Even as he mumbles a word of thanks when Lombard helps him with his spilled groceries, Reid wishes he'd just stayed home. He doesn't want Lombard to see the words on his back, and it's not only a matter of pride. Up until now, Reid has had somewhat of an advantage in this quietly tense relationship because Lombard tends to be a bit wary of him.
It's his position with the Darrow PD that does it, he's sure, but more than that, Reid knows far more about Lombard than Lombard knows about him. While the revelation that he's a recovering addict may not serve as anything Lombard could really use to blackmail him in the future, seeing as the people who need to know already do, it's still something that can be used to manipulate him. It's still a weakness, something for Lombard to tap into, and that might be dangerous.
The smile on Lombard's face tells Reid that the other man already suspects something is off, possibly even suspects there's something to see on Reid's back, which would mean either Lombard has something or knows of people who do. Either way, Reid chastises himself for not being more cautious of who might see him while he's out.
"I'm always looking forward to getting home," Reid answers as he straightens up, trying harder to keep his voice steady. Holding the groceries in his arms is a good excuse to practice holding still, and he tilts his head slightly, his confidence and curiosity slowly returning to him. "You seemed to be in a hurry yourself, Mr. Lombard. I hope you aren't having a rough day."
It's in that moment someone decides to be extremely uncharitable and pass Reid with an accidental shoulder-check. Having put a tighter grip on the groceries, nothing falls this time but before he can catch himself, his body shifts just enough to likely allow Lombard to see the message written on his back. DRUG ADDICT, it reads perfectly clear, and Reid has to wonder whether he'd been bumped into on purpose or by accident. He hadn't gotten an apology either way.
That doesn't matter much, though, not when Reid's gaze slowly returns to meet Lombard's, and he has to fight not shudder at the wolfish grin that's waiting for him.
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It's his position with the Darrow PD that does it, he's sure, but more than that, Reid knows far more about Lombard than Lombard knows about him. While the revelation that he's a recovering addict may not serve as anything Lombard could really use to blackmail him in the future, seeing as the people who need to know already do, it's still something that can be used to manipulate him. It's still a weakness, something for Lombard to tap into, and that might be dangerous.
The smile on Lombard's face tells Reid that the other man already suspects something is off, possibly even suspects there's something to see on Reid's back, which would mean either Lombard has something or knows of people who do. Either way, Reid chastises himself for not being more cautious of who might see him while he's out.
"I'm always looking forward to getting home," Reid answers as he straightens up, trying harder to keep his voice steady. Holding the groceries in his arms is a good excuse to practice holding still, and he tilts his head slightly, his confidence and curiosity slowly returning to him. "You seemed to be in a hurry yourself, Mr. Lombard. I hope you aren't having a rough day."
It's in that moment someone decides to be extremely uncharitable and pass Reid with an accidental shoulder-check. Having put a tighter grip on the groceries, nothing falls this time but before he can catch himself, his body shifts just enough to likely allow Lombard to see the message written on his back. DRUG ADDICT, it reads perfectly clear, and Reid has to wonder whether he'd been bumped into on purpose or by accident. He hadn't gotten an apology either way.
That doesn't matter much, though, not when Reid's gaze slowly returns to meet Lombard's, and he has to fight not shudder at the wolfish grin that's waiting for him.