Criminal Minds Series Rewrite: Season Four

The Angel Maker: Part One

"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will." - Chuck Palahniuk

The back of your head still throbs, but it's time to get the stitches removed. Spencer has done an excellent job in taking care of you, but now it's time to get back to work. The doctor has to clear you before you can, but you're hoping she does it when you go in.

"Are you sure you don't want to take an extra week? It could help," Spencer says.

"I've rested enough. I need to get back to work. It's lonely without you."

You two head into the doctor's office once she calls you back, and you hop onto the uncomfortable doctor's chair so she can examine you. She puts on her gloves and grabs her scissors so she can remove the stitches.

"Looks like this is healing nicely," she says as she works.

"How long am I going to have this mild headache?" you wince.

"My guess is a couple more days. I can prescribe you some medicine to help with it."

She quickly finishes and throws the stitches away and her gloves.

"Can I go back to work?"

"Given your job, my main concern would be loud noises, you moving too quickly or running, and bright lights that can strain your eyes. Any of those can either reopen the wound or cause more pain internally."

You need to go back to work, and the only way you might be able to do so is if you reassure her concerns.

"What if I wear sunglasses inside and out? I won't go into places with loud noises, and I'll limit my time in the field. Please, Doc, I need to go back to work, and I have Spencer here to help take care of me."

"You must stay away from loud noises, and no sudden movements. I'm serious, Y/N," the doctor says and takes out a folder with your discharge papers.

"I'm serious too. I want to get better, but I do need to work. I appreciate this. Thank you."

She signs your release back to work papers, and you and Spencer are leaving before you know it. There are sunglasses in your car, so you immediately put them on and smile at Spencer.

"I'm going to feel like the biggest douchebag, but it's worth it."

When you get to work, everyone is in the briefing room, including Hotch. He must have gotten signed off as well if he's here. You and Spencer walk into the room, and all eyes are on you.

"Are you feeling okay?" Rossi asks.

"Did the doctor approve for you to come back?" Hotch asks, business as usual.

"I am feeling much better, and yes, she did. I have everything here. I just have to make sure to wear sunglasses, no running, no loud noises, and limit my time in the field. At least until my head heals completely, and my headache goes away, but I have medicine to help with that."

"Good. Glad to know you're doing better. Nice hair, by the way," Derek smirks at your boyfriend.

Spencer got a haircut a few days ago, and you think it's sexy.

"Hey, don't hate. I think he's very handsome," you grin and kiss his cheek.

You take your seat, turning to face JJ who patiently waits for you to be done so she can start the briefing. She puts some pictures on the board of a woman who looks like she was beaten to death. Nothing about these photos will ever be normal, but at least you have the stomach for it.

"This is Delilah Grennan. She was bludgeoned and raped during the night at her home in lower Canaan, Ohio. It's a small town forty miles outside of Cincinnati."