Criminal Minds One-Shots

Stay With Me

Derek Morgan heaves out a sigh, resting his head against the cool interior of the BAU’s private jet. Many people dream of boarding one of these luxurious planes, but the things that are discussed in this cabin are better left for the movie theater.

"How you holding up?" Aaron Hotchner, the team's supervisor and lead profiler, takes a seat across from Morgan, his eyes unusually somber compared to his typical all-business demeanor.

"I don't know, Hotch. Do you think he'll ever be the same?" The team is flying back home from Atlanta, after a particularly difficult case that ultimately led to one of their own falling victim.

Hotch glances around the cabin of the jet. Because the BAU is only seven members big and they spend nearly every waking moment together, personal lives are hard to come by. Hotch knows he shouldn't be discussing their youngest agent's state with his fellow co-workers, but he is also aware that Dr. Spencer Reid is closer to Agent Morgan than anyone else on the team.

Across the aisle from them, agents JJ and Prentiss lie at either end of a couch, getting their first peaceful night's rest in nearly a week. At the other end of the plane, Agent Gideon is reading a book while their technical analyst, Penelope Garcia, plays an arcade game on her laptop. Seeing that no one can hear their conversation, Hotch decides to confide in Morgan.

"I think that Reid is a lot stronger than what we give him credit for," Hotch answers honestly. Morgan nods in agreement, feeling a bit guilty for ever doubting his best friend's ability to get out of the situation. "It's going to take some time, but he's going to be okay.

"There's something I'd like to talk to you about, since you brought it up," Hotch continues, looking directly at Morgan, who raises his eyebrows in question.

"With all due respect, sir, we just rescued one of our colleagues from a kidnapping situation. I'm not really up for talking."

"I understand that," Hotch says sympathetically. It is rare for their leader to show his emotions, but they are genuine when he does so. "I wouldn't ask, but I have Jack and Haley at home," he continues, referring to his wife and young son.

"What is it?" Morgan asks, getting the idea that whatever favor Hotch is asking of him may not be work related.

"Given everything that Reid has endured over the past couple of days, I don't think it wise to send him home alone." Morgan opens his mouth to say something, but Hotch raises a hand to silence him.

"I know that any of the girls would be happy to look after him, but I'm afraid that would raise suspicion within the Bureau. This team operates as a family, but that wouldn't excuse rumors of workplace romance."

"Are you asking me to babysit him, Hotch? You just said that we don't give him enough credit." Morgan struggles to keep his voice low. He glances around the jet to be sure no one is eavesdropping on the conversation.

"I'm not asking you to babysit him. I just think it's best if someone were to stay with him for a few nights. You've seen what PTSD can do to people, Morgan. Reid may be a genius, but he is still susceptible to mental illness."

Morgan ponders the idea of Dr. Spencer Reid, a 24 year old with an eidetic memory and an IQ of 187, suffering from PTSD, or any other type of mental restraint for that matter. It seems impossible. Then again, Reid being held captive, psychologically and psychically tortured, and injected with dilaudid seems unlikely as well, but it happened.