Running away from home. Just like kids.

[neverwrongagent]

Briefings with Saul were getting more and more tense. Carrie could feel the strain on all of them as a real, palpable thing. Beside her, no one had ever had much faith in Brody, which was largely her fault. How could she explain her change of heart without explaining it was exactly that. What was harder was not telling him about how bad it was. Every time she was vague it was a physical pain.

The final straw was a heated conversation about what they would do if he were found out, revealed to be on a mission. They had escape plans, but it was clear very few people in that room gave a damn if they worked. Or if they even existed. She'd been through hell for the man they were dismissing like so much dross and all because... She wasn't that sure why because at this point. It was about Saul, really, and she knew that. That's why when he made a passing comment that made it sound damn like he'd made his decision and Brody didn't figure into it at all, she felt her stomach lurch so badly she almost had to leave the room.

She didn't go to him that night, that would be stupid. She waited a day, all of which was spent wondering when she would throw up. She got there late, just before dark, and sat back to watch the men finish up before meal break. He looked good. Better than when she saw him last, even.

Comments

[posterboymarine]

He passed her the car keys before taking her hand and leading her out of the restaurant. On their way out, he waved to Darcy, who waved back.

Once they were outside, he pulled Carrie into a deep kiss, lingering for a few moments before pulling back. "Shall we go find a house?"

[neverwrongagent]

She went into the kiss happily. It was one step short of kicking up her heel like an old romance heroine. She was kind of surprised no one cheered. Then he spoke and she shuddered. "And I was having so much fun."

[posterboymarine]

He laughed softly. "Remember, house means being able to spend all day in bed. And shower sex, which you like denying me."

[neverwrongagent]

She groaned deeply. "Only because I don't trust the curtain rods." She put her head on his chest. "Okay, okay. House. Then shower sex. It'll be great."

[posterboymarine]

"You like shower sex." He kissed the top of her head, then got her moving toward the car. They needed to get going or they were going to be late. Late would not make the right impression.

[neverwrongagent]

She went, groaning softly. "I like sex with you, the shower is optional." She let him guide her into the car, stealing another lingering kiss as she got in. "We're clear on what we're looking for?"

[posterboymarine]

"Two bedrooms, den, porch, medium sized kitchen, view, boathouse, yard. no super close neighbors, single floor." He winked at her, then climbed into the passenger side.

[neverwrongagent]

She stared at him, twisting in her seat as she watched him come around. He'd rattled that off so quickly that it made her dizzy. What was worse was that it sounded good. She closed her eyes and leaned back. "And I can't drink. It's not fair."

[posterboymarine]

"Why would you want to drink?" It wasn't that he didn't desperately want one, but he was curious about her reasons.

[neverwrongagent]

Because she drank. It was pretty much a life long habit, a coping mechanism. "Glass of wine when I get home. Champagne to celebrate getting the house." She shrugged. "I'm a grown up, sort of. I drink."

[posterboymarine]

He leaned over and kissed her shoulder. "There are other grown up ways to celebrate." He rubbed her thigh for a moment, then pointed toward the road. "We should get moving."

[neverwrongagent]

She rolled her eyes. They pretty much had that covered. They were champions. "Yes, sir." She gave him a quick kiss, then got them going in the direction of the real estate office. "Now, promise me you won't torment the poor agent."

She hoped he didn't make her promise.

[posterboymarine]

"Torment? I would never..." He winked at her. He would be the good cop. Someone had to be. And she could only pull it off with him.

[neverwrongagent]

Her eyes were going to roll out of her head, which would make driving inconvenient. She patted his shoulder lightly. "Yes, dear." In an instant she knew she was going to have to remember that gesture. It would sell the story. He'd started it at breakfast, they were going to have to really sell it with the real estate agent. The pregnancy didn't really show in clothes yet, but only if you didn't know Carrie. Thin as she was, that wasn't going to last much longer. "I'd like a big master. Uhm...bedroom, don't get any ideas."

[posterboymarine]

His smirk got much bigger at her comment, as the ideas filled his head. Of course, he wasn't going t say anything. Not just yet. He would save it for until they had a place.

"With a bathroom? And a big shower?"

[neverwrongagent]

She laughed. "Of course with a bathroom. And yes, with a big shower. You take up a lot of space." And she was going to take up too much space soon. "And the bedrooms should be close together. Not scattered." Not like her townhouse with a level between everything.

[posterboymarine]

"Easier to reach a crying shotgun that way." He winked at her again, then settled back to watch the town go by. It was a short enough drive, so he didn't feel bad about not carrying conversation during it.

[neverwrongagent]

They were going to end up naming the child Colt at the rate they were going. She shook her head at him, then concentrated on getting them there. The real estate office was a small trailer that looked like it had been there forever with flower beds and a concrete ramp built up to the door. Carrie approved. Simple, functional, but with care taken. "Here we go."

[posterboymarine]

Rutger was also perfectly acceptable. He caught her head shake and laughed softly.

Once they arrived, Brody took a deep breath. "Nick? Really? Okay." Then he climbed out of the car, wearing his most genuine smile.

[neverwrongagent]

She shrugged. "I just don't see you as a Stan." Although she'd make a decent Stella. She came around the car and made him stop for a quick, settling kiss. "Remind me to have fun with this."

[posterboymarine]

"You need to have fun with this, Mrs. Reynolds. Otherwise we are sunk." He kissed her again, first the lips, then the forehead, before he pulled back and got them moving.

[neverwrongagent]

She gave him such a look that he should have turned to stone. Calling her Mrs threw her much more than she expected. It wasn't that she didn't like it, but just how overwhelming it seemed. She clung to his hand like a child in a storm. "It's an adventure. A fun adventure."

[posterboymarine]

If the Reynolds were married, then they were Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds. She'd better get used to it or they were not going to pull this off.

"An exciting adventure." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back. "I'll do the talking."


[But I'm not voice the Realtor, buahhaahah]

[neverwrongagent]

"Have I mentioned lately that I love you?" And on that, the Realtor opened the door. She'd heard them coming up the walk. Melissa wasn't much taller than Carrie, but she was twice as broad and absolutely rectangular. No curves. That combined with the butch hair cut set Carrie at ease in a way that surprised her. Even if she wasn't gay, which Carrie doubted, the over all effect still helped. Carrie beamed at her.

Mel beamed right back, taking in the couple. They looked urban and they looked connected, both things she could work with once she knew them just the littlest bit better. "Nick? Carrie?"

[posterboymarine]

Brody's smile was broad. He felt Carrie relax, which helped. He held out his hand for Melissa, introducing himself and Carrie both as the Reynolds. Even though he was doing the talking, he knew that Carrie, now that she was relaxed, would have more of a voice in this adventure.