February 2008
A few months after Gideon had left, the team had finally adjusted to life without him, though it wasn't an easy process. It was especially hard on Spencer, which Emily had commented to Harper that he was questioning the letter that Gideon had left him.
Harper needed to talk to Aaron Hotchner and maybe see if he'd step in for Gideon and be the father figure that desperately Spencer needed. Though Harper didn't want to meddle when it came to her boyfriend's life, so she'd wait and see what Hotch did first and then intervene if need be.
Harper told her mother and the rest of the team what had transpired at the cabin and Harper agreed with Emily that Spencer needed to look closer at the letter's meaning. They'd been in Oregon for only a few days before and once they returned Harper finally had time to talk with Spencer.
"I know you're still having trouble with the fact that Gideon is gone" Harper says placing her fork down while they were having dinner at his place.
She knew now might not be the best time to bring it up but she had to do something. Spencer was allowing himself to pull back from his life, which caused some his PTSD symptoms to appear more often. This is what Harper had feared the most, for his health and well-being.
"I'm trying to understand it all but yeah I'm struggling" Spencer says sighing.
"It's alright. You are allowed to not know everything" Harper says getting up after she was finished eating and cleared her dishes, Spencer not too far behind her.
"Yeah but I don't want everyone worrying, especially not more than usual" he says placing his dishes in the sink. Harper stood next to him and place a hand on his shoulder, Spencer turned and faced her.
"We're allowed to worry Spencer, we all love you. Especially me" Harper says leaning up and kisses Spencer. When suddenly the buzzing noise of her phone could be heard going off.
Harper sighs, "I hate that thing sometimes" she mutters letting go of Spencer reluctantly and walking over to where her purse sat on the counter.
"Who texted you?" Spencer asks continuing to clean off the table.
"Lily, she only texts me when the morgue gets to busy or she needs my help with something on a case. Though I swear just in general my phone goes off at the worst times" she says, as Harper pulls out the small black phone and looks at what the message says.
"Interesting" Harper comments to herself.
"What is it?" Spencer asks.
"I don't know, Lily said to pack my bags" Harper says.
"What's that mean?" he asks. "
"I don't know. I'll have to call and see what's going on" Harper says and pulling up Lily's number and calling her. Spencer finishes cleaning up in the kitchen and then come over and wraps his arms around Harper as she finishes up her phone call.
"I guess I'm going out of town for a week" Harper says looking up at Spencer.
"Why would you be going out of town?" Spencer asks.
"When I agreed to work here, I said I'd assist other branches of the Bureau for teaching or if any particular branch was in desperate need for help. For example, anything from an extremely hard cases to teaching the new recruits a class in how to deal with a body on the scene. Most of the time we just usually do consultations over the phone though" Harper says explaining everything.
"I guess that doesn't happen often" Spencer says.
"Not really but I was told it might become more of a common part of my job, especially if they start recruiting for it. And since I'm on the younger side, they wanted me to do it. So I guess I better head home then" Harper says sighing, she knew that this meant putting off a few things at home and knew that it meant she wouldn't see Spencer for a while. Walking out of Spencer's arms, Harper started to grab a few of her things and double checking how much time she had.
"Want me to drive you?" Spencer asks.
Harper paused, thinking, "No, you have work early and the subway is still running. I'll be good" Harper says grabbing her jacket and purse. Knowing that his Valentine's present was very visible on her kitchen counter.
"You sure?" Spencer asks worried.
"Yes. Maybe when I get back we could spend more time together and have a semi normal Valentine's dinner?" Harper asks.
"When have we been normal?" Spencer asks jokingly.
"Never but I did want to talk about a few things too" Harper says trying to make it sound casual.
"Like what?" Spencer asks walking over to the door with her.
"Gideon and a few other things but I want to have time to discuss them with you, in person. Not over the phone" Harper says.
"Alright but still I could drive you home" Spencer says.
"Spencer, I'll be fine I swear. I'll call you when I'm home and let you know when they've told me where I'm headed. I love you" she says.
"I love you too" Spencer says.
Harper finishes grabbing her stuff and gives Spencer a kiss goodbye before heading out. Harper texts Lily from the train and learns that she's headed to Denver to help teach a few new FBI agents since the recruitment chief up there wanted them to all know some basic medical knowledge for when they are in the field.
Since Harper had signed up for the FBI and was one of the youngest MEs in the Bureau that meant she'd be going around the country to help teach a few classes every now and then.
Though Harper had wondered why they didn't just have the ME there do so but it wasn't her job to question it. After talking to Lily more, she was told that the ME was extremely busy with a case and her name had come up in discussion on who they could have come teach the new recruits.
She quickly packed at home and sent Spencer and her mom a text saying she'd call when she got to her destination. She left later that night and after landing when straight to her hotel to check in.
Once she figured out the FBI was going to be driving her to the building every day for the teaching sections, she unpacked. She wanted to call Spencer but taking a moment she remembered the time difference and it was 1 am in D.C. right now. Harper took a shower and got ready for bed, it wasn't until 1 am local time when she fell asleep.
For the next week Harper was focused on teaching class after class of new FBI recruits, showing them how to identify certain key markers on the body to help them in the field. She couldn't help but feel bad for the ones who got sick from the smell or even the sight but Harper also felt like it was karma.
Valentine's was fast approaching and the reason she saw the karma in it was many of the male recruits thought they could ask her out after they puked their guts out in the session. After turning down yet another advance by one of the new recruits, she was glad she could honestly say she had a boyfriend back in D.C., and especially one that appreciated her choice in profession. She'd called Spencer every night, he always made time to talk to her even if it was only for a few minutes or if he was on a case.
She'd also called her mother one night to see how Spencer was doing, now thinking back on their conversation, she really hoped that what her mother said was true.
"So have you asked him?" Emily asks.
"No, I wanted to ask him on Valentine's Day, as a sort of present on top of what I actually got him" Harper says sitting on the bed in her hotel room.
"I know he'd say yes if you asked him to move in together any other day of the year" Emily says.
"I'm sure he would but I wanted to be special, I've never really has a Valentine and neither has Spencer. We've talked everything over before, so I know for sure mom" Harper says.
"Of course but I can tell you something that might help" Emily says.
"What?" she asks moving a few things around.
"I overheard Spencer talking to Morgan and I think he's going to ask you the same thing" Emily says.
"Are you sure? Or did you just hear Derek making fun of Spencer because we haven't moved in together?" Harper asks.
"I swear, he was asking Morgan for tips" Emily says.
"That means as soon as I get back I've got to make sure I talk to him" Harper says laughing at the thought of Spencer asking Morgan for dating tips.
"Yes. Next thing you know there will be wedding bells" Emily says excited.
"That's not going to happen anytime soon, we haven't even talked about that kind of stuff in detail. All we've said is that we could see us getting married and dropped the subject" Harper says.
"Well you should because you two are perfect for each other" Emily says.
"Yeah I'll get right on that mom, is that before or after I can actually move in with the guy I love?" Harper was waiting for a response when her phone beeped at her.
"Oh I've got another call mom, from work. Can I call you back?" Harper asks.
"Sure. Stay safe Harper. You and Spencer will be fine" Emily says.
"Thanks mom. Bye" Harper says and answers the other line on her phone.
After getting off the phone with the director of the program, she felt exhausted. She knew that she should have called her mom back but she looked at the clock and it was late both here and there.
So instead she turned on the TV but she still had a hard time falling asleep, because all she could think about was what Emily had said to her. Harper knew no matter what she wanted she'd have to talk to Spencer before they moved any further in their relationship.
Yet telling these new FBI recruits she was in a relationship didn't stop many of them from still trying to get her number over and over. She couldn't wait to get away from all the crazy hormonal guys.
Yes, Harper was only 22 but with an IQ of 177 she acted more mature than most people her age or even those older than herself. Plus she didn't like these type of guys and many of the recruits were way older than her.
To be fair she was dating someone 4 years older than herself, but she didn't mind Spencer, in fact she loved him a great deal. He wasn't anything like these guys, he too was more mature and smarter than most. Harper felt like she could relate to him more because of it and what they've already shared together. Spencer also had his moments where he wasn't the best relationship wise but neither was she.
He was kind and liked to surprise her. For example, after hearing about all the guys asking her out, he sent her flowers. These jock types were all complete morons and thought their looks could make her swoon. After 6 hours of being surrounded by them, Harper finally arrived back to her room when she picked up her cell and dialed the one guy that didn't want to make her feel like a prize.
"Dr. Reid" the man on the phone answered.
"Hi Spence" Harper says breathing a sigh of relief at hearing his voice. While taking off her shoes, she held the phone close.
"Harper, you done with teaching for the day?" Spencer asks.
"Yes, for now, I've got 3 more classes tomorrow and then I'm coming home. I hope" Harper says sitting on the bed.
"They're still trying to get you to go out with them I take it?" he asks, though he didn't let on, Harper could tell he was upset.
"Yes. I swear if I have rejected every single guy who has taken this course, but I just can't wait to get home and see you" Harper says getting off the bed and getting her pajamas out.
"Well I'm not actually at home right now but if it helps, I'm in Denver" Spencer says.
"Really, you're in Denver right now? What kind of case did you catch?" Harper asks getting out of her formal wear and into the pair of pjs that she had stolen from Spencer's closet ages ago.
"Apparently some home invasions have gone wrong and they've killed 3 families" Spencer says.
"I've heard about it on the news. That's why they wanted me to teach the courses, since the ME and their forensic offices were busy with the 2nd family. I heard they had caught another one" Harper says.
"Can you give us any insight?" Spencer asks.
"I didn't get a look at anything but the ME said that it was pretty strange for how the children died" Harper says.
"Yeah we saw that in the report" Spencer says.
"Where are you and the team staying? I'll try to help out as best I can" Harper says.
"I'm not sure, we just landed and are headed to the station" Spencer says when Harper heard a knock at the door.
"Hang on Spencer, someone's at my door" Harper says.
"No problem" Spencer says. Harper puts down the phone on the bed, and walks over to the door, looking through the peep hole she sees the tall man with sandy brown hair that she was just talking to on the phone. Harper unlocked the latch on the door and opened it.
"What are you doing here?" Harper asked looking at the man standing in front of her.
"Well everyone suggested I come visit. He and the rest of the team were noticing I was getting distracted and looking at my phone too much." Spencer says. Harper pulls him into the room and hugs him.
"I've missed you" Harper says. Spencer wraps his arms around her, "I'm missed you too Harper" he says and kisses her. Harper leans more into the kiss when she hears another knock at the door.
Pulling away, "I wonder who that is" she says.
"That would be the rest of the team since they were out in the hall with me" Spencer says.
"What?" Harper asks.
"Yeah" Spencer says. Harper starts blushing.
"Derek and my mom are never going to let me live this down" Harper says. Spencer smiles at her and opens the door for the rest of the team.
"I'm so sorry" Harper says hugging each member of the team.
"We'll at least we know you've only got eyes for pretty boy here" Morgan says.
"I think it's sweet" JJ says.
"You're just jealous Morgan that a girl doesn't do that with you" Emily says. Everyone laughs when Spencer finally notices something.
"Are you wearing my pajamas?" he asks Harper.
Harper looks down, "Yes. I may have stolen them from your closet" Harper says.
"Why?" Spencer asks.
"She wanted something of yours to have during her trip" Emily speaks up when she notices her daughter's blush.
"Why would you need something of mine?" Spencer asks.
"I love you Spencer. I didn't know how long I'd be gone plus I'm really grateful for them because of all the guys who won't stop bugging me" Harper says frustrated. The team awes, Hotch smiles and Spencer stands there in shock.
"Still the center of attention?" Emily asks.
Harper nods before returning her attention to Spencer, "Plus I usually do this when you're out on cases too" Harper says.
"You two are so cute" Emily says wrapping her arms around her daughter and Spencer.
"Ok team. Let's leave Harper alone and get to sleep ourselves we've got a busy case to work tomorrow" Hotch says. Hotch hands Emily and JJ and room key and he hands one to Morgan.
"Reid, I thought you might like staying elsewhere" Hotch says. Since he couldn't actually allow Spencer to stay in Harper's room through FBI channels.
"Thanks Hotch" Spencer says brightening up.
"Don't be late in the morning" Hotch says as all the team members leave the room to head to be. Harper locks the door and smiles over at Spencer who is currently sitting on the bed.
"Maybe I can persuade Aaron to let me borrow you tomorrow when you aren't busy" Harper says.
"Why?" Spencer asks.
"I can show all those recruits that you exist and what a real FBI agent looks like" Harper says laying down on the bed next to where Spencer is sitting, placing her hand over his.
"I'll ask him and see" Spencer says looking down at Harper.
After a few moments of silence, she sits up and looks dead ahead, "Spencer I was going to wait until Valentine's Day but I wanted to talk about something with you. Can we do that now?" Harper asks, turning to face him.
Spencer looks over at her, slightly worried on what she might say, "Yes" he says.
"We've known each other for less than a year and have been only dating for around 10 months since we've known each other." Harper pauses, quickly adding, "Don't think I'm breaking up with you" Harper says when she sees the look on his face.
Spencer relaxes, "Ok continue" he says grabbing her hand.
"I know some people would say were moving too fast in our relationship but I think if they knew us at all that this much progress for such a short amount of time would be amazing. Especially with everything thing the two of have been through in this last year." Harper says taking a moment to pause again.
"I want to talk about our future. I don't want this to distract you or anything but if you need time to think about it then please take it but Spencer, I want us to move in together" Harper says.
Spencer nods, "Yes. I want the same thing" he says.
Harper wraps her arms around him, "You mean that?" she asks.
"Yes I do. 100% I want to move in with you too" he says smiling at her.
Harper relaxes, "I was worried on what you might say, nut I'm glad you want to move in together" Harper says.
"I was actually going to ask you when I had the chance but you beat me to it" Spencer says.
"Like I said I was going to wait until the 14th but my mom said she overheard you talking to Morgan" Harper says.
"So you knew?" Spencer asks concerned.
"Kind of but when she told me about that I had already planned on asking you on Valentine's Day but I couldn't wait once I knew you wanted to ask me too" Harper says.
"Ah so that's why you wanted to talk in person" Spencer says.
"Yes and no, I also want to talk about a few other things but those can wait a little while longer. I'm just glad you said yes" Harper says.
"Me too" Spencer says.
The next morning, Spencer gets up early and goes off to work and Harper heads out to teach her classes. Harper figured by the time her 3rd class started, Spencer wouldn't have time to join her today because they were busy working on the case. Harper got through her classes as quickly as she could and told the new recruits good luck and she wouldn't be available to talk after her final class finished.
Once she finished her 3rd class, she notified the FBI driver that she was going to go the station instead of the hotel. As she waited for the driver, she cleaned the room she'd been using, when she heard the door open. One of the male students had come in and scanned the room until his eyes landed on her. She knew exactly when was coming and prayed her driver hurried.
"Ms. Prentiss" the man said, all authoritative, as if he were a big shot in the FBI already.
"It's Dr. Prentiss" Harper says hoping her tone would steer the man away but he only came closer.
"Sorry, my bad. I was wondering if you wanted to get a bite to eat with me" the man says leaning against the desk she stood behind.
"No. Like I have told you and everyone before. I have a boyfriend" Harper says grabbing some of her materials and placing them in her bag.
"Come on, one bite to eat won't hurt anybody" he says.
Harper looked at him, "I'm going to ask you to leave for the last time" Harper states, she moved around the desk and towards the door when the man made no attempt to move. That's when the man decided to grab her shoulder.
"Hey, I'm talking to you" he says angry.
Harper turned and looked at the man, "Get your hand off me" Harper says.
"I just wanted to talk to you" he says with anger still in his voice.
Harper looked him dead in the eye, "Either remove your hand or I will" Harper says.
"Oh because a girl like you could hurt a guy like me" he says laughing, only grabbing her shoulder harder. Harper grabbed the man's hand and twists it enough that a pop could be heard echoing the room, she knew immediately that she had dislocated his shoulder.
The man began crying out in pain and cursing at her, "You bitch! I'm going to kill you" he says. Harper got ready for an attack as the man tried to stand through the pain when out of nowhere, Morgan walks past her and puts the guy flat on his back.
"Yeah buddy, try and see what happens" Morgan says. The man instantly stilled.
"Derek, when did you get here?" Harper asks as her calm she had only a moment ago begins to fade.
"About 10 minutes ago, when this punk decided he was going to ask you out. Are you ok?" Morgan asks Harper as she sits down.
"Yeah sorry. Kind of had a moment there, it reminded me of Hank" she says, her hands visibly shaking. Morgan puts the guy in cuffs and calls someone to come pick the guy up.
He walks over and kneels down in front of Harper, "Look at me mini Prentiss" Morgan says. Harper looks at him trying to breathe normally, knowing most of the blood had drained from her face.
"You did great. If you'd have been alone, you could have taken him down no problem" he says. Harper nods and takes a steadying breathe, the locals come in and arrest the guy but load him in the ambulance to get his arm checked out. Harper and Morgan give a statement to the officer in charge.
"I guess they sent you to pick me up?" Harper asks laughing.
"Yeah but they're going to be worried since its taking so long" Morgan says looking at his phone and seeing a few messages from Spencer and Emily and a missed call from Penelope.
"Let's go. I'll explain to everyone when we get there" Harper says.
"Good idea" Morgan says.
Harper gets out of the car at the station and waits for Morgan to get out. When she looks over and sees the guy who tried to assault her walking into the station cuffed and his arm in a sling.
"This should be a fun time" Harper says as Morgan sees what she's looking at. The two of them walk into the station and the moment they do, the man from earlier sees Harper and starts yelling at her. She just ignores it as she follows Morgan to where the rest of the team is.
"What was that about?" JJ asks looking past the two towards the still shouting man.
"Ah Harper may have gotten him booted from the Bureau" Morgan says.
"What?" Emily asks shocked.
"Yeah, I was cleaning up after the class, just me, when he came in. He asked me out for 3rd or 4th time and I again told him no. He grabbed my shoulder and I told him to let go. He got mad that I wouldn't go out will him so I told if he didn't let go I'd make him. He didn't let go, so I dislocated his shoulder" Harper says sitting down.
"She was awesome. You should have seen it" Morgan says.
"Are you ok?" Hotch asks looking towards Harper, who is just slightly pale.
"Yeah, I got a little shaken up afterwards but I've managed to calm down" Harper says.
"Why is he being arrested though?" JJ asks.
"Assault mainly" Harper says.
"What?!" Emily asks jumping up.
"I took care of him before he got off the ground but he did threaten, very loudly, that he was going to kill Harper" Morgan says. Emily came over to her daughter and hugged her. Harper winced as her mom accidentally touched her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" JJ asks.
"Just where he grabbed me, it's starting to bruise" Harper says.
"Morgan grab the detective that took your statement and we'll have him photograph the bruise. I'll make sure that Agent Strauss knows" Hotch says.
"Thanks guys but I just need to tell Spencer" Harper says. Not moments later, Spencer come walking into the room and everyone stares at him.
"What?" Spencer asks.
"Speak his name and he shall appear" Emily says.
"Where you guys talking about me?" he asks sitting down with a cup of coffee.
"Yes, your girlfriend is awesome and shouldn't be messed with" Morgan says with pride as he walks from the room.
"Well I knew that but why exactly?" Spencer asks.
"She took down one of the guys who was hitting on her" JJ says smiling.
"When?" he asks looking over at Harper, where Emily still was next to her.
"They're making it sound better than it was. I had a guy come in as I was about to get ready to leave my class and he wouldn't leave me alone. Put his hand on my shoulder and I told him to let go. He didn't so I dislocated his shoulder" Harper says repeating the story once again.
Spencer stared at her, concern washed over his face but he smiled, "Are you ok though?" he asks coming over and sitting next to her.
"Yeah I'll be fine. All I have is a bruise. I just want to help if I can with this case before I'm shipped home" Harper says looking mainly to Hotch for that last part.
"We'll see. I've still got to call Strauss about this incident but I'll ask her if you can stay and assist" Hotch says. Harper nods and takes hold of Spencer's hand for comfort.
Morgan comes back in with the detective, "Let's get your picture done" Morgan says trying to make the situation better.
Harper stands up and Spencer starts to as well, "I'll be fine Spencer, you've got work. I'll be right back" Harper says and kisses him on the cheek. She goes with the detective and they get the picture of the bruise taking shape on her shoulder in the form of a hand print.
The day turned into night and the entire teams knows that some unknowing family would have their last night together. Though that wasn't what sleep harder for Harper. Trying to not wake Spencer, she got out of bed and went to the balcony. Once she knew Spencer wasn't awake, she closed the door behind her. She leaned against the railing, thinking about earlier when she took down the guy.
She was told by Hotch that she could assist on the case though only because Strauss had okay'd it. Knowing that any insight she could give them would help their case, the reason Hotch trusted her opinion so much was because she was the daughter of a profiler and dating one, plus her medical knowledge wouldn't hurt either.
She tried calm down but her mind kept wondering back to earlier that day. She couldn't understand people who wanted something so badly that they would make things worse for themselves. Then again she hadn't known why Hank wanted her dead either but it was just something she'd have to learn to accept.
To take her mind off making comparisons with Hank, she started thinking about other things. Like how she had noticed that Hotch had done exactly what she had thought he'd do. He had stepped in for Spencer as a father figure. She saw the two men talking over in the corner and it seemed like Hotch was giving Spencer some advice.
It warmed her heart to see that he had a father figure in his life, Harper knew all too well what it felt like not to have one, just like Spencer did. In the midst of her thoughts, two warm arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back slightly, resting against his chest.
"What are you doing up?" Spencer asks half asleep.
"Thinking" Harper says.
"I know, I could hear you from the bed" Spencer says in a teasing tone, until he sensed her mood.
"You're still thinking about yesterday" He says. She paused, no use in keeping it from him, Harper thought.
"Yes. When everything was over and Morgan stepped in. I had this awful reminder of what Hank had done to me, not only physically but how he worked his way into my life as my friend" Harper says shaking slightly.
"Harper I know you can take care of yourself. You've told me about the judo classes you took growing up, remember?" Spencer asks.
"I know but since Hank it's like that's all gone out the window" Harper says.
"It's alright. Come on, let's head back inside. If you stay out here any longer, you're going to catch a cold" Spencer says. Harper nods and sighs. They both walk back into the hotel room and Spencer brings Harper over to the bed, pulling her onto his lap.
"I'm here when you want to talk about it" Spencer says leaning his head on top of hers.
"I'm just scared Spencer. I shouldn't be but I am. Hank is dead but I think about all the people you and your team face and then all of those who are never caught and think at someone who looks like an everyday person like that guy yesterday then..." Harper takes a deep breathe.
"It's going to be alright. I promise" Spencer says.
Harper nods, "I'm glad you are here. You always make things easier" she says.
"Me too. Let's get some sleep" Spencer says. Harper lays down, Spencer keeps an arm around her causing her to relax before falling into a deep sleep.
That night however, another family was indeed murdered. Only this one left something the others hadn't. Harper and Spencer came into the station that morning with JJ and her mom when Hotch came in.
"We had another murder, they're sending EMS" Hotch says.
"Wait there's a survivor?" JJ asks shocked.
"Yes, JJ, Emily, and Harper I want you to go to the hospital. Try and get any information you can on her status" Hotch says. Harper grabs her bag and walks over to the elevator with her mom and JJ.
"Morgan and Reid, we're going to the crime scene and seeing if we establish anything about the UNSUBs" Hotch says. The entire team got to their respective locations and waited for any updates from the others.
When they arrived at the hospital, Harper gets everything she can on the girl's status and the investigation goes from there. Once the girl is awake, Harper came in the room to talk to her, her mom and JJ weren't getting very far but Harper hoped she might.
"Hi, can I come in?" Harper asks.
"Won't you just come in anyway?" the girl stares over at Harper.
"No, if you don't want me to then I won't" Harper says.
The girl, shocked by Harper's response, nodded, "Yes you can come in" she says.
Harper walks in the room and walks over to the chair, "May I?" she points to the chair. The girl only nods.
"My name is Harper. You've already talked to my mom, Emily" Harper says.
The girl looked her over and nodded, "She was nice" she says.
"Though you look to old to be her daughter" she says.
Harper smiles, "My mom was about your age when she had me" she says.
The girl seemed shocked, "Don't worry it comes as a surprise to most the people I tell" Harper says. The girl looks down, Harper continues to talk to the girl and gets her to open up a little more. Harper and she are talking when Emily and JJ come over.
"Ok, they have to ask some questions and they are going to be hard but try your best. They're no wrong answers. I'm going to get you something to snack on" Harper says standing up from the chair.
"Will you come back?" the girl asks grabbing her hand.
"Of course" Harper says. Emily pats Harper on the shoulder and heads to the vending machine when a few moments later JJ comes out.
"How do you think she is?" JJ asks Harper.
"I think she'll have some emotional trauma, she'll keep asking if the or could have questions which is basic survivor's guilt. After some time passes and she's older, she'll heal" Harper says sad. JJ nods, continue to talk and Harper heads back to the room where her mom and the girl were.
After the information was released that the girl had survived her family's massacre, she got tons of flowers. Emily expressed to Hotch the desire to adopt the girl but she was able to go with her family. Harper knew her mother would have been a great help to the girl but family is family. That made Harper start to think about having a family one day but that was something she'd have to talk to Spencer about in their discussion in the future.
They found the one of the two men and Harper had panicked when the man had a boy being held captive and at gun point but Hotch was able to talk him down easily but they worked the entire situation out. Until Morgan and Emily had taken the children home and the boy had taken the gun from the donut shop, her mom and Morgan were able to talk him down and resolve everything at the foster home. Everything was wrapped up and the team got on the plane home.
Harper went with them, since she had overstayed in Denver though the section chief was fine with it and appreciated her help in Denver though she didn't give very much in her own opinion. After Harper and Spencer got on the plane, Harper text Penelope that she should meet them at the tarmac.
"So what do you want to do about living arrangements?" Harper asks.
"Well we could either move in together at one of our existing places or we could move somewhere new" Spencer says as the rest of the team chats at the other end of the plane.
"If we pick either of our places, I think it should be yours" Harper says.
"Why?" Spencer asks.
"It has more space than mine plus we are always over there. It only makes sense" Harper says.
"You have a good point" Spencer says.
"Plus my lease is almost up so it would make it easier" Harper says.
"Well then how about this, we move together into my apartment and when my lease is up we can either say there are move somewhere bigger" Spencer says.
"Why would you want to move somewhere bigger?" Harper asks.
"Well I figure, one day we might get married and maybe have kids. If we do that, we might want to look into getting a bigger place or even think about buying a house. Morgan does some property work so maybe we could end up getting a house from him or having him recommend one" Spencer says continuing on after his statement.
"Wait, Spencer, you can see us having kids?" Harper asks slightly shocked that he was the first to say it.
"Yeah. I mean I do love you Harper, and honestly I don't see any other future than one with you" he says blushing.
"I can see that too" Harper says taking his hand across the table.
"Really?" Spencer asks.
"Yeah, I mean not right this minute, we both have our careers and other goals in mind but one day when we're both ready I could see us with kids. I kind of like the idea of you being a dad one day" Harper says.
"You already make great mom material" Spencer says.
"Why do you say that?" Harper asks looking at him.
"The way you handled the girl in the hospital and the kids who were in that foster home. You sat there and talked to them and even got them laughing. You had this instant connection with them and that's when I started to imagine you if we had kids" Spencer says.
Suddenly Morgan yelled from across the plane, "Hey lovebirds get a room" Morgan says. Harper and Spencer look over at the man and Harper rolls her eyes.
"Leave them alone Morgan, they're in love" JJ says smiling at Spencer and Harper.
"I just keep hearing wedding bells" Emily says as the group laughs.
"Are you sure you want to tell this bunch the news?" Harper asks turning back to Spencer from the rest of the BAU team.
"What news?" Hotch asks giving the two of them a questioning look.
"Are there actual wedding bells?" Emily asks.
"No!" Spencer and Harper says at the same time.
"Dang" Emily says sighing.
"What news lovebirds?" Morgan asks.
"No, I'm not saying anything without Penelope being present. If she learns information second hand, she's going to come after me. And I'm here way more than any of you" Harper says.
"Well good news is were landing soon and Harper may have already told Garcia to meet us at the tarmac" Spencer says. Harper laughs as Morgan looks discouraged.
"You'll be fine for not knowing for another 15 minutes" Harper says. The team starts talking about what the news could be, both Morgan and Emily already having an idea of what it is. Harper and Spencer continue talking about a few things here and there about the future, quietly so that the team won't hear them. When the pilot began their decent.