Solace
Summary: In which Reid finds himself...with a little help from Hotch and Rossi. *evil grin*
A/N: No babble, just story! Eeep! O.O
Disclaimer: Sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, I feel so close, as though I could reach out and touch them, but, alas, I own them not.
Part Three
Reid pulled into Rossi's driveway at exactly three minutes before seven. He rang the doorbell and shifted nervously as he waited. Hotch opened the door and Reid's breath caught in his chest. His boss was wearing a navy blue button down and a tight pair of jeans. Hotch's sleeves were rolled up exposing the muscles in his forearms and his collar was unbuttoned just enough to show a few dark curls. And he was smiling.
"Are you going to stand on the porch all night or are you going to come in?" Reid blushed as he stepped inside Rossi's house, *ahem,* mansion.
"Take your shoes off and make yourself comfortable in the living room," Rossi called from the kitchen. "The food is almost ready." Reid watched the two men work and noted that Hotch didn't have to ask Rossi were anything was. In fact, he seemed incredibly comfortable, going through the motions with Rossi like a familiar dance. Reid was surprised Rossi let Hotch cook in his kitchen at all.
He noted how they exchanged small touches and leaned in close to each other when they spoke. When they kissed, Reid let out a little gasp, but he was smiling. Reid was happy for his boss, even if he wished it could be him instead of Rossi.
"Reid!" Rossi called. "Food's ready!"
As the three men chattered casually and finished up the last of dessert, homemade tiramisu, Reid cleared his throat and asked the question.
"So, uh, how long have you guys been together?" Rossi smiled and covered Hotch's hand with his own.
"Almost two years, now," he answered.
"Are you happy?" That question was directed toward Hotch and the older agents smiled at the protectiveness in Reid's voice.
"Yes," Hotch said firmly and Reid nodded.
"Hey Reid, why don't you come help me in the kitchen," Rossi said, getting up from the table and collecting the empty plates. Hotch chuckled.
"Yeah, I cooked so you guys get to clean up." Rossi steered Reid to the sink and got him set up to rinse the dishes after he washed them. Hotch leaned back and watched to two men he loved, uncharacteristically overcome with emotion at the simple scene before him. He could feel his heart pounding and every nerve in his body felt like it was on fire. He hadn't felt this alive since his first night with Rossi. He watched Reid's arms – the younger man had rolled up his sleeves so they wouldn't get wet – and tried to imagine what the rest of his naked body would look like. He saw Reid's hair fall in his face, admired the line of his jaw and neck and imagined his lips trailing the skin there. He wondered if Reid would give them a chance or if he would be rejected. It was unconventional, sure, but he had to try to make this man his.
Hotch couldn't take it anymore. He walked up behind Reid and slipped his arms around his waist, pulling the younger agent into his chest and nestling his face in his hair. Reid dropped the plate in the sink with a splash and looked nervously at Rossi.
"Hotch?"
"It's okay, Reid," Hotch murmured into his ear, and gently kissed him on the neck, eliciting a little moan and a tremor. Reid swallowed hard. His body never reacted that way when Natalie touched him. His heart raced with the thrill.
"I don't understand," he whispered. Hotch turned him around so they were facing each other. His hands found Reid's and he intertwined them, running his thumb over Reid's knuckles as he struggled for words anything close to sufficient. He found himself unable to explain how he strongly felt and looked at Rossi for help.
"My boyfriend is in love with you," Rossi said simply as he dried his hands and turned to face them. Reid's heart was beating so fast he thought he might faint.
"But, what about you two?" He looked from Rossi to Hotch and back again.
"I'll tell you the same thing I told him before he invited you here. I am completely secure in my relationship with Aaron, and I think you would fit well with us. Besides," he said grinning, "I've never been able to find it within myself to deny him anything." Reid let his body relax and tried to slow his breathing as the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place.
"Reid, you remember when we met," Hotch started. It was a statement, not a question. Reid nodded and blushed.
"It was my first day on the job and I tripped over the waist basket by my desk and dumped my coffee on you." Rossi laughed. He hadn't known that.
"I've wanted you since that moment eight years ago. You were so beautiful, flustered and blushing and talking way too fast. I couldn't be mad, and I tried hard. I really liked that tie." Hotch's voice was low and rough in spite of his smile, and it made Reid shiver with desire.
"Oh," was all he said. Hotch lifted Reid's chin so their eyes met.
"Spencer," he breathed, "I had to try for you. I just had to. But, if you're not comfortable, if you don't want this, just say the word and everything goes back to the way it was. Your well-being means more to me than what I want and above all, I respect you." Hotch paused, trying to gather his thoughts, but that was it for Reid. He took a deep breath and pushed his lips against Hotch's by way of an answer. Hotch groaned and leaned into the kiss, finally letting go and giving in to all his desire. Rossi leaned back against the sink and smiled, surprised by just how turned on he was from watching his boyfriend kiss another man.