Family Ties (the Reids, Mia)

[SSA Dr. Spencer Reid]

Spencer did not want to do today. But he knew that he must put aside his own feelings for his sister and his daughter. Also, Mia could get a chance to meet William. He wasn't sure just what Aimee was feeling-she didn't talk to him much about things like that, but when he had called and asked, Aimee hadn't said no, exactly. He understood the young woman's anger at their father, but he hoped that it wasn't too late for them to work things out. He knew he should follow his own advice, but he just couldn't yet. He couldn't let the past, and the anger, and the shame go yet.

Finally, Mia was ready, and so was DJ. The three were going out to lunch and to shop for Aimee's birthday present, as the girl turned seventeen in just a week or so. Then, they were going to go to the airport to pick up William while Aimee stayed home to finish cleaning, and started dinner. The family piled into his car-and set out for the nearby mall. Spencer had a few ideas-Aimee was an adult, basically, and so he had sat her down and told her to write down five things she had really wanted-mostly because he wasn't up on pop culture, and had no idea who Niall was, or that Daryl Dixon was a TV character. She had put down a cd she wanted, along with some clothes. A few of the items were a bit unreasonable-or maybe Aimee was trying for funny-but he could definitely do the first two things. So they were going to get her the music, and a gift card to whichever one of the stores looked like it would carry things Aimee would wear. He had done a bit of Googling, and was looking for some place called Hollister, or perhaps just the department stores.

They arrived at the mall, and Spencer parked directly behind the music store-unlike his sister, he liked to go in, get what he needed, and get out. He turned to Mia.

If we have some time, I'd like to go to the bookstore, and get some books for Little Miss here, he said, ruffling DJ's little curls. But first, the food court! He normally did NOT let DJ eat those kinds of foods, but he figured that occassionally wouldn't hurt.

ATTIRE

[/color] coming soonCREDIT SAM !? of Confronting the Faceless . Don't remove the credit or I will find you. LYRICS you're gonna go far, kid - the offspring. NOTES None, yetWORD COUNT some [/center][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[SSA Mia Dearden]

Mia knew that both Spencer and Aimee were under a bit more stress lately. It had been like that ever since their father, William, had called and asked if he could come visit. Mia knew what she needed about both Spencer and Aimee’s relationships with their father. Needless to say, they all had issues that needed to be resolved. And people thought that Mia’s family was weird. No, when it came to family drama, she was sure that the Reids took the cake. Not that she would say anything like that.

Mia helped DJ get ready and got her into the car. The toddler giggled and Mia lightly tapped her nose. ”Remember, you can’t tell your auntie Aimee what we get her. It’s a surprise!” The two giggled as Mia finished getting DJ all buckled into her car seat. Mia climbed into the passenger seat and they headed off towards the mall. When they got there, Mia was ever so slightly grateful that Spencer seemed to have the same feelings towards the mall as she did. Mia didn’t like crowds, and the large amount of stores and people tended to eventually give her sensory overload.

They got DJ into her stroller and headed inside the mall. Mia smiled as she helped push DJ as they walked through the music store. If we have some time, I'd like to go to the bookstore, and get some books for Little Miss here, She smiled as Spencer ruffled DJ’s curls. But first, the food court!

Mia smiled and shook her head. ”No, first, we need to make a quick stop at the jewelry store. Then, we can go to the food court. “

Mia's outfit

[SSA Dr. Spencer Reid]

Spencer smiled.

Remember, you can’t tell your auntie Aimee what we get her. It’s a surprise! He nodded as he helped Mia to climb in, and went around to the drivers side.

That's right. Even if Aimee gives you chocolate. You can't say, ok? He looked in the rearview, and DJ had flipped her sunglasses down and nodded at him. He just shook his head. Good thing they wouldn't have to wait long-Aimee's party was early in the week. They were just going to go to dinner, and Mia could finally meets Aimee's boyfriend, and then do a cake at home.

When they arrived at the mall, Mia reminded him of something important.

No, first, we need to make a quick stop at the jewelry store. Then, we can go to the food court. He nodded with a smile.

Of course, babe. It'll only take an hour to resize it. They swung by the jewelers and turned in MIa's ring for resizing. Then they went onto the pizza and pasta fast food place at the food court. He got a slice of pizza for DJ.

What will you have? He asked Mia.

[SSA Mia Dearden]

As Mia swung by the jewelry store with Spencer and DJ, she felt reluctant to take her ring off the chain hanging around her neck. She'd been wearing it like that for a while, and she knew it was going to feel weird.

Of course, babe. It'll only take an hour to resize it.

Mia stiffened at the word babe and felt her lips draw into a straight line. She looked at Spencer straight on, making sure he knew she was speaking directly to him in a serious tone. "Sweetie, remember those things we talked about that make me very uncomfortable. Being called that is one of them." She shuddered as she recalled a distinct smell of some kind of alcohol and becomingly violently ill after being fed nothing but sweets.

She took off the chain around her neck, and carefully removed her engagement ring. Mia let the woman at the counter measure her ring finger and comment about how tiny and dainty her hands were. Dj seemed to have been fascinated by all the sparkling and glittering metals and gems in the store.

They made their way to the food court, where Spencer got a slice of pizza, presumably for DJ. Mia couldn't help but reach to feel that her ring was still there, even though it wasn't. It felt weird, and kind of wrong to not be wearing her ring.

What do you want?

Mia had been looking at the different dishes that the place served. "Well, would you mind sharing a spaghetti and meatballs with me? Their meatballs look to be about.. the size of your fist. So, I doubt I could eat all of that by myself."

[SSA Dr. Spencer Reid]

Spencer hadn't realized his mistake until Mia told him, of course. She got an odd look on her face, and looked straight on at him. He looked her in the eye to tell her he was listening to her, that he wanted to understand what he'd done wrong. Her words unsettled him.

Sweetie, remember those things we talked about that make me very uncomfortable. Being called that is one of them. He nodded, and put an arm around her.

I understand. I am sorry, and I will never use that word again. He, for one, did not want to be the one to hurt Mia. He looked around a bit as Mia turned over her ring, and got sized properly. Maybe one of the lovely things in here would be a nice wedding present for his fiancee. DJ was particularly entranced by a purple amethyst earring set.

Mia was finished, and so they went to the food court then. After he asked Mia what she wanted, she replied to him.

Well, would you mind sharing a spaghetti and meatballs with me? Their meatballs look to be about.. the size of your fist. So, I doubt I could eat all of that by myself.He thought for a moment about how hungry he was. He could share, since he wasn't too hungry.

Of course. He ordered a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, and then he ordered three soda's and led the ladies to a table.

[SSA Mia Dearden]

I understand. I am sorry, and I will never use that word again. Mia felt slightly terrible for the fact that she may have made Spencer feel bad. She stood up on her tip toes and kisses his cheek. ”It’s alright. Now you know. “

Mia smiled and laughed a little bit. She couldn’t be mad at Spencer. Well, she probably COULD given the correct circumstances, but that didn’t seem very likely. As they stood in the food court, Mia thought about how she wasn’t all that hungry. She took that as a good sign, seeing as how she and Aimee had made a larger breakfast than normal.

Of course Mia smiled as Spencer managed to beat her to paying for lunch, but she didn’t mind. He got the plate of spaghetti and meatballs and DJ’s slice of pizza and led herself and DJ to a table. Mia grabbed a few napkins as well as two plastic forks. DJ had her sippy cup of water and followed Mia to the soda fountain as the blonde got some “sweet iced tea”. It was the mass produced kind, that wasn’t REAL sweet tea, but it was a good try.

DJ led Mia back to their table, happily holding onto one of Mia’s hands. After getting DJ situated in her seat with her pizza, Mia sat down and got a forkful of spaghetti and took a bite. It was pretty good for food court fare. She managed to somehow not find the end of one of the noodles that was in her mouth. She followed the noodle with her eyes and saw that Spencer had the other end in his mouth already.

The weighing of what could probably happen went quickly in Mia’s mind and she decided to just let whatever was going to happen, happen.

[SSA Dr. Spencer Reid]

Spencer was glad that Mia felt comfortable telling him when he did something that bothered her. He loved her, and he didn't want to make her hurt in any way. He wanted to protect her, to hold her, to keep her safe when the world was dark and scary. He knew that he could not always do that perfectly, but he would try. As long as she kept talking to him, telling him what bothered her, he could make sure she was alright.

It’s alright. Now you know. He nodded, and bent a little, to make it easier for her to reach him.

Yes. You must always tell me when I screw up, OK? Because it will happen again.He was, after all, a guy, and while he tried to be thoughtful and attentive, he knew that sometimes, he fell short.

They all got their food, and settled down. After Mia got DJ settled in, she sat down, too, and took a bite of her side of the plate. He was busy cutting DJ's pizza into small, toddler sized pieces, so he didn't notice Mia's movements. He had already taken a forkful in his mouth, and a few moments later, he realized they were eating the same piece. He let Mia kiss him as he let go of the noodle, and he heard DJ giggle.

Daddy and Mia are like on Tv. Daddy, you have to be the tramp. Mia, you can be the lady. Spencer smiled.

Daddy is OK with that. Deej, try not to spread the cheese everywhere. He turned back to Mia, glad he remembered to put Dj's apron bib in her backpack.

Have you made any more wedding plans lately?

[SSA Mia Dearden]

Daddy and Mia are like on TV. Daddy, you can be the tramp. Mia, you can be the lady.

Mia smiled and started laughing at DJ's comment. She hoped her little girl didn't know what a tramp was. Sweet tea ended up coming out of her nose. That actually hurt a bit. Mia used one of the napkins to wipe up the tea.

"Deej, does that make you scamp? And no, I haven't made any plans yet. I have a lot of ideas , but nothing solid. Well, except that I hope you don't mind that I don't want to get married in Vegas. Because that tends to send the wrong message."

[SSA Dr. Spencer Reid]

Spencer laughed as DJ just kept on smiling, and then shook her head.

NO. Scamp is a boy, like Daddy. I can't be a boy. Silly Mia! SPencer knew that when DJ got a little wild, she was getting tired. He was glad they'd brought the stroller. He knew that the toddler would fall asleep probably while they were at the jewelry store.

Deej, does that make you scamp? And no, I haven't made any plans yet. I have a lot of ideas , but nothing solid. Well, except that I hope you don't mind that I don't want to get married in Vegas. Because that tends to send the wrong message.

He nodded.

I agree. Not a Vegas wedding, and I don't care HOW much my father asks. IT's not going to happen. It's Ok that you have nothing solid. We have time...

[SSA Mia Dearden]

"Well, good. Because I like you just the way you are, DJ. Even if you do get cheese everywhere." Mia smiled as she took a napkin and wiped some cheese and sauce off of DJ's face.

Mia knew that DJ was going to fall asleep sometime soon, seeing as how she was so excited right now. She guessed that the toddler would probably fall asleep in her stroller when they went to pick up Mia's engagement ring. The blonde just hoped that her little girl would be awake when they picked up William.

I agree. Not a Vegas wedding, and I don't care HOW much my father asks. IT's not going to happen. It's Ok that you have nothing solid. We have time... {/i]

Mia nodded in agreement with Spencer. The three of them seemed to have come to the end of their lunch. So, Mia wiped her own mouth wiht a napkin and helped pick up trash and throw it away as Spencer got DJ. She thought as they alked. "We haven't even decided on a date yet. Besides, I have a lot of family that want to be there. Going from Georgia to Virginia is one thing, but Georgia to Vegas isn't so easy for most of them."

Mia knew exactly what section of the music store she was going to. The Band Perry had released a new ablum about a month and a half ago. Aimee was a fan of theirs, along with Mia. Spencer may not be a fan of the newer country music, but Aimee was willing to give it a try, at least.

[SSA Dr. Spencer Reid]

Spencer finished his portion of the spaghetti and waited for the girls to finish, as well. He grinned when Mia wiped DJ's face-he no longer felt the need to stop her from doing this. Spencer felt that DJ was HIS daughter and HIS responsibility, but he was learning to let Mia take over a bit. She would, after all, be DJ's mother figure from now on.

Mia spoke. We haven't even decided on a date yet. Besides, I have a lot of family that want to be there. Going from Georgia to Virginia is one thing, but Georgia to Vegas isn't so easy for most of them. He nodded.

I was thinking early October. We can have an autumn kind of motif going on. He didn't know what made him think of that, but it would be nice. And location isn't a problem for most of MY invitees.


Soon, they were heading for the music store, and, as he'd thought, DJ fell asleep. They went inside, and he stood there for a moment, wondering where the heck to start. He followed Mia towards the country music, trying not to make a face. He knew that Aimee and Mia were fans, but he was not. At least Aimee had a cd player with headphones. Mia grabbed a CD, and they checked out, heading for the jewelry store.

This is kind of nice...the three of us, spending time together.

[SSA Mia Dearden]

I was thinking early October. We can have an autumn kind of motif going on. And location isn't a problem for most of MY invitees.

Mia couldn't help but grin at the idea. "That's a great idea. Early October sounds lovely. Maybe we could have it outside. I think most of your guests are from work."

She noticed Spencer trying to not make a face as he followed her into the country music section. Mia recalled her mama telling her that everyone was entitled to their own opinion, even if it was sometimes seemed wrong. She found the album she was looking for and paid for it. As they walked out, Mia noticed that DJ was sound asleep in her stroller.

This is kind of nice...the three of us, spending time together.

Mia nodded. "It is nice. Kind of relaxing, And speaking of relaxed, she looks tuckered out." She smiled down at DJ as she stayed asleep in her stroller.

They stopped in at the jewelry store, where her ring was ready and resized. It fit perfectly on her finger and Mia thanked the woman as Spencer paid for the resizing. When they got to the car, DJ was just starting to wake up as Mia put her in her car seat.

"Good morning, starshine. Have a nice nap? We're just going to go pick up your grandpa William from the airport." She smiled at DJ as she buckled her in before getting into the passenger's seat. Mia knew Spencer was not looking forward to this, so she was going to try and help him as best she could.

[SSA Dr. Spencer Reid]

That's a great idea. Early October sounds lovely. Maybe we could have it outside. I think most of your guests are from work. He nodded. That was correct.

Outside would be nice, so long as it's not particularly windy. His allergies would NOT like that. Yes, just from work, and probably William. Maybe our grandmother, Pearl. That's my dad's mom. But otherwise, just the BAU, really. The trio made their way towards the jewelry store after Mia had bought the CD. He would get a gift certificate to the mall itself on the way out, also.

They strolled along, DJ fast asleep in her stroller. He KNEW it...she wasn't ever able to stay awake as much as she WANTED to-to keep up with Aimee's antics.

It is nice. Kind of relaxing, And speaking of relaxed, she looks tuckered out. He smiled. She looked like an angel when she slept.

She does. It's been a busy past few weeks...with the movie, and our engagement. I am not sure if she understands exactly all of it, but she doesn't seem too fazed, so I assume she isn't traumatized at all.

They arrived at the jewelry store, and Mia picked up her ring. It was perfect now, and, after he paid, he took her hand and admired it.

It's beautiful. It suits you. He turned around then, and they left the mall after a quick stop at the business office for Aimee's gift card.

Just as they were getting DJ loaded, she woke up.

Good morning, starshine. Have a nice nap? We're just going to go pick up your grandpa William from the airport. Spencer muttered under his breath as he put the stroller into the back, and then helped Mia climb in before gettng himself strapped in.

Deej, want to meet Daddy's daddy? His name is William... He sighed. This could be a really BAD idea.

[SSA Mia Dearden]

Mia could hear Spencer sighing constantly as he drove to the airport. She knew he didn't like his father much, but this was ever so slightly frightening. Sure, her family fought some times, but they NEVER acted like THIS when faced with having to see one another.

Ok, so maybe Ty did, but he did it as a joke.

When they pulled up to the airport, Mia didn't know what William looked like. She had no idea who she was looking for. Not to mention, ther was the slight worry that he wouldn't like her. She was more concerned with having Spencer keep it together the whole time his father was there though.

They pulled up at the curb beside a man and Mia took a deep breath before giving a sweet smile.

this was the moment of truth, and the start of a couple long days.

[William Reid]

William stood outside of the arrivals area of Dulles airport. His small suitcase, filled with just enough stuff for two days, stood at his feet, next to a shopping bag full of wrapped presents for Aimee, Spencer, and his new granddaughter. He smiled as Spencer pulled up. He took a deep breath, and waved. He bent down to get his bag as Spencer climbed out of the car. He was careful with his son, and simply nodded.

Hello, Spencer. It's nice to see you. He sighed as Spencer just nodded, and put his suitcase in the back. Spencer told him he could climb in the back, and he did so, smiling as he slid in next to DJ.

Hello, Miss Diana. Do you remember me?! I am Grandpa William. The little girl, who looked like Spencer, just smiled at him, and flipped down her sunglasses. ANd you must be Mia...Spencer and Aimee mentioned you once. It's nice to meet you. Where is Aimee?