Immediately following this...

[freshoffthefarm]

While Webb went downstairs to find food for the two of them to nibble on in bed, Annie took the opportunity to go into the bathroom and strip out of the clothes she'd put on temporarily when they'd gotten home from the office

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[fakes_death]

When Clay got to the kitchen he threw his original plan of making something simple or cleaning out the fridge for dinner out the window. Instead, he decided to make Annie an array of breakfast food. It took a little longer than he anticipated but when he was done, there was a very nice meal on the tray to be carried upstairs.

Much to his surprise Annie wasn't done getting dressed so he set the tray down and got changed for bed. When he heard that it looked good, well Annie got a big smile.

"Thank you." Then he started to eat his breakfast-for-dinner.

[freshoffthefarm]

Reaching over, she lifted a piece of bacon and bit into it, her bliss showing on her face. "Tastes good, too."

She shifted on the bed again, getting more comfortable, before picking up one of the napkins and wiping her hands. Then she looked at him and shook her head.

"It was kind of a long day, wasn't it?" Lifting her water bottle, she took a drink. "Are you okay?"

[fakes_death]

"A very long day," Clay affirmed. Annie had it worse than he had, she had to relive everything that happened to her in Eastern Europe.

"I think I should be asking you that question. I'm just worried about you."

[freshoffthefarm]

"I know you are," she said quietly, a rush of guilt racing through her as she looked down at the bed spread.

Flattening herself on the bed, she picked up a fork and picked at the eggs there, determined to eat, even if she felt her appetite fading as their minimal conversation went on. "I know I was a wreck at work and I'm sorry I made a scene. Even if that's not what you're worried about," she said before he could say anything, "I'm still sorry. It's--"

Annie took a deep breath and took a bite, shaking her head. "It's kind of complicated. More than Europe. More than... more than Yuriy. That's... that was his name."

[freshoffthefarm]

In the morning, Annie woke before the sun had come up and looked up to see Clay still asleep. She knew full well that he'd wake up as soon as she started moving, but it didn't stop her from trying to be as gentle and quiet as possible when she pulled herself out of his embrace.

She had a small headache, but it was to be expected from the small amount of sleep and the breakdown she'd had the day before. Sitting up on the bed, she was careful to avoid the tray she'd left on the floor earlier in the night and she picked it up before heading out of the room.

Downstairs, she took care of the dishes and washed all the counters before starting coffee and looking outside at the darkness in the backyard.

[fakes_death]

Clay did indeed wake up when Annie left their bed, but he tried not to let on, just in case she was going to be back. When he smelled coffee, he figured it was time to join her downstairs. He even fought off the urge to get dressed first and headed right into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Annie."

[freshoffthefarm]

"Morning," she said, though she didn't turn from the back doors where she was still staring at the back door. The calmness she was feeling was evident in her posture and her tone of voice. "I love this house. I've always loved this house."

She finally turned to look at him, a soft smile on her face. "I've always loved you."

[fakes_death]

Clay put his arms around Annie's waist and pulled her back into him just a little, doing his best not to disturb her view too much. "I love you too, always."

It was just as much of a promise as he'd made when they'd gotten married.