Chapter 36

…

Andrea looked sideways at Kate, who's eyes were fixed on the sky in front of her. She reached over, taking hold of Kate's hand in her own as the older woman turned to face her.

"What are you thinking about?" Andrea asked.

"Nothing really dearie, I just…can't believe it's finally happening. We're flying to our new home."

"I'm glad Red came through for you, I really am."

"I don't know how I can thank him, and you."

"Me?"

"You've given up your life to be with me, your job, your friends, your family…a family I haven't even met."

"We're not that close, I speak to them soon, I promise. After all, they're going to need to know they have a granddaughter."

"Are they really that bad?"

"Not overly, they weren't exactly thrilled when I told them I was gay. They accepted it but I think my Mom always thought a handsome young guy would come along and change me."

"I don't imagine she'll handle our relationship well then?"

"Well it's up to them, I've survived this long without them. I have you, Red, Liz, Dembe, Fiona and Nikki. I don't need anyone else…well, except this one." Andrea smiled as she placed her hand on Kate's abdomen.

Kate looked down, smiling as her hand came to cover Andrea's before she looked up, leaning in and kissing the younger woman.

"I love you so much dearie."

"I love you too, both of you."

…

Liz looked towards the task force building, butterflies in her stomach as Red reached for her hand.

"Are you ready Lizzie?"

"Mmmm, yeah. Yeah come, lets do this." She smiled as she got out of the car.

"We won't be long Dembe." Red smiled.

"Not a problem Raymond."

Liz waited for Red to join her before they made their way inside, Aram and Samar were in a deep conversation about a case when Aram looked over to see Liz approaching them.

"Liz." He smiled as he got up to hug her.

"Hey Aram, Hi Samar."

"How are you Liz?" The other woman asked.

"I'm good, I think we're all ready…finally."

"Agent Keen."

Liz looked up to see Cooper and Ressler walking down the stairs, offering a warm smile their way.

"Sir, hey Ressler."

As they approached, Liz went quiet, tears beginning to fill her eyes.

"Wow, I eh…didn't think this would be so hard."

Copper stepped forward, shaking her hand.

"It's been a pleasure to work with you Liz, you deserve this fresh start."

"Thank you." She said as she hugged him.

Ressler moved forward, bringing Liz in to his arms, holding her tight as she wrapped her arms around him.

"I don't know who I'm gonna argue with now that your leaving." He said quietly.

"Oh I don't know, I think Samar could give me a run for my money."

"I'll certainly try." Samar joked.

"Take care Liz, don't be a stranger."

"I'll be back to visit, I promise. Tom will still be here"

"I wish you all the best Liz." Samar said before she hugged her.

"Thanks Samar, I wish we'd gotten to know each other better."

Liz stopped at Aram, seeing the way he was looking at her. The both of them with tears in their eyes.

"And you, I am most definitely gonna miss you the most. Aram, you've been such a good friend to me over the years, you've stood by me when others didn't. I'll never be able to thank you enough for that."

"I'm gonna miss you so much."

Aram took tight hold of her, hugging her as if he never wanted to let her go.

"You have to come visit us okay, soon. Mr Kaplan wants you to meet that baby."

"Oh god, I never got a chance to say goodbye to her."

"She knows your busy, oh…but she did say to give you this."

Liz handed Aram the wrapped package, opening it and smiling it all the herbs and spices on the rack.

"A spice rack?" Samar questioned.

"Yeah, she knows I like to cook. Tell her thank you Liz."

"You can tell her yourself, here. That's her cell, she said to call whenever you want and she'll look forward to your visit."

"I'll be over soon, I promise."

"Okay well, we should be making a move. We have a plane to catch."

"Is Agnes not going with you?" Cooper asked.

"Tom's bringing her over next week, we thought it would be better to get everything in and settled first."

"Lizzie, we should be making a move." Red smiled.

"Right, okay well….bye everyone, and don't be strangers okay. You're all welcome over for holidays any time."

"If I may Reddington, just a quick word before you go?" Cooper asked.

"Of course, I'll be out shortly Lizzie."

"Sure, bye everyone."

Everyone said their goodbyes before returning to their desks, Red turning towards Cooper.

"Something on your mind Harold?"

"I won't keep you, I just want to make one thing clear here and now."

"Go on?"

"If you ever cause her any pain or hurt, or regret for what she's giving up here, I just want you to know you'll have this entire task force after you."

"That goes for Mr Kaplan too." Aram added.

"Gentlemen, you have my word, Lizzie and Kate will want for nothing. I promise you that, they'll be happy."

"Then that's all I have to say, you better not miss your flight."

"Thank you Harold, and what Lizzie said about you all being welcome, I second that, any time."

Red offered a smile as he turned and made his way out to the car, Liz waiting by the car.

"Everything okay, what did Cooper want?"

"He just gave me the father pep talk, never to hurt you or else."

"Awwww, really. That was sweet, and what did you say?"

"Not to worry, I will never hurt you or make you regret moving, you have my word."

"I love you so much, you know that. Deep down, you're just a big softie."

"Well don't go broadcasting that will you."

Liz laughed before she leaned in and kissed him, Red wrapping his arms securely around her waist, before he pulled back.

"Come on, we have a plane to catch.

…

To Be Continued…