Disclaimer: Criminal Minds. Own it? That's hilarious!
A/N: Hey guys! This is a light hearted, humorous multi chaptered story, focusing on mainly Reid and Maeve. But the team will be there as well. Spoiler for "Zugzwang". Don't like don't read. Anything else? Just hope you all enjoy!
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Chapter One: Prologue
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The gun went off. His heart was pounding.
His team began filing in from behind, guns raised. He couldn't think, couldn't be afraid. He had to save her. Had to save Maeve.
"Stay back! Stay back! Stay Back!" His voice was hoarse, the fear was taking over.
Each member followed his pleas and stopped where they stood, though none lowed their weapons.
Reid took a shaky breath. He could do this. He could save her.
"Diane. Diane there is still a way out of this."
"You never wanted me. "Never! You lied!" She was hysterical, the gun waved wildly in her hands.
"I didn't. Diane I offered you a deal and you can still take it." She wasn't listening, this wasn't working. Nothing was working!
"Me for her. Let me take her place." He took a cautious step forward. Then another.
"You would do that?" She seemed puzzled.
"Yes."
"You would kill yourself for her?"
"Yes."
He knew he had made a mistake, but it was too late.
It was the wrong answer, they all knew it.
"Thomas Merton."
"Who's Thomas Merton?!" Diane yelled.
"He knows. He knows." Reid couldn't break his gaze from Maeve's. She was so beautiful. Even now. Always.
"Who's Thomas Merton? Who is he?!"
"He is the one thing you can never take from us." She nodded to Reid, and he understood what she was trying to say. All too late.
"No."
Reid could do nothing but watch, as Diane raised the gun toward her head. Why had he done nothing?
"Wait!" He shrieked.
A shot was fired.
And just like that everything over. Finally.
Reid raced to where Maeve stood, and wrapped her in his arms.
For the first time.
She hugged him back, finally allowing the reality of everything to consume her. Her body was wracked with sobs, and he held her close, stroking her head affectionally.
He looked over his shoulder and saw her. Blake. Gun raised, still. Pointing at nothing in particular.
She caught his gaze and smiled.
She had saved her.
Saved Maeve.
He closed his eyes, unable to hold his tears back. Held Maeve in an embrace he would never break. Held on to a moment, he dreamed they would stay in forever.
Alive.
His one true love.
There was nothing that would ever keep him from happiness.
Not when they were together.
Together. They would always be.
Forever.