Hi again. Here's an update ... Hope you enjoy xx

This story is strangely getting away from me and I have a few more plot ideas still to come. However, I'm a little concerned about going over the top. I like a little drama but I like it to seem feasible too. Let me know what you think! :-)

Story so far: Red works at Dior and Liz is an exchange student. Oh and she just stood him up xx


"Elizabeth" he says as he approaches, stepping close, leaning in and kissing her cheek.

"Red" she says instinctively, blushing at the over familiarity of the greeting. "Does anyone call you Red?"

"Not for years, but I have a feeling I could grow accustomed to it again very quickly." He says with a smile that's completely genuine and startlingly heart stopping.

"I... The card. It was wet, damaged. I didn't know how else to reach you." Liz says, babbling and blushing further.

"I'm glad you came. We can firm up arrangements for this evening" he says, flawlessly.

"Tonight. Ok, yes. I don't finish until eight" Liz says, sounding doubtful.

"Perfect. I'll meet you there" he says, smiling again, putting her at ease. He asks the details of her work. Taking all of the information in his stride and mentally locking it away. He's not going to have such a near miss again; not going to risk it.

Red is waiting and watching her through the window from across the street, mulling over the plans for this evening. He is all set for a rerun of the previous evening, thinking it's the perfect venue to get to know her, to bring her to his environment and indulge a little, in the music, the atmosphere, in her. But though she brightens when she seems him waiting, he wonders if she isn't a little tired from her day of work. Maybe something more casual would be preferable to her.

Taking out his phone he makes a quick call to an old Parisian friend, asking a favour and knowing it's just the tonic for a long day on your feet. Red kisses her cheek softly in greeting as she exits the cafe, encouraging her to take his arm as he fills her in on this evenings plans.

Victor, the old friend in question, runs a kitchen bistro from his apartment, as often as it suits him. He rarely takes bookings but prefers to post on his blog when the notion takes him. Tables are first come, first served but Red knows he'll always manage to squeeze in last minute surprise visitors.

Victor has had a variety of careers, head chef amongst them, and he had trained in some of the finest French kitchens. But it was his childhood, with his mother and grandmother, in rural France that most influenced his cuisine, and what had critics, gastronomes, just about everyone, falling over themselves to claim a table.

When Red and Liz arrive they discover that tonight Victor hadn't planned to open at all but instead he's in the midst of preparations for some of Red's favourite dishes. He's always found Raymond Reddington to be a generous man and he's in the mood to return the favour. In addition, Red had mentioned a lady friend, and as a true Frenchman, Victor is duty bound to add a little romance.

They are treated to a true culinary experience in an intimate and authentic setting. Everything is perfect. Victor guides them through the dishes and humbly accepts their generous praise following each course. Despite the setting, in his own home, Victor manages to be discreet, allowing Liz and Red to get to know each other for the first time.

And they do get to know each other, over many hours and accompanied by rich food and delicious wine. Liz is comfortable and confident for the first time in months, no more worrying about her cultural inexperience. There's a balance between them, even this early on. Red leads when it's appropriate and sits back to watch her, to listen to her when she wants to.

It's the first of many nights and days they spend together over many months. Slowly their relationship grows and strengthens. He's old fashioned, to a point, so they wait before progressing their physical relationship. But when they do it's passionate and tender and deeply satisfying. He's patient and attentive, and they both experiences a fulfilment beyond anything they've known before.

The only rocky moment is when she invited him over to her apartment for some homemade French onion soup. There had been a few tense moments before they both agreed that it wasn't very French or in fact very edible. Someone is the midst of it all he'd managed to charm her roommate, leading to a thawing of relations for Liz too.

One evening she agrees to accompany him to a fashion week event. Normally, Red doesn't bother with the usual fashion week parties but this is a dinner, in opulent surroundings and seems too good an opportunity to pass up.

Liz wasn't sure what to wear, knowing her budget really wouldn't stretch to anything the fashionista bloggers would find acceptable. But Red saves the day, suggesting that she borrow something from the Dior archive, accessorising himself as a thank you to her for being his date. Early on in the planning she had a thought to decline his invitation, allow him the opportunity to invite someone else, someone more suitably matched. An event like this is really beyond her. If she declined it would be the first time her finances had really impacted their relationship. But the way Red approaches her, approaches the planning and organising is so delicately done. He is so certain about things, so sure about her and the idea of them together.

The evening it perfect. The inside of the ballroom is lit by candles and they are surrounded by delicately scented flowers that only enhance the beauty of the building they are in. The champagne, the meal, the wine, have all been thoughtfully chosen. It's breathtaking and the best part of it all is that they get to share it with each other.

Once the meal is cleared Red starts to socialise more. He's well known and many people seek him out. Red introduces her to everyone they meet, sometimes just exchanging a few words, other times catching up with people he's not seen for some time. He keeps her, he keeps everyone, engaged and enthralled.

Just as they bid farewell to one couple someone approaches from Red's side, "Ray" Liz hears before she sees the woman to whom the voice belongs.

The woman could be Liz in another life time. She's older, certainly closer to Red's age than Liz's but there are undeniable similarities. The height, body shape, hair colour. She's looks like a Parisian polished Liz might look a decade from now.

"Tabitha" Red responds in greeting, as the woman in question swoops in to warmly greet him, kissing him on both cheeks. "Allow me to introduce Elizabeth Scott" Red says indicating Liz and stepping away from Tabitha's grasp.

"A pleasure" Tabitha says with a cool stare and the offer of a limb hand.

"Likewise" Liz responds, smiling briefly before looking back to Red.

Tabitha seems unperturbed by the response she received from Liz or Red and immediately draws Red in to a conversation about old acquaintances and shared experiences that make Red laugh heartily. Even Liz enjoys listening to her stories, though not the occasional flash of jealousy she sees in the woman's eyes.

After a few minutes, stories about people she's never seen or heard of before no longer hold interest, no matter how well told they are. Liz starts to consider her decision to attend, her future, Red's and this substitute Liz.

Liz hasn't told him yet but she can't extend her stay. She enquired about transferring but the tuition fees alone are miles beyond her budget. In just over a month she's leaving and there nothing she can do to stop it. Red hasn't mentioned it once, through he's quite aware of her place on the exchange programme.

He's enjoyed her company, she's certain of that. Maybe the time restriction suits him, maybe he's not looking for anything longer term. Liz is annoyed with herself for not discussing this with him. For suddenly feeling threatened by the presence of a woman from Red's past, knowing she is leaving and there is nothing to stop the future that's rushing towards her.

Liz gathers her bag and slips away from the table, from Red and Tabitha and her growing sorrow, uttering a few words of explanation and retreating to the rear of the room. She doesn't see and Tabitha does notice the micro expression that speaks of Red displeasure at her leaving. She orders a drink at the bar and waits. From her slightly elevated position she can see the room. She thinks she'll wait out Tabitha and then return, but as she lifts the drink to her lips she sees Red stand and begin to make his way towards her.

He meets her and waits a beat before speaking, "Why did you do that?".

"I'm leaving Red. Long distance. I don't think that's our thing." Liz responds. Speaking forcefully, attempting to sound confident when she feels anything but.

"And what was that?" He asks, gesturing back across the room.

"Stepping aside." She tells him honestly, a hint of the sorrow she feels colouring her voice.

Red is angry, at least she thinks he is. She's never seen him angry before and he is doing one hell of a job keeping his features neutral, his expression passive. But there is an almost imperceptible tightening of his jaw, he seems to hold the tension there, his jaw working to dissipate how he feels.

After a pause he speaks, "This isn't some fling, Elizabeth. You're not my midlife crisis. I'm in love with you. I realise I neglected to raise the subject with you, but whatever happens I'm not about to let you walk away."

That wasn't the declaration he had planned. It feels clumsy and rushed, his anger at her earlier actions forcing the words from his mouth. It wasn't like him to be so undone but the thought of her leaving and her easy acceptance at their fate has him wrong footed. Had he misread her? Had he allowed himself to develop deep feeling for her while she's stayed guarded, nonchalant? He stays quite. Angry, reflecting.

After a few minutes Liz gathers her thoughts and responds, "I'm sorry" she whispers. It's doesn't seem enough but it is, Red steps closer, pulling her into an intimate embrace, kissing her hair softly and exhaling all the tension and anger that had instantly consumed him. "Lizzie" he murmurs so softly she's not sure if she heard it or fantasised it.

Red takes her hand and leads her away from the ballroom and the building. They have a long overdue conversation that needs to be had.