The visitor in question was becoming increasingly agitated with every passing second spent trapped, only managing one half step back before he was called to explain himself to his boss's boss.
"Well…um ma'am… I um… can see that you're busy and I… um… really needed to talk to Hotch so… um… I'll just go." He finished in a rush, head ducked and eyes never leaving his shoes.
"Not so fast." Erin spoke in a harsher tone than she intended, upon seeing the effect of it on the young agent she relaxed her posture, waiting for the boy to meet her gaze giving him a sympathetic smile before trying again in a softer tone.
"What I meant to say is, as you well know I'm Agent Hotchner's superior, which makes me more than capable to deal with any issue you may have so please." She motioned for him to take a seat at one of the chairs pulled up to her desk.
Reid sighed in defeat awkwardly manoeuvring himself into the seat across from Strauss, still clutching his files to his chest in much the same way a small child would clutch their safety blanket in times of distress.
Erin wasn't sure why she had such an immediate attachment to the boy, maybe it was the fact that he was the only remotely friendly face that had entered her office in as long as she could remember, or maybe it was the sheer innocence he exuded. But the decision to give into her maternal instincts was made before she realised.
"So how can I help you today?" She questioned. The tenseness in the boy's shoulders and reddening complexion in his cheeks that threatened to consume his face did not go unnoticed.
"Well umm, today's the first of April." Spencer started to explain, gaze still firmly fixed on his lap. "Also known as April fool's day and …umm well last year." Noticing the boys increasing discomfort she raised her hand putting a stop to his tale, now understanding where this conversation was going. Talk of the successful prank played upon Doctor Reid had spread through the bureau over many weeks. So much so that the story had even trickled back to her a month after it had taken place. No wonder he was on high alert, taking to unorthodox tactics to avoid a repeat of a humiliation like last year.
"No need to go on." She reassured the young agent "I'm aware of the incident last year, downright distasteful." At this Spencer's jaw dropped open in shock, not expecting Strauss to be aware of what had happened, let alone to voice her personal opinion on the matter, she was the first person to not laugh at the situation telling him to lighten up about it. "I'm assuming you were on your way to Agent Hotchner's office to work in there, away from potential pranks"
Reid could only nod at this. After a moment of thoughtful contemplation Strauss continued.
"If I may make one amendment to your plan, why not stay in my office instead? There's twice as much room than in Agent Hotchner's office and no one will think to look for you here, let alone dare to disturb you."
The Doctor fumbled for his words. "You really mean it?" He asked bemused "You're not angry that I'm acting childish, I'm supposed to be an FBI agent I shouldn't be scared of…"
Erin cut him off after it became clear he was arguing with himself. "Of course I mean it and I'm not angry with you, you're not being childish in the slightest. Merely trying to avoid embarrassment; a perfectly human response if you ask me. The person or people I am angry with are whoever pulled the prank on you, that kind of belittling behaviour will not be tolerated. If you know the culprit I can assure you that they will be dealt with most severely, I just need a name."
Spencer had not expected to find such an advocate in the person he'd been warned about since he first stepped foot in the FBI. From the stories that circulated round the new recruits she'd seemed to sound more like an aggressive dragon, that should be avoided at all costs, the women sat across from him couldn't be further from what he expected.
"So Doctor Reid, a name?" Strauss asked bringing him back to the room.
"I'm sorry ma'am but I can't." Erin smiled sadly, the boy was too good to be in this line of work, even now he protected someone who caused him pain.
"I thought you might say that." She signed. "Well, if I can't punish those involved in last year's incident let me at least make sure that we don't have a repeat this year, you can make yourself comfortable in here today, and before you start objecting consider this an order." She smiled triumphantly as she saw Spencer's resistance crumble.
"Thank you, ma'am," Spencer spoke.
"Enough formality, if you're going to be camping out in my office today you might as well call me by my name, so few people do I'm at risk of forgetting it." The older woman was only half joking at this, after casting her mind back she could only recall a depressingly few amount of people who use her first name rather than Ma'am or boss, at the moment only David Rossi came to mind.
"Okay… Erin. Please call me Spencer." The man in question stuttered not entirely comfortable with being on first name terms but feeling unable to refuse the women who had shown him such kindness.
"If it makes you feel better why don't we start with last names." Again, Spencer was shocked at how easy he was to read by this woman, and instead of being offended she'd shown him more kindness, she truly was full of surprises.
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