A/N: For Day 23, I present you this vaguely James Bondish espionage AU. Rated K+.
"This time, do what I say."
She nods, and he lets out his breath. She doesn't always follow his instructions, but after the last time - well, let's just say he's more than relieved that she's listening to him.
He reaches back blindly, feeling oddly unsettled as she takes his hand, clasps it warmly in hers. They've been partners for over a year now, in the murky world of espionage, cautiously making their way toward a wary sort of friendship, but he knows it can never be more than that. Too dangerous for both of them. Especially after John - he cuts that thought off, shuts it away and locks it up.
What happened to John will never happen to Molly, he tells himself fiercely. He'll never allow it to happen to her. And if holding her hand gives him a warm jolt, makes his heart beat a little more quickly -
It's only that he's concerned for her, and himself as well. Unsure if they'll make it out of this alive and with skin intact if they do.
Then he feels her tug a bit, and turns, looking down at her in inquiry. She raises herself up on the tips of her toes, brushes her lips against his and smiles that bashful smile he's grown to love and fear in equal measures, and with a feeling akin to despair, he understands that it's far, far too late for either of them.
"We'll be married in Vienna," he decrees, attempting to regain control of the situation.
She simply nods, squeezes his hand, and slips her Beretta from its holster. "Honeymoon in Taos," is her only codicil. It's a place she's mentioned wanting to visit for obscure reasons - or perhaps, not so obscure? His parents have friends there, fellow country line dancing enthusiasts. Had Molly mentioned Taos before or after he'd let that casual tidbit of personal information slip?
No matter. "Taos," he confirms, pulling out his own weapon.
Taking a deep breath, he slams open the door and opens fire, Molly at his side exactly where she belongs - and, if they do this right, exactly where she'll be for many decades to come.