Echos of a Genius | Spencer Reid

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Stephie

I call Spencer every night, but it's been weeks and they have no leads on Cat, she's staying on the down low, keeping quiet.

I hear the rustle of Spencer shifting on the other end of the line. His sigh weighs heavy in my ear, and I can picture him running a hand through his hair, something he always does when he's stressed.

"So when can I come home then?" I mumble into the phone, hoping for any news, any hint that this nightmare might be over soon.

"I'll have to talk to Hotch," Spencer replies, his voice quieter than before. "I wish you were home right now. I miss you." He pauses, and I can feel the hesitation before his next words. "Both of you."

A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips. "We miss you too, Spence."

There's a brief silence, the kind that's comfortable but heavy with the things left unsaid. I shift on the bed, pulling the covers closer, wishing they were his arms instead.

"I feel like I've already missed so much," Spencer says suddenly, his voice tight. "I hate that I'm not there with you. I should be with you, helping you through this."

"Spencer..." I trail off, unsure of how to comfort him. I know he's struggling with the distance. This isn't easy for either of us.

"I feel awful, Steph. I've missed so much already, and...what if something happens while you're away? What if Cat—"

"Stop," I cut him off, my voice firmer than I intended. "Nothing's going to happen to us, okay? You're doing everything you can. We're going to get through this, and you'll be there for all of it, just like always."

He exhales shakily, but I can tell my words don't completely ease his mind.

"I just wish I could be there right now," he says softly. "I feel useless, just sitting here waiting."

"You're not useless, Spence. You're protecting us by staying there, by helping Hotch and the team. That's how you keep us safe." I pause, rubbing my stomach gently. "The three of us are going to be fine. But I need you to believe that too, okay?"

Spencer doesn't respond right away, but I hear his breathing steady on the other line.

"I'm trying," he finally whispers. "I'll call Hotch again in the morning, see if there's anything new. But...promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise," I say softly, my voice a little shaky now. "I love you."

"I love you too." His voice breaks at the end, and I can hear the emotion he's holding back.

We stay on the line for a few more moments, neither of us speaking, just the sound of each other's breathing filling the silence. It's not enough, but it's all we have right now.

"Goodnight, Spence," I whisper.

"Goodnight, Steph."

I can't help break down in tears when I hang up the phone, when is it finally going to our turn to be happy? When do we get a break from all of this?

There's a light knock on the door and I look to see Dexter walking in with a small bag.

"Raspberries and peanut butter," He gives me a forced awkward smile and sets the bag on the bed.

"You okay...?" He keeps his distance, I know he doesn't do emotions very often so I don't burden him with it.

"Yeah, just tough, ya know.." He nods his head when i'm done speaking, he slowly moves around to the side of the bed and gives me a hug. It caught me off guard but I definitely needed that.