Hey y'all, this is super random and set around the Cypress Agency episode of Blacklist…Couldn't resist! I've been marathon-ing . . . because who needs sleep, or to do homework? Just a couple of little short-ish pieces unless I get even more crazy and try to write a whole story. Tell me what you think – like it? Hate it? Dear lord burn it now?
1. Small Talk
Ressler likes to make small talk with her. Elizabeth isn't sure if he realizes it, but lately, every bit of his small talk revolves around Audrey. Whether he should tell her what he really thinks about her new engagement, what she says when she texts him, what he thinks his next move will be – Ressler tells her all of it in great detail. Elizabeth makes a point to change the subject whenever he starts, because she's not entirely sure what to tell him . . . well, that's a lie. She knows exactly what to tell him, but the phrases "Don't do it, cut ties," and "this won't end well" will definitely not endear her to her partner. They've finally reached this balance, and she doesn't want to upset him.
This adoption case, however, is completely messing up her "listen-but-don't-share" attitude. Walking out of that sweet little old couple's house almost breaks her, and she is sure it is visible to her hyper-vigilant partner. Walking to the SUV is a challenge, and she won't lie and say she didn't close her eyes and rest her head against the dashboard once she succeeded. It is a complete surprise, however, when Ressler tentatively puts a hand on her back, trying in his own way to comfort her.
"Hey, Keen," is followed by an awkward cough, but he perseveres, hand heavy on her back. "I know this adoption is weighing on you, even though you're determined to ignore any and all signs of it." His statement brings her head up off the dash, too reminiscent of something that would come from Red for her to ignore it, but he powers on. "I just want you to know, no matter what . . . you will be an amazing mother." She finds herself completely speechless, staring at Ressler, even as he removes his hand and puts the car in gear. He refuses to look at her for the first few minutes of the drive, but finally, he makes eye contact with her confused gaze, ready to make one more statement before pretending that this sharing moment never happened.
"You listen to me all the time about personal things and never share, but I notice things about you, and I know the uncertainty is killing you. This couple's story didn't help you, but Lizzy, you're going to be such a great mom."