A/N: My apologies for the long delay. Here is chapter six. Friendly reminder, this is an AU fic. I started this one before S2 started. I hope that despite the delay you will still like this fic and please hang in there. I will keep posting chapters.

Chapter six

The following day Lizzie wandered in and around her house. She was restless and because she was restless, Jethro was restless too. He followed her everywhere and just like her only sat or laid down for a few minutes before getting up again.

She decided to drive into the small village for some much needed groceries. It really was time to take better care of herself. This morning she noticed her pants and shirts were getting a bit too wide due to her weight loss. She had to gain back some weight. She made sure Jethro had his water and was settled down before she left. After a fifteen minutes drive she parked her car. There was a market taking place which pleased her. She always enjoyed walking around different stalls, exploring what they all had and the nice sunny weather made it all even more enjoyable.

She was standing at a fruit and vegetable stall, when someone bumped into her legs. She looked down and saw a little girl with blond curly hair looking up at her with big green eyes.

"Sorry, miss." The girl immediately apologised.

Before Lizzie could reply a woman with long blond hair appeared next to her. Looking at the two it was obvious they were mother and daughter. "I'm sorry. She sometimes gets ahead of me and doesn't always look where she's going."

"That's okay. Nothing happened."

"Come Abby." The woman held out her hand to the little girl. "Let's get home."

"Okay, mommy." She took her mother's hand. "Bye, miss." The girl waved to Lizzie before they disappeared into the small crowd.

After buying everything she needed and a fresh bouquet of flowers, Lizzie was on her way back. By the time she was home, some of the restlessness was gone. As she exited her car she saw Red.

"Good morning." He greeted her as he walked over to her.

She nodded at him. She didn't really know yet how to act around him. They had always had a natural interaction. It seemed strained now. Which was understandable but it made her feel insecure about herself and them.

"Let me help with your groceries." Red said as he stood next to her.

Once again she nodded at him and handed the bags to him. In silence they walked to her front door. At the door she fumbled with her keys. She cursed softly at her own clumsiness. Red didn't say a word, but did see her nerves. In due time she would be comfortable around him again. He was a patient man. They would get there.

Together they walked into her house. Jethro greeted Lizzie enthusiastically, his tail wagging wildly. He greeted Red after he greeted Lizzie but he appeared just as happy to see the man.

"You want something to drink?" Lizzie asked as they walked into the kitchen.

"Some tea would be nice." Red started to put her groceries away as Lizzie prepared tea for them. Lizzie watched how he moved around her kitchen and appeared to know where to put everything. She wondered how he knew where to put everything.

"How about I make you some lunch."

"You think I won't eat otherwise?" She asked. She leaned against the kitchen counter as he stood by the fridge.

He tiltled his head to the side and looked at her. She didn't appear to be angry. Her tone of voice however was tense. "I wanna take care of you." He said honestly.

She didn't say anything then, yet turned back to preparing their tea. Red took her silence as agreement to make her lunch. He decided to make a salad for her and roasted some bread with it. In a comfortable silence they both worked in the kitchen. Lizzie stole glances at Red. She sighed softly. She felt like her body betrayed her. His presence made her stomach flutter and her heart beat faster. But when he left the pain would resurface and linger again. The flutters in her stomach would be replaced by a heavy and uncomfortable feeling. The light he brought would be replaced by darkness again. She put both her hands on the counter, bowed her head and shook her head. It wasn't easy for her to chase the darkness away. She got lost in it far too easily. Deciding that some fresh air would do her some good she left the kitchen. Jethro immediately followed her.

Red decided to let her be for the moment. He knew he shouldn't rush her. It wasn't easy though to see her struggle. It was strange, yet reaffirming how his body reacted to her presence. She brought him a peace of mind that no one had ever done before. She settled his restless mind. She was his anchor. She was a part of his soul. He needed her in his life.

With her salad and the bread he walked onto the porch and put her plate down on the table. "Your salad is ready." Red said to Lizzie who was staring into space. Seeing her small nod, he got back inside for his food.

Both ate the salad he'd made, but no words were exchanged. Though the lunch wasn't uncomfortable, neither knew what to say. Red didn't want their conversations to just be about the issues they had to work through. But there was nothing to talk about and Lizzie seemed unwilling to speak. She seemed closed off and he didn't want to force her. All this was going to happen at her pace. After lunch Red cleared everything away. It was best that he left her. For now he decided to keep his visits short. It would give her time to be comfortable with him again. Small steps for now.

"We'll find our way again, Lizzie." He said before he left her alone.

TBC...