the great war, spencer reid [ 2 ]

045. 23 minutes

Spencer walks into the hospital room, glancing up at Theodora is sitting on the end of the bed and coloring.

"Okay, baby, visiting hours are almost over. We gotta go home." Spencer tells her.

"I wanna stay." Theodora whines.

"I know. I do, too, but we're not allowed to." Spencer says. Technically, he's allowed to, but Theodora isn't and he doesn't want to pawn her off to somebody for a sleepover.

"Please." Theodora gives him puppy dog eyes.

"It's not up to me." Spencer says, picking her up. Theodora pouts, crossing her arms over her chest. "We can come over first thing tomorrow, I promise." Theodora huffs, resting her head on his shoulder.

Spencer kisses her on the head, using his free hand to clean up her coloring book and crayons.

"Here. Kiss mommy bye bye." Spencer says, holding Theodora close to Bedelia. The toddler leans down, planting a loud kiss to her mother's cheek.

"Love you, mama." She says, lightly patting her on the cheek.

Spencer puts her back on his hip, leaning down and kissing Bedelia on the forehead.

"I love you. I'll see you tomorrow." Spencer quietly promises, pressing another kiss to her cheek.

"She alone?" Theodora pouts as Spencer leaves the room.

"Don't worry. She has all those stuffed animals your Aunt Penny gave her to keep her company." Spencer promises. "Plus, you gave her your favorite bunny rabbit to keep her company. She's in good hands." He assures, relaxing Theodora.

+++

Penelope took Theodora out for a little girls day, inviting JJ, Emily, and Tara along with them. Spencer is still at the hospital.

"The mandatory leave is up." Spencer says, playing with his wife's hand as he talks to her. "They'll all be back tomorrow. I have my test to see if I'll be allowed back. At least, back in the field, I guess. I know you don't want me to rot away until you wake up cause... cause we don't know when that is." He sniffs. "So I'll work and... and Eliza will still bring Theo by. Garcia will come by every chance, especially if we're on a case."

"I promise, if I do get my job, I'll try not to be gone too long. Maybe you need space in order to wake up, I don't know." Spencer says, rubbing his forehead. "Just... I know I keep asking, but I really need you to wake up, Delia. It's been six weeks and I... I don't know how much longer I can handle all of this without you." He tucks some hair behind her ear, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"You know, an "I told you so" really would've sufficed. I didn't need weeks, possibly months, without you." Spencer remarks, knowing she's probably laughing and rolling her eyes on the inside.

"I love you." Spencer tells her, leaning down to kiss her cheek. He sighs, resting his forehead on her shoulder, spending a few moments as close as he can get to her.

+++

Spencer knocks on the open door to the office.

"Good morning, Dr. Reid." Agent Lawrence greets.

"Morning." Spencer nods.

"Have a seat." He motions to the chair and Spencer takes a seat. "It's our last session. I bet you're glad to see this day come."

"I am." Spencer nods.

"Don't forget, you weren't singled out." Lawrence says. "Your entire team had 6 weeks of mandated leave."

"True, but I am the only one being evaluated for reinstatement." Spencer says.

"You're the only one on probation." Lawrence states. "You've had a lifetime's worth of trauma packed into the last six months. Mexico. Prison. The situation with your mother. Your wife's coma. Add to that the loss of a team member."