Disclaimer: We don't own anything. It all belongs to USA Networks and Jeff Eastin.
Author's Note: Ok friends, this is for all of those fans who still don't believe Rebecca is a bad one. It's too obvious and there is so much about those "evidences" wrong it would take us pages to tell. We only know there is more about her than the eye meets. And don't worry we won't make her bad. Maybe she will learn some tricks. Who knows?
This will be a collection of one shots about the years on the run after the events of "To keep you safe". If you didn't read it before you should read it now.
As always we love to hear your opinions and ideas. Maybe some can be put into one of the one shots.
And now a round written sedatives for all those Rebecca fans outside. Let us keep the faith in her sweet nerdy personalty!
"We both know that Neal will appear here to bring me what I want and to get you back. But I tell you a secret. Everyone of you is wrong when you think I will just let you walk out of here just like that. I will take something from him that is really important to him. He once took quite everything from me and now I will do the same to him. I will break him and you my dear are the key to it. If you want to take an advice don't try to warn him. If you do it I will shoot him in front of you. And we both know it will be easy for me to make it look like you killed him."
Hagen's words from earlier were still pounding in Rebecca's ears when she could break free from that guy who had been pointing a gun at her head and ran over to Neal. She wished she could vanish the second Neal wrapped his arms around her. Even though she knew that something would happen and she quite expected something like this but when she heard the shot it was a shock. And maybe it was because of that shock she didn't feel any pain at first. Rebecca didn't even realize she had got hit by that bullet until she saw Neal's scared gaze and her disability to keep herself on her feet anymore. Only a second later the pain was hitting her heavily. It became nearly unbearable to breathe. She could hear the whole conversation her in head already with Neal apologizing for putting her in danger but all she heard was him pleasing her to stay with him. But slowly everything in front of her and around her began to fade and became darkness. Rebecca still wanted to tell Neal none of this hadn't been his fault that she had been too careless when she walked into the lion's den ignoring all his earlier warnings. When her world fell completely into the dark she cried out what she wanted to say the most.
"Neal, don't feel guilty for what happened. It's not your fault. It was planned this way to break you. Please don't blame yourself. It's not your fault at all."
"Rebecca, wake up. Come on, look at me. You're having a nightmare. You're safe."
It took her some moments to comprehend where she was. She looked around scared and finally realized Neal being bent over her and looking worried at her.
"What...?"
"It was only a dream. Everything is alright."
"Where are we?"
"In our hotel suite in Paris. Hagen can't harm us anymore. It is over."
Neal pulled her close and stroke gently over her back to calm her down. It worried him to the bone when he heard Rebecca crying.
"Hey... don't cry. It's okay. Nothing will happen to you. It was only a dream," he softly murmured into her ear, "We're together now and I won't let something happen to you again I promise."
"It was all my fault. I should have listened to you when you warned me. I was stupid."
"Becca, that doesn't count anymore. We made it through this mess and now we are free to do whatever we want."
"I knew what Hagen wanted to do..."
"What do you mean? There was something you almost screamed while you were having that dream... Becca, what did you know about his plans?"
"After your phone call with Hagen... he told me that he wouldn't let us just walk out. Because you once took everything from him he wanted to do the same to you and break you. He also said I would be the key to it. When we started to walk away I waited every damn second for something to happen but it felt like time had stopped when I heard the shot. I didn't want to die in your arms cause I knew it would break you. I never forgot what you told me about Kate and ..."
"That's why you sent me after him to get the treasure back. It wasn't about the goblet or anything else. You thought if I'm not with you when you die I wouldn't think it's my fault."
"Don't know if it sounds stupid but the last thing I would have seen shouldn't have been you looking at me full of guilt and sorrow. And the thought the treasure would be safe and returned to a museum... it made me feel like my death would have been good for something."
"Becca...," Neal cupped her face with his hands and softly kissed her tears away, "You're one of the bravest women I know. Only a very few people would have been so self-forgetful in that situation. And that makes me feel much worse for what I did days ago before that incident."
"What?"
"I got an envelope with fake evidences to make it look like you would work for Hagen. I have to admit I started to doubt you and I let Jones run a background check on you if something of this could be true."
"Neal, I've seen that evidence too. Hagen tried to blackmail me with it to make me work with him but I refused. I guess I would have done the same. That bastard knew your weak spots and that you have been betrayed by people close to you. I understand what you did."
"Really?"
"I do. Hagen knew how to play you. When he showed me this fake evidence I didn't think about going to prison or something like that. I was worried what you would think about it."
"I'm sorry I started to doubt you. I should have known better."
"You don't have to be sorry. It's okay."
They leaned with their heads together and closed their eyes for a moment.
"You think you can sleep again?"
"I hope so. I hope this nightmare won't come back again since I told you now. Maybe it was just a hint of my subconsciousness I should tell you about it."
"Could be. I'm glad you didn't tell me that day in the warehouse."
"Why?"
"I would have shot him without hesitation."
"Neal, I don't think you would have done that. You're better than that."
"Why does everyone keep on pretending this?"
"Because we know you and you never crossed that line."
"Becca, is there anything else regarding this day you want to tell me?"
"No, that was all."
Neal laid back down and pulled Rebecca with him who snuggled up into his embrace and buried her head in the crook of his neck.
"It's really sad that this is our last week in Paris."
"I know but we can come back some time later."
"Really? I mean I'm looking forward to cruise a bit along the Côte d'Azur in three days but..."
"Let me guess you will miss that small bakery down the street."
"Why do you mention it?"
"Because every time you went there I found crumbles of macarons, éclairs and small tartes in the bed."
"Okay, you caught me but they're so tasty. We need a huge load of them before we leave."
"You will get them. I promise. Becca, is it okay when you spend some hours tomorrow on your own?"
"It is but why?"
"I have to organize some things."
"Neal, do I have to worry that you're doing something illegal?"
"No, I'm not planning to steal something. Don't worry. Why don't you make a shopping tour and get yourself some beauty treatment."
"You have something planned for tomorrow night and that's why I should go shopping?"
"You're smart and you know me too well."
"I'm right?"
"You are."
"So what's the occasion?"
"It's a surprise but it contains a romantic dinner and before you ask we're going out for dinner.""So that means lingerie and a dress."
"If you want to put it that way... yes."
"So, a romantic dinner? Will you tell me where we are going?"
"No, it's a surprise. I will let you know tomorrow where we will meet, okay?"
"After the last few weeks I really hope it will be a nice surprise."
"I promise it will be."
"But then I should sleep now otherwise I will need tons of make up to look good enough for a romantic dinner."
"Sweet dreams, Becca."
The next day Rebecca left the hotel after breakfast for her shopping tour.
"So before I start to raid several boutiques, are there any dress codes?"
"No, just find the perfect outfit for the most unforgettable date of our life so far..."
"Whoa, sounds like someone is having big plans."
"I just think you deserve a very special night after all that had happened recently."
"Okay, you text me when and where we'll meet?"
"I'll do. Have fun."
"I hope I'll find something suitable."
"Even a dress out of paper bags would make you look gorgeous."
"Aww, hear hear Prince Charming is talking. I think I have to buy myself some glass shoes."
"But you won't need a carriage that once had been a pumpkin?"
"No, not all. Okay, see you later."
They kissed before Rebecca grabbed her messenger bag and left the suite. Neal waited several minutes if she would come back before he picked up the phone to organize some things.
Hours and several boutiques later Rebecca felt like she had tried on over 1.000 dresses and until now nothing had been appropriate in her opinion. She took another glass of champagne that had been offered to her and she sighed quite desperate.
"I think I will really end up with a dress out of paper bags."
"Don't get desperate, cherie! We've just started looking. What did you say what will happen today?"
Rebecca turned around to the saleswoman who came back with some dresses.
"A romantic dinner but I have no idea where we're going."
"What do you think about this one?"
It was a maxi dress with a draped top out of black chiffon and silk with long chiffon sleeves with a print of stylized roses in several colors.
"If it fits it will be perfect!" Rebecca cheered and put her glass on the table. She grabbed the dress and vanished into changing room.
"And how does it look like?"
"Oh my gosh, it is perfect. I love it."
"Then come out."
Rebecca stepped out and in front of the huge mirrors.
"You're right. It is perfect like it has been made for you."
"I take it. You really saved my day. Now I only need some shoes."
"We have fantastic black peep toes if you want to try them on."
"Yeah great. I'm just asking myself what I should do with my hair."
"Something that isn't distracting from the dress. A romantic up-do would be cute."
"Had also been my thought. And can you tell me where I find an optometrist?"
"Oh... I will have a look and tell you. Which shoe size do you have?"
"US 6 – 6.5."
"Ah, okay."
30 minutes and one glass of champagne later Rebecca had left the boutique with her new dress, shoes and the address of an optometrist. She was a bit nervous cause she had never really tried adherent lenses but it was definitely time for change. With her old glasses in her purse she quite felt like a new person. After hours of shopping she really needed some wellness treatment. It was enjoyable to get a massage, a facial treatment along with a mani- and pedicure before she got her make up and hair done. While she got the final touch up on her hairstyle she received a message from Neal where they would meet. Rebecca looked on her watch and realized she would just make it in time to the meeting point.
"Oh, excuse me. Is it possible to change my clothes here and send those bags back to my hotel?"
"Of course."
While Rebecca changed she wondered why Neal wanted to meet her in at the Louvre but he would have his reasons. She paid and took a taxi. She saw Neal already standing there waiting for her. His eyes widened in surprise when he realized she didn't wear her glasses anymore. When Rebecca arrived at his side Neal wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her softly.
"I see you had a very successful shopping day."
"Do you like it? It took me hours to find this dress."
"You look wonderful. And you're wearing contacts."
"Yeah, it feels a bit strange but I can wear them during my sleep. So, what are we doing here? You said we're having a romantic dinner not that we're taking a stroll through the Louvre."
"What if...?"
"Neal, what have you planned? You said it isn't something illegal. I think I'm done with the authorities or other criminals for some time."
"It isn't. And we're not taking a tour through the Louvre. Just follow me."
Neal took her by the hand and they started to walk towards the Jardin des Tuileres. Rebecca was in complete awe when she saw the table with the two chairs and a waiter standing there on a grassed area protected by trees and with the Louvre still in sight.
"I hope you like it."
"Neal, this is crazy... how did you?"
"It took me some phone calls but I thought you deserve a very special evening."
"I don't know what to say... it's like... gosh, I feel like I should pinch myself if this is really happening."
"I can assure you it is."
Rebecca nearly jumped into his arms and kissed him again.
"You're really crazy but I love you for that."
"I love you too. So we can have dinner?"
"Absolutely."
They went over to the table.
"For how long have you been planning this?" Rebecca asked after they had sat down.
"Since your arrival here."
"Really? It is perfect and you couldn't have chosen a better place."
"I'm really glad you like it here."
"How couldn't I? You really know how to amaze me every time anew."
The next hours they enjoyed a delicious 5 course dinner.
"Neal, you absolutely spoiled me. I can't remember that I ever had such a fantastic dinner date like this. You can never outnumber this."
"But our date isn't over yet."
"Not...? We're finished with dinner. The only thing that would top this would be a bunch of birds and glowworms singing a romantic ballad like in old Disney movies."
"Okay, Becca, you had enough wine for tonight."
"No...," her protest came along with a chuckle, "so what else have you planned?"
"It's something I had planned to do on another occasion but I decided today would be perfect."
The nervous edge in Neal's voice and behavior wasn't lost on Rebecca. She wanted to say something but Neal shook his head.
"Becca, on that evening when I told you the truth about me I said that I didn't expect you that I didn't expect us and it was the truth. I hadn't expected to meet someone like you in my whole life. Even though I lied to you and hid things from you... you never judged about me. You always cared more about who I am than what I am and what I've done. I thought that unconditional and non-judgmental love would only be able for others but not for me. I was about to accept that everything regarding myself would come in handy with the label criminal. No one before had been looking at me like the way you do. Maybe it depends on your job that you don't judge a book by its cover but no matter what it is I'm thankful to have you in my life. You changed a lot in my life without wanting me to change. You accept me as I am and you love me for who I am. This is more I could have ever asked for."
Rebecca felt her nervousness increasing when Neal went down on his knees in front of her and took her hand in his.
"Rebecca, this might be too early but you've given up your whole life to be with me. And all I can offer you is my love and the promise to do everything to make you happy and never make you regret your decision. So I'm asking you, Rebecca Lowe, will you marry me?"
It took Rebecca a few seconds to comprehend what she heard before she quite fell into his arms.
"Yes, yes, yes, of course I will," she squealed and kissed him.
"Then I guess you will wear this," Neal said with a smirk and gave her a small jewelery box. Rebecca opened it and she ran out of words. It was a delicate golden ring with wonderful sharpened emerald.
"Oh my gosh... this is... it is beautiful. But...," Rebecca took a closer look on the ring and frowned, "Neal, is this the golden ring I got from my great grandmother? I thought I lost it ... How...?"
"Becca, you told me that this was the engagement ring your great grandma got and that she gave it to you when you were a small girl cause you liked it so much."
"Yes, and one day I lost the gem on it and the ring was so old..."
"Shortly before Mozzie and I left New York I went to your apartment and got the ring out of your jewelery box."
"Why?"
"I was sure that you're the one I wanted to become my wife and I thought it would be the perfect ring for you. So I decided to take it and give it to you when the day comes I'd propose to you."
"It is even more beautiful than I'd have ever imagined it. My great grandmother had an emerald in it too."
"Give me your hand."
Neal took her hand and put the ring on her right ring finger. Rebecca smiled and looked at the ring.
"Neal, what was your usual plan to ask me?"
"Promise me you won't laugh."
"I swear I won't. "
"It's another surprise I'm giving away but before we arrive in Nizza we make a stop and stay over night at that vineyard you had visited while you were studying in France."
"Neal George Caffrey, you must be out of your mind."
"I'm not but why you're asking?"
"Why you're doing all this?"
"Because you deserve it and you told me so much about it."
"I love you even if you wouldn't do all those crazy things. I don't wanna know how you will outnumber yourself when it comes to our wedding."
"Actually I don't plan to because you once said you already have a master plan for that."
"Oh, well then... and we're really going to that vineyard?"
"Yes, it should be a really beautiful place with fantastic wines as I heard."
"Is Mozzie coming with us?"
"Yes, but once we leave him at the wine cellar he'll be busy."
"I guess so...," Rebecca laughed.
"And we need some wine for our cruise trip."
Rebecca had to chuckle before Neal cupped her face with his hands and kissed her again.