take me to church (emily prentiss)

3. nine

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"i was a kid but i wasn't clueless." - family line, conan gray

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Liv stood in the reception area of the Nevada DCFS building, tapping her fingers on the desk she was leaning against. She was waiting for the social worker to bring Ziggy down so she could take him out for the day.

Dave and Delilah were already waiting at a diner nearby for breakfast. Liv had thought it be best for the two of them have some time alone to talk things over about the whole balloon thing. So, Liv was picking Ziggy up alone.

"Ms Bellerose?"

"It's Doctor," Liv said, turning her eyes on Evan, Ziggy's social worker. "Where's my nephew?"

"He is being a bit difficult-" Evan started.

"Where is he?" Liv repeated. "Not how is he. Where."

"He's coming," Evan said stiffly, stepping aside to stand behind the desk. "As you are aware, court dates are being set. You will have to attend a hearing here in Nevada, and Ziggy will have to meet with the judge himself. The judge's decision is final. He may rule for no contact."

"He may rule for full custody. And, when he does, I'm going to ask for an investigation into you as a social worker. If you treat an eight year old the way you treat my nephew, I don't want to think what you're like with any other kids," Liv said.

She heard footsteps and turned her head, grinning when she saw a mop of black curls cutting across the room towards her.

"Hey, kid. Ready to go?" Liv said.

Ziggy nodded, hands shoved in his pockets as he rocked back and forth on his filthy converse. Liv raised an eyebrow, studying him for a few seconds.

"Ziggy?" Liv said.

Ziggy slowly lifted his head. Liv fought hard not to let her face drop.

He had a black eye, and a purple bruise over the bridge of his nose.

"What happened to you?" Liv asked. "Jesus fucking Christ. Come here," Liv said gently, crouching down. "What happened to him?" she looked at Evan.

"He got into another fight running his mouth," Evan said. "I told him not to pick a fight and give you another reason not to want him, but did he listen? Does he ever listen?"

Ziggy's jaw clenched. Liv fought back the urge to swing at Evan.

"Okay, I've heard enough out of you. He'll be back by eight tonight," Liv said, standing back up. "Let's go, kid."

Ziggy looked at Liv for a few seconds in surprise.

"Well? You coming? Or you sticking around here with him?" Liv asked, starting to walk backwards towards the exit.

"I'm not sticking around here with him," Ziggy scoffed, hurrying after Liv quickly. "He's a dickhead."

"Tell me about it," Liv muttered, holding the door open for him. "We're walking to the diner where Delilah is with my dad. He's buying us breakfast. But, uh, you might want to explain the bruises before they assume the worst, and they will. FBI agents always do."

"You heard Evan. It was another fight," Ziggy muttered.

"What over?" Liv asked. "Is this that kid who you thought was gonna sit on you? The one you told Delilah about?"

"No," Ziggy said. "Different one."

"Was this one asking for it, too?" Liv asked.

"I never said he was asking for it. He called me a fuck up. I wasn't gonna stand there and just take it. And, yeah, this one was the same. They're all the same," Ziggy snapped. "I don't wanna talk about it, alright? I don't need a lecture from you."