NOTE: So...uh...this turned into a full blown chapter. I should have seen that coming. So there will still be a brief epilogue after this (because I'm a huge fan of epilogues don't ask why). Again, thank you all so much for the support, reader response keeps me writing.

Again thank you for all of the support you've all shown to this AU! There will be a sequel, promise.

Special note to Wondo: You know this AU would not have existed without you, I have had a blast creating it with you and look forward to continuing our conversations on it. As a side note Peter is not glaring at me nearly as much as usual after this chapter.

Chapter Forty-nine

"I'm going to pass out."

"As long as you're not going to throw up…again."

"No promises." Peter replied seriously.

"You'll be fine. Deep breath."

Standing in the marble lined elevator Peter nodded and did his best to calm his racing heart with a few breaths. Neal chuckled as he reached out to straighten the black bow tie on Peter's tuxedo. Without even thinking about it Peter tilted his head back slightly and peacefully allowed Neal's hands near his throat, only realizing once it was happening that it was something he wouldn't have been capable of just a month ago. The way Neal smiled as he worked on perfecting the tie showed that he was having the same thought. Peter hadn't known what to expect when he'd fallen in with the inexperienced Master, but at the time he hadn't even been able to fathom the idea that what he'd really found was a friend. Standing here now Peter was still a little stunned by the concept that out of all the humans he'd met a conman and an unashamed criminal had ended up being one of the ones most worthy of trust.

Making a noise of frustration Neal pressed the emergency stop button on the elevator before he pulled on Peter's tie to undo it completely. The fact that Neal felt the need to start over again on the tie that had been perfectly fine before he'd even started messing with it gave Peter the impression that Neal was at least somewhat nervous about tonight as well. Peter didn't comment, he needed a moment to center himself before seeing Elizabeth anyway. He'd never been so anxious and so exhilarated at the same time and it was making it hard to think straight. Since they hadn't had time to get anything back from the tailor the well cut tux was the only decent thing Peter had to wear. Cheng hadn't really cared what Peter had worn during the day since there was always a high chance that he was just going to ruin it with a cane anyway, but he had replaced Peter's formal wear anytime he'd lost enough weight or ended up with blood on it to keep up appearances during hosted events. Peter had felt like he was going to be over dressed but Neal had slipped into a tuxedo that was probably worth at least half whatever Cheng had paid for Peter himself.

"There you go." Neal announced proudly as he finished the bow tie. "I'm not used to helping someone else."

"You could have fooled me."

Neal beamed a warm smile at Peter as he pressed the button to get the elevator to go again. Taking a step back Neal looked Peter over. Peter had had humans look him over plenty of times in his life, but it had always been when they were contemplating what they were going to do with his future. Neal didn't have the cold calculating look in his eyes that the others had, but there was certainly something weighing on his mind. Peter was about to ask him what was wrong when the elevator doors slid open directly into the luxury flat. Peter automatically took a step back and bowed his head to keep any of the guests from seeing his eyes. As part of their cover story Neal had arranged a real party through the event company that Elizabeth worked for so that it wouldn't raise any suspicion that she was outside of her usual radius and out past her usual curfew time. The anklet wouldn't be able to tell her parole officer that she was actually a floor above the party she was supposed to be working. The party was already in full swing and just a quick glance had told Peter that there were at least fifty well dressed party goers milling around the pricey space.

"Time to mingle." Neal said without much enthusiasm.

"I didn't know you knew this many people."

"I don't." Neal shrugged. "I don't know any of them."

"What?"

"I hired them. They're actors." Neal explained. "Well, 'hired' is a strong word, they think they are auditioning for a high society reality-type tv show filmed strictly on hidden cameras. Sadly none of them are going to get the part, but it's good for the resume to just be here and there's free food and alcohol."

"You're too good at this."

"I know." Neal held the elevator door open as it started to close but he hesitated to leave. "Peter…"

"Neal?" Peter asked when Neal didn't continue.

"Good luck." Neal finished awkwardly.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome and thank you as well. This has been…"

Neal couldn't seem to find a good way to end his sentence so he just put his hand on Peter's shoulder briefly before he forced a smile and turned to walked off the elevator. Peter furrowed his brow at Neal's odd behavior, he didn't usually become lost for words and the ones he'd started had almost sounded like he was saying good bye. Neal took a few steps into the room before he turned around again. Even keeping his eyes down cast Peter could see Neal's tense body language but he wasn't sure what to do or say about it, particularly now that there were other humans around potentially listening.

"Peter." Neal called so that he would look up at him.

"Yes?" Peter replied, risking meeting Neal's eye.

"There is no wrong answer, trust your instincts."

"What?" Peter asked confused.

Suddenly looking relaxed Neal flashed Peter a genuine smile and winked at him as the elevator doors closed leaving him alone. Peter stepped forward to try and open the doors again to get an explanation, but it was too late, the elevator had already been given orders to go the penthouse level when they'd first stepped on and it was determined to take Peter there after the first stop. Feeling claustrophobic Peter panted for breath as his already sour stomach twisted painfully. Forgetting about Neal's unusual message Peter's mind raced through what might happen the next time the doors opened. What if Elizabeth had decided not to come, what if she had, feeling light headed Peter was worried he couldn't handle either scenario right now.

Although near a full blown panic attack by the time the elevator doors opened all of Peter's fears suddenly fell away from him as he caught sight of Elizabeth standing twenty feet away outlined against the glass balcony doors by the lights of the nighttime city scape. She had her back to the elevator as she looked out on the city and the lights were low, but Peter still recognized her instantly. The large open floor plan flat had modern minimalist decor that had been enhanced and made more intimate with large sliver stands over flowing with flowers, wooden lattice work archways draped in gauzy curtains and lit almost entirely by a warm seemingly sourceless glow and a complicated system of tiny string lights that gleamed like stars.

Peter stood staring at Elizabeth surrounded by the fairy tale like setting long enough for the doors to start closing on the elevator prompting him to snap out of his spell and step forward into the elaborately decorated room. The way Elizabeth's shoulders had tensed when the elevator doors first open told Peter that she knew she wasn't alone, but she seemed unwilling or unable to turn around and face him as she continued to stare at the city. Peter took a few steps towards her before he noticed she was trembling slightly, Peter hesitated to move closer and stopped.

"Elizabeth…"

Elizabeth gasped sharply at the sound of Peter gentle call. Slowly turning around Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock as though she hadn't believed her ears. She brought her hand up to cover her mouth to muffle her demure noise of shock as tears streaked down her face. Even having seen him Elizabeth was frozen in place, unable to step forward and try to touch him, fearful that it would shatter the illusion of him being here. Terrified he might wake from a dream himself Peter approached her slowly coming to a stop just shy of touching her. With her eyes locked on Peter's Elizabeth managed to take her hand away from her mouth but still couldn't brave reaching out to him. Breaking into a reassuring lopsided smile Peter brought his hand up and gently brushed Elizabeth's tear stained cheek causing more tears to spill down her face even though her eye lit up with obvious joy.

"Peter…"

Elizabeth voice broke into cross of tears and laughter for a brief moment before she threw her arms around his waist and pulled herself against him. Tucking her head under his throat Peter closed his eyes and took a deep breath of her scent which brought back every intimate moment they'd ever shared back to him all at once. She had always been intoxicating to him and after their time apart the effect had been magnified. Still having a hard time believing this was happening Peter closed his arms around her shoulders to hold her against his chest in a protective embrace to solidify the concept that he had been reunited with the soul that had proven to him that he had one of his own.

Peter had long dreamed about what he would say to Elizabeth if he ever got the chance to see her again, and he had spent the entire day going over conversations in his mind to help him prepare for tonight. However now that he was in the moment he found that words were both inadequate and completely unnecessary. Elizabeth held on to him at first as though at any second someone was going to try and tear her away from him. She managed to relax slightly after Peter squeezed her tighter to assure her that no one was going to take her from him right now, they wouldn't live to tell about it if they even threatened to try.

Feeling secure in the idea that they were safe, even if only for the moment, Elizabeth pulled back just far enough to invite Peter into a tender kiss that quickly became more passionate. Eventually force apart by a need to breathe Elizabeth looked up at Peter as they both struggled to catch their breath. Smiling radiantly Elizabeth stole another quick kiss before bringing her hand up and resting it on Peter's cheek.

When she'd reached up Peter had seen that she was wearing her wedding ring on her hand. Worried that she would forget to take it off before going into work back when she was technically his Mistress she used to wear both of their rings on a long gold chain around her neck to keep them close but hidden. Looking down Peter could see the same gold chain disappearing into the v of her blouse. He had always wanted to wear his own ring on a chain as well, but every morning he had to go to into security to kneel down and open his shirt so that they could put the collar on him and again at the end of the day to have it removed. If he'd worn the necklace it would have only been a matter time before it was discovered.

Thinking back on it Peter knew now that he should have just worn the collar all of the time, then Renner wouldn't have had a chance to change the setting and the passcode. It wouldn't have kept Elizabeth from stealing, but at least she wouldn't have had to have witnessed words of love causing him pain. However it broke Elizabeth's heart to see him wearing it at home and although she would have been capable of taking it off him at night he couldn't ask her to have to put it on him again in the morning. The lock system was coded to a fingerprint so he couldn't take it off himself, if it was already open he could have theoretically put it on himself but he'd never been able to physically or emotionally bring himself to even try to do it on his own.

Shaking off thoughts of the past Peter concentrated on the present. Hoping in someway to slow time and lengthen the time they had together tonight the pair spent a long moment just studying at one another, refamiliarizing themselves with one another's features. Other than a touch of silver streaking her onyx hair Elizabeth appeared untouched to Peter by the hard years that had separated them. If it wasn't for the slight burning that still raked across his back Peter might be able to convince himself that no time or events had passed since he'd last seen her. He knew the years had been harder on him physically, but if Elizabeth noticed any change she didn't make it known. When Peter shifted slightly his gold ringed eyes caught the low light just right causing them to flash reflectively. Elizabeth didn't flinch the way most did when they witnessed the odd phenomenon.

"I love you." Elizabeth whispered, breaking the comfortable silence.

"I love you too."

"I can't believe this is real."

"Neither can I."

"I…I almost didn't come here tonight." Elizabeth admitted.

"I balked at coming here tonight myself and putting you through this all again myself, if you still having second thoughts I under…"

"What? No, Peter, it's not that. It would never be that." Elizabeth assured quickly. "I hesitated because I'd convinced myself that it was too good to be true that you'd be here, that this had to be a trap."

"And you walked into it anyway?" Peter asked in a tone of mock surprise.

"With you as bait?" Elizabeth chuckled. "Of course I did."

Peter smiled, he'd missed Elizabeth's laugh and it was more than he could have hoped for to hear it again. Holding her tighter Peter closed his eyes once more and enjoyed the peace that having her near brought him. Despite the way she could make his heart race at the same time she seemed to never fail to calm his mind, even the stress of being under a new Master had melted away the moment he'd met her. Back with her now erased the pain of the past two years and made every moment's worth of struggle to survive worth while. He still wasn't sure how he was going to tell her about the marks across his shoulders, but he found he couldn't worry about that right now.

Although he felt like he could stand there with his eyes closed and hold Elizabeth forever eventually he had to glance around at his surroundings, just to assure himself that there was no immediate threat. Peter didn't see any immediate dangers in the private setting, but he did see something that worried him. On a near by deep red cheerywood table was a large suitcase. Of all of the fears that Peter had imagined for this encounter this one had been foremost on his mind. He tried to ignore it, but his eye kept being drawn back to it.

"Peter? What's wrong?"

"I see you're already packed." Peter said with a quiet sigh. "Elizabeth, I still can't…"

"That's not mine." Elizabeth said. "It was here when I got here."

Peter furrowed his brow and taking Elizabeth with him he walked over to the large suitcase that was sitting on the table. Every detail of the room had been planed, the suitcase couldn't be an accident and it had been placed in a way so that it would bring attention to itself. There was an unmarked envelope next to it that Peter picked up and opened. Inside was a small note card that held a hand written math equation on it that Peter instantly solved. Ending up with a four digit number Peter looked at the case and saw that it had a small digital keypad along the edge. Tapping the answer to the math problem into the keypad caused it to glow blue and click as the lock released. Opening the case the contents were hidden by a black piece of velvet that had another neatly hand written note card resting on top of it.

"'Fight or Flight?'" Peter read the simple question off the card before recalling Neal's last words to him. "'There is no wrong answer, trust your instincts'."

"Peter?"

Peter didn't reply he just stared at the card emblazoned with the one question that every creature great or small could instantly identify with. The most basic of all the instincts ingrained in anything with a taste for survival was what to do when faced with a threat. The line between life and death was so fine that when the question was asked it was instinct not conscious thought that made the split second decision of what was best: stand and fight, or turn and run. Both strategies could succeed or fail, both held their own risks, both offered their own rewards.

Peter knew better than most that nothing drove a creature to misery and insanity faster than to live under constant threat and be unable to act one way or the other. A lion in a cage could only react to a threat the same way a mouse in the same condition could. Locked away and trapped they were both helpless, however open the doors and you'd quickly discover which one had more fight and which one had more flight in their heart. Feeling that the bars to his cage were about to be removed Peter pulled the cloth away from the contents of the suitcase to discover if he was a lion or a mouse. Elizabeth gasped sharply at the sight that Peter had revealed. Showing off some her own instinct she pressed harder against Peter rather than pulling away from him. A quick scan told Peter there was close to half a million dollars in cash sitting in front of them. A set of car keys and thin black leather binder completed the rare gift.

Reaching out with a bit of a shaky hand Peter flipped open the binder just to confirm what he thought it held. The top sheep was a detailed forgery of Animula registration papers that placed the code that Neal had inked in his arm under the name 'Elizabeth Blank'. Moving the registration to the side showed a new identity kit for Elizabeth with the new surname of 'Blank'. If they accept this gift they would both be on the run for the rest of their lives, but they would have the means to have at least half a chance of success of hiding from the world. Turning her back on the money Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Peter's waist and looked up at him wordlessly. He waited for her to say something, but it was clear that she was looking to him to decide.

"Elizabeth," Peter said after careful consideration "I know this affects us both, but I..."

"You don't want to run." Elizabeth finished for him quietly.

"I'm not going to run." Peter corrected. "As tempting as it is there is no future it in, not for you, not for me…not for any of us. It's a beautiful gesture, but this isn't freedom, at least not in the way I would define it."

"It would just be an illusion." Elizabeth agreed sadly. "Short term and short sighted…even if it lasted the rest of our lives."

"Exactly. I want a future, Elizabeth, a real one. Moe than that: I want one for every Animula."

"That's never going to happen without a fight."

"No, it isn't." Peter carded his hand into Elizabeth's hair and stared into her light blue eyes. "Elizabeth, I love you, more in this moment than any other we've shared. However, this path is going to be very dangerous, probably suicidal, and I can't ask you to fight for me…"

"No, you can't." Elizabeth interrupted firmly. "You don't have any right to ask me to fight for you, but you sure as hell better be about to ask me to fight *with* you."

Peter took a breath to protest that semantics aside he still didn't want her in the thick of what was to come even if she stayed in his life. Before he got a chance to say anything Elizabeth pushed herself up on her toes to engage him in a deep kiss to ensure that he understood that she wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer when it came to letting her be a part of this. Returning the affection gave Peter the time he needed to realize that he was insulting her by asking her to support his decision but not trusting her to stand by his side on it. Breaking off the kiss Peter held Elizabeth out at arm's length so he could look at her. Seeing at the fire in her eyes he realized that he wasn't the only who had come out the other side of the past two years a stronger person.

"Elizabeth, will you fight with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Elizabeth smiled.

"Is that a 'yes'?" Peter teased.

"No, but this is…"

Peter chuckled as Elizabeth pulled him into another kiss. Elizabeth yelped in surprised as Peter suddenly swooped down to put one arm behind her knees so that he could lifted her up into his arms. Throwing her arms around his neck Elizabeth held on tight as Peter carried her over towards the glass doors that lead out onto the balcony. A button that he hit with his elbow automatically slid the doors open and he took her out onto the deck that held a breathtaking view of Central Park that stretched out far below them. Peter put Elizabeth down and looked out over the human city that he found he was proud to call home. He didn't have search the skyline to find the Market, he knew right where it was. Elizabeth was looking the Market with a look that told him she might just burn it down literally if she couldn't manage to take it down figuratively. He drew her attention back to him by gently brushing her cheek. Staring at her Peter was more sure than ever that he was making the right decision.

"Peter?"

"Elizabeth, before we start this war I need to kneel down for a human one last time."

"Wha…"

Elizabeth stopped and flushed a bright pink as Peter took her hands and got down on one knee. With her eyes instantly brightening with tears again Elizabeth smiled like a teenager being asked to prom by her crush at the romantic gesture. Fighting tears himself Peter took a somewhat nervous sounding breath before smiling up at her and finding his voice.

"Will you marry me…again?"

"Yes…as many times as you ask."