Hi! I told myself I wouldn't post another story on here after "Lift Me Up." (If you Guys are interested, check it out!), but the muses in my head wouldn't shut up! What can I say, I love Burn Notice, and the fact Jeffrey Donovan shares a birthday with me doesn't hurt either! He's totally Yum-O! Everything up until 6x06 Shock Wave happened, except Nate's still alive and Elsa isn't with Sam! Although I'm keeping this close to the actual show, any backstories you may read, including Michael and Fi's middle names, are strictly from my brain!

The ideas for this story came up because of my PMing with a lot of the Girls on here (You know who you're…Thanks for putting up with my rambling, Ladies!), but watching the marathons on Cloo and USA's finally kicked my butt into writing mode! So here you have it, everyone, a little fluffy thing I came up with! I tried my best to find a medium between True to the show/Out of Character…Hopefully you all enjoy it…And thank you for letting me be in your World for even a bit! :)

There Is

The ride home from jail's quiet, but not in a way that'd cause concern…It's…Comforting, somehow…Like the two of them feel they're right where they belong. They spend the majority of their reunion making love and talking about everything…No topic's off limits…Except one. A full moon lights the night sky and he surprises her with Dinner at the Forge, one of the many ways he's been "Making Up For Lost Time.". They stroll on the beach afterwards, her shoes in one hand while she holds onto his arm with the other, and that's when she chooses to mention the Elephant in the room…Or on the sand.

His meeting with Raines's the next morning, she knows and he knows she knows, but he refuses to discuss it and always changes the subject. She calls him out and his reason's simple for avoiding the issue...Bringing it up always starts arguments he's tired of having…But she isn't letting him off the hook so easily & the walk comes to a complete stop. She does the talking, and for once, he does the listening:

"Michael, you love being a Spy, and I hate you love being a Spy. You love saving the World, and I love you love saving the World. I guess what I'm trying to say is…Whatever you decide tomorrow, I'll stand by you. All I ask in return's every time you're done saving the World...You come back to me, and you come back alive; Because I'll be damned if I'm gonna give you my blessing and you're gonna end up in a body bag or a wooden box."

It isn't the most romantic quote ever said or the most poetic…But for a Couple who does "Grand Gestures." better than the "Day To Day Stuff."…It is. She doesn't want him to make his choice before he has to…She's thought about it and she wants him to…But he already has…He knows what he wants. Strickler once told him he couldn't have "The Job." and "The Girl."…And for the past three years he's told himself he can…Even once Anson enters their life. But the minute he watched her turn herself in, he realized he couldn't deny it any longer; He can't have "The Job." and "The Girl."…And he doesn't want "The Job." and "The Girl."…He wants "The Girl.".

They go back to the loft and after he tells her he's retiring, months and years seem to pass until she forms words. "Are you sure…I don't want you to say it if you don't mean it."

He crouches down to her level, hoping he can convey how much it's true. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."…And that's enough.

Madeline's next to find out, a short time later, Sam and Jesse follow suit…And it only takes one of them by surprise. Maddie's thrilled to find out her oldest Son's home for good…And Jess understands what it's like to be changed by a Woman, even though him and Dani are keeping it quiet…So they aren't stunned to hear the news. "Chuck Finley." on the other hand…Well…He's shocked. It isn't like he isn't happy for his Best Friends, he just can't believe the day's actually come where "Tinkerbell." is put ahead of the job.

Pretty soon, "The Core Four." get back to taking jobs and helping People, only without the restrictions and looking over their shoulders. In the meantime, the two of them get into a routine…And it doesn't always involve sex. It's the evenings she spends reading while he cleans his Guns, or lying out on the balcony during a sunset...Now and then…They do nothing at all. But it isn't all Hollywood Perfection...They still disagree…But instead of being stubborn and not admitting who's right or wrong, they're starting to work through their problems and never go to bed angry, determined to see their Relationship through.

Four Months Later...

She's driving back to the loft, running late because Seymour tried to swindle her out of Assault Rifles. It doesn't normally matter, but he has a little something planned for their night and she's very curious. She arrives home and opens the front door, welcomed by amazing smells. She takes off her heels and heads towards the kitchen where she's met by her mysterious Boyfriend and a table set for two.

"You cooked?" She questions, not being able to hide her worry.

"Tempted…But then I figured me cooking would give off the wrong impression…" He smirks, holding out a chair for her. Her fears are put to rest and she obliges, accepting the glass of wine he hands her before he sits down with his, "…So I went to Carlito's."

Following a delicious Dinner and an even more delicious Dessert, the two of them curl up together on the lounger, her head on his chest and his fingers through her hair. He's acting differently than normal…She can feel it deep down inside. "So…What's the occasion?"

He tenses and she feels his body attempt to get up. She moves slightly so he can stand and watches him pace in front of her for a few moments…Talking to her without making eye contact:

"I've thought about this for the longest time, thought about what the right words would be; Because you know me and planning, one isn't without the other. I actually had a speech prepared, but to Hell with it, I'm gonna shoot from the hip here." Any breath she has left's gone the minute he gets down on one knee and takes her hand…His Blue eyes looking at her with total devotion, "Fiona Elizabeth Glenanne, I'm a Fuck-Up. I can be Selfish, Moody, Out Of Control and, at times, Hard To Handle. I'm all these things but, most of all, I'm the Man who's in love with you…Who's always been in love with you…Even when I was too scared to admit it." He whispers, clearing his throat while gently squeezing her palm, giving her a moment to gather herself; Watching her brush tears out of the corners of her eyes, "You've spent so long fighting for me and all I've done is fought against the life that's been waiting right here; Well not anymore." His eyes stare into hers and he can literally feel a current running between them; It's now or never, "So, I guess what I'm trying to say is…Will you marry me?"

He sits there looking at her, anticipating her answer…And she sits there looking at him, trying to choose between being practical or impulsive in their Relationship. Ever since she's been home, he's shown her more attention and tenderness than she's ever seen…And she's expected the floor to fall from underneath her, expecting him to get bored and leave…But that's not gonna happen anymore. She decides to let her heart talk instead of her mind…Saying the first answer coming to mind…The only answer:

"What took you so long?"

She jumps up from the lounger and flings her arms around his neck. They stay like this until he whispers in her ear. "There's one more thing."

She loosens her grip and her eyes go wide, seeing him take out a velvet box from his pocket...Opening it to reveal a White Gold ring with an Asscher Cut Diamond. "You remembered." She sighs, unsuccessfully trying to hold back the welling up tears.

His hands trembles, sliding the piece of jewelry on her shaking finger. "Yeah I did."

She admires the band she's now wearing before looking at him. Out of pure faith, she pulls him into her embrace and plants her lips square against his. With conviction and in total surprise, she's swung off her feet and into his arms…Something he's done only once before…The night she was out of prison. He carries her back into the loft, removing obstacles in their path before he lays her down on the bed. Gradually, tops and bottoms come off…Being thrown wherever...To fall wherever. Normally, making love's heated and intense…But since she's been out of jail…And especially now…That's not the circumstance. Sex isn't "Normally." anymore…It's about fresh starts …Full of resolution and possibility.

"So…How long have you been "Thinking About This." ?" She wonders the next morning, using air quotes for emphasis. She feels like she's in one of the dreams she had in prison…The ones that'd kept her going; Occasionally…It was favorite memories of hers…Others…It was sappy fantasies she believed would never happen.

He sits up and rests his back against the headboard. Sensing the conversation's about to go in a serious direction, she joins him and wraps the covers around her chest…Waiting for him to speak:

"I've wanted to do this since we got back from Venezuela, but I wanted to find Max's Killer before I did it. But then Anson came along and well…You remember the rest. I've actually had the ring since the night you turned yourself in, but I chickened out…I didn't wanna rush you after you got home. I'd marry you tomorrow, but my Mother would probably strangle me, and I think Nate would be only too happy to give her a bullet proof alibi. In a perfect World, it would be you and me and the Justice of the Peace, but I know you and deep down…You want the White dress and the Chapel and…I wanna give it to you."

Her smile vanishes…But love fills her heart…He's giving up his "Dream Wedding." so she can have hers. She moves her body forward and climbs into his lap, straddling his thighs and pulling him close. Not knowing whether she should cry or be happy…She does both, letting tears of joy come down her face. He takes her cheek in his hand, wiping the tears away with his thumb. "And they say chivalry's dead."

"Not dead…Just dormant…Though I'm all for giving it a comeback." He answers with a raise of the eyebrows.

She perks up and laughs like the Girl he met all those years ago…The Girl who's finally gonna be his Wife. "Shut up."

"Make me."

A month later is Christmas Eve. They've been really good at hiding their engagement, and there's hope for having one more evening of mystery between them…Until his Brother shows up with his reconciled Family. His Nephew's very aware for his age…So when he sees the new jewelry on his Aunt's finger…He can't help but state the obvious. At first, nobody believes him, but the littlest member of the Family won't be denied and like most two years olds, he's very persistent; Pointing to the three karats on the important finger.

Heads turn towards the Couple. The jig's up and there's no denying it even if they wanted do, which they don't…Not anymore. Nate and Ruth grin from ear to ear, Charlie claps in delight before returning to his presents, but it's Madeline who's surprisingly silent. He steps in, attempting to do damage control on the situation. "Ma, I know what you're gonna say and you're right…We should've told you before." He starts off, thinking it's going well…"Thinking." being the operative word.

Maddie storms off, the two of them following her through a maze of party Guests and wrapping paper…All the while hearing her ramble to anyone who's listening:

"I knew it, I knew you were up to something, but I couldn't figure it out! You two have not been able to keep your hands off each other all night, this should've been my first clue! I can't believe you and Fi eloped; Actually, I can believe it!"

Instead of trying to catch up with her…They stop and count down to three. "We didn't elope!" They scream in unison, the house full of People turning towards their direction…Madeline included.

She takes a step forward and tells her future Mother in law part two, holding up the finger that's donning the White Gold band. "But…He proposed."

"And no, Ma, I didn't wait for her to ask me…I took the initiative." He chimes in, sitting at the kitchen table when everything's gone on.

There's no more yelling…No more talking to herself…Only tears and hugs of congratulations…With a set of parting words before returning to the party. "Yes…You should've told me before."

Their Friends take the announcement better, understanding why they wanted to keep this type of news for themselves. And pretty soon, Clients go along with Churches, and she notices how much of a Girly Girl she actually is…Even though she'll never admit it. He doesn't mind her brief moments of being a "Bridezilla."…He grasps how long she's waited for this, so seeing her going crazy with colors isn't bothering him…Besides…It's a nice change from her going crazy with C4. He can't choose between Sam and Jesse for Best Man, so he picks both, but they're having a little problem with her Maid of Honor…Or Maids of Honor. Maddie's without question her first pick, but she's having difficulty deciding on number two. A month of thinking leads to the most obvious choice…Pearce.

Her and Dani aren't BFF's…They don't braid each other's hair or gossip for hours on end or shop together…They don't even come from similar backgrounds; She's one of seven Kids from a working class Family in Belfast…Pearce's an only Child from a well to do Couple in Philadelphia. But for what they don't have in common, there's one very important topic they do…They know what it's like to love a Spy…And that's where their…Unique…Friendship starts. It was only once she got of jail and Dani started dating Jess she agreed to give the Agent a chance…And she's glad she did.

Pearce's surprised…But touched. "Why me…Why not Ruth?"

"Ruth's the last Person I'd ask. Look…I consider Madeline my second Mother…But you…You're the closest thing to a Friend I have here…Female wise." Feeling vulnerable, she tries to ease the sappy mood…For both their sakes, "Plus...Your Jesse's Girlfriend…So you're invited anyway."

Laughing at the sincerity, Dani agrees…And both their parties are set.

The date's decided early on after he's reminded she always wanted to be a June Bride. There's also all the legal stuff, but that's the easy part and mostly done through phone calls. The happy part comes after Sean swears he's coming…The sad part's to find out her Mother isn't.

Meanwhile, the pieces are slowly coming together...The one that's still missing's her gown. She isn't Cinderella or some Princess from a Disney movie, so the thought of her wearing tulle and a ten foot train's extremely farfetched. She's seen what feels like hundreds and has tried on at least half of them…But none have been right and she's ready to give up and go to the Ceremony naked…Which he doesn't mind at all. It's the first week of May and she's helping Pearce with an assignment in Fort Lauderdale…And she sees it in the window of a small shop…The Perfect Dress. It's Ivory, not White like he hinted to, but this wouldn't be the first time they didn't follow the rules. She walks straight in and once the Cashier tells her it's her size and length, she grabs the gown and pays for her purchase in record time.

There's no need for a Bachelor or Bachelorette party…He told her once fake tits bore him…And this hasn't changed. And she doesn't need a night of drinking and debauchery to end her "Single Years."…She sees the light at the end of tunnel…And it's leading her not towards their end…But their beginning.

Before they know it, it's the last Friday of June. No jobs have been taken in the past week and Maddie calls to inform her she's expected to spend the night at her house…Rambling on about bad luck. He finds it funny at first, considering she isn't even doing the "Something Old, Something New." tradition, but then realizes she's disappointed her Mother isn't coming…So he puts on a happy face and lets Madeline have things her way. They arrive home from their Rehearsal Dinner at Carlito's and she packs her bags. Dani, who's now based in Miami, is staying at the house too. Sam and Jess are staying with him at the loft so they can leave for the Ceremony together. Regrettably, Nate and Ruth can't make it because Charlie's sick…But they send their best wishes and a gift right up her alley…A Las Vegas snow globe.

Unfortunately, everything isn't all roses and no thorns at the minute. He's been talking about her leaving him at the altar all night and she's finally had enough of it. To everybody else, it seems like him making a joke, but she knows better…Knows there are irrational hesitations passing through his mind about whether she'll show up. He doesn't mean to sadden her…But it's his old insecurities resurfacing. He watches her leave and makes a promise to himself…And to God; Make things right and marry her…No matter what.

Surprising especially herself, she tries on her gown one last time to make sure it fits perfectly. She doesn't understand what's wrong with her…She's never been so…Feminine. They say "Love makes you do crazy things."…And she was sure she'd done the craziest after taking a phone call from a Maid in some hotel, telling her an unconscious Man was there and she was his emergency contact…But six years later…This…This's the craziest thing she's ever done or will ever do.

She stands in front of the full-length mirror in his old room, gently smoothing down the fabric and turning around to admire the back. Pearce stops at her side, picking up on the fact she's conflicted. She nudges the Redhead gently. "What's wrong…You seem a little preoccupied?"

"I'm thinking about how we got here." She sighs, "I mean…Think of the past year; Me going to jail…Me getting out…Anson being taken down…Getting engaged. I guess I'm just holding my breath…Waiting for disaster."

"Well stop waiting." The Brunette insists, hoping her "Friend." is listening:

"I was there the night Michael picked you up from prison, I saw the way he watched you walk out, you've nothing to worry about. Sometimes, I look at the two of you and…I feel safer. I can't explain it, but, you give me hope; And I guess I'm afraid to say it out loud because if I do, life will find out and try to take it away, and that'd be a shame. The truth's, we all can use a little hope, the feeling it's gonna be okay and there's someone there to help make sure."

The corny exchange between Women becomes interesting when the sounds of her cell ring from where it sits on the nightstand. Dani excuses herself, knowing who's on the phone. Alone in the room, she answers the cell and panics…Worrying he is having second thoughts…Ironic considering he was thinking the same thing about her.

"These fears have nothing to do with you…They're my issues…Not yours…Even while my life's going great…I'm always waiting for the floor to fall from underneath me." He confesses, hoping she can understand where he's coming from.

She can relate, remembering how she felt when he proposed. She decides they're "Pessimists.", and in fact tells him so.

He ignores the comment entirely, but not the three words which come after. "I love you too…And I'm sorry." He apologizes. She forgives him, making clear her plan on him showing her how "Sorry." he is, earning a chuckle, "Seymour was right…We're definitely destiny."

"Did you doubt it before?" She ponders, a mixture of casual and concern in her tone.

"Not for a second."

It's Saturday and she's hurled out of bed by Maddie, rushed towards the kitchen for what feels like the quickest Breakfast ever. She tries to resist and point out they have enough time, but it's falling on deaf ears. She manages to sit for a few moments and starts eating her Spanish omelet, wondering how he's doing...And where the Hell her Brother's gone off to.

He's been to War ravaged countries…Mediated peace between feuding nations…Spent twenty-two years in the CIA…And has never been nervous until now:

"Michael, I don't want you to think I don't like you, because I do; You make Fiona very happy and I'm pleased you two got your shit together. With this said, I'm afraid it's my duty to give you a little warning of what I'll do if you ever hurt her."

Sitting next to him in the Charger is Sean, who thanks to pulled strings by Pearce, arrives the morning of the Rehearsal Dinner. His Irish brogue's stronger than hers, with no chance of switching to American…And that's not the only thing they have in common. No Groom likes to get the inevitable "Wedding Day Conversation."…Especially if their future Brother in Law used to be in the IRA. He tries to make him understand he knows where he's coming from, but isn't working:

"I get you're a powerful Man, I mean, you're "Michael Westen.", former SuperSpy; But I've four Brothers, and what we're capable of doing while it comes to defending our Sister would shock even you. So, treat her with love and respect, and you and I'll get along like we always have."

He gulps…Literally gulps. He's seen this side of Sean Glenanne before…But never against him…And he's truly scared. He pauses for a minute before finding words…Because words are good:

"Fi is my World. For most of my life, I felt alone, even if I was with People; But that's until I met your Sister. I'll never do anything to jeopardize her happiness."

"Again." the little voice inside his head adds…Noting all the times he's put his needs before hers. But this's a new beginning…For both of them…Their past's the past and it's time to focus on their present…And future.

Following Breakfast, she takes a wonderfully long shower, applying Lavender Vanilla lotion…His favorite…All over her body afterwards. Next on the agenda's her hair…She isn't a Supermodel or some Oscar-winning Scarlett, so she doesn't need a beauty squad to make her a beautiful Bride…She's been doing it on her own since she was eighteen, why should today be any different? In the end, she opts for a simple bun with a few strands of hair curling around her ears and neck; No veil…No crown…No tiara. The last item's her makeup, which isn't out of the ordinary and is very simple; Much emphasis on her Green eyes.

Suddenly, she's standing in front of the mirror in her dress just like the night before…Only this time…It's for real. A knock breaks through her thoughts and it's Madeline. The two Women share a look no words can describe…And the waterworks start whether they want them to or not. Her future Mother in Law gives her the best pep talk she can think of:

"I feel like I should be giving you some advice on my Son, but you've done fine without it, and I'm so glad. All I can say is…Tell each other you love each other. I know you've always been the "Actions Speak Louder Than Words." Couple, but, say it more; Even if it's only when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed at night."

She agrees with tears in her eyes, pulling in Maddie for a hug. Dani knocks, informing them it's time. She takes her bouquet of White Roses in one hand while holding Madeline's in the other...Walking out of the house.

The drive takes a few moments, but it feels like it takes forever. Her Brother's vehicle pulls up to the Chapel and she looks at him. Sean accompanies her in one car and Maddie and Pearce take the other…This's so she can have a chance to speak to her Brother alone before entering the Church. It's been rare the last decade they're in the same country, let alone the same vehicle…And they have to change this. Maybe it's their Mother's health or the fact she was in prison…Whatever the reason…They have to make time for each other.

"Are you ready?" Sean asks his Sister expectantly.

She nods confidently. "I've been ready for fifteen years."

This chapter might seem a bit everywhere and I totally apologize; it's basically everything leading up to the Ceremony, but I didn't wanna make it too long! Also, if anyone's wondering about the time frame, I picked the day 6x06 aired (July 26, 2012) for the day Fiona got released; So in this World, she was in jail for like a month! I know Dani and Fi aren't this close on the show…Not by a long shot…But lets just pretend they get to be, hence why she's Fiona's second Maid of Honor. There's still part two, everybody…We got a Wedding and Reception to experience! And if you haven't figured it out, I don't own the show…I'd love to…But I don't! I'd still love to hear what you have to say…But if it's to tell me I suck, I really don't wanna hear it! :(