Here's the sequel to 'The Riddler!" If you haven't read it, I would highly suggest doing so. Otherwise, you will understand nothing. I hope you enjoy this story just as much! I do not own Criminal Minds.
"Morgan, why do I have to go? I'm pretty sure I can survive a couple hours alone!" Reid complained as he and Morgan climbed into Morgan's car.
"Reid, it's the FBI's annual Christmas party. All agents are required to attend. Even if we weren't I would not be leaving you alone. You have a tendency to attract trouble," Morgan pointed out.
Reid sighed in defeat as Morgan drove off to the hotel the FBI was hosting the Christmas party at. During the ride, Reid was lost in thought. It had been a month since he was tortured at the hands of Jason Gideon and Kevin Lynch. The thought that their partner that was going to come back for him had haunted him in the back of his mind for the past month. Since absolutely nothing had happened, he wondered if maybe the third partner had just disappeared. Or the partner was just waiting for the right timing, which Morgan had gone out of his way to not allow. Morgan had been the perfect big brother to Reid during this time, allowing Reid to stay with him and making sure he was never alone, making sure he was protected.
"We're here, Reid."
Reid snapped back into reality, realizing they were at the Renaissance Hotel. He inwardly groaned, wishing he didn't have to go to the party. He got out of the car and followed Morgan into the hotel where they met up with Hotch, Rossi, JJ, Prentiss, and Garcia. The team entered the ballroom together, marveling at the Christmas decorations and lights that created a light and jolly atmosphere.
Reid wished that the Christmas spirit present in the air could make him as happy as it did those around him, but something just didn't feel right. He looked to his team mates, his family. Their smiles radiated love and happiness for each other. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was someone out there, someone that wanted to break them apart. Someone wanted to take him and make him participate in something unimaginable. JJ's voice brought him out of his pessimistic thoughts.
"Spence, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he responded, trying to give her a reassuring smile.
JJ doubted that he was fine, but decided not to push him into talking about it. The team mingled through the crowd of FBI agents, chatting, laughing, and having a good time. Reid laughed at Morgan as he tried to impress some of the attractive female agents with his dance moves, only to fall on his butt. After noticing Morgan's predicament, the rest of the team joined Reid in laughing at and teasing the embarrassed agent. All the dancing and laughing had made everyone thirsty, so the Hotch, Morgan, Rossi, and Reid left to go get drinks for themselves and the ladies.
"Pretty Boy," Morgan said as he nudged Reid with his elbow, "I think Agent Ogden from counter-terrorism is checking you out."
Reid turned as discreetly as he could, and, sure enough, the beautiful brunette from counter-terrorism was shyly looking his way.
"You should go say something to her," Morgan encouraged with a playful smile spreading across his features.
It wasn't every day that a girl was checking Reid out, or maybe it was, but Reid was just too oblivious to notice. He wanted to go say something to her, but he feared he would just end up rambling about some topic that no one on earth would want to know about.
"I don't kn-"
Before Reid could even make up an excuse not to talk to her, Morgan had grabbed his shoulders and was steering him in the direction of the attractive agent.
"Good evening, Agent Ogden!" Morgan greeted cheerily.
"Good evening Agent Morgan, Dr. Reid."
Her eyebrows rose at the obvious awkwardness the young genius displayed.
"Dr. Reid was just telling me about how he wondered how things were going over at counter-terrorism. Would you mind telling him what you all are currently working on?"
Morgan smiled as Ogden and Reid quickly were engaged in a discussion about the recent projects and cases in both counter-terrorism and the BAU. He snuck away to join the rest of the team.
"Looks like Pretty Boy is distracted at the moment!"
He motioned to the two agents laughing and talking with each other. The rest of the team watched in fascination as the awkwardness Reid contained seemed to disappear. They looked in surprise as he took her hand and lead her to the dance floor.
"Who knew the Doctor could dance," Prentiss commented as Reid and Agent Ogden swayed gracefully to the jolly music.
The team took its focus away from Reid and began dancing themselves. They continued until they saw Strauss weaving her way through the crowd with a smile on her face. She was then followed by another agent that could rival Morgan in size.
"Even the devil herself isn't immune to the Christmas spirit," Rossi muttered.
The team laughed at his comment. Morgan looked back to get a look at the other agent.
"Who's the agent following her?" he asked the team.
"I think he's a new recruit," Hotch said.
"Why'd you sound scared, Morgan?" Prentiss teased. "Are you afraid that there will be an agent that can break down more doors than you?"
Morgan threw Prentiss an annoyed glance as they all laughed at him, but he soon gave in and started laughing too. The music abruptly stopped and the director of the FBI ascended the steps to a small stage at the end of the ballroom. All the agents turned and quieted down as the director approached the microphone stand. He always gave a speech every year about the benefits of giving and spending time with family.
Morgan glanced behind him to see if Reid and Ogden were still together, but he saw no sign of the two agents. He scanned the entire ballroom, not seeing Reid or Ogden anywhere.
"Guys, where's Reid?" he asked, his voice rising in panic.
As if on cue, the lights in the ballroom went out.
There's the first chapter! I hope you liked it! Please read and review!
