Far Too Long

Chapter 1: An Engagement

"This time, this place

Misused, mistakes

Too long, too late

Who was I to make you wait

Just one chance

Just one breath

Just in case there's just one left

'Cause you know, you know, you know"

Stella walks to Mac's office in a cheery mood, excited to tell Mac the news. Or better, see how long it takes him to notice and show him just how unobservant he really is away from crime.

"Good morning, Mac," she says brightly.

"I thought you hated morning," he replies, smiling to himself.

"I do."

"Then why are you so…" he thinks, "joyful right now. We haven't even gotten started on a case."

"It's just an exciting day. I can't help that you don't feel the same. Maybe a dead body and time out of the office will cheer you up," she smiles, grabbing a folder from his desk. When he doesn't say anything, she assumes he didn't notice yet.

"Believe it or not, I did go home last night."

"But did you sleep?"

"Yes, very well, actually. It looks like you did too. Take Hawkes with you and get started on that case."

'This is going to be harder than I thought,' Stella thinks as she leaves. "Hey, Sheldon."

"Morning, Stella."

"We've got a case. Some guy found in Central Park. Meet you at the car," she begins to leave when he grabs her hand.

"What's this? When did this happen?"

"Last night."

"Does Mac know?"

"No, he hasn't noticed yet. And don't tell him, Hawkes," Stella threatens.

"He'll find out. Why don't you want him to know?" Hawkes asks.

"I do, but I'm not telling him. He'll find out when he finally discovers the ring for himself."

"What's his name? How long have you been going out?"

"Vince and almost ten months. Mac has met him a few times because he's come to pick me up from work."

"Tell him, Stel. I'm sure he'll be happy for you. Do you have a date or have you decided yet?" he gives her a small hug.

"Sometime in May, but we don't know what weekend."

"Have you given up on Mac then?" he asks, hoping she won't go out on him.

"What are you talking about?" she looks up at him curiously.

"You and Mac. I always thought you felt something for him. Maybe I was wrong."

"No. It's been five years, and he hasn't really moved on. I can't wreck our friendship by asking, and I don't think he feels the same. I still love him, but I've realized it wouldn't work between us," she explains.

"What if he does feel the same and won't tell for the same reasons?"

"We'll never know what would have happened. Come on, we have a case to solve."

Mac knew something was up when he looked up from his computer and saw Stella and Hawkes hugging. 'When had those two gotten so close?' He and Stella were best friends, and they hardly ever hugged. Sure, sometimes he wanted to to cheer her up or comfort her, but he never did. Yes, he wanted his team to be close because they worked better that way. But for some reason, Mac felt the need to protect her, not that Sheldon would ever hurt her. Mac decides to ask her about it later.

A/N: The song used throughout the whole story in Nickelback's Far Away. Hope you enjoy it.