Focal Point: Condensed Version

by Daniel Davies

(Lizzington) A dangerous serial killer targets Elizabeth Keen as the newest Blacklister hits too close to home for Red Reddington. She must rely on the one person her instincts tell her she can trust. Liz finds herself inexplicably drawn closer to the only man capable of protecting her from this insidious new threat. (Mature Content)

40. Chapter 40

AUTHOR NOTE:

Iris Turner,

I couldn't reply to your question as you were not signed in, so I thought I would do it here.

No, chapters 38-41 of Condensed Version are in no way connected to the Full-Length version and will not be mentioned.

I did not wish to ruin the ending for readers of the Full-Length, so I wrote new scenes and a new ending for the Condensed Version. Consider it a sort of alternate version. :)

If you have any further questions, my PM is always open! :D

---

"Yes, Harold," Red smiled, pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee, "Elizabeth is fine, beyond fine. Perfect, even."

"I was hoping that would be the way of things." Cooper spoke into the phone line.

"It's never my intent to cause Lizzy distress." Red assured. "I was on my best behavior in this instance."

Red smiled as he watched Nora move about the kitchen with ease, pulling out the needed supplies for a small treat Red had ordered up for the woman they discussed.

"Uh huh," Cooper didn't believe a word the man said. "Elizabeth took you to task, did she?"

Swallowing his coffee, Red nodded. "It is one of her favorite pastimes these days."

Laughing his delight, Cooper tapped his desktop idly. "The doctor has given her a clean bill of health?"

"I can only assume Dr. Bryan gave Elizabeth a passing grade." Red truly could only guess at this point.

"You don't know?" Cooper frowned. "How could you not know?"

"Calm down, Harold." Red interjected. "The doctor was with Elizabeth when you called." He smiled. "I have yet to speak to Elizabeth to obtain the official report."

"She's really okay?" Cooper softened his tone.

"She is." Red confirmed. "In fact, I would wager she is up to receive visitors." He hoped his instincts were right on this occasion, at least.

Sliding a piece of paper across the island towards the man, Nora lifted curious brows. Dinner? 7PM?

"Would you and Charlene like to come for dinner tonight around seven?" Red asked, having perused the neatly written enquiry.

"Yes, of course." Cooper replied. "What can we bring?"

Giving Nora an approving nod, Red's features softened when the woman slid over a tray with a freshly brewed pot of tea along with two slices of pie topped by two large dollops of whip cream.

"Thank you, Nora." Red murmured quietly, kissing the woman's cheek.

Wedging the phone between his shoulder and ear, Red lifted the tray before traipsing from the kitchen area, load in tow.

"Just your lovely wife." Red replied. "Nora is self-sufficient in all departments." he told the truth.

Bidding his inquisitor good-bye, Red continued on his trek.

Steadying the tray, Red quietly walked the hall. He halted at the appropriate room, peaking around the doorjamb... a tender smile caressing his features for the picturesque scene inside.

The woman rested comfortably against a mountain of pillows, sleeping peacefully in her nest of blankets.

Seeing Elizabeth so serene and content made Red feel a surge of peace and pride.

He felt a sense of achievement where Elizabeth was concerned. It appeared he not only had reached, but surpassed his goal to provide Elizabeth the life she was meant to live.

On a personal note, he fulfilled a quest to attain something decent and wholesome in his own life.

There were times he felt they would never get to this point, but an unrelenting perseverance and his desire to fulfill Lizzy's every wish were his driving force.

He could look back on a turning point they stumbled upon by accident; now it seemed as if fate or providence or God had intervened to put them on the straight and narrow.

The hazy images of their final confrontation with Tom Keen and Constantine Rostov seemed like it happened just yesterday, when in fact, two years had passed since that fateful night.

It was as if some aspect of those events changed everything from that moment onward.

It came back in a flood of memories, as if time had stood still outside that bedroom door.

Closing his eyes, Red remembered back to that near distant past.

---

After debriefing Cooper about what transpired with Carver, Tom and Constantine... Red demanded he and Elizabeth be granted uninterrupted time away to recover from their injuries.

Receiving assurance, in writing, their time would not be cut short or intruded upon by work of any kind; Red requested Dembe see to their travel plans.

Red's only request was the dwelling made available, be secure and private for their convalescence. Otherwise, he left their itinerary in Dembe and Silas' capable hands.

The next morning, though tired, Red expressed his surprise when they found a larger jet awaiting their arrival at the airfield. Once onboard, however, he understood why Dembe took the initiative.

Quickly settling Lizzy comfortably in one of the provided bedrooms, Red more than welcomed Dembe's forethought.

After take-off, Red rested beside the woman, even dozing a time or two. When Elizabeth began to feel the tight pull of her wound, Red went off in search of her medication... only then did he realize how long they'd actually been in flight.

"Dembe," Red opened the bar fridge, extracting a bottle of water, "where exactly are we headed?"

Intent on the chessboard before him, Dembe's fingers hovered precariously over the decorative pieces, offering nary a glance in Red's direction.

"...Australia." The man murmured. Moving his chosen piece, he glanced at his opponent, smirking.

Slowly standing upright, Red's brow furrowed its confusion before fully comprehending what the man said.

"May I ask," Red would have never guessed such a destination, "... why Australia?"

Cocking a wry grin, Silas studied the board methodically. "Skiing."

"Pardon?" Red wasn't sure he heard right.

"While you and Liz recover... and whatever," Silas muttered, "Dembe and I will be skiing."

"Again, I ask," Red sighed, "... why Australia?"

"Because I'm not going back to California if I can help it." Silas replied. "And since we've got more money than God..." the man rambled.

"...We?" Red cut Dembe a look, his brow arching.

"He's on a roll." Dembe muttered.

Resting his elbow on the counter, Red cradled his chin in his palm, listening to Silas' bitching reaching a feverish pitch.

"...I can avoid the soul sucking hippie haven from hell... known quaintly as California." Silas concluded. "Besides, the snow forecast was shit."

"While Australia is under mountains of white powder." Red surmised, knowing the area was receiving a massive amount of snow at the moment.

"Reminds me of that yacht party we stumbled over in the mid-nineties..." Silas reminisced. "Only people were snorting it." He said, ignoring Red's long, suffering sigh.

"What do you care, anyway? You planned to barricade yourself in for a few days." Silas reminded. "What better reason could there be... but that it's ass numbing cold outside?"

The man had a point. Given the conditions outside and Lizzy's aversion to the cold, Red knew that alone would encourage Lizzy to rest her body and recuperate.

Landing hours later at a private airstrip, they were greeted by not yet freezing, but damn near close to it, temperatures. Thankfully, Nora and Dembe had packed their clothing, well aware of the intended destination.

Hurriedly purchasing a heavier coat and other required items, Liz felt her surprise ratchet up a bit when Dembe and Silas each pulled up in all-terrain vehicles.

"Lachland left this for you." Dembe held an envelope for Red to take.

Reading the letter, Red tipped the envelope, dropping a set of keys into his palm, along with two keycards for Dembe and Silas.

"He's put you up at the Chalet." Red said, handing them the needed details. "He's also left his gear there for your use."

Pleased with the news, both men eagerly helped Red load their last-minute purchases. Assuring all was secure, Dembe and Silas hopped into their vehicle, offering a jaunty wave as they pulled away.

Offering the men a wave of his own, Red closed the back hatch of the SUV.

"They aren't going with us?" Liz watched the large SUV clip its way across the parking lot. Grasping the needed stability of Red's arm, she inched her way to the front passenger seat.

"No, but don't worry." Red soothed any ruffled feathers. "They'll be within spitting distance of us should something go awry."

Sliding into the passenger seat, Liz got situated as Red climbed in on the other side.

"Do you believe something will?" Liz allowed her curiosity.

"No, I think we'll get exactly what we came for... and that's to rest and recuperate." Red told the truth. Glancing at the address Dembe input into the GPS, he placed the car in gear.

Resting against the door, Liz startled when Red pulled out into traffic... on the wrong side of the road.

"Red!" She gripped the dashboard in a death grip. "What are you doing! My God, is this why Dembe drives you everywhere!"

Chuckling his mirth, Red fell in line with traffic. "Okay, so I'm in charge of driving this trip." He muttered... loudly.

Liz peered queerly out the window as a car pulled alongside them and then another. "Oh... right." She remembered. "I forgot a minute, they're on the opposite side." She placed a calming hand to her chest.

"Thankfully, our drive will only take an hour at most." Red said. "If we had landed anywhere else, it would have taken three or four months." He looked at the barren landscape cryptically as it passed the car windows.

Speeding down the open stretch of highway, Liz felt a little off-kilter when the surrounding cars began to thin, until only they were left alone on the long expanse.

A short time later, however, they caught up to a large black SUV.

Liz pointed, glancing at Red. "Please tell me that's..."

"I knew we'd catch up to them, eventually." Red replied.

Normally, traveling to unknown places didn't phase Liz in the least, but as they moved deeper and deeper into the countryside without a soul in sight... she had felt a bit uneasy.

She had taken comfort when she saw callboxes along the way, but to actually know familiar and friendly faces were within reach put her at ease. She watched the car ahead of them, her tension relaxing by degrees.

Aside from the unusual sensation of being on the wrong side of the road, Liz gaped at her surroundings, taking in all the unfamiliar sights to be seen. Even the trees and landscape looked different to an extent.

Forty-five minutes into their drive, that landscape began to change. Dry grass gave way to small mounds of snow, the likes they received in Nebraska.

Rounding a bend ten minutes later changed all that. Mountains of snow piled up around them, though the road still seemed easily maneuvered.

Flashing his lights, Red began to slow. Dembe, having seen the signal, pulled off into the first sign of civilization Liz had seen in a while.

"We're going to top off the tank." Red smiled over at her. "If you want to use the restroom...maybe get a snack?"

Eager to see what the store had to offer, Liz hurried as best she could with Silas' help to check things out.

Using the facilities, Liz slowly made her way about the store, chattering happily with the clerk. Both women found one another's accent charming... much to Silas' amusement.

The guard grinned as Liz stuffed one thing after another into the basket provided. She moved down the aisles, her eyes catching one oddity after another.

"Oh, look at this... what is it? I love it!"

"You don't even know what it is." Silas grumbled.

"Well, I'm sure we need one." Liz moved on.

"Are we buying out the store?" Red chuckled, coming up behind the woman and her escort.

"Oh, Red." Liz's bright eyes found his. "Look at these!"

"What are they?" Red looked at the chocolate looking cookies.

"I don't know." Liz excitedly exclaimed. "But we can't get them in the US."

That Lizzy found that to be a selling point in itself caused Red to huff a quiet laugh. The man shook his head when he found Dembe with his own package, snacking away on the treats already.

Taking Lizzy through the store once more, Red encouraged the woman to purchase anything she desired before taking all the items to the clerk, where the women continued their rapid fire exchange.

When it came time to pay, Liz looked at Red expectantly.

"Well, I don't have any money." She waved at Red to pay the clerk. "Not their currency, anyway."

Dutifully stepping forward, Red paid, then placed the change received, along with a stack of various bills, in Lizzy's hands.

"Now, you do." Red grinned.

Finally ushering Lizzy out to the cars, Red asked Dembe to take the lead in hopes Elizabeth wouldn't notice their surroundings... too much. He knew what the upcoming landscape entailed.

Thankfully, the woman was so concentrated on her new currency and purchases most of the journey, reading each and every label attached aloud, completely oblivious of the terrain before them.

All was going well until he heard a gasping intake of breath.

"Oh, my god!" Liz grabbed the door handle in a death grip. "Don't these people believe in guard rails!" The blue eyes were large and fearful. She shrank from the door facing, inching closer to Red's seat.

Her eyes bugged from her head as Red eased around a snow-covered bend, the road disappearing for a brief second.

"We're fine, Lizzy." Red soothed. "I hired the mechanic back at the gas station to outfit us with snow chains for added traction," he assured, "and they maintain the road throughout the day for tourists."

"Still! A fucking guard rail wouldn't kill anybody!" Liz voiced her thoughts on the matter, her body tensely coiled away from 'that' side of the car.

Shrugging, Red nodded his agreement. It had always seemed odd to him there were guardrails or fencing all along the interstate where it was flatland and dry conditions, but up here on these windings, snow-covered roads... nothing stood between you and a drop off a cliff.

"Red Reddington," Liz crossed her arms over her chest, "if you get me killed after everything we've been through, I'll never forgive you."

"I wouldn't forgive myself," Red admitted, though he smiled when Lizzy scoffed her derision. "In this case, however, the people to blame for this debacle are right in front of us."

"I knew those evil bastards had it in for me!" Liz squealed quietly, squeezing her eyes tight as they came around another bend, passing a car going in the opposite direction.

"We're almost there...I promise." Red continued to ease the woman's fright.

Coming to a crest, Liz released the breath she'd been holding as they met flatter, wider land.

Giving a short honk of his horn, Red waved before veering off from behind Dembe and Silas.

"Where are we going?" Liz frowned. "Where are they going?"

"I thought I would head them off at the pass, push their ass off the first scenic gorge we find."

Liz sent him a look.

"They are going to the Chalet." Red amended, smiling for his own wit. "We are going to a private residence."

Driving down a well-maintained road, he felt the tension already draining from his shoulders the further they traveled the private tree-lined drive.

Red smiled when he heard Lizzy gasp her delight at the sight of their very own chalet.

Lit in an orange glow, the large but homey structure welcomed and enticed visitors to its warmth. Windows encircled the whole bottom floor, offering a panoramic view of the beauty surrounding the home.

Pulling up under the covered entrance, Red aligned himself with the front door.

"Let's get you inside," Red suggested, "and I'll grab the luggage."

"Red... I can help." Liz said, but gave him a, 'but you're not really going to make me until I've set by the fire for an hour', look.

"I know you can." Red softened the denial. "But it's cold and I don't want you to strain that leg."

"But I will... really." She attempted to assuage her guilty feelings a bit.

Shutting down the car, Red slid from the vehicle. Making his way to Lizzy's side, he removed the keys from his pocket and opened the door. Hurriedly helping the woman inside the spacious foyer, both enjoyed the burst of heated air on their chilled bodies.

"Why don't you explore," Red smiled as Lizzy looked around her accommodations wide-eyed, "and I'll just grab those bags."

"I... can help." Liz murmured, already too intent on glancing around curiously.

"Yeah, I got that. Look around." Red held his grin, closing the door behind him.

Nodding absently, Liz crept forward, checking out the gorgeous, opened floor plan.

The spacious living room flowed into an enormous dining room, both allowing an unfettered view of the winter wonderland. Making her way deeper into the home, she encountered a powder room, family room, a handful of bedrooms and the most charming staircase winding up to the second floor.

Heading in the opposite direction, she saw a newly renovated kitchen with all the bells and whistles, along with yet another spectacular view.

Running her fingers along the smooth granite of the countertops, Liz smiled softly when she was inundated by the mellow scent of cinnamon and vanilla.

"Lizzy..." Red called out curiously.

"I'm here," she said, "in the kitchen." Hobbling forward, she met the man coming around the corner.

"Have you seen the master?" Red looped his arm about the woman's waist.

"I'm not sure?" Liz shrugged. "I made a loop." She gestured to an adjacent hall.

"Come with me." Red smiled, guiding the woman to the back. Stepping through the wide doorway, Liz beamed happily at the sight which greeted her.

Like the rest of the house, windows wrapped about the beautiful room. Opposite the enormous bed was a set of French doors and the most amazing view of what looked to be a pond. Due to the frigid temperatures and snow, the icy pool shimmered like glass under the snow-laden trees surrounding it.

The snow glistened like diamonds, reflecting an odd light back into the confines of the warm abode. Looking further out into the pitch black of night, the low haze of the moon cast an eerie glow over the vast white landscape. In the near distance, Liz could just make out the shape of trees through the gray mist of falling snow.

Chuckling under her breath, Liz shook her head.

"Something wrong?" Red asked, setting their bags in the closet.

"We went from hundred plus degree temperatures," Liz explained her thoughts, "to below freezing in a couple day's time." She smiled wryly. "One extreme to the next."

"Well, that fits our style... doesn't it." Red smiled slowly in response. "It's what we do."

"I guess it is how we roll," Liz returned the slow smile, "isn't it."

A short time later, the car had been unloaded, and they were settling in.

Liz tasted the cookies she had purchased. "These are pretty good, but I should have bought the mint ones."

Red glanced at her meaning. "You're drinking red wine with Tim Tam's... who knew they would complement each other."

Liz pulled a face. "You're such a cookie snob. I like them." She returned to her nibbling.

"One would think we would be wiped." he stared into the crackling fire, its flames dancing hypnotically over his tired psyche. "Jetlag catching up yet?" he sought her out.

"I have absolutely no idea of the time anywhere in the entire world." Liz realized. "Should I be worried?"

"We could have mad, passionate sex in the shower," he teased, still gazing into the fire, "then try out some of that Marquis de Sade equipment you hid in that leather case you tried to hide from me."

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Liz's brow puckered slightly, "now you've gone and spoiled it."

"A whip is a whip, Lizzy. How can you spoil that?" He held his smile.

"I can't remember when I've felt this relaxed." She stretched luxuriously. "I should get up... do something." She glanced aimlessly about the rooms.

"Yeah..." Red reiterated, "open that leather case."

She glanced the man's way. "You ever been cuffed?"

"For recreation?" He queried.

"Well, duh... FBI's most wanted criminal." Liz moved closer, having put her cookies aside. "Of course, recreation."

"A couple times." Red welcomed the dark head on his shoulder.

Liz snuggled close, sighing.

"You?" He glanced down at the attractive little bundle.

Liz had found a pair of warm socks, a large sweatshirt and comfortable leggings to lounge in. She looked like a college co-ed with her hair pulled back into a ponytail.

"I've led a sheltered life." Liz crinkled her nose. "Sorry. Would you like to cuff me?" She lifted an inquisitive stare.

"I don't know any man who wouldn't?" Red told the truth.

She snuggled back. "I'm cuffable material... good to know."

Red held his smile.

"Seriously, I'm going to write this Lachland guy a thank you note." Liz sighed again. "This is sheer heaven."

Quiet surrounded the mountain retreat, a soft snow blanketed the land outside the picture windows.

It was like a Currier and Ives print.

Liz's eyes began to droop. "Yeah, I'm with you..." she murmured sleepily. "We should have a cup of cocoa, then get down to business. That raunchy sex in a steamy shower sounds good to me."

Red breathed in the woman's warm scent and the woodsy smell of burning logs.

"Sound like the perfect plan to me." He rested his cheek on the crown of her head. "We should do that..."

Liz snuggled closer. "Absolutely we should." She... closed her eyes. "Perfect end to a perfect," she yawned, stifling the effort, "... day."

"Hmm," Red felt himself drifting in a nice place. "Let's just do it..." he murmured tiredly.

Nodding absently, Liz slumped further into the man's embrace. "Um hmm."

Liz startled awake a couple hours later when she felt the sharp and unexpected movement of the man beside her. That body now, was tense and alert.

Liz struggled awake, shifting slightly.

Red silenced her, placing a gentle finger to her lips. Pointing silently at the windows to their left, the motion activated light clicked off, then on again a breath later.

Retrieving his weapon, Red eased from the comfortable couch, silently creeping towards the window.

Liz held her breath, ready to be up and functioning in a split second if the need arose.

Red glanced around the window's ledge, then chortled quietly, dropping his gun to his side.

"What is it?" Liz whispered, easing up and out of the throw Red had placed over them.

Waving for the woman to join him, Liz rushed for the man, peering out the window at the sight he indicated.

Liz pulled back, grimacing her disgust. "What the hell is that!"

A large looking rat toddled about the porch, sniffing at this and that before it dug into a pile of snow. Nosing its way under a tarp, it emerged moments later with what looked to be a bushel of grass or hay.

"My god, as if it wasn't bad enough they don't have guardrails in this backward country," she hid behind Red, peering around his shoulder, "...now they have rats the size of dogs!" Liz shivered. "Call Silas!" She hissed her urgency. "He'll kill it!"

Laughing quietly, Red lifted his own weapon questioningly. "You think I'm incapable?"

Liz plastered herself against Red's back as the giant rodent waddled up to the window opposite them. "That's a face only a mother could love!"

The animal peered curiously at the two humans.

"A legally blind one." Was Liz's considered opinion. "Call Silas, I'm serious. You couldn't shoot that poor, ugly thing."

"My reputation suggests otherwise." Red murmured, then gestured to their late night visitor. "Relax... it's just a wombat."

Craning her neck, Liz glanced out at the oversized creature once more, canting her head curiously. She had heard of wombats, even saw pictures of them, but never realized how large they truly were.

"That's one big mother." Liz decided. "I don't care what it is." She stubbornly declared. "All I care about is the fact I'm in a country where over two-hundred species of killer animals are all zeroed in on me!"

"If found injured or orphaned," Red said, guiding her away from the window, "people welcome wombats into their home until they are well enough to be returned to their habitat."

"Yeah," Liz scoffed, following Red's lead, "I don't think so... not gonna happen." She shook her head adamantly. "Knowing my luck, I'd wake up to find it had mistaken my face for a midnight snack."

Walking the short distance to the kitchen, Red flicked the low light on and pulled a stool free for Lizzy's use.

"First of all, their herbivores." Red assured, digging around in the cupboards. "And they're generally mellow in nature."

"Generally?" Liz's voice lifted in pitch. "The man says jovially."

"When backed into a corner..." Red told the truth, "I've learned to never underestimate the ferocity of even the smallest creature."

A smile played about the woman's mouth when Red's gaze slowly drifted her way, his meaning clear.

A comfortable silence... and understanding fell between them.

No one other than Red Reddington could pull her from a warm, cozy sleep in the wee hours of the morning to look at a huge field rat, then imply she was dangerous... and leave her cherishing the moment.

But then, as Red stated earlier... it's how they operated.

They would never be normal by conventional standards, or really any set standards at all.

She and Red... just were. They lived in the moment, and that worked well for them as a whole.

Curiously watching Red move around the kitchen, Liz felt her nerves relax. The man pulled a host of ingredients from the fridge and cupboards beside the stove before retrieving a skillet.

"How hungry are you?" The man switched the oven on. He parked himself on a stool, pulling a bowl of potatoes closer. He diced the items with deft dexterity.

"I'm starving." She realized. "Should I be starving?"

Scraping the potatoes he diced from the colander, Red placed them in the cast-iron skillet before sprinkling cheese, meats, and herbs atop the heated surface. Taking a spoon, he created little divots before cracking a couple of eggs over them.

"Tim Tams only go so far." Red muttered. "That'll be ready in fifteen minutes." Placing the concoction in the oven, the man set about making coffee.

"Were you always like this?" Liz wondered aloud.

"Like what?" Red asked, pouring Lizzy some juice.

"I don't know." She shrugged, unsure how to vocalize her thoughts. "Did you cook... do the chef things," she waved a hand about their life, "... before things went south?"

"Oh, you mean get up before dawn," the man allowed a small smile, "and wake my ex-wife to breakfast in bed." He summed things up well enough.

"Yeah..." Liz nodded. "I guess so."

"No," Red said, "Carla and I didn't have..." He trailed off, shaking his head.

A small frown creased Liz's brow as Red focused his attention, cleaning the small mess he made.

"I didn't share with Carla," Red muttered, "what I share with you."

Now that she thought about it, what she and Red shared was unlike anything she had with anyone else before, as well.

"You and I..." he continued, pulling down a couple mugs, "we are a lot alike in some regards."

Liz's eyes softened, absently adding her cream and sugar just how she preferred to the freshly percolated coffee.

"Carla planned her days in advance," Red said, stirring his own creamy concoction. "Anything that offset that schedule, no matter how minor, upset her balance." He shrugged minutely. "I respected that."

"I'm like that." Liz sipped her brew.

"You're nothing like that." The man chuckled. "Not that there is anything wrong with preferring an orderly life."

"I don't think we know how to have an orderly life." She mused.

Which way was better, she wondered. Was there a good way? A bad?

Wrapping her hands about the warm cup, Liz inhaled the rich aroma, her eyes closing blissfully.

"You..." the man's manner softened, "we... live very much in the moment."

Sipping the hot brew, Liz sighed her contentment. "We do..."

Silence descended between them once more; a silence which bespoke of peace, unity. It was amazing such a small statement left such a lasting impact on one's mood.

Smoothing the woman's hair from her face, Red lovingly stroked her cheek, his heart beating steadily. It meant a great deal knowing Lizzy felt as he did... that she cherished sharing these moments with him.

Their coffee cups hung in mid-air between them as Red slowly placed his mouth to hers. Just as slowly their eyes closed, they savored the taste of one another... and the rich, mouth-watering scent of coffee and cooked herbs mingling together as one.

Smiling, he pressed against the full mouth before regretfully pulling back. With one last look between them, Red found whatever it was he searched for in her eyes before nodding with a finality.

"Is this a Kodak moment?" He couldn't resist. "You do know what that is, right?"

"I know you just spoiled it." She teased.

He turned about, making quick work of dishing up their early morning fare with a certain panache Liz had come to adore.

Sitting their plates on the table overlooking the still darkened terrain, Red waved a gentlemanly hand towards the woman's chair.

Topping their coffee off, Red smiled when Lizzy dove in, sighing and humming happily along the way. Both looked silently out at the falling snow, enjoying their meal.

Afterwards, they retreated to the couch to enjoy the fire. Leaning against Red's warm bulk, Liz snuggled to his side, content in so many ways.

Resting their feet on the provided ottoman, Red tossed a throw over their legs, each slowly savoring their coffee in the uninterrupted silence.

"This got us in trouble last time we tried it." Liz reminded.

"I'll let you know when I plan to get you 'in trouble'." Red promised. "Until then, just enjoy the respite." He motioned.

Liz didn't need a second bidding. Laying her ear along Red's pectoral, her gaze unfocused, listening to the steady thrumming beat of Red's heart.

"If that prehistoric mouse gets in here... I'm going to sacrifice you, you know that, right? That I might live." She murmured.

"Never had a doubt..."

Staring at the flickering flames, Red silently ruminated on some personal matters plaguing him. Where to begin? Should he begin the sordid tale? Was it time?

The man sighed wearily, his decision cast. Out of the quiet, his words formed.

"I met your father at boot camp." Red began slowly, feeling his way.

The man's voice rumbled deeply under her ear, startling Liz from her pleasant daze. Afraid to move or even speak, she held her breath... waiting, for she sensed a change in the man.

Closing his eyes, Red remembered his initial meeting with the man in question, like it happened yesterday.

Even now, he could smell the sweat, trepidation, pine and boot polish that permeated the barracks. Hear the laughter... sense the fear.

"From day one, we got on well." Red reminisced. "Which for me, was not the norm." He smiled wistfully. "I never trusted easily."

Quieting her breathing, Liz listened intently, already riveted by the story.

"Declan and I–" Red broke off because Lizzy sucked in a sharp, stilted breath before struggling upright.

Meeting the woman's wide-eyed gaze, Red waited...

"You..." Liz stammered, her nerves suddenly on edge, "you said it was dangerous to know my father's name."

"It is." Red didn't mince words. "However, the last few days have taught me the folly of my previous beliefs. It seems a ludicrous reason now after all we've been through... to keep something so vital from you."

"... Declan." Liz whispered the name sacredly.

Allowing Lizzy time to comprehend the words said so far, Red took a deep breath before continuing his tale.

"Yes, Declan." he nodded absently. "You know, he and I made a rather formidable team." He confessed, then smiled. "Runs in the family, I guess." He said, placing a lingering kiss on Lizzy's mouth. "Like father... like daughter."

Clasping the man's hand, Liz rested against him, trying to picture a faceless man in her mind's eye.

"He was intelligent... quick to pick up on technology. What I lacked, he possessed." Red laid the foundation for what was to come.

"We moved up ranks quickly." Red related their past adventures. "I didn't know it then, but I think they planned our association from day one."

"It is odd." Liz agreed. "That you were allowed to stay as a unit."

"At the time, we just thought we were two hot-shots the upper-echelon couldn't do without."

"Are you saying your futures were preordained by the powers that be?" Liz asked curiously.

"We were set-up from the get-go." Red disclosed his thoughts on the matter. "Some would call me paranoid," he sighed, "but then, they don't know what I know."

"Tell me about it." The woman agreed. "Our lives could be an episode or two of the X-Files."

"Due to your father's heritage," Red chuckled, appreciating her wit, "we were a shoo-in for Russian assignments."

"My father's heritage?" Liz queried.

Red rubbed his eyes. "Lizzy, this thing is so twisted... there is so much you don't know." he shook his head. "So many damned twists and turns. Some of it..." he hesitated, "will be hard to take... and harder to understand."

Liz read the concern in the man's gaze.

"Red, it's worse not knowing." She knew for a fact.

"I hope you feel that way after it's all out." he stated grimly. "I've tried to keep you safe. Out of it, but I know now... you will always be a part of what happened in the past. Maybe if you know, you can better prepare."

He took a long moment. "I don't know if this is the right thing." he confessed. "I just don't, but if you think it will help to hear it..."

The silence came once again.

Liz allowed the man to proceed in his own time, even though she was on tenterhooks.

"This is where things get a bit complicated." Red prepared Lizzy as best he could. "Declan's mother was married to a man deeply imbedded within the Russian government."

Red shifted, clearing his throat gently.

"Stepan Rostov had ties to Parliament, Ministry of Finance, the KGB." He rolled his hand, indicating the list was ongoing.

Liz's eyes widened, understanding the implication.

"The guy had his hand in numerous political pots. Which is an understatement in itself." Red twisted his mouth distastefully. "On a personal note, he was an asshole known for his gambling and philandering."

Shaking her head, Liz sighed her distaste. Was no one in her family faithful to their spouse?

"Your grandmother, Milana, on the other hand, was a gracious, kind person." Red softened the blow. "She deserved so much better than what she got."

The tension in Liz's shoulders eased somewhat. Someone in her extended family had morals, at least. And now, she knew her grandmother's name. She felt warm inside suddenly.

"She volunteered at the soldiers' hospital," Red remembered Declan mentioning the fact. "She helped wounded soldiers with their personal errands... she did all she could to make life bearable for them."

The woman's kindness softened Liz's heart further.

"In her time there," Red continued before he lost his nerve, "she met an American physician fresh off the Korean War. The man worked in Africa for a few years before moving on to Russia," he related the tale, "as relief assistance during the Asian flu pandemic floating around at that time."

Frowning, Liz wondered what that had to do with anything.

"I think, both being very moral people, they fought the attraction," He said, gauging Lizzy's reaction to the news, "but over time, your grandmother and that man fell in love. It was inevitable things would progress from there."

Liz's mouth fell agape... understanding dawning. "My father was a product of their affair."

Red nodded the confirmation. "Fortunately for Milana, her lover was very enamored with her and wished to take her back to the states. But Milana was stuck between a rock and a hard place."

"Stepan wouldn't let her leave?" Liz surmised.

"Stepan didn't give a damn one way or other." Red disdained. "With Milana out the way, he could bounce between lovers without censor."

"Charming..." Liz grimaced. "So, what was the problem? Was my grandmother afraid of Stepan?"

Red hated to be the bearer of such a distressing reality. "A stipulation of the divorce decree stated her son had to stay in Russia."

"But it wasn't even Stepan's baby!" Liz was incensed for her grandmother's plight. "Surely he knew that!"

"I'm not talking about the baby Milana carried." Red arched a brow.

"I... don't understand." Liz blinked her confusion.

Red took her upper arms in a gentle hold. The purposeful movement alerted Elizabeth, she would not like what Red was going to impart. While unpleasant, she knew as well... it must be said.

The man's smile softened when the woman made a concentrated effort to relax.

"You are taking this exceedingly well, considering." Red murmured quietly. "Milana's first child was one she had with Stepan." He continued, clearing up any misconceptions.

"My grandmother... left her child?" Liz couldn't wrap her mind around the thought. Her mother... her grandmother? What was it with these women abandoning their children?

"I think Milana knew deep down," Red sensed Liz's train of thought, "due to Stepan's influence, your uncle was... a lost cause."

Liz startled, the statement a totally unexpected one. "She couldn't have known that for certain!"

"Lizzy," Red sighed, "your uncle is... was, Constantine Rostov."

"The... the bastard from a couple of nights ago?" Liz stammered, scowling angrily. "Alexander Kirk? He's my uncle?"

"One in the same." Red nodded.

"So there was a possibility I could have helped him." Liz's voice lacked any genuine conviction should she have offered to...

"Highly unlikely." Red dismissed. "Constantine inherited the disease from Stepan's side of the family... not Milana's."

"Odd he would bank on blood relation through my grandmother," Liz scowled, "knowing very well the circumstances of my father's... conception."

"Constantine was receiving daily transfusions and probably had less than a year to live." Red shrugged carelessly. "Desperate times call for desperate measures."

Liz digested all that had been said. Her head was beginning to hurt.

"What... what about my mother? Where does she come into play?"

Red hesitated, reluctantly continuing after a beat. "Your maternal grandfather, Dom, trained Katarina to be KGB intelligence." It was stated without preamble.

"What kind of parent would do such a thing?" Liz's heart hurt for her mother.

"Your grandfather thought he was doing what was best for his country and his daughter, Lizzy." Red sighed. "It was difficult in Russia to survive day to day." Was he defending Dominick? "Especially for a woman. Dom thought... it was Katarina's only hope for any kind of life at all."

Liz shook her head, unable to fully comprehend such a concept.

"Dom steered Katarina towards Constantine, hoping through marriage they would gain access to assets." Red explained, spreading his hands.

"Declan and I were stationed at the Embassy in Russia." Red continued the narrative. "Our activities were all above board... on paper. Behind the scenes, however, was another story."

She knew that to be true, having seen many of the redacted files relating to Red's case-file. Tucking her legs, Liz turned towards Red, her attention rapt.

"Due to your father's work at the Embassy, we attended many state functions that were mentioned in local news, of course." Red related. "Dom took note of the handsome American and encouraged Katarina to gain Declan's attention."

"Which... she obviously did." Liz gestured to herself as proof, then a thought occurred. "Why didn't they try their luck with you?"

"I imagine because I was married," Red could only guess. "Declan was an easier target, fewer complications."

"Well, I shouldn't see why that would matter." Liz scoffed. "It's not as if anyone on either side was faithful... to anyone." She rolled her eyes.

"Not every person in Russia held ulterior motives, Lizzy." Red smiled. "There were any number of people in our crowd who had loving, faithful marriages."

Liz shook her head, sitting back against the couch. "Was my father that gullible?"

"Not gullible." Red replied. "It all happened over time. Nothing was all that obvious." He said. "They bumped into one another at the store, a quiet talk led to a date for coffee later."

Liz's brow furrowed darkly, remembering she met Tom along similar lines. Being roped into an unknown situation really could happen to anyone...

"It didn't bother him at all she was married?" Liz voiced her concern.

"Katarina was lovely... nor did she share her marital status immediately."

Liz scowled. She was being judgmental. Hell, in a sense, she was guilty of the same offense when she dated Nik and Tom concurrently.

"I sensed some red flags," Red confessed, "but didn't make a concerted effort to interfere as much as I maybe should have... not until it was too late."

"Was Dom aware my father and Constantine were brothers?"

"No, not at first." Red said. "In fact, no one knew."

"What?" Liz sat upright. "How is that possible?"

"Stepan never discussed Declan with anyone." Red explained. "He obviously kept the topic of Milana's departure, and the reason for it, to himself."

"I'm sure it would have been embarrassing for the cheater to admit he had been cheated on..." Liz clicked her tongue.

"Milana kept secrets herself." Red further explained. "It wasn't until the cancer began to take its toll, that she confessed to Declan he had a half-brother."

"Is anyone in my family sane?" Liz wondered aloud. "Their lives are like a soap opera."

"Of course, Declan searched for his brother based on the information given." Red told the truth. "Since it never occurred to him Katarina's spouse would end up being his brother, there seemed little need to cover one's tracks."

"There was so much shit hitting the proverbial fan," Red recalled the chaos, "family matters seemed low on the totem pole, as it were." he admitted.

"The things your parents were in involved in are the stuff of legend, Lizzy." Red didn't know where to start. "They pissed off government officials on both... all sides. They, mainly your mother, made allegiances with any faction that would benefit whatever cause they championed at the time, only to sell people down the river if the need arose."

"And too," He smiled softly, "another plot line no one expected emerged."

Canting her head, Liz waited with bated breath.

"Katarina learned she was pregnant... with you." Red's eyes softened.

"Mom was such a little scamp, wasn't she." Liz felt the hot rush as her cheeks flushed, damning the fact. "H-How did she know I wasn't Constantine's kid?"

Red drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "She wasn't sure, really, not until after you were born."

"But... they're brothers." Liz lifted helpless hands. "How could she tell?"

"The dark hair and this." Red said, stroking the slight dimple on Lizzy's cheek. "You favor Milana and her husband... Dr. Robert Scott."

Gasping, Liz's mouth gaped once more. "...Scott... that's actually my real last name?"

Red nodded. "If Declan had been named on your birth certificate, it would have been."

"But... I don't understand." Liz frowned. "When I was placed with Sam, why not change my name."

"We did change your name." Red reminded. "To the world... you were Masha Rostova, not Elizabeth Scott."

"I still don't understand why it is so dangerous to know my father's name though."

"You have to understand, Lizzy," Red lifted a plaintive hand. "The people that were wronged by your parents... by Constantine, these people have the means and power to exact revenge and they have very long memories." It was warned. "They don't forgive or forget. It's not good business practices to allow any perceived injustices against them to go unpunished, plus the fact," the man added, "most are just evil, unprincipled sons-of-bitches. Anyone is fair game if it means they can set an example."

Nodding slowly, Liz understood why it was wise to remain hidden in the shadows.

"Announcing yourself as daughter to Katarina or Constantine Rostov, or Declan Scott for that matter, will not endear you to the many enemies these people made." Red stressed.

"But my father and Constantine... and Katarina are dead." Liz had to point out the obvious. "Does it even matter anymore?"

"There is still that perceived injustice, not to mention," Red knew how these bastards thought, "there are other issues still out there, unresolved." he reminded. "It's heavily rumored, as you well know, Declan or Katarina obtained highly valuable information, upsetting those in political power."

"...The Fulcrum." Liz winced. "Which they planted on me."

"I wouldn't put it past the Russians to try to poison you for your parents' transgressions on principle alone." He recalled how many enemies of the state had fallen to date using that very method. "It sends a very powerful message."

"There really is a dark cloud hanging over my head, isn't there." Liz smiled weakly.

"You're taking this exceedingly well." Red worried over the fact.

"Well, it won't help to panic... will it." Liz tried a genuine smile, silently wondering if that was a question or statement she just made.

Red had to agree on that point. Still... the woman just learned her complete family history. Maybe she had not yet felt the full impact of the information thrown her way and would react later, after comprehending it all.

"You could simply be in shock." He imagined.

"Maybe, but," Liz rested back against the man, "I have a badass fiancée ready to kill for me so.." she kissed Red's chin, "why worry?" She glanced up at the man. "Your reputation does proceed you."

Given pause for thought, Red nodded after a fashion.

Considering they were rid of Tom and Constantine; and Lizzy was now well informed about her past... would they be better able to handle obstacles thrown in their path?

"You have done exceedingly well for the past twenty some odd years." Liz snuggled back against the man. "I expect you can handle a lifetime position." She patted the man's chest in a placating manner.

"The things I do for a piece of ass." He teased.

"A magnificent piece of ass." She admonished.

They sat in a contemplative silence for some long moments, lost in their own thoughts.

"Red..." Liz said, "what were you doing at the house the night of the fire? And how does your family tie into any of this information you've related?"

"That was all happenstance." He admitted. "It certainly wasn't planned."

Liz sat back up, beyond intrigued to hear the details the man might relate.

"Declan and I were both granted leave to return home for the holidays." Red began. "At that time, we lived within a couple mile distance from one another. We liked it that way. Enjoyed hanging out with each other."

Why could Liz not remember any of this?

"Declan took you to see your grandparents in the morning," Liz's gaze lowered, wishing she remembered that memory. "Later that evening, you two retreated to the beach house... I was making my way home to my own family."

"You really did run out of gas?" Liz was shocked to realize... that tidbit was actually true.

"Your house was closer than mine," Red said, "so I walked over to catch a ride. Before we could leave, however..."

"My mother showed up." Liz surmised.

"Yes," Red remembered the chaos which ensued after that fact. "We had hit a stalemate about the Fulcrum's whereabouts, and then, right on cue... Constantine came charging in."

"How did he learn who my father was?"

"I suspected Dom leaked the information." Red had time to work it all out.

"For what gain?" Flabbergasted, Liz sighed under her breath.

"Maybe he believed Declan had served his purpose," Red guessed, "and thought if anyone could get away with killing him... it was the jilted husband acting in a moment of passionate intensity... who the hell knows."

"Why do I hear an or at the end of that statement?"

"Dom was punishing Katarina for her perceived failures." Red said.

"Which were actually Dom's failures... since he orchestrated it all." Liz pointed out the obvious.

"They would both argue that point, I'm sure." Red digressed. "...Or, Constantine suspected Katarina was having an affair." He shrugged. "With all the time she was away, supposedly touring with the ballet..." he rolled his eyes. "It's not outside the realm of possibility Constantine put two and two together."

"It really could be any or all scenarios, couldn't it?" Liz had to admit. For all she knew, Katarina saw her father as a chance to flee Russia and all its trappings and start a new life.

Could the woman really be blamed? That was a question for another time.

"I suppose in the long run, it doesn't matter why..." Liz muttered, "only that it happened."

"In the end, the Intel Katarina retrieved, along with the sinking of the USS Gideon and the fire..." Red sighed heavily, "it all acted as a perfect burn notice for me, if you'll pardon the expression." the man unconsciously rubbed the scars on his shoulder.

"After I woke at the hospital..." Red related the events.

Liz grimaced, imagining the agony he must have suffered, moving so soon after such a devastating injury.

"I went home to find... what I found." He could still envision the blood, the ransacked house he once called home.

Liz's heart hurt for Red. The suffering he must have endured being confronted by something so heinous... so emotionally shattering must have been agonizing.

"For the longest time, I truly believed they killed my family." Red confessed. "I promised myself I would exact revenge for them... which led me down the path I've taken."

But that path had also led him to... Lizzy.

"When did you learn the scene had been staged?" Liz stated.

"When I was able to think back without overwhelming anguish clouding my judgement, I questioned things." Red confided. "Certain conversations I had after the fact with Diane Fowler and even Alan Fitch. Some of it didn't set right. Something was... off."

"But you were never absolutely positive until we stumbled over Carla..." Liz assumed, "... Naomi, whatever." Yet another weird fact in their ever evolving world.

"Yes," Red admitted. While he may not know where his daughter was physically, he knew she was still alive... there were no words to express how relieved he felt.

Sitting there in silence a few moments, both ruminated on all revealed and discussed.

"Talk about guilt by association." Liz scoffed her derision, breaking the silence. "We both were handed the raw end of the deal."

"You were labeled a traitor, among other things..." Liz laid it on the line, "and I was a bargaining chip between my parents... and an unknown courier of classified intel. Information people would kill to obtain."

"I can't speak for your mother," Red spoke quietly, "but Declan loved you, Lizzy."

Resigned to never knowing the full truth in that regard, Liz stored the thought far back into her mind...out of reach.

"I don't think Declan purposely set out to use you," Red said. "I think you truly were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Falling silent, Liz thought back to the memories she had of that Christmas with her father. She had vague memories that they had decorated a real live tree, played on the beach, set up traps to catch Santa; they generally had a wonderful time, up until the point her mother joined them, that is.

Even now, Liz had to squelch the heartbreak of that fateful meeting.

Upon entering the house, her mother had barely taken notice Liz had been in the room. All Liz remembered was her parents arguing and then utter chaos broke out.

Shaking off the sensation, Liz smiled wanly in Red's direction.

"I think..." she swallowed the lump in her throat, "I think you're right." At least she hoped one of her parents gave a damn about her.

Stretching weary bodies, she and Red felt the sudden weight of exhaustion their injuries, the long flight, and now this emotionally draining conversation caused.

Straightening, Red eased the burning ache in his side.

Lizzy, too, yawned and strained to keep alert and functioning.

Helping the woman off the couch, they tiredly trudged back to the bedroom and collapsed into the down comfort of the bedding.

For once, Liz's dreams were of a pleasant, comforting nature.

The following days passed in a haze. Questions arose and were answered dutifully by a patient, informative witness of events.

All the obstacles that had been in their path were erased. Their souls felt complete... their relationship had come out on the other side a strong, more cohesive one.

Both could sense the change... especially when they made love. The emotions experienced were staggering in their intensity and the moment so encompassing; they experienced joy, relief and overpowering love through shared secrets, unified thoughts, and solid communication.

Kissing the tears dotting Lizzy's cheeks away once more, Red nuzzled the silken flesh lovingly, murmuring tender words of love and encouragement.

Gathering the strength to move, let alone speak coherently; Red focused on the warm, supple curves of Lizzy's body and rapid heart beat against his own. Never in his life had he experienced such utter completion or serenity as he did those last couple days.

Tightening his arms about the woman, Red gingerly rolled to his side, taking Lizzy along with him. Trailing gentle fingers along Lizzy's spine, he smiled when the woman shivered in response, then snuggled closer to his warmth.

"Marry me, Lizzy." he murmured, kissing the woman's neckline.

Giggling, Lizzy lifted to her elbow, kissing the man on the mouth for a long duration. "I know the sex was amazing..." she teased, "but all I really expect is dinner... maybe a little dancing." She quipped light-heartedly.

Taming the woman's wild locks, Red searched Lizzy's flush features religiously; knowing with all his heart what he wanted... what he needed.

She tittered softly, laying back against him. "Besides, you've already asked me that... and I said, yes." she tweaked his side gently in rebuke. "Getting senile in your old age?"

"I have not forgotten." Red assured. Rolling the woman to her back, he hovered over her prone form, kissing her smiling lips. "But to clarify, I meant, marry me... this weekend."

Red smirked when the woman startled in his arms, blinking rapidly as she comprehended the words he'd said.

"Are-Are you serious?" Liz searched the man's face, searching for any sign of jest.

"I'm very serious." Red confirmed. "I have never been so serious in my entire life."

Resting his body along hers, he scented the fragrant valley between her breasts, flicking his tongue against the soft flesh.

"Or we could do it today," he amended, slowly stroking his rapidly swelling penis along Lizzy's sex. "Your call, of course."

"Today?" Liz questioned. "Red, it's past nine... at night." She checked the large windows outside their bedroom.

Red shrugged any concern aside. "I just have to make a couple calls to make it happen."

Liz looked at the man as if he were insane. She caressed her hands along Red's back. "Have you lost it?"

"We could go anywhere you wish," Red sweetened the pot, "and as you are well aware, you have unlimited funds at your disposal."

"No..." Liz shook her head, then sighed when she caught sight of Red's crestfallen features. "No, I mean... let's do it... this weekend."

Lifting against the long stroke of Red's shaft rubbing against her center, she allowed the man entrance into her body... and into her heart.

"No more talk." She whispered.

Their bodies came together in a frenzied and desperate need, searching and finding release with one another.

Bracing himself on his arms, Red panted when he felt the last surge of his ejaculate burst from his crown and coat Lizzy's core in his heat.

Growling low in his throat, Red glared at the phone on his nightstand as it began to ring for the first time in days.

Gingerly slipping free of Lizzy's wet heat, Red reached for the nuisance, flipping it open.

"Yeah..." He exhaled a shaky breath, listening to the caller. "What?" he lifted to his elbow, a frown marring his relaxed features. "Is-Is he all right?"

Hearing the concern in Red's voice, Liz tiredly slit her eyes and rolled towards the man. She lifted to her elbow, flicking her hair over her shoulder absently.

"What happened?" His frown deepened as he sat upright. "I'll be there–" The man abruptly fell silent, listening. "I should be there." He murmured. "Is he able to speak?"

Listening to the one-sided conversation, Liz's mind ran rampant with every scenario it could imagine. None of them good...

"Dembe," Red breathed, hearing his friend's voice, "... are you all right?"

Biting her lip to control her sudden trepidation, Liz clasped Red's hand, offering her silent support... as she received his comfort.

"I can be there in just a few moments and–" The man broke off once more, listening to whatever was being said. "Yes, sleep..." he encouraged. "I will be there first thing in the morning." He promised.

Turning his head towards the phone, Red listened as the phone exchanged hands once more. "No... no, I'll stay here." He assured. "Silas, if any problems occur, you call me."

Exchanging a few more words, Red hung up the phone, wiping the sweat dotting his forehead.

"What happened?" Liz's tone held a wealth of anxiety and concern.

"Dembe either dislocated his shoulder or tore his rotator cuff." He related events as explained. "The hospital was taking X-rays of the area, then he was going to sleep."

Assuring the man Dembe would be fine and that Silas would call if they were needed, Liz finally relaxed, having convinced Red to rest.

Early the next morning, at Liz's insistence, they packed their belongings and left for the Chalet. Upon their arrival, Silas greeted them cheerfully.

"It was dislocated." Silas said the minute Red exited the SUV.

"Concussion?" Red asked, assisting Lizzy from the car.

"That hard head?" Silas scoffed. "The gigantic goose egg you will see, came from a branch slapping the shit out of him before he hit the fence line." He scowled slightly. "And stupid me forgot to record it for posterity."

"And YouTube." Liz sent the guy an annoyed look.

Silas' smiled returned.

"What the hell happened?" Red wanted to know. "Dembe is an expert skier!"

"He swerved to miss a wombat." Silas relayed the gruesome details in a rather lackadaisical fashion.

"I told you, you should have killed it!" Liz hissed irritably. "Now look!"

Huffing a tight laugh, Red sighed. "I doubt very much the one we encountered is the same one to fell Dembe," he arched a wry brow.

"It has to be." Liz grumbled. "And now it's tried to kill Dembe, and it's all your fault. I wanted to call Silas!"

"What the hell are you two talking about?" Silas was lost.

"Nothing..." Red waved the man off, "nothing." But the man's smile said it was... something. "Where is he? What room?"

Guiding them upstairs, Red breathed a sigh of relief to find Dembe up and eating... but stoned out of his mind.

"Call around, get all the medication he'll need." He asked. "I'll get Lachland on the line and see who's got a helicopter. We need to transport Dembe to the airport." Red got Silas wandering attention. "The nurse can wait."

"Red, are you sure that's a wise move?" Liz wondered now that she'd seen Dembe's bruised, battered body. "What are the doctors advising?"

She smiled back when Dembe smiled drunkenly her way, completely oblivious to most of what was happening around him.

"He'll rest better at home." Red assured, placing his own phone to his ear. "We'll dope him up. He'll sleep the entire flight."

"I guess the cold weather will make his joints ache." Liz knew from personal experience.

"Besides," he remembered, "we have to return for our planned dinner with Antonio and Maria." he held his smile when a disconcerted frown marred Lizzy's face. "It'll be fine, I promise." He assured.

Liz stepped to Dembe's side, fondly smiling down at the man. "You need anything?"

"...Nope." Dembe's glassy eyes brightened. The man was grinning like a dope.

Waving a cup of pudding about temptingly, Silas chuckled when Dembe brightened further, instantly taking the offering.

The man took a couple bites, then slowly closed his eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Silas finished the pudding dutifully.

"Well," Liz sighed, "aside from this little incident..." she sighed briskly, "did you two have a nice time."

"I did..." Silas grinned. "Met the cutest little snow bunny," he related. "Spent the last couple days showing her how to fuck like one."

Liz's sighed turned morbid. "Thanks for sharing." Rubbing a brisk hand across her suddenly aching forehead, she groaned her misery.

"Oh, like you and Red weren't doing the exact same thing." Silas scoffed his disdain. "Little miss high and mighty."

Unable to contradict the man, Liz leaned forward, whispering. "Red... he told me about my dad." she confided.

Silas' mood altered. "No shit." he digested the implications. "All of it?" he wanted to know.

"Red's been filling in the details. It's been a trip, that's for sure." Liz said. "But, yeah... I know a majority of it."

"...And?" Silas reiterated peevishly.

"I feel..." Liz exhaled shakily, "... free somehow. I guess it's stupid to say–"

No," Silas waved aside the issue, "I hate those segments on Unsolved Mysteries that don't reveal any concrete facts... just leaves you with more fucking questions. The real-life version must be aggravating as shit."

"Yeah," Liz drawled, "the similarities between the two are astounding, I agree."

Turning slightly at the feel of a hand running down her back, Liz waited patiently.

"Dembe's flight will be here within the hour." Red related his news.

"I have enough medication to knock out an elephant for two weeks." Silas shared his own information.

"And how did you manage to get your hands on said items?" Red asked plaintively. He had his suppliers, of course... but who knew where Silas went.

"Do you really want to know?"

Red let it drop.

Both men, oddly, looked at Lizzy as if she had anything to share.

She looked right back. "What?"

Red sighed. "Do you have anything you wish to impart?"

The woman was stumped... she wracked her brain.

"We're... getting married?" Liz haltingly shared.

"I know..." Red muffled a small laugh when Silas gave the woman a skewed glance.

"I meant," Liz stressed, glaring at her guard, "this weekend." She triumphantly bested the asshole.

Red smiled, then frowned slightly when Lizzy suddenly straightened, her eyes widening.

"Wait... did you mean..." Liz swallowed, "this Saturday... or next Saturday?" The blue eyes filled with alarm as warning bells went off in her head.

Red shifted a casual glance to his friend and sometimes ally.

Silas' enigmatical expression gave nothing away.

"If I had my way," Red turned fully towards the woman, "... I'd do it right now."

Sighing heavily, Silas leaned back against a convenient bureau, counting off the seconds, waiting for the panic to set in.

"I-I..." Liz stammered, "I need more than a day to get my shit together!"

"She does..." Silas helpfully informed the man, knowing from experience. "She can't take a shit without making a list." The guy air-quoted.

"I need to get a dress, and a cake," Liz hurriedly ticked off on her fingers, "my bouquet, a garter..."

Red's eyes slowly drifted downward, zeroing in on the woman's jean clad thighs.

"Are we doing a honeymoon?" The woman snapped, her tone brittle.

Both Red and Silas jerked their heads about, scowling at the woman. One incredulous, the other a piteous one.

"What the hell do you think?" Red questioned the absurdity of the enquiry.

"I need to get clothes for that." She counted off another finger, then gasped her dismay.

"Not necessarily..." Red disagreed sotto voce.

"My god," Liz ignored the guy completely, "who's gonna do my hair!"

A soft knock on the door interrupted the hysterics. Waving Silas to answer it, Red focused solely on Lizzy.

"Sweetheart," Red soothed, "calm down. Everything that needs to be done, will be done."

"Have you ever planned a wedding!?" Liz gasped for such a rash, stupid statement.

"Oh, ye of little faith." Red scoffed. "I have a list of caterers, florists and everything else you might require on a standby basis."

Liz snorted derisively. "Yes, I'm sure they'll just drop everything they're doing to–"

"I paid them handsomely to do just that." Red nodded staunchly. "All you need to do..." he set his hands on her hips, "is make whatever choices you wish to make."

"...Really?" Liz asked, astonishment allowed.

"Really." Red assured readily.

"Oh..." Liz's shoulders relaxed some, "oh, okay." She exhaled shakily, looking at the man expectantly. She felt somewhat deflated. "Well... where is it?"

"The list?" Red frowned. "It's in my satchel."

"Well... go get it." Liz's clipped tone suggested he do just that.

Hanging his head, Red chuckled quietly, but nodded his acquiescence.

"Yes, dear." He drawled lazily.

---

Loading Dembe to the jet and knocking him out for the duration of the flight turned out easier than anyone expected.

The trip was uneventful, the jetlag hardly noticeable. Which was a good thing... as during their long flight, Lizzy had scheduled back-to-back appointments for the wedding arrangements.

Offering his opinion when asked, he, more often than not, deferred to Lizzy's choices, as their tastes were similar. The woman questioned his rather lackadaisical motives at one point, however.

"Red Reddington!" The woman's emotions were a bit frazzled at this stage. "It's your wedding too! If you aren't interested in–"

"Lizzy," the man took her hands, making her face him. He looked her straight in the eyes as he spoke. "I can make five different business decisions simultaneously on a good day. I can make life and death decisions without too much fuss and bother."

The woman's frown was increasing with each passing second, he noted, but Red held firmly to her hands.

"When it comes to the right choice of tableware for a place setting?" He lied convincingly, for good reason, "I'm about as useless.."

"As tits on a boar hog." Silas piped in, his attention still on the pages of the novel in which he had immersed himself. "Planning a wedding is woman's work!"

Lizzy snapped a dangerous glare the guard's way. Red closed his eyes, minutely shaking off the moment.

"Lizzy," the man reaffirmed the woman's attention, "if Jennifer's wedding day was approaching, I would want her to experience the joy and excitement of every precious moment." He smiled softly. "A woman dreams of that day all her life. She deserves to cherish each second. I want that for my bride."

Liz's eyes softened. "... Oh."

"Without interference or input..." Red continued.

"From a guy that has no fucking clue." Silas nodded sagely.

"You are doing an excellent job," Red amended with but one glare his guard's way, "... have fun."

Lizzy's enthusiasm returned in spades as she got down to business.

They landed hours later.

With the venue, entertainment, catering, and flowers secured, the last order for the day was to retrieve their wedding invitations.

Though Lizzy argued it would be cheaper and less a hassle to simply call people, Red insisted they purchase them. Knowing Elizabeth, she would want them, if for no other reason but to have as keepsakes announcing the important date.

"Fess up, Reddington," Liz teased, looking over the beautifully scripted invitations, "the only reason you wanted these is so you wouldn't forget our anniversary."

"September 23, 2013." Red said in reply. "Twelve-thirteen... and twenty-eight seconds in the afternoon."

"What?" Liz asked.

"That's the exact moment when you walked down the stairs," Red remembered vividly, "... and came into my heart."

Silas rolled his eyes expressively in the front seat, his hands tightening on the wheel. "... Kiss ass." he added his comment into the fold.

Ignoring the commentary, Liz's brows lifted, comprehension taking hold. She fought back the rising lump in her throat.

"If I can remember that pivotal moment," Red held the woman's eyes steadily, "I will most assuredly remember the exact moment you become my wife."

Fighting a smile and losing, Liz leaned, capturing Red's lips with her own.

"I know it shouldn't," she whispered, "but your smugness kind of turns me on."

"It turns me on too..." Silas nodded agreeably.

"Shut the hell up," Red snapped, "and stay the hell out of our conversation." He went back to his preoccupation.

"It's one of my many sterling attributes." Red brought the subject back on course, tracing the flourishing script on their invitation with his finger. "Are you going to invite Cooper? The team?" He lifted interested eyes.

"I wouldn't..." Silas had ignored the directive completely.

While Red would rather avoid conflict and Ressler's grumbling at their wedding, he knew their attendance would mean a great deal to Elizabeth.

"I..I doubt they would attend, let alone be supportive." She muttered sadly. "I'm sure, in the end, our wedding will be quite small and intimate."

Though Red believed the wedding, more so, the vows he and Lizzy shared were the most important part of the day. It meant something to Lizzy, knowing people she considered friends and family supported them.

"I think you should invite them." Red patted the woman's hand comfortingly. "...Give them a chance to see how they feel about it."

Meeting Silas' eyes in the rearview mirror, Red saw the same doubt transmitted in the guard's eyes. The passing scenery of Washington DC was a blur outside the car windows.

"Go to the Blacksite." Red decided.

Liz shook her head, protesting the idea quietly. "...Red, I really don't think–"

"We need to alert Cooper we'll be gone a few days for our honeymoon, anyway." Red reminded. "This will give you a chance to get a reading on how everything might go down."

---

Red decided he would handle Cooper. He could only hope Lizzy might stall and wait for him before approaching her team. He did feel better knowing if she didn't... Silas was there with her to offer support, and to handle any problems which may arise.

"You're what!" Cooper snapped his surprise, anger, and disbelief. The man arose from his chair, his features verging on livid.

"We're getting married." Red replied, his tone hardening. "Elizabeth and I–"

"I heard you the first damn time!" Cooper steamed. "What the hell are you thinking, Reddington!" the man growled. "They could possibly fire Elizabeth for this transgression! Throw her in jail!"

"I'd like to see them try." Red held the man's eyes stonily.

"They'll want to know when this all started..." Cooper glared at the man opposite him, "how long you've been compromising–"

"You tell those fuckers it's none of their damned business how long I've been 'compromising' Elizabeth." Red snarled. "What does matter is your solve rate has increased... not decreased since my arrival."

Cooper fell silent, damn well knowing Red was right.

"If that's not good enough for them." Red warned, "then maybe my services are no longer needed."

Standing, Red tossed the invitation on Cooper's desk. "Either support us... her, or don't." He grated angrily, adjusting his hat. "I don't give a damn."

Turning towards the door, Red halted in his tracks, digging into his pocket. He turned back to the fuming individual, flicking a card towards Cooper. It landed on the desk. "There's your next two Blacklisters."

Yanking the door open, Red halted when he heard the sound of Cooper clearing his throat expectantly.

"Is she..." Cooper leaned his fists into the desktop, "is she happy."

"Why ask?" Red glared at the man opposite him. "They could give a shit about Elizabeth's well-being."

"I... I'm asking." Cooper straightened his imposing figure.

"I've made fucking sure of it!" Red replied without hesitation. "But that doesn't matter... does it."

Cooper lowered his eyes, remaining silent on the matter.

"Hear me well, Harold." Red advised. "No matter what those bastards say, I will do everything in my power to ensure Elizabeth's happiness remains intact."

He let the threat hang in the thick atmosphere before slamming the door behind him.

---

"Uh, hi..." Liz smiled weakly at all the faces staring back at her. "How are you guys doing?"

Aram smiled happily, seeing his friend looking so well after recent events. The woman was still hobbling, but considering the alternative...

"I didn't expect to see you back so soon." Aram lifted from his chair, hurrying to hug the woman.

"How are you?" Samar asked, looking her friend and teammate over with a critical eye before she too, hugged the woman.

"On the mend still," Liz confessed, gesturing to her leg, "but much better."

Taking a step back, Liz gripped Silas' arm for both physical and emotional support.

"You're still on medical leave then." Ressler assumed.

"Yeah," Liz nodded, "just until this heals, I guess?"

"Are you just checking in or does Reddington have a new Blacklister?" Ressler looked up from his paperwork.

"...Both." Liz released a relieved breath when she heard Red come up behind her. "Cooper has the names."

"We also came to give you these." He took the invitations and burden off Lizzy's hands. "We're getting married," he stated bluntly, as was his way, "and you're invited to the festivities."

"Whoa..." Aram took the envelope, his eyes darting between Samar and Ressler. "Uhm, okay..." the man could feel the tension crackle between those gathered.

He hurriedly stepped up, offering his hand to Mr. Reddington. "C-Congratulations..."

He wobbled a smile, hugging Liz once more. "Congratulations, Liz."

"Thank you, Aram." Red graciously accepted the man's well-wishes, as Lizzy seemed speechless at the moment.

"Wow... okay," Samar muttered, also taking the provided envelope, "...I didn't expect this."

"What the hell, Keen!" Ressler allowed his disbelief. "Do you realize what will happen when the Bureau catches wind of this!"

"Settle down, Opie." Silas advised.

Coming from his relaxed position, Silas glared at the fuming red-head. Elizabeth gripped his arm tighter and Red lifted a calming hand.

"If they know what's good for them," Red's expression remained neutral during the man's tirade, "... nothing will happen. Nothing will change."

Taking Lizzy from Silas' capable hands, Red looped the woman's arm through his.

"RSVP instructions on the card." He steered Elizabeth towards the elevator. "Classy casual, gifts optional..." He called back.

Guiding Lizzy into the elevator, Red held the many multi-layered stares as the team digested the news which had been delivered. Cooper halted on his way down the stairs. The men's gaze meeting for a second as the doors closed.

"...Assholes." Silas muttered tightly as the lift began to move.

Turning towards the woman beside him, Red's face softened as Lizzy's crumbled. Taking the woman in his arms, Red rested his cheek against her dark, silky hair.

"Well... that went better than expected." He lifted surprised brows.

---

Lizzy had been so distraught after their visit to the Blacksite, Red had been sincerely grateful the following day's activities provided a blessed distraction.

Now, as he felt Lizzy tense beside him as they pulled abreast of Antonio and Maria's home... he would give anything to go back to arguing over canapés.

"I can't do this." Liz's blue eyes closed, dread washing over her yet again.

"I have to feel Antonio out, baby... but you don't have to do this." Red could take that much pressure off, at least. "Really, it's okay."

The woman glanced hopefully to him.

"Silas can take you home." Red smiled softly at the anxious little face.

Liz's eyes closed again, for this time, the dread had turned to realization. "No," she knew, "this is something I owe Maria and Antonio. I-I have to explain."

"No, you don't." Red debated artfully.

"Yeah," Liz stiffened her resolve, "I do."

Red knew that tone, accepting her decision.

The woman's nerves increased when they entered the stylish foyer of the elegant home.

Antonio's head guard, Marcus, ushered them through the house. Truth told, Red disliked such an impersonal greeting; but for Elizabeth's sake, he remained calm and aloof.

Entering a tastefully decorated room, Red's scowl increased when he found no official welcome awaited the woman at his side.

"Maria was just here a minute ago..." Marcus seemed just as bemused as Reddington himself.

Lizzy startled when the side door burst open... revealing the lovely woman struggling with a large tray, a determined expression on Maria's lovely face.

The older woman swept into the room, flustered. "Sorry... we had a kitchen mishap." She smiled when the guard rushed forward, relieving her of the heavy tray. "Just there, Marcus." she pointed to a sideboard. "Thank you."

Marcus grinned at the woman's exasperated tone, having heard it countless times before.

"Of course," Maria threw up exasperated hands, "it would happen tonight, of all nights." She glanced around, her vexation growing. "Oh... where is that man!" She growled under her breath.

"As you can see, my husband is not here yet." Maria sighed her lot in life. "He was supposed to greet you in my absence."

Biting her lip nervously, Liz clung to Red's hand, watching Maria's uncustomary manner.

"Can I interest you in an appetizer?" Maria gestured with a smile. "Perhaps a drink?"

Though he, too, was also unaccustomed to Antonio's tardiness and seeing Maria so out-of-sorts, Red's expression remained neutral.

"Scotch, if you have it." Red replied politely.

"...Elizabeth?" Maria asked, pouring Red his drink of choice. She smiled over her shoulder absently, her mind clearly elsewhere.

"Uhm..." Liz swallowed, "...no, thank you, I'm fine."

Maria turned quizzically, holding Red's drink aloft as Antonio breezed into the room... freshly showered, looking dapper and unflappable.

"Am I in trouble?" He caught his wife's expression on his way to Red and Liz. "I see... I am." he grinned wryly.

Red ran a soothing caress along Lizzy's hand. She squeezed his in a death grip, her trepidation high, obviously.

"I apologize for my tardiness," Antonio addressed his guests... and wife. "The meeting took longer..." he carelessly waved off the explanation, instead stepping forward to shake Red's hand. "Reddington..."

Turning his attention, Antonio's brow furrowed when he noticed Elizabeth. "Well, little church mouse, why so glum?" The man checked with Red. "Do we have a problem?"

"What's this..." Antonio questioned the woman's demeanor once again, his brow furrowed slightly.

Red's eye ticked because Lizzy's short nails bit into his skin, nearly drawing blood.

"The announcement of our upcoming marriage was not well received by Elizabeth's superior or teammates." Red cut to the chase. "I would imagine, she expects the same reception here... with you." He admitted. "Only, for a slightly different reason."

"I'm sorry..." Liz blurted the apology, nothing else coming to mind; all the carefully thought out excuses vanishing into thin air. "If my presence makes you at all uncomfortable," she choked the words, "I will go." She offered quietly.

"Uncomfortable?" Antonio scoffed a short laugh. "Why would you make us uncomfortable?" He checked with his better half.

Maria approached, hors d'oeuvres in hand, a soft frown creasing her forehead. "Elizabeth... child?" The woman set the decorative tray aside. "What is wrong?"

Liz looked between the couple, a curious, confused look on her face. "I'm..." she cleared her throat, "I'm a federal agent. Didn't Antonio tell you?"

"Of course he did." Maria was at a loss. "Are you uncomfortable?"

Offering a scolding click of his tongue, Antonio clasped the girl's hand. "Did we not discuss this?" The man chuckled gently.

Liz glanced to Red for a brief second, gathering courage. "Well, yes, but–"

"Don't be silly, angel." He spread his hands. "Your occupation is of no consequence to me or Maria." He stated the words almost cheerfully. "Why would it be?"

"You cannot possibly feel comfortable sharing your dinner table with a fed." Liz was positively sure.

"I don't see what is so different from you," Maria added her input, "and the Supreme Court judge we dined with last evening." She chuckled mischievously. "Although, I hope you can hold your wine better."

"That weasel made a pass at my wife." Antonio sighed wearily. "I had to kill him... shame really. I could have used the guy's influence and position."

Red's tongue flicked to the side of his mouth as Lizzy's mouth dropped, her eyes widening in shock.

"Antonio," Maria scolded, "you'll have Elizabeth believing you. Behave and... speaking of wine." She motioned, leading the way to the formal dining area.

"I told you," Antonio gestured Liz and Red forward, "there are dirty politicians, judges, and law enforcement everywhere. Thank the lord. Oh, not that I align you with such questionable people, little one, but well, you get my drift."

Red instinctively squeezed Lizzy's hand, halting any reaction the statement might incur... but to his surprise, there was none.

"No shop talk, Antonio." Maria held up a dictatorial hand.

Antonio held Lizzy's eyes steadily. "You are the only one present who is pure of heart, trust me."

"Thank you, my love." Maria spread dubious hands. "Really?"

"I would not have you any other way, my precious." He apologized in his own way.

Laughing, Antonio playfully flicked Lizzy's nose, knowing very well what the girl was thinking.

"Reddington and I have our good points though, true?" Antonio laid it all out. "We even the score when the justice system fails society." He shrugged. "Or we try to balance the scales on occasion."

Sitting stiffly at the table, Liz retained her hold on Red's hand, listening attentively to the older gentleman. "I-I know you do." She responded hastily. "I've seen it firsthand."

"One must learn the appropriate time to turn a blind eye." Antonio seated his wife. "In the world we live, lines of morality blur. Or... do they?" He lifted knowledgeable brows.

Liz worried Red's fingers, knowing damn well... she couldn't refute the man's words, or his ideology, for that matter.

"We know you cannot say the words aloud," Antonio understood the woman's precarious position, "but I believe you find a certain satisfaction the guilty party sometimes meets his judgement day."

The older gentleman's smile increased when Elizabeth remained silent on the matter... confirming his suspicions.

"Besides, I'm sure the paperwork involved is hell." He teased. "Bureaucrats and their red-tape, hmm?"

Red's mouth quirked when Lizzy shrugged half-heartedly in agreement.

"There has to be a better system." She had often thought as much.

The conversation was halted by the arrival of their meal. Liz looked at the plate, her stomach pitching slightly still.

"You listen to me, young lady," Maria demanded Elizabeth's attention, "you will forget this nonsense. Antonio and I very much enjoy your company. A trivial career choice will not alter that fact."

Liz shifted her eyes towards Maria, finding the woman smiling warmly.

"She who must be obeyed has spoken." Antonio held up a judicial hand. "Now... pass the breadsticks."

Red's eyes softened on Maria more when he saw Lizzy's mouth tremble with pent-up emotion.

"We have grown to love you," Maria continued, "just as if you were our own blood," the woman clarified, "and I don't see anything changing that anytime soon. We consider you family!"

Bolting from her seat, Liz wrapped her arms about Antonio's neck, hugging the life out of the man.

"I-I love you, too!" Liz sobbed plaintively before rushing towards Maria who happily opened her arms to greet her.

"Oh, honey..." Maria soothed, patting the girl's wet cheeks. "You're like one of my own... surely you must feel that."

Red felt every ounce of tension he'd been carrying evaporate into nothing as Maria and Antonio stood from their chairs to engulf Elizabeth in a warm embrace.

They stood for some long moments, soothing the woman's tattered nerves and chattering over one another before Antonio wiped at Lizzy's cheeks.

"Now, I want you to sit down," he ordered pseudo-sternly, "and eat your dinner before it gets cold." he gestured.

"I would l-love that." Liz sniffled, kissing both their cheeks in open affection, before doing as told.

Helping Lizzy with her seat, Red patted her knee when she settled and hastily dug into the heaping pile of pasta.

Red inclined his head graciously, thanking his friends for their acceptance, support... and love.

"What's this about your upcoming wedding?" Maria's eyes brightened. "Don't think I missed that tidbit!"

"Oh... oh, yes." Liz reached for her bag, extracting the invitations, handing them over eagerly. "I-I want so very much for you to be there!"

"Your boys are also invited, should they be interested." Red motioned for Lizzy to be certain to get enough envelopes out.

Scanning the invitations, Maria's mouth gaped before beaming happily at the couple across from her.

"You're getting married..." Maria's eyes allowed her astonishment, "this upcoming weekend?!"

"Yes..." Liz flushed, a thrill beating in her heart. "I know." She exhaled her excitement.

"Oh, my..." Maria smiled happily at the girl, "have you... do you have a dress, the cake...oh, so many details..."

"Oh, my god... and so it begins." Antonio sighed cheerfully. "And now you and I, Reddington, we become superfluous, yes? We might as well vanish into thin air... they do not need us any longer."

"We never did, my love." Maria teased right back.

Liz grimaced apologetically. "I do not have my dress yet."

"Oh, honey, you poor thing!" Maria reached, grasping Lizzy's hand, her look one of empathy and understanding. "We'll go first thing in the morning! I know the perfect place to get the most wonderful gowns!" She assured.

Red returned to his meal, his mood very much improved.

The women fell into a rapid fire exchange of ideas, fashion motifs, and culinary delights to consider for the wedding.

"Could you exchange seats with Lizzy." Maria politely demanded of her husband.

Hearing the order given, Antonio exchanged seats, taking his plate with him.

So intense and hurried was the dialogue, Red couldn't keep straight all the things Maria suggested Lizzy purchase for both the wedding and honeymoon... but Elizabeth seemed right on track, agreeing with all that was said.

"God, I'm so glad you're on board!" The younger woman seemed beyond delighted. "I feel like a weight has lifted. You are my savior!"

Glancing Elizabeth's way, Antonio smiled slowly, shrugging. "I guess that means we accept your kind invitation."

"So... you'll be there." Red quipped.

"With fucking bells on." Antonio grinned over at the women.

---

As promised, Maria took Lizzy shopping for her wedding dress the very next day.

Much to Red's delight and relief, Nora and Amanda tagged along on the excursion. It had been wonderful to see the light return to in Lizzy's eyes, having people she loved along for such a special moment.

Especially considering only one person from Lizzy's team, Aram, had snubbed the system and showed support for his friend by stating he would be in attendance at the wedding.

He had hoped Samar would come around, but as Red shuffled through the returned invitations so far... her response was not to be found.

He should have known, however, to never try and second-guess the dark beauty.

When Lizzy returned hours later, demanding he shut his eyes, lest he see her dress... Red was shocked to hear Samar's mellow tone meshed in with the other ladies as they rushed past his location.

Laying in bed later that night, Lizzy told him, by chance Samar had called before they reached the boutique. Though their conversation had been a bit stilted at first, Lizzy tentatively invited Samar to join them... her colleague surprisingly agreed.

They had a splendid excursion ending in an affirmative reply to Samar's RSVP.

In the days leading up to the wedding, the house was a hub of hectic activity late into each evening.

Though there were moments Red wished for quiet time with Lizzy, he knew the end result would all be worthwhile.

The hustle and bustle usually ended with a cuddle on the couch in their room... a favorite part of the process for Red. They talked and decompressed from the day.

The night before their wedding, everyone in the wedding party congregated at the hotel for rehearsal and dinner afterwards.

Standing off to the side, Red smiled softly, watching the harried coordinator direct Amanda and Dembe to their proper places. That Herculean task accomplished, it was finally the bride's turn.

"Are you walking Elizabeth down the aisle?" Red murmured to the man standing beside him, enjoying the smell of the aromatic cigar as the flavorful scent drifted on the air.

"I would be honored to hold such a privileged position." Antonio nodded sedately, a soft sigh following the comment.

Both men chuckled when the bride stumbled in her walk. Liz glared at the cord laying in her path. "Oh, great... I'll break my neck before I have a chance to make it down the aisle!" she grumbled.

"It seems she may need assistance." Red chortled under his breath when the woman angrily kicked the obstacle aside.

Clutching her makeshift bouquet and long skirts in hand, she spun about, stalking her way back up the aisle for round two.

Red turned slightly, arching his brow questioningly. He had heard Antonio's hesitation. "Do I hear a, but, coming?"

Sighing again, Antonio scowled slightly. "...I feel it would be better if Elizabeth gave Francis the honor."

The older man smiled warmly when Elizabeth retook her place and lifted her chin with a regal air. When prompted, she took her first steps... gracefully.

"Elizabeth and Francis are not yet on level ground," Antonio stated his opinion. "I believe, should he be given the honor of walking Elizabeth down the aisle, it would mean a great deal to him."

"I believe Lizzy wished you to take that place." Red countered. "Francis... he can be her flower boy or something."

Scoffing his amusement, Antonio grinned when Maria fell in step beside Elizabeth, showing her how to walk in time with the music.

Lizzy took the steps as directed but once again fumbled the ball. "Do you believe this!" Lizzy's shoulders slumped dramatically. "I'm a klutz! Let's all face it!"

Antonio's gaze was gentle on the young woman.

Red hurried down the steps towards her. "What's the problem, baby?"

"I can't seem to get the right momentum." Liz scowled, swishing the long drape of her skirt as to the reason why. "I thought maybe if..."

"You had an escort," Red surmised, "it would help steady you."

Nodding, Lizzy surreptitiously glanced about. Red, too, made a show of looking around, then stepped close.

"What about Francis?" he murmured.

Shifting her eyes to the right, Liz watched Francis laugh heartily at something Dembe said, then glance her way.

The man offered a gentle smile and wave before once again laughing jovially at Silas' comeback.

"But..." Liz lowered her eyes, "I thought maybe Antonio might–"

"I think Antonio would be honored," Red wholeheartedly agreed, "but I don't think he would mind one bit if you were to offer the exalted position to Francis." he encouraged. "In fact, I think, given recent events, Antonio would support your decision."

The indecision was clearly evident in Lizzy's expression, though she was hiding it admirably.

Red knew Lizzy wished more than anything Antonio would stand beside her, but she also saw the wisdom in reuniting fully with Francis and strengthening their bond once more.

Clearing her throat, she squared her stance, glancing about Red's shoulder.

"Francis?" She called out, gaining the man's attention. "Could you come here a minute?"

Slapping Silas on the shoulder, Francis hurried over. "Yeah? Hey, kid, you gotta get the right beat, ya know." He offered his advice. "Like Travolta in Saturday Night Fever." The man demonstrated, offering a swag strut.

Red closed his eyes, sighing inwardly.

"I was wondering," Liz began, "if you would maybe..." she exhaled shakily, unsure Francis would even accept her proposal, "... walk me down the aisle?"

Frowning, Francis looked around curiously. "Me?" The suggestion clearly floored the man. "... Antonio–"

Liz smiled softly. "I don't think Antonio has even seen Saturday Night Fever. I thought.." she stammered an excuse, "you've always been my–" she cleared her throat. "It just feels... right. But if you don't–"

"I'll do it." Francis interrupted. "I..." he swallowed around the lump in his throat, "I would be very honored to escort you."

Red held his smile when the young man stepped to Lizzy's side, offering his arm.

Lizzy's face beamed. "Are you... sure?"

"Hey, I've seen Saturday Night Fever a couple thousand times! I got this!" Excitement laced the young man's tone.

"Elizabeth, we must hurry!" The coordinator rushed over, gesturing Lizzy to try again. "We're running behind, and the staff needs to prepare for tomorrow."

"Can't keep the staff waiting in the wings." Francis gestured to his arm.

Smiling brightly, Liz followed Francis' guidance, falling in step beside him.

Stepping back out of their way, Red watched the two fall into an easy conversation as they retook their place and tried again.

"Now, Mr. Reddington," The coordinator shooed the man to the front, "you need to take your place."

Sighing, Red bit his tongue, disliking the fidgety, frazzled man given this particular assignment. He caught Antonio's eyes. The guy spread his hands as if to say, I told you so.

Red grinned... taking his place.

---

"Scotch..." Red ordered his drink of choice. He felt a presence, changing the order. "Make that two." he alerted the bartender.

"I figured you and Elizabeth would have made a discrete exit by now." Antonio murmured, nodding his thanks for the drink.

"I was under the impression," Red grumbled, "we were to have dinner... before you took her away from me."

Chuckling into his glass for Reddington's forlorn tone, Antonio gave the man a side-glance, rolling his eyes.

"I have arranged a dinner for you and Elizabeth to be waiting at your home." Antonio grinned.

Snapping his head to the side, Red scowled. "What?"

"If you leave now," the man glanced at his watch, "you'll have a good two hours alone with your bride... before I take her away from you."

"Why the hell didn't you say something?" Red bitched, clunking his tumbler on the counter. The man hastily checked for any sign of his future bride, irritated beyond belief, which seemed to amuse Antonio all the more.

"It's entertaining," Antonio explained the situation as only he could, "watching you sulk."

"You are one twisted, sad bastard." Red decided. "How does Maria put up with you!"

Antonio's amusement grew. "I keep her on her toes. She never knows quite what to expect. She loves adventure, so I give it to her."

"Well, good for you." Red's annoyance hadn't abated. "Where the hell is Lizzy?" He searched the countless faces milling about aimlessly.

One came sharply into focus. Francis Holbrook was marching determinedly through the gathered ensemble, a bewildered look on the boy's handsome features.

Red felt his already tattered nerves twitch erratically, sensing trouble on the horizon.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" Antonio was hastily zeroed in on, Francis facing the older man stalwartly. "Why aren't you walking Lizzy down the aisle? You know she worships the ground you spit on! You know that's gonna really upset her and shit!"

"Old war injury is acting up." Antonio didn't miss a beat, his palm patting his right thigh tentatively.

Francis' tirade was cut short. He stared at the man's thigh. "...Yeah?" He appeared concerned. "Like... from WWII or something?"

Red's eyes closed with empathy. He released a sigh for Francis' faux pas.

Halting his drink mid-air, Antonio's brow furrowed only slightly. The man gave the boy a blank look. "... Revolutionary."

"Ah..." Francis nodded as comprehension loomed. "Right... yes."

The bartender paused, his hand halting mid-swipe, jerking his head upright at the comical exchange, but more so, because Francis clearly had not gotten any of it.

Dropping his head back, Red exhaled a long-suffering breath. "He was dropped on his head as a kid."

Laughing quietly, the bartender returned to his work. "If you say so." He grinned at Francis.

"It is best you escort Elizabeth," Antonio brought matters back on course. "I would not wish to slow her down."

Turning towards the bar, Red leaned into his elbow, cradling his chin on his palm; increasing the bartender's quiet laughter.

"I shall speak to Elizabeth," Antonio gamely carried on, "explain the situation as it now stands."

"No... no," Francis argued half-heartedly, "it should be you. I mean... like, you are old enough to be her father. Maybe we could get you like... a walker or something? Would that help?"

Red gritted his teeth, cringing inwardly.

"Does this guy know how close he is to death" The bartender leaned, whispering low, obviously aware of Crocetti's identity.

"I thought about one of those riding scooters," Antonio chimed in cheerfully, "but it doesn't fit the decor."

"Well, shit..." Francis was clearly disappointed for the guy. "Maybe we could drape it with flowers or streamers..."

Red glanced at the earnest Francis Holbrook, he leaned to share with the bartender. "Don't worry, he actually means this shit as a compliment."

Grinning, the man poured Red another scotch, waving off his money. "I should be paying you for the entertainment." He chuckled, moving off to attend to his duties.

Nodding his thanks, Red sipped the warmed beverage, wondering how this day had suddenly gone awry. A sweet scent assailed his senses. He straightened, his mood rising.

"What are you three talking about?" Liz smiled as she approached the trio, absently leaning up to receive Red's kiss of welcome.

"Old war wounds." Francis replied.

Antonio made a show of patting his left leg, offering a slight grimace.

"Wrong leg..." Red murmured quietly to the man.

Antonio shrugged carelessly, for no one, certainly not Francis, noticed the blunder.

"...And why he's bailing on you when you need him most!" Francis continued his tirade.

Liz bit anxiously at her lip, her lashes fluttering rapidly, having followed the half-ass explanation. "Antonio, I–"

"Yeah," Francis interrupted, "he probably got it when the French bombed Dutch Harbor."

Liz frowned her confusion, but reached for Antonio nonetheless, her eyes hastily scanning his robust frame. "W-What?"

"That was the big one, you know." Francis muttered aside, sharing with the girl. "When they were tossing Kamikaze pilots out bay doors and shit..."

"What..." Liz's jerked about, her confusion growing "w-what the hell are you talking about..."

The bartender slyly slid over a drink for the new arrival.

She absently thanked the bartender for the drink, her manner a flustered one.

"Drink it, baby." Red muttered, swallowing his own elixir. "It helps, trust me..."

"You have made the wisest choice, Elizabeth." Antonio inserted himself into the fiasco. "Believe it or not." The man assured, gesturing to a suitable distraction. "It appears dinner is ready."

As expected, Francis took off like a bolt to beat everyone else to the good stuff.

"Two hours, Reddington." Antonio warned, stepping past Red's position. "Make it worthwhile."

"What is everyone talking about?" Taking a step to follow the man, Liz felt Red's hand hook her elbow, stopping her in her tracks. She glanced at the contact, her eyes wide and enquiring.

"No, you don't." Red eased her back his way. "We're leaving."

"We are?" The news heightened Liz's apprehension, but she fell in step beside him as he hurried her towards the exit.

"You're mine," Red muttered, "... for the next two hours at least."

---

Staring at his reflection in the mirror, Red looped his tie with practiced movements, his thoughts drifting to the previous evening.

One thing was certain, he really needed to thank Antonio and Maria for their thoughtfulness.

Upon their arrival home, he and Lizzy found a romantic atmosphere, and the Crocetti's private chef, Matthew, awaiting them.

The aroma of a delicious meal and soft music filled the air. Warm candlelight, flowers and fine china enhanced the intimate setting.

Desperate for time with Elizabeth, Red admitted, most of the drive home, he'd fantasized about how they would spend that two hours allotted.

Once he walked through that door, however, his mood shifted.

After the hectic week, the quiet dinner for two was just what they needed. The silence allowed them time to reflect and cherish the fact, the exciting goal which both worked tirelessly to achieve was now within reach.

In retrospect, though he'd grumbled and grouched a couple times... Red hadn't minded the hustle and bustle; especially after witnessing the exhilaration Lizzy exuded each step of the way.

After a week without touching the woman intimately, Red had wished to devour Elizabeth the moment they walked through the door.

It was that serene glow she emitted, however, which demanded he set aside his lust and embrace the moment.

Though he was positive Lizzy wouldn't hesitate to make love on the eve of their wedding, Red couldn't help wonder if their restraint would garner even more positive results if forced aside a spell.

Even one night away from Lizzy created explosive results... sexually. Surely they would reap the rewards of their week long abstinence on their wedding night.

With that very much in mind, Red focused on making the most of the romantic atmosphere created for them. Taking Elizabeth in his arms, they swayed slowly to soft instrumentals.

Counting each of his blessings, Red became lost in the woman's crystal blue eyes, so lost in fact... Antonio's presence had remained unnoticed until the man gently cleared his throat.

Two hours ago, Red would have fought tooth and nail to keep Elizabeth here, with him.

Now, with their connection reestablished and the hour to the wedding fast approaching... Red graciously, and without fuss, escorted Lizzy to the waiting car.

Placing a kiss to the woman's mouth, Red hoped he transmitted all the hopes and dreams he envisioned for them in that one simple act before relinquishing Elizabeth to her guardian.

Watching the taillights disappear around the bend, Red returned to the house.

Too intent on putting this day to rest, he barely took note of the silence in the house as he hurried through his nighttime rituals.

Climbing into bed, he extinguished the lights... hoping sleep would claim him soon so he may wake to a day full of promise.