“He who returns from a journey is not the same as he who left.” ~Chinese Proverb
Summary: The events leading to the capture of Chloe Kelcher and the subsequent healing of Aaron Hotchner from hyperacusis. Two men find solace in a road trip of understandings, newly discovered interest and unrequited love that no longer stands a chance.
Review: This story has owned me since the first time I read it, and trust me there have been many times I have enjoyed it since the first. Lady Angel perfectly captures the inner-speak of a stronger, driven, yet canon, Spencer Reid. One that knows he must be the stronger partner to one Aaron Hotchner who is watching his world slowly falling down around him. Currently, he is battling hyperacusis from the explosion in Lo-Fi and, though warned by his doctors, refuses to take care of himself. During The Angel Maker case in Lower Canaan, Ohio, in which the team is tracking a copy-cat serial killer, Hotch is forced into a vulnerable situation that opens the door to emotions he thought he had quietly locked away.
Reid did the only thing he could think of: he wrapped his own meagerly slim hands around both of Hotchner’s ears, pulling the older man into the curve of his throat and shoulder, putting more barriers between the exacerbating noise and Hotchner’s injured eardrums. Reid held perfectly still as Hotchner latched onto him, one hand still pressed against his other ear, his free arm wrapped almost fully around Reid’s waist. He wrapped his own arms around his boss, cocooning Hotchner’s head, ignoring how much he liked the hard, warm strength pressed all along his front. They stayed in that protective embrace until the machines powered down.
Reid wouldn’t have minded staying in Hotchner’s arms for a little bit longer, but reluctantly let him go. “Are you okay?”
Hotchner lifted his head, but their faces, their mouths, were only millimeters apart. Those incredibly dark eyes stared down into his, shining with something more than gratitude. “Thank you.”
Reid wouldn’t have minded staying in Hotchner’s arms for a little bit longer, but reluctantly let him go. “Are you okay?”
Hotchner lifted his head, but their faces, their mouths, were only millimeters apart. Those incredibly dark eyes stared down into his, shining with something more than gratitude. “Thank you.”
The story continues as the episode to find Chloe Kelcher and her angel making ways. However, in Lady Angel’s version, when the sheriff’s gun sounds off, it is Reid who immediately takes to Aaron’s side, protecting his ears once more. It is written in such a lovely way that it is almost erotic to read how Spencer takes such care to hold Aaron and touch him to keep him safe.
And this is where the real enchantment begins…
Hotchner smiled warmly; Reid returned it hesitantly, nervously tucking his hair behind his ears. Before he could ask if Hotchner was tired, Hotchner asked if he wanted to go for a walk. Reid nearly wilted in relief, eagerly nodding. The surrounding area was lush, the air pleasantly cool. They walked in comfortable silence, neither wanting to break the peace. Reid couldn’t help himself, darting quick glances at Hotchner even as he studied his surroundings, categorizing flora and fauna. The other man was content with being studied, catching Reid’s eyes more than once, simply smiling. Reid had always thought Hotchner was attractive, dark and intense in a way that made absolute sense to Reid’s mind, even when Hotchner was openly laughing, openly happy. He was more at peace now, more so than the previous months, not as much as when Reid first met him. He wondered if there was anything that could bring back that peace to Hotchner’s chocolate sad eyes.
As the story progresses, both men learn so much about each other intellectually as well as physically. (Yes, this story is rated NC-17 for a reason.) Again, Spencer and Aaron are both damaged people who have abandonment/trust issues, and this beautiful story plays into both perfectly—entwining a need for a companion and a lover into the obvious person for each hurting gentleman. Aaron realizes he must become the pursuer, but still show that they are equals. This relationship starting story has got to be one of my favorites.
Eyes closed, every other sense engaged, Reid immersed himself in this, in Hotchner. Smelled the expensive cologne Hotchner always wore and made Reid crazy with the need to be closer. Felt the beating of their hearts slowly synchronizing, the heat of solid muscles enclosing him in safety and want. Heard the hitches of air, the gasps of gentle pleasure, and the murmurings of affection from them both. On and on the slow simmer of arousal rose, never enough to overwhelm, only enough to leave a sweet and lasting impression.
Hotchner eased them back down, arousal taming into gentle intimacy, kisses became a sweet embrace, leaving the feeling of contentment, hope.
Hotchner eased them back down, arousal taming into gentle intimacy, kisses became a sweet embrace, leaving the feeling of contentment, hope.
I was engaged at hello, and you will be, too. The intimate scenes are so amazingly beautiful, you'll feel yourself pulled in and become part of the scene--almost in a voyeuristic way. The words sing across the screen as you witness Spencer being taken for the first time by Aaron in a loving, honoring and decadent manner. It will surprise and excite you and leave you panting for more. Yet, it will leave you with a heart filled with hope and longing for these two to be able to pull off a functional, positive relationship.
Wakefulness was slow in coming to Reid that the morning. His body was so sleep heavy, sex sated, he couldn’t, didn’t want to, move. But he felt eyes on him, a stare moving the length of his body, leaving heat in its wake. He blinked, barely opening his eyes, to see his dark lover sitting against the bed’s footboard, absently touching himself, eyes never leaving the curve of Reid’s back, the arch of his ass barely covered by the white sheets.
Hotchner smiled darkly when he saw Reid’s opened eyes. He prowled up to him, nuzzling his hair, nipping at his ear. “I was right,” he breathed, “you are gorgeous, bared to the morning light.”
Hotchner smiled darkly when he saw Reid’s opened eyes. He prowled up to him, nuzzling his hair, nipping at his ear. “I was right,” he breathed, “you are gorgeous, bared to the morning light.”
Enjoy your Saturday and I'll leave you with Aaron's final quote from Khalil Gilbran:
“A traveler am I, and a navigator, and every day I discover a new region within my soul.”
I just read this last night for the first time when I overheard you twittering about it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more! I was drawn in at once by its tenderness and warmth. Such a beautiful, beautiful piece of writing.
Thanks for sharing this!