I hope you enjoyed the finale on thursday as much as I did!
A little fluff and funny Red is waiting for you in this one. Hope you'll like it and thanks for your reviews. I try to work on it.
Many thanks to my lovely beta inmate23!
Song lyrics in this one by James Bay's "Running"

Still don't own a thing


They departed in the early morning hours to get to their meeting with Cooper. Red's night was, yet again, rough and short. His shoulder still hurt from where Tom had stabbed him but it could have been worse.

He has been worse in the past. Red watched Lizzie from the corner of his eye. She seemed to be just as absent as he felt. His hands reached for the scotch bottle when he caught her glance towards him. He sensed immediately what she was trying to tell him and knew if he opens the bottle she would scold him for drinking in the morning and under pain medication.

Before his fingers could close around the bottle, he changed his mind and grabbed the newspaper instead.

He straightened his dress pants and crossed his legs, while his eyes roamed over the front page when Dembe returned from the cockpit.

"Johann called and confirmed Agent Mojtabai's theory. He and Guido are on their way to survey the area in the forest."

Red looked up shortly and gave him a nod.

Then he returned his eyes to an article about a recent shooting in Guatemala.

"Who are Johann and Guido?" her voice called out from the distance.

"Two associates. Luckily, Guido is a forester as well as a hunter and can monitor the area without arising suspicion." He answered nonchalantly without looking up.

He smiled fondly and chewed his cheek, before he folded the paper and placed it on his lap.

"We went together once on a hunt. I have always been interested in hunting and convinced Guido to take me with him. I thought we would be on the high seat for the night but we walked through the forest instead. I had no idea where I was, or where our car was parked but he did." He tilted his head and went on, "And then I turned around for a second and he was gone and I was alone."

She sat opposite from him, listening to one of his many stories, her eyes alternately watching his eyes and lips.

"How did you get out? Did you find him?"

He nodded. "Even better. I just had my revolver with me and tried to go back on my own. I have no idea how long I wandered, but all of a sudden a full grown wild boar appeared behind me." Red paused and chuckled, "I thought that I was as good as dead. People all over the world would pay millions to kill me and a wild boar was about to finally do it."

"What happened?"

"So I turned around and shot him. Straight between the eyes. The perfect shot." He shrugged, "That's when Guido found me. Dear Otis was our only catch that night and my first and probably last hunting."

"You named the animal Otis?"

"After my neighbor's dog. Annoying little cur, let me tell you. Couldn't stand people on bicycles. I came home from school one afternoon and that damn thing swatted its body through the fence and chased me down the street until I arrived at our backyard. Scared the hell out of me." He sighed and shook his head.

It was ridiculous. She couldn't even imagine what he looked like when he was a young boy. He was probably cheeky and a rebel in his youth. At least until he joined the navy.

Liz buckled up her seat belt when the pilot informed them that they were about to arrive in D.C.

She had yet to find a fitting dress.

When they arrived at the Post Office, Red lead Liz through the hallway, his hand casually placed on her back. He could either continue to live in denial, or move forward with their relationship. It was definitely the worst timing to do so, but he couldn't help himself.

Time was a precious commodity that neither of them had at the moment.

Red opened the door to Cooper's office and gestured for Liz to go in first. He was still a gentleman, and just a man as he admired the view of her back.

He took off his hat and watched Ressler who was also standing in the room. Red turned to Liz, his eyes asking the unspoken question, if she wanted him to be there as well. Liz folded her arms and shook her head.

"Reddington, Agent Keen? What is the matter?" Cooper asked from across his office table.

Both heads shot to the side to face Cooper. Liz raised her hands in surrender, Red would do what he wanted to do anyway. She backed away and went to stand next to Ressler by the window.

"Good morning, Harold." Red addressed him and sat down.

"Agent Keen told me you wanted to talk to us." Cooper exclaimed and nodded to Aram and Samar who stood behind him.

"Yes. I want to borrow Agents Mojtabai and Navabi. We found out where Jennifer is and I'm inclined to visit this place. For this, I need both of your best agents." Red said in an insistent voice, the smug smile never leaving his face.

Aram fidgeted with his hands and swallowed as Red finished his sentence. Samar didn't show any kind of emotion, while Liz shook her head at to Red's attitude and Ressler seemed offended for not being invited. Cooper held onto the table, trying hard to control his emotions.

"You can't simply borrow my agents for one of your missions, Reddington!" He shouted.

Red tilted his head in return and smiled, absolutely confident that Cooper would give in within the next 60 seconds.

"My people are currently conducting business with Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and if this incident hadn't foiled my plans, I would have shared a bowl of shisha with him and tanned my face. Unfortunately though, a group of people decided to kidnap my ex wife's daughter and they are willing to kill one of your agents as well," he paused to let his words sink in and continued in a cold voice, "When was the last time you went to Kuwait, Harold?"

Cooper straightened his neck, let out a breath through his nose and nodded defeated.

"Fine! But if anyone of my people doesn't get out of this alive you are the one responsible for that, Reddington."

"Always a pleasure to talk to you, Harold." He chuckled and got up, his fedora back in place.

"But I'm not a field agent." Aram whispered quietly to himself.

"No need to worry, Aram. You won't do anything that you don't normaly do around here. I'd have called my associate, but he died a week ago, due to a parcel bomb in Chile." He reassured after he heard him, causing Aram to shiver.

Ressler huffed a laugh.

"Your daughter has been kidnapped and these lunatics threaten to kill her and your missus," he said, pointing at Liz, "but you refuse to take me with you, because of your enormous ego?"

"This has nothing to do with my ego, Agent Ressler. Do you really want to discuss this topic in here?" He shoved a hand in his pocket and pulled out a little box filled with pain killers, and swallowed two pills.

Resslers eyes hung onto that box and he frowned. No, he didn't want his colleagues and his boss to know about his problems. His fingertips slid over the bridge of his nose and he walked past Liz to the door to leave.

"Dembe will inform you about the travel arrangements." He stated to Aram and Samar.

Red then took a hold of Liz's upper arm to guide her out off Coopers office. It was a clearly something he usually wouldn't do in front of her colleagues but right in this moment he didn't give a damn. Once they were about to pass Liz's office, they saw Ressler sitting at his desk, working on some files.

He looked terrible.

Red stopped in his tracks and let go off Liz, asking her to excuse him for a moment, while he had a word with her partner.

He closed the door behind him and folded his hands in front of him, his feet tapping on the floor to get his attention. Ressler gave him a brief glimpse and put the pen aside.

"What do you want, Reddington?" He asked in a demanding tone, "Tell me how incapable I am? But before you do, let me tell you something. I got shot, I almost lost my leg because I am charged to protect you, a fugitive, a murderer, a traitor..." He stood up and walked towards him, "And if this wasn't enough, I lost the woman I loved. We were expecting a child. I was going to be a father."

Donald swallowed and pursed his lips angrily. He could swear he saw sympathy in Red's eyes though he doubted this man was capable of having those feelings.

"You walked in here and created chaos all around, I haven't had the time to process all of that. I know that I suck! I don't need you to remind me of that. Do you think I enjoy popping pills as if they were candy? Because I don't."

He drew in a breath and held it for mere seconds before he let it out.

"I am one of the good guys, Reddington, and so is Liz. I may be an addict, but I am a good guy. You, on the other hand, are a ruthless criminal, using my friend to your advantage, whatever you need her for, and you know that. You want to protect her, but you are the one who puts her constantly in danger. She deserves someone better than you. All I want you to know is, if something happens to her, if you hurt her, or her feelings, I'm gonna kill you!" He promised him in a low tone, "And you don't have the privilege to tell me what's right and what's not."

Red listened to his words and he knew, deep down, that Donald was right. The corner of his mouth turned down slightly, but he never averted his gaze from Ressler's. He was aware what Liz's partner was going through although he hadn't known that Audrey was pregnant. Red knew how it felt to lose everything that made life worth living, but he clung onto the idea of having Lizzie. She deserved someone better than him, someone who has a pure heart, not a criminal liar whose hands could kill mercilessly without any signs of regret.

He was a irreparable soul.

He picked out a small piece of paper and handed it to Ressler.

"In case you need professional help. Dr. Miller is one of the best in this country."

"And I'm sorry about the loss of your child, Donald!" He clenched his jaw, "But as you said you are one of the good people and you will find someone who will fill the void in your heart." He added quietly, leaving the room and went to his car.

Liz and Red arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel where the Dinner would be held. Fortunately, Red had booked a suite in the same hotel, so that no further driving would be involved.

London has always been among her favorite cities. The last time she went there was as a college student. She would go from one club to another with her friends and barely remember how she got back to her hotel. Too bad that those pleasant memories would be now replaced by the cruel reality that her life has become. Before she met Red, or more precisely before Red entered her life, she lived in a bubble. She knew very well that bad people were living out there, but she had never thought that some of the worst criminals were politicians or CEO's. Those people had influence and it was frightening her.

She checked her appearance for the last time in the window and drew in a deep breath. She had chosen a strapeless, knee length black dress. Casual, but form fitting.

Red told her that Roger Hobbs was a millionaire and invested his money in several companies all over the world. Why exactly the alliance was founded in the first place she didn't know.

As always everyone was waiting for Red. Dembe stood by the door, occasionally looking at his watch when Reddington finally joined them in the hall. He was dressed in his tuxedo and she couldn't suppress the urge to look at him more closely. She loved seeing him in his suits but those tuxedos... Heavenly!

He straightened his jacket as he entered the room and glanced slack-jawed towards the woman in front of him. His eyes roamed briefly over her perfectly shaped body until he regained his composure and held out his arm.

"Shall we?" He asked her a little too hoarsely.

The look on his face didn't go by unnoticed, but she decided not to elaborate further on that and took his arm.

The three of them entered the ballroom and were greeted by a young man. Red introduced her as Ms. Susan Maracle, before they were lead to their table, where an older looking man was already waiting for them.

"Hello Roger." Liz eyed how Red shook his hand briefly instead of pulling him into a hug which means he wasn't one of his closest associates.

"Susan, this is Roger Hobbs, Roger this is my lovely financial planner Susan Maracle."

"Nice to meet you Ms. Maracle. May I say that you look wonderful in this dress." He stated in a low rumble and pulled the chair back for her.

"Thank you" She smiled and watched how Red sat down next to her with a clearly displeased look on his face.

"Now that we're past the formalities, what intel can you give us, Roger?" He asked and Liz could bet she heard a jealous undertone in his voice.

After he took a short look around the room he sighed.

"They are about to start a third world war. The information I can give you is that a bombing in Washington, London, Paris and Berlin is set. They will make it look like it was an order from Russia."

"They'd bomb their own capital?" Liz chocked out.

He nodded.

"They would kill the president if necessary."

"What do you know about Jennifer?" Red asked.

"Nothing. You said they are holding her captive in Germany and I don't have the best relationship with them." Hobbs said matter-of-factly and pulled an USB flash drive out of his pocket and gave it to Red.

"That is all the information you need but be very careful. I'm sure the area is heavily surrounded and I wouldn't bet on my intel too much. You can try to blackmail them but they are careful. Shoot your way through this facility and try it. I'm sorry I couldn't help you any further, Raymond!"

Red put the device into his trouser pocket and nodded in thanks. The Cabal was usually three steps ahead but he had to take this risk, in order to save Jennifer.

"I appreciate your loyalty, Roger. If you are in need, feel free to contact me or Dembe."

With that he bid his goodbye, leaving the two people alone. Dembe was staying at the entrance, keeping his guard up. Liz fingers brushed over the brim of her glass while her eyes were fixed on the white table cloth.

"Is something wrong, Lizzie?" Red asked with obvious concern in his voice.

She snorted and slowly turned her head to face him.

"Everything is wrong, Red. Haven't you heard what he just said? We must do something."

"We will." He smiled reassuringly and grazed the top of her hand with his finger. "We will met Samar and Aram tomorrow and figure something out."

"Are you sure you will be able to do something?" She pointed to his injured shoulder but he must have swallowed so many pain killers that he was basically numb. He didn't even wear his sling anymore. As much as she tried to talk some sense into him, he wouldn't let go of his idea and neither would she. She wanted him safe and he wanted her safe.

"I've been worse and I came out of it alive and if I'm not, then it is not going to be the end of the world." His palm covered her hand and he gave it a gentle squeeze. "I just want to protect you and Jennifer. Nothing else matters."

Liz pulled out her hand from under his and stroked over her scar. He should stop doing this. It sounded as if he didn't see himself worthy to live. She swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked the few tears away which threatened to roll over her cheeks. Her tried to form a small smile, but she was sure she failed in doing so.

His hand in front of her brought her back to the present. He was standing before her, smiling as gently as ever. Liz remained in her seat for a mere moment until Red took her by the hand and lead her across the room to a small dance floor. The last time they had danced was at the embassy and this was a memory she rather wanted to forget. Their waltz back then was sloppy, both tried to force the other to follow their lead.

When my heart is ready to burst,
When the world spins in reverse
I'll keep running
To the place where I belong

When you go, turn down the light
No one's here to hold you in the night
I'll keep running
To the place where I belong

When you think you're on your own
I'm still coming home!

She felt her heartbeat quicken against her chest as he placed his hand on her lower back and pulled her closer to him. The heat radiating from his hand spread across her whole back and she would lie if she said that she didn't enjoy this feeling. They began softly to sway to the music. Despite her inner war with herself, she let him take the lead for now. It was more than a simple dance though. She gave herself to him. Not just in this moment, but also for the future, hopefully a future together as one. Her head leaned comfortably against his shoulder while her palm rested on his chest, just above his heart. The amount of safety he could provide was scary and, yet it felt as if this is the place where she belonged. She had never felt that with Tom, or any other of her ex boyfriends before. Not for the first time she asked herself if he felt that way, too. His hand on her back travelled to her waist, while he dropped his head and she could feel his how his breath ghosted over her ear. Her eyes fluttered shut at the feeling of the direct contact between them. She couldn't deny her feelings for him any longer. He had never been just an asset.

When our picture fades in the sun
And all the colors blur in the one
I'll keep running
To the place where I belong

When you think you're on your own
I'm still coming home!

"I think I have to apologize for my manners earlier on." He whispered directly in her ear.

"Why is that?" She replied equally quietly.

"I missed the point where I should have told you how beautiful you look tonight, breathtaking even."

"Thank you." She couldn't help but smile and felt her cheeks turning into a soft shade of red. From the corner of her eyes she could see that his were tightly shut, as if he was fighting an inner battle with himself.

When you all gets blinded
When you fold with the cards
No, I'll never stop fighting
To get to where you are!

"Are you okay?" She put some distance between them. "Are you in pain?"

"No... Yes, but it is a different kind of pain." He admitted in a gruff tone. "I – when you showed up in Chicago I was disappointed that you went there against my order. If Tom had killed me, I would have brought you and Jennifer in more danger than you already are. I almost failed in my mission to keep both of you safe and the reason for that is ..." His grip on her tightened as he fought for the right words and she watched how his shoulders rose and fell faster.

Her hand moved from his back up to cup his cheek. The green eyes were concealed by his golden eyelashes she usually admired but right now, she only wished he would look at her.

He let out a shuddered breath and tried to steer away from her, but before he could do so her other hand was on his right cheek, holding him in place.

"The reason for that is?" She asked him softly.

"You are!"

"Me?"

"The reason I don't let anybody in is that once it happens, I tend to destroy it. I bring nothing but havoc into other peoples lives, including yours. You want me in your life but I cannot give you that, Lizzie. I must protect my feelings for you by shutting you out of my mind. I was scared that something could happen to you while I was gone. I was so distracted with my worries about you that I forgot anything else." He swallowed thickly, opening his eyes to find her standing before him, almost frozen in place. "If I allow myself to love you, then I have to take the risk of losing you!"

It hurt to hear him saying those words to her. She hurt for him. That he couldn't see that she felt the same and was game to take the risk.

For him.

For them.

Wherever we go

When the lights are faded to black
Only stars are guiding me back
I'll keep running
To the place I belong

Her fingertips slid over his jacket to his hands, which hung loosely at his sides to take his hands.

"You're right. Your chaos is dangerous for my life, but you know what? I already knew that." She said, tilting her head, "You are by far not perfect, but neither am I. Both of us have our demons to fight and we're both damaged, but not damaged beyond repair. You are not the monster you claim to be and when I said that to you I was -"

"I am a -" He tried to cut her off.

"I was wrong. I don't know what happened to you and why you have become the person you are today, but I know that there is a person buried deep inside who craves to be loved. And you are deserving of it. Love is a risky business, but the real question is if it is worth to take the risk.

I have asked myself this question and came to the conclusion that you are worth it. I choose you, Red, because I know that you are the right one for me. You are honest, trustworthy, smart, funny and sexy. Your highest priority is my safety and happiness and this is what I want for you as well. I'm not begging you to choose me but I am giving you a choice. Am I worth it?" She asked in an appealing voice.

She dared to take a step closer to him and he looked defeated. It seemed as if her words didn't give him encouragement but hurt him even more. Her hand found the back of his head and she boldly pressed her lips against his in a lingering kiss. She hadn't thought that he might not respond but at this moment she didn't care. She had imagined this scene more than once. How his lips would feel, what he would do, how he might taste and how it would make her feel to kiss him.

His lips were expectably soft, though he was still numb in place but she couldn't help and smile as she pulled back.

When you think you're on your own
I'm still coming home!

"Think about it." She said and pecked him on the cheek before she went to the elevator.

She had made her point perfectly clear. It was his move now!

Queen to B4. Check!