Title: Try Again
Author: Kadeeleigh
Rating: Mature/Explicit language and situations
Pairing: Hotch/Reid Slash
Summary: A chance to re-write history
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters residing in the world of Criminal Minds…I just like to take them out to play.
Hotch and Reid decided to come into work early Monday morning, so no one would be aware that they drove in together. They were trying to remain inconspicuous, but Aaron couldn't resist one last kiss before they entered the building. Grabbing the young doctor forcefully, he spun him around and pushed him up against one of the concrete pillars in the parking garage, kissing him passionately.
"Aaron!" cried Spencer breathlessly. "There are cameras everywhere...what are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that...barring a terrorist attack on the building, no one will ever watch that video...relax, Babe..." said Aaron with a predatory grin, "I simply realized that I'm not going to be able to do that all day, so I took advantage of the moment."
Spencer rolled his eyes at his supervisor as he held the door of the elevator. "Someone could have seen us. Then what would we do?"
"Quit the Bureau and buy a farm in upstate New York...which will have same sex marriage in a few years, mind you. You can read to your hearts content, and I'll raise those cute little pigmy goats."
"Goats? Have you gone crazy?" asked Spencer as he laughed.
"I took Jack to a petting zoo one time...Did you know those goats jump? They're so tiny, but they jump so high! It was the first time I'd laughed in a long time. I think we'd be happy there."
Spencer smiled and cupped Aaron's face in his hands. "We'll be happy anywhere...as long as we're together, Babe." He leaned forward, and placed a gentle kiss on the older man's lips, resting their foreheads together.
Aaron let go of the elevator door, and as it slowly closed, Spencer caught a glimpse of Rossi exiting his car. Their eyes met for less than a second, and Spencer gave him a mischievous grin just as the doors sealed shut.
By the time the others arrived, Hotch was safely ensconced in his office, and Spencer was in the break room getting his second cup of coffee.
Spencer had finished preparing his coffee just as he heard JJ gathering the others to the round table room for the morning briefing. By the time the young doctor made it upstairs, the rest of the team had already taken their seats. Reid tried to slip into his chair without being noticed, but to no avail. As Spencer adjusted himself in his seat, and looked up from his case file, he noticed that the entire table was staring at him.
Hotch looked at the young man with a sly smile. "Did you join a boy band?"
Suddenly self-conscious, Reid instinctively ran his fingers through his hair, as he stared at the shocked looks around the table. "Wha...? No!"
The others burst into friendly laughter, never noticing the sly wink their supervisor gave their young genius.
Briefing over, Reid returned to his desk to review the latest case file. He already knew what was in it, but both he and Hotch believed that it was vitally important that they maintain as much normalcy to their actions as possible. Truthfully though, appearing to be absorbed with the file was meant more as a deflection from what he knew was to come.
"Pretty Boy!" yelled Morgan from the other side of the bullpen.
Reid looked up from his paperwork and saw Morgan, and all three female team members headed towards his desk.
"You're haircut looks so cute!." squealed Garcia, as she mussed the top of his hair playfully.
"Okay kid...spill. Who is she?" teased Morgan.
"Who is who?" answered Reid, feigning innocence.
"Come on, Pretty Boy...new haircut, fancy new duds...there is definitely a special lady in your life." teased Morgan.
Prentiss continued. "You ARE looking really good, Handsome...details...we need details."
Before anyone could add to the torment, JJ stepped in. "Guys...Spencer doesn't have to tell us anything until he's ready...quit teasing him." As the group grumbled and began to fade away, JJ leaned in to whisper in Reid's ear. "Spence...whoever he is, he is very, very lucky to have you."
Reid looked up at JJ in shock, before a small smile formed. "Thanks, JJ...I'll let him know."
Hotch stood looking out his office window at the scene in the bullpen, smiling. "You know..." said Rossi slowly as he walked into the office, "...I saw the two of you drive in together this morning. Anything you want to tell me, Aaron?"
Hotch tensed, and looked towards the ceiling, before turning to face his friend. "What's that supposed to mean, Dave?"
"Nothing...nothing at all. Forget I mentioned it. I just thought maybe you might want to talk." As he spoke, he took a seat in one of the guest chairs, and made himself comfortable.
Hotch smiled and took his seat behind the desk. "Yes, Reid and I drove in together this morning...your point?"
"Aside from the kiss? Nothing. I'm all for carpooling." said Rossi as he raised his hands in mock surrender.
Hotch closed his eyes, while an embarrassed smile formed slowly. By the time his eyes were back open, the smile had turned into a grin, as he started to chuckle. "Are you here to give me dating advice?"
"Nah...looked to me like you two have the hang of it. May I ask how long?"
"Its complicated, Dave...more complicated than you can imagine." Hotch picked up his phone and dialed Reid's extension. "Can you come to my office? Yes, now."
Reid looked up towards Hotch's office as he hung up the phone, and noticed that Rossi was already there. He knew that the older agent had seen them this morning in the parking garage...he just was unsure exactly how much he had seen. The young genius steeled himself for the conversation...not that he assumed Rossi would be judgmental, he had always been their biggest champion.
Half way up the stairs, Reid decided that playing dumb might actually be an option. The young man stuck his head into his supervisor's office. "You wanted to see me Hotch?"
Hotch stared at his lover with amusement. "Did you really think you could come in here and act clueless?"
"Oh, come on...it was worth a shot." said the young Doctor as he plopped comfortably into the chair next to Rossi. "So...since I obviously came in late, what was the first question?"
"Dave wanted to know how long we've been seeing each other." said Hotch succinctly.
"Wow..." exclaimed Spencer. "...he led off with that one?"
"Yea...I thought at first he was going to try to be a little more subtle, but no, he went right there!" stated Aaron with a chuckle.
"So instead of just answering him, you called me up here so that I could do it for you?" asked Reid incredulously. "Or were you afraid that he would think you were taking advantage of my inherent innocence and naïve manner?"
"Yes...that's it exactly, you ass." said Hotch shaking his head.
"Well, in that case...Dave, Aaron propositioned me right after Haley left him. Gideon had disappeared without a word and I was extremely vulnerable that night..."
"Spencer!" yelled Hotch.
"What?" answered Spencer in mock defiance.
Hotch motioned towards Rossi. The older Agent had his head down, hands covering his eyes. Spencer looked up at Aaron in surprise, then back to the man next to him. He put a hand on the older man's shoulder as he spoke. "Rossi...Rossi, I was kidding...really, I was just teasing Aaron...seriously."
Rossi looked up to face the two men. "Teasing Aaron? Just. Teasing. Aaron. Do either of you have ANY idea how bizarre that statement sounds?"
Hotch stood and walked over to his friend and knelt next to his chair. "Dave...look at me...please."
Rossi looked at his friend carefully. He looked exactly the same as he had on Friday...but different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something in the other man's eyes. He turned, and looked up at Reid...really seeing this time. There was a glint in both men's eyes that had not been there before...a spark...vitality. "Who are the two of you and what have you done with my friends?"
The two lovers chuckled. Reid sat back down in his chair, while Hotch leaned against his desk in front of them. "I think that it might be easier for us to talk elsewhere." said Hotch. "Let's go get some lunch."
Reid looked at his supervisor excitedly. "Its early...can we do brunch instead?"
Hotch smiled, and cocked his head to the side to look at Reid. "Of course...Do you want to do that place we liked on 5th Street?"
"The one that closed last year?" asked Spencer warily.
Aaron nodded his head. "It was always your favorite." he teased.
"Yes!" hissed Spencer happily as he hopped from his seat. "Rossi...I don't know if you've been to this place, but they make the best bacon waffles..."
Rossi was only half listening to the young genius as he proceeded to extoll the virtues of each menu item at his favorite eating establishment. The other half of his brain was trying to wrap itself around the fact that, while he is positive the two men were not a couple last Friday, today is a different story all together. The verbal sparring between the two was effortless and affectionate...the shared looks were electric...the body language, undeniably familiar.
The men made their excuses to the rest of the team as they left for an early lunch. Morgan and Prentiss had been suspicious since the impromptu meeting in Hotch's office, and the early lunch only served to fuel the mystery. Unable to quell his curiosity, Morgan picked up his phone and dialed.
When the young Doctor's phone started to ring, he and Hotch both looked at their watches. "Damn!" exclaimed Reid in frustration. "Less than a minute again, what is his problem?" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a wadded up dollar bill and handed it to Hotch, before answering the phone. "Reid here."
"Hey Morgan, what's up? No, there's no consult. We're just going to...What? Oh...no, no. The District Attorney in Cameron County wants to have me testify at Amanda's competency hearing in a few weeks, so Rossi and Hotch are gonna help me prep. I was hungry, and Rossi hasn't ever been to Amanda's Cafe...yea, just killing two birds with one stone. Did you know that the phrase 'kill two birds with one stone' can be traced to the mythological tale of Daedalus and Icarus. Daedalus is held captive by King Minos on Crete in a high tower. All he is able to see are high walls around him and large birds overhead awaiting his and his son, Icarus' demise. Daedalus devises a plan to throw...what? Yea…sure…oh, sure, I can finish the story when we get back. Okay...Later." Reid giggled as he hung up and put the phone back in his pocket.
Hotch, who was standing next to the young genius, playfully bumped shoulders with his lover. "That never gets old. Do you think he'll ever figure out that you only do it to fuck with him?"
"I doubt it." said Reid with a smile.
"Wait, Kid...you do that on purpose?" asked Rossi incredulously.
"Only with Morgan." responded Reid. "He developed this strange habit of needing to know where I am 24/7. If I leave the building without checking in with him, I get that call."
Hotch nodded in agreement. "I started to notice it about 4 years ago, but according to Spencer, it started not too long after he came to the BAU..."
"So when he calls, I give him about thirty seconds, just in case it's something important, if not, then I...start talking. If he's in a good mood he actually listens for a while...if not, he'll just hang up on me!"
The trio arrived at the restaurant, and Hotch quickly grabbed them a booth in the back. Spencer was right behind Hotch, with Rossi trailing behind. "Dave...what's wrong? You look confused.
Spencer rolled his eyes at the question posed by his lover. "Aaron...leave him alone...he's calculating."
"You lost me. Calculating what?" asked Aaron.
Spencer sighed. "You gave him a set of mathematical parameters...when you mentioned how long Morgan has been calling me...he's trying to fit your statement into his reality."
Rossi finally looked up to face the two men. "Kid, I'm right here. Its irritating having someone else talk about what you're thinking...even if you are right."
Aaron took charge as usual. "I apologize, Dave. Let's order our food, then we can talk."
oOo
Rossi had spent the good majority of the meal watching his two friends. The normally private men were unusually familiar with each other. When they had been served their coffee, Aaron automatically moved the sugar and cream closer to Reid. When their plates arrived, Spencer grabbed the toast from his supervisor's plate, while Aaron took the cherry from the top the of the young doctor's waffles. Neither man had spoken, or flinched...it seemed like a completely normal occurrence. Rossi was almost frightened by the behavior he was witnessing.
They didn't really speak about anything substantive, until after their plates were cleared. Finally, the older agent could wait no more. "You two really need to explain this to me, and by all means...use small words if you think it will help."
"Dave..." began Hotch. "Spencer and I...shit...Babe, help me out."
Reid looked at Hotch and shook his head. "What? You think if I tell him, that I'll sound less crazy than you? Or are you just hoping for plausible deniability, in case he wants to have me committed?"
"You explain it better than I can...remember the whole innocence of a child thing."
"Fine." huffed Spencer. "Last Friday night, we got home from a case in Arkansas."
Rossi looked confused. "We were in Oregon."
"YOU were in Oregon...WE were coming home from a case in Arkansas."
Hotch interrupted. "Dave...just go with him on this for a few minutes...he'll get to the point soon."
Spencer gave Aaron a dirty look, as the older agent smiled and squeezed his lover's hand. "Go on."
"We got back to Quantico at 6:14 in the evening, and Hotch and I drove out to Jessica's house to pick up Jack. The three of us got home at about 8:00, ordered pizza, watched a movie and then went to bed. All in all, a fairly normal evening."
"Haley doesn't have a problem with your...relationship?" asked Rossi carefully.
Spencer looked grim. "I'm going to throw that one to you, Babe."
"Okay." said Hotch, rubbing his hands vigorously over his face. "In the reality where we got home from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, instead of Bend, Oregon...Haley...Haley is dead."
"I don't have any idea what kind of game you two are playing, but this isn't funny. Aaron...I know that the divorce wasn't easy, but..."
"Dave. Haley was murdered by George Foyet almost four years ago." After the statement, Hotch turned to his partner. "Spencer...please. Can you...?"
"Sure, Babe...go on...we'll be right here."
Hotch got up from the table and made a slow walk to the bathroom. Reid knew that he would be a while. Any mention of Foyet always took a toll on him. "Sorry, Rossi. Foyet is always a difficult topic for him.
"I know he held himself responsible for the victims on the bus...that deal...his refusal haunted him. I think he felt guilty." said Rossi sadly.
"He told me what you did for him that night." reminisced Reid. "If he never told you, he really appreciated it."
Reid finished his third cup of coffee, and leaned out to see if Aaron was on his way back. When he was sure that the coast was clear, Spencer cleared his throat and began. "In fifty seven days, Hotch is going to come home to his apartment after a particularly gruesome case...Foyet will be there waiting for him...he was..." Spencer closed his eyes and shook his head. "...will be...stabbed nine times, before Foyet dumps him at a hospital using the credentials he stole from Morgan."
Spencer went quiet, as he allowed Rossi to absorb the information. Rossi thought for a moment, intent on phrasing his question appropriately. "So...this thing that hasn't happened yet...is that when Haley is killed?"
Spencer can see the skepticism in his eyes, and hear it in his voice. "I realize that you think that either we are both crazy, or that Hotch is, and that I'm humoring him. Let me assure you, that is not the case. But, to answer your question, no, Haley wasn't killed then. After he incapacitated Hotch, he went through his papers, and found a picture of Haley and Jack. The threat from Foyet was real, and it forced Hotch's family into Witness Protection for almost a year. Within that year, Foyet managed to allude the team, and track down the US Marshall assigned to Haley and Jack. He tortured him, and when he wouldn't talk, he sat there...while the Marshall bled out, calling each and every coded contact on the his cell phone, until he found Haley. We didn't make it in time, but we heard it all...all of us...he blamed Hotch one more time for not taking the deal, then he killed her."
Whether Rossi believed the story or not, the implications of such a belief could be devastating on Aaron's psyche. He was becoming seriously concerned about both men, and began to wonder how he would be able to convince them to seek the help they obviously need.
While Rossi thought, Hotch rejoined his friends at the table. He looked from Rossi to Reid, and chuckled. "He doesn't believe you, does he?"
"Nope. I'm pretty sure he's trying to figure out a way to get the men in the white coats here without us realizing it. I'd grab his phone, but I think he could take me." said Reid with laughter.
"Well..." began Hotch, "...if all else fails, we can prove it to him."
Rossi looked skeptical. "You can prove this?"
Aaron nodded his head. "If we could tell you right now, what our case is going to be tomorrow, would you give us the benefit of the doubt?"
Rossi pondered the implications. "You two believe that you can tell me what is going to happen tomorrow? If that's the case, then why don't we go right now...prevent whatever is going to happen from happening?"
Hotch put his face into his hands, and rubbed vigorously before looking back at his friend. "We discussed this all weekend, Dave. We've considered our options, and unfortunately, reality dictates that trying to stop crimes before they happen would be very conspicuous. The most we can hope for is to be more effective when we're called in."
"Besides..." added Reid, checking his watch, "...its already happened."
"Kid...what's already happened?" asked Rossi.
"A virulent strain of Anthrax was just released in a public park in Annapolis. No one will even realize that its happened until this evening when the park visitors start showing up at local hospitals. The CDC will soon determine that this particular strain of anthrax is fatal within hours, rather than days. The BAU will be called in early tomorrow morning...once the military gets pressure from the White House."
"And..." finished Hotch, "...we already know who the Unsub is, his trigger, his next target and where the antidote is kept."
"As long as I can keep from getting infected again, the whole case should be over in a few hours...and we'll all be big damn heroes." began Reid, "Or, the other option is that this is something that we can't control, we will be powerless to change things, and I'll end up in the hospital."
Rossi was trying to follow Reid's logic, but was getting lost. "What do you mean by...something you can't control?"
Spencer looked to Aaron to continue his thought. "Based upon everything that Spencer has read...which is basically everything ever written on the subject of time travel, parallel realities or what ever else this is...we will either be able to change the outcome of events, or we won't. What seems like an important event to us, might not be on the radar of whatever force brought us here. Say we can, and do...how does the new outcome affect the future? We could change something that might cause consequences we hadn't even considered."
"We spent the entire weekend making ourselves crazy, playing out all possible scenarios. For this first event, Aaron and I decided that we couldn't possibly stop it without calling attention to ourselves. We might even be considered suspects. If that was to happen, the likelihood that the Unsub would be successful in reaching his intended target would increase ten-fold."
Hotch squeezed Reid's hand gently, and turned back to Dave. "We need a fresh pair of eyes, Dave. We're too close to this. I want to stop Foyet before he gets the chance to kill Haley...but is that self-serving? Is there something bigger, that we're not seeing?"
"Aaron..." interrupted Reid. "You're overwhelming him...he's still not even sure if he believes us."
Hotch nodded slowly. "You're right, and we need to get back to the BAU. Dave...will you give us one more opportunity to convince you? Come over for dinner tonight, and we can talk more. If we can't convince you that what we are saying is real...or at the very least, possible, then we will voluntarily go in for a Psych Eval. Deal?"
Rossi looked from one man to the other. They looked like his friends, yet their behavior was definitely not normal. The stoic supervisor, and the painfully awkward genius...both constantly fighting intimacy and trust issues, together...and happy? He was intrigued by the notion that both men could have battled through their troubled pasts, and found happiness and calm, together. He had to smile at the absurdity of it. "Sure, Aaron...I'll come to dinner...I can't wait to hear what you're gonna throw at me next."
oOo
Rossi arrived at Aaron's apartment promptly at 7:00pm. He knocked tentatively, and was greeted at the door by none other than little Jack Hotchner. "DAD," yelled the toddler.
Aaron came around the corner drying his hands. "Jack...you are never to answer the door without either Spencer or I with you...do you understand?"
The young boy hung his head. "Sorry Daddy." he mumbled quietly as he walked away.
"Spencer's in the kitchen...can I get you a drink?" Rossi entered the kitchen with a curious look on his face. "This I need to see...I can't actually picture the boy wonder cooking."
"Sorry about Jack being here. Haley had an appointment this evening, and I told her we could take him until she was finished."
Rossi shook his head. "It is always great to see Jack. He's looking more and more like his father every day."
Hotch smiled and opened a cupboard to retrieve a glass. "Scotch on the rocks?"
Rossi nodded pleasantly. He handed the glass to Rossi, then refilled his own glass as well. "We're glad you decided to come. Hope you like Pasta Carbonara...its Spencer's specialty."
Rossi continued to study the couple. Just like this morning, Aaron and Spencer moved through the kitchen as if they were reading each others minds. There were smiles and nudges and even a wink or two, between the two men as they worked in sync with each other...Aaron pouring a bit of wine into the sauce, and the rest to refill Spencer's glass...Spencer, looking around in a panic, while Aaron gently hands the young genius the fresh ground pepper. The older agent chuckled as he watched his supervisor attempt to steal a bite of bacon, before Spencer slapped his hand away playfully. Soon the meal was prepared, and the four sat down at the table to eat.
oOo
Haley came to pickup Jack shortly after dinner. She was civil to Aaron and Dave, but ignored Spencer as long as she could. He helped Jack gather his things which were strewn around the apartment, and filled his backpack. He gave Dave a hug, kissed his father, then approached Spencer. He smiled and raised his arms in front of Spencer in a silent request to be picked up. Spencer took a deep breath, and gave the boy a smile before lifting him into a hug. Haley opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it...she didn't want to create a scene in front of Jack.
Jack put both of his hands on Spencer's face, gave him a sloppy peck on the cheek. "I love you, Pencer." the boy said loudly.
Aaron turned away quickly, to hide his smirk, while a stunned Spencer Reid smiled shyly and hugged the young boy tighter. "I love you too, Buddy." said the young genius quietly before handing Jack to his mother.
Haley looked livid. "Aaron...we really need to talk. This...this...whatever this is, is unacceptable."
Aaron looked at his ex-wife with a raised eyebrow. "Dave...Spencer...could you two take Jack down to the car? It's the gray Explorer...Haley will be down in a just a moment."
The two agents looked at each other with trepidation. Dave took Jack from Haley arms, while Spencer grabbed his backpack. Spencer looked over his shoulder to get confirmation that his lover was under control. Hotch flashed him a quick smile, and nodded. Satisfied, Spencer followed Dave to the parking lot.
The smile quickly left Hotch's face as he turned to look at Haley. "Okay, Haley...let's have it." said Aaron curtly.
Haley seemed caught off guard by the hostility she saw in her ex-husband's eyes. Flustered, she began to stutter. "W...w...well...wha..."
"Haley...spit it out." growled Hotch.
The blonde woman cleared her throat, steeled herself against her ex-husband's death glare, and continued. "I don't think that its appropriate for Jack to be around...that man. He isn't setting a good example..."
"Okay..." interrupted Aaron. "You can stop right there. Dr. Spencer Reid holds three advanced degrees, and is a certified genius. He dabbles in magic, loves to read, and has a passion for graphic novels and science fiction. He is also a decorated agent, who has never been anything but kind and loving to our son. Exactly what do you think he might do that would set a bad example for Jack?"
"You're in a relationship with him." stated Haley defiantly.
"And you're in a relationship with that mouth-breather...what's your point?"
Haley's eyes grew wide at Aaron's characterization of her lover. "How dare you compare my relationship to yours!"
Aaron looked at the woman incredulously, and laughed. "Are you seriously trying to put yourself and your friend on some kind of moral pedestal? I didn't commit adultery, Haley...you did. I refuse to allow you to pass judgment over Spencer or I, considering your lackluster track record. We don't have to justify ourselves to you."
Haley had been rendered speechless by Aaron's proclamation. As she turned to leave, Hotch decided to push one more button. "Oh, and Haley...I would appreciate it if you didn't let your obvious prejudice affect my relationship with Jack."
Rossi and Reid heard the door slam from the parking lot. They looked at each other with trepidation, as Haley approached the car. Spencer quickly gave the boy another hug and a smile before deftly moving behind the vehicle, as far out of the enraged woman's path as possible. Rossi held Jack while Haley opened the car door, then said a polite good-bye, as she buckled the small boy into his car seat.
Reid poke his head inside the apartment door slowly. "Is it safe?" he asked with a giggle.
"Of course its safe." said Aaron from the kitchen, as he refilled his drink. "That was strangely cathartic. I don't get it though...why is she making such a big deal about this?"
Dave chuckled as he refilled his glass. "I'm sorry...I thought that I worked with some of the best profilers in the world, but I guess I was wrong."
"Okay, Dave, obviously I'm too close to this...what am I missing?" asked Hotch with curiosity as he sat down next to the young doctor, placing his hand gently on the Spencer's knee.
"Well...have you seen yourself look at him, Aaron?" asked Dave easily.
"I look at him all the time...probably more than I should, but generally not in front of a mirror." answered Aaron with a chuckle.
Dave smiled. "Let's do an experiment. Close your eyes."
Aaron smiled as he closed his eyes, and squeezed Spencer's knee. Dave winked at the genius, and indicated that he should watch his lover's face. "Okay, Aaron...I simply want you to think about looking at Reid."
Reid and Rossi watched their supervisor closely. The normally stoic agent, sat with his eyes closed, thinking about his younger lover. Tension drained from his face, and his lips began to curl into a grin. Even with his eyes shut, laugh lines appeared, and the smile grew bigger. Rossi started to laugh, as Spencer leaned in and kissed Aaron's cheek.
"That's what she sees, Aaron. She sees you look at him with total, unabashed love. That look on your face is the only reason that I even considered believing the two of you. I can see why its driving her crazy...I've never seen you look so happy...and comfortable. You both realize that this relationship could end your careers?"
Spencer smiled as Aaron turned to his friend. "We know...its worth the risk, though."
Rossi nodded. "She sees that too."
Hotch looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"You refused to give up your career for her, Aaron...remember? You had the opportunity and you couldn't do it...but you would for Spencer, and I think she can see that." said Rossi flatly. "How do you expect her to feel?"
"I knew about the affair. I wasn't going to give up my career in the hope that everything would be all better. But, before she died, she told me that I need to make sure that Jack knew that love mattered...and she was right, it does matter." Hotch squeezed his lover's hand as he spoke.
Spencer squeezed back and looked at Rossi. "We need to get some sleep before tomorrow. The first call to the BAU came at 4:00am. You might as well stay here tonight...you have your go bag?"
"Yea, its in my car. I'll go..." started Rossi.
"No, I've got it." said Spencer as he held out his hand for Dave's keys. "Be back in a few minutes...I need some air." With that, the young genius left the apartment.
Hotch smiled. "He knew that you would probably want to talk to me alone. They don't call him a genius for nothing. You have questions...go ahead."
Dave looked at his friend, and took a deep breath. "How? Why? What were you thinking, Aaron?"
"For once in my life Dave, I can say without hesitation, that I didn't think...not one little bit. Best non-decision I've ever made. In fact, that case in Oregon last week...your last week, not my last week...that was the first time I sneaked into Spencer's room."
"You sneaked into a subordinate's room? What could have possible possessed you?" asked Rossi incredulously.
"He was having a nightmare, Dave...I didn't go in there and molest him."
"So you thought that you would just comfort him. Of course...that makes perfect sense." said Rossi with a smile.
"I really didn't go in there intending to...just forget it, Dave. The bottom line is that we love each other...totally and completely." Aaron laughed. "Spencer told me that you were the one that convinced him to tell the team...you continue to be our biggest supporter."
"Well...I have always prided myself on my open-mindedness and my disdain for authority." stated Dave with a chuckle.
Spencer caught the end of the conversation as he came in with Rossi's go bag, and decided to add his two cents. "You can't have too much disdain for authority...considering that in our time, you're sleeping with Strauss."
Both agents looked at the young man in shock. Reid smiled.