OH my goodness this was a PHENOMANAL story and you're an AMAZING author. Your original characters were so expertly fleshed out and woven into the story, and the gradual progressions of the relationships was EXPERTLY done. I'm jealous of you. Holy crap. 1000000000 out of 10.

A bit angsty but a good read overall. Bit sad about Hudson though.

I absolutely love this story, it's my favorite criminal minds fanfic. I read it before I made an account and spent months refinding it. I love seeing the beginning of Reid and Morgan's friendship. I definitely would love more stories with Hudson and Nichols. You're an amazing writer.

holy shit i did NOT expect to be this invested in a case. you have a talent without question

! loving this. i always wondered about pre series ykyk

Just finished this story, LOVED it. I just wanted to say that before reading this, I had been taking a break from fanfiction. I was feeling bored by it. Reading this reminded me why I like this medium. It's a chance to keep hanging out with these characters we love, and there are great stories like this out there. So thank you.

So, I have to say, it was not easy reading the Epilogue this time around. It wasn't before previous times I have read this story either. You really put me in an emotional place. (And I'm not saying as a way of blame or being mean.) Your writing is so exceptional. The archive for this fandom is vast, but there are only very few in-between that comes to being as awesome as yours!

Now, there'll be a lot of things I'll be repeating, so I apologize. Please bear with me.

I am left with no other words but the words I have said before:

Your story had phenomenal characterization. I originally read this story because it two of the main things I was looking for at the time, Spencer Reid, and a plot involving when Reid had joined the BAU. But. But! There was a lot more to this story than what you had provided in the little summary.

From Gideon, on down to Hotch. Morgan. And Reid. Then. Then! Nichols and Hudson! Very-well written characters. Beautiful development. Wonderful character and team dynamic. Just perfect all-around.

Incredibly crafted plots of the crimes that took place. So thorough and believable. Including the criminals and other supporting characters or minor characters of this story.

You brought the same essence of life from the show into this story. What made me fall in love with show and the characters in the first place. A family found within a team, working together to bring fight against evil and bring justice.

To finish what I was saying before from the start of this review is that - it isn't easy reading this last chapter. Heck. It wasn't even easy reading the previous chapter because I knew what happens to Hudson. I just held off from saying because I didn't want to spoil it in the reviews from the previous chapters. But, I finally get to say it now. I was greatly saddened to know that the team lost the BAU, and even saddened that Hudson and Reid didn't get the chance to be closer friends. Understandably, with the story surrounding around canon, I can see why you took the route that you did. (Of course, it's still interesting all together how you're working out the Boston case, and I am still greatly interested in where you are going with it or with the team in general in your sequel.)

In conclusion to how I feel about the story as a whole, it is a wonderful story. Just amazing!

Now, to conclude my thoughts of the epilogue alone, it's so amazing how you wrapped the story up with flashing back to the "Revelation" episode. You connected both times when Reid was kidnapped and the emotions the team had went through both times, with different characters, but for Hotch, Morgan, and Reid, it's still the same.

Love how you did it again with the hospital scene, Reid waking up to Hotch and Morgan debating again, but he takes comfort in their presence.

You did JJ justice in this chapter, despite how brief her appearance is in this final chapter.

Morgan finding Reid at Hudson's grave - you really broke my heart here. I love how your brought in Nichols though. Very glad to see Nichols checking in on Reid.

Now, the way how Nichols is asking Morgan to keep a close eye on Reid makes me wonder if you're referring to Reid's experience with drug abuse or something else entirely? Since the times Morgan has been told before, Reid has ended up in some mighty trouble.

I don't know, but it'll be quite intriguing in either case.

I feel like I may have lost you in my page of text here, so if there's anything you need to take from what I am saying is that:

Thank you for writing such a fantastic story and sharing it with us for us to enjoy and fall in love with. You're a very great writer - and I hope that you continue to share your writing talents with us. Now I have a sequel to read and enjoy again!

Thank you! Thank you so much! And please take care!

The team had a long journey before them when they first came together, and now they have a long journey ahead of them as they finally becoming united. In the end, it'll be all very worth it. I love how the near-altercation between Reid and the guy is a turn-around from the other chapter with the same scenario but different result. Morgan and Hudson are there for him now!

Just like how Reid snuck into each of their hearts, this story has snuck into mine.

This is the second to last chapter. And again, it's been one heck of a ride to be on again. So, without further ado, let's wrap this baby up. :)

I very much love how you stress the importance of teamwork and having each other's back. You kept it constant throughout the story, and you demonstrated consequences of their lack of in judgement and in general.

Just love how each of them, from Gideon to Hotch and their subordinates, just sticking out for each other. It's the most precious things in my eyes.

I'm really glad that they didn't face very strong consequences and that Reid is more or less alright.

Oh my heart. Hudson and Morgan ringing in Reid on their little get-together. Precious! What a special chapter this is!

HAHAHA! I NEED TISSUES RIGHT NOW!

There's so much I want to say right now... but I can't. Given where I am in this stage of the story. And you know what I mean.

Just that... know that my heart hurts now. This is the most beautiful chapter of all. I love Morgan and Reid's development in friendship; don't get me wrong.

But this! This is what sold me. I told you. Right from the first time I read this. Hudson befriending Reid! The ending too! Hudson knew! He knew! Oh my gosh!

Okay... I have to move forward, because - ya know.

Just know - I love this chapter. Hudson, my man. I knew you'd come around. I am so happy for both of Reid and Hudson for overcoming so much! It was a journey they had to fight alone but in a way together to be where they are now.

I'm feeling all warm inside.

Poor Nichols, having to deal with the UnSub when he arrested him. He got emotional - and that I can understand. At least Hudson, gave the UnSub a taste of Hudson not dealing with his BS.

Hotch has finally arrived on the scene. It was so sweet to see Morgan and Hotch debate over who stays with Reid. But Reid pulling that little stunt with the nurse was the icing on the cake. If there's anything I remember about the story as a whole, I sure remember this one. And it definitely made me smile this time around.

I love how Reid is going over his feelings and his thoughts and memories of being with the team these past couple months. Finding what's been looking for a long a time. Belonging. He has found it. And don't worry Reid, I have a feeling that Hudson has joined your corner too.

A lovely chapter to delve into.

He's safe. Thank you. Reid is safe.

Highlighting moments in this chapter:

Morgan being Morgan. The Morgan I see in the show. Protective and fulfilling his role in protecting Reid.

Reid hugging Morgan and Morgan calling Reid 'Kid.'

Hudson taking off his jacket and placing it on Reid to keep him warm. Reid being surprised by Hudson's action.

Morgan making sure to take full responsibility - even for Hudson for the actions.

Hudson being assuring to Reid and comforting him in his state of fear.

Reid holding Morgan's hand.

This is a treasure gem!

I almost forgot that they do need to find the UnSub again. But Reid needs to be taken care of too.

Great chapter!

Hotch is in the know now. Although, he can't do anything, I know he wants to be with the team and with Reid. Morgan and Hudson need to hurry and find Reid! At least they found a clue though! They will not get away from Gideon unscathed. I knew the moment you mentioned the mallet that it was from Misery. I hate that scene. I-hate-the-scene. I-hate-the-scene. I-hate-that-scene! Oh! Please! Morgan and Hudson - hurry!

Dang it... Dang it! Dang it! Dang it!

The UnSub got Reid. OMG. Reid made sure to fight back the best he could. Dang. It's a shame he didn't get off one round - whether at the UnSub or to get his teammates attention.

Reid should have gotten into the vehicle! Why! Dang it!

Feels like I am rushing through my review - but that is because I am hyped now. I want to see what happens next.

It's up to Morgan and Hudson to find Reid and catch the UnSub. No they shouldn't have left him because they would have at least been together if they crossed paths with the UnSub together, or kept the UnSub from approaching in the first place.

Okay. I am jumping in my seat and I am pounding on the keys. I'm ready to jump into the next chapter!

Um. You're going to have to call for Emergency personnel because I think my heart just stopped beating and it's struggling to beat again!

AW! MY HEART! I CAN'T TAKE IT! GAH!

You don't know what you just did to me. My heart.

Okay. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Being serious now lol.

Gideon is so precious. Hudson. He's being precious. Thank you! Thank you! (It's okay Hudson. It's okay. No need to look at Reid as an enemy. But a teammate. Maybe a friend. Come on. You can do it.)

It's good to hear from Hotch and that things seem to be going well on his end.

The part where the UnSub was calculating his plans of what to do next and after seeing the broadcast, you proved just how dang skilled you are at writing crime. Not just the team dynamics, law procedures, and crime aspects, but the criminals too. You're too genius! I can't handle anymore. (I'm gonna go cry in a corner after this review.)

Maybe Reid is on to something? Hm. Right minds? Not in their right minds? I don't think it matters. (If you can't tell, I'm raising my eyebrows here.)

Okay, I'm done being silly. I enjoyed reading this chapter nonetheless.