Early November 2013

Red lowered himself to sit next to Lizzy on the cold, stone stair, close enough that his side pressed against hers. She leaned her head on his shoulder, still staring off in a daze. He sighed, wrapping his arm around her back and pulling her tighter still into his side.

Red wished idly that Lizzy chose a different hiding place to process what had happened, somewhere a little more forgiving on his tired, old bones. He wasn't alone in his exhaustion, however; weariness permeated every inch of both of their bodies. He was only one hundred percent certain Lizzy hadn't dozed off against his shoulder when she started to speak.

"I have to tell him. I'm sorry, I know it'll screw everything up, but I have to."

"Of course. You have nothing to apologize for. I mean, God, we thought…" He shook himself mentally. "I told you before we left that there were options. It's just a shame the timing is so…"

"I know," she said, "I know. This is crazy, isn't it? We should just…" She trailed off, her jaw working awkwardly.

"We probably should, but you obviously don't want to and neither do I, so honestly? I don't give a shit what we should do in this instance. We'll figure it out."

Lizzy tilted her head so she could search his eyes. "Are we being selfish here?" she asked.

"Yes," he said simply, "but I really don't care. Do you?" The corner of her mouth curved up in a sad, sleepy smile and she rested her head on his shoulder again; he pressed a lingering kiss to her temple.

"Even if I don't deserve another chance, you sure as hell do. If I can offer that to you, I wouldn't dream of…" He clenched his jaw, shook his head sharply. "We'll figure it out. Somehow. I promise you that."