So here's chapter one. This really is my first try to write more mature stories.
I couldn't fake it anymore. I couldn't pretend I was alright. I was breaking, slowly. Piece by piece I crumbled. And I could no longer deny the feelings I held in my heart of hearts. I laid my head on my arms and sighed. Why did it work like this for me? How could I fall for someone so easily, so carelessly?
Warm hands settled on my shoulders. "Hotch? Are you okay?"
The shy, perceptive genius gave me a small smile as I lifted my head to meet his gaze. "Not so good, actually."
His eyes mirrored his concern. "Maybe you should go home and get some sleep. I've never seen you like this."
Oh, if only it were simply the stakeout at fault! But even Reid knew better than that. I thought it couldn't get much worse than Hailey leaving and taking Jack, but her death killed something inside of me. Maybe it was my conscience. Maybe it was my denial. I wasn't sure what it was that had died, but it let me realize something I was sure Hailey had realized some time ago: I was in love with Jason Gideon.
I smiled weakly at Reid. The look on his face told me he wasn't buying it. Dropping the pretense, I held his gaze. "Maybe I will. I think I need a vacation."
He smiled at that. "I'll do your paperwork. Go home. Get some rest."
"What prompted this intervention?"
"Well, you and Gideon parent us enough. I figured it was time to return the favor, especially because you seem so miserable." He hugged me briefly, then left me to my own thoughts.
Once alone again, a plan began to form in my mind. I was ashamed of myself to have lowered myself to plotting, but I'd just reached the edge and thought it wasn't too far down.
So remember to review! PLEASE!
~Sins~