Fic: Knightmares (Act II, Chapts 4-6)
Yep just maybe it was…
Author: mystic
Title: Knightmares (Act II, Chapts 4-6)
Rating: FRAO (overall rating)
Type of Pairing/Relationship: HET
Pairing: Reid/orig character
DISCLAIMER: Criminal Minds and its characters are in no way mine, and, assuming you don't count my borderline obsession with it, I have absolutely notta to do with the show or CBS or anything else related.
Summary: Mys wanted some cuddly comfort fic and the bunny bit... (psychodrama and silliness)
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Chapt 4: To Each His Dulcinea
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On his way into work his thoughts were preoccupied, not with the case but with the strange young woman living a flight down from him. The invitation was sweet but with the work schedule of the BAU he doubted he'd be able to find an acceptable time for both of them and even if he could she would probably have forgotten about it- if she even meant it.
All thoughts of the mystery woman left his head as he and the rest of the team gathered and work on the case sped into full swing.
It wasn't until they were on the plane returning to D.C. that Reid's thoughts had the time to return to his neighbor. He was still at odds with himself as to what, if anything, to do about her invite. On one hand, she was a virtual stranger and he never was good with people; on the other, well that was the problem, there really wasn't a logical other hand. But she was beautiful and more than a little intriguing. Maybe that was reason enough.
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Reid had been so caught up in his thoughts that he failed to notice the intensity with which his friend and mentor, Jason Gideon, was watching him. That changed when a small patch of turbulence jostled the plane.
Gideon didn't try to disguise the fact that he had been studying his young colleague. "You want to talk about it?" was all he said.
Reid's brow wrinkled as he brought his eyebrows together and pursed his lips, not sure whether to take him up on the talk or be mad at being found out.
"You don't have to, but you know I'm always here," Gideon added, knowing it would calm Reid.
When no answer was forthcoming Gideon turned his attention to his almost forgotten book.
After a few moments, Reid broke the mutual silence, "I met a girl the other night."
Gideon allowed himself a visible smirk, "What's she like?"
Reid half chuckled as he exhaled, a boyish smile covering his face as his cheeks flushed slightly, "I have no idea."
Answering Gideon's raised eyebrow, he told him about the surreal encounter and subsequent offer of dinner. When he'd finished his tale, he ran his long fingers through his hair and stared out the plane's tiny window, "You see my problem?"
Moving from the stoic pose he'd adopted while listening to Reid, Gideon leaned forward smiling a warm yet mischievous smile, "Actually, Spencer, I don't."
That comment caused Reid to snap his head back from the window to stare at his companion with wide eyes.
Seeming oblivious to Spencer's response, Gideon continued, "Though I would suggest you find out the name of your Dulcinea."
Reid tried to force a smile, an act he wasn't very good at- his cheek muscles went the right way, so did the center of his thin lips, but the corners of his mouth never seemed to co-operate, always showing his true confusion is such situations; odd since he could pull off so many other feelings and expressions when the need arose, Hotch could testify to that.
The two men sat in silence for the rest of the trip. One lost in a book, the other lost in thought.
'Your Dulcinea' the phrase echoed in Spencer's mind; he liked the sound of it and some of the connotations- the others he tried not to think about, let alone try to analyze.
---------
By the time Reid finally made it home it was Wednesday, not by much but still it was Wednesday. Dropping his satchel to the floor as he entered his apartment, he made his way to the bathroom for a hot shower. Then he planned to reacquaint himself with his bed.
That night he dreamt, but not his usual nightmares. He dreamed about 'Dulcinea' and those thoughts and ideas he avoided on the plane. Dulcinea, the beautiful nameless woman he'd met just 5 days before, who seemed to think of him as some kind of guardian. Dulcinea, Alonzo Quejana's image of virtue and femininity. It was this latter aspect that put him on edge, that brought unwanted questions into his sleep-clouded mind. It wasn't a comfortable comparison for someone with the issues he had in his immediate family.
---------
One flight below, Reid's Dulcinea was having dreams of her own. Scattered, fragmented dreams of carousels, playgrounds, eyes filled with hate, and a voice. A concerned soothing disembodied voice; a voice that helped keep the dreams bearable.
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Chapt 5: Defining a Dream
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It was a relatively calm day at BAU headquarters in Quantico as the adrenaline build up from the weekend's case ebbed and left the team in various crash states. Case notes and paperwork were the order of the day, so it was with little surprise that by 3 o'clock the BAU computer screens showed varying stages of FreeCell, Minesweeper, Spider Solitaire, or other digital distractions.
For Spencer Reid his need for distraction was two-fold; one he shared with his co-workers. The other was Dulcinea. He was going to at least talk to her and if all went well he would accept her invitation, but that was tonight when he was away from here. He had no intention of letting the others know about his mystery woman, at least not until he knew her name.
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Once again he found himself standing at the door to the apartment below his. This time however his nerves were on edge for decidedly different reasons. He'd considered retreating to his own apartment with every step, and now he was considering it again.
Finally, he knocked on her door. Just as before there was no answer to his staccato rapping. He knocked again. Still no answer. *Great, I actually do this and no one's home.* Reid silently wondered if he'd have the nerve to come back later or if he should even bother. Memories of last night's dreams assaulted him accompanied by the dark fears the generated. *No,* he would come by later, if only to prove to his traitorous subconscious that she was real and not that kind of Dulcinea! With that decided he made his way towards his own abode only to confronted with the very subject of his thoughts.
She was dressed much the same as the last time he saw her, save for the unbuttoned black dress shirt over her maroon tank top and the heavily laden backpack on her shoulder. When she saw him her smile seemed to brighten and unless he was terribly mistaken her cheeks flushed.
"Hey, I was beginning to think you hadn't taken me seriously," her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.
As he thought how close to correct she was, Spencer felt the flush coming over his own face and his body reacted to her presence of it's own accord. "Yeah, sorry about that. We only got back last night."
'We', she wondered who 'we' was but forced herself not to ask. She opted for a safer, "Oh, any place interesting?"
"It may have been. We didn't exactly have time to play tourist."
"Business trip," she rolled her eyes in understanding and offered a silent 'thank you' to the powers that be.
"Yeah."
"So, you here about dinner?" she asked as she adjusted her bag.
"If the offer's still available."
She looked slightly shocked, "Of course it is! But could we talk about it inside? I really need to get this monkey off my back."
"Oh, sure. Here, let me take it."
*Chivalrous as usual,* she said to herself. To him, "I don't think you really want to- it's a bit heavy."
Even as she said the words, Reid was removing the hefty load from her shoulders.
"What's in here the entire Encyclopedia Britannica?"
She laughed as she replied, "No, but close- textbooks."
"You're a student?" Reid was surprised and pleased at the idea.
"Guilty," she said as she opened the door, "for the next few months anyway." Entering the apartment, "Come on in. I don't think anything in here bites." She set her keys on the table inside the door, "Just drop that anywhere. Can I get you something to drink?" she asked as she headed for the kitchen.
For some reason the question startled him, "No, no thanks." Spencer cleared his throat self-consciously, "So what are you studying?"
Returning with a can of diet soda she plopped down on the couch. "I'm working on my MLS at Catholic."
"You're a librarian?" The incredulity in his voice was apparent.
"Soon, and technically I'll be a research librarian."
"Nice," a genuine smile on his face as he realized he was with a fellow geek- albeit a beautiful one. "So, about dinner…"
"Right. You probably have plans for the weekend, so how about Monday?"
Almost sheepishly, fidgeting with his hands and looking down causing his light brown locks to fall into his face, "actually, I don't. Have plans, I mean."
It was her turned to look startled, "Really?"
Looking up for a brief moment, "Really." Spencer summoned up his courage for his next question, which came out in just one word, "You?"
"I'm a librarian, remember. Of course I don't have plans, unless you count that," she flipped a hand toward her bag on the floor.
Reid smiled a giddy schoolboy smile, "There was a time when I would."
She laughed. "How 'bout tomorrow then?"
"That'd be great, well, unless something comes up at work."
That got a quizzical look out of her. "You must be important to your office."
"I wouldn't say that."
Deciding the topic would make good dinner discussion, she chose not to pursue it just yet. Instead, she cocked her head, "Well, tomorrow then. Around 8 good for you?"
"Fine. I guess I'll see you then." He moved towards the door, ready to make a hasty exit before his rising blood pressure caused his heart to explode or other parts of his anatomy got similar ideas.
Getting up from her position on the couch, "Wait a minute." She walked up to him and looked deep into his eyes, "What's your name?"
He'd completely forgotten about the names; he'd been too consumed by dinner arrangements. "Spencer. Reid." his voice was breathy as he took in her scent and felt her closeness.
"Spencer," she smiled as she said it. "Well, Spencer Reid I'm Ashlyn Lieman."
"Ashlyn?"
She let out a small chuckle, "Yes. Look it up and I'll see you tomorrow."
She smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek as he left.
Just as the door closed she heard Spencer's voice call out, "Dream."
Ashlyn grinned wider than she had in ages- he was noble, smart, drop-dead gorgeous, and tomorrow night he was having dinner with her.
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Chapt 6: Seeing is Believing
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Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid was positively buoyant when he arrived in the bullpen the following morning. A state that Morgan could not let escape without comment. "What happened to you, Spencer? You are way to chipper today. Hey Elle, check it out."
Reid merely smiled knowingly at his friend as he set his satchel by his desk and asked, "Boss in his office?"
Looking more than a little lost at Spencer's reaction, or lack thereof, Morgan replied, "uh, yeah, I think so."
Nodding Reid headed for Gideon's office.
Pointing a finger at Reid's retreating form, "What just happened?"
"I think he blew you off," Elle patted his shoulder sympathetically, but didn't attempt to hide her humored smile, "and you said 'chipper'." As she returned to her desk, and more importantly her coffee, she could hear Morgan mumbling in response- probably wondering how long it would take him to live it down.
---------
He could see Gideon was in his office, but as always he knocked anyway.
"Come in," Gideon responded before even looking up from his papers. Upon seeing Reid and taking in the obvious excitement he was barely containing, and his quirky smile that could've lit the room, "I take it you found out her name."
"Ashlyn," as he sat down he added, "it means dream."
Gideon clasped his hands in front of him, half hiding his own broad smile- his protege was growing up, again. Less than a year ago he hadn't even had a proper date; now he was sitting in his office talking about a girl and looking like the cat who swallowed the canary. "Appropriate." Gideon patiently waited for Reid to offer further information.
"She's a student at Catholic, working on her MLS." Sheepish self-consciousness was beginning to overtake Reid as the lower part of his face began to turn a soft pink. "We're having dinner tonight."
Reid was graced with one of Gideon's pleasant lopsided grins as he slowly nodded approvingly. "Let's hope nothing big comes up then."
---------
Thankfully for Spencer and the world at large 'nothing big' did (or rather didn't) come up. The biggest challenge he faced was Morgan and his persistent inquires about Reid's mood; it was a challenge he was more than up to. It gave he a bizarre pleasure to be able to keep Morgan at bay.
---------
Reid was lost in paperwork when Gideon approached him, "It's after 5; go home."
He tore himself from his papers when the older man spoke. "I was going to…"
Gideon raised a hand cutting him off and dismissing the comment. "It'll still be here Monday. Now get out of here and enjoy yourself."
As he strode off, Gideon began whistling and Spencer couldn't suppress his laughter or the flush consuming his face as the tune hit home- "Dulcinea" from Man of LaMancha.
Author: mystic
Title: Knightmares (Act II, Chapts 4-6)
Rating: FRAO (overall rating)
Type of Pairing/Relationship: HET
Pairing: Reid/orig character
DISCLAIMER: Criminal Minds and its characters are in no way mine, and, assuming you don't count my borderline obsession with it, I have absolutely notta to do with the show or CBS or anything else related.
Summary: Mys wanted some cuddly comfort fic and the bunny bit... (psychodrama and silliness)
---------------------------
Chapt 4: To Each His Dulcinea
---------------------------
On his way into work his thoughts were preoccupied, not with the case but with the strange young woman living a flight down from him. The invitation was sweet but with the work schedule of the BAU he doubted he'd be able to find an acceptable time for both of them and even if he could she would probably have forgotten about it- if she even meant it.
All thoughts of the mystery woman left his head as he and the rest of the team gathered and work on the case sped into full swing.
It wasn't until they were on the plane returning to D.C. that Reid's thoughts had the time to return to his neighbor. He was still at odds with himself as to what, if anything, to do about her invite. On one hand, she was a virtual stranger and he never was good with people; on the other, well that was the problem, there really wasn't a logical other hand. But she was beautiful and more than a little intriguing. Maybe that was reason enough.
---------
Reid had been so caught up in his thoughts that he failed to notice the intensity with which his friend and mentor, Jason Gideon, was watching him. That changed when a small patch of turbulence jostled the plane.
Gideon didn't try to disguise the fact that he had been studying his young colleague. "You want to talk about it?" was all he said.
Reid's brow wrinkled as he brought his eyebrows together and pursed his lips, not sure whether to take him up on the talk or be mad at being found out.
"You don't have to, but you know I'm always here," Gideon added, knowing it would calm Reid.
When no answer was forthcoming Gideon turned his attention to his almost forgotten book.
After a few moments, Reid broke the mutual silence, "I met a girl the other night."
Gideon allowed himself a visible smirk, "What's she like?"
Reid half chuckled as he exhaled, a boyish smile covering his face as his cheeks flushed slightly, "I have no idea."
Answering Gideon's raised eyebrow, he told him about the surreal encounter and subsequent offer of dinner. When he'd finished his tale, he ran his long fingers through his hair and stared out the plane's tiny window, "You see my problem?"
Moving from the stoic pose he'd adopted while listening to Reid, Gideon leaned forward smiling a warm yet mischievous smile, "Actually, Spencer, I don't."
That comment caused Reid to snap his head back from the window to stare at his companion with wide eyes.
Seeming oblivious to Spencer's response, Gideon continued, "Though I would suggest you find out the name of your Dulcinea."
Reid tried to force a smile, an act he wasn't very good at- his cheek muscles went the right way, so did the center of his thin lips, but the corners of his mouth never seemed to co-operate, always showing his true confusion is such situations; odd since he could pull off so many other feelings and expressions when the need arose, Hotch could testify to that.
The two men sat in silence for the rest of the trip. One lost in a book, the other lost in thought.
'Your Dulcinea' the phrase echoed in Spencer's mind; he liked the sound of it and some of the connotations- the others he tried not to think about, let alone try to analyze.
---------
By the time Reid finally made it home it was Wednesday, not by much but still it was Wednesday. Dropping his satchel to the floor as he entered his apartment, he made his way to the bathroom for a hot shower. Then he planned to reacquaint himself with his bed.
That night he dreamt, but not his usual nightmares. He dreamed about 'Dulcinea' and those thoughts and ideas he avoided on the plane. Dulcinea, the beautiful nameless woman he'd met just 5 days before, who seemed to think of him as some kind of guardian. Dulcinea, Alonzo Quejana's image of virtue and femininity. It was this latter aspect that put him on edge, that brought unwanted questions into his sleep-clouded mind. It wasn't a comfortable comparison for someone with the issues he had in his immediate family.
---------
One flight below, Reid's Dulcinea was having dreams of her own. Scattered, fragmented dreams of carousels, playgrounds, eyes filled with hate, and a voice. A concerned soothing disembodied voice; a voice that helped keep the dreams bearable.
---------------------------
Chapt 5: Defining a Dream
---------------------------
It was a relatively calm day at BAU headquarters in Quantico as the adrenaline build up from the weekend's case ebbed and left the team in various crash states. Case notes and paperwork were the order of the day, so it was with little surprise that by 3 o'clock the BAU computer screens showed varying stages of FreeCell, Minesweeper, Spider Solitaire, or other digital distractions.
For Spencer Reid his need for distraction was two-fold; one he shared with his co-workers. The other was Dulcinea. He was going to at least talk to her and if all went well he would accept her invitation, but that was tonight when he was away from here. He had no intention of letting the others know about his mystery woman, at least not until he knew her name.
---------
Once again he found himself standing at the door to the apartment below his. This time however his nerves were on edge for decidedly different reasons. He'd considered retreating to his own apartment with every step, and now he was considering it again.
Finally, he knocked on her door. Just as before there was no answer to his staccato rapping. He knocked again. Still no answer. *Great, I actually do this and no one's home.* Reid silently wondered if he'd have the nerve to come back later or if he should even bother. Memories of last night's dreams assaulted him accompanied by the dark fears the generated. *No,* he would come by later, if only to prove to his traitorous subconscious that she was real and not that kind of Dulcinea! With that decided he made his way towards his own abode only to confronted with the very subject of his thoughts.
She was dressed much the same as the last time he saw her, save for the unbuttoned black dress shirt over her maroon tank top and the heavily laden backpack on her shoulder. When she saw him her smile seemed to brighten and unless he was terribly mistaken her cheeks flushed.
"Hey, I was beginning to think you hadn't taken me seriously," her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.
As he thought how close to correct she was, Spencer felt the flush coming over his own face and his body reacted to her presence of it's own accord. "Yeah, sorry about that. We only got back last night."
'We', she wondered who 'we' was but forced herself not to ask. She opted for a safer, "Oh, any place interesting?"
"It may have been. We didn't exactly have time to play tourist."
"Business trip," she rolled her eyes in understanding and offered a silent 'thank you' to the powers that be.
"Yeah."
"So, you here about dinner?" she asked as she adjusted her bag.
"If the offer's still available."
She looked slightly shocked, "Of course it is! But could we talk about it inside? I really need to get this monkey off my back."
"Oh, sure. Here, let me take it."
*Chivalrous as usual,* she said to herself. To him, "I don't think you really want to- it's a bit heavy."
Even as she said the words, Reid was removing the hefty load from her shoulders.
"What's in here the entire Encyclopedia Britannica?"
She laughed as she replied, "No, but close- textbooks."
"You're a student?" Reid was surprised and pleased at the idea.
"Guilty," she said as she opened the door, "for the next few months anyway." Entering the apartment, "Come on in. I don't think anything in here bites." She set her keys on the table inside the door, "Just drop that anywhere. Can I get you something to drink?" she asked as she headed for the kitchen.
For some reason the question startled him, "No, no thanks." Spencer cleared his throat self-consciously, "So what are you studying?"
Returning with a can of diet soda she plopped down on the couch. "I'm working on my MLS at Catholic."
"You're a librarian?" The incredulity in his voice was apparent.
"Soon, and technically I'll be a research librarian."
"Nice," a genuine smile on his face as he realized he was with a fellow geek- albeit a beautiful one. "So, about dinner…"
"Right. You probably have plans for the weekend, so how about Monday?"
Almost sheepishly, fidgeting with his hands and looking down causing his light brown locks to fall into his face, "actually, I don't. Have plans, I mean."
It was her turned to look startled, "Really?"
Looking up for a brief moment, "Really." Spencer summoned up his courage for his next question, which came out in just one word, "You?"
"I'm a librarian, remember. Of course I don't have plans, unless you count that," she flipped a hand toward her bag on the floor.
Reid smiled a giddy schoolboy smile, "There was a time when I would."
She laughed. "How 'bout tomorrow then?"
"That'd be great, well, unless something comes up at work."
That got a quizzical look out of her. "You must be important to your office."
"I wouldn't say that."
Deciding the topic would make good dinner discussion, she chose not to pursue it just yet. Instead, she cocked her head, "Well, tomorrow then. Around 8 good for you?"
"Fine. I guess I'll see you then." He moved towards the door, ready to make a hasty exit before his rising blood pressure caused his heart to explode or other parts of his anatomy got similar ideas.
Getting up from her position on the couch, "Wait a minute." She walked up to him and looked deep into his eyes, "What's your name?"
He'd completely forgotten about the names; he'd been too consumed by dinner arrangements. "Spencer. Reid." his voice was breathy as he took in her scent and felt her closeness.
"Spencer," she smiled as she said it. "Well, Spencer Reid I'm Ashlyn Lieman."
"Ashlyn?"
She let out a small chuckle, "Yes. Look it up and I'll see you tomorrow."
She smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek as he left.
Just as the door closed she heard Spencer's voice call out, "Dream."
Ashlyn grinned wider than she had in ages- he was noble, smart, drop-dead gorgeous, and tomorrow night he was having dinner with her.
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Chapt 6: Seeing is Believing
---------------------------
Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid was positively buoyant when he arrived in the bullpen the following morning. A state that Morgan could not let escape without comment. "What happened to you, Spencer? You are way to chipper today. Hey Elle, check it out."
Reid merely smiled knowingly at his friend as he set his satchel by his desk and asked, "Boss in his office?"
Looking more than a little lost at Spencer's reaction, or lack thereof, Morgan replied, "uh, yeah, I think so."
Nodding Reid headed for Gideon's office.
Pointing a finger at Reid's retreating form, "What just happened?"
"I think he blew you off," Elle patted his shoulder sympathetically, but didn't attempt to hide her humored smile, "and you said 'chipper'." As she returned to her desk, and more importantly her coffee, she could hear Morgan mumbling in response- probably wondering how long it would take him to live it down.
---------
He could see Gideon was in his office, but as always he knocked anyway.
"Come in," Gideon responded before even looking up from his papers. Upon seeing Reid and taking in the obvious excitement he was barely containing, and his quirky smile that could've lit the room, "I take it you found out her name."
"Ashlyn," as he sat down he added, "it means dream."
Gideon clasped his hands in front of him, half hiding his own broad smile- his protege was growing up, again. Less than a year ago he hadn't even had a proper date; now he was sitting in his office talking about a girl and looking like the cat who swallowed the canary. "Appropriate." Gideon patiently waited for Reid to offer further information.
"She's a student at Catholic, working on her MLS." Sheepish self-consciousness was beginning to overtake Reid as the lower part of his face began to turn a soft pink. "We're having dinner tonight."
Reid was graced with one of Gideon's pleasant lopsided grins as he slowly nodded approvingly. "Let's hope nothing big comes up then."
---------
Thankfully for Spencer and the world at large 'nothing big' did (or rather didn't) come up. The biggest challenge he faced was Morgan and his persistent inquires about Reid's mood; it was a challenge he was more than up to. It gave he a bizarre pleasure to be able to keep Morgan at bay.
---------
Reid was lost in paperwork when Gideon approached him, "It's after 5; go home."
He tore himself from his papers when the older man spoke. "I was going to…"
Gideon raised a hand cutting him off and dismissing the comment. "It'll still be here Monday. Now get out of here and enjoy yourself."
As he strode off, Gideon began whistling and Spencer couldn't suppress his laughter or the flush consuming his face as the tune hit home- "Dulcinea" from Man of LaMancha.