A/N: Oh boy… It's been such a long time, hasn't it? (winces) I'm truly, really sorry about my loooong absence! My head's been a huge mass of MESS. It took this long before it started functioning well enough to allow actual writing. (groans) Once more I'm sorry! But now we're finally getting back on track. Hooray?

First off, though… Thank you so much for those absolutely incredible reviews! (GLOMPS) Ya know, this story would've never come back to life from flatlining if it wasn't for you. So THANK YOU! You're amazing. (hugs again)

Awkay… I'm REALLY nervous about updating this after such a long break so I'll get to it before I change my mind. I truly hope you'll enjoy the ride!


The Bond


Since he was just a little boy Spencer had known that he was different. He'd been reminded of that fact for all his life, almost every single day. It got a little bit easier to deal with when he joined the FBI, met people who accepted him for what he was.

But now… Now he was a man who was carrying something in his abdomen. It didn't get much more different from there.

Spencer wasn't sure how much of his… condition Dr. Tulsa had shared with his team, but the looks in their eyes as they first gathered into his room told that there'd been too much information. It was easily one of the most uncomfortable moments in his life. Coming from Spencer Reid, that's saying a lot.

There were no smiles, jokes or warm hugs. Honestly Spencer hadn't been expecting such but the air around them felt so stiff that he shivered. They wore the same expressions he'd grown used to seeing during the most taxing of cases.

Or no, actually it was even worse than that. Because now David, the only one of them able to ask questions any longer, was looking at him the same way he often found the older man looking at victims. Like he wasn't the man the other had known, a teammember, anymore. Maybe he was over analyzing but… "Reid, I understand that this is overwhelming. But we can't help you without getting a proper idea of what happened, okay? So I'm asking you again… Do you have any idea of who or what attacked you?"

Spencer shook his head, rubbing his face with one hand. His muscles were twitching painfully with stress and tension. "I… don't remember. The whole thing is foggy." They'd already been discussing this for forty-six minutes and twenty-five seconds. Why couldn't they accept that he just didn't remember and was happier that way? Did they want him to remember being…? He then swallowed down that thought. A professional – he needed to be a professional, now. Spencer couldn't handle this but SSA Dr. Reid could. "I… Honestly, I don't think I saw anyone. I just… felt."

And then he felt a hand in his. Startled at first he glanced rapidly to side, only to discover that the hand belonged to Penelope. She wasn't looking at him, didn't utter a word, only held on with such force that nearly crushed his hand. As though she'd feared he'd slip away if she'd let go. He squeezed back reflexively, not knowing how he was feeling.

"Reid." There was genuine compassion in Emily's eyes. "I know that this isn't easy, but… We need to get to the bottom of this…" She trailed off and it took a moment before she found her composure. "What can you remember of the attacker? Anything might help us."

Spencer understood the need of this interrogation, rationally. But his mind and body had been through too much already. He swallowed convulsively and licked his lips, running a unsteady hand through his hair. "Could you… Could you just stop asking questions, for a bit? Please? Just… Just stop." His voice shook but at the moment he didn't even care.

The being inside him seemed to sense his discomfort because it began to squirm as though trying to crawl out. Unable to control his body Spencer emitted a dry gag and brought a hand to his abdomen, shuddering under the whirlwind of nausea. The all too familiar chirping sound and chilling flashes of bloodsplatters filled his head.

It needed to calm down. It needed to calm down and back off before…

"Reid?" Derek's firm hand on his shoulder only succeeded in making the sensations stronger, caused them to start boiling over. "Are you okay?"

He wanted to snort but focused on breathing and holding back the vomit instead. Okay? He couldn't even control his own damn body, didn't know… He swallowed hard. "I'm fine." He took a deep breath, pleased to discover that the chirping was quieting down. The dull ache left behind was something he could handle. "Look… Thanks, for coming and worrying. But I'm… getting a bit tired." He went on before any objections could be voiced. "I… I'll be fine. I just need some time alone." He really, really did. As grateful as he was for his friends – family…

Aaron frowned, studying his face. "Are you sure?"

He nodded, perhaps a bit too eagerly, even tried to smile. "Yeah, I am."

"Okay then, boywonder. But just so you know… We're only one phonecall away at all times. Don't try to act tough and handle this all alone, got that?" Penelope's voice was much softer than usual, even cracked a little. His arms flailed with startle when out of the blue she pressed a tiny kiss to his forehead.

Derek chuckled. "Should I be jealous?" Ignoring her roll of eyes the man looked towards him. "Try to get some rest. That's what the doctor told you to do, remember? Tomorrow we'll get to the bottom of this." Spencer was grateful his best friend didn't mention the note he'd received. His skull was already torn to pieces without the mayhem it'd cause.

It was obvious that they didn't like it but in the end they respected his wishes and left. Almost all of them, anyway. As the room emptied JJ remained rooted beside his bed, her arms folded to her chest and shifting weight restlessly from one foot to another. She was chewing her lower lip like she often did when she was nervous. He fidgeted, feeling uncomfortable in his own skin.

In the past there was no uncertainty, no hesitation, no wondering over what was allowed. But the infamous Doyle-disaster changed a lot of things. Things had been said that should've never, ever been voiced and neither of them wanted to cross those invisible lines again.

Her thin smile was off, didn't offer the warmth it shoud've. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay? Try to get some rest."

Spencer nodded numbly and watched her leave the room, his once again aching head buzzing with thoughts.

He wouldn't be here tomorrow. There was no way he'd just lay down and sleep, waiting for the unknown. This was his health – his life – on the line.

And that's why decided that he needed to make a phonecall.


Since the younger man joined BAU Derek had taken it as his job to make sure Spencer was safe, no matter how hard the genius made that task. Derek had failed several times. But never, ever quite as miserably as now.

Derek sighed, rubbing his face and scalp with one hand.

If he'd get the chance to he'd go back to that day. He'd stop Spencer from ever setting a foot into that basement, into this nightmare. He'd…

Fortunately Derek was hauled back to the present by the sounds of shouting. He fixed his eyes towards a nearby practically empty waiting room. JJ stood there with her back towards him, talking to a cell phone and gesturing animatedly with one hand. In a couple of moments she gave the cell phone a look before tossing it angrily into her pocket and burying her face into her hands.

It didn't take Derek long to figure out what he'd just seen. He felt a stab of sympathy.

Another fight with Will, he knew without the slightest bit of profiling. Those seemed to occur a lot these days.

She walked out of the room before he managed to make a move, the traces of almost spilling tears still visible. A look of utter embarrassment rose to her face when she saw him. "You… saw that, didn't you?"

Derek nodded slowly, unsure how much he could say without crossing any lines. "Are you okay?" he inquired in the end.

JJ nodded and wiped her eyes, then glanced towards Spencer's room. "I… don't think it's a good idea for me to go in there now, but… Could you spend some time with him?" She gulped thickly. "I… He shouldn't be alone now."

Derek nodded, his eyes also shifting towards the door of Spencer's room. "I'll stay here for a while. You go home and work things out."

JJ gave him a grateful look, then opened her mouth as though she'd been planning on saying something. Instead, however, she gave him a small wave and walked away, visibly fighting the urge to look back.

Sadness swirled in Derek's chest as he watched her walk away.

Their team was a family. It felt horrible and wrong to have this kind of tension inside it. He really hoped things would get at least closer to normal soon.

Taking a breath Derek made his way to Spencer's room and knocked once before entering. As soon as he walked in Derek froze dead on his tracks.

Spencer was there, wearing his own clothes and obviously leaving. The younger man looked at him with visible startle and guilt. The genius didn't manage to hide his cell phone fast enough for it to be unnoticed. He'd clearly called someone.

Derek's eyebrows furrowed. "You'd better explain or I'll call in every nurse within earshot."


Spencer found it increasingly difficult to focus on the situation at hand when the thing in his abdomen kept growing more and more restless as the car sped on. He would've really, really needed to focus right now.

"Are you sure about this? That we can trust this guy?" Derek's voice was as tight as the look on the man's face. The older agent cast a brief sideways glance towards him before focusing on the road once more. "It isn't too late to turn around."

Yes, it is, Spencer wanted to say. Instead he took a breath and swallowed, trying to regain control over his upset stomach. "There's… something growing in my stomach. It's taking control over my mind and body. I need to know what it is. I need to do this or I'll…" Somehow saying 'lose my mind' didn't feel all that appealing. He licked his lips. "If he's my only chance I'll take it."

Derek merely nodded, clearly understanding. Somehow the agreement helped Spencer calm down the slightest bit. It almost made him happy about not being alone.

And then the car pulled to a stop. Spencer blinked twice, then turned his head slowly to see where they'd arrived.

It was a huge, wooden house that clearly hadn't been loved for a very long time. Time, weather and thoughtless people had left their marks on the dark walls and the roof had already sunken in slightly. Only one window hadn't been smashed. If it wasn't for the candle burning behind that window Spencer would've thought the place was abandoned.

"Great…", Derek muttered.

The thing inside Spencer was squirming furiously once more, throwing kicks and punches like it'd been attempting to force its way out. It made Spencer feel nauseous – and determined.

He climbed out of the car, not even hearing the questions Derek voiced, and began to make his way towards the building's door that was hanging loosely in its place. The door opened loudly, with howled protests, when he finally made his way to it. He coughed at the dust and the foul smell that wrapped around him as soon as he took a step inside.

What the hell was he doing?

"Reid." Derek's voice was tight as the man looked around, as though investigating a crime scene. "I think we should…"

Just then they heard steps. It took less than five seconds before a tall, white man of Derek's age was stood before them. There was a pleasant, somehow calming look on the man's face and his grey eyes were warm behind a pair glasses. "I see you brought agent Morgan along, but that's alright." The man looked at them both. "I'm sorry about this place but it's safe and private here. I'm Dr. Lucas Castro. I assume you have questions concerning this… situation."

Derek took a step closer to Spencer, folding his arms. Under different circumstances it might've appeared amusing. "How did you find out about Reid's situation, anyway?"

Dr. Castro turned his head towards Derek, allowing Spencer too see his long, black hair that'd been tied to a loose braid. "I have my associates. An old friend decided that it was time for me to return a favor."

"A friend?" Derek inquired in a loudly speaking tone but didn't get even a reaction in return.

Tossing all caution to the wind Spencer spoke, his heart pounding furiously. His hand landed on his stomach where it felt like the thing had been trembling. "What is this thing?" His voice was so tense it almost broke. "What… What attacked me? I… I couldn't even see it."

"That's because it moved so fast that your eyes couldn't focus on it properly." Dr. Castro took a breath, all the man's focus locking on him. "I ran into it for the first time six years ago, when I was still an intern. No one knows exactly what it is. It escaped from the laboratory before it could be examined properly. We did, however, find out that it was male – and gravid."

Spencer and Derek both stared at the man incredulously but only the latter managed to voice the actual question. "What?"

"Amongst this species males are the carriers. Females deliver their eggs when they're in heat", Dr. Castro explained. "That particular individual escaped from us just as it was about to deliver the descendant, but since then I've met… a couple of people the said female progeny has impregnated." The man looked at Spencer long and hard, obviously wondering if he was truly ready to hear all this. "Wesley Strummer… A seed had been planted into him as well. I performed the autopsy myself. It needed to reproduce again after Wesley's death." (1)

It took a moment before Spencer's brain caught on, made the terrifying connections. His eyes flew wide while cold took over absolutely all his body.

Wesley… He'd wondered what turned to man into a serial killer. Now he knew.

His hand found its way to his stomach when the thing began to kick and squirm once again, clearly sensing his distress.

It was Derek's voice that finally brought him back to the present. "Reid? Are you okay?"

Spencer didn't manage to focus on his best friend. His wide, terrified eyes were on the doctor. "It… It took over his mind, didn't it?" He remembered the sick dreams he'd been having, all those nauseating flashes, how they clearly excited the thing inside him.

Dr. Castro nodded slowly. "That's what it looks like. Apparently he even tried taking drugs to silence it but nothing helped."

Spencer felt even more sick to his stomach than before and had to look away. A stinging sensation took over his eyes.

For the first time Dr. Castro's face softened. It even looked like the man came close to smiling. "I can see you're stronger than that, Dr. Reid. And it looks like it does as well. It doesn't like the limitations you're setting but it also knows that your stress won't do either one of you any good. For now it plays by your rules and waits. It may even bond with you."

Spencer swallowed convulsively, folding his arms to his chest. For the first time in his life his mind was completely, utterly blank.

"Stop humanizing it." There was a storm in his Derek's narrowed eyes. "We didn't come here for a biology class – we came here to find out how to get rid of that parasite before it's too late."

Dr. Castro's eyebrow bounced up. "Perhaps you did. But I'm not so sure about Dr. Reid."

It was around then Spencer realized where the doctor's eyes were directed and followed them. He swallowed thickly once more.

His hand had slid down to rest on the swell of his belly, tender and protective. The thing… was perfectly still against his hold, waiting. The faint chirping sound he heard was audibly scared and his body was clearly reacting to it.

Derek's eyes were nearly shocked. "You are planning on getting rid of it, right?"

Spencer gulped thickly, then whispered the only honest answer. "I don't know." He didn't know anything anymore.

Derek's eyes widened. "Reid…!"

Dr. Castro went on, catching their attention. The man's eyes strayed towards Spencer's stomach once more, making him feel extremely uncomfortable. "You're around six weeks along, correct?"

Spencer nodded stiffly, feeling a bit dizzy. "Yeah." Nausea waved inside him as unstoppable flashes of memory ravished him.

Dr. Castro's eyes were a lot more sad than he would've liked. "It's too big to be terminated without it affecting your wellbeing. These things… grow quite fast, as you've probably assumed. It's a miracle you're not showing more than you already are."

Spencer shuddered and licked his lips. "How fast?"

Dr. Castro's jaw tightened. "It takes around thirteen weeks before it's fully developed, possibly not even that much."

There was a long, thick silence. "How the hell is it supposed to come out?" Derek demanded, sounded petrified.

The look on the doctor's face made Spencer's heart still for several endless moments. "It'll find a way", the man stated in a hollow tone that carried chilling finality.

Before any of them could say another word Derek's cell phone started ringing. The dark skinned man picked up after swearing under his breath and spoke a couple of gruff words, then hung up. "It was JJ. We've gotta head back."

Spencer nodded, his throat feeling choked. "'K." He tried to stand a big straighter, to maintain a brave front. "You can go to the car. I… I've gotta use the bathroom."

Derek nodded, clearly not eager to hear more. The man cast a one more, mistrust and warning filled glance towards Dr. Castro before leaving with visible reluctance.

It wasn't until they were alone before Spencer focused on the doctor again. He cleared his throat, shaking a little. "You… said there's been others." His voice carried a touch of despair but he didn't care. "Has any of them made it?"

The doctor's eyes spoke all necessary. There was a long, stone hard pause. "Dr. Reid… I really hope you'll call me again because I want to help you through this."

Spencer nodded slowly, unsure of what to think. Based on the furious kicking and squirming the thing inside him didn't like this offer at all. "Do you… think I've got a chance?" A fool's hope was better than no hope, he decided.

Dr. Castro's lips formed a tiny, slightly sad smile. "I'd like to help you get one."


As soon as Derek made his way to the car he checked to be sure Spencer wasn't coming, then took his cell phone and chose the first person on his speed dial. "Hey baby girl", he greeted before she got the chance to say a word, his voice barely recognizable. He paused for a second, trying to clear his head. "Could you do me a favor?"

Penelope scoffed. "What kind of a question is that? You know I'd do anything for you."

He couldn't help but smile at that until the situation crashed down on him once more. "Yeah, I know." He felt how a deep line appeared to his forehead. "Run a background check on Dr. Lucas Castro."

"Just a second, hot stuff." The moment of quiet seemed to last a lifetime. "Okay, here we go. It looks like Lucas has been a good boy – no fines or charges. He does seem to like strip clubs a bit too much, though. A highly educated pervert but I guess that's not illegal." She then emitted a sound of surprise. "Now this is interesting."

Chills ran up and down Derek's back. "What is?"

"Four years from the beginning of his career, including his last intern year, have been classified as restricted information. After that he worked in Saint Albans hospital until he resigned about a year ago. Since then he's been… doing nothing much, really."

Derek frowned, the chills from before intensifying. He really, really didn't like where this was going. Just then he saw Spencer approaching through the rearview mirror. "Thanks, I owe you one. I've gotta go. I'll call you later."

"Anytime, sweet cheeks. If you're with Reid tell him I'll slap him if he ever runs away from a hospital again and hug him for me."

Derek's frown eased the slightest bit. "I will." He managed to hang up just as Spencer opened the car's door. His eyes observed the younger man as the brunet sat down. "Are you okay?"

Spencer nodded although it was clear his mind was completely elsewhere. "Let's just get away from here."

Derek was more than happy to do just that.


Dr. Castro observed through one of the broken windows as the car disappeared. He stood there deep in thought until his cell phone started ringing. He didn't bother checking who the caller was. "It's the real thing", he announced.

"I was afraid it would be." It took a while before the other went on. "So what next?"

Dr. Castro's eyes narrowed but his tone remained pleasant. "If anything can lure that monster here… it's the thing growing inside Dr. Reid." His eyes traveled towards one of his glowed hands. He balled the fist as tightly as he could. "And when it comes… We'll be ready."

The pause that followed was tense. His associate wasn't stupid. "Using him as a bait was not a part of the deal, Lucas. Just so you know… If you break the deal I'll find you and rip you to pieces with my bare hands." With that the conversation was over.

His face just as calm as before Dr. Castro put the cell phone away, letting his eyes wander towards the direction to which the car had gone. His eyes turned several shades darker than before.

His partner had clearly never heard of minimal loss policy.

Sometimes you had to make a couple of sacrifices to achieve the greater good.


On his fifty-second birthday obstetrician Dr. Alex Tenley wasn't having a good day. An hour ago he'd been performing a routine checkup on a expecting mother to discover that there was absolutely nothing in her womb anymore. He already knew he'd need a bottle of Scottish to forget the sound of her crying. Now he was supposed to tell a horrified sixteen-year-old that she was twenty-six weeks along with Siamese twins.

So yes, today had been pure hell. The idea of going home to three teenage children didn't sound like a very appealing thought, especially sober.

"Alex?" Dr. Gregory Tulsa's voice managed to startle him. There was a tense look on the abnormally pale man's face. The younger doctor swallowed and made sure no one was listening before continuing. "I… have a very special patient who could use your help. Do you think you could consult?"

Alex shrugged, fighting back a sigh. "Sure." It wasn't like he was in a hurry, anyway.

Gregory pulled out some pictures, handing them towards him. "This patient of mine… He could really use your help. Today I finally got his permission to consult you."

The frown on Alex's face deepened and irritation boiled in his veins. Was the other man making fun of him? "Look, I've got no idea how I'm supposed to help a…" That's when his eyes fell on the pictures and widened. He could actually feel breath leaving him with one wheezing word. "… man." Holy shit…!

Whatever was growing inside this poor man was not human. Hell, was it even from this world?

"Is… Is this one of Jennesey's stupid jokes?" he managed. Because if that damn brat was fooling around with him again…!

Gregory shook his head. "No. This man says he's five to six weeks along."

For the longest time Alex stared at the snapshots before him. Then, very slowly, a smile that revealed a row of teeth appeared.

For the past decade – since a error of judgement had landed him to the shameful land of prenatal care – his career had been going nowhere. He'd been a joke, someone whose appearance always made everyone shut up and dart their eyes towards each other or the walls around them. But this… This could damn well get him to places, if he'd play his cards right. This young man was his ticket back to the top.

"Yeah, Gregory", he promised in a tone he barely recognized. "Of course I'll help you. How soon can I meet this patient?"


It was no surprise that Spencer was throughoutly exhausted as he lay on his couch quite late that evening, one of his hands held instinctively on his stomach. He'd almost fallen asleep when there was a knock on his door. Not quite sure why he hesitated before before walking over to open. It was Penelope.

Spencer blinked twice and switched weight to another foot, not entirely sure how to feel about this unexpected visit. "Uhm… Hi", was what he managed.

Penelope smiled slightly. "Are you going to let me in?"

To be honest Spencer wasn't sure if he wanted to. He needed to think, because there was mile long list of things he needed to work through. Things he couldn't sort out if someone was there with him, making it impossible not to feel a thing.

He needed to be a scientist, not Spencer. Not someone's friend.

Spencer stepped to the side anyway, before he managed to stop himself. He frowned slightly when Penelope looked around subtly as she entered, until he remembered that she'd never seen his apartment before. He wondered if it was as she'd imagined but didn't ask.

As though out of a silent agreement they sauntered to the kitchen, where Penelope sat while he poured them mugs of coffee with unsteady hands. She accepted the drink he offered and took several gulps although it must've been far too bitter to her liking. Everything was almost unnaturally quiet.

It must've been at least five minutes before Penelope finally spoke. "I just… I wanted to make sure you know we're all here for you. That I'm here for you."

He nodded, and then there was another silence between them. A silence that was filled with questions and uncertanties.

Spencer looked into his coffee as though it would've given him all the answers in the world. "What if… What if I can't kill it?" He looked at her, his eyes stinging hellishly all of a sudden. He swallowed thickly when there was movement in his stomach. He knew it was against all reason, stupid and dangerous. That it could kill him. But even the thought of destroying the life inside him, no matter what kind of a creature it was… "I can… I can feel it, moving and living. I can't just…"

Penelope nodded slowly, her own eyes appearing slightly moist. It wasn't until then he noticed she'd taken his hand under the table. "Then you don't." Her voice was soft, calming. "Then… Then we'll just have to figure out another way."

Spencer nodded, feeling slightly lightheaded. "Yeah", he breathed out. "Another way."

He just wished he knew what that other way was.


TBC, RIGHT?


1) Remember, the guy from chapter 1? The poor, disturbed UnSub. (winces)


A/N: And the plot thickens, huh? (quirks an eyebrow) Talking about getting caught in the middle.

BUT, the question goes… Was that any good? Worth the looooong wait? PLEASE, leave a review, let me hear you out! (gives one's best puppy eyes) It'd mean the world to me, especially since I'm just trying to reboot myself. So… Pwease?

IN THE NEXT ONE (if you're still on board, that is…): Things start to approach the breaking when each of the sides reach out towards Reid. Meanwhile, more or less willingly Reid notices that his bond with the thing inside him is deepening. Next one out would be 'The Heartbeat', chp 5 out of 10.

THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking around! You guys are precious. (hugs) Who knows, maybe I'll c ya around later…?

Take care!


denise: Yup, looks that way. Pretty messed up, right?

Super sized thank yous for the review!


Miku: It IS creepy, isn't it? (shudders) We'll see what exactly IT is… 'Sounds like something pretty… nasty.

Gigantic thank yous for the review!


Moon Crescent Neko: Awww, I'm pleased to hear that!

Huge thank yous for the review!


Mandy: Oh how happy I am to hear you think so! (beams) Different it is. (chuckles) We'll see what happens before the fic is through…

Massive thank yous for the review!