Didn't they tell us don't rush into things?
Didn't you flash your green eyes at me?
Didn't you calm my fears with a Cheshire cat smile?

Taylor Swift, Wonderland


Kate Callahan looked at Spencer Reid, who was across the room from her, dozing in the arm chair her hospital room provided.

It must have been past midnight, but she couldn't sleep. Her nurse had been in to ask if she wanted a sleeping aid, i.e., a drug, but Kate had politely declined, wanting to stay up to watch Spencer sleep and because she had a feeling she was already doped up and wanted her body to get off the drugs as soon as possible.

In her world of undercover, where every 'best friend' was an addict or a criminal, she saw all too clearly the affects drugs could have on one. Even if they were medical and necessary.

It was too easy to become addicted, she reflected, looking at Spencer and her fingers itched to run them through his hair.

The team had been so warm, so welcoming. Hotch had just looked at her, and she knew he regretted his decision. But she'd forced his hand, and that's all there was to it.

The night dragged on and Kate's eyelids didn't even flutter. Around three, when Vi came in to check on her again, Kate finally gave in. "Can I have an aid?" She whispered across the dark room and she was out in seconds.


When Spencer woke up he wasn't sure, at first, where he was, or why he was there. Then he saw Kate and knew immediately why. She slept peacefully, and he checked his watch with a start. It was only seven. It was fine for her to still be sleeping.

He got up and stretched, feeling the way his body ached from sitting in the chair all night. "Kate, you know I need to get better sleep than this," he murmured, leaning to press a kiss to her forehead as if by instinct.

He loved her. He knew it was true. So why was it so hard to say? Why couldn't he let her know that, why couldn't it all be good?

And yet there it was.

He left the room to find some coffee.


When Kate woke up, Spencer wasn't waiting for her. She felt panicked for a moment, feeling in her bones that something just had to be wrong...and then JJ emerged from behind the curtain. "Hey, Kate. You're awake!"

She strode forward quickly, reaching to briefly clasp her hand. "Spence went down to get some coffee," she said. "It's his third cup of the morning."

"Ah," Kate said. "I woke up early!"

They laughed together and Kate checked the time. Half past nine.

"Listen, we actually have to go in today," JJ said, her tone serious. "I came to fetch Spence for work. We're not flying anywhere, but he's needed for some reports; you know how it goes."

"Yes, I do," Kate said, and they shared a smile that was more like a grimace. "You guys can go."

"I do know that Hotch will let Spence back here as soon as possibly," JJ said. "Maybe around three."

"Good," Kate murmured and JJ left.

She settled back into her pillow, alone with her thoughts and not liking it. All she wanted was to go home and spend the next few days in bed, or on the floor, or the couch, or even the kitchen table, with Spencer Reid.

And she was afraid that if she didn't make that connection now, soon, then she might lose him forever.

"Lily?"

She blinked at the voice and turned her head. "Chance," she breathed. "What are you doing here?"

"JJ told me you'd woken up and I came to say goodbye," he said, walking to her side. "How are you feeling?"

"I just want to go home with you," she said honestly.

"Yeah, about that..." he said, and took her hand into his own. "Are you sure that's wise?"

"What isn't wise about it?" She said. "For that matter, what does it matter if it's wise or not?"

"You just got hurt," he said.

"Oh, is that all this is?" She said. "No one said anything about putting my sex life on hold."

He almost winced at the word and she blinked to see the motion. "Chance...we're not working together anymore. It'll be fine. We aren't breaking any rules."

"Maybe that's the problem," he said, but now he smiled. "Kate, I'm so relieved that you're okay."

"I am too," she joked and he, shaking his head, pressed a kiss to her forehead for the second time that day.

"I want you to come home soon," he said.

"Home," she whispered back.


A/N: Next time we'll have Kate's return 'home' and a passionate time in Spencer's apartment. Give me review if you like it!