A/N: Long time reader, first time poster. Brief mention of Grey's Anatomy character Dr. Derek Shepherd, no need to be familiar with that show. Reviews appreciated!
"To be honest, I'm not sure whether to say congratulations or…"
"I'm sorry," Reid couldn't help but wince at his boss's words.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Reid. This is incredible."
Pause.
"How long have they wanted you?"
A bitter laugh, "Since I was 18."
"And you've ignored it this entire time?"
Deep breath. "The guy running the program, Dr. Derek Shepherd, he-uh, he just passed away. They want me to take his place."
"Who's they?"
"The president."
"The-, of the United States?"
Nod.
"And if you don't?"
"I could save millions of people," the genius whispered.
"I'm not trying to tell you not to take it. But is this what you want?"
"Dr. Shepard's work was based on Alzheimer's. But their findings could cure dozens of neurological and psychological diseases."
It made sense now. "Including Schizophrenia."
"I thought by 30 I would have found it by now. This might be my chance."
"This Dr. Shepard, he a medical doctor?"
Nod. "Neurosurgeon. The best in the world."
"But you're not-"
"No, but I could learn…. A lot faster than anyone else."
Fact.
"How much time will you need to take off?"
"A year."
"Full time?"
"Well… no. There'll be weeks or months where I'll need to be away full time."
"I'd love to use you as a consultant until your ready to come back to us. How does that sound?"
"I'd like that."
A turn of his head, and Aaron Hotchner's eyes met those of the remaining team members who had gathered outside his office, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Do you want to tell them or should I?"
"Come with me?"