Hey everyone happy new year! Sorry this has taken so long but I was in India and there was very little wifi so I couldn't upload this. I am sorry if this chapter seems a little rushed with what happens but I kinda wanted to finish this part of the story so I could start the next part of it anyway enjoy.

Chapter 12

'Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose' Lyndon B. Johnson

The next day everyone was very quiet as they worked especially Livie and Sophie sat next to her playing with her toys quietly. Everyone dreaded having to watch her walk away.

It was late afternoon when Hotch came down from his office "I just got a call from downstairs" he said quietly "the social worker and the couple are on their way up". Livie felt her stomach clench as she slowly slid off her seat and crouched in front of Sophie "hey kiddo" she said softly as she straightened up her top and wiped a little smear of chocolate from around her mouth "the people who want to bring you into their family are on their way up to meet you". Sophie instantly looked frightened.

"Don't worry Sophie" Livie soothed "this is good remember, I am sure they are really nice people, now can you be a really brave girl for me and meet them, you just have to meet them today ok and talk to them yeah". Sophie nodded before she looked over to the elevator. "What if they don't like me" she worried.

"Don't be silly Soph" Livie said "they'll love you I promise." Slowly Sophie smiled weakly before Livie straightened and led her out from behind the desks with everyone else behind her. She felt slightly comforted as she sensed Reid come and stand behind her and she took a couple of deep breaths as the rest of the team gathered round to meet Sophie's prospective new family.

The doors opened and the social worker Karen, from Sophie's case who they had met a few times came out with a young couple behind her. "Hello Sophie" she said with a smile "How are you". Sophie smiled uncertainly back at her from where she stood clutching Livie's hand. "Agents" Karen said "I would like to introduce you to Joshua and Louisa Martins; they are very interested in adopting Sophie"

Hotch stepped forward "I am SSA Aaron Hotchner" he greeted "and this is my team who all helped rescue Sophie; these are SSAs David Rossi, Derek Morgan, Emily Prentiss, Agent Jennifer Jareau, Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia, Dr Spencer Reid and our intern Olivia Beckett and of course this is Sophie Ryan".

Both Joshua and Louisa smiled at each of the agents before looking at Sophie who was staring at them uncertainly hiding behind Livie's arm. They looked like a nice couple Livie had to admit. Young and friendly and she could see that they genuinely seemed to want to have a family.

"Hello Sophie" Louisa said bending to look at Sophie "my name is Louisa but most people call me Lou". Sophie shifted uncertainly backwards but Livie turned to look at her and crouched down "hey Soph be brave" she whispered in the young girl's ear "come on honey you can do this". Gently she gave Sophie a gentle push towards the couple and after a deep breath she pulled her hand out of Sophie's and stepped backwards leaving Sophie to meet the couple.

Sophie glanced uncertainly over her shoulder to find everyone nodding encouragingly to her. Then she turned to face the front and shyly whispered "hello Lou." Lou smiled at her "this is Josh" she introduced as he stepped forward "now we understand that you like ponies Sophie". The young girl nodded "I like ponies too" Lou said "they are my favourite animal" "mine too" Sophie mumbled shuffling her feet still nervous.

"If you guys would like to talk to Sophie in private" Hotch said "feel free to use my office" "thank you Agent Hotchner" Karen said "Sophie shall we go talk to Josh and Lou in the office." "Livie come" Sophie demanded turning to face Livie who winced and shook her head "no honey" she said "I have to work with the rest of the team, we are going to be in the BAU room doing our jobs and Josh and Lou are going to have a nice chat with you ok". At first she thought Sophie was going to refuse and back away but to everyone's relief she shyly nodded and went and grabbed Shadow from beside Livie's desk before she uncertainly took Karen's hand and allowed her to lead her up to Hotch's office.

"Well they seem nice" Emily said carefully once the door was closed and they were left standing in the bullpen. "Yeah" Morgan said "I guess they are what Sophie needs; a couple who is kind and understanding and will help herself pick up her life again". Everyone nodded "come on" Hotch said "lets go work; there is no point standing around waiting so let's go profile." Everyone nodded and followed him to the BAU room. No one managed to not glance into Hotch's office as they passed to see how Sophie was doing.

XO

It was a couple of hours later that they were all in the BAU room when there was a knock on the door and they all looked up to see Karen the social worker coming in. Instantly everyone quietened as Hotch stood "how did it go" he asked and Karen smiled "very well" she said "the Martins like Sophie an awful lot and want to take her out for the day, they suggested the zoo in DC and Sophie seemed ok with the idea of it". "How was she during the talk" Livie asked concerned about the child in her care and Karen smiled again "she was fine, quiet at first but eventually she came out of her shell and had a talk with Lou and Josh, told them about her friends at her old school and about how much fun she has been having here and how much she enjoys playing with her new friends Jack and Henry".

Everyone smiled at that before looking up as Sophie and the Martins all came in and instantly Sophie rushed over to Livie who smiled and lifted her onto her lap murmuring "well done" in her ear before she looked up and managed to force a friendly smile to the Martins onto her face.

They arranged for Sophie to be picked up from Livie's apartment before she headed for work the next day and depending on the time either brought back there at the end of the day or brought to the FBI. Then it was time to head home and Reid followed Livie back to her apartment as usual.

As he followed her car he found himself wondering how Livie would cope with Sophie being taken away. She seemed so happy with the little girl and was very motherly towards her. He knew it wouldn't be easy for her to lose the little girl who had given her determination to stand up and fight for herself.

He too would miss the little girl who had helped him get closer to Livie. She was an adorable little child and she trusted him more than most children did.

He knew the rest of the team was going to miss her too, they all loved spending time with her and helping her recover. The day she left was going to be a very sad one indeed.

He arrived outside her apartment and parked up before heading over to her car where she was getting out with Sophie who was still very quiet. They headed up the stairs and Livie unlocked her front door stepping back to allow Sophie to run in.

"You ok" Reid asked uncertainly as Livie headed in and she shrugged "I wish I had longer with her" she said "I wish her adoption wasn't such a rush job."

Indeed due to Sophie's predicament, her adoption process had been remarkably quick. She had lost her mother in a terrible way and although everyone knew how well Livie was taking care of her and how much Sophie liked staying with her, the social services were not too keen on the idea of her staying with a young unmarried women. Also with her being the sole survivor of serial killers which had attracted a lot of media attention everyone was eager to find her a home where she would be safe and the press wouldn't find her.

"She'll be ok Livie" he said softly "they'll care for her believe me, I am sure Garcia will be checking up on her regularly." Livie smiled gently "Oh I don't doubt" she murmured turning to look at him as she reached up to cup his cheek staring into his eyes and he stared into her eyes so full of mystery and depth and he began to lose himself inside of them as usual before Livie blinked and looked away breaking the spell she had over him.

Livie looked around before blinking and forcing a smile onto her face as Sophie came out of her room "hey kiddo want to watch a movie" she asked and Sophie nodded so Livie moved off to the kitchen to get some food whilst Reid followed Sophie into the living room watching as she set the movie up before she slowly crawled onto the sofa and sat down.

"Hey what's up" he asked "didn't you like Lou and Josh." "No I liked them" Sophie said "but I don't want to leave here." Reid hesitated before he turned to look at her "hey Sophie" he said "you want to know what I think?" slowly she looked at him and he smiled gently "I think that Lou and Josh… they really want to adopt you because they can't have kids of their own" "why not" Sophie asked "well umm… some people just can't" he said having to remind himself that he was talking to a six year old who wouldn't understand all his facts and statistics "they can't and that makes them sad but you… you can make them happy"

Sophie frowned confused "me" she said "how." Reid smiled at her and he didn't notice Livie slipping in though she paused at the door to listen. "By being part of their family" he said "you would make them happy because they can't have a kid of their own but you can live with them and they will love you Sophie, because they just want a little girl to take care of"

"Really" Sophie said and Reid nodded "really really" he confirmed and Sophie smiled. Smiling at the two of them Livie slipped into the room carrying some bowls of goodies "make room" she teased and fell down in between them as Sophie started the movie "that was cute what you said" Livie murmured as she leaned against Reid "thanks" he said back "I don't really know where it came from." Livie smiled "well" she said as she leaned over to kiss him "wherever it came from, I like, it's nice to see some mystery to you." He smiled at her before turning back to the movie.

Once the movie had finished and Livie had carefully placed Sophie in her bed she returned to her seat next to Reid and studied him. "What" he asked nervously and she smiled "you know you are good with kids" she said softly and he reddened "thanks" he mumbled "but not really."

"Don't doubt yourself Spence" she said "Sophie loves you and so does Henry and Jack, they all think you are amazing and so do I" she kissed him again and her lips felt soft against his as he eagerly kissed her back.

Once their lips had parted she curled into his chest comfortably and let out a sigh "I wish we could make this moment last forever" she murmured "I wish time didn't fly by so fast." "Me too" Reid whispered. He whished he could hold onto this moment forever; he and Livie together in this odd sense of serenity. He felt so happy and he knew time was slipping away from them; he never wanted their time to end. He wanted to stay with her forever.

But time never stands still. And nothing lasts forever.

XO

The next day it was Livie who was nervous rather than Sophie. After Reid had slipped out early that morning she had lain in bed thinking long and hard until Sophie had woken and come running into her room to bounce on her bed as she did most mornings. Sophie did seem quite relaxed with the idea of going out for the day and Livie had to fake a very enthusiastic expression as she got her ready for the day, wrapping her in warm clothes and packing her a little bag.

When the doorbell rang though Sophie suddenly looked uncertain again "hey" Livie said "perk up kid where did all the excitement go huh" Sophie smiled shyly and shrugged "you'll have fun" Livie encouraged "make sure you say hi to Simba and Nala for me yeah." Sophie grinned and nodded before following Livie over to the door and she greeted Josh and Lou shyly.

Once everything was settled and phone numbers had been exchanged it was time to go and Livie gave Sophie a big hug before watching her head down the stairs after the adults trying to suppress the aching feeling in her chest.

The drive to work was quiet without Sophie chattering away in the back and when she arrived in the bullpen, it seemed so empty without her. The others gave her comforting smiles and asked how it had gone that morning. She told them the truth before settling at her desk trying to ignore the almost ringing silence in her ears knowing that she would soon have to get used to it.

XO

Sophie enjoyed the zoo, she also enjoyed spending time with Josh and Lou and they loved spending time with her. By the time they had made it back to Quantico they had decided that they wanted to adopt her. Livie remained quiet as she digested that news as she sat next to her desk with Sophie chatting away to her showing her the new toys she had been bought. She managed to keep a neutral expression but they all saw the sadness in her eyes.

She agreed to let Sophie go to her new home the next day but they could all see the pain in her eyes. Once Josh and Lou had left Hotch came and sat on the edge of her desk and she looked up at him "go home" he said "it is nearly time to go anyway, go home, spend some time with her and get her stuff together." Livie nodded gratefully and gathered up her stuff heading out.

For once Reid didn't follow her. He knew that she needed time to say goodbye to Sophie on her own. But when she needed him he would be there.

XO

Livie helped Sophie pack up her things quietly. She wished she had longer to say goodbye to her but the Martins seemed pretty desperate to take her in as soon as possible so that they could start their family and Livie knew she couldn't argue with them. She didn't have the power to do so. She was lucky that she had gotten to keep Sophie for as long as she did. She knew that and knew she couldn't fight the inevitable.

Sophie was pretty quiet too as she picked up her toys and placed them in the boxes Livie had set out for her stroking each pony's mane as she placed it in the box carefully. "Livie" she eventually asked and Livie looked over at her "will you come visit me when I live with Josh and Lou" she asked and Livie hesitated before sitting on the edge of the bed looking at Sophie who crouched next to the boxes "I don't know honey" she whispered "Stamford is a long way away honey and I think it would be better if you just get to know Josh and Lou on your own without me. They are going to be your new family Soph, you have to spend lots of time with them."

Sophie's eyes began to shine slightly "so I won't get to see you again" she whispered "oh no" Livie whispered "we'll see each other again honey just not all the time. I promise that I will visit you and you can call me whenever you want and I am sure Lou can help you email me if you ask her nicely and I will always be there for you should you need me" she slipped off the bed and crouched next to Sophie reaching out to take her hand. "You promise" Sophie whispered and Livie gave her a small smile "I promise" she whispered and drew a little x over her heart "cross my heart and hope to die" and Sophie gave a watery smile before she hugged her tightly and Livie smiled as she hugged her back "don't worry Sophie" she whispered "you'll be ok". She blinked back a couple of tears before she managed to regain control and remain composed.

That night Sophie came and clambered into her be halfway through the night and Livie didn't try to stop her, she wrapped her arms around the little girl as she snuggled close savouring the moment and the feeling of the small child curled up against her.

In the morning once they had dressed and breakfasted Livie took Sophie to the park to play one last time and then out to lunch. Whilst at lunch she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box and placed it in from of Sophie who looked at it confused "what's that" she asked. "It's a little present" Livie said "so that you will remember me"

Sophie smiled as she carefully opened the box and her eyes widened when she saw the little silver necklace resting in the box in the shape of a silver horseshoe. Slowly she lifted it out smiling in amazement "it's pretty" she whispered and Livie smiled before she gently caught hold of it and carefully placed it around Sophie's neck "you know that horseshoes are lucky right" she said and Sophie nodded "well I want you to remember how lucky you are" Livie whispered "to be getting a new family and that this necklace will bring you good luck as long as you wear it" Sophie smiled and lifted her arms to hug Livie tightly and Livie hugged her back feeling her tiny arms squeeze gently around her neck.

"Come one" she said softly "lets eat up, we have to be back soon."

They finished their food and paid before taking a slow drive back to her apartment and Livie frowned when she spotted some extra cars parked outside her apartment building. The frown soon turned to a smile though as at the sight of her car the entire team clambered out and moved over to greet her and Sophie.

"What are you doing here" she asked as she hugged them all "we came to say goodbye to Sophie duh" Morgan said "come on lets get inside, we have some things to give to Sophie." They all headed up into Livie's apartment talking to Sophie who was delighted to see them all again. They all showered her in little gifts; toys, accessories, clothes, even a little iPod already loaded with songs from Morgan's iPod that she liked. She was delighted with them all and ran round giving big hugs to them all. JJ and Hotch had brought Jack and Henry to say goodbye and they looked pretty disappointed to be saying goodbye to their new little playmate.

As Livie made some drinks she sensed someone come up behind her and she smiled as she recognised that awkward, yet lovable presence. "You ok" she heard Reid murmur and she nodded "as ok as I'll ever be with saying goodbye" she said softly "but I can't keep her forever Spence, I can't support her financially the way her new family can." She leaned back against his chest briefly looking at Sophie who was playing with Jack and Henry.

She let out a long sigh before she held out some drinks "come on" she murmured "lets give everyone their drinks." They carried all the drinks out and distributed them around before settling on the sofa as Hotch gently called "hey Sophie we have one more thing to give you" and Sophie looked up brightening at the prospect of more presents.

Hotch looked at Garcia who held out a box to Sophie who took it and carefully opened it before she lifted out a thick leather bound photo album and slowly she opened it and her eyes widened as she looked at the first image on the first page. It showed a very young baby giggling at the camera from where she sat on a young women's knee who had a young man standing behind her, both smiling.

"That's my mommy and daddy" she whispered and everyone nodded. Livie smiled before she looked at Garcia questioningly "I emailed all of her neighbours and her mother and father's friends" she explained. I told them what we wanted to do and they all sent me hundreds of photos"

"That's amazing Garcia" Livie said smiling before turning back to Sophie watching as she carefully turned the pages staring at photos of her life with her mommy and daddy. Then there were pictures of the BAU team. Some silly selfies taken in the field. Some nicer ones taken in the office or on nights out and some more recent ones including ones that included Livie and Sophie in the team.

The last one in the book was a group one that had only been taken a week ago of the whole team plus Livie and Sophie standing in the bullpen grinning at the camera. All around the picture everyone had written little messages to Sophie wishing her luck and reminding her to keep in touch and that they were there for her.

Sophie turned the next page and Livie saw that it and the rest of the album was blank and Sophie looked up and Rossi leant forward. "Just because everything is changing and that things are coming to an end it doesn't mean it is the end of your story kid" he said "you have your whole life ahead of you, don't waste it." Sophie smiled before she stood up and hugged everyone mumbling 'thank you' in their ears. By the time she was finished Garcia was wiping her eyes and JJ's eyes shone slightly.

Whilst the hugs were going around Reid saw Livie reach for the album and a pen and she quickly opened the book to a picture of her and Livie and wrote a quick message. Peering over her shoulder Reid read what she had written:

Sophie

This life is the only life we are sure of. Make the most of today.

When I was little my mom used to tell me something, when I was a kid I didn't understand it but now I do. One day I hope that you too understand what she told me.

She told me that risking our hearts is why we are alive. The last thing you want to do is look back on your life and wonder

If Only…

Don't go through life holding back, take risks, be brave, for a safe life is never a life worth living.

She also told me 'don't be so driven by your past that you throw away your future.' I want you to remember that. Follow your dreams, live a life worth living. Fill the rest of this photo album with memories that are worth living for.

Thank you for some wonderful memories of our time together. I will never forget you. Know that no matter how far away I am that I will always be there for you. Always.

I'll always love you little monkey.

Do what you love. Follow your dreams.

Love

Always

Livie

Slowly Livie closed the book and placed it back on the table next to Sophie who turned to look at her and smile. Livie smiled back and Reid gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

It was then that there was a knock on the door and everyone paused looking at it before they all looked at Livie. She swallowed before she slowly rose from her seat and moved towards the door opening it to reveal Josh and Lou with Karen the social worker. She invited them in and the team greeted them politely and as they all signed papers they watched Livie, still impressed about how her walls stayed strong.

As Josh and Lou loaded all of Sophie's things into their car everyone said their final goodbyes giving Sophie big hugs. Reid felt exceptionally sad as he pulled the little girl into a hug and he smiled when she suddenly held out her hand to reveal a coin and then she closed her hand into a fist and commanded that he blow. He complied and grinned as Sophie finally mastered the little magic trick he had been teaching her, opening her hand to reveal that the coin had disappeared. "Good job" he said "so where is it" she grinned and reached behind his ear to produce the little coin. "Yeah" he said giving her a high five making her giggle as everyone laughed "bye Spencer" she said and he grinned "bye Soph" he whispered watched as she turned to Livie who was smiling fondly at the pair of them. Sophie ran towards her and Livie bent to catch her as she collided with her and she lifted her into her arms hugging her tightly.

"Thank you for rescuing me" Sophie mumbled "no problem kiddo" Livie whispered "now you be a good girl yeah?" "Yeah" Sophie mumbled "remember what I said" Livie whispered "call me if you need me." "I promise" Sophie mumbled and Livie smiled before she turned and carried Sophie down the stairs to the car where Josh and Lou were waiting.

Slowly Livie gave Sophie one last hug before she set her down and stepped back to the rest of the team and they all watched as Sophie hesitantly clambered into the back of the car and Lou helped her strap in. She sat there quietly looking out the window at the BAU team as Josh and Lou spoke briefly to Karen before they turned and thanked the team for all they had done for Sophie. They all nodded and watched as they clambered into the car.

As the engine started and the car slowly pulled away, Sophie twisted in her seat and began to wave. Smiling Livie waved back and the others joined her waving as the car headed down the road and they were still waving as the car turned the corner disappearing from sight. And just like that, Sophie was gone. Moving on to her new life.

Slowly everyone looked at Livie. She still stood staring after the car and she briefly closed her eyes allowing a lone tear to slide down her cheek before she regained composure and she slowly turned to look at everyone forcing a smile onto her face. "You ok" Emily asked concerned and she nodded "yeah I'm fine" she said "I am happy that she is going to a good home, it's what is best for her, I know that." Everyone nodded and moved forward to give her hugs which she accepted gratefully remaining strong before she told them all that she would be fine and then slowly everyone headed home. Everyone except for Reid.

Once Morgan and Garcia had driven off he turned to look at her and she smiled at him "I'm ok" she promised and he nodded as she turned to look back at her apartment "want to come on up" she asked and he nodded but as they moved forward towards the door another thought occurred to him and he caught her arm. She looked up at him oddly as he gazed at her before he took a deep breath.

"Do you want to go to my place" he asked hesitantly. He felt nervous as he waited for her to respond. He had never invited a girl back to his apartment before. He had never had a relationship go this far before.

Livie studied him before she smiled "sure" she said "that sounds nice." He smiled uncertainly following her back into the building to grab her things anxious about his decision.

XO

When he unlocked the door to his home he very nearly regretted his decision when he saw how messy it was. Instantly he covered Livie's eyes making her laugh "what are you doing" she asked "hiding the mess from you" he said "I wasn't expecting company so…" he trailed off when he saw the rest of the apartment and he realised it was pointless trying to hide it from Livie. He had been spending so much time with Livie recently at her apartment due to her having Sophie, meaning that he hadn't been able to keep his place as orderly as he would have liked.

Slowly he brought his hands away from Livie's eyes and she blinked before she looked around. He watched her, gauging a reaction and was relieved when she turned to look at him and he saw that she was smiling. "Wow" she said grinning and he shuffled his feet "it isn't usually this messy" he defended "its just I've been with you so much and…" he broke off as she laughed "Spence this isn't messy, I love it. It is so… you. It is just the perfect apartment for you."

He smiled relieved watching as she continued to look around and whilst she was occupied doing that he headed into his kitchen to make some drinks, watching her as he did so. It felt so strange to have her in his apartment; a space he usually kept to himself. Watching her fingers trace along the old quilt thrown over the back of the second hand leather sofa, seeing her smile as she perused the bookshelves that lined the walls that were stuffed with books made him smile. He realised that she was right. This apartment was very much an extension of his personality and identity. It spoke volumes about who he was.

He finished making the drinks and headed over to her. When she sensed him approach she turned to smile at him and accept the drink. "You have so many books" she murmured "it's amazing how many you have" he smiled awkwardly "years and years of collecting" he said "have you always lived here" she asked as they moved over to the sofa and settled down. "Since I joined the BAU" he said "it is pretty much perfect for me so I don't see the point of moving. It is close enough to work and has everything I need around it" she smiled at him "I like it" she said and he grinned.

"Tell me something about you that I don't know" she said and he thought "um" he said "like what" she rolled her eyes "something that not many people know about you" she said and he thought. "When I was a kid I was a huge nerd" he tried "I loved all those superhero things like Marvel, Star Trek, all those Sci Fi shows. Actually I still do" she laughed "oh I think I had guessed that" she teased "nothing wrong with loving a bit of Star Trek" she winked at him "fellow Sci Fi nerd myself." He smiled "what about you" he asked and she grinned "umm" she said thinking "when I was little, before everything happened to me when I was thirteen I wanted to be a writer." He blinked "really" he said and she nodded smiling.

"I loved books when I was a kid, seriously I had bookcases overflowing with books, and you could hardly tear a book out of my hand. After my mom would say goodnight I always used to crawl under the covers with a torch and read. My mom would often find me asleep in the mornings, torch in hand and book still open. It really exasperated her but she understood my love of the stories. When I was trying to sleep I would close my eyes imagining all those books around me whispering their stories to me.

Books were always there for me. I loved being able to carry worlds of adventures around with me. They gave me so much and I wanted to give children the same joy that I felt when I read books. I wanted to make my own worlds up because it is only when writing stories that we can completely control every outcome of the situation"

Reid nodded "sounds like a great idea" he said. Livie nodded "then after I was kidnapped suddenly the world didn't make sense in the same way" she said "I wanted to understand why people did what they did so I did a psychology degree instead" "do you ever wish you hadn't chosen psychology" Reid asked and she looked at him for a minute before she smiled and shook her head "no" she said "because if I hadn't I wouldn't be here, with you right now."

Reid felt his heart soar when she said that and he smiled back at her as she moved closer and their lips carefully moulded together and for a few minutes no words were spoken, all emotions were conveyed through touches and gazes.

As they retired to his bedroom for the night and Livie curled up resting her head on his bare chest, Reid held her close thinking. He had always wondered if he had made the right choice joining the FBI, he had always thought that maybe he should be doing something else with his mind, like finding a cure for schizophrenia, but like Livie right here, right now he was grateful for the choice he had made because if he hadn't he would never have met her. The one girl who understood him. His very own soul mate.

'I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together.' Julia Roberts

Hope you enjoyed that. From now on pure Livie and Reid fluff I think. Please review. I truly love hearing what you think. I promise to try and update soon but college is piling coursework on me so finding time to write might be hard.

Anyway please let me know what you think

Thanks

Mysticgirl