JJ was concerned, to say the least. The explosion in Reno was nearly eighteen hours ago, and Spence wasn't at this morning's briefing, nor was he answering his phone.
The team had just went over what happened in Nevada, and made a harrowing discovery… Everett Lynch didn't die in that explosion. While the rest of the team came up with a plan of action, including putting Rossi's wife under a protective detail, Prentiss sent JJ to go find Reid.
As soon as the words were out of Prentiss's mouth, JJ ran towards the elevators with her car keys in hand. Standing in the metal box, JJ allowed herself to think over the past eighteen hours.
"Jennifer, I made the call to move in. It's my fault they're dead."
Before JJ could convince him otherwise, Reid simply walked away. She watched as he headed for the SWAT Commander, assuming he was going to take the blame (for something that wasn't even his fault) and check on the rest of the officers.
Taking in the rest of the scene, JJ spotted her cell phone lying on the ground, about a hundred feet away. She jogged over to it, remembering that Rossi had been on the line.
JJ picked up the device and dialed Rossi's number. He picked up on the first ring.
"JJ, are you guys okay?"
JJ closed her eyes as she answered. "Six SWAT officers are dead.
She heard Rossi's sharp intake of breath. He paused before asking, "How are you and Reid?"
"I'm fine, but Spence was pretty close to the explosion. It knocked him down and I think he might have hit his head." As she was speaking, a line of firetrucks and ambulances surrounded the scene. They immediately jumped out and got to work. "Medics just got here, but I doubt Spence will even get checked out. He's blaming himself for the SWAT officers. "
"This isn't on him. We had no idea this would happen until it was too late."
JJ nodded even though she knew Rossi couldn't see her.
"Try and have him get medical attention. We're on our way over with local authorities."
"I will. See you soon."
The only way to describe the next hour, was complete chaos. It seemed as though every law enforcement officer and rescue official in the city of Reno was at that house. JJ kept telling Reid that he needed to get checked by medics, but he would simply reply with "I'm fine", and then find something else to focus on. He never did get medical attention.
After several more hours, the BAU was able to board the jet for their flight back to Quantico. They all told Reid to take the couch and try to get some rest. He did take the couch, but he never got any sleep.
Every time JJ would steal a glance in Reid's direction, he was sitting up, seemingly lost in thought. JJ was worried about him, both his mental and physical state. She wished he would have let the medics check him out, but she knew his mind was stuck on something else. She desperately wanted to reach out to him, to tell him he was not to blame… but Spence had his own way of dealing with things. Right now, he needed his space, and JJ would respect that.
Once the team landed and dealt with the paperwork back at the bureau, Prentiss told them to go home and get much needed sleep.
Reid made a bee-line for the door. JJ quickly caught up with him. "Spence, let me drive you home."
"No, thank you." He barely met her eyes.
"Spence, p-"
"Jennifer, I'm fine." His words came out harsh, and JJ recoiled a bit. He seemed to notice that, and his eyes softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I do appreciate your offer, but I really am fine. Please, don't worry about me."
JJ, still somewhat unconvinced, gave a small smile. "Of course I'm going to worry about you… but, okay. Spence, none of this was your fault. There was no way you could have known about what was going to happen."
Reid looked down at the floor. "JJ-"
"I know you don't believe me right now, but I needed you to hear that."
Reid reached out and pulled JJ into a brief, but tight, hug. "I think I still need some time to process what happened, but thank you."
The pair parted ways in the parking garage, and JJ headed home for the night.
Now, JJ was on her way to Reid's apartment, going slightly over the speed limit. She quickly found a spot to park, then ran up the steps to Reid's floor. She prayed she was overreacting, but had a sinking feeling that wasn't the case.
That feeling only grew when she knocked and didn't get a response. It only took a few seconds for JJ to pull Reid's spare key from her pocket. "Spence, it's JJ! I'm coming in!"
JJ's heart stopped when she opened the door. Spence was sprawled out on the floor, unconscious. JJ dropped to his side. "Spence! Can you hear me?" Placing her fingers against his neck, she found a slow pulse. "Just hang on." The agent found her phone and dialed 911. As she relayed what she knew to the operator, Reid started seizing. "Oh my God, Spence!" She silently prayed that she hadn't been too late.
A/N: Hey! Thanks for reading. I'm not too pleased with this chapter, but the next one is where we get to see some changes between our dynamic duo. Thanks for sticking with me!