(I also post on ao3 under @maro4587)
The team is seated around the round table, files open, coffee steaming.
A strange energy is in the air ….not quite tension, but curiosity.
Morgan leans back in his chair, arms crossed. “Alright, Reid. You’ve been twitchy all morning. What’s going on?”
Reid, seated next to Prentiss and pretending to read a report, glances up over his glasses.
“I’m not twitchy,” he says defensively, blinking faster than usual. “I’m just… anticipating.”
“Anticipating what?” Rossi asks, half-smiling. “Another trivia showdown? New book out?”
“No,” Reid mumbles, straightening the folders compulsively. “My brother’s coming to visit.”
“Your what?!” multiple voices chime in unison.
“You have a brother?” JJ blinks.
“You never said anything,” Emily adds, stunned.
Hotch just raises an eyebrow. “You’ve worked here for over a decade, Reid.”
Reid looks mildly panicked. “Well, it’s not like he’s around often! He’s… different. We’re not that close…sure we are twins but . I mean…..we are, but not in a conventional way. He’s… artistic.”
Before anyone can ask more, the bullpen suddenly gets louder.
Garcia peeks in from the hallway, practically glowing with excitement.
“You guys,” she hisses theatrically. “There’s a hipster wizard clone of spencer in the lobby asking for our Doctor Reid.”
Spencer gets up quickly, adjusting his cardigan.“That’s him,” he says under his breath.
The team emerges to see the man standing by the elevator , looking around the place.
Reid clears his throat.“Matthew.”
The man turns. And it’s like looking at an alternate universe version of Reid…slightly taller…Looser… More confident. His grin is crooked but warm.
“Spence!” he exclaims, pulling him into a hug.
“Oh my god,” Garcia whispers. “He’s you. But like… you if you were in an indie band and drank mushroom tea.”
The man pulls back and looks at the others.
“You must be the famous BAU team.” His voice is soft and smooth, like someone who paints under candlelight. “I’m Matthew. Spencer’s brother. Artist. Dreamer. Unwilling taxpayer.”
Rossi steps forward, shaking his hand. “David Rossi. I’ve heard nothing about you, which is impressive.”
Matthew shrugs. “I’m elusive.”
Emily tilts her head. “So… are you actually brothers?”
Reid frowns. “Yes? Why does no one believe me?”
Morgan chuckles. “Because you never said anything. At all.”
Matthew wraps an arm around Reid’s shoulders, clearly proud. “You never told them about me? The time I taught you how to skateboard? Or when we got stuck in that library overnight during a storm?”
“Because,” Reid mutters, “it always ends with you trying to turn it into a performance act.”
“I am an experience,” Matthew agrees solemnly.
Jack Hotchner, who was to be visiting the office ,school holidays having just started, peers around the corner and stares.
“Uncle Spencer?” he says slowly. “Why is there another you?”
Matthew turns, crouching down to Jack’s level. “Because the universe can’t contain this much brilliance in one form. What’s your name, traveler?”
Jack giggles. “Im Jack. You talk funny.”
“I do,” Matthew grins. “But only on Thursdays.”
Hotch, watching from a few feet away, finally smiles. It’s small but genuine.
“Well,” he says, “welcome to the BAU, Matthew You’re already making an impression.”
“Just visiting,” he promises, nudging Reid. “Don’t worry. I’ll be gone before I’m accidentally recruited.”
Spencer looks mildly horrified. “You wouldn’t pass the background check.”
As the team disperses back to work, amused and intrigued, Matt follows Reid toward the break room.
“So… how many of your friends here know you cried during E.T.?” he teases.
“Everyone cries during E.T.!” Reid argues.
Behind them, the team exchanges grins.
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