And the wrap up! You know the drill- Read it, Review it, |insert another "r" word for continued alliteration|. Thanks dolls!
He had finished his report first as was the usual routine, which also meant he was the first able to leave the office, which he was glad of. While in the office he was able to avoid all direct contact with everyone but Hotch who he had needed to hand his report into.
He knocked twice on his boss's door before just opening it, knowing full well he was expected.
"Reid." Hotch greeted, looking up from a stack of papers two times the size of any of his agents'.
"I finished my report." Reid said, direct and to the point. Hotch stood and took it from him, a small smile gracing his face which seemed to quickly disappear.
"Have a seat, would you?" He asked, kindness evident in his voice.
"Umm, yeah sure." Well this is unexpected, Reid thought. He awkwardly sat in one of the chairs across from Hotch, folding his hands in front of him.
"Look Spencer…" Uh oh, first name. "I'm sorry." This made Reid look up at him. "Not just for my part in everything either. I think that if I were in your position and the events turned out the way they did, I would feel hurt by being asked not to be hurt any more. Does that make sense?" He asked his youngest agent.
Reid stayed quiet a moment. Too many thoughts were working their way across his mind for him to choose one to respond with, so Hotch continued. "Emily, JJ, even myself, have asked for your forgiveness but what I think we should have asked for is a chance to earn back your trust." Hotch tapered off, wanting confirmation that this was in fact what he was thinking.
Something shifted behind Reid's eyes and he knew he had gotten through to him. He spoke so softly that Hotch almost didn't catch it. "Thank you." Reid said, with more emotion then he usually allowed himself to show, especially to his boss.
Hotch gave Reid, and truthfully himself, a moment to absorb the conversation before broaching the next topic which required such delicacy. "That brings us to the next thing I need to address." Hotch said, back to business but still trying to make Reid feel comfortable.
Reid looked up again to Hotch, knowing what was to come. Trying to save his boss from any added trouble, Reid decided to steer the next conversation. "Dilaudid." He said, unashamed, but anything from proud.
"Yes. I need to know-"
"I didn't and haven't, nor will I." He repeated the mantra which he had whispered so many times to himself.
Taking a moment to respond, "I'm proud of you." Hotch replied, knowing he caught his youngest agent by surprise. "We both know I'm your supervisor and as such I have responsibilities…but I'm also always here for you Spencer, no matter what."
He was stunned, not just by the admission, but by the thought of how he had been able to come across such extraordinary people in his life. Once again he was at a loss for words, but not for emotion. He stood and in return so did Hotch.
Reid raised his right hand and shook Aaron's in return. Hotch smiled and they both nodded, saying a great deal without any words. They stood for a moment and Reid turned to leave but stopped when he was just about to reach the door.
"One more thing, Reid." Hotch started, a smile once again on his lips, "Will we be seeing you at Rossi's?"
Reid grabbed the door handle and turned back to Hotch before leaving, replying, "I wouldn't miss it.", with a smile forming for the first time in what felt like forever.
The End
And we of course see that they both indeed go to Rossi's. Thank you all for your support. You may or may not know about my other CM story, "Corazon". I also plan to update and finish that story as well! Until next time!