DAMAGED // spencer reid

20

FIVE MONTHS LATER:

Addie's POV:

"Bye, Pen! I'll see you in two hours, right?" I peek my head into Garcia's office on my way out.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss little Willow's birthday for the world!" She exclaims, waving me goodbye as I leave the bureau that afternoon. Thankfully we just got back from our case an hour ago, it's Willow's sixth birthday today and I wasn't sure we were going to catch our unsub in time to make it home. Hotch promised to not make us stay behind and do paperwork so that everyone could attend Willow's party at David Rossi's mansion tonight, who came out of retirement to rejoin the team four months ago.

"I'm home!" I call once I open the door to my apartment. Willow comes speeding down the hallway and jumps gleefully into my open arms as I lift her off the ground and spin her in a circle.

"There's the birthday girl!" I laugh, showering her face in kisses. Willow squeals, trying to wriggle out of my arms.

"Eww, Ada!" She protests with a smile.

"What, did turning six make you too grown up for kisses?" I joke. But seriously, it feels as though she's so grown up compared to a year ago when she was first put into my custody. I thank and pay Ms. Harmon as she goes back home across the hall.

"Sorry I missed the first half of your birthday, sweetie, but I have a special surprise for you soon," I assure her, wiggling my eyebrows mysteriously.

"What?" Willow asks curiously.

"No spoiling, you'll just have to find out!" I say and start to chase her around the apartment, threatening her with tickles. She squeals and runs around, trying to escape me. I eventually scoop her up and carry her upside-down to her room, flopping her down on her bed as she cackles.

"We're going somewhere special for your birthday, so I got you a little gift to wear," I tell her, opening her closet and reaching for the box that I stored on the top shelf. I pull out a small, sparkly purple princess gown with matching ballet flats and a small tiara. Willow's eyes practically bulge out of her head in excitement when she sees the princess outfit.

"I'm gonna be a princess!" She exclaims with a large smile.

"A princess always needs to look good on her birthday! I need to go get myself ready, so you change into this and I'll do your hair when you're finished," I say, heading to my own room to change. I've decided on a simple long-sleeved maroon bodycon dress that ends at my knees with matching heels. And, of course, my locket is secured around my neck like always. I've never been one to dress up, but Rossi always throws fancy parties, even if it is for a kid. Willow emerges from her room looking ecstatic to be in her new outfit, so I take her into the bathroom and secure the tiara into her curls with bobby pins. I hastily decided to throw on some red lipstick last-minute, because why the hell not?

We park outside of Rossi's mansion and Willow looks at me, confused.

"Come on, don't be shy!" I take her hand and lead her around to the backyard.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLOW!" A group of voices shouts as we come into view. Willow's eyes widen as we walk towards the group of people gathered in the beautifully-decorated backyard.

"Welcome to your surprise party, Willie," I laugh. Spencer is the first to approach us, scooping Willow into his arms and swinging her around.

"Happy birthday, Wills!" He exclaims as she laughs in delight. Willow definitely has favorites on the team and Spencer will always be in first place. Penelope comes over next, gushing over Willow's dress and giving her a big hug. Derek supplies a fist-bump, Hotch gives a high-five and Rossi kisses her hand like she's a real princess. JJ brings her boys over to play, something that immediately consumes Willow's attention. She looks at me for approval.