A/N: Don't own them except on DVD. I'm just borrowing them. Be kind, rewind. Thanks to Lisa for the help and the prompt!

Mac stole a glance at the woman in the passenger seat next to him. He could see Stella was lost in her thoughts as she stared unseeing out the window as they drove back to her apartment. He had finally convinced her to stay with him until she could find a new apartment, hopefully one with working sprinklers this time. He had wanted to go directly to his place, maybe get her to eat something and then make her rest, heaven knows between the fire and her crazy neighbor kidnapping the children she would be even more exhausted than she had been last night. But no, Stella had insisted there was something she had to get before she would agree to go anywhere with him.

Of course she had won the argument; when it came to Stella, he would do anything. They stepped out of the truck after he parked it behind a lone fire truck, no doubt checking for hot spots. As they made their way under the crime scene tape, Mac wordlessly placed his hand on her lower back, letting her know he was right there for her.

Once they got to her apartment, he watched as she stared at the mess the fire had made of her home. Finally he decided to speak. "You know Stell, all the clothes are probably ruined. You can borrow some sweats and we'll go get you some new things tomorrow. We can try salvaging some things later, they're not going anywhere."

She nodded in agreement but stayed where she was. He saw a range of emotions pass over her face; sadness, anger, fear, and even hope. He watched as she slowly made her way over to her bed, hesitating a moment before lifting up the singed pillow. Mac's curiosity was piqued as he saw the small ghost of a smile pass her lips as she lifted up what looked like a tattered old blanket that was falling apart. She held it to her chest, relief evident on her face. She looked up finally, her gaze locking with his.

She could see the confusion on his face as she made her way back to stand in front of him, clutching the object tightly. She decided to take pity on him and divulge a secret she had never told another person in her life. "It's my blanket I was found in as a baby. The only thing I have from my life before the orphanage. I've kept it with me all these years."

Not knowing what to say Mac did the only thing he could think of, he pulled her to him, wrapping her in his arms. He could feel the tension in her body slowly ease away as she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him tighter to her. He turned his head to place a soft kiss against her temple. She could feel the rumble of his chest as he spoke. "I have a buddy who can get that fixed up just like new for you. I'll call him in the morning if you'd like."

Stella nodded in response, her grip still tight around Mac.

"C'mon, let's get you out of here, alright?"

Again Stella nodded, not trusting her voice as she thanked whoever was listening that she had this man in her life. She let Mac lead her out of the apartment, his arm still holding her tightly to his side. As they made their way to the stairs to take them back down, Mac stopped and looked at Stella, his gaze warm.

"What's the look for Mac?"

"Nothing, I was just wondering how I got lucky enough to have such a strong partner and friend."

Stella felt herself blushing as the warmth from his words spread throughout her body. She couldn't help the smile that grew on her face. "Well, what can I say? In my darkest moment..."

He grinned in response as he opened the door to the truck for her. "So, Chinese ok for dinner?"

"Sounds great." And with that he got into the truck and headed off in the direction of his apartment.