Oh dear goodness that last episode...I can't even. I started this after the episode, but it took some time to work out exactly how I wanted the interaction to go. Praying I did both characters justice. :)

Also: thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter. :) And Props to the Castle fans for recognizing the quote - hope you catch the nods in here as well. ;)

If I needed you, would come to me for to ease my pain?

...

If you needed me, I would come to you. I would swim the sea, for to ease your pain.❤

The ring of her phone on the night stand of her makeshift bedroom caused her to sit up, grabbing it before it could wake the sleeping man next to her.

She stood up and started walking towards the bathroom and away from the bed before she looked at the caller ID.

"Auggie," she answered in a hushed whisper, relieved that he'd called her back despite the late time. "You got my voice-mail? About earlier – you know that I-"

"Annie," she heard him clear his throat and the inflection in his voice instantly turned that relief into dread at whatever was coming next.

This couldn't be good.

"You, uh, think that schedule's free now?"

She was already scanning the dresser for her keys as she made her way to the side of the bed to grab her shoes.

"Talk to me Aug. Where are you?"

She had to blink twice, when he told her, a strangled breath of air the only response she could muster before following up with, "you're where?"

...

Friend in need. Back as soon as I can.

Brunch tomorrow to celebrate getting past hour 24?

-A

...

She walked in past the double doors only making it a few steps inside before she saw him standing at the desk with a police officer, before his head slowly turned in her direction.

"Annie?"

She exhaled and walked the rest of the way towards him, and her heart instantly caught in her chest at the sight of his blood shot eyes and the hollowness behind them that she'd never seen before.

Smiling palely, she cupped her hands over the sides of his face, feeling the moisture from his cheeks as he leaned his forehead against hers. "See?" she whispered. "You can still wow me with your skills of perception."

"You're lucky his girlfriend got him not to press charges," the officer voiced from beside them before she stepped back. "The bar isn't either."

"Well if today just isn't my lucky day," he bit back with a careless shrug.

"She took his hand to turn him towards her again. "Come on," Auggie," she started, softly. "Let's just get you home, okay?"

He just exhaled and let her lead him out, her arm snaked around his as they walked in silence to the door.

"Hey Annie-" he spoke up after a moment.

"Hm?"

"I think we might have to find a new place for drinks for awhile."

She shook her head on a silent laugh, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

"Awhile?"

...

She looked at him from the driver's seat before finally resting her hand on his knee.

He closed his eyes on a deep breath and lifted a hand to link through her fingers, leaning his head back behind him.

She drives one handed the rest of the way to his apartment.

...

Annie turned around with a glass of water in hand and watched him for a second as he sat on the couch, face buried in his palms.

God...

She couldn't stop the pang of guilt that settled in her stomach – had she just been there...

Too many plates, Simon had said.

One was bound to drop.

And it was killing her that it was this one.

"Drink," she prodded as she sat, handing him the glass.

He took a gulp of water with a nod. "Mm, you know, had I known all it would take to get you to show would be getting arrested-"

"Auggie-" She looked up and sighed. "Look, I know that I've been...distracted the past few days -"

"The past few days," he mussed. "Annie, it's been like pulling teeth to get you to tell me anything since Spain. And when you do, it's one word answers." He turned his head towards her with a weak glare. "Or a lie."

"And I said I was sorry about that Auggie," she responded, and she sees that he's hurting and angry and that most of his anger isn't directed at her – but it doesn't make her feel any better.

"There's that word again." He let out a bitter laugh and the sound of it cut through her.

He stood without warning, the glass still in his hand. "You know what – I get it. I do. It's the job... That's what it does. It takes and it takes and it takes –"

She flinched her, eyes shutting closed at the sound of the glass shattering against the side wall of his kitchen.

"Auggie," she breathed.

She stood up to meet him where he stood without another word, knowing – hoping– he'd explain everything when he was ready.

"God, I'm sorry, Annie. I just –" He ran a hand behind his neck, leaving the sentence hanging in the air between them.

"Sshh," she cut him off, taking a hold of his hand quickly. "It's fine. Everything's going to be fine." Her eyes caught the sight of his hand still in hers and she gestured towards the stairs. "Go put something on this and I'll take care of the glass, deal?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Okay."

When he didn't actually make a move to leave, she gently ushered him backwards. "Go," she whispered.

Putting his hands up in mock surrender he retreated upstairs leaving the scent of beer and patron in his wake.

...

"Auggie?"

She'd ascended the stairs (after an internal debate about whether she should go up and check on him or give him a little more time), quickly noting the wreck he'd made of his closet when she did so.

She found him at the edge of the bed and she walked over silently before slowly taking a seat next to him.

"She left."

And her chest suddenly feels very heavy.

"Left...as in you guys had a fight and she needs some space or –"

She was cut off by the resigned look he gave as he turned to her with a small tilt of his head.

The words 'I'm sorry,' are caught in her mouth – but she knows better.

So they just sit.

...

"Is it bigger than a toaster?"

He cocked his head at her with a raised eyebrow.

"What?" she asked, curling her legs underneath her from her position, now propped up against his headboard. "I didn't say breadbox."

He doesn't answer but offered her a faint smile before dropping his hand on to his lap.

"You know - I can feel the pity radiating off you in waves."

She huffed out a short laugh before shaking her head no.

"You –" She stopped, tried to catch her breath and she can barely hear her own voice over the sound of the blood pounding in her ears. Because, seriously – this man – this amazing, selfless, brilliant man –

"You're kind of extraordinary," she said aloud.

He squinted at her with his lips quirked leaving her cheeks instantly three shades brighter.

"So, if there's anyone I'm feeling sorry for in this scenario? It's her." She curled a loose strand of thread from the comforter around her finger, glancing down before she met his eyes.

"Because she doesn't get to be with you."

There's a trace of the familiar light in eyes now as he rested his hand over hers. "I'm inclined to believe you're pretty biased, Miss Walker."

"Oh, unapologetically so."

"Mmm," he hummed. "Thought so."

She smiled warmly with sigh. "You should sleep, Auggie," she instructed, softly.

He was definitely going to be feeling it in the morning.

"I will," he answered. "And – thank you. Really. For getting me." He took a beat. "And for..." He trailed off with a small, genuine, Auggie smile and all at once it fills her up.

Reminds her how much she needed him too.

"Always."

His hand beckoned her attention again and she blinked down, trying to discern if he'd really put anything on the cuts, tracing a line across his knuckles.

"How's it look?"

She sighed, her gaze leaving his hand to look up at him, the past few weeks flashing through her mind.

"It'll heal," she promised.

Oh, the night's forlorn, but the morning's warm.

The morning shines with the lights of love.❤

May – may - want to follow this up with Auggie POV the next day? Since our dear writers are insisting on keeping this distance between them, pretty much 'till season's end.

Brb, I'm just going to go sob in a corner...