Title: Puppy Love
By: carinascott
Rating: FRK
Fandom: Criminal Minds
Genre: Slash
Pairing: Reid/Morgan
Summary: Reid gets Morgan a gift.
Author's note: written for a prompt over at comment_fic

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Morgan looks at his lover, noticing the way Reid fidgets slightly as he attempts to hold the wriggling bundle in his hands.

"You got me a puppy?"

"Yes. But if you don't want him, I'll keep him at my place until I find another owner."

"Why?"

"Because, as you can see, I have no idea what to do with a puppy. And if this little guy was forced to live with me for more than a few days, I don't think he'd make it. Haven't you seen my fern?"

Smiling, Morgan shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I mean, why did you buy me a puppy?"

"Oh." Reid looked away, long hair partially hiding his face from view before he focused his eyes on the energetic puppy in his arms. "When I saw him, he reminded me of Clooney. I know nothing can replace Clooney, and I wouldn't dream of trying to find a puppy that could. I know how much he meant to you, Derek. I do. But - well I thought, I hoped, that maybe raising this little guy would fill the void a bit. I hope its okay."

Wondering, not for the first time, how he ended up with a man as wonderful as Spencer Reid, Derek smiles brightly at his lover. Gently taking the puppy from Spencer's arms, he cradles the animal against his chest, petting the puppy softly. Leaning over, he places a lingering kiss on Reid's lips. "It's more than okay, Spencer. Thank you."

Stepping back, Derek looks down at the puppy in his arms, "Hi there, little guy."

Reid smiles as the puppy licks Derek's face. Derek doesn't seem to mind too much though, laughing loudly as he pets the dogs fur. He hasn't really laughed like that since before Clooney died.

Still focused on the puppy, Derek speaks softly to him, "So what should we name you, little buddy? Hmm?. How about Clooney Jr.? You look a bit like him, and you definitely have that same energy. But I think that's too much of a name for a little dog like you. How about CJ?" The dog yips eagerly and licks Morgan on the nose. "CJ it is, then. Now let's see about finding you a place to sleep. I think I still have a few things left over from Clooney's puppy days."

Reid watches his lover walk down the hall with his small charge, happy to see some of the shadows have left his lover's eyes. Clooney had been a big part of Derek's life for many years, and until Reid came along, the dog had been Morgan's only constant companion. Spencer knew nothing and no one could replace Clooney. But maybe CJ could help heal some of the pain that still lingered since Clooney's passing.

Whistling softly to himself, Reid followed Derek and CJ down the hall.

And maybe he could help heal the rest.

END

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