A/N: Hey! I hope you guys like this chapter. I won't be able to post a new chapter next week because I am going to the beach, but I will start on the next one when I get back. I'm taking my laptop, but it will only be for work purposes. I don't want to be on it any more than I have to. Anyway, I hope everyone is staying safe, and please let me know what you think about this chapter!

JJ held Reid's hand all the way to the hospital. He remained unconscious the whole time, but JJ never let go.

She was scared out of her mind, and praying that she hadn't been too late… that he would be okay.

As the EMTs rolled Spence into the ER, the doctor immediately started her exam. While doing do, she directed her questions at JJ. "Can you tell me what happened?"

JJ was still holding onto Reid's arm as she spoke. "Um… there was an explosion yesterday. He hit his head, but he never got any medical attention… he kept saying he was fine."

"How long has he been unconscious?"

"I- I don't know." JJ's voice broke. She could feel tears forming just thinking about Spence lying on the ground, with no help, for God only knew how long.

"Are you family?"

"Sort of.. Well, not technically."

"Let's get him up to the CCU." The doctor addressed her staff before turning back to JJ. "I need to take him for several tests." She held up her hand when JJ went to follow. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to stay here. I'll have someone get you when you can see him. If you can, I need you to get his next of kin here as soon as possible."

JJ could only nod, before watching the medical team wheel Spence beyond her view. She wasn't sure how long she stood there, just staring at the closed double doors, before she sprung into action.

Her first call was to the team. She informed them on what had happened, and asked Garcia to get her the number to Brookfield.

Garcia completed her assigned task within a matter of seconds, before saying she would be right to the hospital.

JJ's next call was to Brookfield about Diana. She explained the situation, and they said Diana would be transported to the hospital. After she hung up, JJ sunk down in a chair positioned out in the waiting room. Only then did she let the tears fall. She just sat there and sobbed as the world around her started to fade.

A nurse approached the broken agent, asking if she needed anything… if there was anything she could do.

JJ couldn't respond because the only thing she needed in that moment was assurance that her best friend would be okay… and that was something that the young nurse couldn't give her.

Her best friend. That phrase stopped her train of thoughts. Best friend… no. Spence was so much more than that. That was it. JJ made a promise to herself right then and there. If Spence pulled through, she was going to tell him how she really felt… that she wanted a life with him, and he if wanted that too, then she was ready to take the next step.

"PEACHES!"

JJ's head snapped up at the sound of the one and only Penelope Garcia.

Garcia ran as fast as she could in her glittery, pink high heels, and enveloped JJ in a hug. "How is boy wonder?"

"I haven't heard anything yet."

About thirty minutes later, they did hear something. Reid had swelling in his brain. Diana, after arriving at the hospital, was consulted by the doctor. She needed to make a decision on whether or not to operate.

Also about that time, JJ got a text from Prentiss. Something was about to go down with Lynch, and they needed JJ out in the field.

She was already typing out her reply that she couldn't leave, when Garcia snatched the phone out of her hand. "Penelope!"

"Don't 'Penelope' me, missy. You have to go."

"No-"

"Yes, you do. The team needs you. Reid is in good hands. There is nothing you can do here, but if you go, maybe you help get the one responsible for Reid being here in the first place. Seriously JJ, go."

With all the reluctance in the world, JJ nodded at her friend. "Okay, but you text me the minute you hear anything."

"I promise. Just be safe."

With that, JJ cast one more look at the double doors, before going to join the team… leaving a piece of her heart in that hospital.

CMCM

JJ could not have been more surprised by the turn of events that took place that evening.

Lynch had been caught. Well, more accurately, Lynch had been blown up.

Rossi had been shot, but fortunately, he was going to be okay.

And what was more surprising then either of those things…. JJ had blown up the jet. It was really the only thing that could have been done. Lynch was about to take off with the jet, so the team had started firing at the fuel tanks. One thing led to another, and JJ shot the jet with a flare gun.

As soon as she could get there, JJ was back at the hospital… and in for another surprise. Spence was awake. The swelling had gone down, and there was no need for surgery.

JJ couldn't help the megawatt smile that appeared on her face when she saw Reid's beautiful brown eyes. "Spence!"

"JJ, hey." Reid returned the smile as JJ made her way over to the side of his bed.

Diana had already been transported back to Brookfield, and Garcia stepped out to give the two friends a minute.

"How're you feeling?"

Spence chuckled. "I've been better, but I'm okay. What about you? I heard you had to take out one of our own."

JJ laughed at his reference to the jet. "Yeah, definitely not what I had planned for tonight."

After a few minutes of small talk, JJ took hold of Reid's hand. "Spence… can we talk?"

Smirking, Reid replied "We are talking."

"No, I mean… Spence, we've kind of been dancing around this for a while, but I've realized that I want to spend my life with you. I'm ready to take a chance on us if you are." JJ held eye contact the whole time she was speaking, but then quickly dropped it as she finished pouring her heart out.

Spence didn't say anything for a moment, but then he squeezed her hand. When she finally looked back up, his eyes were filled with hope and wonder.

"Jennifer… That is all I have wanted to hear for so long. Are you sure about this? This isn't heat of the moment, is it? I don't want you jumping into to something because you thought I was about to die."

"Spence…" Instead of saying anything else, JJ leaned forward and brushed her lips against his softly, just enough to leave them both wanting more. "I am completely sure."

Reid broke out into a smile before placing his free hand on the back of JJ's neck, drawing her to him once more.