A/N: I sincerely apologize for the wait. I hit a snag and I'm blaming it on the horrible glasses Reid wears now. They make me want to curl up into the fetal position and cry. They're gross, but I'll get over it.

P.S. I know this chapter is short. There was supposed to be more, but I wanted to get it out to you as soon as I could. I'll warn you it hasn't been beta'd yet, so there might be some mistakes, but when I get it back I'll fix them. Hope you enjoy it.

Fate

Chapter 12: Departure

Some time later I was sitting in the hospital cafeteria, eating a sandwich and sipping tepid coffee. I figured Reid could use some time to himself. Morgan and Gideon hadn't come yet so I sat alone. I used the time to think about where we were going from here. Reid was being released after he ate, but we really hadn't planned for it yet. There were a lot of loose ends that I didn't want Reid to have to deal with.

But I was tired. I couldn't deny that. Little sleep and too much emotion had taken its toll on me. It seemed like years had passed since I got that call from Sheriff Price. All I wanted to do was lay down and forget the world for a few hours...

I think I may have zoned, starring into my coffee, imagining blissful sleep in my own bed beside Haley. Morgan and Gideon's arrival pulled me back into reality. Seeing them made me realize that I was being selfish. We need to focus on Reid; I could sleep later.

I waited for them to get something to eat before asking about what we were going to do. How long were we staying in town? We'd have to consider the investigation and the young man's health before we traveled. Where was Reid staying when we did get back to Quantico? We'd gotten rid of his apartment and we definitely weren't leaving him alone in some hotel room. We didn't even have cloths for him to wear out of the hospital.

I was pleasantly surprised when Morgan said they had already taken care of one of the problems. I hadn't noticed the shopping bag or shoe box until he put them up onto the table. I felt a strong swell of pride. We were closing ranks to help one of our own. While the cause was anything but pleasant, it made me feel good for us to come together.

We talked for a little while longer, doing our best to tie up the loose ends. There were still a few details for us to work out, but we thought it was about time to get back to Reid.

The nurse who had brought Reid dinner was back in the room. She was chatting about the weather as she removed the IV line from his forearm and hand. She seemed oblivious to the scowl on Reid's face.

As the nurse gathered the used medical supplies she turned to us. "The doctor will be here shortly. He'll explain the medication and how to handle the injuries. Spencer's just a little underweight for his height and age, so he'll also be giving you a nutrition guide." She turned to Reid and smiled sweetly, "Someone will have to make sure he follows it."

I ignore the urge to tell her that Reid has always been thin as I watch the young man's frown deepen. I could tell that Morgan and Gideon were just as curious about the exchange, but they also refrained from asking about it.

I heard Gideon thank her as she prepared to leave.

She hadn't been out the door for more than a few moments before Reid spit out, "Nazi."

My eyes grew wide and I could hear Morgan trying to choke back a laugh. I don't think we've ever heard anything like that come out of the young agents mouth.

I felt an amused sort of sympathy as Reid gave us a miserable look.

Morgan seemed to take pity on him as well. A serious look came over his face and he asked sincerely, "You ready to get out of here?"

Reid nodded tiredly, but some light seemed to come back into his eyes. I know it'll do him good to get out of here. It's too open, and too public for him.

"Here." Morgan said, putting the cloths and shoes on the bed next to Reid's legs. "We'll give you a few minutes."

"Thanks." Reid whispered, his eyes never leaving Morgan's offering.

After going into the hall and pulling the door closed behind us, Morgan stated, "He seems like he's doin' good."

I leaned against the wall wearily and sighed. I wanted nothing more than for Reid to have as painless a recovery as possible, but something was still nagging at me. "I don't think it's hit him yet."

"He could be doing a lot worse, Hotch." Gideon said.

I nodded. I've been on the job long enough to know what being a victim of crimes like this does to a person. Really, we're just lucky that the kid is talking to us.

"We just need to give him some time to adjust." Gideon added.

"I know." I still can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen if we don't deal with this.

A/N: Please review!