Chapter 4: The Reid Effect

I usually do this right after updates but…actually, no excuses. So without further ado, Thanks to Spence FTWfor being the first to comment. Maya Langston, I'll try not to. dantexsin, that's the idea. tannerose5, thanks for your comments, they make my heart swell. honeycloud, you are the best cheerleader ever! XoxMountainGirlxoXthe brother/sister relationship might come later and thanks for the suggestion and I kinda like Cate than Kate so…Jand I'll try to proof read more. Sue1313, you are so sweet! fishtrek, I would like to think Penelope drags him to her hair dresser but… Pen's a total DIY DIVA so… I'm still clueless. Keep the comments coming, thanks!

JJ's POV

"Mama, I wanna play with Uncle Spence!"

My heart just swelled at my son's excitement at the thought of Spence coming over. He still comes over once in a while and he even hangs out with Will but even since the situation with Emily…our relationship has been rather strained. It's barely noticeable to others but I know the difference. There are no more random conversations, no more surprise visits, and barely any brunches anymore. He still cares about me and he hasn't stopped looking out for me, especially on the field but I miss the closeness we used to have.

I smile sadly as I hear Will helping Henry get ready for their little adventure Spence has planned for them. It's still painful for me whenever I remember the things we used to do together and the things he used to do for me. The conversations we used to have, the little outings, even the tradition of teasing him once in a while has died down a whole lot. He still smiles and he still doesn't mind being and he even teases back…usually not with me.

After the whole ordeal about Em and my reinstatement to the BAU, it was really rocky for me. Sure, Em and I became closer and Morgan and I trained but the one person I could always count on, I had hurt so much that he would barely speak to me unless absolutely necessary. He even became less and less involved in Henry's life because of his desire to avoid me. It hurt a whole lot because out of everyone, I always related to him easier. Maybe it was our ages being closer, maybe because we were both newbie's around the same time, or maybe it was because he is who he is: caring, thoughtful and kind.

I remember Will asking about it and I had broken down in his arms because it really did feel like I had just lost Spence. I told Will everything and even though he never vocalized it, I knew that even he did not approve of the way we handled things.

It took my son marching up to Reid's apartment (followed by Will) for Spence to resume being Henry's Godfather again. When the boys came home, I drank in all the details like a traveler who just discovered an oasis. Reid probably felt guilty making Henry feel unwanted, especially since my baby was innocent in all of it. Now that I think about it, as much as I craved for Spence's friendship, I also sort of hated him. I was so wrapped up in all of my problems that there were times when I didn't even know how to be a mother. During those times, Henry searched for Uncle Spence. There were times when I'm sure Henry felt afraid, either for me or of me but he never had any fear of Spence. I guess he "Reid Effect" either faded or was never really there in the first place.

In fact Henry was always more relaxed and comfortable around Spence. Even Jack seeks him out every time he visits the BAU. Sure, the kids love their parents and adore Penelope but Reid is like a magnet to them. No matter what, they always found the kids wanting to know what Uncle Spence was doing. Even animals can't resist him. When they were taking turns keeping Sergio, the cat stayed with Spence the longest. We all had this allotted time but with Reid, the cat flat-out refused to budge. He left the cat alone and I guess the cat preferred that.

And if memory serves me right, animals always tried to get to him. We all assumed they were trying to attack him or that they didn't like him but…What if they were making noise so Reid would pay attention to them?

I peek from the kitchen as Reid picks up Henry for their little adventure. As soon as they leave, well comes to me and envelopes me in a hug.

"He'll come around…eventually." Will is such an optimist.

"Will, it's been years and sometimes, I find myself wishing I could him a re-do button because he isn't how he used to be."

"Babe, remember that he's growing, too, as a person and he's gone through a lot. Maybe the reason that he has gone through." He's right. I'd hate to admit it but Will is right. It's not all about me…

"So…now what?"

"Maybe you should just accept him as he is right now, Jen. He can't turn back time either and he has had to live with a lot of things. Maybe what the kid needs is someone like Henry who just accepts who he is without question." Again, Will's right. How did I get so lucky with him?

"I…maybe I should. I just …I miss him a lot and I wish that…I…I don't know."

"It's all going to be alright, Jen. I promise."

A/N: Hope you guys like this one!