A/N Names Hotch: Warrior Poet, Garcia: Angel, Morgan: Sir Teddy, Emily: Shield Maiden, JJ: Princess, Rossi: Noble Lady
"Reid are you in here?" JJ asked knocking on the door of Morgan's old office. She opened the door and saw a tall gaunt man in shadow bent over a desk reading a file with his hands. The man looked up as she came in and she failed to recognize him for a second "Reid? Is that you?" she asked
"Yes, JJ it's me." Reid said rising to his feet.
"Sorry, the I meant the dim light made it hard to see." JJ said hastily changing her words.
"You mean the beard and the mustache right? I know it's a big change for me too, sometimes I don't even recognize myself in the mirror." Reid said as he pulled her into hug causing her to almost drop the cup and donut she was holding. Reid released her when he noticed allowing JJ to put the cup and pastry on the desk Reid then held out her arms and the two hugged tightly, Reid almost lifting her off her feet. Reid took a seat in front of the desk with JJ taking the other.
"We'd thought we'd see you in the bullpen by now, how long have you been back?" JJ asked
"Since Monday, last week was as all meetings, tests, basic Federal bureaucracy." Reid said
"Yeah I know the drill quite well, but why haven't you stopped by the break area or come to the meetings?"
"The lights bother my eyes, my head.." Reid actually put a hand over his eyes before continuing obviously uncomfortable even alluding to his condition "Hotch just wanted me to get caught up with everything and to see how well I can work. So I come in work here until I can't and then go home."
"Who takes you; Hotch? Garcia?" JJ asked
"Agent Anderson, you guys have already done so much for me, I couldn't ask you."
"So that's why you didn't let us know you were back you didn't want us hovering."
"No, yes, I I can never repay this team for what they did but I couldn't ask you to sacrifice more. And " Reid broke off but JJ took his hand "And what?" She asked gently
"I don't know if I can still do my job, Dr. Cline says I can but I need to prove to myself I can do it, I can be independent and an agent without my hand being held." Reid said
"You can, you survived being blind, Elton's attacks and the hospital you are still an FBI Agent and one of the smartest guys in the room." JJ said taking his other hand.
Reid returned her smile and she released her hands to pick up the doughnut "Now eat the doughnut we've been bringing them in for four days now. So Will and I were wondering if you would like to come over for brunch this weekend?"
"I'm sorry I still jump at odd noised if Henry..."
"We understand." JJ said taking his hand.
The team gathered in the conference room at one in the afternoon on a Tuesday. A case had just come in and Hotch had ordered everyone to gather.
"Where's Dr. Reid?" Hotch asked looking around the table
"Um, I didn't get him Sir. I thought I would consult with him here as I and the rest of the team have been doing for the past month." Garcia said
"Its past time he started actually starting acting like a member of this team. Blake please get Dr. Reid, Prentiss, JJ please close the blinds and dim the lights." Hotch ordered.
Reid's family looked at each other both wanting to argue and protect Reid and once again aggrieved by Hotch's high handed manners. Hotch though was still the head of the BAU and their boss so they all complied.
As Dr. Blake left the room she thought back on her time with the BAU; after the terrorist Henry Elton had been recaptured and sent to prison the reputation of the BAU had never been higher. Derek Morgan became a national hero loved for his bravery and compassion, while his team was praised for their uncovering of a terrorist determined to sabotage the scientific community. His team Blake almost stopped in her tracks that was why Morgan had left there could not be two supervisors not while neither man trusted the either. She witnessed first hand how the friendship between the men had slowly eroded over time and finally ended when.. she hastily ended her musings upon realizing she had almost walked into Reid's door.
"Dr. Reid, It's Dr. Blake." Blake said knocking on the door "You're needed in the conference room." She said opening the door just enough for her to enter, quickly shutting it behind her.
Reid looked up from his computer, then quickly stood pulling his shirtsleeves down before putting on his suit jacket and buttoning his shirt to the neck. She noticed as he got ready the braille books on the bookcases, the carefully stacked files in marked boxes, the mostly empty desk. As Blake moved away from the door to give Reid space she noticed the couch with pillows and blankets carefully piled to one side and realized how much recovery still lay ahead. Reid put on a Fedora and sunglasses before grabbing a wolf cane;opening the door, Reid waited for her to pass through before following shutting the door softly behind him.
"Um so should I let you take my arm? Or just walk in front of you?" Blake asked awkwardly pausing against the office window.
"Garcia gave you her twenty page guide Everything you need to know about taking care of Spencer Reid. " Reid said with a slight smile.
"It was only four pages, and then two additional pages of bold faced, 20 point bullet points." Blake said with a slight smile
"No, I'm fine, my eyes still aren't used to bright lights, especially fluorescent lighting but otherwise I'm good." Reid said
The pair walked down the wall towards the bull pen, Reid even getting the door for her. As they made their way to the conference room, Blake noticed the looks Reid was getting though no one was rude enough to stare outright. The entire BAU team had made it plain that no one was even to look at him funny. Reid being used to this ignored them and strode toward the stairs as if he was completely alone: though Blake noticed his back already ram rod straightened even more and his hand gripping the cane turned white. They went up the stairs but Reid stopped in front of the hallway.
"Dr. Reid? Spencer?" Blake asked reaching out her hand but abruptly stopping remembering the number one rule "Do not touch Reid without his knowledge." Staying her hand she noticed he was trembling and his face had gone ashen.
Reid pulled two pills from somewhere and quickly dry swallowed them before jerking himself forward to the conference room. Blake followed him at a distance, saw him hesitate before entering, and then followed. She saw Reid collapse in a chair, head down, hands gripping his cane in a death grip as she herself resumed her seat. Hotch ignored them both and presented the case himself sine JJ, and Garcia were busy helping Reid go through the case files. No one spoke the entire presentation which to Blake was becoming distressingly common.
"Alright wheels up in thirty, Reid you will stay here and work with Garcia." Hotch ordered leaving the room.
Reid barely looked up as Hotch left the room, still studying the case files despite his darkened shades making it impossible.
"Spencer, I've noticed the same stitching on Rossi's jacket, did he give it to you?" Blake asked trying to help Reid by diverting him
"Oh no," Reid slowly unfolded "Rossi took me shopping just before I started work, he then had his tailor come to his mansion to make sure the clothes fit properly." Reid said sitting up straight up now holding out the sleeve of his jacket "Dave says he's one of the finest tailors in the United States."
"Really and how would Dave be so sure of that? Unless he truly is a Noble Lady?" Emily teased
"Hey only the kid is allowed to call me that." Rossi said brusquely "Yes I have been to several different tailors and so have my friends we all agree that Jean is the best."
"Jean? Really Rossi is an American is not good enough for you?" Garcia said
Reid stood up, I'm sorry I have to get back to my office." He said swaying slightly.
"What's wrong?" Garcia said lightly touching his arm after he eyed her and didn't shy away.
"This room, I lost everything in this room, my independence, my freedom, even my faith in Hotch was shattered in this room." Reid turned away and abruptly left trailed by Garcia.
Blake looked around the table for clarification.
"Reid was still working after he got blinded, we were reviewing the Elton case; he tripped and hit his head causing a concussion. The next day Hotch at the insistence of Reid's doctors become his medical proxy and later on we learned that he also become Reid's guardian a short time later, he was also put on indefinite medical leave." Rossi said.
"Is he still?" Blake asked
"No, to both but it never sat right with any of us how much power Hotch obtained over Reid and how much he kept from him." JJ said before leaving the room.
"Wait I don't understand, Reid gave Hotch that power which means he trusted him, what am I missing?"" Blake asked
Rossi got up and shut the door "Reid had some issues a few years back, and Hotch reintroduced those issues without consulting any of us."
"Issues?" Blake asked raising an eyebrow
"Come to my office after work hours, we'll talk." Rossi said
Hotch's betrayal still stung stung for years Hotch had trusted him even with his life and then after Elton he was always being watched every decision questioned. Morgan shook his head, he was here for Reid not to address old history. He rang the doorbell; Garcia opened it dressed in a light blue sundress with matching hair band. He didn't say a word but gathered her in his arms for a tight hug.
"So where is everyone," Morgan asked as they went inside before Garcia could answer a blur was seen then something slammed into him, with arms going around his neck. Morgan rocked on his feet slightly before regaining his balance and returning Reid's hug.
"Oh, oh I'm sorry I'm supposed to, I didn't mean to embarrass you." Reid said breaking away "I know it's been a long time."
"Come here pretty boy." Morgan said opening his arms and gathering Reid in them "It's alright, it's alright I've got you." He murmured as Reid nestled into his arms and rested his head against his chest.
After they broke apart Garcia hastily putting her camera out of sight they went into the kitchen. "So where is everyone?" Morgan asked looking around
"Oh, outside waiting for us." Garcia said
"Come" Reid grabbed Derek's hand "you've got to see the tent Rossi got; it's big, with windows."
Reid tugged on Morgan's hand as he led him to the backward, Morgan and Garcia not even trying to suppress their smiles at Reid's excitement and independence. Their happiness dimmed as Reid donned his sun hat and glasses but only slightly. Reid led Morgan out to a big white tent in the middle of the yard. Garica instructed Morgan to remove his shoes before entering. Morgan was puzzled but quickly realized why as he saw the interior of the tent which was something straight out of the Arabian Nights. Chairs and settees ringed the tent, cushions and carpets adorned the otherwise bare ground, while tables set with food, and lanterns were scattered around the tent at random. The four walls of the tent had filtered windows which let in a light breeze. Morgan was given little time to look though as JJ, Emily, and Rossi gathered around him, while Gideon and Will hung back. After the greetings Reid pulled Morgan over to a Roman style couch and had him sit next to him. The others settled as well and soon conversation was flowing as everyone caught up. Food and drink were passed around: fruit, pastries, juice, coffee and hot chocolate. Reid ate a little and took some hot chocolate but soon drew his feet up under him and leaned against the side of the couch content to just listen.
"Gideon did you bring the present here?" Reid said suddenly jerking upright.
"I did, you sure you want to give it now?" He asked
Reid nodded and Gideon got up and retrieved a cloth bound bundle from a corner of the tent. He handed it to Morgan and resumed his seat.
"Derek I can never repay you for everything you've done and for what I've cost you. But I want you to have this as a small thanks so you'll know.." Reid hastily broke off as started to tear up.
Morgan patted him on the back before untying the bundle revealing a broadsword in a leather sheath. The hilt was in the shape of a Bear with blue eyes, the inscription on the sword read To Sir Teddy A True Noir Knight.
"Thank you, this is the most badass gift I have ever received." Morgan said examining his sword, even testing the blade's sharpness with his thumb drawing blood.
"Garcia thought the gift should be useful not strictly ornamental." Reid said
"Yes, I mean why give gifts that you can't use." Garcia said
"You mean like the portrait of you as an Angel that you somehow managed to hang in your lair." Emily teased
"That was a very nice, thoughtful gift from Reid that everyone should have a chance to see." Garcia said
"So are you the reason I got twelve different pairs of gloves?" Rossi asked
"And JJ's tiara?" Will chimed in
"Or my set of Viking era daggers?" Emily said
"Those were all my ideas but Garcia did help." Reid said
Before more could be said Hotch stepped in to the tent and the mood grew tense.
"Spencer I would like you to take these pills before I tell you about Henry Elton." Hotch said not even bothering to acknowledge or greet anyone else in the tent.
"Aaron join the party, enjoy the sunlight, the food, there's no need to rush things." David said
"I'm not welcome." Aaron said shortly.
"Because you've withdrawn yourself from the group; become a leader and commander instead of a friend and colleague." Dave said getting to his feet
"Acting as a friend led us here." Hotch said
"No, Henry Elton did, but Reid has been doing just fine as an Agent, and Morgan landed on his feet despite your differences. I know you blame yourself for Reid's condition and the four people Elton killed but…"
"Four people? Elton killed four people why didn't you tell me?" Reid said
"That's why we're all here to tell you everything Elton did." Morgan said taking Reid's hand.
"But I've used the money from his inventions his formulas, his cane.. Oh God."
Hotch pulled out a pill bottle handing two pills to Garcia who somehow managed to get Reid to take them with a few murmured words. Morgan held Reid as they took effect and once he was calm Hotch sat on a spare chair and told Reid everything. Reid listened his horror and disgust slowly growing as the entirety of Elton's villainy was laid bare. Morgan put an arm around Reid and held him close but Reid actually threw up when he learned of Elton's killings of the nurse and guard.
"I need a break." Reid said wiping his mouth and sipping the water Emily handed him.
Morgan helped him stand while Gideon retrieved his hat and sunglasses. Reid took Gideon's arm and the two men left the tent still barefoot.
"So Aaron what did Reid give you?" Morgan asked acidly
"An eagle feather pen, some ink, and and an assassin's blade." Aaron said
"I'm not surprised. Aaron I made the right call, I did everything by the book, the only thing I failed to do was ask your permission before I pursued a suspect."
"And that was the problem I ordered you to run every decision past me." Aaron said
"I was the Tactical Leader, it was my call and I didn't have time to wait."
"Enough both of you, this is about Reid not about past history." Garcia said forcefully."
The tent fell into uneasy silence as they waited for Reid's return. He thankfully returned only a few minutes later. Ignoring everyone Reid sat on on the grass in a patch on sun and leaning on Gideon signaled for Hotch to finish. Upon hearing of the death of the two Agents sent to guard him, Reid turned pale but simply snuggled further into Gideon's chest. After hearing the whole story Reid bowed his head and getting to his feet walked out of the tent without hat, or sunglasses. His family rushed after him: he could never be in direct sunlight without protection. Reid however simply walked into the house and into the bedroom he had stayed in when he living there. He curled up in the bed on top of the sheets Rossi had placed on the bed and lay in the fetal position. Morgan sat in the chair, while Garcia fetched blankets and after burying Reid in them took the seat by the desk."
A/N Yes, so close to the end, I may give another chapter or just an epilouge. Thank you my wonderful readers for your patience. Hotch's coldness is due to his guilt, the stresses of his job, and the fallout between him and Morgan. Also the team is busy with dealing with the fallout of Reid, Morgan's leaving, and Hotch's high high handed treatment of Reid. I threw Blake for an outsider perspective and she was the Agent I thought would most likely have joined at the time the story was set. Please let me know your thoughts/ or just let me know your interest by following/favoriting.