A/N: This idea originally came to me as a possible ending for multi-chapter fic I'm working on but it evolved itself into something more. One-shot for the moment, may become multi-shot if I decide to take a glimpse into the aftermath. I don't usually write character death so bare with me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds nor the Criminal Minds characters.
Stab. Stab. Stab. Agent Hotchner watched as the man's knife penetrated his colleagues body half a dozen times, a dozen times, the visceral look on his face paralleling the viciousness of his actions. Every time he pulled his knife out, red stains blossomed outwards turning the profiler's purple shirt a deep magenta. Almost numb from the sight before his eyes, Hotch's mind barely processed that blood meant the younger man's heart was still bleeding.
After what seemed like forever the man stopped the attack as suddenly as it started. The man's murderous countenance was instantly replaced by a look of calm calculation as he stalked towards the senior profiler. In a single action he sliced through the ropes holding the team leader captive, the knife he used still covered in Spencer Reid's blood.
As the bonds binding him to the pool were released Hotch distantly felt his body slide to the ground, knees unable to support himself. The man stood back and idly watched as the profiler sat on his hands and knees, all the strength and fight in him gone. After several long, agonizing minutes Agent Hotchner somehow found the strength to push himself up and crawl over to his fallen comrade.
Reaching his friend's body, the experienced profiler was shocked to see blood still pumping from the wounds. The young genius was strong, far stronger than anyone gave him credit for, his heart somehow still finding the will to keep beating in spite of the blood loss.
The young man's eyes were closed yet he grunted slightly as Agent Hotchner pulled Spencer onto his lap and into his arms. Cradling the young man close he almost missed it when Reid's eyes fluttered opened and he spoke one last time. "Not your fault."
It was barely more than a whisper yet to the agent it felt like the words boomed around him. Something inside of Aaron Hotchner broke at that moment and tears spilled from his eyes as held Dr. Spencer Reid as he breathed his last breath. Held him as he died.
Agent Hotchner cradled the body longer after Reid's heart had stopped, long after all heat fled his body. He cradled the young man whose last words, whose last act in life was to try and provide some measure of comfort to his boss. Reid's death had broken him in a way that Hayley's death never could. He had owed Hayley his protection as the mother of his son, yet he owed Reid protection as his team leader, colleague and friend. At least Hayley had loved and been loved and had spent 4 great years with her son. Spencer Reid would never get to experience any of that.
He had failed the young man. He had failed his team. He suddenly knew exactly how Gideon had felt several years prior. He just wasn't sure if he could do it anymore.
That was how the team found him when they finally arrived at the abandoned warehouse where the two had been held: Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner cradling the body of one Supervisor Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid, his usual crisp white shirt soaked red with blood.
And they wept.