Focal Point

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)

159. Misconceptions

Reddington felt beyond exhausted. He could only imagine how Elizabeth felt. It had been an emotionally draining day for them both.

He wasn't stupid enough to presume all problems had been worked through. They still had issues to contend with... but the tension and unease had abated considerably.

What occurred during dinner left him tense and upset, especially for Elizabeth.

The woman had been talkative during coffee and even managed a certain lightness with her friends. Something akin to sadness lay just beneath the surface of the forced façade, Red could tell.

He sensed a subtle, but discernable disquieted melancholy radiating off the woman that he felt couldn't be easily pushed aside. He felt a helplessness that irritated and frustrated the man.

Pulling off his tie, Red curtly slung it beside the others on the rack, releasing the buttons on his shirt. Yanking the fabric free from his waistline, he parted the lapel, accidentally popping a lone button at the bottom.

Picking the small white orb off the floor, he flicked it angrily to the bureau beside him. Roughly pulling the belt at his waist, he tossed it carelessly to the shelf with a loud clatter.

Liz entered the closet, having witnessed the moment.

"What's wrong?" Liz murmured quietly, smoothing her hand over Red's tense shoulder.

"I'm...pissed." Red scowled at nothing in particular, questioning his lack of restraint to soften his tone or mood.

"Why?" Liz watched the man's jerky movements, concern arising.

Hesitating in his abrupt actions, Red dropped his chin, his aggravation growing as he suddenly realized...

"I don't know." He reluctantly admitted.

Searching the man's profile, Liz felt at a loss. "Did I do something?"

"No," Red shook his head, "no, it's not you. I-I'm not sure what's wrong, to be honest." he felt his mood darkening as dinner was winding down. He fought the sensation since that time.

"Maybe I'm not angry? Maybe I'm just frustrated." he leaned his forearms into the tall cabinet. "I don't know." he shook his head negatively. "Maybe..." he sought a logical explanation for the dark mood.

"It's been a long day and after last night..." Liz murmured softly, her sympathetic eyes on Red wearily pushing against the pressure in his temples. "You're tired, Red."

Falling silent, Red shook the visions flashing in his mind's eye.

Edward Costa's demise foremost in his thoughts. Lack of sleep, the emotional strain he and Elizabeth were experiencing, and yes, he was physically and emotionally drained.

He just needed to rest, that's all. The world was a shitty place that was catching up to him.

"You're right," Red muttered, leaning more heavily into the dresser, letting it support his weight.

"Get ready for bed." Liz leaned, kissing the man's bare shoulder. Rubbing his back a moment, she stepped aside.

Heading for the bath, Red dropped his trousers to the floor, kicking his boxers aside. He stepped into the shower, allowing the heated water to beat down on his sore body for a goodly spell, letting his mind wander of trivialities until the tension in his frame went lax.

Finishing the last of his routine, the man stepped into a pair of cotton pajama pants, absently making his way to the bedroom.

Turning down the air to a more comfortable level, Red pulled back the bedding, laying against the soft sheets, willing his body to relax into its comfort.

Lizzy's shower shut off. The woman exited after a few moments, smoothing the last of her lotion into her hands.

Liz hesitated when she saw Red laying half atop the sheets... his bottom half covered with sleep pants.

It was rare for Red to wear anything to bed, especially in the warmth of the room.

Biting at her lip, Liz stared curiously at the man, wondering if she should say something. She knew he was likely wearing clothing for her benefit, which was completely uncalled for, in her opinion.

She didn't know how to confront the elephant in the room just yet, but sensed she must address the issue soon... very soon.

But then... maybe Red felt more comfortable wearing something in her presence?

Glancing down at her own towel covered body, Liz hesitantly headed for the closet. This was not the best moment to push issues.

Pushing the blankets away, Red shifted in place, working his pillow under his head more comfortably. Feeling a slight dip in the bed, he opened his eyes, watching Lizzy crawling slowly towards him.

Automatically laying his arm outward, he silently invited her to come to him, as he always did.

Releasing the breath she'd been holding, Liz smiled softly, closing the gap between them.

Red's fingers curved inward, ready to retract the habitual movement until Lizzy lay against him, snuggling to his side... like she always did.

Situating herself in her normal spot, the woman slung her leg up against Red's hip as she made herself comfortable. Red's fingers danced idly along her back, his thoughts miles away, Liz sensed.

Sighing gratefully for the quiet solitude and comfortable bedding, the tensions drained from both individuals after a time.

"You think they'll be okay?" Liz murmured softly, gingerly petting the springy line running along Red's stomach. Her fingers trailed an deliberate path over the virile fluff of the light path of hair found there.

"Yes," Red replied, his fingers halting the movement on the small of her back. "I think so... yes." he amended. "Ben and Amy have some things to discuss, I'm sure." He exhaled shakily. "I hope they talk, at least..."

Liz shifted, her eyes lifting to Red's. "There is no one to blame and yet... there is." she stated. "It goes both ways."

"Maybe..." Red sighed. "Ben should have stepped up." he grumbled.

"If Amy wasn't ready to talk.." Liz reasoned. "Ben's efforts would have been for naught."

"I doubt it," Red huffed. "If Amy wasn't ready, that's fine. At least she would have known Ben was there in the wings... waiting."

Liz fell silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Red's assessment.

"Ben knew something was wrong," Red said. "How could he not know?"

"It's not easy for a guy to confront emotional issues, is it?"

Granted, some would have believed Amy naturally shy...but given her demeanor. Liz could understand Ben's confused state.

"Just because something's difficult..." Red let it drop. He didn't want to talk about other people's problems. He had enough of his own with which to contend.

"Am I making you too hot?" Liz murmured quietly, redirecting the conversation.

"Excuse me?" Red glanced at her meaning, genuinely lost for a beat.

"You hardly wear clothes to bed anymore..." Liz shrugged half-heartedly. "Are you coming down with something?"

Tensing slightly, Red rubbed agitated fingers along Lizzy's back. "I just thought... should Ben need..." he trailed off, unsure what to say exactly. More to the point, he wished not to lie, even by omission.

"I wasn't thinking." He admitted, believing Elizabeth would feel more comfortable if clothing was utilized tonight.

"I wanted to be prepared for any eventuality, I guess." he hedged. "We've had quite a few... unforeseen intrusions of late."

"You're gonna get hot," Liz knew too well, having shared a bed with the human furnace.

She also knew Red well enough to know... he hadn't shared the full reason he decided not to sleep in the buff as he normally did.

"You should just sit them on your table there." She pointed to his nightstand. "You can grab them, if you need them."

Clearing his throat, Red nodded minutely. "I may... if I get too hot."

Knowing a lost cause when she saw one, Liz let the matter go. If nothing else, she let the man know she was comfortable and accepting of his nudity… should he wish the status quo to return to normal.

Laying quietly in the dark, the occupants of the room fell into a comfortable enough silence, listening to the air running overhead.

"...Red?" Liz broke the silence some few moments later.

"Yeah, baby?" Red rested his cheek against her soft waves.

"Aren't you gonna kiss me goodnight?" she asked, lifting to her elbow, searching out the light-blue eyes.

Red's breath caught as the woman shifted upward, drawing attention to her breasts barely contained in the small top she wore and even smaller panties covering her bottom.

"...Do you want me to?" Red's tone roughened as the woman moved closer.

A wave of tension traversed his frame when Lizzy tenderly placed her mouth to his.

Remaining still, Red held his breath as Lizzy leaned further into him until he felt her soft, unrestrained and pliable breasts lay into his chest.

Instinctively wrapping his arm about her waist, Red drew the woman closer.

Following the subtle movement, Liz crawled up over Red's prone form, settling her weight evenly on his solid frame.

The sensation of Red's calloused palms catching against the soft fabric of her shirt, while familiar, was one she hadn't felt while in bed in quite some time.

She had quickly become accustomed to feeling his rough, warm palms on her naked flesh.

Still, the man was touching her intimately... that was something. Controlling the threatening smile, she rested against his form, enjoying Red's gentle kisses.

Running his hand down Lizzy's back, Red instinctively followed the swell of her backside, his fingers tracing the soft lace of her panties.

Lifting into the sensation, Liz moaned softly, welcoming Red's touch. Only the man didn't continue, just rested his hand in place, much to her consternation.

Slowly breaking the connection, Red's heart thumped heavily in his chest, with Lizzy's soft breathing brushing against his wet lips.

His eyes closed, a warm feeling encompassing him, for their affection felt as it always had.

The electrifying sensation of Lizzy's panted breath and tingling thrum pulsing through his slightly swollen mouth was as arousing as it was comforting.

Smoothing the long locks of Lizzy's hair soothingly, Red searched the woman's open expression, his heart calming further. There was no fear, no trepidation... nothing.

Only what he had grown accustomed to seeing in these few short months. Affection, willingness... and love.

"I love you," Red murmured quietly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Lizzy's ear.

Smiling softly, Liz leaned, capturing Red's mouth once more in a slow, tender kiss. "I love you." She reassured quietly.

Wrapping his arms fully about Lizzy's frame, Red pulled the woman flush against his body, comforted by her slight weight and warmth.

Resting fully against the man, Liz's eyes closed to the sensation of Red's hands caressing her back. For some time, the erotic touch continued. She focused on the slow movement until it gradually stilled.

Shifting tiredly, Liz's eyes fluttered open, her heart aching at the sight which greeted her.

The man's eyes were closed, his once tense expression relaxed. His breathing had slowed to an even and rested rhythm.

Slowly shifting to his side, Liz hesitated in her movement when the man clasped his hands about her waist, holding her to him even in sleep.

Murmuring nonsensical and soothing words to the man, Red's grip on her lessened after a while, finally allowing her to resume her former position along his side.

Stroking her fingers along the new scruff covering his jawline, Liz's heavy lids lowered, fighting the pull of sleep.

Naturally turning towards the woman, Red snuggled her close, intertwining his legs with her smooth ones.

Curling into his comfort, Liz tucked her hands under her chin, surrendering to her slumber.

---

Grumbling inwardly, Red continued on his trek to Mark's office, ignoring yet another shift of attention directed his way. He sighed mentally, choosing to ignore the well-meaning passer-by in this instance.

When he awoke to feel Lizzy in his arms, as he always did in the morning, the day started on a pleasant and high-note. Which made his foul mood now so damned frustrating and confusing.

He knew, of course, where this mood stemmed.

As Elizabeth awoke, as on most mornings... open to intimacy between them, Red had forced his natural response aside.

While not averse to playing with Lizzy, Red felt himself wondering how to go about his approach? A first for him, which left him admittedly shaken.

Any other time, he would have been on her before the woman could blink.

But then, she hadn't just been accosted by a perverted asshole. The dynamics of their relationship seemed to have shifted.

He wondered if he should simply act as if nothing happened? Or perhaps let Lizzy take the lead?

Red wasn't sure what he felt, exasperation or gratefulness, when the phone rang and interrupted the moment.

Snatching the phone in hand, Red felt a wave of cowardice that he welcomed the offered reprieve.

In his defense, as weak as it was, he knew; to his recollection, he'd never faced such a dilemma regarding physical intimacy before. It was all unfamiliar territory to traverse.

For someone who had a contingency plan in place for each and every situation, that Red didn't have one now and had not even thought to plan for one, left him feeling very discombobulated.

Just the thought he could inadvertently upset Elizabeth's psyche during such a private intimacy was incredibly nerve wracking to the man.

No one before or since evoked Red to experience such passion, and yes, lust, like Elizabeth did.

On a normal day, his desire for her could be quite overwhelming. Given they just became engaged, which implied newfound freedom of expression... his feelings were heightened to the extreme.

The need to resume their normal bedroom activities was powerful, but so was his reluctance to push her into something she might not wish at present.

It was a hell of a predicament.

One that put him in a pissy mood. His Chi was definitely off, as Francis might say.

The man's saving grace had been enjoying a quiet breakfast with Elizabeth in their room. It felt good to sit with her, alone in their solitude and reconnect without interference.

Finally, leaving the woman to ready herself for the day, Red headed for Mark's office to check over the updated shipment list his crew sent this morning.

Much to his confusion, he met one sympathetic face after another in his trek over, which quickly dispelled the emotional balance he was only just beginning to feel once again.

Red could not fathom all the morose, fallen expressions. Was there some tragic news related to someone in his close acquaintance which he had not been made privy?

The riddle was solved when a young woman in Lizzy's acquaintance expressed regret for the news she heard the previous evening concerning Lizzy's condition... or lack thereof.

Like Lizzy's non-existent pregnancy got tongues wagging ... it appeared the fact she wasn't with child, inspired just as much chatter in the gossip mill.

While touched by the fact the multitude appeared sympathetic to their situation, Red couldn't help but wonder if the attention would be a problem at some point.

While he and Elizabeth were not opposed to conceiving a child, they were just as accepting of the fact it had not happened as yet.

With what happened with Edward, along with this new fodder... Red wasn't sure Elizabeth was up to the task of carrying such attentive scrutiny all damn day.

Hell, he wasn't positive he could either.

"Dammit..." he muttered dejectedly, continuing on his path. What he did know, if Elizabeth was inclined to distract or even shut down the grapevine... it was fine with him.

Thankfully, Mark appeared to catch on to his mood and offered a suitable diversion in which to refocus his attention for the time being.

Signing off on the shipment and assuring all was well with his customer, Red headed back to Elizabeth in a better frame of mind.

Opening the door to their room, the man smiled as Lizzy came through the double doors, shoes in hand.

"I'm running late." She sat on the sofa. "Nora phoned!" she lifted a gentle smile of welcome. "I lost track of time."

"A problem?" Red asked.

"No," Liz grinned, pulling her shoes on. "She wanted me to thank you guys for the amazing trip. It was wonderful, she said."

"I'm glad she had a pleasant time." Red was glad everything turned out all right. "So she's home then? She didn't stay on longer?"

"She left out a couple days ago actually, her son was called into work." Liz related the news she'd been given. "Nora just now got back home, after spending a couple days with family."

Standing, Liz rushed about the room, gathering her room key and lip balm, shoving the items in her back pocket.

"She got the royal treatment from Hudson and Keres..." Liz giggled, brushing her long hair from her face. "Acted like they hadn't gotten any attention the entire time we've been away."

"That's how they con humans out of treats and belly rubs." Red watched the woman flitter about the room.

Liz chuckled. "They've been following her around non-stop, whining and carrying on."

"Damn moochers." Red grumbled. "We're going to have to teach them manners, you know."

"Yes, yes." Liz waved off his grumbling. "Now, please tell me I haven't missed the shooting matches today... I've brought my 'A' game."

"Oh, have you?" Red smiled at the impish face.

"I have," Liz dared him to refute her. "I'm gonna kick some ass and win another trophy!"

"Well, then..." Red opened the door, gesturing her to proceed him. "Let's go, Ms. Oakley."

---

Stepping off the last stair, Red and Liz found themselves swarmed in a mass of people flocking for the elevators and stairs.

"Come on." Red clasp her hand, leading her away from the throng, towards Mark's office.

"Do you know something they don't?" Liz asked curiously, pointing to the large group behind them. "Where are we going?"

"I could fill a book." Red said. "The back way. Let's avoid the crush, shall we?"

"You're just so rude, Red." she tittered softly.

"I can live with that." Red realized.

Walking through Mark's office, Red led her to the opposite door to a quiet staircase.

"I didn't know this was here?" Liz looked around her surroundings, walking down the steps absently. "Anymore secret passageways lurking about?"

"That's another reason I brought you this way." Red settled his hand on her back, guiding Lizzy down the hallway. "Stay focused.." he grinned at the ever present curiosity the woman displayed.

"These are safe rooms." Red pointed to the keypad entry doors they were passing. "Just on the off chance I tell you to get to one, you'll know where to come. All you have to do is type in, SAFE."

"As if I'll ever use it." She scoffed. "This is a subject I–"

"You will use it, because you aren't Agent Keen here." Red all too happily reminded the woman of their previous discussions. "If I tell you to go, there's a damn good reason for it. Or did you conveniently forget our previous–"

"Well, doesn't it seem pointless to use one," Liz's brow furrowed. "Safe?! Like someone won't figure that–"

"That's our personal code, Lizzy." Red clarified. "No one else has it."

The woman's face bespoke of a certain boredom the man was familiar with.

"Once you input the code," Red continued regardless, "and lock the door from inside, the only code that can unlock it from the outside... is the same code."

Liz sighed heavily, shifting to the opposite foot.

"Are you listening?" he demanded.

"I don't like to think of leaving you without back-up." She frowned critically. "You know that!"

"We are not having this discussion again, Elizabeth." Red's tone brooked no argument.

Biting at her lip, Liz sighed her displeasure.

"This isn't only just about you... or me!" Red couldn't help point out the obvious.

"You need to get Amanda, Melissa, Amy and Emma to safety." he used her new friends to center her focus. "They aren't you... they will be totally out of their depth if something unforeseen goes down, and you know it."

Liz frowned, hearing the words.

"Only you can get them to safety, Lizzy." Red held the woman's eyes easily. "Promise you'll do just that."

As much as Liz was loath to admit, Red was right. The girls wouldn't know what to do or where to go should something happen. The thought of them panicking and getting hurt, or worse, caught in the crossfire, was a disturbing one.

"Promise me, Elizabeth." Red set his hands on her hips, rubbing the curvature soothingly.

"I promise." Liz said, meaning the words. "I can do that, at least, I guess."

Red wasn't an idiot. He knew he'd still have issues with this problem, but at least he had some leverage now to get Elizabeth to a safe place if push came to shove.

"You promised, Lizzy. Don't forget that." he pulled her along down the hall, opening the door to the gun range.

He did not see the pretty face grimace and mimic his words... but he felt it.

---

Ushering Lizzy to a seat, Red grinned as Dembe approached, rubbing eager hands together. "This year is mine." the large man predicated gleefully.

"Why do you get to go first?" Liz pouted, eager to play as well.

"I had to bribe two judges that he could." Red scowled. "Don't rock the boat, judges aren't cheap."

"Again, why do you guys get to go first?" Liz scowled, still unclear on the matter.

"So you can see our asses... and admire the view," Francis arrived on scene, gesturing Melissa to take the seat beside Lizzy.

Red continued, ignoring the boy. "Take it up with, Mark... who, by the way, won last year's competition." he looked at Dembe, frowning slightly. "I tried, Dembe. The guy doesn't bribe."

"I do not need such tactics." Dembe confirmed. "I'm just that good."

"And modest." Red nodded amiably. "I'm gonna kick your ass." he lifted wry brows.

Side glancing Melissa, Liz wisely remained silent.

"Hey, you guys should have been here last year." Ben said, checking out the competition.

"Yeah, what was her name?" Francis screwed up his nose. "Lyla...Lexia..." he tried to remember. "Oh, I remember! It was Lillian!" he snapped his fingers. "Man, she was one ballsy chick!"

"He called it." Ben shrugged at Liz and Melissa's scolding looks.

"No, really..." Francis held up defensive hands. "She was a fruit loop."

"While I would normally correct the idiot's description of a lady," Red interrupted. "I have to say in this case... both are relatively correct in the telling of the tale."

Liz gasped her shock, her mouth falling agape. "Well, what happened?"

"It came down to the last round." Francis butted in, excited to be the commentator for such a rousing spectacle of a farce. Bill Wilcox, ex-Army sniper, was sweating bullets. This dame had matched him shot for shot, right?"

"She came out of nowhere, dude." Ben shoved in front of Francis. "No one was even sure who the chick showed up with, right?"

"I'm talking here!" Francis objected.

"Bets were heavy and high." Ben ignored the guy. "I mean, we guys? Our honor was on the line!"

"No chick has ever taken that title." Francis forgot about his disgruntled point-of-view. "Not from one of us!"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but was invested in the story, admittedly.

"No way was Wilcox going to live it down, if he was bested." Ben was adamant.

"Maybe that's why, when Lexia–"

"Lillian." Francis corrected.

"Yeah, Lillian took her shot, Wilcox managed the biggest, longest sneeze imaginable." Ben continued.

Liz's mouth fell agape for such a tactic.

"That is just not fair play." Melissa checked with her counterparts.

"Her shot was off center." Red related tactfully. "But just by a centimeter."

"It was enough. Wilcox had shot dead center." Francis beamed his delight. "All's fair in love and target shooting. Everyone knows that."

"Lillian didn't seem to know that." Red held his grin.

"Maybe that's why she capped Wilcox in the ass?" Francis nodded sagely.

Liz choked on her drink then... laughed her delight.

"Eloquently stated." Red patted Francis on the shoulder.

"Chicks!" Francis threw his hands up, his eyes wide. "What can a guy do with them!"

"But that just wasn't fair." Melissa wailed. "That man should have been disqualified! He cheated!"

"It isn't cheating, angel." Francis explained the rules of etiquette. "It's improvising."

"I think it's terrible... I'm glad that woman shot that jerk!" Melissa scowled hard.

Francis sighed for such an outlook. "The point is, she lost."

"And you guys?" Liz looked directly at Ben and Francis. "Have you two ever won? Have you been bested... by a woman?"

Red turned a bit to the side, shielding his huff of laughter as both men shrugged, balking suddenly.

"Uh, huh." Liz nodded knowingly. "So, who was it that beat you two?"

"That would be me." Susan joined the group, smiling maliciously at the boys. "Why? What are you talking about?"

"A woman named, Lillian." Liz grinned.

"I love that woman," Susan sighed airily. "She is my idol." she looked about furtively. "Where are the ear muffs?"

Liz smiled as Emma, Amy, Susan and Amanda sat beside her, falling into easy chatter about the approaching tournament.

Each nodded their gratitude as a staff member walked around supplying guests with ear muffs or plugs.

"I'll try to show you my best side.." Red leaned, murmuring to Lizzy.

Liz grinned, eyeing the man lasciviously, more specifically, his bulge. "The targets are that way, though." She gestured behind the man. "But then," she leaned, scoping out his ass, "all sides are good..."

Listening to Mark rattle off the rules, Liz watched Red and Dembe take the stalls beside one another, leaving the others to flank them.

"God..." Emma sighed blissfully. "Danny has such a sweet ass."

Tittering softly, Liz looked out at Red loading what appeared to be a .22, her head cocking to one side.

"I see you've found a picturesque view yourself." Amanda giggled, noticing where Lizzy's attention was focused.

"I ain't complaining." Liz sighed shakily, a slow smile overtaking her features. "And to think, I thought this was going to be boring, just sitting around waiting." she quipped.

"Yes, well," Susan sat forward. "Ogle their asses all you wish, but when you get up to shoot," she advised, "think of something they've done to piss you off, ladies. Our reputation is at stake, don't want to let Lillian down, do we?"

"Where is she when we need her?" Amy chuckled quietly.

"She said she'd never set foot in this chauvinistic domain again." Susan replied smartly, then sipped her drink. "Who can blame her?"

"Not all of them are pigs." Amanda said. "Red, Dembe and Danny are all right."

"Not, Mark?" Liz chuckled.

"Oh, right?" Amanda tittered. "I forgot him."

Liz fell silent, a thought coming to mind. "Is recalling an Ex count as a wise tactical move?" she scrunched her nose distastefully. "I see nothing but head shots in my near future, if that is allowed."

Cackling her glee, Emma fell against Liz's shoulder, nodding her agreement. "Which head?"

"Under normal circumstances," Liz quirked her mouth, "I'd say... shoot low."

"In a competition," Susan interjected, "aim high and win." the lady sighed. "Concentrate!" It was curtly advised. "I have money riding on this!"

Grinning, Liz turned her attention to Red and the others as they secured their targets, sending them down the lane.

Settling her earmuffs in place, Liz smiled as the others beside her followed suit.

"They muss my hair." Melissa complained, fidgeting with the objects, her expression annoyed.

Looking between the men, Liz canted her head curiously... something amiss. She suddenly realized none of them wore protective ear guards at all. But then, she supposed they wouldn't under normal circumstances either.

Though, with at least thirty weapons going off... it was going to get loud.

Shrugging, she smiled at Red and Dembe as they took stance... sort of.

"What the hell are they doing?" she muttered, mainly to herself.

"This is why I didn't let Michael teach our children about gun safety." Susan sighed.

Each man popped off the .22 rounds with flair; shooting them over their shoulders, with their eyes closed, spinning twice in place before firing down the long lane.

"Are we at the ballet?" The comical display stumped Emma.

"It makes them dizzy and the shot more difficult." Susan sighed ever so heavily.

It appeared Francis was trying to write his name on the target...

Ben accomplished the ever popular stance of weapon fire under a raised leg...

"Boy will be boys," Susan grumbled as each man brought in their respective targets, each with incredibly decent grouping, given their lackadaisical style.

Rapidly going through the calibers of weapons, Red slyly peeked around his stall, trying to steal a glance at Dembe's target.

Turning his back, Dembe blocked sight of the large paper cut out, hurriedly signing his name to it before a judge collected it to be graded.

Loading their newest weapons, the men talked amongst themselves, jibing one another for their poor marksmanship.

"You think this is bad?" Susan had to remind. "What about their behavior in other places like in the bathroom or bedroom during sex?"

"Are you implying I don't have perfect aim, my sweet?" Michael turned his attention to his wife, having heard the disparaging remarks.

"That's exactly what I'm saying." Susan tossed up her hands, looking at the ladies beside her with an askew expression.

The reply was met with raucous laughter from both sides of the fence.

"Now, Michael," Red held out a staying hand, holding his amusement. "The lady has a right to air her grievances."

Michael stopped in his tracks, curling his lips as he shook the gun in his hand heavenward. "If there weren't witnesses, my precious..."

"What?" Susan playfully provoked her husband. "You'd shoot me?" she laughed heartily. "At this distance?" she motioned the few feet between them. "Should I scoot closer?"

"Whether he's at a piss trough or at a shooting range," Francis added his two-cents. "If a man has to sneeze, a man has to sneeze!"

Dropping her face into her hands, Liz muffled her laughter and horror at the pictured presented.

"Amen, brother!" Ben pointed towards Francis, waving his firearm about carelessly.

Francis grinned, then jerked aside when he noticed the weapon pointed at him. "Dude..." he spread plaintive hands.

Shaking his head, Red gingerly turned Ben's weapon safely back towards the lane. "Keep it pointed that way, if you please."

"Can we get on with this!" Danny bitched. "I got things I wanna do today." the man sent a leering gaze to the petite redhead beside Liz.

Blowing the man a kiss, Emma winked playfully. "Shoot 'em up, cowboy. Pump 'em full of lead."

Red jaw worked furiously, containing his grin when Danny turned back towards his stall, muttering sotto voce about, pumping something into... someone.

Shifting his attention Lizzy's way, Red smiled when the woman lifted her reddened face from her hands, her laughing eyes connecting with his own.

Returning to the game, the men became more serious in their focus the higher caliber weapons they shot. And all had secured ear covering, Liz noted.

Lifting her own ear muffs, Liz pushed a stray strand behind her ear. It had bothered her somewhat for few moments now.

It surprised her to overhear an ensuing conversation between a couple of ladies sitting behind her group.

Normally, she would tune them out, not one to listen to a private conversation… but at this particular moment, it centered on someone near and dear to her heart.

Red Reddington...

Yes, he was proficient and an excellent shot, but the ladies seemed more focused on the man's... form.

Focusing her attention squarely on Red, Liz watched his shoulders square up as he settled into his stance, feet planted apart. The man exuded an easy fluid confidence conveyed through his body language, handling the weapons as though they were extensions of himself.

If she were honest with herself, Liz could see where he might hold the women's admiration. If that's all it stayed, that was fine. Admiration.

In her case... she could feel a well of excitement build watching the man.

There was something very sexy about the way he loaded his mags without looking and popped off rounds in quick succession that made her feeling a little... electrified.

The men took their last shots as a collective group, the air slowly clearing of smoke and noise. Leaving most of the men to holster their own weapons, such as Red did, securing it at his back.

"The Desert Eagle is a .50 caliber weapon." Mark held the weapon aloft, smiling his excitement. "Since it's so powerful, we have five shots each. Set out at twenty-five feet. No rapid fire." he scanned the players. "Do we have any takers?"

Most of the men wisely stepped back. Liz sighed as Ben, Francis, Danny, and Michael eagerly stepped up to the plate.

Red grimaced as Dembe dragged him forward.

"All right gentlemen, we'll go one at a time, otherwise the sound is deafening." Mark gestured the men to take their place.

Stepping back into their stalls, each guy loaded their weapons. Each carefully watching what they were doing, except Red.

"Lock and load, baby." The man, while sliding the ammo in place, looked back at Lizzy, offering a salacious wink.

When done, each man lay their weapons down, waiting for Michael to go first. They stepped back to watch the fun, faces expectant, nerves on edge.

Placing the dark outline of a man, rated seven through nine, the inner circle being an 'X' on the hanger, Michael sent the flimsy target down the lane twenty-five feet.

Aiming, he let the first one go, then another, each bullet rising higher until he tore one side of the paper from its perch.

Liz pushed hard on her ear muffs, for the sound was deafening, as promised.

Michael set the enormous weapon down before turning around, laughing, shaking out his aching hand.

"Damn!" his face masked with remarkable aplomb. "Did you see that, my love? I must obtain one of these playtoys immediately!"

Susan smiled gently at the guy, happy he found a new hobby.

Francis, up next, did well. Aiming up, hitting high sevens, but stayed well within the black zone. "I think I may have caused permanent damage." He squeezed his hand, pouting.

"I'm sure you'll still appreciate your alone time with no problem, Francis." Danny quipped.

Francis flipped the guy off, grimacing his concern as he did before rubbing the sore hand methodically. "Oh, thank God." he whispered sotto voce. "That thing could take Kong out... one shot!" he said aloud for all to hear.

Mark went in the opposite direction, aiming down, hitting low sevens, also still within black. "No, seriously," he massaged his shoulder at the completion of the rounds, grimacing his concern, "is it still in its socket."

Danny stepped up, raising the weapon and firing. "Whoo!" He grinned, staring at the shiny metal with glee. "I gotta take this thing huntin'!" He fired off the last of his rounds, hitting closer to the middle, landing in the middle to low eights and high nines. "Think what it could do to a 'possum!"

Ben visualized the possibilities, "Oh, man... that's so disturbingly cool."

Dembe did much better than his counterparts, hitting eights and nines. Red looked so proud, he beamed happily at his protégé. "Raymond, I enjoy this weapon very much."

"I'll get you one for your birthday." Red clapped the man on his shoulder. "If I survive the next round, that is."

Stepping back into place, unlike his predecessors, Red placed one foot behind him, securing his stance. Steadying his aim with both hands, he popped off his first shot.

Red's stance hardly moved at all with the following shots, before he finally eased back into position.

On his fifth and final shot, Red lifted his sights a fraction of an inch... taking a moment, having shaken his hand several times to ease the tingling sensation.

His arms remained securely locked. "There's my exercise for the day." he quipped, flexing the muscles in his forearm.

Squinting hard, Liz tried to see where the bullets hit, but the target was obscured.

Flicking the switch beside him, Red brought his target back in as their friends inched closer for a peek. Craning their heads around Red's bulk, each waited to see what the great Red Reddington had accomplished.

Throwing his hands up into the air, Mark turned away, shaking his head up to the heavens.

"Very good, Raymond." Dembe smiled happily, patting Red on the arm.

"I'm going to print my name... because my arm is Jell-O." Red wiggled his fingers, taking the target down from the clips, signing his name to the top with a flourish.

Lifting from her seat, Liz smiled happily as she saw the first glimpse of Red's target. The middle was torn away, completely obliterated. Then one straight center in the middle of the forehead.

"That shouldn't count, right? He's ex-military." Michael called foul.

"So are you." Red reminded peevishly. "And what about them?" he pointed at Mark and Danny.

"Yes, well, I don't sleep with a gun under my pillows like you've been known to do." Michael quipped. "You must get in more practice, surely."

"That's an old wives' tale." Francis piped in. "Hey, Lizzy... any truth to that rumor?"

"There is only one big weapon allowed in my bed, and it isn't that one." Liz replied seriously to the discarded Desert Eagle.

Red hid his laughter... and appreciation of Lizzy's generous compliment.

"Now, is it ladies' turn?" Liz asked hopefully.

"Huh..." Mark snapped from his stupor, still pondering Lizzy's statement, in truth. He looked at Red Reddington as a new role model. "Oh, right, yes..." he stuttered. "Ladies, please pick a spot... show us what you got!"

"Hey, you're a poet and didn't know it." Francis pointed out.

"What are you talking about?" Ben was at a loss.

Shoving the boys from her path, Liz took Red's stall. She smiled when Red stepped in behind her, handing over her first weapon, fully loaded.

"Thank you, Red." she smiled, planting a soft kiss on the man's cheek. "How gallant."

"You're handicapped." he traced her arm with his forefinger.

Liz shrugged the concern aside.

He was actually looking forward to this, as much as he was dreading it. Since Elizabeth had become an agent, he'd never been given the opportunity to see how well she could... or could not hit a target.

But with her arm still sore from the other night...

The woman stretched her muscles, kinking her neck this way and that. She checked her weapon, familiarizing herself with the feel and balance.

Mark came to her side, holding a clipboard in hand. Red inched closer, listening in.

"We have a slight issue here." Mark smiled. "Lizzy," he gestured to his paper, "I was wondering if you'd be okay singing your targets with a different name?"

"Excuse me? Why?" Red asked curiously.

"The ladies use initials," Mark pointed. "But we have an E.S. already. What do I put down here for the judges?"

Standing there bemused, Red had not expected this delay.

"Elizabeth Reddington." Liz supplied, seeking the man out instantly to see Red's reaction.

Whipping his head about, Red's breath caught, his heart skipping a beat. Never had two names in the history of man sounded so wonderful together.

"Of course." Mark slapped his palm against his forehead. "Ask a stupid question..." He jotted down the note. "Good luck!" he smiled, moving down the line of anxiously awaiting shooters.

"You don't mind, do you?" Liz asked, searching Red's expression.

"Mind?" The question stunned Red. "Sounds nice if you ask me... damned nice, baby."

Liz's cheeks flushed pleasurably. "It... it kind of did." she agreed readily.

"Good luck, sweetheart." Red murmured. "Take it easy, huh." he tapped her arm before taking the seat Lizzy vacated.

"All right, ladies." Mark smiled at the waiting group. "When you're ready..."

The .22 had always been a favorite of Elizabeth's when she was growing up and went to the range with Sam. She could shoot one blindfolded, actually having done so a couple times. There was a reason behind the bizarre request Sam had made, Lizzy found out later on, of course.

Liz had thought it was weird at first, forced to listen to where Sam was moving behind her and shooting the target in relation to his position. But as he reeled in the fourth target, minus any hits, she got determined to hit that target or die trying.

By the end of the day, Liz was hitting the paper exactly in mirror image to where she had heard Sam move behind her.

And now, feeling the light weapon in her hand again, Liz felt like that teenager who had made Sam smile so brightly, when she had done so well on a similar course, on a similar day.

Bringing the target her way, she was happy to see that she had hit where she had aimed, just as she had done that day with Sam. Except... she swallowed hard, pushing the thought aside. She missed Sam... Sam was not here.

Red watched the woman, wondering what was going on in her head as Lizzy reloaded that mag before sending another target down the lane. A small melancholy smile playing at her lips, a wistful sigh escaping that sensuous mouth.

Sam... she was remembering Sam.

Red remembered suggesting to Sam that he take Lizzy shooting, get her comfortable with guns, and the two took it from there. Teaching her to shoot by sound, not only sight, was a damned good idea. Sam had saved the targets, sending Red cut outs of what Liz had accomplished.

He had laughed when Sam told him later about the confusion which arose. That it had seemed silly to shoot outwards, when the danger was behind her, Lizzy said.

But Sam had told her, like Red instructed, that danger was all around you, you only had to listen for it.

They both knew the girl mistook the lesson, thinking Sam meant to teach her self-protection at home, or when Lizzy went off to college later... there would be a time, she would have to learn to rely on herself.

But Red and Sam knew there was more to it than that.

With that in mind, Elizabeth's determination to listen out for the danger and conquer her failure had worked. She did very well that day and the days that followed.

Both men had been proud of her, for not only respecting the weapon, but taking the lesson in protecting herself seriously, and hopefully, learning it well.

As the contest moved on to the .357 and .38 classifications, some participants not liking the higher-powered weapons dropped out, leaving only Lizzy and a handful of Red's female associates.

And with the higher-powered weapons, came a change in the atmosphere of the games. A concentrated effort replaced the more light-hearted competition. The women became more focused, taking the matter more seriously.

Red knew there was a part of Lizzy that would like to win the little competition. But there was a larger part needing to conquer the newfound fear bubbling just beneath the surface.

Hell, the fear he felt...

Being the target for two attacks in the last couple of months had left Elizabeth feeling vulnerable and uncertain of her capabilities.

Never had Red seen her so hesitant in her decision making. It hurt there was nothing he could do or say to make that feeling of confidence return.

Only Lizzy could do this, no matter how much it hurt, physically and mentally.

And it was hurting her. Towards the end of each shot, he winced sympathetically, watching her grimace painfully as the toll taken on her weakened muscles and tendons.

He wasn't sure when it happened, but all other noise and movement, aside from Elizabeth's, became muted or unseen.

Watching her pluck a used target from its perch, she squeezed the butterfly clips unsuccessfully. Leaning further into the shelf, her fingers grasped it once more... her shoulders slumped in defeat when it didn't open yet again.

Frowning, Red pushed from his seat, walking up behind the woman, placing his front to her back. "What's the problem, baby?" he inquired gently.

His heart beat painfully when the woman's tear glittered eyes looked back up at him, a forlorn expression on her face.

"Do you believe this." she muttered dejectedly. "I can't even take the damned thing off the clamps."

Knowing very well she would pay for it later, Red couldn't deny Lizzy's need to reaffirm who and what she was. She needed to reach down deep, find that source of strength and resilience he knew was inside her.

"Let me hang this for you." Red stepped forward, quickly setting the target for her use. "I told Mark to lower these tabletops... but he didn't listen." he explained away her inabilities. "You're too short, baby... that's all there is to it." he playfully remarked.

"You can do this." He kissed her, then slowly backed away. "You have to... I got money riding on you." he teased, bringing a small smile to her face.

With each passing gun she fired, she elicited another grunt of pain. Red fought his instinct to take the gun from her hand.

Each round was punishing her body. By the last round, her arm was shaking with the effort to remain stationary... it was an clearly difficult to keep it raised.

Red winced when she lowered her arm to the tabletop, the heavy metal of her firearm clunking clumsily against the platform in front of her.

Pulling the target off, Liz signed it, handing over the weapon to the attendant... collecting another in its stead.

Elizabeth looked at the larger caliber, her thoughts private ones.

Watching her pull off another long sheet from the ream beside her, Red closed his eyes, not knowing if he should admire her tenacity... or damn it.

He was leaning towards the latter.

He grimaced with each shot, his eye ticking as pain flashed across her face with each abusing jerk of her arm. She continued steadfastly until the magazine was depleted.

Stepping forward, Red slapped the last sheet under the clips, sending it down without hesitation.

The ache in his soul deepened when he saw the self-doubt reflected in Lizzy's eyes as she watched the track of the sheet. He hadn't seen that level of dread since she awakened from Carver's attack.

But along with that, was a determination to finish what she started.

And as much as Red hated it, he had to let this play out. He had to let her conquer her demons.

Cradling her arm, Red placed his lips to the woman's soft flesh... kissing away the pain. Kissing away the fear. Kissing away her doubt.

"You can do this, Lizzy." Red held her eyes steadily, then nodded when he saw her chin lift just a fraction.

Liz reached, stopping him mid-step. "You said I could use yours."

Did she believe his weapon would be easier to manage? He wondered to himself.

Knowing how much kick his gun had, he hesitated, but then... he was a man of his word.

"For good luck, you know." she smiled wanly.

Removing the .45 at his back, Red placed it in cool, damp hands. "Be careful Lizzy, this thing has power behind it." he tried to smile and failed. "It glides smoothly though and is accurate to a fault."

"Is she all right?" Dembe leaned close, concern lacing his tone as Raymond came back to stand beside him.

"No." Red held himself, fighting his own particular demons long about now. "Lizzy, think of Tom... it worked for me." he called out. encouraging his own way.

Popping off the last round, Liz lowered her trembling arm, keeping Red's gun tight in her grasp.

She felt a wave of warmth encompass her as Red silently stepped in behind, toggling the switch.

Yanking the sheet down from its perch, Red held the pen aloft for Lizzy to sign her name.

"They'll get only initials from me." she quipped lightly, subtly rubbing her aching arm, seeking him out.

Leaning over the white sheet, Red put pen to paper, writing a flourishing... Elizabeth Reddington.

"Looks kind of nice, right?" she gestured to the signature.

Blinking his wonderment, Red waited for his comprehension skills to kick into gear. "It does..." he leaned, his lips caressing hers gently.

Clapping his hands together, Mark gained the attendees' attention. "Ladies, the .50 caliber is up next and is not for the faint of heart. This thing has got a powerful kick to it, so we will limit the amount shot to one bullet. Any takers?"

The other ladies that had stayed with Liz stepped back, waving him off, laughing…all but one.

Erica Bouchard stepped up, motioning to the weapon.

Liz's face fell, her eyes wide with amazement and admiration.

"Lizzy..." Red said through clenched teeth. "Don't even think–"

Mark caught the interplay, wondering how he might tactfully refuse the request he knew was forthcoming.

"I would like to try, Mark." Elizabeth forced a smile.

Mark checked with Red over Liz's shoulder, curious if he was game. Nodding minutely, Red agreed.

Erica had watched the exchange between the other woman and Red Reddington.

"On second thought," Erica sensed that Elizabeth was in pain. "I retract the request." She waved the contest off. "My arm is giving out." She lay the Desert Eagle aside. "I'm going to bow out."

Red sent the woman a more than grateful acknowledgment, holding his breath..

"Yea, Elizabeth," Susan turned Lizzy aside, guiding her away from the temptation. "This is getting monotonous. Plus that bottle blonde down there keeps checking out Michael's ass. Why is anyone's guess."

Susan gestured to the woman with a visible woe-be-gone shake of her head from the lovely British lady.

"No accounting for taste there, but I might be called on to defend my husband's honor which goes against every fiber of my being." Susan smiled wanly. "Can't we go to the bar and drown our sorrows? I'm getting a headache from all the noise."

"So you'd rather get a headache from a hangover?" Liz tittered softly.

"Oh, honey," Susan tsked, "I'm married to Michael and had his children... a hangover is old hat for me."

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mark sighed gratefully, turning to the waiting crowd. "While we wait for the results, lunch is available upstairs. Remember the awards ceremony and skeet shooting portion of the program will follow immediately."

Taking the time to seek Susan Fairfax and Erica Bouchard out for a quick, thank you nod, Red placed his hand on the small of Lizzy's back.

"Come with me." Red muttered quietly, guiding Lizzy to the side door.

---

Ushering Elizabeth to their room, Red closed the door behind him before heading for his bag.

Removing a tube from its contents, he sat beside Elizabeth on the couch. "Please tell me you have no interest in taking part in the skeet shooting."

Liz shrugged when the man took hold of her arm, rubbing warmed gel into the sore muscles.

"No, not particularly." She wiggled her fingers, easing the ache. "You will represent the family though, hopefully?"

"I don't have any choice." Red rubbed more of the soothing gel into her arm, grumbling for the fact. "Dembe is such a competitive little shit, I'd never live it down if I didn't."

"You guys," Liz tsked, "always ready to take up a challenge."

He smiled slowly. "Oh, but you had no intention of trying out that .50 caliber just because Erica Bouchard–"

"Don't bring that up right now." It was sagely advised.

Red wisely let it go.

"I wonder what wager he'll come up with this year?" Red mused. "He manages to win even if he loses."

Liz's brow wrinkled, a laugh threatening. "What d'you mean?"

Red recapped the bottle in his hand, sitting it on the coffee table. "Take last year... the winner had to eat an entire box of doughnuts," he sighed. "Dembe damn well knows I can't eat more than two of the damn things before I give him the rest of the box."

"And the loser?" Liz asked.

"The loser couldn't buy a hat for six months." Red quirked his brow. "So win or lose..."

Liz laughed. "Talk about a loaded bet. More shocking, you agreed to it?"

"I think Dembe was denied the simple pleasures in life as a child," Red explained. "This is one time where it's guilt free if he wins, and he gets my goat if I lose."

"Ah," Liz understood, "a win-win for the big guy."

"I couldn't help wonder if he lost last year on purpose?" Red canted his head, then noticed Lizzy's curious face. "He got addicted to Krispy Kreme... and I am the big guy, just for the record."

Liz inclined her head. "I stand corrected."

Red rummaged through his bag, pulling a small rectangular sheet along with a bottle free. Pulling the cellophane off the sheet, he placed it against Lizzy's arm, pressing it in place.

"Lidocaine..." he explained, then tapped a pill into his palm, handing it to her. "It should feel better in a little while."

"It feels better all ready." Liz appreciated the impromptu massage. She took the bottle of water he handed her, washing down the pill. "Where did you get your license to practice?"

"Harlem, back room of the Quickie Mart." Red chuckled. "Any complaints so far?"

"Dr. Feelgood." Liz lay her head back on the sofa.

"Lizzy, you pushed it today." He said, tossing the pills in his bag, confronting the issue on his mind, finally.

"You're upset with me." She heard not anger, but disappointment in his tone.

"I am. I dislike seeing you hurt. Especially when it's self inflicted." His eyes lifted, concentrating on the soulful blue eyes. "I know why you did it, but there are better ways to vent insecurities."

Liz watched him steadily.

"What hurts you, hurts me." Red confessed his feelings on their relationship. "So talk to me. Together we can figure out how to make it better."

"I could say the same for you, Red." Liz murmured softly.

"What do you mean?" he asked, sitting his bag out of the way.

"You've been upset since yesterday." She could read the man most times now. "Want to tell me why?"

Falling silent, Red sat back on the couch, stretching his neck. Well, that had backfired, splendidly.

"Is it Edward?" Liz ventured a guess, covering Red's hand with her own.

"Are we going to do this?" he trailed off, shaking his head. "It's too fresh, Lizzy."

Focusing on Lizzy's small hand in his, Red tenderly stroked the ring on her finger.

Remaining silent, Liz let Red work through whatever was rattling around in his head.

"I'm handling it as well as could be expected." Red muttered. "My anger is balanced by my relief you're all right." he shrugged. "I think?"

In just a few words, Red told her all she needed to know. He was still processing everything and coming to terms with it.

Curling her legs beneath her, Liz leaned against Red's side, soaking up the connection they shared.

"I can't get that vision out of my head..." Red muttered tightly, not wanting to go there. Not at all.

Liz patiently waited, allowing the man time.

"I can't shake that feeling of," he exhaled shakily, "...I thought..."

Liz felt the slight tremor in Red's frame increase the longer he fought to find the words. Sitting upright, she sought his attention. "Red... you said we should talk."

The man closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts.

"For days, I carried it with me you might be pregnant," Red whispered. "I was excited, scared..." he confessed. "Then everyone else got wind of it." his eyes closed painfully. "There was speculation, excited chatter..."

Before Edward's attack... the buzz, the anticipation everyone felt... it was contagious. Any trepidation he felt soon fell to the wayside, only to be replaced by elation and eagerness.

It all changed in the blink of an eye; and suddenly everyone around him felt like an intruder.

Liz pinched her lips, hiding the slight tremor building within them.

"When I came in that night," he swallowed at the lump in his throat," and saw the blood on your thighs..."

Liz's eyes glittered with warmth before she blinked hastily, catching the emotion determinedly.

"I couldn't breathe..." he squeezed his eyes tight. "My mind went stagnant. I was absolutely... utterly devastated."

Clearing his throat, Red brought their clasped hands to his chest, rubbing agitated fingers against hers.

"Only once had I felt such blinding rage," Red murmured. "When I lost Jennifer..." he shook the moment, that memory still too painful.

The welling tears in Liz's eyes flowed, trickling freely down her cheeks.

"Seeing you like that... wondering if I'd lost another..." he choked on the air. Bringing their clasped hands to his mouth, he reverently kissed Lizzy's soft skin.

"Once I took a moment and realized it was your period," he continued, "I felt relief."

Squeezing the hand in hers, Liz sniffled quietly, letting Red vent his relief... and grief.

"Now, everything is subdued. Everyone is walking on eggshells." Red shared his day with her so far. "The looks of excitement are now sympathetic... pitiable ones."

Liz's eyes lowered to her lap, feeling the disappointment rolling off Red in waves.

"Real or not," Red rubbed stiff fingers over his tight brow, "the sense of loss is gut wrenching."

"I'm so sorry, Red." Liz closed her eyes tightly, feeling his pain.

"There is nothing to be sorry about." Pulling the small body to his, Red kissed her brow lovingly. "I'd give anything to share a child with you..." he confessed.

"To see a little piece of both of us grow." he leaned his cheek against her soft hair. "But whether or not we're gifted a child... I need you to know, without doubt," he stressed, "it has nothing to do with my feelings for you."

"I didn't think t-that." Liz replied without hesitation. "I know it doesn't and I feel the same way, Red. I do."

"What I'm feeling right now has nothing to do with you. I need you to believe me." Red knew he was stating it... all wrong.

"There's so much I'm feeling right now, it's all too garbled and..." he sighed wearily. "But my feelings for you are the same. Nothing has changed in that aspect."

"You've done nothing wrong," Red continued. "I'm not angry, I just need..." he sighed.

Liz nodded, understanding a bit more of what Red was thinking... feeling. He needed time to shake this, to get his head back in order.

Quietly resting against one another, seeking and receiving comfort from their partner, both felt a sense of peace and understanding after some long moments.

"We'll be okay, Red." Liz murmured softly.

"I know..." Red didn't for one second believe otherwise. "We're getting there, aren't we?"

Tenderly rubbing his fingers against the soft strands of Lizzy's hair, Red's eyes gentled when Lizzy lifted tear-filled eyes to his own, the blue orbs luminous and open.

Cupping her small face, he leaned, resting his forehead to hers before laying a loving kiss on her mouth.

"Let's get freshened up," his rough voice suggested, "and you can come watch me kick Dembe's ass."

Chuckling, Liz sniffled, but nodded gamely. "... Okay."

Pushing from the couch, Red took the woman along with him, hugging her slight frame as he did.

"...We'll be okay." he reassured himself... and the woman he loved.

---

Walking hand-in-hand into the dining room, Red and Liz headed for their table, finding the rest of their group waiting.

Everyone seemed in a subdued frame of mind.

Red determined to lighten the mood, falling into his 'story-teller' mode. Soon amusing anecdotes were flying back and forth, some of the old vim-and-vigor of the group resurfacing by the end of dessert.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have the list of winners from the earlier event." Mark gathered the attendees' attention. "When I call your name, if you could come up and get your award once I finish reading the list of winners... and you losers, just sit there and finish your fruit cup."

Mark took the envelope, opening it for everyone to see. "And no, I did not accept any bribes, incentives or BBQ recipes to alter any of the names within."

"Third place in the ladies' event, Susan Fairfax and Emma Evans." Mark smiled at his table, winking at the ladies in question. "Susan, was that a cup of honey or brown sugar I add to that sauce?"

Susan accepted the good-natured chuckle for the man's wit. "It was bourbon you forgetful twit." she spoke succinctly over the cheering applause from her table mates.

Glancing at the woman beside him, Red grinned as Lizzy wrung her hands anxiously. Placing his hand over hers, he smiled his encouragement when the woman grimaced away her state.

"I really like awards." she apologized.

"Second place, Erica Bouchard." Mark craned his neck, offering the woman a wave of acknowledgment.

Liz noted the negligible exchange as the lovely woman glanced towards their table. "What is it with you and French chicks?"

"I'm into high-maintenance, hardheaded Russian's now." Red took a sip from his tumbler... waiting. He bit his tongue when the woman beamed happily, then canted her head.

Liz scowled, realizing what he just said. "I am not high-maintenance." she stoutly denied the claim.

Snorting into the heavy crystal for the woman had disagreed with one, but not the other, Red cast a lackadaisical look the woman's way. "Yes... you are." he disagreed, holding up a calming hand. "Though, I enjoy it immensely... when we aren't getting shot at."

Before Liz could reply, Mark interrupted the chatter. "And in first place..."

Hastily shifting his eyes, Red waited on tenterhooks

"...Elizabeth Reddington." Mark grinned happily over at their table, clapping.

"All right, Lizzy!" Francis yelled his glee, jumping from his seat, frantically pumping his fists in the air.

Beaming proudly, Red whistled and clapped loudly along with their table as he, Michael, and Danny stood to assist their respective companions from their seats.

Laughing at the woman's flushed cheeks and bright eyes, Red captured Lizzy in his arms, hugging the life from her.

"I'm so proud of you, baby." he chuckled, swaying her back and forth.

Releasing Susan and Emma to their prizes, Michael and Danny stepped back, catcalling the ladies as they headed for the stage.

Reluctantly releasing Lizzy, Red hurriedly caught the woman's wrist before she could take off.

"Congratulations, Lizzy..." he smiled, his pride showing care anyone look.

Red's heart thumped erratically in his chest as the woman's cheeks plumped, her smile brightening the room.

She walked to the podium in a daze, accepting her prize graciously. She stopped momentarily on her return to shake hands with Erica Bouchard, offering a compliment on the woman's abilities before returning to their table.

Susan and Emma preened over Elizabeth's prizes even as they showed off their own.

Red could feel Elizabeth's joy and exuberance as if it were his very own. It practically radiated off the woman.

"I got a free day at the spa," Liz shared the grand prize, "and a watch." She presented the object with a flourish. "Isn't it pretty!"

Taking the watch in hand, Red nodded his approval. It actually was a beautiful watch. Like the one he gifted her for evening wear, also sterling platinum with a delicate diamond bezel, a stunning milky-blue Mother-of-Pearl dial complimented this one.

"Now for the men's event." Mark hushed the applause. "Hold it down people, got a job to do here." he scowled. "Third place, well, was actually me, but I disqualified myself."

"Bullshit..." Danny coughed loudly, amusing the crowd.

"Well, it was!" Mark's scowl deepened. He returned his attention to the crowd, plastering a smile on his face.

"Anyway," he continued undaunted, "third place goes to Anthony Morris."

Red grinned as the men at Anthony's table jostled and back-slapped the man.

Mark's brows lifted, a smile on his face. "Second place was another tie," he informed the crowd, "between Daniel Courtland and Dembe Zuma."

Ben and Francis turned in their seats, clapping Dembe and Danny on their shoulders. Red smiled when the men at Dembe's table inclined their heads graciously.

"You got it, Red." Liz grinned, clasping her hands together eagerly. "I know you did."

"First place," Mark shifted his eyes their way, "well, surprise of surprises... Red Reddington, folks."

Squealing her joy, Liz bolted from her seat, wrapping her arms tightly around Red's neck.

"I knew you had it!" she giggled infectiously. "Go, go! See what you got!" she shooed fluttering hands, even as she kissed the man, having drawn him back to do so, then shooed him away fretfully once again.

Liz watched happily as the three men from her group sauntered towards the front, pushing and elbowing one another on their journey, all in a good mood.

Letting out a piercing whistle, Francis grinned over at Lizzy as the men finally returned with their bounty of alcohol and watches.

Even on their way back, they switched the prizes about in transit. Danny took the whiskey, Dembe a vintage wine and Red... the brandy.

Red's watch was much like the one he wore only white-gold with a dark blue dial.

"Do you like it?" Liz looked over the watch with anxious eyes.

"I do," Red nodded, removing his present watch and replacing it with the new one. "Very comfortable band, I've been meaning to get one with the blue dial." he lifted his wrist, showing Lizzy. "Reminds me of your eyes..."

"My eyes are not dark blue." Liz tsked.

"Not right now, they aren't..." Red replied, his tone deepening to a seductively intimate one, as well as his look.

Red's gaze languidly searched the woman's face as her cheeks rushed with heat, and her lashes fluttered almost coquettishly.

He admittedly released the breath he'd been holding, relieved Lizzy accepted and even found pleasure in his subtle, yet brazen reminder of the intimacy they shared.

"The skeet shooting portion of the contest will start in fifteen minutes," Mark called out over the din. "Everyone head to the West lawn!"

Gathering her items, Liz smiled up at Red as the man once again helped her from the seat.

Grabbing a provided bag on a nearby table, Red placed their items inside to allow Lizzy a hand free.

Grabbing her iced tea, she frowned when Red swiped his tumbler before making their way for the doors.

"Should you really drink before shooting?" Liz voiced her concern.

"This is my first." he held his drink aloft.

"You've had a tumbler in your hand all afternoon." she reminded, sliding her hand through the crook in Red's arm, she fell in step beside him. "Do we have a drinking problem?" she teased.

"It's tea." Red whispered conspiratorially. "Don't tell Dembe."

"You are a cheater." Liz gasped her shock.

"Are we calling it that?" the man objected to the term. "I prefer, tactical creativity."

"I've never seen you drunk." Liz suddenly realized. "Teetering on wrong side of sobriety maybe, but never drunk."

"You sound disappointed." Red chuckled.

"I prefer to call it... dispirited." Liz corrected. "I'll have to ask Dembe what you're like when you're toasted." She made a mental note.

"You would love me when I'm three sheets to the wind." Red was positive. "I'm more relaxed, more amusing," he recalled flashes of his drunken self. "I'm also told I'm quite affectionate."

"You mean, lecherous?" Liz perked up.

"Apparently, quite so." Red offered a slow grin.

"I bet you're a mean drunk." She philosophized. "And fall asleep at the drop of a fedora, probably."

While Red was known for his light-hearted and flippant manner, he was also known for having a temper. He couldn't truthfully say that side of him didn't surface occasionally if he was impaired.

"You will never have to concern yourself," he vowed. "I'll have Dembe shoot me before I reach the, raging bear, stage."

"Pity," Liz sighed her disappointment. "I bet its kind of sexy seeing you all... pissed."

Guiding Lizzy to an umbrella covered table, Red got the woman situated in her seat as Dembe walked up.

"Francis and Ben are being stupid." Dembe warned, conveying the news.

"I find that difficult to believe..." Red muttered.

Liz giggled at Red and Dembe's woeful tones. "Does this involve a wager of some sort?"

"A rather substantial one." Dembe began, obviously eager to confirm Elizabeth's belief. "Should they survive it, that is."

Hearing those words, Red slumped in his seat, dropping his head back dramatically as he waited to hear whatever asinine trick those two idiots had up their sleeve.

"Is this going to cost me money?" Red wanted clarification.

Dembe canted his head, thinking about it for a moment. "Yes, I would say matters might conceivably lead to you losing a portion of beneficiary entitlements, as they have not yet reached the required age."

"You have life insurance policies out on them?!" Liz drew back, shocked.

Red jerked a head her way, his expression askew. "Wouldn't you?"

Liz looked off, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I see your point."

"Is Elizabeth safe here." Red wanted to know, even as he looked around for suitable cover.

"That is up for debate." Dembe granted. "They are shooting... one handed." he lifted keen brows, leaving the decision up to Red's discretion.

Bolting up in her seat, Liz leaned quickly. "With shotguns?!" her eyes darted about anxiously, searching for a safe place. "A-And Mark's letting them?" she was beyond flabbergasted.

"Hell, he probably suggested it." Red grumbled, aimlessly searching the grounds. "Where are those two dumbasses?"

"Red! You have to put a stop to this one!" Liz's voice lifted in pitch.

"Elizabeth, I am not their keeper." Red grumbled irritably. "Thank God for little favors."

"They're gonna kill themselves!" Liz protested vehemently.

"The worst those two twits will do is shoot off a big toe." Red knew the chances of a genuine accident occurring, but still...

"It can be done." Dembe murmured, concentrating his efforts on adding the perfect amount of sugar to his tea.

"Not by Tweedle-Dum or Tweedle-Dee." Red stated his belief on the matter.

"Red Reddington!" Liz squawked, "you warn those poor people they are about to die... go on." She shoved the man's shoulder, motioning to the rapidly gathering crowds.

Red sat forward, lifting his hands inwardly to his chest. "Me?!"

Dembe casually sipped his tea. "Do not look at me."

Sighing heavily, Red heaved himself out of his comfortable seat, heading for the area in question.

Liz strained to hear what the man said exactly as he approached the crowds, but whatever it was... it had the desired effect.

People hurried far and wide, granted they were laughing when they did so, effectively scattering well out of the line of fire.

Michael and Susan approached, the latter shaking her head with an expressive eye-roll.

"Did you hear what Heckle and Jeckle are planning?" she said, sitting opposite Elizabeth.

Following Red with her eyes, Liz watched him approaching Mark, Ben and Francis' position; his posture stiff and unyielding.

Liz nodded emphatically. "I worry about those two."

"Could be, natural selection, has been hunting those two for years," Michael grinned, "and may have finally caught up."

Liz gasped audibly as Francis leveled off and fired well before Red could reach him.

Francis jerked in place, sharply pivoting his head as the fired shotgun flung past his head in a blur.

Red hastily jerked his arm out to the right, reaching for the wild and flailing weapon as it flew from Francis' grip and tumbled end-over-end backwards through the air.

The crowd scattered, wildly scrambling for cover; most unaware, the long barrel slapped securely against Red's outstretched palm.

"Good catch!" Michael applauded Red's reflexes, lifting his glass in salute.

Mark's cackle of amusement echoed over the grounds and back Elizabeth's way.

Once assured of their personal safety, guests, too, could see humor in the questionable episode, to Liz's amazement.

Rolling expressive eyes for the stupidity displayed, Susan merely leaned into her fist, mindlessly chewing on a small swizzle stick in response to the debacle, sighing lightly for her lot in life.

Walking up behind Francis, Red flicked a curt hand to the back of the boy's head for the stupid maneuver.

Ben, concentrating hard, popped off his own shell casing... right in Red's ear.

Hurriedly stepping to his left, Red snatched the weapon off the ground where it had sailed, shoving the guns at Mark.

"Really!" Red snapped his disapproval.

Grasping the barrels in both hands, Mark relied on their support to keep him upright as he laughed uproariously for the fiasco just witnessed. Stumbling to a nearby table, he safely placed the guns on the tabletop before dissolving into a fit of unrestrained glee.

Shaking his tingling hand, Ben jerked in place when he, too, felt the sure and swift whack of Red's hand to the back of his head. He immediately rubbed the area gingerly, scowling his confusion.

Jabbing a finger to a nearby table, Red glared at the boys until they meekly, and without further protest, slunk off to their seats.

"You think about doing something that stupid again," Red bitched. "I'll personally stick those barrels up your respective asses and pull the trigger!"

Eyeing the two dangerously, Red walked past the next group, stomping his way back to Elizabeth.

"You're stifling their fun, Red?" Danny grinned, offering a seat to Emma. "You used to be more forgiving."

"I don't feel like dying today, thank you." Red sat, pulling his vest down. He cast the two sulking men a caustic glare.

"Here, old man, you probably need this." Michael chuckled, handing over a stiff bourbon. "Steady the nerves, so to speak."

Red gratefully accepted the gift, settling into a more conducive state of mind.

"Does anyone feel like chips and salsa?" Susan had other priorities.

"That sounds good..." Liz brightened, nodding amiably.

"Excuse me, honey." Danny grinned at his date, before sauntering off towards the set he was shooting against. "Hold down the fort. I have to go show these boys how to do the job."

Emma giggled adorably.

Francis and Ben made a wide berth around Red, cautiously migrating to the Big Boy's table, each taking a seat, mostly hidden behind the ladies who were present.

Liz happily shifted in her chair, chatting with her friends as one-by-one, the guys got up to take their turn at the games.

Watching Michael fell five of his six shots so far, Susan leaned. "Shortly before I married Michael, I took him on our annual family hunting trip." she arched a brow. "A prerequisite for any prospective suitor."

Red arched a knowing brow. "Michael failed to pass the muster, huh? That must have been devastating for you." he commiserated.

"Okay..." the woman continued. "My father's concern, of course," Susan pursed amused lips, "if the world ever went to hell in a handbasket, I would starve as Michael only fell one pheasant that day." she sat back, linking her fingers at the fond memory.

"The old order has its rules and beliefs." Red shook his head. "Difficult to get around, but impossible to ignore."

While he commiserated with Susan's father, he knew the man had been hasty in his decision concerning his friend.

"I don't see why Michael couldn't just go to the store." Francis scoffed at such logic. "I mean, hell... they sell fully cooked rotisserie chickens at any deli. Why kill a chicken, pluck it, cook it..." he rolled his hand expressively.

"Okay, the Zombie Apocalypse is happening," Susan brought the conversation to Francis' level of understanding.

Francis nodded. "I'm there, following..."

"I doubt Kroger's will be open for business."

"They're open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week." Francis reminded. "I know this because..." he checked with Ben, "you remember that time I was shitting a blue streak?"

Ben lifted knowledgeable eyes, nodding sagely, for he too, 'was following'.

"And you had to run in at four in the morning to get that Preparation H for me," Francis continued, "cause had I stood up... there would have been real problems."

"Man, that was some crazy shit there." Ben nodded amiably.

Francis' grimace said as much.

Red shared a long and pained look with Susan, both drinking from their respective tumblers.

"You don't have to worry about none of that shit," Ben countered smartly, bringing the conversation full circle, "zombies don't crave chicken...they want our brains."

"Well, boys," Red reminded all too casually, "then you two young whippersnappers will be fine and dandy."

Both men beamed happily for the compliment to their skills of deductive reasoning and planning for the future.

Shaking his head, Red turned his attention elsewhere as quickly as humanly possible.

"Michael seems to have improved since his ill-fated hunting excursion." He made mention.

"Michael became a pro at skeet-shooting," Susan let in on the family secret, "after we purchased a Nintendo."

"It's amazing he got past basic recruit training." Red muttered into his tumbler. "It's amazing I did."

"It's amazing I did." Susan snarked. "Worst ten weeks of my life. All that man did was complain about his sore feet, awful food and no sex."

"Ah," Red rocked in his seat, holding his smile, "brings back not so fond memories."

"Raymond..." Dembe stood, gesturing to the games. "We are up in the rotation."

"Go ahead." Red said, rolling up his sleeves. "I'm too comfortable to move just yet... besides, the salsa's on its way."

"How many discs do you get?" Liz watched Dembe get the feel of the shotgun and test the sites before signaling for the first disc.

"Who the hell knows. They pull them, we shoot them." Red said, smiling his delight as Dembe blew yet another disc into oblivion.

One after another, Dembe hit the clay discs hurled overhead in a display of near perfect marksmanship.

"That little twirp." Red mumbled discontentedly. "Making me work on my day off..."

"Oh, Red." Liz giggled as Dembe grinned evilly over his shoulder at Red. "You better not miss one."

He canted his head, smiling at Lizzy. "Do I hear doubt in that tone?"

So focused on the man's forearms flexing and his large hand laying over her own, Liz didn't comprehend a thing the man said.

"... What?" she blinked languidly.

Watching Red bare increments of himself was the equivalent of a striptease in her opinion. Just seeing one little patch of those masculine forearms made her crave to see the man reveal more.

Red's brow furrowed. Lizzy seemed lost in her thoughts. "Hey... Earth to space monkey."

Shifting his attention to what captivated her so, Red felt a smile pull at his mouth. "...Lizzy?"

Blinking her focus, Liz lifted soft blue eyes to his. "Huh?"

"Do you doubt my abilities?" he tried again, motioning to the still smirking Dembe Zuma.

"Oh... no!" Liz's eyes widened with wonder. "Not at all, Red." she breathlessly added.

"... Are we talking about the same thing here?" he was comically lost.

It was Elizabeth's turn to ponder. "... What?"

Red gave the ship up, pushing himself erect. "I will go defend my honor, oh, ye of little faith." he cast the woman an askew glance.

Liz's smiled brightened, her eyes falling to the man's ass as he walked away.

Red turned his head at one point, catching her perusing his form, a quick grin replacing the man's pensive expression.

So... Lizzy enjoyed ogling his body! Red's mood soared, an extra spring in his swagger.

The realization especially brightened his mood this fine day. That the woman would notice anything of a sexual nature gave the man hope.

What brought on the change in the woman, Red could not have said. He only knew it delighted him to the extreme that Lizzy was taking note of him as a man.

He felt those blue eyes now, occasionally stealing overt glances to ascertain if the interest was still present within those amazing orbs.

Red liked that Elizabeth found him attractive. He liked it tremendously.

He enjoyed her touch on any point of his body. He loved how the woman reacted to his attempts at love-making. Not half so much as he loved how she teased, titillated, and tortured him during such encounters, of course.

The looks she gave oft times melted his insides. She could turn him the hell on faster than any female he had ever encountered.

She was doing so, even as he pretended interest in the stupid game going down.

Red's brow furrowed as he mindlessly checked the shotgun someone had handed over, his true attention back with the woman he just left behind.

"Raymond," Dembe stepped up to the table, "you're up."

Red's lips quivered their amusement when Lizzy's psyche picked up on the unintended entendre, her eyes shifting to the natural bulge in his trousers to see if Dembe's proclamation was a true one.

"Hold that thought," Red murmured, stroking her jawline as he stood, sending a sensual wink Elizabeth's direction. Removing his hat, he set it aside.

He spared Dembe a look. "From your mouth to Elizabeth's ear." he quipped.

Dembe sighed mentally. "Keep your focus trained."

"Well, look who's cocky." Red eyed his best-friend with a smirk, while stoutly ignoring the quiet gasp behind him.

Liz calmed her raging libido, chastising herself determinedly, embarrassed by her lack of control and decorum.

Red took his stance, cocking the weapon absently... calling out for the first disc. He trailed it as it arched across the sky before blowing it apart.

A little of the sexual frustration he was experiencing abated with the destruction of the target.

Watching one disc after another turn to dust in the sky, Liz held her breath, tensing as one skimmed the treetops before Red got it.

She felt acute disappointment for the man's sake.

Why she reacted in such a manner was a total mystery, since all Red would lose was the ability to purchase shoes for a while.

But there was a part of her rooting hard for Red to beat, or at least tie, Dembe. She supposed it was the equivalent of not wanting your boyfriend's football team to lose in high school.

Her cheeks reddened at the comparison. Red wasn't her boyfriend... but her fiancée. He was soon to be her husband, the person she championed and supported in his goals... no matter how trivial, apparently.

Trailing the last disc with anxious eyes, she held her breath, then clapped her excitement when it burst into a hazy mist in the sky.

Shifting her gaze in Red's direction, she wriggled restlessly in her seat, staving off a surge of arousal at the sight and sound of the man's laughter.

Sharing an inside moment with the judge, Red pumped the weapon with masculine force, which cleared the chamber. The act, in itself, was alarmingly virile in nature.

Liz never anticipated she could feel such a passionate desire to be intimate with someone in the middle of a crowd, in the middle of the day.

Red was a very sensual and giving lover. The woman closed her eyes, swallowing hard when those fevered memories flooded her mind now.

She often daydreamed of feeling Red's fingertips teasing her flesh or his lips and tongue, eliciting tendrils of sensation all over her body. Today, those emotions ran rampant.

Liz hadn't expected the little things the man did would turn her on so damned much. The way he tilted his hat, the raspy husk of his chuckle… when she'd feel his intent gaze follow her from behind his tinted glasses, the simple act of rolling up his sleeves... like today.

Red Reddington was a very masculine and seductive man.

What surprised Liz most was her feelings for Red only seemed to increase with each passing day.

There were moments she felt she may break down in actual tears; her need to feel his touch was so acute.

Even his voice did unimaginable things to her. It was stunning really how one moment the man could soothe her with a few well-chosen words... then coax a fire to churn in her abdomen with a subdued grunt or reluctant gasp which escaped his throat.

Just the way he said her name felt as comforting or electrifying as a caress.

Liz had always enjoyed sex, or at least the anticipation of it. Depending on her choice of partner, it could be an exercise in futility... a hit or miss, which may or may not have been her fault. She didn't know for sure.

But given the incredible sex she'd been having with Red... she wondered if perhaps her previous partners lacked the will, inclination or even desire to live up to the expectations the man had shown were possible to achieve.

Two important life moments... sexual encounters popped into her head. One, the night she lost her virginity.

She heard horror stories about how awkward, horrible or just plain stupid such an encounter could be.

Liz felt the awkward part... she vaguely recalled the horrible as she had not achieved orgasm. She felt the stupid part for not having the foresight to plan the act better.

Her wedding night was better, but not by much. Tom was more experienced and not in such a hurry to rush through the ordeal, at least. Liz couldn't remember is she had climaxed. How odd a thing to recall... or not recall.

Of course she probably had... right?

What was so bothersome about the memories, was not that they were retained for being explosively exciting memories... but that they were milestones she reached in her life.

Her memories with Red, on the other hand, were detailed and spine tingling images that left her aroused and longing for more of Red's inventive playfulness and experience.

She thought... okay; she worried... after her run-in with Edward, that any sexual feelings might have abated, but that was not the case. Not in the least.

She found that out today simply be being in Red Reddington's company.

She wanted sex, and she especially wanted it with the man so blithely oblivious to that fact.

Watching Red walk back to her side, he gave Dembe the business once again, shoving those sleeves up his burly arms.

"One ordeal down." Red took his seat beside her, grinning.

Dembe stood, a scowl for his friend. Red grinned at the serious and determined expression on the man's face. "Do not count your chickens before they hatch."

"Let's see what you got." Red motioned to the arena, his grin set.

Liz slid closer to Red's position, needing to feel the man near.

Daniel returned from the battlefield, scowling lightly. "What happened to my chair?" he shrugged. "Hop up, baby." Danny approached the little redhead, who waited patiently for his return.

Emma stood questioningly, at a loss momentarily, until Danny's palms wrap about her waist, tugging her back onto his lap.

Emma sat demurely, knees primly together, her creamy complexion flushed a healthy pink.

Red's expression softened for the young woman's demeanor. "They should bring more seats out soon, I should think?"

"More's the pity." Daniel's tone colored the cheeks more.

"You behave yourself, cowboy." Emma sent a warning scowl to the young man.

"Yes, ma'am." Daniel tipped his hat courteously, but his eyes exuded a confidence Emma clearly found charming, despite her better judgement.

Liz shared a knowledgeable look with Red. She wished she was sitting on Red's lap along about now.

Red watched the young couple without seeming to do so.

The conversation moved forward, each person taking an active part.

Daniel Courtland and his new found friend appeared lost in each other's company, sharing their own private conversation... and more.

"This is the largest crowd we've had attend to date." Mark was proudly exclaiming. "We've really hit our stride this year, I think."

Amanda seemed proud of the man's success, raptly hanging on Mark's every word.

Danny nestled Emma more securely into the cradle of his lap, wrapping his bulky arms about her small waist. The young man stole chaste kisses from time-to-time, both becoming increasingly oblivious to their surroundings.

Red smiled mentally for the fact.

At one point, Danny placed his forehead to Emma's, his eyes closing, a pained expression on his face.

It was apparent to Red, Emma was situated directly over the guy's obvious erection, causing delicious pangs of need and stress to arise, along with other more essential things.

Red felt his own organ twitch with empathy. He glanced at his own lady, his heart beating irregularly in his chest. Elizabeth looked so beautiful... desirable.

Feeling his gaze, Liz turned a gentle, alluring smile his way before something Francis said caught her attention, making her laugh.

Lizzy had the best laugh...

"It was Lord and Lady Humphries summer estate, if I recall." Michael was relating an amusing incident Red had heard before. Those gathered listened with avid interest, for Michael was a master storyteller.

Elizabeth's hair moved gracefully with the breeze off the plains, the dark strands rippling like silk.

She reminded Red of a painting he once saw at the Louvre, her expression as pensive and winsome as the lady in the frame.

Daniel's large palm caressed Emma's small, shapely hip; the man's tongue melding with his partner's sweet lips, care anyone look, in a kiss so sweet and chaste, it even moved Red's cold, calculating heart a bit.

Red watched Elizabeth's mouth, recalling the taste of those full rosebud lips... the erotic sounds she made if he stroked her just right.

"So I say to the guy.." Francis was holding court, animatedly acting out the story he related. "What the hell's the difference? You can smoke either one!"

The laughter was immediate and genuine. Red was kind of sorry he missed the actual tale.

Emma wriggled about without seeming to do so, causing a grunt of dissension from the man who held her desperately close.

Danny took a deep, slow breath to ease some of the tension of the moment.

The pixie-like redhead's eyes fluttered shut as she murmured secret words of growing passion to her lover.

Danny's eyes showed his desperation to be anywhere but where they were, he... they needed privacy.

Red's gaze softened on the young man's face. He knew how the guy felt. He sought Elizabeth, his eyes roaming the sexy and voluptuous curves of her body.

"I don't see the problem..." Susan argued, spreading plaintive hands. "If one possesses a fat ass, one simply drops the box of doughnuts." She eyed the person of interest across the way. "It's not brain surgery."

"Natalia's ass isn't fat." Francis thought to do the gentlemanly thing, as he tried to impress the woman to his right with just how sensitive a guy he could be. "She's crazy as a loon, but she looks okay to me."

Covering his smile with his hand, Red glanced at Melissa, more specifically, her askew expression for the remark.

"If I say she has a fat ass, then she does." Susan took exception. "You're just trying to score points, and let me tell you... you haven't."

Francis looked crestfallen. He mechanically munched morosely on a bowl of chips that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

"Michael," Susan sought an ally, "is Natalia's ass fat?"

"As broad as the Thames, my love." the man obviously knew his place.

He received a chaste kiss on his cheek for his support. "Thank you, darling."

"Natalia is a beautiful woman," Liz admitted.

"... For a back-stabbing man thief?" Ben added for Liz's benefit. Liz arched a brow but remained unusually silent. "I'm sorry, I just heard the tail end of that sentence floating on the breeze."

"Folks," Danny said, gaining the group's attention, "me and Em, we're gonna go to the uh, range. I promised to show her how to better handle a," the man cleared his throat, "... weapon. Ya'll excuse us, now."

Red noted Danny held his hat rather strategically.

"Right," Emma agreed quickly, "just want to increase my knowledge and get better with... that." the woman's face was flushed and beautiful, her tone breathless as she spoke to her female friends.

"A woman can't have enough practice with... that, right?" Emma's flush cheeks reddened.

Red winced for the poor excuse, considering the woman placed third in the competition earlier, but he applauded their attempt at decorum. Especially Daniel, who normally had no issue telling Red, if no one else, what his plans were.

The guy was learning diplomacy, of a sort.

"That's a splendid idea," Red aided the couple in their getaway. "I support women who wish to garner more information about self-defense."

"Yeah," Danny smiled tightly, "whatever, so... we'll see you guys in a little while."

Red chuckled for the less than suave exit line.

Watching the young couple make their hasty escape, Michael slanted a glance Red's way. "Ah, to be young and impetuous again."

"With maturity come sensuality, dear." Susan glanced over at her husband's still fit body. "And patience, which I prefer..." she purred.

"What are you guys talking about?" Francis had lost the train of thought.

"Those two," Susan gestured to Danny, pulling Emma through the doors of the hotel before disappearing from sight, "they were about as subtle as a slap in the face."

"Who? What?" Francis frowned, checking with Melissa. "Did I miss something?"

"Oh, Francis." Melissa sighed heavily. "Daniel and Emma! They wanted to be alone!"

"Why? The party's here!" Francis spread his arms out, encompassing all.

Melissa leaned, whispering in the guy's ear.

Francis took a moment. "Oh..." he got it. "Oh, sure... okay." he was impressed. "Who the hell knew Courtland could be so smooth? Chalk one up for him!"

Melissa's face... altered. "It that what I am to you?" her tone changed as well. "A mark on a chalkboard?"

Francis surprisingly realized his mistake instantly. "Baby, I don't even own a chalkboard." the charm oozed, Liz noted. "I do, however, own a Ferrari. Want to take it for a spin?"

Red frowned, for he knew... the car wasn't here. They had flown in, with Francis in tow.

Melissa's tone changed yet again. "A Ferrari!"

"You bet your little boots a Ferrari." Francis stood from his seat, pulling Melissa's as he went.

"Oh, I love a beautiful car." She seemed genuinely moved, Red noted. "Don't you guys?"

"Dude, give me your keys!" Francis whispered urgently, nudging Mark hard.

"You're not taking my car!" Mark hissed. "Have you lost your mind! Get your own!"

"I have one, you dumbass!" Francis bitched right back. "It's in DC, isn't it!"

Sighing, Red rested his chin in his palm, watching and listening to the conversation taking place.

Grumbling his discontent, Mark leaned, handing over the keys. "You stain the seats, you die."

"I just need to get her motor running, you fucktwit!" Francis snatched the keys in hand, just as Melissa turned back his way.

"Let's go burn some rubber, baby." Francis grinned, resting his hand on Melissa's back.

The man guided the woman steps away, leering back at his friends. "Guess we'll see you losers... later." He offered over a confident wink.

Liz exchanged looks with a resigned Red Reddington, clearly amused for how her friend extricated himself from the fire.

"So, in like... fifteen minutes?" Liz whispered.

Red chuckled low for her wit.

"I'm not a loser. He obviously meant you people." Michael reminded one and all. "I am sensual and patient."

"I'm disgusted and disillusioned." Mark shook his head for his contemporaries success rate with the ladies.

"Oh, hey," Melissa called back to Amy, "you want to see it too?"

Francis glared at Ben, but knew by the shit-eating grin on the man's face, he was screwed.

"Oh, let's go see Francis' car, honey!" Ben coaxed Amy to join them.

"No, you don't want to see it." Francis grumbled his discontent. "It's just a car, like any other car."

"Sure we do!" Ben clapped the man on the shoulder, grinning mischievously. "Don't we, honey?"

"I've never seen one in person!" Amy gushed, oblivious to the byplay. "Not a real, live one!"

The couples walked off, Francis and Ben lagging a couple steps. Once the ladies' attention was elsewhere, Francis gave Ben a hearty shove, sending the guy careening wildly.

Melissa, none the wiser, turned about, motioning Francis forward, extending her hand.

Francis hastily rushed forward, his cackle drifting back on the wind as he obediently followed his lady... of the moment.

"Our party dwindles." Susan pointed out the obvious. "Should we order food?"

"My precious... darling wife." Michael leaned his arms into the table, his eyes focused squarely on the woman. "Unlike my counterparts, I attempted to be covert in mentioning my strengths, all of which you have steadfastly ignored."

Susan chewed her potato chip thoughtfully, listening to the words her husband related.

Resting his chin back in his hand, Red flitted his concentration between the couple... waiting to see how the drama would play out.

Michael dropped his head back despairingly, before narrowing intent eyes on his wife; ignoring the rest of their party. "I would like to have raunchy, unbridled sex now, if you please."

Red glanced Susan's way, holding his smile for the woman's slightly exasperated expression. Though Red couldn't help notice, the hint of desire in the woman's light green eyes was present when she finally gave over her full attention.

Finishing the last of her chip, Susan sighing dramatically. "Fine..." she pushed her seat back a little more than forcefully. "Just because I'm going, doesn't mean I have to like it."

"That is not a prerequisite, my sweet." Michael allowed her whims.

Elizabeth winced, giggling softly for the cutting reply.

Red drew in a casual breath, expelling it slowly.

Michael stood as well, wiping the wrinkles from his shirt. Resting his hand on the small of the woman's back, he anxiously guided her forward.

"I shall endeavor to enjoy it for the both of us, my love." the man kissed the slope of his wife's artistic neckline.

Red grinned, dividing his attention between the departing couple and Dembe, blasting yet another disc from the sky.

"Don't wait up, kids. I fear I may fall asleep." Susan's cryptic remark floated on the ether.

Liz, too, watched Michael and Susan walk towards the hotel, Michael's arm now wrapped low around his wife's waist as she lay her head against his shoulder.

"The English are so demonstrative." Mark laughed his amusement.

"I appreciated Michael's straightforward approach." Red chortled. "Good for him."

"Least he was honest." Liz tittered, sipping her tea. "Susan's gotta give him points for that."

"If nothing else, she seemed to accept the turn of events." Red grinned for the fact.

Everyone returned their interest to the shooting contest.

They all turned, watching the shooters take a chance. Some winning... some losing.

"So... Amanda," Mark tapped the table in a rhythm less beat, fighting a grin, "you wanna see my rocks..." he cleared his throat, "... collection?" he amended.

Liz stifled her amusement, for Red grimaced in response to the horribly cliché pick-up line.

Amanda frowned for the unexpected question, jerking her attention the man's way until she saw the amusement bubbling in Mark's carefully placid expression.

Shifting amused eyes, Amanda laughed under her breath. "The only rocks that interest me... are shiny."

"If I do a diligent job," Mark shrugged, "my rocks can get that way."

Red grinned for the sexual innuendo, no matter how crass. Liz's head fell back, a groan escaping her lips.

Amanda turned fully in her seat, giving Mark an old-fashioned up and under glance.

"Show me yours," Amanda husked. "... I'll show you mine." she shifted just so, drawing attention to her breasts.

"Don't say it..." Red pleaded quietly when Mark's mouth fell agape, for the sultry challenge presented.

Mark slowly closed his mouth, a grin overtaking his face. "Baby..."

Red winced inwardly, knowing what was to come.

"... Those aren't rocks," Mark arched a wry brow, dropping his gaze downward, "those are boulders."

"Suave..." Red muttered over Lizzy's lyrical giggle.

"Now, Amanda," Liz tried reasoning when the woman in question folded her arms under said... boulders, lifting them for Mark's perusal, "I'm sure he meant that as a compliment."

"Oh, I did," Mark stressed strenuously.

"Uh huh." Amanda bit her inner cheek to contain her smile. "Yeah, you wanna go spelunking or not?"

"Hell yeah, I do." Mark replied without hesitation.

"Let's go before I change my mind." Amanda stood upright with an eager Mark in tow. "And Mark... these rocks you speak of, they better be worth it. Or I will expect a real one... encased in platinum nestled in a sleek midnight blue box marked... Cartier, as a consolation prize."

"Mercenary little angel." Mark crooned his approval, his arm encompassing Amanda's minuscule waist. "You'll have me eating out of your sweet... hand before the night is through."

"Then we understand each other." Amanda smiled prettily up at the guy.

"I've always understood you." Mark dropped his tone to a serious one, much to Red's surprise, and apparently Amanda's. "We'll discuss that rock in depth when the time is right, trust me."

Liz dimpled when Amanda's cheek flushed with pleasure for the hint of further commitment in their future.

"If you need anything..." Mark led the woman down the sloping path, his attention fixated solely on her, the remark hanging in the air.

"We fend for ourselves?" Liz whispered, giggling infectiously.

Red shrugged, "Looks like." he confirmed.

"Hey, did Mark mean what I thought he did? Is he that serious about..." she trailed away.

"Mark's had a thing for Amanda since Vegas," Red confirmed. "He meant it. That kind of talk... it's not bandied about if it's not meant."

Squealing internally for her friend, Liz watched the couple from afar, who kissed and snuggled as they walked, their focus for one another only.

Liz inched closer to Red, stroking a caressing hand over his arm, her romantic side kindled by all the 'love' in the air.

"How much longer do you think the games might last?" She asked, trailing a hand over his warm flesh to his shirt front.

"Until the end of time." Red murmured quietly. "Why?" he looked at her curiously. "Are you as bored as I am?"

"No, no... I just wanted to spend some time with you." she said, idly playing with a button on his shirt.

Surprised, and maybe a little shocked by the undertone he was hearing, Red inhaled shakily. "...Uh..."

"Don't you want to spend some alone time with me." Liz asked, just as softly. Her heart rate increased as Red shifted noticeably in his chair.

Dipping his head towards hers, the man focused on the sound of Lizzy's heightened breathing. "You want me to forfeit?"

"Oh no, I enjoy watching you shoot." Liz assured the man, kissing him softly. "But after... can we go?"

"We can go now." Red murmured against her lips, his hand skimming a scorching trail down to her bared knee. "I wasn't asking if I should forfeit... I was saying, should I forfeit?" he willed her to get it.

Liz was unsure what that meant.

"You lose, you won't be able to buy shoes." She mumbled against his lips.

"I couldn't give a damn." Red grumbled irritably, allowing a tinge of his arousal free.

"Yeah, until you go back to Italy or somewhere and can't buy something." Liz's breath caught when his hand inched further up her leg, brushing her skirt out of his way. "I-I can wait, really."

"Raymond..." Dembe said, grinning at the distracted couple.

"What?" Red looked away from the deep blue eyes, hypnotizing him, surprised to find Dembe at his side.

"Oh… right." He let his hand drop away from Lizzy's warm skin, standing absently, shaking the cobwebs.

Leaning, he braced his hands on her chair, kissing the woman's sweet mouth. "Wish me luck."

"Good luck." she flicked her tongue against the man's mouth, grinning.

Clearing his throat once more, Red stood, smoothing a hand down his front before he turned and walked away.

"Hey..." Red stopped, seeking his friend out. "Are you the man to beat?"

"Of course." Dembe sighed, but was inwardly pleased that his friend had been so preoccupied, he hadn't noticed the score or any other thing, apparently.

Unlike before, Red sped through the discs, only taking time to reload when needed. He set the shotgun on his hip, turning back, grinning widely at the groaning Dembe Zuma.

"I didn't count, but your expression tells me... you did."

Dembe's expression soured. "You have the luck of the Irish."

"It's not luck, son... but skill." Red set his hat in place, smoothing the rim, a gleam in his eye.

"In the immortal words of Shania Twain." Dembe arose regally. "That don't impress me much."

Red chuckled accordingly. "Lizzy, let's leave Dembe to his brooding."

"I do not brood." Dembe called after the retreating pair.

Red's laughter drifted back on the wind.

Dembe glanced about the crowded field, his grinning counterparts approaching, gesturing to the newest adventure. "I do, however, enjoy testing my abilities in decidedly dangerous ways."

The man headed for the rock-climbing wall, scaling the side of a nearby, stories tall, structure.

This year, they had deemed the safety harness... optional.

---

Once in their room, Red closed the door with a finality, catching Lizzy's arm as she passed.

Pulling the woman flush with his body, Red threaded his fingers through her long locks, hungrily capturing her mouth with his own. All the pent up sexual tension released in that single move.

Easing backwards, Red felt the cushions of the couch hit the back of his knees, alerting him of his eventual destination.

Sitting back onto the solid surface, Red clasped Lizzy's hips, tugging her body down, guiding her descent.

As hoped, the woman straddled his lap, moaning directly into his mouth. Yanking at her skirts, Red pulled the folds from between their bodies, easing the woman's humid center against his own stiffening one.

"...Finally," he breathed, deepening the passionate exchange with each passing second.

Grasping Red's lapels, Liz leaned, hoping beyond hope he understood the hint. She deepened the kiss, melding her body to his straining one, her breasts crushed to his chest.

Following Lizzy's slow movement, Red wrapped an arm about her waist, turning them on the couch as the woman lay back.

Lifting her slight weight, Red slid them backwards, allowing him more room to maneuver as Elizabeth urged him closer still.

"I can't get any closer, baby... not without being inside you." he rasped brokenly.

Laying his body flush against her heated one, Red braced his arm beside him, easing his weight from her smaller frame.

"Tell me my parameters." he whispered urgently, his warm breath brushing her swollen mouth.

"W-What?" Liz panted against Red's damp lips.

The man skimmed his mouth along the curvature of Lizzy's neck, reddening the soft flesh with his scruff. "What are the boundaries here?"

Before Liz could question the statement, Red dropped his mouth to hers, gingerly flicking his tongue against her full pout after a moment's hesitation.

Opening for the man, Liz teased the warm caress of Red's tongue with her own, mimicking the sensual dance he choreographed.

Panting shakily, she pushed eagerly into his affection, moaning her involvement.

Curving his fingers to Lizzy's small head, Red tenderly shifted the woman to his desired angle, moving his mouth desperately against her own, increasing the already building tension.

Wrapping her arms about Red's stocky frame, Liz's fingers caressed the man at every possible vantage point. Squirming anxiously about, her own body responded to the man's expertise.

Wriggling beneath his weight, Liz slid her leg free, opening herself further for him.

Hastily adjusting his frame, Red planted his knee between her open legs, resting his groin against the sloping curve of Lizzy's center. He pushed lovingly into the space, needing to feel the wet, steamy heat.

Kissing the corner of her mouth, Red followed an imaginary line across her jaw to the soft alcove of Lizzy's neck, nuzzling the delicately scented flesh.

Liz's eyes fluttered closed of their own accord, her breath labored, a soft moan escaping her lips.

"Touch me..." she whispered her desperation.

Hesitating in his exploration, Red took a calming breath, an inner voice throwing up a caution sign. Don't rush this...

Openly scanning her body, Red watched the rapid rise and fall of her full breasts, his fingers clutched the couch's surface.

"...Show me." he whispered, his tone raspy, coarse.

Lizzy guided his hand, palming it around her full, throbbing breast. Enjoying the sensation, Red tenderly squeezed the heavy orb in his warm palm.

Her delicate fingers fluttered over his shoulder, down the bulge of his bicep.

Lacing his larger fingers with her smaller ones, Red brought their clasped hands to his mouth, kissing the silky skin before gently laying the appendage beside her hair.

Running his own hand down the curves of her body, he continued downward, curving his fingers to her thigh until he met the bend of her knee, slowly pulling it up against his side.

Liz's breath caught as Red's warm fingers inched under her skirt, his rough hands gentle against her stocking.

The man's journey continued until he found the space where warm flesh and the lacy end of her stocking collided.

Stroking the silky surface, Red inched higher to the definite curve of her panty covered mound, stroking the area possessively.

Lifting into the teasing touch, Liz spread her legs, effectively placing Red into the cradle of her thighs.

Red's breath caught in his throat as his finger trailed the satin ridge of her hipline, continuing his exploration of the alluring surface.

Lowering his mouth to Elizabeth's, Red's caress was both sensual and erotic. His arm tightened along the small of her back, his thick fingers searching the snug plumpness of her small bottom.

Massaging the taut surface, he glanced down at the woman's writhing hips, quietly snarling his discontent for his view was marred.

Pushing upright, he roughly brushed aside her skirt, unveiling lacy lavender panties to his heated gaze. Scanning the beautiful scenery before him, the tiny satin bows laying against each hip caught his attention.

Settling his growing bulge against the woman's trembling center, Red moved slowly, gently nudging the humid seam he so cherished.

Needing to feel Red's warmth, his weight... Liz reached for the man, beckoning him.

Bending his arm, Red teased Elizabeth's parted mouth, just touching his lips to hers in grazing passes that electrified as much as tortured.

Running his hand up her rib cage, Red carefully gauged Lizzy's reaction as he finally cupped the full weight of her breast in hand. Catching the nipple between his thumb and forefinger, he lasciviously pinched and tugged the minuscule nub to a tingling knot in seconds.

Moaning and panting against Red's mouth, Liz pushed into his touch, welcoming it. "... Don't stop."

Tightening her legs against his sides, she rocked up against the hardening curve of his arousal, suckling his lip eagerly.

Shit... Red grunted deeply, running his thumb along the tightening peak of her breast. The tiny nub pressed insistently against the cloth covering it, demanding more of his attention.

Dropping his face into her neckline, Red nipped and suckled the surface with due diligence, pinching the distended nipple until the woman shook beneath him. Her desire a tangible force between them.

Kissing the hollow of Lizzy's throat, he inched downward, flicking his tongue against the skin bared to him before covering the throbbing peak with his mouth.

Moaning sharply for the unexpected touch, Liz lifted into the sensation, her mouth falling agape.

Even through the light fabric, she could feel the heat of Red's mouth and building moisture as he suckled her through her dress.

Capturing her nipple with his teeth, Red gently bit into the cloth covered bud, tenderly tugging it until the woman clasped her hands around his head and moaned joyously.

"Please... please." She pleaded softly.

"Baby..." he growled, curving his fingers into the top of her panties. Pulling at them, he worked them down her hips, his heart beating hard in his chest.

Fucking slow down! He warned himself just before roughly yanking the delicate lace down over Lizzy's ass.

"Dammit..." he breathed, laying his forehead to her breast, retracting his fingers slowly.

Feeling Red's hesitation, Liz's eyes fluttered open, her eyes desperately searching his face.

"...W-What?" she stroked his head, a plaintive tone in her voice. "Is something wrong?"

"Just a second, baby..." Red breathed, calming his ardor somewhat. He lifted his head from her breast, smiling softly.

Resting on his forearms, Red searched the face, searching his so anxiously. His eyes softened as he saw the stark passion she felt reflected deep in the clear blue eyes.

Smoothing his hand over the crown of her head, he caressed the silky waves, tenderly kissing her mouth.

"Is something wrong?" Liz reiterated her worst fears, her concern apparent.

"No," Red replied without hesitation, "just... savoring the moment."

Blinking rapidly, Liz tried to comprehend the words. Accepting the man at face value, Liz welcomed the return of Red's mouth on hers, slowly closing her eyes to the ecstasy the contact produced.

Taking a deep, settling breath, Liz determined to slow the pace, no matter how desperately she wished to feel Red move within her body.

Even now, she could feel the phantom weight of his cock moving inside her.

Curling her fingers to her side, she gripped him in a tight hold, hoping that alone would stabilize the desire coursing through her body.

Red once again deepened their kiss to an intensely slow, erotic pace when the sound of his phone ringing at their side interrupted the moment.

Groaning her despair, Liz dropped her head back onto the cushion of the couch. She felt the tension in the man's body multiply tenfold, as he lay there indecisively.

Red barked into the phone, his aggravation apparent. "I have repeatedly told you..." the man's tone dripped ice. "It what? Son-of-a-bitch!"

Deflating further into the couch, Liz's expression fell, knowing something bad happened. Something that would require Red's immediate attention, simply for the fact the man had stopped his intended tirade.

Shifting his weight off the woman, Red closed desolate eyes as Lizzy eased out from beneath him and stood at length, unsteady on her feet.

Watching her slowly walk towards their room, Red's eyes slammed shut, muttering a tight curse of vexation under his breath.

When he felt the woman slump beneath him, he felt a wave of disappointment so acute; it verged on actual physical pain. But as he watched her go... that exasperation skyrocketed.

Not that Elizabeth's withdrawal upset him, but this damned life he'd been subjected to living.

The demands, the interruptions... the constant strain on his personal life.

The moment had been so perfect, so fucking right. Lizzy wanted to make love, he knew it with every fiber of his being.

And now, he was stuck on this damn phone listening to a bumbling idiot when he had been just moments away from sinking himself into Elizabeth's warmth.

Why the fuck had he answered the fucking phone? Even now, he was unsure... stunned by his own actions.

His cock throbbed, aching with the pain of being so very close to the intimacy it demanded, but was now fucking denied. He broke into a sweat, fuming.

"I'll fucking handle it!" he snapped his ire into the receiver. "Be ready for the next shipment to arrive." he slapped the phone shut, collapsing back into the couch, running a rough palm over his head.

Pushing off the couch, he headed for the bedroom to make his apologies. His eyes clouded over as he came around the corner, finding the woman now in leggings and loose t-shirt.

"...Lizzy."

"I know," she attempted a smile, "it's all right."

"No, it is not all right." he growled, his anger resurfacing. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I am so damned sorry."

"It's okay, Red." she hugged the man, clinging to him for some long few moments. "Do what you need to... maybe we can meet up for dinner later?" she tried for a lightness she didn't feel.

Red jerked his chin, controlling the anger churning in his stomach. "We are having dinner together." he assured. He didn't care what he had to do, that was his time with Elizabeth.

Why had he answered the phone? The reason still nagged at the man for deep down he knew..

"I'm just gonna go meet the girls at the pool," she attempted another smile. "Give you some room to work."

"Baby, you don't have to leave." Red fingered her long hair, rubbing it between his fingers.

"I promised I'd be there," she reminded. "When you're done... come find me."

Giving the man a kiss, she smiled and grabbed a towel, walking for the door.

Red trailed after the woman with his eyes until the door shut behind her.

The click of the door sounded so final.

Liz squeezed her eyed against the threatening tears. Hastily averting her profile from a passerby, she quickly blotted her damp lashes, erasing the evidence of the disappointment and despair.

Sniffling quietly, she swallowed at the lump in her throat, straightening her posture. Gripping the towel in her hand, she placed one foot in front of the other, walking silently down the hallway... her mind swirling with chaotic thought.

"Dammit!" Red growled his aggravation, slamming his hand against the marble top bar.

Yanking a tumbler his way, he poured himself a liberal splash of amber liquid, sipping the smooth liquor just as the phone jarred in his palm.

He glared at the object lividly. For one brief second, he fought the urge to smash the damn thing to smithereens.

Focusing his attention, he answered the caller, slipping Red Reddington's mask back in place. Hurriedly handling the problem as efficiently as possible, he lined up a new shipment and contacted the buyer to explain the delay within a matter of ten minutes.

Laughing hollowly at the buyer's good humor, Red wished the man a good evening before ending the call.

Tipping the glass, he finished the last of his drink, placing the heavy crystal on the counter.

Some vacation this was turning out to be...

Leaning into the bar, Red hung his head, his mind filled with images of the debacle with Elizabeth.

He knew Lizzy said she understood, attempting to brush off the interruption without thought.

But he knew better. He knew he royally fucked up.

It had become commonplace to shut his phone down once they were in the privacy of their room. Bu twice now, the damn thing had interrupted them. He had... subconsciously forgotten.

On top of that, he held back in his intimacy with her. Worse yet, Lizzy sensed that hesitation. To make matters even worse, she didn't understand why he'd backed off.

How does one tell a woman you love her so much, you desperately need to make love to her... but have no fucking clue how to go about it any longer?

He shook his head dejectedly, envisioning the woman walking out that door, her shoulders slumped, and if he didn't know better, believing him to be the prick bastard he was!

God, why had he not stopped her from walking out that damned door!

His brow furrowed, just then realizing, she hadn't been wearing her suit to swim, but then... maybe she had it under her clothing? It was odd, though. Normally, Elizabeth just grabbed a light shift to wear down to the pool.

His brow darkened. What the hell had she been wearing? He always paid the utmost attention to such things.

The phone beside him buzzed an irritating sound against the counter, interrupting his thoughts.

"Yeah?" Red said before he placed the phone to his ear. "He's here?" he frowned, glancing at his watch. "No, I can't leave at the moment." he explained. "Could you... yes, yes." he nodded. "Thank you."

Hanging up the phone, Red placed it on vibrate, dropping it into his pocket... suddenly intent on finding Elizabeth. It was the most important thing in the world right now.

Red Reddington had no other priorities... none.

---

Smiling her thanks, Liz took the pins Emma offered, twisting and securing her hair in a loose bun atop her head.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Liz craned her neck, allowing the strong winds to cool the beading sweat dampening her nape and forehead.

Though sitting in the shade, her leggings and t-shirt were no match for the oppressive Texas heat.

What the hell had she been thinking?

"You're not swimming today?" Emma frowned her disappointment.

"Oh, umm," Liz hesitated, not sure how to explain her hesitancy to participate in something that just yesterday she enjoyed so immensely.

Catching a passing glance of Susan's eyes shifting towards hers, the older woman seemed to understand. Or at the very least... didn't question Liz's reluctance to slip into a bathing suit today.

"You know," Liz hedged, "I don't know... I got a pretty nasty burn yesterday."

"Oh, I got this new sunscreen." Amanda piped up, rifling through her bag for the item of interest before handing it over. "You gotta try it, it smells so good!"

"Thank you." Liz's eyes glittered once more with tears, which she quickly blinked aside. Taking the bottle, she made a show of smoothing some of the creamy liquid on her arms.

Sitting back in her lounge, she zoned out the conversation unfolding around her, her eyes scanning the gardens to her right.

A stocky figure appeared fleetingly, and just as feelingly vanished into the heat of the Texas sun.

Shading her eyes, Liz craned her neck as the man reemerged, walking around the corner of the building before disappearing behind a ledge, skirting the gardens.

Sitting upright, Liz focused on the last hedge, waiting for the man to emerge.

"Lizzy?" Emma sat forward, her brows lifting. "Something wrong?" she had caught the by-play and Liz's tenseness.

Biting absently at her nail, Liz shook her head slowly, straightening further in her seat, squinting at the approaching figure back-dropped against the bright sunlight.

Liz gasped as recognition set in, her hand covering her mouth. Her emotions caught in her throat. Pushing from her seat haltingly, her body moved in slow motion even as her heart beat hard in her chest.

"What's wrong?" Matthew scowled hard at the nearing interloper, his hand going to the concealed weapon on his hip, but more so the woman's reaction to the man.

Liz barely heard the guard's voice or felt his presence as he trailed after her. Her lead-weighted legs felt rubbery as she walked towards her new destination.

"Liz," Matthew snapped, "...wait, dammit." he hurried after the woman, but she had broken out into a run across the flat field.

Wet heat blurred her vision as she neared the looming figure. She felt a profound sense of relief, clarity and joy seeing that man's face once again.

True to form, the man's silver hair was startling against the black duffel bag slung over his shoulder and coordinating black clothing.

Silas stilled in his tracks, lifting his arm as the little whirlwind collided with his body.

"Hey, trouble..." the man murmured, rubbing a soothing palm along the woman's back, his arm a band of steel about the tiny frame.

Nodding a greeting to Matthew, Silas released his hold on the stuffed bag, allowing it to fall unceremoniously to the ground at his feet.

Wrapping his now free arm around the woman, he allowed her a moment to assimilate and find her center.

Liz allowed the tears she contained for the better part of an hour to fall as she felt the familiar width of Silas' watch band against her back and the smell of his light, woodsy spice cologne surround her.

"What are you doing here!" Liz exclaimed shakily, squeezing the man's waist, mindful of his still healing wounds.

"Now, what the hell do you think I'm doing here?" Silas' deep, calming voice rumbled under her cheek.

Pulling back to look up at the man, she smiled through the tears as his scruff caught the flyway's of her hair... as it always did.

"I'm so glad you're here..." she blinked tear-filled eyes, hugging the man once more.

Silas' attention focused on the shining eyes and wavering demeanor... seeing all he needed to know in mere seconds.

Wiping the tears wetting her cheeks, he lifted his chin and was pleased to see the woman mimic the stance.

"Who's the gawkers?" Silas refocused Elizabeth's attention, glancing over from the direction she came.

Liz laughed. "Oh... oh, yeah." she caught the guard's hand, gripping it.

"Yeah!" she nodded jerkily, wiping her face and nose hastily. Leaving the way she had, the girls must be thinking, she'd lost her senses. "There's some people I'd like you to meet." she smiled, sniffling once more.

Watching the reunion from the balcony, Red felt his heart settle from the irregular rhythm that had been plaguing him.

Even at this distance, he could sense Lizzy's relief and joy being in Silas' vicinity once more.

Oh, she trusted Matthew, even liked the man. But Silas... they had cultivated a bond that couldn't be broken, and one of which Lizzy desperately needed along about now.

Red couldn't fault her for that. In fact, he welcomed the reality. No one better than he understood the relationship Elizabeth and Silas shared. Red, too, would feel lost without Dembe at his side.

Smiling slightly, Red watched as Lizzy beckoned the man to come with her, eager for Silas to meet her friends.

Nodding his gratitude to Matthew for securing his bag, Silas caught sight of Red, giving a lackadaisical salute in greeting.

Returning the insignificant gesture, Red sipped his scotch, feeling his trepidation ease for the first time since...

Taking a breath, his gaze trailed after the woman and her guard, feeling a sense of total, irrevocable peace settle in his soul...