Title: Opposites Attract
Chapter 33 - Always at your Side!
'Morning handsome you were wonderful last night. But don't fret but I had to be in early today and I'll see you tonight for a special surprise. Don't be late!' Love Stella.
I quietly close the door and head into the busy street; my heart is starting to slow and I miss seeing his smiling face and the fire for me in his hungry blue eyes. I am hoping he'll like tonight and my grin actually widens at the surprise I have planned for him. In fact my mind is so preoccupied with tonight's event that in no time I'm inside my apartment and under the hot water, hurrying to get myself ready for today.
However my mind during the meeting starts to wander and it's not until Chief Sinclair calls my name for my side of the arrest that I am back in work mode.
"Morning," Danny greets me some time later, with a grin that is almost matching my own. "Mac must be on the mend."
"Lindsay must be on your mind."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Yes."
"Well was I right about Mac?"
"Very perceptive," I reply, trying to put on my professional face and failing miserably. "You look just as happy about something as I am. What's up?"
"Taking Lindsay somewhere special tonight," he informs me as Sheldon hurries up to us.
"You two look like you are conspiring about something," Sheldon offers with a cryptic gaze.
"Trying to take over the world. Want to be my slave?" Danny teases and Sheldon just rolls his eyes.
"Actually I am here about a new case, in case either of you are actually interested in doing some real work?"
"Yes master," Danny retorts in sarcasm and we finally get down to business.
XXXXXXXX
I offer a frown when I finally open my eyes and see only a note beside me in bed instead of Stella.
"What..." I mumble as I reach for it, wiping the sleep from my tired eyes and staring at it glumly. I wanted to wake up with her this morning but know that work has to take priority when needed and love second place when it has to be. But her words force me to smile as I can picture her saying them to me and my anxiety starts to settle.
I slowly push myself out of bed and wander into the bathroom to inspect myself and see if I look any better. I stare at the red marks and although they have gone down since yesterday, I'm still not where I want to be and that forces me into a down mood once again. However I remember Stella's words about a surprise for tonight and so with that happy thought pushing aside the negative ones, I turn on the hot water and try to get my day started.
But by the time I am heading into work, my mind is where it should be; thinking about tonight and I am in a better mood than I thought I would be.
"Well you look better today," Lindsay greets me as I near my office, coffee in hand.
"You're in early. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she laughs. "Danny has a surprise for me tonight and so I'm just going to get as much done today before I have to leave," she informs me as Cyrus walks up to join us.
"We heard about Paula," Cyrus mentions. "Do we know who our new detective is yet?"
"No, she's working on it but it's a sore subject," I reply with a frown. "You're here early also? Is this a conspiracy?"
"I guess you are finally rubbing off on us," Lindsay replies.
"Yeah it's called work," Cyrus frowns as he holds out a new case file. "Are you allowed to be back in the field yet?"
"Allowed?" I question with raised brows. "One more day, but I need to get stuff wrapped up around here. You two take it and call me if you get into trouble, well more trouble than you usually get into."
"That would be Lindsay's area."
"Funny," Lindsay mentions in a dry tone as she snaps her fingers and Cyrus is quick to hurry after her. I just shake my head and offer a small laugh as I push my way into the office to get my day started.
"Morning," I greet Paula on the phone.
"Back to the grind huh," she replies with a smile I can almost see.
"Still seems wrong," I huff.
"Mac..." she starts.
XXXXXXXX
By the time I actually stop to look at the clock the day is almost over and it's nearly time to go home. I had meant to call Mac today to see how he was doing but things got so busy I'm almost feeling guilty that I didn't.
"Sheldon, we can finish this tomorrow. It's late and we are both calling it a night!"
"Late?" He smiles.
"Well for me," I frown.
"You're the boss," he smiles. "Say hi to Mac."
"I will," I reply with a warm smile as I head back to my office. I call Lindsay, my new cohort in crime to make sure she stalls Mac from leaving until the time I want him to; oh the power I have over him is sometimes amazing. With a growing smile on my face I hurry down to the truck and into traffic.
XXXXXXXX
"So anything big on the radar?" I ask Mac as he slowly gets ready to head out the door.
"Nothing of note," he huffs. "You?"
"Working on something important," I tell him and he looks at me in wonder. "That's right Taylor it could give you a run for your money." He offers and amused expression and I just smile.
"But you're not going to tell me are you?" He asks in shock.
"I'm not," I state firmly and he just smiles. "If you think my boyfriend is going to get all my trade secrets, think again science guy."
"Science guy," he laughs. "Missed that."
"Oh don't worry the adventures of Science Guy and Sorority girl will continue."
"Where were we?" He smiles.
"You thinking you could get information out of me."
He leans in and plants a hungry kiss on my lips; holding my face captive in his hands. "If I wanted to, I think I could."
"Maybe one secret."
"Then it's worth the effort."
And I just smile; his playful attitude is finally returning and I know that he'll be back to his old self sooner than he thinks.
"You are not going to tell me are you?" He lightly pouts as we head for the front door.
"No way," I smile as I offer him one last good morning kiss. "Sorry Mac, not this time."
"But..."
"Have a good day."
"Stella!" He protests and I just laugh as we head downstairs.
"Mac go home and get ready already!"
XXXXXXXX
"You too," I whisper offering one more kiss and then telling myself I must take my leave before I end up doing something that will delay my arrival into work.
She offers a smile but gives me nothing further so once again I don't push my luck and head for the truck; offering one more kiss before I take my leave. I reach home with mixed emotions. Paula is not coming back to the precinct and I won't see her on a daily basis. Yesterday I was just settling back in and so didn't have a real case to work on; therefore I haven't allowed myself to get back to my old routine; one I'm almost afraid to return to. I look at my chest and sure enough, while the markings are red they are starting to heal and I hope I'll be back to my old self sooner rather than later.
I head into the office with a feeling of small anxiety. I never used to mind solid walls but after having been in those glass ones for the past few weeks, mine just dont seem as comforting as they once did. I glance at the files on my desk and offer a light grimace before my black berry buzzes to life.
Mac, 'I have to work late and you need to rest. I'll see you tomorrow.' I love you Stella.
And if I thought my day couldnt get any worse it just did. I stare at those few words with a glum frown and offer a slight curse; that's why she didn't say anything about tonight.
"Mac?"
"Yeah?"
"New case, you ready to get back into the field?" Cyrus asks with some hesitation.
"Actually I could use the distraction," I offer as I quickly push myself out of the chair and follow after him. Work is usually the best thing to take my mind off personal woes and so this might afford me the opportunity to just clear my head of my misery that I'll be alone tonight and actually make it through this day.
"So I guess its back to you and me," Cyrus tells me as we head into the field. I offer only a slight smile in return as I wish it was Stella that was beside me reading the field notes instead of Cyrus. Paula is still trying to find a new Detective for me and my anxiety is already high; so much getting back into my old routine.
But as soon as we reach the site, the old memories on how to actually do my job come back full force and I dive right in without a second thought about my own personal health. Cyrus starts with the body and Detective Sims, is talking to witnesses. I quickly glance up from my task and notice a man just hovering around with a worried expression.
"Cyrus, I'll be right back," I tell him as I get up and head toward the stranger. "Sir," I mention only to watch him turn and run down a darkened alley. I offer only a curse as I start after him. However, as I round the corner all hell breaks loose and this day just went from bad to worse.
XXXXXXXX
"Thanks Danny," I call out with a slight frown as I head for the lab with a fresh case in my hands.
I look at the message on my blackberry from Mac once more, Stella, 'help I've fallen and I can't get up.' love Mac; and I can't help but offer a small smile. At least he sounds like he's back to his old self. Part of me does feel guilty about leaving him by himself this soon after he's on the road to recovery but I am needed at this meeting tonight and if it goes too late I know he won't sleep at all. Funny how his needs come before my own now. I think on that and offer a smile as I head into the lab. I head for a work station but stop short when I hear Adam talking; about Mac? What?
"Mac did what? Oh that's so him. Was he hurt? Really? Yeah I know he can fight, but this soon? Well just tell him not to go down and dark alley's alone anymore. Yeah right, you tell him I said that! Ha ha thanks Ralph see you at the game on Friday. Yeah and bring that hot friend of yours. Kendall right? I think she likes me."
What? Mac got into a fight! Dark alley alone? Damn him! Oh that stubborn man. But I know if I call just to see if he's okay, I'll be playing the part of the over concerned girlfriend and I don't want to seem obsessive over him or suffocate him in any way. Still I can't help but be concerned. I'll text him later. Oh Mac, I lament inwardly; you are going to be the death of my mental sanity.
So with a swallow of my own nervous anxiety, I force myself back to my task and am finally able to concentrate on what I must do before the meeting tonight. Finally I head back to the office with a slight feeling of panic in my stomach as I wonder how Mac is faring after his first day in the field. I want so much to call him but as I see Flack hovering in the doorway I know I won't be able to for some time.
"All set?" He asks me quickly and I offer a nod.
I head outside and see Paula standing in the hallway talking to the Chief Sinclair and look at Flack in wonder.
"I think she's just wrapping a few things up," Flack mentions as Paula looks at us with a smile. "I am sure going to miss working with her," he huffs.
"Me too," I offer in a soft whisper. She talks a bit more to Sinclair and then walks up to us.
"You guys still working?" She quips.
"Could say the same to you," Flack smiles.
"I learned from Mac," she replies.
"I think we all did," I frown.
"Good to see you Stella," she tells me, offering a warm hug.
"Good to see you back to your old self," I tell her with a smile. "What's going on?"
"Oh just finishing up a few things with the man in charge," she informs us with a slight frown. "Speaking of men in charge, did you hear what Mac did to himself today?"
"Oh I was afraid to ask," I huff.
"Stop by and see him later. Bring your bat," she winks as she takes me aside. "How is he?"
"Frustrated he's not healing faster," I frown. "He blames himself over your quitting," I reveal to her.
"I thought he would," she sighs. "But that will subside in time. I'm glad he's got you in his life. And I'm really glad I do too."
"You know when I first met you I was intimidated," I admit and she looks at me in surprise. "Well I had heard so many good things from Flack and then from Mac; but now I'm glad we're friends. So anytime you want a coffee or anything, call me," I tell Paula.
"A little girl talk?" Paula smiles.
"I would like that."
"I will probably take you up on that," Paula tells me as she finally takes her leave and I head back to Flack.
"What did Mac do?" Flack frowns.
"Got himself into trouble as usual," I sigh. "Come on let's get this meeting over with." I follow Flack to the elevator, trying to get myself to concentrate on the meeting that I am about to attend but all I can wonder is what Mac did to himself today.
"Poor Mac," Flack lightly laughs.
"Yeah feel sorry for him when I see him."
"Another tongue lashing?"
"Is that what you call it?" I retort and he just rolls his eyes.
XXXXXXXX
I stare at the case file with a frown and offer another wince as I try to move. By body still aches from the fight I walked into and my chest is on fire and I know some of the fresh scars; some of the deeper ones have reopened. Damn my stupidity!
"Here is the last piece of the puzzle," Lindsay says coming up and standing beside me with a concerned look. "Why are you still here?"
"There is work to do," I huff. "Why are you still here?"
"Danny is coming to pick me up shortly," she answers with a small smile. "But if you need us to stay then we'll stay."
"No it's okay."
"You sure?"
"Go and have a good time already," I tell her and she offers a smile before turning to leave. She heads back to her own corner of the lab and I look up at the clock with a frown. I'm glad that Stella will be with Flack tonight at that meeting as it will save some of my mental sanity in not wondering what dark alley she is walking down alone or what kind of person she'd have to confront all by herself.
A few hours later it's just me in the quiet lab and I am almost hating the silence; I hear the cleaning crew shuffling around but pay them no heed. However, as I lean over to get something I cant help but offer an angry curse as my chest tells me that it's hurt because of my actions today.
"Damn it!" I curse as I quickly look back at the task in my hands.
"Dark alley alone huh?" Stella asks me and I can't help but look up with a smile. "I'd tell you I brought my bat but in light of your actions today I don't think I need it. Can't leave you alone for a minute."
"It wasn't my fault," I offer with a slight frown as Stella slowly walks up to me with a look of suspicion.
"Right," she tosses at me and I frown.
"Stella, I'm okay."
"What happened? I only heard the YouTube version from Adam."
"No big deal," I reply in haste.
"Mac," she huffs, her arms crossing. But when I look at her face and note the concern I can't help but want to open up to her once again.
"A guy was acting odd at the scene today, I went to follow and he took off behind a building. I rounded the corner only to rush into the middle of two druggies who were fighting."
"What damage did they do?" She lightly demands.
"Just a few bruises, trust me it's not that bad," I offer in half truth.
"How did your meeting go?" I ask; hoping to change the subject to something other than my own personal health.
"Well I went down this dark alley alone and..." her voice trails off; forcing me to look up sharply, to which she only smiles.
"What?"
"Now you know how I felt when I heard that."
"You are going to be the death of my sanity, you know that right?"
"Funny I was thinking about you."
"Quite the pair."
"I saw Paula today," Stella informs me as she comes and stands right beside me.
"And she said I was crazy too, right?"
"She already knows that," she smiles.
"How is she?"
"Worried about you but I can tell she's glad she made the right decision. What have you got?"
"Young man by the tracks," I huff, trying to stifle a yawn.
"Mac, it's an ungodly hour and you as usual are the last one from the day shift. Go home!" She commands with a smile.
"Alone?"
"Yes alone," she insists and I look at her in with a deep frown. "Mac, I can't stay with you every night."
"Yes you can," I offer without looking up. She gently takes my chin in her hand, forcing her eyes to mine.
"You need sleep," she smiles and I finally relax once more.
"Like having you there with me on a regular basis."
"Mac..."
"I know it's too soon, but I'm just saying it."
"How regular?"
"Daily...nightly...all the time."
"You sure you can handle that Mac?"
"I think I'd like to try. Do you?"
"I was wanting to bring it up but wasn't sure you wanted that so thanks for being on the same wave length as me. But we'll talk about that later. Tonight you need to rest."
"I'm selfish," I finally admit with a heavy sigh as I look at my watch. "But I know you need sleep also, so I guess we should call it a night."
We slowly head back to my office, talking about our day; Stella mostly pressing about the new case and me wanting details of her meeting. In no time we are back on the street; neither of us wanting to part, but neither of us wanting to be the first to take the first step to pull apart.
XXXXXXXX
"I hate this part the most," Mac tells me in a soft tone. "The leaving part."
"There is always tomorrow," I smile up at him.
"But..."
"Mac, you look tired and don't think those small winces were lost on me in the elevator ride down. You probably feel like hell and would probably spend the rest of the night mentally berating yourself for the way you look and feel."
He offers a timid smile followed by a sigh. "Why do you know me so well," he offers with a light moan.
"Do you love me?" I challenge.
"Very much," he admits.
"Then why are you surprised I know you?" I counter. "See you tomorrow," I tell him as I gently pull his lips to mine and offer one more goodnight kiss.
"I love you," he whispers in sorrow; displaying a face that is now breaking my heart once again.
"Mac, that is not fair," I offer in protest. "You are now guilting me into staying."
But he finally nods his head yes and offers a slight smile before hailing a cab for me. "I am going to do the mature thing and actually say goodnight and let you go."
"You know I'm not going very far right?" I smile at him, offering a hug. "Just rest tonight okay?"
"I promise I will. And no more fights tomorrow."
"I give you my word. Besides I have a special thank you in mind."
"Oh really?" I wonder with a wide grin. "Care to give me a hint?"
"No way."
"Mac!"
"Tell me what you have on the radar for me?"
"No way," I smile and he pouts. "See two can play this game."
"I guess that's fair."
"I love you and will talk to you tomorrow," I whisper in his ear; sending shivers down his spine as I hoped I would.
"Stubborn woman," he teases.
"Oh you love that about me."
"Very much."
A/N: okay so next chappy will have two special surprises; one for each of them. Thanks again and hope you liked this chapter!