AN: Well, I admit to being a horrible person for not updating but it may interest you all to know that I had written a chapter and was basically done with it when I decided that I loathed it and completely started over. Which means this update took that much longer, but I'm positive it's a lot better than what I had. So, apart from that, I won't bore you with lame excuses and simply say that I'm sorry it took so long.

Warning: Not beta'ed so all mistake are my own. Also, I had this a few chapters back but here's a spoiler warning for the episode Minimal Loss. If you haven't seen it and enjoy this episode, you should really look into watching it asap!

Okay, no more chitchat. Read away, my friends!

Reid stared at the ceiling, making rough estimates of how many holes there were in the tiles above him. It was not the most pleasant way to pass the time, but it certainly helped to keep his mind off of the excruciating pain that filled most of his body, particularly his chest. His arm hurt some but it was nothing compared to his ribcage which was a constant throb and sharp, mind-splitting bolts of pain whenever he tried to move. Then, the most painful of all, was the tube that had been pushed into his chest.

That had been the most painful thing Reid could ever remember happening to him, which was saying something. The anthrax ordeal was also up there, but he had been so sick through most of it that he barely recalled the pain itself. This time, however, he had been wide awake and alert and felt every inch of it sliding into his chest.

Reid clenched his eyes shut, trying his hardest not to think about the pain. He had been offered narcotics but, as always, turned them down. The doctor and nurses had all been confused and tried to insist, but Reid stayed strong. It was not that he necessarily thought having some painkillers would send him into an immediate relapse, because he was pretty sure he would never go to that dark place again. It was simply because he just didn't want to feel that way anymore. Having spent far too long in a drug induced state, Reid was certain that he would much rather endure pain, however excruciating, than to ever feel out of control like that again.

So, as horrible as the constant aching was, it was a reminder that he had once again won the battle against narcotics and he planned to stay that way.

Reid returned his gaze back to the ceiling and wondered where everyone was and how they were doing. The first thing he remembered after finding those two boys on the side of the mountain was waking up and seeing Hotch standing above him. It had been a welcomed sight until he was told they were about to remove one tube and insert another. After all of that, he had been taken away for more tests and that had been the last he saw of Hotch.

Hotch, however, was not his first thought. He couldn't stop thinking about Emily and whether she was alright or not. It seemed like Hotch had mentioned her and Reid was sure it had been good news, but now that he thought back on it, he wasn't sure it had happened at all. He remembered Hotch being there with him, but he could no longer be certain that Hotch had said anything about Emily.

He attempted to sigh but the effort was futile against the oxygen mask which forced fresh oxygen in through his nose and mouth. He hated the thing, to be perfectly honest, but knew it was a necessary evil because even with it, he still found it difficult to breathe.

Frustration mixed with helplessness and pain was beginning to get the best of him. He was tired, he ached, he couldn't sort through his own memories and he kept finding himself assuming the worst had happened to Emily. It was all weighing down on him suddenly and all he wanted was to be curled up at home with a good book. Or better yet, surrounded by his friends, all of whom would be perfectly healthy.

Just then, Reid was pulled from his thoughts by a knock on the door. He looked over and saw one of his nurses pop her head in.

"Hi there, Dr. Reid," she said with welcoming smile, "How are you feeling?"

He began to wonder how he was going to answer that but before he could decide, she began talking again.

"Well enough for some visitors?"

Reid, now feeling his spirits improve almost instantly, nodded his head. He wondered who it would be but didn't really care as long as they were there and had news on Emily. He watched as the nurse turned around and said something to someone behind her, then she opened the door all the way.

Right away, Reid saw Morgan standing behind her, making his way inside first, followed by JJ and Hotch. He couldn't suppress the smile that came as a result of seeing them, even though they couldn't see it under the oxygen mask.

"Alright, Dr. Reid, you just need to remember that your rest comes first and foremost," the nurse warned, "If we don't think you're getting that, they will have to leave."

Reid nodded his head, indicating that he understood then watched as she left.

"Hey man," Morgan greeted, now standing beside Reid's bed. Reid watched as his grin turned into a grimace as he scanned over Reid's body. "Damn kid, you really did a number this time," he continued under his breath.

It was then that Reid remembered the majority of his body from his waist up was exposed which immediately made his cheeks burn with embarrassment. It was odd that he felt this way, but he knew he was small and frail in comparison to Morgan and Hotch and he just didn't really feel comfortable lying there basically naked in front of them.

"How are you feeling, Spence?" JJ asked softly as she lightly placed her warm hand on his arm, an action that calmed him almost instantly. He would never quite understand how she was the only other person in the world besides his mom that could have that effect on him.

Debating on the best way to answer that, he finally decided he would just have to move the mask because he needed to ask about Emily anyway. Slowly, he brought is good hand up to his face, the motion stirring up several flashes of pain, and moved the mask aside.

"M'kay," he slurred, not realizing how difficult it would be to speak. His lungs quickly rebelled and he had to take more frequent short breaths. "How's," he started before taking another breath, "Emily?"

Just then he felt a new hand on his arm and looked up to see Hotch staring down at him. Reid lowered his arm and allowed Hotch to move the mask back in its place over his nose and mouth. And once again, as much as he despised the thing, he was reminded of how useful it was as the needed oxygen filled his body.

"Leave that on, Reid," Hotch warned, sounding much like a father would speak to his son. Suddenly Reid was reminded of how Hotch had held his hand the whole time the doctors worked and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude overtake him.

"She's fine, kid," Morgan replied. "Banged up a bit but she's fine."

Reid allowed his eyes to close as he took in this wonderful information. They had made it. He honestly didn't know how it was possible given the accident itself all the way up to Emily's fall and his seemingly impossible lonely trek up the mountain.

"You did a very good job, Reid," JJ spoke softly, her words penetrating his mind and making him feel proud and embarrassed at the same time. He could feel them all staring at him which suddenly made him feel slightly uncomfortable but he knew they weren't trying to do that. He still appreciated them being there, of course, he just wanted to change the subject.

He decided to take the time to reposition, knowing it would hurt but also knowing the pain in his back from staying in one position too long was one of the only bits of pain he could fix. So, slowly he slid his good arm back to support himself and then moved his back.

Instantly, intense and searing pain shot through his torso and all the way down his arms and legs. He had clearly moved the wrong way and no doubt irritated one of his broken ribs. He let himself sink back down into the pillows and clenched his eyes shut. His stomach suddenly felt nauseous from the pain and he could feel himself shaking.

He didn't want this. He knew he must look weak in front of his team, but the pain was just too unbearable. He wanted so badly to disappear and sleep until he was all better, no matter how long it took.

Then, as the pain began to subside just a little, Reid noticed something new. Someone was stroking his head, their hand softly running through his unruly hair. He briefly looked up and, of course, saw JJ standing there, concern covering her face. As much as he found physical contact to be uncomfortable, he could not deny that her actions comforted him more than he could have imagined. He also notice Morgan and Hotch both staring at him intensely, their faces both etched with worry, before he closed his eyes again.

The pain was easing and left him absolutely exhausted. He knew that sleep was upon him, should he choose to allow it, and while he wanted to stay awake and talk with his team, he knew the opportunity to sleep was going to be hard to come by with the amount of raw pain he was in. So, with JJ's soothing hand keeping a steady tempo, he gave in to the strong desire to hide from the pain and everything else and drifted off into the darkness.

Emily stared at the ceiling above her as she laid on her bed in a quiet hospital room somewhere in Colorado. Being a federal agent certainly had its fair share of downfalls and apparently this was one of them. She sighed and attempted to move her leg, a motion that proved to be most painful. She suddenly thought back to her fall and once again felt embarrassed. She knew it wasn't her fault but of all times to be a klutz, it had to be then.

Still, she reminded herself, despite everything, they had both made it safely. Or so she heard. The last update she had gotten was that Reid was out of surgery, which had been successful, but his other lung was possibly going to collapse as well. Of course, should that happen, Emily was fairly certain that he would ultimately be fine given the fact that he was being closely monitored by professionals. Still, both lungs collapsing? That could't be good.

"Agent Prentiss?"

Emily quickly looked over as the soft voice penetrated her dark thoughts and saw a nurse she hadn't seen before. More interesting, however, was the fact that she was pushing an empty wheelchair.

"Come in," Emily replied, confused when she didn't just come in herself.

Emily watched as she pushed the chair in but her attention was redirected to Rossi who was following her in.

"Hello again," he greeted cheerfully, which Emily took as a good sign.

"Hi," she said with a smile, "what's going on?"

"Well," the nurse began before Rossi could, "I'm Nurse Emma, and I'm actually Dr. Reid's nurse but after talking to Agent Rossi here and your doctor, I've been given the green light to take you to see D. Reid. If you're up for it, that is."

Emily's eyes darted from the sweet young nurse to Rossi as if she expected one of them to say they were just joking. Emily nodded her head quickly, but regretted it after the movement made her queasy. She hid it from the nurse, however, and just made a mental not to not move too quickly as it irritated her head injury.

"Thought you might want to get out," Rossi said with a smirk.

"Yes," Emily replied truthfully. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me," he said quickly before pointing to Nurse Emma. "She's the one who fought your doctor."

Emily laughed as she allowed he nurse to slowly help her into the wheelchair. "Well, thank you Nurse Emma. It's greatly appreciated."

"It's no problem," she said as she continued to get Emily situated for transport. "I've been listening to the news and rooting for you two these past couple days. And now I can actually help out."

Emily smiled at the nurse's words, only then realizing that their story was on the news and therefore people knew both her and Reid. Or, to some degree that is.

Either way, Emily sat back and enjoyed the ride as she left her little room. She was beyond happy mostly because the fact that they were allowing her to see Reid must mean he was doing alright. In addition to that, she was just happy to get out of that bed. She couldn't wait until she could walk again, but getting out of the bed was a great first step.

Emily had already lost track of where they had gone upon leaving her room but when they did stop in front of Reid's room, Emily was sure it couldn't have been much further from her own. Nurse Emma softly knocked on the door and a few moments later, the door opened to reveal Hotch. He looked down at Emily and she suddenly wished more than ever that she was able to stand.

"Good to see you out of bed," he welcomed with the hint of a smile which meant a lot coming from Hotch.

"Good to be out of there," she responded while Hotch stepped aside and she was wheeled further in.

It was then that she got her first glimpse of Reid and the sight was less than pretty. The most alarming thing was that his torso was almost entirely exposed except for some bandages around his ribcage. Otherwise, all she saw was either pale or bruised skin. Then there was the oversize cast which seemed to have eaten his arm and was currently working on his shoulder. However, as she was wheeled even closer, the oxygen mask covering the majority of his face made the air catch in her lungs.

She didn't know what she had been expecting and quite honestly, she should've been thankful that there wasn't a tube coming from his mouth instead because that was far worse. Still, the large mask made him look even smaller, weaker and broken. And that didn't do Reid justice, especially not the Reid she had seen on the side of that mountain.

But when his eyes met hers, she saw nothing except Reid and the fact that he was okay. His eyes, the only part visible really, looked as though he had recently woken up but she could see relief in them as well and that was certainly something they had in common.

"We'll leave you two alone for a bit," Rossi said from somewhere behind her but she just nodded and responded absentmindedly with "Thank you."

She heard them leaving and understood why they had but she suddenly wished they hadn't left. She didn't know what to say to him, especially since he couldn't really talk back.

"Hey Reid," she said softly with a nervous smile. Why was she nervous? She didn't understand her emotions at all currently.

He lifted his left hand a little and waved, an action that made Emily smile. She had been so worried ever since he had left and quite honestly she was certain there was a point or two in which both of them thought they would never make it out alive. And yet here they were.

She took a deep breath and decided to address the guilt still gnawing at her.

"Reid, listen," she began, looking down at her hands, "Obviously, I want to thank you. I don't know how, but you managed to find help and ultimately saved both of our lives, so thank you."

She glanced at him quickly and saw that he looked slightly confused and slightly concerned.

"But," she continued, looking away once more, "I also want to say I'm sorry. You almost died and…"

She was cut short, however, when she felt a warm hand appear on top of her own. She looked at her hand, which had been holding on to the metal that ran along his bed, and sure enough, Reid had placed his hand on hers. It was odd for Reid to initiate any physical contact and Emily wasn't sure if it was because he had no other way to get her attention, or if he had simply wanted to grab her hand. Either way, it got her attention.

Slowly, she watched as he removed his hand from hers and brought it up to the mask on his face. She knew what he was doing and briefly considered stopping him, but she saw the determination in his eyes and decided to let him have this one.

"You remember," he rasped out before taking another breath, "the compound?"

He took another breath and Emily frowned and found herself wondering if maybe he was delirious.

"Cyrus," he said before putting the mask back on for a few seconds.

Suddenly it dawned on her what he was talking about and she had an idea where this conversation was going.

"Yes, I do," she replied softly.

He pushed the mask away once again and said, "What you said." Breath. "On the plane."

"Yes, I remember," she said quickly, getting worried at how hard it was for him to breathe.

"We're even," he finished before sliding the mask over his nose and mouth again and letting his hand fall back to his side.

Emily smiled and found herself somewhat speechless. Reid was known for being a genius of pretty much everything except human emotions but this time, he had Emily floored. She greatly appreciated the simplicity of what he said but the strong meaning behind it. The two of them had managed to escape another sticky situation together which would only make them strong coworkers and friends.

"Okay," she replied, still smiling. "I can live with that."

She took a deep breath and decided that he was probably as eager for a change in topic as she was.

"Why don't we turn on the TV?"

He nodded so she grabbed the remote controller from his bedside table and flipped on the TV.

"…Animal Planet. Next up are tales of survival in 'I Shouldn't Be Alive'" the announcer said on the first channel that popped up. Emily quickly glanced at Reid who looked a bit wide-eyed before shaking his head.

Emily laughed and replied, "Agreed." She flipped the channel again and was greeted with the news and listened to the anchor.

"Today's top stories: A fire burns down a home here in our own community and we have just received some new details on the two missing agents who were found only…"

She quickly changed the channel and turned to Reid.

"I couldn't handle that," she said truthfully, knowing that a news broadcast on herself and Reid was a bit too soon and way too weird for her to handle. Thankfully she saw Reid nod in agreement.

She looked up at the TV and smiled at what was now on.

"How about some Spongebob Squarepants?"

Emily couldn't suppress the laugh that came out upon seeing the thoroughly confused look on Reid's face. Clearly he had never heard of Spongebob.

"That settles it," she said between laughs. "Spongebob it is."

She then sat back and watched the lighthearted cartoon, deciding that it was exactly what she needed at the moment, even if she normally hated all things animated. She glanced at Reid every now and then and was amused to see him watching it carefully, as though analyzing it and pinpointing all of the impossible details of the show.

Finally, things felt normal. Finally, she could relax and all of this meant that finally, finally they were that much closer to getting out of Colorado and back to the city where she belonged.

As Spongebob continued to play, Emily found herself laughing at something different. Of all the horrifying people that they had come up against, and conquered, it was mother nature that had almost done them both in. Give them any serial killer and they could profile them and probably even catch them, but throw in survival in nature and suddenly you have a fight to tough to call one way or the other.

Emily glanced over at Reid who was now fast asleep looking the most peaceful she had seen him in days and she smiled. Well, it may have been a close fight but in the end, the profilers had overcome nature for the win. At least this time.

But then again, Emily had no intention of going for a round two and she was fairly certain Reid felt the same. No, she would stick to serial killers and perverts and leave nature to the professionals.

With this decided, she relaxed into her wheelchair and focused on the talking yellow sponge and reveled in the peace she felt inside of her.

Despite all odds, everything and everyone was okay and that's all she could ask for.

EN: I'm awful at endings but I gave it my best shot. Truly, thanks to everyone who stuck with me. I know it had some glitches but overall I'm proud of it and have certainly learned a lot from it that will improve my writing in the future. But not as much as all of the reviews and input from you guys, so thank you so much whether you read and reviewed or just read, I'm eternally grateful!

For those who haven't seen Minimal Loss and want to know what that conversation was, here you go:

Emily: "Hey, I need you to listen to me. What Cyrus did to me is not your fault. It was my decision and I would do it again. Do you hear me?"
Reid nods.
Emily: "Thank you."

Bye for now, pretty people!