Chapter 5: Collide

"The dawn is breaking

A light shining through

You're barely waking

And I'm tangled up in you

Yeah

I'm open, you're closed

Where I follow, you'll go

I worry I won't see your face

Light up again"

"Who did this?" Mac asks his team, all of them in his office, except Stella, who was making herself hot chocolate.

"It was me, Mac. I'm sorry," Danny confesses.

"I was involved too. It's just as much my fault," Lindsay tries to explain.

"Flack, Hawkes, you can leave," Mac says, and the pair exits.

"Lindsay, you don't have to take the blame for me. All you did was confirm my suspicions."

"A friend trusted me with her secret, and I told you. You wouldn't have done this if I hadn't told you."

"Mac, Lindsay had no part in this. Don't punish her," Danny says.

"Lindsay, you should go talk to Stella. I need to talk to Danny alone." She leaves in search of her colleague. "Danny, how did you get these pictures?"

"I put a video camera in Stella's bedroom last night before you two got there. The camera was connected to my computer. I did this," he indicates the paper with the pictures on it, "last night. I'm sorry I invaded on your privacy; it won't happen again."

"Here, you're off the hook this time. Get started on that with the other two guys. I'm sure they're around here somewhere," he hands Danny a case file.

In the break room, Lindsay apologizes, "Stella, I'm sorry I told your secret, especially to Danny with his big mouth. I didn't know he'd video tape you two. He didn't see too much, did he?"

"No, just the two of us lying together in bed. Besides, it was bound to get out anyway. All these pictures just reminded me of what Frankie did."

"Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme

Out of the doubt that fills my mind

I somehow find

You and I collide"

Stella walks back to Mac's office and runs into Sheldon. "Morning, Hawkes."

"Good morning. So you and Mac are finally together?" She nods. "Well, congratulations and good luck. I've got to go with Danny to a scene. See you around."

"Bye," she walks in the door. "I hear you didn't fire Danny."

"No, but if you want me to, I will," Mac says.

"No, don't fire him. But please turn the heat up in here," she shivers.

"A little cold, Stella?" She doesn't reply. "I'm not sending you out yet so enjoy the warmth while you can."

Stella motions to Lindsay, who was standing outside his office, to come in. "Are you going to the party Sunday?"

"Yeah, Danny asked me. I'm assuming you convinced Mac to leave the office to go with you. Do you have a dress?"

"No, want to go tonight and shop?"

"Sure. Anything you need me to do, Mac?" He shakes his head. "I'll see you later."

"What color is your dress going to be?" he asks.

Stella shrugs, "Why?"

"So I can match my shirt."

"You can't even match your ties to your shirts," she laughs. "Why don't you be festive for once in your life and wear red or green?"

"Red shirt with green tie. Got it."

"No tie, Mac. And your shirt won't match because I just had a red dress on this weekend; I'm not going to wear another one Sunday."

"Green shirt, no tie, Santa hat to please Stella." She rolls her eyes.

"I'm quiet you know

You make a first impression

I've found I'm scared to know

I'm always on your mind"

Stella opens her door Sunday night, ready to leave. When she sees Mac, she can't keep a straight face. "Nice hat."

"I have a matching one for you," he holds it out to her.

"This is too much holiday cheer for you. You're going to have to take the hat off," she giggles, pulling it off.

"That's okay. It'll just have to wait until Santa comes tonight. And I've got the mistletoe too," he holds it above their heads and leans down to kiss her. "By the way, you look gorgeous."

"Thanks, Mac. You're um… very festive today."

"I even have the Christmas socks on that you bought me a couple years ago," he lifts his pant leg, revealing the red Santa socks.

"Have you had eggnog already?" Stella teases.

"No, that stuff is gross," he gives her a weird look. "Come on."

She grabs her coat as he ushers her out the door. "Do you want me to freeze to death?"

"No, then Sid would have to cut you open to find the COD. Him seeing you… that's just not right. Besides, I see enough dead people everyday to last the rest of my life."

"Why does everything revolve around work?"

"Because I've made my work my life without Claire. I'm still not used to… dating again, but it's easier. Especially with you."

She doesn't reply as they continue to walk to the restaurant only a few blocks from her apartment. He pulls her close to protect her from the many suspicious looking people; then again, when it came to Stella, there was something about everyone Mac saw that made them suspicious to him.

"Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the stars refuse to shine

Out of the back you fall in time

I somehow find

You and I collide"

Upon entering, Mac and Stella easily locate the rest of their group. They sit down at the table and order their drinks. Shortly after, the buffet is open, and they begin eating. When most people are finished eating, the DJ starts playing music. Mac leads Stella onto the floor, leaving Lindsay to convince Danny to dance. The next song they spot Lindsay with Flack; obviously she still hadn't convinced him. As the song closes, Stella pulls back.

"I need a drink."

"We'll take a break."

"Why won't you dance with Lindsay?" Stella asks, sitting next to Danny.

"I don't dance," he mumbles.

"You don't have to act all tough, you know."

"I can't dance."

"She won't care. All she wants is to dance with you, or try to, at least. Go make her happy."

"Oh, alright, Stella."

"Can I have a dance?" Hawkes asks.

She looks towards Mac, who shrugs, "Sure."

After a dance with each Hawkes and Flack, Mac interrupts her. "Can I?"

"Sure, Mac," Flack lets her go.

They turn slowly to the music, not really paying attention. Suddenly she feels Mac back away. Stella looks over at where he stood; no Mac.

"Stella," he says.

She looks down, confused as to why he is on the floor. The music softens, and everyone backs away.

"Stel, I need you more than anything. You mean so much to me." She turns her head, attempting to hide her tears. He lightly touches her chin, turning her back to face him. "Will you marry me, Stella?"

"Don't stop here

I lost my place

I'm close behind

Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the wrong words seem to rhyme

Out of the doubt that fills your mind

You finally find

You and I collide"

"Yes, Mac," she smiles, watching as he puts the ring on her finger.

Standing up, he wipes away the tears before leaning down slightly to kiss her passionately. When they split apart, she buries her face in his shoulder.

"You okay, Stel?" he whispers.

She lifts her head, "Yes."

"Let's go sit down; they're serving cake," Mac leads her to the table. Everyone jumps up to hug Stella. They guys pat his back, but Lindsay throws herself at him to hug him. They laugh as Mac awkwardly puts his arms around her. A lot of others congratulate them while they finish their cake.

"Last dance," the DJ says. Mac looks at Stella, who shakes her head.

"Looks like we're going to leave. See you all Tuesday, and have a good Christmas." They stand up and put their coats on.

"Mac, don't you thinks it's a little too soon? I'm not taking back my answer, but it's only been two weeks," she asks.

"Yes, but we've known each other for ten years. It's not like we just met. I'm not planning on the wedding for at least another year."

"Thank you, Mac."

"For what?"

"This has been the best Christmas in my life. And it's only Christmas Eve."

"Merry Christmas, Stella."

"Merry Christmas, Mac."

"You finally find

You and I collide

You finally find

You and I collide"

A/N: Howie Day. A little late since it's after Christmas, but when I was writing it, it was that time. At last everything is perfect... or for now. I'll give you the next chapter Wednesday when I'm supposed to be studying. But for now, I have to go to karate, then study for gym and Spanish midterms.