Author's Note: Hi. This week is a sad one for me. One of my former classmates and my dear friend from Band passed away in her sleep 2 days ago. She had a seizure and she was only 18. Coupled with leaky pipes and a strained back and I'm more than a little depressed lately. Tonight's episode certainly didn't help matters but I did enjoy the renewed Morgan/Garcia subtext. Even when I'm down, my shipper side never sleeps.

This chapter is probably a little weak but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Disclaimer: "Honestly, it's not mine!"

The patio door opened and shut, making him open his eyes.

"Can I sit with you?"

Reid looked up at a nervous looking JJ and nodded, watching as the first leaves began to hit the pool surface. Was it really late August, already? He had always loved fall. Even in Vegas, there was an undeniable beauty to the time of the year, a time of rest and renewal. Also, his mom had more good days in fall, maybe because of the memories of being an instructor, and he remembered shopping for school supplies with her fondly…

"Spence, I…if I could I would've told you the truth. And…and if I had known how you felt about her, I would've told you anyway. God... you really love her, don't you?"

"Very much and I honestly didn't put love into the equation until after we got her back so you shouldn't feel bad about that."

"But still…", she insisted.

"JJ, it's okay." he cut off while meeting her gaze head on and it really was okay. To be honest, he hadn't been angry with JJ or Hotch for a while. Talking with Emily, holding her through the nightmares had put a new slant on things. The only monster in the situation was Ian Doyle. While JJ and Hotch had lied about his Emily being gone forever, it was Doyle who had caused the situation to begin with. And thanks to a shotgun in his hands, Reid felt that he had gotten his vengeance.

The son of a bitch would never hurt his Emily again and were it not for Emily, JJ, and Hotch's actions, it would've taken much longer to find and deal with him…it.

Relieved tears welled in the blonde's eyes and without thinking, he drew her into a tight hug, letting her rest her head on his chest.

"I've missed you, Spence."

"I've missed you, too. Being pissed at one's best female friend is a lot harder than it seems."

JJ laughed and sniffled, settling back into her own patio chair.

Reid turned to the french doors and saw Emily looking questioningly at him and JJ.

The smile on her face when he nodded could've lit up Times Square.