DAMAGED // spencer reid

29

Addie's POV:

I stand in the doorway, a thin smile on my face. They all just stare at me, not saying anything.

"OH MY GOODNESS! ADDIE!" Penelope is the first to exclaim, just like I knew she would be. She leaps out of her seat and practically knocks me over with a giant hug.

"You're here! I can't believe you're here!"

"Hey, Pen!" I laugh, hugging the joyful woman back.

"So, girl genius has finally decided to come crawling back," Morgan smirks, enveloping me in a hug and lifting me off the ground. I give a little shriek as I grin.

"We've missed you, kid," he whispers in my ear before setting me back down on the ground.

I greet the rest of the team, I've missed everyone so much. Suddenly the room is silent again and the only person I haven't greeted is Spencer. Saying his name, even in my head, feels foreign. He occupies my thoughts all the time, but standing here, in front of him, is terrifying. I don't know if he's happy to see me or he still hates me for leaving. He looks mostly the same as he did two years ago: still tall, lanky, dressed in a sweater vest. But the dark circles under his eyes are more prominent, his hair more unkempt, his skin slightly paler. He looks... tired. But still beautiful. He stands in the corner of the room, locking eyes with me as the rest of the team watches in anticipation and probably a little discomfort. I stay silent as I cross the room, not hesitating to wrap my arms around his neck and bury my head into his shoulder. I inhale his familiar scent and it overwhelms me with nostalgia thinking about our days together. Spencer tenses at first, but slowly relaxes and hesitantly loops his arms around my waist. I can feel his heavy exhale and I feel the same way that he does. It's like being apart created this weight on our shoulders, and now that we're together again I feel light.

"I can't believe you're pregnant and you didn't tell me! I would've gotten you a baby gift!" I exclaim, smiling happily at JJ's stomach as we continue to talk before the jet leaves for our case.

"Oh please, the second kid is no big deal. He's not even due for another month," JJ replies, chuckling.

"Do you mind?" I ask, gesturing towards her belly. She smiles, nodding. I reach my hand over to rest on her large bump, feeling slight movement beneath it.

"Wow, he's moving!" I exclaim, laughing happily. It reminds me of when my mother was pregnant with Willow, I can still remember feeling my sister move in my mother's stomach too. I happen to glance over at Spencer, who's watching our exchange with an intense stare.

"Wheels up in ten, there's just been another shooting in the subway," Hotch announces, causing everyone to file out of the room quickly. I say my goodbye to JJ and follow the team, grabbing my go bag which, thankfully, I packed this morning.

My time in San Francisco was much needed, although I'll admit, hot weather isn't really my thing. I loved the work that I was doing for the profiling task force though, it was an amazing program and I practically got to lead it. Willow and I rented out a small apartment that overlooked a stretch of water, not to mention we got to paint the walls whatever colors we wanted. Needless to say, the interior of the apartment looked like an explosion of color (per Willow's request). Willow loved living there too, after a while, because at first she missed home and especially Spencer. She enrolled in a school that she really enjoyed, now she's a whopping 8 years old, meaning she's currently in third grade. It makes me feel old, even though I'm only 28.

But I missed Virginia.

We both did, Willow and I. And San Francisco was truly great, it was what I needed at the time, but I never planned on staying there forever. It was an escape from the bad memories, a fresh start. But Virginia also has the most amazing memories. I was questioning leaving the task force a few months ago, but I never actually thought I would be coming back here. I started looking for more openings within the Bureau, perhaps somewhere in the Midwest. But when Hotch personally reached out to me about needing to fill positions within my old team, I jumped at the chance. It was seriously a miracle. I hated moving again, though, especially across the country once more. I mostly felt bad for Willow, who had to switch schools and lifestyles after she had already become accustomed to our one in San Francisco. She still remembers Spencer, although not as vividly as she used to. I hope they get the chance to reunite shortly after this case, I know Willow would be thrilled and I hope Spencer would be too.

I end up boarding the jet last, but the first thing I notice is how everyone seems to take a seat in the exact spots that they used to, which means that my customary spot next to Spencer is empty. I'm not sure whether he would enjoy my company or not, but I choose to sit there anyway because I don't really care. He hasn't been ignoring me, exactly, but he doesn't seem over the moon excited about my return either. He's acting very... unconcerned. It stings a little bit for him to act this way toward me, and I'm tempted to confront him and talk some sense into him, but I know that I was the one who left very suddenly and it's understandable if he holds a small grudge. But seriously, it's been two whole years.

"Is it okay if I sit here?" I ask him, after I've sat down of course.

"Hm? Oh, yeah," he replies, not really making eye contact. The jet begins its lift off and it makes both of us silent for a few moments. I just wait out the awkward silence, knowing that Spencer is bound to say something if I let it continue. He hates awkward silence, if he can pick up on it.

"So, erm... how's Willow?" He finally asks. My face lights up.

"She's really great, actually, she just turned 8! I know it's cliche and I sound like a middle-aged mother, but she truly is growing up so fast. She's at home right now, but I'd love for you to come over sometime so that you two can see each other again."

"Are you staying at your old apartment?"

"Yeah, luckily my landlord still had it available and gave me a discounted rent. I want a bigger place, but it might be awhile before we can move."

"Is Ms. Harmon still across the hall and watching Willow?" Spencer questions, seeming genuinely interested.

"Actually, no... Ms. Harmon passed away earlier this year. One of her adult children ended up sending me a letter about it while we were still in San Francisco, it was heartbreaking. Willow was hoping to see her again when we got back, but now she is staying with a nanny that I recently hired," I reply, smiling sadly at the remembrance of Ms. Harmon.
"I'm really sorry to hear that," Spencer offers, sharing my sympathy.

"Yeah. So how have you been, Spencer?"

"Not too much has changed since you, um, left. Well, not with me at least."

"Listen, I just wanted to apologize for—"

"No, Addie, you don't need to be sorry for anything. I was angry at first, I'll admit, but I know why you left and I can understand it. It's your life, you don't need to apologize for choosing to do what was best for you. I just... I wish you had told me that you were coming back," Spencer cuts me off.

"I know, I was going to but it all happened so quickly. I just hope we can continue being friends, I've missed you more than I can say."

"Me too," Spencer says, offering a small smile.

Well, it's a start.

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this was more of a filler chapter, but I'll try and put some action in the next one!

do you guys want more detailed descriptions of cases? it's not my strong suit and not as fun to write about (in my personal opinion) but I'll try and start doing so if you guys prefer

Happy holidays! I hope you guys are all having a wonderful time with family and friends (safely!!)

RIP Ms. Harmon 😩👋