Disclaimer: Not mine.

This work is a gift to my very much pregnant friend and colleague who is a great fan of this show. Blame it on her.

Part One: Vienna

Curiosity killed the cat, and yet Madeline could not stop herself from being extraordinarily curious. She had been watching that fledgling FBI agent from afar and she just could not understand what Elizabeth Keen was doing here in Vienna.

At first, Madeline had suspected that Raymond's pet had been here to capture her, but not anymore. Keen was here all alone and as the days turned into a week, and then two weeks, it became quite clear that no one was going to join her.

Madeline observed her carefully and came to the sudden realization that hit her like a lightening; Keen had been stood up and if the solemn, glum look on her face was anything to go by, the agent knew that as well.

It was at the end of the third week when Madeline decided to approach her. Why? She had a fairly good idea who had left the young thief hanging and a little bit of taunting never killed anybody. Madeline did not lose gracefully and she would mock the naïve little girl with glee. It felt good, not to be the only one betrayed by Raymond Reddington.

As she slowly moved through the busy café, she watched Keen and appraised her. She was dressed comfortably, like a tourist in loose dark-colored clothes, her gloves and bright purple ski cap were on the table before her. She was pale, depressed – and yet there was burning determination in her eyes.

"Hello, Ms. Pratt."

Madeline smiled, not really surprised that she knew who approached her, and sat down. She recalled that she had been impressed by Keen's skills, and her cool. The potential the girl had was enormous; such a talent, such a beauty. Should Madeline be honest with herself, Elizabeth reminded her of her younger self – just waiting for someone to take her under their wing, to train her, to help her fully understand her capabilities. Pity that Elizabeth was Red's, or had been was more precise. Madeline wouldn't have minded to be her mentor; she wanted to retire from the adventures and dangers for some time now. While thrilling, it was becoming tiresome – and it would be a real shame not to pass her skills to someone younger.

"Good morning, Mrs. Keen." She put a slight emphasis on the address.

Keen's eyes flashed in annoyance – they had a new steely quality in them, which was surprising. There was nothing foolish or naïve left in the girl, Madeline discovered. No, not a girl – a woman.

"Actually, my marriage was annulled. Married to a hitman, isn't that amusing?"

Madeline was shocked for the tiniest moment and then shook her head slightly, a strange sort of pity entering her voice, "Was he a liar?"

"Notorious. But aren't all criminals?"

They shared a look. That was his favorite quote and it was all the confirmation Madeline needed. She had been right; Raymond hadn't shown again.

"What are you doing here?" Keen asked and took a bite of her Sacher cake. She had a sweet tooth; that was the third time this week Madeline noticed she was eating something way too sweet.

"Just wanted to say hello, and…"

"Mock me a little?" offered the agent and it was in that moment that Madeline understood that Keen was no longer an FBI. She was not Raymond's pet either. Something about her screamed hurt and betrayal and…

"Dear God."

When Keen had moved, her clothes had shifted a little and the open cardigan had revealed her pregnant belly. She was just beginning to show, so she was not far along, but without loose hulky clothes on her thin frame it was rather obvious.

That would explain why she was still in Vienna even thought Raymond had stood her up; Elizabeth Keen had nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

"Is it Raymond's?" Madeline knew her voice was shaking, and her eyes remained glued to the tiny baby bump until Keen adjusted her sweater.

"He is not good at keeping his promises, is he?" Keen's answering smile was bitter and painful. "I got a check, instead."

"Well, he had the courtesy to let you know he's not coming, at least."

"Lucky me."

"Are you going to keep it?"

"Of course. It's hardly the child's fault, this mess. Would you like some tea?" Keen offered – she had a pot and a spare cup. Madeline looked down at the table and was silent for a long, long moment. Now, her previous glee seemed so petty, her anger that she had been replaced by her younger version so empty, and her jealousy so, so ridiculous. Being Raymond's was not something to envy, it was something to regret.

She certainly did, oh how she regretted to ever believe a man like him – and Keen? Dear God, poor Elizabeth Keen was alone and adrift in an unforgiving world, carrying a child fathered by a man many would like to see dead. Madeline Pratt was one of them.

Madeline had been hurt, her pride wounded, but she hadn't hated Raymond until now. What had been left of her attraction and fondness for him just died here in Vienna while she observed Elizabeth Keen, and the dislike she had felt for her rival had became almost instantly nonexistent.

She had been faced with the same choice, once upon a time, and she had chosen a life without such a responsibility. With sympathy and a great deal of respect, Madeline nodded gracefully and poured herself a cup.

Unfortunately, unedited by a native speaker, so all mistakes are mine...

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