Adam returned shortly, a timid smile in place as he watched Mac look over the clothes he was wearing. With a smirk, Mac stepped closer.

"I think it's missing something," He said quietly before holding up the collar Adam had given him. Adam's eyes widened.

"Mac, I…"

"Do you trust me?" Mac spoke evenly, cutting Adam off. Taking a breath, Adam slowly nodded. Mac smiled in response before holding up the collar again. Adam leaned forward; baring his neck for Mac, who deftly secured the leather. "C'mon," Mac said; voice still soft. "I want to show you something."

Mac led the way out of the apartment with Adam following closely behind, a confused expression still adorning his features.

(~*~)

Adam looked around the diner. It seemed pretty standard. There we couples, and groups, and people sitting alone at the counter. Some were chatting happily while others seemed content to just sit in the company of their loved ones. Mac led Adam to a booth in the corner. Adam followed along, feeling very self-conscious. He resisted the urge to touch his collar but it felt heavier than ever, resting against his throat.

"Look around," Mac instructed gently. "Tell me what you see."

"Ok," Adam swallowed and looked around the room. "I see friends, talking and laughing. Couples whispering to each other. Uh…" Adam didn't know what he was supposed to be learning here, but he continued. "What looks like a trucker at the counter? Drinking coffee so he's probably been up all night."

"Look over there," Mac pointed towards the window.

"A group of people," Adam supplied. "Ages between 14 and 35, 40 maybe. A man wearing a leather jacket and a Mohawk. A younger girl in a plaid skirt… really short. They're sitting with a woman – she looks professional, and a boy in his school uniform. Looks like a prep school."

"That's a family," Mac explained. "They couldn't look more different from each other, and nobody is making a big deal." He pointed to the counter next. "And what about over there?" Adam looked where he was told, laughing softly.

"A teenage couple making out," He answered, head tilting to the side as he watched. "They're really into each other."

"Is anyone here batting an eye at them?" Mac asked. Adam shook his head. Slowly, he began to understand. "We walked in here and nobody said a word. They didn't even notice your collar, and those that did are ignoring it. This is New York City, Adam. You don't have to hide away because, honestly? Nobody really cares what you do, as long as it doesn't affect them."

"I think I'm getting it," Adam said softly, looking at Mac. "Thank you." Mac smiled and Adam ducked his head shyly as a waitress came to take their order.

Adam felt a flutter in his stomach when Mac ordered for him, but since it was exactly what he wanted –pancakes and coffee- he decided not to say anything. They ate in amicable silence as the diner patrons changed around them. When they were ready to leave Adam found himself waiting for Mac to stand first and, when Mac rested a hand on his lower back and encouraged him out of the door, Adam couldn't hold back the soft smile. They walked back towards Mac's apartment and Adam felt lighter than he had in a while. The sun was shining through the clouds and the way his shoulder brushed against Mac's every few steps was indefinably comforting.

When they got back to the apartment, Mac gave Adam that soft, encouraging smile what was fast becoming commonplace.

"Why don't you go and sit down. I just have to call the lab and check in." Adam nodded quiescently and did as he was told. Mac watched until Adam was seated before going into the kitchen and picking up the phone.

"Flack."

"Tell me something good," Mac said by way of greeting. A soft chuckle came across the line.

"Good news is, no other bodies have been found. Bad news is, the bosses aren't happy with our progress."

"Adam says that tonight is a mixer night at the club. If anything's going to happen, this is probably the night."

"You want back-up?"

"Yeah. See if you can get a surveillance van. You and Danny should be enough back up. I'm not anticipating a lot of trouble."

"Alright, I'll let him know. You need anything else?"

"Not for now. Call if there's any news."

"Will do Mac. You take care. Of yourself and your boy."

"My boy?" Mac's eyebrow raise was automatic, and the laugh he heard made it seem like Don could tell what he was doing.

"Don't play dumb with me, Taylor. Anyone with a pair of eyes around this place can see how Adam feels about you." Mac didn't know what to say. He'd suspected, but the idea that everyone knew but him was a little worrying. Either Adam was more obvious when he wasn't around, or he was slipping as an investigator. Taking a breath, Mac tried to ignore it and continued.

"We'll be at the club around eight. Try and be outside before we get there."

"You got it." Mac made a small sound and hung up the phone. He stood in the kitchen just a little while longer, calming himself to go back out to Adam. Tonight may be their last chance to catch this son of a bitch and Mac had to make sure both he and Adam were ready.