Unspoken Legacy

Unspoken Legacy 8

As the evening festivities wind down, music begins to play softly in the background at the BAU's Halloween party. Lily, still in her Belle costume, tugs at Gideon's hand. "Daddy, can we have a father-daughter dance? Please?" she asks, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Gideon smiles warmly and nods. "Of course, princess. Let's dance."

He leads her to the middle of the room, where others clear a small space for them. Everyone watches as Gideon gently takes Lily's tiny hands and they begin to sway to the music. Lily giggles as her father twirls her in her dress, the gold fabric shimmering under the lights.

Around them, others start to join in. Penelope and Derek grab each other's hands and begin an exaggerated, silly dance that makes Lily laugh. Emily and JJ pair up, moving gracefully, while Luke and Tara joke about who's leading as they dance. Even Matt and Alex share a dance, spinning each other dramatically.

Standing off to the side, Alexis and Spencer quietly watch the room. Alexis, still in her Belle costume, smiles softly as she takes in the joy of everyone dancing. Spencer glances at her, a thoughtful expression on his face.

After a moment, Spencer clears his throat nervously. "Would you... uh... like to dance?" he asks, his voice hesitant but kind.

Alexis turns to him, surprised, and then smiles. "Sure, Spencer. I'd like that."

He offers her his hand, and she takes it, letting him lead her to the edge of the dance floor. They sway gently to the music, their movements a little awkward at first but soon becoming more natural.

"You're not bad at this," Alexis teases lightly.

Spencer chuckles softly. "Well, I might have read a book or two on dancing."

Alexis laughs. "Of course you did." She glances around at everyone. "It's nice, isn't it? Seeing everyone happy."

Spencer nods, his gaze softening. "Yeah, it is. Especially Lily. She's been through so much, but she still lights up the room."

Alexis looks over at Lily, who's now laughing as Gideon lifts her up and spins her around. "She's amazing," Alexis says quietly. "Just like her dad."

Spencer glances at Alexis, a small smile on his lips. "I think her godmother isn't so bad either."

Alexis looks at him, her cheeks warming slightly. They continue to dance, caught in the warmth of the moment, as laughter and music fill the room. As the music continues to play and laughter fills the room, the doors to the BAU swing open, and Rossi walks in, his sharp suit only slightly offset by the subtle festive pin on his lapel. His eyes immediately find Lily, who is still in her father's arms, laughing and glowing in her Belle costume.

"Is that my favorite little princess?" Rossi calls out warmly, his voice carrying over the music.

Lily looks up from her dance with Gideon and gasps in delight. "Godfather Rossi!" she squeals, wriggling out of her father's arms and running toward him.

Rossi kneels down, opening his arms just in time for Lily to leap into them. He scoops her up, holding her close. "Look at you," he says, smiling fondly. "You're the most beautiful Belle I've ever seen."

Lily giggles, wrapping her small arms around his neck. "Thank you, Godfather Rossi! Daddy and I were dancing! And everyone is here, even Max!" She points toward Gideon's dog, who is now lounging in the corner with a sparkly bow tied to his collar.

Rossi chuckles, looking over at Gideon. "Looks like you're doing a good job, Jason."

Gideon nods, his expression softer than usual. "She's the one making everything better," he admits quietly.

Rossi turns his attention back to Lily. "So, princess, have you been having fun tonight?"

Lily nods enthusiastically. "Yes! I got so much candy, and Uncle Spencer danced with Alexis, and Max is wearing a bow! Do you want to dance with me too, Godfather?"

Rossi chuckles, standing up with her still in his arms. "How could I say no to you?" He steps onto the dance floor, swaying gently with her as the music continues to play.

As Lily laughs and rests her head on Rossi's shoulder, the room seems to pause for a moment, everyone caught in the warmth of the scene. It's a reminder of how much love surrounds Lily, even in the face of recent heartache.