Thanks so much for the reviews on the first chapter. :) This picks up with them still at Allen's, but with Auggie thinking over times his "Annie-sense" has kicked in. Using actual scenes from the show, because...I just think it worked better? I hope.
She finally relented, giving him his drink.
An Annie sense...
He smiled again, shaking his head as she went on to change the subject, letting him in on all the mischief her nieces had gotten into.
Though, he couldn't help thinking that her answer seemed to fit.
It surprised him at first; sorta snuck up on him.
Those heels of hers had always been unmistakable, and when he got a waft of the subtle sweet perfume she wore – it was always a dead giveaway.
Recognizing Annie's presence, had just become routine to him.
...
He knew she'd be back today–– Joan told him as much –– though he had no idea when.
He walked passed the elevator for a step, before he registered someone in front of him.
It took him less than a second later to realize who.
"Annie Walker."
"Auggie," she greeted him in return, and he could hear the smile in her voice. "How do you do that?"
He laughed and she went on pondering, informing him of her lack of perfume and non- distinct heels.
Smiling, he patted her hand that linked around his arm.
"What would you say if I told you, you projected a warm fuzzy aura that I can sense?"
In actuality, he realized, he was only half-kidding.
When he thought about it, there hadn't been any specific reason for him to assume it was her.
But he just knew.
Chalk it up to good instincts.
She expressed her gratitude for the postcards he sent her sister, and he's just glad he could help.
He really was glad she's back.
...
He walked up to the elevator and pressed the up arrow, fully aware of the presence now standing next to him.
They stepped inside, without saying a word, and he pictured a coy smile playing across her features.
"You're still here with us regular folk."
He finally broke out into the grin he'd been fighting, his suspicions confirmed.
The return of their banter is effortless; making light of what they knew was hard for both of them.
She was right, not seeing each other every day...It wouldn't be the same.
He reassured her that Joan made the right choice in choosing her for this mission and it actually made him feel better that he could still be there for her.
"In case you missed it, I just hit seven."
He just made out the sound of her laughter as the elevator door closed in front of him.
...
Later on when he entered his new office, he immediately knows it's her leaning on his desk.
He smiled.
"Annie Walker and an icy hot Menthol."
And in a turn of events, it's her this time that reassured him that he could do this.
...
It was a gut feeling, really, that he knew where she and Reeva would be.
Her going back to the Ukraine, it just made sense for her.
Their arms are linked while they walk as she questioned this. (Apparently the "I know everything," answer didn't satisfy.)
The answer came to him easily - because it's Annie. And she's intuitive and resourceful and despite being relatively new at this, really, really good at what she does.
"Because it's unexpected. You always do the unexpected thing."
Also because he happened to know her better than even he realized he did.
...
He got in early so he could make a coffee run.
He figured she'll need the caffeine boost – and maybe just a boost in general.
Entering through the doors, he stopped in his tracks.
"Milk, two sugars."
There was a pause and she released a breath, apparently once again bewildered at his perception.
"How do you always know it's me?"
"Some people call it a sixth sense," he returned, his lips curving. "I like to call it a fifth. But that's just me."
...
It wasn't a fifth sense, or his heightened sense of smell or hearing either.
It was just because it was her.
It doesn't matter what she's wearing, if she's in heels or in sneakers gearing up for one of their sparing matches, or if she's not wearing any fragrance.
For whatever reason, he's learned that his body can recognize her even before he does.
It's like the air and energy around him shifts...feels lighter somehow.
And he can just tell.
"My sister went postal," she finished on a laugh and he joined in along with her. She stopped for a beat and he heard her shift closer.
He caught her wrist mid air as it moved over his plate. "Don't even think about it, Walker."
"Auggie." It was always amusing to hear her pout. "Come on. Be polite and share?"
He smiled with an over-dramatic huff.
He thinks it has less to do with him and more to do with them and their friendship. They way they can read each other, anticipate each others moods and actions (in the field and out) –– it's just a testament to how close they've become.
In a way that he realized, he's not with anyone else.
Pushing the plate of fries in her direction, he leaned forwards with a grin.
"You're lucky I like you."
So, yeah...that was just me exploring a bit what the writers have set up with that. I'll be sure to return with a fic with actual, you know, plot, sometime soon. :)