(no subject)
Title: Need of Valour Chapter 5
Author: GlassSnowdrop
Rating: T
Pairing: Emily/OC, Morgan/Reid, Garcia/OC
Summary: The BAU team travel to London to help out Scotland Yard with a case involving an unsub obsessed with Greek Mythology. Scotland Yard enlist the help of a young professor, and things get interesting.
“All men are tempted. There is no man that lives that can’t be broken down, provided it is the right temptation, put in the right spot.” -Henry Ward Beecher
The team met outside of Les Marionnettes Anglais at 8. It was dark outside, and the foggy streets began to light up with iron streetlights and car headlights cutting through the fog. The front windows of the club were tinted dark, but red lights were visible through the glass and a dull throb of music was leaking from the door.
“Les Marionnettes Anglais,” Morgan said, gazing up at the red sign.
“The English Puppets,” Reid said in response.
“Well, I see no sense in standing in the cold. Let’s go inside,” Briseis said once they’d all gathered around. There was a strong nod of agreement from them and she pulled the door open. A boozy wave of smoke tinted warm air hit them as they entered. The smooth beat of snazzy guitars found them all in a good mood as they disposed of their coats at the coat room.
“How’d you find this place?” Emily asked as they walked inside further.
“My cousin, Gabriel, actually owns it. He worked here when he was in his 20s and when the former owner died he left this place to Gabriel, who, although he changed the name and some of the aesthetics, has been incredibly devoted to the original meaning of this place.” Briseis explained this as they lead the team to a table near to the back, away from the crowded bar.
“And what would that be?” Emily asked with a smile. Reid and Morgan slid in first, then Emily, then Briseis onto the red vinyl booth. The others took seats around the table.
“Sort of a classic jazzy, sexy, 1920s feel.” Emily looked around, taking in the place. The walls were black, draped in red, orange and gray curtains of fabric, softening up the already soft gold lights that shone on them. The dance floor was set in front of a live band, full of saxophones, guitars and bass.
“So Briseis, what’s it like teaching in London?” Morgan asked once they’d settled in and Hotch and Emily had gone to get the drinks.
“Oh, it has its perks. I do enjoy it, although I can’t believe I was as bothersome as some of my students are though.”
“I know what you mean,” Morgan said. “Sometimes I wonder if I was as hardheaded when I was a cop as some of the ones we’ve worked with.”
“Big difference- you carry a gun,” Briseis joked. Morgan smiled at her, white teeth flashing, eyes crinkling.
Garcia cleared her throat from across the table. “So, Reid.” Reid looked up, confused as if he’d missed some conversation about him.
“Yes?” Morgan’s body language changed then, only so slightly that Reid noticed. The usually cat like, laid back man tensed and began to tap the table with his thumb. He shot a warning look to Garcia who ignored him and leaned towards Reid.
“How have you been?”
“Fine?” He knew she was playing at something, but only Morgan and Briseis knew that. Rossi and JJ were glancing around, utterly lost.
“You haven’t been having any…strange thoughts or anything?” Morgan clenched his jaw, completely terrified she was going to spill his secret.
“No more than usual.”
“Well maybe we’ll have to work on that.” Garcia’s tone ended the discussion but not the confusion. Morgan kept tapping his thumb on the table until Reid reached up and stopped him. The feeling of their warm flesh touching sent shockwaves through both men. Now that the secret was out in the open between Morgan and one other person, the chemistry between Reid and Morgan was drastically altered, and not even Reid could ignore it.
Meanwhile…at the bar.
“Enjoying London, Hotch?” Emily asked as they waited to place their large drink order.
“So far. The murder is bringing the place down a bit though.”
“Very true.”
“How about you?”
“I am. Briseis has been so nice, letting me stay with her and everything.” Hotch nodded, trying and failing to keep the smile off of his usually stoic face. “What?” Emily pressed.
“Oh, nothing, Emily.” He turned to the bartender and ordered their drinks- beer for himself and Morgan, Scotch for Rossi and Reid, red wine for Emily, white for JJ, a cosmopolitan for Garcia and a vodka cranberry for Briseis.
“What were you talking about, Hotch? You’re not getting out of that smirk that easily,” Emily asked, pushing the subject. He narrowed his eyes at her, sizing her up as he had on the first day she showed up at the BAU office.
“Nothing, I’m just glad your living arrangements are working out. Briseis is a key part of this investigation and having one of our team with her is helpful.”
“Yeah, it is,” she said carefully, looking at him sideways. “It’s about her, isn’t it?”
“Well…yeah…”
“No, I mean it’s about ME and her. I know that it’s obvious I sort of like her, I’ve never been good at hiding those sort of things, and trust me it makes me feel like a 15 year old girl, but I’m just trying to ignore what I’m feeling right now and focus on the case. Eve though I’m currently living in her living room.”
“Emily, don’t let this job run your life. Ignoring your feelings isn’t going to help you focus on this case, trust me,” he continued. She bit her red lip and listened intently, looking at the glasses accumulating in front of her and Hotch. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Emily, you’re a great agent. Don’t let this pull you down, okay?”
“Okay,” she said with determination. He squeezed her shoulder and took back a few of the drinks, balancing them carefully. Emily took the rest and followed him. She slid in past Briseis and took a long sip of her drink.
“You okay?” Morgan asked, noticing her change in demeanor.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Alright, Em. I’m here if you need to talk.”
“And I say the same to you,” she responded. He looked confused for a moment, then glanced at Garcia who was sipping her drink and smiling at Emily. He groaned softly, realizing more than just Garcia knew about his feelings for Reid.
“I can’t believe this,” he said.
“Derek, it’s not a big deal. It’s actually wonderful. We’re not asking you to do anything about it. We’re here for you.” Emily had seamlessly slipped into the role of caring colleague, switching with Morgan.
“Thank you. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do about it.”
“Do about what?” Briseis leaned a bit towards Emily and asked. Her black hair was messily pushed behind her ears and it fell in front of Emily who restrained herself from reaching out and touching it.
“Morgan glanced behind him at Reid, who was deep in conversation with Rossi and Hotch.
“Oooh, right! Want my opinion” He nodded. He wasn’t used to getting romantic advice from anyone and he felt a bit foolish, especially because he could see Garcia out of the corner of his eye having a conversation with JJ and listening to his.
“Flirt. It’s quite obvious you know how to flirt well, and from what I can see, Reid would not be opposed to you flirting with him. I’d be willing to take a gander and say he fancies you as well.” Morgan’s eyes widened and Emily smiled at her friend.
“What?” He hissed, lowering his voice to a dangerously sensual level. Briseis threw her hands in the air.
“Just an observation!” Morgan sat back and drank his beer, leaving Emily and Briseis with each other.
“I’ve never seen Derek like that,” Emily said, turning away from him, facing Briseis.
“It’s pretty obvious he’s not used to feeling like that about people of his own gender. I remember how hard it was for me to come to terms with my first crush on a girl.”
“How old were you?”
“About…5.” Emily laughed. “What’s so funny?!” Briseis asked with a smile, pushing on Emily’s shoulder lightly.
“Nothing. So you’ve always known?”
“Yeah. My mum’s side of the family wasn’t too thrilled at first- they’re very Greek Orthodox, but my da’s side is…French. They were ecstatic.”
“That’s good.” They found themselves staring at each other. Briseis looked over Emily’s flawless pale skin, red lips, strong jaw and wavy black hair. She avoided looking at her eyes but eventually her warm, bright chocolate eyes met Emily’s dark ones. The look they shared hung in the air around them and Garcia almost squeaked when she saw the. She nudged Hotch and JJ and they looked over, enthralled by the connection shared by their coworkers.
“Woah,” JJ commented.
Hotch simply smiled. “I smell love.” A song began to play and he stood up. “Care to dance, Penelope?” She was shocked that her usually serious boss was asking her to dance. She took his hand and he led her onto the floor. JJ and Rossi looked at each other and shrugged, meeting on the dancefloor. Without any words or loss of eye contact, Briseis and Emily walked to a secluded corner. Briseis tentatively put a hand on Emily’s small silk clad waist.
“Is this…what you want?” Briseis asked Emily. She didn’t want to pressure the other woman into anything, knowing how uncomfortable straight women could be when put into a situation such as this one.
“Yes,” Emily said warmly. She let go of Briseis’ hand and brought it to the younger woman’s face, stroking her cheek. She leaned forward and their lips met in a cautious, tender sweep of movement. Never had she felt so alive as she did in that moment, when in her arms danced a woman who had made her feel the passions of Aphrodite and the heat of Apollo’s sun.
Morgan and Reid were at the table and when Morgan saw Emily and Briseis kiss he mustered up his courage and stood up in front of Reid, holding out his hand.
“Wanna dance?” Reid looked up, confused.
“Dance? Morgan, I don’t dance.”
“I’ll teach you, come on, pretty boy.” Reid as hesitant but he took Morgan’s hand and allowed himself to be pulled onto the dancefloor.
“Alright, Reid, you have to feel the music,” Morgan instructed, swaying his hips a little. Reid stood still, not sure what he meant.
“People can’t feel music, Morgan.”
“Not literally. Now stop being a doctor for a minute and try to dance!” Morgan placed his large hands on Reid’s thin waist and helped the younger man get the rhythm.
“I’m still not-“
“Shhh,” Morgan silenced Reid. Reid frowned but tried to feel it. His heart was racing and he could feel his face grow hotter the more he thought about Morgan touching him more than just on the shoulder, or during the occasional awkward hug. It was happening now and he couldn’t believe he was living and breathing it.
He found an easy rhythm with Morgan, a natural dancer, and soon lost himself, feeling Morgan draw him flush against his body.
When Garcia saw them she almost fell over.
“You alright?” Hotch asked, holding her steady. She grinned and pointed to the two men dancing.
“What is going on?!” He asked, looking from Briseis and Emily to Morgan and Reid. “Is there something in the water? Careful or I might fall in love with you, Garcia,” he joked.
“Whatever it is, I’m loving it.”
Summing up, it is clear the future holds great opportunities. It also holds pitfalls. The trick will be to avoid the pitfalls, seize the opportunities, and get back home by six o’clock. -Woody Allen
I realize now that the ending makes it seem like I'm shipping Hotch/Garcia...I'm not. Hotch just likes being a little flirty sometimes. ;]
Author: GlassSnowdrop
Rating: T
Pairing: Emily/OC, Morgan/Reid, Garcia/OC
Summary: The BAU team travel to London to help out Scotland Yard with a case involving an unsub obsessed with Greek Mythology. Scotland Yard enlist the help of a young professor, and things get interesting.
“All men are tempted. There is no man that lives that can’t be broken down, provided it is the right temptation, put in the right spot.” -Henry Ward Beecher
The team met outside of Les Marionnettes Anglais at 8. It was dark outside, and the foggy streets began to light up with iron streetlights and car headlights cutting through the fog. The front windows of the club were tinted dark, but red lights were visible through the glass and a dull throb of music was leaking from the door.
“Les Marionnettes Anglais,” Morgan said, gazing up at the red sign.
“The English Puppets,” Reid said in response.
“Well, I see no sense in standing in the cold. Let’s go inside,” Briseis said once they’d all gathered around. There was a strong nod of agreement from them and she pulled the door open. A boozy wave of smoke tinted warm air hit them as they entered. The smooth beat of snazzy guitars found them all in a good mood as they disposed of their coats at the coat room.
“How’d you find this place?” Emily asked as they walked inside further.
“My cousin, Gabriel, actually owns it. He worked here when he was in his 20s and when the former owner died he left this place to Gabriel, who, although he changed the name and some of the aesthetics, has been incredibly devoted to the original meaning of this place.” Briseis explained this as they lead the team to a table near to the back, away from the crowded bar.
“And what would that be?” Emily asked with a smile. Reid and Morgan slid in first, then Emily, then Briseis onto the red vinyl booth. The others took seats around the table.
“Sort of a classic jazzy, sexy, 1920s feel.” Emily looked around, taking in the place. The walls were black, draped in red, orange and gray curtains of fabric, softening up the already soft gold lights that shone on them. The dance floor was set in front of a live band, full of saxophones, guitars and bass.
“So Briseis, what’s it like teaching in London?” Morgan asked once they’d settled in and Hotch and Emily had gone to get the drinks.
“Oh, it has its perks. I do enjoy it, although I can’t believe I was as bothersome as some of my students are though.”
“I know what you mean,” Morgan said. “Sometimes I wonder if I was as hardheaded when I was a cop as some of the ones we’ve worked with.”
“Big difference- you carry a gun,” Briseis joked. Morgan smiled at her, white teeth flashing, eyes crinkling.
Garcia cleared her throat from across the table. “So, Reid.” Reid looked up, confused as if he’d missed some conversation about him.
“Yes?” Morgan’s body language changed then, only so slightly that Reid noticed. The usually cat like, laid back man tensed and began to tap the table with his thumb. He shot a warning look to Garcia who ignored him and leaned towards Reid.
“How have you been?”
“Fine?” He knew she was playing at something, but only Morgan and Briseis knew that. Rossi and JJ were glancing around, utterly lost.
“You haven’t been having any…strange thoughts or anything?” Morgan clenched his jaw, completely terrified she was going to spill his secret.
“No more than usual.”
“Well maybe we’ll have to work on that.” Garcia’s tone ended the discussion but not the confusion. Morgan kept tapping his thumb on the table until Reid reached up and stopped him. The feeling of their warm flesh touching sent shockwaves through both men. Now that the secret was out in the open between Morgan and one other person, the chemistry between Reid and Morgan was drastically altered, and not even Reid could ignore it.
Meanwhile…at the bar.
“Enjoying London, Hotch?” Emily asked as they waited to place their large drink order.
“So far. The murder is bringing the place down a bit though.”
“Very true.”
“How about you?”
“I am. Briseis has been so nice, letting me stay with her and everything.” Hotch nodded, trying and failing to keep the smile off of his usually stoic face. “What?” Emily pressed.
“Oh, nothing, Emily.” He turned to the bartender and ordered their drinks- beer for himself and Morgan, Scotch for Rossi and Reid, red wine for Emily, white for JJ, a cosmopolitan for Garcia and a vodka cranberry for Briseis.
“What were you talking about, Hotch? You’re not getting out of that smirk that easily,” Emily asked, pushing the subject. He narrowed his eyes at her, sizing her up as he had on the first day she showed up at the BAU office.
“Nothing, I’m just glad your living arrangements are working out. Briseis is a key part of this investigation and having one of our team with her is helpful.”
“Yeah, it is,” she said carefully, looking at him sideways. “It’s about her, isn’t it?”
“Well…yeah…”
“No, I mean it’s about ME and her. I know that it’s obvious I sort of like her, I’ve never been good at hiding those sort of things, and trust me it makes me feel like a 15 year old girl, but I’m just trying to ignore what I’m feeling right now and focus on the case. Eve though I’m currently living in her living room.”
“Emily, don’t let this job run your life. Ignoring your feelings isn’t going to help you focus on this case, trust me,” he continued. She bit her red lip and listened intently, looking at the glasses accumulating in front of her and Hotch. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Emily, you’re a great agent. Don’t let this pull you down, okay?”
“Okay,” she said with determination. He squeezed her shoulder and took back a few of the drinks, balancing them carefully. Emily took the rest and followed him. She slid in past Briseis and took a long sip of her drink.
“You okay?” Morgan asked, noticing her change in demeanor.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Alright, Em. I’m here if you need to talk.”
“And I say the same to you,” she responded. He looked confused for a moment, then glanced at Garcia who was sipping her drink and smiling at Emily. He groaned softly, realizing more than just Garcia knew about his feelings for Reid.
“I can’t believe this,” he said.
“Derek, it’s not a big deal. It’s actually wonderful. We’re not asking you to do anything about it. We’re here for you.” Emily had seamlessly slipped into the role of caring colleague, switching with Morgan.
“Thank you. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do about it.”
“Do about what?” Briseis leaned a bit towards Emily and asked. Her black hair was messily pushed behind her ears and it fell in front of Emily who restrained herself from reaching out and touching it.
“Morgan glanced behind him at Reid, who was deep in conversation with Rossi and Hotch.
“Oooh, right! Want my opinion” He nodded. He wasn’t used to getting romantic advice from anyone and he felt a bit foolish, especially because he could see Garcia out of the corner of his eye having a conversation with JJ and listening to his.
“Flirt. It’s quite obvious you know how to flirt well, and from what I can see, Reid would not be opposed to you flirting with him. I’d be willing to take a gander and say he fancies you as well.” Morgan’s eyes widened and Emily smiled at her friend.
“What?” He hissed, lowering his voice to a dangerously sensual level. Briseis threw her hands in the air.
“Just an observation!” Morgan sat back and drank his beer, leaving Emily and Briseis with each other.
“I’ve never seen Derek like that,” Emily said, turning away from him, facing Briseis.
“It’s pretty obvious he’s not used to feeling like that about people of his own gender. I remember how hard it was for me to come to terms with my first crush on a girl.”
“How old were you?”
“About…5.” Emily laughed. “What’s so funny?!” Briseis asked with a smile, pushing on Emily’s shoulder lightly.
“Nothing. So you’ve always known?”
“Yeah. My mum’s side of the family wasn’t too thrilled at first- they’re very Greek Orthodox, but my da’s side is…French. They were ecstatic.”
“That’s good.” They found themselves staring at each other. Briseis looked over Emily’s flawless pale skin, red lips, strong jaw and wavy black hair. She avoided looking at her eyes but eventually her warm, bright chocolate eyes met Emily’s dark ones. The look they shared hung in the air around them and Garcia almost squeaked when she saw the. She nudged Hotch and JJ and they looked over, enthralled by the connection shared by their coworkers.
“Woah,” JJ commented.
Hotch simply smiled. “I smell love.” A song began to play and he stood up. “Care to dance, Penelope?” She was shocked that her usually serious boss was asking her to dance. She took his hand and he led her onto the floor. JJ and Rossi looked at each other and shrugged, meeting on the dancefloor. Without any words or loss of eye contact, Briseis and Emily walked to a secluded corner. Briseis tentatively put a hand on Emily’s small silk clad waist.
“Is this…what you want?” Briseis asked Emily. She didn’t want to pressure the other woman into anything, knowing how uncomfortable straight women could be when put into a situation such as this one.
“Yes,” Emily said warmly. She let go of Briseis’ hand and brought it to the younger woman’s face, stroking her cheek. She leaned forward and their lips met in a cautious, tender sweep of movement. Never had she felt so alive as she did in that moment, when in her arms danced a woman who had made her feel the passions of Aphrodite and the heat of Apollo’s sun.
Morgan and Reid were at the table and when Morgan saw Emily and Briseis kiss he mustered up his courage and stood up in front of Reid, holding out his hand.
“Wanna dance?” Reid looked up, confused.
“Dance? Morgan, I don’t dance.”
“I’ll teach you, come on, pretty boy.” Reid as hesitant but he took Morgan’s hand and allowed himself to be pulled onto the dancefloor.
“Alright, Reid, you have to feel the music,” Morgan instructed, swaying his hips a little. Reid stood still, not sure what he meant.
“People can’t feel music, Morgan.”
“Not literally. Now stop being a doctor for a minute and try to dance!” Morgan placed his large hands on Reid’s thin waist and helped the younger man get the rhythm.
“I’m still not-“
“Shhh,” Morgan silenced Reid. Reid frowned but tried to feel it. His heart was racing and he could feel his face grow hotter the more he thought about Morgan touching him more than just on the shoulder, or during the occasional awkward hug. It was happening now and he couldn’t believe he was living and breathing it.
He found an easy rhythm with Morgan, a natural dancer, and soon lost himself, feeling Morgan draw him flush against his body.
When Garcia saw them she almost fell over.
“You alright?” Hotch asked, holding her steady. She grinned and pointed to the two men dancing.
“What is going on?!” He asked, looking from Briseis and Emily to Morgan and Reid. “Is there something in the water? Careful or I might fall in love with you, Garcia,” he joked.
“Whatever it is, I’m loving it.”
Summing up, it is clear the future holds great opportunities. It also holds pitfalls. The trick will be to avoid the pitfalls, seize the opportunities, and get back home by six o’clock. -Woody Allen
I realize now that the ending makes it seem like I'm shipping Hotch/Garcia...I'm not. Hotch just likes being a little flirty sometimes. ;]