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BITTERSWEET
::  xxxix. | civil war

A couple of more months had gone by. Seven months now, that's how long the case has been active. Vanessa and Cole felt like hitting their heads against a wall. It was almost a year and they didn't know how much longer they could put out for this. They didn't even know what was happening with the case, they were in the dark. They wished they could get to their regular lives but it would have a whole different meaning by then.

At this point, this case wasn't the only case they were attending anymore. When the fifth month mark came around, the BAU was instructed to work other cases as well until they had a breakthrough where they could catch Miguel and everyone in one swoop. They would still work this case from the sidelines but it wasn't a top priority anymore. As long as the reign girls stayed in protective custody, everything would be fine. But it wasn't fine, Vanessa and Cole felt like they were losing their selves. Matter of fact, they weren't the only ones who felt that way.

Savannah barged into the BAU with a huff in her step. She was furious because that day marked month seven and there was no new news. She can't believe she actually put blind faith in the government. She couldn't believe how stupid she was as she waited for an agent to come her way.

Luckily, Hotch saw her from his office window. He was at his desk looking through papers when he did. He didn't even have to leave his office to get Savannah's attention. She already was looking his way and when he gestured to come up, there was no hesitation from her.

After walking into his office and closing the door, Savannah was quick to speak.

"It's been seven months agent Hotchner, where's the progress?"

He deeply sighed, "I understand your frustration. We are using every resource we have to attend this case. But you have to understand this case is no longer centered around those two and if want to bring them home, we have to get everyone who's involved."

"I heard you guys solve cases less than twenty four hours, i guess they spoke too highly about your team."

He stopped her just before she walked out, "We're trying our best, Ms. Charles. We're way further in the case than we were two months ago."

Her back still faced him, "Can you guarantee they'll be back before the one year mark?"

"I can't. But I hope so." He told her.

She opened the door and walked on out.

He felt her frustration. But all they needed to catch everyone was a solid piece of evidence, which is hard to come by in cases like these. Which is also why a light bulb went off in his head.

Someone needed to be sent under cover.

• • •

The assigned agent was just arriving to the safe house. He had important news for Vanessa and Cole. After parking in the driveway, he walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. After a moment or so, the door swung open and Vanessa let him in.

They walked to the living room as Vanessa called Cole down. They sat on the couch as the agent sat across from them.

"I got updates and suggestions." He continued, "The case just got a big opening, so it's gonna be a little longer till they're able to wrap it up."

"Ok, but what does that mean?" Vanessa questioned.

He scooted to the edge, "It means we're moving locations and it's best if you got a job while Cole goes back to school."

"Moving locations? Like back home?" Cole had hope in her eyes.

"No." He shook his head, "Like Arizona, tomorrow morning."

"And we start our new life there?" Vanessa was trying to understand.

"Woah ——- !" Cole abruptly stood up, "New life?!"

"Temporarily. Only until the case is closed."

Cole rolled her eyes, "You said that last time. We're never going back home." She then walked off and headed back upstairs, leaving the grownups.

From there Vanessa and the agent wrapped up and she showed him out. He finished telling her that they would be leaving around ten in the morning, so they need to have their things together before then.

Just like Cole, she wasn't all that happy about it either. But what's to do when you have no say in a situation like this?

• • •

"Would it be weird if I asked Cole out?"

Mia looked in Daniel's direction, "What?"

He simply shrugged, "You never made your move and well, I moved past what happened. I just see us lasting for a long time." He finished, "But if you still have feelings after all this time, I'll step aside."

She didn't know how to answer that. Cole never gave her any signs that she was remotely interested and Mia, never went after her when she was around. She herself was at a lost.

"I don't know how I feel."

"Well, now you know my plans." He nodded.

"Are we friends?" She suddenly asked.

"I don't know. Friends don't date each other's crushes."

She glanced at him, "So we tolerate each other."

"Remotely." He sighed, "Besides we really only have one thing in common."

"Person." Mia corrected him, "She's a person. Not a thing." She then realized, "A very special person who deserves the world and I don't think that's you. To answer your question, I do have feelings for her and when she gets back, I'm shooting my shot. Most definitely."

Mia then gathered her things, packing them back in her bag before leaving out the school library. She felt confident in her answer and she felt ready. She just hoped Cole feels the same way because in the past, Cole was still a little confused of what she wanted.

a/n:
end of act 4 !! any
predictions for the
next one???