Reid groaned as he carefully stretched out on the semi-comfortable hotel bed. His entire body ached and throbbed from slamming into the ground after the bomb blast. He knew it was fortunate that his clothing had protected him from severe burns. As it was, his legs felt like he'd spent too much time in the Nevada sun.

Speaking of Nevada.

He'd finally returned his mother to Bennington. She'd been terrified to fly home, and he'd spent the entire flight, five long hours reading to her, playing word games, and even challenging her to a Suduko game to get her mind off the trip. He'd been partially successful, but – he sighed and tried not to think about the sedative they'd had to give her upon her return and the disapproval of everyone there at the FBI's actions. He'd tried to explain, but – he shut his eyes and fought to push everything into the box in his mind labeled Things Spencer Reid can't deal with.

His phone buzzed, and he smiled for the first time since leaving DC. "Hello, JJ."

"Hey," she greeted softly. "Everything alright?"

"I –"

Spencer swallowed hard against the tears that threatened. "T-they had to sedate her when we got there."

"I'm sorry, Spence."

The calm cadence of her speech and the apparent sympathy in her voice strengthened him. "Thanks. I'm sorry you had to meet her in such a way."

"It's okay. Your mom is amazing. How the Bureau treated her wasn't fair. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault, but – thank you."

"How are you feeling?" JJ asked.

"Physically, like I could sleep for a week. Mentally, I'm suppressing like a champion."

"We need to talk."

"I know. I'm sorry about everything, but –"

"You'd do the same again. I know you, Spence."

"I can't change who I am, JJ."

"No, you can't, but – damn it. We've only been seeing each other for a couple of months. I care about you. I don't want this to end while we're still – beginning!"

The irritation in her tone tried knots in his stomach, but he fought the urge not to raise his voice again. "JJ – Jennifer. I am sorry I frightened you, but I'm not sorry for confronting The Fischer King."

"I know! Look, I don't want to fight on the phone. I just want you to get home safe, and then we can - fight, I guess." She chuckled sarcastically and then sighed. "Spence –"

"It's okay," he whispered. "I care about you more than you'll ever know."

"I'm holding you to that."

"I can't wait to see you."

"Me too. Take care of yourself and your mom. I don't know if she remembers, but tell her thanks."

"She knows –"

"No, I mean, thank her for me that she's your mother."

Spencer smiled into the darkness of the room. "I will."