Thank you everyone for being wonderful.
Reid woke up to the call of nature, opening his eyes to find that he was alone in bed. The room was bright, and he flinched; hands searching desperately for his sunglasses. He felt something touch his face and he jumped away, slapping at the hands touching him. "It's okay Reid, it's me." Spencer stayed still while Hotch carefully put the glasses on his face. "It's almost 10am, we have time before we have to be at work. What would you like for breakfast?" Hotch asked, sitting next to Reid on the bed. Spencer scratched at his wrist, and Hotch took his hands in his. "Hey, Spencer, are you alright?" Reid looked up at him from behind his glasses.
"My head always hurts worse in the morning, I'm okay." Spencer managed to smile, and Hotch leaned down to press a kiss to Reid's lips.
"What would you like to eat? I think I have some eggs and pancake mix." Reid's stomach growled hungrily, then turned; sending a wave of nausea through him.
"I'm not hungry," Reid refused weakly.
"Spencer, you need to eat. You're way to skinny and you need strength," Hotch knew he sounded more like a father scolding a child, but he knew Reid wouldn't eat without a push.
Spencer blushed slightly, "I think I'll throw up if I eat anything, my stomach is unsettled. " Hotch stroked his hand down Spencer's chest to his stomach, and Reid's breath hitched. Hotch let his fingers find their way to his hips again, amazed by how much the bones pushed out of the skin. They protruded so much that there was a gap between Reid's pants and his stomach. He was tempted to slip his hand beneath and follow the trail of soft hair, but he controlled himself and settled for rubbing his fingers around his pink nipples. They hardened instantly, and Hotch wished, again, that he could remove Spencer's glasses. Much to Aarons surprise, Reid's hand grabbed his; guiding it lower. "Feels good," he groaned. Hotch knew all of this was new to Reid, and he remembered the first few times he had someone touch him all over. The feeling of his blood rushing faster through his veins as the hands grazed his erection.
Spencer swallowed, hesitating before pushing Hotch's palm against the front of his pants. Hotch held his breath and patiently waited for Reid to adjust to the feeling. Surprised by Spencer's boldness, Hotch kept his hand completely still; until he finally spoke, "Spencer, what do you want me to do?" They remained quiet for a few moments, except from the sound of Reid releasing the breath he too was holding in a rush. A sick realization settled in Hotch's chest. Was Reid rushing himself out of fear that his time to experience everything was running out. Disgusted by himself, he pulled his hand away.
Spencer twitched, "I'm sorry, that was inappropriate," he gushed, his face reddening when it dawned on him what he'd done. "I thought that was what you wanted, I'm sorry," he apologized again, balling his hands into fists.
"Don't apologize, but don't rush yourself because you're afraid. I'm not going anywhere, and you are going to be fine." Reid sucked in a breath and exhaled.
"I know, I'm so-," he caught himself, smiling sheepishly. Hotch smiled reassuringly and brushed some of Spencer's hair out of his face.
"Eggs and pancakes?" Hotch asked when he felt his own stomach growl. Spencer heard it too and patted Hotch's stomach.
"Okay," Reid agreed and playfully pushed Hotch off the edge of the bed. Aaron laughed, feeling lighthearted, and pulled Spencer off with him. Spencer couldn't recall the last time he'd heard Hotch laughed, but now he wanted to hear it over and over again. Aaron practically picked Spencer off the floor and stood him on his feet.
"I'll go cook, milk or orange juice?" Hotch padded down the hallway, Reid close behind him.
"I guess milk, it will help settle my stomach," Reid answered, sitting down at Hotch's tiny kitchen table. His fingers strummed against the table, Reid's other hand rubbing at his temple. The eggs sizzled in the pan and Hotch put the instant pancakes in the other pan. He turned to look at Reid, his chest feeling with an emotion he was afraid to identify. Slowly, he came to rest his hands on Reid's bony shoulders. Massaging gently, Hotch nuzzled his face into Reid's soft hair. He remembered how much Haley loved when he played with her hair, and quickly dismissed the thought. Haley had made her decision, and she wasn't here. This lovely human being was Spencer Reid, he reminded himself. Spencer Reid who he'd always had a soft spot for, which somehow turned into something unidentifiable. Spender Reid who was currently going through a hardship and needed him, as a friend and... lover.
"Hotch, I think the food is burning," Reid said, bringing him back to the current. Hotch jumped towards the stove, mumbling 'shit' under his breath as he turned off the stove. The eggs were a little burnt and the pancakes were slightly crispy, but they were edible. He made two plates and poured two glasses of milk before taking the seat across from Reid. Spencer eyed the well done meal in front of him, and Hotch chuckled at his expression.
"Maybe if you weren't so distracting, we'd be eating fluffy eggs and pancakes right now."
Reid blushed, his voice raising three octaves, "I didn't do anything, you touched me." Hotch got up to get the forgotten syrup and loaded up his pancakes. "That's way to much sugar, Hotch."
Aaron looked up at him, "Coming from the man that puts twenty sugars in his coffee." Taking a mouthful, Hotch was pleased to find that the food didn't taste half bad. "Reid, please eat some. It's actually not that bad."
Obediently, Reid put a tiny forkful in his mouth and swallowed mechanically. Hotch watched him closely while he took another small bite, wincing when he swallowed without chewing. "Spencer, please don't look like I'm torturing you by making you eat."
"When I'm home, I don't really eat. Sometimes some cereal or a sandwich, but that's about it," unable to meet Hotch's eyes, Reid focused on his dry plate of food and took a sip of milk. He wasn't sure why he was revealing so many of his deepest secrets with Hotch, things that he never thought he'd share. Yet the words just seemed to flow from his mouth before he could stop himself.
"That's not good, you need to eat. When you go home tonight, I want you to go to the store and stock up on some stuff to eat and make sure you eat dinner every night, at least." The look on Reid's face made Hotch feel like he'd said something wrong, and he asked curiously, "What is it Reid? You need to be honest with me if this is going to work." He couldn't know if he was doing the right thing if Reid refused to be straight forward with him.
"It's nothing, really. I just never slept with anyone before, and I don't want to go home to an empty house," realizing his choice of words, his face melted in mortification as he formulated an apology. Hotch cut him off before he could start his rambling excuses.
"Maybe we can work something out, I have to pick up Jack tonight after work; granted we don't have a case. But we can work it out I'm sure," Hotch said pleasantly. Reid cleared his throat, his forehead wrinkling in thought. "Something else bothering you?"
Spencer shook his head, "Not really, but I was just wondering, you said I had to be honest with you if this is going to work. What is this?" Reid asked quietly. Hotch looked up from his plate, taking a long drink of milk, before looking into Reid's eyes, cursing those damn glasses.
"I'm not exactly sure yet, Spencer. That's another thing we'll have to work out," he replied unsteadily, rising from the table before Reid could ask further questions, "Come on, let's get ready for work. I think I have some older slacks and boxers you can fit into." He left the kitchen without turning back.