A/N: Terribly sorry for the delay on this, I'm not going to come up with any excuses. I am going to give you a warning though. Next week I'll be on a holiday and the week after I will start my new job. Expect updates to be less frequent, I hope you can understand.

Chapter 36

When the day that Spencer would be released from the hospital finally arrived JJ drove to Desert Palm to pick him up. She was wearing her sunglasses and a large smile on her face. She was looking forward to having him at her place to take care of him and she knew Henry would be ecstatic. First they had something to do while they were still in town and for that occasion she had bought a little gift.

"If that isn't my handsome doctor," she grinned as she took in the sight of him, all dressed on the edge of the hospital bed. She closed the distance between them with a couple of steps and reached out her hand to cup his cheek. "Hi," she whispered and captured his lips with hers.

Spencer closed his eyes, leaning into her touch and letting out a small moan at the contact. She'd been with him every day for as long as the nurses would allow her, but still he'd missed her touch. "Hi," he whispered in return when he pulled back from their passionate kiss. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," she replied and leaned in for another short chaste kiss. "Are you all ready to go?"

"More than ready," he said and looked around the room, "I hate hospitals."

"I know you do, that's why you'll be cared for in a different environment from now on," she smiled and grabbed the wheelchair from the corner of the room. When she saw him scrunch up his face she chuckled. "Just sit… please?"

He let out a deep sigh and sat down, his bag in his lap and the discharge papers on top. He allowed her to wheel him past the nurse's desk towards the entrance of the hospital. "Alright, now that we're outside, let me walk," he said and started to get up, only to be pushed back down by JJ.

"Nu-uh, no walking for a little while longer mister," she replied and wheeled him towards the rental car, opening the door to the passenger side for him. "Oh, let me set that aside," she said as she grabbed the gift bag, putting it on the backseat.

Spencer grinned, "You didn't have to get me anything," he said and slid into the car, buckling up. He watched JJ's grin before she brought the wheelchair back to the hospital entrance. When she came back her grin was still evident on her face. "What?"

"It's not a gift for you," she said and got in the car, buckling up and starting it. She programmed the address of Bennington into the Etak system and smiled sideways at him. "I bought her a book, I hope it's one she doesn't have yet," she said and followed the directions the navigation system gave her.

Spencer smiled at how thoughtful it was of her to get his mother a gift, "I'm sure she'll love it, otherwise I can always trade with her if it's one that I don't have yet."

JJ smiled gently, "Oh I'm sure you have it already," she said and reached out her hand to grab his. She gave it a gentle squeeze as she focused her eyes on the road ahead of them. Within a few minutes they arrived. "Wait a minute," JJ said before getting out of the car and to his side. She was determined to allow him to lean on her if necessary.

"I'm not an invalid," Spencer retorted but allowed her to help him step out of the car.

"I know you're not, I just like to feel needed," she replied and ran her hand over his side, pulling him closer to her as she clutched the gift bag in her other hand.

Spencer stopped them and turned in her embrace, wrapping his arms around her. He looked deeply into her eyes and swallowed, suddenly slightly nervous about what he was going to say. "I do need you," he whispered, slightly squeaky.

JJ blushed instantly, her eyes never leaving his. "I need you too," she whispered in response and leaned in to capture his lips with her own. She tightened her hold on him, as if she was afraid of losing him if she didn't hold him tight enough. She ran her tongue along his bottom lip, begging for permission to deepen the kiss.

He allowed her instantly, letting out a soft moan at their passionate kiss. Their tongues danced together to a rhythm that seemed unique to them; as if their bodies had known all along they were meant to be. "JJ…" he whispered, pulling back just slightly. "I uhm… I need to stop," he admitted, blushing at his arousal.

She smiled gently, "Me too," she whispered, her eyes clouded with passion as she looked up at him. She took a moment to compose herself before pulling back even more, grabbing his hand and squeezing it. "I love you."

"Love you back," he replied and looked towards Bennington, a small sigh escaping his mouth. He wasn't sure if his mom would be alright today, he just hoped she was. "Let's go," he said and led JJ towards the main entrance.

Upon walking into his mother's room, Spencer immediately knew she was having a clear day. He smiled at JJ, who walked behind him just slightly, a little nervous. "Hi mom," he said to make her aware of their presence.

Diana turned around and smiled, "Spencer, it's so good to see you," she said and smiled, looking at JJ. "And Jennifer, I'm so glad you decided to come with, how are you?"

JJ blushed a little at the immediate recognition, "I'm doing good Mrs Reid, how are you today?"

"Oh please dear, call me Diana," she replied and motioned for them to sit down with her. "I am so glad this finally happened," she said, a large smile on her face. She seemed happy and relieved that her son was doing so well and that the woman next to him was the reason. "Tell me, how long has this been?" She asked as she turned to Spencer.

Spencer blushed as well, taking JJ's hand in his, "It's uhm… it's been official for just a few days now, but I think we… I… knew for quite a long time," he admitted, looking at her lovingly.

Diana smiled brightly, "I'm so glad Spencer, you deserve to be happy after all that happened," she said.

"I am happy mom, truly happy," he whispered and turned to look at JJ, locking eyes with her for just a little while.

"I have something for you Mrs Reid... Diana," JJ said as she grabbed the gift bag, handing it to Diana.

"Oh you shouldn't have," Diana replied and unwrapped it, looking at the book in her hands. "Thomas Merton... I don't think I have that one yet."

At the mention of the author Spencer turned to JJ, a confused look on his face.

"I figured you'd like to continue sharing Thomas Merton, and since... well... I think you'd like to do so with your mom."

Spencer smiled gently at her, a grateful smile, "Thank you," he mouthed.

They didn't stay for a very long time and decided to spend their last night in Vegas together, dining out before they would head towards the airport. "What are you in the mood for?" Spencer asked as soon as they were in the car. "I know a few places…"

JJ bit her lower lip for a minute, "I would love Thai, but I don't think you'd become very enthusiastic about the idea of chopsticks, right?"

Spencer grinned, "I uhm… no, but if that's what you're in the mood for, I'm sure I could… ask for a fork or… Thai then?"

"That would be great Spence," she whispered, "I'll help you… again," she teased and gave him a wink. "I love you."

"Love you too, let's go. I'll tell you which turns to take so you don't have to use that… thing," he said and shook his head a bit.

"Are you that anti-technology?"

"Not really, I just… I have it all in my head, I know shorter and quicker routes here in Vegas than that thing," he mumbled.

"Not just in Vegas right?"

"Right… Let's just go," he replied and turned to her with a smile.

"Alright, Mr Navigator."

TBC