A/N: It was so nice of them to play this episode tonight. So for your enjoyment, here is the next chapter.
A/N: Chapter 4 will not be as quick since I am still writing it. Sorry about that. Hopefully, someone will send me Reid goodness and I'll work on it New Year's Eve.
***
Forty-five minutes later, Dr. Nessen returned.
"Dr. Reid, Agent Morgan. The x-rays were not conclusive but the spirometry we also did shows that there may be lasting damage from the anthrax."
Reid looked from the doctor to Derek. "What kind of damage?" Derek asked for him.
"Well, we are going to start some breathing treatments while you are still in the hospital but they are going to have to be continued for at least a week after you are released. You're not getting enough oxygen on your own so you'll need to stay on the oxygen until things improve. Dr. Kimura will need to refer you to a respiratory specialist for further treatment and to assess how much you will improve." She made a couple of adjustments to the oxygen flow. "Dr. Kimura will be by later if you have any questions."
Derek grabbed a tissue and eased the oxygen mask away from Spencer's face so he could wipe the tears that were starting to fall. After replacing the mask he carefully adjusted Spencer's hair so that it wasn't pulled by the band from the mask. "Let's not get too upset yet. I'm sure Dr. Kimura will be able to explain things better." He carefully pulled Spencer back into his arms and gently rubbed his back. Spencer rested his head on Derek's shoulder and closed his eyes. He was soon asleep again. Derek continued his ministrations hoping that his friend would rest easier sitting up.
***
Morgan heard a noise behind them and turned his head slightly to get a better look at the door. Hotch stood there looking less than neatly polished.
"How is he?"
"Not good, Hotch. Not good at all." Morgan spoke softly trying not to wake his friend.
Hotch walked around the bed and sat in the chair so that he was facing Morgan. "What's wrong?"
"They think there is permanent damage to his lungs. They're going to start breathing treatments soon but the fill-in doctor was vague about the prognosis and said that Dr. Kimura would answer our questions."
Reid struggled to raise his head and Morgan gently turned it for him so that he was facing Hotch. "Hotch, run coat."
"Hotch, dream carpet." Reid tried to struggle away from Morgan but he was too weak.
"Its okay, Reid. You're getting better. You got out Hotch's name."
Hotch frowned from his chair, "The aphasia is still bad."
"No, it isn't. He gets out some of the words he means." Derek glared at his boss.
"What happened to your shirt?" Hotch changed the subject.
"We had a little accident." Morgan watched Reid close his eyes again. "Hey, kid. I already told you it was no big deal. A shirt can be replaced, you can't."
Morgan saw Hotch's strange look. "Hey, boss man! I know how to be caring. Remember, I was raised by three sisters."
"Morgan," Reid called softly.
"Hey, you awake again?"
"Morgan!" Reid put added emphasis on the name.
"What is it?"
"Need . . . ," Reid clenched his teeth tightly behind the oxygen mask.
It took Morgan awhile but he eventually figured out the problem. "Oh, Pretty Boy. Let me see if I can get some things and I'll give you a nice warm bath."
"What's wrong?" Hotch asked.
"Can you ask the nurse for a clean gown and sheets while I draw a bath?" Derek tried to be subtle about the problem.
Hotch finally caught on, "Oh, yeah sure. Is there anything else you need?"
"See if you can get some shampoo and conditioner in case he's up to getting his hair washed." Derek came back out of the bathroom and grabbed a couple of towels from the bottom drawer. He noticed Spencer was crying again. "It's no big deal, Reid. You're not exactly with it at the moment." He smiled a mischievous grin, "Besides, I have to take advantage of limited brain power while I can get the upper hand." He reached over and ruffled the dirty brown strands before going back into the bathroom.
Hotch came back into the room, "I've got everything you need."
"Reid, I'm going to go for the night. I'll see you in the morning, okay?"
Reid nodded his head and then closed his eyes.
"Morgan, I'll change the bed before I leave so it's ready when you get done." He quietly told his agent.
"Thanks, Hotch." Morgan walked over to the bed and carefully removed the oxygen mask, unwrapped the blood pressure cuff, and pulled the IV pole forward so that it was easy to get. Then he pulled the covers back and picked Reid up. Morgan grabbed the IV pole with the fingers of the hand that was behind Reid's back and went into the bathroom.