Title: Chances Lost (Webb)

Author: Penne

E-mail: pennenew@aol.com

Rating: G, R

Classification: Mac/Webb?

Spoilers: Jagathon

Summary: Alternate outcomes to pre-Jagathon. Webb version.

Disclaimer: I don't claim to own these characters, please don't sue.

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Beneath lowered eyelids Clayton Webb watched as Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie spoke on the phone to her CO. His mind took in details as if she were in slow motion, her fluid movements, her slow smile that shone through her eyes, her attention to him, and the still damp clothes that clung to her body, leaving very little to the imagination. (This last detail he was unsuccessfully trying fervently to ignore). 'What are you doing?' his mind screamed at him. He stealthily moved towards the door as her back was slightly turned; however she caught his hand as he passed her and started dragging him towards the sofa.

She then used every trick in the book to get him seated, including tripping, tickling and finally sitting on him to keep him there. He marveled at the fact she seemed to continue her conversation with the Admiral without breaking her stride. He looked up at her to find her staring straight into his eyes. Tiny shivers coursing through her body alerted him to the fact she must be freezing. He kept his eyes locked on hers and gently lifted her off him, a small smile playing upon his lips at her look of disappointment. He brought up a hand and softly ran it along the side of her neck in reassurance, however neither of them had been prepared for her reaction to his touch, a quiver ran the length of her body leaving her hairs standing on end. He raised his eyebrows and smiled, turned and walked towards her bathroom.

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Mac flopped back onto the sofa, exhausted, and ended her conversation with the Admiral. 'What had just happened?' Her body still was trembling under its effect. She didn't want to think too deeply about the fact this man was making her act in a way she couldn't quite comprehend as being herself.

After several minutes she coaxed her limbs into working and went looking for Webb. She found him, minus jackets and sleeves rolled up, tending to a bath. She lent against the doorjamb and took a long minute to study him whilst his back was turned.

"Mac?"

'Damn!' Of course he would know she was there. "Mmmmm?" She tried to sound as nonchalant as possible.

He now turned and straightened, his hair curling under the steam of the fragrant bath he had run.

"Making yourself at home Clay?" She smiled amusedly.

He rolled his eyes. "This is for you. You need to warm up, and after the past couple of days you probably also need a little time out." He moved towards the door, however she barred his path.

She looked up into his eyes, searching for the words to thank him for all he had done for her the past few days. He waited, and waited, and finally he broke the silence.

He smiled and carefully moved her aside, his voice was soothing. "You need to warm up Sarah………I will wait for you."

Tears welled in her eyes for reasons she couldn't give voice to. "You will?"

"As long as it takes." He tucked her hair behind her ears, and tipped his head endearingly, threatening to melt her into a puddle on the floor. "I'll amuse myself with finding out exactly what a Lt. Colonel reads." His cell phone chirped.

She raised an eyebrow, "I doubt you'll find the time." She smiled as he closed the door and walked over to the bath, he was right, this was just what she needed.

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Eventually (far longer than any self respecting Marine would care to admit to) she emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed and energised. The apartment was silent, and she experienced a small flutter of sorrow that he had left. 'What do you expect - you spent half the night in the bathroom'. She shrugged it off; she was a big girl beginning a new phase of her life, in no need of anyone else to rely on for her happiness.

She padded out to the kitchen; 'Food is the only thing I need.' She opened the fridge and gasped. Inside there was a full meal, carefully wrapped, complete with desert and wine. The note attached read:

Dear Sarah

I knew your first thoughts would be of your stomach (to which she smiled). I hope you don't mind that I made use of your kitchen. I was getting a little hungry whilst waiting for you! Hope you like it.

Take Care

Clay

Too hungry to be bothered with re-heating or sitting down she ripped off the wrapping and ravenously started devouring the meal. Another unexpected aspect of Clayton Webb became apparent - he was a very good cook.

She munched away happily. "Mmmmmm."

"You like?" His deep sarcastic voice was husky from sleep.

Mac froze mid-mouthful and swallowed painfully. She straightened up and slowly turned in the direction of the voice.

"I-I thought you had gone."

He blinked his eyes sleepily. "I guess not." He sat on the counter, oblivious to Mac's surprise at his casual behaviour. He ran his hands through his hair, possibly in an effort to wake up. "Do you always spend that long in the bath?" He couldn't quite manage to open his eyes fully.

Mac stifled a giggle, his hair was standing on end, his shirt was crinkled and untucked, and eyes looked like they were having trouble focussing. He seemed far too relaxed for Clayton Webb, she suspected he was still a little asleep. She smiled wickedly and continued her dinner. "Nooo, not always."

He smiled blearily. "You made an exception because you had a guest?"

"Something like that."

"Ah ha." He got off the bench and stumbled out of the kitchen towards the sofa he had obviously been asleep on. She followed, meal in hand.

"Thank you for waiting." She settled herself on the seat opposite him and watched as he appeared about to go back to sleep.

He opened one eye briefly. "I said I would."

"Yes, but…."

"I am a man of my word."

Mac snorted. "Sure Webb." She looked down at the empty plate disappointedly. When she raised her eyes she found him sitting, clearly wide awake, watching her. She returned his gaze questioningly.

"Sarah, we need to talk."

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