Title: By Association
Authour: prettychemistry
Pairing: gen
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Criminal Minds and do not own its characters.
Summary: Post-Ep scene for Profiler, Profiled.

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On the plane ride back from Chicago, Morgan sat by himself. He was acting more stoic than any of them had ever seen him, and the other agents were all giving him his space.
 
Reid got on a little late, coffee spilled down his pant leg. Flustered, he apologized for his tardiness. Then his eyes settled on Derek, alone with his headphones on.
 
Spencer didn't say anything, he just walked over and quietly sat down next to Morgan. He didn't look at him, or touch him, just…sat.
 
After a moment, Morgan looked up, and pulled off his headphones. "Reid…"
 
The genius held up a hand, fishing in his pocket. With an apologetic smile, he handed over a folded piece of paper. Morgan took it and read it. In his sister's handwriting, it said:
 
…He's stubborn, but don't let him push you away. Be his friend. Let him know he doesn't have to be strong all the time. Just try to make him feel a little happier. We feel terrible, not being able to be there for him all the time, so I thought I'd ask…
 
Derek looked up at Reid, frowning. "Desiree gave you this?"
 
Spencer nodded. Morgan sighed and sat back, letting Reid be.
 
"Oh!" Spencer sat up straighter, digging in his bag. "I was supposed to try to make you happier…"
 
"Reid…" Morgan began, warningly, but the genius cut him off, handing him, of all things, a football. Derek looked closely at it and saw that it had been signed by all the boys at the youth center. At least six of the comments just said thank you.
 
"Is this why you were late?" Derek asked softly.
 
Reid nodded. "They all had a lot to say about you. Apparently I'm cool now by association," he commented, with a self-deprecating smile.
 
"Thanks, Spencer." Derek said sincerely, his dark eyes softened. Reid smiled back, glowing.
 
Then the doctor seemed to remember something else, and he dug in his bag again, producing a small box. When Morgan opened it, he found it contained a slightly smooshed chocolate cupcake with a smiley face on top.
 
Derek laughed, and Spencer had never felt more proud of himself.
 
They sat together in a slightly happier silence for the entire flight.
 

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