So, I started this based on the promotional picture of them at the restaurant in Hong Kong, before the preview clip was released. I literally had to stop watching the clip so I could finish writing before I watch.

Which I still haven't done.

Anyhoooo, their reunion...was pretty perfect for where they both are emotionally at this point, him grieving, her feeling lost, and I'm looking forward to tonight's ep and the finale starting the healing process with them both.

'I know you've always got my back.'

'I do.' ❤

Deep breaths, deep breaths.

"You alright, Walker?" She clears her throat at the sound of her name. "I don't hear chewing," he continues.

She's angled away from the counter now, staring out into the crowd in front of them.

"I'm fine."

"Liar."

"Hmm," she hums back in response, letting out a soft breath.

In spite of herself, she finds herself smiling at the teasing in his voice – it feels normal, familiar, and yeah, she kind of likes the fact that he can still read her this well.

But she's not sure if she can do normal – with him – anymore.

Whatever constituted as normal for them anyway.

(For people like us there is no normal.)

He places his fork down, and she hears him inhale before suddenly his hand is reaching down to find hers.

"Hey–," he whispers, "what are you thinking? Talk to me."

She doesn't turn to face him, instead just closes her eyes briefly before speaking.

"I'm thinking that since all of this this began, every time we've thought we were a step ahead of him, we've just ended being three steps behind –"

Pausing, she bows her head, "–I'm thinking that this is our last play and I really, really need this to work."

She feels his grip tighten on her hand. "It will."

And she wishes she could still have his faith, his optimism, and after everything they've been through – everything they've both lost – including each other, she has no idea how he can be so sure.

"Yeah," she answers, barely audibly. "We'll see."

His thumb starts to brush circles over her knuckles, and the contact that she's ached for after all this time, starts to fill her up, maker her feel warm again.

"Get him, or die trying, remember?"

"You're forgetting," she says, finally angling herself towards him. "One of us is already dead."

She sees the muscles in his face harden, and she immediately regrets the comment – because she can't even begin to imagine what the last few months must have been like for him.

As difficult, and painful, as being without him was, being left alone to pick up the shattered pieces at the agency– with Joan, with her sister – well, she's not really surprised at the way he managed to cope.

It still hurts like hell, stings more than anything she's felt before – but she chose her fate.

He never chose to be left behind.

Now, after losing Helen– again –

"Auggie–"

But he surprises her, as he always does, leaning forward, grasping her other hand as well.

"And you're forgetting," he starts, softly, "that you're not operating on your own anymore, Annie."

She blinks up, and meets his gaze– gentle, reassuring– and she hasn't forgotten, she knows he does have her back.

Always.

If she's being honest with herself, it's the only thing left to ground her.

The fact that they're able so easily to fall back into step, with work at least, reminds her that he's been the one constant in her life she started at the agency––

–– the North Star that's always pointed her home when she's lost.

(Like she has been for so many months now.)

"I know," she speaks automatically, squeezing his hands back. "Thanks."

He answers with a smile and nods, as she drops their hands to turn ahead once more.

She closes her eyes, focusing in the goal, on what she needs the outcome of this night to be.

She reminds herself of the life she wants to get back to, and the person she wants be again (whole, complete).

And most importantly, who she still wants the chance to be that person with.

"I still don't hear chewing," she hears him quip, and her eyes spring open.

She huffs out a breathy laugh and turns her head to him.

"Just blowing out a birthday candle," she whispers.

His eyes widen at that, and then his lips curve into a bright grin.

"Then I believe it's show time."

"Let's do it."

They stand together, and he wraps a hand around her arm for her to lead, it feels normal –– familiar.

Deep breaths, deep breaths.

She's going into battle again, but this time she's not alone.

For us, there is no victory. There are only battles. And in the end, the best you can hope for is to find a place to make your stand.

And if you're very lucky, you find someone willing to stand with you. ❤

...