Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds, or it's characters.
A/N: I know this was a one-shot, but no one seemed to take the ending the way I had planned. Here's the second part.
Part 2: The Fallout
"I'm sorry, we did all we could, the rest is up to him," The doctor said quietly.
"Can we see him?" Hotch asked, stepping forward.
The doctor nodded slowly, "This way."
--
"Oh, Reid," Garcia breathed. She hurried over and grasped one of his hands. JJ silently took the other.
Morgan, Gideon, and Elle stepped up, and stood around him. Hotch froze in the doorway. Had he really done this to Reid? Young, naive Reid? Hotch was so engrossed in his thoughts he didn't notice Reid's eyes flicker open.
"Hey, kid," Morgan said softly.
"Morgan?" Reid asked softly. His eyes travelled around the room, JJ, Garcia, Gideon, Morgan, and Elle. "Hotch?" He asked, his eyes searching for the man he wanted to see.
"I'm here, Spencer," Hotch said quietly, stepping into Reid's view. Reid's eyes locked with Hotch's, and saw the pain, and guilt that resided on the normally emotionless face.
"Not your fault," Reid whispered.
"Of course it's my fault! I did this to you!" Hotch insisted. Only Reid would try and comfort the man responsible for putting him in the hospital.
"Don't blame yourself, you did it to save the lives of everyone in there, including me," Reid pointed out.
"But-" Hotch tried to argue.
"You do kick like a 9-year-old girl, Hotch. Just a very strong 9-year-old girl," He said with a small smile.
--
There was always someone at Reid's bedside when it was allowed. It was a few days before Hotch would come alone, but he did. As Hotch talked to Reid more, he began to understand their resident genius. He learned of the torment inflicted upon the young man in school, and in turn, told Reid about his own experiences. Hotch helped Reid come to terms with the fact that he killed a man, and Reid helped him get over the guilt.
--
The day Reid was released, everyone gathered in his room. The nurses weren't particularly happy about it, as the team got in the way as they tried to get Reid ready for discharge.
The doctor released him on the condition he stayed with someone for the following week or so. Everyone volunteered, but it was decided Reid would stay with Hotch. Haley would no doubt fuss over the young man.
Reid argued about the wheelchair, but the hospital staff was adamant on that point. Reluctantly, Reid allowed himself to be pushed out to Hotch's car.
Hotch smiled slightly, watching his team. They'd make it. Everyone cared, and understood, that some things had to be done.
A/N: There you have it! I didn't kill him! I couldn't bring myself to do it. Yet, anyways...