Thanks! There are some valid reasons for not taking Reid in, that are addressed.

Chapter Five:

The thing about hospitals is, it is impossible to sleep in them. Reid was constantly being woken by nurses coming to take vitals. He was so tired, yet it was impossible to sleep.

"Hey Sport."

It was Hotch. He was in a new suit and wasn't covered in fluids from him.

"You came back," Reid said.

"I promised I would," he said.

Reid sat up. Hotch brought over a small cup.

"The nurses said you could have a little Jell-O," he said. "Would you like some?"

Reid nodded. He reached forward, but his arms were still so tired from being hung above him. They began to shake.

"Let me," Hotch said as he put some on a spoon.

"I'm not a baby."

"I know you're not Spencer. You've been through an ordeal. Let me help."

Reid turned away from him. This felt like too much, not being able to feed himself. No.

"Strawberry, my favorite," Hotch said. "I'll eat it then."

In spite of himself, Reid turned and watched Hotch eat a spoonful. Some of it dripped out of the spoon though, onto his white shirt. Reid couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm glad you find it funny," Hotch said.

Hotch suddenly stood up.

"Spencer, it's okay," he said. "You have been through a terrible thing. No one expects you to return back to normal."

"What's going to happen to me?" Reid asked.

"Focus on getting healthy first."

"That's code for, you don't know."

"You're right, I don't know," he said. "But I'll make sure, wherever you next, you'll be safe."

Reid closed his eyes and turned away.

"Spencer?"

"When I was six and a boy tripped me, causing a big cut on my right knee, my mom promised she wouldn't let anyone hurt me again. The next day, that same kid slapped me. I tried to tell my mom, but she didn't wake up most of the day, and then claimed she had papers to grade when she did wake up. Like I said earlier, adults lie."

"Spencer."

"You don't need babysit me. I saw the guards at the door. Go do important stuff."

"You're important to me."

"But not forever. You only care because I got hurt badly. Eventually you'll leave and I'll be looking for the frozen food to treat my bruises on my own"

"Spencer, please, let—"

"GO!"

He didn't open his eyes to see if Hotch left. Reid wiped away the tears, as he tried to sleep.

…

"Hi Haley," Hotch said as he sat in the waiting area.

"Aaron, I saw the case you're working on the news! Is everything all right?"

"The case is developing. My team is working on it. One of the boys we rescued has developed an attachment to me, or maybe it's the other way around truthfully."

"That must be so hard for you. Knowing that you have to leave them."

Hotch took a deep breath.

"Haley, I want to take the kid in."

"Aaron, that's sweet that you care about the boy, but think this through. We have a two-year-old. You really want to bring a damaged child into this household on top of your already busy work life?"

"Spencer's not damaged!" Hotch practically shouted. "He'll heal physically and mentally. He's also genius with a big heart."

"Aaron, please don't make me the bad guy in this. Think about it: Who is going to have take care of possibly two screaming children while you're away at work? I've watched enough crime shows to know that these kids experience flashbacks in public. I know you have a good heart, but bulk of the responsibility will fall to me."

"I'll take time off. I'll hire the best specialists to make sure we can all handle this together."

"You only took six weeks off when Jack was born and you missed his first Christmas. It sounds like you're willing to do more for a boy you've only known for several hours, than your own son. It's a firm no, Aaron."

"Hailey!"

"Call me when you're on your way home. Jack is doing great by the way. Bye."

Hailey hung up.

Hotch couldn't deny Hailey made some valid points. Most of the responsibility would fall to her. Spencer had been through significant trauma. It was a difficult situation to address.

Something suddenly didn't feel right. Hotch walked down the hall. There was a janitor's cart at Reid's room. His security team was nowhere in sight. Hotch ran.

The door was jammed shut. Grabbing the cart, he wheeled it backwards, and using every ounce of his muscle, he rammed it into the door.

The door crashed open. Hotch pulled out his gun. He shot the man on top of Reid.

Hotch pulled out the rag gagging Reid. He didn't wait for consent. He grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around Reid, and climbed onto the bed. Hotch broke down crying, as he held him.

"I'm not let going to let anyone ever hurt you again," Hotch sobbed as doctors, nurses, and security descended upon the scene. "If anyone so much as raises their hand towards you, I will shoot them."

"I believe you," Reid whispered.