To Woo A Genius
Chapter 9 – Convalesce

After the team got home from Florida, they were given a couple days to off to recuperate. Derek needed to mend after his injury and things were a bit wonky since technically the case wasn't closed. The team had recovered Hass's laptop and were the process of going through his transactions to track down his previous buyers. They hoped they'd be able to rescue his previous victims but it would take some time to work everything out. Reports were filed nonetheless and while they waited for the next move, Reid took Derek home.

They picked up Clooney from doggy hotel that Reid insisted on since they'd first unofficially moved in together. "Still don't know why this was necessary," Morgan scratched the dog's head. "The kennel I used to use was fine or Penelope could easily take him."

"Maybe but they're so impersonal and we can't ask Garcia to cover for us every time." Reid replied. "I don't mind covering the cost, it's for Clooney."

"It's not about – never mind," Derek let the subject drop but his heart warmed with something he couldn't describe. The warmth returned when they got back to apartment; with Clooney racing to his doggy bed under the window and Reid tossing his keys into the little bowl by the door.

"Hungry?" Spencer tossed over his shoulder.

"Nah I'm good," Derek went to the couch, ready to flop down.

"Ah ah," Reid stopped him. "Bed. Go now."

"Why Dr. Reid…"

"Don't be an ass," Spencer ushered him into the bedroom. "You have two cracked ribs and a nasty bruise on your torso. You need to lay down properly and relax."

"Whatever the good doctor recommends." Morgan stretched out on the bed. "Join me."

Spencer shook his head, "I really should start our laundry and work on dinner."

"We'll order in and the laundry can wait," Derek tugged his hand. "Come on, lie down with me."

Reid visibly relented, "Fine but we should at least change our clothes." He swapped his office wear from pajama pants and a t-shirt before helping Derek out of his jeans and shirt. "Lay back and let me take care of the pants," he instructed undoing on the belt.

"I've had dreams like this," Derek said and got a sly grin back.

"So have I," he leaned over the dark man. "Only you were standing up."

"Is that so?" Derek rumbled.

"Mmmm," Reid hummed, deftly opening the belt, button and zipper. He tried pulling them but they weren't budging. "A little help?"

"Of course." Derek lifted up and Reid slid the pants away. "Forget the sweats," he waved them off. "Boxers are fine."

"Aren't you cold?" Reid frowned cutely.

"I'll be a lot warmer under the covers, my genius by my side."

"I see." Spencer slid in to nestle against Derek's uninjured side, adjusting the blankets. "Better?"

"Much better," Derek rubbed his back. "You're gonna pay for that comment by the way baby, just as soon as my ribs heal."

"I truly look forward to it," Spencer half-joked but sobered quickly. "I'm glad it's only cracked ribs and nothing worse."

"Me too," Morgan said. "I didn't even see the gun until he was right about to shoot."

"I watched him shoot you," Reid's voice wavered. "And you just dropped. For a split second, I thought…I thought…"

"Hey I'm right here, not going anywhere."

"True you don't want to go but the choice isn't yours or mine for that matter. We have to trust Kevlar, and darkness, and poor aim, and UNSUB's preparedness and it's just a lot."

"I know sweetheart, I know. Look at me," Reid tilted his head up, "There are going to be times when things get scary. When they do, I want you to remember how much I lo- I mean care -"

"It's okay you can say it," Spencer pushed himself a little. "Say it Derek."

"Nah it's too soon, too much," Derek shook his head. "We're supposed to be going slow."

"I'm already falling Derek. Hard and fast," Reid blushed. "For you. It'd be nice to know you're there to catch me."

"Yeah baby, I'm there," Derek held him close. "I…love you. I love you Spencer. So goddamn much. And if something ever happens, don't you dare forget it. You make me better sweetheart, the best part of me is you."

Reid surreptitiously wiped a tiny tear away. "I won't."