Complete silence fell over the agents of the Behavioral Analysis Unit as Derek Morgan walked into the bull-pen. Aaron Hotchner paused in his review of an old case and strode over to his subordinate.
"Morgan, you were told to take time off." Hotchner stated sternly.
"You did. Look Hotch, I just came here to talk with Reid."
Reid glanced up from the decades-old case file, brow furrowed as he studied the tense features of his teammate.
Hotchner signed low, upset that his orders we not being followed, and jerked a thumb towards his office.
"You two can talk in my office; however, I expect you to adhere to my directions and go home after, Morgan."
Morgan mumbled his thanks and ascended the stairs to Hotchner's office, knowing that his genius friend would follow. Reid entered seconds later and quietly shut the door.
"So…what did you need to talk about?" Reid asked after a lengthy pause.
Morgan began to pace, agitated, "I know what I need. I know how to fix these feelings, these damn nightmares."
Reid sat back against Hotchner's hard mahogany desk, "What do you need?"
Morgan stopped his packing to stare directly at Reid, "I think…no, I need to let someone dominate me."
Although there was hesitation in his words; Morgan's demeanor was unwavering.
Reid paused before beginning slowly, "Morgan…"
"Not in the same way," Morgan clarified as he began to pace once more, "I understand that I have nothing to fear, haven't had anything to fear in years. But, I think I really need to be shown. I need gentleness and caring, but above all, I need someone I can trust."
Reid regarded his friend with steady eyes, "I understand. What do you need from me?"
Morgan bit his lip and gathered his courage, "I need you to dominate me."
"Is that really what you want?"
"I trust you with my life. You're my best friend man. I know I can trust you with my body."
Reid nodded and strolled closer to the vulnerable man. "You know that there is no guarantee that this will help. You will never be able to forget him Morgan. Carl Buford will always be a part of who you are."
Morgan blew out a mouthful of air, "I just want to quiet the nightmares."
"I know, but this is just a chance you are taking. It may not change anything."
"I am willing t take that chance. If I can calm just one nightmare, one memory, then it will be worth everything."
"Then I am willing too."
Morgan turned, opened the office door, and whispered a 'thank you'.
Reid waited, collecting himself a few moments before exiting. He walked to Hotchner and whispered into the senior officer's ear, his gaze falling to Morgan. Hotchner observed Morgan for a moment before nodding.
"Take good care of him, Reid."
Reid quickly grabbed his items and left to the many confused stares of his fellow agents. The cool night air immediately hit as he walked out. Morgan stood silently, waiting for the instructions he knew Reid would supply.
"My car," Reid announced starting towards the car park, Morgan trailing behind. The worn leather interior crackled under Morgan's weight as he slipped into the passenger seat.
"First stop will be your place so you can pack an overnight bag." Reid stated as he backed out of his designated parking space. He pulled onto the dark road and headed towards Morgan's house.
Morgan was silent. His leg bounced nervously.
"Morgan," Reid started and Morgan jumped. "You said that you trust me. Please relax. I would never harm you."
Morgan hopped out of the car as soon as Reid pulled into the driveway. He threw a look over his shoulder at the other man, receiving a reassuring smile in return. He was in and out of his house in less than 5 minutes, a small black bag slung over his shoulder.
As Reid reversed down the short driveway Morgan startled him with a question.
"You say that you will not hurt me."
Reid glanced over to his passenger, "I will not hurt you Morgan. You know that."
"It will hurt though. It always did." Morgan assured, face pinched with the pain of memories.
Reid looked serious, "It should never hurt Morgan. If it does then things are going completely wrong."
Morgan once again lapsed into a quiet state, not even realizing when they reached Reid's house. His exit from the car was slow.
A look at the well-kept house sent Morgan's fight-or-flight mode in hyper-drive. He locked in place by the beat-up car. Reid immediately assessed the situation, splayed a hand upon the shorter man's back, murmured a soft 'it's all right', and gently shoved him forward.
Morgan stumbled into the house, breathing heavily as Reid shut and locked the door. The genius shucked off his shoes and mismatched socks, and Morgan did the same.
"Relax Derek." Reid called as he strode into the kitchen.
Morgan did a double-take as his first name fell from Reid's mouth.
What a ridiculous piece of advice. Relax? Yeah right.