Chapter 5: Worry

"When you look me in the eyes

I catch a glimpse of heaven

I find my paradise

When you look me in the eyes"

"Rise and shine, sleepy head," Mac knocks on the door before entering.

Stella rolls over and opens her eyes. "Morning."

"Sure, you definitely don't take up the whole bed," he teases, motioning to the messy blankets and pillows.

She frowns, "Well, if you were in here, I would've stayed on my side."

"Hungry? I'm making pancakes."

"You're cooking?"

"Yes, I am," he helps her get out of the bed.

"Mac, I'm not deathly injured. I can manage on my own."

"I don't want you to strain yourself."

She sits at the table and lets him bring her a plate full of food. "You didn't burn anything. That's a plus."

"You eat burnt food a lot?" he sits across from her.

"Most of the guys I let cook for me burn something."

"I'm not great, but I'm not that bad. I can cook on the grill, but where are you going to find a grill in this city?"

"The park?"

"I'll take you this summer, and we'll have a picnic," he suggests.

They talk about work as they finish breakfast and clean up. "Are you supposed to be at work?" she asks.

"I told them we're coming in at nine. Do you want to shower this morning?"

"No, I'll just get dressed."

"I have to shower then. Twenty minutes and I'll be ready," he heads to his bedroom.

"Okay." When he comes out, she is ready as well. "Do you know what happened to the stuff I had on me when I was taken to the hospital?"

"I believe it was all taken back to the lab as evidence."

"I kind of need my gun and badge, and I had some jewelry I'd like back."

"I'll see what I can do. You ready to go?"

"Sure."

Mac puts his jacket on and leads her out the door. As they walk to the elevator, he puts his hand on her back. She glances over at him, noticing that he doesn't seem to register what he's doing. She lets it go as nothing. A gentleman, he helps her into the car.

"Exactly how long am I stuck in the lab for?" she turns to ask him as they stop at a light close to the parking garage.

"I figured I'd let you go to your own place after a week. A week after that you can go out in the field with your doctor's permission."

They arrive at the lab and walk up, his hand still unconsciously on her as though he'll lose her if he lets go. "Mac," Stella begins as the elevator starts moving, "I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to do that," she gestures to his hand.

He quickly pulls it away and gives her some space, "Sorry."

"I know you were worried, Mac." He glances at her, not able to recall telling her of his fears. "I heard you in the hospital before I woke up."

"Oh," he looks away, embarrassed.

She takes his hand, "I need you too. You mean so much to me." Before he can react, she kisses his cheek.

The doors open, and they go back to professional mode. On the way to his office, they run into Lindsay. "Where is everyone?" Mac asks.

"Danny found a new lead on the shooter and went to follow it with Don before I could ask what it was. Sheldon, I believe, is with Sid and the body, searching for anything they might've missed before."

"Hopefully Flack and Danny come back with someone."

"Stel, we processed your gun; it's been cleared. And your badge was of no use either; it just had a few drops of your blood on it," she hands her friend the two items. As Stella puts them on her belt, Lindsay addresses Mac. "You, uh, have something on your cheek."

Stella smirks as he tries to get the faint lipstick off, "Thanks for your help."

"No problem."

The two continue on down the hall. Mac turns to her, "Is it off yet?"

"Embarrassed?" she helps him remove it.

A/N: I decided I should update... mainly just to put off working on my English speech some more. I hate speeches... plus he doesn't tell us what day to go, he chooses randomly or something. I don't know whether it's better or worse than knowing. But we don't have to dress up... although if I go on Friday I'll probably be dressed up since we have states for band that day. He'll probably make me go on the first day though because I never talk in class... but he did say something about he knows I pay attention because I make eye contact while listening to him. Go on the first day and get it over with... okay... but I don't think I can talk for seven minutes about the runic alphabet. I have to talk really slowly, not a good thing since I normally rush speeches. Anyway... can't wait for Wednesday... only 'cause Stella gets attacked though. God, last week was so boring. But my dance teacher was looking for a way to connect Indiana Jones to NYC, the theme for recital apparently, and now she has one. Actually my brother thinks he taught in NY so... I hope there's a good Mac and Stella scene out of this. I don't like her and Adam... he's too young. Okay so I read something on a forum about him having to fire her... but I couldn't really find anything before that that would have led this person to believe that. And I also found out they're supposed to have a fight about the budget cut... Okay, that's enough for now. Maybe Tuesday or Thursday I'll update. Please review.