A/N. This is the sequel to Dog Tags. If you haven't read that, you probably should. I know that, strictly speaking, Mac should have been the one to hire Adam, but that would ruin the effect.

Adam hurried between all the machines he was using. His first day at the lab was turning into the busiest day he'd ever experienced. Stella; the CSI who had hired him, had dropped in to wish him luck, and then he'd been left to fend for himself. Danny had stopped to exchange pleasantries as he handed in evidence, and Adam had met Sheldon Hawkes; an ME turned CSI. So far he hadn't met the boss. He didn't have the vaguest idea what the man looked like, and nobody had even said his name. They hadn't been lying when they said this was the busiest crime lab in the country.

"I need these results ASAP." A bag was placed on Adam's workstation, but he was more concerned with the voice that had barked the order. It made his heart stop in his chest and he looked up quickly; in time to see the back of the man's head. Rushing forward, Adam couldn't stop himself from calling out.

"Mac?" The man stopped dead; turning slowly to look at Adam. Recognition flashed across his features, before he expertly schooled them.

"You must be the new tech," He said shortly. "You'll have to forgive me; there's a lot going on today." Adam nodded numbly. With a well hidden smile, Mac turned and left the lab.

(~*~)

Five hours later, and the lab had finally calmed down. Adam was waiting on one more result, and had a little time to breathe. A quick glance around the lab, and he saw Mac walking to his office. Taking a deep breath, Adam decided to be brave. The worst that could happen is he'd get fired; right? Rushing through the lab, Adam stopped when he reached Mac's office door. The blinds were closed; which probably meant he wanted to be left alone. Sighing softly, Adam let his hand fall to the door handle. Before he could change his mind, Adam pushed the door open.

Mac looked up at the sound of his door. His pulse sped up when he saw Adam standing there. The boy had grown up. He was a little taller, had filled out a bit, and had an almost-full beard. The uncertainty he'd first seen Adam wearing all those years ago was back in full force, and it made Mac stand up.

"Adam." The name was a sigh, and Adam smiled a little at hearing it. Silence rose between them and, slowly, Adam stepped further into the room.

"I can't believe it's you," Adam whispered. Mac swallowed thickly; unable to form words. Both men moved slowly; Mac around his desk and Adam across the room, until they were standing toe to toe.

"How have you been?" Mac knew it was a stupid question, but he couldn't think of anything else to say. Adam smiled. It was good to hear Mac's voice. It was a little deeper than he remembered; wearied by years of experience.

"Good," Adam replied; still smiling. Mac sighed softly; Adam couldn't tell if it was relief or frustration. Adam struggled to find words, and Mac started to look increasingly uncomfortable.

"Do you, maybe, wanna get a drink tonight? I'm legal this time." Adam smiled as best he could. Mac's lip quirked a little.

"Listen, Adam…" Mac took on a guilty expression, and Adam had to force himself not to sigh aloud.

"I'm your boss. We probably shouldn't…"

"Stella's the one who hired me," Adam offered. "Doesn't that make her my boss?" Mac laughed humourlessly, but he couldn't make himself step away. Taking a deep breath, Adam reached up; wrapping his arms loosely around Mac's neck. Before Mac could stop himself; his hands were resting on Adam's waist.

"All I'm asking is a drink," Adam's voice was a whisper. Mac looked into Adam's eyes; seeing the pleading there, and slowly nodded. The smile Adam gave him was amazing, and Mac had to move away before he kissed the young man – his employee, he reminded himself.

"Stop by after shift," Mac realised he was mumbling. "I'll give you a ride." Adam tried not to smirk at the implications of that sentence, and he turned to leave. Mac watched him go; his gaze catching the flash of silver under Adam's collar.