Stella watched from two labs over as Danny and Lindsay processed evidence together. Even from this distance she could tell that they were bantering playfully. She heaved a heavy sigh.

"Oh to be a fly on that wall," she muttered mournfully. From behind her came the musical sound of female laughter. Peyton settled into the chair next to Stella.

"They look happy," Peyton said "Not at all stir crazy like you seem to be."

"Yeah, well," Stella huffed, "They're not the ones trying to figure out what's going on between them." Peyton raised an eyebrow at Stella, trying to untangle that messy statement.

"Flack and I have this unspoken bet going as to whether or not Danny and Lindsay are together. Every time I think I've caught them, they come up with some reasonable cover story and we're back to square one. But I'm close to figuring this out. I can feel it." Peyton laughed.

"Well then," Peyton said, "I'm not sure whether this news will be as exciting as I thought it was." She paused for dramatic effect.

"They've unlocked the building, haven't they?" Stella asked, a mixture of joy and disappointment in her voice. Peyton nodded. Stella slammed her evidence down on the tabletop in frustration. Flack chose that moment to enter the room.

"Stell-" he said, "This is good news. We can finally get those drinks you owe me.

"I beg your pardon," Stella said, teasingly angry, "I owe you nothing! They are a couple, I just can't prove it." She then did a very uncharacteristic thing and pouted. Flack shook his head sweetly as he lowered his lips toward hers.

"Well, you have until we leave this building, which is no time at all," he stole a swift kiss before grabbing her wrist and pulling her toward the door. They could hear Peyton laughing as they practically flew toward the exit, Danny and Lindsay not far behind them.

--

Danny and Lindsay stood in the doorway of yet another restaurant with disappointment on their faces. There was simply not a table in town for their postponed date night. Lindsay slipped her hand into his as they walked out into the warm night. She looked absolutely beautiful in her pink sundress and sandals, the very vision of summer. They walked past a doorway, exchanged a look, each shrugged their shoulders and entered.

--

Flack finally got Stella to agree to drinks, but only if they went somewhere new. They decided to choose a place at random by walking down a street and choosing the first place that looked appealing. The sound of soft jazz emanating from the smoky doorway of a place called Cozy's called to them. They stepped inside as the song ended, and were escorted to a table in the center of the room, not exactly 

comfortable for a pair of cops, but neither really minded. Stella took a moment to study the band and gave a small start. Flack noticed it and placed a hand on her shoulder. She nodded toward the bass player and Flack's eyes widened. As Mac finished the song, Stella spotted Peyton sitting at a table very close to the front of the room. Mac stood up and walked over to his girlfriend, extending a hand to her and leading her up to the stage.

"Tonight we have the very special privilege of hearing the vocal talents of Dr. Peyton Driscoll." He gave the nervous M.E. a kiss on the cheek and whispered something in her ear. She smiled at him and the song began.

Halfway through, Flack leaned over to Stella, and asked, "Did you know she sang?" Stella shook her head.

"I didn't even know he played the bass," she replied. The crowd's applause was enthusiastic as the song drew to a close. Calls rang out for an encore. Peyton blushed and declined, but Mac kept her on the stage. He nodded to the other members of the band and the opening strands of a song began to play. This time, it was Mac who was on vocals, his voice deep and raspy, but filled with adoration.

"L is for the way you look at me," he crooned. The song continued, each stanza drawing more tears to Peyton's eyes while simultaneously widening her smile. When he reached the line, "take my heart and please don't break it," he paused his bass playing to slip a hand into his pocket and hold out a ring. Peyton's hands flew to her face and the tears began streaming down her cheeks. She nodded through her tears, throwing her arms around his neck. Mac pulled back long enough to take off his guitar and put the ring on her finger.

The room erupted with cheers. From the back corner of the room came a very distinctive call of "Way to go, Mac!" Stella and Flack turned around to see Danny and Lindsay at the far corner table, Danny's arm around Lindsay's shoulder. She leaned over and whispered something in his ear that earned her a sound kiss on the lips from Danny. Stella's look was a classic 'I-told-you-so.' Flack laughed and kissed Stella's hair. The crime lab group all gathered back at Lindsay and Danny's table for a celebratory drink. They were short a chair, but that didn't bother Mac, who pulled Peyton onto his lap with a grin.

"To the first Crime Lab engagement!" Flack said, raising his glass. Danny and Lindsay exchanged a look and a smile. A smile which did not escape Stella's watchful eye.

"The first Crime Lab marriage?" she asked tentatively. Danny and Lindsay shook their heads and Danny lifted their joined left hands onto the table, not unwrapping his left arm from around Lindsay's body. Everyone laughed and cheered. Danny and Lindsay shared a look and realized that there was more than one thing they were glad was no longer locked in the lab.

THE END

AN- not sure how I feel about the ending, but it will have to do. It's been fun! CATE