Title: You Belong With Me
Rating: T for now. Mentions of child abuse/neglect, death. Might be M later on in regards to sexual interactions.
Summary: Garcia always thought she knew what she wanted from her life. Kevin's departure after the latest case sets off a series of events that will forever alter the course of her life.
Background: Post S7. Somewhat AU. Kevin leaving is totally a figment of my imagination. As is the fact that JJ is no longer with Will.
Author's Note: I've never written a Criminal Minds fanfiction. So please, be kind. This is my first.
Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds or any of the characters. They all belong to their respective owners.

A/N: The lyrics in this chapter are "Adele: Turning Tables" – I do not claim ownership of them.

Close enough to start a war
All that I have is on the floor
God only knows what we're fighting for
All that I say, you always say more

Penelope sat back in her apartment with a glass of wine in her pajamas going over the case files from the assignment that hasn't stopped haunting her since they left the orphanage. She didn't know why she just couldn't let this one go.

They had cases involving children before. She always took it harder than usual and harder than everyone else – but still she couldn't stop going over it in her head. Someone should have been watching over those kids. None of this would have happened if CPS and Department of Health and Human Services had been doing their jobs.

The phone ringing in her apartment brought her out of her thoughts, as she got up to look and see who was calling her on a Friday evening. Since her and Kevin broke up two months ago after he got his promotion and she refused to move overseas with him, she'd become a social hermit. She was a little surprised to see Derek's number on the line, especially considering they'd grown pretty far apart the last few months. His new girlfriend, Janie – didn't like her at all, and it caused a great deal of tension between them.

Frowning a bit as she hesitated to answer the phone, she decides to let it go to her answering machine going back to sit on the couch she hears Derek's voice reverberate through her silent apartment, causing her stomach to clench nervously.

"Hey baby girl, just calling to see how you're doing. We haven't seen much of each other lately, and JJ told me you were staying in tonight instead of coming out with us so I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. Call me back when you get this, I don't care what time it is okay? Bye."

Her heart felt like it was going to break after listening to his concern over her answering machine. She knew he was probably confused about why she had been so distant lately, but after listening to him talk to Rossi about how much he liked Janie she wasn't going to be the reason another one of his relationships didn't work out. It was better if there was a bit of distance between them. The only reason Kevin didn't say anything about their friendship is because the first time he had, she made it perfectly clear to him if he made her choose between him and Derek – he wasn't going to like her decision. That was the end of that argument.

She wasn't so sure it would be the same way when it came time for Derek to choose between her and Janie.

Putting thoughts of her and Derek to the back of her mind, Penelope grabs her phone as she wanders back to the couch near her files. As she dials her old friend Marcus, her thoughts wander to the last case.

I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you give me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables

[flashback]

Nausea came over her too quick for her to stop as she ran towards the toilet throwing up what little contents she had left in her stomach from her coffee and bagel she'd nibbled on this morning.

The pictures were awful. Those little children, buried and hidden in the sewer system for the last five years all because the orphanage that had taken them in realized they'd had special needs and would never be adopted.

It was all about money, and making space for socially desirable kids.

Her body starts to shake as she starts sobbing, her heart breaking as she imagines the terror those children had probably felt living in the hellhole with those monsters who were supposed to be responsible for their care, safety and love.

"Garcia?"

Quieting herself down, Penelope looks up at the mirror, noticing her puffy red eyes making it impossible for her to hide what she'd been doing from Rossi.

"Uh… what's up?" She asks as she turns the sink on, splashing cold water on her face trying to make herself somewhat presentable.

"We're going home. The flight leaves in 20 minutes. Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'll be out in a few minutes."

She wasn't sure if the silence on the other side of the door meant he believed her and had left or not so she waited a little bit until she heard him speak.

"Okay."

Letting out a breath of relief, she slides back down to the floor giving herself ample time to calm down before she left the bathroom to face her coworkers.

[end of flashback]

"Penelope," Marcus answers the phone – his voice has a tone of understanding, as if he was expecting her to call. "What can I do for you dear?"

Blowing out a breath of anxiety, she feels her eyes start to water again against her will. She'd called her childhood friend Marcus as soon as she got on the plane. She knew with his family's money and connections, he could make sure everything would be taken care of down there. His family's foundation was known for being extremely helpful when it came to kids in any sort of trouble.

"You can tell me what happened to those kids that were left at the orphanage, Mark. I can't get the image of them out of my head; I just need to know they're being taken care of this time around."

"CPS, the FBI, the State Department, the Attorney General's office, and every other agency involved in the welfare of children who are wards of the state are taking care of that place now. The kids have been temporarily moved to a different facility while the orphanage undergoes a remodeling and cleanup. They're being taken care of Penny, I promise," Mark responds.

Nodding in acceptance as she feels a weight come off of her heart, she gets up the courage to ask him what she'd really been wanting. "How's Maddie doing?"

Chuckling in awareness of what she'd really been looking for, Mark responds quietly- "She's okay. Is that why you called Pen? Do you want to see her?"

"Could I?" Penelope asked quickly, as if she was afraid he was going to say no.

"Of course you can. From what CPS told me that girl never really took to anyone like she did with you. It might do her some good to see a familiar friendly face."

"Okay,.. okay" letting out a sigh in relief she looked over at the clock noticing it was getting a little late at night. "I should go, I'll see you tomorrow Mark?"

"Yes, I'll see you tomorrow. Call me when you're on your way to the facility, I'll give you directions and meet you there."

Under haunted skies I see you, ooh
Where love is lost, your ghost is found
I braved a hundred storms to leave you
As hard as you try, no I will never be knocked down
I can't keep up with your turning tables
Under your thumb, I can't breathe

Penelope was glad Hotch had given everyone the weekend off, as she parked her rental car in front of the house Marcus told her Maddie was staying in for the time being, she noticed how much nicer it was compared to the broken down orphanage she had first seen the little girl in. The weather was nice today, unlike the week long gray showers that she had experienced the first time around. She grabbed her purse as she saw Marcus wave to her from the porch of the house, she got out of the car – with butterflies in her stomach – as she walked up to the home.

[Flashback]

Walking into the orphanage, she was pretty sure this place resembled more a hospital or jail facility. The bars on the windows, flickering florescent lights, smells of bleach in the air, lack of color in anything in the building – everything was gray, black, white, or beige – something completely neutral and lacking in life, just like this place.

She heard the distinct shrill voice of an elderly lady scolding a little girl who scattered out of the room in front of her and ran into her knees as she was looking behind her looking as if she was getting away from someone or something.

"Madelyn! You stupid child! Why do you always have to fucking wet the bed? Can't you do anything right you brat?"

Feeling her stomach churn and body flush in anger for the poor child who was shaking and hiding against the wall, Garcia watches as the woman walks out of the room with the bedding while muttering to herself she disappears down the hallway.

The little girl was tiny, pale with blonde hair that most people have to pay hundreds of dollars to imitate. She had bright green eyes and looked like she hadn't eaten well as she was skinny as a pole. Her pajamas looked like she'd outgrown them years ago, and the holes sporadically placed on them didn't make it look any more comfortable. Her arm clutched a worn Elmo bear as if she was holding on to him for dear life. She hadn't moved at all since Garcia spotted her, as if she was trying to make herself invisible. Suddenly as if she felt someone's eyes on her, the little girl looked up – her eyes widening in what looked like fear as she noticed Garcia watching her.

"Hi there," Garcia says quietly as she approaches the little girl, making sure to keep some space between them as she watches her arm tighten in fear around Elmo. The little girl doesn't say anything – just keeps watching her wearily. "My name is Penny. You're Madelyn right?"

The little girl keeps quiet, scooting a little closer to Penelope, in a small sign of trust or curiosity.

"I like Elmo too. Is that your only friend here?" Penelope says, nodding towards the bear she'd been holding on to.

Madelyn nods slowly, still not speaking. She holds out Elmo for Penelope to see, noting his arm is torn the white stuffing inside the bear is showing.

"Oh no, did Elmo get hurt?"

Nodding again as her lips start quivering, Penelope feels her heart start to crush into a million pieces. How does anyone not want to do everything they can to protect this beautiful little girl?

Quickly rummaging through her purse for a band-aid, Penelope pulls out one out of her small first aid kit she carries around, noticing Madelyn watching her curiously.

"We should probably put a band-aid on that; make him feel better, huh?" Penelope says as she shows her the band-aid she was holding then holds out both her hands. "Can I see Elmo?"

Madelyn's eyes widened in fear at losing her friend, she quickly scooted back away from Penelope and tightened both arms around Elmo.

"Okay, okay. Never mind. Why don't you just hold him and I'll put it on him, okay? You don't need to give him to me, I promise," Penelope said quickly backtracking noticing there was still a small amount of hesitation in Madelyn's composure. "Just show me where his boo-boo is, it'll be quick. You can hold him the whole time so he doesn't get scared too," she reassured the little girl.

Looking as if she was weighing her options, Madelyn eventually scooted back closer and held him out still keeping one arm around him. Penelope put one of her colorful Band-Aids on his arm, successfully covering up the white that was showing.

"There we go, all better," Penelope says, giving Madelyn a smile of encouragement. She watches as the little girl looks over her bear in amazement before her eyes widen in fear again as the lady who was yelling at her makes her way back down the hallway. She quickly scoots and hides behind Penelope's legs, her quick decision that Pen was a trustworthy adult that would protect her made Penelope's heart soar.

Right then and there she decided - She would make sure nothing else happened to those kids if it was the last thing she did.

[End of flashback]

As she walks in with Marcus, she hears him greet the female adult in the room as her eyes scan over her surroundings trying to locate Madelyn. It felt like it had been ages since she'd seen her, and she needed to make sure she was really okay after everything that had happened. That little girl had unknowingly grabbed ahold of heart and she wasn't sure what she was going to do when she had to leave her again in a few hours.

She spots her sitting on the floor looking through a phone book curiously, holding on tightly to her Elmo friend. As if she feels someone's gaze on her, Madelyn looks up from the floor – a light, curious expression taking over her face as she notices Penelope standing across the room from her. Not wanting to frighten the little girl, Pen waves and smiles brightly at her as she slowly makes her way towards her.

"Hi Madelyn," Pen says quietly, as she sits on the floor near her.

The little girl doesn't respond, but keeps giving her a look of confusion.

"Are you reading the phone book?" Penelope keeps talking, trying to engage some sort of positive reaction from her. Madelyn looked a lot better than the last time she'd seen her. She was wearing clothes that actually fit her, and looked as if she'd taken a shower and had her hair brushed – not full of knots and grease showing extreme signs of neglect like it had looked a few days ago.

Some silence remained between them, 'causing Pen to feel a little disheartened, until she noticed Madelyn show her Elmo's arm, still had her band-aid on it although it looked as though it was falling off because of the adhesive losing its effect after some wear it had gone through the last few days.

Her eyes watered, as she watched Madelyn give her a small smile – those two actions giving her hope that the little girl remembered her. She had an overwhelming urge to smother her with hugs, kisses and cuddles – her motherly instincts coming into full effect as she realized she was already in love with this child. She wasn't sure how her affections would be received so she settled for giving her a bright smile back, and wiping back her tears in an effort to not scare her.

She feels a pair of eyes watching them, turning around to see Marcus and the female in charge of the group watching her interaction with Madelyn. "I'll be right back sweetie, okay?"

The little girl gives her a skeptical look before hugging her Elmo tighter, and looking back down to the phone book – effectively dismissing Pen from her presence.

Pen lets out a sigh as she realizes Madelyn probably had gotten used to people leaving so often, it didn't even faze her anymore. She probably didn't think anyone would ever come back. Walking back over to where Mark and his friend were standing, she forces a smile on her face as she puts her hand out in an effort to greet them.

"Hi, I'm Penelope Garcia."

"I know, Marcus has told me a lot about you. It's great to meet you Ms. Garcia, I'm Taylor Hanes," the older lady responded with a soft, kind voice – a harsh contrast to the last woman Pen had seen be put in charge of these children's welfare.

"Please, it's Penelope or Penny – Ms. Garcia makes me feel so old," Pen responds, adding a laugh at the end of her sentence.

"Okay," Taylor responds laughing along with her. "Penny it is then!"

Her enthusiasm was contagious, giving the room an added sense of vitality that probably would be really healthy for the children that were there. That was something that gave her a little bit of extra peace of mind.

"I was just telling Mark here how great it is that you bonded with Maddie the way you did. With her developmental issues, it's doubtful she'll get adopted so she'll need as much positive adult interaction as possible while she's under our care until she turns eighteen," Taylor says kindly and quietly as if she didn't want anyone to hear what she was saying. "Maybe you can come by and visit her every once in a while if you have a chance."

Penelope gives her a look of confusion, her heart stopping as she feels her stomach drop at the awful news she was just given. The soft but knowing way Taylor had said what she did made her feel disheartened. Is that how the system worked? The ones that were the neediest were the ones that were continuously overlooked? How was that fair at all?

Looking back at the little girl obliviously flipping through the phone book, unaware of the hardships she would have to keep enduring for the rest of her life. She'd already been through way too much for anyone to have to experience in their life, much less a child.

"What if I adopted her?" Penelope said quietly, as she kept her gaze on Madelyn.

Taylor just gives her a look of shock as Marcus smiles knowingly to himself, crossing his arms as he lets out a chuckle of acknowledgement. He knew all he had to do was put her in the same room as Madelyn and Pen would fall deeper in love with the little girl. He had to admit, if he didn't know their histories you would have thought those two were mother and daughter anyway. The similarities between their looks were astounding to an outsider.

"Penelope," Taylor begins, looking over at the woman next to her with a confused expression – "Maddie is developmentally behind all her peers. She's three years old, has never spoken a word, is uncomfortable with touches and often avoids interactions with other children and adults, mostly lost in her own thoughts. She needs stability and repetitive daily routines, a parent with a lot of time, love, dedication and resources to be able to help her grow. Our developmental psychologists are convinced she has some form of Autism or developmental delay. But since she refuses to talk or interact with most of them, it's just a guessing game at this point."

"I know. I love her already Taylor," Penelope says, her eyes watering as she tears her eyes away from Maddie and looks back at them. "That child right there has something so special inside of her but her life is so miserable, because she thinks that nobody wants her. I can be a great mother to that little girl, I don't care about her age, mental status, or history. I can help her find what makes her special, and unique. More than that, I want to be the one who does that."

Marcus keeps smiling widely at the two of them as he watches Taylor gage Penelope in a whole new light – both their mother hen roles making them extremely protective of that child in front of them. This is why he put Taylor in charge of these kids. She immediately took them all under her wing as if she was their own guardian. Suddenly, Taylor's gaze turns into one of peace as she smiles at Penelope – obviously seeing something in her that made her trust the woman in front of her with one of her children.

"Okay."

Taylor responds quietly, smiling at Penelope – all of them turning their gazes back to the little girl who was blissfully unaware of how much her world had just changed in the last few minutes.

So I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you give me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
Turning tables

Taking Madelyn home with her was going to be easier than any of them thought, with Pen already being a registered foster parent, she had been taking classes through the local family guidance center – a non-profit agency that provided psychological benefits for free for children, as well as parenting courses, anger management classes, group therapy classes and social adjustment classes near her neighborhood. She also volunteered there as an art therapy teacher whenever she had time.

Between Marcus and Taylor, they had filled out all the paperwork for the past two hours, Taylor even calling in a favor to a judge friend of hers to make it so Pen could take emergency foster placement status of Maddie. Now, Pen had a two weeks to get her apartment childproofed and ready for inspection by whichever case-worker would be assigned to her and Maddie by CPS to make sure that they not only adjust well to each other but that Maddie is being looked after in a safe and secure environment.

All they had left to do was tell Maddie about her new home with Pen.

As they approached the library where they had been told by the afternoon caretakers Maddie had been hiding out they heard the sound of giggles coming from the chair that was facing the window, a look of shock coming over all their faces as they saw Maddie sitting there, Elmo right by her side as she held a book on her lap and giggled again before turning the page.

The sound was so warming to her heart that Penelope thought she was going to burst in excitement. If all she needed to do was buy some books to make Maddie smile, she'd buy out every Barnes & Noble and Borders within a fifty mile radius.

Pen walks forward hoping her presence doesn't put a damper in Maddie's mood, she notices Marcus and Taylor stay back and let her approach the little girl on her own.

"Hi again Maddie," Pen says softly smiling at her. She crouches down in front of her chair at her level, Maddie's mood wasn't quite as bright, but curious as she watched her cautiously. Her hands tightened on the book on her lap as silence took over their interaction again.

Pen let Maddie study her, watching as she looked her over for what felt like hours until she finally loosened her hands on the book and smiled brightly at Pen.

Penelope smiled widely right back at her deciding now would be a good time to talk to her about the upcoming changes in both their lives.

"Maddie, we haven't known each other long have we?"

The little girl shakes her head quickly answering her question with gust.

"Do you trust me?"

Maddie looks over at the Penny – the nice lady with the colorful clothes who hid her from the mean lady in her last home. She didn't know why, but she felt like she liked her. So she nodded, watching as Penny smiled wider at her.

"Good. How would you and Elmo like to come live with me?" Pen asks, watching closely for any time of reaction from the meek child.

Maddie looks at Pen with a confused head tilt.

'Live with Penny like a mommy?' Maddie thought to herself confusedly.

Penny watches the reactions on Maddie's face – confusion and a flash of fear that came and left just as fast. She wasn't sure what her silence meant, standing up as she was about to walk over to Marcus and Taylor to ask them to help her out in talking to Maddie to try and make this transient easier on her when she felt a small butterfly touch graze her hand and grab ahold of her pinky finger. Her heart lodges itself in her throat, her eyes start to well up as she looks back down to the curious face of the little girl who had stolen her heart.

A small smile comes over Maddie's face as she opens her mouth, shocking the adults in the room as she speaks.

"Mama?" She asks curiously at Penny.

No one says a word as they watch the three year old – not quite believing what had just happened.

"Penny mama?" Maddie asks again, her hand still holding tightly to Penelope's pinky finger.

Pen feels a tear slide down her cheek as her heart feels like it's expanding in excitement. She lets out a laugh before crouching back down on the floor to be at eye level with the toddler.

"Yeah," Pen whispers smiling and wiping away her tears with her free hand before repeating Maddie's question as a confident statement. There wasn't any turning back now.

"Penny mama."

Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
When the thunder calls for me
Next time I'll be braver
I'll be my own savior
Standing on my own two feet

I won't let you close enough to hurt me, no
I won't ask you, you to just desert me
I can't give you, what you think you give me
It's time to say goodbye to turning tables
To turning tables
Turning tables, yeah
Turning ohh

AN: What'd you think? Please comment if you read it, I'm not sure if anyone will like where I'm going with this so if I'm going to continue it I need to know other people are reading it too. Next chapter, Pen & Maddie settle in together. Maddie meets the gang and attaches herself to a specific group member. And Pen takes Maddie to the guidance center to see if they can help her open up a bit. For my other loyal fans, Five Stages of Grieving, The Other Grey's Anatomy and This Ruined Puzzle will be updated in the next week or two. Thanks for being so patient :)