Okay, okay! Technically it's supposed to be N, but I'll post that tomorrow! I just quite liked this one and I felt it belonged here. Also this is a follow up to The Gatekeeper (9x07)!
Rating: K+
Pairing: None
Warning: Talks of anxiety
MD
"And to Dr. Spencer Reid who may be adding M.D. to an already impressive list of credentials!", Hotch said, raising his glass.
Reid gave him tight smile, but Morgan went on without noticing.
"And to Spencer Johnson, may he prove to be a child prodigy like his namesake."
"How on earth did you know what to do?", Blake wondered.
"When JJ was pregnant with Henry, I memorised the delivery manuals just in case she went into labor in the field."
The girls laughed and Garcia suggested karaoke, so everything was in place so he could avoid Hotch and avoid questions. The man got him later that night, though, when he offered him a lift.
"So, what's your deal?", he asked, casually.
"What- Oh. I can't be a doctor, Hotch", Reid said.
"No one is asking you to. It was just a mindless thing I said."
"I know. I know. It's just… I have the most unsteady hands."
"Reid, breathe. I know. I'm really sorry."
"How... How did you know?"
"Your file. I'm required to read every agent's. I never said anything because I trust you."
"Even when I failed my qualifications?"
"Even then. You know as much as I do that the unsteady hands are caused by the stress. I knew that when you'd get comfortable with your firearm you'd be okay."
"Oh. Right. Thanks, Hotch."
"Most of the agents have something in their file they don't want to talk about. An anxiety disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, although I understand your reasons for keeping it to yourself."
"I know. And it's not that I don't want to, it's just that I feel like talking about it would be giving it importance", Reid shrugged.
"Yeah. But you know you're always welcome to come and talk to me, right? I know we never talk about it, but... With our pasts, there are always scars."
He was looking straight at the road, so his expression was unclear, but Reid was almost sure he could see concern and... pain?
"Of course", he nodded.
Well, that was more angsty than I expected!
SmartBlackRose :)
P.S: The reason I wrote Reid with an anxiety disorder is a very personal one. I was kind of struggling and I wondered what it would be like for him. Anyway, this is probably just me venting, but please don't drag me for it!