Chapter 7: Full Circle

Reid heard his alarm clock go off in the bedroom and almost simultaneously, his phone on the coffee table began chiming. It was easy enough to ignore, at least for another minute or two. Morgan woke up at the noise, frowning, fighting for just a little bit of room. They had slept cuddled against each other during the remainder of the night and were tangled within each other's limbs. Reid moaned into the front of the base of Morgan's neck and Morgan continued to struggle for room, scooting against the back of the couch as close as he could. Reid just seemed to relax into him more. He tried to rub the sleep from his eyes as he said Reid's name, but Reid wasn't responding. "Wake up, man." He yawned and his vision blurred as he looked off into the kitchen. They forgot to turn the light off and it was pretty bright. Reid's breathing pattern had changed, but he still hadn't moved. "You gonna turn that shit off?" Gradually, he could feel Reid's body seizing up during a very intense stretch and that frown Morgan had immediately turned into a smile when Reid began squeaking through it. Then Reid finally started moving.

He rolled onto his back and glanced at Morgan with a sleepy smile on his face. He then sat up, rubbed his eyes and silenced the phone alarm. Without saying a word to Morgan, he stood, naked as the day he was born, and headed to the bedroom. No inhibition whatsoever. Morgan chuckled and then got comfortable on the couch, getting back into his boxer briefs and then dug into his jeans for his phone. No texts, no missed calls, no messages at all, so he checked the local news and then the national news and let that wake him up as Reid showered.

After a little while, Morgan managed to get some coffee brewing. He picked up Reid's clothes from the floor, not forgetting the bottle of lube and Reid's unused condom or the blanket and headed to the bedroom with all of it. Reid was just opening the bathroom door when he placed the items on the bed for Reid put away. "Hey, hot stuff," he smiled. Reid smiled back, but still didn't say anything. "Good morning," he offered.

"Hello," Reid barely made eye contact as he walked by Morgan and around the bed to his closet, his bottom half wrapped in a towel.

Morgan immediately felt like something wasn't right. "I, uhh, I got some coffee going."

Reid poked his head out from behind the door. "Thank you."

Did I dream what happened last night? Why isn't Reid gushing with affection? Morgan raised his eyebrows and licked the inside of his teeth, slacking his jaw as he thought about it. Something told him to not saying anything, but he couldn't stop himself. "Heya, Reid?"

"Yeah?" His voice was muffled and strained a bit.

Morgan listened for another second because it sounded like Reid almost fell and he wanted to make sure he hadn't. "What happened here last night?"

Almost ten seconds passed before Reid stepped out into Morgan's view. His wet hair lay stringy at the sides, weighted down. He had a purple and yellow plaid sock in one hand had a solid yellow one on his foot. The fly of his dark grey slacks was still unzipped and laying open, exposing some of his stomach. His white tank top wasn't tucked in yet.

Morgan's eyes devoured him.

"What do you mean? I think it's fairly obvious what happened."

Morgan looked away to the pile of fabric he'd placed down and then found Reid's eyes again. "Humor me."

"You came over to visit, we fell asleep, we talked, we had sex and we fell asleep again. Am I missing something?"

Wow, Morgan thought. He shook his head a little wondering if he should have expected such a robotic, matter of fact reply. "Nah, man, I think you nailed it." And with that he casually made his way out of the bedroom, but shut the door loud enough that Reid couldn't have missed it.

After a few minutes, Reid came out of his room, ready to go, and walked to the kitchen for some coffee. It was nice having coffee already made for him and he was quick to fix a cup. "Are you riding with me?"

"Nope," Morgan answered sharply as he slipped one shoe on. "I'm gonna head home first, take a shower and change."

"Oh…" Reid nodded as he frog faced. "Okay, sounds good." Reid took a long drink of his coffee, ignoring the burn as it went down his throat and then he stared at Morgan, who wouldn't look at him. "What's wrong?"

Morgan smirked and shook his head. "I'd like to ask you the same question."

"Nothing," Reid replied too quickly as he shifted on his feet.

"I don't buy it."

"I'm a little nervous about tonight, but that-"

"Tonight?" Morgan finally looked up at Reid as he tied his shoe. "You're- After last night, you're still going out with him?"

Reid thought things had been very clear so he was surprised by Morgan's false assumption. He swallowed nervously, knowing this was going to cause a problem. "Last night was wonderful, but I told you - we're not getting back together and I'm still going to date him. If you're upset about that, I'm sorry."

"I'm getting real sick of this, Reid," Morgan snapped as he finished getting into his shoes, but then he paused, regretting saying that right away even though it was the truth. He took a deep breath before he spoke again. "Don't you think we're just going through some motions here and that we will end up back together?"

Reid shook his head the tiniest bit. "Maybe, but I really couldn't say."

Morgan was floored. He couldn't believe this. What the hell was it gonna take? "We have a chance and it's happening right now." He stood up to face Reid and looked him in the eye as he put his shirt on. "You're wasting his time and ours if you don't intend on a relationship with him."

Reid squinted at Morgan, looking a bit shocked by his statements. "You were the one who encouraged me to date him," he said firmly. "Do you remember that?" he began to raise his voice. "Remember, 'Michael or no Michael'? Those were your words!"

"I said to sow your wild oats!" Morgan raised his voice over Reid. "I didn't say to get into a relationship and fall in love with him!"

"I'm not in love with him!"

"Infatuated, whatever!" Morgan shouted. "Why, Reid?! This makes no sense! Why are you doing this?!"

"Morgan! I'm not explaining myself to you!" Reid screamed over Morgan, hoping to end this argument.

Morgan just stared at Reid with a look of fear and confusion in his eyes.

After a few needed breaths, Reid continued. "Why even have an agreement if you're not going to honor it?" he had to ask. Reid took another breath, lowering his voice and softening his tone in his need to get one more thing stated very clearly. "How many times do I have to say it until you understand me? I don't know what I want." He paused as he thought about where Morgan's head was at. "Clearly you do, but I wouldn't keep dating Michael if I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be with you."

Morgan swallowed hard at those last words as they rung in his ears. He felt used, he felt disposable, he felt completely tossed aside. "We said 'I love you', Reid. We are in love with each other. You and I… How can you possibly have it your mind that you need to give him a fucking chance in your life!?"

Reid's eyes hit the floor. There was no way Morgan would be able to understand. "Last night was a mistake," he whispered to himself.

"What did you say?"

"We're moving too fast. Last night shouldn't have happened."

"God damn it, Reid…" Morgan was on the verge of tears. His heart sank into his gut and he lost his breath as his face got hot.

"You're expecting too much. I told you-" Reid stopped his words as Morgan glared at him with glossy eyes. "Morgan, I'm sorry you're upset."

Morgan wanted to scream at Reid from the very top of his lungs, but just continued to stare him down. After several uncomfortable seconds, Morgan finally took a deep breath, beating back his emotions. He might as well have hit a 'reset' button within himself because he suddenly looked unphased. "I'll see you at work."

"Morgan, wait." Reid wouldn't let him pass. He wouldn't let him run away. He couldn't leave things like this… He lowered his head and angled it to meet Morgan's averting eyes. "I know what you want and I want it too, but I need to do this."

"Life is not challenging you, Reid. This isn't some big test for you to prove yourself or do the right thing."

"I think I have feelings for him, Morgan. I can't just walk away." Reid's eyes wouldn't waver from Morgan's.

Morgan sighed, that being the very last thing he wanted to hear. He barely knows that kid. How could he possibly have any feelings for him? "Reid-"

"And I'm not walking away from you," Reid cut Morgan off, quickly taking Morgan's head into his hands and kissing him. Morgan couldn't help but kiss him back, but he was the first to pull away and then they just stared at each other, not saying another word. Morgan slowly turned away and Reid watched him as he made sure he had everything he came with and then Morgan simply helped himself out the door.

Once Morgan was gone, Reid sat down at his couch and buried his head in his hands.

It had been a quiet day at work for Reid, especially with Morgan keeping to himself most of the day. Some new leads came in for their current case, but JJ and Blake took off to check them out. Reid stayed behind, saying he didn't feel well. He really just wanted to keep in Morgan's vicinity even if they weren't occupying the same space.

When it came time to leave, they ended up in the elevator alone. Together. Again. And when Morgan suddenly hit the emergency stop button, Reid could tell it wasn't a planned move, but Morgan was on him as fast as lightning, standing mere inches from him. Reid's heart was instantly pounding so loudly in his ears that he could barely hear the alarm as it sounded.

Morgan cupped Reid's face and began teasing Reid's lips with his mouth until they both opened wide to let each other in. This kiss was deep and needy. Morgan backed Reid up against the elevator wall and pressed his body into Reid's and Reid took Morgan's head into his hands before letting one hand fall to Morgan's lower back.

Morgan must have hit the button again because Reid couldn't hear the alarm any longer and the elevator shook. They began to descend again, but continued kissing right up until the elevator stopped.

Reid stood against the wall with his lips relaxed closed, breathing hard through his nose, completely overwhelmed. Morgan stared back at him from three feet away until the door opened and then he exited. Reid tried to follow, but four other people entered the elevator, crowding him to the wall again. When they settled inside, he excused himself just before the doors were about to slide shut. Morgan hadn't said goodbye or even waited for him… In fact, he was already forty feet away, heading off in a different direction than the direction Reid needed to go. Reid cleared his throat quietly and hung his head as he made his way over to his car.

Reid slowly walked up to Michael's front door and stood there, working up the nerve to knock. He was so nervous and after what happened with the Morgan the night before and their argument this morning and then that kiss in the elevator… Reid wondered how he even got to Michael's place. He remembered nothing of his drive because he was so consumed in thought. He sighed and turned around, really struggling to go ahead with his plans for the evening. He tilted his head back and sighed, wishing for some sign to tell him what he should do. When he heard the door open, he quickly turned back around. Here we go.

"Spencer…"

When Reid saw Michael's pretty eyes and warm smile, his nerves began to settle down. "Michael…" he answered, smiling back at him effortlessly. Then he quickly realized he must have looked stupid standing at the door and not knocking. "Sorry," he swallowed anxiously, "I, uhh, I was just getting some fresh air." He nodded his head, agreeing with his own thought that yes, he was about two seconds away from making this awkward. "It's been a long day."

"That bad, huh?" Michael's smile was so comforting. He held out his hand to Reid who didn't hesitate to take it. They walked inside together and Michael started laughing. "Oh, remind me to grease your hinges before you go."

Reid smiled, a little embarrassed by his old car. That must have been how Michael knew he had arrived. "I'm not sneaking up on anyone, am I?"

"Not a chance…" Michael closed the door behind them and they stood facing each other. Reid was still pretty nervous, but nowhere near what he was a moment ago.

"You're finally back. It felt like a really long time." Reid was being shy, speaking while smiling and continually looking away.

"Did you miss me?" Michael asked.

"I did," Reid told him, still grinning.

Michael smiled back. "I missed you too, Spencer."

"No more 'Dr. Reid'?" He immediately wondered if he had done something to deserve that.

"We'll see…" he winked at Reid.

Reid shyly smiled again, loving the way Michael made him feel with the simplest of gestures. "That sounds promising," Reid said, hoping he would hear it again. He'd liked it enough to miss that too.

Michael winked again, confirming Reid's assumption he very well might hear it again later. He quickly pulled Reid in for a hug and Reid held onto to him tight enough that he surprised himself. Holding Michael was so nice. His skin was warm, there was an enticing scent coming off of his body and Reid could feel that Michael's heart was pounding away. "You're stronger than you look," Michael tried to say as Reid squeezed the life out of him. Reid immediately let go and apologized. Michael was sure now that something was on his mind. "What's up?" He led Reid over to the couch and they sat down together.

Reid took in a deep breath and thought about what he had planned to say. After clearing his throat, he began, "I do need to talk to you…" The corners of Reid's mouth turned downward and he scooted toward the edge of the couch, turning to face Michael. He immediately brought his hands together and fidgeted with his fingers, certainly not meaning to, but Michael noticed.

"Oh, boy. Hold that thought." Michael gave Reid a huge smile which made Reid let out a quiet laugh. He relaxed a little, facing forward again and resting his elbows on his knees. "Let me get us something to drink," Michael yelled as he shuffled to the kitchen.

As Reid watched Michael, the front door opened and Reid's head spun rightward to watch the most beautiful woman step into the house. He stood without delay to show her respect as an entirely different batch of nerves activated inside of him.

Her hair was long and thick and flowed in waves down her shoulders. It was nearly black in this light. Reid saw right away her skin tone was the same as Michael's and her eyes… they were just like Michael's and so very pretty. Her lips were stained a soft shade of red and her smile was a warm as Michael's. She wore a form fitting, short sleeved navy blue shirt and jean shorts. She looked like she was dressed for the summer.

"Hey, sister," Michael called from the kitchen as he poured some wine.

"Hey, brother," she replied out of habit. She didn't see Reid right away until her head spun leftward as she was about to check where the door was so she could gauge how hard to tap it closed with the bottom of her foot. She was carrying a lone paper grocery sack and seemed to be holding onto it for dear life. Once she made eye contact with Reid, she froze. At first, she looked scared, wondering who this stranger was in her house. Then her expression changed to curiosity and she gazed at him until it finally clicked who he must be. "Oh, Dios mío..." she mumbled to herself.

Reid waved with a bit of a smile on his lips, very happy to finally get the chance to meet Michael's fraternal twin. He wondered why she'd said 'Oh, my God,' though.

"Maya, this is Dr. Spencer Reid." Michael was very proud of Reid and it showed. He was over to Reid with their glasses of wine and had to nudge Reid for Reid to take his.

Maya cleared her throat and bored a hole into her brother with wide eyes.

"Hi," Reid forced his hand out to offer a handshake.

Michael remembered instantly how Reid wouldn't shake his hand when they first met and he began watching them carefully.

"Hi," she shook Reid's hand firmly, still holding the bag she had brought inside with her. "Maya."

"It's nice to meet you," Reid couldn't wipe the stupid grin from his face. He also couldn't get over how breathtaking she was. He immediately wanted to strike up some small talk with her, but Michael hadn't really shared any details about her and he had no idea what her interests were.

"Likewise," she responded with a sincere smile. "I've heard so much about you. It's great to be able to put a face to all my brother's ramblings."

"Hey," Michael interjected.

Maya laughed and Reid gave a soft chuckle to laugh along with her.

Michael watched as sparks flew between his sister and his hopefully soon to be boyfriend. "Get a room, will ya?" He wasn't shy about calling either of them out; they wouldn't stop staring at each other.

Reid immediately cleared his throat and turned his body toward Michael and took a drink of his wine.

Maya quickly headed into the kitchen to put away the groceries.

Now that his sister was home, Michael wanted some privacy for him and Reid so he asked Reid to follow him outside. They headed out the front door and then to the garage. Reid watched Michael lift the door with only one arm and he motioned Reid inside with him. Inside, there was an old lifted Chevrolet truck with a short box. It barely fit inside the small space. Michael pulled the tailgate down and hopped on.

Reid remained firmly on the ground and both men placed their wine glasses down onto the tailgate, but instead of focusing on Michael, his eyes honed in on the black motorcycle strapped down in the truck bed and guilt nested right into the pit of his stomach as he thought of Morgan… Reid cringed a little and wondered what he was doing right now and if he was okay. Hopefully he was taking Clooney for a walk. Maybe he'll go to a club to dance off some stress. He didn't want to think that Morgan was at home alone sitting in the dark.

Noticing Reid's intense concentration on his bike, Michael smiled, touched that Reid was displaying signs of concern. "Ah, I know what you're thinking, but you don't have to worry about me, Dr. Reid. I only ride at night when it's raining, with no safety gear."

Michael's voice pulled Reid from away from his thoughts and he scrambled to process what Michael had said. He held a smile while soaking in his first 'Dr. Reid' of the evening.

"And I only cut off anyone who gets in my way."

Reid quietly laughed in response.

"What did you need to talk about?"

Reid cleared his throat again, feeling very much like he had been rude to Michael. "First let me apologize about Maya," he told Michael. "I didn't mean to-"

"It's cool," Michael admitted. "I've had to deal with it my whole life. She's ridiculously beautiful. Even some of my gay boyfriends have been awestruck. Don't worry about it."

There was short moment of silence as Reid stared at Michael not really sure how to respond to that. "Uhh… So, I just wanted to be honest with you... about… something." He looked into Michael's eyes as he spoke quietly to him. "…And something happened while you were away."

Michael swallowed and nodded, bracing himself.

"Whatever happened between Morgan and I… isn't over. And… I've decided to start seeing him again." Reid watched Michael for a response, but he didn't really get one; his face was completely relaxed. He wasn't even trying to smile away any worry he might have had. "But I want to keep seeing you as well… I like you …a lot and I don't want to just end this, you know… what we've started."

Michael blew out the breath he'd been patiently holding. "Okay," he smiled a little.

Reid frowned. "Just like that?"

"I understand you and him have a history… but I know we have something special here," he watched Reid as Reid listened attentively. "So, yeah... I'm in. Whatever it takes."

Reid sighed in relief and smiled as the weight lifted from his shoulders.

Michael continued, "I want you to be happy and ultimately, who you want to be happy with is up to you." Michael smiled wide and grabbed Reid's hand. "I'm just relieved my foot is still in the door."

Reid laughed softly as rubbed the back of Michael's hand with his thumb. "It is."

Michael pulled Reid in for their first kiss in several days. Reid was the first to open his mouth and brush his tongue against Michael's parting lips. There was an instant charge that they both felt and Reid took Michael's head into his hands and kissed him deeply. His heartbeat fluttered like the butterflies in his stomach. So much anticipation.

Michael was the first to pull away, breathing hard as they held their foreheads together. "Do you want to go seal this deal?"

Reid licked his lips and he and Michael kissed each other again. "Yes… I do."

And with that, Michael hopped off of the tailgate and downed his glass of wine. Reid finished his off too, both leaving their glasses on the tailgate and then the boys left the garage. Once outside, Michael pulled the door down. Reid took note of the car parked next to his. It was a blue Honda coupe. He deduced it was Maya's car.

They headed back into the house and saw that Maya was in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. "Hey, sis, don't wait up," Michael called as he rounded the corner into the hallway.

"Where are you going?!" she called and looked toward the front door.

Reid waited as he saw Michael coming back to answer her. "To my bedroom!" he answered and headed down the hallway again.

Reid and Maya looked at each other and smiled. Then she waved him over. Reid glanced down the hall towards Michael's room and then he slowly made his way to the kitchen. She leaned with her elbows over the counter top and he stood at the other side.

"You're awful cute," she said with a big smile.

Reid smiled bashfully, not showing any teeth. "Thank you?" he replied quietly, in a questioning tone. He wanted to say something similar back to her, but she didn't give him the chance.

"You like my brother, huh?"

Reid tried to cut a frown through his smile. "Yes, I do."

"But you're not gay?"

She was bold to ask. This was probably information coming from Michael, he guessed. "Uhh… Not specifically, no."

"Good to know…" She winked at Reid and stood upright, getting back to what was cooking on the stove.

Reid felt a rush of heat hit his neck and face as he stood there. There was no other way around this. He liked her. Reid slowly turned around, grinning, only to see Michael waiting for him. "Oh, sorry, I, uhh- she-"

"I've had problems with her trying to steal my boyfriends since we were twelve."

Reid felt horrible. But Michael just said that with a huge smile. Was he upset or not? "Boyfriend, huh?" Reid giggled as he let Michael pull him away and into the bedroom, closing the door securely behind them.

Haha, don't kill me. Instead, leave a review of your thoughts. I'd love to hear you guys out on this one. Next chapter is half done. Thanks for reading! :D