Title: Twenty-Four
By: Rini1031
Pairing: pre-slash Gideon/Reid
Rating: PG-13
Permissonto archive: Yes
Fandom: Criminal Minds
Genre: Preslash
Disclaimer: Not mine, CBS owns them.
Summary: During Plain Sight Gideon reflects on Spencer and their slowly progressing relationship. Prequel to The Game.

***

Twenty-four years of a young genius's life were represented by the twenty-four candles placed neatly on the cake. He had been touched by the gesture; he's still so young, so innocent. He hasn't been tainted by the horrors of life yet.

That's not saying that he hasn't seen his fair share of the darkness that covers the world of men. He just remains untouched by that said evil. He still has a, hopefully, long life ahead of him; I'm sure that he'll eventually be touched in some way or another. We all are.

He's standing there quietly, surprised by all the fuss made over him. Doesn't he realize that we all adore him? Apparently not by his discomfort. It's suddenly obvious that he didn't even realize that we knew that it was his birthday today, let alone the impromptu party set up for him here.

They lead him to the cake and presents. Sing the traditional songs and give him that over fluffed birthday hat. Then he is told to make a wish and blow out the candles. They laugh as he takes another deep breath and another, stubbornly fighting with the resilient sparklers that can never be blown out. He colors when he realizes that he had been tricked, in good-humored fun of course.

Then he glances over in this direction. His eyes are full of joy and devotion. Devotion to the bureau, the team, me. Once he realizes that I'm watching him, that I've constantly been watching him, his eyes slowly begin to change. Devotion changes to affection, affection changes to desire, love?

No, never love. He's too young to feel love for anyone at twenty-four.

It must be a reflection my own longing staring back at me.

***