Tightrope

March 2003

Blinking away the exhaustion of the day he looked around and took in his surroundings. The dream of another life moved through his memory, and he took a deep breath. Thankfully it didn’t bring about his gift which had brought about so many interesting events in his life. Getting out of bed he thought over everything that he’d been through. He took a look in his wardrobe and chose a careful outfit for the day; he had class today where the guest speaker was David Rossi.

At the age of 17, Phoenix Hadrian Potter, Nix to friends, was almost done with his studies; he was getting a degree in criminal psychology and ancient languages. He settled on a white short-sleeve top with a v-neck, over which he pulled a black hoodie with thumbholes in the sleeves, and black cargo pants with black leather motorcycle boots. He pulled his thigh length dark brown hair into a high ponytail letting his long bangs shield his face and hide his eyes. He was grateful for contacts so that no one would question the silver color of his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he fixed coffee and exited the apartment.

“Hey Potter!”

“What Winston?” Phoenix turned and looked at the man who’d called out to him. He’d heard Dudley teasing him when they ran into each other for the first time since they had been separated when Hadrian had turned 11 and was revealed to be a Fire and Spirit elemental.

“I heard that Rossi’s going to be speaking today…is that why you’re in such a rush going to see your crush?” Winston laughed and knocked against his buddy.

“Unlike you Winston I actually attend classes, so it stands to reason that because I attend classes, I’ll be at the class he is speaking in.” Phoenix raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t you need your Dom’s permission?” Winston’s friend spoke up with a sneer.

“Unlike you, Prichard, I don’t need everything done for me…” Phoenix sneered right back. He turned and gave them both his back and a single finger salute before moving off down the hall of the apartments ignoring their call for him to come back. They’d repeatedly tried to dom him but just because he was a sub and carrier didn’t mean that he’d roll over for anyone. “Might want to make sure to attend class!” He called back. “After all this one’s mandatory to get the grade…” He smirked, he TA’ed for the professor and knew the way the man did his grading.

“What?!”

“FUCK!”

Phoenix smirked into his travel mug as he moved through the campus, he had a reputation that he’d worked hard to earn after getting to the school. Everyone knew that those who were Gifted were descended from the Gods and Goddesses. Though no one could figure out how the gifts were manifested there had been studies for years, but the Gods weren’t talking. Those that desired children but struggled and couldn’t afford IVF could petition the different beings and pray that they would help. He knew from the talks that he’d had with his godfather that his parents had been such, though they had the money to get the treatment they were both descended from the Gods themselves and felt it safer to reach out. They’d been shocked when Hades and Nut both answered, Hades to his father and Hathor to his mother, a Greek and an Egyptian.

~*~Flashback~*~

“Hey kiddo…I hear you’ve got some questions for me?” Sirius asked from his hospital style bed, he’d been in the same accident that had taken his parents from him and been in a coma for the first five years of life after the loss of his parents and was now either bed bound, or wheelchair bound to get through his days. Phoenix was nine and already getting the highest possible grades and skipping grades even though his Aunt and Uncle despised him for it. “What can I tell you?”

“At school the teach is talkin about how the Gifts came about and the types there are…” Phoenix climbed onto the bed even though people always got after him for it.

“I’m following.” Sirius replied with a smile and nod.

Phoenix looked around and made sure that none of the nurses or doctors were close, Sirius had to live in a care facility even though it was hard on him since he’d always been a free spirit. He got sick easily because of the damage done by the car crash and throwing his body over Phoenix to protect him. Seeing that they were alone he took a deep breath and cupped his hands allowing a whisp of flame to form in the small bowl made.

“I was wondering when it would show up…” Sirius chuckled. “Let me guess you want to know how you came to be Gifted?”

“I can also hear those that have passed…Mum and Dad talk to me the most when things are hard at home…Hearing mom rant about Petunia and her actions make me chuckle…” Phoenix hated living with his relatives while they didn’t physically beat him, he often went hungry and was emotionally beaten down. It was only because of his parents' spirits that he didn’t hide his intelligence. “Dad is always sayin silly things to get me laughin.”

Sirius gave a sad smile at the thought of that, James had done the same with him in all the years they had together before they were killed by a drunk semi-driver on the way to drop Sirius off after a Halloween party, Sirius had been drugged by an ‘admirer’ who wanted the Earl Black’s money and title. James and Lily took the brunt of the frontal impact while Sirius was in the back with little Phoenix and upon realizing what was happening covered the little form as best he could.

“Dad said to ask you about it all…” Phoenix looked at his godfather with sadness in his eyes.

“Your dad was a descendant of Ares; he was a great warrior…gifted with Air, wind…” Sirius gave a quiet chuckle. “He was a sharpshooter for the Yard, one of the best on the Police force…it goes back five generations between the assistance of Ares and the birth of your father. Each of the line had been in military or police since, that doesn’t mean you have to be…” He made sure to look at Phoenix carefully as he stressed that, he knew that his little bird was a gentle soul for the most part likely a sub like his mother.

“They don’t let Carriers hold a position anyway…” Phoenix blushed as he said that. “The school did a test…I was able to make sure they didn’t inform the Dursley’s…you know what Uncle thinks of those with that gene…”

“I do oisillon (little bird)…” Sirius brushed his hand through Phoenix’s hair. “Anyway…your mother, a fierce firecracker of a woman, she was gifted as well though hers was earth. Her family was related to Isis, I think from what she told us it was seven generations back that the goddess assisted in the birth of the first child…” Sirius closed his eyes attempting to remember. “She’d always been close to the Egyptian gods and goddesses though it was only in the shape of her eyes that one could see the relation to the country…” He chuckled. “When they were having trouble conceiving, they reached out in prayer before even going through Invitro…Imagine their surprise when they were answered not by one but by two!” He shook his head. “Hathor answered your mother’s pleas, while Hades himself answered your father’s.” He looked at Phoenix. “Hades came to your father’s dreams and spoke of a champion of death that needed a new chance…a new life…Hathor spoke to your mother of a child that needed to know the joy of love that had loved her realm of sky…They asked your parents if they were willing to give you a chance…and both were overcome knowing it was right. Both the god and goddess then assisted in the conceiving of you…”

“That’s why…I’m descended from Hades and Hathor…Earth and Spirit…but why then…”

“Why are you fire and spirit?” Sirius said gently. “Because of your father being wind and your mother Earth, fire is the mid-ground of both…with lightning…” Sirius stroke the lightning strike scar on Phoenix’s face where glass had sliced in the crash. “And Spirit being the halfway between both…I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re able to someday achieve Lightning though I’m sure that you’re mainly Fire…”

“There’s no one who can control THREE!” Phoenix whined in the back of his throat as he curled up against Sirius.

“Where’s Tunie?” Sirius asked finally looking toward the door.

“Prob at home…I took the bus after school…” Phoenix sighed as he snuggled into his godfather more. “I’ve been grounded for somethin Dud did again…”

“Oisillon…I’m sorry…” Sirius sighed as he held his little godson, he was smaller than others his age. “I wish I could help you…”

“It’s not your fault that dad forgot to file their will and it was lost…” Phoenix sighed as he turned his head into his godfather’s side. “It’s not your fault that you can’t take care of me…”

“I’d do so in an instant if I could…” Sirius sighed before letting out a cough that showed why he was in the hospital again.

“When’s Rem coming?” Phoenix drew attention away from his life.

“When his chemo’s done…he’ll have to sneak in again…” Sirius chuckled lightly at the memory of how pissed his soulmate would get at being kept from him even though his cancer had come out of remission.

“I’m scared Siri…” Phoenix whispered into Sirius’s shirt.

“Of what oisillon?” Sirius asked softly.

“Of losin you and Rem…” Phoenix sighed into the air.

“We’re not gonna be going anytime soon.” Sirius replied as he just held his godson.

~*~End Flashback~*~

Phoenix shook himself out of the memory of when he talked over the way he received his gifts, he’d had plastic surgery over the summer after he was emancipated at 15 due to the conditions that were found he was living in when at home. The scar that had marred his forehead from that horrid crash was gone but so were his godfather and his soulmate. Sirius had passed away due to illness and complications from the paralysis he dealt with since that fateful night that took his parents. Remus hadn’t lasted long past having lost the will to fight against the illness that had plagued him for most of his life. Sirius and Remus had both left him everything in their names along with the money from his parents that he’d gotten control of upon his emancipation he’d moved to the states and gotten citizenship. Because of his intelligence he’d graduated with honors at 14, the last time he’d seen Sirius and Remus had been his high school graduation where they were the only ones that had come to cheer for him as he crossed the stage.

“Penny for your thoughts Nix.” A fellow student stepped up beside him as they entered the lecture hall, it was unclear if they were male or female from the androgynous look, they had to their face even though they were dressed in a flowing poets top and fitted skinny jeans tucked into knee high riding boots with the lightest heel. Their hair was kept short and was almost white it was so blonde, there were two earrings in one ear and their almond shaped eyes were a brown that reminded Phoenix of well-tended earth.

“Hey Mor…” Phoenix sighed out as he glanced to the side and took in the way his friend was dressed that day. “Making a statement?”

“Testing the waters…” Mor, descendant of Aphrodite and earth gifted, smirked as they looked toward the front of the class where the Professor was talking to an older gentleman who was dressed in a well-fitting suit. “it’s said he helped to eliminate the prejudice practices of the bureau, but does he truly live by them? There’s rumor his son had a carrier gene before he died…No one knows why he died…” Mor shrugged in response as he looked at the man in the front.

“He wasn’t even home when the kid passed Mor…Everyone knows that…the kid didn’t even live a day” Phoenix shook his head in disbelief before moving to his seat. “His son was the reason he worked so hard to get the prejudice actions disbanded in the bureau…”

“But why did he retire just after achieving what he wanted?” Mor asked as he sat.

“Maybe he’s gifted as well, and it just got to him?” Phoenix shrugged. “How’m I supposed to know?”

“Well, you know so much about him…”

“Mor stop…The way you’re talking is just wrong…and I know what is out there for public knowledge released by his publisher and the bureau.” Phoenix snarled looking at his friend.

Mor just raised their hands in defense before pulling their things out of their bag and placing them on the small fold over desk that every seat had in the lecture hall. Nix sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose to fight of the migraine he was developing.

“Look…don’t make judgements because of the assholes that judge you. That helps them win their case. You know better, I know better, fuck everyone that is like us knows better. Just because we’re carriers doesn’t mean that we need to ‘test the waters’…They accept us, or they don’t. The world’s changin just let it.” Nix snarled out before standing and going to approach the professor from his seat in the front. “Excuse me, Professor Michaelson?”

“Yes Mr. Potter?” Robert Michaelson was annoyed at being interrupted in his conversation even if it was by his teacher's aide though it wasn’t one that he’d chosen for himself. “What do you need this time?”

“Nothing sir…just wanted to remind you that the dean will be sitting in on the lecture today and will be taking note of who’s here and not.” Phoenix said respectfully though he was smirking inwardly, he’d been in charge of taking roll along with the professor and the director was getting curious as to why some students were listed as absent on one but not the other. They’d been seeing trends on who was reported and who wasn’t. “He also will be sitting in for the rest of the week…you asked me to remind you.”

“Of course…do your job and get me some coffee.” Michaelson waved his hand in dismissal.

“Sorry sir, but it’s time to start the lecture…” Phoenix gestured at the clock that showed it was time to start as the last of the students trickled in, including the Dean of the department.

“Very well…take your seat and check attendance…” Michaelson sneered waving his hand again before turning back to Agent Rossi. “I apologize for the interruption Agent Rossi…my TA doesn’t have the best manners. He’s a meek freak…that plays at being a male…he doesn’t take orders as well as he should…”

“I saw something completely different Dr. Michaelson.” Rossi was watching the man with a knowing look in his eyes. “As it is that is neither here nor there.” Rossi smirked before moving to the lectern. “I believe that it is time for things to begin?”

“Of course…Attention class!” Michaelson stepped up to the podium and called for attention, something that was hard for him to achieve since so many were arguing about their spots and if they were going to be able to get Agent Rossi to sign their books. “I SAID ATTENTION CLASS!”

Finally, silence fell over the hall, though there was some snickering occurring in the back where the more dominate ‘Alpha’ males and females liked to sit. The Dean watched with a raised eyebrow, he’d been sitting near the front and close enough to hear the way that Michaelson spoke to and about his TA, never mind that the kid had the best grades and was the youngest to be going for his Doctorate already.

“Former Special Agent David Rossi was kind enough to join us today. He’s been part of a department of the FBI that focuses on catching the most dangerous of mundane criminals out there. There is another department within the one he was working on that focuses on the…abnormal of society.” Michaelson sneered at those that he knew were Gifted as he said the abnormal phrase. “He will be discussing how the division works and what they did to come to figure out how to make profiles…”

Phoenix looked over the class and smirked when he saw that most of the empty seats were those that were favored by the Professor for being Doms, norms, and/or mundanes. He made sure that he marked everyone that was gone properly and sent it before anything more could be done, he didn’t want the Professor to attempt to change it again like he’d caught him doing a few times. He had his laptop out and was typing up the lecture knowing that the Professor would be furious if he missed the slightest note after all it was what he used to send it on to those that missed the class and would need it to pass. He also made sure that the Dean had the test results and copies of the different tests sent through, it was clear that the results were skewed since those that registered as doms, norms, or mundanes were graded in a curve that favored them and any that were abnorms according to the professor or subs were graded with a harshness that was horrid.

“Mr. Potter…go and get Agent Rossi and I the lunch you were supposed to order for us.” Michaelson said after the lecture was released and they were preparing for the next one.

“Belay that order Mr. Potter.” Dean Richardson stepped forward with a sneer for the Doctor. “Dr. Michaelson gather your things.”

“What?!” Michaelson sputtered in shock looking from Phoenix and back to the Dean. “You little bitch what have you done!” He snarled facing Phoenix his eyes flashing.

“I simply did what the Dean requested. Agent Rossi…” Phoenix nodded in acknowledgement to the guest. “I apologize for having this occur during your visit. Dr. Michaelson had several complaints through the years over the treatment and discrimination against those who didn’t fit his ‘normal’ point of view. Anyone Gifted, Submissives that were outspoken, or those that didn’t fit with ‘normal’ gender ideals were considered abnormal. Dean Richardson took over this year for the department after the former dean was found guilty of blackmail and discrimination of those of a similar standard as Dr. Michaelson, as well as other charges. Dean Richardson knew I’ve been working toward my doctorate in criminal psychology as well as other areas. He approached me to TA this class and keep record along with making sure that the test grades actually reflected the knowledge. I had the records of all that had been done for the students and the way he’d swing the grades. This lecture was the final straw…”

“Dr. Michaelson you are relieved of your position as a professor of this institution you will remove your things and go. And you will NOT be getting a recommendation from us. We’ll also be posting the information that was discovered so that those who are looking into you will find the information of your abhorrent beliefs.” Richardson sneered at the sputtering man who was snarling toward the one who’d helped him figure out how to trap him. After all he was expected to take detailed precise notes for those that missed the class. It was only his fault that he never double checked who was getting copied on the emails of those notes. “This institution is cracking down on the behaviors and beliefs of ones such as yourself and the former dean of this department. It is not acceptable especially with the way the world is changing.” He sneered at the man before looking to the door. “Security is here to help you gather your things and make sure you leave without accosting anyone. Your security codes and passwords are being changed as we speak. From this point forward you are no longer a tenured professor of this institution.” Richardson looked at Rossi. “I apologize for doing this while you are visiting and would like to ask you to come back at another time. The rest of this man’s classes for the day are canceled.”

“Of course.” Rossi nodded looking between them all before looking at the man that was being escorted out of the building. “It is likely that he will do something…this is a common stress point for those that deal with a break.”

“Security will be alerted and those that would most likely face him will be as well.” Richardson nodded before leaving the room to Michaelson’s office.

“I’d like to see him try and do something.” Phoenix smirked letting his flame gift shine in his eyes. “Oh, and I’d have your friends at the bureau look into his past…” He looked over to the side where there was no one they could see standing. “His wife and child didn’t pass from a car accident…”

Rossi startled before looking between Mr. Potter and the area he was staring.

“You’re certain of this?” Rossi asked carefully.

“Yes…” Phoenix turned back to him and blinked carefully. “Very.”

“I’ll let them know…” Rossi agreed before he nodded to the young man and gathered his things to leave.

Richardson returned to the lecture hall from the Michaelson’s former office as the security led him past and out of the room completely. He stood watching and looked at Mr. Potter who was still gathering things up and making sure that the computer and such were completely shut down so no one could slip in and do something.

“I’m sure Dean Richardson that what I provided you with will make it so that my thesis is not ignored again?” Phoenix turned to the dean and raised a sculpted eyebrow. For the only reason that he assisted with what was going on was due to the man blackmailing him into helping, in that he was no better than the asshole he replaced. “I wouldn’t think this institute would like the knowledge that there was even more corruption within the department after all…” He stepped forward and leaned into the man’s space, at 5’8 he towered over the petite 5’2 man. “Dominants aren’t the only ones that can play the game…remember sir…” He sneered the word out. “There are those who can find any secret.” He straightened and moved to gather his things before leaving.

“NIX!” Mor cried out from where they were leaning against the hall opposite the lecture hall door waiting for him. “What happened? I just saw Dr. Michaelson being escorted out!”

“Dr. Michaelson is no longer a professor of this institution…” Richardson said as he followed the sub out of the hall. “That is all that you need to know.”

Phoenix simply turned and raised an eyebrow and let his eyes go cloudy with his spirit gift before smirking and turning back to Mor. “Come along Mor…let’s go get something to eat. I’m buying.”

September 2005 – Washington, D.C.

Phoenix stood outside of his apartment on his balcony and looked out over the capital of the US. He’d been a Doctor of Criminal Psychology and Ancient Languages for eight months, after defending his thesis and dodging the attempts by Dr. Michaelson’s sabotage and death threats. He was working at the Smithsonian and the National Archives as a translator. He looked down at his right arm where there was a sprawl of writing that had led to him studying languages, he’d discovered that it was Latin and translated it, but he’d never been able to find the one that said it. After all he’d heard several people call him handsome through the years and having ‘Bene, salve pulcher...’ (well, hello handsome…) is not that unique of a phrase. He knew that the words one's soulmate would say to them were always written in the main language that the person felt was their own. He’d been working with different departments and branches but still he didn’t know what to do.

“Hey Nix…” Mor called from inside the apartment, his former classmate was now his roommate for some reason he’d yet to figure out.

“What Mor?” Nix was tired and wary.

“So, a group of us are goin to the club later…I told them you’d be comin.” Mor smirked as they sauntered forward.

“No…” Nix turned and crossed his arms to look at the one who reminded him of the ‘Malfoy’ from his dreams. “I’m not goin pure and simple. Any time I end up goin to the club I end up payin for damages. You know I don’t drink…” All he can think about around alcohol is how he had learned to hide when Uncle Vernon was drunk.

“Come on you’ve been workin non-stop since you got the position.” Mor whined as they walked forward their skirt they were wearing that day flowing around their ankles. “Ya need a break. Come on…” Mor reach forward and started pulling.

“Mor ENOUGH!” Nix let a little heat flow through his skin and knock his ‘friend’ away slightly. “I’m tired. I’ve not had a full night's sleep since I graduated. I’m workin my ass off and payin for everything here…I’m done. I’m not bein your cash cow anymore.”

“It’s not like you're not good for it.” Mor sneered as they looked at Nix finally dropping the act since Nix was.

“Enough…the money that you enjoy getting me to spend it's blood money. It’s money I’ve gotten from my parents and godparents DYING. I’m done…I was goin to tell you tomorrow after I got a night sleep, but I’ve changed the lease for here into your name and I’ve gotten everything from cable to internet everything in your name. You are the one paying. I’m done, I’m leavin. I’ve found a new apartment.” He shook his head and moved back into his room glaring at the mess that was a sign of Mor having gone through his things. “Bring me EVERYTHING you’ve ‘borrowed’ from me…If I find anything missing, I’ll report you for theft.” He looked at Mor.

“You wouldn’t dare…” Mor sneered back standing with their hands on their hips.

Phoenix just raised an eyebrow in a way to asking for him to test him. He was tired of being used. “I know your methods…I’m done lettin you gaslight me. I’m done Mor…”

Mor sneered before moving out of the bedroom with a sniff and full of attitude. Phoenix just sighed, he’d been planning on moving tomorrow while Mor was at work, though he had no idea what he did for work and didn’t want to know instead he was going to be having to pack up tonight. Thankfully there was little that he was too attached to. He was pissed though when he looked at his nightstand and saw that the photos had been defaced and his mother’s jewelry box missing. He bit back the flames that he wanted to release in frustration and anger over what had been done to him.

December 2006 – Quantico, Virginia

Three months after confronting Mor and moving out, Phoenix looked with his arms crossed as the bastard attempted to get in his new apartment.

“I’ve already called the police.” Phoenix sighed as he looked at his former friend. “I blocked you for a reason.”

“Come on Nix…you know that you don’t mean this…” Mor attempted to force their way into the apartment. “Because of you I’m out of a place to live…”

“I do mean this. I’m sick of this Mor. I thought that you were truly a friend, but I found the messages between my aunt and you as I was gathering up my shit from your room. I’m sick of them attempting to interfere with my life and force their way into my accounts. The money they promised you doesn’t even belong to them. They’re broke and facing the fact that they’re going to be evicted from their home. And I’ve had nothing to do with it. They did everything to themselves, just like you did. I left everything in your name so that the lease wasn’t broken if you’re out of a home it’s because YOU didn’t deal with anything.” Phoenix stepped forward until he towered over the idiot before him. “You were told to return everything…you damaged my most priceless possessions and kept that which does not belong to you.” He reached out and grasped a necklace that was on Mor removing it with a sharp yank. “I’ve documentation of everything you’ve done…and it has been turned over to the proper authorities. You’re a bastard and I don’t know how I was ever convinced you were a friend.” He turned away not giving them another moment of his time only to gasp as he heard a bang and felt a blinding pain flow through him.

“I was promised the money even if you had to die to get it.” Mor smirked a thick Welsh accent coming through finally, standing over the fallen Fire gifted. “Seems fitting…after all…your father put my father in the ground.” Mor crouched beside Phoenix. “Let’s see if you can be reborn from this…” They sneered before looking up in shock at the sound of a gun cocking to the side.

“Put down the weapon and put your hands in the air.” A tall thin rumpled professor looking man said from the entrance to the apartment across the hall from Phoenix. On his belt was a badge showing FBI and it was clear that the gun in hand was well cared for and used.

Other officers were running down the hall with their own weapons drawn and held down at the ready. Mor sneered at the officers and the one across the hall before bringing his own weapon up and firing. It was the act of a single moment and then he was dead in suicide by cop. While Phoenix lay on the ground his mother’s diamond lily pendant that had been a gift upon his birth from his father clutched in his hand staring at the ceiling and struggling to breathe through the pain of being shot in the back.

“Easy…” The Agent from across the hall called out as he kicked the gun away from the one who’d shot him even though the bastard was dead. “Easy there…Paramedics are on their way…” He knelt beside Phoenix keeping a hand on his shoulder, putting pressure on the exit wound, and grounding him in the here and now.

“I can’t believe Mor actually shot me…” Phoenix snarled his fire dancing in his veins as he looked at the ceiling, he’d twisted to land on his back after feeling the bullet hit. “I guess I should be glad that they were a lousy shot…”

The Agent beside him bit out a laugh at the grumbles. “That’s a good thing I guess…”

Phoenix was just glad because instead of hitting him on the left and getting his heart he’d been shot in the right side, and it went through the shoulder instead of the lung.

“Not the way I was expecting to introduce myself…I’m Spencer Reid.” The officer smirked looking down at the man who’d moved in across from him just a few months ago that he’d seen in passing when he was dealing with breaks between cases.

“Phoenix…though most just call me Nix…” Phoenix smirked on his own blinking as he started to feel woozy. “How much longer?”

“They’re just comin in now…” Spencer looked up briefly before looking back down.

“Good…” Phoenix sighed. “Mor didn’t hit anyone else, did they?”

“No, their last shot missed.” Spencer shook his head. “They won’t be messing with anyone anymore.”

“Good…Can you do me a favor…” Phoenix moved his head slightly as he looked at the man beside him carefully.

“Depends on the favor.” Spencer shrugged.

“Place this in my bedroom and get my phone and wallet?” Phoenix passed over the necklace that he’d pulled from his former friend.

“Of course…” Spencer waited until the EMTs were right beside him and taking over keeping pressure on the bleeding wound before he stood and moved to enter the apartment, it was clear he’d done little but move in and work since he’d arrived. Reid went to the bedroom; it was set up very similar in style to his own and placed the necklace in the top drawer of the dresser before grabbing the wallet, taking a quick look at the information on the id, and phone from the small table by the front door. Stepping out he watched as they loaded Phoenix on the stretcher. “Names Phoenix Potter…” He held the wallet and phone out to the EMT tending to Phoenix so that he could hold on to it.

“We’ve got it from here.” The lead EMT nodded in response before they were wheeling Phoenix away.

Spencer watched as his neighbor was wheeled away before looking at the officers that were dealing with the body of the one who’d done the shooting in the first place. With a sigh he entered his own apartment and picked up his phone as it started ringing.

“Hey Garcia…yeah there was a bit of a thing that happened…” Spencer spoke into the phone before stepping out. “It’s the local PD’s case so don’t worry I’ll be at work in the morning…but hey I finally got to meet my neighbor…just not in the way I’d have liked…yeah…I’ll be there in thirty.” He hung up and spoke with the IC giving them his card and access to his security video that no one at the office knew he had. He then went and changed before leaving to drive over to Garcia’s apartment and let himself in and dropped onto the couch.

“So that was an interesting introduction to my handsome neighbor…” Spencer sighed as he sat on the couch leaning against the analyst.

“Tell me what happened baby genius.” Penny said with a soft look.

“Where to begin…” Spencer sighed before he dove into telling Penny everything that had happened, all he could think of as he spoke was how he’d been in shock over everything that was going on. “I need to talk to Hotch and Gideon…I’m not going to be able to go on the cases for a bit while this is taken care of. Even though I wasn’t the one to fire the kill shot it was still…”

“We’ll let them know.” Penny smiled gently as she leaned against her baby genius.