A/N: Mid Season 3, More information at the end. Thanks a million for all your reviews! I will be responding to them soon. I love that you are enjoying this. Just a fun diversion until my muse returns. She is on an extended vacation!

Eight Dates with Mac

Peyton

From her view in the kitchen, Peyton could only see Mac's foot as it rhythmically bounced against her coffee table. His gray sock contrasted against the cuff of his black trousers, a reminder that he had come straight from work. For him, work hadn't ended until far too late in the night, so Peyton had been surprised to find him knocking at her door. They were exclusive, she knew that, but they were also new. So it played with her confidence, the way Mac held so much close to his chest. Then, without warning, he does something like show up at her door at eleven at night. And why? A shrug of the shoulder. A small smile. I don't know. Just wanted to say hi.

As she uncorked the bottle of wine, she chewed her bottom lip. It was sweet that he wanted to say hi, but she guessed it was more than that. They had their routines, and they followed them. Most importantly, Mac never just stopped by. They made plans and stuck to them, but they also kept a bit of distance between them - at Mac's lead, of course. During the work week, they would spend one, maybe two nights together (if it was slow at work). He couldn't do his job properly if he was tired or drank too much wine or overslept in the morning. When she wasn't offended by it, Peyton was amused that he somehow thought that would happen with her. As if she were the party animal that his late wife allegedly was. During the weekend, Mac was a little more relaxed. They could spend Friday and Saturday nights together, and he wouldn't be rushed in the morning. It was always in the mornings that Peyton wondered if she actually might fall in love with the man.

Still, at work, he was the Chief Investigator of the NY Crime Lab, and she was the Chief Pathologist at the Office of the Medical Examiner. No one knew the rest of the story, and she wouldn't deny that it bothered her. Why wouldn't he acknowledge their relationship publicly? Why didn't he want anyone to know? In particular, why didn't he want Stella to know?

Peyton frowned. Last time she had raised it, they had even raised their voices. First, it was the gossip mill. He didn't like people talking about him. Then it was office politics. He wasn't sure it looked right to his subordinates. Then it was something about not needing distractions and the list went on and on. When Peyton had countered each argument with her own, very logical responses, Mac had closed down the conversation. He would not be pressured and that, really, was that. So she had dropped it, but during her last sleepless night, she had resolved that she would bring it up again, the very next time she saw him. And that, really, was now.

"You need any help?" he called from the living room. Peyton shook her head. Of course, he couldn't see her but Peyton was too busy thinking about how to raise the topic once again. It would be nice if it was on his mind. But maybe that was it. Maybe that was why he was here. Of course, that was it. Why else would he stop by so late?

Satisfied, Peyton filled the glasses. She jumped when his voice was right behind her. "Peyton?"

"Oh Mac, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you."

"I asked if you needed help."

"No, no. It's just a bit of wine. Here," she said, handing him the glass. He leaned against the counter and sipped. He closed his eyes and Peyton noticed the deep lines crossing his face. He looked exhausted, and she tilted her head. Thoughts of secret office relationships, the gossip mill, true love and the rest ran away from her thoughts and were replaced with concern. Something had happened, and that's why he was here. It had nothing to do with her, and she was embarrassed by her selfishness. He was here for another reason.

She reached out and touched his arm. "Are you okay?"

He snapped his eyes open. "Me?" he asked. She smiled. Who else? He chuckled softly and set his wine glass on the counter. He exhaled and lifted his hands in defeat. "I supposed you heard about the run-in with Flack?"

"I heard you had words with him." He barely nodded. "What happened?"

"He handed over his memo book," Mac said evenly. "He wasn't happy about it, but he did it."

"He did the right thing."

Mac shrugged ambiguously. "I guess. I can see his side too." She nodded, encouraging him to continue. "Actually …" He cleared his throat and ran his fingertips across his forehead. "Something … unexpected … happened tonight." Mac looked down and shifted his feet. "Um, years ago, Claire had a child. Before she knew me." Peyton took in a slight breath. Mac looked up and met her gaze. "I met him tonight."

Peyton froze. That was not what she expected. After a moment, she released the breath. She closed her mouth and blinked a few times. Mac hurried to explain. "He was looking for Claire. He got an address and he's been following … He thought Stella was Claire, so he's been following her and, god Peyton. It's just … It's unreal how much he looks like her."

Peyton lifted the glass to her lips and tried to steady her hand. "You mean Claire," she said softly. Mac nodded as Peyton sipped.

Mac ran both hands over his eyes and he pressed at the bridge of his nose. With his eyes closed, he said, "I thought…" Peyton stood still, unable to step closer. "I thought I was moving on…" He rest his hands on the counter behind him and focused on a spot over her head. "… But he looks just like her." Peyton waited, her stomach clenching inside. She felt nauseous and shaky.

Mac repeated it slowly, his eyes sad and hollow. "He looks just like her."

A/N: Post-Consequences (3x08). This is the episode Mac goes up against Flack and meets Reed for the first time. One of my favorite episodes.