It's 2013! Woo Hoo! Happy New Year everyone! :D

Any New Year's resolutions for you guys?

Disclaimer: As always I don't own Criminal Minds or anything recognizable. I only own any non Criminal Minds stuff.

Warnings: brief references to drugs, spoilers to season 2 "The Big Game" and "Revelations", brief mild language

Additional warnings: over-exposure to the awesomeness of a tech goddess could result in falling into a state of spazzy fandom XD

A couple days later, Spencer Reid had just finished up his paperwork at the BAU and was looking through his mail. He had brought some of the letters and bills he received from home to work in case he had some time on his hands.

And as it was, he did.

Reid had just finished reading a letter from his mother and was smiling at her words. She described one of her lessons in English Literature and he could easily imagine her zeal—she loved to teach. He often reminisces the times where she taught him her lectures and when she read to him. Those were the good times.

The young profiler briefly set down her letter -making a mental note to himself to write back later- and looked through his other mail. Bills, bills, and wouldn't you know it, bills.

Scrunching his nose, Reid put them aside and focused on the mail he received from work. He particularly kept a wary eye for a certain letter from a certain someone…

And wouldn't you know it…he found what he was looking for.

Reid smiled when he saw that he had another letter from Tobias. The last time the man had written to him, Tobias had mentioned that he had made a friend named Benjamin. Reid was both thrilled and wary; thrilled that Tobias had someone to talk to yet wary since Tobias had also admitted that Benjamin was emotionally unstable.

From how Tobias described Benjamin, Reid deduced that he had an unstable case of bipolar disorder. That's what concerned him. Reid has studied numerous cases of bipolar disorder and although it's not very likely that those with it commit crimes, there have been instances of violence that got out of hand.

Reid couldn't bear to imagine what would happen if Benjamin got angry and Tobias was in the line of fire…

The young doctor shook his head. He had to relax. If Tobias was okay with it and he trusted Benjamin then Reid will just have to have confidence in his judgment.

Eager to learn how things were going for Tobias, Reid pulled out the letter and began to read.

Dear Spencer,

It's wonderful to hear from you again. I'm glad that you're doing well. I'm also happy that you apologized to your friend. I know it must've been hard since you said that it's been a while since you last snapped at her. But I think it's a good thing that you talked to her. I think it's good for the soul to right a wrong. I had no doubts that your friend would forgive you—anyone would've in that situation.

I just finished reading those Edgar Allen Poe stories. You were right, his perspective is very interesting and his writing is very compelling. I couldn't even put down the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Spencer, I'll admit that I haven't been doing so well. It involves Benjamin. Up until a few days ago we were good friends. He's told me more about himself recently. He hasn't changed his story on killing those people out of anger. But I'm not afraid of him. As it turns out, those mood swings I told you about are because he has something called mixed bipolar disorder. Have you heard of it? A guard told me that Ben has unstable mood swings that could get dangerous if Ben gets angry enough.

Anyhow, Benjamin and I were getting along fine for a while. I even told him about Father and Raphael and about those murders I took part in and he accepted me anyways. I think we even got closer because of that. Everything was fine until a few days ago.

Father came with me to breakfast a few days ago and he didn't like Ben. He yelled at him and called him a heathen. My father insulted him and he wouldn't stop. He got mad at me for hanging out with him and yelled at me too. Benjamin got mad. He was angry at Father for his insults and he's angry at me for not doing anything. I tried to get my father to see reasoning and I even asked Ben to leave so that I could talk to Father alone.

But things got ugly real fast. Benjamin started yelling at Father and Father started yelling back at Benjamin. Then Ben hit Father and they got into a fight. Ben got hurt real bad and he told me he hated me. I've been locked in my room as punishment for that fight and I haven't seen Ben since. I know he hates me though. He wouldn't have said so otherwise. I think he thinks that I don't care too much for him since I didn't stop Father. Also, I think that he thinks that I've manipulated him somehow. Like I was just pretending to be his friend. But I would never do that to anyone, especially not him.

Spencer, I don't know what to do. Ben's my first and only friend here and I've lost him. I want to ask him for forgiveness but I have a feeling that he won't listen to me. And even if I tried, I have a feeling that Father won't like it. He forbade me to ever speak to Ben again. Even Raphael doesn't like him. If Father were to catch me hanging out with Benjamin again, then he might just kill him.

I'm afraid and miserable, Spencer. I wish that Father didn't yell at Ben. I wish that I could've been stronger and that I should've stood up for Benjamin. What kind of a friend lets his father yell at him? I wish that none of this ever happened. I haven't been outside of my room for days and I already miss Ben. What should I do? Should I try and ask for Benjamin's forgiveness anyway? But what'll he say if I do? I don't know. I'd appreciate it if you offer me some advice if you happen to have the time.

Thank you and have a nice day Spencer.

From,

Tobias

Reid's eyes widened as he read about 'Charles' and Benjamin's violent encounter.

Once Reid finished the letter, he sat for a moment in thoughtful silence. He could see the issue; Benjamin was confused by Tobias's behavior and was angry. Maybe he thought that Tobias was playing a cruel prank on him or something when in reality he was merely experiencing another usual moment with one of his personalities.

Tobias had asked him for advice on how to fix this but what could he have to offer? Reid figured that the best thing do was to have Tobias explain things to Benjamin and maybe apologize on his father's behalf.

But then again, Tobias wasn't aware of his own condition so it's obviously going to be difficult for him to offer an explanation.

And most likely anything else that Tobias tells Benjamin might just confuse and anger him further.

Reid sighed in frustration and wondered what he could do to help. He desperately wanted to help Tobias reconcile his friendship with Benjamin. Somehow Benjamin has to learn that 'Charles' is just one of Tobias's personalities and that he has no control over it. But since Tobias has no clue of the truth, he can't give Benjamin a rational explanation. Yet someone has to?!

Then Reid started in his seat. Someone has to…so why not him?

Growing increasingly excited, Reid got up from his chair and walked over to Garcia's office. He knocked on the door of the tech goddess's domain before entering.

Garcia had appeared bored when he walked in but instantly perked up once she saw who it was, "Why hello there my sweet muffin! To what do I owe the pleasure! I mean it's not every day that I receive a visit from a mortal that can withstand my divine form!"

Reid smiled a bit and then said, "Garcia I need a favor from you. Do you think that you could get me the number of an institution in Atlanta, Georgia? I, um, need to make an important call."

Garcia's smile brightened, "Well duh of course I can get it! It's like you're asking me how to hack into a government computer! I'll have it for you in a jiff! What's the name of the place?"

Although initially startled by the idea of Garcia being so easily capable of breaking a federal law, Reid recovered himself and provided the name of the institution. Within seconds Garcia located the building's number and he quickly wrote it down.

"Well there you go boy genius! You may thank me now and proceed to worship my greatness!"

Reid grinned, "Thanks Garcia! I owe you!"

Garcia playfully smiled, "Damn straight you do! And you may start by buying me some raspberry ice tea and a cinnamon roll at the Panera down the street!" She then got up from her chair and grabbed her purse, "You may escort me now."

Reid just shook his head knowingly and chuckled, "Alright, fine."

Garcia squealed with delight, "Great! And we'll buy you a muffin too while we're at it! Do you prefer blueberry or banana nut? Oh don't give that look! We need to fatten you up! Ooh while we're at it, we should get my chocolate god a sweet, delicious cupcake! And JJ loves carrot cake; we should buy her a slice! …You know what, we'll just buy something for everyone! It'll be a nice surprise!"

"Alright Garcia, whatever you say." Reid then allowed Garcia to loop her arm through his own as they walked out of her office and towards the elevator that'll take them down to the lobby.

As they left, Reid figured that he'll have to make the call after work…once he and Garcia buy some pastries for the team that is. How again had he come to that? Yet honestly Reid didn't mind—he's just glad that Garcia didn't ask why he wanted the number to the institution.

Now that would've raised some questions he'd rather not answer.

About four days passed before Tobias was released from his room. He wasn't too thrilled about it though; frankly he'd rather be locked up longer.

But he didn't have much of choice as a guard came to escort him to breakfast. He had asked if there was any way that he could stay longer but the guard said no. So Tobias reluctantly followed the officer out of the cell and they were now heading towards the cafeteria.

With each step Tobias grew more anxious.

What if I see Ben today? Oh what am I saying of course he's going to be there! What if he talks to me? Or should I talk to him first? But what'll I say to him? Will he accept my forgiveness? And what if he doesn't want to talk to me? What if he refuses to be near me? What if he still hates me and wants to kill me?!

That last thought made Tobias flinch. Hopefully it won't come to that.

Tobias was at least happy that Father and Raphael weren't with him today. In fact, he's been alone in his room for a while now, doing nothing but stare at the wall and occasionally re-read Spencer's letters.

It's been days since Tobias has written to Spencer and he hasn't gotten a response yet. Not that he blames Spencer; no, he was fully aware that sending mail takes time to be delivered back and forth. He just wished that it went faster so he could see what advice Spencer had to give him.

That is if he was willing to give any to him.

Tobias sighed. He'd like to think that Spencer would offer him some form of consolation but he could only hope in the meantime.

He was pulled from his musings when the guard stopped at the cafeteria's double doors and opened them for him. Without much of a choice, Tobias reluctantly walked in.

The cafeteria was busy as usual; the inmates were bustling about, eating, talking, or staring off into space. Tobias couldn't help but notice that there were just a few more guards than there usually was; even the officer that brought him here didn't leave and just took a post with a few of his co-workers.

Tobias observed the area, his brown eyes attentively searching for Ben. He still wasn't sure what to do and wondered what would happen if they were to see each other. At best, Tobias hoped that if he were to run into Benjamin, he would be ignored. He'd be hurt if that happened but yet he would understand.

Besides, it's a better option than Ben attacking him in rage.

Tobias shuddered. Then he absent-mindedly walked over to the breakfast line and waited. The special today was miniature pancakes and orange juice. As he stood there, Tobias felt the eyes of other prisoners staring at him and was aware that some of them were whispering to each other.

About him.

And what had happened with Father.

Doing his best to ignore them, Tobias hurriedly grabbed his breakfast and searched around the room for an empty table—preferably somewhere he can eat in peace.

As he scanned the cafeteria, Tobias's sharpened eyes stopped and focused on a familiar blonde haired, blue eyed man.

Benjamin.

Ben was sitting by himself towards the back of the cafeteria, staring at his untouched plate with listless, desolate eyes. He seemed calm, almost dead.

Tobias watched him for a moment, conflicted. Should he talk to him or should he just pretend that he didn't see him and find somewhere else to sit? How would Benjamin react if Tobias did talk to him? And what would Tobias do if Benjamin told him to get lost?

He'd probably honor his wishes.

Tobias hesitated. What should he do? Although Benjamin seems to be in a regular mood, any slight change could set him off, most likely if it was Tobias.

But Tobias couldn't just leave it like this. He should at least try to apologize for Father's behavior. Even if Benjamin yelled at him and angrily sent him away, Tobias could at least say that he tried.

And that should count for something right?

Suddenly full of conviction, Tobias walked to Benjamin's table, taking purposeful strides. With each step he grew more confident and even more so determined.

Benjamin didn't notice him as Tobias stopped in front of table. Tobias wasn't sure if Benjamin was that oblivious to his surroundings or that he was choosing to ignore him. Either way he didn't look up.

Taking a deep breath, Tobias asked, "Do you mind if I sit here?"

At the sound of his voice, Benjamin actually did look up. Tobias expected anger and hostility in his eyes but he was caught off guard by the expressionless stare.

Benjamin assessed him for a moment, Tobias holding his breath the entire time, when he nodded and said, "Go ahead. I don't own this table."

Ever so slightly relieved, Tobias sat down across from Benjamin.

There was silence between them. Benjamin merely gazed at him while Tobias struggled for the right words to say. Oh curse it all! Why did I have to come here if I hadn't a clue what to say?!

Benjamin seemed to be waiting for Tobias to say something. I guess he's expecting an apology. Maybe that's where I'll start.

After taking a second to straighten up, Tobias began to speak, "Benjamin…I-I'm so sorry for my father's behavior a few days ago. He's…very brutal, I, um, think I've mentioned that before. But I'm sorry for what he's said to you. He had no right to say what he did and I do apologize for it. I just…I'm so sorry."

Once that apology was stated, Tobias wasn't sure what else to say. Was there anything more he could say?

No, not really. What happens next depends entirely on Ben.

Benjamin tilted his head slightly and gazed deeply into Tobias, as if reading into his soul. Tobias hoped that he'd see whatever goodness Spencer sees in him rather than the pitiful weakling that Father sees him as.

A moment passed and Tobias noticed with a faint glimmer of delight that Benjamin's face was softening a bit. However, he still maintained that dull glint in his eyes.

"Tobias…" He had to suppress his thrill at being addressed, "is your father here right now?"

Taken aback by the question, Tobias answered, "If you're asking if he's in the cafeteria right now then no, he's not."

Tobias took note of how Benjamin's shoulder relaxed a bit. "Okay…what about the archangel Raphael…is he here today?"

"No."

At his statement, Benjamin much more visibly relaxed and he even smiled slightly. Tobias made an uneasy smile himself. That's a good sign.

"Okay good—now we can talk in private. Tobias, I, um…we'll you see," Ben seemed to have difficulty with whatever he had to say, "this is the first day I've been let out of my room. They locked me up after…what had happened. I was alone for days."

Same here. "I figured as much," Tobias answered honestly.

Benjamin nodded, "Yeah, so get this—a couple of days ago I was sitting in my room, bored as hell, when a guard walks in and tells me that I had a phone call. Now I'm thinking to myself, 'who would call me?' but I was curious so I went to go answer it."

Tobias was reassured that Benjamin was slowly growing back to his old self as he started to talk fast like how he usually does. But Tobias was questioning as to where Benjamin's story was heading.

"So I was led to this room with a couple of telephones and they give me one. I answer it and I was told some very interesting things…about you." He looks at Tobias seriously.

"Me?" Tobias was slightly alarmed. Who would have information about him? What kind of information? These unanswered questions startled him.

Benjamin continued, "Yes you. So this guy on the phone tells me about…your situation regarding your father and Raphael. And I mean I get major details; I was told a bit about those murders and how you…took part in it. But it was all stuff that you already told me—nothing new. So anyways, the guy tells me about that and he kind of tells me about the abuse from your father. Again, it's stuff you already told me.

"Alright so this guy's telling me about you and I'm thinking 'what's your point?' but then he tells me…some other things about you."

Tobias flinched slightly, "What other things?"

Benjamin looked sympathetically at him, "I know about the Dilaudid, Tobias. I knew that you took it with psychedelics."

Tobias stiffened. So he knows…

Tobias was ashamed of his former addiction but before that incident with Father, he had been contemplating whether or not he should tell Benjamin about the drugs. He knew that Ben wouldn't judge but he felt that they needed to bond a bit more before he revealed one of his darkest, most shameful secrets.

Which Ben now knows.

Tobias wasn't sure whether or not that was reassuring.

Benjamin took in his expression, his own face full of understanding, "Yeah…I kind of wish you would've told me that yourself instead of some stranger. Anyways, so that guy told me about the Dilaudid and frankly, I don't blame you for taking it since you lived with your father and all. Then that guy told me about…why you're really here and I just want to say that…I get it. I understand what you're going through. Well…I mean I don't know your situation because I've never…well I'm not…I don't have…um, err…I can empathize. Let's just say that." He put on a sheepish smile.

Tobias was confused. What? What does Ben mean? What's he trying to say?

Then Tobias unconsciously straightened up. Wait…did that person tell him about my past? I may have told Benjamin a bit about it but maybe this guy gave him more details?

Benjamin continued, "So now that I know about…your father and Raphael, I just wanna say that I'm cool with it. I don't mind them being around; I can tolerate them."

Any doubt-filled questions that were running through Tobias's head instantly halted. He's…fine with having Father and Raphael around? But if he is, then that means…

"Are you saying that-"

"Yes Tobias," Benjamin gently interrupted, "I want us to be friends again…that is if you'll let me." He made a soft smile, "You've been good to me, dealing with my random mood swings and all and…I don't want to lose our friendship. I know that sounds really crappy, but it's true. I want to hang out again like before. I don't want your father or Raphael to ruin things for us. I want to be friends again."

For a moment Tobias was speechless. Ben wants to be friends again!

That thought made Tobias smile widely, "You do?"

Sensing his zeal, Benjamin brightly grinned, "Of course I do! I wouldn't be saying so if I didn't mean it!"

A warm fire of happiness blazed within Tobias, "Ben…there's nothing I'd like better than for us to be friends again! There's no one I'd rather hang out with! We're amigos!"

Tobias was sure that his pronunciation of Spanish sounded awful, but Benjamin didn't seem to mind—if anything he beamed with ecstasy. "Yes, we are amigos! And we always will be!"

Just as quickly as he was happy, Benjamin became dejected once again as a thought occurred to him, "But wait, what about your father? I know already he doesn't like me; what's he gonna say? And what about Raphael? I don't think he'll like me very much either. If either of them sees me hanging out with you, they'll get angry, right?" He looked at Tobias with melancholy eyes.

Immediately Tobias's joy sharply diminished. Yes…what about Father and Raphael? They've both already made it clear that they find Benjamin to be a demon—Father even forbade him to associate with him ever again. Tobias doesn't doubt that Father would do something violent if he witnessed him and Ben talking even for a minute.

But…Benjamin isn't a demon—he's a fun, animated human being.

So why should Tobias not hang out with him? There's nothing wrong with him (generally speaking). Tobias likes Benjamin and Ben likes him. He wasn't manipulating him with temptations of sin—he talked with Tobias and he seems to understand him.

Why should Tobias have to give up interacting with someone who made him happy?

Growing slightly impassioned, Tobias exclaimed, "Yeah, they'll get angry but…who cares! I don't…give a damn if they disapprove! Why should they call you a heathen while they're the ones who have killed innocent people?! It's not fair! I won't let them ruin the only real friendship I've ever really had!"

Benjamin's eyes widened at Tobias's heated statements but then slowly smiled, "Damn…that was so…wow. Thank you…for saying that, Tobias. It means so much that you care. It really does…thank you."

Tobias calmed down and returned the smile, "You're welcome…thank you for understanding me and forgiving me. I'm glad we're friends again."

Benjamin smiled brightly, "Me too." He paused then added, "So what are you going to do about your father and the archangel?"

Tobias thought for a moment, "Well I know that they can't stop me from hanging out with you no matter what they say…but if they ever come then I suggest you just leave. It might be better that way if you just let me handle them and keep your distance until they leave."

Benjamin took in what he said then nodded, "Okay, I guess I can do that if you really want me to. Whatever you think is best, buddy." He ended that sentence with a grin.

Tobias was reassured by Benjamin's fully returned cheerfulness. "Great, but hopefully that won't happen again for a while."

"Yeah same here…off topic but do you want my muffin? I sort of grabbed it without thinking but I don't really like muffins. I think breakfast time is almost over anyways. We ought to eat. Besides, I love pancakes!"

Tobias chuckled lightly, "Same here. And I'll take your muffin if you really don't want it."

Benjamin happily passed it over and then the two began to talk about everything and anything as they ate. Tobias was bliss—he had his friend back. God has shined through his brief moment of darkness. A challenge had been thrown at Tobias yet the Lord pulled him free and showed him mercy.

And that's all because of one phone call…

Suddenly Tobias started and interrupted Benjamin, "Say Ben…did you say who it was that called you a few days ago?"

Benjamin's expression twisted with confusion, "Uh no I didn't tell you. The guy did tell me his name though. What was it…? He said he was a doctor…"

A doctor? I know a doctor, right?

Simultaneously both Tobias's and Benjamin's eyes lit up. Then Ben eagerly snapped his fingers when he remembered, "Dr. Reid! Yeah that's it…Dr. Spencer Reid! That's what he said his name was!"

Yay! Everything's alright! Go Reid! :D

Alright so I hope you guys enjoyed that and I really hope you guys have a great New Year's day!

More to come after the break! XD