Liz and Red had pulled up short, exchanging perplexed looks. "Is this the door we're supposed to use?" Liz pointed. "No way I'm going through that din of people in there right now, not just yet, anyway."
Dembe opened the portal, leaning casually against the frame.
"Lizzy, hurry, sweetie. We have everything ready and waiting." Amanda motioned for Liz to follow her.
"I'll be just a second, okay?" Liz gestured, meekly obeying the summons. Silas was standing down the way, so Red felt comfortable to allow his new wife a little latitude.
"Are you going to get the pinata ready?" he asked, straight-faced.
"You're too old for a pinata, Red." Liz scolded. "I'm getting the stripper into the cake for you."
He smiled slowly. "You get in the cake for me."
Liz sent him a look that warmed the inside of his slacks quite nicely.
"... See what I can do." She whispered seductively. "You be a good boy, just a tiny bit longer."
"Then I get to be a bad one?" he lifted a sensual stare.
Liz's smile was the only answer he needed.
Scurrying past Red's position, Sophia hurriedly followed Liz and her small entourage. The women disappeared behind closed doors after a brief spell.
"Raymond, we have a problem." Dembe said as he approached, tablet in hand.
Hanging his head dejectedly, Red sighed his woe. "No, Dembe. This is a no problems day, remember? You were to see to that."
"I'm good, but," the man showed the problem, "... God's better."
Taking the tablet Dembe gave over, Red scanned the screen, a look of disbelief etching his brow.
"Are you fucking kidding me!" Red watched the weather radar loop back around, confirming what he thought he saw the first time. "How bad is this mother going to get?"
"They're calling for flooding rains, damaging winds," Dembe listed the warnings, "large hail, power outages..." the man named off just a couple of nuisances.
Shaking his head irritably, Red watched the swirling tropical depression, one verging on hurricane status, loom closer to what was supposed to be his and Lizzy's tropical paradise getaway.
"Dammit!" Red cursed, rubbing his suddenly tight temples with strong fingers. "Dammit to hell!"
Wincing his sympathy, Dembe felt Raymond's disappointment acutely. "We can try for the Maldives...or Hawaii?"
"All amazing destinations, but our window of opportunity is a small one, Dembe." Red groused his exasperation. "Son of a bitch!"
"Problems are made to be solved." Antonio Crocetti sauntered on scene, looking cool, collected and expensive, as always. "Of what problem do we speak?"
Red handed over the tablet screen. "God is raining on our parade...literally." He motioned to the storm of the century rolling in. "That was supposed to be our honeymoon destination."
"Reddington, I'm disappointed in you." Antonio scolded, returning the screen. "The honeymoon is not so much about the destination," he schooled the younger man, "but private time to bond with your wife."
Sighing, Red nodded after a fashion. "Preferably away from lots of people in a hotel."
"A small wrinkle, only." the older man dismissed the nuisance. "Think of something."
Red scowled at the man...but then he put his mind to the problem.
He could wine and dine and spoil Elizabeth all he wanted, and he would, but what mattered most was beginning the process of strengthening their marriage at its very foundation.
This private getaway would allow him and Lizzy time to build memories, share moments... become accustomed to their new situation naturally, without others constantly about to spoil the moments.
"You are the great Raymond Reddington, are you not?" Antonio was giving Red the business now, the younger man sensed. "You have faced worse hardships than this in your life, surely. You prevailed then... will you do so now?"
"Do you go to Coney Island a lot?" Red mused.
Antonio was stumped for a while. "I have my people go quite frequently... but that is another subject altogether. Elizabeth doesn't care where you go, only that you are with her." the man softened a bit. "You must always remember to make a concerted effort to remember why you are there as well. Take it from me, boy."
Red knew good advice when he heard it.
"All right," Red cricked his neck of the building tension, turning his attention to Dembe, "will you call Stuart Harris and tell him the timeline has shifted considerably." He was forming a feasible plan. "I need him to give me access...now."
"Yes," Dembe caught on to the man's plan, "Silas must see to security. Which is no issue. This will work, Raymond." The man smiled his approval.
"I just need the codes to the key boxes." Red said.
"I would simply break in." Antonio always had a simpler method of doing things.
"While I'm positive breaking and entering is not high on Lizzy's list of romantic endeavors," Red actually chuckled, "...desperate times call for desperate measures, hey."
"All will be well, Raymond, you'll see." Dembe was obviously happy with the recent development of things. "Do not concern yourself...trust me."
Red felt his tension ease hearing those words from the man he trusted implicitly.
"Yeah, I trusted you once to pick me up in Buenos Aires and you left me standing on a tarmac for seven hours in four-hundred-degree heat." Francis Holbrook had heard the last part of the conversation. "When are we going to get some real food in our stomachs? That cracker and cheese and meat ball shit only goes so far with a real man's appetite."
"That was pate foie gras, boy. A delicacy." Antonio corrected any misconceptions. "And you drink it with a fine wine, not coca cola."
"Yeah, whatever." Francis pulled a face. "Where's your kiss ass daddy's girl? Did you give her the slip?"
Antonio smiled, shaking his head. "Women must do what women must do. A man can only be patient and understanding."
"My woman is going to hop to it whenever I say she should." Francis was relatively certain.
"Gonna keep the little woman barefoot and pregnant, are you, Francis?" Red inquired politely.
"I can afford shoes." Francis took offense. "Hell, I'll buy her some of those Italian heels if she wants. They look great with fishnet stockings."
"I hope I live to see the day you express as much to the wife." Red shared a look with Antonio.
Understanding it to mean danger and certain death were looming on the horizon for the poor, clueless lad, Antonio nodded. "It's a tragedy... to lose one so young."
Chortling, Red shifted his eyes to an oblivious Francis Holbrook.
"Huh?" Francis whipped his head about, searching, utterly confused by the change in topic. "Who died?"
Dropping his face into his palm, Red rubbed his eyes, chuckling quietly. "No one, quite yet. The day is young, however."
"Oh, yeah, yeah," Francis looked back at the waiting guests. "With this lot... you never know who might bite it."
"And to think," Antonio perked up, "had the boy not called me, I would have missed this enlightening conversation."
Red did a double-take, his mouth dropping.
"You called them?" Red voiced his surprise, ignoring the rest of the comment.
"Of course, I called them!" Francis scoffed. "You think I'm crazy!"
Sharing a look with Dembe, Red arched an expressive brow as his eyes rolled. Both men assumed that to be a rhetorical question.
"More to the point," Francis scowled, "you think I have a death wish?"
"You said you did." Red reminded him of a conversation only a couple weeks back.
Canting his head, Francis scowled. "Oh, yeah... I did." he remembered. "I do not, however, wish to die by Antonio's hand. He's a mean, conniving bastard when pissed." He gave the guy props. "No offense, mind you."
"None taken." Antonio nodded amiably.
"Thank you, Francis." Red cut through the mindless blathering. "For making Lizzy's day complete. I owe you. Big time." the man put a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I won't forget how wonderful you made her feel."
"Yeah, no sweat." Francis waved off any praise. "But that still don't make up for no big bowls of chips and shit."
Red nodded his understanding. "We'll have all the bowls of chips you want when you get married, Francis. I promise."
"Whoa... wardrobe change." The boy's mind had shifted already, however, Francis' interest caught by something far more captivating.
Turning about, Red's eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open in shock for the second time in less than three minutes.
Lizzy had stepped through the doorway, down the corridor.
Her smile was soft and alluring. Red's gaze traveled the vision slowly, meticulously taking in curves and really nice bulges... and for a second, he would have sworn... his heart stopped.
The gown the woman wore rivaled the one she donned the night of the Midsummer Murder Masquerade with its intricately beautiful full skirts and fitted bodice.
Red took in the stunning creation, his head shaking with wonder for such exquisite beauty.
Hand-beaded lace appliqués adorned the illusion cap-sleeves laying delicately over Lizzy's bared shoulders. The effect continued down the bodice hugging and lifting her full breasts. Frosted crystals spilled in a shimmering cascade down the voluminous skirt, which folded sensually about Lizzy's lower body.
Glancing behind her, Lizzy smiled her gratitude when Amanda assisted in gathering the misty tulle of her skirt in hand as the delicate fabric brushed the doorframe, causing a light, rustling sound which fascinated the man.
Turning in frame, Elizabeth unintentionally provided Red sight of the back of her corseted gown. His groin tightened in anticipation, for he knew he would soon release her from all those intricate bindings which hugged her alluring body so tightly now.
Much like her dress, Elizabeth's earlier chignon had been softened. Her long, lush hair was gathered in a lustrous bunch of waves and lifted higher atop her head. Crystal adornment held the thick bunch in place with what Red could only assume were thousands of bobby pins.
Tendrils fell from the elaborate up-do, falling about her face and shoulders, framing the woman in a romantic aura of beauty which enthralled a man's senses.
"Holy hell..." Red blinked his awe.
Casting a glance towards his boss and friend, Silas smirked at the dumbfounded, mesmerized look on Red's face. He had to admit, the sight of Liz in her gowns was a startling one. Even his jaded self had been taken aback by how lovely she looked.
"Such a lovely bride is she." Antonio's eyes softened adoringly on the woman. "Eh, Reddington?" he grinned when Red grunted a stilted reply, his attention fixed solely on the woman floating toward him.
"We will see you inside." Antonio waved his fingers before Reddington's face, though he received little in the way of a response. "We will... won't we?" It was lightly questioned. "Well...no matter, I suppose. The party will proceed with or without the bride and groom."
Sharing a quiet chuckle with Francis, Antonio gestured the boy to proceed him, leaving Reddington to gawk to his heart's content.
Red watched the woman's slow approach, his heart hammering in his chest, just as it had earlier in the day.
Glancing upward, Liz beamed a brilliant smile as she came toe-to-toe with her husband. "Do you like the dress?" She had to know. "It's pretty, isn't it."
Red's attention zeroed in on the woman as she shifted about, causing the gems around her throat to shimmer. The delicate lace of her bodice conformed to her breasts, displaying her... assets to him in a stunning presentation. Smoothing her hand down the flat surface of her stomach, she lifted the gauzy material of her skirts outward to show its fluid movement.
Clenching his hands at his side, Red held himself in check when Lizzy's blue eyes shifted up and under, the long, dark lashes holding him spellbound. "Silas thought..."
"Silas?" Red blinked out of his stupor, the words shocking him to the core. He sought the guard out, his mouth still agape, but for another reason now.
"Yes, he thought, since the train was smaller on this one," Liz glanced over her shoulder at the shortened train behind her, "I could dance more easily."
"Silas chose this dress?" Red voiced his disbelief, for the gown was lovely, and yes, it was stunning on the woman, but above all else it was... tasteful.
"Yes?" Liz drawled cautiously, then gasped her dismay, glaring at her guard. "It's not slutty, is it!"
"No!" Red hastened to alleviate any concern. "No, you're so classically beautiful... I'm honestly rendered speechless." He gave Elizabeth a slow, appreciative once-over. "I can't believe that foul-mouthed bastard Silas chose this."
"Well, believe it." The man in question came on scene, having finished his check of the corridors down the way. "I have hidden depths, obviously." the man glanced at the dress.
"Do you?" Red doubted the fact very much.
"Well," Silas scratched his jaw, "at any rate, I have good taste." He sing-songed his head. "In most things, anyway."
Red opened his mouth to dispute that fact, but Mark interrupted the diatribe before it could take shape.
"You guys ready?" Mark grinned, waving the radio in hand. The man stopped in his tracks, looking Liz over with a stunned expression. "...Wow."
"Yeah," Silas grinned, gesturing to the dress, "I picked that one."
"Say what?" Mark scowled his disbelief.
"Okay," Red sighed, motioning to the ballroom, "can we get on with this... please."
Liz's muffled laughter caught the man's attention. She obviously was enjoying Red's vexed attitude. "Silas has been so helpful to me of late."
Cutting the man a subdued look, Silas grinned accordingly. "Yeah, he's just a gem...of late." Red sighed lightly. "Mark? Is this thing a go?"
"Huh?" Mark glanced Red's way before comprehension took hold. "Oh, right, yes!"
"Please tell me we can eat first." Liz murmured aside.
"You can do whatever the hell you want." Red reminded. "You are the bride, this is your day."
Red looked pointedly towards Mark, sending a silent message the man's way.
Lifting the radio in hand, Mark discretely directed the waitstaff to ready themselves for the dinner rush. He smiled placatingly. "I'll alert the DJ to announce you, but...hold the first dance." He grinned at Liz. "Will that work?"
Taking their place, Dembe and Amanda smiled at one another as they stood patiently waiting for the show to begin.
"Mr. and Mrs. Reddington are ready." Mark murmured into the comm.
The music beyond the doors shifted to an upbeat tempo. Through a small crack in the door, Red could see the lights lower discretely. A burst of color flitted across the room in a dizzying display in which to highlight their grand entrance.
"Oh, I didn't know they were going to do that." Liz smiled up at Red.
Gifted that smile, hearing the excitement in Lizzy's voice... seeing her in that dress; the last couple hours came rushing back to Red in a bevy of images and a whirlwind of emotion, all of them wonderful.
Red found himself leaning towards the woman, placing his mouth firmly against hers, completely mindless to the doors opening before them.
The sound of raucous cheers and applause gradually filtered into Red's psyche, causing the man to slowly pull back and break the kiss. Glancing to his right, the sight of a couple hundred people looking straight at them, laughing and smiling, greeted him.
"I think we missed our cue, sweetheart." Red chuckled, canting his head the needed direction.
"Oh..." Liz blushed a charming pink, noticing all eyes suddenly upon them, "that's a lot of people."
Red led Lizzy through the archway as the DJ boisterously announced the happy couple.
Stepping discretely in from the side, Mark casually guided the couple through the four hundred plus guests which filled the ballrooms.
Picturesque windows, draped in Lizzy's colors of lilac and white, wrapped about the entire room. The towering portals, decorated in the same crystal and flower tie-backs which adorned the entrance to the altar, held the delicate fabric securely, allowing guests a clear view of the gardens.
"It's so beautiful!" Liz took in the surrounding sights, thrilled with the results of everyone's labor.
Escorting Lizzy across the expanse, Red caught sight of the sheen of the large teardrop chandeliers reflecting off gleaming marble floors. One enormous chandelier, which mimicked strands of trickling water, sat squarely over the dance floor, sending streams of glimmering light bouncing off walls and people alike.
"It's not Francis' disco ball," Red motioned above them, "but it'll do."
"He's done something, mark my words." Liz knew her best-friend couldn't resist adding his own touch to the festivities.
Chortling, Red shrugged indifferent shoulders, for he was positive one thing Francis would never do is ruin Elizabeth's wedding. "Normally, I would be concerned Francis was waiting to implement his ambush," he said, "in this case, however, I'm intrigued, you?"
Smiling at guests in passing, Red couldn't help nod his approval, for staff arranged the tables in an intricate pattern which caught one's attention. Rectangular and circular tables alternated, dotting the massive area with mathematical precision, which ensured foot traffic would flow easily.
"I love the setup of the tables." Liz pointed to one grouping, smiling happily. "I haven't seen the final product until now," she gushed. "It's just how I hoped... envisioned it would be!"
"Mark and his people have outdone themselves," Red concurred with Lizzy's initial thoughts, pleased with the results.
Mark's staff decorated all tables with festive arrangements. Soft candlelight bounced off clusters of crystals, lighting the white tablecloths and flowers in a warm ambiance. People were conversing easily, not straining to hear each other. There was no overcrowding, to Red's amazement, considering all those in attendance.
"What do you think?" Liz halted their steps so the man could take in the bridal party area itself.
Red smiled as they approached the large, curved table.
"I think this is how King Arthur did it." he teased. "No one feels left out."
"It's perfect." Liz's eyes shined brightly. "It's just perfect!"
Red breathed a sigh of relief when he noted the venue planner provided a table just to their left and within speaking distance for Antonio and his family.
The family stood as the couple approached, sedately setting the tone for others to follow.
Antonio Jr, Enrico, Roberto and Luca all welcomed the bride with warm embraces and chaste kisses as they offered their congratulations.
Liz's eyes softened as she glanced to her right and found Red chatting quietly with a woman who obviously was with child. She was a lovely Spanish beauty. This must be Elena, Liz surmised. Liz's heart softened as the two shared a warm embrace.
She blinked at the wet heat gathering in her eyes as Red placed the large expanse of his hand on the distended swell of Elena's abdomen. The woman chuckled for the move, obviously not offended in the least.
More somber words were spoken as the gaiety faded naturally. The moment progressed.
Liz was shocked to see Red take the woman's hands, then bow his head, his forehead placed to the woman's tenderly.
She had to look away for a beat, so poignant was the picture painted.
It was as if the two were lost in a moment of prayer. Lizzy wondered over such a thing.
She knew Red wasn't the most spiritual of people, but under certain circumstances... he liked to believe God heard his most urgent of pleas. If that were the case in this instance, she hoped with all her heart whatever Red asked for... would be granted.
Antonio Jr. came to help the woman back to her seat, and the moment was lost.
"Thank God you have arrived, tesoro." Maria touched Liz's shoulder gently so as not to startle. "You saved Francis from a fate worse than death, I am told."
Liz showed her confusion, grinning at Maria's good mood.
"He was about to order from something called, Grub the Hub." Liz tittered softly at Maria's furrowed brow. "My goodness, look at you!" she gasped, taking in the full scope of Lizzy's new gown. "I taught you well!" her tone suggested total approval.
Chuckling, Liz nodded her agreement. "Red may come to view you as a bad influence, the way I blissfully, and without hesitation, spent his money."
Hearing the statement, Red turned towards the woman, scowling his displeasure. He shook his head, his mood dropping considerably. He thought this issue was a thing of the past.
"Now, Reddington." Antonio soothed. "Elizabeth was not yet married to you," he reminded, "so to her, it was your money at the time."
"I never viewed in that way, regardless." Red murmured tightly.
"Of course, you didn't." Antonio patted the man's arm.
"I thought I made it abundantly clear I..." Red sought the words to describe how he felt about the woman. "I would give her anything in the world... whatever I have is hers. No questions asked."
"I know you would," Antonio placated. "Elizabeth knows this as well." He assured. "You are being too sensitive on the subject. Give her time to adjust to her new life as your wife... all will be well, you will see." It was advised.
Taking a breath, Red inclined his head, silently thanking Antonio for the shared wisdom. "I guess I'm a little more wiped than I thought."
Gesturing to a nearby waiter, Red procured a couple glasses of champagne, handing them off to his wife and their guests.
"To amazing friends and beloved family." Red offered a toast, for the moment seemed call for it.
"Our family seems to grow by the day." Antonio seemed pleased. "Always a wondrous gift." he glanced cryptically to Mark Donovan, who stood beside Amanda. "Though it does not grow as fast as it should, at times."
Mark sheepishly sought assistance from Amanda, whose expression delighted her uncle, obviously. It was one of abject terror, for which her uncle had worked diligently.
Shaking his head slightly, Red chuckled. "Kids... can't do anything with them these days. Unless you have a franchise set up at Coney Island." He cut Antonio a look, holding his breath.
"What is it with you and Coney Island?" The older man's tone was blasé. "Oh, by the way, have you tried the caramelized treats at Salmenio's?"
"I can't believe you said that with a straight face." Red couldn't, but he admired the man's delivery all the same.
"It is wonderful to see Elizabeth so..." Maria sighed happily, having watched the young bride make a few rounds to nearby tables.
"Effervescent?" Red ventured, staring proudly after his wife, welcoming guests. She was making them feel comfortable, putting them at ease.
"Yes," Maria wrinkled her nose impishly. "That is exactly what she is, effervescent."
Red smiled softly as Lizzy enveloped Lily in a warm embrace, gesturing for the woman and Harper to join them at the head table.
Lifting startled eyes, Harper grimaced, for he was positive Reddington did not wish for him to be included. Smiling cordially, the man gestured to a nearby table, indicating they had found a seat.
Waving off the man's attempt, Lizzy grasped Lily's hand in hers, dragging her along behind her.
Shifting his eyes towards Reddington, Harper's brow's lifted in surprise when Red smiled warmly and waved for the man to do as asked.
Inclining his head, Harper trailed behind Elizabeth, and Lily, taking the seats offered.
Francis caught Red's attention by his sudden appearance accompanied by Steven, the young waiter, who was carrying a large box, holding it aloft as Francis emptied it of its contents.
Red's brow furrowed deeply. "...What are you doing, Francis." he was afraid he already knew.
"You guys forgot the beer koozies." Francis shook a woeful head. "Someone," he quirked a brow Susan's way, "dropped the ball big time." he showed his prize gleefully.
Red noted right away, he and Lizzy's name were in emblazoned upon one side of said koozie along with the date of their wedding. The opposite side had a moving little poem written in beautiful calligraphy... To Have and To Hold, And Keep Your Beer Cold!
Nodding graciously to the boy, Red ran his hand over his mouth to hold his amusement because he felt Susan's belligerent stare.
"I did not drop any supposed ball, Francis." The woman rolled disgusted eyes. "My God! Really?"
"Thank you, Francis," Red patted the woman's arm consolingly, "for remembering such an auspicious item."
"I had to fast track and overnight these babies!" Francis proudly exclaimed.
"I cannot believe you are allowing this absurdity at your wife's wedding!" Susan accused Red.
"Hey!" The young man continued to hand out his contribution to the party. "People love this shit."
Silas held up his koozie of Coors Light. "You're damned right we do."
Red sighed mentally, exhaling a long, drawn-out breath, glancing to his bride, wondering how he would gently break this new development to her. "... Oh, never mind." he mused quietly.
Susan's mouth dropped because Liz had already chosen a lilac koozie and was sipping from it even as they spoke.
"Well... it matches her wedding decor." Susan's clipped English accent lent a certain bite to the observation.
"I will take the black one, Francis." Antonio motioned.
"You most certainly will not." Maria's face fell, a little pout gracing her lovely face.
"I most certainly will, my precious." Antonio begged to differ.
"Oh, alright." The woman's lovely mouth tightened with irritation. "Then give me the pink one...no, wait! There's a purple one!" She was excited by her find.
A smiling Francis Holbrook handed the articles over. "See?" He pulled a face at Susan Fairfax, who exasperated her annoyance.
Red shrugged aimless shoulders digging in the box Steven held. He came up with, of course... a red one.
"That is so cliché." Antonio shook a disgruntled head.
"Give me one for Joe." Silas nudged Francis' arm. "That shit green one there." he motioned.
"Dinner is being served." Mark interrupted the reunion. "And yes, I have asked Amanda to marry me countless times." he turned to Antonio, his expression benign. "May God strike me down."
Red grinned when Antonio glanced upward, as if waiting for the lightning bolt.
"She's just not at that stage yet." Mark shrugged. "That's the story I'm getting, at least."
"Well, then it appears Amanda needs some guidance and instructional input in her young life, does it not, my darling?" Maria smiled as she joined Antonio. "The hor d'oeuvres were to die for. I can only imagine how delightful dinner will be."
"I'm just saying about the marriage thing." Mark interceded. "If you guys can give us some breathing space, maybe Amanda will do exactly the opposite of what she is told, as you both well know, right?"
Antonio's brows lifted... slowly.
"I'm saying this with the greatest and deepest respect, of course." Mark was no dummy, back tracking hastily.
"Of course, you are, boy." Antonio smiled benevolently. "But still. One misses the patter of tiny feet around the house. Maria has been most forlorn of late."
"Elena will soon have a baby." Mark threw the young woman under the proverbial bus. "That will make you happy, right, Maria?"
The woman's face beamed. "Soon, my precious. We will be a Nana and Papa."
"One child is a blessing, it is true." Antonio smiled as well. "Two children..." he shifted Mark a wry glance, "a true God-send. Three...?" His head turned, seeking out...
Red grinned. "Hey, I am all for the patter of little feet. Talk to your God-daughter."
"Elizabeth is so much more!" Maria snapped. "But I shall talk to her. I shall speak to both those girls. It is time Amanda settled down and you and Elizabeth would make such adorable children."
"Hey, did you guys know?" Francis burst on the scene as was his way, excited and out of breath. "There is enough food back there to feed an entire Mongolian army! I have died and gone to heaven, brothers and sisters!"
Red grinned. "And he says saves the day yet again." He muttered under his breath. He arose slowly, clasping Francis' shoulder. "Remind me to buy you something cool."
"Hell, yeah, but why?" Francis' excitement hiked up a notch. "And when?"
"Never mind." Red sought out his wife. "Elizabeth," he held his arm aloft. The woman hurried to grasp his warm palm.
Escorting Elizabeth to the head of the table, Red smiled as a tinkling sound filled the air. He laughed brightly when Lizzy sought the source of the commotion, then flushed a deep, vibrant red.
All had waited politely for the honored guests to take their seats.
Now that bride and groom were on their way, everyone in attendance tapped their silverware against their wine glasses rather noisily. This was a silent but deafening request for the newly married couple to... kiss. Seal the deal. Make it truly official, at least in the guest's eyes.
More than happy to oblige the request, Red leaned into Lizzy's sphere, pressing his mouth to hers, much to the audience's delight.
"Well," he murmured, "I guess tradition can work in a guy's favor sometimes."
Red helped the woman adjust her skirts as he slowly pushed the chair under her bottom.
"I dread the moment I have to pee." Liz murmured, drawing a humored chortle from Red's throat. "Can you imagine?"
"You go, uh... backwards." Having heard the remark, Amanda leaned into the conversation. "Mark and I Googled it."
"What?" Liz's face was comically askew.
"You lift the front of your dress and straddle the... well, you know," Amanda lifted perfectly arched brows. "You face the wall. It's all very technical, but...I guess it works."
Hiding the growing amusement on his face, Red rubbed his eyes for the bizarre, but very pertinent, information relayed. He snorted quietly when Lizzy canted her head curiously, obviously attempting to envision the concept.
"Oh, right." Liz nodded. "Yeah, that would work, wouldn't it?"
"Do you need..." Amanda gestured to the facilities across the massive ballroom.
"Oh, no... not yet." Liz smiled. "Just strategizing."
"We can all relax, I guess." Red chuckled, then shifted a pained expression to his left.
"What are you bitching about?" Red stared past Dembe to Francis. He shook his head as the young man lifted his leg up over the back of his chair, straddling the seat.
"So much silverware... so little time." Francis moped, unfurling his napkin. "I would hate to be the one who has to wash up all this crap." his scowl increased. "A man just needs a fork and knife. That's all a guy needs."
"You need a spoon, idiot." Ben reminded.
"Or...you can just tip the bowl." Francis' superior tone held court.
"He's so high class." Red mumbled to Lizzy.
"It's not that complicated really, Francis." Liz pointed to her own setting. "You start from–"
"I've got this, Lizzy." Ben waved her off, saving her the trouble. He picked up a pronged utensil. "This is a fork... you eat with it."
"That's what I said. I know what a fork is, dumbass." Francis balked instantly at the tone.
Sighing heavily, Mark grabbed the man's attention. "Salad fork, fish fork, and dinner fork." he pointed to the other side. "Soup spoon–"
"I'm not having fish or soup." Francis pointed out the obvious.
"Some people are!" Mark snapped but settled quickly. "Dinner spoon, dinner knife." he pointed up. "Those two, above the plate, are your dessert fork and spoon. And of course, your butter knife."
"What was that third one again?" Francis was confused, mentally counting all the things strewn around his plate.
"Just work your way from the outside towards the plate, numbnut." Ben simplified things. "That's a salad. Use the first fork, you fuck."
"And you were worried about pleasing their culinary tastes," Red glanced to his bride, "...you wasted my money on them?"
"Oh, I see." Liz arched her haughty brows. "But Red Reddington knows which fork is for what, I assume?"
"I've had to deal with more cutlery than this in my travels, yes." Red remembered well. "I've made a habit of knowing all the proper etiquette for any society I do business with. You'd be surprised what is a slight, what is considered rude, in some cultures."
"One misstep, even over a simple dinner, can be insulting." Dembe concurred, adding his own two cents. "Disastrous, even."
"Like what?" Liz asked, biting into her crisp salad.
"Asking for condiments, eating with utensils, conversing while at the table...eating with the wrong hand." Dembe listed a few infractions.
"You name it, someone is going to get pissed over something." Red sighed tediously. "Which begs the question, how is it no one has killed you as yet, Francis?"
"It's my charm and personality." The boy diligently buttered his dinner roll. "Look, I'm using the butter knife. Happy, Mark?"
"Translation. He runs away." Danny mumbled around a huge mushroom.
Emma tittered around her crouton, smiling warmly at Francis. "You boys make me laugh."
"He says that like it's a bad thing." Francis frowned, ignoring Emma's remark altogether. "Those who run... he who runs..." he halted his butter application mid-stroke. "What the hell is that saying again?"
"He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day." Red quoted in a monotone fashion.
"Yeah, that's it! That's what I do." Francis pointed excitedly.
Red glanced at Liz, his expression pained.
"Where's Silas?" Red wanted to know.
"Why?" Liz sat straighter, alarmed by the question. "You're not having him kick them out, Red, I forbid it!"
"Lizzy, it was merely a question."
"Oh," she calmed somewhat. "Silas didn't want to sit with us." she pouted.
Silas rarely did when in public, Red knew, for security purposes. Considering they were here, and Hunter had all well in hand... he did find it odd the guard didn't join them.
"Yeah, he said he wanted to have a good time," Liz munched her salad, "so he decided to sit with the security guys instead." Her mood improved tremendously as she noted her little flower girl, Samantha, was now sitting between Maria and Luca.
Liz gave the little girl an impish scrunch of her nose as their eyes connected. Maria was diligently cutting Samantha's chicken into bite-size pieces. The woman seemed happily content to do so. Maria leaned, nuzzling the dark brown curls affectionately, and chuckled at the little girl blowing bubbles she procured from somewhere.
Liz noted Antonio's eyes as he, too, watched the scene unfold. There was such an aura of subdued tranquility about the man, which enthralled Elizabeth.
As the servers came to clear the first course, Francis fell silent, hurriedly wolfing down his salad. The waiters were walking down the dais, removing the first course's dinnerware.
He shoved a young man out of the way, stuffing the last carrot into his mouth. "Back off, kid."
The boy was obviously embarrassed, clearing his throat self-consciously, politely waiting for Francis to finish before attempting to take the plate again and this time, he did so ever so cautiously.
Francis perked up as another plate appeared from no-where, filled with a scrumptious-looking steak, potato and brussels sprouts. A wide grin lit his handsome face as he instantly lifted his fork to...
Ben grabbed the utensil, sending over a condescending grimace. "Use the next fork in line." He gritted. "Fuck-face!"
The man discretely hid the offending silverware under his napkin.
"Tomato...tomahtoe." Francis snubbed Ben. "A fork is a fork is a fork, asshole."
"Red!" Ben snapped.
"… Francis." Red shifted the boy a look.
Lizzy's giggle was a muffled one. Red sent her a 'look' too, but it was a more sedate one.
Francis went to work on the steak. "You said it was for fish, anyway." He pointed to the juicy meat before him. "This clearly isn't fish, dummy."
"Use it anyway," Ben bitched, "or I'll stick it in your fucking hand."
"Expecting me to eat with the wrong utensil like some barbaric savage." Francis stared at the fork, bewildered. "This is not a fish-fork, by the way. I've seen fish forks. This looks like a baby trident that Poseidon uses."
Ben lunged for his butter knife... gripping it tightly, his eyes narrowed.
"Ben..." Red warned.
"I'm gonna hurt him, Red." Ben gave Francis the evil eye, which was promptly ignored by the would-be victim.
"Not around her dress, you aren't." Red strongly advised that not happen.
Francis was studiously cutting away at his steak when the brussels sprout garnishing the dish slipped off the plate, sailing merrily off the dais, rolling rapidly across the dance floor. A waiter passing by stepped on the wayward vegetable, slipping haphazardly before catching his stride once again.
The guy threw a disgruntled look back at the now unrecognizable object but carried on with his duties professionally.
"I almost killed that guy." Francis felt bad for a second. "You gonna eat that roll?" he asked a very vexed Ben Gilchrist.
"I'm gonna take this roll and shove it up your fucking ass!" Ben replied pleasantly.
"What's your malfunction, dude?" Francis wanted to know.
"Danny, sit between Heckle and Jeckle there, would you." Red motioned accordingly with his steak knife.
Sticking his own fork in his mouth, Daniel stood, grabbing his plate with one hand and Francis' collar with the other, yanking the guy from his seat.
"Hey!" Francis grabbed at his plate. "I'm eating here!" He grasped his roll for dear life, but it slipped away in the struggle.
"Move." Danny grunted around the utensil.
"I'm going, I'm going." Francis bitched as he and his plate slid over. The man glanced about suspiciously before hastily lunging for his wayward dinner roll.
Red turned his attention to his new bride, finding the woman's face averted, her small fingers methodically massaging her forehead. His first thought was...
If those nitwits have ruined her day...
"Don't let them upset you, sweetheart," Red soothed. "It's clear to everyone who has spent even a few seconds in their presence, they're complete imbeciles."
Gently placing his fingers beneath Lizzy's chin, Red lifted that beautiful face out of hiding.
The man sighed heavily seeing the mirth filled eyes. He immediately noted the obvious struggle to keep from bursting out with laughter. Red narrowed his eyes. "Really?" he chastised such an outlook, for the woman wasn't anywhere near upset... clearly.
Straining with the effort to withhold her reaction, the woman's face reddened like a ripe tomato as Liz fought uncontrollable, unrestrained laughter which inappropriately, boisterously erupted in a moment of sheer hilarity.
Red fought to control his own smile as the woman's buoyant snort manifested itself in a rather unladylike release which caught the attention of most of the dais.
"They're so s-stupid..." she laughed raucously, falling listlessly back into her chair for support after a goodly stretch of time.
Fanning the woman with his napkin, Red handed Elizabeth a handkerchief so she could blot her eyes.
"Let's try very hard not to encourage them, dear." he mildly suggested, sending but one venomous glare in Francis and Ben's direction.