OTA

[dr_spencer_reid]

Everything had been so quiet lately. His work life, his home life, even his mind seemed unusually still lately- And it was, honestly, making Spencer uneasy. It wasn't that he was hoping for a serial killer or anything like that- Even when he was desperate for some mental stimulation and a challenge, he never got quite that dark. But something, anything, had to happen.

...And then it did, and Spencer- Spencer's heart ached, the guilt he felt for daring to wish for more work to do spilling over and weighing him down. And oh, it was always harder when it was children. Always.

Three bodies in two weeks, all between the ages of six and eight. Girls, still in their school uniforms. Dumped, without any signs of remorse from their killer. It was, honestly, the worst case he'd been assigned to since coming to London, and as he stood at the police barrier, having just spoken to the woman who'd spotted the body, he realized that this wouldn't be like it was at home. The police wanted a profile from them, but they hadn't been invited to be a part of the investigation- Leaving Spencer with nothing but photos and paperwork, and the occasional update from the field.

Sitting in a cafe he read the report on the first body for the tenth time, wondering if this was really the best use of his talents. ...Wondering if maybe it was finally time to look at his other options.

Comments

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Spencer brightened at that, nodding and putting the file back into his bag.

"I'd like that," he said. "I'd be interested in hearing your take on the killings."

[real_gun_hand]

"I don't think I have anything new to say, really. The case has been analysed to death...excuse the pun," he said, leading the way out to his car.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"I'm still interested," Spencer assured him with a smile.

[real_gun_hand]

Hotch smiled, just a tiny hint of a tug at the corner of his mouth, and lead the way to the car. Once inside he waited for the heater to warm up before going anywhere.

"I was talking to the assistant director the other day," he said. "He can't understand why anyone would want to do the work we do. Profiling. Tracking the worst of the worst. He sees the value in it but I got the feeling he thinks you and I need therapy."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"The FBI's latest report actually suggests just that. A sit down meeting every six months," Spencer replied. "It's not mandatory though, just a suggestion."

One he wasn't likely to take to heart.

[real_gun_hand]

Hotch wasn't likely to take that recommendation to heart, either. He wasn't in denial, he truly believed he wasn't negatively affected by the job.

Once the heater was warm he pulled out and headed for White Chapel.

"I don't even know any therapists in London," he said. "I'm sure the legat's office could recommend someone, but that would be something I'd have to make time for," he said.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"I know one," Spencer admitted. "Dr. Lecter."

[real_gun_hand]

"Do you see him?" Hotch asked, turning quickly to look at him and then immediately back to the road.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Not as a therapist, but we do talk sometimes," Spencer shrugged. "He's a good friend. ...You've met him, haven't you? I've actually worked on a few of the same cases as he has."

[real_gun_hand]

His brow furrowed as he thought back and then he ultimately nodded.

"Yes. I remember him. An interesting man," he said. "Have you considered talking to him professionally or asking him for a referral?"

[dr_spencer_reid]

"No," Spencer replied, simply and honestly.

[real_gun_hand]

Hotch nodded. "It might be a good idea to get his opinion," he said. "I'd rather get a referral from someone I know than from the employee relations department at work."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"I don't want to talk to anyone though," Spencer said honestly, shaking his head. "I feel fine."

[real_gun_hand]

"Are you sure? Because it might be a good idea. Really, it might be a good idea for both of us. Being so far from home is a stressor..." Hotch said.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Home isn't home any more though, not for me at least. My home was with the team, and they're gone," Spencer said quietly. "Now home is here. With you, with Hex..."

[real_gun_hand]

Hotch was quite touched by that and he smiled just a little.

"Then I have some good news. I understand Emily is going to be transfered here to split her time between London and Paris. We'll get to see her from time to time."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Really?" Spencer asked, lighting up at that.

[real_gun_hand]

"Really," he replied, smiling then, too. "She's working for another agency, but we'll get to see her. That's something."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Which agency?" Spencer asked curiously, aware that if Hotch wasn't saying it outright, he probably wasn't supposed to know, but too curious not to ask.

[real_gun_hand]

"She didn't say, but I think she's been recruited by the CIA," he replied. "But, really, I don't know. We'll have to ask her when we get together."

[dr_spencer_reid]

"When is she coming? Soon?" Spencer asked eagerly. "We should get her something, that's what you do when you see people again after a long absence."

[real_gun_hand]

"She'll be here next week. She starts her new position on the first, I know. We could get her a housewarming gift and we could take her to dinner. All of us together?" Hotch asked.

[dr_spencer_reid]

Spencer nodded, always willing to go along with what Hotch thought was best.

[real_gun_hand]

"Good. I knew when I got the email that you'd be happy," Hotch said.

[dr_spencer_reid]

"Too bad we can't convince everyone to come," he said quietly.