Okay, so, I haven't done anything with my stories here in a very long time. I can't promise that's gonna change either, but as soon as I started watching Covert Affairs (On hulu, I jumped on the bandwagon kinda late) I immediately fell in love with Auggie (and his relationship with Annie.) I seriously haven't been able to get him/them off my mind since I first watched all of them. So this had to get written. Next chapter will be from Annie's POV, then possible continuation of this.

All rights belong to other people who are not me.

"I think he's just trying to figure this place out like the rest of us."

I could practically feel her smiling at him after she said it. Sucker punched, again. Courtesy of none other than the CIA's greenest, Annie Walker. Remember Auggie, school your features, turn away. Relax your jaw, Joan can probably see it's clenched from across the room (if she was, in fact, still standing across the room) let alone the girl standing right next to you. I can feel the heat from her hand as it grasps the railing beside mine. I know what they feel like, remarkably soft, but strong when they have to be, when she has to be, though I know it takes its toll on her... Snap out of it Auggie, no more of that. Deep breath, let it roll off. I inhale but all I can smell is Joe Malone Grapefruit. It's the slightest hint, having mostly worn off throughout the day, but it's ever present. I don't think I can smell it again without thinking of her, the way she talks, and laughs, they way she runs her fingers through her hair when she's nervous. I wish I could run my fingers through her hair... Focus Auggie! I come back into the real world. She's still beside me, remarkably still silent. Probably thinking about Jai. I hope my distaste isn't showing, wouldn't do to have her mad at me. Thank God for Spec Ops training. Never let 'em see you sweat. Or something.

I make a move to step away from the railing.

"You leaving Auggie?"

Her voice stills my movement, as it often does.

"This may come as a shock to you Annie, but I'm not exactly one for these sorts of things." Good, controlled pitch, an attempt at sarcastic lightheartedness that she might even buy, nothing amiss. Except for me...

I can hear the amusement in her voice as she replies. I guess she bought it. Good.

"I should probably be going too, my sister has some sort of something planned. Walk out with me?"

I smile. We both know she's offering to guide me without actually saying it. Trying not to hurt my pride I guess. She knows me well...

"Sure thing." I offer my arm, she drapes her hand across the inside of my elbow and I feel my heart start beating faster. Good thing the elbow isn't a pulse point.

"After you." I say. A pathetic attempt at humor. She squeezes my arm and starts walking toward the door. I can't help but smile inwardly as I hear the sound of her heels on the floor. I want to remember the moments like these forever.