[sometime in the future. Episode TBT] I know it's out of order but wanted to share and get some of your thoughts on future happenings for their relationship.

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3rd Person POV:

Claire made her way up to Tony's apartment, nervous as to what the big announcement was. She had a sinking feeling that it had to do with Jeanne. Steeling herself, she knocked on the door and glanced around absently. In a moment the door opened up and Tony quickly ushered her inside. The second she was in the door, Claire spotted Jeanne on the couch and her heart sank to her stomach. However she acted like nothing was wrong and politely greeted Tony's girlfriend.

"So, what was it that you wanted to tell me?" she tentatively asked them. Tony sat down beside Jeanne and fidgeted nervously next to her. Jeanne took it as he was nervous about their announcement, but that wasn't the case. In actuality he was terrified to think of what this would do to his relationship with Claire. This could potentially be something that would ensure that he would never get a chance with her. Damn this stupid undercover job. Jeanne smiled widely and grasped Tony's hand in excitement. He could only smile tensely back at her.

"Well, Tony and I are planning on moving in together." She told Claire with a smile. Claire froze and stared at the two of them silently. This was huge, especially for someone like Tony who had a fear of commitment.

"Uh….wow….why did you need me here?" she asked them, her throat tightening up.

"Well we just wanted to make sure you were ok with this. You're Tony's best friend and your opinion means a lot to us." Jeanne kindly elaborated, taking up the speaking position for the two of them. Tony's throat closed up as he watched Claire warily. He was hoping that she would say something…anything to protest this plan. Maybe something along the lines of how much she loves him and can't let him go on with another woman. He would gladly give Jeanne up for her. Claire blinked hard as she processed all of this. She could use this to her advantage and say that it wasn't ok. Jeanne was giving her option to determine the fate of her and Tony's relationship. She could use this as a way to end it if she wanted. But Tony liked her and that fact that he was willing to do this said something about Jeanne. Then again he must have been the one to suggest that they get Claire's, in a sense, permission. What was she supposed to say?

"Of course, you don't need my permission or anything. This is great." She told them, hoping to come across thrilled rather than destroyed. Tony froze. She wasn't supposed to say that. Why would she say that? Did she really think this was a good idea? So did Claire approve and want Tony to pursue his relationship with Jeanne?

"Oh Claire you're crying." Jeanne exclaimed, reaching forward to put a hand on her shoulder. Claire's eyes widened in alarm and she reached for her cheeks. Like Jeanne had said, there was a steady stream of tears cascading down her face.

"What? Oh no, these are happy tears." She laughed it off, hoping it was convincing enough. Jeanne seemed to be satisfied as she leaned back against Tony and gazed up a him happily. Claire felt as if the room was closing in on her and couldn't bear to be in their company anymore.

"You know what….I've got to…um I gotta go….do something." She stuttered out, standing up and making her way to the door. Tony watched her intently. She couldn't leave now, she had to fix this. He needed her to fix this situation. Claire quickly bid the two of them goodnight and practically dashed off into the hallway. Jeanne looked up at Tony, who was still staring at the door worriedly.

"Maybe you should go check on her. I think this is all overwhelming." Jeanne suggested gently. Tony nodded mutely and dashed off after her. He ran through the building and finally caught up with her in the lobby.

"Claire!" Tony shouted, making his way towards her. Claire stopped but didn't turn around, wanting to take the few extra moments to collect herself for Tony's sake. When he finally reached her, Tony went to stand in front of her.

"Hey, are you ok?" he gently asked, eyes scanning over her face.

"Yeah, sure….why wouldn't I be….this is great Tony." She told him with a pained smile. Tony didn't say anything, as this was anything but great. This was tearing him apart. If it was up to him he wouldn't have to fake this relationship with Jeanne for the director and would be moving in with Claire instead. She was what he really wanted.

"You sure?" he asked her again, hoping she would get the hint that he didn't want any of this. But Claire was too caught up in her own emotional pain to notice his expression. She couldn't bear to look him in the eye, knowing that she was lying to his face about all of this.

"Yes, I'm sure. But I've really got to go now. You should get back to Jeanne and celebrate or something." She suggested briskly and patted his shoulder before walking past him and to her car. Tony watched her go, his heart breaking as he spotted her wiping at her face roughly. Tony growled in distress as he grabbed at his hair. How could things have gone this wrong?