Goodbye Aiden [Mac]

I just look at Stella as she said that, hearing the sadness and also seeing it in her eyes. I knew she missed her just as much as I did, but for a moment I just burried myself in this work, not wanting to actually be with someone.
I sigh and look down to the floor, actually not knowing what to say. She knew me too well, at times, but mostly I came to realize that this was a good thing, especially now.

"Mac, we'll find the one who did this" I tell him gently and rest my hand on his shoulder.

I understand he's drowing himself in the case and everything here at the lab, I would have done it too if I was alone, but he's not. He has to understand that.

I finally look up again, when I feel her hand on my shoulder. I know I ain't alone in this case and in this lab and also not in this world. I have a great team to work with, I have a great friend at my side, who proves just how much she cares about me, just the same as I do about her. I would have done the same thing for her and will always do.
I don't know what to say, so just give her a nod.

"did you even had some sleep since you started with this case?" I dare to ask, already knowing the answer. He's so stubborn, of course I understand he wants to close this case but he also has to take care of himself

"Believe it or not, but I did." I say seriously, knowing that she probably thought the opposite. I had burried myself in cases like this before, but this time it was something totally different and I needed all my attention and not a tired brain.

"Really? for how long?" one hour maybe? on the couch in his office? maybe he really did go home to shower and maybe he slept a little

"Minimum rest I need to work and no, I wasn't sleeping in my office." I say, knowing the thoughts she'd have.

"You really went home? I'm surprised" I say with a half smile

"Why am I not surprised to hear that." I comment with a smirk.

"Well I think I'm going to use the couch in my office because I'm too tired to go home" I tell him with a smile

"I could take you." I offer, not liking the thought of her sleeping on the couch in her office, if she could have her bed which surely was more comfortable than the couch.

"Oh you don't have to Mac" I say with a small smile. It was nice of him but I'll be fine on the couch

"How about... I take you home and get some rest at my place then. I want to." I say a little quietly.

"I don't care 'bout that. You deserve better than the couch in your office." I say not backing down.

"What if you take me to your apartment and I stay in your spare room?" I ask with a smile.

"I'll just take a cab home" I say with a smile and grab my coat

I shake my head and sigh.

"Nothin' there to smile about, Stella." I tell her seriously. Right now I had nothing to smile about. Well except for her being the caring friend she is.

I look at him with a serious face as well "It's not the end of the world and Aiden would have wanted you to smile more!"

"When the time is right, I do." I stated in defense.

"Fine but what you are doing now isn't making it easier on the team either! Seeing your boss eating himself from the inside isn't very motivating the team! you should be the one standing strong but you are only acting weak at the moment!" I say slightly frustrated