A/N not mine, I own nothing but the plot.

This is just a little one shot that wouldn't let my mind rest. I do have one more chapter of Visitor planned and will have it up next week. May you have a wonderful holiday season, no matter what you celebrate, and a very happy New Year.

Being Loved

"They say that falling in love is the greatest accomplishment in life; however, I believe that overcoming the fear of letting yourself be loved is greater." My Mother told me that when I was just a rebelling teenager. I had been full of anger at that point in my life. She wouldn't tell me anything about my birth father or what happened with him. I had hated her for it.

Two years later I regretted that emotion. I lost my entire family in a single blow. I missed curfew and my parents went looking for me. They never found me. A drunk driver took their lives in an instant. My brothers still blame me for it. I haven't seen or spoken to them since the funeral. I was no longer allowed to be part of the family. I've been alone ever since.

Christmas is the worst for me. It use to be my favorite time of year. The decorations, the feeling of hope and joy, and the love I would feel just being in the presence of my family made it all the better. The world felt like a better place. Now, I spend it alone.

My best friend, Derek, would call me to wish me a Merry Christmas every year. I always send cards and small gifts to my BAU family, but I never spent it with anyone. It hurts to much to see all of them happily settling down, even Reid had someone to spend it with as well. I admit to being slightly jealous of each of them. Our little family had so many changes this year, and I almost didn't do anything for anyone at all.

There are no cases this year, so we were given two weeks offline, barring any emergencies. I didn't care. I would rather be in my office keeping busy, but it wasn't in the cards for me this year.

I was startled out of my pity party by a loud knocking at my door. I sighed and looked out of my window before getting up to see who was visiting me. It's Christmas Eve and I wasn't expecting anyone.

When I opened the door, I was surprised by my unexpected guest.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, very confused. The sight of the person standing before me had me slightly alarmed.

They chuckled before they replied, "I needed to see you. I needed to see if that connection we felt was real, or just wishful thinking on my part. "

He swept me up into his arms and kissed me. The emotions he was pouring into it had me amazed. Everything I had dreamed of and feared, was being communicated in a simple kiss. It was full of loved, longer, and hope. I quickly responded with the same heartfelt kiss.

We soon parted from lack of oxygen, both of us panting. The surprise must have been evident on my face. He cupped my cheek and gently rubbed his thumb over my now swollen lips.

"Please tell me you feel it too," He whispered softly.

"I never thought I would. I certainly, never thought you would feel it too."

"Will you pack a bag and come stay with me for the rest of our down time? We can take it slow. Actually, I would prefer to take it slow. I want to learn more about you. I want to tell you everything about me, even my secrets."

I nodded, almost shyly. Men like him, don't normally go for women like me. It made me slightly nervous. Once bitten, or rather shot in my case, twice shy. I made my way to my bedroom to gather my things and he followed. It was almost as if he was afraid if he lost sight of me, I would be gone. There is something there that I yearn to have. A feeling bubbling up from the depths of my soul.

When I was done, he took my bag and with the other hand held mine. I felt something shift inside me. It was as though all was right with the world now. I felt like I did as a child with my family.

We got to his car and he took care of my bag and helped me into the passengers seat. As he leaned to buckle the belt, I saw the love reflected in his eyes. I was in awe by it. He leaned in and kissed me again. It was just a small peck on my lips, but it was still just as powerful as that first one.

The drive was a twenty minute one. The area wasn't really familiar to me, but it was beautiful. The snow covered everything so gracefully. I was enjoying the Norman Rockwell feel to it when we pulled up to a two story single family home. The decorations were perfect, not over the top and not understated. It felt like I was coming home.

When we pulled into the garage, I could hear hi dog barking in excitement. He took my things inside and I followed, taking everything in. The tree and lights, even the beautiful ceramic nativity scene.

He gave me the nickle tour and made hot chocolate and pop corn. We sat on the couch and snuggled into each other with soft Christmas carols playing in the background.

"Penelope, I'm falling in love with you, and have been since we had that talk in the elevator. Will you give me a chance? Will you let me show what it's like to just be loved by someone?" He asked.

"Yes, Luke, I will. I think it's time to face my fear and let go. I want to let myself love you, and just to be loved."

With that single answer, I knew what my Mom had meant. It was time to just let go and be loved for who I am. It was time to really be part of a family again.

A/N Not really sure where this came from, but my muse seems to be in an odd mood. I hope you enjoyed it and if there is enough demand for it, there may be one more chapter.