Façade//Spencer Reid

23. Starting over

By the time the BAU returned to Quantico from their most recent case, Spencer had helped Y/N purchase her own phone. He wanted Y/N to have her own phone - a phone not plagued by threatening messages, photos of dead bodies and videos that proved her son was alive. He wanted Y/N to have a phone that represented her. It would have a lock screen and home screen of her choice. She got to choose which apps she downloaded and who she added as a contact.

The first person to be added as a contact was Spencer. In her new phone, Spencer was listed as Spencer💜. She knew he'd never see it, so she didn't care.

Y/N had 3 tasks that she wanted to get done as soon as possible. Task 1: Look around for a well-paying job. Task 2: Look at affordable, 2 bedroom apartments. Task 3: Find a school for Carter to attend.

Y/N wanted a nice job that didn't bring her memories of what she did for Marco. She wanted to earn real money and make real friends. She knew she couldn't stay with Spencer forever, so the sooner she found an apartment for her and Carter, the better. She had a couple thousand dollars in a bank account that - she hadn't touched in years. Hopefully the money helped her in her search for a new home. Carter was around the right age to start school, and Y/N didn't want to put his learning off any longer. She wanted him to have the same educational opportunities and experiences that she did before her life drastically changed.

———

Spencer arrived to work at 8 AM, the team just arriving back, having finished their most recent case early. Unfortunately, he had rushed to get to work, so he forgot to eat, resulting in him arriving to work very hungry.

Y/N
When you woke up, you showered, changed and helped Carter get ready. In finding a school for Carter, you had scored a tour with a school that had great reviews and was highly recommended by Spencer. Eating some breakfast, you noticed that Spencer hadn't eaten. There wasn't a bowl or plate in the sink, and every mug was clean. Seeing that his keys were gone, you figured that Spencer had rushed to work and forgotten to eat. Nevertheless, you made a sandwich, packed a bottle of water and an apple, knowing how scarce his water and food consumption was.

You and Carter made your way to the BAU office, arriving at the FBI building. Getting a FBI Visitor's Pass, you carried a packed lunch all the way up to the 6th floor. You entered the BAU bullpen, noticing all the desks empty. You walked over to Spencer's desk and placed his packed lunch down, writing a note down. You exhaled, quickly leaving with Carter, intending to spend half the day exploring the city, and the other half of the day on the tour.

SPENCER
Leaving the conference room after a meeting regarding the most recent case, I looked at my desk, confused. Walking down to the bullpen, I picked up the note, my face turning from confusion to surprise. A smile appeared on my face.

Spencer,

I'm assuming you left for work in a rush. I made you a ham and cheese sandwich, and I packed an apple. I packed a bottle of water, knowing you'd drink nothing but coffee all day. Carter and I will be out for the afternoon. Just message if you need me or call if it's an emergency.

-Y/N

"Ooh, who's the note from? Mommy packed you some lunch?" Morgan teased.

"Ew! Shut up, Morgan. I simply forgot to eat breakfast this morning and Y/N dropped off some food and water for me." I explained, watching as the smirk refused to leave his face.

"I want your paperwork on my desk by this afternoon at 3 PM." Hotch instructed the team.

I nodded, intending to get to work, but Morgan had other ideas.

"So. How's Y/N settling in?" JJ asked.

"She's doing fine. We got her a new phone, and I'm pretty sure she's looking at schools for Carter, a job for herself and a place to live for her and Carter." I explained.

"She's moving out already? Damn, kid. How'd you manage to turn her off?" Morgan questioned, curious.

"Okay, ha ha. Nice joke. I didn't turn her off or anything like that. We're simply friends, and I offered her a temporary housing solution. Soon enough, she'll have her own place. Somewhere she and Carter can start over, get on with a normal life as mother and son." I rolled my eyes.

"So, you're not at all sad that Y/N won't be staying with you instead?" Emily asked.

I'd be lying to myself if I said that I wasn't sad that Y/N wouldn't be staying with me indefinitely. I'd certainly miss her. I'd miss her amazing cooking. I'd miss waking up to the view of Carter watching cartoons on my TV. I'd miss watching Y/N have interesting conversations with Carter. I would be lying if I said that I wouldn't miss Y/N's presence in my apartment.

But, life had to go on. Y/N had a son that she needed to provide and care for. She needed her own space to grow as a mother and as a person. She didn't need someone like me - someone with a tricky job schedule and life - around, possibly holding her down from becoming the best version of herself, a version that could be happy.

"Earth to Spencer." Emily tapped my shoulder.

"Hm?" I looked at her.

"You're not at all sad that Y/N won't be living with you instead?" Emily asked again.

"No. I'm not. I'm happy for her. She deserves a happy life, and she's gonna get that when she's not living with me." I nodded, exhaling.

"Whatever you say." Morgan chuckled, finally getting to his paperwork.