Hi readers, sorry for the wait. I had some medical issues then a pile of work that needed to be caught up on. But everything's good(ish) now! This is just a short chapter so people know I'm still writing. More to come very soon.

Thanks to those who reviewed the last chapter, they seriously make my day.

Spencer's screaming had attracted the attention of the hospital staff, and before JJ knew what was happening the room was filled with nurses. Two of them seized Spencer and tore him away from her, throwing him face-down against the tiles and pulling his hands behind his back like he was some kind of criminal. Another started to prepare a syringe, and another decided to grab JJ and keep her from interfering.

"He's not..." She tried. "Just leave him.. he's.."

But her words were lost. She watched in silence as they pushed up Spencer's gown and stuck the needle into his backside, then held him still until his limbs stopped slamming against the floor as he lost all ability to fight.

"It's for your safety, ma'am." The nurse who's hands were wrapped around her arms offered. "He's erratic and you can't control him."

JJ pulled herself from his grasp and followed as Spencer was moved back to his bed. His arm was bent behind him, his gown had ridden up to his chest, and they had left him with his neck at an awkward angle and his head wound pressed against the pillow. They didn't care if they hurt him. He was just some patient that they needed to keep quiet. They didn't care that he was staring at them with the same wide, terrified eyes and confused expression he had worn when he had first regained conciousness.

"He wasn't erratic." JJ sneered. "And we didn't need your help!"

"He needs to rest." One of the nurses snapped.

As much as JJ wanted to lay in to the nurses - to really let them have it - logically she knew it was the exhaustion talking and nothing good could come of it. Instead she went to Spencer and began to wipe away the drool that was already starting down his chin, with her sleeve.

"It's a strong sedative, he'll be out for hours." She heard a voice say, but she didn't take her eyes off Spencer. His own were drooping, and he looked to the door again as he struggled to stay awake.

"You might as well go home."

"There are forms you need to sign at the front desk. Mr Reid doesn't have medical insurance."

"I'm not cleaning the floor, get one of the students to do it."

Then she heard the door close behind them.

With some difficulty, JJ straightened Spencer's body and got him on to his side. She reached over to the side table and grabbed a wad of tissues, gently wiping his face with them as she waited for him to calm.

"Close your eyes, honey." She told him, but he continued to struggle. JJ pulled Spencer's comforter over his body and scowled when she realized not one of the nurses had thought to change his gown. She would get someone to do it when he was asleep, she couldn't lift him by herself. Spencer's hand found her wrist, weakly trembling as he tried to hold on tight. JJ noticed Spencer's stuffed dog laying on the floor and with her free hand she bent down to pick it up for him; when she turned back; he was asleep.

As much as JJ worried about Spencer waking up alone, logically she knew she needed to spend one day away from him and with her family. She needed to rest, especially if she wanted him discharged.

Walking to her car, JJ pulled out her phone and turned it on for the first time in a few days. JJ ignored the 26 messages from Garcia, Morgan and Hotch. She flicked through them quickly, putting their worries on hold while she sent a quick text to Will, letting him know she was on her way home.

Just as she was about to put her phone away, it buzzed in her hand and the screen lit up with yet another message from Garcia.

JJ, PLEASE!

She opened the conversation, scrolling to the top.

Hows Reid doing?

We r worried

Earth 2 JJ

JJ :(

Ur scaring me now has smthg happned?

Tryin u again. TXT ME BACK!

Staring at the phone, JJ couldn't help but roll her eyes, before realizing that if she was in Garcia's position she would be doing exactly the same thing. She dialed Hotch's number and waited for him to pick up. He would fill everyone else in, anyway, and she needed to talk to him about Reid's medical expenses.

The phone only rang twice.

"JJ." His voice was serious, but there was a definate aura of concern. "We just got home from a case. How's Reid?"

JJ sighed and shook her head. She could tell him that Spencer wasn't speaking. That he was letting someone else feed him and bathe him because he couldn't do it himself. That she wasn't sure if the smartest man she'd ever known - her best friend - even knew who she was anymore.

"JJ? Is everything okay? I got a phone-call about Reid's bills, Dave and I are coming down to-"

"Hotch I need to take him home." JJ managed. "He can't... it's not good for him. Please."

JJ knew what was coming.

"JJ, there are hospitals -"

"No." She said firmly. She did her best to push away the sudden surge of anger that ran through her when she thought about the team; sitting in the office, carrying on with life as usual while Spencer lay in that damn bed. She wasn't going to bring up Hankel and the complete lack of compassion they had showed him after Georgia. Herself included. Spencer wasn't going to be left alone again. He wasn't going to be abandoned at some hospital.

"I can do this, Hotch." She told him. "I have vacation time, I'll use it up."

She was expecting the lecture that followed. No, they didn't know what had happened to Reid and how 'damaged' he was. Yes, maybe a psychiatric hospital would better cater to some of his needs. And yes, she did realize she didn't owe Spencer anything.

What JJ wasn't expecting; was for Hotch to agree with her.

In the next chapter, Spencer finally goes home. Please review :)