Another plot could involve Reid going undercover in jail for a case. He might have to endure the hardships of prison life while secretly gathering information. He could make unlikely allies among the inmates who help him in his mission. This would show his adaptability and his ability to gain people's trust even in such a tough environment.
Isolation could be another challenge. Even if he has friends outside, inside jail he would be cut off from his normal support system. He would have to rely on his own mental strength to get through the loneliness. This could also affect his mental state, making it harder for him to think clearly and solve the mystery of his situation.
Maybe the fanfic focuses on Reid being wrongly fired. He then sets out on his own to prove his innocence and expose the real issues within the BAU that led to his dismissal. Along the way, he could team up with some old friends or make new allies.
In the fanfic, the focus could be on the challenges they face as a couple. Reid is a genius with a complex job, and his girlfriend being an OC (original character), she might have her own set of problems. It could show how they support each other through tough times, like when Reid is away on a long - term case and she has to deal with her own insecurities about their relationship.
A great love plot could be Reid falling in love with a victim - turned - advocate. After they meet during a case where she was a victim, Reid is impressed by her strength and determination to turn her experience into something positive. They keep in touch, and Reid helps her with some research for her advocacy work. This shared interest and her admiration for Reid's intelligence lead to a romantic relationship.
One romantic plot could involve Reid falling for a victim's sister. After helping solve the case, he stays in touch with her to make sure she's coping. They start going for walks and talking about life. Reid shares his love for books and knowledge with her. She, in turn, shows him a different side of normal life. Their relationship develops slowly as they heal from the trauma of the case together.
One possible motive could be revenge. Maybe Reid has put away a relative or someone close to the kidnapper in the past. Another motive might be related to Reid's intelligence. The kidnapper could want to use his brainpower for some illegal or self - serving scheme, like cracking a code or coming up with a complex plan.
One great fanfiction idea could be exploring Baby Reid's early signs of his genius. Maybe in the story, even as a baby, he shows an uncanny ability to notice patterns in the simplest of things around him, like the way the leaves fall from the trees in a particular order. It could also focus on how his family first reacted to his extraordinary intelligence, whether they were in awe or a bit scared at first.
One common theme is love. Their relationship was a form of love that was different from the usual romantic relationships in the show. Another theme is loss, as Maeve was taken away from Reid. In fanfic, this loss is often explored in depth, like how Reid tries to move on. Also, the theme of intellectual connection is common. They were two intelligent people who could understand each other's minds.
Often, these fanfics can be a great way to expand on the relationships within the Criminal Minds universe. When Reid is kidnapped, it could bring out different sides of his relationships with his colleagues, like the deep - rooted loyalty and friendship they have for him.
One great fanfic is 'The Bond Between Them'. It beautifully explores the relationship between Hotch and Reid. It shows how their different personalities complement each other in solving cases. Another good one is 'Unspoken Understanding' which delves deep into their unspoken connection during high - pressure investigations.