Chapter Text
Present day...
It was late afternoon when Red’s jet landed at the air strip just outside of Washington, D.C. Ressler stood at the top of the jet's stairs, and glanced down at the runway below. Cooper and Liz stood waiting by a familiar black Suburban. Beside them was Red’s Mercedes. Liz’s face lit up at the sight of Ressler and, as he descended the steps, she ran towards him and let him fold her in his arms.
“It’s ok,” he murmured. “Everything’s ok.” He kissed the top of her head lightly.
Liz clung to him wordlessly as Cooper smiled behind her. When she eventually pulled back, he could see the tears glistening in her eyes as she gave him a watery smile. “Welcome back,” she whispered as he gently brushed a tear off her cheek.
Liz’s expression turned more somber as she watched Red and Dembe descend the stairs behind him.
“Elizabeth,” Red said evenly. Liz glanced back and forth between Red and Ressler, all the while never loosening her grip on Ressler.
“Red,” she replied, warily.
They were like two cats sizing up one another as Ressler shifted his glance from one to the other. He knew they needed to come together and talk - really talk. He just wasn’t sure of the best way to make that happen. Fortunately, Dembe stepped in.
“Elizabeth. You need to come with us. It’s time for you and Raymond to talk," Dembe said firmly.
Liz scanned Ressler’s face anxiously but he dipped his head in quiet agreement. Liz and Red did need to talk. Now, more than ever. Liz slowly released him from her grip and, with a quick squeeze of his fingertips, turned and slid into the back seat of the Mercedes. Red got in from the other side and Dembe slid into the front seat beside the driver.
As the Mercedes drove away, Cooper turned to Ressler and clapped his shoulder. “I can’t wait to hear about this one.” If only I could tell you all of it, Ressler thought to himself. He knew it wasn’t his place. Only Red would decide how much of the story would be shared - or not shared - with the rest of the Task Force.
Later that night, Ressler was about to head to bed when he heard a soft knock at his door. He glanced through the peephole and was surprised to see Liz standing there. He’d expected her to be tied up with Reddington all night.
“Can I come in?” she asked shyly as he opened the door. “I know it’s late. I won’t stay long.”
“Of course,” he replied as he held the door open. “Is everything ok? Did you and Red talk?”
“We did,” Liz replied. “He told me all of it.” She shook her head. “I’m still processing it all.”
Ressler nodded. He could see the exhaustion and confusion etched on her face and felt immediately sympathetic. He'd had several more days than her to begin to adjust to Red’s story. Barely thinking, he stepped forward and took her in his arms again to offer what comfort he could. They stood quietly for a while, simply embracing, before Liz pulled back and took Ressler’s hands. “Thank you,” she said simply.
“For what?” Ressler asked.
“For going along with it, for trying to help - I was so terrified he was going to kill you but hearing your voice - that was the only thing that calmed me down,” Liz replied tearfully.
“He was never gonna hurt me, Liz,” Ressler replied softly. “I was never worried about that.”
Liz exhaled. “I knew that too. Deep down. But I think I just panicked when I realized he’d taken you. I was less concerned about him hurting you than about him putting you in an untenable situation.”
“And, instead we walked away with a hard drive,” Ressler replied. “Does he have any idea what’s on it?”
Liz shook her head. “If he does, he didn’t say. I do think he’ll turn it over to Aram and we’ll find out eventually. The things he told me I - I —“
“We’ve been judging him all wrong,” Ressler said quietly.
Liz nodded. “Yes. He didn’t do what he did to destroy my life or my father or my parents. He always thought he was doing what was best.”
“That moment you realize your enemy isn’t actually your enemy,” Ressler murmured as he took her in his arms again. “Believe me, I understand. So what now?”
“Now, I finally know why he’s done what he’s done," Liz replied as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "We’ll figure out what’s on that hard drive and where it takes us, but we’ll do it together. All of us,” Liz whispered.
“Partners,” Ressler replied softly.
“Exactly," Liz replied as she nestled closer against his chest.