A/N: A case of brutal murders leads Spencer to face some past decisions... (P.S. one of my fave chapters written so far!)

Chapter Twenty Seven

Sometimes You Win

January rolled in and agents were sat at their desks, tired and missing the warmth and freedom of the holidays already but very quickly Penelope's clip clop of clunky heels told them their desk work would be switching up and soon enough Emily was exiting her office with a sigh "we have a case in Houston, we'll get briefed on the jet, wheels up in twenty." By her expression they knew it was going to be rough but did as told and got ready for a flight to Texas, people calling home for sitters and rearranging their weeks as they often did.

On the plane they picked up files though they were rather thin and Penelope communicated to the team via screens and they got started "Sorry guys" the blonde said "this is a doozy, thirteen women were all found brutally stabbed and cut up, their bodies left in alleys, usually streets and hot spots for prostitutes to take their johns" introducing an unfortunately common form sexual sadism took, the victims easily targeted through their high risk work. The screens showed crime scene photographs and agents flipped through their materials "the reports so far say the bodies were found where they were killed, four of the women were stabbed in the abdomen and chest repeatedly but the rest were stabbed, cut up and…well…"

"Semen was left at most of the crime scenes" Simmons read aloud from the report on his tablet with a grimace.

Spencer with his lightning fast reading then added "coroner's report implies the victims were stabbed first before the unsub left his semen, classic sexual sadist, he needs to stab and mutilate his victims to get aroused, maybe with the other four of them he ran out of time to carry out his pattern, especially as they were his early victims and he attacks them in the streets" the genius surmised and agents nodded.

Emily then said "most of the women have been confirmed as sex workers, some we haven't got an ID on yet but given where they were found, their clothes and cash found on their persons we have every reason to believe they were prostitutes working the streets at the time they were killed. No valuables were taken, no bruising or restraints, this guy just gets them alone and attacks them with a knife and they never go to a hotel. Have the local PD gathered street footage from where the crimes were committed?"

"They're gathering that now" Garcia informed "and even with the DNA sample they still aren't turning up any leads, he's not in the system."

"So it's likely we've connected his murders, the earliest victim Anya Farrow screams first kill, hesitation marks, messy and looks like he spent the least amount of time with her likely full of adrenaline and just bolted afraid he'd get caught" Luke reasoned "also likely he's perfected how he strikes, what he does now really gets him going."

"The last few murders have been consistent" Spencer added "no signs of devolving yet but it would probably take only a bit of pressure or a bad experience to induce it, he targets carefully and is avoiding getting caught by avoiding the hotels, nobody hears the victims scream either - his need is compulsive and he's angry but he doesn't want conflict."

The photographs were a bloody mess, skin pulled back, deep gashes and cuts, one couldn't help but think of Jack the Ripper by the way parts of their abdomens were opened up but no organs were taken or splayed out. Spencer turned the pages to see Anya's photograph, the first victim, and he realised a key difference "the unsub treats them like trash, they get left in alleys and dumped in the streets, but his first victim he tried to cover up" he pointed out and as agents analysed the photograph they too noticed how the woman's own jacket had been placed over her face before discovery.

"Maybe the unsub knew the victim? Remorse?" Rossi offered.

"Ashamed..." JJ also added "if he's compulsive and couldn't help himself he might have been fighting his urges for a while, he finally gives in and feels guilt…just not enough to stop."

Upon arrival they were greeted by local police though some weren't too happy about the FBI's help, largely in regards to 'wasted time, funds and effort' to help what they considered lower ranks of society, some thinking the 'cleaning up of the streets' was a favour more than a harm. It was sickening, but as always there were people ready to work diligently and disagreed with a negative few, some of the officers and the BAU team of course. JJ and Tara welcomed in friends of some of the victims, inviting them to talk about anyone they'd seen leading up to the murder, anyone that seemed awkward to voyeuristic prior to the victims abductions, also just eager to get them into a non judgemental interview space and away from the narrowed eyes from the local authorities. They started interviews inclusive of a cognitive interview and managed to get a couple of descriptions that sounded similar and got a sketch artist to mock up something they might be able to use.

Rossi and Matt were checking out recent crime scenes while Emily was at the coroners office, Alvez was supposed to accompany her but she had mentioned for him to stay, between Reid clearly in his own head since they got the case and that Luke's presence around the police as the stereotypical tough guy but ready to defend what was right may be able to keep them in line. The ex-ranger focused on getting to understand the local area, knowing what the illegal sex work scene was like to the locals and gather names on who discovered bodies and more. One by one the names came up cold, nothing to go by except how they didn't fit the profile and there had been zero contact with the media, no want for attention, just a killer who couldn't stop.

Spencer sat going over the geographical profile with a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, not about the BAUs ability to solve the case, but something niggling in his brain told him this was going to be a rough couple of days. His fingers tapped nervously against his knee, when his hands weren't busy it was his foot feeling restless against the floor and he mindlessly worried his lip between his teeth as he worked. It was the jacket rested over the first victim, she was brutally attacked and cut open, sure he was more reckless being his first kill but he stopped to cover her up, like he couldn't face her. But the more he thought about the victims and people were investigated further the less likely it was Anya knew the unsub outside of being a client - so who was the apology for?

"Hey" Luke greeted and Spencer jumped, too lost in his mind he had flinched at the sudden switch of focus and he looked up to see soft brown eyes watching him with care and a reassuring smile, all accompanied by a fresh coffee from a local cafe in his boyfriend's outstretched hand for him to take. Spencer smiled back and took the beverage with thanks before Luke leaned against the desk he was working on "the geographic profile getting us anywhere?"

Letting out a small sigh "there's a comfort zone but they also coincide with densely populated areas with high crime rates, including prostitution, so it's not the most telling about him as a person and more about where his victim pool is limited to but he definitely lives in this city at least" Reid said and sighed again, probably the hundredth since they'd landed when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, Luke comforting him in the simple gesture.

"What's getting to you?" Luke asked, curious.

"I'm not sure…" Spencer started, he wished he knew "it just seems like I'm missing something and it's right in front of me…"

Walking the streets of the city, Spencer and other agents split up as they canvassed the area, asking locals and workers if they recognised the man in the sketch they'd compiled from witness accounts. Needless to say the good doctor was propositioned multiple times, asking if he wanted company for the night, and ever politely the genius would smile and decline, persisting with work. Maybe it was being from Vegas, maybe it was the job, or just his own life but he had soft spots for two sorts of victims - those battling their own mind/substance abuse and those working hard against the odds. In this case it seemed like the unsub fell into the unwell category and the prostitutes into people doing their best in a tough world.

"Hi, ladies can I have a moment of your time?" Spencer greeted a group of women, all dressed provocatively and at first they went to avoid him assuming he was a cop going to get them in trouble "I'm not here to take names or interrupt your evening, I just want to talk for a moment" he explained and they stopped, facing him patiently, a couple smiling as was natural in their business around what they might consider a potential client. "I'm just wondering if you have any information also just to spread the word, several women have been murdered in areas like this and we believe the killer is still active and dangerous, we have a sketch" he said and handed them a couple of prints of the image "have any of you seen this man and if you ever do could you please phone the number at the bottom of the page, avoid him at all costs."

One lady with bright red lipstick and with a lot of flesh on show given the chill of the evening spoke up first "yeah I've seen him," and she pursed her lips almost bored "creepy guy, stares real intense and doesn't say much."

"But he does talk to you?" Reid asked.

"Not to me" she said, rolling her eyes "think he's into white girls" and Spencer nodded, sex-driven crimes often having a racial profile attached just by statistical odds and this one seemed no different and while a few of the women had olive skin or non-white heritage their phenotype didn't stray far from a specific image the unsub was attracted to. "He likes girls who show a bit of belly too, he got real freaky when Danni turned him down" gesturing to her friend.

Casting his eyes to the other woman she was slight but fit, a lot of skin showing, her dress more like a series of straps than a garment as it showed her cleavage, stomach, legs and back clearly. Danni joined in a bit shyly "yeah, I asked if he wanted to go to a hotel, he insisted we go to an alley - I thought he was being cheap and didn't want to pay for a room, but I don't do nothing a friend or receptionist ain't gonna know where I am, he got angry and I told him to go find another girl."

Spencer nodded "which street was that?"

The street she'd seen the unsub on hadn't been far so he walked there, huddled in his coat as the night got darker, he glanced over the sketch in his hands and saw the close curly hair poking out of his hood, facial hair, the hoodie under a larger coat and sun glasses, as much as it sounded like he would stand out in a getup like that as hazel eyes scanned the streets he saw plenty of men disguising their faces in one way or another as they looked for some company. Several times he caught glimpses of men that at first glance might fit but time after time they were dismissed, so much so it took him a moment to realise when he passed one person a little too fitting.

Halting in his steps Spencer turned to look at the stranger he'd just passed and eyed him, the curly hair and watchful behaviour, what was odder was the the hooded man also slowed in his tracks before stopping. Spencer should be insignificant to him, his badge hidden for the moment and yet he watched the creep turn also to look at him, through sunglasses he could feel eyes scanning over him and before he could even speak the man said a confused "D-Dr Reid?"

What? Furrowing his brows the agent took a step forward and said "Sir, can I speak to you a moment?" the guy seemed to hesitate, almost bewildered as he studied him, "how do you know my n-" he trailed when the suspicious figure suddenly panicked and made to run for it. Immediately Spencer called after him and drew his gun, chasing him part of the way but the suspect was too fearful, running like his life depended on it and barging passed people with abandon, disappearing through weaving alleys and the backs of buildings. The guy clearly just knew the streets too well and made his escape, Spencer out of breath and blood pulsing in his ears by the time he had to accept defeat - his head swimming with the confusing moments that just occurred.

"Fuck!" he exclaimed, frustrated at having let the murderer get away.

Watching the street footage and pulling extra hours the team analysed what they could, only some parts of the city having cameras and the man pretty well covered it was hard to make anything out. "I'm sorry, I can't believe I let him escape" Spencer chastised himself, being so close and yet the unsub was still out there and dangerous. "We'll get him, Spence" JJ consoled and placed her hand on the genius' back in a friendly manner.

"So you say he recognised you?" Tara said, folding her arms processing the information, everyone tired and well due to catch some shut eye but the whole thing just too confusing.

"Yeah" Spencer got out, running a hand through his messy hair in contemplation "he called me 'Dr Reid', and he wasn't immediately threatened, he just hesitated before he panicked…" he informed and pouted a little as he tried to make sense of it all. He locked eyes with Luke for a moment, seeing the man's supportive expression helping him to keep calm before both returned to the footage, replaying the clearest section they'd manage to capture him in over and over hoping it would give them something.

"Wait" Luke said leaning in with narrowed eyes, "go back a few frames" he instructed and Emily tapped through the video until the man could be seen mid run, his arm outstretched and under a streetlight "zoom into his left wrist."

The agents moved closer as the image was also enlarged and eager eyes studied the exposed skin between the man's sleeve and gloves, his wrist on plain view "are those scars?" Emily voiced, unsure given the quality of the picture but she was met with agreement.

It was then that Spencer's mind seemed to click everything in place, suddenly crystal clear and blatantly obvious as he gasped, everyone fixing their eyes on him at the reaction and he shakily summoned a name "Nathan Harris" and while Jennifer and Emily's eyes widened in realisation the others remained bewildered and seeking further answers.

"Are you sure?" Prentiss pressed, making sure Reid wasn't fixated on something or making assumptions.

Spencer nodded "yes" he said certainly even though his brain was going a million miles a second. It all made sense, the profile fit, his history of confessions about the urges he fought, his suicide attempt years ago having healed across his wrists, the curly hair and the age matched, the voice had matured more but it was still him, and the apology - apologising for his failure to keep fighting. "Why would he be in Texas?" he posed "his mom was going to have him institutionalised," he started to answer his own question "it might have lead him here."

"Can someone please tell us what's going on?" Rossi asked calmly but eager to be filled in.

"Guess this is going to be an all nighter?" JJ said and stood "I'll put on the coffee."

The team did their best to explain the background on Nathan Harris, how he had approached Reid on his commute displaying knowledge of murders and symptoms of a dark mind, how the young man had wanted to stab and cut open prostitutes, to feel their blood and how he found it sexually exciting - a classic sexual sadist. The tough part came when they explained how the boy went so far to understand and fight his urges, how open he'd been, how willingly accountable, and when he felt he might give in he had attempted to take his own life. If it hadn't been for Spencer coming to his aid and putting pressure on his slit wrists he would have died then, and while everyone agreed the genius had taken the right course of action, saving the then innocent young man, they realised how hard it would be to see the results of his survival having a bodycount.

Spencer had taken a moment alone, even Luke knew to give him time to himself as he sorted through his thoughts. In the small interview room Reid went from pacing to twiddling his thumbs, running hands through his hair trying to destress and eventually he sat with his head in his hands at the table - there was simply no right way to feel. At the time, saving Nathan's life, he hadn't hesitated, it didn't occur to him to do anything other than hold out hope for him even when Nathan hadn't believed in himself.

It was only afterward, when the adrenaline had faded and the boy was making it through he had been struck by contemplation, to consider what lives the action might affect in future. He recalled asking Gideon at the time 'what if next time he kills somebody?' and his old mentor's voice speaking so simply and truthfully 'then you catch him.' Taking a deep breath he knew he had to face the results of the choice, however hard it was, and while he had been reassured by his team that he had made the right choice at the time it was still difficult. Not to mention the pang of disappointment, he had hoped Nathan might prove the textbook analysis wrong, that he might brave the odds, in his heart he had been rooting for him - but that weight was too much for some.

Eventually there was a knock at the interview room door and he knew it would be Luke, he smiled through the muddy brain and got up to open it, meeting warm brown eyes with his own hazel ones he let himself be pulled into a comforting hug, strong hands rubbing his back soothingly and taking in that familiar musky cologne. "You okay there, cariño?" Alvez asked in a sweet expression and Spencer just nodded tiredly. "Come on, let's get you some coffee and we can hear what Penelope's found on your guy" he said, his expression apologetic and bracing himself Spencer followed his partner back into the main offices.

Penelope had done her digging into the man's life and found he had been institutionalised, moving through a couple as his needs changed and around his mother's job, eventually finding himself all the way to Texas but after great improvement and positive behaviour as well as strong coping mechanisms being put in place he had been released over two years ago without incident. This was surprising and all too quickly just why Nathan had submitted to his urges became crystal clear, the murders having started four months ago and exactly a week after his mother had died of a sudden aneurysm at work. It was heartbreaking to think the boy had tried so hard only to receive another trauma, especially to a maternal figure and his one rock in his life that helped in a balanced realistic caution and belief in him.

He had an old apartment address but had given it up shortly after his mother passed away, since then he was likely using the money he'd inherited on hotels or a place to stay using cash, and while Garcia had been able to track several withdrawals of cash from ATMs they weren't consistent enough to say where he was staying and any footage from them didn't give anything away that they didn't already know. So the debate began, how to bring in their unsub? Just parole the streets and hope they catch him? This was dismissed given the lack of effectiveness, especially now he was spooked by seeing his old acquaintance. Set a trap? Sure they knew the victim type from interviews and the profile but there were too many to guarantee they weren't needlessly risking others when they could be doing something better.

"Spencer might be able to get him to come forward," Simmons offered, head resting on the back of his chair, slumped and tired from the long day, but his idea got everyone thinking and considering the possibility.

Rossi then chipped in with "like you said, kid, he didn't run right away…he clearly still considers you to be trustworthy, maybe even feels accountable to you."

Spencer was speechless, he couldn't deny it was worth a shot, if there was anything of the old Nathan Harris left he would in many ways want to be caught, not enough to give up his compulsions easily, not strong enough on his own, but maybe with a familiar face he could manage to let others take away his ability to kill. Spencer felt torn, slightly afraid that Nathan would kill himself while he could rather than live his life starved of his needs, but there were innocent women to save.

Then the thought occurred to Jennifer, her soft blue eyes looking at Spencer making sure he was listening as she said "you remember that he covered his first victim…like he was ashamed?" Spencer nodded slowly realising just what she was building to "or like an apology? Maybe it was for his mom, though she was already gone…but maybe it was for you…you helped him, you listened to him, you saved his life...if there's anyone he might feel he owed it might be you."

A press conference had been called for the morning, they'd spent some time working on what to say but given the limited time the team had to sleep and the simplicity of their next move it was more like rough guidance to best appeal to how Nathan must be feeling. Luckily there was no news of a fresh body, likely the incident the previous night spooking Nathan enough that he didn't go on the prowl again so soon. Spencer and Luke had shared a room, just holding each other and Luke being a reassuring voice and making him feel safe as possible in their embrace, the man perfectly understanding that the genius didn't get much rest despite his best efforts but he dreaded to think what state he'd have been in alone.

When morning came reporters and camera crews gathered in the city, the most recent photograph Penelope had been able to find of Nathan revealingly similar to the man in the footage filling everyone with greater confidence for the day ahead, and the image was broadcast along with the BAU's statements. Emily opened the conference, explaining to eager masses with their microphones and cameras about the case they were investigating and the appeal to find Nathan Harris, that the man was dangerous and if anyone had any information to come forward but also not to approach him. JJ helped prep Spencer on the sidelines for his part coming up but just about anything he could say might help, it was who he was that was going to make the most impact if Nathan still considered Reid to be significant to him.

His mouth suddenly felt so dry when he heard Emily passing over the spotlight to him, both JJ and Luke offering him comforting looks and pats to the arm as he walked out to the front of the platform and took a steadying breath. With all his teaching and years at the FBI he'd gotten over so much of his stage fright, but right then and there he was talking to one man, and he couldn't tell if that made things easier or harder. With a shaky voice Spencer greeted the news crews and thanked them for their time, before he introduced himself "my name is SSA Dr Spencer Reid…I am with the Behavioural Analysis Unit of the FBI and I am here to give a message directly to Nathan Harris, if you are listening..."

His mind drew a blank for a moment, as his eyes scanned his notes he knew all the words were just a guideline and easily said…but that wasn't what would be the most effective, so he took a small moment to figure out what he really wanted to say. "I remember when you came to me…years ago, before any of this…when you were struggling with confusing feelings, afraid of your own mind and seeking to understand what what happening. Why others didn't work like you did, how others just didn't have those dark thoughts…because you felt them everyday…" Spencer felt an uncomfortable pressure in his chest, wishing the world was kinder in so many ways in that moment. "You did your best, Nathan…and I'm sure for a long while you were doing so well…and I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, I know she cared for you very much."

Hazel eyes scanned the place, the bustling reporters noting down whatever they could, and his friends supportingly watching from the sidelines and he took a steadying breath. "But it wasn't enough…" Spencer summoned the words "it became too much for you…and you're hurting people. I'm sure you've worked out some logic in your head to tell yourself it isn't so wrong, that your victims deserve it somehow…but they don't. You had no right to end their lives. You failed to fight your demons, and I can list all the ways the world tripped you up, Nathan, but it doesn't change that this is wrong. You came to me all those years ago because you were afraid…and you wanted to prevent the loss of life you saw becoming increasingly inevitable. I'm asking right now…for you to do that again."

"Please, Nathan…just because you've killed doesn't mean there has to be more, it doesn't mean you can't fight or try again. Yes - it's different now. You can't return the lives you took. You are very sick, and you need help…and if there is even a little part of the Nathan Harris that sought out my help all those years ago still in you, that still knows this is wrong…please hand yourself in. You covered your first victim, I believe it was in guilt…and guilt doesn't come from doing bad things…guilt comes from knowing the good that wasn't done. I believe you know the difference still. End this."

"Thank you for your time" Spencer ended and as people flurried to ask questions he just walked away and Jennifer took over, ready to explain all the ways to contact or get in touch, and answering some questions for the public's sake. Spencer was shaking when he got off the stage and Luke was quick to pull him into a hug, hearing kind words from his friends and teammates around him that he had done so well up there. All that was left was to wait.

It happened as easily as breathing, just how in one moment people were working the case in the time filling way they could, looking through files, taking calls and strategising if they needed a plan b, minds equally active as they were in limbo - the unsub just walked into the police station with his hands up. He was twitchy and anxious but he was there, he wasn't in his mysterious get up and just in jeans and hoodie, an unsure expression on his face as he just handed himself over. It almost seemed anticlimactic, how simple their cases would be if they could just make a speech every time asking for the killer to surrender and then they actually do it. But there he was.

The young man was handcuffed and checked for weapons before he was lead into the backroom for interviewing, to see if he would ask for a lawyer and all the rest. He didn't. Instead all he asked was to see 'Dr Reid' whom had been working through files in another part of the building and was quickly learning of the sudden presence of their unsub. When Spencer did join Nathan in the room there was a long stare in silence, both frozen in time as they addressed the reality they found themselves in. Slowly he took a seat opposite the killer and took in his features now he could see him more clearly, those sunken eyes unmistakable, still pale and the curly hair all obviously Nathan, he was older though, filled out a bit and had grown some facial hair.

"D-Dr Reid…" Nathan said just above a whisper, struggling to look into those hazel eyes after a while and it took the agent a moment to realise it was in guilt.

"Yeah Nathan?"

"I'm sorry…" he said and his pale skin turned flushed as he started to weep, eyes watering and sniffling in a pained display "I'm so sorry…" he repeated and Spencer couldn't think of what to say, there was nothing to say. "I shouldn't have…I couldn't control it…but I know…I know there isn't an excuse" and it was then the young man broke down into a mess of sobs and Spencer's heart ached for him. "I…she was there…she…the first, she kept asking me to go with her, she offered it for free…" he spoke of Anya, the first victim and prostitute being very forward in her selling techniques. Nathan struggled to breathe and his eyes were filled with anguish as he asked "what's going to happen?"

Spencer let out a sigh, part of him wanted to hug the man, but he also didn't - some inner part of him so mad and frustrated but through his struggle even Nathan made himself acknowledge there was no excuse for killing those people. "You're sick…you responded well to the institutionalisation before, for a while…it's honestly up to the courts but any lawyer with half a brain can present your years of mental health analysis and documentation and say you need hospitalised and not thrown in prison."

Nathan nodded, struggling through the conflict inside of him, his body rocking back and forth slightly and the clink of handcuffs eerie in the small room. "You must hate me…" he said.

There was no answer to that, except to reply "I meant everything I said in that press conference…I think you know that" and he could see Nathan looked almost disappointed, like he wanted Reid to yell at him. For someone to just tell him how awful and wrong he was as punishment. "I won't lie Nathan…it sucks…I hoped you might have made it through."

"You don't have to stay here with me, I just…I did convince myself for a little while what I was doing wasn't as awful as it was" he admitted, his jaw clenching as he tried to stop himself from breaking down again "for a long while I didn't feel human anymore…then I saw you."

Whatever human part of Nathan had attached itself to the one person that had held hope for him and so Reid found words to try and help "things are different now" Reid repeated from his speech "you can't undo what happened…but I choose to believe it is possible, that you might wake up one day in a few years time and not think about it, not need it…" and hearing that Nathan's eyes looked shocked, previously hollow and hurt they seemed so confused but not cold. "I'm gonna ask that if I can find the strength to believe in it, after all of this…that maybe you can too."

As the team landed back in Virginia Spencer was visibly feeling down, like a kicked puppy he dragged his feet and had a notable sluggishness, at least part of it was the lack of rest but a great deal was just the whole awful scenario of what he just saw. Emily had offered for Spencer to go home and rest before starting his report, no rush despite him being the most active in the case and while he thought about it, his tired bones aching for his bed and maybe some cuddles from his boyfriend he really didn't want to be coming in the next day to relive the whole thing over as he wrote it down.

The whole team were kind around him as always, but the lightheartedness never quite got back to normal and nobody questioned it. Luke knew he wouldn't be able to convince Spencer to just go home and there was nothing he could say to fix it, just something to be waited out and moved on from. That's why he decided to also get going on his own reports so he could give Spencer his undivided attention when they finished up for the day. As the dreary hours passed and coffee was poured everyone got into rhythm with the dull paperwork until an unexpectedly chipper sound made itself known.

Penelope with a big smile on her face and a tablet held carefully in her manicured hands entered the bullpen, by her expression they knew there wasn't another case but everyone was curious what she was able to cut through the sad atmosphere with so brazenly. Most surprisingly was how she walked straight up to Spencer's desk with the widest grin and said "hey boy genius, I have good news," and he didn't seem enthusiastic, thinking maybe it was some damage control news about Nathan's case but she emphasised "actual good news."

"Yeah?" he replied, ready for a pick me up even is he hadn't fully accepted that it was possible yet.

She looked at him sympathetically for a moment as she spoke "I know the Nathan Harris case…it's a tough reality to deal with, but…I'm gonna get someone on video chat for you, okay?" she said and after pressing a couple of options on the tablet, all while Spencer stared at her confusedly and tried to think just who she was letting call through the device. He didn't have time to question her directly when she turned the tablet to face him and on the screen was a familiar face, "A-Adam?" was all the genius could stutter as he stared wide eyed at the man on the screen.

The genius' heart did a happy flip when he saw the person on the other end of the call smile, genuinely smile, and there was no defensive body language, no make up or challenging glare, no feminised voice - this was Adam Jackson, a very ill unsub from a case long ago and one he had followed up on for a long while hoping to help the vulnerable man improve and get better. His dissociative identity disorder having made 'Amanda' so dominant and protective she hurt man who'd been buried away in his own mind for years, possibly to never resurface - yet here he was.

"Hi, Dr Reid" said Adam, eyes peering shyly but by the glint in his eyes he could see he was proud of himself - healthier. Spencer felt moved to tears at the mere sight and relief of it, he kept it in however, not wanting to be a mess in front of the very welcomed guest but the beaming smile couldn't be helped. From what he could see the man was in the same mental hospital as he was before but he had his own clothes back, his own style and he'd cut his hair short, not nearly so many nervous ticks or unsure eyes as had been the norm before.

"Adam, that's really you?" Spencer said in awe, his expression clearly relieved and delighted just to see him, before he got up a little clumsily to walk to a private room to talk, the team hearing some on his way.

"Y-yeah…it's good to be back, and to see you again, I'm told you came by a lot" the man said, his voice still a little shaky as it ever was but nowhere near as lost or broken as it used to be "I don't remember it, obviously, but it means a lot…thank you, Dr Reid."

Penelope and the others watched on as Spencer disappeared into one of the spare offices and like a sigh of relief fell over the agents the world felt like it had been corrected a great deal, some karma working its way around the happenings of the universe in complex and subtle ways. It was sweet actually, how instantly the good doctor has brightened up at the presence of someone many would consider a lost cause or not worth thinking about, someone who had killed and hurt others - and yet Spencer found the strength to believe they could prove the world was better and more wonderful than most could dream.

JJ started to explain to some of the awestruck team just who Adam Jackson was, about the murders and the history of abuse, the protective personality that was 'Amanda' that took the pain when Adam couldn't face it. How after the case 'Amanda' had seemingly taken over for good and Spencer had helped in therapy sessions, how he'd studied and looked up whatever he could to try and make progress with the disorder - to help Adam come back. And while Spencer hadn't been there in a long while he did check in from time to time but since prison understandably things had gotten away from him - but what a wonderful surprise!

Quote: "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?"

― Abraham Lincoln