Here we go!
While I posted "Warm Welcome" immediately following the season finale, it isn't the post S4 world I wanted to create. I've thought a lot about the post S4 world, and I'm having a really hard time with where they left everybody. It feels like this is stealing a lot of WillyNilly23's worlds, but I promise to write lots of scenes where Annie and Auggie kiss, so I'm sure she won't mind.
So here we go, kids. A long journey to get to a place where I can write sappy one-shots until S5 starts!
"Why are you talking to me about this alone?"
Calder had expected the question from Auggie. He had watched the two operatives enough to know that while they would keep state secrets until their death, they hated to keep anything from each other.
"Because, at this point you would be giving up more than Annie." Calder explained.
"Bullshit," Auggie replied. His tone stating more than the single word.
"You know damn well why I'm only talking to you. We can both see where you and Annie are headed, with or without a mission, and you have to admit that this is a good way for her to start over."
"She still has a choice." Auggie replied.
"Absolutely. But you and I both know that as a field operative, her usefulness is going to be pretty slim if she doesn't do something like this."
Auggie nodded.
"I didn't come up with this on my own, you know. I talked to Joan."
"How soon would we need to go?" Auggie asked.
"Take as long as you want. The process is meant to be slow."
Auggie sighed. "Okay. I'll let you know what she says."
...
Annie had put together very little of her old life, but the Agency had assisted in getting her a small apartment of her own in Northern Virginia. She and Auggie were slowly rebuilding their relationship, but Annie had grown accustomed to keeping her own space while she was away. This is why she declined Auggie's offers to live with him.
As he walked up to her apartment, Auggie wished the agency could have found her a place on the same bus route as his.
"Hey," she greeted. "I wasn't expecting you today."
"Sorry. I should have called first."
"No, it's okay. Come on in."
Auggie pretended to survey the small space. "Do you have a boyfriend hiding in the closet?" He asked with a grin.
"He's waiting in my bed, actually."
Auggie ran his hand up her arm and felt that she was fully clothed. "We good to talk?"
"Yeah," Annie's voice lost it's light-heartenedness.
"How are you feeling?" Auggie asked.
"Little better everyday." She responded as she led him to the couch. "Beer?"
"Yes, please."
Annie returned a moment later and pressed a cold bottle to the back of his hand. She watched as he took a took a sip, knowing from his body language that he needed to talk about something serious.
"So what's going on?" She asked.
"It's time to start thinking about your next assignment."
"Already?" She replied. "I thought they would keep me out of the field for months, if not a year."
Auggie shrugged. "Kind of. They aren't exactly sending you on a brush pass next week or anything."
"What is it, then?"
"A long term deal. Traditional spycraft with a well established cover."
"Like what?"
Auggie swallowed and drew up some courage. "You and me, married, in California."
Annie was silent a moment, exactly as Auggie expected. She was silent a lot recently.
"You can say 'No.'"
"So can you," Annie replied softly.
"I've done the cover marriage experience before, Annie. I don't want that. I want you. I want to be with you forever, in real life and in our covers. But I understand if you need more time."
"Did you just propose?" Annie asked.
"Trust me, the real proposal will involve a crowded restaurant and no doubts as to my intentions."
"And if I'm not ready?" Annie asked.
"We tell Calder that." Auggie said. "And he goes back to finding a place for you."
"Without you." Annie continued.
"Most likely." Auggie replied. "Your options are limited because of all the countries currently looking for you."
"I want you, Auggie."
"You have me." He replied, reminiscent of a conversation they had after their first night together.
"How about we have a big dinner out, then?"
Auggie's eyes widened. He didn't expect her to be on board with things so easily. "Really?" He asked.
Annie shrugged. "I've been doing so many things in life without very much consideration lately. I should do something that I know is good, for once. Can you stay around tonight and tell me the details?"
Instead of responding, Auggie reached for Annie and pulled her close for a kiss.
