#but in the dark you have nothing to fear; we'll find our way [ elizabeth x wally ]

[martieshub]

Having her head so close to him the scent of her hair engulfed his nostrils. If they could stay like this for a while he'd be pretty content. One of his hands went up like they were gonna cup her face and played with a strand of her hair. An eye roll came after the surfer comment, ❛ Go easy on them babe. ❜

❛I do trust you. ❜ His voice whispered, thick with stubbornness. He wasn't going to lose her to this. Protocol be screwed if it came down to it. ❛ I understand that you can take care of yourself and I am all for it but I will not leave you behind. I will not sacrifice you for some mission. I don't leave people behind. We get out together or not at all. ❜ His voice unwavering as he wanted to make sure she understood he was also serious. ❛ We both have people who'd need us to come home. I won't be letting them down in not bringing you home also. We're a partnership. I know some people are fine sacrificing each other to get ahead but I'm not one of them. I'll always pick us over them. ❜ He wasn't sure how she done things before they'd met but she wasn't gonna get disappointed by him.

Making that promise he sighed heavily through his nose and looked at her. Hands making circles on her cuticles. ❛ I promise I'll be focused on the task while we are both doing our thing but I will still keep you in mind while business is being handled. ❜ As a compromise that was the best he could offer. She was coming home with him. He did love to get a rise out of her but in this moment he was completely serious and not playing around.

❛ Boss, we're here.❜ He heard from over his left shoulder and nodded to let him know he heard. He had yet to let go of her hand and didn't make a move to get up. Instead he leaned forward a bit and got the small necklace out of his back pocket. He chuckled knowing how he ended up getting this thing. ❛Turn please? Can't have you walk out there not wearing the very thing that got my ass thrown in jail for.❜ as far as diamonds went this wasn't too flashy which was why Lennox got it. It had the right sparkle for his wife. ❛ Get out there and kick some major ass baby. ❜ kissing her forehead he gave her a smile, the last she'd see from him in a while. ❛ As a request from Lennox, if you see Elenor, could you kick her ass for me. ❜ a small laugh escaped him as he threw one last silly comment to bring back a playful atmosphere with them.

His hardened features went back up again as he half turned and his voice took on the normal indention of Lennox. ❛Call Navarro. She should be staying at the Palms. Tell her I'm looking for the special and make sure my wife gets that spa booking. ❜ Finally letting go of her hand he gave a longing look almost like silently asking her if she was still good. She could pull out and he wouldn't get mad at her.

It was a little maddening how quickly he switched back to his persona. Almost like he had left the room and a twin had replaced him. Slipping on his ring he hummed as it shined and his three bracelets were visible now that he'd lost his jacket. Behind him a shake of a whiskey bottle was heard as it was about a minute to getting dunked on him. Lennox was a known whiskey lover and if anything it gave him the credibility to being one who hid in holes until it was safe.

She wanted to say that she could take care of herself, she hadn't made it this far without being able to. The words died as his hand came up and swept the hair from her face, giving her a clear view of his face and that dimple. She had found it so adorable the first time she saw it, almost childlike Now something in her wanted to close the space between them again and kiss it. Why was she thinking like this?

It was just the headspace she needed to be in to make this convincing, she kept repeating to herself. Something that was becoming harder and harder to convince herself of with the word of endearment that came from his lips. With the tender way that his hand was hers. It was all too soft, too caring. It's acting. Her mind yelled at her and she needed to get her head in the game. You've done this a million times before this isn't any different. It yelled.

But it was. Deep down somewhere she knew it was. Something she'd have to think about later.

As she rested her head on his shoulder, she couldn't help but ponder the question posed before her. Other questions were swirling through her head in response. Would she be able to pull this off? Would she be able to keep him safe? Would she have to reveal something about her old life? Would it mean her having to run again? Would Jennifer be there? ❝It is beautiful isn't it,❞ she teased. ❝If it's messy it's your fault. I'm just thinking,❞  If I told you would you turn me in? ❝About watching some beautiful surfers while gossiping with these women. It sounds like a great time. Greatest thing I've ever been paid to do. ❞ 

Knowing that they would be there soon, Elizabeth felt the need to reiterate it. ❝Wal's, I will follow your lead on this. I also need you to trust that I know what I am doing. But,❞  She took both his hands into hers and lifted her head up so she was looking at him again. Her amber eyes were dark and serious, her mind just racing with thoughts of watching him run around with his nieces and nephews at Easter. The happiness in all of them and him. ❝ the one thing I will not do is put your life in danger. I will not have you and your family go through you being hurt again. I know my way around these things and I need you to promise me one thing. If it comes to you having to leave without me, do it. If I become a pawn that needs to be sacrificed, do it. You do not have to worry about me. I've always found my way out of things and will continue to do so. It's a world I grew up in and will be able to find my way out when I need to. You have a family that cares for you and worries about you, and I want you to go back to them in one piece. ❞ One of her hands came up and cupped his cheek, part of it wanting to feel the scruff of his against her hand again and also making it so he could see she was serious. ❝ I will not get off this plane unless you promise me that. Promise me that you will not worry about me while we're here, you will remain focused on staying safe, completing your task, and getting home to your family. ❞ 

[martieshub]

"Maybe I'll just ask you to go. Why go alone when I can just take my favorite fun person. ❜ He shrugged as a small smile spread across his features. Work had taken up most of his time when he wasn't with family but the thought of doing something with Elizabeth that wasn't work or with the whole crew was very appealing to him. ❛ Unless you want to go alone then I'll wait for the postcards. ❜ an amused chuckled escaped him at that. ❛ That is fair. You do have a point there. I can't really blame her for picking you as her favorite. You know, she's missed you. ❜

He rolled his eyes playfully and hummed. ❛ Well, I know for a fact that we do have a Christmas market over there and we do have stores over there too. As for Mai. Seems like she's gotten the hang of it. Plus you don't have to babysit her in doing the job. And it could be fun you know, a trip that is fun for once. Plus you have to try the gumbo. You'll have a life changing moment. And if this sweetens the deal, Roro hasn't stopped raving about hanging out with you. Are you really into breaking her heart? ❜

His hand had moved an inch down her chin but hadn't pulled away. The hushed tone in which she spoke had his mirror it as long eyelashes hit his cheeks. The quiet lasted about a minute while he gathered up his thoughts. Thoughts which said fuck it, his hand cupped her face and pulled her in so they were nose to nose. ❛ How much I like you. I don't mean as friends either. I want to stop tip toeing around you. That every day I look forward to seeing you or that sometimes I hear your laugh and can't help but smile. You've taken over my every thought since we've met and you thought I was some random asshole. And though you think you're closed off, somehow you've let me in to see the real you. I cant help that I fell in love with you. I wanted to know that what I felt wasn't just temporary. ❜ He knew it wasn't temporary, not at all. He didn't love half way. Once he was in he was all in. His nose nuzzled hers as he dropped another small little kiss on her, thumb caressing her cheeks. ❛ I don't expect you to feel the same. I can't even imagine that you do. I just needed to be honest with you. And if this is where you'd like to draw the line and end our friendship then I'll respect that too.❜ Even if it'd kill him.

The corner of her mouth ticked up into half a smile as she listened to him talk about his aunt. She was happy that they were talking like this again. It must have been nice to have someone celebrate the small things like that in life. People who cared enough to get something for you just because they cared about you and wanted you to know that.

❝You should totally go, even if it's not romantic. I went by myself and it was a great sight and time. It's also not my fault I give her better treats and show her new places. Gotta treat your girl better, border collies are born to explore.❞ Elizabeth chuckled thinking about Dolly as she took another drink from her coffee. Anything to distract her from his eyes, the way they reminded her of a homeland that was never home or the closeness that he had created as he sat on her desk. ❝Oh, I don't know,❞ she replied looking at her cup of coffee as she held it in both hands, the thumbs playing with the top of the lid. The invitation was nice but it would mean meeting their mom. That was something reserved for people who were in your life for a long time right?

Not that she didn't want to be but she was still working through the question Diana had asked her weeks ago with her therapist. She had spent the last couple of weeks figuring her shit out. Who she was. What she wanted versus what she needed. How she felt about him. She had her answer, but she just didn't know what to do about it. Still weighing her choice, thinking of what it would mean. ❝ I don't want to intrude, plus Mai just started working here and I have to start Christmas shopping soon -.❞ There was something else she wanted to add to that excuse when she was surprised by the warm sensation of his fingers on her chin. All thoughts left her mind as her eyes met his. There was a split moment when she realized what was coming that she could have moved back, she could have said something, but she didn't. She didn't want to.

She also didn't want the kiss to end, not wanting to deal with what would come after. It also made it clear for her on what she needed to make her decision. She needed to know from him how he felt. No assumptions. Voice was soft and low as if they were exchanging secrets for no one else to hear. Her eyes looked from his eyes to his lips and back up. ❝ Know what? ❞

[martieshub]

Never would there be a day when hearing uncle wally wouldn't bring the biggest smile out of him. He truly loved being an uncle to the kids and being able to provide them with fun memories. That was all he wanted to do. Coming from Orion, it gave a warm and fuzzy feeling inside him. He had no ties to the boy and yet in his eyes, he was part of his family. That was special. Now he knew how Elizabeth felt when his own niece would talk his ear off about her.

He chuckled softly watching the interaction between her and Charlie. It reminded him of his own relationship with his sisters. They were peas in a pod and when they weren't going at it poking fun at each other, they were fiercely protective of each other. All that he could see here as well. It was nice to see and know that Elizabeth had people who watched out for her like siblings would. He smiled at that thinking that was nice. But he didn't dare get in the middle of this. Though, it was too late, he felt like now was a good time to just observe. His eyebrows raised at Charlie's statement and bit his lip to keep from laughing.

Slowly he turned to face Elizabeth and hunched his shoulders a little bracing for what came. It was a little that and a little bit the hit he had taken from his trip. Luckily no ribs were broken this time but it was still a bit hard to turn around as quick. As long as he didn't move too fast he would be able to make it through the day without issue. ❛ To be fair it did slip out. I really am sorry about that. Also did not expect today to be your hang out day. If I'd known I'd actually wouldn't have come.❜ His voice was sincere as a small smile spread across his features.

He sighed as he had to handle his hundredth text message of the day. Nodding his head he took out the phone. ❛ It's not a case per se. It is but it's not. Remember that story I told you about the nightclub? That guy is kind of misplaced and — buzz; ❜

His features took on a different look as he typed and deleted and then typed again to make it sound professional. Once done he put it away and sighed. ❛ Took some money and a list. This is one of those ridiculous cases but I wasn't coming to talk about that. It's actually the North Carolina trip. The one you heard a babys cry in the background when you called. I'm out of leads. ❜ but he quickly shook that off. ❛ We'll talk about that later. So, penguins huh? He seems real excited.❜

There was a sort of awkward aura that surrounded him. Almost like he didn't know how to be around her after they spent more than a few days together for that mission. He tried to swallow that down and focus on just being Wally without the baggage of everything else. ❛ So, what did you tell them? ❜ Not that he expected to be talked about but he wasn't sure why she had seemed to leave some things out.

As much as she wanted to remain upset with him, she couldn’t once he sent her that look. He didn’t know who Charlie was, and Wally was, well, Wally, what else did she expect when these two finally met? Not that she ever thought they’d meet. His next words put her on edge, she didn’t tell them where she had been when they couldn’t get a hold of her. She didn’t want them to worry. If they knew, they would say she was backsliding again, that she just couldn’t help but dive headfirst into situations she had no point being in. What she had helped Wally with would be at the top of the list. This would add more fuel to the fire this situation had become. 

Charlie just watched the man and his interactions with his son and his friend. He also clocked the way that the man looked at his best friend when it seemed like no one was watching. She was also acting a bit out of sorts, what he was used to anyways, so to say that his interest was piqued about what Elizabeth had been up to since last leaving was an understatement. It was also obvious that there was something here that she had kept from him, the pieces were falling slowly into place. A sly lopsided smile began to emerge on his face. 

Orion, excited now that he knew what was in store for him began to chant “Uncle Wally” and “penguins” making a run for the door to get to the car, Anna politely excused herself and shared a quick ‘it was nice to meet you’ before chasing after the boy to make sure he stayed safe.  The extended invitation caught Elizabeth by surprise. She wasn’t used to Charlie letting anyone get close, especially now with Orion. It also filled her with some sort of nervousness. Ever since she had come back from helping Wally with his case, things were just different somehow. 

❝ Mckinney, yes! ❞ Charlie snapped his fingers and pointed at the man while smiling at him. ❝ That’s the bloke's name. Glad to know that you aren’t him. Anyone that Lizzie – ❞ before he could finish his sentence, she snapped back. 

❝ Oh, bugger off. Don’t Lizzie me!  ❞ Her voice had begun to take on the same British inflections as his. ❝ Don't act like I’m a kid. You have one, it's not me.❞ Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms, realizing what she sounded like, she forced the need to code down and added. ❝ We also need to leave now before we miss the feeding hour. He's going to get to feed one. ❞ 

Charlie smirked, he had got a rise from her, there was something here. Turning back to Wally he continued to talk as if that didn’t just happen. ❝ What I meant to say, is that any friend of Elizabeth’s is a friend of mine. Please join us, though we do have a car seat in our car so perhaps you could give her a ride to the center and we meet you there? Follow your lead. ❞ 

Part of her wanted them to spend time together, another part of her said this was dangerous.  Charlie began to make his way to the door and looked at the two. ❝ It could also give you time for you two to get your story straight about this marriage, you spoke of.   ❞ Then left. 

Elizabeth was left groaning at her friend's last words before he left the two of them. ❝ Elias! ❞ She hissed as she rubbed the palms of her hands over her eyes. ❝ I can’t believe you said that. ❞ With a sigh, her shoulders dropped. It was her fault, she should've told him they were coming, it would have avoided this. ❝ If you have a case, we can talk about it on the drive there, there’s no way you’re leaving me alone with them now. ❞ 

[martieshub]

❛ Actually I never have to be fair. True story, ❜ He began without looking up from his bracelet. As a child he'd fuss with his favorite toy just because it brought him comfort and brought him joy. As an adolescent he'd fuss with the straps of his favorite sweater, again for comfort. And now, fiddling with the bracelet that Elizabeth made him was again bringing him comfort and a warmth that he could only compare to love. ❛ When I was eight my aunt Laura, crazy bird lady, gave me a gift and I gave her this look of pure confusion because I didn't understand why she'd want to give me a present for moving up a grade. So then I gave her a necklace she would non stop talk about and that cycle went around again. ❜ A smile chuckle escaped him as he finally looked up and stopped messing with his wrist. His eyes moving with her as she went around to her chair to sit down. How could someones movement captivate him so much. Something as mundane as walking.

He nodded his head and laughed. ❛ She's never been left out of anything when it involved my sisters. So, I think I just saved you a whole world of pain. ❜ The laughter coloring his green hues a prettier color. Surprised shot his eyebrows up as his smile turned wider. ❛ Seriously? I'm even more in awe. Incredible. Hmm only if you count through books and other people's videos? It's been on my romantic bucket list for a while now but haven't gone yet. No one's ever been worth the trip. Wow. Good. Dolly is mad at me right now so I think a girls trip will do her some good. And she likes you. ❜

❛ Yeah, yeah. I have to make peace with the fact that you're the better liked. I have to get to used to not being the golden boy anymore. You snatched that title from me. ❜ He got up from his chair gaining whatever courage he had left and sat on the side of her desk. Staring at her for a brief moment, the question registered in his head as he leaned forward slowly, ❛ Actually heading down to NOLA this year. Last year we spent it at home in the islands. This year we will be heading down to sweat our asses off. If you're free and would like to come , we'd love to have you. It's bound to be fun. ❜

He knew that she'd catch onto what he was doing within seconds but it was too late to turn back now. He needed to know something and that only could be done like this. He had done this a few months ago when they were in the air as someone else but now he wanted to make sure that what he felt back then wasn't just adrenaline. He licked his lips and wetted them as he closed the gap and gave her a kiss, hand under her chin to pull her in slightly. Breaking apart for a second he let out a sigh, ❛ I needed to know. ❜ his whispered voice filtered through and finally pulled away from her.

Rolling her eyes, she took another drink from her coffee, glad now that she hadn’t gone with the second choice of buying him something seeing how he shook the box.  ❝ You don’t owe me anything, it is a birthday gift. I would still owe you something if you had broken it. I don’t think you understand the concept of birthday gifts Wallaby. ❞  

 ❝Shit. ❞ she chuckled.  ❝ You’re right. She’d kill me. ❞ Amber eyes watched him intently as she committed to memory everyone's favorite colors. Making notes of what colors to pick for their bracelets. When did she ever get the want to be crafty? Of course, the answer was standing right in front of her. The more he fidgeted with it, the more she thought perhaps she had made it too small, or perhaps maybe he didn’t like it as much as he claimed he did. But his words had her fill with a sense of pride she hadn’t been used to, and the mention of the northern lights had her filled with happiness.   ❝I’m glad to hear that. That was what I was kinda going for. Have you ever seen them? I went once, they’re beautiful, meaning to go back. Might steal Dolly away for a week or something. ❞ 

The fact that the red bracelet was a reminder that someone cared, that someone being him, had her at a loss of words. A slight blush came to her cheeks as she forced herself to focus on the coffee cup in her hands, as she made her way towards her chair behind her desk. 

 ❝Well, maybe I’m just trying to collect all the cute Anna’s in the world, like a Pokémon trainer. It’s not my fault they all like me better, Wal’s. ❞ Leaning back in her chair she laughed.   ❝ I am nothing, if not a woman of my word. ❞ With her free hand she made two movements, crossing her heart.  ❝What do you have set up? A joint celebration for you and Lucie? Getting all dressed up? Or just a small thing with the family?  ❞