A/N: Hey guys! Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since the last update. I haven't had any new ideas. Sorry for this short chapter, BUT I promise to add a little more to the following chapters. :)

I kept that suggestion from Lindsay in mind; trying to ask someone out for coffee. I know, she suggested the guy from Jersey but I knew better. Why would I ask a guy that I probably won't even talk to in the first place? I guess this was a valid excuse to ask Det. Taylor out for a cup of coffee. I mean, he already had the idea in mind...

-

"So you were a Marine before switching to the world of crime-fighting?" I asked Mac.

He nodded.

"Sweet..." I managed to reply back.

It had only been about fifteen minutes since we left the crime lab to get a cup of coffee, but I already knew a plethora of new facts about my partner. I was just fascinated by the life he was living, back in Chicago, his life as a Marine and the new life he had to adjust to here in the city.

"It was a great honor, being a Marine, " he said humbly, "It's not much different from the world of police work, you know. I mean, it's just like the sheer aura of being able to defend your country except without the country. Just the city, New York, in this case." he said.

"Which is a handful already, trust me," I said.

We both smiled and laughed.

When the time came for us to order our drinks, I said my usual.

"I'll have a small cafe latte, please."

"Small black coffee for me," he said.

"That'll be all for you guys?" the cashier asked.

"Yes," we both answered at the same time.

"Alright, your total comes out to be $4.79"

I reached into my wallet and swiftly pulled out a five-dollar bill.

"Stella..." Mac started to say while trying to reach into his pocket. I grabbed his hand,

"Please, it's our first coffee break as partners, it's on me," I insisted while motioning him to forget about his wallet.

He smiled. "Thank you."

Note to heart: please stop melting.

We talked. For a long time. I don't think I have ever learned so much from one person than from those forty-five minutes I spent with my partner. His experience with the Marines, his entire life, his...dedication to this field of work. It made me feel bad about the little that I did in my spare time. I felt like I really had that connection with him, you know?

-

Back at the lab, I was greeted with the load of work that had piled during my break. I was rushing back and forth in the hallways, examining evidence, talking to other lab technicians. It wasn't until the end of my shift at around 9:00 pm, that I saw something that caught my eye.

There I saw my partner just standing there in the hallway. It was rare, I would never picture him just standing around, I mean, usually he always keeps himself busy. But it was almost the end of his shift as well, so I thought why not? Just approach him Stella.

As I took a few footsteps towards him, a woman appeared from the corridor behind him. He turned around, I don't know if he saw me, but upon seeing the woman, he smiled. That same smile he had when he was with me during our break. I quickly stepped behind a wall and peered so I just had a little glance on the two of them. As she was putting her coat on, the exchanged a few words, and smiled occasionally. There was something different with the way he looked at her. It was with affection. Honestly, I was hoping it wasn't the way I thought it would be. Then they kissed.