A/N: Dang! Because of some… very unfortunate technical difficulties I was SURE that I wouldn't be able to update before heading to a little adventure tomorrow. But here I am! (grins) Yay…?

First, though…! THANK YOU, so much, for your absolutely amazing reviews and support! (BEAMS) That was definitely what I needed to wrap up this story arc. So thank you!

Awkay, because I doubt that you came here to read me babbling… Let's rock! I really hope that you'll enjoy the ride.

Epilogue

Two and a Half Years Later

Even after all the time that'd passed the grave seemed entirely wrong. No matter how well kept it was, in the most peaceful and beautiful corner of a London cemetery. That name shouldn't have been engraved to the stone.

Spencer Reid wasn't supposed to be there, dead and buried.

Derek Morgan's eyes were dark and distant while he kept staring at the surreal sight, cold shivers running through his whole body. He closed his eyes, then opened them again. Of course it didn't magically change what he was seeing.

In the end he sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Hey, kid. I'm sorry that it's been a while since my last visit. I've been… occupied." Which was true, in a way.

In the end the small remaining team decided that they'd stay in London – that returning to America and all the painful memories was just too much. Since then they'd kept themselves busy with cases Gregory Lestrade and private people provided, constantly waiting for any signs of the remaining Moriarty web. So far they'd only caught small traces here and there. It infuriated Derek beyond all belief that he'd been unable to bring justice to the deaths of so many good people. Especially Spencer's.

"I kept my promise, though", he murmured to the stone, as though hoping that it'd hear his words. "I've taken care of Danny. He's definitely a true genius. You'd be very proud of him." He swallowed hard and tried to blink away the moisture in his eyes. "He'd need you around, to be honest. But… I'm trying. I hope that you give me credit for that. And I've made sure that he knows everything about you. That he knows how much you…"

Words failed him entirely, there. He emitted something like a gasp, finally remembering the single white lily he'd been carrying. He lay it gently to the ground while wiping his cheeks with his other hand. Perhaps he could blame the tears on the brutal wind. "Just… Just know that we'll never, ever forget about you. We'll never stop caring and missing." He tried to smile. "You keep an eye on us in return, okay? You know how reckless we can be. We'll need every single guardian angel we can get." He stared at the stone, then whispered a one more word. "Bye." Because there was no way he'd ever manage to say 'goodbye'.

Quite close Spencer's son Danny was exploring the environment, his eyes shining with curiosity although he'd seen the place where his daddy slept countless of times. All of a sudden he stopped upon noticing something. There was a chess piece, fallen and abandoned to the ground. One that had the shape of a horse's head. The little boy took the item without any hesitation.

For a moment Danny stared at the chess piece, examined it from every possible angle. There was a frown on the little boy's face. Then the child burst into a wild chuckle that mimicked the one of his daddy's perfectly.

"Danny?" his uncle's voice called out. The man's steps seemed oddly heavy. "Are you ready to go home, kid?"

Danny made his way to the man eagerly, taking the adult's hand. With a swift movement he hid his little treasure, deciding that it was something that belonged solely to him. "Can we go to the library first?" Of course he couldn't read a lot yet. But he enjoyed looking at the pictures and recognizing new words each day. It was about as much fun as the puzzle uncle Sherlock gave him.

Derek chuckled. "Didn't I just take you there?"

Danny frowned. "That was two days ago." Wasn't that a incredibly long time?

Derek was just prepared to respond when his cell phone started ringing. It was Penelope. "Hey, baby girl. What's up?"

"Well hello to you, too, hot stuff." The tone of Penelope's voice warned that there was something at least slightly unpleasant on the way long before the words. "I know that you wanted to have a day off, but… We've got a case."

Derek sighed, glancing towards Danny who was walking trustingly beside him. "I'll be there in twenty. Do you think…?"

"I already consulted Mrs. Hudson." Penelope sounded amused. "She's more than happy to look after Mini Genius for a while."

That managed to pull a small smile from Derek. "Thanks. I knew that I could count on you. See you soon." He sighed, glancing towards the boy by his side. "I'm sorry but the library will have to wait. Mrs. Hudson will keep you company while I try to solve a new case. I'm pretty sure that she'll have cookies for you."

Danny's eyes lit up. That smile was painfully familiar. "And coffee, too?"

Derek shook his head and laughed. "You're starting to sound more and more like your daddy every day."

Danny frowned. The child thought hard for a moment before finally asking. "Is that a good thing?"

"Yes." Derek couldn't remember the last time he would've said something with that amount of certainty. "It's a very good thing."

While they walked on Derek could've sworn that he felt someone looking at them. He didn't look over his shoulder to check. He was more than happy to keep his beliefs.

Neither of them noticed that from the shadows created by trees a woman with long, brown hair and sad eyes watched them. Those eyes filled with intense longing when they locked on the child. Then, with a heavy exhale that disappeared to the wind, she turned around and took the opposite direction from the two.

Aside the steps that entered the beeping of a heart monitor and the sighing of a respirator were the only sounds heard in the room. The steps paused beside the bed while the arrival observed, deep in thought for a moment. In the end there was a deep breath.

Mycroft Holmes knew that Aaron Hotchner had been fighting long and hard. Through several pneumonias that should've killed someone in his condition. Through a mile long list of other complications. He'd survived but never opened his eyes to the world again. The latest test results showed that the unit chief had already slipped somewhere where he wouldn't come back from. And that's why the team had come to one of the hardest decisions they'd ever made.

It was finally time to let Aaron go. In a few days the machine keeping the already dead man's bodily functions going would be switched off. The whole remaining team would be there to say goodbye.

If Mycroft had been a man of sentiment he would've told Aaron not to worry. That what was left of the BAU-family was still hanging on tight, trying to go on. That he himself was keeping a close eye on them. But he wasn't a man of sentiment and he also saw the peaceful look on the man's face. Aaron knew.

"Miss Garcia just called me and asked me to bring you some fresh flowers. She also said that she's happy you don't have to be alone. I'm fairly sure that I don't want to know whether how she knew where I was going was legal or not." After putting the flowers beside the others he sat down, setting a pile of files to his lap. "I hope that you don't mind my company. You're the only person whose presence I can tolerate today." Also he didn't feel happy about the unit chief being all alone, either. But of course he wasn't about to say something that ridiculous out loud.

That's how a nurse found them an hour later. The most powerful man in Britain going through files next to a FBI-agent that was locked into a neverending slumber. She left the room as quickly as she could, deciding not to tell anyone what she saw. No one would believe her, anyway.

Stars were shining brightly while Aaron and Haley lay side by side on grass. And there, somewhere in the horizon, Aaron could see a particularly large and bright star. That light seemed to be calling out to him.. The sight filled him with longing.

"Patience", Haley murmured. She squeezed his hand. "We will get there. Soon."

Aaron looked towards her. Hope stirred in his chest. "Together?"

The last time he saw that amount of conviction in Haley's eyes was on the day when they were married. "Of course." Her squeeze tightened still. "Nothing is going to tear us away from you ever again. I swear."

Full of happiness Aaron melted into a smile the kind he almost never showed and leaned closer, sealing her into a kiss that was full of promises. Full of joy and relief. Full of peace.

Jack and Haley… He'd never have to lose them again. Spending all eternity with his son and wife at his side…

It was the only kind of home Aaron could think of.

A breeze of warm wind approached a cottage in Sussex, whispering secrets while it sneaked through the bee farm at the backyard. In one of the house's three bedrooms a man yawned and stretched before climbing slowly out of the bed. He tested his feet cautiously before coming to the conclusion that they'd indeed support his weight. He wrinkled his nose at the cane he had to take but the thrill over being able to stand and even step forward soon overran any traces of disappointment.

Considering that it was a miracle he could walk at all Dr. John Watson couldn't really bring himself to mind needing the cane.

The road to this point had been long and painful. Somewhere along the way John had lost track on how many surgeries and agonizing physical therapists' sessions he'd gone through. Some days were still pure hell. During those – when no amount of pain medication seemed enough – it was Faith that made him stop pitying himself and crawl out of the bed. They'd taken this whole journey together.

When John was finally able to wiggle his toes for the first time it also made Faith smile for the very first time.

It was Faith calling out 'Daddy!' for the first time that made John's legs move properly.

They took their first small and wobbly steps at almost the exact same time.

A true father and daughter pair, they were.

The sounds of children giggling pulled John out of his memories. Curiosity taking over he limped out of the room to find Faith and Robert Greenaway from the living room, playing together happily despite their age difference. John took his time to examine the duo.

Faith had his eyes and Emily's hair. A soldier's heart and a profiler's brain. And her daddy wrapped completely around her little finger. John realized that he was most likely biased but to him she was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Once, a long time ago, John asked Emily what Robert's biological mother looked like. She showed him a picture of Elle Greenaway. The boy indeed held a striking resemblance to his mother. But he didn't have those shadows and that barely restrained anger in his eyes. John hoped dearly that wherever Elle was she knew that her son was happy and loved dearly.

Faith noticed him. A wide, very contagious grin took over her face. "'Moning, daddy!" she greeted him excitedly.

John couldn't resist a grin of his own. "Good morning to you two, too." He then looked around to discover that he seemed to be the only adult inside. "Where are your mommy and uncle Sherlock?"

Even though there was nothing romantic between John and Emily they'd come to a decision that they wanted Faith to have both of her parents as active, daily parts of her life. That's why living together seemed to be the most reasonable option. Even Sherlock stated that he was fine with the idea, although the detective, a baby and a small child felt like a terrifying combination. Fortunately, despite the many bumps along the way, the kids were crazy about their eccentric uncle and although Sherlock would've never admitted it out loud he adored them just as much. On most days, anyway.

"Mommy has a case", Robert explained. "Uncle Sherlock is outside working on a expre…" The boy's forehead wrinkled with concentration. "Expra… Experiment."

Warmth swell inside John, along with a tiny bit of reasonable worry. "I'd best go and make sure that he doesn't get into a world of trouble again, then."

Leaving the kids to continue playing John made his way to the building's back door and wasn't surprised to discover it ajar. With a amused shake of a head he leaned against the doorway, peering into the sunlight outside. He also wasn't surprised to discover that Sherlock was indeed examining the bees intently, once again having disregarded the fact that he should've been wearing protective clothing. John took a deep breath, some lines appearing to his forehead while he sank into his thoughts.

It made him happier than he would've ever been able to put into words that Sherlock had agreed to stay by his side even when it became perfectly clear that they'd never chase criminals together again. That the life they had before was impossible with John's limited mobility. On some days the doctor wondered with a heavy heart if he'd asked the detective too much. If he was selfish and cruel for allowing this sacrifice.

But today he looked at his best friend and saw a new calm in those eyes. Saw pure happiness and contentment. And a small smile found its way to his face.

It wasn't perfect. They still fought a lot and making the five of them fit underneath the same roof was a challenge. But they were together and looking forward to the futre. It was more than John had often dared to hope for.

Maybe, just maybe, they were finally home.

DI Gregory Lestrade knew, to a certain extend, what the tragically small team examining the body of a young, wealthy businessman had gone through. He knew legends and horror stories of the agony and terror they'd faced. All the losses they'd suffered were loud and clear on their faces.

Penelope wasn't present at the moment, for she still belonged in front of her computer, but Greg had spent enough time with Sherlock to see that she'd stopped dying her hair to radiant colors and she cried sometimes, when she thought that no one would notice. David Rossi had lines on his face that weren't present in the photographs he'd caught a glimpse of, in the snapshots of a long ago lost life. Emily Prentiss had dyed her hair red and chosen to shorten her cut dramatically, which seemed to be her cry of rage against the destiny that'd stolen away so much. Sometimes her knuckles were red and scraped raw from the torture sessions she gave a punching bag. There was sadness and rage that'd never fade away in Derek's eyes. Those and intense longing.

But they were hanging in there, all four of them. Trying to figure out how to move on in a world that'd never be the same again. Trying to figure out how to live again. And despite everything they were together, leaning on each other for support. They were still a family, a very broken one but still.

Greg hadn't understood where that strength, spirit and devotion came from at first. But then Derek gave him a letter that Spencer wrote right before his death. ("He asked me to give it to Danny when the time is right but I can't read it. Could you…?") With a degree of dread Greg agreed and went through the agent's final words. And he knew.

"They're quite a group", Sally Donovan commented from his right, a hint of something incredibly warm in her eyes.

Greg just had to smile, a little. "They are." He turned around and gestured for her to follow. "Let's give them a moment. I need coffee."

As they walked on, leaving the remains of a bizarre family behind, the words Spencer had written echoed in Greg's head.

I'm really, truly sorry that I have to leave you this soon. It pains me that you'll have to grow up without me there to help you. But I'm not scared because I know that you'll never, ever have to face this world all alone. There's something I need you to know about the people I'm trusting you with.

They have their scars and shadows, every single one of them. But they care about every member of their family from the bottom of their hearts. They're going to love you and protect you just the way that I would've.

They helped me become the man that I am today. They accepted me as I am, gave me the family that I never really had. I owe them my life and there's no way I could ever repay them. Not that they'd expect me to. That's the beauty of having a family. Their love is unconditional.

So I'm leaving you to their care with a heavy heart but without any fear. Because I trusted them with my life and I trust them with yours. They'll take a good care of you.

I love you, from the bottom of my heart. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. And I'll be watching over you, too. Don't ever doubt that, even for a second, no matter how sad or dark it may get. I'll always be with you.

With all my love,

your daddy

Jennifer Jareau – because after such a long time she just couldn't stand the name Eveleen Moriarty anymore – groaned when a vicious kick met her side, most likely damaging a rib or two. She gasped, pushing herself to all fours although she knew that it'd only succeed in earning her more torment. Her head spun while she raised her gaze to meet a man of her age with ice cold blue eyes and shortcut dark hair. At some point he'd pulled out a gun and now pointed it at her.

He was Duncan Limey, the last member left of the Moriarty web and a man with whom she'd just shared five nights she preferred not thinking about – and he was going to kill her.

"The others… You killed them or had them sent to a prison, didn't you?" he growled. It wasn't a question. That's why he didn't wait for a response. "Who… the fucking hell… are you?"

JJ smirked, ignoring all agony. She would've even chuckled if it hadn't been unbearable. It was surreal to think that she'd die here, like this. "I'm vengeance."

"Well how about that." Duncan's grin revealed a hazardous row of teeth. "So am I."
In precisely two seconds there was a gunshot. But none of the pain that JJ had been expecting followed. Instead Duncan stood perfectly still with a look of stun on his face, then fell, dead as a stone before he even hit the floor.

Startled and confused JJ lifted her gaze to see her savior. There, by the room's doorway, stood a woman with long brown hair and – despite the fact that she'd just killed a person to save another – the kindest eyes she'd ever seen. The kindest, and the saddest.

JJ swallowed, the dizziness from before returning. "Who…?"

The stranger gave her a melancholy smile. "Spencer asked me to keep an eye on you all if anything should happen to him, once. So here I am." Light shone of the
breathtakingly beautiful white gold band decorating her left ring finger. "I'm Maeve. And I've come to take you home."

JJ's heart jumped while realization dawned on her, wrapping around her like a warm blanket. In the end a wide smile took over her face. Tears of happiness weren't far.

After such a long time, after all the death and suffering…

It was time to go home, wherever and whatever that was now.

It was finally over.

End.

A/N: I… seriously can't believe that it's over…! (gasps and gawks) The trilogy is actually completely. (wipes eyes)

This has been a long, at times bumpy ride. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking with me through all of it! You guys are absolutely INCREDIBLE! (HUGS) I really hope that you had as much fun as I did.

I've really gotta get going now. (pouts) Once again, THANK YOU! Who knows, maybe I'll be seeing you around with some other project…?

Take care!

Cutiepi97: Quite a heartbreaking turn of events, no? (swallows down a sob) Poor Reid – and poor team!

I'm so, so happy and flattered to hear that you've enjoyed the ride thus far so much! I truly hope that the last bit won't disappoint, either.

Colossal thank yous for the review!