"Sometimes I wonder where I've been
Who I am, do I fit in?"-'Out Here on My Own' from Fame

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The drive back to Spencer and Maggie's was quiet until Derek couldn't take it anymore.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"She's not okay. She's trying to sound okay but she's not. It's more than just the sound of her voice that says she misses me when I'm away. There was something really sad and I know it was naïve of me but I really thought this would make things better somehow."

"You had to know that it couldn't be as simple as a grown up slumber party. She's broken into enough pieces that she may never be completely whole. Just know that the two of you aren't the only ones trying to find and assemble those pieces. We all want Maggie to be happy."

Derek stopped the car in front of the home and looked up to see Claire already standing at the curb. Her hair and makeup were still a sight to behold but she was dressed normally again and worry was etched upon her face.

"I don't know what happened. We were singing and talking about silly girl stuff and she just got really quiet and said she wanted you to come home. I thought we were helping her."

"You are Claire. I'm so glad you decided to come over and spend the time with her."

Morgan approached the pair and spoke softly to Reid.

"Do you mind if I talk to her first. I'd like her to know some things and, well, I have sisters, you know?"

Spencer nodded and Morgan strode over to the porch where Maggie was sitting on the swing with her knees pulled up to her chest. She was still wearing the dress but her hair was down and the braiding had caused it to form a halo of waves around her head. Her feet were now bare and she looked like a small child playing dress up. Garcia was standing by the front door wringing her hands. He went to Garcia first.

"She won't let either of us get near her. I just want to help her so badly Derek."

Tears were sliding silently down her rounded and rouged cheeks and Derek couldn't help but give her a big hug.

"I know you have helped her baby girl. I know you have. Do you think you could put all of that stuff away so she doesn't have to think about it later?"

Garcia nodded and went back in the house to clean up the mess their little party had made while Derek walked over to the swing and crouched down in front of Maggie. He spoke very gently as if addressing a child who was lost. In fact it was the same tone he used when he needed to question children who were victims or witnesses.

"Hey princess, what happened? I left earlier and you were smiling and laughing and singing to beat the band and we come back to this. Fill me in."

Her eyes were fixed on the tops of her knees and never wavered as Derek spoke to her. She didn't answer him, just shook her head "no".

"Okay, so I guess I get to do the talking. That's okay, I have plenty to say but first can I sit next to you? I'm not as young as I used to be and my knees aren't going to hold out like this forever."

She still didn't speak but her head bobbed ever so slightly to indicate an affirmative. Once settled next to Maggie on the swing, Morgan continued talking in the same soothing voice.

"I remember when Reid first told me about you. I thought maybe he had a girl but I wasn't sure. The only thing I did know was that he was keeping something from me so in true annoying big brother fashion I teased him and kept asking what her name was. He kept dodging me and then a case came up so I let it drop. We were working the profile and I put my foot in my mouth big time. Normally he wouldn't have said anything, he would have just stewed about it but I guess he felt stronger and he stood up for himself and we got into a little tiff right there. I stormed out like a punk and after a while he came out. He doesn't understand family either and I think he was worried that since we fought that we wouldn't be tight anymore or something. It was then he told me about you. I think he was keeping you hidden because you are everything our job is not. I think he liked having something, someone, away from what we do that he could take refuge in but at the same time he really wanted to tell someone how happy he was and apparently I'm his best friend besides you."

As Derek spoke, Maggie's death grip around her legs loosened and she rested her head on her knees turning her head to look at him. He couldn't be sure but he thought that there was a hint of the shadow of a smile as he said the last sentence. She still said nothing so he went on.

"Once I knew, he felt he could confide in me more. I didn't know every detail of your relationship or anything but I knew how happy you made him. I was really looking forward to meeting you but I sure as hell didn't want it to be like it was. He had shown me a picture of you but it didn't really do you justice. I will never in all my days forget the look on your face when I had to tell you what happened to him. I decided I liked you right then and there. It's funny, at the time I thought it was because you were there to take care of him but I realized it was your essence and how quickly you came to his aid, not just because it was him but just, oh hell, there's no way I'm going to be able to put it into words. I guess I'm just not eloquent like your poets. But I have to say I would have been broken hearted if it hadn't worked out between you two. I'm not sure who I would have chosen to stay friends with and it might have gotten dicey at work. I don't think I've ever been as happy as I was when the kid told me he wanted to propose to you and that includes Claire saying 'yes' to me though that is a close enough second to almost be a tie. Dammit you're killing me here. You're sitting there looking like a fairy princess who is losing her sparkle, like when Tinkerbelle needs everyone to believe or something and you're not talking to me. Please say something to me."

"Don't want to."

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Is it just me you won't talk to or would you be giving Reid the same silent treatment?"

She just shrugged.

"You really are killing me princess. You're an even tougher nut to crack than my other sisters."

Her head popped up at this and her brow furrowed in question of his words.

"You heard me right. I have two sisters I'm related to through blood and genetics but those aren't the only ones. You, my lovely lady are certainly a sister to me and not just because you married my brother. I know most of the team wouldn't guess it but I am actually a really good listener and it really hurts me when my family is in need. Talk to me princess."

"I've never had sisters or brothers before…or really any family at all for that matter."

"Well, you've got more than you know what to do with now. Rossi sees you like a daughter and you know Reid's folks adore you. Hotch and I look at you like a sister. And you have tons of sisters of your own now. Having you around makes Claire miss Lily a lot less. Those two are really close. Garcia never had sisters before but I know she looks at you like the sister she's been missing. Emily and J.J. love having another woman around to balance the testosterone. You've even got a couple of nephews. You are so loved, Maggie. I know that doesn't make up for everything that your parents did. I know it doesn't fix everything but I also know that we are on your side no matter what and whatever help you need, you only ever need ask."

"Brothers give hugs, right?"

"We are especially good at hugs."

Maggie unfolded her legs and reached over to embrace Derek and he fiercely hugged her back. Looking up through Maggie's hair, he saw Spencer standing there.

"I think your prince wants me to let go of his princess now."

Derek stood and patted Spencer on the back as he walked into the house to see if Claire and Garcia needed any help. Spencer tentatively approached Maggie.

"How are you feeling my maiden fair?"

"Like I should have had something for lunch besides a hot fudge sundae."

"You really do look beautiful. Just like a princess."

"You know, I still don't believe when you say things like that. I guess I just had it drilled into my head too much how fat, ugly and stupid I am. It's all I can see when I look in the mirror."

"Then we're just going to have to try even harder to help you see what we see in you."

"Do I smell food? Is someone in my kitchen?"

"I guess we should go check it out."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX