(no subject)
Title: Profiler, Profiled: The Aftermath
Part6
Summary: Set after the episode. Morgan is struggling with old memories and new feelings for Reid, Reid tries to help and makes everything worse.
Pairing: One-sided Morgan/Reid (and Hotch/Reid)
Warnings: non-specific references to abuse and trauma
Hiya :-)
Figured I´d update this before the new week. To be honest I´m a little frustarted with my other fics right now, so this week is Profiler, Profiled time.
Enjoy!
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"Is there something going on between you and Hotch?"
Reid freezes at the unexpected question, only yearlong FBI training keeping him from actually jumping three feet in the air in shock. His heart missing a beat, his fingers clench around the edge of the copy machine as he allows himself to recover for exactly three seconds.
When he turns around the smile on his face would be innocent enough to fool any profiler.
At least he hopes it is, because Morgan's face is just as tense as his voice as he stands in the door way, arms crossed over his broad chest.
It is unusually hard to read his face, to figure out where his tension originates from and which degree of truth would spark what reaction.
On one hand, Morgan looks so worried that Reid almost forgets the promise he made to Hotch and tell him everything just too reassure his friend and keep him from making more false assumptions.
To just say yes, admit that he is in a relationship with Hotch and that he is not using or worse -to hope that Morgan will be relieved and that that will be it.
But Morgan also looks suspicious and on edge as he asks this particular question which makes it very clear that nothing would be alright if he were to say that.
No, it is clear that whatever Morgan thinks is going on -whether he really suspects a physical relationship or something more platonic- he doesn't seem pleased.
So Reid barely catches himself from slipping up, instead deflecting and hoping it will work.
"What, no!", he exclaims, hoping his voice doesn't give his fluttering heart away: "No, I already told you. He's just helping me through some stuff."
He waits for Morgan to ask what stuff he means, almost hopes that the man just feels left out and that that is what he means by something going on.
But there is no answer.
Morgan just stares at him in a way that makes Reid turn around and busy himself sorting through the pages he's copied just so he won't have to hold that penetrating gaze -hoping that it doesn't look like the nervous gesture it is.
"I saw you.", Morgan says just as the silence threatens to stretch too much and Reid freezes internally: "In his office."
His voice has a forced calm to it, like he is trying hard to keep whatever emotion he is feeling on the inside.
Slowly, Reid turns to look at him, knowing full well that he's been caught. He can only pray that Morgan is talking about this afternoon, because if he's seen them on some other occasion this is bound to be very embarrassing. Today, they may have looked a little suspicious but there is no real evidence to nail them with.
"Talking over a case file, you mean?", he deflects again, knowing it was a mistake when anger flashes across his best friend´s face.
"No, Reid.", he simply says, disturbingly flat, leaving no doubt as to what this conversation is about. His eyes are dark, a storm brewing that can't be hidden behind silence.
Reid can't help but wince, wrapping his arms around himself protectively as he tries to steel himself for whatever is to come. He knows he isn't ready for Morgan to end their friendship, for him to despise him.
But it is all there in his expression: Anger, betrayal, revulsion even.
It's in plain sight, hovering, smothering him already without being outspoken.
The realization that Hotch was right to keep quiet brings tears to his eyes and he has to blink hard to get rid of them.
He is afraid to come clean and see true disdain or even disgust on his best friend´s face, afraid to say the words that could end their friendship.
But what else is he to do?
It's already there. It's too late to go back.
Now all he can do is deal with what's to come as best as he can and show that he isn't ashamed of his love for Aaron Hotchner no matter what.
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Morgan feels his heart clench at the way Reid reacts to his words, how he curls in on himself, becoming defensive, looking miserable, scared almost. He almost feels guilty for causing that kind of reaction until he remembers that it's not really him causing it.
Reid is scared because of what Hotch has put him through; he is acting like any victim in a case like this would. He's not feeling that way because of Morgan.
"Kid…", he says, letting his voice become a bit softer as he steps into the room: "I need to hear you say it."
Reid flinches again, hesitating and Morgan has to push all sorts of horror scenarios from his mind which could invoke such a reaction.
God, he can't understand how anyone could ever find it in them to hurt someone like Reid, to make them suffer in any way. It's much like hurting an innocent child, he thinks, after all here is a reason he calls Reid kid; it's part of the reason he has never even considered making his feelings known to him.
And now Reid looks so scared, so breakable that Morgan just wants to step up to him and wrap both arms around him.
But he is afraid of it being misunderstood; afraid that Reid might feel uncomfortable or pressured so he merely lays a hand on the kids shoulder, squeezing slightly.
Reid lifts his head slowly, hesitantly, only reluctantly meeting his eyes. For a long moment they just stand in silence, then Reid takes a deep breath before choking out the words:
"Morgan…I'm gay."
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Reid resists the impulse to back away once the words have left his mouth. He just wants to be out of here, anywhere but here.
God, how he wishes Hotch were here with him now, he would know what to say, how to react. He would be there to support him, to face Morgan and his issues appropriately.
As it is he only has himself and his fears and the growing silence between them.
He risks another glance into Morgan's face and is surprised to only find slight impatience there, like Morgan is waiting for him to continue.
"And I…I'm seeing Hotch….I mean Aaron. I'm with Aaron."
It actually feels good to say that out loud for the first time ever, to be true to himself, to what they have. Even if he is about to be crushed for it.
He scans Morgan's face for any telltale signs of the expected emotions, his confusion growing when he finds pain and guilt instead.
Another hand on his shoulder. By now he's unsure of whether he's being held in place or used for support.
Morgan shakes his head, his face crunched up in hurt as he stares at him. In that moment it first occurs to him that something about this conversation isn't quite right.
"God, Reid, I'm so sorry.", Morgan mumbles, pained: "I should have noticed something, I should have known…. You were all alone with it…."
At first it's like asking what time is it and getting orange for an answer.
It takes Reid a long moment to even begin to make sense of what Morgan is saying, why he isn't mad but acting so weirdly instead.
"He had no right. But that bastard is never going to come near you again."
And then finally, the words fall into place, freezing him into place with dread worse than anything he could have anticipated ever.
No.
It can't be what he means…
But…that look…those words.
Buford.
Morgan and Buford.
Him and Hotch.
Oh God, no, he's drawing parallels, he's misinterpreting what he thinks he's seen.
Suddenly Reid feels sick.
"What, Morgan what are you talking about?", he asks tonelessly, afraid to even voice the question.
But Morgan doesn't react to his words, obviously thinking he's trying to deflect still.
"Reid, stop it. Just tell me."
Reid's eyes widen when he realizes what's going on here, how bad it really is.
Suddenly, Morgan having a problem with his sexuality seems ridiculously trivial.
With horror, he realizes how badly scared and traumatized Morgan must be to draw that kind of conclusion regarding the relationship of two people he knows. To even think that Hotch -Hotch of all people could be anything like Buford.
He swallows hard, his throat constricting painfully as he thinks of his lover, his Aaron, kind and caring, brave and so self-sacrificing, not only in their relationship but in every aspect of his life.
Aaron Hotchner is the best person he knows.
And until ten seconds ago he would have sworn that their team, their family had the same unwavering faith in him.
He forces himself to breathe, to stay rational and not let himself be on drowned by emotion as well.
Clearly, Morgan doesn't really think of their boss that way, he's just so scarred, so traumatized that he isn't thinking clearly…clearly…
"Morgan…", he hesitantly lets his hands fall on Morgan's, picking his words carefully, nervously licking his lips: "Derek…what happened to you was horrible…this….this is why you need to talk about it…you're clearly still…"
He winces when Morgan's grip unexpectedly tightens and his eyes flash with emotion; he doesn't even react to his words, upset to a level that is unsettling now.
"How did he do it?", he suddenly asks straight up, eyes flashing with fury: "Guilt? Did he tell you you owe him? Or that you won't get anywhere without him? Did he threaten to fire you?"
Reid returns his gaze with growing horror as he listens, forced to realize that Morgan actually means every word he is saying. He is convinced that his relationship to Hotch is exactly like his with Buford. There is not even the hint of a doubt that it could even be anything else, anything healthy.
It feels like being stabbed in the chest, realizing that not only does his best friend not trust their mutual close friend, but that he doesn't even consider the alternative, that the idea that Hotch could truly love Reid doesn't even occur to him.
Pain flares up inside of him, too intense to fight down, and before he knows it he pulls away from Morgan, tears of anger burning in his eyes as he steps back from the man.
"Reid, you have to tell me the truth.", Morgan insists, clearly still misinterpreting his reactions: "You don't have to be scared, I´ll protect you."
"Protect me from what?", Reid bites out scornfully before he can stop himself: "Hotch? Are you listening to yourself, Morgan? How could you ever think…how dare you compare him to that monster!"
"Spencer-"
"Don't Spencer me!", he snaps, interrupting him: "I want to help you, I really do! But I'm not going to stand here and let you denunciate Aaron! We are a couple and if you have a problem with that then I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."
He bites back the sobs that threaten to take over, storming past Morgan before they start to fall. He doesn't look back, doesn't react to anyone's worried expressions as he practically runs through the bull pen and locks himself into a bathroom stall.
There, he leans against the stall´s wall for almost ten minutes, just trying to get himself back under control. Since this morning he was afraid that Morgan might react badly to their relationship, but that, he would have never expected. And it feels so much like betrayal that he can barely breathe…
Everything in him screams to run to Hotch, but he knows he can't, not here, because he knows he will completely break down if Hotch so much as hugs him right now.
Plus, he can't tell him the reason, can't ever let him know what Morgan said about him. Ever.
Fifteen minutes later, he feels just as miserable, just as torn up inside -but confident that he'll be able to keep himself in check as he returns to his desk and continues his work, ignoring everyone's stares including Morgan's.
He's mildly surprised that Morgan hasn't stormed Hotch´s office yet, but he kind of hopes that his outburst has knocked some sense into the man after all, has made him see how terrible his accusation really was.
Maybe. Maybe he already feels sorry.
If he does, Reid might let him apologize later on and then try to put the pain caused behind him to help his friend.
Later, but not now. Right now, he doubts he can even look at Morgan.
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For the dozens time in the past few days, Morgan finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place.
No matter what Reid said to him, and how convinced he sounded, he still cannot believe that Hotch and Reid's relationship is anything but an abusive one. It very likely is -even if Reid chooses not to see that, to delude himself.
And yet, he seemed so genuinely upset when he accused Hotch that Morgan makes himself reconsider the whole situation.
Could it really be possible for those two to have a healthy, normal relationship? That Hotch really loves Reid?
He tries to picture it, but every time he does he ends up either feeling sick or furious.
It is no use he realizes, he has to talk to Reid again and either get him to snap out of his delusion, or get him to stop lying or get a really good explanation.
The only problem is that Reid has been avoiding him meticulously ever since their fight and is very careful to not ever be in the same room alone with him now. Which means Morgan is stuck.
He can't go to Hotch and break the man's face, -well, of course he can but with the unexpected twist of Reid denying everything he won't be able to explain it to Strauss later on. He could still do it just because but he decides he can still do that later.
For now Reid is most important.
His brain eventually devises the plan to offer Reid a ride home at the end of the day or talk to him on the parking lot but it soon becomes very evident that that won't be happening if Reid can help it. Over the course of the day, he continues to avoid him like the plague, always making sure to stay too close to someone else for Morgan to come up and talk to him again.
Morgan fully understands why Reid is so upset.
He is naturally scared, probably even terrified now that he's been found out. It is beyond common in victims to arrange themselves with their situation and then be afraid to get out of it for fear to make everything even worse. He doesn't believe yet that Morgan will protect him no matter what, that he needed be scared.
Yet another reason to speak alone with him, to convince him.
So running out of ideas, Morgan eventually does the only thing he can think of.
It is late afternoon already. The next time he walks past Reid he accidently bumps into him, accidently spilling half of his coffee over the young man's shirt.
Reid gasps, not in pain of course because Morgan has made sure the coffee is long cold -but then excuses himself to go change downstairs in the locker rooms with a brief dirty look in his direction, like he thinks that was retribution or something equally puerile.
Morgan waits five minutes before following into the changing room.
He looks around quickly but he's in luck: there's no one around from what he can see and no voices apart from Reid murmuring to himself as he stands in front of a locker, prying off his ruined shirt.
For a moment Morgan finds himself once more staring, despite the inappropriateness of the situation, caught off guard to find his love interest naked from the waist up.
Again, Reid doesn't notice him. He's getting out a new shirt and Morgan is just about to make himself known when he realizes just what he is staring at.
Both of Reid's wrists show ligature marks, bright red in contrast to his pale skin and there are faint but visible fingerprints on his arms, shoulders…on his hips.
He blinks furiously - but they won't go away. Morgan feels his insides grow cold as unbidden images of how those marks must have gotten there pop into his head, turning his stomach.
So he was right.
Worse than that. Hotch isn't just taking advantage of his subordinate, he's actually physically hurting him.
White hot fury sets his veins on fire and a growl slips past his lips before he can stop himself.
"I'm going to kill him!"
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I hope that made some sense. Again, many misunderstandings to sort out. We´ll see how it goes :-)
Thanks everyone for reading and please review!
Part6
Summary: Set after the episode. Morgan is struggling with old memories and new feelings for Reid, Reid tries to help and makes everything worse.
Pairing: One-sided Morgan/Reid (and Hotch/Reid)
Warnings: non-specific references to abuse and trauma
Hiya :-)
Figured I´d update this before the new week. To be honest I´m a little frustarted with my other fics right now, so this week is Profiler, Profiled time.
Enjoy!
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"Is there something going on between you and Hotch?"
Reid freezes at the unexpected question, only yearlong FBI training keeping him from actually jumping three feet in the air in shock. His heart missing a beat, his fingers clench around the edge of the copy machine as he allows himself to recover for exactly three seconds.
When he turns around the smile on his face would be innocent enough to fool any profiler.
At least he hopes it is, because Morgan's face is just as tense as his voice as he stands in the door way, arms crossed over his broad chest.
It is unusually hard to read his face, to figure out where his tension originates from and which degree of truth would spark what reaction.
On one hand, Morgan looks so worried that Reid almost forgets the promise he made to Hotch and tell him everything just too reassure his friend and keep him from making more false assumptions.
To just say yes, admit that he is in a relationship with Hotch and that he is not using or worse -to hope that Morgan will be relieved and that that will be it.
But Morgan also looks suspicious and on edge as he asks this particular question which makes it very clear that nothing would be alright if he were to say that.
No, it is clear that whatever Morgan thinks is going on -whether he really suspects a physical relationship or something more platonic- he doesn't seem pleased.
So Reid barely catches himself from slipping up, instead deflecting and hoping it will work.
"What, no!", he exclaims, hoping his voice doesn't give his fluttering heart away: "No, I already told you. He's just helping me through some stuff."
He waits for Morgan to ask what stuff he means, almost hopes that the man just feels left out and that that is what he means by something going on.
But there is no answer.
Morgan just stares at him in a way that makes Reid turn around and busy himself sorting through the pages he's copied just so he won't have to hold that penetrating gaze -hoping that it doesn't look like the nervous gesture it is.
"I saw you.", Morgan says just as the silence threatens to stretch too much and Reid freezes internally: "In his office."
His voice has a forced calm to it, like he is trying hard to keep whatever emotion he is feeling on the inside.
Slowly, Reid turns to look at him, knowing full well that he's been caught. He can only pray that Morgan is talking about this afternoon, because if he's seen them on some other occasion this is bound to be very embarrassing. Today, they may have looked a little suspicious but there is no real evidence to nail them with.
"Talking over a case file, you mean?", he deflects again, knowing it was a mistake when anger flashes across his best friend´s face.
"No, Reid.", he simply says, disturbingly flat, leaving no doubt as to what this conversation is about. His eyes are dark, a storm brewing that can't be hidden behind silence.
Reid can't help but wince, wrapping his arms around himself protectively as he tries to steel himself for whatever is to come. He knows he isn't ready for Morgan to end their friendship, for him to despise him.
But it is all there in his expression: Anger, betrayal, revulsion even.
It's in plain sight, hovering, smothering him already without being outspoken.
The realization that Hotch was right to keep quiet brings tears to his eyes and he has to blink hard to get rid of them.
He is afraid to come clean and see true disdain or even disgust on his best friend´s face, afraid to say the words that could end their friendship.
But what else is he to do?
It's already there. It's too late to go back.
Now all he can do is deal with what's to come as best as he can and show that he isn't ashamed of his love for Aaron Hotchner no matter what.
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Morgan feels his heart clench at the way Reid reacts to his words, how he curls in on himself, becoming defensive, looking miserable, scared almost. He almost feels guilty for causing that kind of reaction until he remembers that it's not really him causing it.
Reid is scared because of what Hotch has put him through; he is acting like any victim in a case like this would. He's not feeling that way because of Morgan.
"Kid…", he says, letting his voice become a bit softer as he steps into the room: "I need to hear you say it."
Reid flinches again, hesitating and Morgan has to push all sorts of horror scenarios from his mind which could invoke such a reaction.
God, he can't understand how anyone could ever find it in them to hurt someone like Reid, to make them suffer in any way. It's much like hurting an innocent child, he thinks, after all here is a reason he calls Reid kid; it's part of the reason he has never even considered making his feelings known to him.
And now Reid looks so scared, so breakable that Morgan just wants to step up to him and wrap both arms around him.
But he is afraid of it being misunderstood; afraid that Reid might feel uncomfortable or pressured so he merely lays a hand on the kids shoulder, squeezing slightly.
Reid lifts his head slowly, hesitantly, only reluctantly meeting his eyes. For a long moment they just stand in silence, then Reid takes a deep breath before choking out the words:
"Morgan…I'm gay."
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Reid resists the impulse to back away once the words have left his mouth. He just wants to be out of here, anywhere but here.
God, how he wishes Hotch were here with him now, he would know what to say, how to react. He would be there to support him, to face Morgan and his issues appropriately.
As it is he only has himself and his fears and the growing silence between them.
He risks another glance into Morgan's face and is surprised to only find slight impatience there, like Morgan is waiting for him to continue.
"And I…I'm seeing Hotch….I mean Aaron. I'm with Aaron."
It actually feels good to say that out loud for the first time ever, to be true to himself, to what they have. Even if he is about to be crushed for it.
He scans Morgan's face for any telltale signs of the expected emotions, his confusion growing when he finds pain and guilt instead.
Another hand on his shoulder. By now he's unsure of whether he's being held in place or used for support.
Morgan shakes his head, his face crunched up in hurt as he stares at him. In that moment it first occurs to him that something about this conversation isn't quite right.
"God, Reid, I'm so sorry.", Morgan mumbles, pained: "I should have noticed something, I should have known…. You were all alone with it…."
At first it's like asking what time is it and getting orange for an answer.
It takes Reid a long moment to even begin to make sense of what Morgan is saying, why he isn't mad but acting so weirdly instead.
"He had no right. But that bastard is never going to come near you again."
And then finally, the words fall into place, freezing him into place with dread worse than anything he could have anticipated ever.
No.
It can't be what he means…
But…that look…those words.
Buford.
Morgan and Buford.
Him and Hotch.
Oh God, no, he's drawing parallels, he's misinterpreting what he thinks he's seen.
Suddenly Reid feels sick.
"What, Morgan what are you talking about?", he asks tonelessly, afraid to even voice the question.
But Morgan doesn't react to his words, obviously thinking he's trying to deflect still.
"Reid, stop it. Just tell me."
Reid's eyes widen when he realizes what's going on here, how bad it really is.
Suddenly, Morgan having a problem with his sexuality seems ridiculously trivial.
With horror, he realizes how badly scared and traumatized Morgan must be to draw that kind of conclusion regarding the relationship of two people he knows. To even think that Hotch -Hotch of all people could be anything like Buford.
He swallows hard, his throat constricting painfully as he thinks of his lover, his Aaron, kind and caring, brave and so self-sacrificing, not only in their relationship but in every aspect of his life.
Aaron Hotchner is the best person he knows.
And until ten seconds ago he would have sworn that their team, their family had the same unwavering faith in him.
He forces himself to breathe, to stay rational and not let himself be on drowned by emotion as well.
Clearly, Morgan doesn't really think of their boss that way, he's just so scarred, so traumatized that he isn't thinking clearly…clearly…
"Morgan…", he hesitantly lets his hands fall on Morgan's, picking his words carefully, nervously licking his lips: "Derek…what happened to you was horrible…this….this is why you need to talk about it…you're clearly still…"
He winces when Morgan's grip unexpectedly tightens and his eyes flash with emotion; he doesn't even react to his words, upset to a level that is unsettling now.
"How did he do it?", he suddenly asks straight up, eyes flashing with fury: "Guilt? Did he tell you you owe him? Or that you won't get anywhere without him? Did he threaten to fire you?"
Reid returns his gaze with growing horror as he listens, forced to realize that Morgan actually means every word he is saying. He is convinced that his relationship to Hotch is exactly like his with Buford. There is not even the hint of a doubt that it could even be anything else, anything healthy.
It feels like being stabbed in the chest, realizing that not only does his best friend not trust their mutual close friend, but that he doesn't even consider the alternative, that the idea that Hotch could truly love Reid doesn't even occur to him.
Pain flares up inside of him, too intense to fight down, and before he knows it he pulls away from Morgan, tears of anger burning in his eyes as he steps back from the man.
"Reid, you have to tell me the truth.", Morgan insists, clearly still misinterpreting his reactions: "You don't have to be scared, I´ll protect you."
"Protect me from what?", Reid bites out scornfully before he can stop himself: "Hotch? Are you listening to yourself, Morgan? How could you ever think…how dare you compare him to that monster!"
"Spencer-"
"Don't Spencer me!", he snaps, interrupting him: "I want to help you, I really do! But I'm not going to stand here and let you denunciate Aaron! We are a couple and if you have a problem with that then I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."
He bites back the sobs that threaten to take over, storming past Morgan before they start to fall. He doesn't look back, doesn't react to anyone's worried expressions as he practically runs through the bull pen and locks himself into a bathroom stall.
There, he leans against the stall´s wall for almost ten minutes, just trying to get himself back under control. Since this morning he was afraid that Morgan might react badly to their relationship, but that, he would have never expected. And it feels so much like betrayal that he can barely breathe…
Everything in him screams to run to Hotch, but he knows he can't, not here, because he knows he will completely break down if Hotch so much as hugs him right now.
Plus, he can't tell him the reason, can't ever let him know what Morgan said about him. Ever.
Fifteen minutes later, he feels just as miserable, just as torn up inside -but confident that he'll be able to keep himself in check as he returns to his desk and continues his work, ignoring everyone's stares including Morgan's.
He's mildly surprised that Morgan hasn't stormed Hotch´s office yet, but he kind of hopes that his outburst has knocked some sense into the man after all, has made him see how terrible his accusation really was.
Maybe. Maybe he already feels sorry.
If he does, Reid might let him apologize later on and then try to put the pain caused behind him to help his friend.
Later, but not now. Right now, he doubts he can even look at Morgan.
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For the dozens time in the past few days, Morgan finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place.
No matter what Reid said to him, and how convinced he sounded, he still cannot believe that Hotch and Reid's relationship is anything but an abusive one. It very likely is -even if Reid chooses not to see that, to delude himself.
And yet, he seemed so genuinely upset when he accused Hotch that Morgan makes himself reconsider the whole situation.
Could it really be possible for those two to have a healthy, normal relationship? That Hotch really loves Reid?
He tries to picture it, but every time he does he ends up either feeling sick or furious.
It is no use he realizes, he has to talk to Reid again and either get him to snap out of his delusion, or get him to stop lying or get a really good explanation.
The only problem is that Reid has been avoiding him meticulously ever since their fight and is very careful to not ever be in the same room alone with him now. Which means Morgan is stuck.
He can't go to Hotch and break the man's face, -well, of course he can but with the unexpected twist of Reid denying everything he won't be able to explain it to Strauss later on. He could still do it just because but he decides he can still do that later.
For now Reid is most important.
His brain eventually devises the plan to offer Reid a ride home at the end of the day or talk to him on the parking lot but it soon becomes very evident that that won't be happening if Reid can help it. Over the course of the day, he continues to avoid him like the plague, always making sure to stay too close to someone else for Morgan to come up and talk to him again.
Morgan fully understands why Reid is so upset.
He is naturally scared, probably even terrified now that he's been found out. It is beyond common in victims to arrange themselves with their situation and then be afraid to get out of it for fear to make everything even worse. He doesn't believe yet that Morgan will protect him no matter what, that he needed be scared.
Yet another reason to speak alone with him, to convince him.
So running out of ideas, Morgan eventually does the only thing he can think of.
It is late afternoon already. The next time he walks past Reid he accidently bumps into him, accidently spilling half of his coffee over the young man's shirt.
Reid gasps, not in pain of course because Morgan has made sure the coffee is long cold -but then excuses himself to go change downstairs in the locker rooms with a brief dirty look in his direction, like he thinks that was retribution or something equally puerile.
Morgan waits five minutes before following into the changing room.
He looks around quickly but he's in luck: there's no one around from what he can see and no voices apart from Reid murmuring to himself as he stands in front of a locker, prying off his ruined shirt.
For a moment Morgan finds himself once more staring, despite the inappropriateness of the situation, caught off guard to find his love interest naked from the waist up.
Again, Reid doesn't notice him. He's getting out a new shirt and Morgan is just about to make himself known when he realizes just what he is staring at.
Both of Reid's wrists show ligature marks, bright red in contrast to his pale skin and there are faint but visible fingerprints on his arms, shoulders…on his hips.
He blinks furiously - but they won't go away. Morgan feels his insides grow cold as unbidden images of how those marks must have gotten there pop into his head, turning his stomach.
So he was right.
Worse than that. Hotch isn't just taking advantage of his subordinate, he's actually physically hurting him.
White hot fury sets his veins on fire and a growl slips past his lips before he can stop himself.
"I'm going to kill him!"
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I hope that made some sense. Again, many misunderstandings to sort out. We´ll see how it goes :-)
Thanks everyone for reading and please review!