Hi I am so sorry about the delay. I have been travelling a lot round Europe so haven't had time to write. Anyway hope you enjoy this ;)

Chapter 34

"There's nothing that makes you more insane than family. Or more happy. Or more exasperated. Or more… secure." Jim Butcher

Livie and Reid stayed another two days with Sophie. On the last day they took Sophie out it was a Saturday so they took Sophie back to the mall and Livie spoiled her rotten. Sophie was delighted by this and had a huge smile on her face the entire time they were together. Reid knew Livie was just as happy as the little girl in their care. He was especially delighted to hear the sound of her laughter ringing out loud and true after what felt forever with it being missing or sounding forced.

He too enjoyed spending time with Sophie. She was a picture of innocence that lifted his spirits just by smiling at him. He wished they could stay longer but he didn't have much more time off and he wanted to take Livie one more place that he knew she would love to visit.

The goodbye between Livie and Sophie was very touching and emotional. Livie had tears in her eyes as she hugged the little girl tightly and Sophie had tears trickling down her cheeks as she clung to Livie. "You'll come back and see me right" she checked tearfully and Livie nodded "of course" she whispered pulling back to look at the little girl "and you know if you ever need me all you have to do is call or email. Even if you only want to talk. I'll be there I promise."

Sophie nodded and hugged her tightly again making Livie smile as she embraced the little girl she had saved once again. Reid waited until she had finished with Livie before he bent to scoop the little girl up and hugged her. "Bye kiddo" he said as she tightened her arms around him. "Bye Spencer" she whispered in his ear before she gave him a small kiss on the cheek that made him grin.

Slowly he set her down and looked over to Josh and Louisa. "Thank you" he said "for letting us come up. It really helped Livie. She really needed to see Sophie."

"No problem" Josh said "we are in her debt because she saved Sophie for us. She is welcome to come visit whenever she needs."

Reid nodded as he looked over at Livie who was standing next to Sophie watching him. He nodded to her and slowly walked over and they walked to the car side by side.

Once they had climbed into the car Reid started the engine and pulled away whilst Livie waved to Sophie until the house was out of sight.

Then Livie turned to look at him. "Thank you" she said and Reid glanced over at her "for what" he asked. Livie smiled at him "for everything." She said and Reid smiled at her "always" he promised and she grinned again.

They drove towards New York talking quietly to each other as the scenery flashed by and soon the trees were replaced with tall buildings as they entered the city. Reid drove quickly towards Livie's apartment building.

As they drove through the city Livie looked out the window with a large smile on her face at all the familiar sights. When he parked in the garage under the building Livie scrambled out of the car quite eagerly and headed into the building greeting the elderly doorman warmly who seemed surprised to see her but welcomed her home happily.

Heading up in the elevator, Reid watched as Livie's smile grew and grew and when they arrived at the front door she paused and rang the doorbell. "Don't you have a key" he asked and Livie giggled "yeah but it's more fun to give them a surprise" she said and Reid grinned as the door opened and Livie's Stepfather Rick appeared in the doorway looking slightly confused before his eyes widened as he saw Livie who instantly flung her arms around him "hi dad" she said as he lifted her up into a bear hug making her giggle.

"Hey kiddo what are you doing here" he murmured setting her down. "We were passing through" she said "figured we would come see you all." He smiled and stepped aside to let them in grinning at Reid as he stepped in.

""Kaylee" he yelled as he shut the door "get down here"

"Where's mom" Livie asked and Rick grinned "precinct" he said "caught a murder earlier this morning, she texted me about half an hour ago though, she should be back before long."

Livie grinned but before she could respond there was a loud squeal and Kaylee came flying down the stairs squealing "Livieeeeeee" at the top of her voice as she hurled herself at her sister.

"Careful" Reid said automatically as Livie staggered backwards. She visibly winced but hid it well as she hugged Kaylee tightly "oh I missed you Kaylee bear" she gushed and Reid smiled at the light in her eyes. Kaylee grinned at her sister before she turned and her smile widened when she saw Reid. "Hi Spencer" she yelled and Reid grinned as he hugged her "hey monkey" he said "you are getting so big" he said stepping back to look at her "you look like you have grown at least half a foot."

Kaylee preened clearly liking that compliment "I'm still shorter than Danny and Jake though" she said and Livie smiled as she stroked her sister's hair.

"What are you doing here" Kaylee asked and Livie smiled "I've finished working at the BAU now" she said "so I thought I would come visit."

"Aren't you coming back to New York" Kaylee asked and Livie shook her head "Not yet" she said "I'm staying with Spencer."

Kaylee's eyes brightened "You and Spencer are living together" she exclaimed and Livie nodded "didn't I tell you that" she asked. "No" Rick said crossing his arms and Reid gulped before he noticed how his eyes were twinkling and he relaxed.

"How long are you going to be here for" Kaylee asked eagerly and Livie shrugged "not too long" she said "Spencer only has a couple of days off left."

"Oh why did you get time off" Kaylee asked innocently and Livie faltered obviously trying to decide what to say before she pushed a smile onto her face "difficult case" she said softly.

Reid saw Rick frown at them and Reid dropped his head. Livie had begged them not to tell her family what had happened to her. She had pleaded Hotch desperately until despite his better judgement he had agreed. So when he had called to tell Rick and Kate that Livie had been hurt he had simply told them that Livie had been taken briefly before being rescued. He hadn't mentioned how long she had been held and what else had happened to her. Livie had then called her parents and assured them that she was ok and had practically begged them not to come down and see her saying that she was fine and she just wanted to move on and forget.

"Well come on in kiddo and act like this is still you home." Rick said leading them to the kitchen as Kaylee bolted up the stairs and she soon came down again to show Reid some of her awards at school eager to gain his attention and he was soon 'oohing' and 'ahhing' like a saint as Rick made them some coffee and chatted away to Livie. He was clearly concerned about her as he watched her carefully as they talked

"You know your mom is getting worried about you" he said to her "you don't even work for the BAU anymore and you ended up in hospital."

Livie shrugged "haven't you realised I am a magnet for danger yet" she asked and he rolled his eyes at her "yeah kiddo I have and you worry me too bug."

Livie smiled at them all before they all looked up as the door to the loft opened and Kate walked in. She stopped in surprise when she saw Livie and Reid sitting at the kitchen counter before her face split into a huge grin and she moved forward eagerly as Livie jumped down from her seat and moved towards her "well well" she murmured as she caught her daughter up into a hug "this is a pleasant surprise."

Livie giggled and snuggled into her mother's embrace resting her head against her chest "missed you mom" she whispered and Reid saw Kate smile as she rested her head against her daughter's "missed you too baby" she whispered.

When they pulled apart Kate brushed hair out of Livie's face and combed her eyes over her daughter's face analysing her carefully. Livie waited a few moments before she carefully caught hold of her mother's hands. "Mom" she said giving her mother a look "I'm fine ok… quite worrying."

Kate gave her daughter a pointed look "I'd believe that more if I didn't know you so well" she said "you are a magnet for danger."

"See it is not just me who thinks that" Rick chimed in and Reid smirked.

Livie and Kate both rolled their eyes in an identical way at Rick who grinned cheekily at them both. "How long are you going to be here for" Kate asked as she and Livie moved back to the kitchen. Livie shrugged "well Spence only has a couple more days off" she said.

"You don't have to come back with me you know" Reid said and she smiled "I know but I'd miss you" she said. "Ahh young love" Rick said innocently whilst Kaylee pouted "don't you miss me Livie" she asked and Livie winced "Now I'm caught between a rock and a hard place aren't I" she muttered making her parents laugh.

"I'll get started on dinner" Rick said "I hope everyone is hungry for my famous spaghetti Bolognese recipe."

"Sounds great Rick" Kate said "ok I'm going to try and finish this paperwork as soon as possible so we can have a catch up ok Livs"

Livie nodded "sounds good mom… I'm going to grab a quick shower before dinner ok."

"Spencer come see my room" Kaylee said before she grabbed his hand and dragged him up the stairs. Livie rolled her eyes and looked at her parents "you know sometimes I think she likes seeing him more than she likes seeing me" she said and Rick nodded "yeah not gonnna lie I do think you are right there" he mused.

Livie smiled and headed up the stairs to dump her bag in her old bedroom smiling as she heard Kaylee chattering away to Reid about some virtual pets on one of her game consoles. Her boyfriend was listening patiently to the chattering nine year old as she rabbled on about nothing.

She opened up her bag and found her toiletry bag before she headed to the bathroom and after slipping out of her clothes she stepped into the large modern shower.

As she let the warm water wash over her she felt herself relax as the feeling of peace and serenity engulfed her. She felt safe at home, every time something went wrong she always felt happy to come home. Laughter came easily for her here. Kaylee was her pure picture of innocence that never failed to put a smile on her face. And her dad was always a good laugh yet always serious at the appropriate moment. And her mom was that and so much more; she was her best friend. She really did love it here.

Once she felt clean she shut off the water and grabbed one of the large fluffy towels from the rail and wrapped it around herself sighing contentedly as she moved back out of the bathroom and slipped across the hall to her old room where she began to hunt through her bags for something to wear.

As she did so she heard a gasp from behind and she whirled round feeling her wet hair whip around her face as she turned to see her mom standing in the doorway to her bedroom staring at her in shock.

Instinctively Livie drew the towel tighter around her body but it couldn't hide the bruises over her shoulders and chest. Nor the ones on her thighs.

She stood there frozen as her mother's eyes travelled up and down her body before looked at her daughter "You lied Livie" she said "you said you weren't badly hurt whilst on that mission… you do not look fine."

Livie sighed and looked down at the marks all over her body; after what felt like an eternity the marks were beginning to fade but they still stood out yellow and blotchy on her pale skin. There was no way to deny what she had been through.

"Mom I'm…" she began but Kate cut her off. "Don't tell me that you are fine Livie" she warned "I can see that you aren't and I know you. Something is wrong. Tell me Olivia."

Livie stared at her and licked her lips before glancing over her mother's shoulder to see Kaylee standing staring at her and Livie instantly reached for a blanket that would conceal more of her wounds as Reid joined Kaylee in the doorway instantly looking worried as he saw Livie being confronted by her mother.

Kate looked over her shoulder and spotted her youngest daughter standing there. "Kaylee go back to your room" she said softly. "Come on" Reid said catching hold of her shoulder and he carefully steered her out of sight.

Kate instantly turned back to face Livie and there was fear in her eyes "Livie honey just tell me" she said. "I don't want to" Livie whispered "you don't want to know."

Kate took a shaky breath as she stared at her daughter. "Oh god Livie" she whispered but Livie shook her head "don't think about it" she implored "please mom don't think about it."

Kate shook her head as her eyes travelled up and down her daughter's now covered body "I can't not think about it Livie" she said desperately. "Then think about everything else I have been though" Livie said "think about how I survived all that and how I am going to survive this too."

Kate placed her hand over her heart and shook her head briefly before she closed her eyes to stop tears from leaking out as Livie stood there uncertainly before she turned and grabbed her clothes and pulled then on.

She then turned to face her mother again "Mom I'm fine" she said again as her mother leaned her head to one side as she studied her "You should have told me Livie" she whispered "I would have come up. You shouldn't have been alone."

"But I wasn't alone" Livie said moving forward to grab her mother's hand "I wasn't mom I swear. I have Spence and the rest of the team. They have been really great. They are the ones who found me. Without them I wouldn't have survived. I owe them my life and they have been great helping me move on. That is why I came here mom. To move on and forget. Please let me do that. Otherwise my wounds will not heal."

Kate considered her for another minute before slowly she nodded and moved forward to pull her daughter into a hug. "You worry me so much Livie" she whispered "please don't ever let me get the call that tells me you have been killed."

"You'll never get that call" Livie whispered leaning against her mother's shoulder "I'll never leave you mom I promise. It's always going to be you and me… always."

Her mother let out a small shaky laugh and nodded and they remained in that embrace for another few minutes until they heard her father call for them to come all to come down for dinner.

Livie gave her mom a weak smile as she reached for the hoodie she had been wearing despite the warm weather and they headed towards the stairs.

They met Kaylee and Reid at the top and Reid looked between the two of them uncertainly until Livie gave him a small smile. As Kaylee bounced down the stairs oblivious Kate looked at Reid straight in the eyes and whispered "thank you" to him. Reid gave her a small smile and nodded before they all descended the stairs.

Dinner was a loud and lively event with lots of laughter and jokes. As always Reid felt totally at home here with Livie and her family. He felt like he belonged here with them all.

They ended up watching Harry Potter with Kaylee that evening whilst Rick when to do some writing and Kate settled herself at the kitchen table to finish off some case reports. Kaylee chattered away happily through most of the first movie but during the second one she quietened down and before they had even discovered the spiders they looked over to see that she was asleep across the sofa.

When Livie told her mom Kate rolled her eyes and quietly called Rick out to take her upstairs. The older man scooped his young daughter up with ease making her look tiny in his secure embrace as he carried her up the stairs to her bed.

Once her sister was gone Livie rested her head on Reid's lap and he smiled down at her as he played gently with her hair. "What are you going to do tomorrow" he asked softly and Livie smiled up at him "well I am not getting in the way of the science magic lessons that you are going to have to do" she said "Kaylee will be gutted if you don't teach her a new trick or two."

"You should go see the boys" Kate said referring to her work partners Ryan and Esposito to whom Livie had aways been very close "and Lanie, she'll go mad if she finds out you didn't visit."

"That sounds like a good idea" Livie said with a grin. "You could take Kaylee out for the afternoon" Rick suggested as he came down the stairs "give me some peace to write."

"You mean peace to procrastinate" Kate said and he scowled at his knowing wife. "She has been wanting to go to the cinema for ages" he added turning back to his stepdaughter and her boyfriend lying on his couch. "Sounds like an idea" Livie said "poor old dad I bet you don't get much peace with it being the summer holidays."

"No" he grumbled "especially with both Danny and Jake doing that baseball camp that keeps them busy every day. I can't wait till that finishes and they can keep her entertained. She is driving me crazy with all the interruptions."

"Aw poor dad" Livie said teasingly as he narrowed his eyes at her before deciding to head back in and try and continue writing.

It wasn't much later that Kate decided to head to bed and Livie soon headed up the stairs with Reid in tow.

They settled down together in her bed and as always Reid waited for Livie to show him what she wanted and as she had almost every night since she had returned to him she crawled up against his body and rested her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her protectively.

He felt her rub her thumb gently on his chest and for a minute they lay there content before Reid asked "how did your mom take it?"

Livie stayed silent for a moment before she sighed "Ok" she said softly "well ok considering she doesn't know what happened to me and she is making up the worst possible theories in her head which might actually be right and I think that it is terrifying her but she is putting on a brave face."
"She is brave" Reid murmured "she is brave and strong and you get that from her."

Livie smiled as she looked up at him and she gently reached up to kiss him on the lips before she settled back down against his chest and it wasn't long before she had drifted off to sleep. Smiling Reid lay staring at the ceiling for a few minutes before he closed his eyes and listening to the sound of Livie's rhythmic breathing he too drifted off to sleep.

XO

The next morning Reid awoke to see Livie stirring beside him. He looked down to her and realised that she was dreaming as she shifted and stirred in her sleep. "Shh" he whispered stroking her hair "Livie relax you are safe." He ran his hand gently over her shoulders and back until eventually she relaxed and settled back down against his chest. He rested his head back feeling pleased with that development.

His eyes travelled round her bedroom once again gaining a little insight into Livie's past as he looked around her childhood bedroom smiling at it. At the pictures forming a collage above the desk which was covered in little ornaments that Reid suspected Rick had bought back from book tours around the world for her.

Atop the chest of drawers there was a clutter of jewellery and other odds and ends that Livie didn't seem to want to tidy away. They were remnants of her childhood that she wanted to cling to so desperately.

He lay in the bed watching as light slowly slipped through the crack in the curtains lighting up the room before he rolled onto his side to look at Livie who was still sleeping. He watched her, wary for any sign that she might be dreaming once again. But thankfully she seemed to be better now.

He waited another minute before slowly shifting away from her and it slipped out of the bed leaving her to sleep.

He had just finished dressing when there was a small tap at the door and he looked over as it opened and Kaylee poked her head round. She grinned when she saw that he was awake but nodded as he put his finger to his lips motioning her to be quiet.

"You ok" Reid asked the younger girl and she nodded "couldn't sleep" she said and he smiled "shall we go make some hot cocoa" he suggested and he nodded and they slipped out of the bedroom and headed down the stairs where Reid busied himself making them some cocoa whilst Kaylee scrambled up onto one of the barstools pulling her dressing gown tighter around her as she watched him.

"Spencer" she said and slowly he looked over at the younger girl "yeah?" he asked. Kaylee bit her lip clearly trying to figure out what to say.

"Why is Livie so sad?" she asked and her big blue eyes were wide and confused "mom and dad said she got hurt in an undercover mission but that she was ok… but she doesn't look ok to me Spencer. What happened?"

Reid faltered wondering what he was supposed to say now to her. He hated the idea of lying to her but he knew he couldn't tell her the truth; she was too young.

"Um" he tried but he stopped and thought carefully before he began again. "Kaylee" he said gently as he set the two mugs of cocoa down in front of them "Livie… Livie did get hurt… she got hurt… bad… but she's ok and that is the most important thing to remember. We don't you to worry about anything ok. Livie will move on just like she always does."

"But she's hurting" Kaylee said "I don't like seeing my sister hurting."

"Everyone hurts Kaylee" Reid said reaching out to touch her hand gently "it's part of living… something that happens to everyone…"

"How's she gonna get over it" Kaylee asked looking up at him and he managed to give her a small smile "I don't think she is going to get over it" he said carefully "but I know for certain she is going to get through it… because we are all going to be there for her… me, you, your mom and dad, the rest of our team in Quantico, her friends… we are all going to be there for her whenever she needs right?"

"Right" Kaylee said in a determined voice and Reid grinned at her "atta girl" he said holding up his hand and she giggled before she gave him a high five.

When Livie came down the stairs not half an hour later Reid and Kaylee were having a lot of fun playing a Harry Potter quiz at which Livie was only slightly surprised to find Reid losing to her Harry Potter mad little sister though part of her suspected he might be losing on purpose.

"Hi" Kaylee said when she saw her sister "I'm winning Livie" she said and Livie smiled as she dropped into a stool beside her sister "good on you" she said "I can never beat Spencer at games."

Kaylee grinned before an odd look came over her face and she glanced at Reid before she stood and moved over to her sister and carefully wrapped her arms around Livie who seemed surprised by the motion but quickly recovered herself and hugged her little sister back.

"We are all here for you" the little girl whispered as she snuggled her head into Livie's shoulder making her sister smile "I know baby girl" she whispered kissing her hair "I know."

Reid smiled at the touching scene in front of him before looking up as Rick came out of the master bedroom yawning widely as he ran his hand through his tussled hair "morning" he managed through another yawn and they all grinned at him. "Where's mom" Livie asked as she poured a cup of coffee for herself and her father.

"She got a call very early this morning" Rick said accepting the cup of coffee "she said that she would try and get off early though."

Livie smiled "well I need to go see everyone so I'll probably see her later." Rick nodded as he sat next to Kaylee and pulled her quiz book towards him before he looked at Reid "tell me you are beating her" he said and Reid grinned sheepishly as Rick gave him a disapproving look "I would have thought you could have done it" he said and Kaylee giggled.

They had a long leisurely breakfast in which they all participated in cooking something. Rick did find himself smiling at Livie and Reid as they effortlessly moved round each other, both very much aware of each other even when their attention was elsewhere.

When Livie had first told them that she had started dating one of her co-workers he had instantly felt worried as any father might. But the moment he had met Spencer Reid he had found himself relaxing as he had seen what a sweet gentle man he was. He trusted Reid more than he had imagined he would with Livie's first serious boyfriend. He had expected to have to be all protective of Livie but when he saw how gentle and protective of her Reid was he had realised that there was no need for him to be protective.

He was glad that Livie had found him. Reid was exactly the kind of guy he wanted for Livie. Someone who could take care of her through thick and thin just as he had been doing.

Once they had finished their breakfast they all headed to their rooms to get ready and Reid was just pulling his shirt on when he felt Livie's arms wrap around his middle and her chin rest upon his shoulder.

"Do you still see yourself with this sort of life one day" she asked hesitantly and he looked over at her "what do you mean" he asked and she shrugged.

"I don't know… a family… kids" she asked.

He considered her question before he turned to look at her. "Yes" he said "but only if you are a part of it"

Livie's smile was like a ray of sunshine that brought a smile to his face too. "And you" he asked.

Livie smirked "yeah one day" she said "but only with you."

Reid's grin widened and he bent to gently kiss Livie on the lips making her giggle as he held her close.

"Ew gross" came a voice from the doorway and they both pulled apart to see Kaylee leaning against the doorframe watching them.

"Well if you find it so gross knock before entering" Livie said exasperated and Kaylee grinned slyly "the door was open" she said innocently.

Livie rolled her eyes and moved over to the bed to grab her bag and jacket. "Right I am going to say hi to Ryan and Esposito down at the precinct" she said "before mom Lanie and I all go out for a nice lunch. I'll be back around two and then maybe we can go to the movies or continue our Harry Potter movie marathon yeah?"

"Yeah" both Reid and Kaylee said together and Livie smiled "don't destroy the house" she said "dad is going out to do book research so please remember Spencer… you are the adult."

He grinned and they all headed down the stairs and Livie opened the door "see you later" she whispered before giving Reid a quick kiss on the cheek and ducking out of the apartment leaving Reid with a whole morning of fun science magic ahead of him.

XOHHa

When Livie stepped into the precinct an hour later she felt a wave of nostalgia rush through her and she paused briefly and closed her eyes remembering all the fun afternoons she had spent here when she was a teenager. She had always found something to entertain her whilst her mom was busy interrogating suspects whether that be watching her and making bets as to how long it would take for her to crack them to having rolling chair races up and down the bullpen and whizzing past the captain's office hearing her yell out "this is a precinct not a playground."

Since her mom had married Rick she had spent a lot of time here. And she had loved every minute of it.

She let out a gasp followed by a laugh as she felt arms wrap around her and a familiar voice sounded in her ear "well what are you doing hovering by the elevator… get over here and say hello."
Grinning she turned and beamed "Hey Javi" she exclaimed and she wrapped her arms around him laughing as he hugged her back "good to see you mini Beckett" he murmured as she smiled "good to see you too" she said as she pulled away to grin up at him.

"Hey where is my hug" came another voice and Livie smirked up at Esposito before she turned and grinned at Ryan before she flung her arms around him "hey Ryan" she said hugging him tightly.

Once they had pulled apart she saw her mom sitting at her desk watching with an affectionate smile on her face. "Hi mom" she said "don't I get a hello from you" she asked innocently. Kate rolled her eyes at her daughter before she smiled "good to see you kiddo" she said.

Livie dropped into the seat that was usually occupied by her father as the boys came and sat on the edge of her mother's desk making her narrow her eyes at them.

"So how's the boyfriend" Esposito asked in a hinting voice and Livie smirked "Spencer is fine" she said "he is busy entertaining Kaylee"

"Ooo good luck to him" Ryan said and Livie smiled.

They chatted for about another half an hour before two men walked into the bullpen and stopped in front of the murder board.

"Any progress Detective Beckett" one of them asked and Kate her head "no though I am still waiting for financials to come in on the latest victim."

Both men nodded before they glanced down at Livie and Kate smiled "sorry gentlemen this is my daughter Livie Beckett, Livs these are detectives Cragen and West from Boston PD. A killer who was killing in their jurisdiction has come here so they came in to lend a hand."

"Nice to meet you" Livie said with a smile "don't mind me though guys I am just waiting for Lanie to finish up so we can go for lunch."

Kate nodded at her before they all turned their attention back to the board "lets refresh" she said

"So our killer kills brunette Caucasian women mostly in their thirties by slitting their throats. He was active in Boston for three months killing 20 women before he suddenly moved to New York for unknown reasons though we can only assume that we were getting close and he felt the need to flee."

Kate nodded as she studied the board "since coming to New York he has murdered two women in two days"

"He's devolving" Livie said casually "everything that could once fit to a pattern is gone. He lost everything that he knew and now everything that made him stick to a specific pattern is gone. He is just going to keep on killing till you catch him."

Slowly everyone looked over at her where she sat texting on her phone. Slowly she looked up sensing everyone watching her. "What" she asked.

"Um did we miss something" Detective West asked and Livie grinned sheepishly "sorry force of habit" she said "I um just finished my internship with the Quantico FBI Behavioural Analysis Unit so profiling killers comes a little naturally to me."

"You are a profiler" Detective Cragen asked looking interested and Livie nodded "well sorta" she said "kinda having time off and hunting for a job at the moment."

Cragen nodded looking impressed "anything else you can tell us" he asked.

Livie hesitated and looked at her mom who nodded "um just that he is most likely a white male, in his late thirties, early forties. Probably also Caucasian… killers tend to stick to killing people of their on racial identity. Slitting the throat is very personal so I would guess the victims are a substitute for the real target of his rage and that considering he could have gone to DC or any other city that real target might live here in New York. You find his target and you'll find him."

Both the agents from Boston stared at her "that was impressive" Detective Cragan said "how old did you say you were"

"Twenty five" Livie said with a smile. "Uh huh" Cragan said studying her.

Livie looked between everyone who was still staring at her before she bit her lip "Ok" she said "um I can see you are going to be busy for a while so I am going to go down to the morgue and see how long Lanie is going to be ok"

"Ok kiddo" Kate said "love you."

"Love you more" Livie said as she leapt to her feet and placed a quick kiss on her mother's cheek before she turned and headed towards the elevator.

Kate watched her daughter walk towards the elevator with a smile on her face. "She seems to really know her stuff" Detective Cragan said and she nodded "she does" she agreed "she is fairly extraordinary."

She looked at her two team mates who grinned at her knowing full well how extraordinary Livie was. After all it wasn't many young ladies who could survive everything she had been through and still be able to make herself and everyone else smile.

XO

When Livie arrived home after a long lunch with Lanie who had always been like the long lost aunt she had never had she was feeling happier than she had felt in a long time. So when she slid her key into the lock and heard jovial laughing from the other side she felt her spirits lift even more.

But when she opened the door to the loft she stopped and stared at the giant structure that was filling up their living room.

The two couches were pushed into an L shape with the dining room chairs stacked opposite one to form a U shape. A large sheet was suspended from the ceiling forming a tent like structure with a spare bedsheet over the opening to form one of the most magnificent forts she had ever seen.

"Hello" she called as she shut the front door. "Anyone over the age of maturity in here."

"Hiya Livie" Kaylee exclaimed sticking her head out from under the blanket "No adults here but you can come join us in here if you like."

"What is the age of maturity anyway" Reid asked poking his head out and Livie laughed as she shrugged out of her coat "I don't know… in this family probably like forty."

"Doubt it since I haven't reached it yet" Rick called and he joined them poking their heads out and Livie rolled her eyes before she sighed "Ok move over" she said as she kicked off her shoes and crawled into the fort looking around.

"Wow" she said smiling as she saw a string of Kaylee's fairy lights stretched across the roof and duvets and cushions across the floor. "Why did you build this" she asked looking over at Reid who grinned sheepishly "I ran out of science magic" he confessed "so since I haven't built one before Kaylee suggested we build one so we could watch Harry Potter in them when you got back."

Livie laughed as she spotted how the TV had been dragged forward to the back of the fort and looked at her sister "well what are you waiting for go get the movies" she said and Kaylee giggled before she crawled out and disappeared off to the study. Rick sighed and followed her out muttering about doing more writing.

Livie grinned as she settled herself on her elbows and looked over at Reid who was grinning at her "how was your day" he asked and she smiled "so far amazing" she said "and I think it is going to get even better."

Gently she leaned over and kissed in slowly but the kiss became firmer as he leaned into her reaching up to run his fingers through her hair.

It probably would have gone on a lot further if they hadn't been alerted by a thump outside and they pulled apart seconds before Kaylee scrambled back into the fort and moved towards the DVD player totally oblivious to her blushing sister and boyfriend.

They soon settled back down and Reid wrapped an arm around Livie watching as she kissed the top of her little sister's head lovingly.

That was when he realised how much he did want this life. He wanted a family. He wanted it more than anything in the world. But only with Livie.

He looked down at her and smiled 'there's still time' he thought to himself 'we have all the time in the world right now.'

And indeed in this enclosed space with her curled up beside him, he felt like time meant nothing and the world stood still. Because to him it did whenever he was with Livie. But right now it felt like nothing could pull them apart.

Not even reality.

Hope you enjoyed that. Once again sorry about the delay.

Please review – they really encourage me to keep writing.

Thanks Mystic girl