FREAKING OUT ² ➢ spencer reid

VI

I left the house just after six thirty, rubbing my eyes as I pushed open the apartment door and ran down the steps. As my feet hit the pavement, I let out a long yawn and fished my headphones out of my bag. I plugged them in and threw on a random playlist, blasting it loudly in hopes it would help wake me up before I arrived to meet Hotch.

I hummed to myself as I walked down the road, smiling slightly at the thought of going back. Even though I knew Reid would be there I still felt excited. Work, despite being a bit of rollercoaster lately, was my happy place. It gave me an opportunity to let go of my thoughts and focus on something else for a change.

As I arrived at the main road I scanned the traffic. Once it was clear I crossed, jogging to the other side before the cars started up again. As my foot touched the other side of the pavement I heard the sound of a horn honk. I looked back, narrowing my eyes as I saw Morgan's vehicle zoom past. I smiled again, adjusting the bag on my shoulder as I continued onwards.

It'd be nice to see them again. After talking with Morgan and later Hotch I felt better about seeing everyone else. Aside from Reid I knew they'd accept me again, even if I didn't necessarily deserve it.

Once I got to the far end of the parking lot I cut through, scanning the various cars that drove around me. I smiled at some of the driver's, raising my hand politely as I moved in between stalls to stay out of harms way. Eventually, I made it across, letting out a heavy sigh as I looked up and saw Hotch waiting outside the front door. I ran up to meet him, watching as he slowly looked up from his phone once I got up the last step.

"Good morning," he nodded.

"Morning."

"Sorry about the last minute text last night," he replied as he pulled open the door. He motioned me to go first, following behind as we entered the building.

The second I stepped inside I sucked in some air. While everything looked the same, things felt different. I bit my lip, staring at the elevator just ahead with anticipation. I couldn't help, but think of all the times I rode it. It sounded stupid, but even I couldn't deny how much I missed that stupid contraption.

Hotch placed his hand on the small of my back, motioning me towards a set of double doors towards the left. Together we pushed through, walking down a series of hallways I'd only walked through a handful of times. As we rounded the corner I heard his phone ring from his pocket, causing him to sigh and stop.

"Hotchner," he quickly looked at me, before staring down at his feet, "yes, of course. I'm just showing a new employee to her department and I'll be right up. Go ahead and deliver the profile without me. I'll be there soon." He hung up, pocketing his phone again before continuing his stride.

I followed behind, quickly moving to catch up to him. I thought about asking what the call was about. Even though I no longer worked in profiling I still couldn't help but wonder.

He stopped in front of a door, knocking a couple of times before adjusting his tie and letting out a sigh.

"Are you okay?" I asked. He seemed weirdly tense, like, even more than usual.

"I'm fine," he responded.

"Yeah, okay," I rolled my eyes.

He turned to face me, giving me a stern look. At that point I knew my sassy nature needed to stop. Hotch wasn't just a friend anymore, he was a superior.

"Sorry," I whispered.

The door swung open. A disheveled middle aged man appeared, his dark eyebrows knit together in annoyance as he looked between us. The second he realized it was Hotch he let out a groan and turned on his heel. "Oh good it's you, hello."