Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds

A/N: Well, gonna write this chapter and put it up before I go. Pre-warning: I'm in a lot of pain and trying not to take it out on Reid. Sorry for using him as an emotional punching bag. Oh, and boy-kiss ahoy. Don't look if you don't like.
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Hotch almost ran into the curb, but hit the break before going too far back. Taking a moment to compose himself mental, Hotch put the SUV in drive and started out of the parking lot, keeping his tone neutral when he spoke.

"What did Shawn want?" Hotch noticed out of the corner of his eye that Reid had begun fidgeting in his seat, his eyes darting around anxiously. He didn't answer, choosing instead to chew on the edge of his sleeve, so Hotch tried again, in a more gentle, comforting voice. "Spencer, whatever it is, you can tell me. I'm only asking because a care about you."

"He wants to see me when I get back…to apologize."

"You seem uneasy about it."

"His methods for apologizing are unpredictable. If I don't go see him, he'll just show up at my apartment, so it would probably be better to just get it done and over with."

Hotch frowned, his brow furrowing. He chose his next words carefully. "If you think he might…cause some sort of trouble, I could go with you, just in case." Reid frowned, a slight pout forming on my face.

"I can take care of myself, Hotch…I'm just not really looking forward to seeing him."

"Then don't see him."

"I told you, if I don't, he'll just come to my apartment-"

"Spencer, I can get you a restraining order over the phone if you need one. You shouldn't have to see him if you don't want to. I don't want him anywhere near you if he makes you uncomfortable." Hotch stopped at a stop light, and glanced a Reid, who had his hand under his chin, looking contemplative.

"I guess…it couldn't hurt?" Reid looked up at Hotch, but then back down at his lap, shaking his head as the car started moving again. "No, no…I don't need one…I'll just talk to him."

"Spencer, you used the term 'unpredictable' to describe his 'methods for apologizing.'"

"I think I said that wrong."

"Maybe you should explain it to me."

"He seemed to think that sex was the best way to solve an argument." Even with his previous suspicious about the nature of Shawn's abuse towards Reid, Hotch's eyebrows flew up, his lips parting in surprise, but he managed to keep his eyes on the road.

"He didn't ever push you into anything?"

"No, of course not. It was always…consensual. It's just...I broke up with him, but he seems to think we're still together, that we're just fighting, but we're not."

"I wouldn't forgive myself if I let you go over there, and he hurts you," Hotch says firmly, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel.

"Hotch, he isn't going to hurt me. I'm just going to go over there and have a quick conversation."

"Spencer, he's a violent man. I wouldn't put it past him to-"

"What do you mean 'he's a violent man'? You don't even know him, you weren't even there when he was in the bullpen."

"I'm just worried about you. You didn't even know he had worked for the FBI, what else didn't he tell you about himself?"

"It'll be fine."

"At least let me come with you," Hotch insisted, his voice only slightly pleading. Reid sighed, shaking his head.

"No, it would be best if I just went alone."

"I don't want you to be alone with him."

"Nothing is going to happen."

"Spencer, you keep telling me that he never hurt you, and that he won't in the future, but the way you've described his behavior says otherwise."

Hotch heard a click as Reid swallowed. "Could we talk about this later?"

"Okay…what do you want for breakfast? We should probably get something before heading out of town."

"Coffee?"

"I'll get coffee, but you need to eat something too."

"Whatever you want then…"

Hotch sighed, getting a feeling that Reid was beginning to crawl into himself, that the drive back to Quantico would be long and quiet. He was right, after ordering food at a drive-in, Reid goes reticent, mostly just staring out of the window for the long drive. By the time they got back, it was four, and Hotch decided that it was a little late to go back to the office, so he drove Reid to his apartment, pulling up along the curb and getting out, opening the passenger door for Reid, who remained silent, getting his bag out of the back and heading up the steps. Hotch followed him up, ignoring the annoyed look Reid sent him over his shoulder.

"You don't have to follow me," Reid mumbled as he walked into the building, heading up a flight of stairs before turning down the hall, walking briskly. Hotch kept pace behind him, letting out a sigh.

"I know that. I just want to sort some things out."

Reid frowned as he took out his keys and opened the door. Hotch half expected him to slam the door in his face and lock it, but instead, Reid moved to the side, letting him in. "Like what?" Reid asked, following him in and flicking on the lights.

"Like why you would want a relationship with me."

Reid looked thoughtful, sitting down on the couch, his shoulders slumping. "It's not because I want to manipulate you in the office, if that's what you're wondering. I just…like you. I'm comfortable around you, I trust you. I hadn't really thought about it before, but I know you'd be a great…" Reid paused, blushing slightly. "You would just be great, I know you would. And if you're attracted to me…I'd be crazy not to want you." Reid sounded awkward, his voice quiet as he tumbled over his words, but he also sounded determined, and honest. Hotch swallowed hard, his chest tight as he sat next to Reid. His face felt hot, he'd never imagined Reid talking about him like that, never thought he deserved to have someone talk about him like that.

"It's not that you just need someone? I'll still be here for you, even if it's not in a romantic relationship."

"I know…I don't need anyone," Reid said, a hint of irritation in his tone. When he spoke again though, his expression relaxed, and his voice calmed. "I'm not going to use you to get over my break-up. I wouldn't ever do that." Reid paused, leaning closer, turning towards Hotch. "So, will you be my boyfriend?" Reid asked, his voice neutral, and Hotch knew it was just because of the fear of rejection.

"If you promise not to keep things from me."

"You're talking about Shawn." Reid sounded defeated, and Hotch couldn't help but feel guilty.

"I'm not just talking about Shawn. When you're ready, I do want to talk about him, but not until you're ready. But I also want you to tell me if you're ever unhappy with me, for whatever reason."

"Okay."

"You promise?"

"Yeah. Do you need a signed copy of the promise?" Reid asked, joking lightly. Hotch sighed, shaking his head.

"No. Are you sure you want this with me?"

"Why don't you kiss me and then try asking me that again."

Hotch's chest seized up, and it took him a moment to react. When he did, he put an arm around Reid's waist, drawing him just close enough, and then put a hand in his hair, gently carding his fingers through the strands as he brought his lips to Reid's. It was almost a surprise, the way Reid kissed. He brought both hands to Hotch's face, immediately deepening the kiss. Reid tasted wonderfully masculine, the rough stubble on his lip just as exciting as the almost brutal way he pushed his lips to Hotch's, tilting his head to the side, and inviting Hotch's tongue into his mouth. When one of them groaned, (Hotch wasn't sure if it had been Reid or himself) Hotch gently pushed at Reid's shoulders, and ended the kiss, panting, and pressing gentle, chaste kisses to the sides of Reid's lips.

"You sure?" Hotch murmured, brushing his thumb over Reid's bottom lip.

"Very," Reid answered, his body relaxing against Hotch's as he rested his forehead against Hotch's shoulder. The kiss had been urgent, and needy, but he now seemed content to simply cuddle against Hotch. It wasn't scary, like Hotch had thought it would be. Instead, it was sweet, the way he rested his lanky body peacefully against Hotch's, as if he were ready to simply take a nap that way. Hotch suddenly realized that he was smiling, and put an arm around Reid, turning his head to kiss Reid's forehead. In that moment, Hotch let himself relax, forgetting about his troubles. He didn't think about his ex-wife, the feelings of inadequacy she inspired; he didn't think about the rules he was breaking; he didn't think about Shawn. All he thought about was the happy, peaceful expression Reid wore, his eyes closed, the corners of his lips turned upward slightly. He wasn't surprised when Reid's expression relaxed even further, his breath even out as he fell asleep. Even though it was the middle of the day, and his arm was falling asleep, Hotch relaxed, and let Reid sleep.

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TBC…

A/N: Alright, I wasn't as mean as I was expecting to be. The ending actually got kind of…fluffy, cheesy, disgustingly sweet, whatever you want to call it. Tell me what you think; was it too much? I know I probably should have focused more on the 'Shawn' issue, but I'm taking my time with that, so don't eat my face.