply engrossed in paperwork. She couldn't help herself and went to his office.

"Hey," she said pasting a smile on her face.

He looked up at her and flashed her a smile of his own. "Hey. Calling it a night?"

"Yeah."

"A bit early for you," he observed looking at his watch. "Unless you've decided to go on your mysterious date after all."

She looked at him. "I have," she sighed. "You were right, you know. I think I'm ready to try again. Take a chance, right?" she added looking him straight in the eye, still hopelessly expecting him to jump up, take her by the arms and tell her he didn't want her to go out with anyone but him. But he only gave her one of those warm smiles of his and nodded his head.

"I'm happy for you, Stell. Have a nice time," he said.

"Thanks," she said curtly and made to leave but his voice stopped her at the threshold and made her turn around, her heart inadvertently starting to beat faster.

"And remember, if you need me, I'm always a phone call away, ok?"

She nodded her head with a small smile and left. Mac waited until she disappeared in the elevator, then jumped out of his chair, grabbed his jacket and quickly headed for the stairs.

XxXxXxX

With a firm resolution to banish Mac Taylor from her thoughts once and for all, Stella dived into her wardrobe deciding she would indeed have one hell of a fun time. After some struggle with the hangers she finally managed to fish the dress she was looking for from the back of the wardrobe. She didn't want to go over the top for some unknown guy yet she also wanted to make an impression. And this dress would do the trick. She looked at it ruminatively, thinking that she had bought it with a special occasion in mind. An occasion that never really came. Damn you, Mac, she cursed her thick-headed partner inwardly and proceeded to put the dress on.

It was a body-conscious strapless piece almost reaching her knees with strategically placed cutouts on the sides for maximum impact. She knew the emerald colour of the material set off her eyes and dark-blonde curls enough so she only applied a bit of make-up. A dark green smudge here, a black line there, a touch of peach-coloured lipstick and she was done. A matching clutch and a pair of black stilettos later, she was ready to go. She gave herself one last look in the mirror and tried to smile at her reflection, convincing herself she was going to have a great evening. When that didn't work, she turned around with a sigh, donned her cloak and headed out the door.

When she stepped out of the cab at 350 Fifth Avenue, she took a moment to take the magnificent form of the Empire State Building in. Its pencil-shaped silhouette stood out impressively against the surrounding buildings and the wintry evening sky. She had to smile to herself at the beautiful sight unraveling before her eyes. She had always liked the Empire State with its clean soaring lines of stone columns reaching high up into the sky as far as the eye could see and the fabulous rough-cut stonework. Firmly cemented in the history of the city that never slept, it was also one of the undisputed centres of the contemporary modern metropolis. It had lost nothing of its beauty and magic throughout the decades.

A sudden gust of cold wind made her shiver and shook her out of her little reverie. She quickly stepped inside the building, the magnificent Art Deco main lobby welcoming her with dignified silence. It was practically abandoned save for the solitary clerk at the reception desk, a safety guard and a concierge. When the latter spotted her, he quickly came up to her.

"Miss Bonasera?" he asked and Stella only nodded her head in amazement. He smiled at her and continued. "I'm Anthony and I have the pleasure of being your guide for a while tonight before the right person steps in," and winked at her and motioned towards the elevators.

She followed him into the high speed elevator, which took them to the 86th floor and one of the Empire State's most famous spots, the glass-enclosed observation deck offering a spectacular view of Manhattan.

When she stepped out of the elevator, she was met by complete stillness. She looked around but there was nothing and no one there. The concierge Anthony had disappeared from view and she found she was all alone. Anger and disappointment started to boil inside her when she heard her cell buzz to life. She fished it out of her clutch and gave it a confused look as she read the caller ID.

"Mac?" she asked incredulously. "This is not the best time…"

"Look around," came the reply and she thought she didn't hear him right. She did turn around, though.

Sure enough, there he was standing a couple of feet away. When she looked in his direction, he made his way to her with a sheepish smile on his face. He was wearing her personal favourite black pinstripe suit, a navy blue shirt and a matching tie. He looked really handsome and Stella found it increasingly hard to focus on anything else other than his blue eyes boring into hers and his handsome frame now standing inches away.

"What's going on here, Mac?" she finally managed to get her voice back.

"I told you I was a phone call away," he said with a small smile.

"Mac Taylor, if you don't tell me what's going on here right now…" she began in a threatening tone.

"I'm glad you decided to take a chance, Stell," he said earnestly. "Because I'm finally ready to take a chance, too. But only with you."

She was speechless. No words would come out of her mouth. This wasn't the end of surprises for that evening, though. He took her by the hand and led her around the corner. There was a table set for two with a spectacular view onto evening midtown Manhattan. Anthony was waiting for them with a bottle of wine in his hands.

"Mac…I…how did you do all this?" she asked bewildered as she allowed herself to be led further towards the table. They sat down, Anthony serving them the first course and then discreetly removing himself from view. "I didn't know you could just close the Observatory for a private dinner?" she raised an eyebrow at him.

"You can't," he flashed her a self-satisfied glance. "But let's just say you're not the only one who has a friend who has a friend at the right place and office."

She shook her head, still fighting with her confusion. "Have you ever considered a career in acting, Mac?" she asked teasingly. "You really got me fooled today, you know."

He gave her a half-smile. "I had to keep it a secret in case you'd turn me down. It's much harder to escape from here."

"Yeah, especially since I left my portable parachute in my other dress," she deadpanned but then was serious again. She reached a hand over the table and laced her fingers with his. It felt really good and as he looked her in the eye with an intense longing she had never seen in them before, she felt her pulse quicken instantly. Oh, the instant effect he had on her. "I would never turn you down, Mac."

Instead of answering, he reached out over the table and grazed his lips against hers in a butterfly of a kiss. He felt a surge of emotions he hadn't felt since Claire flow through him and it made a pleasant warmth spread through his entire body. As he pulled back and she slowly opened her eyes, their gazes met and in that brief instant more was conveyed between them than could ever be in mere words. Then Stella's gaze wandered downwards and landed on the plate before her.

"If you tell me you did this by yourself, too, I think I'll fall off my chair," she teased looking at the amazingly prepared course.

"I do want you to live through this evening, you know. So no, I didn't cook this," he said with a half-smile.

"And is there anything you can cook that wouldn't kill me?"

"Water?" he asked tentatively and she laughed.

She could feel him loosen up and soon they were engaged in telling each other their various culinary experiences. The meal passed all too quickly and when they were enjoying a glass of post-dinner champagne, she looked at him searchingly over the table. She found herself enthralled by this new, different side of Mac Taylor she was privileged to be on this evening. She was no longer on the side of partner and best friend, who worked with him and watched from the sidelines as he fell in love, dated, got married. Now she was on that side herself. His chosen one. She was allowed to blush, hold his hand in hers and let her heart flutter with excitement in her chest as he gave her those intense, passion-filled looks. And let herself be kissed. An idea popped into her head and she looked up at him.

"Dance?" she asked.

Mac looked around in confusion but as his gaze landed on her he knew he would never be able to say no. So he stood up and offered her his hand. She took it with a small smile and soon enough found herself pleasantly ensconced in his embrace, her cheek resting on his shoulder. She could smell the light scent of his cologne, which combined with his closeness made her heart beat faster again.

As they swayed in silence, they both relished the closeness and touch of the other. The magic of their surroundings added to the serene yet intense atmosphere of the moment and Stella felt she wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. Right now or ever again. Suddenly she felt him smile against her hair.

"What is it?" she asked looking up at him.

"I'm glad you've relinquished the gun idea," he said with a smirk.

"What makes you think I have?" she asked flashing him a playful grin.

"Um," he looked at her with raised eyebrows. "I can't imagine where you'd put a gun on you in this dress."

"Wanna me to expand your imagination a bit?" she asked teasingly leaning in a bit further into him. She was rewarded with a small blush that crept up over his face.

"Believe me, my imagination is already on overload just looking at you in this dress," he countered after a moment and it was her turn to blush. "You are ravishing," he said seriously looking her in the eye with that hint of insecurity still lurking there that drew her to him even more.

She gently cupped his face with her hands and brought his lips to hers placing a warm kiss on them.

"Thank you," she smiled when she pulled back. "You don't look bad yourself," she whispered into his ear and felt his warm breath on her skin as he chuckled lightly against her neck.

After a few more moments, Stella stopped and pulled away from him slightly. He frowned looking at the concerned expression on his face.

"Have I stepped on your toe?" he asked.

She smiled. "Even if you had, I don't think I'd notice."

"Then what is it, Stella?"

"Why now, Mac?" she asked with furrowed eyebrows. "Not that I'm not thrilled and honoured by what you've done here for me but I thought you believed Valentine's was all silly and commercialized?"

"I did," he sighed. "But then it just happened, I guess."

"What happened, Mac?"

He locked his eyes with her. What he read in them made him sure of his next words.

"Love," he said simply. "I love you, Stella. I think you've known that longer than I did. I'm sorry for being so thick-headed and not seeing it sooner. I will totally understand if you…"

He was suddenly silenced when her lips crushed his with fiery passion. When she finally pulled away, they were both breathless.

"Had to stop the coming round of self-deprecating," she said with a cheeky smile. "Mac, I love you, too," she said seriously. "And this is the greatest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you."

He placed a kiss on her waiting lips and he felt her smile against him.

"You know, I've got to confess it was the guys who got me thinking about this. So I guess part of the credit goes to them," he admitted.

"So the pool hoax did work," she muttered.

He looked at her in amazement. "So there was no real pool?"

"Nope," she gave him a cheeky grin. "I had to do something about your thick head and the boys were more than willing to comply."

"Stella Bonasera, have you ever considered a career in organized crime?" he asked shaking his head.

"Not yet but if you make me wait like this ever again, I may just have to start. And then you'd better watch your back."

He chuckled and pulled her back into his embrace. "You'll never have to wait for me again, I promise."

And as they looked out onto the breath-taking panorama of New York sprawling before them, each snugly secured in the other's embrace, they both knew they were done waiting. Forever.

THE END


A/N: So that's it! I really hope I haven't fluffed you to death and that you liked my take on V-Day SMacked! Do let me know:-)

Also, I did research the Empire State but if I got something wrong, I apologize in advance!