FIC: Must Like Dogs (3/?) - Rating G - Criminal Minds
Title: Must Like Dogs 3/?
by: Innusiq
Rating: G
Pairing: Begins pre-Spencer Reid/Derek Morgan, with Spencer Reid/Derek Morgan end result
Word Count: 1500
Summary: AU Spencer is moving to D.C. and needs to find a place to live. This part is the boy's first morning living together.
Author's Notes: No notes really.
Previous Parts:
Must Like Dogs part 1
Must Like Dogs part 2
Spencer wakes to the sound of his cell phone alarm, and at first he's disoriented by the walls and curtains surrounding him. They are unfamiliar, even the smell of the room doesn't match what he'd become accustomed to during his first few weeks staying at the cheap D.C. motel, but once his eyes adjust to the dim nightlight shining from across the room, he remembers he is no longer staying at the motel. Taking a deep breath, Spencer stretches and sighs contently, relaxing back in bed.
He's well aware he needs to get up, but just a few more...
Whine.
Spencer startles when something cold and wet touches his elbow. Sitting up, he catches the culprit and groans in displeasure. "Clooney."
He collapses back in bed, only to receive another whine and nudge of Clooney's still cold nose.
"Alright, alright. I'm up," Spencer grumbles and reluctantly crawls out of bed.
-----
Derek's day starts before the sun is even up, but every day begins early, seeing as there's things that need done before he reports for duty at the BAU. First, Clooney needs walked and fed. After, he leaves the lounging canine behind for a two mile run. Once back home, Derek starts coffee and heads for the shower. Breakfast follows, usually consisting of cereal, a fruit, milk and a cup (sometimes two) of coffee. It's simple, but this is his routine that for the most part never changes... until this morning.
The first noticeable change is the sound of someone padding around the second floor, followed by running water. It's another minute or two more before his new roommate zombie-walks into the kitchen, maneuvering around the room with eyes scrunched nearly closed. Derek chuckles at Garcia's voice in his head saying something to-the-fact of the guy looking puppy-dog, pinchable cute.
-----
His mind is focused on one thing, and one thing alone, coffee. There are moments when he is truly thankful for his eidetic memory, this being one of them. Spencer maneuvers his new residence with ease, and all with eyes barely open, remembering exactly where each and every piece of furniture is. The kitchen is even easier, a straight, unobstructed line to the cupboard where his coffee cup resides, and the counter beneath supporting the coffee maker.
Heaven, Spencer thinks, breathing deeply of the coffee steam as he pours a cup, ignoring the chuckle coming from his right. It's only while trying to locate the sugar that he opens one eye.
"Here," Derek says, pulling a diner-style sugar dispenser from another cabinet.
"Thanks," he mumbles, taking the dispenser and dumping in the necessary amount.
"Woah, woah, woah, Kid," Derek says, alarmed. "Sure you're awake?"
"I will be, in a minute."
-----
Reid joins him at the small table for two, still dressed in a pair of oversized, flannel pajama bottoms patterned with the periodic table of the elements, and a well worn T-shirt with a giant pi symbol across his chest. Derek can't help smirking and thinking it a fitting ensemble.
"So, you like a little coffee with your sugar," Morgan comments, taking a sip of his own, less sweet, morning pick-me-up.
Reid finishes the gulp he started before commenting back, "If you're planning on making fun of me, can you at least wait until my second cup."
Morgan isn't seriously trying to make fun, his only aim was for morning conversation. This is definitely not the foot he wants to get started off on.
"Reid, that wasn't my inten..."
Reid holds up a hand, quickly finishing his first cup, before getting up to grab a second.
The kid wasn't joking.
-----
He counts to three hundred before turning around with his second cup of coffee and taking a seat again at the kitchen table. Morning conversation is not his forte, especially at just after seven in the morning. It's one of the many reasons he lived on his own the last two years while attending Cal Tech. He likes his space, his privacy, his quiet, and now, living with Morgan… the required interaction is going to take some time getting used to.
"Sorry," Spencer apologizes quietly, taking a sip from his second cup. "It's been a while since I shared a living space with anyone."
"No need to apologize, Kid," Morgan returns, a smile on his face. "We've all been there - hell, this is really all new for me too, so don't beat yourself up or anything."
Spencer looks up and, seeing true sincerity in Morgan's eyes, he returns the smile.
-----
As quick as the smile dawns, Reid's eyes downturn toward the coffee cup cradled in slender and fingers. Derek can see the wheels in that messy head spinning, but only knowing the kid a few days, Derek can't hazard a guess at what Reid's thinking.
What Derek can tell is for however young the kid is in years and general life experiences, there are things in the kid's past that have also aged him. Then again, the intelligence housed in that big brain did force the boy to grow up sooner than most, so maybe that is the extent, maybe there aren't really any past demons.
Then again, he knows better that everyone has his own version of a demon in their past?
"So, what's up with all the sugar?"
The question makes Reid sputter coffee, and Derek randomly thinks he'd like to keep making the overly serious kid laugh.
-----
Spencer wipes at his chin where coffee has splattered out of his cup, startled and amused by Morgan's question. He sees nothing malicious in Morgan's tone or in the eyes appraising him, so he answers.
"Don't knock it until you've tried it," he replies with a smirk, taking a sip of the sugary beverage. "Logically it should be because I prefer it this way, but I think it has more to do with the fact this is the only way I could drink the stuff at the age of thirteen. Now I can't..."
"Now you can't drink it any other way," Morgan finishes, understanding in his eyes.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," he agrees, offering another smile and taking another drink. "It's weird really. I don't even remember when exactly I started drinking coffee."
Morgan shrugs. "Probably around the time of your first college term paper that coincided with exams."
-----
It isn't until Reid finishes the second cup of coffee that Derek sees the kid is finally more awake and relaxed than when he first walking into the kitchen.
"What time do you normally get up?" Reid asks, getting up to fetch a third mug of coffee.
"About five," Derek replies. "Unless Clooney nudges me sooner."
"Wet nose at the elbow."
Derek grins wide, proud of his dog. "You've definitely received the Clooney seal of approval."
"I would've rather slept a little longer," Spencer comments back, causing Derek to laugh out loud.
"Man, you are something else," he says, standing and taking his coffee mug to the sink.
"There is only one thing people like that is good for them; a good night's sleep."
Derek looks at Reid, raising one eyebrow in question, waiting for further explanation
"Edgar Watson Howe," Reid adds, obviously thinking that explains everything, which it doesn't.
-----
Embarrassed by his mouth (or more his head) getting away from him, Spencer ducks his head and turns, carrying his mug to the kitchen entryway. It's moments like these that make people think he's strange and abnormal, so before he says something else that might put off his new roommate, Spencer decides to take his leave.
He needs to get ready for work anyway.
"Hey, Kid," Derek calls before he makes it out of the kitchen.
When Spencer turns back to look at Derek, he can't help feeling completely out of his comfort zone. Barely twenty-four hours in and he's already starting to second guess his decision to move in.
"I like you, Kid," Morgan begins, much to Spencer's surprise. "I wouldn't have asked you to move in here if I didn't, and yeah, I don't reallyknow you yet, but… I'd like to, if you'd give me the chance to."
-----
Reid stares at him a moment, disbelief reflected clearly in the kid's eyes. Derek wonders again about the young man's past and what keeps Reid second guessing the genuine and honest actions of a virtual stranger who's never done anything to him before. Then again, who is he to talk with his own hidden trust issues?
The silence between them is broken by a less than humorous snort from Reid.
"Usually, this conversation is the other way around," Reid admits quietly.
It's an admission Derek isn't surprised to hear, and he vows then to be more than a convenient roommate. He vows to prove whatever the demons of Reid's past did, they will not dictate their actions in the present and future. He vows to prove that he is worthy of Reid's trust.
"One man's loss is another man's gain," Derek quotes thinking, Two can play at this game, Kid.
-----
tbc...
by: Innusiq
Rating: G
Pairing: Begins pre-Spencer Reid/Derek Morgan, with Spencer Reid/Derek Morgan end result
Word Count: 1500
Summary: AU Spencer is moving to D.C. and needs to find a place to live. This part is the boy's first morning living together.
Author's Notes: No notes really.
Previous Parts:
Must Like Dogs part 1
Must Like Dogs part 2
Spencer wakes to the sound of his cell phone alarm, and at first he's disoriented by the walls and curtains surrounding him. They are unfamiliar, even the smell of the room doesn't match what he'd become accustomed to during his first few weeks staying at the cheap D.C. motel, but once his eyes adjust to the dim nightlight shining from across the room, he remembers he is no longer staying at the motel. Taking a deep breath, Spencer stretches and sighs contently, relaxing back in bed.
He's well aware he needs to get up, but just a few more...
Whine.
Spencer startles when something cold and wet touches his elbow. Sitting up, he catches the culprit and groans in displeasure. "Clooney."
He collapses back in bed, only to receive another whine and nudge of Clooney's still cold nose.
"Alright, alright. I'm up," Spencer grumbles and reluctantly crawls out of bed.
-----
Derek's day starts before the sun is even up, but every day begins early, seeing as there's things that need done before he reports for duty at the BAU. First, Clooney needs walked and fed. After, he leaves the lounging canine behind for a two mile run. Once back home, Derek starts coffee and heads for the shower. Breakfast follows, usually consisting of cereal, a fruit, milk and a cup (sometimes two) of coffee. It's simple, but this is his routine that for the most part never changes... until this morning.
The first noticeable change is the sound of someone padding around the second floor, followed by running water. It's another minute or two more before his new roommate zombie-walks into the kitchen, maneuvering around the room with eyes scrunched nearly closed. Derek chuckles at Garcia's voice in his head saying something to-the-fact of the guy looking puppy-dog, pinchable cute.
-----
His mind is focused on one thing, and one thing alone, coffee. There are moments when he is truly thankful for his eidetic memory, this being one of them. Spencer maneuvers his new residence with ease, and all with eyes barely open, remembering exactly where each and every piece of furniture is. The kitchen is even easier, a straight, unobstructed line to the cupboard where his coffee cup resides, and the counter beneath supporting the coffee maker.
Heaven, Spencer thinks, breathing deeply of the coffee steam as he pours a cup, ignoring the chuckle coming from his right. It's only while trying to locate the sugar that he opens one eye.
"Here," Derek says, pulling a diner-style sugar dispenser from another cabinet.
"Thanks," he mumbles, taking the dispenser and dumping in the necessary amount.
"Woah, woah, woah, Kid," Derek says, alarmed. "Sure you're awake?"
"I will be, in a minute."
-----
Reid joins him at the small table for two, still dressed in a pair of oversized, flannel pajama bottoms patterned with the periodic table of the elements, and a well worn T-shirt with a giant pi symbol across his chest. Derek can't help smirking and thinking it a fitting ensemble.
"So, you like a little coffee with your sugar," Morgan comments, taking a sip of his own, less sweet, morning pick-me-up.
Reid finishes the gulp he started before commenting back, "If you're planning on making fun of me, can you at least wait until my second cup."
Morgan isn't seriously trying to make fun, his only aim was for morning conversation. This is definitely not the foot he wants to get started off on.
"Reid, that wasn't my inten..."
Reid holds up a hand, quickly finishing his first cup, before getting up to grab a second.
The kid wasn't joking.
-----
He counts to three hundred before turning around with his second cup of coffee and taking a seat again at the kitchen table. Morning conversation is not his forte, especially at just after seven in the morning. It's one of the many reasons he lived on his own the last two years while attending Cal Tech. He likes his space, his privacy, his quiet, and now, living with Morgan… the required interaction is going to take some time getting used to.
"Sorry," Spencer apologizes quietly, taking a sip from his second cup. "It's been a while since I shared a living space with anyone."
"No need to apologize, Kid," Morgan returns, a smile on his face. "We've all been there - hell, this is really all new for me too, so don't beat yourself up or anything."
Spencer looks up and, seeing true sincerity in Morgan's eyes, he returns the smile.
-----
As quick as the smile dawns, Reid's eyes downturn toward the coffee cup cradled in slender and fingers. Derek can see the wheels in that messy head spinning, but only knowing the kid a few days, Derek can't hazard a guess at what Reid's thinking.
What Derek can tell is for however young the kid is in years and general life experiences, there are things in the kid's past that have also aged him. Then again, the intelligence housed in that big brain did force the boy to grow up sooner than most, so maybe that is the extent, maybe there aren't really any past demons.
Then again, he knows better that everyone has his own version of a demon in their past?
"So, what's up with all the sugar?"
The question makes Reid sputter coffee, and Derek randomly thinks he'd like to keep making the overly serious kid laugh.
-----
Spencer wipes at his chin where coffee has splattered out of his cup, startled and amused by Morgan's question. He sees nothing malicious in Morgan's tone or in the eyes appraising him, so he answers.
"Don't knock it until you've tried it," he replies with a smirk, taking a sip of the sugary beverage. "Logically it should be because I prefer it this way, but I think it has more to do with the fact this is the only way I could drink the stuff at the age of thirteen. Now I can't..."
"Now you can't drink it any other way," Morgan finishes, understanding in his eyes.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," he agrees, offering another smile and taking another drink. "It's weird really. I don't even remember when exactly I started drinking coffee."
Morgan shrugs. "Probably around the time of your first college term paper that coincided with exams."
-----
It isn't until Reid finishes the second cup of coffee that Derek sees the kid is finally more awake and relaxed than when he first walking into the kitchen.
"What time do you normally get up?" Reid asks, getting up to fetch a third mug of coffee.
"About five," Derek replies. "Unless Clooney nudges me sooner."
"Wet nose at the elbow."
Derek grins wide, proud of his dog. "You've definitely received the Clooney seal of approval."
"I would've rather slept a little longer," Spencer comments back, causing Derek to laugh out loud.
"Man, you are something else," he says, standing and taking his coffee mug to the sink.
"There is only one thing people like that is good for them; a good night's sleep."
Derek looks at Reid, raising one eyebrow in question, waiting for further explanation
"Edgar Watson Howe," Reid adds, obviously thinking that explains everything, which it doesn't.
-----
Embarrassed by his mouth (or more his head) getting away from him, Spencer ducks his head and turns, carrying his mug to the kitchen entryway. It's moments like these that make people think he's strange and abnormal, so before he says something else that might put off his new roommate, Spencer decides to take his leave.
He needs to get ready for work anyway.
"Hey, Kid," Derek calls before he makes it out of the kitchen.
When Spencer turns back to look at Derek, he can't help feeling completely out of his comfort zone. Barely twenty-four hours in and he's already starting to second guess his decision to move in.
"I like you, Kid," Morgan begins, much to Spencer's surprise. "I wouldn't have asked you to move in here if I didn't, and yeah, I don't reallyknow you yet, but… I'd like to, if you'd give me the chance to."
-----
Reid stares at him a moment, disbelief reflected clearly in the kid's eyes. Derek wonders again about the young man's past and what keeps Reid second guessing the genuine and honest actions of a virtual stranger who's never done anything to him before. Then again, who is he to talk with his own hidden trust issues?
The silence between them is broken by a less than humorous snort from Reid.
"Usually, this conversation is the other way around," Reid admits quietly.
It's an admission Derek isn't surprised to hear, and he vows then to be more than a convenient roommate. He vows to prove whatever the demons of Reid's past did, they will not dictate their actions in the present and future. He vows to prove that he is worthy of Reid's trust.
"One man's loss is another man's gain," Derek quotes thinking, Two can play at this game, Kid.
-----
tbc...