Title: Declaration

Chapter 5

Author's Notes: In one episode of JAG, Clay could speak Spanish.  In a later episode, he couldn't.  I'm going with the initial episode, so in this story, Clay can speak Spanish. ; )

Warnings: This chapter is warm and fluffy.

*****

"Where are you?"

I lean back on the salmon-colored floral couch and take a sip of tequila.  "I'm in New Mexico, Sarah!" I say cheerfully.  "At Gunny's sister's house."

"What are you doing there?"  Sarah sounds irritated.  But considering I'm supposed to be on a mission in the Middle East, and instead, I'm sitting in a comfortable living room in Albuquerque, listening to music, and eating enchiladas…I guess she would be.

"Gunny was injured during our…" I look around to see if Miss Galindez is lurking around.  "…assignment."

"How bad?" Sarah asks, concerned.

"Not too bad," I say.  "He hurt his leg.  I brought him back to New Mexico so his sister could fuss over him."

"Are you hurt?"

I gaze down at my bandaged arm.  "Just a flesh wound."

"What do you mean by a flesh wound?"

I shift my body, trying to get comfortable.  Gunny's sister walks by, muttering something in Spanish about how every time someone visits from DC, her brother comes home with a bullet in his body.

"I'm from Virginia, actually," I say, grinning.

Miss Galindez stares at me, startled.  Apparently, Gunny forgot to mention I can speak Spanish.

"Clayton," Sarah says forcefully. 

"Sorry, honey," I say. 

"What do you mean by a flesh wound?"

Biting my lip, I say, "It hurt my hand.  I'm fine."

"The hand you hurt in Paraguay?"

I wince.  "The left hand."

"Are you okay?"

"It's a scratch."

A scratch caused by a bullet.

"Mr. Webb?"  Gunny's sister sits on the couch next to me.

"Miss Galindez, please call me Clay."

"Call me Maria, then."

"Maria," I say with a smile.

She returns the smile.  "Clay, would you like some more enchiladas?  I'm getting some for Victor."

"Well," I grin.  "They were good.  You're spoiling me."

"I think you're already spoiled," she says, grinning.  Then she stands up and walks into the kitchen.

Oh God, I think.  I'm flirting.  I'm on the phone with my girlfriend, and I'm flirting.

"So, honey," I say into the phone.  "I should be home tomorrow."

"Will that be all right with Maria?" She asks.

She heard me.  Fabulous.

"Jealous?" I ask.

"Don't push your luck, Webb," she says.  I hear a hint of amusement in her voice. 

"Are you talking to the Colonel, sir?" 

I glance up and see Gunny standing by the couch.  He's on a pair of crutches, but he looks like he's about fall over.

"You look unsteady, Galindez," I say. "Sit down."

"That would probably be a good idea, sir," he says, plunking down beside me. 

"Your sister's going to kill you if she finds you hobbling around on crutches."

He grins.  "I'll blame you."

"Funny."

"Say hi to Colonel Mackenzie for me, sir."

"For God's sake, Galindez.  Don't you think it's about time you called me Clay?"  I put the phone up to my ear.  "Galindez says hi."

"Let me talk to him," Sarah says.

I hand the phone to Gunny. 

At that moment, Maria returns with a plate of food.  When she sees Gunny sitting on the couch, she smacks him on the shoulder. "What are you doing out of bed?" She asks.

Gunny glances at her, trying his best to look offended.  "I'm talking to a superior officer, Maria."

Her face softens.  "Oh," she half-whispers.  "Sorry."

Gunny shoots me a mischievous grin.  I appreciate a man who knows how to punch his sister's buttons.

Maria starts to place plates of food in front of us. 

"No ma'am," Gunny says.  "It's just a flesh wound.  He's all right."

I roll my eyes.

"No ma'am."  Gunny laughs.  "Yes, he definitely is, ma'am."

I frown. "I definitely am what?"

Grinning, Gunny hands me the phone.  "She wants to talk to you."

"I'm definitely what?" I say to Sarah.

She laughs.  "Never mind.  So," she says.  "You're coming home tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"You're spending the night there?"

"Yes, I was planning to stay here."

"Well," she says lightly.  "Try to behave yourself.  See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," I say.

I can feel Gunny and Maria watching me, and a blush rushes to my cheeks.  "What are you two looking at?" I ask.

"I think you're in love," Gunny teases.

He's not wrong.