Musings

The Long Day is Over

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:43:46 -0400

Maeve doesn’t die because seriously? Rude.

Maeve’s screaming and he can hear her. His feet won’t quite carry him there, but after she covers her ears with her hands and begins to sob he knows he has to do something. He slides his gun against the floor and moves to gather her in his arms and touch her.

That’s the thing – they’ve never touched. Hell they had never seen one another until a mere… he doesn’t even know the time, which is remarkable.

Somehow instincts he didn’t know he had kick in and he’s rocking her back and forth, arms strong around her. Her hands are resting against his chest and she’s gone completely limp, staring blankly forward.

Shock. His mind immediately kicks in as she starts shaking and muttering about being cold.

“Cold. Cold. Cold. Cold,” she repeats as a mantra.

An EMT makes his way over to them and asks him what happened. He tells him that she had been next to the shooter when she shot herself. Her ears may be damaged.

“Was there any physical sign of damage?” The man asks, bending down next to where Reid has her cradled into his body.

“Um, no. She just started screaming and crying… she’s saying she’s cold, but she’s burning up. I think she’s in shock,” Reid replies.

“What’s her name?”

“Maeve…”

The EMT, Chris, leans into the point where he can see her face as Reid lets one of his arms fall to rest behind him. Her eyes are wide open and she’s still just… staring. He has never seen anything so terrifying.

“Maeve, I’m going to check your eyes okay?”

Chris is a little bigger than Reid and as he goes to reach for his eye light Maeve screams. It makes Reid jump, but his arms are soon back around her – holding her to him.

“Sh, sh. It’s okay. He’s just going to check your ey…”

And he doesn’t finish before she’s screaming again, scrambling away from the both of them. Reid knows not to restrain her for risk of hyperventilating. The EMT looks at Reid like he has no idea what is going on, and Reid shakes his head.

“She has been followed for the past couple of months. She’s jittery as it is, and I think the thought of someone else might scare her. I… she hardly knows me, but she responds better to me. I was there… right before it happened.”

Reid doesn’t wait for Chris’ response, just steps over to Maeve. She’s cowering in a corner liken to a scared animal and he just sits a few feet across from her, Indian style.

“Maeve… it’s just me.”

“What happened?” She asks quietly.

“Just now?” Maeve nods her head and he treads carefully…

“There was a man near us, his name is Chris. I think his nametag says Christopher. He wanted to check your eyes to check for any head trauma, you fell pretty hard… I think he scared you though. Will you let him look you over?” Reid cocks his head to the side and tries to keep his body still, making no sudden movements.

Maeve peers behind him, no doubt at Chris, and takes a deep breath as she closes her eyes. Reid remembers on their fifth phone call that she told him her method of calming down. She takes five deep breaths and then holds her breath for five seconds before letting a large exhale out.

He hadn’t tried it until tonight, but it does work. The blindfold around his eyes terrified him and brought him back to memories of Tobias, memories that haunted his dreams.

“Okay.” She says, fluttering her eyes open to look directly at Reid.

He nods and tries to ignore the flutter in his own stomach, she’s more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. Her hair is matted and her eyes are bloodshot, but she’s alive. He wants nothing more than to have her back in his arms.

He turns and waves Chris over, who goes slowly to sit on his knees next to Maeve. She still has her eyes trained on Reid as Chris gives her a one over and Reid takes in each tick.

Her hands twitch whenever he touches under her right eye, she takes a sharp inhalation each time the light flickers off, and she holds her breath the entire time. It would be impressive if it weren’t her trying to drift away from the situation.

When Chris is done he thanks her quietly and stands almost too quickly. Maeve flinches, but takes her deep breaths again and calms. She’s staring curiously as Chris tells Reid she doesn’t have any outward trauma, but she should be under watch for a few days. He doesn’t want any internal bleeding from the beatings to spike without anyone knowing.

Reid nods and doesn’t acknowledge the fact that he has no idea who she has to watch over her because that’s a lie. He wants to look after her. He’d be a nervous wreck if he couldn’t.

He’s still across from her on the floor as he leaves Chris’ eyes, looking at her curious eyes. “Can I?” He asks, nodding his head towards her.

Maeve gives a small crack of a smile and nods her head. Yes, yes you can come here. Hold me?

Reid stands and walks slowly over to her, hands out of his pockets and attempting not to fiddle by his sides. When he sits down next to her she doesn’t flinch, simply lays her head on his shoulder. Everything hurts and she’s so exhausted, but being alone seems too frightening.

So frightening that her throat is closing up and she can’t breathe… alone is dark.

“Maeve, Maeve,” Reid says her name softly into her hair. A kiss lands on the top of her head and it’s all she can do to stay upright as she starts breathing heavily, hands sliding around Reid’s waist. He’s warm and so incredibly solid beside her.

“I… I don’t want to… no. No, darkness,” she mutters into him incoherently.

She knows Reid shy’s away from touch, but she can’t stop herself. Right now he’s the only thing grounding her and if he weren’t there she’s pretty sure she’d float right away. He shocks her by wrapping her in his arms once again, holding her impossibly tight to him.

When she nuzzles into his neck a few minutes later he chuckles, low and happily in his chest. It’s nearly the rumble of a kitten she idly thinks. It’s comforting and so him.

“I’m never letting you go,” he mumbles into her hair. It’s a promise and she trusts him.

“Reid?” A female voice asks from his other side.

Maeve doesn’t flinch, but she doesn’t move either - too content to simply exist right in this bubble here.

“Jayje?”

“Is she okay?” JJ asks softly, kneeling down next to the two.

Maeve tightens her grip on him as Reid softly coos a ‘sh, s’okay’ to her. “She’s yeah, she will be. She’s in and out of shock right now.”

“Okay. Hotch wanted to know if you needed any help?” JJ nods to Maeve bundled in his arms, but he thinks she’s light enough for him to carry. She’s taller than he’d anticipated, but tiny – very tiny.

“No, I’ve got her. Um, tell him I’ll call him? I’m going to stay with her for a little while longer,” Reid says.

He knows it’s a mistake as soon as he says it because Maeve starts crying against him. He hadn’t meant a little while and then leave, he meant he’d try and move them somewhere else…

“But… it’ll be dark…” Maeve mutters against him brokenly.

“We’re going to leave, together, before it gets dark. Okay? I’m not leaving you Maeve. Look at me for a second? Please?” Reid asks her softly.

She pulls off of his chest, bracing herself with her palms against his thighs. His hands take her face as she looks at him, his eyes meeting hers properly. His fingers are a lot longer than she’d anticipated, but his eyes are beautiful.

“I won’t leave you until you’re ready, okay? Where do you want to go? You need sleep, so we can’t stay here. We can go anywhere you want,” Reid says.

JJ’s eyes dart back and forth between the two, marveling at the connection they already have. Maeve already obviously gravitates towards the youngest BAU member as if she has known him her whole life. It’s a comfort she has never seen in Reid’s eyes before. He wants to take care of her, help her get better. They both know what it’s like to live in the dark for too long.

“I just want to go with you…” Maeve mutters and sinks back into Reid’s arms. He brings them to hold her almost automatically as she sighs in relief.

“Take her to your place, she shouldn’t be at hers. It may trigger… just, I’ll drive okay? Let me go tell Hotch.” JJ replies as she stands to walk out and tell Hotch.

“Maeve… we’re going to go back to my apartment. JJ is going to drive us, but I need to be able to get you down to the car. The fresh air will make you feel better, but do you want me to carry you? I don’t want to startle you by just picking you up…” Reid mutters into her hair.

Maeve takes a deep breath and pulls back, using Reid as leverage to stand up. Reid is up and has his arms around her the moment he’s fully standing, pulling her back to him. And as they make their way outside the stairs are a little iffy because she’s still shaking, but they make it down easily. JJ is waiting outside of the car for them, door already open. No one stopped them on the way so they both hopped into the car with Reid in the back holding her to him.

JJ drove among the familiar streets to get to Spence’s house, parking in front and smiling when she realized Reid had managed to fall asleep with Maeve in his arms. She knew the ding, ding of opening her car door would wake him, but not scare him so she opened it quietly and sure enough his eyes blinked slowly open.

It took a few moments, but he got Maeve to open her eyes and for a second she looked so happy, like she didn’t quite remember what happened to her. Her face fell as realization blinked its’ way through her bleary eyes.

Reid smoothed a lock of her hair back and grasped her hand, pulling her from the car with him. He quickly hugged JJ, keeping a hold of Maeve’s hand, and headed up to his door – promising her he’d be in touch.

When they reached his apartment door, Maeve didn’t even register her surroundings before quickly asking where the restroom was. Reid pointed her down a hallway with a concerned glance as she darted off.

He waited until he heard the water running to bring her a glass of ice-cold water… getting sick was never easy.

“Are you alright…?” He asked tentatively after she had opened the door.

She was holding her hair back and swishing the sink water through her mouth and nodded solemnly. “M’ really just tired…” she slurred out after spitting into the sink.

“There’s a toothbrush in there if you’d like, it’s clean – just a spare. I’ll go grab you some clothes to change into and set my bed up for you. I’m going to crash on the couch. Would you like some tea?” Reid rubbed soothingly at her back as she leaned her forehead into his shoulder, going pliant against him once again.

“Tea sounds nice…”

“Okay, I’ll be right back then, eh?”

She stood up and nodded as Reid stepped away. The door stayed open when she brushed her teeth, but after he’d given her the shortest clothes he owned he shut the door behind him – heading to the kitchen to make tea. It was something that soothed him and he knew he needed to take a deep breath for this.

He ran over a list of things that were likely to happen tonight. Maeve could completely shock him and sleep through the night, she cold have a little nightmare, or she could completely flip and get lost in a bad dream – to which he’d have to wake her up from. Yeah, he wasn’t getting any sleep tonight.

“You didn’t have to do this… thank you Spencer…” came a soft voice from his doorway.

His apartment was dimly lit and the light shone just right into her eyes – giving her an owlish appearance. Reid smiled easily at her, happily graced with the thought of being able to see her alive.

“I wanted to. I can be here for you now and th – the thought of giving that up on first opportunity just seemed… impossible,” he replied shyly.

His nervousness was kicking in and he knew it was because her eyes were getting brighter. She was now approaching him as opposed to the other way around, but he easily wrapped his arms around her. “You’re safe…”

Maeve tightened her arms around his neck at those words as he buried his nose into her neck. They stayed locked together for what seemed like forever until the tea began to boil lightly. She stepped away from him and watched as he prepared them perfectly, knowing she wouldn’t have to speak up and tell him how she wanted her tea because somewhere in their endless talks there had been one about tea preparation. Sure enough, he made it perfectly and came to sit beside her at the little table in the middle of his kitchen.

They sipped in silence for a while before Maeve found herself just… talking. Silence didn’t make her uncomfortable and she thought maybe Reid would be more comfortable with it, but her mind was reeling. It was quickly running away from her and she didn’t want to drown in the possibilities again.

“I don’t even know when it’s happening – I just feel it. It’s like a fire that consumes me and I lose all ability to be aware of my surroundings,” she begins softly. Reid slowly looks to her with empathy in his eyes.

“I didn’t mean to scare you or freak you out or anything. I’m sure I’ll be fine within a few day…”

“You know I didn’t mean any of that, right?” Reid asks, interjecting her speech of apology. “S-sorry… I just, you need to know how I feel Maeve.”

With a hand across the table he’s reaching for her hand, smoothing thumb across the top of her hand. “That was definitely a weird way to meet, as first dates go I’d say we need a redo…” She said with a small smirk.

Reid’s entire face brightened at her words as he grasped her hand and nodded his head. Maeve yawned in that moment and put her head down on the table with a soft sigh. His free hand found its’ way to the top of her head to stroke her hair, amazed at how seemingly simple it was to just be around her.

“Come on sleepy head – you’ve had a long day.”

Maeve lifted her head up to look at Reid once again before nodding and slowly getting up, keeping his hand in hers. Under normal circumstances Reid would have been a blundering mess leading another woman to his room, but this was Maeve and she was alive. And he was ecstatic. With a fond kiss to her forehead he left the door open a crack and climbed onto the couch, a book in hand.

Some nights, when he didn’t have to search a book for hidden meaning, he’d read slowly. Being tired helped to slow down his already tired eyes. He still flew through the pages and was nearly done with the first book before he heard it – a scream.

With a deep breath after putting his glasses down, Reid rushed to his room and sat on the side of the bed where Maeve was. She was completely rigid except for her thrashing head, her hair falling fitfully across her face.

Reid took her hands and rubbed soothing circles on the top, whispering her name in a direct voice. When she woke up she sat up quickly and wrapped her arms around her legs, pulling her hands from Reid’s and began crying. He gathered her in his arms and whispered soft comforting words.

She didn’t ask, only pulled him down with her. And Reid lay rigid for a few moments before taking her deep breaths and leaning up. “Let me take my sweater and socks of silly.”

The minute he laid back down she was back curling against him. One of her legs slithered its’ way under hers as she nuzzled into his neck. His hand soothed circles around her back as he peppered her hair with kisses.

“Sleep… I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

lumos5000: lumos5000: lumos5000: peenchesters: can you document the exact moment your life...

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:06:41 -0400

lumos5000:

lumos5000:

lumos5000:

peenchesters:

can you document the exact moment your life started going downhill?

i can

me too

can’t forget this one

colferbrian: will sherrod u are livin the dream my man let me shake your fuckin hand you just keep...

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:16:20 -0400

colferbrian:

will sherrod u are livin the dream my man let me shake your fuckin hand you just keep shinin bright like a diamond my friend

liquiddittyfloats: who else feels like the hannibal fandom came out of fucking nowhere

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:48:41 -0400

liquiddittyfloats:

who else feels like the hannibal fandom came out of fucking nowhere

bleerios: i know this is an ugly post but these are my exact feelings on this episode summed up in...

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:31:38 -0400

bleerios:

i know this is an ugly post but these are my exact feelings on this episode summed up in four gifs

ravenclawanderson: Reminder that Kurt Hummel’s last line was not actually “We’re not a couple.” It...

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:15:23 -0400

ravenclawanderson:

Reminder that Kurt Hummel’s last line was not actually “We’re not a couple.” It was about loving weddings.

SOMEONE FIX IT, PLEASE

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:13:38 -0400

SOMEONE FIX IT, PLEASE

tresbellemichelle: I wish Wonder-ful had been the last episode. It would have made a much better...

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:12:26 -0400

tresbellemichelle:

I wish Wonder-ful had been the last episode.

It would have made a much better finale.

rippleklainebagels: MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO WASTE MY LIFE SHE SAID SPREAD YOUR WINGS MY LITTLE...

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:43:18 -0400

rippleklainebagels:

MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO WASTE MY LIFE

SHE SAID SPREAD YOUR WINGS MY LITTLE BLAINERFLY

I vote Ollivander for 12th Doctor

Sun, 05 May 2013 02:05:12 -0400

I vote Ollivander for 12th Doctor

ANDERSON. B is in love with love… he’s the ultimate romantic. He makes heart eyes at his...

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:38:43 -0400

ANDERSON.

B is in love with love… he’s the ultimate romantic. He makes heart eyes at his soulmate like all the fucking time. They’re going to wear those engagement rings like promises around their necks for like ever. UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO GET MARRIED.

Burt Hummel - you are the idea of perfections.

Their piano riff was playing in the background. I can’t handle this.

He’s so EXCITED that people in the world are getting the chance to just fucking love one another, no matter their sexual orientation. He knows he’s meant to be with Kurt. He knows <3 And so does Burt.

rippleklainebagels: rippleklainebagels: rippleklainebagels: [[whispers in your ear]] its...

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:29:04 -0400

rippleklainebagels:

rippleklainebagels:

rippleklainebagels:

[[whispers in your ear]] its close

[[grabs your face]] cant you feel it

[[SCREAMS FROM THE ROOFTOPS]] MY OTP IS GETTING BACK TOGETHER WHAT A GLORIOUS NIGHT ITS BEEN GOD BLESS YOUR COW

I have a new found respect for the amount of hip talent represented in Klaine.

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:34:16 -0400

I have a new found respect for the amount of hip talent represented in Klaine.

julestache: inthurnet: trying to explain a fandom this is the...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:03:19 -0400

julestache:

inthurnet:

trying to explain a fandom

this is the most accurate post i have ever seen

Um, I don’t live in any of those cities Mr. Everett. DYYYYYYYYING. Sort of want to take a road...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:34:45 -0400

Um, I don’t live in any of those cities Mr. Everett. DYYYYYYYYING. Sort of want to take a road trip to like… Texas maybe?

Photo

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:34:18 -0400

darreencriss: mangoachaar: Do you ever wonder how drastically different your life would be if that...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:15:12 -0400

darreencriss:

mangoachaar:

Do you ever wonder how drastically different your life would be if that one thing hadn’t occurred?

Photo

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:40:39 -0400

blaineissassy: i almost always refer to darren criss as “darren” like we are casual friends or...

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:29:13 -0400

blaineissassy:

i almost always refer to darren criss as “darren”

like we are casual friends or something

Tumblr Gets Deep

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:05:58 -0400

kiss-my-aspergers:viralthesoldier:toothyalcyone:

This is my fav post on tumblr

OH MY GOD THEY UPDATED IT