Echos of a Genius | Spencer Reid

Meredith and Cristina

Stephie

One good thing that came out of all of this was being able to sit around and watch Grey's Anatomy all day. But now that i'm back to work, I'm back to only watching when new episodes come out.

Spencer got stuck at the office tonight, I can't be alone, not after everything. Emily came back home with me. Spencer and I actually spent a whole weekend cleaning up my apartment that became his dumpster during my "death."

Emily sat next to me on the couch, her legs tucked underneath her, totally absorbed in the show. I was only half-watching, my thoughts elsewhere. The popcorn bowl was resting between us, and our wine glasses sat on the coffee table, almost empty. It felt good to just sit here, to feel normal again—or at least try.

I glanced at Emily and smiled. I don't know how she did it, but she always seemed to know when I needed someone around. Especially tonight, with Spencer stuck at the office and me not wanting to be alone. I couldn't be. Not after everything.

I took a breath, feeling the words bubble up before I could stop them. "Em," I said, my voice soft. She turned to look at me, raising an eyebrow as if to say, 'What's up?'

"You know... I never really thanked you for sticking by me through all of this." The words hung in the air, heavier than I expected.

Emily tilted her head slightly, like she didn't need thanks, but I wasn't done. "I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for you. I mean, you're... you're my Cristina, Em." I smiled a little, thinking of Meredith and Cristina from Grey's. She'd know exactly what I meant.

Her face softened, and she reached over, squeezing my hand. "Steph..."

I stared down at my lap, trying to hold it together. "It's just... I don't feel like me anymore. Like, the person I was before... I don't know if I'll ever be her again." My voice cracked, but I didn't care. Not with her.

Emily's voice was calm, but firm. "Sometimes, you can't be the person you were. You have to find out who you are now."

Her words hit me, like she was seeing a part of me I hadn't even figured out yet. I nodded, blinking back the tears that were starting to form. I didn't know who I was now, I only know, only knew, who I was before.

Who am I now?

I suppose it's something I have to figure out. But right now i'm more focused on hearing what Emily has to say about her most recent date.

As the episode came to an end, I felt a gentle weight settle over me. The combination of the wine and the comfort of Emily's presence made my eyelids heavy. I glanced at her, still curled up on the couch, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the television. She looked peaceful, and I couldn't help but smile at how she could make even a mundane night feel like an adventure.

"Do you want to watch another episode?" I asked, trying to muster the energy.

"Honestly?" Emily replied with a yawn, "I think I'm about to pass out." She stretched slightly, her legs sliding out from beneath her, and I felt a rush of warmth for her.

"Same," I admitted, leaning back against the cushions. "Let's call it a night."

As I reached for the remote to turn off the TV, I noticed that the bowl of popcorn had long since been abandoned, the remnants of our snack scattered across the coffee table. I made a mental note to clean it up in the morning. For now, I just wanted to enjoy the rare feeling of safety, wrapped in the familiarity of my home and the company of my best friend.

We shifted on the couch, both of us finding our own spots that felt comfortable. I tucked my legs up, leaning against the armrest, while Emily sprawled out next to me, her head resting on my shoulder. I closed my eyes, letting the rhythm of her breathing lull me into a light sleep.