Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and its affiliated characters do not belong to me. I mean no copyright infringement.
Warning: I received my first judgmental flame. (Deleted it.) The characters are not real people. I am not writing about Matthew and Shemar. I am not disrespecting anyone. If you are insulted by a slash story, please do not continue to read and review.
Author's Notes: I had a hard time finding the latest fashions on the modeling circuit and clothes I thought Reid would agree to wear. Because I was asked for a visual, I attempted to find something for the shopping spree. Since links no longer work, you'll have to copy and paste into the address window and replace the dots. If the clothes are not something you would choose, I am more than happy for you to use your imagination instead! AND there is a link for what the boyfriend looks like!
Thank you jenny crum, Sue1313, nannily, bella-chan16, BloodyRosie, 68luvcarter, Ptitenath92, Lenika08, Srienia and Rayne McKenna for your very awesome reviews! 68luvcarter and Rayne McKenna reviewed several chapters so you'll find long responses :)
**Responses to your reviews are at the end of this chapter.**
The Surprise in the Jealousy
Chapter 10: Sizing Up the Competition
"We're taking Reid shopping for clothes like he modeled, yesterday."
JJ and Rossi laughed. "Count me in," announced JJ.
Reid finally looked up and glared at the amused looks from the elder profilers. "Don't even think about it. You're not invited."
The group roared with laughter at Reid's declaration and bright blush.
~oOo~
Many of the trendy modern clothes were not yet in the stores. Besides, the surrounding stores didn't have high end clothing. But Reid did succumb to Morgan's style of clothing mixed with a little of the girls' choices. He tried on so many clothes that he was tired of it only half way though. He wondered how JJ and Emily could possibly enjoy it. To make matters worse, they insisted that he come out and model the clothes for them. The girls stood and inspected him while Morgan sat on a nearby bench.
It turned out that skinny jeans and clingy t-shirts were in fashion and he couldn't help but feel smothered. His companions, as well as the salesman, told him he would get used to it.
"You haven't said anything, Morgan," chided Prentiss. "Doesn't Reid look good in this outfit?"
"I don't know. I guess so." The truth was that Morgan thought he was beautiful. The short sleeve t-shirts showed that Reid had more muscle tone than his everyday work attire revealed. He was starting to get turned on; it couldn't be right. What was happening to him?
"Do I look that bad?"
Hell no! "What? I didn't say that."
Reid, Emily and JJ looked at Morgan oddly; it was something in the way he said it that was unusual for Morgan.
"Why don't you see what that… "friend" of yours thinks?" That was a close call.
"That's a great idea! Which clothes are your favorites? We'll take a picture of you with your phone," offered JJ.
"You want me to change again?"
Black Jeans (I like the shoes, too.):
http:/piperlime (dot) gap (dot) com/browse/product (dot) do?pid=294770&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww (dot) piperlime (dot)com%2Fproducts%2Ftrendy-mens-clothing (dot) jsp
Shirt
http:/www (dot) macys (dot) com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-shirt-long-sleeve-vintage-stripe-shirt?ID=651755&CategoryID=20626#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D1127%26ruleId%3D66%26slotId%3D
Jacket
http:/www (dot) express (dot) com/waxy-cotton-racer-jacket-47336-836/control/page/3/show/3/index (dot) pro
Reid sent his photo to his boyfriend and pocketed his cell. JJ received a text while Reid was busy complaining about the total price of all his new clothes.
"Sorry, guys. It's time to go. Hotch wants us on the plane in 45 minutes."
"That could have come sooner," grumbled Reid.
Morgan ruffled his hair. "Stop complaining, Reid. These clothes are going to get you some attention."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
Morgan smiled and shook his head at his friend. "How did you ever meet this guy of yours?"
Both men suddenly looked up and were relieved to see that the girls didn't look like they had heard Morgan's slip.
~oOo~
Rossi chuckled at the amount of bags Reid and Morgan were carrying. "Did you break the bank trying to look prettier?"
He noticed Morgan's glare right away. Interesting, thought Rossi.
Reid blushed but was able to respond. "These clothes were way overpriced."
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad."
"Maybe for you it wouldn't be."
"Well, that's probably true," he admitted with a smirk.
On the plane, Morgan sat across from Reid with none of the others around them. Morgan was curious by Reid's behavior. He'd never seen him so obsessed with using his phone and especially not for texting.
"What are you doing?" Reid didn't notice he was being talked to. "Reid?"
Reid looked up. "Huh? Did you need something?"
"I was just wondering why you're all of a sudden interested in texting."
"Oh, well, I'd rather talk this way than broadcast my conversation to the whole plane."
"Okay, that makes sense. So, I'm guessing you usually don't have anyone to talk to?"
Reid gave his kitten glare before returning to his screen.
Morgan figured he must be talking to Rob. Who was this guy who would change Reid so much that he would use technology to stay in touch? Well, if that's what it takes to get his attention right now, I'll play.
Morgan to Reid: R U talking to Rob
Reid looked up at Morgan with a confused look. "Morgan, I'm right here. And what's with your absurd spelling and lack of punctuation?"
"You said that you don't want to be overheard," he stated while ignoring an explanation about text talk.
"Talking to him is very different than talking to you while we're on the plane."
"Okay. So, are you talking to Rob?"
"Who's Rob?" asked Emily as she was walking by.
Reid glared at Morgan and then answered Emily. "He's just trying to annoy me."
"Figures," she answered and went back to her seat.
"Hey, don't blame me," said Morgan.
Reid to Morgan: Yes, I'm communicating by text to Rob.
Morgan to Reid: Yes 2 Rob
Reid was baffled and his face got squished up. "What?"
"That's text talk. You're not writing an email message."
"I'm a genius. I'm not about to act the opposite."
Morgan laughed and continued to watch him talk with the mystery man until he just had to interrupt again.
Morgan to Reid: Where did U meet him
Reid sighed but played along.
Reid to Morgan: I met him at a conference.
Morgan to Reid: Is he a genius
Reid to Morgan: He's brilliant in his profession, but I confess he's not a genius.
Morgan to Reid: And that is OK w/ u
Reid to Morgan: Of course. He has a very important job.
Morgan to Reid: Which is
Reid to Morgan: He's a medical researcher.
Morgan to Reid: When do I get to meet him
Reid's eyebrows rose in surprise. He hadn't thought of that. When he didn't respond right away, he assumed he was messaging Rob. But Morgan didn't want the question to be forgotten, or worse, ignored.
Morgan to Reid: should meet this guy 2 see if he's good enough 4 U
Reid to Morgan: And how do you expect to do that? You're not planning on vetting him, are you?
Morgan to Reid: By spending time with U 2. U have not vetted him yet
Reid was happy when Hotch called Morgan over to talk with him. He wasn't sure how to handle Morgan's interest in Rob and their relationship. And Reid was starting to wonder about Morgan's attention to him specifically.
~oOo~
When the plane landed, Morgan offered a ride home to Reid. It wasn't practical to ride the subway with all of his purchases. When they arrived at Reid's apartment, Morgan offered to help him with the bags so only one trip was necessary.
Although Reid and Rob had been texting, Rob didn't tell him about his surprise. He was there waiting for him and Reid knew it before he even opened the door.
"Rob didn't tell me he was waiting for me. I wonder what else he's going to surprise me with. Maybe dinner? I hate to cook and he loves it," Reid said with a grin.
Morgan fought the sensation to cringe. "He already has a key to your apartment?"
To Morgan's annoyance, Reid ignored him. Morgan noticed Rob right away and he wasn't what he'd expected at all. He looked like a slightly smaller version of the Chicago Bears' star quarterback, Jay Cutler, and he was dressed casually in jeans and a burgundy short-sleeved Polo ® shirt.
Jay Cutler
http:/www (dot) chicagotribune (dot) com/sports/football/bears/chi-earl-bennett-breaks-news-jay-cutler-expecting-a-boy-20120501,0,2327108 (dot) story
"Surprise," said Rob. He got up quickly and met Reid half way. He kissed him softly and wrapped him in a hug. "This must be Agent Derek Morgan."
"Oh, yes… yes it is. Morgan, this is Rob Simmons."
They shook hands. "I've heard a lot about you," offered Rob.
"I wish I could say the same." Morgan immediately regretted his greeting when he saw how nervous Reid appeared to be. Trying to distance himself from the scene, Reid went to the kitchen table to see what it was that Rob was watching on his laptop to pass the time. Reid didn't own a TV, so it could have been anything.
"You're watching a baseball game?"
Rob returned to his laptop. "It's the middle of the ninth," he said excitedly. "And the Nationals are ahead by three!"
"You came here to see me when you could be watching your favorite team on your large screen television in your home?" Reid asked with his eye wide with surprise.
Rob looked at Reid with a sultry smile. "I missed you." Reid knew what that look meant. He was tempted to see Morgan's reaction. "More new clothes?"
"Yeah." Reid looked down subconsciously and pulled at the tight navy t-shirt which he wore with slim blue jeans and a tanned leather belt.
Rob stilled his hands. "You look gorgeous."
The game came back into play and Rob's attention was back on the computer drawing Morgan's attention as well.
"They're playing the Cubs?" Morgan asked with interest. He pulled up a chair.
Rob looked at him funny. "Are you from Chicago or something?"
"Born and raised there. Was a cop before joining the FBI."
"Well, don't get too excited. The Nationals are up by three."
"And it looks like we're at the top of the batting order. Don't celebrate until three outs ends it." Morgan said confidently.
Reid rolled his eyes at the two men and went to take care of his luggage and purchases. He returned wondering what had them yelling. Were they fighting over a game?
In reality, one was excitedly rooting for his team and one was yelling at the umpire. The most interesting part of the whole scene was that bragging rights were still unknown.
"What could possibly be causing such uproar?"
Both of the men laughed at him, understanding him well enough to know that he wasn't used to sporting events.
"The bases are loaded with only one out," announced Morgan.
Reid's face said it all. "And that means?"
"It means that the Cubs actually have a chance to win this game," explained Rob.
At a commercial break, Rob asked Reid, "Who are you rooting for?"
"Why does it matter?"
Rob sauntered up to him and rested his hands on his shoulders. "Because then we have something to celebrate." He whispered and gave him a little chaste kiss.
"Well then I guess I'll have to root for the Nationals."
Morgan was uncomfortable with their private conversation and was happy to let them know the game was back on. In the end, Rob was cheering and Morgan was sulking. The Cubs came so close to winning by scoring two more runs, but it wasn't enough.
Morgan lingered for a few minutes chatting about the game until Reid mentioned how late it was and was tired from the long day.
"Hey, gorgeous, I hope you're not too tired for celebrating our win," Rob said with a wink.
Rob smiled at Reid's blush and Morgan found that he was feeling jealous. Jealous?
"Um, I guess I'll see you on Monday, Reid. Nice to meet you," he nodded at Rob. "And for the friendly rivalry over the game."
"Same here." Rob shook Morgan's hand and then looked at Reid. "Maybe we could invite a few of our friends over for another game… at my house of course."
It was obvious that Rob was in the dark about Reid's closed status at work. And even Morgan was unaware of any friends he might have outside of work.
"Uh, maybe," Reid said without commitment.
~oOo~
Morgan just sat in his car for awhile in the parking lot to Reid's apartment building torturing himself about what could be happening right then behind closed doors. He finally left with one thing on his mind; he needed to be distracted. He needed to get laid, but it was too late for a club so he settled for just going for a drink or two.
He sat at the bar conversing with the bartender now and then while drinking a couple of beers when a beautiful young lady sat down next to him. "You look a little lonely tonight. You're two handsome for that." She seemed to be studying him. "The name's Carla and you are…"
"Derek." He took another swig of his beer as he watched her with mild interest.
"It's nice to meet you, Derek. So what is it? Lose a girlfriend? Lose a job?"
He chuckled. "No, nothing like that. Are you a psychiatrist?"
She giggled. "No. Just a lot of practice in losing things. In fact, I got stood up tonight. He got a better offer with my boss."
Morgan grimaced. "That's harsh. You've probably had a few drinks, too?"
"Only two. I spent the last hour sitting at the corner table talking to my sister."
"Why didn't she just meet you here?"
"Kids."
"Ah," was all he said in understanding.
"I don't know about you, but the drinks aren't doing it for me. I need more distraction. What do you say we get out of here and find a better way to forget about the present world for a few hours?"
He knew over an hour ago that that was exactly what he needed… a woman who came without any strings. He grinned the way he knew the ladies liked and gave her a wink. "It sounds like a great plan." He paid for the drinks and had her follow him to a local motel.
Unfortunately, it didn't have the affect he was expecting. He was still distracted by images of Reid and it was so confusing. It didn't help that Carla had shoulder length hair that was curled similar to what Reid's used to look like, was very slim to the point that she had only a slight figure and her breasts were tiny. She looked nothing like the woman he usually slept with. The whole experience was unsatisfying and the woman left shortly after they were done.
He needed to see his Baby Girl. She understood his ways without judgment. She never questioned his inability to establish a long lasting relationship. He decided he would call her first thing in the morning and then changed his mind. He called her and woke her up.
"What's wrong hot stuff?"
"If you're alone, can I come crash on your couch?"
~oOo~
Chapter 11 coming soon!
THANKS FOR REVIEWING! I LOVE READING THEM!
They keep me motivated!
Sue1313 – The shopping trip portion of the chapter made me nervous. I hope it turned out okay. So… you were feeling sorry for Rob. That's understandable because we know who's going to win Reid's heart. I'm eager to know what you think of him now that you have "met" him: the same or different.
jenny crum – It was important forDerek to make him see that no matter what, he would never think less of him and that he would always have his back. Now we need him to realize he feels so strongly is not because he thinks of him brother. - "Their chemistry in this story is off the charts" - Aw! Thank you for the huge compliment!
Nannily – After you have decided to not like Reid's boyfriend, which I understand, I'm eager to know what you think of him now that you have "met" him. Thanks for letting me know that you think Derek's been cute!
bella-chan16 – I can't help it. Your post made me laugh (in a good way.) Having such strong emotions tells me I'm doing something right. I'm wondering what you thought of this chapter after your reaction to the last one!
BloodyRosie – Thanks for your encouragement! Yeah, Shemar likes to show off, but I'm truly unsure about Morgan. (Yes, he does show off for the ladies on the dance floor, but he's clothed.) What makes me think that way is the episode "Elephant's Memory" when he told Reid he hit the weights to protect himself instead of vanity. BUT, he may be unconsciously showing off skin when around Reid.
Ptitenath92 – The shopping trip portion of the chapter made me nervous. I hope it turned out okay. - I really like the choice of word in Derek's answer: " I'm a grown adult who knows what he wants in a partner ". Partner not girlfriend, someone equal ! so thank you. - Thank you. It's very helpful when readers identify quotes they really liked.
Lenika08 – I thinkabout three more chapters to go! Thanks for continuing to read!
Srienia – "One thing though, when Morgan noticed that Reid was talking about him with his boyfriend you didn't phrase it or describe whether he thought positively or
negatively about it. I really liked that you did it that way." – Thank you so much for pointing that out. It's very helpful.
68luvcarter & Rayne McKenna – I am so honored that you have read and left such wonderful reviews for my story. I love your Morgan and Reid stories and your opinion as writers has brightened my day. See more below…
68luvcarter – "Is she prettier than you?" "Morgan laughed at his own joke as he received a glare that would frighten no one, not even a child." I love it when readers identify quotes they especially like. It is very helpful! Same with the pillow talk. It shows me I must be doing something right. Visuals are good. Sometimes I like the readers to imagine what they would like to see. I've had others say the same thing about wanting visuals. I tried in this chapter and hoped I did okay. And like I said at the beginning, if the clothes are not something you would choose, I am more than happy for you to use your imagination instead! And the link for what the boyfriend may look like… What did you think? Yes, it's nice to see Reid be the hero. I like confident and adorable Reid. Reid is a lot stronger than some fans like to think. That's okay, but I prefer not to have a meek Reid. Morgan is getting there. He's discovering that he's jealous. It was important forDerek to make him see that no matter what he would never think less of him and that he would always have his back. Now we need him to realize he feels so strongly is not because he thinks of him brother. Thank you so much for your time and all of the encouragement you've given me!
Rayne McKenna – Thanks for letting me know in the beginning of the story that I had a good set up. It's a nice compliment. It makes me happy to know you found the dream talking and being a loud mouth funny. I like a sassy Reid along with confident and adorable qualities. You didn't see the cliffhanger coming with Reid tackling Morgan and Morgan rolling them off the stage. Yay! I love surprising people like that. I love the fun banter between them, too. I believe it creates chemistry between them. Morgan on top of Reid… I couldn't let that opportunity slip away! So, in chapter 7, you were thinking you knew where the story was headed. Are you still on track? Knowing you love the conversations is a huge compliment! Thank you so much. I love writing dialogue and it's important for me to keep it believable and in character. Rated M isn't something I've done before (even though I read it :) But I have flirted with the T & M rating in other stories. This is my first slash story, so I'm a little nervous about it. I guess we'll see how it goes! I totally get what you're saying here – "Noooooo! Go away Robert! Swoop in Morgan. Like, NOW!" The strong emotion tells me I'm doing something right. Morgan seems like he's taking one step forward and two steps back, one step forward, etc. He's getting there! I love a happy ending so we know who's going to win Reid's heart. I'm eager to know what you think of Rob now that you have "met" him: the same or different. Thank you so much for your time and all the encouragement you've given me!