A smiling Morgan walks into the break room where Garcia is sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in one hand and a bagel in the other.
"Someone's happy, my lovely and sexy dark chocolate god!" says Garcia as she takes a bite of her bagel.
"Good morning to you too, my baby girl !" says Morgan as he pours himself a cup of coffee and sits next to her.
"What's got you so happy?" inquires Garcia as she leans back in her chair.
"I have a date tonight ," responds Morgan as he sips his coffee.
"Whom is lucky lady?"
Well," Morgan stated, " I don't think Reid will be appreciate to call him..."
"Reid!" Garcia burst out. "My G-Man and my hot stuff." She said it like it was some kind of world-changing revelation, like the Earth's axis had been tilted and the alignment of stars changed forever.
"Please, I think the people on the other end of the park haven't heard yet," Morgan drawled.
"It's just..." Garcia tried to explain, obviously lacking the words. "Of all the people in this world, I'd have never thought you'd be one to do something like that, I thought that if you ever go for someone in the team, it would be Prentiss!"
"Hey!" Morgan protested, but he knew Garcia had a point."I don't know but Reid is different. I'm happy because for the first time in forever, I finally feel like I'm being myself. "
"I'm glad to hear that," says Garcia as she finishes her bagel and smiles at him. "So what are your plans for the date? "
J.J. walks in as Morgan is about to answer. She gives them a look and casually says good morning before Rossi says that they have a case.
Everyone took their positions around the table as Hotch came out of his office and looked around at the agents in the room.
"This case was brought to me personally. Three victims all shot execution style with a painted in blood on a wall, floor, or any place near the victim." Hotch said plainly before Garcia stood up and went to the TV.
"Victim one was killed in Valentino Bar . The painting was a simple butterfly ." The blonde woman stated, posting the picture on the tv. "The victims name was Zennobia Millers"
"The second victim, Charlie Matheson was found in a warehouse . A painting snake was left on the wall ." Prentiss added, handing the photo to Reid.
"Ever since Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden, snakes in Christian tradition have been associated with lies, evil and temptation. But in other cultures, as far-flung as ancient Greece and Egypt and indigenous North America, snakes symbolize fertility, rebirth, renewal and even immortality."Reid explained and blushed as Morgan was looking at him.
"Maria Sawyer was the third victim. Found dead at Riverton Apartments with a painting bird on the floor beside her."
"J.J. and Rossi, put together a profile on our first victim , compare it to the two other vics. See what similarities you can find between them. People they might have had contact with, places they went, etcetera," Hotch called as Reid stood next to him. "I want to find out who's killing these guys and why. Is it random, or are they all people the killer had a grudge against?"
"Got it, boss." Garcia typed a few quick words into her computer. "Social media says Maria was a bartender at some place called La Puerta Roja. I've been there. It's a real dive. Mostly regular customers, and by regulars I mean day drinkers who are there from nine to five, five days a week. It also pulls up a girlfriend, one Hailey Quiroz. We'll check the bar, then the girlfriend."
Rossi stood up to put on his jacket.
"You comin', J.J. ?" J.J. nodded and followed suit.
"What about drugs?"Prentiss asks while Reid put away the file.
"All the three girls were A straight students from good homes and not found something strange in their rooms."Morgan answered.
After a few visits to the victims families Hotch found himself in the elevator ready to share with the team some informations he got. It turned out that the three women did not know each other. They went to different schools, frequented different shops and were from different neighborhoods.
So what did the girls have in common that made the killer choose them?
Entering in the bullpen , he stood dead in his tracks as saw Athena sitting on the edge of Reid's desk talking and laughing with her brother, with her lopsided smile and wild hand gestures. He watched her took a sip from her milkshake absentmindedly, and Hotch watched as those pretty lips closed around the yellow plastic straw. Athena sucked, her cheeks hollowing, then swallowed, the man swallowed too, suddenly very aware of the tight collar and knot of his tie around his own throat.
He forced himself to look and found himself wondering what the drink in Athena's hand tasted like. Would he be able to taste it on her tongue if he kissed her? Noticing that he was again staring at Athena, Hotch steered his unwilling eyes away from her, only to find that Rossi was looking at him again.
He felt the heat of embarrassment creep up his neck and ears. Just how obvious had his eternal struggle become?
Morgan was too busy checking out the doctor. Reid and Athena seemed to not have noticed, as they were talking to each other and they were blissfully unaware that Reid boss was undressing Reid sister with his eyes.
David Rossi, however, was not.
He looked Hotch sternly in the eyes.
"Aaron." he said in a low voice. "The last time I looked at somebody that way, I got married for the third time."
In Rossi voice layed almost the perfect balance of annoyance and bewildered amusement. "You might want to get yourself under control ."
Hotch's look at Dave was no less stern.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, David." He lied, making it unmistakable that the topic was off the table.
Rossi smirked. "I saw you last night at the bar"!
"Don't be stupid, Dave. There is nothing going on between Athena and I."Hotch retorted. "The kiss was just... I pushed her away. I made it clear that nothing is going on between us and she accepted it "
"You are an idiot"Rossi said flatly.
Hotch rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"There is an attractive woman who is interested in you and kissed you and you pushed away?"Rossi said and looked at Hotch like he grown a second head."If a woman like her was interested in me, I wouldn't have wasted time and took her on a date but not everyone can have a good taste!"
"You're a real jackass sometimes," says Hotch, so expressionless that Rossi can't tell whether he means it or not.
"Jesus Christ, I know that," says Rossi. "But at least I'll admit it when I goddamn want something. You know it's still OK to want things for yourself, right? You remember what that's like, to want someone? Or are you going to let George Foyet take that too?"
Hotch face hardens into a pale, blank mask. "I don't know what you mean," he says.
"We've known each other a long time," says Rossi. "You know exactly what I mean."
"It would be very disrespectful for Reid if I..."
"He knows."Rossi snapped, a bit irritated." "Reid informed her about national security issues. He was there when you flirted with her , smart enough to connect the phone call with the whole situation!"
Without another word, Rossi left the office leaving Hotch alone with his own thoughts. As much as Hotch didn't want to admit it, Rossi was right. He could not explain his recent attraction to the young woman who had unexpectedly entered his life.
The way she looked at him with those green eyes full of last and secrets. The way she made him open up about his marriage, how easy it was to talk to her. Those tattoos that made him want to touch them, touch her.
The kiss.
The kiss that made him almost lose all of his self control and wanted to take her right there in the bar. It shocked him who Athena caught him off guard ,hands sliding along his chest and lips against his.
Urgent. Powerful. Grounding.
It had never been like that with Haley. Their "hello" kiss had been one of duty and acknowledgment. Aaron wasn't sure when they had developed a pattern on how they touched each other, but he knew it had its roots in high school. It had been always very set, very safe. She had kissed him demurely. He had kissed her in kind. Physical intimacy had been restricted to the bedroom.
Hotch had even seriously considered not ever pursuing a romantic relationship ever again. He would never tell anybody and he could hardly admit it to himself, but he was certain that being touched would most likely trigger him and the trauma caused by Foyet.
The reaper had not raped him, at least not in the classical sense. But he had teased Hotch about it, remarking the similarities of the crimes, taking his shirt off and sitting on Hotch's lap to stab him ever so slowly. It was the last time he had touched another person's skin and for all it was worth, today he could hardly touch his own. The reaper had marked him in every way, just as he had intended.
Hotch let out a deep breath.
Athena put the drinks in the desk,"I got black tea and green tea. I didn't know which you preferred with food."
"I'm fine with either." Reid took a bite of his shrimp lo mein.
Athena handed him the black tea. "Simon recommended I drink more green tea. Apparently, he learned about it from Oprah."
Reid gave a quick flash of smile at the sally. "I don't suppose you brought sugar?"
Athena put her milkshake on the desk, and dug in her pocket. "I know better than to deprive you of a sugar rush." She handed Reid a stirrer as well.
"Thanks."
They ate quietly for a couple of minutes.
«Thank for the lunch."Reid started pacing the office." Some times I forgot to eat"
"One of those days you will forget how to breath and I may look sexy in black but O refuses to be left with the stick up ass father and mommy looney as the only relatives "
"Hey" Reid retorted angrily." Watch your mouth when you speak about mom"
Athena frowned as she spoke."A mana boy "
Reid"s face heated, he really wishes it didn't.
The entire time brother and sister were talking across the table from each other, the team watched adamantly, heads moving side to side almost as if they were watching a tennis match. The room was silent as the two siblings stared each other down, Athena's smirk not letting up, and Reid glaring at her, his cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment.
"Reid?, "Reid started slowly. "Did you speak with Simon about the divorce?"
Morgan, who was on his desk pretending to fill some paperwork, just to let the two siblings to chat he could not pass that information.
"You are married?"Morgan butted in."It was not on your file!"
Athena arched an eyebrow."I was married. My dear soon ex-husband sent the divorce papers this morning signed off." She explained.
"You don't have signed them yet!"Reid looked at her shocked, he didn't think that Athena was hesitant to sign the papers.
"I want to talk with my lawyer first"
"Why?"Morgan narrows his eyes skeptically"You want to take all his money?"
With the words come out of his mouth , the heads of J.J. and Prentiss snapped toward them. The two women were watching and Reid tried to hide a smile. Morgan turned to stone when he saw Athena in front of her.
"What did you say?"Athena was almost flippant, calm.
An uneasy silence surrounded them. Morgan looked to her eyes. His voice trembled; he'd be stupid not to be scared of Athena.
Athena burst out laughing like a maniac. It was the typical Athena laughter. The 'Muwhahahahaha' laughter as Tony Dinozzo called it.
"Sweetheart "Athena started sweetly, trying to keep her anger in check."I drive a H2 NINJA SX SE Kawasaki motorcycle worth of 31.995 . I live in a a seven-bedroom and five and a half bath Tudor style house worth of 4,000,000. My net worth as a holder of doctorates in chemistry, engineering and art is 10 million."
"If you want to call someone a gold digger just look at a mirror"
Morgan growled at Athena who laughed like a maniac like those villains on television.
'Nice to know your sister is as terrifying as ever.' Agent Anderson remarks
Reid beams" You should have seen her when we sparred last Christmas. She'd just gotten back from a trip in Asia. She broke three rips of mine "
All heads snap around to Reid, who shrugs. It's the truth, after all.
Prentiss and J.J. look fairly stunned.
"You broke three of your brother rips?'"
Athena turned to the man while rhere was a long pause. Agent Anderson and Athena looked at each other while they waited.
"Athena Reid"The woman says in a seductive way.
The man stood right in front of her looking her up down.
"Agent Anderson!"It was his answer taking her hand and kiss it. There is a small gasp, the unusual blush, and a giggling retreat.
If looks could kill, Agent Anderson would probably have been incinerated on the spot.
They stood and talked for a while, he was hitting on her pretty hard, but she played along, in need of feeling wanted. After a while, she realized he wasn't just a pretty face, he was also funny and witty. Even if he was trying desperately to win her affection, she started to enjoy his company.
Hotch glared at the annoying agent next to him. Couldn't she take a hint? He wanted to be alone.
Suddenly, a distinctly familiar feminine laugh filled his ears. He spun around on the bar stool, completely disregarding the agent.
His eyes found Athena and Agent Anderson on the other side of the bullpen , talking and laughing. Hotch began to make his way toward them. As he got closer, it became clear that Agent Anderson was desperately hitting on her.
Hotch gritted his teeth and clenched his fists so hard that his nails dug into his skin.He instantly got pissed, for some reason, but kept his distance.
Athena spotted Hotch a few feet away, and knew he was watching her every move. Why not make him a little jealous? She plotted, hoping to get back at him for rejecting her..
"Agent Anderson ,I'll tell you a secret if you give me one?" She whispered seductively.
Hotch observed the scene that played out before him: Agent Anderson leaned in a bit too close for Hotch comfort and whispered something in Athena ear, placing his hand on the small of his back.
Athena snuck a glance at Hotch- he looked like he was about to strangle Agent Anderson. At first, she was satisfied that he was jealous, but that quickly turned into fear as Hotch advanced on Agent Anderson.
"Agent Anderson"A voice bellowed from the catwalk. "In case you all haven't noticed, you're at work. That means I expect work to be done! Yes, technically this is our last day before Monday's meeting, but that does not give you permission to slack off! Find some work to do, or I'll find some for you!"
They all stood in the bullpen in utter shock, staring up at their enraged and hostile Unit Chief.
"MOVE! NOW! Everyone back to their desks. Garcia, get back to your office. Agent Anderson is if you not have noticed but you are at work instead of working, you are flirting. Do you want to be written up?!"
"N-n-no, S-Sir." Agent Anderson replied. He turned and ran out of the door and down the corridor until he found an abandoned office that wasn't locked.
Hotch stared at her, an unreadable expression on his face
"Mister Suit!" Athena lifts a perfectly sculpted eyebrow
Hotch had a feeling that if he tried to speak, he wouldn't be able to. His throat was clenched, his teeth clenched, his fists clenched. He was breathing rapidly but jerkily, as if he could not concentrate even on such a simple activity as ordinary breathing.
They exchanged challenging stares, and all the people on the floor can see the sexual tension between them.
He walked away from her without looking back. Rossi heard the commotion and the way Aaron spoke to Agent Anderson. He exited his office just as Agent Anderson took off running, then looked at Aaron.
"What the-"
"NOT NOW, ROSSI!" Aaron glared at him.
He walked back into his office and slammed the door, locking it. He saw Dave check on the others then take off after Agent Anderson . He shut the blinds and walked to his desk, pulling out his own stash of whiskey. He slid to the floor behind his desk, took a swig of whiskey, and tried to calm himself.
He didn't know how much longer he could control himself. Because even though he felt like a monster every time he thought about Athena Reid former Grayson, he wanted her for himself.
Back to the bullpen was a moment of stunned silence.
"What the hell!"Prentiss announced, getting up to her feet ."Did I just witness Hotch loose his cool?"
Spencer turned to Athena and gave him a pleading look.
"Anyway" Athena with a smile pulled her phone.""And now, I am leaving because i have more interesting things to do."
She started to walk out but turned to give her brother another knowing look and a nod before walking out of FBI' office.
Seeing his sister walks away Reid marching out of the bullpen.
"Sis"
The twins stood in front of the elevator ignoring the curious loos from the team and agents.
"What the fuck was that?"The younger Reid said, voice carefully managed, arms folded over his chest.
"I don't know what you are talking about ," Athena mumbled.
"Don't play with me"Reid sighed, rubbing a hand over his aching forehead,"I am not one of those boys who you will batt your eyelashes and melt. I know you and your games!"
Athena finally spoke. "Fine" Her voice was gruff and Reid could see that her arms were crossed because her hands were shaking. "I wanted to play, to press his buttons, I wanted a reaction from him. He rejected me, what you wanted me to do?. Stay back and admit my defeat!"
"You are a bitch!" Reid bellowed.
"What?!" Athena snapped.
''I don't want you to get hurt!'' Reid said mulishly."Hotch is the first man after Simon who got your attention!"
"Be careful," Reid warned.
"It's me," Athena gave him a cheerful smile before taking off.
Reid sighed, watching her go. "That's part of what I'm worried about."
"Okay, what is going on in here?" Athena asked from where she stood in the doorway to Reid bedroom. The young sat on the bed wearing just a pair of boxers and socks and about half the contents of his closet was spread out in front of him.
"I don't know what to wear," Reid said frustrated. A comment about her brothers vanity was on the tip of Athena tongue, but she stopped herself . It had been a while since she saw Reid this desperate and insecure. She sighed, stepped forward and picked a pair of black jeans and a dark maroon botton-up shirt from the pile. She also grabbed the Charvet tie Reid had gotton from Simon and handed the clothes to her brother.
"Put this on," she odered.
"Thanks," Reid sighed. Athena nodded and started folding the rest of Reid clothes. A knock sounded through the appartment and Reid shot a panicked look at his sister .
"Crap, he's early!"
"Get changed, I'll open the door. Relax baby bro, you'll be fine," Athena reassured him with a pat on the back as she walked towards the door. She opened it and came face-to-face with Derek Morgan who was holding a bouquet of flowers while he nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
"Good evening. Ms Grayson, I am here to pick up Spencer!"
It was ridiculous but, then again, Morgan couldn't feel anything but stupid in front of the Reid twin sister. She smiled at him and a shiver ran up his spine because he could see she didn't mean it at all. She didn't really like him, mostly she just didn't consider him worth her time and maybe that was a good time. If he wasn't a threat, then she just wouldn't care and, at least, he would find himself fighting against her.
"I am aware of that. My dear brother of mine had been informed me about this nee development "Athena said gracefully, all the while making him understand she didn't like his presence here at the moment
The small smile that Morgan had on his face dimmed slightly.
"Let be clear , agent "Athena scoffed." I don't like you , you don't like me. You are bully with authority and anger problems , your alpha behaviour makes you having troubles with follower orders and act before you think but somehow you convince my brother that you deserve a chance. If I ever see my brother crying because of you I will paint the walls of my shop with you blood. As you know I had no problem to hit a man or agent. Copy?"
"Copy" Morgan answered because, even if she looked ready to crush him, there was really no reason not to be polite.
Don't mind my brother, he is just having a minor breakdown about his outfit."
"I was not having a breakdown!" Reid protested from where he was just walking down the stairs. He was still tying his tie and didn't look up. He missed Morgan mouth falling open and closing quickly when he spotted him. Athena didn't miss it and nodded approvingly. He seemed just as smitten with Reid as Reid was with him. Good. That meant she could skip his planned murder.
"Really? You weren't? Tell that to the five pairs of jeans and eight shirts on your bed," Athena teased. Reid looked up and opened his mouth to protest, but he froze when he saw Morgan standing there. The man was wearing a tight pair of blue jeans and a black botton-up with the two highest buttons open and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows which showed off his muscled forearms.
"Uhm, I've brought you something. A bit cliché, but it felt wrong to show up empty-handed," Morgan was the first to shake himself out of their unplanned staring contest. He held out the flowers for Reid to take. Reid blushed a deep shade of red when he stepped forward and took the bouquet. Morgan also couldn't surpess a blush when their fingers brushed against each other. They once again just stared at each other with expressions that could only be described as lovesick.
Athena groaned, "Oh why don't you two just get your cocks out and suck each other off and get it over with?"
Morgan gaze darted to Athena in surprise and Reid glared, "Athena!"
Athena grinned unrepentantly, "I'm just saying, you know you want to."
"Please don't mind Athena," Reid excused his sister. "She was dropped on the head when she was a baby." Athena just grinned at him.
"Give me those, I'll put them in some water," Athena made grabby-hands to the flowers. Reid handed them to Athena and walked towards the hall to put his coat on.
"Bye sis," Reid called out.
"Have fun," Athena waited until she heard the door open before he added: "Be safe and use condoms." She heard Reid groan and Morgan snort before the door slammed shut.
Standing out of the apartment Reid looked at Morgan amused.
"You look as if you have seen a ghost," Reid commented idly.
"Your sister scares the hell out of me."
It was out of Morgan mouth before he had time to think but, quite frankly, he didn't mind saying it. He wasn't ashamed of it. It was the smart thing to be because he was certain she was the most dangerous person in the house besides Reid and Morgan was going's to take her brother on a date.
Seeing that her brother would be fine , Athena went back to her previous task, staring at the papers on the table. They were taunting her, had been since she'd thrown them down in a fit of pique two days ago.
Divorce papers.
It hadn't even crossed her mind when she'd said her vows that she'd be looking at divorce papers only a few short years later.
But it was for the best
Her time with Simon was the best of her life.
A marriage over 10 years with good and bad memories, they had their up and down and they fought, hard. They were toxic for each other in many ways , during their years together, they grew fond of pushing each other buttuns, hurt and manipulate each other. They had enjoyed to tear up each other , bringing up their flaws and insecurities in every argument, blaming themselves for been in a loveless marriage but at the end of the day they had only each other. Athena was there when Simon came back from a visit to his parents , the man collapsed into her arms crying. Simon stood next to Athena ans protect her from her father when the man shows up to try and take her home. They protected their marriage until the end but finally they were free.
Simon was able to marry Ella and build a family with the woman he loves while Athena was ready to enjoy her freedom.
Looking back at the papers, she hesitated for a brief second, and sighing, she picked up her pen and finally signed the empty spots, leaving the past behind her, ready to start a new life
The rest of the meal passed quickly. In Reid's opinion, it passed far too quickly, even with the lingering over espresso.
"We have to be in early tomorrow, don't we?" Reid checked his wristwatch.
"Unfortunately ...I don't think I want this to end yet." Morgan lightly intertwined his fingers with Reid's fingers. "Do we have to be responsible?"
Reid doesn't pull back. It seemed to him that their hands fit together beautifully- almost as if they were meant to do this.
"I think we do." Reid inhaled and exhaled slowly several times .
"It doesn't mean that we can't do this again," Morgan said.
"You'd want to do it again?" Spencer was taken aback. "It's not that I had a bad time but most people don't want to go on second dates with me."
"Pretty Boy...Spencer...yes, I would go on a second date with you." Morgan sighed. "Do you want me to take you home? We can do this end of the night thing the way we should." He squeezed Reid's hand. "Best first date ever..." Then, he groaned. "I mean... can I drop you off at your house? It's late and I'm not sure you'll be able to get a cab."
"Okay, we can do that." The night has been so perfect that the last thing Reid wanted to do was ruin it by refusing to let Morgan take him back to his house.
Morgan drove Reid home in relative silence. Deep in thought, it doesn't bother Reid at all.
"You don't have to park." Reid was surprised when Morgan shut the SUV off.
"Oh yes I do. Remember what I told you, Pretty Boy?" Morgan stepped outside the vehicle, moved to the passenger side and opened Reid's door. "We're doing this right."
"I have never been walked to my door before," Reid murmured, trying to suppress a smile. "Well, thank you for an amazing night."
"No, thank you." Morgan leaned in and with the slightest bit of pressure, he kissed Reid.
Reid wasn't sure what to make of this. He's kissed lots of frogs but for some reason, he just knew that this was no frog.
Derek Morgan was a prince.
"Wow." Reid pulled back with a goofy grin plastered on his face. "That was great."
"I would hope so." Derek Morgan hugged him. "One more for the road?" He looked hopeful.
"I would love to but the first one was perfect." Reid leaned his head on Morgan's chest. "It sounds odd but all I need to know was wrapped up in that one kiss. It was perfect."
"I suppose I understand, Pretty Boy." Morgan gave him one last hug. "What are you doing Friday night?"
"Going out with you?" Reid was reluctant to be pushy but the situation called for just a hint of sass.
"Glad we agree!" Morgan turned. "See you in the morning. Good night, Pretty Boy."
"Good night!" Reid jammed his key in the lock. After opening the door, he settled on his couch.
One thought came to mind.
That really was the perfect first date.