Chapter Text
Park had been with the task force for over a month now. It was enough time to figure out out the dynamics of the team and those within it.
Cooper, obviously, was the head of the team but more than that, Ressler, Keen and Aram saw him as a father figure. Park could tell this familial feeling was reciprocated as Cooper treated the three of them like a strict but loving father would.
Ressler and Aram were good friends, and (if Park was sticking with the familial theme) they seemed like brothers. Aram and Keen on the other hand, seemed like siblings too, but were more than that. They seemed like best friends. They were often joking around with each other, talking about their lives outside of work and more than a few times Park had seen them huddled together, whispering and discussing things in a way which only close friends seemed to.
Reddington’s relationship with everyone had been harder to figure out. His and Cooper’s were like old friends. Friends who had known each other for decades, had more than a fair share of disagreements along the way, but with a mutual respect for each other.
Aram had told Park that for a while after he had met Reddington he had been very intimidated and scared of the man. Park thought that was completely understandable but there was no trace of it now. What she saw now (keeping with the familial theme) was similar to that between a child and a respected yet eccentric uncle.
Reddington and Ressler on the other hand, were always fun to watch together. The older man clearly took great delight in making fun of the agent, but she could also tell he begrudgingly respected the man at the same time. And no matter now annoyed Ressler seemed to get at the man, she could tell the respect was mutual.
The one relationship Park couldn't quite figure however, was that of Keen and Ressler. They clearly had a very tight bond, formed from being partners for over seven years and all the harrowing situations they'd faced together because of it.
It wasn't uncommon for Park to walk into their office (also why were they the only two with an actual office space??) and interrupt their conversations. They ranged anywhere from the case, to complaining about Red’s antics and one time she interrupted them laughing over one of Agnes’ presentations gone wrong.
At first glance Park had, logically, assumed that they were just partners, but it was the small things that made her doubt it was all that they were.
Ressler would usually touch the small of Keen’s back to usher her out a door or even if he was just walking past her. He didn't seem to be the type of guy who wanted to receive physical contact and Park saw that Keen knew and respected that. She was however, quick to lay a calming hand on her partner's arm or shoulder when he was agitated and Park realised that she always managed to stand next to Ressler, almost always touching. And Ressler, not only didn't mind, but moved closer to her too.
Then there were the others reactions to them, as if they were in on the secret.
After a case where Keen was held at gunpoint, Park had thought to check in on her but Aram had replied, “you should, but maybe later. Ressler’s with her now, he'll make sure she's okay.”
Park had also noticed that whenever Keen was out of the office, Cooper always asked Ressler where she was or if she was ok. At first Park had thought it was ridiculous. How was he meant to know his partner's every move? But everytime Cooper asked, Ressler had an answer. Even when he didn't tell them where she was, Park could tell that he was privy to that information.
Reddington was more subtle. There were a few glances at the partners and a few throw away comments, but nothing really that stood out.
And then there were moments like they were in now. They were on a stakeout for a guy called The Magpie (seriously, who came up with these names?). He was known for leading elaborate heists to steal priceless jewels in order to provide funding for criminals who couldn't access their cash. Keen was currently undercover in the building as a thief trying to become a member of an upcoming heist. Aram was in the communications van, Ressler and herself were sitting in the car, ready to move in if Keen needed it.
While Keen couldn't hear them (she'd be checked for comms), Aram had a device which let them hear her. Because of it, the rest of them could hear as well, as they were all connected via comms. Even Cooper and Reddington could hear in from the comfort of the former’s office.
Sure Park hoped that Keen wouldn't be called out as a Fed but she wasn't too worried. Ressler on the other hand was clearly concerned. At first glance, he seemed fine, but on closer inspection he was sitting rigidly in his seat. His gaze never left the entrance of the building and his fists and teeth were tightly clenched.
“Why are you so worried?”
He sharply turned to face her, apparently surprised she'd noticed (seriously, you didn't need investigatory training to see it).
She continued. “From what I've seen of Keen, she can handle herself in there.”
He nodded in agreement. “She definitely can, but my partner is undercover in a potentially dangerous situation. I'm allowed to be a little worried.”
Park scoffed. “A little worried?” Ressler raised an eyebrow. “If you clenched your teeth any harder they'd break.”
It was as if he hadn't realised he was doing it until she pointed it out and made a visible effort to ease his face.
He was about to reply but Aram spoke up. “Stop talking guys. She's past the security check and is initiating contact.”
They all listened carefully as Keen sold her story of hearing about him and wanting to be part of his crew.
Park knew Keen could do undercover work well, but actually seeing (or in this case hearing) her in person was something else. She had gone from exuding a caring friendly personality to seeming like she didn't have a care in the world and completely arrogant about her skills.
Park smiled at the talent. “She's good.”
Ressler just smirked in response.
In his pronounced British accent they heard The Magpie (she really wished they knew his actual name) ask. “How did you know I was looking for people?”
There was something in his voice which made all the agents freeze.
Keen spoke up, seemingly unconcerned about the doubt in his voice. “I heard it from someone who heard it from someone. You know how it is.”
They heard a pause before The Magpie spoke again. “I haven't put it out yet that I'm hiring a crew.”
Over the comms a mumbled “oh shit” was heard from Aram and Park saw Ressler's body stiffen up (even more than before) as he reached out for the door handle.
Keen, still calm, replied, “well my source always seems to know what's going on and he knew I'd be perfect for the job.”
“Who is he?”
Ressler, who seemed to know where she was going with it, quietly mumbled to himself, “not a bad idea Liz.”
“My source is Reddington.”
Over the comms they heard Reddington chuckle. “Well played Lizzy. The best lies are as close to the truth as possible.”
Park gave a small smile. “I guess that's one way to do it.”
The Magpie spoke up, “He always seems to have an ear to the ground and with him fencing some of my uh… previous acquisitions… I'm not surprised at him knowing.” In the office Cooper gave Reddington a hard glare at this new information but the latter simply shrugged. Sounding a bit suspicious however, he asked, “he knows you well enough to recommend you for this job?”
Keen, still sounding 100% arrogant replied, “he keeps a few thieves on hand if the need ever arises,” and seeing the doubtful look on his face she continued, “call him if you don't believe me.”
There was silence as The Magpie presumably made a call. It was confirmed as, over the comms, they heard Dembe answer the call and pass it onto Reddington who, after a short pause answered in a jovial tone.
“Ah, The Magpie! I see you still haven't changed your, quite frankly, silly name like I suggested last time. Oh well! What can I do for you? Need more merchandise transported?”
“Ah no, nothing at the moment, though maybe soon. I hear that you've heard about the upcoming heist?”
Hearing the question in his voice Reddignton smiled. “I have my ways Magpie. Has Josephine reached out to you yet?”
They heard him clear his throat. “So you do know this Josephine?”
Reddington gave a laugh. “Know her? After the jobs she's done for me in banks, secure storage facilities and embassies, and done them undetected mind you, she's a valued member of my team.”
There was a pause as The Magpie took it in.
“Good to know. I'll call you if I need something moved.”
Reddington agreed and they heard Keen, almost sarcastically, ask him once he'd hung up, “you believe me now?”
“Yes. Let's discuss business.”
It was only after Keen replied that Park saw Ressler unclench and move his hand from the door handle.
Aram’s very relieved voice came over the comms. “Oh thank god. That was close.”
Beside her, Ressler breathed out a sigh of relief and Park smiled. She may not know exactly what the dynamics of Keen and Ressler’s relationship was but she was happy to keep observing to find out.