Title: Fall from Grace
Chapter 1 - Strained Friendships

Summary: What if Mac & Flack's friendship didn't mend after Flack was beaten up on the subway? What if tension grew? Can their friendship be repaired? What if Mac needed help & Flack was the only one available? SMACKED w/M/F friendship Drama/Peril ficlet

Disclaimer: I don't own Mac Taylor but I wish I did (course then I'd have no time for writing!)! You know the rest write (grin)? All other characters are my own. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

A/N: So I am again trying something new for me. This story is going to be my very first Mac/Flack centric Adventure/Angst/peril ficlet, with some SMACKED of course (b/c I love them!). But this is NOT slash! Please don't ask me to make it slash at any point b/c it's not that kinda story (and I don't write slash). I am a true SMACKED shipper and always will be. This was written shortly after the eppy it's loosely based on but have been nervous to post so am doing so now. Hope you all like it.
NOTE: so this story is sort of is based on Cuckoos' nest but what if Flack had showed up at Stella's before Terrance had found him? We go from there.

~Special thanks to PhantomoftheTinman for the idea (Sorry for the delay to post!!!) and WildWeasel for the discussions and help! Hope I did this some final justice!~

1/4

"D-damn it," Flack groans; his weary lungs heaving another painful breath as he slowly heads for an all too familiar apartment; a safe haven he figures, and a place to just rest and heal. He knows the person he's going to see will ensure he keeps himself on the straight and narrow and won't alert the wrong people; but he doesn't know if the right people will back his actions one hundred percent; and he'll get a much deserved tongue lashing.

"Ahh..." his lips emit an angry growl as he forces his legs to take another painful step into the waiting elevator, leaning against the wall, closing his eyes and allowing his mind to flash images of his beating on the subway. Mac had been pissed with him as of late for not opening up about what was bothering him, but he just wasn't ready to tell him or anyone else about Simon Cade and the guilt he still carries in his mind and heart after killing him in cold blood; no remorse for the man who murdered the woman he loved more than anything; his future stolen in an simple act of cowardice.

The elevator finally stops on the intended floor and Flack pushes himself out of the steel box and heads for what he hopes is a friendly reception; but after just leaving his team in the lurch, he's not sure what he'll be greeted with then the door finally does open.

He takes a deep breath and then knocks and waits, his chest on fire and his head pounding. The last thing he wants is the third degree, but as soon as the door opens and he looks at the facial expression on the person before him, he knows a quiet restful evening might be just a dream.

"Don?"

"Hi Stella, I need help."

"I can see that. You look like hell. What happened?"

"Can I come in? I swear I'll tell you what happened."

"Does Mac know you're here?"

"No and I don't want you to tell him."

"Damn it!"

XXXXXXXX

"Sorry Mac, I haven't heard from Don in the past few hours. His place is empty, Sam hasn't seen him and he's not answering his phone," Danny tells his superior as he slowly walks into his office at the end of a tough working day. "Here is that report you were looking for. I'll keep trying him."

"Thanks," Mac replies with a slight frown; offering a silent curse in the name of his Detective. His mind wanders back to a discussion he had with Don's superior and feels his fists tighten.

'I wouldn't bother. He's takin' the day off. Figured I'd tell you in person.'

'Hope Flack appreciates the trouble you have gone through and the trouble you could get into.'

'He'd do the same for me...same for me...for me...'

"Where the hell are you Don?" Mac grumbles as he places the file on his desk and goes in search of his partner. He nears Stella's office only to find it empty and the lights turned off. Finally remembering that Stella had something she had to take care of and said she was going to leave early, he only has himself to blame for forgetting. He slowly wanders back to his office, his heart beating heavily in his chest.

Flack is falling apart and he feels powerless to do anything but become a petrified bystander, watching his downward spiral. He hated lying; more than anything. But to save Flack's ass he figured it was the right thing to do. Flack was a valuable member of his team; and he knows inside that Flack needs help. But he also expects Flack to ask for help; from anyone.

"You owe me Don," he whispers to himself as he reenters his quiet office. He slumps down in his chair and allows his body to exhale heavily; the day's events finally taking their toll on his weary frame. He reaches for the file that Danny dropped off earlier, opens it and tries to get his mind to focus on the task at hand instead of a heated argument he had with his missing Detective a few days later.

'Leave me alone Mac!'

'I can help you Don.'

'I don't need your damn help!'

'I know what you are going through'

'I don't care, now get the hell out of here!'

'Fine.'

"And things have been strained ever since," he huffs into the stillness enveloping him. His mind drifts to his partner and his lips offer a semi-smile, his heart rate automatically slowing a little as he allows his mind to linger on her beautiful face. She has that affect on me, even when she's not around, her invisible presence always having the power to force me to come back down to earth and try to function normally, his mind ponders in silence.

His fear of being rejected by another woman he wants to offer his heart to always holds him back from acting on any inner feelings of romantic desire. Inside he knows he loves Stella; but once again bows to propriety and fear, wondering if he'd ever have the courage to see past his fear and take that very first step.

His phone rings, quickly breaking his thoughts about Stella and forcing his mind back to work. However, as he goes to answer the phone, one question still begs to be answered; where is Don?

XXXXXXXX

"Okay just let me already...damn it Don, you are getting blood everywhere!" Stella lightly curses as she tries to help him clean his bloody face. After offering a small ethnic curse she hands him the dark facecloth and sighs. "You do it."

"Fine," Flack huffs as he snatches the damp cloth; Stella leaning against the frame of the bathroom, watching.

"So are you going to tell me the truth?"

"That was the truth. I was on the subway..."

"And you didn't get into it with them at all? Maybe hoping to burn off a little steam and tension?"

"No," Flack looks at her with a light scowl. "Why the interogation?"

"You came here Don, expect me to ask the same questions Mac will."

"You can't tell him."

"I am not going to get into the middle of this but you know I can't lie to him either. Why don't you want Mac to know? He wants to help."

"He wants to lecture me on protocol!" Flack snaps with a slight wince as he turns and spits up some bloody saliva into the sink. "The last thing I need read to me is the Taylor Riot Act! You know he would."

"When it comes to the law and protocol you know Mac only sees black and white."

"That's why I can't tell him. I don't need protocol right now; especially when it comes to the law."

"What do you mean? This not about the law, Don. Mac won't read you any riot act; he wants to help."

"I...nothing Stella, I just...please let me handle this?"

"Yeah I can see you've done a good job so far," she throws at him and he just frowns.

"Guess I deserved that," Flack sighs as he places a small Band-Aid on a cut above his eye.

"You know Jess wouldn't want this right?"

Flack rests both of his hands on the sink counter and hangs his head, his eyes wanting to water as his mind replays images of Jess's body in Sid's autopsy room. "She didn't have to die," he laments with a heavy sigh.

"I know," Stella's hand rests on her friends shoulder and offers it a gentle squeeze. "You need to rest. Want something to drink? Like coffee or tea?"

"I just need a few hours of sleep."

"There's a blanket on the couch."

"Thanks," Flack mumbles as he slowly heads toward her. He gives her a small hug and then allows his body to heave a heavy sigh of defeat. "You're a good friend."

"And as a good friend, you know I can't lie for you."

"Just tell him I'll be in in the morning."

"I'm only going to tell him you're safe. The rest is between you and Mac," Stella tells him with a firm nod.

"Nite," Flack replies as he pushes past her and slowly heads for the living room, slumping down onto the couch, covering himself with the blanket and then allowing himself to be quickly whisked into the darkness of slumber.

Stella looks at him and frowns before she reaches for her blackberry and slowly wanders toward her bedroom, shutting the door and easing herself down onto the bed. She looks at the name of her partner, unable to dial; her heart rate starting to pick up the pace. Flack was like a brother to her; but Mac was something more, special, in her heart in a different way. She knows she loves him; more than anything. That's why this was hard; coming in between to friends, a tension mediator.

"He needs to know," she mumbles to herself as she takes a deep breath and then dials her partner.

XXXXXXXX

Mac hears his personal blackberry ringing and absently reaches for it. "Stella?" He asks, his lips once again automatically curling upward at the soft sound of her enchanting voice. "Everything okay?"

"Don is here."

"Damn it!" Mac gently curses as his face offers a distorted wince. "What happ..."

"Before you go off on any kind of tangent, he's asleep on the couch right now but said he'd talk to you in the morning."

"Stella, I..."

"This is between you and Don Mac," she states with a heavy sigh. "Both of you are stubborn. You need to..."

"Stella I lied for him today!" Mac hisses in anger. "If he thinks..."

"Don't make me regret calling you," Stella warns.

Knowing that she has the privilege to call him when he's being an ass, Mac quickly calms and immediately feels remorse at his tone and harsh words; especially when she wasn't the brunt of his anger and frustration.

"I'm sorry Stella," Mac apologizes with a heavy sigh. "I am not angry at you. I'm just...angry."

"Don doesn't need your anger Mac. He needs your help and understanding."

"I tried to help Stella. I want to but..."

"We know you know the law but he does also. He doesn't need a lesson right now, he needs a friend."

"I...I know."

When he hears silence Mac's anxiety starts to rise once again. "Stella?"

"Just worried about you both."

"I know. I'll see you both tomorrow."

"You are human Mac, just like Don. He's in a bad way..."

"I can't stop him from drinking!"

"He nearly got himself killed tonight!"

"What? What the hell are you talking about?"

"I think you need to talk to him Mac."

"Should I come over?"

"Tomorrow will be fine."

"What happened?"

"He was jumped on the subway and beaten up pretty bad."

"I'll..."

"Tomorrow Mac; he is resting now."

"Right. Stella..."

"Yeah?"

"Nothing. I'll um...I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"You sure?"

"No but it can wait."

"Mac? Please tell me. I can tell in your tone you need to."

"Just wanted to know if you want to go for dinner sometime. I know timing is lousy and I was meaning to sooner but..."

"Mac."

"Yeah?"

"I'd love to."

"That's great. We'll talk more tomorrow."

"Goodnight Mac."

"See you tomorrow."

Mac hangs up the phone and then leans back in his chair, cursing himself once more. He was jumped on the subway and beaten up pretty bad, Stella's words still ring loud and clear in his head. He figured Don was just somewhere, slumped over a bottle, avoiding responsibility and not caring that his friends were worried or lying over his absence. But hearing the torment in Stella's voice, forces him to realize that she is right; protocol won't help Don get back on track, only human compassion and a friend with thick skin could do that. This is not about the law; it's about a friend, still grieving a lost love.

"I'm sorry Don," Mac huffs as he finally pushes himself out of his chair; knowing it's time to head for home. As much as he wanted to push Don to the back of his mind, his feelings toward his friend forced his last showdown to stay in the forefront.

'Damn it Mac, I know the law I don't need you to lecture me.'

'Well you have MIA for a few important calls now. So maybe you do need me to lecture you!'

'Just back off and leave me alone!'

After that Don wasn't seen for a whole day. Wanting to blame himself, Mac knows if he allows himself to dwell on the negatives he'll not be able to help Don in the way that Stella was suggesting.

"He doesn't want my help," Mac mumbles to himself as he hangs up his coat and then slowly wanders into his bedroom to change. Just as he's about to change, the phone rings and he nearly trips over his own feet to answer in a haste. Hoping its Stella, his lips offer an automatic sigh of regret when a male voice starts speaking.

"Hey Mac."

"Danny. I heard from Don and he's resting at Stella's. He's going to be okay."

"Really?"

"Honestly I don't know," Mac replies, running a tired hand through his hair. "He was asleep and I wasn't able to talk to him. We'll see him tomorrow."

"Okay thanks."

"Talk to you tomorrow," Mac states as he hangs up. He feels his body shutting down from fatigue and anxiety as he slowly wanders over to his closet and starts to hang up his clothing. He feels his fists start to tighten and as soon as he rips a small button off his dress shirt, he stops and slumps back down on his bed, resting his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands and closing his eyes.

"Help me Stella," he lightly begs as he slowly opens his eyes and lets them rest on a small picture beside his bed of him and Stella at a staff function. His lips can't help but curl automatically and as he allow his brain to remember the fun events that led up to that picture being taken, his anxiety starts to dispel and his body untense. He finally pushes himself back up, finishes his task of undressing and then eases himself into bed, his mind and stomach too worked up to even attempt putting food in them. He had asked her for dinner; he had wanted to for some time and hopes that she'll actually want to instead of just agreeing because he was in a strained mood.

"Goodnight Stella," he whispers as he normally does, before he turns off the light and then flips onto his side, praying for sleep to overtake him. However, as he allows his mind to dwell on the pitiful state of his friend attacked on the subway he knows the night ahead will be long and tormented.

XXXXXXXX

Flack finally feels himself starting to come out of his fitful slumber; his head still spinning and his body aching. He slowly opens his eyes and squints into the darkness around him. He hears Stella snoring in the other room and can't help but smile. She was a good friend; the sister that his own sister really wasn't and a confidant in times like this. However, that smile quickly turns to a heavy frown as he tries to push himself up off the couch without waking her up; his lips offering silent groans and curses as painful sensations greet him.

He finally succeeds in getting upright and slowly wanders toward the kitchen where she had left out a bottle of extra strength Tylenol and some water in case he needed some during the night. Taking two of the pills and then downing the glass he heads over to the table where his phone is and glances once more at Mac's name.

"I don't need a lecture Mac," he whispers to himself as he slowly heads back toward the couch. In his subconscious he had heard Stella talking to Mac, arguing at times, but then ending on a softer note. Much like the rest of the team he knows that the feelings Mac and Stella have for each other, run deeper than friendship. He had always wanted to ask Mac why he never acted on those feelings; wanting maybe to be the catalyst in finally getting the two of them together. But now he fears that as of late; and especially in light of how things were left, his friendship with Mac is now strained beyond repair.

"Might take a miracle for Mac to come around," Flack grumbles in untruth as he slowly eases himself back down onto the couch; stifling a painful gasp as his battered body once again connects with the surface of the couch. He curses his own stupidity once more as he closes his eyes and prays that darkness will swiftly take him back into the realm of slumber. But much like his friend Mac, his sleep isn't the restful event he hoped it would be.

Morning came all too soon.

The next time that Flack opens his eyes, his senses are greeted by the tempting aroma of coffee.

"Morning," Stella greets him as she stands before him already dressed for work. She places a large cup of steaming coffee down on the coffee table before him and then kneels down to look him in the eye. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I was the main attraction at the superbowl."

"Sounds like the old Don Flack."

"I really screwed up didn't I?"

"Yes but you are human and you lost the one person you really loved. No one can fault you for that Don."

"Mac can."

"You only think that right now Don, because you are hurting. Mac cares for you like he does me and any other member of the team. He was there for you at your bedside, remember? He's here now also."

"Stella," Flack tries to argue.

"He sometimes might not know the correct words, hell that is all of us, but inside I know he cares. You just need time to see that."

"I guess I should have just stayed at home," Flack moans as he slumps his head back down on the couch. "Was he pissed when you talked to him?"

"At first, yes. But you need to talk to him and the two of you need to work this out."

"Stella, I just need a day to"...

"You need to talk to him Don, before any more time passes and..."

"Stella..."

"Don, Mac lied for you," she mentions and Flack quickly stops talking.

"H-he what?"

"To your superior and you know what Mac thinks of liars. He's now put himself into that category for you, so you also need to cut him some slack. I think he's more mad at himself right now."

"I can't talk to him."

"You have something in common now," Stella tries once more. But when she sees Flack not giving anything back she folds her arms across her chest and frowns. "You two are a lot alike you know. And that's not a compliment in this case."

"I..."

"Don, you do what you need to. Here is my spare key, give it back when you get in later today. There is a half a pot of fresh coffee and bandages and whatever else you need in the bathroom. Just don't expect me to lend another hand if Mac wants to talk and you just throw it back in his face as if it's nothing. Don, this is Mac we are talking about."

"I used to think he was Vulcan," Flack retorts and Stella's face finally softens.

"Yeah him and emotions sometimes aren't friends," she states with a kind expression. Her hand rests on his shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. "But he does care about you Don, that much I do know and I so that's why I know this is hurting him just as much as you."

"Thanks for your help."

"See you later."

"Stella?"

"Yeah?"

"Speaking of Mac, when are you two...you know."

"You know what?"

"Going on a date?"

"At this rate?" She arches her brows. "I'm just hoping for one of those elusive Taylor smiles this morning."

"Seriously?"

"He asked me for dinner. We'll leave it at that for now."

Flack offers her a nod and then watches her leave before mentally urging himself to get up off the couch and head into the kitchen. After pouring himself a cup of coffee, he takes it and heads for the bathroom.

"Damn it!" He curses his battered reflection. Not wanting to take too many liberties with Stella's generosity, he quickly cleans away any dried blood that she missed the night before, fixes the bandage over the cut above his eye and then finishes the rest of his coffee.

"Thanks Stella," Flack whispers before he quietly takes is leave, locking his friend's apartment, stuffing the key into the pocket of his leather jacket and then taking his leave, wanting to head for home and clean up; praying for the courage to go and face his friends and mentor looking half descent.

XXXXXXXX

Mac looks up from his coffee and latest case file and sees Stella approaching with a slight smile; her posture slightly stiff and tense. He mentally scolds himself, knowing inside that her tension is a result of his actions as of late; both toward her and Don.

"Morning," Stella simply states as she slowly enters his office with a timid smile.

"How is he?"

"Sore and pissed."

"At me?"

"Does he have reason?"

"Damn it with the head games Stella."

"Part of it is at you Mac, yes. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"No, but it's what I needed to hear. Where is he?"

"I left him on the couch with a key and a cup of coffee, the rest is up to you two, I don't get emotional hazard pay, remember?" Her lips finally curl upward as her tone softens. "Bet you didn't sleep," she gently goads.

"Do I ever?"

"Good point."

"I can't let him fall Stella, not now, not after all he...hell after all we have been through. He's part of the team."

"And Don will get through this with your help."

"Ours Stella; our help. What is that expression you are so fond of?" He asks with a slight smile.

"We take care of each other," she whispers as she plants a soft kiss on his cheek and then stands back up. "I'll get started on that case with Sheldon. Talk to you later?"

"Thank you Stella."

"For what Mac?"

"For being here and being you."

"It's what you love most about me right?"

"Always," Mac whispers as he finally rewards her with the first genuine smile of the day. He watches her leave, his mind and heart finally settled to a small degree and now feels like he can really get his day started. He glances at the clock as Danny knocks on the glass.

"Heard from Don?"

"No, but I have a new case for us to get started on."

"I'll meet you by the elevators."

Mac quickly finishes his field notes, puts down the file and then looks up to see Danny standing in the doorway. He offers him a nod before heading toward him, his eyes darting nervously around in hopes of catching his elusive Detective. Letting Danny drive allows Mac to just lean back in his chair and let his mind wander to another discussion he had with Flack, just after Jessica was declared dead.

'I can't breathe Mac.'

'I wish I could tell you it gets easier Don, but it doesn't.'

'I um...yeah thanks Mac.'

"Mac?"

"Yeah I see," Mac frowns as his mind quickly is pulled back to the case before them. Even then he knew the words he offered to Flack weren't the comforting sentiments the younger man needed. I should just assign Stella all the emotional assignments, he mentally laments as he looks at the man walking toward him.

"Detective Taylor? Detective Cody Ford. I guess Detective Flack is sleeping in?" He lightly goads.

"Don happens to be..." Danny hotly jumps to his best friend's defense.

"Detective Flack is detained. What did you want?"

"His job," Detective Ford states directly. "And I intend to get it. But for now I'll just have to fill in."

"Fine, what do you have?"

Detective Ford gives them the pertinent details as they head over to where the body is waiting for them. "Do you believe that guy?" Danny grumbles under his breath.

"Just focus on the case at hand."

"That didn't bother you at all?"

"I'll start with the pictures," Mac suggests as he pulls his camera. He looks at Danny with a slight frown and Danny finally nods.

"Just make sure you don't assign me alone with that guy."

"Noted," Mac frowns as he tries to focus his mind on the body before him. However as he remembers his words to Flack's superior's and his warning in return, it's your ass on the line Taylor, his mind now wonders where Flack really is. He carefully moves around the body, taking whatever evidence photographs they need and then placing his camera down; standing up only to see Detective Ford hovering nearby.

"Something else you need?"

"Yeah a reference," Detective Ford retorts.

"First of all there is no job opening and if you having nothing else do to but stand here and look stupid then go direct parking but save the comments for someone else," Mac snaps as he grabs a pair of gloves and heads back to Danny.

"It's nothing," Mac sighs as he finishes his task and then pulls out his phone. Nothing! Where the hell are you Don? "Danny finish up here, Adam just showed up. See you back at the lab."

Mac gathers up his things and then heads back for his Avalanche, watching Adam pull up and then head toward Danny. The ride back to the lab was spent in reflective silence until his phone rings and the first smile in hours finally graces his face as he gazes upon Stella's name on his blackberry LCD.

"Everything okay?"

"Just once I'd like you to assume the best," Stella retorts and Mac's face reflects a slight wince. "Everything is okay here. But you want to know about Don right?"

"Have you seen him at all?"

"No and I tried his home number again and mine, no answer."

"Okay well I am on my way back," Mac tells her with a quiet tone. She asks him about the case, to keep mostly talking and distracted he guesses. And by the time he reaches the lab, his mind has finally settled and he feels ready to really concentrate on his newest case.

He quickly unloads his evidence for Lindsay to start processing and then heads for his office, wanting to clear a few things up before he gets down to work. But as he approaches he sees Don hovering around the entrance and feels his anxiety starting to grow.

"I'll give you two some time alone," Stella touches his arm and gives it a gentle squeeze. Mac gives her a nod; but his face remains placid and his body tense as he nears his office.

Flack turns and watches Mac walking toward him. Whatever Mac lacks for in height, he more than makes up in his commanding presence; and as Mac nears, Flack feels his stomach instantly tighten.

Mac looks at the battered face of his friend and frowns. "You okay?"

"I've felt better," Flack simply replies.

"Course," Mac states as he pushes his way into his office; the tension starting to build.

"Look Mac, I know I let you down and..."

"You let the team down Don," Mac starts and then quickly stops, mentally scolding himself for once again putting duty before human compassion.

"Guess I should have expected the hard ass routine from you," Flack retorts with an angry tone.

"Don, you look like hell and I'm sorry. But I tried..."

"You seriously trying to justify yourself?" Flack scoffs.

"Don't push me Don, I lied for you!" Mac snaps in return.

"I never asked you too!" Flack counters.

Taking a step back and knowing he can't give in to rash anger or heated emotion, Mac takes a deep breath and tries again.

"What happened?"

"Trying to ease your conscious?"

"Damn it Don, I said I was sorry!" Mac grumbles.

"I don't need your sympathy Mac!"

"What the hell do you need then?"

"A friend!" Flack shouts, heated anxiety flashing in his bright blue eyes. "For once, just be a friend!"

"I lied for you Don," Mac tries.

"Yeah you're a real hero Mac," Flack snides as he turns to leave. "Glad you got my back when it suits you best."

Mac feels himself hit by a ton of invisible bricks as he watches Flack storm out of the room and then sees Stella's face appear.

"Don't start," he holds up his hand in frustration."If you think you can do a better job then by all means!" Mac growls as he turns his back to her. Mac glances at her reflection in the glass and frowns; now cursing himself for making her unsure to approach. "He didn't understand what I meant."

"Much like you he's also hard headed at times. But he did come back and I think this was the first step. Tomorrow should be better."

"And if it's not?"

"Deal with it then."

"Right."

"Want to get something to eat?"

"I did ask didn't I," Mac gently groans. "Stella..."

"It's okay Mac," Stella answers with a tight lipped smile.

"Are you disappointed?"

"I understand and forgive you," Stella replies lightly and his face instantly softens. "But you owe me."

"For what?"

"For me having to put up with you on a daily basis," she retorts as she takes a step closer. "It's not easy being human is it?" She asks softly as her hand squeezes his; adding much needed warmth to his tense frame. "Just don't keep me waiting for too long."

"I just don't feel..." Mac starts only to have her gently press her finger to his lips.

"Next time," she whispers as she leans in and plants a soft kiss on his cheek. "See you tomorrow."

"Goodnight," Mac whispers in return as he watches her take her leave. He emits a heavy sigh as he watches her, a few minutes later, walk past, wave goodnight and then head for home. Mac slumps back into his chair and slams an angry fist down on the desk. "Damn it Don!" He shakes his head.

But knowing that he can't just let things go; his care inside for Don not allowing him to just walk away; he needs to know his friend is okay, he quickly pushes himself out of his chair, gets his coat and then heads for the elevator; the address of Don Flack his next destination.

XXXXXXXX

"So some do gooder named Ford was all up in our face this afternoon," Danny tells Don as he takes a sip of his beer as he and Don sit in a small booth at Sullivan's.

"Not surprised," Flack snorts.

"Mac, he um...well he defended you."

"Yeah I know," Flack sighs heavily as his body offers a slight wince when he shifts position.

"You sure you're okay?"

"Only hurts when I laugh," Flack remarks dryly as he takes a swig of his beer.

"Hey man pace yourself."

"I'm fine," Flack insists.

"Yeah after Ruben was killed I was fine too," Danny states and Flack looks at him directly. "'I'm just sayin'."

"I'm fine," Flack echoes. "How is Lucy?"

"Your niece misses you," Danny answers softly, referring to the position that he and Lindsay conferred upon Don after naming Mac godfather. "How about dinner with us on Saturday? Think you'd survive?"

"Think you will?"

"That sounds more like the Don I know and miss," Danny smiles as he clinks the top of his beer bottle with Flack's and then takes another swig. "Speaking of which, I gotta run."

"Yeah I guess it's getting late."

"So will I be seeing you tomorrow?"

"You will."

"Don, Mac knows us and has our back. What is really going on? Is it Mac? Jess or something else?"

Don looks at his friend and frowns; knowing it's not the time to confess about Simon Cade. "It's Jess...I...god I miss her and...I know Mac means well but...but he just doesn't get it."

"He has his ways and sometimes we might not understand them but trust me, I know what I am taking about. He's always had my back and pulled my ass out of the fire more times than I care to admit. He just wants to help."

"You think I'm being too hard on him?" Flack asks in shock.

"I'm sayin' you two need to work this out. I'm stayin' outta this," Danny states as he places a couple of bills on the bar counter and then stands up to leave.

"You sound like Stella," Flack smirks.

"Hey Mac trained us all right? You comin' with me?"

"I'll be fine. See you tomorrow."

Knowing it's pointless to argue, Danny gives Flack's shoulder a firm squeeze and then slowly heads for the entrance. Flack orders another appetizer, not wanting to put all the beer into an empty stomach but not realizing that at his house another friend was about to leave; having waited for about an hour already.

Flack tries to turn his attention to the hockey game on the TV before him but all he can see are tormented images of Jessica's bloody body and then his own battered reflection in the mirror and he feels his fist coming down hard on the laminated wood countertop.

"Sorry," Flack mumbles with a slight nod as he tries to get his emotions back under control. He finally feels his phone buzzing and pulls it out and glares at the name with an absent stare.

'Mac Taylor.'

"Mac, I'm sorry, can't talk to you right now. I just....I just can't," Flack whispers as he stares as Mac's name before he shoves his phone back inside his jacket pocket, knowing that he wasn't in the mood for another pep talk; no matter how well meaning he knows his friend will be. About two hours later, Flack finally finishes his last beer, places whatever money he owes on the table and then stands up to leave; feeling a bit tipsy from the alcohol but not as bad as the past few nights; and certainty a lot better than the night he spent at Stella's.

"Ah I still have her key," he groans as he heads back outside, allowing the blast of cold air to hit him square on and force his senses awake. He heads for home, his mind swimming with anxiety and frustration; cursing his feeling of helplessness and loneliness.

'You sure you can't stay Don? Come on let's play hooky together,' Jessica's warm voice teases his weary brain. His mind flashes an image of her beautiful face as they linger in bed on a rare day off and his feels his face starting to automatically relax. Flack finally reaches home, lets himself into his quiet apartment and then is whisked into the dark realm of slumber as soon as his head hits the pillow.

XXXXXXXX

"He probably just wanted to be alone tonight Mac," Stella's voice tries to soothe her worried partner.

"I'm sorry to have called this late."

"Mac you don't sleep, this is early for you," she replies warmly. "Want some company? Want me to come over?"

"I um...no I'm not sure that...Stella I think that..." his voice trails off, only to be stopped by musical laughter.

"I meant have a coffee or something. But if you wanted me to come over for some comfort sex then I would be okay with that also," she teases, laughing when she hears Mac gasp over the phone.

"Thanks for the distraction," he mentions with a slight chuckle.

"Anytime. You sure you are going to be okay?"

"Guess I just needed to hear your voice. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Mac," Stella whispers before she hangs up.

Mac places his blackberry back on the small bedside table beside his bed and then turns off the light once again. It was almost midnight and he now curses himself for disturbing her sleep with something so small. 'You can call anytime Mac. You know I am always here for you,' she had assured him when he woke her up.

He rolls onto his side, willing his brain to display comforting images of him and Stella, but all he can see is Don's battered face and then defeated expression when he wasn't offering the words Don needed to hear.

But much like the night before, Mac spends most of the twilight hours tossing and turning and never finding anything of solid rest and wakes up more tired than refreshed. He looks over at the clock and groans before pushing himself out of the warm nest of covers and stumbling toward the bathroom, trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes so he can get his day started.

An hour later he feels his nervous anxiety starting to build as he enters the lab and curses himself for allowing this much tension to build. It wasn't even this bad after the whole Dean Truby and Flack's notebook fiasco.

"Big Mac," Mac hears as Danny walks toward him with a file in his hand. "Tox results for..." his voice trails off as they both turn and watch Flack walking toward them off the elevator. Dressed casually, but clean shaven and looking a bit more rested than the day before, Mac has to offer him a smile of approval. However that smile quickly disappears as Flack nears them with a frown instead of friendly expression.

"Morning," Flack offers them with a strained tone.

"Morning. How are you feeling?" Mac wonders.

"Fine. So I understand that Cody Ford has my case notes?"

"Yeah he uh gave us the details on the two suspects," Danny offers Flack the file; Mac giving him a nod of approval.

Flack takes the file as Adam approaches.

"Boss, I need help with the extra tire treads that just um..." his voice trails off as he looks at the three men before him. "Or not."

"I'm on it," Danny states in haste as he slaps Adam on the back. "Lead the way."

Mac watches Adam and Danny take their leave and then turns back to Flack; tension starting to build. "Don I..."

"It's over Mac," Flack interrupts in haste. "I'll take the other two suspects and..."

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah um..sure okay so I'll take these and..."

But Flack doesn't let him finish, simply takes the remaining notes from Mac's hand and turns on his heel to leave.

"Don..." Mac calls firmly but is quickly cut off by Sinclair walking toward him with a stern expression.

"Taylor, got a minute?"

Mac watches Flack, who had stopped, turn his back and disappear into the elevator. He watches his superior approach and allows his body to exhale heavily.

"What's up?"

"Everything okay?"

"Fine," Mac huffs as he heads for his office. "What is going on?"

"I need you in Westchester," Sinclair tells him, referring to the New York county just above New York proper.

"Westchester has its own team."

"Not to deal with Simon Cade they don't."

"The man linked to the murder of Jessica Angell. What about him?"

"Got the murder of a young female police officer up there and her brother is claming that Simon Cade is the murderer."

"Simon Cade is dead."

"Chief McGuiness called me and wants some answers and some help. He said the brother wanted Don Flack as Detective Flack dealt with the case. Here. But I want you to handle this."

"Sir, this is a..."

"A potential political nightmare and I can't go. Which is why I want you to handle this before the press does. This could be linked to Robert Dunbrook or it could not. I don't need to remind you of the type of player Robert Dunbrook is. He's media and bad news. Take care of it."

"Bastard," Mac curses under his breath. "What are the details?"

"Here is what you need. I'll get Bonasera to handle the Simmons case in court."

"Right."

"Mac, get in; the details, close this case and get your ass back here. This is probably just a wild goose chase."

"Thanks," Mac states with a heavy frown as he watches his superior leave. He reaches for the phone and dials Stella's cell.

"I'm on court duty," she sighs heavily. "What is going on?"

"A female cop was murdered in Westchester and her brother claims it was Simon Cade."

"What? Simon Cade is dead."

"Then it should be easy to wrap up on our end. Sorry about court duty."

"Thats two you owe me Mac," she lightly teases him. "Talked to Don again?"

"Yeah we exchanged pleasantries this morning."

"Damn the two of you are the same. The longer you let it..."

"I know foster, the harder it'll be to clear the air. Look I have to go. If I leave now, I can probably wrap this up in a day. Hold down the fort for me."

"You know I will."

"Flack was requested by the brother but Sinclair wanted me. One more thing to cause a rift."

"Just hurry back and Mac..."

"Yeah?"

"Watch your back."

"Trust me Stella, this will be routine," Mac states with a hint of uncertainty.

A/N: So how did you like it? Was it okay (once again kinda nervous)? Hopefully not to OOC and please don't flame, if you don't like then just leave. As always you guys rock and thanks!Please note that this storyline does not follow 'Deception' in anyway. I just like Robert Dunbrook as a villain so am using him in this story and possibly a few others.

PS: Be sure to check out my new M one shot (Blanket of Rain).