SSA Aaron Hotchner was extremely tired. It had been a very long day and finding out that Reid did not want to testify against his father had just been the icing on the cake. Detective Betts had taken him aside before leaving and explained that he agreed. They had watched the young man making himself sick almost every night and he really didn't think the kid would survive a trial emotionally intact. It had weighed so heavy on Aaron's heart that he had forgotten his suit coat and "Go" bag. He needed to switch out the clothes and refill some of his toiletries. So, here he was heading back to the office at half past ten to retrieve the items.
He almost had a heart attack when he opened his office door and flipped on the light. "Reid, what are you doing here?"
"I'm, I'm sorry. I'll, uh, go." He started to get up.
"No, talk to me. Why are you sleeping in here?" The older man was afraid that he knew the answer.
Spencer fidgeted on the couch, gripping the blanket and releasing it. He kept his eyes on the floor, "I . . . I can't sleep there anymore. I . . . I can't st-stand being where he--" He couldn't finish the statement.
Aaron knew that was going to be the answer. He sat down beside the younger man and carefully wrapped an arm around the thin shoulders. "You can't stay here."
"I know." Spencer interrupted and tried to stand up.
"Wait," the older man commanded. "You can't stay here so you are going to come home with me." He smirked when he saw the shocked look. "Honestly, since Haley left me and took Jack . . . well, it's been a little too quiet. You would make it a little homier. Plus, I have a spare room."
"O-Okay."
"Put your shoes on while I put these away." He picked up the blanket and began folding it.
***
"Now, if you are going to stay here you are going to have to get over being shy." Hotch said while reaching into the fridge to get a beer. He really needed one now. "Just help yourself. There's not much in the way of food but you are welcome to it. And don't be afraid to come out and watch TV if that is what you want to do."
"Thanks. I promise I won't be any bother."
"Spencer," he knew that would get the younger man's attention. "You are not a bother. I know you have issues. The whole team has issues for crying out loud." He saw a strange look cross Reid's face. "Okay, so maybe you have some really big issues. But don't think that any of us are going to stand back and let you go through this alone. Now I am going to make a sandwich. Do you want one?"
"I'm fine."
"No you're not. Now go get changed or take a shower if you want." He had to take hold of the boy's shoulders and turn him in the direction of the other room where his bag was currently residing. Aaron could see that this was going to take some work, but he was determined to help the young man through this. He was too special a person to let this ruin him.