Hey how's it going? I thought I'd be nice and update earlier than I originally planned to.

You don't how happy I am to be posting this! Literally after I posted up the last chapter, my laptop went wonky and for a moment I thought I permanently lost the files to this story! I save all my Fanfiction stuff on my laptop's hard drive so when it refused to work, I freaked out! I was so depressed until my amazing dad managed to get someone to fix my laptop and save the files! Woo hoo! To ensure that another heart attack like that doesn't happen again, I got a flashdrive for my writing! Yay! The lesson is: don't take technology for granted and always have a back-up plan :D

*Note: ignore the randomness above, I'm just that relieved.

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds...why can't I be CBS? :P

Warnings: some language and violence, indirect spoilers to "Revelations", brief references to drugs

You may now proceed to read :)

Hours passed before Tobias woke up in his bed, feeling a bit light-headed and again wearing handcuffs on his wrists. He groggily got up and glanced around the room. It took him a moment to realize that he was back in his cell and that he was alone.

Tobias absent-mindedly rubbed his head, as if trying to conjure what had happened. He briefly closed his eyes and allowed the water of memories to gently wade through. He was reading in the 'activity center'…then he was informed that he had a visitor…he was led to another room…

All at once Tobias remembered; Spencer, his forgiveness, their talk…Father.

Tobias shuddered at the memory of his father grabbing Spencer and had to clasp his hands together for support. Yes…Spencer had visited him and they talked…Spencer even forgave him for kidnapping him. Tobias recalled the joy he had felt, knowing that a fraction of his guilt has disintegrated…only to be horrified by Father's unexpected presence.

Tobias blanched and trembled slightly until he recalled the other agents coming to Spencer's aid and Father being apprehended. Spencer's safe now. Wherever he is now, he's okay. God's looking out for him—His gift to Tobias for his attempts at redemption.

As the thought sunk in, Tobias allowed himself to relax. Slowly gaining God's forgiveness is wonderful yet not as powerful as knowing that Spencer Reid had forgiven him. Now that is truly a remarkable treasure.

Tobias was allowed the privilege of a few days peace before Father reemerged. Although he was glad that at least Raphael was still gone, Tobias wasn't too thrilled with Father's return.

He had been in his cell reading a book and relaxing when Father suddenly stormed in, fuming with the sort of rage that couldn't be easily diverted.

At first Tobias was afraid, but he was determined not to let his fear control his actions. He tried to remain calm as Father furiously shouted, "Goddammit boy! Can't you do nothing right?! You let them silence me and now I find you reading non-Christian literature!" He then proceeded to slap the book out of Tobias's hands. Try as he might, Tobias couldn't hold back a flinch.

Father ignored it and continued, "You pathetic waste! How dare you let them take me away and do nothing about it! Nothing! You've broken the 5th commandment boy! You refuse to 'honor thy father'…hell you haven't honored me once since the day you were born! I'm surprised that God hasn't struck you down for your insolence!"

Finally regaining himself, Tobias managed to reply, "There-there was nothing I could do, Father! When-whenever they g-give us that medicine, it just-"

"Enough of your lies, boy!" Father growled, "I'm sick of hearing excuses for your sins! You're just as bad as all those other sinning bastards Raphael killed! If we hadn't needed you for scoping out all those devils, then I would've slit your throat and did God a favor!"

Tobias was now violently shaking but kept himself from breaking down, "Those-those p-people may have s-sinned b-but they didn't d-deserve to die! God would've punished them Himself without our interference if He truly deemed them evil!"

A hard hand ruthlessly back-handed Tobias and he gave out a short yell. Father glared at him and angrily countered, "We weren't interfering, boy, we were doing the Lord's work!"

Instead of backing down like he usually would have, Tobias gathered his courage and firmly responded, "W-we were breaking a commandment!"

Father seemed taken aback by Tobias's declaration and it gave him the nerve to continue with rapidly increasing passion and without stutter, "The 6th commandment states that 'thou shall not kill' but we were killing! I'm sure God wasn't happy with what we were doing! It was wrong and now he's punishing us by leaving us here! H-has that ever occurred to you?!"

Tobias took a breath and watched his father stare at him with utter shock. Then he realized what he just said and was surprised by his own boldness. How on earth had he managed to say that?! Sure he thought of it but saying it…now that was unexpected! Never had Tobias thought of himself standing up to Father before. What's changed?

Spencer's visit seems to have invigorated you.

If the current situation wasn't so tense then Tobias might've smiled. Although he can't name it, something about Spencer's conversation with him sparked something within him. Now he felt more compelled to live through his living conditions. It probably stemmed from his forgiveness; it made him feel normal and clean again—not entirely pure but he's willing to work to earn it.

Father literally back-handed him out of his thoughts and thundered, "What the hell has gotten into you, boy?! What the fuck gives you the right to speak to me like that?! What kind of a devil has possessed you to contradict me?!"

Tobias was still reeling from the sting of the blow to reply. Father's eyes then widened slightly as he seemed to grasp an idea. "It's that devil boy from before, wasn't it?"

Tobias daunted at Father's revelation but refused to say a word, hoping that Father wouldn't catch on to the truth.

Unfortunately Father caught that flash of alarm and was convinced. He narrowed his eyes at Tobias and growled, "I'm right, aren't I? You were talking to him again like before—letting him taint your impure soul with his preaching of Satan! And knowing how weak you are, you easily believed him! Damn it boy! Don't you know that following the path of a heathen is a sin?!"

Fingers clenched the edge of the bed as Tobias suppressed a wince, suddenly his earlier resolve slowly diminishing. "He-he wasn't speaking the words of devils! We-we were just talking! S-Spencer is not a heathen! He-"

"Spencer Reid is a manipulating, lying sinner! He's dishonored his mother just like how you dishonor me and he's defied the Lord by escaping his punishment!"

Tobias couldn't help a flinch this time. He knows Spencer's name! How is that possible?!

"That boy thinks himself as a savior! Like another God," Father's jaw line hardened with every word, "Raphael says that he believes that he can see inside men's minds. So not only is he a dishonorable wretch but he's a bastard of a demon! It disgusts me that my own son actually talked to him. It's his fault that we're here!"

Then he proceeded to hit Tobias again. He cried out and flattened himself against the wall as best as he could. But before father could land another blow, a figure suddenly intervened and stepped between them. Tobias blinked—it was Raphael. He was somewhat relieved yet he also inwardly groaned. Can't he ever catch a break?

The archangel decided to address Father first, "That's enough. You've made your point." Father seemed angrily shocked that Raphael was interfering but reluctantly relented, not wanting to refuse an order from one of God's assistants.

Raphael then turned to Tobias and said, "I suggest you listen to your Father. He's done well to serve the Lord and he knows what he's talking about. That agent boy is a sinner who needs to repent for what he's done. And you need redemption for your sins as well."

Tobias has sometimes found himself somewhat more intimidated by Raphael than by his father and now was a perfect example. "I…I'm trying, really I am! And I can…tell that God is forgiving me! Why else would Spencer return?"

"His visit has nothing to do with anything." Raphael smoothly countered without any reaction. "It only solidifies that the two of you have done wrong and that mercy shall not ease his soul. When God deems it best, the boy will die in the fiery pits of Hell."

Tobias grew pale and felt ready to retch; the thought of Spencer suffering brought up old memories and new graphic images.

"But in the meantime," Raphael continued, "you'll work on gaining your own salvation. And you'll start by listening to me and your father. Within time, you might be deemed righteous enough to be welcomed into Heaven."

Tobias stared with his mouth agape while Father sneered with satisfaction. Two against one…and one's an archangel. That's not fair.

Tobias felt utterly powerless as he looked at both of the men in front of him. But he didn't have time to protest when a couple of guards came in to escort him and the others to dinner. Tobias kept silent as he, Father, and the archangel were led along. Even as he ate, he refused to talk to with either man. They didn't want to converse with him either and mercifully left him alone and didn't cause a scene; they didn't need to say anything—they had gotten their point across.

Tobias sighed to himself; this is how it's going to be for the rest of his life—always yielding to Father and Raphael's wishes and demands. He didn't have a say in anything and he was too weak to resist. He may have found reticent favor in God's eyes but that doesn't change anything; he will always be a sinner…and he'll always be trapped here.

A week had passed since his visit to the institution and Dr. Spencer Reid was at his desk in at the BAU, writing a letter to his mom. He had already finished his paperwork for the day and he had nothing better to do so he felt it was a good time to write. The office around him hummed with scattered conversations and the scratch of pens on paper. It had been a dull day—no case to work on and nothing else to do.

And for a relatively fast-paced mind like Reid's, the day only dragged on slower. He finished his letter within minutes and sighed to himself. He glanced around the room and noticed his colleagues were still working diligently on their own paperwork. He'd offer to take some files and they accepted gratefully. However, Reid was even done with their work and was questioning if he should ask if they needed help again.

He lounged back in his chair and briefly closed his eyes. There was just nothing to do. Sure he could always go home early but that particular idea didn't appeal to Reid. But what else could he do? Reid supposed he could go to Garcia's office and see if she needed help.

But first he felt necessary to go over the files one last time to check for any error. Reid released another sigh and glimpsed at his work again. Everything seemed to be in order and after a while Reid's mind began to drift off.

He thought of his mother and wondered how she was doing at Bennington. He hoped that she was taking her medications properly. He knew how much she distrusted her medication.

I-I don't like it when they give me medicine.

It numbs me and calms me down and I don't…like it.

Spencer's hazel eyes widened for a moment.

Tobias.

Ever since he got back from the institution, Reid felt somewhat released from his inner demons—the visit and the talk with Tobias had done him some good. He thought of every detail and each and every word of their conversation regularly this past week and he evaluated their meaning. Forgiving Tobias had been a shock to him but none more so than the man's apology. Something about that talk invigorated Reid to gain confidence in his future. He knew the path to healing wasn't easy but he was more willing to confront it rather than hide from it…behind Dilaudid.

An involuntary shiver jerked Reid from his musings.

Sure he was somehow better after that talk but he still felt bad for Tobias's condition. He was doomed to be chained with Charles and Raphael forever. And the fact that Tobias had mentioned that no one really talked to him because of his personalities twisted Reid's gut. He was technically all alone in that institution.

Almost like his mother…

Reid instantly shook his head to halt that oncoming thought. No! His mom was not alone! She had friends at Bennington and she even lectured there on occasion. And of course she had him…when he wrote to her.

Although Reid still felt guilty for not taking enough time to visit her, at least he wrote a letter to her every day whereas Tobias had no one inside or outside the institution to socialize with. Now that made Reid feel even worse. He was alone in a prison for mentally unstable and very dangerous criminals with only a violent, abusive man and a murderous, impassive archangel for company…both of which are mere figments of his fractured mind.

Suddenly filled with resolve, Reid took out another sheet of paper and began to write. He wrote with furious intensity, scrawling out words and erasing defective statements. He didn't stop until he was sure he had everything down and by then it was already time to go home for the day.

Another four days passed and still Tobias was unhappy. Father was particularly angry today and little things set him off. He had gotten into a fight with Earl the 'Slender man' at breakfast so now Tobias was forced into solitude of his cell after being given a shot of his medicine. He was alone now and he liked it that way. Neither Father nor Raphael would bug him for a while and he was willing to make the most of that time.

He lay flat on his back on the bed and staring up at the ceiling. Because of Father's incident, Tobias was confiscated of his books but was left with the Bible. Of course Tobias had no interest in reading it since he practically knew it by heart.

So instead he was alone…with his thoughts.

He thought of his mother and wondered why she left the family for another man.

He thought of Father and how horribly he treated him for several years and wouldn't even allow him sanctuary.

He thought of Raphael and his apathetic ruthlessness towards…everyone.

He thought of this place with these people—maybe they are heathens with the way they act.

Torrents of self-pity flooded Tobias. Was life always going to be hard for him? Was God ever going to truly forgive him? Can life just stop for one second so that he could breathe and catch a moment of peace…just one? It's all he wants and it's all he'll ever ask for.

The bolt to the lock on the cell door unlatched and a single guard stepped in. Tobias was startled by the sudden intrusion and watched the officer with caution.

The man didn't give any indication of reassurance or trouble as he evenly said, "You have a letter, Tobias." Then he held out his hand to him—in it was a clean envelope with a postage stamp and neat writing on the front.

Tobias stared at it, unsure of whether or not to take it, "A letter? From who?"

"I don't know, I haven't looked at it. But the stamp came from Quantico, Virginia." Then he practically shoved it into Tobias's hand.

With no choice other than to take it, Tobias lightly grasped the envelope as the guard left without another word.

Quantico? I don't think I know anyone from Quantico.

Though wary of what could be inside, Tobias was also curious. He glimpsed at the address and his eyes widened when he read a familiar name.

SSA Dr. Spencer Reid

Spencer? This letter's from Spencer?

Shaking off his initial shock, Tobias's mouth twitched into a smile.

Spencer wrote him something! What could it be?

He lightly tore open the envelope and pulled out its contents—there were three pages worth of writing inside.

A jolt of delight went through Tobias for a moment before it was doused with confusion and nervous anxiety. Why would Spencer want to write him? He certainly has no reason to since his visit somewhat cleared the air.

But what if that's what this letter's about? What if Spencer was angry and disdainful at him for Father's behavior and wanted to take back his apology? What if he wanted to tell Tobias that he hated him…that visiting him had been a mistake?

Tobias's stomach clenched while his hands shook. Oh god…he didn't want Spencer to hate him. He didn't want to believe that he would write such horrible things about him. And yet…they'd be true. Tobias almost wished that Spencer didn't come by just to spare him that scarring imprint of his father's infamous fury.

Almost.

Spencer's forgiveness was the best thing Tobias could ever ask for and he didn't want that taken away…especially not from Spencer himself.

And yet if he didn't read the letter, then how will he know what Spencer's thinking in regards to his visit?

Without any other choice than to read what Spencer had to say, Tobias reluctantly unfolded the first page of the letter and began to read. As his eyes travelled down the entire page…and onto the next one…and the last one…Tobias's concern disintegrated as a smile took over his face.

Dear Tobias,

Hi. It's me, Spencer Reid. Please disregard the credentials on the envelope but if I didn't write them in, then I'm positive that the guards at the institute wouldn't let you have this. I just wanted to make sure that you get this and right now I'm hoping you're reading this.

I don't want you to be upset by what happened with your father during our talk. I know you have no control over your father's actions and I know that standing up to him is difficult. Many times I've wanted to do so myself while I was held hostage in that cabin, but I was too afraid to. Fear doesn't make you weak, Tobias. It just makes you human. And the fact that you defied your father by trying to help me makes you stronger and braver than you believe yourself to be.

A wise man once quoted that 'being brave doesn't mean you're afraid of nothing but that you're willing to face your fears despite being afraid'. It's okay to be afraid, Tobias. Everyone in this world has been afraid before—even your father and Raphael. I don't blame you for being human. What happened the last time we saw each other wasn't your fault. If our roles were reversed, I know I would've been terrified as well. But that doesn't make us weak—it doesn't make you weak.

I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say this to you in person when I was here but my colleagues wouldn't have allowed it. Again, this isn't your fault and it's only your father's. Anyways, I'm hoping that this letter will ease any ill feelings.

I know I've asked this already but how are you doing? I know it's only been approximately a week since we've talked but I'm curious if anything's changed. I also didn't get a chance to ask other questions about your time here. Although you claimed that you keep to yourself, but do you have anyone that you interact with? Maybe a fellow patient or even a guard? Also, how well are you treated at the institution? Are you having trouble with anyone, are the meals adequate, are you being neglected?

I would like to know your condition because if there are any problems, I'm sure I could assist with fixing that; my boss would be able make a few calls that would make you more comfortable. Unfortunately there's nothing I can do for less interactions between you, your father, and Raphael—you'll have to rely on the doctors for your medication. Please try not to dislike the medicine so much. Trust me when I say that it does help you, Tobias. I know you miss the Dilaudid but I meant what I said it's not healthy. It causes terrible damage to your psychosis and it internally damages your internal organs and overall brain function. It also radically alters your mood and behavior as the drug messes with your body's chemicals.

Sorry that you have to read this, but it's true. I know from experience. When I was suffering from withdrawal, I was short-tempered, restless, and unpleasant to say the least—I lashed out at all my friends, especially to one in particular who's done nothing but try to help me since I've known her. I'm clean now and I haven't had the decency to even apologize for my behavior. So believe me when I say that Dilaudid is awful—for lack of a better word.

When the doctors give you the medicine, please don't hate it. It's for your own health and it will give you peace from your father and Raphael. I'm sorry that I can't change your condition but I promise you that things will get better in time. You're a good, honest person, Tobias. If you weren't then I wouldn't have visited you nor would I be writing to you now. For those who tell you that you're to blame for your father and Raphael's killings, they are wrong. They don't know your situation and they don't know who you really are since they're ignorant and narrow-minded and they only see your father and Raphael. Don't let them get to you Tobias—you know that those murders were wrong and you did want to stop them. That says so much about you whether or not you think so.

I'm sorry for rambling but I wanted to make sure that you knew that you're not at fault. I still don't blame you for kidnapping me; if you hadn't then your father would've shot me dead in that cornfield. I won't lie and say that being tortured wasn't one of the worst things that ever happened to me -it was- but in the end it made me stronger and it put your father and Raphael to justice. Besides, I'm alive now because of you and I really appreciate you for doing your best to help me and care for my well-being. Thank you. Please know that I still forgive you and that I wish you all the best. Don't feel obligated to write back—I'll understand if you choose not to. Just keep in mind that you're not weak and that you're not to blame for any of this. Please take care of yourself.

Sincerely,

Spencer Reid

What do you think of Reid's letter? Did I capture his mannerisms decently?

The next chapter will be up soon and that's a promise since my new flashdrive will keep my Fanfiction files safe and sound :)

See you next time!