Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 30 - A Time to Heal
A/N: wow can you believe 30 chapters! and thanks to all of you for your amazing reviews and wonderful support for this story. thanks again and hope you like this chapter!
I feel Mac thrashing about in the small bed and quickly open my eyes. His face is flush, sweat on his brow and his heart is starting to beat faster. I quickly press a call button and a nurse comes rushing toward me.
"Mrs. Taylor, everything okay?" She asks.
"Mrs...pardon?" I hear the name and for a second can't speak. Stella! Oh right. "Ah sorry, is he okay?" I ask in haste, my brain still playing with the two words, Mrs. Taylor.
"His body will do that for the next few hours probably," she lightly frowns. "Could be a nightmare, a reaction to the medication, or just a panic attack in general. But is vitals appear to be holding steady and he's not slipped into a coma so that's very encouraging," she tells me. "His stomach shouldn't have to throw up just yet but it might appear that way. Trust me, his body knows what to do, he'll be okay."
"Okay thanks," I offer weakly as I look back at Mac. His body has finally subsided from the slightly trashing about and I reach for a small cloth and gently brush the sweat from his brow. I watch as his frown deepens and when I offer my hand to his, he squeezes it firmly; adding a bit too much force for my liking but it quickly passes and I don't tell him as I know he needs my support right now. A few minutes later, without his eyes opening, he's once again at rest and I am settled back in my chair. With his hand still in mine, I close my eyes once more and then next time that I open them, Dr. Adams is looking down at me with a smile.
"Stella?" He asks in a slight whisper.
"Everything okay?" I ask in a panic.
"Everything is fine," he assures me. "I'll try my best not to wake him but I need to check the stitches and make sure that an infection hasn't taken root."
I regrettably push myself up and then move the chair away so Dr. Adams has access to Mac. "Can I stay?" I ask quickly.
"Of course," he answers with a warm tone. "The Nurse said you are his wife."
"Not yet," I whisper with a slight frown. Stella! What? Mac's asleep, he can't hear me. Right? Oh boy. "Sorry I'm not."
"Sure," he offers lightly.
I watch Dr. Adams gently open Mac's hospital gown and I feel myself offer a sharp intake as my eyes rest on the ugly scars on his smooth chest.
"Yes he's been through a lot. The surface cuts will heal in time, but some of the deeper ones will leave scars. There is stuff you can buy to help them fade but he'll have some as reminders of this nightmare for the rest of his life," Dr. Adams frowns. "Trust me it all looks bad right now but when the stitching comes out and the swelling and redness subsides, he'll be just fine."
My eyes water as they continue to stare upon the ugly cut marks and I wish I had Charles Gibbons right here so that I could make him pay for each cut he inflicted on Mac. But Charles is dead and Mac is alive; thats all that matters. Sadly I doubt their son would have wanted his parent's legacy written that way, but fate is cruel and there was no other ending that Charles and Marla Gibbons could have been offered.
"Well as ugly as they look, there is no infection yet and that is a good thing," Dr. Adams tells me.
"How much longer does the breathing tube have to stay in?" I wonder.
"At least for another few hours," Dr. Adams replies. "I know you want to talk to him but his lungs need all the help they can get."
I watch Dr. Adams examine Mac a bit more and then gently cover him up as Mac's eyes slowly start to open. He looks up at Dr. Adams and frowns and then at me and I notice the frown disappear.
"Morning," I offer with a slight smile as Dr. Adams covers him up once again.
"I'll be back in a few hours. Then we'll take him to a private room," Dr. Adams tells me.
"Thank you," I reply as I turn back to Mac. "Did I wake you?" I ask lightly as I slowly sit back down and lean in close.
He lightly shakes his head no and I kiss his cheek. "You know I'm sure I could find a nurse outfit around here someplace," I tell him, to which he tries to offer a faint smile. "Just close your eyes and rest okay? The sooner your lungs heal the sooner you can tell me how much you love me."
I notice his eyes water as his hand squeezes mine. "I love you Mac," I whisper, my mouth inches from his face. "Please just close your eyes and rest."
XXXXXXXX
Hearing her tell me she loves me is the added boost that I have been lacking. I'm sure she said it earlier, but as the drugs are starting to leave my brain to focus on my body I am finally able to hear everything she's telling me. I want more than anything to tell her I love her too and I once again offer a silent curse directed toward the damn object in my mouth. But as I look past Stella I see Carla's image beside hers; offering a warm smile and mouthing I told you so in return. I feel the kiss and close my eyes; my mind now determined to tell my body to get better as fast as it can; this amazing woman actually wants me in her life.
XXXXXXXX
I notice Mac finally fall back asleep and hear a noise behind me. I look up to see Jessica standing in the entrance smiling at me. I carefully put Mac's hand back under the blanket and hurry to her. She offers a small hug and a smile.
"How is he?" She asks quickly.
"I think he's going to be okay," I offer with a growing smile. "At least I keep telling him and myself that."
"I think he has a lot to live for," she tells me. "I brought you some clothes and the nurse said there is a private shower for staff that you can use. I'll stay with Mac if you want to go and freshen up a bit," Jessica offers.
"You don't mind?" I ask in surprise.
"Trust me if it was Don, I'd want you to offer the same," she tells me and I can't help but offer another hug.
"Thanks for being such a great friend," I tell her.
"I'm just looking forward to finally being able to do things as couples," she tells me and I can't help but be happy at that thought.
"I won't be long," I tell her as I take the bag and head for the nursing station. After getting the staff code for the shower room I hurry toward it; my mind renewed, despite the fact that my body is tired.
I look back as Jessica slowly heads over to Mac's bedside and sit down, just watching him with a concerned expression. I offer a smile and then turn and head toward the shower room.
XXXXXXXX
I feel movement beside me and slowly open my eyes. But when I do, it's not Stella's face that greets me; it's another dark haired woman. She looks familiar, but my brain can't place her name right now. I look at her with a nervous glance. Where is Stella?
"Hi Mac," she starts. "Jessica Angell, Flack's partner and girlfriend," she smiles and I feel my nervous tension start to ease. "Stella needed to freshen up a bit so I am here just in case."
I offer a small nod and a brief swallow but don't want to close my eyes.
"You're a lucky guy you know," she tells me and I try to nod again.
I know, I want to tell her, trying to mouth I know into the breathing tube.
"Just rest Mac, I know you know," she smiles. Damn how women can read us in any situation! "But I think she's lucky to have you also. I know Don speaks very highly of you; said he could even stand working with you on a regular basis," she tells me and I offer a weak smile.
"You know Stella is a close friend and since she's met you, her life has been the happiest I have seen it. She's been through so much and has been denied happiness for so long. So thank you for coming into her life and offering her hope and love," Jessica continues. "So you have to get better so that you can be where you belong; at her side."
I look at her in sorrow. But when I get better, I'll be back to my world and Stella to hers; I'll be alone once again. And with that sad thought my eyes water once more.
"Did I say something wrong?" Jessica is quick to ask. "Trust me, you might be thinking inside your head that you both work in separate worlds," she continues and I look at her with a frown. Can she see inside my head? "But believe me, if you two want to make it work, you will. At one time I was a New Jersey cop. If you laugh I'll kill you," she lightly teases. "Trust me Mac, if you want to make it work, you will."
And those words once again fill me with hope. One part of my brain tries to tell me that Stella will be gone and I'll only see her once and a while on a brief social encounter, but the other part of my brain tells me that one way or another I will have Stella at my side; as my partner, on a daily basis. I don't know how that will happen but with that happy thought and hearing Jessica tell me to rest, I once again close my eyes and try to sleep. But I sense movement and open my eyes again, watching as Dr. Adams approaches, telling me he's going to give me a mild sleeping sedative so that I can get some forced rest and that will hopefully help me rid myself of this damn breathing tube. My eyes focus on Stella in the doorway and I smile one last time before I finally fade to black.
XXXXXXXX
I finally head back to Mac and Jessica greets me near the entrance.
"Dr. Adams says they just gave Mac a sleeping sedative as they want to take some more x-rays and such and then you can see him in his private room on the third floor," Jessica informs me.
"Thanks," I tell her; looking past her at Mac in concern. Dr. Adams is busy hovering over him, directing one of the orderlies to get him ready for transport and I realize that there is nothing more I can do right now.
"Did you want to get something to eat?" Jessica offers.
"I think I should," I frown as I look at her with a slight smile. "If I give out now, what good will that do?"
"None, but you must promise you will get some sleep tonight," Jessica lightly warns as we turn and head for the cafeteria.
"I am tired," I huff. "But I just don't want to leave. Like if I do, something bad will happen to Mac and I'll lose him. Oh that sounds sad doesn't it?"
"Do you remember how neurotic I was when we found Don, shot and half dead by the loser Lucas McRae?"
"Yes I remember," I smile. "You're right," I sigh as we reach the cafeteria. I order some breakfast and we slowly head for a table. "Did Don give you the details?" I dare to ask as we start into our light meal.
"Horrifying," she frowns. "Can't imagine what you thought when you first found him."
I look out the window and my eyes water as my brain forces me to remember Mac's condition when I first found him. "Like I died in that second," I offer in a soft whisper, turning to her with a fake smile. She gives my hand a squeeze.
"You don't have to pretend with me, I know you're worried."
"What if he doesn't pull through?" I ask with a half laugh. "I know that's stupid because Dr. Adams told me that he should, but..."
"But you can't help but think that something just might to wrong after all you did to find and save him?" Jessica asks softly.
"Stupid right?"
"Not when you love someone," she tells me warmly. I offer a smile in return and then we continue with our meal. By the time we are finished a few hours have passed, she takes my dirty clothes, with the promise to return if needed. I slowly head for Mac's room and as I near I hear voices. I look up and see Ed pushing Paula in a wheel chair and I can't help but smile.
"Stella," she says warmly. I rush up to them and offer her a slight hug.
"Have you seen him?" I ask quickly.
"Just about to," she answers. "Did you want that first?"
"No, I insist," I tell her. "He needs to see your face for himself."
We walk into the room and my heart finally beats faster for the right reasons as I see Mac without the breathing apparatus in his mouth. I see Dr. Adams and hurry up to him. "He can breathe on his own now?" I ask eagerly.
"Your husband is one determined man," he says in front of Paula and Ed.
"I know," I smile warmly.
"He should be coming out of his sleeping stupor. X-rays show he's on the mend nicely. A few more days and then we'll prescribe lots of bed rest."
"Thank you," I reply and then turn back to Paula who looks up at me with an amused expression.
"Husband?"
"Long story," I frown. "Trust me we didn't get married."
"Too bad, I like the sound of Stella Taylor," she smiles. "Come on, let's not keep your husband waiting."
We slowly walk into the room and I offer a slight frown. Mac's face looks at rest, his lips slightly parted and the bruise on his face actually starting to go down a bit. He must sense our presence as I notice his eyes finally start to slowly open.
XXXXXXXX
I hear Stella's voice and take a breath. For the first time in hours I am able to breathe on my own and I never thought such a small sensation would feel so good; but when I hear Paula's soft voice, I force my eyes to open.
"Hiya honey," Paula smiles at me. I notice her in the wheelchair with Ed behind her and I offer a slight smile. She takes my hand and offers a warm squeeze and my lips curl into an automatic smile.
"Missed...you," I offer weakly, my lungs still straining.
"I know the doctor said you shouldn't talk much but I had to come and see you. I am out of here tomorrow and will be at home for at least a week to recover. I guess you'll be doing the same?" Paula questions.
"You...know me" I huff.
"Yeah you'll be back at work tomorrow right?" She smiles and I nod a yes.
"Yes."
"Did you tell Stella that you love her?" She asks me softly and I look up in surprise.
"You heard...all that? All...that stuff I...was telling...you?" I ask with a rough cough.
"Wish I had recorded it so I could play it to everyone who says Mac Taylor is devoid of anything inside his thick head except his own stubborn will."
"It was...a lot to...confess."
"Did you tell her all that?"
"Not yet," I huff with a slight wince; my lungs dry and my mouth sore.
"Well honey you better," she offers with a squeeze of my hand.
"Not...afraid anymore."
"About time you grew up," she lightly teases and I just offer a small cough.
"Better late than..." I cough again, offering a deep frown in pain.
"Mac I'm going to go and let you rest your voice otherwise I know you'd keep talking."
"I'm sorry."
"For what? Mac you have nothing to be sorry for," Paula tells me warmly. "If you are sorry for not telling Stella sooner that you love her then we both forgive you."
I look up at Stella and smile; knowing they more then welcome my display of affection for the woman I love.
"I just wanted to come by and tell you to hurry and get better, but I'll be back tomorrow before I leave," Paula tells me. "Stella is going to take good care of you." She says her goodbye to Stella and then leaves us alone. I watch Stella pull up a chair and sit down beside me and for some damn reason my nervousness starts to grow once again.
"Thank...you," I whisper.
"For what?" She asks in confusion.
"Saving...me," I offer in a soft tone.
"Mac I love you," she tells me.
"Sorry...for our...arug..." I start, only to have her gently touch my lips and stop me from continuing. I look up at her with fresh tears and gently swallow back my oncoming sorrow.
"We are entitled to argue from time to time," she tells me in haste. "I never stopped loving you or caring enough to stop looking when I knew you were missing. Cyrus is the brains behind the location. He guessed the right one and I'm glad he did."
"Me...to," I huff.
"Mac, I have to tell you this before another word is spoken," she starts, her eyes instantly watering.
"What's...wrong?"
"I'm sorry I didn't believe you," she takes my hand and starts to gently play with my fingers, her eyes unable to look into mine. "When we parted, I said things..."
"That...were true."
"Mac, when I went to their house and found..." her voice breaks in sorrow and torment.
"I...don't blame..."
"Mac, you don't have to," she finally looks up at me, her eyes glistening with tears. "I'm sorry I doubted you. I'm sorry for pushing you away to go there alone. I'm sorry that my actions might have caused..."
"Stella, I love you," I finally manage in one painful breath. "Never...stopped."
"I love you too," she smiles at me and I can't help but offer a soft smile in return. "I'm sorry."
"Me...too"
"You need to rest now."
"Don't...want to...sleep," I whisper in misery. What if I wake up and she's gone?
"Mac, your eyes can hardly stay open," she tells me. "I might fall asleep but I'll be here," she assures. I look at her face and know she's tired and exhausted and for a brief moment I feel bad for wanting to selfishly keep her at my side and not let her go. "I promise."
"You...need sleep," I tell her in concern, a light frown dusting my forehead.
"You're right. Hold on a second," she tells me as she pushes herself up and hurries out of the room. A few minutes later she has returned and I watch in fascination as an orderly has brought in a spare bed for her to sleep in; pushing it right beside mine. And I am once again proven right; she can make any man do just about anything.
"Now we can sleep together," she tells me and I can only smile in return. I watch as she climbs into the bed, rolls onto her side facing me and takes my hand, holding it in hers. "So now that you know I will be here when you wake up, can you please close your eyes and just get some rest?"
"Okay," I offer weakly. I finally close my eyes and am for the first time in hours taken into a world of happy images instead of tormented pictures of my death at Charles hand.
XXXXXXXX
While I watch Mac finally fall asleep I tell myself that he'll need me the next few days but then he'll be on the mend and our professional ways will part. Nothing major was broken so his recovery will be faster than someone with broken bones. I keep his hand warm in mine and finally fall asleep. However, an hour later, I hear him offering angry curses and quickly open my eyes. His face is flush, his brow is wet and when I touch his face it's on fire. His body crunches with pain and he offers a small cry of agony.
"Mac?" I ask in a panic as I push the nurse call button. She rushes into the room with a small bucket.
"He probably just needs to throw up the drugs," she tells me kindly.
"What if he rips any of the stitching?" I ask in sorrow.
"He'll be okay," she tries to assure me before she leaves.
"Mac?" I ask as he finally forces his eyes open and looks at me in a panic. He tries to sit up but is unable, so grabs the bucket and throws up liquid; forcing tears into his eyes once more. He lays back on the bed breathing hard, looking up at me in anguish.
"Sorry," he offers.
"Mac, what on earth for?" I ask in surprise as I take the bucket and head for the small sink. I wash out the liquid and then hurry back to his side.
"Just...am," he manages and I can only smile.
"Stop trying to be so brave," I tell him; echoing words that I had told him once before when I tended to a wound he sustained. I go back to the sink and run a small cloth under cold water and then bring it back to Mac and gently press it against his warm face and neck.
"Feels...good," he whispers.
I lean in and plant a small kiss on his forehead and then lean back in my own bed.
"That...felt better," he smiles and I can't help but reward him with a smile in return.
"Just rest okay. Try not to talk for a bit."
He offers a nod and then holds out his hand which I take willingly. I settle back under the small blanket and watch until his eyes finally close for good and his breathing starts to slow and he's once again asleep. I force myself back into darkness but an hour later it's the same routine. Thankfully after the third time, Mac closes his eyes and doesn't open them again until later the following morning.
XXXXXXXX
I slowly open my eyes and see that it's well into the following morning. I glance over at Stella who is thankfully still sleeping; she needs her rest after all she's done for me; up with me all night, while my body tries to heal. I lay my head back down and offer a frown as I think about how she came into my life and what she's had to put up with so far. I wonder if someone else from my past would have had the mental fortitude to not turn their back on me and just give up; forcing me to die alone in those haunted woods at Charles hand. I doubt it and that's part of the reason I'll never love another woman in my lifetime.
My mind wants to dwell on the next few days when I am back on my feet and in my own lab; my own world is still waiting for me to return to it. She's not my partner; she's my professional competition. And once I'm back to my lab, I'll be pitted against her once again, fighting each other for funding and high profile cases. I know her lab needs another co-lead but I can't in good faith walk away from my own people.
Oh Mac, stop trying to analyze things all the time. I'm stuck in this damn bed! What else can I do? I feel an ache starting to develop in my back and so finally press the button so I can sit up a bit, trying not to disturb Stella in any way. I haven't seen the extent of the damage that Charles did to me, but Dr. Adams said it was bad. I very carefully raise my tired arms and try to pull away the hospital gown. I look at my chest and the damage that Charles did and my eyes instantly water.
"Wow," is all I can manage with an angry scowl. "Guess I won't...be walking around...shirtless anytime soon," I state in misery.
"That would be a real shame," Stella pipes up and I quickly drop the gown, covering myself. I look over at her in frustration. "It will heal," she tells me.
"Right," is all I can offer with a heavy frown.
"Trust me Mac it's hard for me to think about them too, knowing if I had not pushed you away, or answered my phone in time or just stuck with you as you wanted, you'd be fine."
"I don't blame you."
"Now you sound like me," she replies and I just smile.
"Did I wake you?"
"No. How are you feeling?"
I offer a light grimace. "Like I could go dancing," I reply and she smiles warmly at me.
"That can be arranged you know," she tells me, pushing herself up to a sitting position. "Do you feel up to having any visitors today?" She inquires.
I look around at some of the vases of flowers from the team and then at her. "Did I sleep through them coming?"
"Only Don and Jessica but they said they'd be back. Paula is leaving today so when she comes I'll just lea..." she starts.
"You don't have to go," I tell her in haste. "Paula knows about us you know," I tease.
"And what does she say about us?" Stella asks.
"About damn time!" Paula smiles as Ed wheels her into the room. "Morning you two. Mac why are you sitting up?"
"I'm heading into the office shortly," I offer, feeling some strain on my lungs for forming complete sentences. She just rolls her eyes as they get closer. Ed pulls up a chair and we spend the next few hours just talking; well me mostly listening and them talking. Thankfully not about me, but just things in general. The case isn't really discussed as all in the room know it'll cause too much pain. Paula thankfully doesnt ask what is next for us as Stella and I know that it will be a strained subject; one we probably want to avoid until the last possible minute. Finally she and Ed take their leave; promising to check in on me when I'm home to make sure I'm just resting.
Cyrus and Sheldon arrive about an hour later and thankfully don't stay too long as I am now starting to feel fatigue from the busy morning. Stella comes and goes during their visits; allowing me some alone time with my staff but scolding them if they make me get worked up. I am always amused at how people just seem to bend to her wishes without even questioning her. Danny and Lindsay were next, but unlike Sheldon and Cyrus, they'd rather take advantage of no bosses around and so their visit was short so they could spend the rest of the day together. I think I'll be short one CSI when this is all over.
After they are gone, Dr. Adams arrives and asks to do another examination. Stella, regrettably takes her leave and I'm left alone with the older physician; my body exhausted from the day's events.
"Mac, you need to rest now, no more visitors," he lightly scolds as he reaches for the medication for my chest.
"Okay," I frown as I watch him. "Will I have that many scars for life?" I wonder softly.
"Some will heal completely in time, but a few of the deeper ones will remain," he tells me as he applies some medicated cream to help me heal. "But you still have no infection so that's a good sign; maybe one that you can leave tomorrow."
"Don't worry about bed rest, I'm sure that Stella will chain me to the bed if I try to do anything other than sleep."
"Got a good woman there Mac," he smiles.
"I know."
"Hang on to her," he says as Stella finally reappears.
"I'm hoping to."
I offer Stella a smile and she waits until Dr. Adams is finished before coming closer.
XXXXXXXX
I walk up to Mac with a slight frown and just wait until Dr. Adams is finished before taking my place once again at his side. Today was so busy but I was actually able to get home for a bit, clean up, answer a few emails and then hurry back to be with Mac. My anxiety starts to grow a bit as I hear Mac ask about the scars and wonder what this will do for his self confidence. He thought at one time that I would compare him to Doug but now I worry he'll just shrink back altogether, thinking I'll be ashamed or not want to see him naked again.
"He thinks I might be able to go home tomorrow," he tells me with a slight frown.
"And you're worried, why?" I ask quickly.
"Not worried," he lies.
"Oh you are so lying," I tell him with a quick smile. "Mac, I'm not going to just up and leave you to fend for yourself."
"I'm not helpless," he tells me in haste.
"I'm not suggesting you are, but if you were to do something stupid, such as pass out on the floor, alone, then what would happen?"
"I'd wake up with rug burn?" He lightly teases.
"Lame way to get rug burn," I tease him in return.
"I missed this banter," he huffs. "The past week has been, strained and I'm sorry," he offers softly.
"Apology accepted," I tell him and he looks at me in surprise. "Well I'm not going to allow you to wallow in mis-guided guilt."
"Mis-guided?" He asks with a slight smile.
"Sound familiar?" I throw at him.
"Should be, those were my words," he answers with a slight frown.
"What?"
"I need to walk. I think I'm going paralyzed or something. Walk with me?"
"But..."
"Stella, please?"
I look at him and frown; knowing an argument would be pointless. He wants so badly to prove to himself that he's once again in control and it's almost frustrating. But I care too much to allow him to do this alone, so nod my head yes and he smiles.
"But not very far," I lightly warn.
I watch as he pushes himself up to a sitting position, but putting strain on his chest he offers a small yelp and quickly lays back down.
"What did Dr. Adams say?" I ask softly.
He looks at me with a deep brow. "I need to walk," he restates. And with that same determination that I have come to expect from him, instead of sitting up he rolls to the edge and then onto his feet.
"Well I see your stubbornness is still strong," I lightly scold.
"Old habits," he huffs as I hold out my arm. He hesitates at first and just gently takes it and places it in mine. "Are you seriously that worried about what someone is going to think? Mac you are in the hospital for a reason."
"Fine," he frowns as we slowly head for the door and into the quiet hallway. I can feel his body tense as he takes a few steps and then has to stop. He holds onto a railing and casts an angry glace into the early evening sky.
"Mac?" I ask quietly.
"I hate this, this feeling of pain and the inability to perform at my best," he huffs.
I only offer a frown but no reply.
"Don't you pity me now?" He asks in quiet anger; looking at me with a slight scowl.
"Do you want me to?" I challenge.
"No," he admits and then looks away. "But..."
"Mac, you were kidnapped and almost died at the hands of a monster; give yourself a damn break already!"
"I was lured into their trap and caught because I was too stupid to take anyone as backup!" He snaps, looking at me in sorrow. "Sorry," he offers in rejection.
"Why are you sorry? You obviously need to get something off your chest so spit it out already. Are you mad because I didn't believe you?"
"What? No," he tells me in haste.
"But part of you is."
"Stella..."
"Mac, just say it. Just throw it out there already. I'm mad at me, how the hell can I expect you not to be. Say it!"
"Yes part of me is! Damn it, that's not what..."
"Mac."
"I wish you had believed me! There I said it."
"Me too. Trust me, every second that passed from the time you were gone to the time you were found I spent in mental agony. I blame me! But I won't hold me responsible forever. You're here now and we need to move past this."
"Don't know if I can. Maybe I just need to be alone and stew," he offers in a glum tone.
"Forget it," I tell him and he looks at me in shock.
"Stella I am in this shape because I am stubborn," he tries.
"And?" I counter.
"And it's frustrating!" He tries to argue.
"Oh let me guess, you are pissed because you were denied the pleasure of his take down, which I was rewarded with?" I ask in slight annoyance.
He looks at me in surprise. "That's exactly it."
"So get over it already," I tell him lightly. "I saved your life and you're welcome. Besides it was the least I could do for doubting you and letting you get kidnapped in this condition in the first place."
"I don't blame you."
"I blame me."
"Stella..."
"Mac..."
"I should have taken backup," he offers with a slightly labored breath and know it's time for him to get back to bed and rest. But if I say that right now, I'll be taking my life in my hands so opt not to.
"You are going in circles," I frown. He goes to turn but I gently take his arm and pull him back.
"Stella, I want to be alone," he admits in a small voice.
"What? Why?"
"I just need...please?"
"No."
"I want to BE ALONE!" He half shouts, offering a small cough at the end.
"I DONT CARE!" I counter.
"But..." he starts.
"It wasn't your fault!"
"I allowed it to happen," he snaps. "I thought I could bring him in on my own and that would be it."
"But that didn't happen," I reply.
He looks at me and arches his brows and then sighs. "I just need time alone."
"No," I state again and he looks at me in frustration.
"Stella, I want to be alone!"
"Too bad."
"But..." he starts.
"No but's Mac. So yell, scream, swear, shout, do whatever the hell you need to do to make yourself understand that you couldn't control what he did; but get this through your thick head, I'm going to be here whether you like it or not!" I tell him, my face finally flushed. "You're not strong enough to push me out of your life! And I'm not strong enough to want to leave. I love you and you are stuck with me! So there!"
He looks at me for a moment and then before I can react, he leans in, places a warm hand on my cheek, brings my lips to his and offers a warm, tender kiss.
"Now I know why I love you."
A/N: so what did you think? Kinda sappy? Still want some more? please review and let me know..