Fic: A Lion in Paris
Paris was burning. Heat rose from the city stifling and suffocating everything within it, flames licked the very core of it working up there way to destroy the very thing giving them birth. An explosion of this heat blasted through the city burning everything within it as Derek Morgan stood up to begin fighting again in the ring. Spencer knew there was no logical reason for him to be feeling this way. No reason to feel as if his entire world was collapsing around him just because this man, this incredible man, was about to finish what he started.
The odds were with Derek, he’d told Penelope that much as she worried and wondered at what was happening to her friend. Spencer also knew that Derek was a brave and powerful man who was yearning to prove his worth. As much as he tried not to Spencer couldn’t help but always use his knack for figuring out people, to figure out everyone; and Derek Morgan was one complicated individual. A person that Spencer found himself very attracted to; physically Derek was the perfect specimen of classic manhood, mentally he was complex and agile, emotionally- well Spencer would just say that obviously America had taken its toll. All of this was wrapped up in the fact that Derek was amazingly self-assured, extremely confident, and personable to an astonishing degree. This combination of traits made Derek, Spencer’s kind of man; and that man was currently either about to win the victory of his career or be seriously injured trying.
Derek was doing well. He was landing punches that to Spencer’s untrained eye looked unforgiving. Spencer cringed as Derek took a hit to his abdomen making the darker man pull back. He recovered quickly though getting closer once again and started punching fiercely- one right after another not giving thought to block Foyet’s weak attempts at offensive maneuvers. Finally after a long minute, Derek landed a punch squarely in Foyet’s eye knocking him out.
Spencer gave a sigh of relief as the referee rushed in counting the seconds that Foyet remained on the floor. Spencer was not watching Foyet however; he was staring intently into the eyes of the new champion in Parisian boxing. Derek’s chest was heaving, he was holding his stomach, and smiling like he’d just been given a million francs. Spencer couldn’t help the thought that he’d probably take this win over the million francs any day. The pair was shook out of their staring contest as the referee took Derek’s left hand and raised it above his head announcing that he was the winner.
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Spencer breathed in deeply. The night’s air was a refreshing change from the crowded boxing hall filled with smoke and sweat. The group was patiently waiting the champion’s arrival; they’d congratulated him profusely, cursed him for being so reckless, and finally allowed him to get ready for a night of celebrating and revelry. They all left the arena shortly after, reliving the nights moments aloud as they left the building. Standing outside, Spencer was grateful for living in Paris, the air was warm and comforting not hot and stifling like many places this time of year.
Spencer was grateful for living in Paris everyday. He was extremely lucky to have the life he did, and he didn’t take it for granted. His father- both of his fathers- made sure of that. His biological father left Spencer and his mother when Spencer was only five and Spencer’s mother was committed shortly after. His real father or at least the man Spencer considered his father- Jason Gideon- adopted Spencer on the third anniversary of his mother’s hospitalization, and brought him into a world of music and art that he would thrive in and appreciate after all the experiences he’d gone through before.
Hearing a door open and close behind him Spencer turned back around to look at the new Paris champion. He was back in the clothes he’d worn today at lunch, however he carried them differently. At lunch he’d been anxious and thoughtful, right now; Derek Morgan looked like the sun was located where his heart should have been and all that light was shining through him. He was confident and proud of himself. He wasn’t thinking like the rest of them were about how he almost killed himself or how he just fought the most dangerous boxer in Paris and won, leaving in perfect health. He was over the moon, and nothing could bring him down.
“So everyone where to?” Derek asked slinging his arm across Penelope’s shoulders and grinning at the rest of the little group.
“Well, sorry to say but Will and I have to go home. My mom’s not as young as she used to be and can’t watch Henry for that long.” Jennifer said looking up at Will, then going over and hugging Derek goodbye.
“We’ll have you over for dinner sometime to celebrate.” Will said taking his turn and hugging Derek before they both left for home.
“I should go home to Sophie and Jack as well. You’ll be fine without me right?” Hotch asked looking pointedly at Derek.
“Yes mom, will be good little boys and girls.” Derek said hooking his arm back around Pen.
“You’ll watch him, right Pen.” Hotch asked pulling the blonde aside.
“Just as fast as my eyes can follow and you know they can follow him anywhere.” Penelope promised taking Morgan’s hand as they all waved goodbye to Hotch.
“It was good to see you Spencer, don’t let them talk you into anything.” Hotch said slowly descending the steps down into the Metro.
The group slowly walked in the opposite direction towards Paris’ nightlife. Spencer looked over at his companions for the night. They fit well together; Derek had his arm so carefully around Pen, Pen was laughing quietly to something Derek was saying and hitting his side, they were a great looking couple. Spencer was a little jealous he’d never had a relationship that was like that before…so easy.
“How long have you two been together?” Spencer asked politely as the waited for cars to pass.
“We’re not together” and “Two years” came out of the pairs mouths at the same time. They both looked at each other; Penelope with confusion in her eyes and Derek trying to convey some message just by look.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” Spencer started trailing off not quite sure what he was sorry about or even what was happening, but he was sure that they had something they obviously hadn’t worked out and he’d put his foot in his mouth by assuming they were a couple.
“Don’t worry, Pen is just overprotective. Any friend of Hotch’s is a friend of ours right?” Derek asked looking at Penelope letting her know it was okay; once again Spencer wasn’t sure what they were saying to each without words. “We’re not together.”
“Oh…so you’re a homosexual.” Spencer said bluntly putting the pieces together. Seeing that both Derek and Penelope had stopped in the street where they had been walking a moment ago Spencer reconsidered. “Forgive me if I misspoke, however your language and movements indicated…”
“No, you’re right. I just…how did you know that?” Derek asked shocked at Spencer’s seemingly wild guess, the more he thought about it however it made sense. Spencer studied human behavior, it was the reason they’d met in the first place.
“Well, when you said that Penelope was being overprotective for saying that you were together and giving you looks like she wanted you to be careful indicated that it was usually safer for you to pretend that you are together. The most plausible reason I can see for that would be that you’re a homosexual.” Spencer concluded very clinically and with just a hint of pride that he’d been correct.
Derek considered what the young genius just said. He supposed they were being a little obvious. They were comfortable with each other and most of the time people saw that as Spencer had; as them being in a relationship. So they let it happen and eventually started helping the illusion along. All their friends knew they were just best friends, but any acquaintance would think otherwise. Maybe it was time that they stopped helping people think they were a couple, that he was normal…average.
“Well, Spencer Reid, I believe I owe you dinner.” Morgan finally said moving to hook his arm around Spencer and lead them further down into the Paris night. “Think you can get us into LuneNoir?”
“Of course I can.” Penelope said confidently adjusting her dress and walking towards a staircase turning up the side of a building and to the fifth floor. As they walked up the stairs Spencer saw what attracted them to the restaurant. It was located in a very odd part of Paris on the fifth floor of a building with its own external staircase, eccentric. “Hello David, is there any chance I could get a table for three?”
“For you Pen, I’d love to, but it’s packed tonight and I don’t think I’ve got anything open.” David said adjusting his bowtie and looking down into his guestbook.
“What if I gave a little performance? Entertainment for your very special guests’ meals?” Pen asked leaning over the counter giving David the eye.
“I’ll see what I can do…no promises Pen.” David sighed going to the back to talk presumably to his manager.
“You’re going to get quite a show. Pen’s one of the best singers this side of the channel.” Derek bragged leading Spencer towards the bar as Pen went into the back to get ready to perform.
Chapter Four
The odds were with Derek, he’d told Penelope that much as she worried and wondered at what was happening to her friend. Spencer also knew that Derek was a brave and powerful man who was yearning to prove his worth. As much as he tried not to Spencer couldn’t help but always use his knack for figuring out people, to figure out everyone; and Derek Morgan was one complicated individual. A person that Spencer found himself very attracted to; physically Derek was the perfect specimen of classic manhood, mentally he was complex and agile, emotionally- well Spencer would just say that obviously America had taken its toll. All of this was wrapped up in the fact that Derek was amazingly self-assured, extremely confident, and personable to an astonishing degree. This combination of traits made Derek, Spencer’s kind of man; and that man was currently either about to win the victory of his career or be seriously injured trying.
Derek was doing well. He was landing punches that to Spencer’s untrained eye looked unforgiving. Spencer cringed as Derek took a hit to his abdomen making the darker man pull back. He recovered quickly though getting closer once again and started punching fiercely- one right after another not giving thought to block Foyet’s weak attempts at offensive maneuvers. Finally after a long minute, Derek landed a punch squarely in Foyet’s eye knocking him out.
Spencer gave a sigh of relief as the referee rushed in counting the seconds that Foyet remained on the floor. Spencer was not watching Foyet however; he was staring intently into the eyes of the new champion in Parisian boxing. Derek’s chest was heaving, he was holding his stomach, and smiling like he’d just been given a million francs. Spencer couldn’t help the thought that he’d probably take this win over the million francs any day. The pair was shook out of their staring contest as the referee took Derek’s left hand and raised it above his head announcing that he was the winner.
--------------
Spencer breathed in deeply. The night’s air was a refreshing change from the crowded boxing hall filled with smoke and sweat. The group was patiently waiting the champion’s arrival; they’d congratulated him profusely, cursed him for being so reckless, and finally allowed him to get ready for a night of celebrating and revelry. They all left the arena shortly after, reliving the nights moments aloud as they left the building. Standing outside, Spencer was grateful for living in Paris, the air was warm and comforting not hot and stifling like many places this time of year.
Spencer was grateful for living in Paris everyday. He was extremely lucky to have the life he did, and he didn’t take it for granted. His father- both of his fathers- made sure of that. His biological father left Spencer and his mother when Spencer was only five and Spencer’s mother was committed shortly after. His real father or at least the man Spencer considered his father- Jason Gideon- adopted Spencer on the third anniversary of his mother’s hospitalization, and brought him into a world of music and art that he would thrive in and appreciate after all the experiences he’d gone through before.
Hearing a door open and close behind him Spencer turned back around to look at the new Paris champion. He was back in the clothes he’d worn today at lunch, however he carried them differently. At lunch he’d been anxious and thoughtful, right now; Derek Morgan looked like the sun was located where his heart should have been and all that light was shining through him. He was confident and proud of himself. He wasn’t thinking like the rest of them were about how he almost killed himself or how he just fought the most dangerous boxer in Paris and won, leaving in perfect health. He was over the moon, and nothing could bring him down.
“So everyone where to?” Derek asked slinging his arm across Penelope’s shoulders and grinning at the rest of the little group.
“Well, sorry to say but Will and I have to go home. My mom’s not as young as she used to be and can’t watch Henry for that long.” Jennifer said looking up at Will, then going over and hugging Derek goodbye.
“We’ll have you over for dinner sometime to celebrate.” Will said taking his turn and hugging Derek before they both left for home.
“I should go home to Sophie and Jack as well. You’ll be fine without me right?” Hotch asked looking pointedly at Derek.
“Yes mom, will be good little boys and girls.” Derek said hooking his arm back around Pen.
“You’ll watch him, right Pen.” Hotch asked pulling the blonde aside.
“Just as fast as my eyes can follow and you know they can follow him anywhere.” Penelope promised taking Morgan’s hand as they all waved goodbye to Hotch.
“It was good to see you Spencer, don’t let them talk you into anything.” Hotch said slowly descending the steps down into the Metro.
The group slowly walked in the opposite direction towards Paris’ nightlife. Spencer looked over at his companions for the night. They fit well together; Derek had his arm so carefully around Pen, Pen was laughing quietly to something Derek was saying and hitting his side, they were a great looking couple. Spencer was a little jealous he’d never had a relationship that was like that before…so easy.
“How long have you two been together?” Spencer asked politely as the waited for cars to pass.
“We’re not together” and “Two years” came out of the pairs mouths at the same time. They both looked at each other; Penelope with confusion in her eyes and Derek trying to convey some message just by look.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” Spencer started trailing off not quite sure what he was sorry about or even what was happening, but he was sure that they had something they obviously hadn’t worked out and he’d put his foot in his mouth by assuming they were a couple.
“Don’t worry, Pen is just overprotective. Any friend of Hotch’s is a friend of ours right?” Derek asked looking at Penelope letting her know it was okay; once again Spencer wasn’t sure what they were saying to each without words. “We’re not together.”
“Oh…so you’re a homosexual.” Spencer said bluntly putting the pieces together. Seeing that both Derek and Penelope had stopped in the street where they had been walking a moment ago Spencer reconsidered. “Forgive me if I misspoke, however your language and movements indicated…”
“No, you’re right. I just…how did you know that?” Derek asked shocked at Spencer’s seemingly wild guess, the more he thought about it however it made sense. Spencer studied human behavior, it was the reason they’d met in the first place.
“Well, when you said that Penelope was being overprotective for saying that you were together and giving you looks like she wanted you to be careful indicated that it was usually safer for you to pretend that you are together. The most plausible reason I can see for that would be that you’re a homosexual.” Spencer concluded very clinically and with just a hint of pride that he’d been correct.
Derek considered what the young genius just said. He supposed they were being a little obvious. They were comfortable with each other and most of the time people saw that as Spencer had; as them being in a relationship. So they let it happen and eventually started helping the illusion along. All their friends knew they were just best friends, but any acquaintance would think otherwise. Maybe it was time that they stopped helping people think they were a couple, that he was normal…average.
“Well, Spencer Reid, I believe I owe you dinner.” Morgan finally said moving to hook his arm around Spencer and lead them further down into the Paris night. “Think you can get us into LuneNoir?”
“Of course I can.” Penelope said confidently adjusting her dress and walking towards a staircase turning up the side of a building and to the fifth floor. As they walked up the stairs Spencer saw what attracted them to the restaurant. It was located in a very odd part of Paris on the fifth floor of a building with its own external staircase, eccentric. “Hello David, is there any chance I could get a table for three?”
“For you Pen, I’d love to, but it’s packed tonight and I don’t think I’ve got anything open.” David said adjusting his bowtie and looking down into his guestbook.
“What if I gave a little performance? Entertainment for your very special guests’ meals?” Pen asked leaning over the counter giving David the eye.
“I’ll see what I can do…no promises Pen.” David sighed going to the back to talk presumably to his manager.
“You’re going to get quite a show. Pen’s one of the best singers this side of the channel.” Derek bragged leading Spencer towards the bar as Pen went into the back to get ready to perform.
Chapter Four