Title: Reclamation 7/?
Author: Gothabilly13
Pairing: Morgan/Girl!Reid
Rating NC 17
Warning: AU, gender switch, violence, language, graphic sex, no con, torture, angst, and anything else I can come up with.
Summery: Sasha Reid is there for Derek when he needs her, can he get past his own demons to be there for her when she needs him?
Status: WIP
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended
A/N: ANGST, Food Therapy, Derek needs to go get his stuff, Gracia comes to help. This was ahard chap for me to get out, I want to deal with the issues i have created in this fic but I don't want it to be UGH THAT FIC...know what I mean? Anyway, hope you like it.
Feedback is adored with all the writer's heart
Chapter 7
The night passed fitfully for them both. Sasha slept in short spurts, always coming awake with a cry and clutching Derek's body with her shaking hands.
Derek dozed, never really getting sleep. When she would wake from a nightmare, he would comfort her as best he could. He was doing everything he could think of.
When the light began to filter through the drapes, he settled her on the sofa with a big blanket. He tried to explain he was going to make some coffee. This seemed to make it through the sleep haze and she made an agreeing sound. As he walked into the kitchen, Aristotle curled around his ankles mewing softly.
"Hey, buddy." he said softly, bending to scoop the cat into his arms. Derek didn't often get along with cats but Aris was different, much like his mistress.
He scratched behind the cat's ears and set him down on his cat table. Derek had been greatly amused when Sasha had shown him Aristotle's table in the small kitchen. She felt it was only fair since he spent more time in the flat than she did.
The little round table had a red plastic table cloth on it that was decorated with fish and birds. His dishes sat on the place mat in the center.
Derek filled the empty crunchie bowl and then freshened the water. The cat tucked in, purring as he ate. Derek had to smile at the simple affection of the animal.
He got himself a glass of water and leaned against the counter. He ran his hands over his face and up to scratch his head. Feeling like he hadn't slept in days, the grieved man let out a long slow breath, rapidly blinking his itchy tired eyes.
He needed to go to his place and get some things together. He needed to make sure Mrs. Keller, next door, didn't mind a few more days with Clooney detail. He needed to step away for a little bit and let the things out he couldn't in front of Sasha.
He picked up his cell from the table and hit the speed dial for Garcia. The line buzzed twice as he looked at the munching cat. Garcia's voice pipped up and he was surprised that she managed to sound perky.
"Morning, my Chocolate DemiGod, I was going to stop and get some yummies before I came over. Sasha loves bavarian cream doughnuts and triple shot mochas." she spoke rapidly, needing to say something light and more normal. She didn't want to dwell on what her 'Baby Doll Genius' was dealing with. She wanted to be the happy for Sasha and Derek.
He smiled into the phone and gave a little dry laugh.
"Yeah, I just need you to stay with her for a little while. I need to get my stuff and do a few things." he said as he peeked into the living room to check on Sasha.
"Not a problem, my chickadee. I am on my way in ten." she said and then paused to clear her throat. "How is she?" The words were whispered and more than a little worried.
"She is coping. She is trying to sleep right now, but it doesn't last long." Derek rubbed the curious cat as he drank from the water bowl. "She is distancing herself." Garcia made a pained little sound.
"Okay, be there in a jiffy." she said, making kissy sounds into the phone before hanging up.
Gathering his wits, he walked out to the living room, followed closely by the inquisitive cat.
He watch Sasha for a few beats. Noting the way her bruises had darkened, somehow looking more fearsome. The drawn look to her face, the way her fingers clutched the blanket. He crouched down and stroked her hair with shaky fingers.
"Hey, Baby." he said softly. Reid 's face creased and she made a low sound. "I need to talk to you." he said and waited until she opened her eyes. Well, opened one all the way and squinted with the swollen one.
"I was going to make you some coffee, but Garcia is on her way with something better than I could make." He gave her a small smile. Sasha looked momentarily frightened before her face smoothed out again.
"O-ok." she rasped and turned to look at him, awake but still very exhausted. "Y-you going to check on Clooney?" she asked and showed she was more aware than he thought.
"Yeah, want to make sure Mrs. Keller doesn't have to pay for his food. And I need to get some things. I shouldn't be more than an hour or two." he said and looked at her thoughtfully.
"You mind entertaining Penny while I go do that?" He smiled at her with more of a natural ease. Reid sat up more and pulled her unbandaged leg to her chest. She laid her good cheek on her knee and smiled ever so slightly at him.
"Yeah, I think I can do that." she whispered. "Especially if she is bringing what I think she is bringing." she said and closed her eyes for a moment. Derek's chest tightened.
"She loves you Sasha, she is going to want to help." his voice was low and calm. Reid nodded her head and blinked back the tears that were ever present. She gave a forced laugh and wiped her nose on her sleeve.
"I know. Just...." she reached a hand out to him. "Come back..." she spoke and her lips quivered. Derek moved to take her into his arms and he rocked her from side to side.
"I'm not leaving you, Sasha. I will be back in a little while. I love you." he said with the conviction of his feelings behind each word.
MRMRMMRMRMR
To be honest, Reid was distracted by Penelope's chatter and sugared treats. She had put on a face for her friend and co worker, if only to feel normal. But soon it began to feel normal and she could forget about the horror for while. They chatted and watched cartoons with Aristotle, on the sofa. Much like they had many times in the past.
Before they knew it, Derek was back, looking much refreshed. He came in shaking the rain from his jacket and smiled at them, his girls.
"Well hello, Gorgeous!" Garcia said and whistled at him. Sasha chuckled and scarfed another doughnut, getting chocolate on her nose.
"It waited until I was crossing the street to start pissing down." he groused and hung his coat on the hooks by the door.
Derek came over to join them. He wiped the chocolate off Sasha's nose with the tip of his finger and winked. She sighed and shrugged.
"So, I get into my food, nothing wrong with that." They all laughed and Penny made a show of checking her watch.
"OH shit, I have to go. Kevin is waiting for me and we have plans." She gathered up her things and tried her best to not look like she was fleeing.
"Thanks, Pen." Sasha said, when the tech was ready to go. Garcia shook her head and smiled with so much feeling in her eyes.
"You just try and keep me away from my ducklings." she said softly, before kissing them both on the cheek and patting the cat and leaving.
Derek arched a brow as she slammed the door.
"Ducklings?" he asked, making Sasha laugh hard enough to jar her ribs. Wincing she leaned back on the pillows and sighed.
Reid looked over Derek, he stood holding her cat and petting the soft black fur. His eyes were tired and his color was washed out a little. She felt the guilt poke at her. Derek and the cat were bonding rather affectionally.
"He likes you." she said, just to make conversation. "He doesn't usually like men." she added and shifted on the sofa. Derek set the cat down and moved to sit on the coffee table facing her.
"He's very bright, like his owner." Derek smiled and reached out to cup her chin. He could see the lines next to her eyes and he frowned. "You didn't take the meds yet, did you?" he asked and Sasha shook her head trying to pull out of the touch.
"I found it was easier, with Pen, to pretend we were just having a girls saturday morning." she said and sighed. Derek gave a little chuckle and cocked his head. Sasha shrugged.
"Sometimes we do that." she said and looked a little shy. "Usually JJ and Emily are invited but more often than not, it's me and Pen."
Derek's smile grew as he pictured it. The team's females, all gathered with coffee and pastry, watching cartoons and gossiping. It was a very heart warming image. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Sasha's unbruised cheek.
"That sounds like something I wouldn't mind seeing." he said and the air between them suddenly felt charged. He slowly eased back, knowing he was crowding her. It wasn't logical but he understood it just the same. Reid recovered herself and cleared her throat.
"I made an appointment with my doctor, while Pen was fussing in the kitchen. They can get me in at noon." She said and looked at him with a wavering smile. "Y-you can come with me?"
She still couldn't believe he wasn't going to bolt. She knew it had to be irritating for Morgan but she couldn't help it. The abandonment issues already had deep roots. Derek nodded his head and moved to help her to her feet.
"Yes, Let's get you ready. Maybe we can get lunch on the way back." he suggested, not letting her need to keep asking for his presence bother him.
"Kay." she said and let him mostly carry her to the bedroom.
MRMRMRMR
The doctor visit had been like being trapped in a bad dream for Sasha. The rehash of what had been done to her. The examination that made her feel weak and exposed. The cautions and instructions given for her recovery. The insistence that she begin seeing a therapist as soon as possible.
Reid leaned her head against the window and watched the rain swept cityscape as it went by. Derek was being quiet, letting her think and work through things.
Without asking, he stopped at their diner and went in to get a bag Hal already had wrapped up for him.
Getting back in the car and setting the bag on the back seat, he smiled at Sasha's curious look. The scent of burgers and fries and other delicious things wafted up making Sasha suddenly starving.
"I called Hal and Mary while you were finishing up with the doc. Told them you weren't feeling well and we needed all the best stuff." Derek explained as she smiled at him with glassy eyes. She reached over and grasped his hand in hers. He pulled out and drove the little way down the road.
Sasha felt a warmth rush through her. He had thought ahead, he had thought to get comfort foods they had shared in the past.
His actions all day had contradicted the dark voice in her head. He wasn't trying to get away from her. He wasn't condemning her. He didn't avoid contact.
He said he loved her. She was encouraged by that fact.
When they were safely back inside her flat, Sasha watched Derek. He was moving about, unpacking their lunch and making sure Aris had his treats. He arranged the food on plates and talked to the little animal with ease.
Her love for him hadn't diminished. But there was fear in her reactions. The fear was something she knew she'd have face. But watching this strong and intelligent man, as he went out of his way to care for her, made her heart feel so full it almost hurt.
Derek brought the plates out to the living room. Setting it all down, he sat on the floor opposite her, the coffee table between them. Aristotle rubbed against Derek's back as he moved to hop up next to his mistress and nuzzled her arm.
Derek named everything laid out for them and whistled at how thorough Hal had been, profiler through. They chuckled at that and he offered her a togo cup with a pink straw.
Sasha took it, hoping it would be what she wanted it to be. Putting the straw to her lips, she pulled on it. There was a beat before her mouth was filled with the rich flavor of vanilla, cream and fresh strawberries. She gave a low groan of delight. The treat soothed her throat and sent wonderful feeling to her taste buds.
Derek watched her enjoyment of the milk shake and his heart was lightened by it.
'She could do this. She was strong enough' he thought to himself and smiled wider. Sasha set the cup on the table and reached for the cheese fries.
"Where does Hal get strawberries in November?" she asked stuffed several drippy fries in her mouth and offering one to the insistent cat. He snatched the fry and scampered off to eat it on the windowsill.
"I'm not sure, Baby. I'm just glad he does." Derek said and handed her a napkin. She chuckled and went to shift in her position. She grimaced suddenly.
The pain of her ribs reminded her of everything and she stilled a moment. Her breathing was shallow as she regained control. Derek watched with his own held breath, until she was easing back into the mood.
They made a dent in the fries and cheese sticks. Sasha told him a funny story Gracia had shared. They laughed and felt the normality of the moment. Sasha looked at him with wide golden eyes.
"Thanks for doing ....everything, Derek." she said and reached for his hand. He grasped her fingers and gave her the most sincere expression he owned.
"No thanks needed, Baby. I'd do anything for you." He kissed her fingers and then placed a paper wrapped cheese burger in them.
"Now, eat." he said and winked at her. "Mama always said everything is easier to face, after a good meal." Sasha smiled, a real smile, and unwrapped the sandwich.
"That might be true for most things but I am sure pre-med students would disagree." she said and sank her teeth into the juicy burger. Derek laughed and shook his head.
"This is true." he agreed and they passed the meal in a pleasant warmth. Derek knew it was a good sign but the difficult parts were far from over. This was only a pause, before she had to face the night's sleep. There would be more hard points ahead. More pain and more healing.
For now, they took the easy enjoyment they could and tried to forget the darkness they had survived.
TBC...
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