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Growing Up Again	By : hatochiisai Category: 1 through F > Criminal Minds Views: 21443 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds, nor do I make any financial profit off of writing and posting this work.

Chapter List
- 1-Re-Birth
- 2-Age 1
- 3-Age 2
- 4-Age 3
- 5-Age 4
- 6-Age 5 & 6
- 7-Age 7
- 8-Age 8
- 9-Age 9
- 10-Age 10
- 11-Age 11
- 12-Age 12
- 13-Age 13
- 14-Age 14
- 15-Age 15
- 16-Age 16
- 17-Age 17
- 18-Age 18
- 19-Age 19
- 20-Age 20
- 21-Age 21
- 22-Age 22
- 23-Age 23
- 24-Age 24
- 25-All Grown Up
- 17
- 18
- 19
Eighteen Years Old

Reid let out a loud whine when Hotch’s phone woke them at dawn.

“You are on leave, who the FUCK is calling?!” The disgruntled eighteen year old demanded, loudly.

“… Nnh… Yeah, Dave?”

“DAVID ROSSI, YOU SUCK!!!” Reid roared from under the blankets. Hotch made a face.

“Sorry, what?” He mumbled. Then he sat up. “Okay… yeah? Hm… alright. Spencer?”

“What.” Reid grumbled.

“Why should I bring…? Dave… what are you thinking? Uh-huh… We’ll see about that. See you in a bit.” And he hung up. “Spence?”

“Rrrgh.”

“Spencer, get up. We need to go into the BAU.”

“… Why.”

“They caught the guy.”

“Really?” Reid asked, popping out of the blankets.

“Last night. They’ve had him in interrogation all night.”

“Not breaking?” Reid asked, rubbing his eyes.

“No. Rossi has asked us to come in and assist.”

“… Us?”

“Us.”

“What does he want me to do?” Reid asked, frowning slightly. Hotch put on a dark glower.

“You’re NOT doing what I think he wants you to do.” Hotch snorted, and Reid rolled his eyes.

The pair dressed, Hotch in his usual suit and Reid in black jeans and a black t shirt that had on the left side of the chest, the graphic of a little “Hello” name tag sticker on it that read “I’m The Doctor. Basically, Run.” He laced up his converse, pulled on his Assassin’s Creed hoodie (for the last time, he had nearly grown out of it) and then he and Hotch headed to the car with cups of coffee in their hands.

When they arrived at the Bureau, they promptly headed up to the BAU, where Reid made a beeline to refill his coffee, and then they headed up into the conference room where they saw their exhausted looking team… and Erin Strauss. Everyone watched as they came in.

“So you have him?” Hotch asked immediately.

“We do.” Rossi nodded. “And we want Reid to talk to him.”

“Dr. Reid, please brief yourself on the case.” Strauss said, and offered Reid a folder. Hotch frowned.

“Now hold on.” He said, reaching a hand out to intercept the folder. “Reid isn’t old enough to—“

“Hotch, I’m twenty five.” Reid cried, exasperated.

“You’re eighteen!”

“Yeah! I’m legal!”

“That’s twenty one.”

“I’m twenty FIVE!”

“You’re eighteen. And the Bureau does NOT hire eighteen year olds.”

“TWENTY FIVE!” Reid insisted. Hotch turned and looked at Strauss, who had been watching the argument with raised eyebrows, her reading glasses slipping down her nose.

“He may have the memories of his twenty five year old self, but mentally and emotionally he’s still only eighteen.” Hotch said. “And I don’t think he should be involved with this case.”

“And you said that if I could convince Strauss that I could work a case, you would back down and let me work the case!” Reid said furiously.

“When did I say that?!”

“When I was fifteen!!!”

“That was because I knew she wouldn’t let you!”

“Agent Reid.” Strauss finally announced, breaking into the argument. “Convince me that you can handle this case.”

Reid and Hotch stared at her, Reid in delight, Hotch in dismay. Reid strode over the evidence board and quickly began absorbing everything. He had done so in about a minute and a half. Then he plucked the case file from Hotch’s fingers, opened it, and began skimming over the pages. The rest of the team handed him additional information as he finished each bit. And about seven minutes later, Reid was standing in front of Strauss.

“He has issues with authority. Any of the team going in there and interrogating him will only encourage him to be defiant. He thinks it’s a game. On the other hand, at this age, I’m not a threat. In fact… I very closely fit his victimology as a young college freshman who is submissive in personality, physically weak and slightly androgynous in appearance. In this physical state of being, I’m the perfect target for an ephebophile, which he is.”

When Strauss blinked, Reid explained “An ephebophile is someone who is sexually attracted to teenagers in their later adolescence, generally ages fifteen to nineteen, but this guy seems to be targeting kids a LITTLE bit older, ages eighteen to twenty one. We’re at that awkward state between teenager and adult. He won’t see me as an authority figure in interrogation. He’ll see me as a potential victim. Rather than challenge me, he’ll want to… connect with me. He’ll want to see me just as intrigued by him as he is by me. But as a profiler and an FBI Agent who DOES know how to conduct an interrogation,” and Reid gave Hotch a look, much to the team’s amusement, “I can play that to my advantage, and get him to drop his guard.”

Strauss nodded. “And why do you think that it will be okay for you to do this at your age?” She asked.

“I may be eighteen, but I AM twenty five. I know what I’m doing. But that’s beside the point. Our neuro-processing speed actually reaches its maximum at around age fifteen. After age fifteen, we all process graphic imagery and information pretty much exactly the same. In other words, at eighteen I won’t be affected any differently than you, or Rossi or Morgan… The only thing that may change anything is our own individual personalities and past experiences.

“What about the violence that the victims experienced at his hands?” Strauss asked. “If he sees you as a victim, he may attack you.”

“No, he won’t. That’s not his M.O. He seduces his victims, and lulls them into a false sense of security. Then, when he feels he has their trust, he gets off on breaking it, lashing out and hurting him. Odds are he’ll do the same thing with me. But I’ll be expecting it, I’ll be catering to that, and I’ll know when he’s about to lash out.” Reid said firmly. “… Chief Strauss. I can do this.”

Strauss looked at Hotch. The man looked worried and anxious… paternally protective… then she looked at Reid. The boy was staring at her, his eyes intense and determined. She frowned and looked at the floor, then looked at Reid and gave a firm nod.

“You have my full authorization and support.” She said. “Do it.” Reid let out the breath that he had been holding, smiling in slight relief and satisfaction.

“Thank you Ma’am.” He said, then looked at JJ and Emily, who were both looking proud, and worried. “Emily? What kind of undershirt is that under your black shirt?” He asked. She blinked and looked down.

“Oh… just a tank top.”

“Spaghetti strap?”

“no. Like… a tank top…”

“… Would you wear it with nothing over it?”

“No…” Emily said slowly. “It kind of… shows more than is decent.”

“Good. I need to borrow your shirt.” Reid said. “JJ?”

“Yes?”

“I need your blouse.” She blinked and looked down at herself, then shrugged and removed her light blue blouse, glad she was wearing her own cami under it. Reid accepted it, then looked at Emily. She sighed and shook her head, then slipped her hands under her black shirt and began to wiggle around. A moment later, she pulled the tank top off over her head and handed it over.

“I will NEVER understand how you women manage to do that.” Morgan said, shaking his head. Hotch was unable to hold back a chuckle at that one. But then, Reid whipped off his own shirt and stood there, topless, in the conference room.

“Oh, be still my heart…” Garcia gasped, staring at Reid’s bare chest, and Rossi gave her a look, while Hotch pinched the bridge of his nose. Strauss eyed the woman, baffled. Reid pulled on Emily’s tank top and smoothed it down. It hugged his frame perfectly. Then Reid pulled on JJ’s blouse, buttoning it up and tucking it into his black jeans, making it look professional as possible.

“This blouse isn’t like… nice designer, is it?” He asked, looking at the blonde. She shook her head. “Good. I’ll buy you a new one.” And then he picked up a pen and broke off the tip, before putting it into the front pocket.

“Ohhh…” Morgan said, and the team looked at him. He was grinning. “Smart, kid.” Reid grinned at him, then took a deep breath and nodded.

“Look okay?” He asked, glancing around at the team. They nodded. “Alright. Let’s go!”

And they all trooped off to the interrogation rooms. Reid approached the window and looked in. “That’s him, huh?”

“It is.” Rossi nodded.

“Anything else I should know about him?” Reid asked.

“Nope. You pretty much know everything.” Rossi said, and Reid nodded.

“Alright then.” He said, picking up a folder full of crime scene photos. “… Emily. Your hair band please?”

The woman blinked and pulled it out, her dark hair falling around her shoulders. Reid ran his fingers through his hair, then pulled most of it back with the hairband. Several locks hung loose, falling into his face in tempting curls.

“Here.” JJ said, and Reid turned and held still as she applied the smallest hint of colorless gloss to his lips, enough to make a difference, but not enough to make it noticeable. Reid then put on his glasses and looked at the team.

“Good?” He asked.

“… Brilliant.” Morgan grinned with a nod, and Emily agreed firmly.

“Alright then. Here we go.” Reid said. He took a deep breath, then opened the door and slipped in, closing it behind him. The man looked up with a surly expression, and made a comical double take. His eyes bulged and his mouth dropped open slightly.

“Hello.” Reid greeted in a soft, shy tone. The team watched the man’s eyes slowly caress Reid’s body, lingering on his long neck, tiny waist, slender hips and long legs before coming back up to pause longingly at his groin before he finally met Reid’s gaze. Reid was peering out at the man from behind his tousled curls and long lashes. His tongue darted out to moisten his lips, and the man watched that tiny motion before giving a slow swallow.

“I’m uh… I’m Doctor Spencer Reid…” The young Agent introduced himself, moving across the room to the table. His movements seemed shy and withdrawn, but the team could see the slight sensuality to them that would entice the suspect even more. Rossi glanced under the table and grinned.

“Well… Reid is having the desired effect… He’s uh… perking up in interest… pun intended.”

“Rossi!!!” Morgan groaned, and Hotch gave the veteran profiler a look of disgust.

“… I feel like I just sent the lamb into the lion’s den.” Strauss muttered, frowning and worrying her lip.

“You did.” Hotch snarled.

“Aaron, he’s eighteen. He’s a profiler. He can handle himself.” Rossi reminded, and focus on the room.

“… Benjamin Hedrick.” The man said in a dry whisper, and Reid nodded.

“You know why you’re here, Mr. Hedrick.”

“Call me Ben. Please.” The man gasped.

“… Ben.” Reid echoed, and nodded. “Ben… I need you to tell me about Michael Bartlett. Can you do that for me?” Reid asked. Hedrick stared Reid in the eyes.

“… You’re beautiful.” He suddenly breathed. Reid blinked and averted his eyes, allowing a flush to color his cheeks. “Flawless.”

“I… I’m not here to be—“

“Complimented? It’s the truth.” Ben said, and Reid ducked his head down, shyly. He shuffled at his folder and drew out a picture of Michael Bartlett. He slid it towards Hedrick.

“You killed him.” Reid stated. Hedrick didn’t even look at the picture. He was staring at the left side of Reid’s chest.

“Your uh… your pen…” He said after a moment. Reid blinked and looked down, letting out a false gasp of dismay.

“Oh no…” He pulled the leaking pen out and tossed it into the little trash bin in the corner. “My shirt!” And he began to unbutton JJ’s shirt. The suspect’s eyes widened and he ran his tongue over his lips as Reid stripped away the pale blue button up, leaving himself in a thin white tank top that hugged his body so perfectly… He folded the shirt and set it down on the corner of the table, sitting down and facing Hedrick again. Within moments, Reid shivered. Goose bumps rose on his now-bare arms and shoulders, and he could feel his nipples harden. And he watched as Hedrick’s gaze took in the goose bumps, and then immediately went to his chest and focused in on the tempting view of the teenage boy’s hard, dark nipples through the light tank top.

“Sorry about that.” Reid said calmly, crossing his arms over his chest a moment later in a show of trying to stay warm. “Ben.” The man’s eyes darted up and met Reid’s soft gaze. “Tell me what you did to Michael…”

“I don’t want to talk about Michael.” Ben said, his voice rough and gravelly.

“Well… how about… Hunter Greenman?” Reid asked, laying another photo down. “Or Leo Bertinelli? Or… Mark Serrano, Omar Berenji, Ardash Nelliparambil, Patrick McMahan, Jer—“

“I don’t want to talk about any of them.” Ben snorted, looking away and shoving the photos back towards Reid.

“Well… Then what DO you want to talk about?” Reid asked.

“… the trap is set…” Rossi mused.

“Let’s talk about you.” Ben purred.

“And it’s sprung.” Emily said with a slight smirk. “Won’t be long now.”

“M-Me?” Reid stammered, looking surprised and embarrassed. “I… I’m not here to—“

“How old are you, Spencer?” Reid allowed himself to flush again at the man’s question, and he watched the man’s eyes take in the pale skin of his bony shoulders and arms. He squirmed as if uncomfortable, and averted his eyes from the killer. The man chuckled. “Are you REALLY FBI?”

“What?! Yes!” Reid cried, now sounding slightly offended… and desperate to prove himself. “Tell me about Michael Bartlett.”

“You have… such beautiful skin…” Hedrick purred. “And long legs… There aren’t a lot of kids out there as… gorgeous as you are…”

“I’m NOT a kid!” Reid cried in dismay. His voice broke on the second word, making Hedrick grin, and Reid pouted a bit. The team could see the delighted glimmer in Hedrick’s eyes.

“… You’re right.” He agreed, nodding. “You’re not a kid. Not working for the FBI. And… you already have advanced degrees?”

“… Yes.”

“MD or PhD?”

“PhD’s.”

“… Plural?” Hedrick asked.

Reid flushed. “Tell me about Michael Bartlett.” He murmured, not meeting the man’s gaze. Hedrick gave Reid an annoyed look.

“I don’t want to talk about those kids.” He snorted. “I didn’t hurt them. I wouldn’t hurt anyone…” and then, he slid his foot forward and began to gently nudge Reid’s ankle with his toes. Reid froze and slowly looked up at the man, eyes wide. Hedrick smiled. “Especially not someone as gorgeous as you…”

“You really think I’m…”

“Gorgeous?” Hedrick finished for Reid. Reid blinked his large eyes, and nodded. “Yeah… I do.” Reid allowed himself to flush and look away, but a small smile came to his lips.

“No one’s ever… said that before.” He said softly, and then fixed a shy gaze on Hedrick, still smiling slightly. Hedrick began to move his foot up and down Reid’s calf. Reid tensed, his already wide eyes growing larger. He stared at Hedrick, his lips parting slightly in mock surprise.

“Shame… it’s true.” Hedrick chuckled. “You are.” Reid let his eyes drop again. “Are you single?”

“M-Me?” Reid gasped, flushing.

“Got a girlfriend?”

“No.” Reid whispered, shaking his head slightly.

“Boyfriend?” Reid’s eyes widened again and he flushed once more at that question, looking away and nibbling at his lower lip.

“Um… N-no?”

“Ah… but you prefer men.” Reid offered a little shrug in response to that question. Hedrick grinned, and this time, his foot ran up Reid’s inner thigh. “Are you a virgin?”

“I’m stopping this. NOW.” Hotch blurted, and headed for the door.

“Easy, Aaron.” Rossi said smoothly, reaching out and catching Hotch by the back of his shirt as he passed. “Reid knows what he’s doing.”

“He’s TOUCHING him!” Hotch cried.

“I know you’re feeling protective of him right now, Aaron. But he’s a big boy, and he knows what he’s doing. He can handle this.”

Hotch blinked when he felt a small hand slide into his own, and he blinked and looked down. JJ smiled up at him.

“Spence knows what he’s doing. You KNOW that. Do you trust him?”

“… Yes.” Hotch finally admitted, and he squeezed JJ’s hand.

“Then calm down, and have faith.” JJ told him. Hotch nodded and gave her a small smile, and they turned back to the interrogation room.

Reid sucked in a shaky breath, allowing a quiver to show in his lower lip as the foot slowly moved up the inside of his leg towards his crotch.

“Well?” Hedrick asked. “Are you?”

“I… I…” Reid stammered, and then gasped as the toe of Hedrick’s shoe brushed over his groin. “Uh… I uh… So… M-Michael… Bartlett…?” He squeaked, spreading his thighs slightly. Hedrick’s grin widened at that, and he pressed his foot forward, watching Reid’s eyes roll back and flutter closed. But then, suddenly, he withdrew his foot and stood, stretching his hands up over his head.

“You just don’t give up, do you?” He asked, turning back to Reid with a grin. Reid averted his eyes and scratched his nose, then fingered a lock of hair. He acted like he didn’t notice Hedrick slowly pacing the perimeter of the room, but in the viewing room, Hotch noticed.

“… He’s trying to get behind him.” He gasped, and made a move for the door. But JJ tightened her hold on Hotch’s hand, and Emily caught his other hand. Morgan shifted, placing himself between Hotch and the door.

“Agent Hotchner.” Hotch stopped at Strauss’s call. “Maybe it would be best if you waited outside.”

“What?”

“Come with me, please.” Strauss said, and walked out of the room. Hotch stared at her. “That’s an order, Aaron.” She said firmly, and Hotch GLARED, but followed. The door closed and Strauss turned to look at him. “I know you’re worried about him.” She said. “You’ve spent the last eighteen days raising him from an infant. You’re still in your paternal, protective mode.” Strauss sighed, then shook her head. “And… I can’t blame you for that. Are you going to be able to handle him returning to duty?”

Hotch just stared at her.

“… Agent Hotchner.” Strauss said, crossing her arms. “Will you be able to stay objective when Agent Reid returns to his role as a Field Agent?”

“Yes, of course!” Hotch insisted. “It’s just… he’s EIGHTEEN right now! And he’s in that room with a serial rapist and murderer who has been targeting boys aged eighteen to twenty!”

“I’m not comfortable watching that interview either.” Strauss confessed. “But… I think it best if you do not go back inside. And… I’m going to have to insist that you and Dr. Reid both undergo a psychiatric evaluation prior to BOTH of you returning to duty.” Hotch stared at her. “You’ve virtually been his father for the last few weeks. I have to make sure that raising him hasn’t compromised either one of you and your abilities to do the job. If there are any concerns in the results of the evaluation, I’ll have to consider transferring one of you to another Unit.”

Hotch stared at her for a moment, then turned and walked back into the viewing room.

Reid turned his head slightly, discretely monitoring Hedrick’s movements. The man came up behind him, and a moment later, Reid felt fingers gently feeling the little pony tail he had pulled his hair into. A moment later, those fingers were slowly sliding the hairband down, and off. Reid’s hair fell around his shoulders, and then fingers were carding through the strands, and then reached through them to gently stroke the skin of his neck.

“Uhm…” Reid stood and shuffled away from Hedrick, clutching the pile of photographs to his chest. Herdick grinned and pursued Reid, who backed into the mirrored window. Hedrick placed his hands on the glass on either side of Reid’s head.

“What’s wrong?”

“You killed nine men.”

“They weren’t men…” Hedrick snorted, his eyes gleaming in his lust, a bulge obvious in the front of his pants.

“They’re not much younger than me.”

“You look sixteen.” Hedrick chuckled. Reid gave the man a pouting glare.

“I’m twenty five.” He growled.

“Twenty five? You?!” Hedrick laughed, and then forced his knee between Reid’s legs and pressed his growing erection into the youth’s hip. “You don’t look it.”

“I know.” Reid gasped, staring up at the man who moved to cup his cheek, lifting his face. “I look like them… and you want me… just like them…” He murmured.

“I do want you…” Hedrick hissed.

“Damn.” Emily muttered. “I was hoping we would have him at that…”

“Give Reid time.” Morgan said.

Reid let out a soft gasp as a wonderful pressure and friction passed over his groin. He twisted away from Hedrick and skittered across the room, shivering slightly. Hedrick watched him with a smirk, his gaze caressing the boy’s bare arms and tiny waist. He followed Reid to the table and reached out, picking up JJ’s shirt from the table, glancing at the ink stain, and then at the label on the inside of the collar. Then he brought it to his face in breathed in deeply. And slowly, he raised his eyebrows. He looked up at Reid, a sneer on his face.

“So… I’ll make you a deal. If you answer a question from me, I’ll answer one for you.” He said. Reid turned and looked up at him.

“Um… sure. Okay.” Reid said. Hedrick lifted the shirt to his face and inhaled deeply.

“Care to tell me why your shirt is cut for a woman and smells like perfume?” He asked, his voice suddenly deadly. Reid froze, eyes wide.

“… Get him out of there.” Hotch gasped. “NOW!!!” Morgan and Emily lunged for the door, but as they did, Hedrick swung a chair around and wedged it under the doorknob. Then, smirking, he turned on Reid.

“Thought you could fool me? Get me to play into your hands?” He asked, advancing on the youth. Reid backed away, eyes wide. Then Hedrick lunged. Reid yelped and leapt away, but ended up getting his legs tangled in the other chair, and he fell. Hedrick’s hand darted out, and there was a loud RRRRIP!!!

But when everything was still, Reid was leaning back over the chair, only held up by Hedrick’s fist in the now torn tank top. Hedrick grinned and kicked the chair away, then whirled and slammed Reid up against the wall, wrapping his hands around the delicate neck.

Reid’s gasp was choked off, but then… He let out a low moan, and instead of clawing at the man’s hands, he fisted his fingers into Hedrick’s shirt and thrust his hips into Hedrick’s, grinding against him. Hedrick froze, eyes wide in surprise… and lust. And then, slowly, Reid drew Hedrick down… and Hotch nearly exploded when their lips touched.

Hedrick tensed, but then suddenly lunged forward and pinned Reid to the wall with his body, groaning and dominating the kiss, literally humping the young man’s body. But at the furious shouting and a crash from in the observation room, he stopped. He looked down at Reid, shocked. Reid stared back up at him, and gave him a hesitant smile.

“What the hell…?” Hedrick gasped. Reid blinked, then shrugged.

“… Eroto-asphyxiation…” Reid whispered. “I can’t help it… I just… get off on it…”

Hedrick groaned again, pressing his groin into Reid’s. “My God…” He gasped, staring at Reid. “You… You’re all I ever wanted…” Reid blinked innocently. “You’re everything I was hoping the other boys would be…”

“That’s it.” Rossi said immediately. He turned and grinned at Hotch, who was looking beside himself. “Reid got the confession.”

“Then kick down the fucking DOOR!!!” Hotch roared.

“Can’t. It’s reinforced. But I can break the window!” Morgan said with a grin, and ignoring Strauss’ desperate “Don’t damage bureau property!!!” Morgan lifted the chair into the air and brought it against the window as hard as he could.

Hedrick jumped as the window shattered, and before he even realized it, Reid had slipped away and made his way over to the window, where Morgan was using the legs of the chair to clear the glass away from the frame. Hotch and Rossi reached in and helped Reid clamor over the edge and into the viewing room while JJ and Emily stood on either side of the window, guns up and aimed at murderer in the interrogation room.

Hedrick watched with wide eyes as Reid disappeared from his view… The predator had been outsmarted, and defeated, by the prey…

“What the HELL were you thinking?!” Hotch shouted, slamming the door to his office after shoving Reid inside and letting Strauss in.

“I was thinking of the best way to get him to drop his guard!” Reid defended himself.

“By making OUT WITH HIM?!?” Hotch demanded.

“I didn’t make out with him!” Reid insisted, crossing his arms over his partially bare chest. “And that wasn’t my plan, Hotch. I didn’t think about JJ’s shirt being a female cut or the smell of her perfume… It never even occurred to me. From there… I was winging it.”

“He could have killed you!”

“His attack was what saved me. By reacting to it the way I did, I was finally able to get him to drop his guard. He wasn’t expecting it. And he stopped thinking with the head on his shoulders and just started listening to the one between his legs. His attack gave me my way in.”

“That was careless and dangerous!” Hotch snapped.

Reid looked ready to shout back at him, but instead, he took a deep breath, looked him straight in the eye and said “I did what I had to do to get a confession so that a monster would never have a chance at getting away with murder. And if I have to, I’ll also press charges for assault.” Hotch glared at Reid. “Would you have done what I did?” Reid asked. “To ensure a killer goes to jail?”

Hotch’s answer was a silent stare, and then he let out a frustrated sigh and turned, staring out the window.

“Ma’am?” Reid said, turning to Strauss. “May we… have a minute?”

“… Of course.” She nodded. “Agent Reid. I’m not pleased with how you did that. But you got what we needed. Well done.” And she turned and left, closing the door behind her. Reid waited for her to leave the bullpen, and then he closed the blinds on Hotch’s office window.

“Aaron.” He said, softly. “I’m sorry.” Hotch didn’t answer. He just kept staring out the window at the gray clouds rolling in. Reid sighed and walked across the room, curling his arms around the man’s waist from behind. “Aaron, I’m sorry. I am. I hoped I could do it without touching him. But we both knew it was a possibility.”

“No Spencer.” Hotch growled. “I never thought it would be possible that you would encourage an UnSub to molest you.” Reid sighed, resting his head on Hotch’s back. A moment later, Hotch could feel the teenager’s body shaking.

“I didn’t want him to.” Reid finally gasped, his voice thick with tears. “I’m sorry… I’m SO sorry… please don’t be angry with me… I know it hurt you. You were angry and felt betrayed and you were scared that I would be hurt and I’m SORRY!!!”

“Damn straight I was scared that you would be hurt!” Hotch snapped, turning and looking down. Reid stared up at him, his large eyes swimming in tears.

“Please don’t be mad at me.” Reid whimpered, giving the man one of the best “sad puppy in the rain” looks Hotch had ever seen. “I just… the team has been working so hard and he’s done so many horrible things… I HAD to get the confession!!!”

“Spencer, you tried too hard.” Hotch finally groaned, wrapping his arms around the boy. “You don’t have to prove anything to the team. We all know you’re a damn good profiler, even if you are in the body of an eighteen year old. Just… Spencer. I’m taking you home.”

“You… you’re REALLY upset with me.” Reid gasped, staring at the distress in his lover’s eyes.

“Come on.” Hotch said. “Put your shirt on. We’re leaving.” And he gave Reid his t shirt and hoodie. Reid sighed and pulled them on, and then followed Hotch from his office. The team was sitting in the bullpen, waiting for them to emerge. When they did, Reid gave the team a small smile and a wave.

“See you guys later.” He called gently, and Hotch stepped out behind him, putting a hand on the back of Reid’s neck in a possessive, and protective manner. The team exchanged looks, and then Garcia stepped forwards.

“Hey. We’re all going home and taking naps. But since we have tomorrow off, we’re going out tomorrow to celebrate. Come with us?” She asked. Hotch frowned.

“Sure!” Reid announced, and then turned and grinned up at Hotch. “I’m old enough to go clubbing now!”

“NO you are NOT!!!” Hotch immediately blurted, his eyes going wide in horror.

“We’ll go somewhere they’ll allow eighteen year olds.” Morgan nodded.

“No.” Hotch said firmly.

“Eighteen! Can’t stop me!” Reid sang, grinning. Hotch GLARED.

“Watch me.” He growled.

“I’ll watch you TRY.” Reid chuckled, then smiled and stepped forwards, hugging the man. “I love you…” He whispered, and felt Hotch relax slightly. “Let’s go home.” Reid finally said, stepping back and smiling up at the man. Hotch sighed.

“Fine.” He said, and they headed out of the bullpen. As they did, Agent Anderson and another younger Agent were removing Hedrick from the interrogation room. The man’s eyes fell on Reid, and immediately they were blazing.

“YOU!!!” He roared, and Reid stopped and blinked at the man. “You’re not FBI! No WAY! You’re too young! There’s no way in HELL you’re in your twenties! You’re a fuckin TEENAGER!!! Nothing we said in there is valid!!!”

“Agent Reid IS in his twenties.” Hotch snapped. “And he IS an Agent of the FBI. He has been for several years.”

“Who the fuck are you?! His FATHER?!”

“… this is the second time someone I talked to in interrogation asked if you’re my father.” Reid mused, cocking his head and then looking up at Hotch.

“I’m Aaron Hotchner, Unit Chief. I’m his boss.” Hotch announced, authority thundering in his tone. “The interview was valid. And so is your confession.”

“It was COERCED!!!” Hedrick screamed, livid.

“… You had me pinned against the wall with your hands around my neck.” Reid said blandly. “How did I coerce YOU?!”

“LITTLE SON OF A BITCH!!! I’LL GET YOU FOR THIS!!! I SWEAR!!! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU I’LL MAKE WHAT I DID TO THE OTHERS LOOK LIKE A SCHOOLYARD BULLY GOT THEM!!! DO YOU HEAR ME?!?”

“Get him the hell out of here!!!” Morgan thundered, emerging from the bullpen and placing himself between Reid and Hedrick immediately.

“Yes sir!” Anderson said with a nod and a grin, and Hedrick was dragged away. He was taken into one elevator, and Hotch and Reid stepped into the other. The pair headed down to the parking garage, Hotch still looking ticked off, and then they piled into the car.

Reid frowned, still feeling the tension.

“… I’m hungry.” He announced, breaking the silence. Hotch glanced over at him, and sighed.

“What would you like?” He asked.

“Anything. You pick.” Reid said.

“… you’re not fooling me, Spencer.” Hotch said, firmly. “I’m still upset with you.”

“I’m sorry!” Reid cried. “What do I have to do to get you to believe me?!”

“I do believe you. But I’m still upset.” Hotch said, and Reid groaned loudly.

“God, Aaron! Come ON!!! Give me a break!!!” Hotch didn’t answer. “ARRRGH.” Reid let out in frustration, throwing his hands into the air and letting them fall to his legs with a SLAP.

Finally, they pulled into the garage. Reid got out of the car before the motor was even off, and stormed into the house, slamming the door. Hotch followed, closing the garage door. Reid was already plopped on the sofa, starting up the XBOX.

“… Spencer?”

“Don’t talk to me. I’m mad at you.”

“… YOU’RE mad at ME?” Hotch asked incredulously. “Why?”

“Because YOU are mad at ME!!!” Reid cried, as if this made all the sense in the world. Hotch quirked a brow, then sighed and shook his head.

“right… well, while you calm down—“

“I AM CALM!”

“—I’m going to go make dinner.” Hotch finished, ignoring the interruption. He headed into the kitchen and opened the fridge, pulling out a soup kit he had purchased from the grocery store, and forty five minutes later a loaded baked potato soup was ready.

Reid was absorbed in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. He wasn’t playing any missions… he was just riding a horse through the city running over the guards right and left until he had a massive swarm after him, and then he would start killing them all…

“Spencer?” Hotch asked, walking over to the boy.

“What.”

“Has the mass murder made you feel better?” Hotch asked. Reid blinked, then smiled slightly.

“Maybe.” He snickered. Then, Hotch offered a hand to him. Reid blinked again and paused the game, and looked up at Hotch.

“Come on.” The man said, smiling. “Come eat with me.” Reid eyed him, then sighed and placed his hand in Hotch’s and allowed the man to pull him to his feet and into the kitchen. They sat down to eat, sitting close to one another so that their arms and legs brushed against one another from time to time. The laughter came easily, and the silences were comfortable, and they cleaned up and put away leftovers together in loving companionship.

“I’m gonna shower.” Hotch said as he started the dishwasher.

“Oh? Great! I’ll come with you!”

“Uh, no you’re not.” Hotch chuckled. “Go shower in the guest room. And I’ll see you when you’re done.”

“You’re not gonna lock me out?” Reid asked, giving the man a pathetic look.

“No.” Hotch said, shaking his head. “I promise.” And then he leaned over and gave Reid a soft, gentle kiss. Reid gasped slightly at the sweet sensation of the chaste kiss on his lips. It was over MUCH too soon.

“I’ll see you in a bit.” Hotch murmured, gently stroking Reid’s cheek, and then he went upstairs.

Reid felt an excited shiver go up his spine and quickly scurried off, took a hurried shower, and then scampered up the stairs in his towel, his heart pounding.

Hotch was just stepping out of the bathroom, and looked startled to see Reid standing there in a towel, staring at him.

“… Spencer?” Hotch asked, eyeing the dripping wet teenage boy. “Um… pajamas?”

“What? But… But…”

Hotch lifted a hand, silencing Reid. He took a deep breath. ‘Take it easy… don’t insult him… do this carefully and gently. It’s okay. He’s eighteen, he’s legal, you can start carefully and let him down easy without upsetting him.’

“Take off the towel.” Hotch said gently. Reid’s eyes widened and he flushed, but then gave the man a coquettish smile and let the towel slide off of his slim hips. Hotch made a show of looking over the teenage boy’s body, and then looking him in the eyes, smiling and saying, “You’re beautiful.”

Reid flushed, his smile spreading into a big grin. Hotch opened his arms, and Reid was immediately enveloped within them, snuggling into the man’s chest. Then, Hotch placed a finger on Reid’s chin and lifted his head, and then, their lips embraced. Reid moaned, wrapping his arms around the man’s neck, pressing against him.

“Shhh… calm down. Now.” Hotch said. “Look at me.” Reid blinked his large eyes up at him, curiously. “I love you. Desperately.” Hotch said. “But… you’re eighteen. You’re still a kid.” Reid’s eyes widened, then darkened. “The next couple of days are your LAST DAYS as a kid. For the rest of your life.” Hotch said, running his fingers through the boy’s hair. “At this age, you had to be a man. You had your mother committed. And you had to support yourself, AND her.” Hotch continued. Pain flashed through Reid’s eyes at this, and he looked away. “Spencer, look at me. No, LOOK AT ME!” Reid obeyed.

“I want you to enjoy your last day as a teenager tomorrow.” Hotch said. “But I know that you’re not… FULLY a kid. However… I love you. And I respect you. And I respect our relationship. And I’m not going to have sex with you until you’re older.” Reid drooped. “So here’s how it will go. Tonight, you’re eighteen. Tonight, you get to make it to First Base.”

“First Base?” Reid asked, looking confused. Hotch grinned.

“Kissing. Making out.” Hotch said, and Reid perked at that. “Tomorrow, you’re nineteen. Tomorrow, you get Second Base.”

“And that is?”

“Groping.” Hotch chuckled, grinning at the look of delight on the face that was still flushing in slight shy embarrassment.

“And when I’m twenty… Third Base. And that is?” Reid asked.

Hotch grinned, leaned over and kissed Reid passionately, until the boy was moaning in his arms. Hotch slipped his tongue in, plundering the sweet depths of his lover’s mouth. Reid let out a whine when it broke the kiss. “… Oral sex.” Hotch whispered against Reid’s lips, smiling at the groan.

“And… when I’m twenty one?” Reid gasped.

“Home base.”

“And… that is?” Reid asked, eyes glimmering. He had already deduced what that was, but he wanted to hear Hotch say it. And Hotch, grinning, did.

“Sexual intercourse.”

“Mmmm… I can’t wait.” Reid groaned, kissing the man again. Hotch chuckled, hugging him tightly.

“I love you.” Hotch said.

“Love you too.” Reid murmured, and Hotch kissed his forehead.

“Go on, now.” He said. “Get into your pajamas. And then come to bed.” Reid kissed him, then scurried off to the closet to do so. Hotch slid into the bed and turned out the lights. A single nightlight glowed in the corner by Spencer’s side of the bed. And a moment later, the bathroom lights turned off and Hotch felt Reid slid into the bed beside him. The man smiled, opening his arms and cuddling the boy close. Their lips embraced, and for nearly fifteen minutes, they didn’t part again.

Bodies pressed against one another, soft moans and words of love were whispered, and soon, the movements grew lazy, and then stilled. The pair lay entwined in one another’s arms, forehead’s pressed together.

“Sleep well, baby…” Hotch breathed.

“Mmmm…” The sleepy teenager sighed. “I will…”

And a few minutes later, the cats jumped onto the bed and made themselves comfortable, and all was quiet and peaceful.
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Growing Up Again