Staying Together

Disclaimer: I do not own any of characters in this story that you recognize, the ones that you don't I'll take credit for!

Notes: I feel like the bearer of bad news because no one seemed to know that this week's CM isn't new. After last week's I waited for the previews and didn't see any so I got concerned and looked at the summary of the next CM and it was a season 6 episode when Morgan vouches for a man who then runs off and kills someone. I was very disappointed! Hope this chapter makes it a little better for everyone!

Warning: Slash. Reid reminds me so much of a friend of mine who is gay that I can't ever see him as straight, even though the show has had him stumbling around two or three girls.

Summary: SLASH. Part 2 in the Together Series. As Reid journeys on his road to recovery with Morgan they are bound to hit some speed bumps along the way. (Reid/Morgan est. couple)

Reid hated flying; he decided this as soon as they entered the airport.

He didn't consider what they did with the BAU Jet "flying" because they didn't have to go through airport security (oh how that had been a pain with the pins in his arm setting off the metal detectors and the ignorant security guard insisting that he take off his cast until Morgan flashed their credentials and explained the injury), they didn't have to check bags, and they didn't have to explain the purpose of their visit to TSA security guards. Today they had to do all that while navigating around the thousands of other people using the airport that day. By the time they made it to their gate Reid was a little irritated and exhausted.

Morgan quickly found two open seats and forced Reid into one of them. He was beginning to worry, throughout their journey through the airport Reid's eyes were drooping and he was looking more and more exhausted. Now he looked like he was dead on his feet.

"Baby Boy, are you alright?" He asked, taking the seat next to Reid.

"Just tired, not looking forward to the flight. I hate flying," Reid said sleepily.

"You hate flying? Do I need to tell JJ to arrange a car service for you from now on?" Morgan asked, holding back his laughter.

"We don't fly, we ride in style," Reid said, yawning. Immediately Morgan's hand went up to his forehead and his face was covered in mock-concern.

"You don't have a fever, yet you're not yourself. Spencer Reid doesn't crack jokes!" Morgan stated, causing Reid to crack a smile at his antics.

Seeing Reid looked like he was about to slump down and sleep right where he was Morgan sat back and pulled Reid over to lean on his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Reid mumbled, half asleep.

"Just sleep Pretty Boy, our plane's boarding time doesn't even start for another half an hour," Morgan said, gently running his hand through Reid's silky locks. Reid's eyes immediately closed and he sunk against Morgan, instantly asleep. Morgan kept watch over the man he loved, scanning the area for anyone who might voice their opposition to the two. Fortunately he didn't find any, there was an elderly couple sitting nearby that did a double take when they saw the two of them and whereas the man looked disappointed the woman smiled at Morgan, a smile that he gladly returned.

When their flight started boarding a half an hour later Morgan was reluctant to wake Reid but knew it had to be done.

"Hey Pretty Boy, wake up would ya?" Morgan said as he gently shook Reid's good shoulder.

"Huh? Morgan?" Reid asked, not quite awake.

"Of course, who else would be waking you up?" Morgan asked.

"Are we boarding already? They just called for the first class tickets; I probably had at least fifteen more minutes depending on where we are sitting on the plane, the closer we are to the front the more time I had!" Reid said, his mind finally waking up.

"Pretty Boy, I woke you up because we are in first class, now get up so we can board. I promise you can go back to sleep as soon as we're seated. You even get a pillow and blanket complimentary with our ticket!" Morgan said, sounding pleased with himself.

Reid's mind started working overtime, he had given Morgan his credit card to book his flight, and he hadn't approved a first class ticket upgrade. The difference in price was important to him, FBI agents didn't make all that much and the care that his mother received was not cheap, he couldn't afford to splurge on first class tickets when coach was easily just as acceptable. He didn't know how to tell Morgan how he felt, Morgan seemed so proud of himself and Reid just wanted to scream at him and ask him when and from who he got the permission to do that.

Morgan turned towards Reid, expecting him to be relieved that he wouldn't have to sit next to someone he didn't know, squished uncomfortably, for the next few hours, but that was not what he saw. Reid looked pissed. All of a sudden Morgan was confused and concerned all at once.

"Reid?" Morgan questions.

"I'm trying not to be angry at you, because I'm pretty sure you thought you were doing the right thing, but – I mean – why would you go ahead and purchase first class tickets without my permission?" Reid asked, really trying to hold in his anger.

"Whoa, calm down there Reid, what makes you think I charged this to your credit card?" Morgan said, immediately putting an end to Reid's planned tirade.

"You asked for it, I thought – didn't you individually charge each ticket?" Reid asked, genuinely confused. Now that he wasn't fuming Morgan figured it was a good time to get him up and on line so they could get on the plane and Reid could rest more. As they waited on line Morgan figured it was time to let the cat out of the bag.

"Initially I was going to do that, but then I decided to fly first class, I didn't have time to ask you about it so I just bought the tickets for both of us. Reid, I know we don't make much in our line or work, a hell of a lot less than we deserve considering the danger we put ourselves in everyday, but this was something I felt was worth spending the money on. I honestly was going to let you pay for your ticket initially. It's just, you've been injured and I wanted to do something nice for you, you're coming out to visit my family and I thought I'd splurge a little," Morgan tried to justify his purchase.

Reid became quiet, and Morgan figured now was not the time to push it. They handed their boarding passes to the stewardess and were soon seated in extremely comfortable seats. Reid settled by the window and stretched out, his legs certainly appreciating Morgan's splurge even if his mind wasn't quite sure yet.

It wasn't that Reid was mad that Morgan tried to do something nice for him, he really appreciated the thought that the older man had put into his decision and how he was looking out for him and his well being. He just didn't like hand outs. He knew his financial limitations and he had learned to live with them, though he had great benefits working for the FBI, his weekly take home amount was considerably smaller than most because of the amount that he had to put away for his mom's care.

He sighed, keeping his focus out the window, doing the quick math using his knowledge of oil prices and fares that airlines normally charged he knew that Morgan paid around four thousand for the pair of tickets. He decided he didn't want to think about it anymore and closed his eyes, preparing for take-off.

Once again he was reminded of his dislike for "airports" as the plane started and stopped as it moved its way up in line in order to be on the run-way for takeoff. As the plane began to pick up speed it shook slightly. Reid's good hand tightened its hold on the armrest.

While this was happening Morgan was sulking. He knew he was in the proverbial doghouse but didn't really understand why. He could understand Reid's anger if he had charged his credit card without asking or getting approval but he didn't do that, he paid out of pocket. As the plane began to takeoff he spared a glance over to Reid, hoping to see him calmed down a little. He was surprised to see the opposite. Reid's hand was clenching the seat and he seemed extremely uncomfortable with the takeoff. What had brought this on? In every takeoff he could remember on the BAU jet Reid was just as comfortable as the rest of them.

"Baby Boy, are you alright?" Morgan asked quietly, leaning over so that only Reid could hear him.

"I know I'm being chances of being involved in an aircraft accident are about 1 in 11 million. On the other hand, your chances of being killed in an automobile accident are 1 in 5,000. Statistically, you are at far greater risk driving to the airport than getting on an airplane. However, the perception is that you have more control over your fate when you are in your car than as a passenger traveling on an airplane. Experience shows otherwise, considering that over 50,000 people are killed on the highways every year," Reid babbled, trying to take his mind off the shaky takeoff.

"Hey there, you can't call yourself stupid and then bust out statistics like that," Morgan said, prying Reid's hand from the armrest and firmly grasping it in his own, their fingers laced. "Ain't nothing going to happen to you," he said assuredly, finishing his statement with a tender kiss to Reid's temple.

Despite the fact that he was angry with Morgan only thirty short minutes ago, Reid couldn't help but melt into his comforting offer, leaning his head on the broader man's shoulder and burying his face into his neck he spent the takeoff inhaling Morgan's spicy and familiar scent.

Eventually the plane leveled off and Reid felt very sheepish, there were children in their section that reacted better to the takeoff than he did and he was supposedly a trained FBI agent. He lifted his head out of Morgan's neck, content to rest his head, and half his body, on Morgan.

"Alright now, Pretty Boy?" Morgan asked, refusing to release the grasp he had on Reid's hand even though takeoff was over and Reid was no longer afraid.

"Yeah, I guess I've become a little spoiled with the private jet," Reid commented, his voice betraying how tired he truly was.

"We all have, I'm wishing we had those couches right about now so we could curl up together while you get a little more shut-eye," Morgan said. He hadn't forgotten Reid's anger but he was going to let Reid bring that up again when he was ready to admit why it bothered him so much, pushing the issue would get him nowhere and he knew that.

"It's different, being surrounded by so many people," Reid commented. Morgan could hear the underlining message; Reid would find no rest while on the plane with so many people so close to him.

Carefully extracting his carry-on from under the seat in front of him he used his unoccupied hand to get his iPod and noise cancelling headphones. Reid watched with an inquisitive eye as Morgan gently placed the headphones on his head, being careful to not mess up his hair, and soon all he could hear was a gentle Mozart symphony. Shooting a loving and thankful gaze at Morgan he snuggled further into his side before closing his eyes.

Morgan watched fondly as Reid's breath evened out and eventually he fell asleep. Once Reid was trapped in dreamland Morgan allowed himself a moment to survey his surroundings, seeing what a first class ticket really bought.

He was slightly surprised to see the elderly couple from earlier sitting across from them, the man already sleeping with his pillow and blanket by the window while the woman watched Morgan with a knowing and approving eye. She noticed she had been caught looking and looking a little abashed she said, "I'm sorry for staring, it's just you are so devoted to him, it's nice to see love in this world for a change, there is far too much hate."

"Thank you ma'am," Morgan said genuinely, he was surprised to find such acceptance but was happy to have it, he almost wished that Reid was awake to experience this, a little love for them instead of disgust.

"Do you live in Chicago or just visiting," she asked, making simple conversation seeing as how both of their travel partners were sleeping.

"I grew up there, we're visiting my Mama. We live in Quantico," Morgan replied.

"What a good boy, visiting his mother! We're flying out to visit our son and grandchildren," she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out some family photos. Morgan smiled as he looked through the few photos, wondering if he and Reid would ever have that.

"So you live in Virginia?" Morgan asked, handing the photos back.

"Our whole lives. What caused you to move to Virginia, so far away from family? Was it the young man currently sleeping on your arm?" She asked with a suggestive look that caused Morgan to blush lightly.

"No ma'am, we both relocated for our jobs. Spencer was born and raised in Las Vegas," Morgan replied.

"Aww, Spencer, I love that name, if we had another boy we were going to name him Spencer," she said, sneaking a good look at the sleeping man, noticing for the first time Reid's cast and sling that was peeking out from under the blanket Morgan had placed on him as soon as he had sat down. "Oh my goodness what happened to his arm?" she asked, a motherly instinct coming out.

Morgan bit his lip, not quite sure how to explain Reid's injury. It wasn't like he couldn't tell her about their job; he just didn't want to worry her. He decided on, "dangerous public speaking."

She seemed confused but nodded, understanding that something's are better kept under wraps. "Well I'm sure you're taking very good care of him if what I've witnessed is any indicator," she said.

About an hour into the flight Reid began to stir. Morgan and his new friend Elaine had been talking on and off about various things and the stewardess was making her way down the aisle with snacks and drinks.

Reid lifted his head and twisted his body in an attempt to stretch. Morgan leaned over and kissed Reid gently and said, "How was your nap?"

"Mmmm, good. Refreshing for sure. I'm a little sore now but nothing too bad," Reid said, righting himself and looking down the aisle at where the stewardess was asking passengers what they would like. "Do you think they will have coffee? Coffee makes everything better," Reid said, still trying to right himself in a way that would make the soreness go away.

"You okay Pretty Boy? You want some pain killers?" Morgan asked, becoming slightly concerned by Reid's uncomfortable-ness. He leaned over and started rifling through his bag, looking for the case of pills he swore he had packed. Not finding any he cursed under his breath.

"Morgan I'll be fine, once we land we'll pick something up on the way to your mom's. Or we can even find something in the airport if it doesn't get better even though most things purchased in airports are horribly overpriced," Reid said, laying his good hand on Morgan's shoulder. Morgan knew if Reid was even talking about taking an OTC pain pill it must hurt a little more than usual.

Turning to his new friend, Morgan hoped that she carried multiple things in her purse like most women he knew, "Elaine, would you happen to have any ibuprofen?" he asked, hope clearly in his voice. Reid was going to comment on how he shouldn't bother other people and how he'd be fine but stopped when he realized that Morgan called her by her first name.

"Derek, when you get to be my age you don't travel without it," she said, fishing a travel bottle out of her bag and handing it over to the profiler. He carefully extracted two pills and handed the bottle back to her, flashing a brilliant smile as thanks. Handing the pills to Reid the younger man quickly downed them dry before anyone could offer him water.

"Thank you," Reid said to Elaine, leaning over Morgan to thank the elderly lady as properly as possible.

"Oh you're very welcome Spencer dear," she said, her very tone of voice oozing motherly love. Reid was a little taken back when she knew his name and she clearly caught on to this fact, "I'm sorry if I seem forward, I feel like I know you with all that Derek here has shared with me. My name is Elaine Thorne."

"Nice to meet you Mrs. Thorne, Spencer Reid, though I guess you already knew that," Reid said, sitting back as the stewardess stopped at their row. Reid ended up getting his cup of coffee which he happily filled with sugar and a bag of pretzels. Morgan grabbed a bag of pretzels as well but settled with a coke.

As Elaine watched Reid dump packet after packet of sugar into his coffee both men heard her scoff softly and mutter with a smile, "Ah, to be young again."

By the time the flight was landing Reid's pain was well under control though if you asked him it would have been because of the coffee, not the drugs. As the plane finally touched down there was a moment of relief that flashed across Reid's face and Morgan bit back a chuckle. As they stood to leave Morgan made sure to get down the Throne's bags from the overhead compartments and allow them to leave before him. Reid had to smile at his boyfriend's actions, always the gentleman.

As they waited by the baggage claim for their one and only checked bag Morgan was shocked to hear, "Derek Morgan, you put that bag down and come give your mama a hug!"

Finally in Chicago! I actually was recently in Chicago myself and will be injecting some of the things I saw and experienced into the story as they visit Morgan's hometown. Hope this fills a little void that CM is leaving everyone with this week by not being new. Review please!