Chapter 4: Scars

"When you look me in the eyes

And tell me that you love me

Everything's alright

When you're right here by my side"

Mac unlocks his apartment door. "I figured we'd get take out tonight."

"Whatever," she enters and takes a seat on the couch.

He sets her bag down in his bedroom and returns. "Pizza, Chinese, Mexican…?"

"Doesn't matter."

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Why?" Stella turns to him.

"Normally I'm the indecisive one."

"I feel as okay as I should be after being shot."

"Sure? Maybe they should've kept you longer than three days."

"Have you caught the guy?" she changes the subject.

"No. They have evidence linking him to the murder you were investigating but no matches in CODIS or AFIS."

"Are you going to work tomorrow?"

He nods. "I thought you could come too. But you're confined to the lab."

"It's better than sitting around here I guess."

"I'll go order the food. Anything you want in particular?"

She shakes her head. "I'm not picky."

Here

"Something's bothering you. And I'm going to figure out what it is," he hands her a plate and sits beside her.

"I guess I might as well give in and tell you then," her lips curve up slightly. "The whole not being able to have kids thing. I don't know why; I haven't had a serious relationship since… Frankie."

"Like you said, there's adoption; you know better than anyone how horrible foster care is. And if you want a child of your own, you could use a surrogate."

"Mac, you need a husband to do that."

"Then I guess you'll have to start dating again."

"Did you ever think about having kids?"

"Claire and I did," he pauses. "But we were both too caught up in our work at the time. Peyton mentioned the idea a few times, but we weren't even married."

They finish eating in a comfortable silence. After he cleans up, he asks, "Want to watch a movie or something?"

"Actually I was thinking about taking a shower," she admits.

"Okay," he gets her bag. "Do you want to use this bathroom or the one in my bedroom?"

"This is fine," she follows him in.

"Here's a set of towels," he lays them on the sink. "Call me if you need anything."

Stella turns the water on before undressing, examining the scar below her belly button. She slips under the water, letting it wash away her pains. After bathing, she realizes she left the gauze on the kitchen counter and can't cover up the stitches. Obviously not going to venture out in just a towel where Mac can see her, she dries off and dresses in her pajamas.

When she opens the door, Mac is right there, a hand up to knock. "You might need this," he holds out the tape and gauze.

"Thanks," she reaches out.

"Let me help you," he offers.

"Okay."

He leads her to the couch where she lies down. Cautiously he lifts her shirt and lowers the waist of her pajama pants to reveal what should be the smooth skin of her stomach. He touches the skin softly; it was already starting to heal but she would always have an ugly scar there. "Does it hurt?"

She shakes her head. "You didn't see it at the hospital?"

"No. I'm sure you wouldn't have been comfortable with me seeing… all of…" he gestures to her body. Gently he covers the wound, taping the edges to her skin. When he finishes, he covers her back up. "I suppose you'd like to go to sleep now."

"If you don't mind. I couldn't rest in the hospital with all those machines attached to me."

"That's fine. You can take my bed, and I'll sleep here," he helps her stand.

"I can't take your bed, Mac. It's not fair to you."

"You're not sleeping on the couch, Stel," he guides her into his room.

"Are you sure this is okay?"

"Positive," he pulls the sheets up around her. "Good night."

"If you get uncomfortable out there, you're welcome to come in here. I don't take up the whole bed."

A/N: I had my whole note typed out yesterday and the thing said it was having problems and didn't save it. Then I kind of forgot about updating. Maybe I'll post another chapter tomorrow if I get a lot of reviews. If not, Tuesday maybe. Mac and Stella to come soon. I think.