MEG'S POV
The call woke me up early that morning, and like every morning, the facts of sorry excuse for a life smacked me in the face. I was dating a man I didn't love. My father wasn't dead, only a liar. My best friend had been raped. And she still hated me.
It had been three weeks since I'd found out about Nessa. Penelope had called me. I went down to the hospital, and watched her sleep. I left. I told no one to tell I was there, unless she asked if I did.
I hadn't seen her since the fight we'd had, when I was in nothing but Spencer's tee-shirt.
I rolled over and grumbled, pressing the phone to my face.
"Hello?" I growled.
"Megara?"
"Hotchner?" I asked, sitting up right. "Sir, is there something you need? Is something wrong with Nessa?"
"No, no, well...yes...but that's not why I'm calling."
There was a silence.
"Well?"
"Well, Meg, you know I wouldn't call unless it was important-"
"No, Hotchner. I'm not going back."
"I didn't say it was an order. I was just asking. If you change your mind, call Garcia, and she'll get you where you need to go."
The line went dead, and I stared at my phone.
"Who the hell was that?" Sorreli asked, sitting up right.
"Hotch..." I said.
She frowned. "The scary BAU guy?...They want ya back, don't they, babe?"
I nodded.
She pursed her lips. "I think you need to go. Babe, you think you fixed everything, but ya didn't. You can't always use your words. You gotta use your actions."
I stared ahead. "How do I know when I've fixed it?" I asked.
"When everything is normal again, baby."
I put my head in my hands. "I must be crazy..."I groaned. I flung back the sheets, and starting pulling on a pair of skinny jeans and an over-sized ivory wool sweater. "Tell Darcy I can't make lunch today, will you?"
"Course, babe. He's not gonna be happy."
I threw my things in a bag and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, babe," I told her. "And he'll just have to live with it," I called back. I pulled out my phone as I pulled my hair into a messy bun.
"Hey, Penny? Get me the address and have a plane waiting, will you doll?"
The call woke me up early that morning, and like every morning, the facts of sorry excuse for a life smacked me in the face. I was dating a man I didn't love. My father wasn't dead, only a liar. My best friend had been raped. And she still hated me.
It had been three weeks since I'd found out about Nessa. Penelope had called me. I went down to the hospital, and watched her sleep. I left. I told no one to tell I was there, unless she asked if I did.
I hadn't seen her since the fight we'd had, when I was in nothing but Spencer's tee-shirt.
I rolled over and grumbled, pressing the phone to my face.
"Hello?" I growled.
"Megara?"
"Hotchner?" I asked, sitting up right. "Sir, is there something you need? Is something wrong with Nessa?"
"No, no, well...yes...but that's not why I'm calling."
There was a silence.
"Well?"
"Well, Meg, you know I wouldn't call unless it was important-"
"No, Hotchner. I'm not going back."
"I didn't say it was an order. I was just asking. If you change your mind, call Garcia, and she'll get you where you need to go."
The line went dead, and I stared at my phone.
"Who the hell was that?" Sorreli asked, sitting up right.
"Hotch..." I said.
She frowned. "The scary BAU guy?...They want ya back, don't they, babe?"
I nodded.
She pursed her lips. "I think you need to go. Babe, you think you fixed everything, but ya didn't. You can't always use your words. You gotta use your actions."
I stared ahead. "How do I know when I've fixed it?" I asked.
"When everything is normal again, baby."
I put my head in my hands. "I must be crazy..."I groaned. I flung back the sheets, and starting pulling on a pair of skinny jeans and an over-sized ivory wool sweater. "Tell Darcy I can't make lunch today, will you?"
"Course, babe. He's not gonna be happy."
I threw my things in a bag and kissed her cheek. "Thanks, babe," I told her. "And he'll just have to live with it," I called back. I pulled out my phone as I pulled my hair into a messy bun.
"Hey, Penny? Get me the address and have a plane waiting, will you doll?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NESSAS POV
-Hands crept towards me and I screamed and fell backwards. I was pushed down under water and I felt the oxygen leaving my lungs. I struggled up towards the surface and more hands pushed down on me. I saw a blinding light in the distance and voices yelling at me from it. I thought I recognized the voices but I couldn't place them. The hands pushed me towards the light and I floated with them. In front of the light was a baby. It was quite adorable and looked like.............her. It looked like Meg. It drifted towards me and I reached out for it. I pulled it close and when it opened its mouth it had 5 rows of grotesque and twisted teeth. I screamed and shoved it away from me as it morphed into a piranha. I shrunk back and the hands shoved me closer to the light. I grabbed onto one and tried to pull myself back with it. It shook me off and I flew into the light.-
I woke up and I was in a white alien world. It was all sterile white and it blinded me.
"Argghhh. Where am I?"
I felt warm arms enclose me and I shifted into them. I felt water hit my head and I recognized them as tears.
"Nessa I was so worried when I came home and saw you!"
I recognized the voice as Beth's.
"Where's daddy?"
"They didn't know if you would want to be around men when you woke up. They made the rest of the team wait in the lobby."
"Please get daddy and the rest of the team."
She hustled out the door and I looked at my surrounding. I would be getting out of here as soon as possible. This wouldn't help at all. I heard a shriek that sounded Garcia like and I saw a pink and teal mass fly at the door. It banged off the wall and the blur shot in.
"Nessa freaking rose don't you ever do that to me again!"
It pulled me against it and I smelt keyboard cleaner and incense. It was defiantly Garcia. I felt a more masculine set of arms grab me and pull me against them. I smelt shoe shine and aftershave. It was dad. I turned and burrowed into his side. He sighed and slumped onto the bed next to me. I received countless hugs after that and my vision was still acting up so I smelt them all. Cooking oil, old books, sweat, wool, lavender, baby wipes, coffee, and cinnamon all blended to create the smell of the team I missed.
"I caught flashes of things but unless the color was bright it was a black blur.
I slumped into dad as a wave of vertigo hit and it knocked me over. There was still one person I wanted to see but that was never gonna happen after what I said. I tried to sit back up but my body upper body and my lower body were not acting in sync. I couldn't move my lower body for the life of me. Dad must have seen my discomfort and helped me up.
"They had to preform surgery to insert stitches. They have you on a morphine drip and other painkillers. And you are never getting left alone again."
I sighed. Great virtual lockdown. At least I wouldn't have to worry about going to school and seeing him again. I couldn't take that. I felt my eyelids slip closed and I drifted off into medicated slumber.
The 3 days in the hospital passed pretty boringly. Did Meg even know what happened? I hadn't asked and I didn't want to know the awnser. She had probably broke into laughter and thought it served me right. I know I did. I was now allowed to start walking again. We had a case and I was allowed to go on the promise that I stay with a member of the team at all times. I agreed and we left for the airport. Dad stopped to call someone and I continued on with JJ and Rossi. They helped me onto the plane and into my seat. It was uncomfortable but that was okay. I hadnt slept much since Roberts trial. He had smirked at me and I had started hyperventilating. The paramedics had to put me under to calm me down. I felt the plane take off and I stared at the wall. The team was staring at me. I could feel it. That was all they did anymore. Treat me like a china doll. I was fragile but I wasn't going to break. I had been raped before and if my memory is as good as I remember I had survived then. I felt the plane prepare for dissent and I stared at my lap. The plane touched ground and dad helped me up. I wobbled towards the exit and I climbed down the stairs. I looked for the local FBI branch we were meeting and I looked at a familiar face. It was Demytra Nomm.
-----------------------------------------------------DEMY'S POV
Me and my team waited at the airport. We were supposed to be working with the BAU on a case that popped up recently. I was excited, hoping I would get to see everyone I met during my internship. My team saw it as just another mission, except for Cissnei, who was happy that I was happy.
As their plane descended, I literally ran to go meet them. I smiled as I saw who stepped off the plane first.
"Nessa!" I shouted, hugging her as soon as she got off the steps. I picked her up and swung her in a circle. "I missed you, girl!" I put her down and stopped her from falling over from dizziness.
"Hey, Demy," she said with only a slight smile, regaining her balance.
The rest of the BAU team got out if the plane and we all exchanged 'Good to see you''s. My team just kind of stayed behind me, putting up with my emotional girlyness.
I turned back to my team. Reno, Cissnei, Rude, and Tseng. Tseng handed me a clipboard and said, "On to business, agent Nom."
Reno laughed. "Chill, dude. We have a couple minutes to spare."
I took the clipboard. "It's alright. We need to get to work anyway," I said, looking over the papers on the clipboard. I looked up at Hotch. "We have a serial killer on our hands. Five victims already." I took some pictures from the clipboard and handed them to him. "Each victim has a few things in common. Each one is missing various body parts, and each one was a prostitute."
"Sounds like a regular Jack the Ripper," Hotch said, flipping through the pictures of the mutilated women.
Nessa glanced over at the pictures and she grew pale. I wondered why, considering she'd probably seen a lot of pictures like those.
"Yeah," I said to Hotch. "We have no suspects, and there are never any fingerprints at the crime scenes."
Hotch hmmed and gave me the clipboard.
"We have more info back at Headquarts. Let's go," I said.
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MEG'S POV
Stepping off the plane was the hardest thing I'd done in a long time. And lately, my life was full of that.
I saw a black SUV waiting for me, and Derek Morgan stood on his heels, slouching off the car. I walked toward him, and he held his hand out. I handed him my black satchel (which had been making me bend at a 130 degree angle) and he slung it on his shoulder, then shocked me by wrapping me in a violent hug.
"Hey," I said, smiling.
"Missed you, babe," he said. "Things aren't the same without you around." He beamed at me, and I beamed back. Had I been forgiven?
I smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
We rode to the station, jamming 80s punk rock, which didn't bother me, as long as Derek and I were laughing and screaming the lyrics. Pulling up, I swallowed. Derek squeezed my hand.
"No one is mad at you, babe," he said. I looked up at him, fear all over me.
"Not even..."
"Espically not him."
I smiled. "I don't deserve that."
He shrugged. "You were right when you said you did nothing wrong."
Derek walked in front of me, but, as always, nothing escaped the Garcia radar.
"You!" I felt her warm body tackle me, her sequin top scratching my arms open and her hair bow in my eyes. I missed this. "Do you have any idea how much we missed you?" she growled.
"Is it her?" I heard Rossi's deep voice ask, and he came around the corner and stole me from Penelope. JJ accepted me with open arms, and Hotchner smiled at me, thanking me for coming.
I stepped through the crowd, and swallowed.
His body was only half turned towards me, half towards the white-board, but his head was at a full 360, smiling meekly at me. His hand held a marker, and the other a white stryophom cup, with steam rising off it. His hair was longer, and messier too. This case was bothering him, I could just tell.
I waved shyly, and he reiterated my motion.
"Hey," I said, walking up.
"Hey," he responded, voice going deep, the way it did when he got nervous and tried to cover it.
I smiled. I almost said I missed him, but I felt like that would be the worst thing I could ever do. But I did miss him.
"Where can I get some of that coffee?" I asked, smiling sheepishly. "God, I need it. "
"Do you want me to get it?"
"No, no, I've got it," I said, waving my hand. He blinked, and took a step back.
Tringler...
"Uh...It's...it's in the break room."
He pointed in the direction, and I followed his finger.
"Tringler!" I cursed again, staring at the ring on my index finger.
"Meg?"
I smiled, watching the wind blow more leaves off the trees. "Hmm?" I asked, not paying attention in the least. He laughed, his voice throaty and deep. His hand slipped over mine, and I glanced down at them, with what probably looked like a glare.
"I'd like to give you something, if you'd let me."
I sat up, smoothing the blanket under us. He beamed in front of me, and handed me a little velvet ring box. I swallowed. God, was he...?
"Open it,"he urged me. Slowly, I did.
I swore in my head.
A silver ring, with a huge rock in it. Look at that! It's bigger than my thumb!
The diamond was huge, and I gapped, not sure what to say.
"It's a promise ring," the told me, laughing. He took it out, and held out his hand. I gingerly placed mine in his. He slid the cold metal on to my index finger, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
"It means we are officially courting...if that's alright with you," he said, smiling fading for a moment.
"Uh...sure, yeah, er, Yes, Darcy. I'd like that very much."
Darcy kissed me that day. I was shocked, and his lips tasted like mint-chocolate, my favorite flavor. But that felt very wrong.
I twirled the ring nervously, coming out of the room with a coffee that I very much needed.
"Meg!" I looked up.
"Demy!" I screamed. I ran toward her, leaping into her arms. We pratically collapsed laughing.
"Look at you! You're so big now!"
I laughed at her. "Kind of done growing, now," I said.
"So," she said, tucking a piece of hair back into her bun,"what do you think?"
I stared. "About what? The case?"
She nodded.
"I, er, haven't even checked it yet."
"Jack the Ripper rip off, huh?" I asked after reading the file. She nodded.
"Where are the letters?" I asked. She stared, confused.
"You know, the letters? Begining 'Dear Boss'? Ring any bells?"
She told me no.
"What! Okay, can I say something candid for a minute? If you are going to rip off a serial killer, at least do it correctly! I mean, the letters are so iconic and awesome!"
Derek stared from across the room. "You are so weird..." he said.
"Well! They are! I began half my diary entries from age 14 on with 'Dear Boss' for forever!!"
He stared at me, and I heard a giggle behind me, and I turned.
"Nessa."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NESSAS POV
I walked behind Meg tailing her. I had to get forgiveness from her at any cost. The only reason I had been raped was because I was a horrible person. I deserved to get raped and I knew it. I need her forgiveness like air. It was what I was living for. I would have no reason to live if she refused to forgive me. I had been a bitch and I didn't deserve her forgiveness. I quietly watched her talk and pounce on Demy. I heard her complain of the lack of copycatness. I giggled at her confession of her diary and I guess she heard me. She turned towards me.
"Nessa."
I stared like a deer in headlights. She acknowledged me. It was a start. I slipped towards her.
"Meggy I am SO sorry for what I said! I hurt you so much and that killed me inside! I am a total bitch and I would understand if you don't forgive me! Just don't write me out of your life! You are like my sister! I would die if you refused to see me again! You aren't the whore, I am! I needed you so much and I couldn't turn to you! I needed my sister! I don't blame you but I do blame me! Please come back to the Agency. We all need you and I need you! Please say you will forgive me! Please!
I broke down into sobs. I couldn't take all this pressure and I finally snapped. The tears that had refused to fall fell at the sight of her. I wept bitterly and through my tears looked at her. Would she forgive me or would she turn me away?
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MEG'S POV
I watched silently as Nessa burst into tears in front of me. I couldn't move my feet. I thought she'd resented me. That's what I deserved, and now, it's what I craved. I needed this part, to be hated. It's all I was used to. That's why I was with Darcy, he could buy me nice things, and utter nice words, but his temperment was cold and indifferent. That's why I was with Darcy. I didn't deserve to be here, and after this case, I would leave again.
I hesitantly pulled Nessa into my arms, and lead her into a chair. We didn't speak, she simply unable, myself only unworthy. I wipped her tears, then rose stiffly, exiting the room.
I deserved neither such praise, nor such censure, to quote Elizabeth Bennett.
-------------------------------------------
DEMY'S POV
I watched Meg and Ness's confrontation, wondering what exactly had happened between them, then Meg left the room. I went out the door right after, following her.
"Meg!" I called, catching up to her.
She stopped, crossing her arms. "What, Demy?" she asked, her voice breaking.
"What's going on with you and Nessa?"
"Nothing."
I sighed. "Meg, we're friends. You can tell me anything," I pleaded.
She just stared at the floor.
"She said, 'You're not the whore, I am'. That makes me a bit curious," I stated.
"Demy, I really don't want to talk."
"Alright," I groaned. "Let's just go and work on the case, alright?"
She nodded hesitantly. We started walking back to the room.
I smiled at her. "And I know the guy isn't an EXACT replica of Jack the Ripper, but he's getting close," I laughed.
"I still wanna see some letters," Meg said, smirking.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NESSA'S POV
I fell onto my ass unceremoniously and I stared up. The team looked sympathetic and I felt one grab me from behind. I shook and squirmed. I hated touching others and I was trying not to scream. One of them tried to pull me against them and I arched away.
I wriggled out and stood up. I bolted and ran through the halls, not caring who I ran into. I felt glares at my back and I didn't care. I reached an exit door and I pushed it. I found a bench out back and I sat down. I put my head on my knees and laid down. The bench was under a weeping willow so it was hidden. I saw the team come to look for me and they didn't. I sighed and curled in on myself some more. It was freezing out and my jacket was indoors.
I felt my tear stained cheeks grown dry and my uneven sobs subsided. I decided I needed to go in and I stood up rapidly. I wobbled and decided to go check on the .....case. This case terrified me and I hated being here. I was glad we met Demytra here but this case struck to close to home.
I felt my breathing become labored and I felt a panic attack come on. My breathing picked up and I tried to calm down. I stumbled towards the editor and I drew in deep breaths. I had had worse then this so I was thankful.
I stumbled in and I saw Meg and Demy giggling like school girls. I sighed and chalked towards a couch. I guess friends weren't in my life plan.
*********************************************************************************
MEG'S POV
I noticed Nessa walked in, and I felt compelled to smile at her, even though I felt I shouldn't. I almost felt normal again, being back here. Nessa blinked at me, like she couldn't believe it. Reid and Morgan walked in, a piece of paper in a plastic bag in his hand.
"This what you want, babe?" Derek asked me. I stared, beaming.
"Eff. Yes."
I lunged for it.
"Dear Boss," I read aloud. The team listened as I finished the letter, beaming. I frowned. "He spelled everything right..." I groaned.
"So?" Demy asked.
"He mispells most words, Jack did. He always misspells words such as knife and nice. It was honestly awful. This person isn't bothering to live up to my expectations!!" I screamed, throwing it down on the table. Derek laughed, as did Reid.
"Some one is in a really good mood," he said.
"I'm on the rag, can't you tell?"
"Too much information, blondie," Derek said, making a face. Reid looked at me.
"What does that mean?"
I laughed.
"Really, Meg-"
"Hello, my pretties!" Garcia crooned through the speaker.
"Hey, Garce," I said, writing on the board my thoughts.
"I'm glad little Giry is here. You have a call."
"Send 'em through," I said.
"Meg?"
My marker froze midplace while forming an 'o'. My mouth took on a similar shape.
"Darcy..." I said, looking to Reid. His face was fallen.
"I, er, I have to call you back. I'm at work." I said. Nessa pursed her lips at me. "I know," I mouthed angrilly at her. She smiled, almost happy I was over it enough to yell.
"Alright, baby. Love you."
"...Love you."
The line went dead.
"I could kill him sometimes..." I groaned.
Nessa stared. "I know the feeling..."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEMY'S POV
I glanced over at Meg.
"So..." I crooned. "Who's this Darcy?"
"No one of interest," Nessa supplied.
I rolled my eyes and looked at Meg. "You didn't seem all too happy on the phone. I think I should know who he is," I said.
"He's just a guy," Meg insisted.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Alright." I noted how dejected Reid had looked while Meg had been on the phone, and I started piecing a few things together in my mind. I had always known that Reid liked Meg—that much was obvious—but I still wasn't sure about what Meg felt.
I cleared my throat and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You know..." I said to Nessa and Meg. "I would really like to catch up with you guys. Just hang out. I've missed you two, and I can tell a lot has happened recently."
"Well, a lot has definitely happened..." I heard Nessa mumble almost inaudibly.
Meg crossed her arms. "I suppose we could. We could go get lunch and talk sometime."
"How about right now?" I asked.
"We're working on a case, Demy," Meg protested.
"A case that is just getting you all riled up because of its inaccuracy. We need a break. Let's go. Now," I commanded, grabbing Meg by the wrist and waving Ness to follow as we exited the room.
"Have fun," Morgan called to us.
In a matter of minutes, we were at the nearest fast food place, McDonalds. I ordered three iced coffees (or whatever ridiculous name McDonalds has for it) and we sat down at a table near the back, by the window.
"Are you sure it's okay to just put a case on hold like this?" Nessa asked, looking like it bugged her quite a bit.
I picked up her coffee and shoved the straw in her mouth. "Chill. Your team and my team are working on it, too. Between all of them, I'm sure they can make up the lost brain power," I giggled.
"How typical of you, Demy," Meg stated, grinning. "Putting off work. It's a wonder your team has managed to put up with you," she joked
I stuck out my tongue. "Whatever." I put down the coffee, crossing my arms and looking at Meg and Nessa. "Okay. back to business. I want to hear every detail of what's happened recently. Everything."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NESSA'S POV
This ircked me alot. Here women were getting attacked and we were taking a McDonalds break. I hated McDonalds and went to appease them. It took far to long to burn off McDonalds calories. I sat and sighed. Demy wanted to know what all had went on while she was gone. To many things I wish I could change how I reacted to. And then IT. That would be even worse to explain. How do I say I called my best friend a whore and immplied she slept around. I'm sure Demy would hate me after that. I sat up straight and Demy leaned in.
" Now you have to promise not to react until the end. Okay?"
She nodded and I continued. I explained what all had happend and so far Demy had kept to her promise. I could see she wanted to react and now it was time to explain IT.
"I was furious and I regret it so much now. I called her a whore and impiled she jumped into any guy's bed."
Dmey glowered and I could see her maternal insticts coming out.
"Then as karma's revenge my boyfriend got past my best friend Mindy. He sat beside me on the couch and he grabbed at me. I told him to stop and he wouldn't. I tried to run but he caught me and it got so cold and dark. It was worse than the first time. At least then he was some faceless freak. Now it was the man I liked. The next thing I know I wake up in a hospital. I finally get out and we get called on this case. I finally saw Meg again and I tried to make a appropriate apology. It still wasnt enough to express my regret. An thats what you saw. So now you are all caught up."
I didnt realize I was shivering until I finished speaking. I looked at Demy and Meg's faces and I saw two completly differnet looks. Demy looked angry and ready to kill. Me I'm sure. Meg was spaced out, like she was remebering something.
I stared up into the faces of both of them. Time for their responce.
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MEG'S POV
"Ummm...wow..." Demy said, glancing between us. I nodded.
"Statement of my life, summed up, by that," I replied.
Demy pursed her lips.
"And you?" she asked, looking at me.
I sighed. "Love and the weather...."
She nodded sympathetically. "And the Darcy boy?"
I held up my hand, showing them the rock on my finger. They both gasped.
"Is that-"
"Nope," I sighed. "Just bought it for me to have. I don't even know what will be on my finger if he...ehhh..." I couldn't say the words.
"God..." Demy mumbled into her hand.
Nessa stood and I grabbed both of our purses, slinging hers across her body.
"We better get back," the armless girl sighed.
I only nodded.
**
The day dragged on, and it felt almost...normal again. There were awkward silences, and I couldn't look at a single person without feeling some trace of guilt. Regardless, they all smiled at me as if I was the same 14 year old they had picked up that first day.
"We need to get to the hotel, guys," Hotch said. Demy frowned.
"I told you all you could stay at my house."
"We didn't want to intrude," Hotchner supplied.
"Plus the idea freaked us out..." Derek said, and he earned a smack from JJ. I smiled at the small quarrell.
"Meg, Nessa, you two are rooming together...is that okay?"
Nessa looked up at me, her big brown eyes scanning over me, asking permission. I looped my arm around her waist, just like I would've done if this was two months ago.
"Of course," I laughed. "It's always been okay. C'mon, Ness! We're gonna play dress-up again!" I yanked her away. Her eyes went wide.
"No! Wait! Don't make me-"
But we were out the door, both of us laughing the whole way.
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DEMY'S POV
I grinned as Ness and Meg left, happy that there weren't any hard feelings between them after all that they had told me. I was a bit shocked by everything they had said, although I shouldn't expect their lives to be normal. They never had been, and my life isn't that typical either, though a bit less crazy than theirs.
My team stood around a table reviewing various things about the case. Reno was goofing off, of course, and Tseng had to try to keep him on task, as usual.
"Come ooonnn..." Reno whined. "We're off duty right now."
"I beg to differ," Cissnei said, smacking the side of his head.
Reno groaned and flipped through a folder of papers. "This sucks."
I walked over and snatched the folder from his hands. "You're free to go, Reno. All of you can go home. I'll stay late and make up for lost time," I said, leaning back on the wall and reading some papers.
"You sure?" Rude spoke up.
"Yup." I flipped through a few pages. "And take off the sunglasses, Rude. It's dark outside."
He smirked and walked out, still not taking off those freaking sunglasses. I swear I've never seen him without them once. Reno followed him, as did Tseng.
"Need any help?" Cissnei asked, looking over my shoulder.
"Nah. Go home, Ciss."
"Well, okay," she said, shrugging, then left.
I glanced up and saw that Hotch and his group were making their way out as well, with the exception of Spencer. He was looking through a few notes on the table.
"Hey, Spence," I said, coming over and sitting next to him. "Any groundbreaking discoveries over here?"
He hummed and shook his head slightly, as if not exactly sure.
"I see." I still was curious about what he and Meg's relationship was, but I definitely wasn't about to ask. I glanced over at Spencer's notes he had taken when we had all been discussing, then looked up at him. "Is there any pattern in the victims, besides all of them being prostitutes?"
"The only other thing would be that they were all involved in drug deals at some point in time, but that's not all that uncommon," Spencer said. I could tell he was tired. He probably had done more thinking than anyone, because, well, he was Spencer Reid.
"I see..." I mumbled. I tried not to be touchy about this subject, but it always made my throat tighten up. Any mention of drugs made my skin crawl, which isn't a good thing in my line of work. It was just that the mention of the word made unwanted memories resurface, where I'm a dumb sixteen year old in a gang, doing anything to get ahold of those evil substances. I really was stupid then, and I'm still paying for it. I like to think that all of my troubles were over as soon as they beat me half to death. I like to think that that was the last moment I would have to deal with any of that anymore, but, sadly, that's not going to happen.
"Are you alright?" Spencer asked, looking up from his papers.
Snapped back into reality, I noticed how violently my hands were shaking and how odd my breathing pattern was. I put my hands to my sides, under the table, and took a deep breath. "I'm fine," I sighed, then stood.
Reid stood as well. "Are you sure? You look pale," he stated.
I gave a dry laugh. "Unless I'm as pale as Meg, I wouldn't worry." I glanced back down at the notebook with the information Reid had jotted down. I picked it up. "I-I'm gonna head out now. Do you mind if I...?"
"Oh, take it," he said with a wave of his hand. "I know everything on there. I was just looking at it to see if it would help me come to some sort of conclusion about anything."
"Thanks," I said, smiling weakly.
I gathered my things and went home, then immediately flopped down on the couch and looked at the clock. 11:02. It felt later than that. I was exhausted, but the gears in my mind were turning too much to let me sleep. What I wanted to know was why I felt there was a connection between the case and...something. That something was yet to be discovered, but it was there.
I picked up the notes and read. Or tried to. I fell asleep before getting anything accomplished.
******************************************************************************
MEG'S POV
I stretched and sighed, looking down across the room at the opposite bed, where Nessa was curled up shivering. I threw my blanket on the brunette, and left her a note on the pillow beside her, saying I'd be back soon, I'd gone to get us breakfast.
After showing, I pulled up my wet, tangled blonde hair into a bun, and slipped into a cream colored dress. I didn't bother with make-up, thinking no one would be up this early.
Wrong.
"Oh, hey, Spence," I said as he smiled at me from across the room, arms full of plates.
"Need some help?" I asked, grabbing them and sitting them on the nearest table.
"Thanks," he said, nervously.
We sat at a table for a little bit, neither speaking, and he not eating.
"Taking food back to Morgan?" I asked, looking at the three very full plates. "I know he's a growing boy, but geesh."
Reid laughed, twittling his thumbs. "Actually, I uh, was bringing food up to you," he stressed the last word, then rubbed his palms on his legs. "And, uh, Nessa too..."
"Of course," I said, nodding, not looking at him.
"Can we talk later?" I asked, after a moment of silence.
He looked shocked, but then smiled at me, wide and overdoing it. "We already talked, Meg," he said.
I frowned. "I...I meant again. Last time we talked...I just wanted to push all the blame off me. I don't want that any more. And if it's means I have to see you hurt, I defenately don't want it...."
"Meg?" he asked.
"Are things going to be awkward between us?" I asked. "I don't want them to be."
He sighed. "I don't want that either...but..."
He didn't go on. He didn't need to. The 'but' hanging in the air between us let me know it wouldn't be the same again. His eyes raked over my promise ring, and I swallowed.
"Did you want to try again?" he asked. I looked up, eyes shocked. "As friends, I mean."
"Oh..." I said. I felt my face fall. "Oh, yeah...of course, Spencer," I said, gripping his hand tight. "You know I'll always be your friend."
That smile he gave me instantly assaulted me with a young memory, of a 14 year old girl, twirling around the BAU.
"Meg! Watch out! You're going to-"
But 'going to' turned into 'you did'.
"Oops!" I cried. "Je suis tellement désolé! Ou ... comment dites-vous ...I am...surry," I said, smiling. I helped the boy to his feet, smiling into honey brown eyes.
"It's alright, Meg. And the word is sorry," he said, smiling back at me. The naive thing I was, I grinned back, taking his hand and bouncing up and down.
"Je m'excuse mille fois," I promised." ... si vous ne compris ..." I muttered. He stared at me blankly, but I smiled again.
"Spencer," I asked, my accent dripping over the word.
"Yes?"
"Are we...we are friends, oui?" I asked. "Er...yeeess?" I stretched out the disgusting word. English was not a pretty language.
"Of course we are friends, Meg," he said, smiling.
I bounced as I pushed the boy into a chair. "Will you forever be my friend?" I asked.
"Always," he said.
Back then, I didn't realize the word always was him correcting me. I thought it was a promise. A promise he never made, a promise I held him to, that he was obligated to keep.
"I'm glad," he said. "I'm glad that you're back...you are staying, aren't you?"
I looked hard at the ground. "For the time being," I mumbled, managing a smile. He too, threw up a smile at me.
I helped Nessa dress, and we back down at the station, where quiet the commotion was going on. Sofia came up to us. She didn't bother to sneer back at me, just looked frazzled and worried.
"I'm so so sorry! I tried to tell him he couldn't be here but-"
"Who, Sofia?" I growled.
But I didn't need to ask. I saw the curly dark hair thrown over a pale face, set on the most perfect body. Chocolate eyes found my horrid blue, and a smile broke out over his face. He breathed my name, and smiled boldly at me. I was thrown into a hug, and I patted his back awkwardly.
"Meg...God, I missed you..."
"You're not supposed to be here," I scolded, frowning at him. His pressed my hand to his lips, and smiled wide.
"I'm sorry, I just...it's Saturday and...we had plans...I needed to see you..."
"Who is this?"
I looked back at Demy, her stern face set and angry, trying to be boss-like. I groaned, putting my head in my hands.
"This," I groaned. "Is Darcy."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NESSA'S POV
I groaned as I saw Darcy.
How the hell did he think he could just show up at a case and drag Meg away?
God dammit we just got her back and we ain't letting her go.
Demy stalked up to them and glared at Darcy.
"Who is this?"
"This is Darcy."
Demy glared and stomped back over to me. We walked off when he started rambling with Meg again. I followed her to the break room and she sat down.
"Why the hell would he show up? On a case none the less?"
"I've been telling you Darcy's an idiot."
"I didn't believe it till I saw it."
She started rubbing the crook of her arm. She rubbed her little injection spots when she was stressed out. It was a habit she'd had for as long as I can remember. She bit at her lip and looked at me.
"We'll I have a plan if you want to hear it."
"Okayyyyy"
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
DEMY'S POV
I smiled, as if just to reassure that my plan was a good one. "Well, Meg seems kind of mad at Darcy, even though he seems desperately in love. If it wasn't for him, their little relationship would fall to pieces."
"Wait a sec..." Ness said. "You don't mean we're gonna kill him, do you?!"
"Of course not!" I replied. "I was thinking more along the lines of making Darcy mad at Meg. That would surely split them up, and give Spencer a much better chance with her."
"Okaayyy... But how would we do that? Darcy doesn't really seem like he's going to get angry easily," Nessa stated. "And it's not like Meg is always just doing things to make people mad--... I take that back. But it's not like she goes around kicking puppies or something."
I chuckled. "Except Spencer. It seems like she kicks that puppy quite a bit."
Nessa's eyes widened. "That's it!" she exclaimed.
"Huh?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. "What's it?"
"Meg had gotten really mad when she thought Reid had had a fling with this one girl, so I believe making Meg jealous would be an easy feat--"
"Where are you going with this?"
"Shut up and let me talk."
I held up my hands. "Go right ahead."
"'Kay. Well, if Spencer were to get a girl, Meg would be very jealous. And if Darcy knew she was jealous of said girl for being with Reid, then Darcy would get mad at Meg, thus splitting them up."
I blinked. "So... In other words, we just need some bottle-blond bimbo to crawl all over Spencer, and that'll separate Meg and Darcy?"
"Exactly."
"Okay. Sounds like a good plan. But...who would be Spencer's 'girlfriend?'" I asked.
Nessa pantomimed pondering, then looked me in the eyes.
My eyes widened. "W-what!? Me!?" I practically shouted. I mean, Spencer was attractive, and smart, and just incredible, and I had had a crush on him... But that was then! This is now!
"Yes, you," Nessa said slowly, enunciating both syllables clearly.
"But I-- I--!"
"No buts. It's necessary for our little Megara. Just go in there and seduce the crap out of him!" Nessa commanded.
"Why can't you do it!?"
"If I did it, it would be obvious that we're trying to interfere in Meg's personal life," Nessa answered. "And besides, it would just make more sense if you did it. Meg knows you liked Spencer."
"I didn't even think YOU knew that!!"
Nessa grinned and giggled. "Actually, it was common knowledge for all of the BAU."
My head made a loud banging noise as I ever so ungracefully slammed my head into the wall as hard as I freaking could.
--
We were all hard at work within the hour, except for Cissnei. I didn't know where she was.
I rubbed my arm nervously as I got ready to put our plan into action. Geez. everyone KNEW that I had had a crush on Spencer, and now I was going to make it BLATANTLY OBVIOUS. This would not be fun to do in front of my team. And everyone else, for that matter.
Holding Spencer's notepad in my hand, I walked towards him, putting on the prettiest smile I could.
"Hey, Spence," I purred. "Thanks for letting me borrow this." I had only intended to sound very slightly seductive, but probably sounded like a cheap imitation of Marilyn Monroe.
"No problem," he replied, looking a little weirded out at my odd behavior, like I could blame him.
I brushed my fingers down his forearm, then placed the notepad in his hand, looking into his honey colored eyes.
I walked back over to Nessa, flipping my ponytail with my hand. She was visibly suppressing a smile. "Awesome," she mumbled to me.
"Shut it," I demanded, then walked back over to where my team was discussing in a group. Thank God they hadn't seen that horrid little display. I looked over at Meg. She was looking a bit shocked. I was just waiting for that shock to turn into anger, which would be directed at me. I would probably have to lay off Spence for a little while, which I was totally fine with.
"So where's Cissnei?" I asked Tseng.
"I don't know," he replied.
"Maybe she's skipping work," Reno sighed, shrugging. I smacked him in the head.
"Yeah, right," I laughed, though I was a little bit worried. She was never late, and never missed work. I glanced over at the door, and as if perfectly timed, she burst through the door, attracting everyone's attention.
"Sorry I'm late," she said frantically. "I was talking to the local police."
"What's that?" I asked, gesturing to the folder in her hand.
She held it out to me. "There's been another murder," she said.
I grabbed the folder and flipped through it frantically. "What?" I said in disbelief. Great. While we've been here jacking around, someone else was killed.
"They found her just a half hour ago, in some alley," Cissnei said. "There's no doubt she was killed by the same person. There's a picture of the note the murderer left."
I found the picture and read the words aloud, "'I may not have found you yet, but I'm getting closer.'"
"What?" Meg asked.
"I wonder what that means," I said. "Are they looking for a specific person?"
"That's what it sounds like," Hotch said.
"But they must've known that their target would get the note, otherwise they wouldn't have bothered writing it," Spencer said, seeming to keep his distance from me.
I nodded, looking at the other photos in the folder. The girl this time was just as sliced up as the other five. And there was something else I noticed. "Hey," I said, addressing no one in particular. "Where are the pictures of the other victims?"
Someone handed them to me and I laid them all on the table. "Let's see..." I mumbled, spreading them all out. "It may not be a major discovery, but do you see how similar all of these girls look?" I pointed out all of the similar features. "Medium length brown hair, brown eyes, caucasian, similar facial structure, all about in their early twenties. I doubt it's a coincidence."
Everyone looked at the pictures, nodding and giving various words of realization.
Nessa looked from the pictures to me. "Demy, anything else you notice?"
"Like what?" I asked.
"All of these descriptions seem to match you," she stated.
I stared at the pictures intently. "W-what...?" I gasped.
******************************************************************************
MEG'S POV
I looked between Demy and the folder, coming to realization.
"No...no," I said, taking the file. "Dem, you can't work this case anymore. We need to get you out of here."
I went her desk, piling her things into her bag. "Now."
"Meg...stop it," she whispered. I turned to her, hands on my hips. "You wanna stay?"
Demy sat down, head in her hands, shaking. "It can't...it can't be..."
"Demytra?" Hotchner asked. Demy kept shaking her head. "Demytra, if you know something, you have to tell us."
She shook her head, wiping her eyes. "No..." she mumbled. "I...I don't know anything."
***
I was sitting on my bed, hands folded in my lap, watching the news with interest. Or at least, pretended too. Nessa ended up moving in with Sofia, regardless of my silent pleads for her not too. Darcy, on the other hand, was now sitting on the twin bed, turned fully towards me.
After a few moments, he climbed over onto my bed, stretching out behind me. I sighed.
"You want to go out?"
"No."
"You want to go downstairs?"
"No."
"You want to go get some food?"
"No."
Darcy frowned thoughtfully. "Well...what do you want?"
I sighed. "Rest," I mumbled.
Darcy came up from behind, wrapping his arms around my shoulders. I sunk into him, letting my head rest on his chest. He kissed the tips of my hair, all the way up to neck, stopping to press them slowly to my bare shoulder. I smiled sadly at him, wishing he didn't feel for me so passionately.
"...You want me to put you to bed?" he asked quietly. I looked at him, eyes wide.
"Darcy...no," I said gently. He looked down and smiled softly.
"Guess I expected that..." he said quietly. "I'm glad you said no."
I pressed my palm to his cheek, letting my eyes rake over his strong build, sun-kissed face. Coffee-colored curls fell onto his forehead, lapping at the identical colored eyes. I could live with Darcy, I thought. He wasn't a bad guy. He'd make a good husband and father...but I could never love him like I could...
I didn't let that thought continue.
"What are you staring at?" he asked me. I grinned sadly.
"You have the prettiest eyes..." I mumbled.
Darcy grinned, as if he was going to...Oh...tringler...
Slowly, our bodies leaned closer, until our lips were inches apart....
"Meg?"
I turned to the open door, to see Nessa standing behind Reid. I blushed hard, pressing my hand to my mouth. Darcy just laughed, his cheeks only slightly red. It probably looked like we were making out on the freaking bed!! Spencer...God...his face...if there was a God, he should probably just kill me, and save Reid the grief.
"Meg, uh, we need to get back to the station. They've been hounding Demy all night about her past...I think she needs us for morale support."
I nodded at Nessa, and wiped my eyes. Was I crying? Tringler! I hate my period...so, so much....
"Darcy, will you stay and hold down the fort?" I asked him, my voice cracking. He nodded, and kissed my cheek. Was that a foutu smirk on his face? I didn't want to know. He was making me so mad today....
I walked briskly past Reid and Nessa, stealing the keys from the elder's hands. They were soft, and strong, just like always. As we drove off, I let myself remember how much I loved Reid's hands...until I almost hit a cat.
I hissed at Nessa in the backseat, after she growled.
"Good driving, blondie."
But we shared a smile in the mirror. Sorelli was right. I could fix this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NESSA'S POV
I sighed as me and Reid walked up to Meg and Darcy's room. I had moved out last night even though I knew Meg wanted me to stay. If Meg was stranded with hem she would get annoyed even faster. It worked out very well.
Poor Demy. She had been interogated all night and I decided it was time to pay a visit. That poor dear. She didnt deserve this. If she said she didnt know anything then she didnt'. Call me naive but I tusted Demy. She was alwyas truthful to me before. Why would she lie now?
The more I thought on it however the more I wondered. She had seemed scared last night and she was never scared. The only thing anymore that scared her was...............the gang. Could that have anything to do with it?
Oh weel i could save those for another time. Now we had to get Meg.
Me and Reid walked down the hallway leading up to their room. I had roomed with Sophia last night and she had annoyed me to the brink. I was ready to slap that botoxed mouth off her face. All she had done last night was complain about how Reid never payed attention to her or hoe Meg was a bitch and always got the cute ones. Only Demy and I could complain about her. She was our bitch.
I noticed Meg's door was craked and I looked in. She was laying under him and he was about to attack her lips. Now was as good a time as any.
"Meg."
I stepped in and Reid stood in front of me. God that boy was machohistic.
He explained why we need to get to the staion and Meg looked glad to be going. This was going to be easier then annticipated.
She stomped down the stairs and we followed her. SHe was driving and in a bad mood. Damn we are going to die. Reid helped me into the car and buckled me in. H e climbed in the back with me and we stared at Meg as she nearly broke the shift stick in her eagerness to start the car.
Damn what did Darcy do to piss her off this much?
We stared as she drove and she kept flicking her eyes off the road. Reid stared at her like she was a ticking time bomb. And I guess in a way thats true.
I thought back on what Demy and I had talked about. How Meg and Darcy braking up was our first priority. Would she even think about that anymore? She looked broken up last night and it hurt. She looked like she was a lost child in a supermarket. I sighed and screamed as we braked suddenly.
I looked up and Meg had nearly hit a cat. I growled at her and she hissed back.
"Good driving blondie."
She laughed and I motioned for her to pull over.
"Why?"
"I want to check on that kitten."
"Okkaayyyy..."
We pulled over and I knelt down by the kitten.
"Hey kitty kitty."
It purred and curled up against me. I noticed it was limping and it had no collar. I motioned Meg over.
"I think its hurt."
"We dont have time to take it to a vet."
"Well Demy likes cats and she mentioned she was looking for a new one."
"I dont know......."
"Just grab it."
She glared and scooped it up. We walked back to the car and I got back in. Meg sat it in my lap and it curled up. Reid stared at me like I was strange. I stuck my tounge out and he turned away.
We continued driving and we pulled up at the station. Demy sat out on the bench and I tucked the kitten into the sash around my waist. I stood up and I walked over to her. She stared up and her eyes were bloodshot.
"Hey Demy. I brought somebody to see you."
I dropped the kitten onto her lap and she stared at it. It curled up against her and she kinda smiled at it. I sat down by her and layed againt her side.
She patted the kitten and it purred.
"Do you want to keep it? Ried checked on the way here and no one reported it missing. And you wanted a kitten."
SHe stared at me and I blushed. What if she didnt want it? I hadnt thought of that.
"I would love to keep it."
"What do you want to name it?"
*************************************************************************************************************
DEMY'S POV
I held up the little orange kitten, smiling. "Hmm... What could I name you?" I mumbled. I couldn't believe they actually got me a cat. I mean, sure it was a stray, but I was the last person to be picky about something picked up off the street. I grinned over at Ness and rubbed my eyes. Gosh, I was getting way too emotional over a cat. "I guess since you gave her too me, I'll name her Rose. Like Nessarose, but just Rose," I said
"Aww, really?" Nessa asked, smiling widely. She leaned against me, which I translated as a hug. I sat the cat back down on my lap and hugged Ness back.
"Thank you..." I mumbled, my eyes watering. I wiped them again. "I'm sorry..." I brushed some hair back from my face, then nestled Rose close to me. "I really love her. Thank you, guys."
"This was all Ness's doing," Meg stated.
"No, it's more than that. Just...thank you...for not hounding me about...all of this," I mumbled. I sat Rose back on my lap so I wouldn't crush her by cuddling too hard. My emotions were just a wreck. I was so stressed out about everything. I could have a murderer after me and no one will believe me that I don't know anything about it. I just... Maybe I did know something, but...didn't want to think about the possibilities.
Meg put her hand on my back. "Demy, we trust you. If you say you don't know anything, then you don't know anything," she said.
"Yeah, we're here for you," Nessa said reassuringly.
Spencer smiled and nodded curtly at me. I know that the whole thing with him had made it very awkward for him to be around me, so at least some acknowledgement was much appreciated.
But even with my friends here for me, I was still so scared and confused. I just needed time to think, but they weren't about to let me leave here, in case there's something I'm not telling them, or to keep me away from the murderer. Even so, I just wanted to go back to my apartment and be alone more than anything.
"What reasons to they even have of suspecting you of anything?" Nessa exclaimed. "I mean, just because the girls that were murdered match your description, doesn't mean much."
"They were also all involved in drug trafficking," I reminded her, sighing.
"But they were all prostitutes," she stated.
"And what better way to get drugs than to..." I raised my eyebrows at her, letting her finish the sentence for herself.
"Oh..." she said, looking down at the ground.
"Yeah." I tucked my hair behind my ear. "But anyway, I have no clue how long they're going to keep insinuating that I can answer their questions. I don't even think they'll let me go work on the case until we're finished here, and God knows how long that's gonna take."
Meg frowned and sighed. "How about we go talk to Hotchner about this?" she said.
"I would really appreciate that," I said, my spirits rising a little.
They went off to go find Hotch, and I stayed on the bench, petting Rose's matted fur. "You're really a mess, aren't you," I mumbled to her, feeling various scratches all over her emaciated little body. "The streets are rough, aren't they, hon?" I held her close to me, feeling the vibration of her purring. "It's okay..." I whispered. "It's..." I wiped some tears from my eyes. Rose snuggled in closer to me. I couldn't help but compare this kitten to how I was at 16. She had had no home, nowhere to go. No one loved her. Despite being so young, it looked like she had gotten into quite a bit of trouble. But now she would have somewhere to call home. She would be loved.
I was reminded of how much I regret every single decision I made when I was a teenager, except for my choice to quit being in the gang. After that, everything seemed like it would be normal, like I wouldn't have to worry about anything anymore. No more of all of the terrible things that plagued my teenage life. No more mugging people, no more selling my body for money and drugs, no more of Slash, the leader, telling me what a worthless bitch I was. I thought it was all over, but now it seems I can't just forget all of my crimes. Now everyone seems persistent on getting me to admit that I'm still connected to this crime in some way. I knew about as much as they did about the murderer. For all anyone knew, they could be after a totally different person. It's not like I'm the only girl with brown hair in the city.
I'm not sure why someone would be after my life anyway. I had made people angry in the past, but who would come after me of all people? There were worse things done by worse people. I will admit that I am a sick human being, but there's always worse.
Rose started scratching her claws on my jeans. It would've really mattered if the noise didn't drive me ballistic. I pried her from my pants and sat her back down, hoping she would stop, then started petting her.
I sighed, trying to think why anyone would want to kill me specifically, or who would want to kill me, for that matter. And why such a brutal way of killing? If they wanted to murder someone, why not just shoot them? Unless they were really angry.
I tried to think of all if the times I had REALLY made people angry.
-I ripped of some guy in a drug deal one time (Okay, a lot of times). But they could get over that, right?
-I had told Slash that he needed to not be so violent. I had not seen violent until that moment. I had made a note to never make a comment to him again.
-A month ago, I told Reno he needed to work overtime. Sure he was angry, but not enough to kill me over, right?
-When I said that I was quitting the gang.
-When Cissnei and I ratted the gang out to the police.
I came to a realization. I was so stupid for not remembering it earlier! "No... No, no, no..." I panted, dropping my head into my hands. When Cissnei and I had told the police. Slash had shouted, 'I'm coming for you!' to me when he was arrested.
He was the murderer, I just knew it. It all made too much sense for it to be wrong. The violent killing method, all of the girls looking like me, and the threat from Slash. But when did he get out of jail? He had a life sentence, although that probably didn't stop him.
"No... This can't be happening... Please, God..." I whispered frantically, hyperventilating. "He can't be... No, no, no..." Tears flowed in steady streams down my face. I glanced down at my scarred arms, knowing that now I was in for something worse than just being beaten.
I grabbed Rose and fled from the room, despite the objections of the people keeping watch over me.
It took me a while, but I found Meg, Nessa, and Spencer. Meg caught me as I ran towards them. "Woah!" she said. "We were just coming back to talk to you." She took in my haggard appearance and a look of concern came across her face. "What happened?"
Ness's face matched Meg's expression.
"I... I know who..." I stuttered. It was difficult to talk while breathing so heavily and trembling like a leaf. "I-I know who the murderer i-is...!"
***************************************************************************
MEG'S POV
Demy told us everything, and we got her hidden. So far, we were at the hotel, and her cat decided to come to my ankles, and purr softly.
"Hello, rabies cat."
Nessa glared at me. Demy stared.
"Excuse me?"
"Well, Nessa just saw a cat and said,'Hey, Meg, pick up this random cat that could totally have some terrible disease and claw your face off. Pick it up and we'll give it to a dear friend." I smiled. Demy joined in the glared.
"My cat does not have rabies. And she has a name."
"You can call her whatever you like," I said, grabbing Nessa's empty to-go box of chinese and dumping it in the trash. "But I will fondly refer to her as rabies cat."
The cat stared up at me, eyes wide, and purring.
"Oh, shut up," I said, picking it up and stroking it.
"What are we going to do?" Demy whispered after a minute. Sofia smiled. Dumb-ass intern....
"Isn't it obvious? Do what we do best. Go undercover."
She poped her gum, and I wanted to stick the wad into her curly hair, and let her scream for a while.
"Demy isn't doing that," I growled at her, getting in her face. "And I am not leaving her side. And one more thing, intern," I spat,"hold your tongue!"
Derek's arms pulled me off the girl, who was wimpering falsly. I just wanted to smack that face of hers off the planet....
"Meg, calm down," Reid said, silently.
"Sofia's idea wasn't that bad," Morgan said quietly. I sneered.
"I'm not leaving her," I challenged, but Morgan's gaze held as hard as mine.
"This can save her."
My gaze faltered, and he walked away, knowing he had won.
***
"It's not dark enough," I told Penny, who had flown down just for this.
"It'll darken, Miss I'm-Not-Dying-My-Hair!" she mocked. I glared.
I looked at myself in the mirror, and came out in my sweet little white dress. It would've been sweet, had it not been two inches past my ass and tighter than hell. My hair was curling from the spray Penny had put in it, and I smiled at my reflection. Garcia was doing Nessa's eyeliner dark, and I knew I was next. Demy sat in the corner, looking lonely at her cat, and Reid and Morgan were watching us from the couch. I turned, smiling wide.
"Look at me, I'm little Sofie!" I sang, mocking our intern, who so falsly claimed innocence. "Lousy with virginity. Won't go to bed till I'm legally wed-I can't! I'm dear Sofie!"
Nessa stood, and shoved me with her shoulder stump.
"Watch it!" she commanded with her newly darkened hair. "Hey, I'm Dorris Day. I was not brought up that way. Won't come across-"
"Even Rock Hudson lost-"
"His heart to Dorris Day!" we chorused.
I sat on the bed, legs crossed and a little pout on my lips, playing with a curl.
"I don't drink," I said sweetly. "Or swear...I don't white my hair. I get ill from one cigarrette." I started coughing, and stumbled over to Reid, who caught me, but I playfully shoved. His cheeks redened as I chorused:
"Keep your filthy paws of my silky drawers. Would you pull that crap with Annette?"
Penny stalked over to Morgan, and smiled, tracing her finger over his bicep. "As for you Troy Donahue...I know what you wanna do."
I smiled as Nessa and I flopped on the bed singing,"You've got your crust I'm no object of lust! I'm just plain, dear Sofie!"
"Stop!" Reid begged after we'd flung open our legs on the last line. His face was bright red, but I just laughed.
"I'm sorry," I told him, laughing hysterically, putting my hand on his arm. "Sometimes, I forget you guys are guys. I just think of you as really close friends."
Reid's blush died, and he smiled at me. I noticed his arms were around me, and mine around him, and we were flipping gazing into one another's eyes....
Darcy, my head commanded.
Vous maudisse, I replied, hoping my subconscious didn't understand my French curse. I, of course, broke away, smiling awkwardly.
"Your hair..." he mumbled. I glanced into the mirror, to see my hair had turned to Demy's dark chesnut. Garcia handed me contacts, to which I ungracefully added to my eyes, leaving them a beautiful brown. We powdered my skin a bit darker, which made me look like a total freak.
"Ready?" Nessa asked as I wrapped her shawl about her shoulders.
"Yup," I replied, running out screaming. "WOO-HOO, LET'S GO BE SOME HOES!!"
Best to have the right mind set.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NESSA'S POV
I giggled as Meg put her hand on Reid's arm. We had broken out into spontaneous song and made fun of Soph so all was good. We were becoming hoes ......... again.
Wow what an accomplishment. It was something to be proud of for sure!
I fidgeted as Penny applied the thick globs of makeup to my face. I usually loved dressup but this was...................................ridiculous. We shouldn't be dragging Demy onto the streets. She had lived on them long enough.
I knew Meg didnt like the idea anymore than I did but the team was convined we needed to do this. I thought it a unnessacery risk on our part. I mean what if we couldnt take the guy who came after us.
And who's idea was it to put a armless girl on the street dressed as a hoe? We had already seen that it led to no good.
I sighed and Penny helped me off the makeup chair. I walked into the closet and Demy helped me into my outfit.
It was a sparkly gold dress with sequins. It came just past my butt and it looked like it was drapped on. I had on a black wrap shawl and a black choker. I had a pair of gold heels on.
I wobbled as Meg pulled me out the door after her. I hadnt looked in a mirror before I left because I didnt want to see this train wreck. I only caught flashes of my self in window fronts. I looked like a five year old on crack. The top of the dress sagged and the bottom was hanging. They didnt have many options here and none were in my size. I f anything I didnt have to worry about revealing something.
My ponytail hung and tickled the back of my neck. It was a couple of shades darker then my natural color. And my skin. I knew pale people weren't supposed to spray tan but this was ridiculous. I looked like a walking carrot.
Meg looked way different as well. She wore her dress well and didnt fall in her heels. But that hair. She looked nothing like the Meg we knew. Her hair was ..............................unique. The brown looked nice on her but it was not her. And then the spray tan they did on her. She had actually taken to it and looked as tan as Demy did naturally. I mean there were orange streaks but she still looked better than I did.
Demy followed beside me and she looked nervous. I imagined it had something to do with her past if the look in her eyes ment anything.
We finally got to the downtown and my feet were about to die. We walked down past the factories to the docks. Classic hangout for sluts.
We got the typical wolf whissles and jeers. Then there were the handsy types.
Looked like our "fun" night was just getting started.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEMY'S POV
I took a deep breath and tried to clam down. I might as well try to make the best of it...right? I put on a fake smile and tried to look seductive, something I was not a stranger to, I guess. Tucking my hair behind my ears, I stepped forward with confidence. If we were going to find him, I needed to just be my old self.
"Alright," I sighed. "Let's do this." I looked at Ness and Meg. "Remember, you're looking for a guy known most commonly as Slash. He should be in his late twenties, and he has a small X-shaped scar on the left side of his forehead. He has silver eyes and blond hair that goes almost to his shoulders--or at least that's how it was when I last saw him. And you should be able to recognize a meth addict when you see one." I pulled up my red tube top a bit. It barely covered my chest, much less my stomach. "If he's not here, we can at least get some information about him from someone. Hopefully."
Nessa nodded and took a deep breath. I knew she was nervous about this, dressed like this and being surrounded by so many men with lust in their eyes.
"You gonna be alright?" I asked Ness.
She nodded. "Don't worry about me."
"If you say so," I replied. "Well, here's where we should part ways. Just go ask around, but don't let anyone get too close to you."
"I'll keep an eye on Nessa," Meg said. "We don't want a repeat of the last time we were dressed as whores."
"I'll have you know that I used to dress like this almost every day," I pointed out, but then grinned at her, showing that I had taken no offense. "Anyway, let's get going. Meet back here in an hour."
They both nodded and went on their way, towards the plethora of men. Only when I was alone did I realize how terrified I was. What would I do if I did find Slash? Just run? I had no idea.
"Well, well, well," I heard a gruff voice behind me. "Look who it is."
I whipped around to see the man behind me. "Xig!?" I gasped. "What are y--"
"How've you been, little lady?" he said with a deep, throaty laugh. "Heard you're a cop er somethin' now. How's that goin' for ya?"
"Why are you here, Xig?" I asked. "Shouldn't you be rotting in a jail cell?"
"I could ask the same of you. I mean, you were just as accountable as any of us," he said, a malicious smile stretched across his face. He gave me a glance over. "So what's with the getup? Just for nostalgia?"
"I've got nothing to say to you."
"Oh, come on, babe. How 'bout it? For old times sake?" He placed his hand on
the seat of my skirt and pulled me closer to him.
"Get off!" I shouted, pushing him away. "I don't have time for your stupidity!"
"Well, what do you expect, dressed like that? Ya little slut." He ran his hand through my hair.
I smacked his hand away. "I have other things to be doing. I would appreciate if you would just--"
"What's the matter? Not happy to see an old friend?"
"Hardly! Now back off!"
"C'mon," he tempted, tilting my head back.
"That's it!" I yelled, knocking him to the ground and slamming my knee down into his chest, pinning his shoulders.
"Oof!" he gasped. "I see you're still feisty as ever."
"Shut up, you bastard!"
"No need to get angry. I mean, you wouldn't want Slash to hear about you knockin' the crap outta his right hand man, would ya? It wouldn't be all that beneficial to you."
My eyes widened. "What? Do you know where Slash is!?"
"I dunno," he said. "Maybe, maybe not."
"I don't have time for games! Tell me!" I pressed my forearm down on his throat.
"Chill," he choked.
I glared at him with burning intensity. "Tell. Me. Now."
"And have you turn him in? Man, wouldn't you be in for it then," he chuckled. "He's already mad enough, you're just making it worse."
"Why is he after me anyway?!"
"Ain't it obvious? He's not all that happy about gettin' ratted out like that."
"All of you should still be in prison," I stated.
"You think that that would stop Slash? Once he has his mind set on somethin', you think he's just gonna throw in the towel? Prison was a small obsticle, and now that that's outta the way, you're the next thing on his agenda."
I just stared at him, wanting to deny everything, but I knew Slash wouldn't just let anything like that go. He wouldn't let me live after what I did. He hadn't even intended on me living once I quit.
I was jerked to the side while my guard was down, leaving me pinned under Xig's weight.
"And wouldn't he be mad at me if I let you get away..." he chuckled.
Before I knew what was happening, he pressed a cloth to my nose and mouth. My sudden intake of breath was enough to render me unconscious.
********************************************************************************
MEG'S POV
My earring buzzed again, secretly acting as a walkie talkie. Talking into a watch would just look extremely suspicious, so leave it to Penny to get all the CIA gadgets...stupid little bastards....
"Sight on anything, babe?" I heard Penny ask.
"No..." I mumbled quietly. "You got sight on the place?" I asked her.
"Check your diamond necklace."
I placed my hand over the head jewel, and gasped. "Real diamonds?"
Penelope didn't say anything. "If I can see out of it, what do you think?"
"...Right..." I said, blushing.
"Meg?" I heard a voice in the back. I smiled. Spencer.
"I had Penny give me the mic...only I can hear you right now," he assured. "You...you are being safe, right?"
"Safe as I can be," I told him. "Gotta glock strapped to my thigh."
I could practically hear his blush.
"...Meg...please be careful. I don't want to lose you. Not again...not like last time...."
I remembered the gun pressed to my head, the tears down my face. Even the sight of him hadn't been enough to bring it down. I'd never felt...so alive...until I was like that. Maybe some people...we were just born to die.
"I'm sorry," I supplied instead. "I...I didn't..."
"Yeah?"
I exhaled impatiently. "I can't say I didn't want to do what I did on Coney, because that's a lie."
"...So...you've-you've thought about that before?"
"...I have before and I probably will again. It doesn't matter-"
"Yes, it does," he said sternly. "Meg, if you're thinking about this, we need to get you help-"
"Say that again and I swear to God I'll rip off the jewel and walk away right now," I hissed.
There was a long silence before I heard a sob break out. "I...I just can't lose you..." he whispered.
"...You won't," I promised.
"Meg?" A few minutes after my walking in silence, Morgan's urgent voice came over my earpiece.
"Yes?"
"Can you walk to 32nd and Gailion?"
I started off at a brisk pace in my stillettoes, but stopped.
"Why?"
"...We lost Demy's signal."
"You can't see anything?"
Reid sighed. "Meg...we only had eyes on you."
I felt my chest swell with anger. "Why?"
"...Well, Meg, to be honest, you get into more trouble than the other two-"
"One is rape victim and the other has a serial killer after her!" I screamed. An elderly homeless woman looked up at me like I was nuts, and kept walking on.
Smooth, hoe, smooth.
"...Meg, we were just trying to protect you..."
"Whatever..." I growled, stalking toward the street corner, holding in tears. "I'm on my way. Call Nessa."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NESSA'S POV
I walked down the alley glancing back oveer my shoulder every so often. Any more it was a force of habit.
I let my mind wonder to what Penny told me. The only one wearing a camera was Meg. She tended to get into the most trouble and they deemed it neccasery. That was another thing that annoyed me. Why wouldn't you give the camera to the person being stalked by the killer?
Idiocy pure and simple.
I sighed as I spotted the next group of men. They looked drunk enough to pass out if they moved and I really hoped they did. But as my luck would have it they spotted me before I could slink into the shadows.
"Hey babe what you doin' out this late?"
"Shouldn'y ya be at home in ya cradle?"
I growled and slunk of in the opposite direction. Drunk bastards! I knew I was short and this dress looked awful on me but did I look that young? And I reiterate my previous thought. Who leaves an armless girl dressed as a hoe alone?
Again Idiocy.
I heard the static of my walkie talkie earring as a member of the team tried to contact me.
"Nessa checking in. What do you need?"
I heard Penny on the other end and she sounded upset.
"Hey babydoll could-d you-u get to 32nd and Gailion?"
"Whats wrong Penny? Did Meg freak out again?"
"No-o-o-o w- I lost-t Demy's-s-s s-sign-nal!"
She was bawling and I could hear Morgan in the background. Penny often jumped to conclusions and I was sure now was one of those times.
"One of her earrings probably broke. You know she messes with them when she's nervous."
"B-b-ut-t-t s-she d-did-n-t-t c-che-c-k in!"
"Without the earring she couldn't have Pen. Now I'm going to head over there and you are going to calm down. Your choclate adonis is with you and we are safe!"
I repeated this mantra to myself as I walked through the dim lit alleys. The shadows twisting and adding a sinister twist to everything. Even the most innocent of things became killers.
I stumbled forward on my heels and I did my best not to fall.
I finally saw the lights that ment bigger streets and I stumbled out. There waiting was a pissed looking Meg. She wasted no time in stomping over to me and shaking me.
"Did you know I was the only one with a camera?!?!?!"
"Wellllllllllll.....................maybe just a little."
She growled and pulled me behind her towards the street Demy was last found on.
I'm sure she just broke the earring. At least I hope thats what happened.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************
DEMY'S POV
I awoke with a pounding in my head and my mind in a fog. What had just happened...? When I attempted to sit up, I had to lay back down because of my aching, well, everything.
The last thing I could remember was... "Shit!" I growled. "No, no, no..." I sat up, despite my body's protests, and looked around. Just a big, empty building. An abandoned warehouse or something...
I tried to stand, but finally noticed that my wrists and ankles were bound in rope. My breathing picked up, as well as my heart rate. I reached up to my ears and felt that my earrings were gone. No way to contact the others. My body trembled horribly.
I heard a laugh resound in the large room.
"Well, look who's awake..."
That voice...
"I've waited a long time for this...Demy."
Out of the shadows stepped the man who had ruined my life, who haunts my past, and now my future.
Slash neared me, clicking his switchblade open.
I scooted back as far as I could, as if I could just escape through the wall. I tried to stand and run, but stumbled to the ground.
His laughing increased. He knelt next to me and his face grew solemn. "You used to be so tough..." he sighed, as if longing for the past. "I mean," he chuckled, "to survive a beating like that." He whistled.
Slash closed his blade against the floor, then opened it again. Close, open, close, open, close, open. He took ahold of my hair and pulled me upright. I tried not to show any display of emotion.
"You..." He brushed the flat of the blade under my chin. "You were always so pretty..." He yanked the knife through his fistful of my hair, then dropped the long chestnut tufts to the floor. "Such a shame..." he added, slicing the blade down my cheek.
Tears threatened to fall, but I held them back. Never display weakness. It'll only make it worse.
"I have no idea why you would betray us like that..." he stated, as if he honestly didn't know I resented him with every fiber of my being. "I mean...we cared for you, really. I don't know why you'd do that."
I gave a laugh of pure amusement. "Cared for me?!" I giggled, almost madly. "You ruined my life!" I immediately regretted doing this when he plunged the knife into my right shoulder.
"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way..." A grin broke out on his face as he twisted the blade, then pulled it down my arm, all the way to my elbow.
Blood poured onto everything surrounding me, until I was sitting in a pool of it.
"You could always come back..." he offered, smiling as only an insane man can.
I looked into his icy eyes, by breathing ragged. "I...will...never..." I panted, trying not to scream from the pain.
This only made him erupt into another fit of laughter. "That's a shame..." he whispered, moving the knife to my jaw. "But I'll enjoy this..." He traced around my jawline as I tried to endure it. Tears got through my closed eyelids and trailed down my bloody face.
"It's a shame something pretty like you has to go to waste..." he mumbled, bringing the switchblade down to the left side of my exposed abdomen.
"Please...stop..." I whispered as he pierced my skin.
"Oh?" he said raising his eyebrows. "Now you decide to be weak? Are you giving up now?"
I could barely make him out with my blurry vision. I lost all hope for survival. I had lost too much blood, and he was still going at it. And now I had made him angry.
He held the blade to my neck. "You think you can just talk your way out of this!?" he laughed. His face grew more serious. "You worthless little bitch!" He slashed at me with the switchblade, not necessarily aiming for anything, but leaving a gash over my right eye. I was too detached to feel much.
Tightening his grip on the handle, Slash aimed the blade over my heart, his grin returning. "We're past the point of negotiating," he chuckled.
I heard a rumble and then saw light burst into the big building as the large door opened.
"Freeze!" I couldn't recognize the voice, but at that point I probably wouldn't be able to even recognize my own.
Slash dropped the knife and sped to the other end of the warehouse, looking for a way to escape. I vaguely saw people chasing and catching him. He shouted something to me as they dragged him off, but I couldn't tell what he said.
Two people ran towards me and knelt down beside me. "Demy!" they cried.
"...Meg...? ...Ness...?" I mumbled before blacking out.
*********************************************************************************
MEG'S POV
I hated Hospital's--always have. And waiting for Demy's check...it was hell. After two days-48 hours of excruciating unnerve with no sleep-they told us she would be fine, just needed rest. They had to assess the shoulder, that was all. Make sure no muscles or tendons were severed, in which case, she'd lose her arm. She'd been in a coma-like state most of the time. We still had to wait for her to wake up, again.
"Meg?" The voice blurred, as did my eye sight. Honey....Honey brown eyes. I smiled sleepily.
"Hi," I mumbled, wrapping my arms around his waist. We were sitting in the waiting room still, on a bench. I was in and out of consciousness, and I guess Reid was acting as my pillow.
"Hi," he said, chuckling at me. "Meg, how long has it been since you slept?"
"...Not since the day they took Demy into custody," I replied sleepily.
"And how long since you've ate?"
I pursed my lips. "No idea. Not since we've been here."
His eyes went wide. "...Meg, I'll stay here, and wait for you. Go back to the hotel, and get some sleep."
"Ya, and what if she wakes up?" I challenged.
"I promise, I'll call you the second it happens," he swore. "But go back to the hotel, sleep, and eat , please."
I smiled sadly at the boy, who was ushering me outside, waving for a taxi.
"Thank you," I mumbled, leaning on him. I was playing with a pearly button, sliding it in and out of it's slot on his vest. "...But let me stay with you..." I groaned, pressing my head to his chest. "I don't wanna leave Demy or you. I hate being away from yoooouuu." I stomped my foot for effect. He laughed, smiling softly.
"Now I know you're out of it. Besides, Darcy is probably worried sick about you."
I perked up. "Darcy," I said, then pulled out my phone. 26 missed calls. "Shit," I said.
He stared. "Did you actually cuss in English."
I shrugged. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
Stepping into the cab, I watched as Spencer fadded into the distance, and I couldn't help but shed a tear, realizing how this mirrored my real life.
Darcy was asleep when I got back.
"So glad to know you worried, babe," I mumbled under my breath. Regardless, I found myself leaning down over him to kiss his forehead, and I guess the cool, soft, sinfully filled sheets invited me in....
I woke next to Darcy a few hours later, my phone vibrating by my thigh. I sat up bolt right, startling Darcy to wake. I sighed looking. It was just a text from Penny, asking me what room I was in. I didn't question, I was too tired, so I gave her the number. Room service came up later with a take-out box of chinese food. I smiled, sitting up, rubbing my head. I ate hungrily, and my stomach hurt as the food entered the empty bag. I felt full after very few bites, even though I knew I wasn't. I didn't notice Darcy sitting next to me, until I felt his hand over mine. He didn't smile, or speak. I knew that the Darcy I had seen earlier, happy and gay, was Darcy suffering Jetlag. Darcy was stiff, and though loving, didn't openly show it.
"I'm glad you're safe. I was very worried for you, Miss Giry."
Miss Giry. Another effect of stick-in-the-mud Darcy.
"...Just my proffesion," I said. "...You really shouldn't get worried, though," I assured. "I can take care of myself."
"I can see that..." he mumbled, glancing over me.
I frowned. "What?"
He didn't reply. I kicked bounced up, running into the bathroom.
"Oh, merde," I mumbled, glancing over my reflection." ... Oh, putain de merde merde!"
My hair was frizzy, and had turned a deep amber. It was only a spray. I had refused to dye my hair, and it would come out once I washed it. My skin was an orange, a side effect from the short-term spray tan Penny had given me. It had worn off, but it was patch. I looked like a carrot, or a spotted lemer. Great. My eyeliner and mascara was running, and you could tell I hadn't sleep in days. I was swimming in a huge shirt and fishnets. Whose...Spencer's. But I wasn't wearing the shirt off his back. I was wearing his favorite shirt, the one he kept in that little leather sachel, just in case of emergencies. I didn't think...wow. My lace tights were torn, and my stillettos were shorter than when I started. I had one earring, and was missing another. How the tringler did I lose a VERY valuable piece of FBI technology? Leave it to me, I guess.
Darcy came up behind me, putting his hands on my shoulder's. He placed his lips on my collar bone, and I felt tingles run up my spine, and my stomach twisted. That last time I felt something like that....I closed my eyes.
"I'll give you time to clean up," he breathed on my neck, after leading down a trail of kisses. He left me alone, and I locked the door, stripping down.
Stepping into the shower, I ran the washcloth over my neck, down my stomach, up my back, and I couldn't help but wonder...what would it be like, to have Darcy touch me there? Run his fingers down my spine, across my clavicle, or have him breath on my neck like he did just a few moments ago? Would I be horribly opposed to have him next to me, like this? I pressed my back against the wall, wondering what it would be like, if he was behind me now, that solemn man giving away to his fantasies...I couldn't deny that it wouldn't be beautiful. Because William Darcy was beautiful. His heart and soul...well, I guess I didn't know much about those. He liked literature and art like I did. He enjoyed watching things like opera's and ballets, critiqueing them. Darcy and I were compatible.
Being with Darcy...there was reason. It was because it made sense. When I stepped out of the shower, I noticed a dress had been slipped under the door, and I smiled, slipping on the white tulle.
Glancing in the mirror after I had polished up my makeup. I smiled.
"Please let me beeee," I sang,"legally blonde."
Blonde. Good to be back.
I stepped out, and Darcy was watching the news, but turned back to me.
"Lovely as ever, Miss Giry," he replied, rising.
I smiled. "I hope you don't refer to the appearance I had a few moments ago, Mr. Darcy, because that was quite the look...I do hope you'll forgive it, by the way. I wasn't aware of the state I was in," I whispered.
He smiled, kissing my palm. "Nothing to be forgiven for, Miss Giry."
I swore, in that moment, I could've kissed him. That is, until my phone rang loud on the bed.
I lunged. "Spencer?"
"She's awake-"
"Be there in five."
"Meg-"
I hung up.
Demy looked like hell. I guess I can't blame you, as long as you've run through and survived.
"...Hey," I smiled, taking her good hand gingerly. She didn't respond for a minute.
"....They let me go," she whispered. Her throat sounded dry, like she hadn't spoken in years. "They let me go, because I lied about what I'd done. I didn't realize not telling was lying," she growled, hurt in her eyes. "I got demoted, and I'll have to intern and work my way back up again."
"The BAU," Nessa said. "Daddy," she said, whiping her head, death glare in tack toward her father,"I want her to intern for the BAU."
"Whoa, Nessa, honey, I'll try, okay?" he said, backing away, throwing his hands in the air.
He tried, and for the first time in a while, Hotch succeeded. Guess the threat of Nessa scared him a little bit. (She said it was her love, but I knew better). Flying home was an awkward situation. Four hours flying back to Quantico with Darcy sleeping against me, and Spencer on the other side. Yup. Normal day at the BAU.
"I've got an appartment lined up for you, Demy," Penelope said, handing her a smart phone with the information in it.
"Thanks," she said, tucking a short lock behind her ear, that wouldn't stay anyway.
"Meg," Darcy said,"I left my sweater in your desk earlier. Would you get it for me."
I smiled brightly. "Of
"Miss Garcia?"
Penelope turned, and to my surprise, not a hint of anger was in her eyes. Had she gotten used to him? I hoped so.
"Yeah?"
"Miss Garcia...I was hoping you could inform me of...well, Miss Giry's...well, her guardian."
Penelope pursed her lips. Darcy had his back to me, his hands in twittling in front of his chest.
"That's complicated..." she said. "Whatever you need, I can help," she said.
Darcy ran his hand over his chin, which had grown a little scruffy over the past few hours. I liked it. I could see him smiling, and part of it warmed my heart. The other part was wondering what the hell he was doing.
"Well, you see...I...I was hoping to ask for Miss Giry's hand."
Penelope blinked. "...As in, like..."
Darcy laughed. "As in asking her to marry me."
I stared, and slowly sunk to the floor, my head spinning. Did I just...hear right?
"...Um...I'll get you in contact with her mother...soon..."
I couldn't help but wonder which mother he meant. I gathered myself and my acting ablities to walk out of the corridor and back into the room.
"I couldn't find it," I said, twisting my face into an apology.
"'S alright," he promised, kissing my cheek. I smiled, then looked warily over at Penny.
You heard? she mouthed. I nodded.
Big time.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Uh, yeah. Go on with out me, will you? I need to get the files, go warm up the car."
"Can do," he replied. This time, I leaned up slowly, leaving a lingering kiss on his sweet smelling jaw. He stalked off. I sank into a chair after that.
"That. Was. Something..." Morgan said, laughing.
"This is not funny, Derek Morgan!!" Penelope screamed, words running together.
"Are you honestly going to call Emily?"
"He's crazy!"
"If he proposes, I'll kill him!"
Words blurred together in my head, until a hand gripped my shoulder. Spencer. I smiled up at him gently.
"Any one care what she wants?" he growled. They stared. I had never seen him so...mean.
"Well?"
I realized eyes were on me, and I couldn't look around.
"He...he hasn't even asked me yet!" I hissed, rising heatedly, grabbing my jacket. "And I don't believe my answer is anyone's business."
"Don't pull this crap again," Nessa said, glaring at me, but not meanly. I sighed.
"I know...I just..." I touched the sole of my ballet slipper, thinking. "I mean...it might not be bad, marrying Darcy."
The looks I got were unbelievable. I groaned.
"I knew you wouldn't understand..." I mumbled. "I'll see you all tomorrow, okay?" I said, looking around, smiling.
"Meg," Darcy ran in, smiling half-heartedly at me. "Coming?"
I nodded slightly. "Always."
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