A/N: Hello again, everyone!

Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds. This chapter takes place the following day after the previous chapter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER AND MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER!

Previously on Criminal Minds…

"Us adopt? [...] That's a life-changing decision to make. […]

"It's a scary processing thought. […] But I think we'd be giving a baby the opportunity of a lifetime if we adopt…"

"…I want us to welcome a baby into our home. I want to make a difference in their lives, and I know you want to, too..."

"You know adoption takes a lot of work, and I do mean a lot of work, but if you get through the steps right and don't give up, you'll be giving the baby you adopt the home they deserve…."

Today was the day of Spencer and Élise's case worker, Carlos Birger, along with Fountain of Wishes' Home Study Coordinator, Nora Cruz, inspected their home since the next step of the adoption process was the home inspection. Spencer and Élise kept going back and forth, up and down, with the case worker and coordinator around their house as they made sure their home was up to standards.

The two always ensured the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, stairgates, childproof cabinets, and furniture were up-to-date and functioning.

"Oh. I feel as if the judge had issued a warrant on our house, and people are searching for evidence," said Élise, biting down on her nails. She kept telling herself that she needed to stop doing that. "Expect they're not rummaging through the house and tearing it apart."

Spencer embraced Élise closer to him. "It's not like they're violating our 4th Amendment; it's all part of the procedure."

"And if they did, I'd take them to court and get them for all that got." Élise crossed her arms; the two went back to the living room with the children, whom we're kept occupied with watching a classic 90s film."

"Mommy…" Séraphine caught the parents' attention.

Élise still had her arms enfolded and sat on the edge of the couch; Spencer stroked Séraphine's curly hair. "Enjoying yourselves?"

"Uh-huh…" Séraphine nodded her head while Isaac kept his focus on the movie.

Hearing nearby footsteps, Spencer and Élise turned around and watched Carlos and Nora, a petite chubby woman with an olive complexion, blunt shoulder-length red-blonde hair, and dark blue eyes, who stood beside him in the foyer. Carlos finished writing something in his leather portfolio notebook while Nora kept hers close to her busty chest.

Spencer and Élise left the children to the television and crept up to the adoption employees. "So…?" Élise almost rued, so she wouldn't have to hear the answer.

Carlos closed his notebook shut and tucked in his pen. "Everything looks in order and up to date. You get extra brownie points for having extra fire extinguishers, first-aid, and AED kits in almost every room."

Élise held her hand up. "That was my idea."

Nora stifled a snicker. "Well, you two should be hearing from us within the next few days, but it all looks good from here."

"Anything else we have to do?" asked Spencer.

Carlos and Nora looked at each other and replied, "Not at this time, so no."

The four adults shook hands and bid adieu until the next time.

Saturday morning-afternoon, Élise had an emergency press conference to deliver about the terrorist making his first appearance, announcing that he's been indicted on federal charges.

Élise was glad to have a quasi-relaxing Sunday, church services, quality family time with Spencer, the children, and Opal, and educating them about adoption.

But Monday started a busy week for her. Élise gave a statement about an international banking company agreeing to a guilty plea; she was later joined by the Deputy Attorney General, the FBI Director, Criminal Division Assistant Attorney General, a U.S. Attorney from the Southern NY District, NY County District Attorney, and IRS Chief Criminal Investigations on significant law enforcement action; and spoke at the White House Champions of Change Recognition Ceremony.

Tuesday was the start of a three-day trip to Chicago within under two hours and thirty minutes; landing as it just became afternoon time back in D.C. She was driven from the O'Hare International Airport and got to The Peninsula Chicago. Coolly ignoring the pompous media reporters, Élise was personally greeted and escorted by the hotel manager to the spacious suite that left her to see the cityscapes.

"Hey, Élise," Spencer sat back in a lounge chair and was with the children, watching them play with Opal in the backyard. "How's the Windy City?"

"It's going along," said Élise. "I still feel a bit jet lagged, but after having some lunch, I'm good. I'm on my way to see the mayor at the city's police department."

Spencer asked, "Wanna say hi to the kids?"

Élise answered, "Don't insult me."

"Kids!" Spencer yelled for the kids, getting their attention, and waved his phone in the air. "Mommy's on the phone!"

"Mommy-mommy-mommy!" Séraphine and Isaac were itching to talk to their mother, almost getting into a tug-of-war with each other while Spencer calmed them down. "Mommy!"

Élise giggled. "Hi, kiddies! Are you behaving yourselves for daddy and Rose?"

"Uh-huh!"

Opal barked.

Another successful trip. Élise got to meet the mayor, the city's public school system safety and security chief, the police superintendent, and U.S. Attorney visited a couple of youth centers and museums, ate the cuisine, and shopped around a bit.

And just in time for the 4th of July. Kevin and Cassandra invited some families, including the Bastien-Reid and Donovan-Putnam, for a barbeque at their residence. The party took place in their backyard. Some of the children were running around their luscious green lawn; some of the children were with their parents in the Olympian-sized pool; and some of the adults were playing tennis a few feet away.

There was even a mini-barbeque contest going on between some of the men. "Mmm…" Bobby poked his fork into his thin marinated beef slice. "Wait until you try my mama's Korean-style ribs," he then seasoned the meat with some more soy.

"It won't be long until you taste my beef suya skewers," Kevin bragged.

"Well, there's nothing wrong with some good-old Texas barbeque," Joel flexed his muscles. "That's our cuisine, and it's in my blood. Make my home state proud."

Harold scoffed, "Well, there's nothing wrong with the good old American burger and hot dogs."

Maeve, Cassandra, Helena, and Patricia hung under the covered awning; they rolled their eyes in amusement over their husbands. "Oh, men…"

After hanging out with Élise and the children in the mosaic-tiled pool, Spencer wanted to take a break and perhaps get something to eat and drink. He got out and made his way to the buffet table, helping himself to some lemonade, coleslaw, and a big slice of the flag cake. Spencer took a seat by the patio and watched the men barbeque.

He looked at his watch. "I take it your meats should be done by now?"

"Yup," Bobby answered, finishing turning his meat. "Don't worry, Spencer. No pork, chili, or fish."

Kevin closed his barbeque lid. "So, what is it with you and…?" he waved his hand around, trying to get a read.

"Do you really want to know?" asked Spencer, having a bit of cake just as Élise rushed to his side, along with Séraphine and Isaac.

Kevin frowned. "On second thought, I…think I rather not because I want to eat right now."

Spencer shook his head in agreeance, taking Séraphine and Isaac on his lap and continued eating.

The family got home at around a quarter to five, and just in time for dinner and an hour after that, Spencer and Élise got the children ready for bed.

It was twenty minutes until ten, meaning the one last thing to do before the end of the holiday celebrating the nation's day was the annual fireworks. The children managed to watch between five-ten minutes max of it on YouTube.

Élise was in the kitchen, getting their teacups while Spencer waited for her on the balcony. He slouched back in the lounge chair with his feet up and his fingers crossed together, watching the fireworks as they just began.

Spencer enjoyed watching the colorful fireworks. Or least until one exploded almost over the house and really loudly, following the whizzed, cracked noise.

"BANG!

Spencer gasped sharply and leaped out of his chair.

"SHOTS FIRED! SHOT FIRED!"

Now he started flashing back to Texas with the rogue rangers.

BANG-BANG!

He suddenly couldn't breathe, causing him to clutch onto his chest and hyperventilate.

BANG-BANG-BANG!

"BLAKE!"

"Oh, no…" he barely got the words out, and now came this high-pitching ringing; out of nowhere, it came. "No-no…"

BANG-BANG-BANG! BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG! BANG!

"No-no…"

"REID!"

"Spencer…" a distant voice called out for him, despite the flatline he now could hear, thinking he was back in the ambulance, borderline on death's door. He was at that point where he worried he'd never see his parents, Élise, the kids, family, or even the team ever again. But he couldn't even focus on that, or whoever wanted with him, because he touched his neck and now imagined his hand bloody. Little pants flew out of his mouth. Like, was this really happening to him again?

"Spencer…SPENCER!"

"Huh?" He snapped out of his emotions and rapidly blinked his eyes, quickly realizing he was in the closet; his back was against the wall, and he sat on the floor. Élise squatted down in front of him with her hand on his cheek. "Wha…?"

"You okay?" Élise sighed in relief. "You were on the balcony, and you…"

"The fireworks…" he whispered. "I-I-I-I thought…"

Élise knew it must have had something to do with him getting shot in Texas and hugged him, throwing her hands over his neck. "It's okay, baby. It's alright. I'm here."

Spencer flung his arms around Élise and had his head on her chest. Her comfort already soothed his mind to new levels and melted his negative feelings away.

After Sunday church services, Spencer and Élise managed to schedule an appointment with Dr. Truman, their marriage therapist. After greeting the two, the good doctor shut her office door, settled herself in her leather chair, crossed her legs, and smiled at the couple sitting opposite her on the couch.

"So," Dr. Truman began scribing in her notebook with her Lamy ballpoint pen. "How are you two?"

Spencer and Élise held each other's hand; Spencer answered, "We're fine, thank you."

Dr. Truman sat back. "And from what Élise told me about what's been happening with you, Dr. Reid, you've been experiencing PTSD."

Spencer massaged his chest. "Yeah," he whispered. "Yeah, I did." He exhaled a big howl and explained after seeing a firework explode over his house while he and Élise were preparing to see a private show themselves on their bedroom balcony. And that got him flashing back to when he was shot in the neck during a case in Texas.

"Oh, my…" Dr. Truman's eyes widened a bit. "I'm so sorry."

"And…I have a confession to make." Spencer admitted with some shame. "Or maybe two."

The 4th of July party ended, and while Élise helped the children change into some dry clothes, Spencer was in the foyer with Kevin and Cassandra.

"Thank you very much for inviting us," Spencer expressed his gratitude. "Really, it was a pleasure."

Kevin smirked. "Anything," he got a little closer to Spencer and whispered, "My soya was the best barbecue out there, right?" his remark got him a light shoulder slap from Cassandra.

"Daddy!" Spencer turned to see Séraphine running towards him, allowing him to crouch down and scoop her into his arms. She then flapped her hand at the two hosts. "Thank you!"

Kevin and Cassandra looked at each other and smiled. "Of course."

"She's so well-mannered."

Spencer plucked his daughter's cheek and gave her a kiss on top of her head. About a few feet away, a throaty gurgle-mild pop was heard. It almost sounded like a loud firecracker, but it was enough to make Spencer, Kevin, and Cassandra flinch.

"Whoa!"

"Daddy…"

Kevin peeked his head into the living room, only to see it was his and Cassandra's older son Quinten watching a show on the big screen television. "Q! Lower the volume on that a bit!"

Quinten made a my-bad face, using the remote to turn down the sound. "Sorry about that!"

Cassandra patted her chest. "That gave me a bit of the heebie-jeebies, and we're indoors."

"And this nightmare I had last night…"

Spencer woke up as if it was any other morning, only to imagine himself back in the ambulance and Élise—instead of Morgan, who was there with him—breaking down in tears when he started coding.

Shudders spread through Élise's body. "Why didn't you tell me, babe?" she whispered.

Spencer massaged his forehead, feeling a headache coming. "It's alright so much; I just wanted to forget it even happened" he used his hand to wipe his nose. "I, uh…" Spencer started scratching his head and looked away, not wanting to see the tears fogging his eyes. "It's got me even thinking about…" he had to stop himself from finishing that sentence.

"Getting shot makes you think about what?" Dr. Truman had her hands opened. Élise wanted to know as well. "Remember, you can't hide anything; you have to…"

"It makes me want to do Dilaudid!" Spencer uttered, immediately covering his mouth and widening his eyes. "It's got me thinking about Dilaudid." He murmured.

Élise ran her hands over her mouth and chest. "Oh, God…"

"Dilaudid?"

Spencer slumped his shoulders and wrangled with his fingers; Élise had her hand on his shoulders. "Over seven years ago, during a case in Atlanta, I was abducted by an unsub who suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder. He did… horrible things to me; one of them…was drugging me with Dilaudid."

"My goodness." Dr. Truman ran her hand through her sleeveless arm to smoothen the goosebumps. "I'm so sorry that happened to you. Is he dead?"

"Yes, but the wounds he caused and my role in continuing to use the drug are still there." Spencer twiddled with his fingers. "Sometimes, whenever I get so stressed out, I just…I just want to take a needle and shove it into my arm!" he concealed his mouth again, shameful that he could even say that. "It was a horrible time I went through."

Dr. Truman leaned forward with one hand stacked over the other. "Have you taken the drug since?"

Spencer shook his head exasperatedly.

"Well, there's no doubt you have PTSD. One of the first steps is early intervention: monitoring the symptoms. Obviously, you're here, so we already got that step down. Another step is never isolating yourself or allowing your feelings to avoid them getting out of control. Also…"

Taking Dr. Truman and Élise's advice to heart, there was somewhere he needed to be, though he hadn't been there in a long while.

"Hello, everyone," Spencer nervously addressed the fair crowd of strangers. "I'm Spencer."

"Hello, Spencer."

Spencer picked his fingernails. "It's that time again: I'm craving Dilaudid."

Spencer offered to take Opal to the dog park; it's been a while since anyone took her to one and watched her interact and play with some other dogs. After about an hour and a half, Spencer cried, "Opal!"

Opal heard her owner.

"Time to go!"

Opal barked a couple of times and ran up to Spencer, cuddling his legs. "Ready to go home?" he asked, petting her fur and then squatting down to put on her leash.

Opal barked again.

Spencer smirked. "Come on, let's get you home," he got back up and stroked her fur again. "Mommy's cooking you one of your favorites for dinner tonight."

Opal barked. She and Spencer were already at the gate when someone in the small crowd called out for him. "Spencer?"

Spencer turned around and whispered, "John."

It was John from the meetings, still looking as distinguished as ever; his forehead and fine lines under his eyes started to show a bit, and his balding hair and goatee beard were white.

"I'm surprised to see you here," said Spencer.

John lifted his shoulders. "I'm here with my grandkids and their dog. How's the family?"

"We're good," Spencer massaged his neck. "I, uh...something happened to me a couple of months ago on a case."

John nodded, "Yeah, I heard. Did it make you wanna...?"

Spencer looked away, scratching his suddenly itchy palm.

"Don't give up," John advised. "You made it all those years without putting that drug in your body...don't let this be your downfall."

Spencer nodded again. "Yes, sir."

Spencer and Élise got the children in bed, but Spencer was still sitting in an armchair in the living room, holding something in his hand and staring at it with mixed distraught and certainly. Élise strolled back in and stared at Spencer before walking behind him. When she saw he was fiercely holding something, she opened it up and saw it was a bronze chip; engraved on it were TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE on top, a triangle-UNITY on the left, SERVICE on the right, and RECOVERY on the bottom. Inside the triangle was VII in roman numeral meaning 7 in a little circle.

Spencer's sobriety chip.

Élise balled his hand into a fist again, gently threw her arms over his chest, and hugged him, resting her head on top of his.