let's make a deal

It was a rough couple nights.


I would only sleep for a few hours on and off. My bed was cold without him there, a feeling that I never liked. But even when we weren't in the same bed, I knew that he was okay, because he would call before bed. But this was different. He was sleeping in a cell and I don't know when or if he's coming home.


I went into the BAU early. Emily and I were gonna head to the facility today to figure more of this out. Hopefully, we can start to fix this big mess.


My eyes were glued to his desk. All of his novels lined up. The multiple picture frames containing photos of our little family. It was like he never left and he was gonna walk through that door any moment, bringing me a tea, and stealing a kiss before we got to work. I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear Penelope, JJ, and Rossi walk up behind me.


"Hey you," Penelope cooed as she pulled me into a hug. JJ came up and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Thanks for bringing him those clothes. I appreciate it." She gave me a nod. JJ and Spencer had been best friends long before I was around, so I could understand that this was difficult for her too. "So what's our next step? I need something to look forward to and think about." Penelope asked.


"We get him out on bail pending trial."


That was another worry I've had. Even if we could get him out, would I have the money to do so?


"I don't even think I could afford that," I sniffled out.


"Hey, I'm prepared to pay his bail, no matter how much," Rossi offered. I gave him a hug, more tears coming to my eyes. This was my family, and they were here to help me no matter what.


"Thank you so much. Thank all of you guys."


"You really think we'd let you go through this alone? No way, kiddo."


Penelope's phone went off, alerting them that another case had come up. "I'll see you guys later. Stay safe."


They gave me sympathetic looks as they started to prepare for a meeting. I went out the doors, preparing myself for the rest of the day.


Emily and I drove over to the holding facility, the anticipation killing me. It didn't help that the officers had to inspect us before we went in. I was behind Emily, but I could tell she found his cell and was talking to him. "I brought someone for you."


I walked over and he was finally in my line of vision. He looked better than yesterday, more comfortable clothing hugging his frame, a newer bandage wrapped around his hand. I could also tell that sleep helped him come down from his high. He looked better physically, but I knew that he was nervous.


"Hey Spence. You look like you got a better sleep than me."


His face fell, scanning over my features. I could tell he was more worried about me than anything, that's just who he was.


"It could have been better." He sent a weak smile towards my direction.


"So I have a friend of mine," Emily started. "She's an excellent lawyer. If you'd like, I could give her a call to help you out." He nodded his head as she stepped away to make the call.


"Just so you're not freaking out, I managed to snag this," I told him, showing him his wedding band that is now staying secured on a chain around my neck.


"Good, wouldn't want it with anyone else. I just wish I could hold you right now, this sucks."


"Has anything been coming back to you?"


"Only in flashes. I've never not remembered anything before, it's frustrating."


"I know, baby. But I'm gonna help you figure this all out."


He gave me a smile, something that needed to be on his face more often.


"Being here with you is a good thing. It's stopping me from barging into the director's office and giving him a piece of my mind."


He let out a chuckle, slightly shaking his head at me. "That would cost you your job, sweetheart."


"I don't care. You've given so much up for this job, for the FBI. And when you need them the most, they just abandon you and they can't-" I cut myself short with a sob. I didn't even notice I started crying. "I told myself I wasn't gonna cry with you because I didn't want you to worry and-"


"Hey, shh. It's all gonna work out in the end, don't you worry." He was trying to hold back his own tears, I could tell.


Emily came back over. "She's on her way over. She's an excellent lawyer, Spencer. She's gonna be a big help. We've got to head back to the BAU."


I blew him a kiss as we made our way out of the facility. As we were driving back, Emily started up a conversation. "Talk to me, what's going on in that brain of yours?"


I started to fiddle with my fingers, trying to put my thoughts into words. "You want my honest opinion? This fucking sucks."


She nodded her head in agreement, an arm reaching out to pat my shoulder. "I get it. But don't think we're gonna give up yet."


"Thank you for putting your reputation out on the line for him, Em. We really appreciate it."


"My reputation isn't as important as my family. I'm gonna fight this to the very end and bring you guys back together again, no matter what."


When Fiona Duncan walked into the BAU, it was like a ray of sunshine was starting to peak through the clouds. She was talking to Emily in her office when I approached.


"Oh, Ariel, this is my friend Fiona Duncan. Fiona, agent Ariel Reid."


She gave me a warm smile as she shook my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, even though it's under these circumstances."


"It's nice to meet you too. Thank you for doing this, I really appreciate it."


We made our way back to the facility to make the introduction. He seemed relieved that we found someone who could help a great deal. "Now, this is a client attorney meeting, so I need you ladies to step out."


As we walked out of the interrogation room, I gave Spencer's arm a light squeeze, a way to let him know he would be okay and that I won't be far.


They were in there for a while, which I hope was a good thing. Turns out it was when she came out with a smile on her face. "He's gonna be a great client. This is going to be a struggle, but we can do this."


The tension left my shoulders and I could breathe a little easier. Well, until it got a little more interesting when she brought up the deal later.


"They want me to plead guilty?"


"To involuntary manslaughter. They're offering 2-5 years."


"We should let you two discuss this," Emily said as she started to usher us out of the room.


"No, I want them to stay. What should I do?"


It was a difficult decision. No matter what he chooses, it's not gonna go well for him.


"I don't think I could admit to doing this. And I definitely don't want you and Delilah to have to deal with that." He said the last part with conviction, looking directly into my eyes, practically my soul.


"Spencer, if you want to fight, I will bring my whole arsenal to the table. It's going to be a rough uphill battle though," Fiona stated confidently. He seemed to contemplate his decision.


"I want to fight."


In that moment, he seemed content with decision. He was determined to fight this until the end. But the punches just kept coming.


When Emily Prentiss takes a call and she looks scared after it ends, you know things aren't good. "Em, what's wrong?"


"They found the murder weapon. His prints and blood are all over it."


It became hard to breathe, but that was a feeling that seemed to become more common as this whole ordeal continued. Fiona came back, a worried look also came across her face. She explained that they found the weapon and their lowest offer is now 5-10 years. But Spencer was still determined to fight.


"Can I talk to you, please?" I heard myself speak up. Emily and Fiona left the room, Spencer standing up and shortened the distance between us.


"I think I know what you want me to do."


"Spencer, I'm not gonna influence your decision. Because I honestly have no clue what I would do in your situation. I kinda just wanted you to myself for a moment."


A small smile barely came across his face. "All I'm gonna say is that 5 years is doable. You can still have a life after that."


"Not in the FBI. I'd be a convicted felon."


"But you would be free. You can't do 25 years Spencer, it would break you."


He reached for my hand, tracing his thumb across my knuckles.


"I can't let Delilah grow up knowing I admitted to this. I can't let her grow up and having to explain to everyone that her father is a fucking criminal."


"But she'd get to grow up with you." We were both crying at this point. Completely confused and scared.


"I want to solve this, Spencer. I want to find Scratch and make him pay for all of this. But I'm not going to be able to do that before the arraignment. I'm scared for you, Spencer. I wish I could take away all of your pain and fix this whole mess."


"I'm scared too. I love you so much and I'm more worried than anything that this is gonna drive you and Delilah away."


I shook my head as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "You're not gonna lose me, baby. I'm with you all the way, forever and always."


He smiled and placed a kiss on my lips. It was passionate, yet gentle. I could feel him slightly tremble. When we broke apart, he buried his face into my neck and I squeezed him a little closer. I may not be able to get him out of this mess just yet, but I will not let him doubt for a second that I'm not by his side.


After all, I did tell him 'til death do us part' and there was no way I would break that promise now, not when he needs me most.


I really liked that scene. What I would give to just give Spencer a hug. But I hope you guys are enjoying the story! Next chapter is a real sad one, brace yourselves.

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