Hi Readers,
I am so glad you are taking the time to read this story! I am trying to write one chapter a day, at least during the break I have. I am in Graduate school so time will become more strenuous later on but for now I am going to keep updating as quickly as possible. A little encouragement would be awesome and so appreciated if you are enjoying this story! If you have feedback do not hesitate to let me know!
Thank you!
Chapter 4: New Workspace
Today when I went into work I knew I would need to let down some of these walls the problem is I really had no clue where to begin. Wanting to clear my head before work I headed to the company gym to get a quick workout. To my surprise Derek Morgan was already there, sparring with someone I didn't know. 'This might be a win-win for me', I thought. I could get a workout in, plus get to know Morgan a bit better in the process.
"Hey Agent Morgan, I got next round." I yelled towards him as I prepared myself.
He then called back, "if you really think you can take me."
'Typical alpha male, always thinking they are going to win.' I thought, shaking my head.
I got into the ring with Morgan and I could tell he was apprehensive about facing me. He didn't know my skill set and didn't want to go to hard on me. Well, I was not going to go easy on him. I had frustrations to work out and in the sparring ring was where I was going to do it.
"Best 2 out 3?" I questioned him.
"Sounds good to me."
I dropped Morgan quickly in the first round, pinning him to the floor and forcing him to tap out. That will teach him to underestimate me.
The next round we went equally matched for awhile until I got distracted thinking about the new surroundings. I started thinking about how I now worked with this team… no that wasn't the right word for it, they functioned more like a family. I was not used to that. I had been alone since I was 16 years-old, barely even had friends by my side anymore. Then there was Spencer Reid's face constantly popping up in my head. Why was his geeky personality something that I wanted to know so badly? All of a sudden, there went the match when I got knocked in the side, catching the air in my lungs. This allowed Morgan to make his final move and pin me. I hated to lose.
Final round, I wasn't going down without a serious fight. I could tell Morgan read it on my face by the look in his eyes mirroring my own now. He made the first move trying to do something similar to the last round but I was ready this time. I caught his hand, pinned it around his back and threw all my weight into pulling him down. In the process he took an elbow to the face and I received many bruises but successfully I got the win.
"Alright, I will hand it to you kid you have some skills. Some serious skills." Morgan chuckled as he rubbed his face where I clocked him with my elbow. "I am going to get cleaned up for work, I will see you in there. Thanks for being such a good match."
I was headed to my new workstation when Garcia stopped me, excited over finally having time to get to know me. Informing me that she has invited the team out for a celebratory "get to know the new member" drink night, and that since I was the guest of honor I must go.
"I can never turn a night out with new co-workers and drinks. It sounds great, thank you Garcia." I said back with a genuine smile. I really was happy to get to know the others in a more relaxed environment. My eyes drifted over to Reid, who was looking over a huge stack of paperwork and I couldn't help but bite my lip. Quickly regretting the action, looking back at Garcia her eyes were huge in an 'I know something way'. A blush started creeping over my face and I did not even bother to explain.
"My lips are sealed, mostly." Garcia squeaked as she left.
"Agent Hotchner, could I speak to you for a second?"
"Of course, come right in Agent Harlow and close the door."
"I just waited to apologize for any harsh behavior I may have demonstrated in the past few days. I am not used to working so closely with a team, as everyone here is and when you all show such concern." I paused, "Well, I just am not used to that sort of behavior or care for another."
"Paxton, I won't lie. I know your past from reading your file, however others on the team do not. I understand your actions because of this, whereas the rest will be very guarded if you continue to close them out so much. I suggest you ease into opening up more, even if it is only sharing bits and pieces. This team works so well because we are more family than anything else. We all will have your back; you just need to trust us." Agent Hotchner came across stern yet very sincere in his wording. "Also, I will see you later tonight. I expect you to sing at the karaoke, it is somewhat of a tradition." He said with a lighter tone as I went to stand.
"Thank you, I do appreciate it. I will work on being more transparent with the team, I am just not sure where to begin…" As I pondered that for a second and headed towards the door, I peeked my head back in to say "see you tonight, if I am singing so are you."
As I walked out to my car at the end of the work day all I could think about was trying to get Spencer's attention tonight and when I set my mind to something, I usually get it. Smirking to myself as I got into my car I thought tonight would be a great night.
