Author Notes: Don't forget to add a spoiler line if you chat on Facebook. :D
Lizzington
"Mark, I've told you..." Grumbling his aggravation, Red shifted darkened eyes across the way to his arch nemesis at the moment.
"I know." The younger man held up a staying hand. "I've tried to explain to those idiots that this is a special night, as if it wasn't obvious enough."
Resting his arm about Lizzy's waist, Red sighed. Mark offered a hesitant shift of his interest to the group across the way.
"William Pratt assures me this will only take two minutes, but it is of the utmost importance they get your input before anything can proceed."
More than perturbed to be bothered with business at his wedding, Red drummed restless fingers against Lizzy's hip.
"I thought, if you did want in," Mark lowered his voice, "I could simply act on your behalf."
Gritting his teeth together, Red snarled under his breath. "You want to know what I really want you to do–"
"Red..." sensing Red's irritation, Liz patted him consolingly, for her arm was draped over the muscled shoulder, "I don't mind if you take a few minutes to handle this."
"We have one day, Lizzy...one fucking day." Red grumbled angrily. "I shouldn't have to deal with this shit now."
"That is true," Liz nodded, "and no, you shouldn't." She attempted to calm the man. "Regardless, it has happened, so now, you can simply give Mark here a yes or no, and we can move on."
"Fine, go ahead," Red muttered tightly. "But tell them I want eighteen percent, not fifteen," he amended, "for bothering me with this shit now."
Mark grinned. "I'll take care of it."
Both frowned, glancing upwards as the sound of a microphone flicked on through the overhead speakers.
"If I may once again interrupt the party for a very, very special moment." The DJ asked of the gathered audience.
Once again, the din lowered to a quiet hush of voices and the slight tinkling of stemware clinking against one another.
Mark shrugged when Red glanced his way, just as lost as anyone.
"Thank you," the man nodded to the guests, "if you wouldn't mind clearing the dance floor for the father, daughter dance."
"Dammit!" Red hissed, his fingers tightening about Lizzy's waist. Darting his eyes towards the woman, he scowled as the whisperings of guests grew in intensity.
Lizzy has been so happy and vibrant after their dance, but now...
His heart broke to see the woman shrink in on herself, averting her features from the audience. "I...don't understand." She whispered hesitantly.
Glaring daggers at the man beside him, Red seethed. "What the hell is that asshole doing?"
Mark shook his head, heading toward the DJ's set up. "I'll handle this. Just hang tight."
Red watched the man make his way through the multitude of people who were politely clearing the damned floor.
"Sweetheart," Red's fingers tenderly cupped the woman's cheeks as he turned her face to his, "I'm sorry this is happening."
Liz lowered her eyes. "This is embarrassing." She chuckled mirthlessly. "But...it's okay, really." She lifted subdued eyes. "It's just a glitch."
Over the way, the DJ was adamantly shaking his head. Red wished he could hear the ensuing conversation.
"Yeah, man, I know what you told me but his security..." the young man pointed out Antonio Crocetti's two prominent bodyguards to the left of his station, "outweigh your security."
The burly individuals met Mark's inquiring look with menacingly stoic expressions.
Mark turned about to see the great man himself crossing the dance area, headed straight for...
"Baby, I know how much this must be hurting." Red grimly realized. He glanced aimlessly around, hoping to find some means of fixing an unfixable situation.
Red's mind shut down as he recognized the individual approaching with his confident strides.
"I'm okay, Red, just... can you fix this pretty fast, please?" She could not as yet face the people she knew were watching her every move.
Antonio's eyes were gentle as he slowed his steps, laying a comforting hand on Liz's shoulder.
Liz turned her attention, her mouth falling slightly agape.
Red watched the plethora of emotions as they flitted across the lovely features.
"I believe they are playing our song, la mio principessa, yes?" Antonio lifted her face with tender fingers.
A hot rush of warmth filled the woman's eyes as she placed her hand trustingly into the large palm held out just for such an occasion.
"I feel honored to substitute for your padre in this instance, if you will so allow?"
A growing knot sat heavily in Red's throat as he watched the scene unfold. This man had done many things for him in the years they had known one another, but never had Red been so tremendously grateful for such generosity as he was in this moment.
"Shall we?" the older suggested, inclining his head regally as he led the way needed.
Choking on a sob, Liz more than happily allowed his lead, following on trembling legs.
Guests hurriedly cleared the way, allowing Antonio to escort Elizabeth to the dance floor. Once there, the man took the young woman in frame, smiling benignly down on the lovely face.
The DJ carefully did his duty, all the while keeping a wary eye on Antonio's vigilant guards, who had remained steadfastly stationed where they would be noticed.
Maria came alongside Red, that amazing perfume filling his head. She looked out at her husband and Elizabeth, a soft smile gracing her beautiful features. "I do not want to miss out on this wondrous opportunity. Dance with me, boy."
Nodding tightly, Red took a calming breath, then offered Maria his arm. Walking to the dance floor, he smiled warmly as Maria set her hand on his shoulder before they, too, began to slowly dance to the music provided.
"I am so pleased you decided to marry into the family." Antonio smiled warmly, kissing Liz's forehead. "It pleasures me so, you and Reddington are a wonderful match."
"I like to think so." Liz smiled around the blush coloring her cheeks. "And your approval means so much, I hope you believe that."
Antonio swayed her about, twirling her dress artfully to create the effect he wished.
"I do hope you chose to take Reddington's name," Antonio stated quietly, drawing her back into his embrace with effortless ease.
Liz lowered her head, smiling demurely for the veiled scolding.
"I know in this day and age, ladies opt to keep their current name," he granted, "but I don't believe either Scott, nor Keen, suits you any longer. If they ever did."
Liz blinked, drawing in a gasp of shock. Had she heard correctly? The blue eyes lifted with a startled vacancy.
"Elizabeth Keen, really?" Antonio scoffed. "It leaves a bad taste in the mouth."
"...Keen?" Liz swallowed around a sudden lump of fear in her throat.
"Yes," Antonio nodded, his eyes holding hers steadily, "...FBI Agent Elizabeth Keen."
Stiffening in his arms, Antonio hastily secured his hold on the girl, offering support to her suddenly quaking body.
"Now, now," Antonio soothed, "...you missed a step, angel. We must keep up appearances, mustn't we."
Though the woman had blanched of color, she remained upright... for the most part. Antonio took that as a good sign.
"Agent Elizabeth Reddington," Antonio nodded, casting his decision on the matter, "now that...that has a special ring to it, don't you think?"
Liz lifted terrified eyes to his mellow ones. "How long have you..."
"Samuel Lawford contacted me about a month ago," Antonio divulged. "He didn't get much said before the call was disconnected, other than he wished me to dispatch, well... you." His look was a consoling one. "Such is the nature of our business." It was shrugged.
Liz fought to control her stomach as it lurched wildly.
"Now, don't you worry about him." Antonio suggested. "That problem will be," the man paused, searching for the correct phrasing, "...addressed shortly. I never did like the man."
Antonio had known all this time?
"I, of course, do research on any potential threat." Antonio spun her effortlessly. "It took a while as the FBI had locked your file, but in the end, through extensive research, I happened upon...the truth of the matter."
"How..." Liz swallowed convulsively, her throat closing shut. She could not look from those all-knowing eyes no matter how much she wished.
"Ironically enough," Antonio chuckled, "through the engagement and subsequent announcement for your first wedding."
Liz felt the air being slowly drained from her lungs; absolutely positive she would pass out any second now at this wedding.
"You looked so innocent... naïve," Antonio squeezed her hand, "so unaware of the scum you were going to marry."
Fighting for air, Liz drew in a deep breath to fill her lungs, only it didn't help the dizziness.
"Tomas Keen," Antonio's eyes and tone hardened, "one could see the deception in that bastard's eyes." The man's tone lowered menacingly. "Really... a teacher?" He laughed hollowly. "That was his cover?"
Liz's eyes widened in surprise. "I was not aware..." Anything she could say at this point was moot, she realized, so she... shut up.
"You see, I had hired a Tom Keen to run guns, along with other miscellaneous odd-jobs, for me a handful of times." Antonio confided. "I never really thought much about it, for he never gave me reason to draw my attention."
Liz nodded her understanding. Tom did his job, flew under the radar as directed, got paid... then apparently came home to her.
"It wasn't until Francis mentioned the bastard's name in relation to you," Antonio continued, "and I had documents in hand that I put the pieces together and made the full connection... to everything."
"Don't hurt him, please..." Liz's voice shook with fright.
"No, angel," Antonio shook an adamant head, "he will be put down. I am sorry to grieve you so."
"Please," she pleaded through rising tears, "Red was only wanting to–"
"Oh!" Antonio chuckled at the misunderstanding. "No, no... not Reddington," he sighed lightly. "I did not mean him. Him... I will speak to later." He scowled lightly, but then sighed again.
Stiffening in the man's hold, Liz darted anxious eyes towards her husband.
"I was referring to, Keen." Antonio clarified, soothing that concern away. "He has been a thorn in your side far too long a period, I think. My mind is quite made up on that matter, I fear."
Liz had long ago given up on Tom Keen, and whatever the hell mess he became involved in. This was one of those times. He made his bed, now he could lie in it.
"I hold to my promises," Antonio vowed, interrupting Liz's thoughts. "No matter what you have heard, I am a man of my word."
"W-What?" Liz stammered.
"Maria and I have grown quite attached to you," Antonio's eyes softened, "so much so, I believe our world would be ever so bleak without your presence in our lives."
What the hell was going on with this man? Did he get his kicks by this sort of ...
"I walked you down that aisle, with every intention," Antonio aligned her eyes with his own, "of being the father figure you need, Elizabeth."
Liz's lips quivered uncontrollably, finding herself hanging on every word the man spoke, wanting desperately to believe anything he said.
"And Maria..." his eyes lightened, "you understand, loves babies. So, you must produce one as soon as possible so that she may love and spoil it as any Nana would her own."
He held those blue eyes easily. "We are overbearing at times, but we mean well." He smiled gently down at her. "This needed to be aired between us. I think earlier today, it was on your mind, yes?"
"Oh...Antonio." Liz's voice cracked with emotions. "I have hated so much deceiving you and Maria. I-I," she stammered, "...there seemed no way to fix it. I didn't know w-what to..."
"It is fixed." The man grinned.
"No, there is so much I have to tell you...so much that needs explaining." She pleaded. "It started out one thing... but became another when I got to know you both. You are the most extraordinary people I have ever met." She sought for the words, but they would not come.
The man's smile was amused.
"I know you won't believe me, but I do love you...both. So much!" She hurriedly swiped at her tears. "So much! You have come to mean the world to me and if I would lose that connection, it would devastate both me and Red. How can we fix this? Please say there is a way!"
"As I said, angel...it is fixed." He scowled his confusion for the girl's rattled nerves. "Did I not say that?"
Collapsing into the man's chest, Liz cried freely, releasing the overwhelming surge of emotions. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt such fear, stress, relief, and love hit her with such an enormous impact.
Cradling the back of her head, Antonio tsked softly, swaying the girl.
"You think I would let a little thing like whatever it is Reddington, and you are playing at," the man scolded, "alter my feelings for you, honey."
His huge hand soothed her cheek line in open affection when Liz nodded solemnly.
"In our line of business, there are times deceptions are called for. There is no deception, however...between you and that man." Antonio believed his words. "I am a rather astute judge of character, my life and the life of those I love, depend on that ability."
Nodding dejectedly, Liz lay her cheek against the man's sturdy chest, where she listened to the soft cadence of his heart.
"Reddington has his reasons, all well and good." He shrugged. "It has nothing to do with my organization or my family. Of that, I can attest, therefore, it is nothing to me."
"It doesn't,I swear before Jesus our Lord." Liz appealed to Antonio's inner Catholic, and maybe even God himself... hoping he'd save her ass from certain peril.
"I don't measure the quality of a person by their occupation," Antonio said, "but by their actions... their heart condition."
She, too, had learned to think as much herself, especially regarding this man. "You have taught me that."
"You had to be special to adapt to this life." he swept a tear away. "It is not easy for men such as myself and Francis...to allow people in." He said. "We know deception and treachery when we see it..."
Liz's brow furrowed. "But I have deceived you both?"
"What we see in you is a heart full of spirit, determination," Antonio smiled, "and loyalty to our boy there." He discretely gestured to Red. "You do love him, don't you?"
"Yes," she nodded emphatically, "so very much. I... I can't live without him."
"We feel the same of you." Antonio confided. "You bring so much joy and brightness to our otherwise mundane lives, Elizabeth." The man spoke the truth. "You have, most especially, changed Reddington's life for the better. Do you realize that?"
Antonio chuckled as the woman suspiciously searched his face for any sign of jest.
"I'll take that to mean, you don't." He grinned when the woman flushed a deep red. "I can't blame you for being cautious, my dear. After all, I did just rip your mask off. But you should know by now... I do not say things, I do not mean."
She nodded slowly, knowing that much at least.
It meant something Antonio hadn't killed her or Red... right?
"My goodness," Antonio chuckled lowly, "I can hear your thoughts as clearly as if you said them aloud."
"Why haven't you..." Liz hesitated, choking on the words.
"Ended the charade?" Antonio stated bluntly. "I've always been fond of Reddington. And as I stated, your spirit was amusing... then, I began to know you better."
That still didn't answer her question.
"But the night you sought sanctuary in my home..." He began.
Liz remembered it vividly; the night their house had been stormed and Silas wounded so badly.
"You were so distraught, so exhausted," Antonio's tone gentled, "you collapsed in my arms, seeking a comfort not even Reddington could provide." He ran gentle thumbs over her wet cheeks. "I knew then, I could no sooner harm you than I could my own child."
"Does F-Francis know?" she allowed her fear.
"No." Antonio shook his head. "When Francis shared his version of the altercation you had with Tom, he was too angered to notice my interest." He vividly remembered how livid the boy had been.
"And... you didn't say anything?" Liz's brow crinkled questioningly.
"No, I wished to confirm my research was correct," Antonio admitted, "and... speak to you myself, first."
To gauge her loyalty, of course. She understood.
"One thing about Francis," Antonio said, "contrary to popular belief, he doesn't react hastily or recklessly... in important matters." he amended.
Liz looked at her best friend, wishing with all her heart they would remain close. Perhaps with Antonio's support, Francis would hear reason?
"I can't say how he'll take it," Antonio confessed, "but I do know, he will not harm you." He told the truth. "Francis loves you as much as I..."
Hearing those words... that sentiment meant the world to her. She had grown to love Antonio and Maria so very much; they were the closest thing she had to family. Liz grabbed hold of the man, hugging him hard.
Returning the embrace, Antonio rested his cheek against the woman's dark hair, soothingly patting her back.
"I believe your husband," Antonio laughed quietly, enjoying the sweet blush of her cheeks, "is anxious to be with you."
He had seen the man watching them like a hawk. Reddington knew something was amiss, of course. Elizabeth's emotional state was evident, but he had no way to guess the cause... obviously.
"Now, don't spoil the surprise too much," Antonio grinned wryly. "Let him sweat a bit."
Liz chuckled through her tears. "How can I ever repay such kindness... such generosity?"
"Name your firstborn after me, especially if it is a little girl." Antonio grinned. "It will piss Reddington off supremely... payment enough."