Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds or their characters.
Morgan watched as Reid held a conversation with a really old lady who seemed to find the young man endearing. It was strange. Reid was always so awkward when talking to people on the job, but here he was acting as if he was their family friend. Reid had made connections with the locals and the workers who also volunteer their time here. He smiled as Reid gave the old woman a hug and handed her some food.
"You know, he's not what you think he is," Ethan said calmly.
"Why do you insist on explaining Reid to me every chance you get?" Morgan asked not in malice, but in true curiosity.
"Because I know that you want him. I mean, I'm not one for ruining happiness and I like Heather and all, but there is always another option. If you are a possible option then I will try to at least open your eyes. All you know is that he's a genius with a good heart that has been through some tough times and has nice looks. Sure you know his quirks, but there's more to him than that," Ethan explained causing Morgan to become speechless. Not that Morgan was surprised that Ethan knew, but how blatantly he stated it.
"Um, how is he not what I think he is?" Morgan decided to ask. He might as well get a personal opinion on Reid while he can.
"He's stupid. He's sometimes childish and naïve. He does stupid shit and when he realizes it, he will ignore it until it becomes too big for him to handle. He's a great liar and he too clean," Ethan shrugged.
"Huh?" Morgan said in confusion.
"It's the little things about him that makes him who he is," Ethan smirked. "What you see every day at work is not what I see every time we visit one another."
Morgan nodded slowly. "Can you go on?" He asked.
"Sure… he isn't always so home-bodied that you may have witness yesterday before we get here. In fact, he likes to stay busy whether it's participating in this community or simply working on some weird experiment that will have him up for weeks on end. He's a genius and as a genius he can become obsessed with certain projects," Ethan explained. "Sometimes the projects are pretty damn cool and I ask to join in. Other times they're just plain weird and I wonder if I need to call the loony hospital to get him locked up," Ethan chuckled slightly. Morgan smiled at the thought.
"But despite it all, he's sick," Ethan stated sadly and Morgan frowned.
"What do you mean?" Morgan asked.
"I don't know what it is yet. But it's pretty fucking obvious. He's been paler for a while now. He's quieter. His smile is faked on some days. I know it has something to do with his headaches and I can see that he's scared. One day, you'll be able to read him like I can. Just know that I knew him since we were kids," Ethan quieted as Reid joined them.
"Enjoying the old people Spencer?" Ethan said in mock boredom.
"Why don't you try talking to these people every once in a while," Reid said sarcastically.
"Maybe I will, when I'm 60 and realize that I need a honey by my side," Ethan said mocking Reid's tone of voice.
"Morgan you like this right?" Spencer said searching for back-up.
"Yeah Reid, nothing is more than standing here serving food like lunch-ladies," Morgan said raising an eyebrow. Morgan would rather donate money than actually get out of his house to do this.
"I will pretend that you didn't say that sarcastically," Reid said sarcastically.
"OH MY GOSH!"
They all turned towards the voice.
"Who's that?" Morgan asked.
"That's Nicholas, aka Spencer's not so secret admirer," Ethan laughed as Reid's eyes went wide.
"Save me if he starts flirting too hard," Reid said urgently to Ethan as the man ran up and gave Reid a big hug.
"Oh how I have missed you! I wasn't sure if you were ever coming back again!" The man shrieked.
"I was here last year," Reid reminded him.
"True, but with that job of yours I just never know. Oh my, your hair! You cut it again! Every time I see you it gets shorter!" The man exclaimed. Morgan watched feeling rather protective of Spencer. This man had no boundaries on physical contact and he could tell that Reid was slightly uncomfortable.
"Does Spencer not like men who date men?" Morgan asked slightly curious.
"Spencer could care less of their orientation or if they act like the opposite sex. Spencer just isn't over the top like this guy. And trust last year, this guy had really threw himself on Spencer," Ethan explained with a slight laugh.
"That is my only reason for coming. Because if I don't get Spencer away from him, that man is going to do something stupid and Spencer will be in jail," Ethan laughed. Morgan nodded slowly as Reid trailed off with Mr. Nicholas.
"Where are they going?" Morgan asked.
"Who knows, maybe Nick is going to ask Spencer out and Spencer will have to turn him down once again. I don't know, but if Spencer ever feels stalked. It's probably that guy," Ethan shrugged as he handed an older man some food.
"That's not good," Morgan said making a mental note of this guy.
"Nope, but I will give Spencer an hour. Then I'll go find him," Ethan said hoping it would make the older man relax.
"Actually, I'd prefer to do that if you don't mind," Morgan said slowly.
"Nope, go for it," Ethan allowed. Morgan nodded and kept his eyes on the clock.
After fifty minutes had past, Morgan decided that it was enough time. After all it might take ten minutes to find the kid.
He started in the direction he last saw Reid and Nicholas go in.
Morgan walked quickly and quietly. He didn't want to alert Nicholas that he was coming if the man was doing something illegal. Morgan sighed. Maybe he was overreacting. He saw that this side of the building led to the basement. Morgan wished he had his gun and flashlight. He slowly opened the door and started going down the stairs. Once he reached the bottom he felt for a light switch. Finally he found one and turned on the lights.
Immediately he saw Reid, who seemed to be in pain from the sudden burst of lights.
"Hey Reid, Um Ethan wanted me to get you," Morgan said softly as Reid nodded, his eyes squinted. Nicholas appeared and glared at the older man.
"He's mine," Nicholas stated placing his hands on his hips.
"What the hell? He's no one's," Morgan disagreed.
"Guys, stop," Reid mumbled as he stood up. "Thanks for showing me this place. It helped," Reid said to Nicholas.
"Yeah it helped until this idiot came in here turning on all the lights. Did that make it worse?" Nicholas asked softly.
"What?" Morgan said confused.
"Morgan I have a headache and hence I was sitting here in the dark. And the light didn't exactly help, but it did remind me that we have to go to the children's shelter which is just up the road," Reid said before Nicholas and Morgan started killing one another.
"But I just saw you!" Nicholas pouted.
"Hey, here's my number give me call sometime, okay? Thanks for the help. It actually worked," Reid said handing Nicholas his card.
"It took four years, but finally! I got it!" Nicholas shouted.
"Reid are you sure?" Morgan asked as he and Reid headed back up the stairs.
"Well he taught me something today and we had a nice talk, so I figured I could give him a chance at friendship," Reid shrugged. Morgan frowned. Now he had more competition.
Morgan slowly grabbed Reid's wrist and dragged him through the slight crowd. He was glad that Reid didn't protest and finally got back to Ethan.
"Well you seem pretty rested," Ethan smirked.
"This was probably my best experience with Nicholas by far,' Reid said rubbing his eyes. "Are you guys ready to head out?" Reid asked.
"Yeah kid, but I'll drive considering that you don't look like you're in a good condition to drive," Morgan stated. Reid gave him the keys without an argument.
"I call backseat," Reid mumbled. Ethan sighed and shook his head.
"You only call for shotgun Spencer. Anyone could sit in the back" Ethan laughed.
"Well I'm sorry for not wanting to be forced to sit in the front seat," Reid said mockingly.
"You two done acting like children?" Morgan asked as they made their way to the car.
"Ethan started it," Reid mumbled as he climbed in. Immediately he closed his eyes and tried to block out the world. Morgan saw this through the rearview mirror. He was lightly worried thanks to Ethan's earlier comments. Maybe something was wrong with Reid. Morgan wasn't sure but soon they arrived at the children's shelter.
"I don't like kids," Ethan grumbled. Morgan frowned. He liked babies and four-year-olds. Anything older has a conscience and that means they know when they are being naughty.
Reid tiredly got out of the car and ran his hand through his hair. The headaches make simple community service not fun.
As soon as they entered the building, Reid was greeted by children who remembered him from previous years of visitation.
"Hey kids," Reid smiled as they attacked him with affection. Morgan smiled once more. It seemed that everywhere Reid volunteered the people loved him. He wondered why Reid never said anything before.
"Guess what?" Reid said to the excited children. The all eagerly awaited his news.
"Santa may have put you all on the nice list and you might get what you asked for," Reid said quietly. Immediately the kids screamed with joy. It was a small children's shelter, given that they were in a small town. Reid wished this town had gotten a bit more attention, but it's mainly for people who want some isolation from the cities. Hence his love for the cabin.
Reid smiled as they ran to tell some of the staff members and Reid was soon greeted with the worker in charge.
"Hey Spencer," She smiled sweetly.
"Hey Marissa. How are you?" Reid greeted.
"I'm hanging in there and you I see you're not injured," She giggled.
"Not this year, I've gotten more responsible," Reid admitted with a smile.
"It's about time," She giggled.
"Exactly, so what needs to be done?" Reid asked.
"Well the kids wanted you to play with them, but we could use a few more hands in wrapping the gifts," She informed.
"Good good, and I also have their gifts in the trunk as well, but they are already wrapped," Reid explained.
"Don't tell me you got them what they wanted," She said in disbelief.
"What? I have an eidetic memory. I couldn't just forget and get them something they could care less for. Someone needs to keep Santa alive," Reid explained.
"Well you're the sweetest," She smiled.
"You've done the hard work. Now where can we get started," Reid asked.
"Follow me," She said with a bright smile. Morgan and Ethan followed like ducklings unsure if they should talk or not.
Immediately they came into a room filled with toys, and Morgan inwardly groaned. This was a lot of work. Not to mention he wasn't even that good at wrapping presents. He watched as Reid was greeted by happy Mothers and daughters, and even fathers. It was like Reid was made for this community. No wonder why he spends his holidays there. He wasn't truly alone.
Morgan grabbed some paper, scissors, and tape and started with the first toy. It took him longer than he thought it would and in all honestly, it appeared as if an eight year old wrapped the gift. He frowned when he realized that there was a hole in the paper where it ripped that allowed you to peel at the gift. Morgan decided to cut off a piece of paper and slap it on top. He put the name on the gift and sat it down. He glanced over at Reid who had done about four and each gift looked perfect.
He was slightly ashamed, but decided that maybe he just needed a bit more practice. He grabbed the next gift and the result was horrendous to his eyes. It was wrinkled and had too much slack. Morgan tried not to get frustrated. He grabbed the next gift and focused hard on making it look nice and tight. He held the paper with all his might and as he moved to put the tape on it, it ripped once more. Morgan wanted to throw the stupid thing so far away from his location so he would never see it again. He heard someone chuckle and he was going to throw them with the gift.
However he cooled off as soon as he realized it was Reid.
"Do you care for some help?" Reid asked glancing at the horribly wrapped gifts.
"Uh... Um, yeah. I could use some help," Morgan mumbled.
"Okay let's fix this one up," Reid said grabbing the box Morgan wanted to chuck. Morgan watched in awe as Reid easily sized the paper and box, listening to Reid explain every step. He was surprised how Reid didn't bother to poke fun at him for not being able to wrap the gifts and he admired how patient Reid was as he tried to wrap another gift.
"Now throw your bow on top and there is your first wonderfully wrapped gift," Reid finalized and Morgan smiled at the end result.
"Good job Morgan," Reid complimented which made Morgan feel even better.
"Thanks kid," Morgan said in disbelief. "Now, where are the rest of the gifts at," Morgan said feeling like he could finally wrap these gifts.
"Uh—" Reid started awkwardly. "It's sort of done now. At the rate we were going everyone else was able to finish them, but—" Reid paused, "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. It's better to have five cared for gifts than 30 rushed gifts," Reid shrugged unsure how to not make it that award.
"What about the ones I did before you came?" Morgan asked.
"You see Morgan, you really tried on those and I'm sure the kids will see that. So either we can remake them, or we can turn those in. Trust me, the effort is definitely there and the beauty of the gift isn't what's important. It's the thought that counts," Reid explained.
"So they won't think that I just threw it together?" Morgan asked.
"Nope," Reid said with smile.
"Then let's bring them in!" Morgan said with a hint of enthusiasm.
"Alright," Reid said with a smile.
They grabbed the gifts and placed them under the tree. One by one. Morgan took notice of Reid's slight OCD as he seemed to arrange the gifts in a pattern. Morgan couldn't tell what the pattern was, but the end result was pretty nice.
"Kid what did you do?" Morgan asked staring at the tree.
"Everything is art," Reid said simply and Morgan nodded unsure of what he meant by that.
"So what's next?" Came Ethan's voice.
"I think the hospital road is open. The storm is only going to get worse, so it's now or never," Reid said looking at Ethan.
"Okay Spencer, you know I love you, but hospitals aren't my thing. I'll play with these kids until you guys are done. Just come back and get me please," Ethan said as he wrinkled his nose.
"Fine by me, I'll call you when we start heading out," Reid informed. Ethan nodded and Reid hastily said goodbye to the kids and the staff workers.
"How's the headache?" Morgan asked slightly concerned when he realized how quiet Reid has gotten. The hospital was closer to the city and roads were pretty bad due to the nonstop heavy snow.
"Um, it's doing its job," Reid said keeping his eyes closed.
"Meaning that it's pretty bad?" Morgan asked.
"Oh yeah, but I'll get over it once we get there," Reid admitted.
"Reid if you're not feeling well then why are you pushing yourself?" Morgan asked.
"Because there are some people who have it worse than I do. Some of those people in the hospital only have a month to live. I still have years. Cherish every moment and try to make someone else's day just a little bit brighter," Reid admitted.
"Have you seen the same person twice since you started visiting?" Morgan asked.
"No. Most of the people I see die a month or two later," Reid stated.
"That's sad," Morgan admitted.
"It's life," Reid said barely above a whisper.
"Reid I am going to be honest with you, I'm worried," Morgan finally stated.
"I know," Reid said opening his eyes and looking out of the window.
"I wish you would talk to me," Morgan almost begged.
"I would talk to you if I knew what was going on too, but I don't so I will just pretend like nothing's wrong until I find out. I mean I probably caught the flu. But I won't find out for another few days or so," Reid lied easily.
Morgan nodded, knowing that Reid might be right. He could be coming down with the flu and it's just taking longer than expected to become full blown.
He parked the car and Reid automatically stepped out into the snow storm that seemed to have gotten worse. Morgan was a little leery about talking to people who were going to die. It was kind of depressing and he did remembered Reid talking about talking to children there too. Morgan wasn't so sure about this plan. Reid turned around when he realized that Morgan was still standing outside of the hospice doors.
Reid turned around and gently grabbed Morgan's hand, pulling the man out of the small trance.
"You don't have to do this Derek," Reid told him. Reid never imagined Morgan having any type of reservations or fears. He always pictured Morgan as the man who could do it all. However after today, Reid found Morgan to be less macho macho and more human. Despite how stupid it sounded in his head. He was surprised at how much he dehumanized Morgan almost to steel. However, even steel can be destroyed by a diluted form of nitric acid.
"Uh… Um, I can do this," Morgan said regaining composure and feeling his heart flutter at the softness of Reid's hands.
"Just let me know if it gets to be too much, okay? I'm right here and I have your back," Reid admitted with what Morgan assumed to be a blush, but Morgan couldn't be too sure. That could just be hope speaking.
"Alright Reid, let's visit some people," Morgan said trying to gain some level of confidence.
Reid went with Morgan to the first patient, which Morgan had to admit he was slightly nervous to see. He didn't want to say the wrong thing or insult them.
He and Reid slowly walked into the small room where an 89 year old man waited with a smile.
"Hey there young folks," The man greeted happily despite his own situation.
"Hey Sir, how are you today?" Morgan said trying to stay strong. He didn't want to show weakness around Reid.
"Well, I'm alive so I guess today is a good day. My gosh it's chilly outside, do you two not know how to dress for the weather?" The man griped.
"Sorry sir, I guess you can say we are reckless," Morgan responded.
"That you two are," The man said a smile on his face once more.
"So how long have you been here?" Morgan asked wondering if it was a good question.
"Oh about two or three weeks. I stopped counting a long time ago. I'm just waiting for the good lord to take me to my wife," The man smiled.
"So you're alone?" Morgan asked.
"Well some days I am and others I am not. I have children, but I think they're too busy for me," The man said with a wave of his shaking hand. Morgan wasn't sure what to say about that.
"Do you think they're coming down for the holidays?" Reid asked naturally walking towards the old man whereas Morgan stood a few feet behind.
"Oh I know they will. It's our last Christmas. I know Chrissy is going to cry all day tomorrow. I had the nurse bring in extra tissues just for her. She's the baby you know. Always was a daddy's girl," The man said with a half laugh.
"That's the best thing to be. Some girls gain strength from their fathers and it also helps them choose a husband," Reid commented.
"She better choose wisely or imam half to come back from the dead and smack her. I don't want to be bothered," The man joked. Morgan couldn't see how the man was so happy that he was about to go. Sure he's seen suicide by cop or bombers in his career, but he didn't think a normal happy person would just be so willing to go.
"What about you lady. Are you your father's son?" The man asked. Reid frowned for a second and Morgan waited for Reid's answer.
"I can say that I'm not my father's son. I don't think I'm exactly what he wanted me to be. I'm more like my mom and I have always favored her approval more than his," Reid shrugged.
"Your daddy left you," The man summarized. Reid nodded. Although it was painful for him to imagine a couple years ago, now he was at a point where he just stopped caring about the fact that his dad wasn't there. Hell, he was successful, he placed his mom in the best place to get care, and he can always get another degree. He did not need his father.
"Well I'm glad you made something of yourself instead of being angry," The old man smiled.
"Well Sir, I was angry for most of my life. Then one day I just said fuck it and I let it go. Now I feel like it's off my chest," Reid admitted.
"That is the attitude you need to keep through hardships in this lifetime. You will lose family and friends and a lover or two. You may lose a child. You have to learn to keep moving forward," The man said wisely.
"Is that why you aren't depressed about this situation?" Morgan asked cautiously. The man nodded.
"Why do I need to be sad? I've been here for 89 years. What more can I do? I'm too old to go take a shower without assistance. If I'm not independent of my own body, then it's time for me to go. I can't be forced down to my children. I need them to live their life," The man explained.
"That makes sense," Reid mumbled.
"Oh yes my boy it does. Now I am going to kick you two out so you can spend time with people who need more companionship than I do. It was nice talking to you two and it was nice meeting you," The man smiled. Something about that bothered Morgan. The man said goodbye.
They walked out and Reid kept a close eye on Morgan. He made a mental note to think of something much happier for Morgan to do.
"Do you want to go in alone?" Reid asked carefully.
"Uh, um… No Reid I don't," Morgan admitted. Once again Reid grabbed Morgan's hand and guided him into a room. Much to Morgan's dismay, it was only a child.
"Damnit Reid," Morgan almost growled. "She should be with family," Morgan said with anger.
"She probably doesn't have a family Morgan," Reid said as he put on a bright smile.
"Hey there what's your name?" Reid asked and she smiled back fondly.
"Kayla, what's your name?" She questioned back.
"I'm Spencer and that's Derek. Are you excited for Christmas?" Reid asked. The girl nodded happily.
"The nurse said that—that when I wake up, Santa would leave so many gifts! I already wrote to him a long time ago!" She exclaimed.
"Oh really?" Reid asked in mock surprise.
"Yeah! And you know what else?" She said her eyes gleaming.
"What?" Reid questioned.
"I get to join him sometime after Christmas. They say I can be Santa's new helper and only a select few get to do that!" She smiled brightly. "They said it's because I've been a good girl my whole life and I was lucky enough to be chosen by him!" She exclaimed.
Reid smiled, but Morgan stormed out.
"Why did he leave?" She asked her excitement dimming.
"He always wanted to be Santa's helper, but he wasn't always a good boy," Reid lied easily.
"Oh, he should write a letter to Santa. Then Santa might let him come too!" She exclaimed.
"You know what?" Reid stated "You're right! I will tell him that. Now here you go," Reid said handing her a small package. "Wait until tomorrow to open it. Okay?" Reid said calmly.
"Thank you Spencer!" She smiled brightly.
"You're welcome. Merry Christmas Kayla," Reid said softly.
"Don't go yet! Let me give you something," She said jumping out of her bed and running towards a box in a corner. She grabbed something and ran towards him handing him a folded piece of paper.
"Merry Christmas Spencer," She smiled as she gave him a quick hug. "Oh! And give this to Derek!" She smiled handing him another piece of paper.
"Thank you and I will," Reid said before walking out of the room. He had to find Morgan. This was something he didn't know Morgan couldn't handle. This was the one trip he would have to cut short. After a good five minute search, Reid found him sitting in the waiting room.
"Derek," Reid said softly.
"I'm sorry Reid. Look I can do this. I just panicked for a moment there and – don't worry. I can do this who is the next person. We have to give people something to look forward to," Morgan said jumping up. Immediately Reid placed a calming hand on Morgan's chest.
"Derek, this is hard for you and we are not going to see another person," Reid held up a hand when Morgan was about to protest. "Look Morgan. We both have certain situations that we can't handle. Mine is schizophrenia, yours just so happens to be this," Reid shrugged.
"Reid I told you I would come with you," Morgan protested.
"You should have told me that you wouldn't be able to handle this. I would have left you with Ethan. He can't handle this either," Reid stated once more except this time, he began to guide Morgan out of the hospice care and out of the hospital.
"I wanted to be there," Morgan complained.
"And you were. Thank you," Reid smiled as he handed Morgan the gift the girl had for him.
"Is this from—"
"Yup it is," Reid admitted as they got into the car. Reid started the engine and sent a quick text to Ethan. He then proceeded to drive.
"Don't open it until midnight or tomorrow," Reid said with a smirk.
Morgan nodded and frowned as he realized that Reid was driving.
"How did you get the keys?" Morgan asked.
"Easy, while you were distracted I reached into your pocket and took them," Reid admitted.
"Sneaky bastard," Morgan mumbled.
"Sorry, but I'm from Vegas," Reid smirked as he sped up slightly. The snow was piling up tremendously. It was a good thing that they left a little early. He also noticed that it was getting dark.
About twenty minutes later, he had Ethan and they were headed back to the cabin in the middle of nowhere.
For Morgan, despite the emotional rollercoaster Reid was able to put on him. He felt like he had finally bonded with the kid. Reid has never touched him the way he had today. In fact, Morgan never remembered Reid touching him at all until today. Morgan always initiated the touch somehow. I gave Morgan butterflies just to think about it as soon as he saw Heather in the driveway, they died. He forgot about her.
Secondly, his heart cracked when Reid greeted her with a kiss, but he did his best not to show it, however Ethan made it obvious that he saw Morgan's expression. Morgan just wished that he could get rid of her. He doesn't want to kill her per say, but if she wanted ten thousand dollars, he would give it to her so she could leave.
"Ethan you wanted to drink right?" Reid questioned. Ethan nodded eagerly. "Well Heather here had put them in the fridge so help yourself!"
"Hell yeah Heather that's what I'm talking about!" Ethan cheered. "You want one Agent?" Ethan asked Derek.
"Sure and you don't have to keep calling me Agent or Agent Morgan. Derek or Morgan," Morgan said with a partial smile.
"I finally made it past that boundary! Woo!" Ethan said with too much excitement.
Reid smiled at how the two were starting to get along. He didn't see any more "I'm better than you" type smirks from Ethan and Morgan had stopped challenging the man. It was almost as if everything was falling into place.
"You seem happy," came Heather's voice as she cuddled into his side.
"Well they're finally getting along. No more alpha male challenges between the two," Reid said quietly as he watched Morgan walk into the kitchen.
"Well do you think he will stop challenging me? I think he wants me to be that stay at home wife or something," She said wrinkling her nose.
"No, I think Morgan just doesn't want there to be a possibility of me leaving the BAU," Reid stated knowing that it was true.
"I don't know. He's kind of strange around you," She admitted. Reid frowned in confusion.
"How?" Reid asked.
"Well his attention is only on you and well I've noticed that he glares every time we touch or show affection. You told me that he tends to club every other Friday, so I know he has no problem with PDA, so I think there's something weird about him," She explained. "I just don't know what it is."
Reid frowned and thought for a moment. Sure Morgan had been holding his gaze differently and Morgan has been looking at him with concern constantly. Maybe Morgan had been slightly more protective than usual, but it's Morgan. Morgan has always been that way. What was everyone else seeing that he wasn't?
"Just pay attention when he comes back," She whispered. Reid nodded once as Derek came back, and for once, Reid noticed the slight glare towards Heather, but his expression did a whole 360 as he handed them both drinks.
"Thanks Morgan," Reid smiled.
"No problem Reid," Morgan said as he sat down on the couch by Ethan.
"Watch this," Heather whispered quietly so that only Reid would hear.
Morgan watched as the woman practically threw herself on Reid and it was obvious that Reid wasn't expecting it either. Morgan felt the ager build-up in chest and for a second his head was swimming with so many emotions that he couldn't contain. He had hoped that Reid wasn't going to let her go on, but the slight encourage from him told Morgan enough. Reid was happy with her. Reid had truly believed that this girl was the one. Without further thought, Morgan was gone.
Heather jumped when they heard the front door slam.
"You see, I told you he was acting weird. It's not me, but us," She said. Ethan's eyes widened.
"Heather, you did that on purpose?" Ethan asked.
"Spencer couldn't see what I was talking about so I had to get Agent Morgan fried up," She justified.
"Damn, I'll go talk to him," Reid said getting up.
"Spencer, it's pretty bad out there. If he wandered off—"
"Then I will find him," Reid said as he too went out the front door.
"You should have come to me first," Ethan said to Heather as he walked towards the front window. Reid was already gone.
….
