AN: Because I made you all wait so long for Chapter 6, I decided to post Chapter 7 today too. :)
Chapter 7
It was the night of the competition and he and Gideon had slipped into the audience on opposite sides of the dance floor. As much as he wished he could enjoy watching Reid dance, they had a job to do. Hotch was listening through his ear device to keep check on Morgan and Prentiss who were stationed in the security room. The UNSUB would not get away tonight.
"See him in the audience yet, Morgan?" Gideon asked quietly, scanning as much of the audience as he could.
Morgan scanned the security screens, intent on finding the UNSUB. "Not yet, Gideon, these cameras don't show all that much."
"It's possible he hasn't shown up yet. Yvette doesn't go on until later, after all," Prentiss added.
Morgan nodded. Then he heard the announcer.
"Next, we have Spencer and JJ."
Morgan looked out the window in the security room. He was shocked once his co-workers danced. "Whoa! Prentiss get over here!"
Prentiss moved to stand beside him and her jaw dropped. "Wow! Who knew Reid could move like that!"
Hotch had to admit he was impressed as well. Reid was doing fantastic out there, as was JJ. However, they didn't have time to gawk. He spotted movement in the back of the audience on Gideon's side. "Gideon, look around on your side. I saw someone enter the audience," he said into his radio.
Gideon watched a young man start to walk down the aisle. "Morgan, pay attention. The man walking down my side of the aisle; is that the man you saw?" he asked.
Morgan quickly looked back at the screens. It certainly looked like him but Morgan waited till the man turned to take his seat. "Yeah! That's him, that's the UNSUB," he reported.
"Keep an eye on him. It looks like he's sitting down for the moment. We don't want to raise his suspicion so we won't go in just yet," Hotch instructed.
"Sure thing, Hotch," Morgan replied. As he watched the man, he watched the screen showing Reid and JJ too. He was amazed when the two started their Tango. "Damn!"
Watching the dance, Hotch had to admit he was a little disappointed he and Reid weren't the ones performing. He knew Reid had had a crush on JJ, but he wasn't sure if he still did or not. But now wasn't the time to be thinking about that. Hotch turned his head slightly so he could keep an eye on the man while still appearing to be watching the competition.
From the other side of the audience, Gideon watched Hotch. He gave a knowing smile and turned back to inconspicuously watch the UNSUB.
Soon enough, Reid and JJ started their Rumba, both preforming each move perfectly.
In the security room, Morgan was beyond impressed. He turned back to the screen with the UNSUB and noticed he had a small package at his feet. "Hey, guys, I think the UNSUB might try and leave another 'gift' for Yvette. He's got a little package."
Hotch frowned. That wasn't good. He debated about telling Prentiss to go warn Yvette but eventually decided against it. If she were thrown off her performance, her stalker could become suspicious or even potentially violent. "Gideon, are you close enough to see any details of the package?"
Gideon looked out of the corner of his eye and saw the package. "It definitely looks like a gift; a small box with white wrapping paper and a blue bow," he replied into his radio. "But, it could be anything. Everyone be cautious."
Hotch's lips thinned into a frustrated line. He hoped their UNSUB hadn't gotten desperate enough to do anything too drastic. Hotch looked back at the dance floor to see that Reid and JJ were nearing the end of the rumba. "Yvette will be on soon. Don't let the UNSUB out of your sights."
"Got it, Hotch," Morgan replied.
As Reid and JJ's Rumba ended, they got quite the applause. Both gave a bow and exited the stage. Yvette and her partner greeted them backstage. "Wow! You two are fantastic!" Yvette complimented. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were professionals," Reid gave a smile and thanked the woman.
"And now, please welcome Yvette and Dominic," came the announcer's voice.
Gideon focused on the UNSUB intently. The young man scooted forward in his seat, picking up the small gift and placing it on his lap.
"Good luck," JJ told Yvette as she headed out. She turned to Reid. "Great job, Spencer. That was really fun."
Spencer smiled. "Thanks, you did great too."
Hotch was solely focused on the UNSUB now.
The man tapped his fingers on the box impatiently as the stage was set for Yvette and Dominic. Once the dance began, though, the UNSUB went completely still and his eyes were glued to Yvette, though the occasional glare was sent Dominic's way.
Gideon watched the man throughout Yvette's performance. He hoped the box contained a flower or something of the like and didn't turn out to be dangerous.
Eventually the UNSUB got up and snuck out of the room. Hotch and the rest of the team had their eyes on him, however, and were ready. "Morgan, Prentiss, go to Yvette's dressing room, that's where he's likely headed. Gideon and I'll will join you," he instructed, standing up and carefully making his way out of the room.
Morgan and Prentiss quickly left the surveillance room and hurried to the dressing rooms.
Backstage, Reid walked towards the dressing rooms. He froze when he turned the corner and saw a young man looking around before entering Yvette's room. Morgan's sketch passed through the genius' head, comparing the two faces. "That's him," he said to himself. He looked down the hall and saw the rest of the team, Reid pointed to Yvette's door. Gideon took one side, gun drawn.
Hotch pulled his own gun out and took the other side. He carefully glanced around the corner. The UNSUB was setting the gift down on the table. Hotch turned the corner and raised his gun. "Put your hands up and step away from the package!"
The man jumped in surprise, not realizing anyone was watching. But once he saw the gun, he did as he was told. "A fan told me to deliver this gift to Yvette. I was just leaving it for her." he said.
Morgan scoffed. "Yeah right, man. You wanted her autograph a week ago. You don't work here."
The UNSUB's eyes scanned over them, clearly figuring out if he had a chance at escaping.
"Don't even try it," Prentiss growled. "Things will go much better for you if you give up now."
"But, we're meant to be together. Surely you see that? I just need Yvette to notice me," the man pleaded.
Reid's eyes wandered over to look at Hotch then he shook his head free and stepped up to the rest of the team. "If your idea of romance is gifting her with burned flowers and dead birds, she's just going to be afraid of you," he retorted.
The man looked across the team and gave a sigh. "Fine, you got me," he replied sadly.
Hotch moved forward and handcuffed the man. As they brought him out of the dressing room and towards the back exit, the UNSUB spotted Yvette.
"Yvette! Yvette! Please don't let them take me! We could be good together!" the UNSUB called out to her, struggling now.
Yvette watched in surprise as the UNSUB was taken away. In a way, she felt bad for him, but in another she was glad she wouldn't be receiving any more 'gifts'. She followed the team out to where they had a police car waiting and they put the man in it.
Yvette stepped up to Spencer with a smile. "You caught him! Thank you so much," she praised, kissing the brunette on the cheek.
A surprised look spread across Reid's face. "Um, you're welcome, miss," he replied with a small smile.
Hotch saw Prentiss roll her eyes as she led the UNSUB over to the police cars that had been waiting out back. He turned to Morgan. "Morgan, get the 'gift' that was left in the dressing room, please," he told him.
Gideon chuckled at Reid's reaction.
Morgan gave a nod and hurried back inside. He quickly returned, the box opened to revile a small teddy bear holding a heart. "Heh, well it's better than a dead bird," Morgan chuckled.
Hotch gave a little "hm" of agreement. "We should head back to the precinct and pack up. We'll leave tomorrow morning," he told the team.
The FBI jet soared though the clouds as it made its way back to Quantico. Most of the team had long since fallen asleep; JJ and Prentiss in chairs, Morgan sitting up on the small couch, and Reid curled up on the other side of the couch.
Hotch sat near the back, staring at the case files without really seeing them. It was a clean case this time. Nothing had gone wrong, no one was hurt, the UNSUB was going to jail. He sighed and glanced over at Reid. A small smile broke through his stoic façade.
"You should tell him," Gideon spoke up, eyes still on his book.
Hotch looked at Gideon who was sitting across from him. "What?" he asked with a frown.
Gideon removed his glasses and looked at Hotch. "Aaron, I've been profiling for 30 years. You can't hide it from me," he replied with a smile.
"…You know I can't do that, Jason. What if Reid thinks I'm harassing him? Especially with the age difference," Hotch said, looking perturbed.
"You know Reid isn't like that. Yes, there's quite an age difference but I highly doubt that would be any issue," Gideon responded, knowing that, if Hotch would confess, Reid would happily accept.
Hotch rested his elbows on his knees and leaned his chin on his clasped hands. "Perhaps, but there are still rules against it. As much as I know it wouldn't get in the way - were he to accept – Strauss would never allow it. She already hates me. I'd be fired immediately."
Gideon shrugged. "So just don't be obvious about it at work," he suggested, putting his glasses back on and opening his book. "Besides, if Strauss did throw a fit, I'd take the blame."
With a light chuckle, Hotch leaned back in his seat. "You sound determined about this. Should I assume you won't let it go until I say something?" he asked.
Gideon raised his eyes. "Do you want me to agree aloud?" he teased.
Hotch shook his head. "Fine. I'll talk to him," he replied. "I just hope it doesn't go too badly."
"Oh, I doubt it will go badly," Gideon said with a knowing smile.
"Mhm," Hotch replied skeptically.
The jet touched down hours later and everyone got off. Hotch followed his team into the BAU to put away the paperwork for tomorrow. As everyone was getting ready to leave, Hotch approached Reid. "Reid, we need to talk," he said, low enough for only Reid to hear.
Reid looked at his boss like a child in trouble. "O-Okay," he replied, following Hotch into his office.
Hotch closed the blinds and shut the door. He turned and gestured to the chair in his office. "Please sit," Hotch said. Noticing Reid's expression, he softened his own. "You aren't in trouble, I just want to talk."
Reid gave a sigh of relief as he sat, glad he hadn't done anything wrong. "What do you want to talk about?" he asked, crossing his legs so his knees rested on the arms of the chair.
Hotch remained quiet for a moment or two. He had thought about what he might say on the jet, but he was blanking. Hotch leaned against his desk and looked into Reid's eyes. "Reid…Spencer. I would hope that, whatever happens, you trust me as much as you trust the rest of the team. That you know I would never want to make you uncomfortable," he started.
Reid blinked. Hotch had never called him Spencer before except to introduce him to someone else. But, it felt good to hear his first name from Hotch's mouth. "...Of course I trust you, Hotch. And I know you wouldn't make me uncomfortable intentionally," he replied, forcing his blush away.
Hotch nodded. That was good to hear, that Reid trusted him. He knew Reid didn't trust easily. Hotch wasn't exactly sure how to proceed from there though. Eventually he decided that just getting straight to the point would be best. "I care about you, Spencer. Very much. Not as just your superior and not as just a friend."
Reid felt his heart stop. Was this really going where he hoped it was going? The brunette licked his lips. "...T-Then how?" he questioned, unable to keep his voice steady.
Hotch raised an eyebrow. "I think you know, Spencer. If you agree to it, I'd like for us to date. But if you want to pretend like this conversation never happened, then we'll pretend like it never happened."
Reid's eyes widened. Did Hotch really just say that? Reid looked down, taking a minute to calm his breathing and unsure of how he could respond.
Hotch waited patiently, though he was certainly on edge.
Reid took a deep breath and finally looked up through his chestnut bangs. "...I thought you would never notice me," he confessed, a dark blush accompanying a smile.
Taken aback, Hotch merely blinked. Then his brows furrowed. "Not notice you? Spencer, how couldn't I? You're exceptionally smart, you're kind, funny, adorable, beautiful." Hotch could go on, but he figured it might be too much for the young genius.
Spencer's blush darkened, not used to being complimented so much at once. Then it hit what Hotch had said and an embarrassed smile creased his lips. "I've never once considered myself 'adorable', no matter what my mother said, and I've certainly never considered myself 'beautiful'. And I didn't think you'd notice me since you had Haley," Reid shrugged lightly. "I figured you would just think me odd if I told you."
Hotch crossed his arms over his chest. "Haley and I were already far gone, as much as I didn't want to admit it. I was attracted to you from them moment we met, but I never planned on doing anything about it while with Haley." He looked at Spencer for a moment. "I would never think badly of you, Spencer."
Reid's heart flipped. Even though he usually had the answer for just about anything, Reid couldn't think of any way to respond. Hotch had really been attracted to the brunette that long? True, it was the same for Spencer, but he wasn't expecting it to be the same between them.
Hotch let his arms drop to his sides. "Do you need time to think things over?" he inquired. Hotch didn't want to rush Spencer into a response.
Reid locked gazes with Hotch and smiled as he shook his head. "Not at all," he said.
"Then?" Hotch asked, looking for clarification on how Spencer felt about the matter.
Reid stood and walked around Hotch's desk. He swallowed hard; he couldn't believe he was going to do this. He looked up slightly and, very gently, pressed his lips against Hotch's.
Hotch was mildly surprised by Spencer's bold move. He recovered quickly, however, and kissed back. Spencer's lips were soft and he tasted of coffee. Hotch wrapped an arm around Spencer's waist, his other hand coming up to rest against his cheek.
Spencer smiled into the kiss, his hands sliding up Hotch's chest to wrap around his neck. Spencer kept expecting to wake up but, if this was a dream, he didn't want it to end anytime soon.
Regretfully Hotch broke the kiss. This was not the best place for that. "We should get going, Spencer," Hotch said, gently stroking Reid's cheek with the backs of his fingers. "It wouldn't be good if Strauss found us here."
Reid's eyes fluttered open, looking entranced as he leaned into Hotch's touch. "Huh?" he mumbled.
Hotch chuckled. "Let's go, Spencer. Unless you want to stay at work over night?" he said, stepping around Reid to go open the blinds.
Reid shook his head clear, a hot blush on his cheeks. "Oh, right," he replied, slipping his bag over his head to rest on his shoulder.
Hotch walked Spencer from the building and into the parking garage. "Do you want me to drive you home?" he offered. As much as Hotch would love to spend the night with Reid, it was probably too soon and he didn't want to scare Spencer off.
Reid smiled. "If you wouldn't mind."
Hotch opened the passenger side door to his car. "Of course not," he replied.
Reid took his seat, still having a hard time believing this was happening, and looked up into Hotch's deep brown eyes again. "Thank you."