By its Cover 1/1
Title: By its Cover 1/1
Author: buffyaddict13
Rating: R (for language)
Characters: Rossi (POV), Reid, Morgan, Hotch, Prentiss, Garcia
Summary: SSA David Rossi's first impression of Reid. And his second impression. And then his third.
A/N: Warning: written from Rossi's POV. Which was a little tricky so I hope he sounds vaguely in character. Written from a prompt by luckinfovely. Betaed by luckin, any and all remaining mistakes are mine, all mine.
"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” ~Carl Gustav Jung
Everyone is fine but the skinny kid. He's a weirdo, what his second wife would call a "dweeb." But man, it's good to see Hotch again. Morgan seems capable but a little uptight. He likes Prentiss. She reminds him of his daughter. Okay, he doesn't have a daughter, but if he did, he'd want her to be like Prentiss. Plus, he's way too young to have a kid that old. Garcia's what the kids call "quirky" or some shit. But she keeps her mouth shut so he likes her for that. He doesn't know what to make of JJ yet. They didn't have someone like her his first time around. Plus, she's got a great ass. But he'll keep that tidbit to himself.
---
The genius kid doesn't shut up. He keeps reciting Rossi's books like he's paying some sort of fealty. And come on, there's no way he comes off that pretentious in print. Jesus. Reid's like a verbal ticker-tape parade, words flying everywhere. Statistics on this, quotes on that. The mating habits of crocodiles. Which drugs haven't received FDA approval. What comic book Garcia's reading. The book on tape he's listening to. The kid's walking white noise, constant static in a sweater vest. That's another thing. He dresses like he gets fashion tips from his great-grandpa. Rossi's no fashion plate but he feels positively debonair around Reid.
---
On his first case back, the kid proves he knows what he's doing. Yeah, the kid annoys the hell out of him, but it's obvious everyone else thinks he walks on water.
Rossi walks out of the BAU with Hotch. "Aaron, I've got to ask. How do you guys stand Reid? He's such a freak." It takes him a minute to realize Hotch isn't next to him anymore. He looks back to see Hotch staring at him with an expression of such contempt Rossi checks to see if there's someone else behind him. There isn't. Shit.
"Let me tell you something, David. The only way Reid is a 'freak' is that he's better than you or I will ever be. He's twenty-five years old and he's been through more--knows more than I have the time or desire to tell you. Spencer Reid is the most gifted agent on my team. And I'm not talking about the knowledge in his head. I'm talking about how he sees the world. His dedication. His compassion. His sensitivity to the victims and unsubs. His ability to see more than the rest of us. And if he likes to blow up film canisters and talk about vegetables, I think he's earned the right.
"Garcia surrounds herself with stuffed animals. Emily sees her niece. JJ has a secret boyfriend. I work too much and go see Jack. Morgan buys houses. You shoot ducks. We all do what we do to deal with the job. You and I go way back, Dave, but I don't ever want to hear you talk about Reid like that again. Do you understand?"
Hotch's face is flushed. He's breathing hard. His hands are clenched fists.
Jesus. Rossi didn't know weird was so popular with Hotch these days. Or maybe he's misjudged the kid. Maybe he's just an impatient asshole. Which, if memory serves, was what wife number three called him on more than one occasion. Rossi holds his hands up. "Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. He's a good kid. He just takes a little getting used to, okay? Give me a break. I'm old and set in my ways."
This earns him the faintest of smiles.
"Let me buy you a beer?"
Hotch considers. "You can buy me dinner first."
"In that case, I better get lucky by the end of the night."
That earns him a laugh.
---
He starts paying attention to what Reid says. Turns out some of its actually interesting. But what's really interesting is not what Reid says, but when he says it. The kid uses words like a light saber, dodging questions, avoiding answers. A question about his mom? Try again. Ask him if he's sleeping okay? He'll offer you coffee. Mention that he looks flushed, that his hands shake? Check out the statistics Reid's got stashed in his back pocket. Reid only reveals what he wants you to see. He likes magic and Rossi understands why. He's got a gift for misdirection.
---
Turns out Reid cracks a lot of cases. He's almost too good at his job. He identifies with everyone, cares too much. When Emily tells Rossi about what happened with Hankel, Rossi looks at Reid with new eyes. If he'd been tortured by an unsub and shot full of drugs he's not sure he'd be able to find compassion for anyone, much less unsubs. And the craziest thing of all, Emily says Reid feels guilty for not saving the guy who tortured him. If that doesn't show how fucked up the world is, nothing does.
---
When Reid watches an unsub shot dead in a high school bathroom he goes quiet. On the plane ride home Dave makes an effort to sit by him. When they're in the air, he leans over and says softly, "You did the right thing, Reid. It's not your fault."
Reid looks at him, and there's something in his eyes that makes Rossi's throat feel a size too small. That makes Dave ashamed for thinking Reid was a freak, much less saying it out loud.
Reid does something with his mouth that makes him look sick. Rossi realizes he's trying to smile. And failing utterly. "I was right there," Reid says. His voice is dry leaves. "I could have saved him." He gestures futilely with his hand. "I was right there."
"Okay, Reid? I want you to listen to me. At some time during their career, seventy-three percent of Federal Agents are faced with the same situation you were. The outcome is never good. Does it suck that the unsub died? Yes. Does it suck Jack Vaughan and his daughter got a free pass? You bet it does. But now I'll tell you the good news. You weren't shot. You're okay. The outcome isn't good, but it could have been a lot worse."
Reid blinks rapidly, brushes one hand over his face. He scratches his chin.
Rossi wants to pat Reid's arm, but settles for patting the arm of his chair instead. "Okay?"
"Okay." Reid nods once, then smiles. This time his lips cooperate. "Dave?"
"Yeah?"
"You made up that seventy-three percent thing, right?"
Rossi chuckles. "Pulled it right out of my ass."
---
He was a little leery coming in as the new guy. He figured they might resent him for not being Jason Gideon. Turns out his fears were unfounded. Sometimes he's still an impatient asshole, but they forgive him. Eventually he realizes they forgive him because he's there to forgive. Gideon did something worse than being an asshole. He left without saying goodbye. Which means he didn't leave at all. He gave up on them. And himself.
If he retires a second time, Rossi resolves to shake everyone's hand on the way out.
----
He respects Aaron. The man's a born leader. He's calm, collected, cool. But he doesn't smile as much as he used to. Rossi sets himself a new goal: make Hotch laugh. It takes him a while to gel with the team. To consider himself part of the "we" and less of an "I." But it's worth it. Rossi's worked with a lot of people in his lifetime. Met a lot of people on the job, on book tours, both good and bad. He knows he's damn lucky to work at the BAU with the finest of the former.
---
Rossi spends a lot of time trying to label his co-workers. He knows it's a stupid thing to do, but plane rides are long and he can only read the Sports Section so many times. Hotch is a friend. Dependable. Constant. Prentiss is also a...friend (daughter). Competent. Kind. JJ is an acquaintence. Maybe that's too harsh. Okay, fine, a friend. She's professional and detached. He's seen the way the reporters snap and howl for news. She doesn't even break a sweat. Rossi wonders if she'll be able to hold onto the detachment once she has the baby. Morgan? Friend. Definitely. At first Rossi thought he was an asshole. And he kind of is. But since Rossi's one himself, it works out fine. Garcia is a friend. Sort of. At least, the potential is there. He hasn't worked with her enough to really know her. Yet.
And then there's Reid. There's no label that seems to fit Spencer. Friend doesn't feel quite right. But he doesn't have the same kind of paternal feel for Reid that he does for Emily. There's no sibling vibe either. Which, by the way, Morgan and Reid totally have that going on. Come to think of it, the whole team is protective of Reid, as if he's everyone's kid brother. Or the BAU mascot.
Rossi doesn't feel that way. He wasn't around for the whole Hankel thing. He didn't know Reid then. He only knows him now, and the Reid he sees every day doesn't need protecting. He can take care of himself. He's a damned fine shot with his service revolver. He can do verbal sleight of hand to keep you off balance or put you at ease. He can do a crossword puzzle in under five minutes. And not the easy People Magazine ones. The Times crossword. Where the others see weakness, fragility, Rossi sees strength and steely determination.
Rossi's not the easiest guy to impress. But Reid does it almost casually.
---
Morgan takes him aside once Reid leaves for the police station. They stand by one of the nickel slot machines, surrounded by noise. Morgan puts his face near Rossi's. "Look man, it's up to you. You don't have to stay. I'm just telling you the situation. Something's really wrong. I can see it. You should have seen him in that house, man. I've never heard him scream like that." Morgan sighs, runs a hand over his smooth head. "I haven't seen him this messed up in years. I'm not gonna leave him out here on his own. I can't."
Rossi considers Derek's words. The circles under Reid's eyes are more pronounced than usual. He looks exhausted. Too thin. He looks like someone who's been running nonstop for days. Only Reid never runs away from anything, he runs toward it, searching, always searching. He's stubborn like that. That's another favorite adjective of ex wife number three: stubborn asshole. Rossi wasn't offended. Hey, if the asshole fits.
---
This is how Rossi decides to stay in Vegas: he imagines he needs help from Reid. He knows instantly, instinctively, that the kid would stay. He'd get that determined puppy look on his face and do whatever Dave asked. Decision made. Easy peasy. Dave slides his hands into his pockets. "I'm in."
---
He wonders if Reid sees him as a father figure. Hell, he's actually old enough to be Reid's dad. Morgan says that's how Reid saw Gideon. If the current situation is anything to go by, Rossi figures Reid is done with father figures.
---
When Spencer brings up hypnosis and memory retrieval Morgan's against it from the start. He says some things are better left unremembered. But Rossi's not so sure. You have to face your fears in order to overcome them. And whatever shit is trying to crawl out of Reid's subconscious needs to be dealt with now.
So Rossi offers to go in with him. Not to protect him. To support him. And Morgan's there too, pacing the hall. "See you on the flipside, kid," Morgan says.
Reid opens his mouth, shuts it. He stares at the floor. His complexion is waxy. He swallows and addresses Morgan's shoes. His voice is a croak. "Thank you." He lifts his head, speaks to Rossi's chin. "And thank you."
Morgan waves his hand. "There ain't nothing to thank me for. Do your thing and get back out here so I can make fun of your ass."
Rossi points to Morgan. "What he said. Except for the making fun of your ass. I'm nicer than he is."
Derek barks out a laugh. "You wish."
Reid puts his hand on the door. He looks like he's going to a funeral. Maybe he is. Rossi has no idea what to expect.
---
Jesus, Joseph and Mary. He wasn't expecting this. Reid is freaking out. And he's not waking up. Morgan was right, they shouldn't have come. Goddamn the therapist, Reid's past, and most of all, whatever (whoever) is making Reid struggle on the couch.
Rossi stands over him and puts his arms on Reid's shoulders, (gently, gently) holds him down. "Reid," he says, "Reid. It's okay. It's okay." He's not lying. He's gonna make this okay for Reid, one way or the other.
He can actually feel Reid's bones through his shirt. Christ on a crutch, does the kid ever eat? Hell, he's seen him eat. Where does the food go? Reid finally stops struggling. His eyes open and he stares up at Rossi. Once, Rossi met a kid who'd nearly been beaten to death by his mother. She used a tennis racket. Reid's eyes look just like that kid's. God.
Rossi takes a step backward, gives Reid space. He doesn't know what to do with hands. Punching things seems like a good start. But he has an idea trashing the hypnotherapist's office isn't really going to help Reid. But it'll certainly make him feel better.
---
Morgan cracks a joke that they look like Reid's bodyguards. He talks the whole way to William Reid's office but he doesn't say anything of substance. His words are only a net, ready to catch Reid if he falls. Rossi doesn't say anything. It's not like Reid will answer. Reid's off in his own headspace, and if that's what he needs right now, so be it.
Rossi doesn't think of bodyguards when they walk into the building flanking the young agent. He thinks of soldiers. Comrades in arms. Reid looks like he wants to bolt, like he'd rather be anywhere in the world than here. He leaves once to vomit, but when he comes back, he looks calmer. His eyes are steel.
And when Reid opens his mouth to speak to his father, Rossi glances at Morgan. Bodyguards, my ass. Reid gives his old man a tongue lashing that makes Rossi giddy with pride. Damn. The kid's got stones. He hopes he never finds himself on the receiving end of Reid's temper.
---
On the way home Rossi thinks of Reid's anger. Reid is generally so...mild. He's a regular Clark Kent. So where does he keep that kind of rage? Does he have an ulcer? Does he go to therapy? Rossi's heard the office gossip, he knows Reid goes to some kind of group meetings, but Hotch won't tell him what they're for. Neither will Emily. They say, "Ask Reid." But Rossi doesn't need to know that badly.
---
He can't pin Reid down. He's a mass of contradictions. He doesn't shake hands because he hates germs, but he never seems to wash his hair. He talks all the time but never says anything about his personal life. Does he even have one? He can't stand his father but it's clear the kid would walk through fire--twice--for his mom. He knows the name of every Star Trek episode and loves all kinds of Science Fiction, but he doesn't watch television. "Only DVDs," he tells Rossi. "I'm not home enough to keep to a schedule, you know?"
Rossi knows. The finale of The Sopranos is still sitting on his DVR's hard drive.
Reid is kind and gentle but he's not afraid to show anger. He broods. He brings gifts to the office for no reason. He bought Rossi an antique duck call just because he "thought Rossi would like it." There's a saying about how first impressions are important. All you need to know about someone you can tell in the first fifteen seconds. Rossi used to believe that was true. But since meeting Reid, that little homily’s been tossed into the drawer marked "bullshit."
He's known Reid for two years now, and he has a feeling he's barely scratched the surface. Reid certainly makes the job more interesting. Rossi ought to buy him a drink for that alone.
---
Garcia comes trundling into the bull pen, wearing a red polka dot skirt and a t-shirt that reads This shirt is a horcrux. A black and red ruffled suit jacket hangs over one arm. She swings a tote bag with a close-up of Zachary Quinto's face on the side. Red dripping letters proclaim Sylar wants your brain. She walks over to Reid's desk and jiggles the bag in front of his face. "Are you ready Doctor Reid?"
Reid nods, smiling, and pushes himself to his feet.
"And where are you two going?" Morgan asks, lifting an eyebrow.
"We've got a date with JJ Abrams," Garcia says.
Morgan's left eyebrow joins the right. "Huh?"
Emily leans forward in her chair, excited. "Ooh, are you guys going to see the new Star Trek movie? I want to see that so bad."
"Join us," Garcia tells her. "The more the merrier." She looks at Reid. "Isn't that right, G-man?"
"I've been known to be quite merry in my time," Reid says drolly.
Emily laughs. "I'd love to you guys, but I need to finish this report." She looks forlornly at a file. "Will you tell me how it is?"
Garcia blows her a kiss. "As you wish."
Rossi strolls over to Garcia and Reid, hands in his pockets. "Are we gonna go or what?"
Morgan's mouth drops open.
Emily blinks. She points from Rossi to Garcia and Reid. "You? You're telling me you're going to see the new Star Trek with them?" She turns to Morgan. "Did the space-time continuum just explode?"
"I think y'all need to shut up and quit nerding up my work space is what I think."
Garcia links an arm through Rossi's elbow, then Reid's. "Let's go, gentlemen."
Rossi nods. "Make it so."
Behind them, Emily gasps, "Oh my God! Did you hear that? Did you hear what he just said? Do you know what that's from?"
"Work space," Morgan warns, miming a protective bubble around his desk.
They unlink in the elevator and Garcia pulls out the tickets. "I heart you Fandango." She hands one to Reid, then Rossi. "Okay, I have to ask. What made you want to come with this? This doesn't exactly seem like your kind of movie."
Rossi smiles. "And what exactly is my kind of movie?"
"Something with less Vulcans," Reid suggests.
"And more car chases."
"Hey," Rossi mock huffs, "there's a car chase in this. I saw it in the preview. Now let's go. I gotta have time to buy popcorn and pee. Not necessarily in that order."
Garcia taps her bag. "And I have a secret stash of Twizzlers." The elevator starts its descent.
"Jinkies, Rossi. I had no idea you were so...cool."
Rossi offers her a little bow.
She nudges Reid. "This is gonna be great! We're totally like the Three Musketeers. Only without swords and feathery hats." Garcia rests her head on Reid's shoulder, pouting. "Now I kind of want a feathery hat."
Reid looks down at the top of her head, affection in his eyes and smile.
Rossi recognizes the look. He feels the same thing for Reid.
Author: buffyaddict13
Rating: R (for language)
Characters: Rossi (POV), Reid, Morgan, Hotch, Prentiss, Garcia
Summary: SSA David Rossi's first impression of Reid. And his second impression. And then his third.
A/N: Warning: written from Rossi's POV. Which was a little tricky so I hope he sounds vaguely in character. Written from a prompt by luckinfovely. Betaed by luckin, any and all remaining mistakes are mine, all mine.
"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” ~Carl Gustav Jung
Everyone is fine but the skinny kid. He's a weirdo, what his second wife would call a "dweeb." But man, it's good to see Hotch again. Morgan seems capable but a little uptight. He likes Prentiss. She reminds him of his daughter. Okay, he doesn't have a daughter, but if he did, he'd want her to be like Prentiss. Plus, he's way too young to have a kid that old. Garcia's what the kids call "quirky" or some shit. But she keeps her mouth shut so he likes her for that. He doesn't know what to make of JJ yet. They didn't have someone like her his first time around. Plus, she's got a great ass. But he'll keep that tidbit to himself.
---
The genius kid doesn't shut up. He keeps reciting Rossi's books like he's paying some sort of fealty. And come on, there's no way he comes off that pretentious in print. Jesus. Reid's like a verbal ticker-tape parade, words flying everywhere. Statistics on this, quotes on that. The mating habits of crocodiles. Which drugs haven't received FDA approval. What comic book Garcia's reading. The book on tape he's listening to. The kid's walking white noise, constant static in a sweater vest. That's another thing. He dresses like he gets fashion tips from his great-grandpa. Rossi's no fashion plate but he feels positively debonair around Reid.
---
On his first case back, the kid proves he knows what he's doing. Yeah, the kid annoys the hell out of him, but it's obvious everyone else thinks he walks on water.
Rossi walks out of the BAU with Hotch. "Aaron, I've got to ask. How do you guys stand Reid? He's such a freak." It takes him a minute to realize Hotch isn't next to him anymore. He looks back to see Hotch staring at him with an expression of such contempt Rossi checks to see if there's someone else behind him. There isn't. Shit.
"Let me tell you something, David. The only way Reid is a 'freak' is that he's better than you or I will ever be. He's twenty-five years old and he's been through more--knows more than I have the time or desire to tell you. Spencer Reid is the most gifted agent on my team. And I'm not talking about the knowledge in his head. I'm talking about how he sees the world. His dedication. His compassion. His sensitivity to the victims and unsubs. His ability to see more than the rest of us. And if he likes to blow up film canisters and talk about vegetables, I think he's earned the right.
"Garcia surrounds herself with stuffed animals. Emily sees her niece. JJ has a secret boyfriend. I work too much and go see Jack. Morgan buys houses. You shoot ducks. We all do what we do to deal with the job. You and I go way back, Dave, but I don't ever want to hear you talk about Reid like that again. Do you understand?"
Hotch's face is flushed. He's breathing hard. His hands are clenched fists.
Jesus. Rossi didn't know weird was so popular with Hotch these days. Or maybe he's misjudged the kid. Maybe he's just an impatient asshole. Which, if memory serves, was what wife number three called him on more than one occasion. Rossi holds his hands up. "Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. He's a good kid. He just takes a little getting used to, okay? Give me a break. I'm old and set in my ways."
This earns him the faintest of smiles.
"Let me buy you a beer?"
Hotch considers. "You can buy me dinner first."
"In that case, I better get lucky by the end of the night."
That earns him a laugh.
---
He starts paying attention to what Reid says. Turns out some of its actually interesting. But what's really interesting is not what Reid says, but when he says it. The kid uses words like a light saber, dodging questions, avoiding answers. A question about his mom? Try again. Ask him if he's sleeping okay? He'll offer you coffee. Mention that he looks flushed, that his hands shake? Check out the statistics Reid's got stashed in his back pocket. Reid only reveals what he wants you to see. He likes magic and Rossi understands why. He's got a gift for misdirection.
---
Turns out Reid cracks a lot of cases. He's almost too good at his job. He identifies with everyone, cares too much. When Emily tells Rossi about what happened with Hankel, Rossi looks at Reid with new eyes. If he'd been tortured by an unsub and shot full of drugs he's not sure he'd be able to find compassion for anyone, much less unsubs. And the craziest thing of all, Emily says Reid feels guilty for not saving the guy who tortured him. If that doesn't show how fucked up the world is, nothing does.
---
When Reid watches an unsub shot dead in a high school bathroom he goes quiet. On the plane ride home Dave makes an effort to sit by him. When they're in the air, he leans over and says softly, "You did the right thing, Reid. It's not your fault."
Reid looks at him, and there's something in his eyes that makes Rossi's throat feel a size too small. That makes Dave ashamed for thinking Reid was a freak, much less saying it out loud.
Reid does something with his mouth that makes him look sick. Rossi realizes he's trying to smile. And failing utterly. "I was right there," Reid says. His voice is dry leaves. "I could have saved him." He gestures futilely with his hand. "I was right there."
"Okay, Reid? I want you to listen to me. At some time during their career, seventy-three percent of Federal Agents are faced with the same situation you were. The outcome is never good. Does it suck that the unsub died? Yes. Does it suck Jack Vaughan and his daughter got a free pass? You bet it does. But now I'll tell you the good news. You weren't shot. You're okay. The outcome isn't good, but it could have been a lot worse."
Reid blinks rapidly, brushes one hand over his face. He scratches his chin.
Rossi wants to pat Reid's arm, but settles for patting the arm of his chair instead. "Okay?"
"Okay." Reid nods once, then smiles. This time his lips cooperate. "Dave?"
"Yeah?"
"You made up that seventy-three percent thing, right?"
Rossi chuckles. "Pulled it right out of my ass."
---
He was a little leery coming in as the new guy. He figured they might resent him for not being Jason Gideon. Turns out his fears were unfounded. Sometimes he's still an impatient asshole, but they forgive him. Eventually he realizes they forgive him because he's there to forgive. Gideon did something worse than being an asshole. He left without saying goodbye. Which means he didn't leave at all. He gave up on them. And himself.
If he retires a second time, Rossi resolves to shake everyone's hand on the way out.
----
He respects Aaron. The man's a born leader. He's calm, collected, cool. But he doesn't smile as much as he used to. Rossi sets himself a new goal: make Hotch laugh. It takes him a while to gel with the team. To consider himself part of the "we" and less of an "I." But it's worth it. Rossi's worked with a lot of people in his lifetime. Met a lot of people on the job, on book tours, both good and bad. He knows he's damn lucky to work at the BAU with the finest of the former.
---
Rossi spends a lot of time trying to label his co-workers. He knows it's a stupid thing to do, but plane rides are long and he can only read the Sports Section so many times. Hotch is a friend. Dependable. Constant. Prentiss is also a...friend (daughter). Competent. Kind. JJ is an acquaintence. Maybe that's too harsh. Okay, fine, a friend. She's professional and detached. He's seen the way the reporters snap and howl for news. She doesn't even break a sweat. Rossi wonders if she'll be able to hold onto the detachment once she has the baby. Morgan? Friend. Definitely. At first Rossi thought he was an asshole. And he kind of is. But since Rossi's one himself, it works out fine. Garcia is a friend. Sort of. At least, the potential is there. He hasn't worked with her enough to really know her. Yet.
And then there's Reid. There's no label that seems to fit Spencer. Friend doesn't feel quite right. But he doesn't have the same kind of paternal feel for Reid that he does for Emily. There's no sibling vibe either. Which, by the way, Morgan and Reid totally have that going on. Come to think of it, the whole team is protective of Reid, as if he's everyone's kid brother. Or the BAU mascot.
Rossi doesn't feel that way. He wasn't around for the whole Hankel thing. He didn't know Reid then. He only knows him now, and the Reid he sees every day doesn't need protecting. He can take care of himself. He's a damned fine shot with his service revolver. He can do verbal sleight of hand to keep you off balance or put you at ease. He can do a crossword puzzle in under five minutes. And not the easy People Magazine ones. The Times crossword. Where the others see weakness, fragility, Rossi sees strength and steely determination.
Rossi's not the easiest guy to impress. But Reid does it almost casually.
---
Morgan takes him aside once Reid leaves for the police station. They stand by one of the nickel slot machines, surrounded by noise. Morgan puts his face near Rossi's. "Look man, it's up to you. You don't have to stay. I'm just telling you the situation. Something's really wrong. I can see it. You should have seen him in that house, man. I've never heard him scream like that." Morgan sighs, runs a hand over his smooth head. "I haven't seen him this messed up in years. I'm not gonna leave him out here on his own. I can't."
Rossi considers Derek's words. The circles under Reid's eyes are more pronounced than usual. He looks exhausted. Too thin. He looks like someone who's been running nonstop for days. Only Reid never runs away from anything, he runs toward it, searching, always searching. He's stubborn like that. That's another favorite adjective of ex wife number three: stubborn asshole. Rossi wasn't offended. Hey, if the asshole fits.
---
This is how Rossi decides to stay in Vegas: he imagines he needs help from Reid. He knows instantly, instinctively, that the kid would stay. He'd get that determined puppy look on his face and do whatever Dave asked. Decision made. Easy peasy. Dave slides his hands into his pockets. "I'm in."
---
He wonders if Reid sees him as a father figure. Hell, he's actually old enough to be Reid's dad. Morgan says that's how Reid saw Gideon. If the current situation is anything to go by, Rossi figures Reid is done with father figures.
---
When Spencer brings up hypnosis and memory retrieval Morgan's against it from the start. He says some things are better left unremembered. But Rossi's not so sure. You have to face your fears in order to overcome them. And whatever shit is trying to crawl out of Reid's subconscious needs to be dealt with now.
So Rossi offers to go in with him. Not to protect him. To support him. And Morgan's there too, pacing the hall. "See you on the flipside, kid," Morgan says.
Reid opens his mouth, shuts it. He stares at the floor. His complexion is waxy. He swallows and addresses Morgan's shoes. His voice is a croak. "Thank you." He lifts his head, speaks to Rossi's chin. "And thank you."
Morgan waves his hand. "There ain't nothing to thank me for. Do your thing and get back out here so I can make fun of your ass."
Rossi points to Morgan. "What he said. Except for the making fun of your ass. I'm nicer than he is."
Derek barks out a laugh. "You wish."
Reid puts his hand on the door. He looks like he's going to a funeral. Maybe he is. Rossi has no idea what to expect.
---
Jesus, Joseph and Mary. He wasn't expecting this. Reid is freaking out. And he's not waking up. Morgan was right, they shouldn't have come. Goddamn the therapist, Reid's past, and most of all, whatever (whoever) is making Reid struggle on the couch.
Rossi stands over him and puts his arms on Reid's shoulders, (gently, gently) holds him down. "Reid," he says, "Reid. It's okay. It's okay." He's not lying. He's gonna make this okay for Reid, one way or the other.
He can actually feel Reid's bones through his shirt. Christ on a crutch, does the kid ever eat? Hell, he's seen him eat. Where does the food go? Reid finally stops struggling. His eyes open and he stares up at Rossi. Once, Rossi met a kid who'd nearly been beaten to death by his mother. She used a tennis racket. Reid's eyes look just like that kid's. God.
Rossi takes a step backward, gives Reid space. He doesn't know what to do with hands. Punching things seems like a good start. But he has an idea trashing the hypnotherapist's office isn't really going to help Reid. But it'll certainly make him feel better.
---
Morgan cracks a joke that they look like Reid's bodyguards. He talks the whole way to William Reid's office but he doesn't say anything of substance. His words are only a net, ready to catch Reid if he falls. Rossi doesn't say anything. It's not like Reid will answer. Reid's off in his own headspace, and if that's what he needs right now, so be it.
Rossi doesn't think of bodyguards when they walk into the building flanking the young agent. He thinks of soldiers. Comrades in arms. Reid looks like he wants to bolt, like he'd rather be anywhere in the world than here. He leaves once to vomit, but when he comes back, he looks calmer. His eyes are steel.
And when Reid opens his mouth to speak to his father, Rossi glances at Morgan. Bodyguards, my ass. Reid gives his old man a tongue lashing that makes Rossi giddy with pride. Damn. The kid's got stones. He hopes he never finds himself on the receiving end of Reid's temper.
---
On the way home Rossi thinks of Reid's anger. Reid is generally so...mild. He's a regular Clark Kent. So where does he keep that kind of rage? Does he have an ulcer? Does he go to therapy? Rossi's heard the office gossip, he knows Reid goes to some kind of group meetings, but Hotch won't tell him what they're for. Neither will Emily. They say, "Ask Reid." But Rossi doesn't need to know that badly.
---
He can't pin Reid down. He's a mass of contradictions. He doesn't shake hands because he hates germs, but he never seems to wash his hair. He talks all the time but never says anything about his personal life. Does he even have one? He can't stand his father but it's clear the kid would walk through fire--twice--for his mom. He knows the name of every Star Trek episode and loves all kinds of Science Fiction, but he doesn't watch television. "Only DVDs," he tells Rossi. "I'm not home enough to keep to a schedule, you know?"
Rossi knows. The finale of The Sopranos is still sitting on his DVR's hard drive.
Reid is kind and gentle but he's not afraid to show anger. He broods. He brings gifts to the office for no reason. He bought Rossi an antique duck call just because he "thought Rossi would like it." There's a saying about how first impressions are important. All you need to know about someone you can tell in the first fifteen seconds. Rossi used to believe that was true. But since meeting Reid, that little homily’s been tossed into the drawer marked "bullshit."
He's known Reid for two years now, and he has a feeling he's barely scratched the surface. Reid certainly makes the job more interesting. Rossi ought to buy him a drink for that alone.
---
Garcia comes trundling into the bull pen, wearing a red polka dot skirt and a t-shirt that reads This shirt is a horcrux. A black and red ruffled suit jacket hangs over one arm. She swings a tote bag with a close-up of Zachary Quinto's face on the side. Red dripping letters proclaim Sylar wants your brain. She walks over to Reid's desk and jiggles the bag in front of his face. "Are you ready Doctor Reid?"
Reid nods, smiling, and pushes himself to his feet.
"And where are you two going?" Morgan asks, lifting an eyebrow.
"We've got a date with JJ Abrams," Garcia says.
Morgan's left eyebrow joins the right. "Huh?"
Emily leans forward in her chair, excited. "Ooh, are you guys going to see the new Star Trek movie? I want to see that so bad."
"Join us," Garcia tells her. "The more the merrier." She looks at Reid. "Isn't that right, G-man?"
"I've been known to be quite merry in my time," Reid says drolly.
Emily laughs. "I'd love to you guys, but I need to finish this report." She looks forlornly at a file. "Will you tell me how it is?"
Garcia blows her a kiss. "As you wish."
Rossi strolls over to Garcia and Reid, hands in his pockets. "Are we gonna go or what?"
Morgan's mouth drops open.
Emily blinks. She points from Rossi to Garcia and Reid. "You? You're telling me you're going to see the new Star Trek with them?" She turns to Morgan. "Did the space-time continuum just explode?"
"I think y'all need to shut up and quit nerding up my work space is what I think."
Garcia links an arm through Rossi's elbow, then Reid's. "Let's go, gentlemen."
Rossi nods. "Make it so."
Behind them, Emily gasps, "Oh my God! Did you hear that? Did you hear what he just said? Do you know what that's from?"
"Work space," Morgan warns, miming a protective bubble around his desk.
They unlink in the elevator and Garcia pulls out the tickets. "I heart you Fandango." She hands one to Reid, then Rossi. "Okay, I have to ask. What made you want to come with this? This doesn't exactly seem like your kind of movie."
Rossi smiles. "And what exactly is my kind of movie?"
"Something with less Vulcans," Reid suggests.
"And more car chases."
"Hey," Rossi mock huffs, "there's a car chase in this. I saw it in the preview. Now let's go. I gotta have time to buy popcorn and pee. Not necessarily in that order."
Garcia taps her bag. "And I have a secret stash of Twizzlers." The elevator starts its descent.
"Jinkies, Rossi. I had no idea you were so...cool."
Rossi offers her a little bow.
She nudges Reid. "This is gonna be great! We're totally like the Three Musketeers. Only without swords and feathery hats." Garcia rests her head on Reid's shoulder, pouting. "Now I kind of want a feathery hat."
Reid looks down at the top of her head, affection in his eyes and smile.
Rossi recognizes the look. He feels the same thing for Reid.