One shot?
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That's a long one shot.
Lol :D

This was so well written. Absolutely one of the best fictions I’ve read here. I’m not a fan of a Reid/Prentice pairing so I’m glad it was only hinted at. IMO, she is too old for him, and her personality would mesh better with an alpha male. Thank you for sharing this Reid centric story. The pacing was excellent and kept my full interest so that I did not want to put it down until it was finished.

Great story

WOW

This is so intense

one of the greatest story in this fandom IMO
thanx

Really enjoyed this story!

You described Reid's torment so well, and really drew us into his tortured mind. It's so sad that that one stupid mistake on Rossi's part was able set this terrible chain of events in motion, but then again, who's to say that it wouldn't have been something else? That getting shot in the shoulder wouldn't have set him off, or something else entirely (in their line of work)? His sobriety was obviously quite a fragile thing, and maybe always will be.

I liked how you portrayed his descent into addiction. It was exceptionally well written. It wasn't a sudden downfall. It was not a sudden decision to take dilaudid or even just one decision. It happened, one indiscretion at a time. He bargained with himself, lying to himself each and every step of the way (like any good addict). It broke my heart a little bit when he stopped telling himself he was going to quit and started telling himself he was going to be a better addict. He'd basically accepted his downfall. Poor Reid!

I also loved how you wrote the team. All the characters were well judged and very believable (very much in character) and I especially liked Rossi in this. I can understand his guilt (because he is at least a little to blame) but it's not like he knew what effect his actions would have or meant to hurt him. I'm glad they were able to resolve things between them. Maybe Rossi will worry less about his fancy shoes in the future, and more about his team-mates' welfare?

Sad that Spencer and Emily never got to tell each other how they really felt. Missed opportunities and all that, but Reid was right not to jump into anything. Rehab tells you not to start anything during recovery for a reason.

As for the future, hopefully the whole team will keep a closer eye on him now and know to recognise the signs a lot sooner.

Thanks for sharing! :-)

Nice start!

my goodnes, I loved this story

Very good story i enjoed all of it especially the rehab part spencer finding interesting things about himself like gardening write another one soon

Fantastic story - very well written and so in character! Thank you tons for sharing it! : )

The second chapter does well at setting up what is happening in Reid's mind and what might happen next. The end of both the first and second chapter leave me feeling intrigued. Great work!

Very good first chapter. You did great at establishing what this story might be about, but at the same time, kept the story in the moment. I can't wait to read more.

This remains one of my all time favourite criminal minds fics. Funnily enough, I actually went back and reread the whole thing very recently, so this final update is coming at a perfect time. Your characterisation is brilliant and the dynamics you explore are so interesting and so much of what I wish they would actually do on the show.

Also, if that epilogue is supposed to be setting up a sequel I'm so down for that, but regardless, I'm glad to finally have an end to this amazing fic. Thank you for writing it.

An ending well worth waiting for.