I've honestly been crying over Maeve's death since January, and I started this concept when we found out Reid had a girlfriend. I went back and edited it recently to go with Zugzwang, so I hope you like what I have now :)
She could sense the light. It was bright, brighter than the environment she last remembered being in. Faintly, she could hear her name and a man's voice talking to her. She began to sense things, like the IV in her arm, the bandage around her head, and the warm, soft hand holding hers. I'm in a hospital, she thought.
Maeve Donovan slowly opened her eyes, blinded by the bright lights of the hospital room. "Maeve?" the voice to the side of her said in shock.
"Too bright," Maeve said in a quiet voice. Her throat felt dry and hurt like hell.
"I'll turn off the lights," the voice said. The owner of the voice left her side and the lights turned off. That's when Maeve realised it was Spencer. He appeared beside her with a soft smile.
"What happened?" Maeve whispered.
"Diane tried to kill you. She shot herself in hopes of the bullet penetrating your skull as well, but it didn't. It didn't have the force to penetrate your skull, but it did shatter part of your skull. You've been in a medically induced coma for a week now, but you're gonna make a full recovery," Spencer said. She smiled.
"You're hurt," Maeve said, noticing that his arm was in a sling.
"Flesh wound, no big deal," Spencer said with a smile. She reached her hand up and touched his face.
"You would die for me?" Maeve asked. Reid nodded, placing his hand over hers. He pulled it close to his lips and gently kissed her hand.
"I love you, Maeve Donovan. And it took me almost loosing you to say it. I wish I had called you back that day and said it back," Reid said.
"I love you too, Spencer Reid," Maeve said. She pulled him down and kissed him softly. Her tongue dragged across his lips and he parted his lips, granting her access. He wanted the kiss to last forever, but someone clearing their throat behind him made him jump back. Reid turned a deep shade of red when he saw Maeve's father standing there.
"I-uh-I-uh…Maeve's awake," Reid stammered as he began to fix his attention on anything except for Maeve and her father.
"Glad to see you're with us again, butterfly," Joe said.
"Glad to see you too Dad," Maeve said. "Where's mom?"
"She wanted to stop in the gift shop," Joe said. "I've gotten to know your boyfriend over this pass week." Reid shifted nervously upon hearing this, biting his lip as he waited to hear the rest of this statement.
"Good choice, kiddo," Joe finished. Reid smiled shyly as Maeve held his hand.
"Oh my God, you're awake sweetheart!" Mary said. Maeve smiled as she hugged her mom. "You had us worried sick."
"It's all over now," Maeve said.
"Especially since you have your own personal FBI agent now," Mary said. Reid's blush deepened.
"When are they letting me leave?" Maeve asked.
"A day or two. We have a surprise for you though," Mary said. Maeve had a puzzled look on her face as her dad waved for someone to come in. The look was replaced with surprise and joy as Maeve's older sister, Emma, entered with her daughter, Lilly. Maeve and Emma grew up almost like twins since Emma was born in January 1981 and Maeve was born in December 1981, but ever since Maeve went into hiding, she wanted to make sure her family was safe from her stalker. It was a true feeling of freedom when she saw her sister and niece again.
"Hey little sis," Emma said. Maeve took notice to the 5 year old in Emma's arms, as well as Reid.
"She can take my seat," Reid offered. Emma placed Lily on Reid's seat.
"Thanks. I don't think we've had a chance to meet yet. I'm Emma, Maeve's older sister," Emma said.
"I'm Spencer, Maeve's…um…" Reid felt awkward labelling the relationship. He and Maeve never really talked about that.
"Boyfriend," Maeve said. He smiled nervously at her and back at Emma who gave him a hug.
"Guess you're part of the family now!" Emma said. Reid gave her an awkward smile, not being used to this much physical contact. Emma took a seat on the edge of Maeve's hospital bed. "Feeling okay?"
"Just a little headache and light sensitive. Other than that, I'm okay," Maeve said. Emma smiled.
"That's good. I wish I could stay longer, but I gotta get Lilly to bed. I'll come by tomorrow so we can talk some more," Emma said. Maeve nodded. Over the next few minutes, everyone said their goodbyes and soon it was just Reid and Maeve.
"How is it that I've been sleeping for the past three days and I'm exhausted," Maeve chuckled. Reid smiled at her and sat next to her on the bed.
"Get some sleep. I'll be right here in the morning," Reid said. Maeve held his hand.
"Can you lie with me?" Maeve asked. Reid leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Of course," Reid said, kicking off his shoes. He was careful not to lie on her IV line or her heart monitor as he wrapped his arms around her. Maeve placed her hands on his cheeks and pulled him into a kiss.
"I can't wait to do this every night," Maeve said, snuggling into his chest. Reid smiled as he caressed her cheek.
"Me too," Reid said. And for this first night of many, Maeve fell asleep in Spencer's arms, feeling safe and loved finally.