Chapter Twenty One

Last Chapter! :'(

2 weeks later

Spencer sat in his apartment, reading a book silently at his table; it was cluttered with papers and other books. Ever since he knew what had been going on with his mother, and knowing that things would resemble normalcy once again, he was finally able to put his mind at ease, allowing him to read and think to its original capacity.

He closed the thick book that he had finally finished and set it aside. He then let out a sigh before going to organize the papers on his table, and putting back the other books he recently read. He grabbed the stack of papers he created, and carefully slid them into his messenger bag, double checking to make sure all the papers were there. Next, he put the books that laid on the table back into the large bookshelf that stood in the opposite side of the room. Finally, he ended up laying on his back on the living room couch.

His left hand rested on his chest, while his right hand supported his head. A habit he hadn't been able to stop was looking at his palms. The cuts were a lot better, but they letters would probably be there for the rest of his life. He'd been told to put cream on them once a day, and that it'd help the healing process, and reduce the carvings' noticeability. He put it on before bed, like he'd been directed, but he highly doubted the scars would ever vanish.

He was thankful that the break in his leg wasn't major enough that he even needed crutches. Now, he could walk normally on it once again. He wouldn't be able to run on it for another couple weeks or so, but that was alright with him. A rap of knuckles on his door snapped him out of his thoughts. He made his way to the door, swung the door wide open, and found JJ standing in front of him.

"Wow," she said with disbelief.

"'Wow' what?" he asked defensively. JJ smiled at his response.

"You're wearing something other than a sweater vest and tie," she answered with a chuckle, gesturing to his baggy grey t-shirt, and dark navy sweatpants. His mis-matched socks also caught her eye; a striped green and black sock on his left foot, and a blue and white polka dotted one on the other foot.

"I suppose I'm not," Spencer said as he looked down at the floor, a smile tugging on the corners of his mouth.

"Is it alright if I come in?" she asked.

"Oh! Not at all," he said while he turned, leaving room for JJ to come through the door. She nodded as she stepped through the doorway, scanning her eyes over the interior of the apartment. "It's not much, but… it's enough to call home," Spencer commented.

"It's nice; I like it," JJ said honestly. She took a seat on the cream colored couch and gazed up at Spencer.

"So, what do you need? Is something wrong?" Spencer asked with concern. JJ shook her head.

"I just wanted to make sure you were doing alright," she replied. Her fingertips played with the edge of her lavender shirt.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" Spencer defended as he sat down next to the blond. JJ let out a sigh, and then started.

"Spence, you were held by someone for three days. You were beaten and hurt. Before you were taken, you weren't yourself. I understand that it was because you were worried about your mom, but still, it would have been better if you would have come to one of us sooner. That worried all of us. Are you sure you're doing better?" she asked, placing a firm hand on his knee. Spencer nodded, giving JJ full eye contact.

"I'm positive. I know I should be more… I don't know… traumatized by this but… I'm not. Sure, at the time I was scared for my life. I almost gave up hope. I shouldn't have, but I guess I can't help that now, can I?" Spencer paused for a moment. "These kinds of things keep happening to me, like Hotch said, I'm a 'bad luck magnet,' so I suppose I'm becoming more resistant to them. It doesn't mean they don't bother me at all, it's just that it makes it easier to deal with, and if something is on my mind, I know where to go," he stated, meanwhile giving JJ a smile of assurance.

"That's good," JJ responded, exhaling a large breath. "Look, I don't think sitting here is a good way to spend our weekend off. What do you feel like doing?"

"I'm… I'm not sure," Spencer answered. He sat in thought, contemplating options.

"I heard there's a play in town. It's based on one of Edgar Allen Poe's poems; The Raven."

"Really?" Spencer raised his head. He certainly did like a good play, and being based on one of Edgar Allen Poe's works, it had to be good.

"Yup; you up for seeing it?"

"Is it alright if I change into something a little more… suitable?" Spencer replied quickly, tugging on his bag t-shirt. JJ laughed and nodded in response.

"Make it quick," she teased. Spencer muttered his thanks under his breath before he rushed into his bedroom. Within a matter of minutes, he reappeared, this time wearing a dark brown colored sweater vest, a tan dress shirt underneath, a black tie, and dark dress pants.

"Ready," he said. JJ smiled and held out her left arm. Spencer joked along with over-dramatically bowing before her, and pulling a laugh from his friend, who he also considered to be the sister he never had. Arms hooked together, both Spencer and JJ left the apartment and headed to the play, knowing that things would be like they used to be. As long as the team had each other, things would always work out in the end.

The End

It's done! Oh. My. Gubler. It's finally over. This certainly raised a question for myself, "What now?" Well, I know that I definitely want to write more Criminal Minds fan fictions; that much is clear. My main problem however is ideas. So, if you've got a story you'd like to see from me, let me know! I'm always up for options. I'll also be updating my profile page, so you guys will know what's coming up, like new stories, updates, etc.

I seriously can't thank you guys enough. I know that to you, it may not seem like much to leave a review or add my story to your favorites, but honestly, it means tons to me. Getting notifications in my inbox and reading reviews that you all leave, it makes me think, "Hey, I'm accomplishing something, and I'm doing something for someone out there." So… thank you guys a million times over. Please proceed to give yourselves a round of applause :)

If you want to read my works in the future, be sure to add an author alert. I will be back with another story. Only time can tell how long it'll be, though. Bye guys :)