Yo people, been a while. Hope you are all fine and well. Lockdown brought a delightful rerun of CSI:NY episodes, so here I am at the end of the school year. Not gonna spoil anything. Let me just say that any mistakes you might find are mine and that English is not my first language. Hope you like it. If you feel like it, leave a review.

MJMJMJ

Mac stared at the colorful plant sitting upon his deck. Who in their right mind would send him flowers? And what for? His birthday was months away, and he was pretty sure he had not given his business contacts around in a while. He approached it cautiously, looking for a card. He found it, and immediately recognized the handwriting.

From: You-Know-Who.

I'm back in town. Can't wait to see you.

Plant needs watering. You might need a nice colleague to help you take care of it. I suggest female.

Mac grinned from ear to ear, treasuring the small card. He pocketed it just as Jo was passing by; she was obviously headed elsewhere, but upon spotting something unusual on her boss's deck, altered her direction to stop by. –Nice, Mac. Who is sending you flowers?-, she quipped, winking suggestively at her boss. He laughed. He actually laughed!, marveled Jo. –Somebody who knows how rubbish I am at taking care of anything green. It's supposed to be a joke. You know what? I think this thing might be wonderful in your and Lindsay's office. Here, take it. -, he countered, passing the vase to his colleague. –Besides, they suggested a woman might know what to do with it. Off you go. -, he said gently, winking back at Jo as he sent her on her way.

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-Hey, Mac! We are going out for beers with the guys, you coming?-

Mac raised his head from the night's last report towards Don Flack, head pocking inside his office and an expectant smile on his face. He gave an almost embarrassed short laugh, shaking his head while throwing an apologetic smile towards the Homicide Detective.

-I'm very sorry, Don. Tonight I'm busy. In fact, I'm leaving in a bit. -, he admitted softly, signing and closing the report. Don's eyebrows shot up at hearing this, and he entered fully inside Mac Taylor's office. Then, his face broke into a sly grin.

-Mac Taylor! You sleazy dog, you finally got yourself a date for Friday night! And you said nothing!-, he gushed, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively at his colleague. Mac gave a short bark of laughter.

-I wouldn't exactly call it a date, but… yeah, I'm otherwise occupied. -, he replied amicably. Don made a face.

-Is she aware that you don't consider it a date?-, he quipped, as Mac rose from his chair and went to grab his coat. The Head of the Crime Lab nodded. –Of course she is!-, he replied indignantly, shooing Flack outside his office as he turned off the lights for the night. The younger man followed him towards the elevator, trying to get some more details out of the other Detective.

-Leave it be, Don, my lips are sealed. -, Mac proclaimed, smiling at Don. As he pushed the elevator's buttons, he spied Jo at the end of the corridor and waved at her. He grinned and shrugged apologetically his shoulders as his female colleague raised her arms, clearly pissed at him for ditching a beer with his team.

-This isn't over, Mac!-, Don promised him as the elevator's door closed with a soft DING!

Mac frowned as his phone buzzed in the pocket of his coat. He slowed is pace, letting Lindsay go ahead of him towards the crime scene where Don Flack was waiting for the both of them.

-Taylor. -, he answered with a chuckle, having recognized who the caller was. He stopped altogether, foreseeing a brief exchange of spirited one-liners. –I'm sorry for leaving so early this morning. -, he said earnestly, turning slightly away from his colleagues. –I hope you liked breakfast… I know, I know, I already said I was sorry. They called me to a scene around 7 a.m., I thought I would let you sleep a little longer… Dinner? Mmm, I don't know, let me call you back around noon… Fine, I'll leave a message! Don't overdo it… Oh, ahah, very funny. You too, bye!-

Smiling and distracted as he was by the conversation he had just had, Mac failed to pick up the quizzical look Lindsay sported on her face. –So, …-, he began, placing his phone back in his pocket. –What do we have here, Don?-

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-Knock, knock. -, Jo drawled as she pocked her head inside her boss's office, giving him a small smile as he raised his head towards her. She grimaced. –How's it going?-, she asked, anticipating the answer as Mac huffed in annoyance. –Slowly. -, he growled. –So slowly, in fact, that I'm under the impression I'm making no progress at all. -, the Head of the Crime Lab huffed in annoyance, throwing the report on his desk with disgust. Just then, Jo's stomach growled loudly enough for Mac to hear it. His face broke into a small smile as his second in command looked sheepishly at him.

-I'm torn between helping you, that's why I'm here in the first place, and fetching something to eat. -, she pouted. –Maybe I should get something from the vending machine for the both of us and then help you. -, she mused, but before she could spin around her boss stopped her.

-I have an even better bargain, Jo. I'm all packed for lunch, and there is plenty for the both of us. Sit down, eat, and then you can help me. I'm not saying no to that!-, he exclaimed, motioning with his hand to the couch inside his office. Jo raised one eyebrow as she entered fully in the man's office, spying him as he retrieved a medium-sized lunch box from under his desk. Mac passed it to her as he looked for hard-plastic plates and forks inside a bright-colored cloth-bag.

-It should have sustained me through lunch and dinner, so I'm pretty sure it will be enough for us now. We can get a burger later on tonight. -, the former Marine explained while sharing his tools with his companion. Opening the lunch box, Jo was amazed to find rice, chicken and broccoli neatly divided into small piles. She narrowed her eyes at Mac. –Are you sayin' you plan to keep me trapped here 'til tonight?-, she asked in mock seriousness. Her boss shrugged. –You're free to go whenever you want, just keep in mind there won't be any burgers if I don't finish checking that pile. -, he motioned with his fork towards a huge pile of documents sitting ominously on his desk. Jo rolled her eyes.

-That's blackmail, Mac Taylor. By the way, did you make this?-, she asked, placing a forkfull of rice into her mouth. Mac raised his head from his plate just in time to catch Jo's lips closing around her fork, leaving light pink stains around it. He cleared his throat. –Eh, uh… no. -, he admitted. Jo narrowed her eyes at him, chewing slowly. –Oh?-, she said, gulping her food. Her small question remained unanswered.

Danny Messer smiled as his wife entered the cubicle he was working in, a grin plastered on her face. -Yo, babe. What's up?-, he asked. He knew Lindsay was dying to tell him anyway. Her smiled widened a fraction.

-I'm pretty sure Mac has a girlfriend. -, she announced, shrugging on a lab coat to help her husband with reconstruction. He immediately stopped what he was doing, turning fully towards his wife. –Ok, shoot. How did you come to this conclusion?-, he wondered seriously.

-Well…-, Lindsay started, clearly savoring the moment. –Don said he had a date last Friday. The other day somebody called him really early, and I'm pretty sure he mentioned the words "sorry" and "breakfast", and he had a smile plastered all over his face. Finally, yesterday Jo told me that somebody packed him some lunch; she has some strong suspicions about a certain Christine owning a diner somewhere around here, but I was not supposed to tell you that. -, she finished in a rush, smiling triumphantly at her husband, who was looking more and more impressed by the minute.

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The phone had been buzzing on the coffee table for several seconds when the dark haired girl finally managed to reach it, gliding on the floor barefoot. She grinned like a maniac when she saw the caller ID.

-Danny Messer! Why, hello, Danno!-, she laughed, picking up. Several seconds of silence met her from the other end. –Don't you remember me anymore? It's Alice!-, she squealed while trying at the same time not to make too much noise. –Listen, Dad is helping Grandma get settled in, we picked her up from the airport an hour ago, can this wait?-, she asked her interlocutor, admiring the view from her dad's apartment for the umpteenth time that week. –Actually, why don't you get the whole gang here tonight, at dad's place? I can't wait to see you again. And the new entries, of course. I'll take care of food and drinks. See if you can come around 6 or 7 p.m., 'cause, you know, Grandma eats early. -

Alice grinned to herself, listening to Danny talk excitedly on the other side. –That's perfect, Danno. Seven or eight people, roger. If you can manage some beer or wine it would be awesome. Lucy? Your daughter? Sure thing, we'll just place her on Grandma's lap, no worries. Okay, see you later. Bye. –

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-McKenna, dear, somebody is at the door. -, Millie Taylor's voice waltzed towards Mac from the general direction of his living-room. He had especially forbidden his mother from answering the door, so he moved quickly from his bedroom towards where she stood, placing a quick kiss to her cheek as he reached for the door. He had also forbidden her from calling him McKenna, he thought to himself as he rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. Just as he was about to open the door, her daughter beat him to it.

-Danno!-, she squealed, throwing open the door. -Come on in!-, she exclaimed, taking the proffered beers from Danny Messer. –You must be Lindsay! It's a pleasure to meet you!-, she gushed, kissing the older woman a couple of times on the cheek. –And you must be Lucy! Aww, such a cute kid! How old are you?-, she cooed, smiling at the small kid. Lucy Messer squirmed in her mother's arms, pleased at the compliments she was receiving.

-I'm five. -, she said shyly, turning to gaze intently at the dark-haired girl. Before she could answer, she felt her father's arm curl around her shoulders. -She's your Uncle Mac's daughter, Alice. -, he said, taking Lucy from Lindsay. –Why don't you say hi to her, mmm?-

Before Lucy could make up her mind, quick footsteps resonated from behind the Messer family. –Hey guys, guess who brought pizza?-, came the jovial voice of Detective Flack, hidden behind five cartons of hot pizza. Alice was quick to take them from him and usher everybody inside. –Mrs Taylor!-, the Homicide Detective exclaimed, delighted. –It's wonderful to see you!-, he said cordially, moving towards the elderly lady to embrace her. –You look good, Ma'am. -, he added, grinning at her. The old lady grinned back. –And you, Junior. Are you keeping my son safe?-, she replied, patting the younger man's cheek affectionately. Danny guffawed in the background. Don shrugged, his pale cheeks reddening. –Oh, you know, sometimes it's him and sometimes it's me. –

Later that night, the party was in full swing. Millie Taylor was discretely trying to set up her niece with "the nice young man" Adam, who was trying very hard, for his part, to impress the girl, who didn't seem to like him back. Adam had turned up with Sheldon around half past six with beers and wine, but had been so impressed with Alice that it had taken him some time to start talking in a somewhat normal manner again. He estimated her to be in her mid to late twenties, only a couple of inches shorter than her father, with dark brown hair and blue-green eyes. She had an athletic physique, and her clothes where just as sporty in fashion, with a pair of blue jeggings, white Adidas t-shirt and running shoes to complete her outfit. Her long hair was pulled back in a tight braid, bouncing with every witty comment she made. All in all, she positively seemed like a real spit fire.

Finally, around 8 p.m. there was the last knock on the Taylors' door. Alice squealed in delight, running to the door and throwing it open with force. –Sid Hammerback!-, she hollered, hugging the wiry M.E. and patting him vigorously on the back. –I missed you so much! How are you? And the girls? I can't wait to meet with them!-, the girl gushed, letting go of the older man, who gave an embarrassed laugh. –Little Alice Taylor! Oh my God, you're a woman now! Where has the time gone?-

As Sid launched in a detailed explanation about what his daughter and wife were up to, Alice threw a glance at the man's companion, a beautiful brunette who was looking amusedly at them and who she didn't recognize. –Hi! Sorry…-, the girl muttered, getting a small smile in response. It was Mac who greeted his second in command instead of his daughter.

-Hey, Jo. I'm glad you could manage to stop by. -, he said sincerely, taking the woman's jacket from her. Jo crinkled her brows gently. –Well, somebody needs to work at the Lab. -, she quipped, taking in her surroundings. She spied Danny talking animatedly with Sheldon and Don by the window, Sid just a couple of steps in front of her, still deeply engrossed in his conversation with Alice, and Adam sitting on the sofa besides an elderly lady, Lucy on top of her tights. Upon spotting her, Adam immediately raised to approach her.

-Jo! Hey, Jo. Please, have a seat. -, he said nervously, gesturing to the place he had just vacated. Jo raised one eyebrow at him curiously: there was enough space for three people to sit in the living area, but she decided to humor the lab tech anyway. –Thank you, Jo. She gives me the creeps!-, Adam whispered in her colleague's ear, causing her to grin.

-Good evening, you must be Mrs. Taylor. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am. I'm Jo Danville. -, she said cordially, waving to Lucy. – Auntie Jo!-, squealed the little girl, weaseling her way towards Jo's knees. Millie Taylor smiled at the newcomer, guiding Lucy to her. –Please, dear, it's Millie. You must be Mac's new partner. -, the old lady said matter-of-factly, scrutinizing Jo from head to toe. –I must say, you look a sight better than the last one. Clever girl, that one, and funny, but absolutely no class. -, she commented, smiling lightly at the younger brunette. Taken slightly aback, Jo failed to reply in time. -You're taking good care of my boy, right? I think you're doing a good job, dear. I haven't seen McKenna this happy in years. –

Alice was chatting with Lindsay in the kitchen when Jo found them. She was looking for food. –I can't believe Danny told you to call dad "sir". I mean, I do that from time to time to mock him, but…-, Alice was saying to a smiling Lindsay, when she stopped her tale to look at the newcomer. She pushed herself away from the wall to greet properly the older woman, extending her right hand to her. –I'm Alice. Sorry for, you know… I haven't seen Sid in forever. -, she grinned, getting a smile in return just as Lindsay excused herself.

-So I didn't catch your name… Do you want pizza?-, Alice gestured with her hand to the cartons, still half full, nonchalantly. Jo nodded enthusiastically. –I'm Jo. And yes, I'd like some pizza. I'm starving. -, she replied, getting herself a plastic plate. Alice narrowed her eyes in a manner that reminded Jo of the girl's father. –Jo? As in Jo Danville?-, she inquired. At the older woman's nod, she scoffed. -It figures…-, she sighed, throwing her arms in the air and back at her sides.

-Okay, what gives?-, inquired Jo, selecting a few slices of pepperoni pizza. –Well, dad mentioned your name several times this last week… He conveniently failed to mention that his partner was a woman. -, drawled Alice, exasperated. –And… that's a problem for you?-, the older woman wondered, disliking the sudden turn of conversation. –Well, yes! I mean, I could have totally embarrassed him for a whole week, pestering him about what you were like, if you were pretty, how you were dressed on Tuesday and the like… He would have been soo embarrassed, it would have been glorious! Now I can't anymore, 'cause you're obviously very nice and totally gorgeous. Damn! I can still ask what you wear on Tuesdays, tough. –

Jo looked dumbfounded at the girl's monologue, lips progressively curling into a smile. Finally, she laughed. –Sounds fun! Well, not so much for Mac. And thank you for the compliments, dear. For a moment there I thought you had a problem with your father having a female partner. -, she confessed. Alice waved at her dismissively. –Nah, don't worry. Dad's former partner, Stella, practically raised me after Mom passed, so it's totally fine. –

Just then, Mac poked his head inside the kitchen. –Mother went to bed. -, he announced, looking at his daughter. –So, you met Jo. -, he observed, turning to the older woman with a small, strained smile. Alice smirked, winking at Jo before addressing her father. –Sure. Your totally female, beautiful partner. I'll leave you two to your secrets. -, she sing-sang, taking a slice of pizza with her as she moved to the living-room, leaving the two Detectives alone. Mac averted his eyes, embarrassed, as Jo secretly smiled to herself.

-So… Alice, uh?-, Jo broke the silence, catching and holding Mac's gaze. –That's a well-kept secret. -, she observed, crossing her arms over her chest. Mac nodded slowly. –You could say that. It hasn't always been like that. They used to visit, Claire and Alice, from time to time. -, Mac's smile turned bitter at the mention of his former wife. –Stella helped me a lot when Alice was a teenager. I can't say I was a bad father, but… I am a man, and she needed a female figure to help her out. I was very grateful to have her with me, but when they tried to mess with her to get to me… We decided she would be better off attending a college in Chicago. -, he finished lamely, shaking his head. –That was several years ago. She had never even met Lindsay before tonight. I'm glad she still remembers Danny, Don and Sid, though. –

Jo gave a small, sincere smile. –And them her. And I must say, Adam seems quite taken with her. -, she quipped, motioning with her head to the living area, where the young man in question was trying to chat Alice up. Mac scoffed. –She will have him running quite soon, I'm afraid. -, he sentenced, getting a frown from his friend. –You got something against Adam?-, Jo wondered, but Mac shook his head. –No. Just trust me when I say he's not the man for her, nor she the woman for him. –

The first to leave the Taylors' was Sheldon, claiming he had a previous arrangement with Camille. Half an hour later, the Messers left as well, soon followed by Sid and Adam. Neither Jo nor Don seemed in a particular rush to leave, however. Jo waved Mac's concern away, saying that she didn't fancy going back to an empty apartment so soon. Ellie was having a sleepover at a friend's. Don did not forward any explanation, busy as he was trying to convince Alice that golf was actually a dignified sport.

At some point, though, the four of them reunited in a single group in front of the large window. –So, Alice, what do you do for a living? Or are you still studying?-, Jo wondered, as her conversation with Mac drew to a close. Alice scoffed violently. –Perish the thought! Got my PhD and all, that's enough!-, she replied quickly, shaking her head with disgust. Both Jo and Don looked impressed. –A PhD? Wow. Which specialization?-, asked Jo, as Mac looked proudly at his daughter. –Physics. Nanosciences, to be precise. –

Don whistled. –Like father, like daughter. You two are such geeks. -, he laughed. –Geek I may be, but I bet I could take you down any day. -, replied Alice nonchalantly. Mac shook his head benevolently as Jo covered her lips while laughing. –Children, please…-

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Mac was running late. Nothing unusual there. Alice was waiting for him, though, and he was supposed to pick up Thai on his way home. Just as he was starting to hope that maybe he could be home by 9 p.m., his phone rang ominously. The Detective swore under his breath. –Taylor. –

-Mac! We have a situation here!-, Jo exclaimed worriedly at the other side of the line, sending a shiver down Mac's spine. –Where are you?-, he asked quickly, raising from his chair and clipping the gun to his belt. He heard Jo chuckle lightly. –I would hope you still remember where I live…-, she drawled nervously, at which Mac froze. Of course, it was Jo's free day. –I… I don't understand. -, he admitted, puzzled. He heard Jo sigh. –Me neither, and therein lies the problem. Ellie's stuck with her Math's homework, and she has to turn it in tomorrow. I was wondering if maybe Alice could help her?-

Mac could imagine his colleague playing nervously with her bracelets, her necklace maybe? A faint smile rose to his lips. –I'll tell you what, I'll bring Alice to your place and you can provide food. You girls haven't eaten yet, have you? I promised Alice some spicy curry, see if you can get any, please. –

Forty minutes later, Mac knocked on the Danvilles' door, Alice spinning the car keys smugly around her index finger. In the end, it was her who had taken her father to Jo's place. A petite Afro-American girl opened the door. –Thank God you are here!-, she breathed, letting the newcomers enter. –You must be Ellie. Nice to meet you. I'm Alice. -, the older girl extended her right hand. –So, where's the fire?-

-You can explain it over dinner, Ellie! Thai's just arrived and it's still warm. -, they heard Jo shouting from the general direction of the kitchen. Alice's small smile widened. –Wicked, I'm starving. Yo, Ellie, which high-school are you attending?-

Mac smiled seeing the two girls so engrossed in school talk. Ellie so happened to attend the same high-school as Alice had a decade or so ago, and she recognized some of the teacher's name. –You have Mr. Collins? Can't believe the old frog is still alive, let alone teaching. He's an idiot, I'm not surprised you have problems with Math. I had him for less than a semester, though, so no harm done. He just doesn't explain anything and expects you to be able to do everything on your own. Flipped-classroom my ass!-

Mac and Jo listened amusedly to the two girls' conversation, eating their own food and communicating silently through their eyes. At some point, Alice and Ellie went to the latter's room to study, leaving the two CSIs alone to do the dishes.

-Thank you, Mac. Ellie was truly desperate. -, Jo murmured gratefully, throwing the empty containers her boss passed her in the bin. The man smiled. –No problem. You're probably Alice's hero, now. That red curry thing looked exactly what she had in mind when she asked me for Thai tonight. I would have probably messed that up. -, he admitted, slightly embarrassed. Just then, he was barely able to suffocate a burp. –I don't think it's sitting well with me, though. -, he commented, adding to his embarrassment. Jo laughed. –I can make some tea for us while the girls study. Why don't you take a seat on the sofa and look for something to watch on the TV while I prepare the tea?-, she proposed.

The two re-emerged from their study session an hour later, a satisfied grin on Alice's face and an impressed look on Ellie's. They found their parents giggling on the couch over some silly meme that had reached their phones on the team's chat. The girls exchanged an inquisitive look upon happening on such a scene. –We're finished. You okay?-, the teenager wondered.

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From then on, Alice was a regular at the Danvilles', with the occasional addition of her father. She became fast friends with Ellie, and even some of the teenager's friends, despite the ten years gap. One night, Jo overheard the two girls talking from her daughter's room while passing-by in an attempt to do some much needed laundry.

-Dad is on a date tonight. He didn't tell me, but I guessed it from the way he stormed in the house tonight to change clothes. I think he originally was planning on going straight from the office, but my guess is your mother sent him home to change. She's a saint, that tie was horrible matched with his shirt. I discreetly placed a black long-sleeved tee on his bed while he was in the bathroom. Men!-

Jo left with her daughter's giggle still in her ears. She was glad Mac's daughter sided with her regarding his attire, for indeed she had suggested discarding the tie. Men indeed! She was left wondering, however, what the final ensemble looked like. She had very rarely, if ever, seen her boss in something different from a shirt, and she admitted to herself to being curious. She shook her head to clear it from the thought, resuming her housework.

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-Ellie was mortified… well, mortified and horrified! After all, she had been caught kissing a boy by not only her mother, but her boyfriend as well, and her mother was pointing a gun at her on top of that! That's just… totally crazy!-, Alice exclaimed, causing Don to burst out laughing. –Please, don't ever repeat what I just told you! Neither Ellie nor Jo would ever want to talk to me then!-, she pleaded, taking a swig of her beer. Don nodded.

-On one condition, though. -, he bargained. – I wanna know if something similar happened between you and Mac. -, he said, wiggling his brows. Alice gave a small laugh. –Well, nothing this major, but we had our moments. -, she admitted. Don clapped his hands excitedly. –Do tell!-, he encouraged. –Well, there was that one time he caught Stella teaching me how to shave; we were half-naked in the bathroom when he arrived. He just shook his head and fetched a beer. -, she said, at which Don gave a short bark of laughter, clapping his hands twice. –Oh, and another time he listened to Stella as she explained to him what kind of pads he was supposed to buy for me. I must say I remember he was very stoic through it all, but I was so embarrassed!-

Don was holding his midsection at that point. He couldn't have imagined asking Alice out for a beer after training would have been so much fun. Upon discovering the girl was proficient in mixed martial arts and looking for a job, he had proposed she taught some classes at the gym where he and many other cops trained. Since the place was severely under-staffed, they took her immediately. Don still marveled at the number of certifications the girl possessed in all different kinds of combat techniques. He reckoned she could surpass even her father, a fully trained former Marine. At any rate, they saw each other fairly frequently, and tonight he had decided to ask her out as friends. So far, he was not regretting his earlier idea.

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Jo was sitting alongside Alice, watching intently the football match playing in front of them. So far, the older woman was happy to have asked the girl to tag along, she was a magnificent supporter, clapped and shouted louder than anybody else. Ellie would appreciate it.

-So, Alice. You and Don seem pretty chummy. -, she shouted in the girl's ear, lightly elbowing her to catch her attention. Alice turned briefly towards her, before going back to the game. –Yeah, we see each other a lot at the gym. -, she offered, clapping at the failed assist. –That's not what I meant. -, Jo replied patiently. Alice finally stopped to turn completely towards her. –Did my father ask you to investigate?-, she wondered, quirking an eyebrow the way Mac would have.

-Good God, no! Relax, you sounded just like him for a moment. Actually, it was Danny who brought this up, and being a sucker for gossip, I decided to investigate. -, Jo replied quickly, raising her hands as if in defense. Alice seemed to ponder the sincerity behind her words before answering. –I remain by my previous statement; we see each other a lot at the gym. A couple of times we grabbed something to eat afterwards. -, she said, shrugging. Jo frowned.

-So much for gossip. -, she sighed, going back to her daughter's game. –Well, you'll be the first to be invited at the wedding, how is that?-, Alice quipped, satisfied by the strangled noise her father's colleague made in reply.

At the end of the match, both Jo and Alice reached Ellie on the field to congratulate her on an impressive performance, despite the fact her team had lost by one goal. As they were chatting, Jo noticed something going on among other supporters a few feet away from where the trio stood. Just then, all hell broke loose and Jo spied a man crumpling to the ground and another running away. Instinctively, she identified herself as a cop, showing her badge, but that didn't stop the run-away. Alice raised a perplexed eyebrow at the scene. –You want him?-, she asked Jo. The older woman shrugged.

Alice sighed and broke into a run. She reached the man trying to escape in no time and literally crashed into him, elbowing him in the back. After a brief brawl on the ground, she had him immobilized, just as Jo was jogging up to them, handcuffs in full display. –Mac won't be happy. -, she grumbled, taking the perp from the younger woman and hoisting him up. Alice shrugged. –He doesn't have to know. –

She should have known her father would get wind of it, though. He appeared at the Precinct while she was keeping Ellie company; meanwhile, Don and Jo were reprimanding the guy she had taken down earlier that day. Before it could escalade in a full-blown shouting match, Ellie went to fetch her mother, who showed up just in time to hear Alice challenge her father. –I could take down even you if I wanted. Come to the gym now, I'll show you. Maybe, then, you'll stop treating me like a kid. –

It didn't happen immediately that day, but from then on Jo perceived a unmistakable tension between father and daughter during the following days. Alice was at their place almost every day, while Mac was sulkier and crankier than usual at work, until one day the Head of the Crime Lab turned up with a black eye.

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Jo had taken to arriving a little bit earlier than usual at the Lab to try and discuss Alice's situation with Mac, but so far her boss had been very good at avoiding the topic, until one day she found him sitting at his desk holding his head as if feeling unwell. Upon getting his attention, she noticed that he was sporting a black eye and a cut on his upper lip.

-Oh my God, Mac! What happened?-, she exclaimed, storming inside his office and to his side, clearly intending to take a closer look. The man gave a humorless chuckle. –She showed me. -, he said cryptically. At first, Jo didn't understand his meaning, but finally it dawned on her. –Alice did this to you? What was she thinking? What where YOU thinking? No, don't answer that. Come with me. -, she growled, grabbing Mac's hand. –Where are we going?-, he asked, puzzled.

-You can't be seen around the Lab like this, Mac Taylor! I'll see what I can do, I should have some concealer in my bag. -, Jo explained, dragging her friend to her own office. She picked up her bag, and then pushed Mac in the general direction of the toilets. –Jo?-, Mac murmured dubiously, not getting her intentions. The brunette woman ignored his feeble protests and pushed him inside the men facilities.

Mac looked, dumbfounded, as Jo rummaged inside her bag until she produced a brownish little tube. – Now look directly at me. -, she instructed, unscrewing the cap of the concealer. She poured a small dose of dense light brown liquid on the tip of her right index before stepping directly in front of Mac. –Could you, uh, bend a little towards me?-, Jo whispered, placing her hand on Mac's cheek.

And so it happened that Mac Taylor found himself under Jo Danville's soft ministrations while she applied her concealer to the best of her abilities to mask his injuries. Up close, he couldn't very well ignore her subtle floral perfume, or the faint sparkle in her cheeks and lips, nor the low-cut top she was wearing, which gave him a tantalizing hint, from his vantage point, of the top of her well rounded breasts. Jo noticed his discomfort by the change in his breath pattern, but put it down to her being in the men's toilet.

-I couldn't very well do this in either your or my office, now could I? There is glass everywhere. -, she blabbed, getting nervous by the minute. She, too, was getting affected by the close proximity with the man. She tried to ignore the softness of Mac's skin, or the smell of his cologne, but she discovered she was only partially successful. -I'm almost afraid to ask how Alice is…-, she murmured, trying to distract the both of them with conversation. -Alice is fine, Jo. As if I could touch her. -, Mac replied, rolling his eyes. As Jo narrowed her gaze at him, he amended. –Well, she might be a bit bruised, I had to defend myself! But I'm worse off, I swear! You can't begin to imagine the bruises I have under the shirt, it was a nightmare to put it on this morning. -

Mac realized his error too late. He flushed under Jo's fingertips, suddenly feeling very hot and flustered. Jo smirked, turning around to rummage once more in her bag. –I can't imagine, uh? Maybe you should show me. Part your lips, please. -, she breathed, concentrating on a small transparent Band-Aid. Mac did part his lips, but to ask something; at any rate, Jo placed her index finger delicately on his split lower lip, her left hand cupping his jaw for support, applying gentle pressure to have the patch adhere to the offended skin. The words died in the former Marine throat. Jo tried not to stare too intently at his lips.

-There, I did my best. Oh! Take this as well. -, she said, pushing an analgesic pill in his hand. Before she could retract her fingers, Mac took hold of her wrist, whispering her name. Jo raised her eyes to his. –Thank you. You didn't have to do all this. -, he said sincerely. Jo's features softened at his quiet declaration. –Of course, but I wanted to. Why are you arguing anyway? It can't be because of what she did last Sunday, there's something else going on. -, she mused, disentangling her fingers from his, but relocating her hand upon the man's arm.

Mac sighed. –You are right. It's a long story. -, he confirmed. When he remained quiet for a few seconds, Jo was convinced that was all she was going to get out of the man, but then he surprised her. –Why don't we talk about it tonight over burgers?-

Time stood still for a moment, the invitation hanging in the air between them. Before Jo could over-analyze her boss's words, she quipped: -Is this a pathetic way to avoid Alice?-, at which Mac snorted. –No, it's a lousy way to say thank you for putting up with me and helping me. Come, we disappeared for too long. -, he replied, placing a quick kiss to his colleague's cheek.

MJMJMJ

Later that night, Ellie spied her mother going back and forth from the bathroom to her bedroom in a nervous way, and she could have sworn she had changed her outfit at least twice. –Err, Mom? What's going on? I thought you were just going out to eat with the gang?-, she wondered, approaching Jo's bedroom. –Mmm? Oh, no dear, I'm meeting Mac tonight. He has… some problems, and asked me for help. -, her mother replied evasively, causing the younger Danville to raise an eyebrow in skepticism. –Just Mac, uh?-, she whispered under her breath, looking intently as her mother touched up her makeup. She wasn't dressed differently from when she went to the Lab, but there was definitely something unusual in her, which Ellie couldn't place. She sparkled, for lack of a better word.

Mac phoned her five minutes later to let her know he waiting for her outside her apartment building. Jo left in a daze, kissing Ellie goodbye distractedly. As soon as the door closed behind her mother's shoulders, the teenager immediately called Alice.

-Yo! Where are you?-

-Home. Why? What's up?-

-Your father asked my mother out. –

-Say what?-

-She's been in a strange mood ever since she came back from work, and she changed at least a dozen outfits! Technically, tough, she's helping him solve some big problem of his…-

-Oh… well, that part is true. I am the problem. –

-No way! What happened?-

-Err…-

MJMJMJ

-Okay, she wants her own place. That's understandable. Totally terrifying, yes, but understandable. She's 27. -, Jo pointed out before taking a bite of her cheeseburger. Mac sighed. While Jo was half-way through her burger, his was barely touched. –I… might have pointed out that her salary at the gym is not adequate for such a big step, and… she might have taken it as… disapproval from my part. –

-Okay, I'm lost. While you're not the most emotionally open man, so far nothing warrants a thrashing from your own daughter…-, Jo commented, getting an annoyed look from her boss. –Is this… about Don?-, she pushed, but Mac's blank stare made her realize her faux-pas. –Never mind…-, she was quick to add. Mac put his head in his hands, defeated. –She told me she applied at the Lab. –

Jo had not foreseen this possibility, and a faint Oh! escaped her lips. –But… not as a Detective. -, she guessed. Mac shook his head no. –No, lab tech. -, he huffed, passing a hand in front of his face. Jo was still puzzled. –And… that's a bad thing? I mean, she would not be in any particular danger. -, she retorted, but when Mac failed to reply, she placed her burger on her plate, cleaned her hands as best as she could on a multitude of napkins, and covered the man's hands with her own. –What is the real problem here, Mac?-

Mac huffed, averting his eyes from Jo's. –I, uh… I don't want her to end up like me. -, he confessed in a small voice, trying to disentangle his hands from her woman's, but she didn't let him. –End up like you? Oh, Mac, don't say something like this. -, she pleaded with him, her heart breaking a little at his words. When it became obvious that he would not say anything more, nor would he take another bite of his burger, Jo hastily got up, throwing some bills on the table and approaching her colleague. She places her hand at the side of his head, and as Mac raised his face to her, it became a caress. -Come. Let's take a walk. –

MJMJMJ

-Wouldn't it be awesome if they got together? Mac is decent… I mean, I'm pretty sure he would never point a gun at me in my own house. –, Ellie laughed to herself.

-Actually, yeah, it would be awesome. Your mother is a good partner… and let's face it, they behave like a married couple already!-, Alice retorted, sniggering.

-We should do something. -, Ellie exclaimed excitedly.

-Totally!-, Alice agreed.

-We'll call it Operation Jac. Oh my God, I'm so excited!-, Ellie squealed in delight, getting a chuckle from her partner in crime.

MJMJMJ

Alice decided to enlist Don's help with the newly established operation Mac.

-Pester them as much as you can without being too obvious. Little comments, innuendos, whatever. If you can lock them together in an interrogation room, do it. -, she instructed, getting a chuckle from the Detective. –Operation Jac, uh? Okay, I'm game. I can definitely see it happen. -, he commented, helping Alice with the chest press. The gym was almost desert, so they were relatively free to talk.

-Little Ellie is as manipulative as her mother is, in a good way, of course. - , the man commented, heading to the rack. –And you… well, you want stuff done the way Mac does. Straightforward. -, he grunted, selecting his barbell. Alice rolled her shoulders. –Of course. Enough drama in my father's life already. Between you and me, I think he's getting too old for this bullshit. -, she explained. Don gave a short bark of laughter, letting the barbell fall to the carpeted floor with a dull THUD. –Which bullshit are you referring to? Anyway, don't let him hear you. -, he advised.

-Courting. I mean, I saw him go out with Christine a couple times. She was so sickly sweet I was cringing all the time he mentioned her. -, Alice retorted, starting her second set of Arnold press. Don guffawed. –And you think it could be better with Jo?-, he wondered. –Yes, I mean, at least he's not reduced to a bumbling idiot in front of her. Jo is a no-nonsense woman; she's more than capable of handling my father when he gets his dumb moments. -, Alice replied, shrugging. –Oh, yeah, you have no idea. -, Don nodded vigorously.

MJMJMJ

One month later, Alice landed a part-time job in a research and analysis lab. Coupled with her work at the gym, she had enough money per month to afford a small apartment of her own. It took her one trip in her father's Avalanche to move her stuff from his place to her new apartment, but decidedly more time to actually "decorate" it. She tried to enlist both Jo's and her father's help, but their styles in decorating were polar opposite. In the end, she got real help from Don.

-You are a minimalist like your father, uh? I reckon you'd have gotten benches instead of chairs. -, he laughed, helping the girl place four chairs around the small table in her new kitchen. The girl shrugged. –I only accepted to buy four chairs because I'm having Jo, Ellie and my father over tomorrow evening. -, she retorted. –And I'm getting a bench and a set of weights with my next paycheck. -, she added, sticking her tongue out. Don laughed. –If I hadn't helped you with transporting the bed, I wouldn't have been sure you'd actually got one. –

Alice grinned at Don. –So you know I possess a bed. Do you want to try it?-, she wondered mischievously, wriggling her eyebrows suggestively. Don actually chocked on his saliva. –Excuse me?-, he managed to get out. Alice continued, unperturbed. –Or the shower. I think I'm gonna have a shower now, feel free to join me. -, she added, divesting herself of her T-shirt as she moved in front of Don to reach the bathroom. The Detective stared at the girl, following her toned abdomen first and rounded ass later with his gaze. It wasn't as if he had never caught a glimpse of them at the gym, but this was completely new territory. Maybe Alice had caught him staring.

-I guess you aren't shy. You take that from your mother, right?-, he said dumbly, following Alice. He watched in fascination as the girl undid her long braid; he had never seen her with her hair free. –Who knows?-, she replied, unclasping her bra. Don shook himself out of his stupor and made quick work of his clothes, closing the bathroom door behind him.

MJMJMJ

-Okay, this is seriously freaking me out. Do you know what's up with them?-, wondered Jo, pointing her fork at the two girls giggling softly on the sofa. Mac shook his head no. –Beats me. Alice's been this way since I arrived, though, if it's any consolation. She says it's about her knew place, but I'm not that convinced. -, he reported. Jo narrowed her eyes. –No shit, Sherlock!-, she exclaimed. Mac huffed in fake annoyance. –Fine, be that way. Unleash your FBI skills on my daughter, why don't you?-, he mocked his companion, chewing on a mouthful of pasta.

-You didn't! Oh my God, you're the bestest ever!- came Ellie's cry before the girls dissolved once again in giggles. –What did he say? No wait, what did he do?! Oh my God…-, Ellie was practically jumping up and down on the couch. Jo narrowed her eyes. –Here?-, she shouted, to catch the girls' attention. –Yeah. And before you ask, Flack. -, Alice replied, at which both Mac's and Ellie's eyes threatened to bulge out of their sockets. –Please tell me you didn't have sex with Don on the table where we just ate. -, pleaded Mac, covering his eyes with his right hand. Jo burst out laughing, half-amused, half-horrified.

-Dad! I have a perfectly fine bed for that!-, Alice exclaimed, turning towards her father. –For the record, had we used the table, I'd have sanitized beforehand. -, she added cheekily. –God, too much information. -, Mac swore under his breath. Jo looked impressed. –You figured out they were talking about sex? I must say I am impressed. -, she complimented her colleague. –You're… shockingly chill about it. Both the sex and… well, Flack. -, she added.

Mac grimaced. –Can you please stop repeating the word sex for a second? As for Don, why shouldn't I be fine? I've known him for years, I know he's a good man. He will treat her right. It's the first time I don't have to check on my daughter's new boyfriend, I'm gonna take advantage of it!-

Jo suddenly realized that Mac was totally fine with Don and Alice dating. She couldn't put her finger on why exactly she was so surprised, and it was bugging her to no end.

MJMJMJ

Mac drove Jo to the crime scene, where Don was waiting for them. Upon exiting the Avalanche, the woman couldn't help but smile. –Well, well, well… looks like somebody spent the night at his girlfriend's place, and didn't bother with a change of clothes. -, she gushed, causing Don to blush. –Amateur. -, Mac commented, shaking his head with a hint of humor. Don cringed. He had the distinct impression that Mac knew just where his girlfriend's place actually was.

On their way back to the Lab, Mac took Jo by surprise. –That was fun. A bit cruel, but fun. See? That's why it would have never worked with Adam, he wouldn't have been able to hold up the pressure. -, he commented, causing his partner to swat his arm.

MJMJMJ

Later that day, Mac decided to put Don out of his misery. With an excuse, he stopped by the Precinct and offered the younger man a cup of coffee. –Don, I know about you and Alice. She told me. Well, she told Ellie. Jo eavesdropped, and I put two and two together. -, he told him bluntly. Flack whistled. –Wow, you guys don't beat around the bush. Truth be told, Alice said she wanted to tell you, I just wasn't expecting so soon. -, the younger man replied, sipping his coffee. –You, uh… okay? With us, I mean?-, he checked.

Mac clasped Don's shoulder. –Of course I am, Don. You're a good man, and you know I'm fully capable of making you disappear in thin air should you fail to treat her right. -, he chuckled, seeing the younger man grimace. –Don't worry, Mac. She can kick my ass herself. -, the younger man retorted, passing a hand over the nape of his neck. Mac chuckled. –I know she can. -, he confirmed, winking. –Just do me a favor, Don. Don't make me a grandfather just yet. –

MJMJMJ

-You didn't. That's why he was so funny the other night, he was suddenly very interested in how my pill worked and if I was taking it correctly. -, Alice mused, her braid bouncing back and forth over her shoulders while she ran. –I'm glad I can still inspire fear in the younger generations. -, Mac retorted. He was proud to be able to string together a coherent sentence without feeling the need to throw up a lung; he was getting back in shape. Just then, his phone rang. He stopped abruptly, picking up the call. –Taylor. -, he answered. –Jo. I'm out running with Alice. What happened? Damn, okay. I'll take a quick shower and I'll be ready. Could you pick me up at Alice's place? I left the Avalanche at the Lab last night since I wasn't due in today. Okay, see you in a bit. –

-What's up?-, Alice wondered, having stopped as soon as she noticed her father doing the same. –A big case just came up. -, Mac replied cryptically, resuming his run towards his daughter's apartment. –And they want the top dog on it. I get it. I guess we will not get lunch together. Bummer. -, Alice sighed. She was looking forward to lunch with her dad. –I'm sorry. -, he replied sincerely.

By the time they reached her apartment, Alice had a plan all figured out. She was sure Ellie would approve. Jo arrived while Mac was still under the shower; Alice let the older woman enter, offering her something to eat. –God, yes! Whatever you have handy. I left without having any breakfast. -, Jo replied gratefully.

Mac reappeared during a lull in the women's conversation. He must have failed to realize Jo was in the apartment, for he walked in the living room bare-chested. –Alice, where did you put my shirt? Oh! Hi Jo. -, Mac stopped dead in his tracks as he realized Jo was in the room, her mouth hanging slightly open in surprise. He cleared his throat. –Uh, Alice? My shirt, please. -, he motioned for his daughter to follow him, leaving Jo shortly alone.

The woman fanned herself. So that was what her boss was hiding under his suits. What a sight! Mac had a slightly muscled torso, with broad shoulders and strong arms. He was totally edible!, Jo thought to herself. She resumed eating her yoghurt just in time to anticipate father and daughter's return. She was in for another surprise that day: Mac was clad in a white T-shirt and jeans! He looked apologetically at her. –Sorry. I had not foreseen being called into work today. –

-I was gonna cook pizza for lunch. -, Alice butted in, making a show of looking very sad. Mac bit his lower lip. –Maybe we can reschedule for tonight?-, he proposed. Alice hid her smirk behind her hand, under the pretense of thinking about her father's proposal. –I'm having Don over for dinner. I wouldn't want for you to feel like a third wheel. Unless…-, she let the sentence hanging. –Unless?-, Mac probed. –Unless Jo would like to come?-, finished Alice, congratulating her father for falling right into her trap and giving the other female her best puppy dog eyes. Jo started violently. She was still admiring the way the white T-shirt clung to Mac's torso in all the right places. –Oh! Uhm… I wouldn't want to intrude. –

As soon as the two Detectives left her apartment, Jo still unsure of what she'd gotten herself into, Alice wasted no time in texting Ellie.

Tricked your mother in a sorta double date here tonight. Find yourself something to do if possible.

MJMJMJ

Jo still marveled at the turn of the day's events. She had first happened upon her boss, half-naked in his daughter's house; then, said daughter had invited her for what looked suspiciously like a double date, and finally, Ellie had suddenly claimed she had an important school project to finish at her classmate Christie's house. What's more, she couldn't help but notice all the female lab techs, and a good part of the Detectives too, staring intently at Mac and giggling. Hell, even Lindsay had stared at Mac for a good minute before noticing the man was talking to her. Frankly, it was starting to grate on her nerves.

-Hey, Jo. You want to freshen up before going to Alice's place?-, asked Mac, poking his head inside her office. –Ugh, not really. Ellie is already at her friend's place, there's no need for me to go home and then to Alice's. I'll go straight there. – she replied crankily, at which Mac furrowed his brows. –You okay, Jo? Want me to drive there and drop you home afterwards?- , he offered, clearly concerned about her. It would have been sweet if Rose from Ballistics hadn't decided to check Mac's ass while passing by just then. –Yeah, yeah, let's just get out of here. -, she dismissed his concern, jumping up from her chair.

Jo kept shooting funny looks at Mac during the ride to his daughter's house, but every time the man tried to hold her gaze, she turned to studiously look outside at the passersby. After a while, Mac decided ignorance was indeed bliss. At one point, Jo grabbed her phone and texted Ellie to inquire what she was up to, and Mac breathed a sigh of relief.

When they arrived at Alice's place, Don was already there; it was he who opened the door for them. –Thank God you're here! Your daughter is scary when she cooks, ya know Mac?-, he exclaimed cheekily, letting the older man and his female companion enter. –Let me guess: she threw you out of the kitchen after you tried to steal mozzarella for the third time. -, Mac replied with a grin. –No. The second time. -, the younger man confessed. –And to think she was supposed to be the patient and tolerant one. -, Mac sighed in mock exasperation, taking Jo's light jacket from her.

Don made small talk with Jo while Mac went to the kitchen to greet Alice. He placed a quick kiss to her cheek and then made for a hasty retreat, but not before the girl ordered him to put on some music and not to talk about work for any reason. Her father saluted and left her. – You're right, Don, she's scary when in the kitchen. She must get that from Claire. -, he exclaimed, at which Don shot him a dubious look.

Jo was rooted to the spot. She couldn't quite believe how relaxed Mac looked, how domestic the scene looked, how natural the relationship between father and daughter was. It was like meeting Mac for the first time: a charming, sexy single father of one. Just then, her stomach rumbled loudly, catching the man's attention. –You could have told me you were just hungry instead of having me worry all over you. Wait here. I'll try and smuggle something from the kitchen. -, he lightly scolder her, walking back to the kitchen. –Alice, where is your phone? You know I refuse to install Spotify on mine, let alone pay for it…-

A couple of minutes later, he got back with a bowl of fries and two beers. –She's still working on this hospitality concept. -, he laughed, passing one beer to Don and the fries to Jo. –Don, if you manage to find Alice's phone, you're in charge of finding some music I might like and that will not result in her insulting me. -, he grinned, uncorking his beer and clinking it against the younger man's. Mac then motioned for Jo to sit on the couch with him while Don looked for his girlfriend's phone.

Pizza at Alice's was a loud affair. Several times Mac lightly cuffed her daughter for some minor remark or indiscretion, and a couple of times Jo managed to steal anchovies from Don's slice. The older woman was mostly back to her usual self, for which Mac was glad. At some point, though, she casually remarked, for Don's benefit, how several young lab techs had blatantly checked their boss out. –But of course, Jo! The man wears so many layers all the time, even I sometimes forget he actually has a neck!-, Don retorted, slapping Mac on the back a bit forcefully. The older man glared at him, and then turned to Jo. –Surely you must be mistaken. –

-Uh uh, no am not. Rose was ready to pounce on you. And Jessica? Oh my god, she was literally drooling!-, Jo laughed to herself at Mac's crestfallen expression. He really had no idea how sexy he was. –I've never seen so many female lab techs gathered around your father's office. -, she added conspiratorially to Alice, still looking at Mac. –Word that he was wearing jeans and a tee must have spread like fire!-, she concluded, giggling. Mac rolled his eyes. –If they find the time to check me out, it means they don't have enough work to do. Imagine if they discovered I'm actually out of the lab tonight, having dinner with you. I might have to actually fire someone!-

Before Mac could be further embarrassed, Alice squealed in delight, jumping from her seat. –Oh my God, I love this song! Dance with me, Don!-, she exclaimed, throwing her arms around the Detective's neck. Jo identified the song being played by Spotify as Girls just want to have fun by Cyndi Lauper. Don shot a terrified look towards Mac before acquiescing with his girlfriend's request. How was one supposed to dance to that one?

Jo and Mac looked in amusement as their colleague tried to keep up with Alice's enthusiasm; after a while, he let himself go enough to actually start messing around and have fun. When the next song came up, Jo's smile widened. She recognized immediately the soft notes of Sweet home Alabama. She was not prepared, however, for Mac to raise from his chair and extend his right hand to her. –Dance with me?-, he proposed softly. She couldn't help but to accept. Mac pulled her closer to him, his right arm circling her waist and his left hand spread over her back; barely any space was left in between their bodies. He helped her follow the rhythm, softly singing the chorus for her benefit.

Alice threw a glance in their direction, then at Don. She rolled her eyes, mouthing a Finally! before raising on her tiptoes slightly to kiss Don on the mouth. She let him carry her this time.

MJMJMJ

-You know, Lindsay was checking you out, too. -, Jo said after a moment of silence, looping her right arm around Mac's left one. He turned to her, lifting an eyebrow. –Lindsay? As in Lindsay Messer?-, he double checked, incredulous. The moonlight accentuated his confused look. –Yup. Stared at you so hard, I was afraid she'd ask you to have impromptu sex in the middle of the corridor!-, Jo guffawed, tightening her hold on Mac's arm. He looked horrified for a moment.

-And… what about you?-, the dark haired man asked at last, having regained some of his composure. Startled by the question, Jo missed the mischievous glint in his eyes. –What about me?-, she repeated. –Yeah, what did you think about this whole ordeal? You must have been watching me closely as well to notice all these things happening today. -, he explained, trying not to let the laughter transpire from his tone.

Jo pursed her lips. –Even a blind man could see "all these things happening today". Frankly, I was a bit irritated by such unprofessional behavior. They could have made it a little less obvious. -, she commented, and Mac could definitely detect a hint of irritation in her voice. He smirked. –Were you jealous?-, he baited her, laughing at her indignant expression. –Please, Mac…!-, Jo started, but couldn't actually finish her sentence, for she had been jealous of all those women checking her partner out while she was trying desperately to ignore him and the image of his naked chest from earlier that morning.

-Okay, okay. But… what did you think about me? Was I too unprofessional? I mean, I didn't think it would be such a big deal. -, Mac's voice suddenly seemed unsure. Jo stopped, causing him to stop as well and turn towards her. –You weren't being unprofessional. Not purposefully, at least. It's not your fault you always hide your sexy body under your dark suits. Oh wait, it is…-, she drawled, smoothing the man's jacket over his chest as an excuse to touch him. He snorted. –I told you already, there's no hiding from the ladies. -, she added.

-And I tell you again, I'm not hiding. I just… can't see it, I guess. -, he confessed. –I'm nothing special. I'm a workaholic, middle-aged widower. -, he added, sounding defeated. Jo looked incredulously at him. –Mac! How can you say it? You're so much more than that!-, she retorted, pained that her friend had so little regard for his person. –Why are you talking like this?-, she wondered.

-Well… Christine… I thought we were going somewhere, you know?-, he started, uncertainly. Jo huffed. -Fuck Christine, Mac! Who the hell was she, anyway?-, she swore, placing her hands on either sides of Mac's face to have him look directly into her eyes. She didn't like the expression she found there; it spoke of a vulnerability she had never associated with her partner. –You don't believe my words… maybe you'll believe my lips?-, she murmured, dropping her gaze to the man's mouth. In a split second decision, she covered it with her own mouth, eliciting a small gasp of surprise from Mac.

Jo closed her eyes. She didn't want to see the expression on Mac's face, she just wanted to savor the taste of his lips against hers. She tied her arms behind the nape of the man's neck, continuing her assault on his mouth. She took advantage of his small gasp of surprise to find his tongue with her own; she battled against it. When she felt Mac's arms on her waist, she relaxed in his arms; she had not realized she'd been so tense.

-Jo… Jo, wait. Is this what you want?-, Mac wondered urgently, ending the kiss abruptly. –This isn't a misguided attempt to cheer me up, is it?-, he added, getting an eye-roll in response. –Please, Mac, I've had the hots for you from the moment I spoke to you. And to think I gave you plenty of hints!-, Jo retorted, resuming the kiss. Once again, Mac stopped her. –That long? But… how is that possible?-, he wondered incredulously.

-Quit stalling, Mac. Just say no if you're not interested. -, Jo bristled, at which the man silenced her with a searing kiss. –I said workaholic, not dead. -, he murmured against her lips, making her smile.