Atlas: A Dr. Spencer Reid Love Story

Waiting (Alice Boman)

-End of Season 5: 2010-

When Veronica's eyes began to flutter open, it was due to the slightest of tremors in her hands. Quickly, she realized it was Spencer's fingers flinching under her grip.

"Spencer!" Veronica aggressively whispered, inching closer to his face as his eyelids twitched before slowly opening.

"Oh honey, baby, oh my God," She sporatically spat before registering she was bawling one more. Spencer let out a soft groan as his eyes fully opened, the sharp hospital lights practically blinding him.

"Veronica..." He weakly spoke, his free hand shakily reaching for her cheek to wipe away the river of tears. His 'boy band' hair dropped over his eyes, slightly shrouding his view

"Shh, I'm right here, I'm right here – I'm not going anywhere," She hushed, putting his chilly fingers to her lips. For the first time in hours, a petite smile grew from Spencer's slim lips as Veronica returned a similar one.

"Where am I?" He whispered, his eyes fluttering as they continued to adjust to the light.

"You're in the hospital. You - you were shot, but you are going to be just fine. You just need some rest, and I'll take care of you. It's going to be okay," She attempted to reassure not only him, but herself, as her thumbs stroked the top of his hand.

"I was so scared," He suddenly mumbled. Veronica could feel the lump return to her throat as he spoke.

"I know it was scary, baby. But they caught that bitch who hurt you, and she's never going to see the light of day again - I promise you that," Veronica fiercely spoke, rage rising throughout her tone.

"No, not that..." He grunted, attempting to sit up. A small cough escaped his silhouette as Veronica adjusted the pillows behind him. "I was scared I'd never see you again," He sincerely murmured, his eyes connecting with hers as her hands froze in place over the pillows.

Veronica felt tears well in her eyes as she leaned down, pressing her lips to his forehead, "Well, I'm right here. Nothing to fear," her fingers grazed against his bangs, setting them aside as to better view his warm eyes.

"Are the others here?" He quipped, craning his neck to peer out the far window leading to the hallway.

"They're all outside. You want me to go get them?" Veronica gripped his hand once more, intertwining her fingers with his.

"Not yet. I want just you, for a little bit longer," He smirked, squeezing her hand.

Veronica scoffed, gazing into his eyes with a sly smirk on her face, "Okay" she grinned, leaning forward and gingerly laying her lips against his.

Veronica continued to tightly hold Spencer's hand as they talked – well, Veronica mostly talked while Spencer listened to the sound of her voice – a sound that kept him awake and alive. After about thirty minutes, Veronica left to retrieve the others. Smiles broke out when she walked into the waiting room to inform them he was awake and wanted to see everyone.

"I'm sorry ma'am, only family is allowed in Dr. Reid's room at this time – we are allowing you to be present with him since you are the closest relationship he has available, but the others will not be permitted until later," A nurse interjected as she heard Veronica talking with the team.

"Are you kidding me?" Veronica ferociously spoke, whipping her head to glare at the nurse. "These people are his family! These aren't just some coworkers who walk away when the day is over - they work in the toughest, most relentless conditions and effortlessly support and love one another. They've been to hell and back together...I'm sorry, but Spencer is asking for his family – and I'm going to bring them to him," Veronica commanded the room as she daringly spoke.

The nurse took a step back, staring at the ground in embarrassment as Veronica turned back towards Derek, Emily, Dave, Hotch, JJ, and Penelope. Veronica gave a small smile and curt nod before strutting off to Spencer's room.

"You didn't have to do that," Derek spoke as they walked down the hall.

"I know," Veronica matter-of-factly remarked, stopping in her tracks and turning back to face the team. "You all are the best things in his life – he loves every single one of you, and I know for a fact you all love him no less. You deserve to see him."

"That's not true," Hotch quickly spoke up.

Veronica cocked her head to the side in slight confusion.

"You're the best thing in his life," Penelope inserted, a small smile on her face.

Veronica sadly smiled as she pushed some hair behind her ear, "Go," she nodded towards Spencer's room and took a step back, watching each person slowly walk in to the view of a grinning Spencer.