A/N: I don't own them, much more talented people do. I'm just borrowing them! And yes, we all know reviews = love!

Stella tightened the scarf around her neck as she made her way down the sidewalk. The sun was just beginning to set and the night chill mixed with the rain that had refused to stop since the early afternoon. Hard to think that less than 24 hours prior she had been on the roof of the lab, safely wrapped in Mac's arms as he tried to reassure her that no matter what, he was there for her. Whatever the outcome of her test, he would be there. At the time his reassurance had warmed her to the core, but now it just left a dull ache in her heart. She knew realistically why she hadn't come to him sooner, why she knew that as much as he liked to believe it was true, he wouldn't always be there for her. The reason was Peyton.

When Stella had first found out that the two were dating, she wanted to hate the woman. She wanted to hate Peyton for coming between her and Mac, hate her for meaning something to him that Stella could only wish for. She wanted to hate her for being the one that Mac loved, the one that he adored. But she knew deep down she couldn't. Seeing him happy meant more to her than anything else in the world, and Peyton made him happy. She had managed to break down the remaining barrier he had set up around his heart. And really, the fiery ME was far too likeable for her own good. So instead Stella did what she did best; she put on her best smile and pretended that everything was right with the world. As she reached the empty park though, she knew deep down that nothing was really right anymore. She lifted her head as she let the rain wash over her, hoping the icy chill would help numb the ache in her heart.

"You know you're going to catch a cold if you're out here in this weather for too long."

Her head whipped around as she heard the familiar voice from behind her. A smile pulled at the corner of her mouth as her eyes locked with a familiar shade of bright blue ones. "Don, what on earth are you doing out here?"

"If this keeps up I'll be doing the backstroke. I knew we shouldn't have locked that ark up in evidence, might need it." They both laughed as he moved to stand closer to her, helping to protect her from the rain with the umbrella he was carrying. Without a word they both started to walk, making their way through the empty park as he wrapped his arm around her, sharing his warmth with her.

"You know there's no evidence to support the idea that being out in the rain can cause you to catch a cold. It's an old wives' tale."

"Maybe you're right but I swear every time my ma yelled at me for playing out in the rain, sure enough, couple days later I was sick. So what's goin' on Stell? What are you doing out here?"

"Just doing some thinking. Been doing that a lot lately."

"How much longer until you find out the results of the test?"

"Still have a few weeks."

He stopped walking for a moment, turning to look at her. "That's not the reason though is it, why you're out walking in weather like this." He took in her defeated expression, noticing for the first time how small she seemed. "Mac," they both knew it wasn't a question.

"I love him," she whispered, scared to voice the feelings she had kept locked away for so long.

"I know," Don replied. If it weren't for the seriousness of the situation, he would've laughed at the shocked look on her face at his response. "C'mon Stell, I've been working with you and Mac for how many years now? I can see it every time you look at him when he's not looking. It's the same look he gives you when you're not paying attention."

Stella shook her head no, "Peyton…"

"Just because people are together doesn't mean they're really happy. And," he said, making sure she was looking at him, "It doesn't mean that they're not in love with someone else."

"So what do I do?"

"That is up to you entirely Stell. It's your life, your future. Just know that I'm here for you no matter what."

They started walking again, and Don could see the wheels turning in her head, thinking over his words. Before long they reached her apartment building. He could see how deep in thought she had been when he saw the surprise on her face at their location.

"Thank you Don, for everything," she said as she hugged him tightly. "You're a really good friend."

He smiled at her as he kissed her on the cheek. "Anytime Stell, anytime at all." He watched as she made her way inside the building, waiting until the light in her apartment came on, signaling she was safe inside. Sighing to himself Don pulled out his phone dialing the familiar number. "Hey babe, I'm on my way home. Yeah, talked to Stella. You know how they are Ava, completely in tune with the other, but oblivious when it comes to their feelings toward each other. Yeah, hopefully. We'll have to see how things work out. See you in a few. Love you." And with that Don turned and headed home, hoping his friends would find the happiness they both deserved.