Retribution, A Spencer Reid/Criminal Minds Fanfic

Chapter 4. Reception in Shades of Green

Reid’s and Ana’s reception took place at a more civilized venue than the glade where they’d exchanged vows.

The guests fit comfortably into Ana’s parents’ home. And Garcia always went a little mad when the subject was food. She’d assumed the duties of catering like an avenging force determined to balance the rustic setting of the ceremony with one of extreme opulence for the reception.

Hors d’oeuvres, petit fours, and a buffet that included everything from Beef Wellington to pigs-in-a-blanket to Chicken Kiev to a twenty-four-foot-long sandwich presided over the gathering. The three bridesmaids stood together and watched with feminine tolerance as the males in the group gathered around the more basic, less frilly fare. The sandwich was popular.

“Animals.” Prentiss sipped a flute of champagne as she passed judgment on what she considered ample evidence that men occupied a lower rung on the evolutionary ladder than those not inflicted with an overabundance of testosterone.

J.J. nodded and sighed. “I’m tellin’ you, ladies: women are cake and wine; men are stale bread and beer.”

Garcia tilted her head to one side, considering the division before the buffet that ran along gender lines. “Maybe it’s just that they’re utensil-challenged. Ever notice that men gravitate toward anything they can eat that doesn’t require silverware?”

“Hmmmmm. You may be on to something.”

Prentiss considered the possibility. “I do know several who can’t seem to get the hang of silverware even when it’s not optional.”

Talk ceased, but smiles widened as their Unit Chief approached, large slice of sandwich in hand.

“Sir, you look so…so…” Garcia groped for an appropriate adjective. “…so double-oh-sevenish!”

Hotch smiled around his mouthful of cheese and sliced meats. “I don’t know about that, but you guys look beautiful. Almost didn’t recognize you when you first came out with Ana.”

Prentiss reached over and brushed some crumbs from her boss’ lapel. “Thanks, Hotch. I gotta say, though, I’d recognize you anywhere.”

Hotch sensed some verbal sparring in the offing. Pitting himself against the alpha female of the team was something he rarely got to enjoy. But considering the social setting and non-business atmosphere, he let himself pursue whatever was lurking behind Prentiss’ mischievous grin.

“Because a suit’s a suit? Even if it’s a little fancier today?”

“Noooo. Not exactly.” She repeated the crumb-dusting on his other lapel. “Nope. It’s the eyes. Can’t hide the eyes. Dead giveaway. At least, that’s what Reid’s mom says.”

“What? What’d she say?” Hotch was keenly aware of Diana Reid’s dislike.

“Something about the history of wolves dressing up. You know: as sheep, or in a flannel nightie as some poor, unsuspecting, little girl’s granny. That kind of thing. Not fooling anyone, Hotch.”

“Hmmmmm.” He made a show of licking his chops, giving his sandwich a fond look. “Really great job on the spread, Garcia.” He cast a wistful look over his shoulder at the tables groaning under their delectable, edible burden. “Just one thing missing…”

The tech analyst’s eyes widened in concern. She thought she’d covered all her bases and provided something for everyone. “Wha…what? What’s missing, Sir?”

“Meat. Raw meat. Fresh kill. Three, little pigs. That kind of thing Nothing hits the spot after a wedding quite like meat…” With a sidelong glance, her boss bared his teeth, tore into his sandwich, and wandered away, trailing barely discernible growling noises in his wake.