This story was meant to go up two weeks ago, but somehow I forgot about it. OK? One...Two...Three...*screams as loud as humanly possible* k, now that that's done, I was squealing at the t.v., calling the flight attendant a tramp, and my mom was pretty much telling me to shut up every five minutes. Lets put it to a vote, best episode ever? lol

Annie leaned back against the cool brick wall and closed her eyes. It had been a hard mission, which wasn't really unusual for her, but watching a group of innocent people be murdered in cold blood was a bit harder than her usual. She heard the door open, but didn't open her eyes. She instinctively knew who it was.

Auggie found his way to the stone bench and settled next to her. She didn't say anything. so he just concentrated on his surroundings. He considered the spot to be theirs. A secret place just for the two of them. He felt the cool night breeze caress his face like a lover while the sound of the artificial waterfall danced through the air like a woman's laughter.

"I'm o.k. Auggie. You really don't have to look after me you know." He was roused from his concentration by Annie's voice. It sounded tired and emotionally spent.

"Now what kind of friend would I be if I didn't make sure of that? Besides, I am your handler, whatever you do, or feel, reflects on me, be it good or bad."

Annie shook her head, the movement sending out waves of Jo Malone grapefruit and gunpowder. "I wasn't afraid, if that's what you mean."

"I never said anything about you being afraid, you did. Besides its normal for an Operative to get a little scared once in a while."

"Yeah right. Did you ever get scared?"

Auggie crossed his arms as he remembered a past conversation. One with a superior when he had been new to the Agency. He remembered the last words spoken as clearly as if it had been the day before. "Remember my words, because one day, you will be on my end of this little discussion."

"Auggie?"

"Annie, I have been here for over five years, survived a war, plus losing my eyesight. I have logged more scared hours than a rabbit, sad to say."

She looked down at this. If Auggie could admit his fear, so could she. "I guess I was a little afraid. Is that bad?"

He took her hand in his. "Not at all. Fear is a necessary emotion that prevents you from doing something stupid."

Annie couldn't help but smile. "I don't think that works for me. I once chased after a Mossad Operative being held by three men, with no back up, remember? I believe that counts as stupid."

He gave this a moments thought. "True, but it was effective. Even if you were afraid, you still did what needed to be done. I told you, this job is messy and dangerous, but I stand by my earlier statement. You do it well."

She gave his hand a squeeze. "How is it that you always know what to say to make it all right?"

"It actually depends on what 'it' is. Plus I always have a plan B."

"Whats plan B?"

"Lots and lots of tequila. I have a whole bottle at my place, just waiting for us." He held his hand out, expectantly. Shaking her head in disbelief, she brushed it with her own and he took her arm. "Just one drink, OK?"

He smiled in reply. As the pair walked away there was only one though in his mind.

Thank God for Joan and her words of wisdom.

Story inspired by a review by Haven14.