Just a little story that came to me while I was standing outside, watching the fireworks at midnight on New Years Eve. This will not be a long multi-chap story, but I do have ideas for another couple of chapters. :o)

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Covert Affairs. Would love to own Auggie - or Chris Gorham for that matter, Anel sure is a lucky woman! ;o)

Fireworks

"Please Auggie! It'll be a quiet night at my sister's house, with good food and generous offerings of nice wine. Chloe and Katia will be over the moon."

"Sorry Annie. My answer is still no."ยจ

"I really don't understand why you insist on being a hermit on New Years Eve."

Auggie sighed. Annie was one of the most persistent people he knew and when she set her mind on something she usually got what she wanted. This time he wasn't about to give in. He was embarrassed to tell her the truth; even if she was his best friend and one of the people he trusted the most. He would not reveal the embarrassing truth about why he was a hermit on New Years Eve at the office, he never knew who might be listening.

"I'm just tired and want to spend the weekend relaxing at home."

"Come on Aug."

"No Annie. Tell Danielle I appreciate the invitation. Now, I've got to get back to work, I'd like to be able to get out of here at a decent hour tonight."

"I've got a report to finish up too. See you later."

Annie briefly patted Auggie's shoulder and headed back to her desk.

A couple of hours later Annie wrapped up her report and pulled up the IM application on her computer and sent a message to Auggie.

A_Walker: Hey, want a ride home?

Auggie.A: Sure. Give me about 15 minutes and I'm ready, ok?

A_Walker: No problem!

Auggie.A: Thanks! You're a star! Wanna share a pizza at my place?

A_Walker: Throw in a six-pack and you're on! Get back to work so we can get out of here!

Auggie.A: You're the one distracting me with messages. ;-)

-Auggie.A is BUSY-

A_Walker: Funny!

Auggie.A: What part of BUSY didn't you understand ? Now let me finish this cipher with no more interruptions.

20 minutes later Annie logged off her computer, locked up her files, grabbed her car keys and headed into the Tech Ops office where Auggie seemed to have finished his work.

"Hey, ready to go?"

"Yep!" Auggie placed his laser cane in the desk drawer and got his folded up white cane out, then he locked the drawer and slipped his keys back into his pocket. A few minutes later they were settled into Annie's car, headed for Auggie's place. Auggie swallowed and took a deep breath. He decided it was time to tell Annie, he just had to get it off his chest. She was his best friend and one of the very few people he trusted enough to share something this personal with.

"Annie, I wanna tell you something, but you've gotta promise me that it stays between us. It's not something I wanna hear around the water cooler."

"I promise, you know I would never betray your trust Aug." Annie reached over and squeezed his hand.

"The reason I'm a hermit on New Years Eve, or the Fourth of July for that matter, is the fireworks. The sound reminds me of Iraq and causes anxiety attacks; it's PTSD. If I'm in DC I just drug myself on anti-anxiety meds and sleep pills and go to bed. Only a few people know; Joan, my doctors, Mom and Dad and now you." He hung his head and started fidgeting with his cane; he seemed embarrassed by what he'd just admitted.

"Oh Auggie, I'm sorry, I had no idea. I didn't mean to push. Isn't it easier if you have someone with you?"

"Of course, but I'm not about to go to Glencoe and I doubt that Joan would appreciate spending New Years Eve holding my hand because I'm scared of fireworks."

"I'll come over."

"Huh?" Auggie's eyes were wide with surprise.

"If you'd like company and don't wanna leave your place I'll come over. We can make a nice meal, maybe watch a movie, play a board game or just hang out. Whatever you want."

"Seriously? You'd skip your sister's party to hold my hand?"

"I won't be able to enjoy myself knowing that you're alone and miserable in your apartment. What kind of best friend would allow that?"

"Thanks Annie. Company would be nice," he said sincerely. For the first time since he lost his sight he was actually looking forward to New Years Eve.