A/N: My gosh…! This story is actually coming to an end. For now, anyway. (gasps)

But, first! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your reviews and support! You sure know how to keep a insanely long story floating. (HUGS)

Awkay, before you all get bored silly… Let's go! I truly hope that you'll enjoy the ride.

Epilogue

Thirty One Weeks Later

Watching the great Thames spreading before him Dr. Spencer Reid took a deep breath and closed his eyes, allowing a cool breeze to caress his skin.

The past months had been very, very long and gruelling. Full of ache. Full of recovery, both physical and mental. His broken bones took long to mend. And as luck would have it the leg that was broken was the one that'd already been shot at. The level of damage was devastating and for quite long it was uncertain if he'd be able to use it properly again. But once again he defeated all statistics, surpassed expectations. His steps weren't painless or steady but he was able to take them and that was more than enough. His wings were also on the mend. It was only a matter of time before he'd be able to fly once more. He was looking forward to it like a child waits for Christmas.

His mental recovery was very slow and in many ways far more painful than the physical. Nightmares and panic attacks came whenever they wanted to, ravishing his whole being. There were days when he had to isolate himself because facing other people was simply too much. He didn't think that he'd ever feel fully safe again. The scars would mend but they'd never fade away completely.

However today wasn't the time to linger in the past because today he was facing the future.

Spencer snapped out of his thoughts at the sounds of approaching steps. Turning around slowly he smiled at the person walking towards him. "I already worried that you'd changed your mind, after all."

A hand was lifted so that sun shone on the astonishingly beautiful, white gold ring decorating it. Maeve Donovan – or no, Reid – smiled back at him. "A bit too late for that, don't you think?"

As soon as she'd gotten near enough he grabbed her greedily and pulled her close, sealing them into a long, soul searing kiss. It tasted like promise. He sighed happily, holding her eagerly. "Do you think the others will understand?" he murmured eventually.

Maeve's thumb caressed soothing circles to the back of his neck. "They will, don't worry." They'd certainly waited long enough.

They really, honestly hadn't meant to get married in such secrecy. But they'd almost lost each other so many times. Almost lost the future they'd both dreamt of for so long. They couldn't bear to wait for another second. And so, in a small and extremely beautiful chapel, they gave each other vows that they'd already made in their hearts the second they first heard each other's voices.

Spencer nuzzled his nose against Maeve's hair, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. It was surreal, really. To have all of this when he came so very close to having nothing at all.

The easy, blissful mood was sort of ruined when all of a sudden Maeve swore under her breath and hissed with pain. "We… We'd better get to the hospital." She glanced downwards and upon doing the same he saw some liquid spilling. A shiver crossed her. "The twins… They're about to give us one hell of a wedding gift."

Spencer's eyes widened to a comical size while all color left his face.

Maeve's eyes narrowed hazardously. "Don't you dare pass out now! Or I swear that I'll stick that wedding ring of yours where the sun doesn't shine."

Twelve hours later there was a quiet, almost shy knock on the hospital room's door. Before there was enough time to reply the door opened and a very familiar group sneaked in. Or well, first the new parents only saw a lot of balloons and stuffed animals. Then Penelope Garcia's face came to view, followed by the rest of the remaining BAU-team.

Despite the fact that she was absolutely exhausted and aching Maeve couldn't hold back a chuckle. "Oh, sweetie… Did you empty the gift shop?"

Penelope's grin put the sun itself to shame. "Are you kidding me? My babies finally had their babies. What else did you expect me to do?"

Derek laughed a bit at the analyst's enthusiasm and kissed her red dyed hair fondly. The mocha skinned man then focused on the recently expanded family. "Are the four of you okay?"

Spencer nodded, tightening his hold on Maeve. Having her right there in his arms and their kids in front of his eyes… It was a bliss. "Maeve was brilliant", he praised, the smirked a bit sheepishly. "I… was just standing there uselessly."

Maeve shook her head determinedly and grinned. "Not uselessly. You took my threats very calmly and bravely."

Spencer grinned. "You did scare the midwife, though. She seemed to think that you'd really punch her and castrate me."

Maeve shrugged, her eyes on the twins. "I haven't fully decided on the latter one yet." It was harder than it should've been to tell if she was joking.

Every man in the room covered up a wince while shifting with discomfort.

Convinced that the parents were very much alright the visitors were finally able to focus on the new arrivals. They approached with some caution, worried that they'd disturb the babies. They appeared irresistible while they lay there, nearly curled up on one another and making quiet noises in their sleep.

"Oh my gosh…!" Some moisture appeared to Penelope's eyes but she didn't seem to notice. She was hovering around the twins instantly. "They're absolutely adorable!"

Maeve grinned radiantly. There was a serene yet fiercely protective look on her face. "They are, aren't they?"

"Have you thought about names?" Derek inquired, apparently unable to tear his eyes away from the babies.

Spencer and Maeve shared a look before the new father spoke. "We have, actually. They'll each have three first names." He looked towards his children with such an expression they'd never seen before. "Blake Garcí Ross Reid." It felt right to honor Alex's memory in such a way, now that they knew for sure that she was gone. "And Jeanne Erin Morgana Reid."

"Erin?" David questioned, appearing a little surprised.

Aaron seemed to understand. The former unit chief appeared genuinely moved although he clearly tried to hide it. "It's the correct female version of Aaron", he murmured in the kind of a voice they'd only ever heard him use with Jack.

For a long moment a fond yet stunned silence filled the room while they absorbed the information. So the twins had been named after every single one of them. They were all most certainly flattered by such an honor.

In the end JJ took Spencer's hand and gave it a firm, affectionate squeeze. There was a watery smile on her face. "Thank you", she whispered. "And congratulations."

Ever since he first found out about Maeve's pregnancy Spencer had been absolutely horrified. Wondering what kind of a future there'd be ahead of their children. And, if he was honest with himself, wondering if they had a future at all. But at the moment, while he watched all the people gathered around them, he felt his worries floating away.

The world was still full of terror, chaos and threat. There was no telling what kind of lives their twins would get to lead. But there was a very large, very resourceful family to protect them. They wouldn't be alone.

Somehow, amazingly, they still had each other and that was more than enough.

Five more hours later Maeve was fast asleep, exhausted by all the hours of labor and pain medication. Spencer, on the other hand, couldn't sleep. Perhaps it was the hormones, the protective instincts inside him roaring to life. It was his task to look after his family.

His eyes sharpened when he sensed someone approaching the room. And sure enough, only moments later the door was opened soundlessly. Spencer's eyes flashed while he took a protective stance in front of his wife and children. The dread faded away soon, though.

Because standing at the doorway was Emily Prentiss. Her hair cut chin length and dyed blonde, wearing clothes that were nothing like those she used to own. But unmistakably her nonetheless, despite the odd uncertainty on her face.

They looked at each other for a while. Then exchanged a small, melancholic smile. "I came to make sure that you're all alright", she whispered, mindful of Maeve's much needed rest.

Spencer nodded. "I was expecting that you might", he admitted. "It's your duty to keep an eye on them. You're their godmom, after all."

Emily's eyes widened with stun for a fraction of a second. Then filled with something close to longing before she managed to hide it. She swallowed hard.

Spencer exhaled a shuddering breath. "You're still family", he reminded her softly. "No matter how many times you run away." He didn't ask her where she'd been because he knew that she wouldn't be able to answer. But he needed her to know that the door would never be closed if she ever wanted to return.

Emily nodded and somehow the simple gesture was the loudest thank you she could've possibly given.

Then, clearly fearing that she'd stay too long and be seen by unwanted people, Emily began to leave. Already at the door she turned towards him once more. "Oh, and your mom told me to deliver you her congratulations." She looked at him long and hard, then drank in the view of the twins. "Take care of yourself. And them."

"You too", he whispered back, loading the words with as much meaning as he could.

And so Emily disappeared like a shadow once more. Although Spencer felt a great deal of sadness the grief wasn't crushing this time around. He knew that he'd see her again.

Emily's godkids would need her, after all.

Quite far away a pair of sharp and beautiful yet hazardous eyes flew open. A cold smile appeared to Ashley Seaver's face. "It's happened", she announced. "The twins have been born."

"Good", Daniel Reid all but purred. He hummed while washing off the blood staining his hands. "It means that we're closer to our goal."

Ashley nodded. "Yes", she stated out loud before focusing fully on her companion. "But for now, let's go. We have… a meeting to attend to."

Daniel smirked like a wild beast that'd just made an impressive kill.

End, for now.

A/N: And thus comes to an end part two. And the twins are FINALLY here! How cool is that? (grins)

Part 3, which will definitely be the final part of this story, should start in a couple of weeks, soooo… If you want to see how this saga continues / is finished stay tuned.

And, as always… Please, do leave a note to let me know if this temporary conclusion was any good at all! Awww, by now you should know how much I love hearing from you.

Thank you so, so much for sticking around through this looooooooooong journey! It means the world to me that this story has gained so many friends. (HUGS, fiercely)

Until next time, you all! Take care!