AN: Sorry for taking so long in posting this next chapter! But here it is and we hope you all enjoy it. Reviews are highly appreciated! :D


Chapter 4

Hotch wasn't sure if he was looking forward to the tango or not. It was such a passionate dance and, well, dancing it with Reid would be a bit awkward. However he was determined not to let that interfere with teaching Reid. After all this was for a case.

Reid set his coat on the rack and walked to the center of the room, still a little nervous. "What are the beginning steps for the Argentine Tango?" he asked.

Hotch snapped out of his musings. He approached Reid. "Well, first is always the proper hold for the dance," he replied. Hotch curled his right arm around Reid and placed his hand on the center of his back. He grasped Reid's right hand and lifted their hands up to about shoulder level. "Your left hand should rest on my right shoulder."

Reid gave a sharp inhale at Hotch's warm hand on his back. He quickly composed himself, forcing the blush away, and placed his hand on Hotch's shoulder.

Hotch looked into Reid's eyes. They were very close now. "Good. Now like all Latin dances, the hips are where a majority of the movements happen. Just keep that in mind," Hotch explained. "Now, first I will step back with my right foot and you'll step forward with your left. We'll step to my left, your right. Then I will step forward with my right foot and you'll step back with your left. As I step forward with my left foot, you'll step back with your right and then cross your left foot over it. Then you'll step back with your right foot and I'll step forward with my left. As we step to my right, we'll pivot to my left, your right. Then bring our feet together. We'll go slowly."

Reid chuckled to himself, this one was definitely going to be harder than yesterdays. As they went through the steps slowly, Reid's eyes slid up to look into Hotch's eyes. But this time, he held eye contact.

Hotch was glad that Reid seemed better able to handle eye-contact today. It was important in the tango, but he had planned on leaving that for later. As they repeated the motion a few times, he counted the steps out loud, "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight."

Reid continued to hold Hotch's gaze and, at the same time, pull off every move perfectly.

Hotch smiled, and once he was sure Reid had the hang of the first eight steps, he continued the lesson. "Next is the forward ocho. We start with the first five steps to where your feet are crossed."

Reid nodded and went back to the first position. He found it interesting though; yesterday he was terrified to keep eye contact with Hotch, but today he couldn't take his eyes off him.

Once they got to the right place, Hotch continued, "Now, shift your weight and pivot to the left. You need to keep your chest facing me, though. Then we'll step forward and you'll pivot again in the opposite direction – I'll be stepping in the same direction your moving. You'll know which way to go because I will be directing you through pressure. Once you pivot the second time we'll face each other, then I'll step forward with my left foot as you step back with your right, then we'll step-together to your left and my right."

Reid nodded and shifted his weight. But he began having a little trouble keeping his chest facing forward. "This is a little harder than I thought," he groaned slightly.

Hotch gave a small smile. "That's alright. This is why you're learning. Do you want to practice just the pivots?" he inquired. "I can try to help you keep your chest forward until you get the hang of it."

Reid nodded. After doing so well at the Foxtrot yesterday, he was a little embarrassed that he couldn't keep his chest straight.

Hotch placed both hands on Reid's upper back as he practiced pivoting to help keep his chest facing forward. As he watched, he was glad he had some excuse to be staring at Reid's hips because otherwise it would have been rather strange.

Reid placed both hands on each of Hotch's shoulders and tried the move again - though this time he was unable to hide his blush. He started off well but, again, was unable to keep his chest completely straight.

Hotch could see that Reid was straining to get his chest completely straight and he stopped him. "Reid, it doesn't have to be perfectly straight. You're not performing a contortionist routine, it's a dance," he said with a chuckle. "I think that will do fine."

Reid sighed, happy he didn't need to perfect that any more. He smiled at hearing Hotch chuckle, once again trying to force his blush away.

Hotch led him through the steps one last time before deciding to move on. "The next step is the ocho cortado. We'll go into the front ocho, but as you make your pivot, I'll cut across you by stepping back with my left foot, turn, and step between your feet. After that, I pivot you back so that your feet are crossed like they were in the beginning," he explained. "Make sense?"

Reid nodded. "Yes," he replied, unaware he was sliding his hand across Hotch's shoulder slightly.

Hotch didn't notice the hand moving on his shoulder. He was too focused on Reid's lips and trying not to be focused on them. "Good." Hotch led Reid through the basic steps, to the front ocho, and then slowly transitioned them to the ocho cortado.

Reid tried to concentrate on the intricate dance steps but couldn't tear his gaze away from Hotch's. He fumbled on one step but righted it quickly.

"You're doing fine, Reid," Hotch encouraged, leading him through the steps again. "Watch yourself in the mirrors. You'll see you have nothing to be nervous about."

Reid took a look over Hotch's shoulder and was actually surprised. He was actually doing well! A bright smile shone across his lips.

Hotch was glad to see Reid smiling again. They went through the ocho cortado a third time and Hotch was satisfied with the results. "I think we should try a grapevine next," he said.

Reid nodded, waiting for instructions as his hand gripped Hotch's a bit tighter. The brunette was glad he was doing well but it was becoming more and more difficult to keep his blushes under control.

"The good thing about the grapevine is that it can be paired with any other steps," Hotch told him. "But for ease we'll start it from the basic steps." He led them through the basic moves. "Now, you're going to step forward with your right foot. When you do that I cross my right foot behind my left. Pivot to face the front. Step to your right and pivot around again. Then finally step to the back with your right foot. As you go through your steps, I pivot but stay in one spot."

Reid carefully followed the steps. These steps were a bit easier and he got the hang of them quickly. However, once he stepped in close to Hotch, Spencer felt his cheeks get warm and his hands start to sweat. He tried to will it away but couldn't so he immediately looked down, hopping his bangs would hide his red cheeks.

Hotch could practically feel the tension radiating off of Reid. The tango was a pretty intense dance, though, and he knew Reid was generally uncomfortable with such close contact. He figured it was in both their best interests to ignore it as they repeated the move a few times. "I think we should move to the next move," he said eventually. "Is that okay?"

Reid gulped slightly but nodded anyway. He had a feeling he was going to end up even closer to Hotch and, at the moment, the brunette wasn't sure how to handle that.

Hotch tried to give his best encouraging smile. "Alright. We're going to start off like we would with the front ocho but this time when you pivot, you'll whip your leg up and back as you turn. It's a simple enough move, I'm sure you'll get it quickly."

"O-Okay," Reid nodded. "I'm ready." he replied, still nervous as all Hell but trying not to show it; his head still down.

Hotch led Reid through the beginning steps of the front ocho before shifting side to side to help Reid whip his leg correctly. Reid went through the step but his heart began to beat furiously when he felt Hotch's breath on his neck.

Reid quickly backed away, putting as much distance as he could between him and Hotch. "I can't do this!" he said, refusing to look up at his boss.

Hotch frowned but didn't make any moves towards him. "Reid, what's wrong?" he asked in concern. Hotch hoped he hadn't done something to hurt Spencer without realizing it.

Reid just turned his head away, mentally beating himself up that he couldn't do this all because he had a crush on Hotch! "I...I just can't!"

Though it was generally agreed upon that the team wouldn't profile each other, Hotch couldn't help himself this time. Reid didn't seem to be in any physical pain, but something was definitely upsetting him. Was he craving dilaudid again? It had been some time and it didn't seem quite like that, but still. "Reid, you know you can talk to me," he said gently, but sternly. "If there's a problem we need to work it out so we can continue with the case."

Reid felt his heart skip a beat. Should he tell him? The young genius quickly dismissed the idea. That was suicide! He shook his head. "This is one thing I can't talk to you about, Hotch." Reid turned and grabbed his coat and opened the door. "I'm sorry but you're going to have to find someone else to dance with JJ." Reid walked out of the room and shut the door behind him.

Hotch stared at the door, worried and a bit confused. Did this have to do with JJ? He knew Reid had once had a crush on her, but he thought that had faded. He sighed. Hotch would talk with Gideon and see if he could get Reid to tell him what the issue was.


"I might have something. While I was with Yvette, just wandering round the city trying not to look like herself, I kept seeing this guy almost everywhere; dirty blonde hair, geeky-looking glasses and he was dressed like a kid in a school uniform," Morgan reported. "When I finally confronted him, he just said he noticed Yvette and wanted an autograph. He seemed sincere enough so she gave him one. Though I find it kinda hard to believe that he noticed her, given the fact that she had nearly completely hidden her appearance. So I made sure he hurried along once he got what he came for."

Gideon gave an intrigued look. "Did you get his name?" he questioned.

Morgan shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. I was too worried about making sure Yvette was safe. I could sit down with a sketch artist though."

Hotch nodded. "Then you should. We gave the profile earlier and now we have a possible face. We might catch the stalker quicker than I thought," he said, feeling proud of his team.

"Great. Though I have to say I'm a little disappointed we might not get to see Reid dance," Prentiss said with a small teasing smirk sent in said genius' direction.

Gideon looked at the empty chair then at Hotch. "Where is Reid?" he asked, his gaze seeming to burn into Hotch as he waited for an answer.

Hotch frowned. "At the hotel. He wasn't feeling well," he replied stiffly. He looked at the others. "There's not much else we can do today. The police are monitoring Miss Abbott's room and will alert us if something comes up so you can head back to the hotel as well. Gideon can I speak with you for a moment?"

As the rest of the team gave a nod and dispersed, Gideon stepped up to Hotch. "Is this about Reid?" he asked, a knowing look on his face.

Hotch pinched the area between his eyebrows, trying reign in his frustration. "Yes. In the middle of practice he nearly threw a fit. He said he couldn't do it and left. I tried talking to him there, and I tried talking to him again at the hotel but he refused," he explained. Hotch's hand dropped back to his side. "I was hoping maybe he'd open up to you. Would you try talking with him?"

Gideon shrugged his shoulders softly and gave a smile. "Of course." he agreed. "And you'll get the answer if he does open up. Unless he doesn't want you to know."

Hotch nodded. "Yes, well, as long as Reid's okay and can continue with the case, that's what matters. I just hope it isn't the dilaudid again."


Gideon knocked on the door to the hotel room Aaron and Spencer were sharing. He'd left Aaron down in the little café to wait for him. Gideon shook his head. After all this time he'd though Spencer was more comfortable around Aaron. "Spencer, it's me," he called.

"Come in..." came Reid's response, his voice unusually quiet.

Gideon opened the door and stepped inside. "How are you, Spencer?" he asked, approaching the young man with a fatherly smile.

Reid sat on his bed, legs pulled up against his chest. He shrugged. "Fine, I guess."

Gideon brought over the chair from the desk in the room and sat in front of Spencer. "Is that so? Are you sure there's nothing bothering you?" he inquired patiently.

Reid's eyes rose, looking at Gideon through his bangs. He thought for a few moments then decided to come clean. "...I have a c-crush on someone and I don't know how to deal with it," he replied, hiding under his bangs. He knew he could trust Gideon but was still embarrassed and worried about the older man's reaction.

Gideon smiled and nodded. He'd had a feeling that might be it. "Ah, I see," he replied. Given that Spencer was quite carefully avoiding a name he had a feeling it was someone on the team. "You're worried if you tell this person you like them, they'll hurt you?" Though it was posed as a question, Gideon's comment was more a statement.

Reid shifted uncomfortably. "Not physically... I'm worried about their reaction," he replied, still worrying about Gideon's reaction if he were to give the name.

Gideon studied Spencer for a moment. "Spencer, no-one on the team would do anything to upset you. Any of them would be flattered to have your attention, whether they return your feelings or not, I'm positive about that," he said. Gideon stood and moved to sit beside Spencer and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Do you want to tell me who it is that you're so fond of?"

Spencer licked his dry lips and took a deep breath. He couldn't believe he was actually going to do this. "It's H...H..." he stopped for a moment, unsure if he could actually say it. Then he decided he needed to get it off his chest. "It's Hotch, okay?!" Spencer quickly hid his face, his forehead resting on his knees.

Gideon gave a thoughtful hum. He wasn't entirely surprised about the confession. "Well, then you have less to worry about than you think. Hotch is a bit slow when it comes to noticing people's feelings towards him." Gideon paused to chuckle. "However, as I'm sure you're aware, he's not unkind. If you were to tell him and he didn't feel the same way you wouldn't have to worry about him treating you any differently." Gideon pat Spencer on the shoulder. "But Spencer, you should have more confidence in yourself. You have a lot to offer and anyone would be lucky to have you. Alright?"

Spencer was silent for a moment then slowly looked up at Gideon. "You...You don't think it's wrong for me to be... in love with someone else on the team? Usually, that's as forbidden as choosing favorites on a team."

Gideon laughed. "No, of course not. Just because you have a crush on Hotch, it doesn't mean you care for the rest of the team any less. Besides, people can't control who they fall in love with. And to be honest, the rule about dating co-workers is nonsense in my book. It was only created because…Well, it isn't important. If anything comes of your feelings, and If Strauss learns of it, I'll take all the blame. Don't hold yourself back because of a silly rule like that," he replied. "I believe it was Vincent Van Gogh who said, "Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well." And I couldn't agree more."

Spencer thought carefully, then a small smile creased his lips. Gideon was right. "Thank you, Gideon. I'll find a way to tell him, just not during this case." he said, feeling a little more confident. Still scared of Hotch's response but not as much as before.

Gideon smiled back and stood. "Good, I'm glad to hear that. However, that doesn't mean you can skip out on your part for this case. While we're closer to finding our UNSUB, you and JJ might still need to dance; so you won't hide away from Hotch and you will keep up with the practice. Yes?" Again, though this was delivered like a question it was undoubtedly an order. Gideon was extremely protective of Spencer, but he wasn't the type to coddle either.

Reid gave an understanding nod. "Yes, sir."


Hotch entered the hotel room cautiously. Gideon had said things had been momentarily resolved, but since he hadn't told him what the whole thing was about in the first place he wasn't going to push Reid.

Reid looked up over the top of his book and felt his heart flip. But he calmed himself and put the book down. "...Hello, sir," he greeted nervously.

Hotch looked Reid over. Though a bit nervous, he definitely seemed calmer than earlier. "Hello. How are you feeling?" he asked.

"A bit better…" Reid responded. He looked at Hotch once again, his honey-brown eyes seeming to sparkle. "I'm sorry I ran out on you today. I guess I just got nervous," he fibbed.

Allowing himself to relax, Hotch gave a barely-there smile. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Do you think you'll be able to continue with the practice?"

Reid nodded. "Definitely. I need to for this case," he said, voice determined.

"Good. Because I don't think Morgan would do nearly as well," Hotch replied with a slight chuckle.

Reid laughed lightly, agreeing with said statement. "Agreed. And, knowing how Morgan is, he would likely spend more time flirting with the woman teaching him than on the steps."

Hotch gave an amused huff. "Yes, he would," he replied. "I think we ought to go to bed now, though. Good night, Spencer."

Reid blushed slightly, a silent sigh escaping his lips. "Good night, Hotch."