This story is based on BardenBeale's Liz/Meera fanfic, In the Moonlit Woods. Mine starts after the first two chapters of her fic. Go read hers first, all three chapters. And then read mine, which includes an alternate ending (I just had to okay? Trust me, you'll know what I mean when you read chapter three of In the Moonlit Woods).
Frederick Barnes
"Liz, you okay?"
Liz was seated at her desk, and she looked up from where she had been holding her head in her hands to find Meera's concerned face looking back at her.
Liz tried to smile, but didn't know what to say, so she simply shrugged, her lips quivering.
Meera quickly shut the door to Liz's office and walked over to her, taking a seat on the desk to the side of Liz's chair. Liz swiveled her chair and scooted closer as Meera took her hand in one of her own.
With her free hand, Meera reached out to tuck a strand of Liz's hair behind her ear. "Darling, what is it?"
"It was a stupid mistake. Amateur. Ressler was right, I shouldn't be doing this job. If surrendering my weapon in a hostage situation seems like the right decision when it's not, I shouldn't be here. I don't understand why Reddington needs me of all people." Liz's voice was firm, but she was clearly upset and frustrated with herself.
Meera shook her head, gripping Liz's hands tightly. "You're new at this, my love. Of course you'll make a mistake every now and then. And you made this mistake because you care about people so much. You care about every human life and you don't want to sacrifice anyone. It's one of the many reasons I adore you."
Liz managed a small, wobbly smile, looking down at her hands in Meera's. "But my mistakes put others in danger."
"Yes, but it didn't cause anyone harm today. Don't dwell on the 'what ifs.' You'll remember this next time you're in a tough position."
Liz's mouth quirked in one corner and she swallowed, finally looking up into Meera's face. "Thanks, baby."
Meera leaned forward to give Liz a tender, lingering kiss.
When she pulled back, she smirked, her eyes twinkling. "And I don't blame Reddington for wanting to work with you. You're pretty sexy."
"Not as sexy as you are, Agent Malik," Liz replied with a sly grin, her hands squeezing Meera's thighs.
Suddenly there was a sharp knock on the door, and in an instant, Liz's hands were back on her lap and Meera was standing next to her as if nothing had happened.
Ressler poked his head in. "Keen, call Reddington. We need his help on this one."
Liz nodded. "Absolutely." She turned to Meera. "We'll continue this later?" she asked, her voice a mask of professionalism.
"Certainly, Agent Keen. Good luck with Reddington." Meera nodded and left the office behind Ressler.
When she was alone, Liz took a moment to smile to herself, relishing in the joy of her new relationship, before calling Red.
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Liz felt a little numb.
She knew she'd made the right decision killing Frederick Barnes, but it was her first kill in the field. Her hands were shaking, and she couldn't seem to get them to stop. She had to go back to the Post Office and fill out the paperwork – discharging her weapon and such.
When she walked off the elevator, Meera looked up from her desk. She took one look at Liz and could tell something was wrong. Meera waited a few minutes before following Liz to her office.
Liz was sitting at her desk holding a pen in her shaking hand, staring blankly at the forms in front of her when she heard a light knock at the door. She didn't answer. Meera opened the door anyway.
Liz looked up at her and couldn't stand the worried look on her face. She stood up and immediately walked to Meera, tangling her arms tightly around her, burying her face in Meera's hair.
"What happened, love?" Meera whispered, holding Liz close.
Liz let out a shaky breath. "I killed someone, Meera. I mean, I did the right thing. I know I did, but it was my first time. I just…" she trailed off.
Meera ran her fingers through Liz's hair comfortingly. "Shh, you don't have to explain. I understand. You'll be okay."
Liz turned her head into Meera's neck and left a soft kiss under her ear. "I love you."
Meera smiled, kissing Liz's head. "I love you too, darling. Want to come over for dinner? Meet the girls? The normalcy might make you feel a little better."
Liz pulled back a little to look into Meera's eyes, slightly shocked. "You want me to meet your girls? Are you sure?"
Meera gave her the brightest smile she'd ever seen. "Absolutely certain."
Liz pressed her lips fiercely to Meera's, overwhelmed with her love for this incredible woman. "I will happily come over for dinner, baby," she replied, leaning her forehead against Meera's.
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Meera was holding Liz's hand as she reached for her keys. "You ready?" she asked, glancing at Liz with a smile.
Liz smiled in return and nodded, sure despite her nerves.
Meera opened the door and immediately two adorable little girls ran toward them, squealing. Meera knelt down and they ran into her arms.
Liz felt like her chest was about to burst. How was it possible that she loved Meera this much already?
"Hi, babies! Did you have a good day?" Meera asked, squeezing her daughters tightly.
They both smiled and nodded, speaking at the same time, their words mixing together in an excited, jumbled mess. Liz grinned. She could only make out every few words.
Meera pulled back and stood up, tousling the girls' hair. "I brought someone very special home, girls." They looked past Meera shyly to gaze at Liz. Liz waved, beaming at them.
Meera grabbed Liz's hand and pulled her forward to stand next to her. "This is Liz." Meera smiled at her, and the love in her eyes was enough to melt Liz's heart.
"Liz, this is Jasmine," she said, gesturing to the slightly taller, obviously a bit older daughter. "And this is Grace," she continued, placing her hand gently on the smaller girl's head.
Liz knelt down. "It's lovely to meet you both. Your mom has told me so much about you!" She couldn't believe how precious these girls were, how much they looked like miniature versions of the woman she loved.
She felt so much better already. Like the nightmarish day she'd just had was far in the past.
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After dinner, Meera got Jasmine and Grace ready for bed and read them a story, sitting on the floor between the girls' beds, her legs crossed at the ankles.
Liz had offered to clean up everything after dinner, and once she finished, she walked down the hall to see what they were up to. She heard Meera's soft voice and the tinkling giggles of the girls.
She couldn't help herself – she peeked through the crack of the door, gazing at Meera with the most contented smile on her face. Meera had never looked more beautiful. Barefoot, tired, leaning her head down laughing at something Grace said, her hair falling in front of her face.
She didn't want to intrude on their family moment, so she retreated to the living room. Ten minutes later, Meera quietly closed the girls' bedroom door and joined Liz in the living room.
Liz shook her head in disbelief at how perfect this woman was. "Come here, you," she said, holding out her hand. Meera smiled and willingly obliged. As soon as she had taken Liz's hand, Liz leaned back, pulling a softly squealing Meera down on top of her.
Liz kissed Meera reverently for a solid minute, threading her fingers through her hair.
Then she gently sat up, pushing Meera up with her, sliding one hand down Meera's arm to twine their fingers together. "I adore them already," Liz murmured. Meera grinned and it made Liz's chest ache with joy. "Oh my god, baby, you're just the cutest. I can't believe you're mine," Liz grinned, leaning in for another kiss, soft and tender this time.
Meera lightly brushed her thumb along Liz's cheekbone, a smile brightening her eyes. "They adored you too, darling. I've never seen them take to someone so quickly."
Liz beamed. She settled back into the couch cushions, pulling Meera into her, holding her tightly. She dropped a kiss on Meera's shoulder. "Thank you for tonight. This was perfect. You're perfect."
"You're so very welcome, my love," Meera replied, lightly trailing her finger up and down Liz's thigh.
"They look so much like you, Meera," Liz said softly. "They're beautiful. And so smart and sweet and well-behaved." She kissed Meera's shoulder again.
Meera pulled away so she could see Liz's face. God, how she loved this woman. Her eyes were shining as she shook her head in disbelief. "How did I ever get so lucky? I already have my two perfect girls and now I get to call the most wonderful, beautiful woman I've ever met mine. What did I do to deserve this?"
Liz lunged forward, gently nudging Meera backward on the couch until she was lying down, latching her lips to Meera's as if she could never get enough of her. She paused to take a breath, her lips still grazing Meera's as she whispered, "I'm the one who doesn't deserve you, baby. You're incredible."
Liz was overcome with how much she craved this tiny, perfect woman beneath her. She bit Meera's lower lip softly, then brushed her tongue along the roof of her mouth. Meera let out a low moan, responding with equal hunger.
When they broke apart for air, Liz crouched above Meera to fully take in the image of her. She lay there breathless, hair fanned out around her on the couch cushion, gazing up at Liz with pure love written across her face. Liz grinned devilishly, her hair falling down to tickle the tip of Meera's nose. Meera reached up to cup the back of Liz's head and ran one hand down her spine, pulling Liz down until their bodies were practically melded together.
"Stop talking nonsense and just kiss me," Meera ordered breathlessly.
Liz didn't mind doing what she was told. Not one bit.