𝕳𝖎𝖉𝖉𝖊𝖓 𝕾𝖊𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖘 (𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖗 𝖗𝖊𝖎𝖉 𝖝 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗)

1 - ride home

TW: Child Abuse

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The case the team was working on are ones that take a toll on you. They spent a week in Florida with an unsub that skins children alive and wears it on his face. The unsub grew up in an abusive household. When he was seven years old, his alcoholic father was mad at him and he threw a frying pan on his face. Before that, the frying pan was still on the stove, heated. He was trying to bring back the face he lost in his childhood.

The unsub was caught before killing his fourth victim. The team started to pack up from the police station. After packing up, they went to their SUVs by partners. Hotch and Rossi, Emily and Derek, JJ, and Spencer.

As they were about to go back to the hotel, Spencer noticed that JJ was anxious. JJ doesn't like cases involving children. It reminded them of her children at home.

"JJ, I'll be the one to drive," Spencer suggested with a concerned tone.

"Are you sure?" JJ sounded relieved with the idea of Spencer driving back instead of her.

"Yes. Don't worry. I know how heavy this case is for you."

"Thank you, Spence," JJ said, with a half-smile. They had a thing before she was married. Now, she appreciates him as his best friend. Nothing more.

They rode their SUVs and went back to the hotel. The car ride was silent. Spencer didn't need to press about her thoughts. He just knew her. He also knew that some people just need peace.

As they arrived in the hotel, they gathered first in the lobby before going back to their rooms.

"In my watch, it's already 7:30. We gather back here at 8:10. You have less than an hour to pack." said Hotch, with a serious yet tired voice.

"It's now.. 7:32. We have 37 minutes and 15 seconds."

The team was exhausted to notice Spencer's time calculation. Everybody went back to their rooms. Derek walked past Spencer, giving him a pat on the back.

"Come on, boy genius. Let's go," he said, smiling.

They shared rooms because the hotel had renovations on most of their floors. Despite the renovations, they rested well.

Everybody was immediately down before 8:10. Rossi and Hotch first, Emily and JJ then Derek and Spencer. When they went to the lobby, Derek's phone rang. It was from Hotch.

"We left the hotel already. You were the last pair to go down. Emily and JJ wanted to rest at the jet."

"Noted, Hotch." Derek ended the call. He turned to Spencer. He didn't notice that Spencer was sitting down, reading half of his book. "Let's go."

"Where are they?"

"They already left. Emily and JJ wanted to rest at the jet."

"Oh, okay." Spencer stood up and walked with Derek. They rode their SUVs and drove to the tarmac. It was a 20-minute drive. Derek broke the silence.

"Hey Reid, me and Prentiss agreed to go out for drinks. I already asked JJ, Hotch, and Rossi but they're tired."

"What about Garcia?"

"My baby girl can't say no to me." Derek grinned. Spencer let out a chuckle. He was thinking that Derek was right, Garcia can't say no to her chocolate thunder.

"Sure, Morgan."

They arrived and boarded the jet immediately. Spencer noticed Emily and JJ are already asleep. Hotch was reviewing files. Across him was Rossi drinking scotch. Derek opted to sit beside the window with his headphones. Reid sat beside Rossi, opening his book he had no chance of finishing a while ago.