Hi. Thanks for the reviews. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 10
'You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won't happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, 'I don't care how hard this is, I don't care how disappointed I am, I'm it going to let this get the best of me. I'm moving on with my life'' Joel Osteen
Livie stayed off work for the next few days recovering herself and helping Sophie settle in. They had all helped her to make sure that her apartment was fit for the child to live in. She hadn't lived there long so they had helped her furnish the small spare room and childproof the house. She already knew what foods and things to buy having spent a lot of time with her younger sister when she was that age.
When she wasn't at work the whole team saw Reid get rather restless; no one pretended to ignore the relationship between Livie and he, not even he could deny it now. He had feelings for her and they were almost certain Livie felt the same way.
Strauss was pretty mad at her for what she had done. Running off, ignoring a direct order and acting impulsively. Add on the fact that Hotch had come to her and told her to sign the document that extended Livie's internship in a rather blunt way had angered her further. She had wanted to fire Livie on the spot for what she had done but the whole team had stood up for her, telling their boss that if Livie had not done what she had done then Sophie would be dead and their killer would most likely still be at large.
It had taken some persuading but eventually Strauss relented and allowed Livie to stay on. But she did say that if Livie ever did anything like that again then she would be fired. Livie had accepted that and had promised she would be more careful from now on.
Once Sophie had settled with Livie, she took her to meet Hotch and JJ who brought Jack and Henry with them so that the three children could meet at the park. JJ and Hotch had already told their sons that they had to be gentle with Sophie and to play nice. Sophie was very uncertain of them at first; she was younger than Jack but older than Henry and didn't seem to know who to play with or how to play with them. But then Jack had very sweetly asked if she wanted to play on the swings and hesitantly after encouragement from Livie she followed the little boy over to the swings with Henry right behind then. It wasn't long before they were seeing who could swing the highest.
"Are you ready to come back to work" Hotch asked as the three children began to race around playing hide and seek in the playground shrieking in delight. Livie nodded "definitely" she said "it is nice at home with Sophie but I want to get back to work". Hotch nodded "are you going to bring her in on Monday" he asked and Livie glanced at him "will Strauss mind" she asked "nah" JJ said "as long as she doesn't get in the way and I doubt that she will" Livie smiled "yeah might as well then" she said "so she can meet Garcia"
It had been agreed that whilst they were on cases Garcia would care for Sophie as long as they got on ok but they couldn't see them not getting on. Once they had found a school for her Jessica would pick her up in the evenings whilst Garcia worked and if they were away over the weekend Will would have her. They were planning to introduce Sophie to Will and Jessica later today.
As they watched Sophie scrambling after Henry shouting "found you Henreee" JJ smiled "she looks like she is recovering" she noted "she is a bit" Livie said and they both looked at her. "Isn't she" Hotch asked and Livie sighed "she dreams a lot" she said "she cries out in her sleep and when I awaken her she clings to me crying and ends up sleeping in my bed, she doesn't dream when she isn't alone but obviously I can't encourage her to sleep with me all the time. All I can do is reassure her that it is only a dream and that they people who hurt her can't hurt her again". There was that sense of familiarity in her voice again that made them both look up at her. "Did you dream" Hotch asked and she nodded "for two years they plagued my sleep before I finally managed to stop being afraid of them. They still come… but only on the anniversary of what happened to me, I can cope now, I'll help her get over them."
Hotch looked at JJ and realised how lucky Sophie was that Livie was there for her, no one else would have gone to the lengths she had to make sure she was ok. Henry came charging over then and almost collided with his mother's legs making JJ laugh "hey my man what's up, you having fun with Sophie and Jack?" the little boy nodded happily brushing his long blonde hair out of his eyes grinning at them all. "Shall we go get some lunch" Hotch suggested and Livie and JJ nodded. They called Sophie and Jack over and they slid down the side together laughing before they ran over and Sophie instantly lifted her arms asking for Livie to pick her up.
Smiling Livie complied and lifted the child up setting her on her hip. "Where shall we go for lunch" JJ asked as they exited the park children in tow. "Sophie where is your favourite place to eat" Hotch asked gently and Sophie ducked her head before she shyly responded "Denny's"
"Denny's" Henry and Jack both roared in delight "settled then" JJ said with a laugh as they headed towards their cars "meet you there" Livie called as she set Sophie into the car seat she had purchased and scrambled into the drivers seat following Hotch and JJ's cars down the road.
"Do you like playing with Henry and Jack" she asked Sophie and the little girl nodded "they are nice" she said "for boys". Livie laughed "don't you like boys" she asked and Sophie shook her head "but I like Henry and Jack, they fun" she said and Livie grinned "good" she said "so you don't mind staying with them from time to time when I have to go away to work". Sophie thought before she shook her head "that could be fun" she said "do you think they will play ponies with me" she asked as if that was the deal breaker. Livie smiled "I am sure they will if you ask nicely" she said and Sophie nodded.
When they arrived Livie saw her pull out the two toy horses she had brought in the car, the two that Rossi had given her; she seemed very fond of them. They headed into the diner and got a booth where Sophie showed the boys her two ponies and how to brush them. Just as they were about to order a friendly voice from behind said "make some room guys I'm starving". Livie looked over and laughed as she saw Morgan, Emily, Rossi, Garcia and Reid standing next to their booth "hey what are you guys doing here" she asked and Morgan grinned "Hotch invited us" he said as he dragged another table over to the booth so they could all sit together and shoved Reid in next to Livie "and we wanted to see how you were". Livie smiled "we're good aren't we Soph".
Sophie nodded shyly smiling uncertainly at all the team. Jessica and Will also joined them and they carefully introduced Sophie to them and Garcia, encouraging her to chat to each of them shyly before she moved over to Reid and demanded he show her the magic trick again so Livie relinquished her ring to him warning him he had better not really loose it and soon all three children were absorbed until the food arrived and they tucked in eagerly.
It was a nice meal with the adults joking and laughing trying to create a warm comfortable environment for Sophie and it seemed to be working because she got happier and chattier as the meal went on.
When they were done the kids were refuelled so they all headed back to the park and Hotch found an old football in his boot and soon Morgan, Will, Hotch and even Rossi were sprinting around with the kids. Sophie was uncertain at first but Jack came and dragged her in and soon she was nipping in and out of everyone kicking the ball wildly and rushing away with it.
"Not one for sports Spence" Livie teased as they sat on the grass watching, "nope" Reid said and JJ laughed "I don't think he has ever really joined in any games". Reid reddened "that is because I can't use math and physics to figure it out, there is no system to football it is just…" he gestured to the pile of bodies on the grass "a mess". Livie laughed "ah well life isn't always organised into system, sometimes it is a bit of a mess" and with that she leapt up and took off towards the scrum and grabbed the ball taking off laughing as they all untangled themselves and took off after her.
Reid watched them all running round like idiots and he found himself smiling as he watched Morgan catch hold of Livie making her squeal and laugh loudly as he lifted her up tickling her until she dropped the ball. "You should tell her how you feel" JJ said and Reid looked over at her "huh" he said and both JJ and Emily gave him a look. "Tell her how you feel Spencer" Emily said "tell her that you love her". Reid blushed redder than he had ever blushed "I… I…" he stammered "Reid" Emily said "she is young, she won't be here forever, you have to tell her now, if you want her to know".
Reid looked over at Livie who had leapt onto Morgan's back and was wrestling him to the ground with the help of Jack and Henry who had grabbed his legs. He realised with a clench in his stomach that they were right; he had to tell her, before it was too late.
XO
He dithered over what to do for the rest of the day and even now standing outside her apartment he was dithering unsure of how to do this. Realising that he couldn't stand here all night he raised his hand and knocked on the door before backing away suddenly wishing he wasn't here. He was just about to bolt when the door opened and Livie appeared. "Spence" she said in surprise "what are you doing here".
"Um" he said gormlessly "I er". All confidence was lost when Sophie appeared before he settled realising he did have a good reason to be here. "I forgot to give you back your ring" he said bending to bring the ring out from behind Sophie's ear making her giggle. He looked up at Livie who was smiling at the two of them before he held up her ring realising as he did so he was still kneeling on the floor. He gulped looking at Livie who looked amused at the sight of him kneeling there holding her ring. "Thanks" she said taking it and slipping it onto her finger "you could have just given it to me tomorrow" she added and he shrugged "you seem attached to it" he said "I didn't want you thinking I had actually lost it". Livie nodded "my mom gave this to me after Kaylee was born, to tell me that even though she had another kid now, she would always love me, always and forever". Reid looked at the ring twisted into the symbol of eternity "that's nice" he said awkwardly shuffling his feet and Livie smiled at him.
They both stood there for a minute before they realised that Sophie was still standing there looking between them. "Livie" she said "can we still watch the movie", "of course" Livie said "why don't you go set it up". Sophie nodded and scampered back into the apartment and out of sight leaving Livie and Reid standing in the doorway awkwardly. "So are you coming to work tomorrow" Reid asked and Livie nodded "yep" she said "and Sophie is going to stay with Garcia and she seems excited about that, apparently 'Penny said I can play on her computers" she quoted and Reid smiled "well there certainly isn't a shortage of those" he said and Livie laughed. "So what you watching" he asked "the best Disney movie" she said and he frowned confused "The Lion King" she said with a smile and he nodded slowly "the one you talked about in Stella's house" he asked and it was her turn to nod.
"It's ready" Sophie cried as she ran back out and Livie nodded at her before she looked at Reid. She paused thinking before she turned her body and jerked her head into the apartment. He hesitated before he glanced at Sophie who was watching him solemnly with her big brown eyes. "Hey Sophie" he said "can I watch the movie with you" he asked and Sophie frowned before Livie smirked and bent down next to her "he has never seen it before" she said and Sophie's eyes widened in almost horror "yes" she said "aw it's so cute you have to see it". She grabbed Reid's hand and almost dragged him into the apartment as Livie laughed as he stumbled trying not to trip. "Right" Livie said "if you are going to watch this with us you have to just watch, don't analyse ok, just enjoy". He nodded as Sophie pushed him onto the sofa and he saw bowls of sweets and chocolate on the table. "Come on Livie" Sophie said and pushed her carer onto the sofa next to Reid before she scrambled up on Livie's other side and pressed play on the remote.
Livie looked over at Reid smiling at him before she turned her attention to the TV as African music started but Reid found himself transfixed by her, the way the yellow light from the screen hit her made her skin look golden and her eyes shone. Her hair fell around her shoulders framing her face with beautiful curls; she was beautiful and Reid was in awe of her.
She looked over at him then and hid a smile "eyes on the screen Doctor Reid" she warned in a teasing voice and instantly he did as told watching the movie. It was clear that both Sophie and Livie had seen this many times as they could quote it and sing alone to the songs. Reid did as he was told and tried not to analyse the film, trying to watch it open mindedly and for the next hour or so he found himself lost in the innocence and magic that was Disney.
XO
By the time the film ended Reid was realising how much he had missed as a child, Sophie evidentially adored the movie and laughed delightedly throughout it. She didn't see any hidden meanings; she didn't see how it could be viewed as patriarchal; all she saw was a movie about cartoon lions and about remembering who you are and never giving up.
It was at the end of the movie that both Livie and Reid realised that Sophie had fallen quiet and looking over they saw her slumped over eyes closed, completely wiped out. Livie snorted "well I am surprised she lasted as long as she did, she had a very long day playing with Henry and Jack". Reid nodded watching how Livie carefully stood up and manoeuvred the exhausted child into her arms resting her head on her shoulder before she walked slowly and smoothly towards the bedroom Sophie was staying in. Curious Reid followed her watching how she efficiently managed to lie the little girl down without waking her and cover her with the duvet. Sophie's hand slipped across the duvet seeking something and Livie gently lay Shadow down beside her and Sophie's fingers curled around the toy's leg as she cuddled it close mumbling as she slipped off again into a deep slumber.
Livie slipped out and closed the door behind her before she turned to look at Reid "you want some coffee" she asked and he nodded following her into her kitchen, "how did you do that" he asked and Livie looked at him questioningly "keep her asleep whilst you moved her, Henry always used to wake up if I tried to move him when babysitting" he explained. Livie smiled "practise" she teased as she filled the kettle. Reid looked around and spotted a collection of pictures on the wall and curious he moved over to study them.
The first one he saw showed a young Livie riding a dappled grey horse tackless across the beach holding onto a handful of the horse's mane and gripping with her legs laughing wildly as they galloped across the sand. The next picture showed the horse standing still staring at the camera with pricked ears as Livie sat on her back, behind her was a girl who looked to be a couple of years older than her with flaming red hair and blue eyes. And in Livie's arms seated in front of her was a tiny toddler with light brown curls and big blue eyes and a cheeky smile on her little face.
"Are those your sisters" he asked and Livie glanced over "yep" she said "Alexis and Kaylee and that was Skye my horse". Reid looked at the other pictures seeing many of Livie with her siblings and on her horse at various ages, the most recent one appeared to be of the three of them in DC in front of the Lincoln Memorial; Kaylee appeared to be about 9 and was laughing at the camera, as he looked at her Reid realised why Livie had become attached to Sophie, there was a definite resemblance between Sophie and Kaylee and looking at the pictures it was clear that Livie adored her little sister.
He spotted one then of a man and a woman lying on the beach smiling at the camera in an almost exasperated way that told Reid they hadn't been expecting the camera. "Is that your mom and dad" he asked as Livie came over "yep" she said "you look a lot like your mom" he told her and Livie smirked "you are not the first to say that" she said "everyone calls me her doppelganger". She handed him one of the cups of coffee she was holding before she looked at the pictures, frozen images of a time when she was happy.
The last photo that caught Reid's eye showed a group of girls of around Livie's age all sitting in the grass with the camera held at arms length as they all squeezed in to get in the frame grinning cheesy grins. "Those are my friends" Livie said "met them in DC, April, Tali and Blair, our parents all worked a case together and we found we have a lot in common". Reid looked at her questioningly "we all went through a lot when we were kids" she explained and he nodded ducking his head "where are they now" he asked
"April is working an internship at the Jeffersionion Institute in DC as a forensic anthropologist, Blair is finishing off a policing course before she goes to work for the FBI and Tali… well she is doing a criminology course alongside working for agencies doing undercover work, she is 23". Reid blinked "undercover" he asked and Livie nodded "don't ever get on the wrong side of her" she said "she was trained to kick ass, actually don't get on the wrong side of any of them, they are all pretty kick ass, especially Tali and Blair" he nodded "dully noted" he said and Livie smiled before she turned to face him fully.
"So" she said "Now that the kid has gone to bed I guess we can talk huh". Reid froze "um" he managed "what are you talking about". Livie gave him a look before she headed over to the sofa and sat down urging him to follow in suit. Once they were both settled she looked at him, "Spence you didn't come over here just to give me back my ring did you". He swallowed ducking his head "no" he mumbled. It was quiet until he looked up and saw that Livie was looking at him gently, her eyes kind but questioning.
"Spence" she said in a soft soothing voice "why did you come". "Um" he said wishing that he was anywhere but here until he looked into his eyes and felt like he was falling "…I um… I care for you" he blurted out and Livie blinked in surprise as he carried on at top speed "Emily and JJ said I should come and tell you how I feel because come the end of the six months you will be gone and that I shouldn't wait until you were gone before I realised how I felt and I know that it is stupid and that you probably don't feel the same way but I had to say it and now I am beginning to wish I hadn't because…."
"Whoa Spence breathe" Livie soothed placing a finger over his lip "take a breath before you pass out" she waited until he had taken a deep breath before she leaned back to look at him playing with her ring. She studied him long and hard before she sighed "what makes you think I don't feel the same way" she asked softly and it was his turn to blink in surprise "I …er … do you" he asked and she cocked her head to the side smiling "I let you come in didn't I" she asked and he nodded "Spence" she said softly "you are the only person I have opened up to the way I did" they both ducked their heads "if I didn't trust you would I have let you in" she asked.
Reid shook his head wondering what to do now. "I care about you too Spence" Livie whispered looking down, "but… things are complicated aren't they". Reid nodded "yeah we work together" he said glumly. He was surprised when Livie laughed "that is what you think is the problem… that we work together? Spence I don't even know why they have rules about dating co-workers, nobody ever listens, and from what I have seen they work out really well". He looked at her confused "what is your complication" he asked and she smiled "not that we work together but when we don't work together."
Reid frowned and Livie sighed before elaborating "my job isn't permanent Spencer… in five months my internship with you will be over and I will be gone… I could stay in Quantico but I didn't plan to stay". Reid noticed her choice of words "you didn't plan to" he questioned "as in you didn't count on wanting to stay". She lifted her gaze to stare straight him straight in the eyes and he had to struggle not to lose himself in their deep mysterious depths. "I didn't count on you Spence" she admitted and he felt his gut clench as they stared into each others souls.
It was a while before they looked away and they both instantly realised that there was no going back now and they both reddened. "Um I should go" Reid said awkwardly standing up "I'm sorry… I shouldn't have come… I shouldn't have messed things up. I should have left things how they were". He turned and almost fled out the door stumbling down the steps trying to get her words out of his head;
"I didn't count on you Spence"
"I didn't count on you Spence"
She hadn't counted on meeting him. She hadn't counted on getting close to him. She hadn't counted on them having feelings for each other. This wasn't part of her plan. And it wasn't part of his plan either. To fall in love with a girl who wouldn't stay; she had her whole life ahead of her, she wouldn't remain in Quantico just for him.
He threw the door to her apartment building open harder than expected and he fell out of the building breathing in lungfuls of fresh air rubbing his eyes trying to focus. He leaned against the wall briefly before he turned and began to walk briskly down the road trying to figure out what to do next.
"Spencer … wait" he didn't automatically register that someone was shouting out to him, it was only when she began to shout loudly that he realised he was being hailed and he turned to see Livie running down the road after him "hey wait up you idiot" she said as she grabbed his arm and he stared at her "no one has called me an idiot before" he said and she rolled her eyes "yeah well it transpires Spence you may be a genius at some things but when it comes to girls you have no frickin clue" he nodded numbly.
"Why did you leave" she asked staring at him "because I made a mistake coming" he said. "No" she said "no Spence you didn't ok" she said "I am glad you came, I am glad you told me how you feel because it makes me feel glad that I know you feel the same way, I would have hated it if you hadn't told me or you had waited until I was leaving before you decided to voice your feelings. You can't run away from things like that Spencer"
Reid stared at her in shock as she folded her arms across her chest "now can we please go back into the apartment and discuss this further before Sophie wakes up and wonders where I am". Reid gulped having momentarily forgotten about the child upstairs. He nodded and they both walked in silence back to her building and up to her apartment where she unlocked the front door to let them in. "Let me just check on Sophie" she murmured as she closed the front door and he nodded watching her slip off towards the little girl's room.
He moved over to the window and watched the people moving down the street, going about their daily lives. He watched a young couple sauntering down the road arm in arm. The man was staring at the girl with undeniable love and adoration in his eyes. A couple of weeks ago Reid wouldn't have understood that love. Now though it was mirrored in him.
He started as Livie came up beside him quietly "still sleeping thank goodness" she murmured referring to the sleeping child. Slowly she slipped her arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder joining him as he watched the people walk by.
It was a few minutes later that Reid picked up the courage to slowly turn to look at her and he stared at her as though trying to memorise every inch of her, though he already had a long time ago. Livie slowly reached up and cupped his cheek staring at him allowing feelings and emotions to be covered through their gazes. Then slowly her hand slipped away from his cheek to take his hand and she gently tugged him away from the window. At first Reid thought that she was taking him to the sofa again but his stomach clenched as she led him past the sofas and towards another door that evidently led to her bedroom.
She stopped in the doorway gazing up at him and he felt his heart quicken as he swallowed wondering if she was thinking what he was thinking. The distance between them lessened before their lips met and he felt a thrill rush through him as his arms instinctively moved to hold her feeling her hands slip through his hair. When they pulled apart they looked at each other before she smiled and gently led him into her bedroom carefully closing the door behind them.
XO
When Reid awoke the next morning it took him a few minutes before he remembered what had happened last night and he sat up startled as he remembered; he had gone to Livie's house to tell her how he felt. Sophie had been awake and he had ended up watching a Disney movie with her and Livie until she had fallen asleep. Then he and Livie had talked and he had confessed his feelings for her and she had told him she felt the same way. Then panicked about how things had turned out he had left and she had come after him bringing him back. Then they had kissed and gone into her room… 'ah shit'. He didn't remember leaving.
He looked over and was startled when he saw Livie lying next to him curled up on her side still sleeping peacefully the sheets draped loosely over her small frame.
Reid thought quickly back over the events of last night, especially the ones after the bedroom door had closed. He found that it was a bit of a blur which worried him as he never forgot anything. But Livie did have that dizzying effect on him. He remembered holding her close as their lips joined and holding her tenderly as if she was made of glass because to him he was. She was so rare and beautiful he didn't want to lose her, god knows if he would find someone like her again.
He remembered the feel of her fingers gently stroking at his skin as she pushed his shirt off before slipping her own off. He remembered the feel of her long soft curls tickling his hands as he stroked her soft skin. He also remembered her scars.
When she had first felt his hands slide gently over one of the ones on her shoulder she had flinched and shied away quickly turning away breathing heavily. She had refused to look at him as she had trembled obviously remembering something painful. Once she had recovered herself though she still refused to look at him as though fearing what he might think of the marks that marred her skin.
But Reid hadn't thought they were ugly blemishes on her skin. No he had seen them as marks of her beauty and her strength. Her scars were marks from her past, marks from her pain and her suffering, they reminded her of her past, showing that it was always there and you could hide it but it would always be there. But Reid considered them marks of strength, her courage and pride, her determination and bravery, the scars made her who she was, and he loved every part of her.
Carefully he had moved over to her and gently wrapped an arm around her feeling her tense uncertainly but he hadn't hesitated before he had very carefully and gently pressed his lips to one of the scars kissing it gently. She had frozen in surprise before she had turned her head to look at him before a look of relief had slipped over her and she had slowly shifted so that he could see the marks on her front from where she had been stabbed and shot. He had stroked them lovingly before looking at her and their lips had met again as she had fallen back into his arms.
They hadn't gone any further he realised, they had just lain down together and eventually fallen asleep together feeling at peace for the first time in a while.
He looked over at her as she stirred and she slowly rolled over with a mumble and her eyelids fluttered open to look at him. She stared at him for a split second before she smiled "hey" she mumbled "you're still here". He nodded awkwardly "shouldn't I be" he asked and her smile widened "No I don't mind, I just thought you would of left again". He smiled uncomfortably shifting as she sat up pulling the sheet with her to conceal her naked body as she studied him. "You ok" she asked gently and he nodded "just wondering what we are going to do now". Livie nodded biting her lip "I guess we should discuss that huh"
She shifted again before she dropped her head and her hair fell around her face like a curtain shielding her. "How ... do you feel" Reid asked suddenly worried by the gesture of hiding. It was a few minutes before she slowly lifted her head to look at him. Slowly she smiled "Spence" she whispered reaching out to cup his cheek "you are an amazing man and I love you dearly for who you are but we both know the truth… I won't be here forever" he nodded before he took her hand "say something" she whispered and he gulped "I … um … I'm no good with words but… I don't want this to end" "me neither" Livie said softly "but I don't know if I would be able to cope losing you" he said "knowing that in six months you will be gone" "I know but I don't care" she said whispered "lets not think about the future, lets focus on the now". Confused Reid looked up at her.
Livie stared at him "lets enjoy what time we get" she said "then when the time comes that I have to leave, there will be no regrets, no if onlys, just satisfaction that we didn't waste time". Reid stared at her "I don't know if I can do that" he whispered "to love you knowing that it will have to end".
"How about we don't take that for granted" she whispered and she kissed him again and their lips moulded together as they slowly lay back down again Livie cuddling up against his chest. "So what do you say" she whispered and Reid thought as he traced his fingers across her smooth skin. He looked down into her gentle chocolate coloured eyes that stared up at him and as usual it felt like they were swallowing him up. He knew he couldn't leave her. Not even if he wanted to. "Yes" he whispered "no regrets".
Livie's smile was like a sunrise as it lit up her face before she kissed him again running her hands through his hair.
"Livie" came a small call and Livie let out a gasp as she pulled away and they both sat up yanking the covers around them as the door opened and Sophie came running in. She stopped when she saw Livie and Reid sitting up in bed looking guilty "Livie what you doing" she asked "nothing kiddo" Livie said and Sophie frowned "why is Spencer in your bed". Reid reddened at that ducking his head "um" Livie said fumbling with words "he er was tired last night and wanted to sleep so he stayed here". Sophie still looked suspicious but to everyone's relief she dropped the subject.
"Livie are we going to your work today" she asked and Livie nodded as Sophie moved over "yes we are" she said "cool and can I play on Penny's computers" the child asked excitedly. Livie smiled "when she isn't using them" she said "have you chosen some toys to take honey" she asked and Sophie shook her head "well go pick some and put them in your rucksack, I will be in to get you dressed in a minute ok". Sophie nodded and ran out of the room allowing Livie and Reid to both leap up and hurriedly dress themselves "I should er probably head home and change" Reid said awkwardly and Livie smiled weakly "yeah" she said.
Once they were dressed Livie followed Reid out of the bedroom and to the front door "so I'll see you at work then" she said and Reid nodded "bye" he said awkwardly and smiling Livie reached up and kissed his cheek "see you soon Spence" she whispered before they heard Sophie call out and Livie quickly pulled back into the apartment shutting the door to answer the child in her care.
Reid stood there for a minute before he slowly turned and headed down the stairs still smiling as he thought of the beautiful brunette upstairs whom he could not believe he was lucky enough to be in love with and loved by.
XO
When he arrived at the BAU everyone was already sitting at their desks. He walked quickly over to his desk and sat down ducking his head as he turned on his computer and pulled his things out of his bag. He sensed someone watching him and looking up he saw Emily, Morgan, Garcia and JJ all watching him. "What" he asked.
"And" JJ prompted "how'd it go", at his bemused expression she elaborated "your talk with Livie" she explained "You said you would talk to her". Reid ducked his head "I … couldn't" he said "I couldn't ruin what we had, I am happy with how things are". Both JJ and Emily looked severely disappointed "Spencer" JJ said but Reid shook his head "I can't be with her knowing that in six months she will be gone" he said "so we will just be friends".
Before anyone could say anything else they heard the sound of the elevator doors opening and looking over they saw Livie exiting with Sophie in her arms who was looking around curiously before she spotted the BAU team and she smiled and waved. Grinning Livie opened the doors before she set Sophie down watching as she dashed across the bullpen towards the others. She looked very cute in a little denim skirt with a light green t shirt over the top and her hair tied up in pigtails. She looked like an average six year old, rather than the frightened little girl who had seen so much violence when they had first met her.
"Hey Sophie" Morgan greeted affectionately rising to lift the little girl up and whirl her around making her laugh excitedly "how's it going short stuff". Sophie laughed "again Morgan" she cried delightedly and grinning Morgan complied whirling her around.
Glancing up Reid saw that Livie was smiling at Sophie as she settled down at her desk, she glanced over and gave him a brief smile as she set her bag and a little rucksack down that had toys spilling out of it. "Hey Spence" she said brightly "tired after yesterday" he blinked confused "entertaining three kids with magic tricks" she said "can't be easy" "oh yeah" he said uncertainly "um yeah". Livie smirked before she turned to her desk to turn on the computer before she looked back at Sophie who had grabbed her rucksack and was showing everyone her toys excitedly.
"Well" Garcia said coming over to Livie "I have a bit of work to do at the moment but shall I come pick her up when I am done" "sounds good thanks" Livie said and grinning the technical analyst headed off to her office as everyone else settled down.
Sophie moved from desk to desk over the course of the morning spending the morning colouring at Livie's then watching magic tricks at Reid's before she moved to Emily where she played with her ponies before at lunch moving over to Morgan who sat her on his lap feeding her a variety of sugary treats and allowing her to try out his iPod as she sat there with sugar from the doughnuts all around her mouth.
Eventually she slid off his lap announcing that she needed the toilet and Livie headed off with her. By the time she had returned Morgan and Emily had located a board game from the bag and had set it up and they played with her over lunch.
Reid headed off for coffee as the lunch break drew to a close and he was joined by Livie and they stood silently side by side as they filled their cups. "You coming over tonight" she murmured quietly and he looked at her "do you want me to" he asked and she gave him a pointed look "no I was asking for the hell of it" she said "of course I do and we have to continue your Disney education of course" he blinked as she smirked "I do believe tonight's movie is Bambi" "ok" he said "will I like that" Livie grinned slyly "come and make up your own opinion" she said and he smiled before they headed back into the bullpen.
Hotch and Rossi had joined the group and were watching the board game amused as the two grown agents played against the little girl allowing her to win. Not long after, Garcia appeared and took Sophie into her office so that Hotch could call a meeting to discuss some potential cases and do some from the office profiling.
It was hard to drag Sophie out of Garcia's office; she had had such an amazing time playing on the computers, drawing funny faces and using 'cool' computer programmes. Eventually Livie managed to persuade her to leave promising she would be back soon. They all rode the elevator down and called out their goodbyes "later Livie later Soph" Morgan called as he headed for his car "yeah later" Livie responded before looking at Reid "later Spence" she said with a twinkle in her eye before she carefully helped Sophie into her car seat.
Smiling Reid walked over to his car and glanced over his shoulder at her as she clambered into the driver's seat and drove out of the parking lot. Reid watched her go hating having to watch her drive away. But it was ok for now he told himself, he would see her later and that was what made him head home with a spring in his step knowing that soon he would see her again. The most beautiful girl - to him - in the world
'Love is our true destiny. We do not find meaning of life by ourselves alone; we find it with another' Thomas Merton
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Mysticgirl.