Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can. - Henry Drummond

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 Jason Brendan Reid smiled as he sat on the bench waiting for his next assignment, reminiscing as had become a habit for him now after all of the different realities he'd visited and altered.

The universe was an endless expanse of a thing and when he'd first started this mission after hugging and kissing her mother goodbye where she sat seated on the bathroom floor after her own experience with the multi-verse, he'd wondered how he would ever begin to work his way through all of the different realities. Then he'd realized that since the multi-verse was a place where everything that could happen, did happen, he wouldn't need to visit every reality. He could exclude the realities where his parents, JJ and Spencer, were already together and he could exclude the realities where they'd never been born or didn't exist. The only universes he needed to worry about visiting were the ones that needed correcting, the universes where his parents were unhappy and suffering separately, the universes where they hadn't met yet or were at risk of missing their opportunity to meet, the universes where it looked like perhaps their chance might have passed them by. Those were the places that he could put things in motion and set his parents on the right course.

Jason snickered at the thought. "I'm sure my sisters are laughing somewhere that this project essentially boils down to me being a multi-verse matchmaker for our parents." He said to himself with a shake of his head. Then he relaxed back against the bench and thought of all the times he's set his parents up, whether they knew it or not.

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For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest words are these: "It might have been." - John Greenleaf Whittier

 

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Jason smiled as he stepped out of the ether and into the control booth at FedEx field. It was going to be a good game. He'd done his homework; after all he was the son of Dr. Spencer Reid, how could he not do his homework? October 23, 2005. The Redskins played the San Francisco 49s beating then soundly 52 to 17. His mother would over joyed at her team's victory… even more so considering that Dad had received tickets from Gideon for his birthday and asked her join him.

Jason shook himself out of his reverie. He had some work to do if he wanted his parents date to the football game to turn out differently this time than it had originally. He sat down in the control booth chair and rolled up his sleeves as he familiarized himself with the equipment, keeping an eye on the clock so that he would be ready for another crucial part of his plan.

 

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 "Spence its fine. You've never been to a football game before so I understand you not knowing that it was okay to dress down. Besides," JJ said as they fought their way through the crowds streaming from the parking lots towards the gates of the stadium, "I think you look adorable in your sweater vest… you might be a little bit out of place, but you look good." She said with a shy smile as she reached out and brushed a stray piece of lint off of Spence's shoulder. She paused smiling up at Spence as she rested her hand on his shoulder.

"JJ?" Spence sputtered nervously as he glanced from her hand on his shoulder to the soft smile on her face and her big blue eyes turned up at him. He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat as willed himself to continue breathing as their eyes met.

"Spence?" JJ whispered softly in reply, hoping that he was going to lean down and just kiss her.

"We should um, get inside to the uh game." He replied, nodding in direction of the stadium.

"Oh… yeah… the game." JJ responded turned to look over her shoulder and then falling into step beside Spence. 

 

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"So," JJ asked as she held the hot dogs while Spence carried their beers, "where are our seats at?"

"Uh section 101, row 2, seats 1 and 2." Spence replied using his eidetic memory to recall the seat numbers from the tickets.

JJ stopped and stepped off to the side. "Spence those are VIP box tickets." She explained in shock.

"Yeah," Spence nodded, "Gideon mentioned that when I opened the box… but I don't really know what that mea… oomph." Spence exclaimed as he was bumped from behind.

"Oh man, I am sooo sorry." Jason apologized, knowing all the while this had been part of his plan. If his Dad didn't have beer in a cup, it would be harder to spill. Hopefully no spilt beer would mean Mom would be successful in trying to hold his hand… and his other part of the plan would be successful as well.

JJ's eyes widened and she quickly reached out pressing the napkins she held in her hands to Spence's sweater vest attempting to minimize the damage as most of their beers ran down his chest.

"Oh… not cool man… not cool at all." Jason said as he took in the soaking wet front of his father's sweater vest and shirt. "Dude, let me buy you a shirt or something… it's going to be uncomfortable as hell to watch the game in that… and while I'm at it the least I can do is buy you and your girl a replacement beer.

JJ smiled; the face of the kind stranger in front of them reminded her of someone… but she couldn't think who… "Thank you."

"I…yeah… thank you." Spence said in a very distracted tone with JJ's hand on his chest, to the kind stranger in front of them.

"No worries, besides, it was my fault anyway. I should really watch where I'm going more. I get a little too caught up in what's going on in my head; my Mom says I totally take after my Dad like that." Jason grinned, unable to resist a little inside joke of his own as he stood talking to his parents. "Okay… let's get you a new shirt man." He said clapping his Dad on the shoulder. "I'm Jason by the way." He said as he held out his hand.

 

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JJ stood outside the men's room waiting for Spence and holding their beers and hot dogs while he changed out of his beer soaked sweater vest, shirt, and tie and into the shirt Jason had bought as a replacement for him. "Hey Spence," she called out as she recognized his familiar head above the others coming out of the rest room. Then the crowd parted and she saw him in a Redskins jersey. "Looking good Dr. Reid."

"Yeah?" Spence asked nervously, his hands smoothing over the jersey, the lightweight material feeling strange as he was used to being in shirts, ties, and sweaters as well as the occasional polo shirt. Such casual clothing felt awkward on his body.

"Very much so," JJ replied, "but we should get to our seats."

"Right, our seats." Spence said as he reached out taking the beer bottles from JJ and heading for their seats.

 

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JJ turned to Spence partway through the first quarter, "I have to say you know a lot more about football than I thought you would."

"I, um, spent some time reading up on football the last couple of weeks. I wanted to have an idea of what we'd be going to see. Before that I didn't know anything about football… but I heard what a big fan of football you are so…" he shrugged.

JJ smiled, finding it endearing that Spence had taken the time to find out about football instead of just coming to game. This might be the only football game he would ever attend, and yet he'd taken the time to find out about the sport. She set her hand on top of his on the arm rest their seats shared, her fingers sliding underneath his hand and across his palm as she turned his hand.

Spence jerked at the unexpected feeling of JJ's hand on his own. He lurched forward in his seat. The hand holding his beer flew up from his knee in surprise. If the beer had been in a cup instead of a bottle, the fan in front of him would have been wearing his beer; luckily for that fan, Jason had purchased them bottles of beer not cups.

JJ watched Spence set his beer in the cup holder as she slipped her fingers between his, interlocking their fingers. She smiled as he turned to face her, her thumb stroking lightly over the back of his hand. Then she squeezed her fingers and waited to see his response as she watched his eyes.

Spence's eyes widened as he realized that JJ hadn't been searching for the arm rest. She was holding his hand. He squeezed back.

 

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 Jason smiled as he sat in the control booth scanning the crowd. Seeing that his parents were holding hands, he nodded his head realizing that it was time. He prepared the kiss cam logo to appear on the screen and started to work his way through the crowd, picking out couples hovering until said couples realized they were on camera. 

 

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As the thunderous cheering settled down from the most recent touchdown and extra point kick, JJ and Spence settled back in their seats. This time it was Spence that reached for JJ's hand, enjoying the feel of her smaller hand in his as they watched the teams on the field set up for the kick off and return.

JJ glanced up at the jumbotron screen at the aww sound from the woman seated next to her. She smiled at the sight of the couple captured on screen by the kiss cam. Then her eyes widened in surprise as she saw herself and Spence on the screen.

Spence turned to look at JJ as she nudged him and was caught off guard as she leaned across the arm rest between them and kissed him. He got lost in the sensation of her palm cupping his cheek; her fingers running through his hair; the softness of her lips; and the way her nose brushed against his as he closed his eyes.

JJ moaned softly as she pulled back, wanting nothing more to continue kissing Spence, but also knowing that they were in a public place and needed to stop... for now. "So Spence, what should we do for our second date?" JJ asked with a smile on her face as her eyes met Spence's.

 

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"And my work here is done." Jason said with a smile as he stood up and slipped back into the ether and on to the next universe.

Chapter Text

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A woman has to live her life, or live to repent not having lived it. ― D.H. Lawrence

Will smiled as he parked the car in the driveway. He was looking forward to tonight. The new guy, Jason Reid, had volunteered to finish his shift for him and JJ had the next couple of days off since they'd just wrapped up the case with their stalker John Curtis. 'Thank God that ended alright for the most part…' he thought as he climbed the stairs to the front door, then he paused with his hand on the door at the realization that Strauss had died, so really things hadn't ended well at all. 'How long before a previous case of JJ's blows back on us like this case did on Strauss?' he wondered with a shudder as he opened the door, 'Maybe it's time to try talking JJ into going back to the Pentagon again.'

He grinned as he kicked off his shoes at the sound of music playing softly from the kitchen. He loved sneaking up on JJ when she was listening to music. She had a tendency to sing along and he loved it even though lord knows she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. He tip-toed to the doorway of the kitchen and leaned against the door frame watching as she danced around the kitchen singing and wondering how long it would take her to notice him.

JJ paused in her dancing as the next song came on the radio. She turned the volume up and stood looking out the window, the words hitting close to home with the catchy yet slightly haunting melody. Her gaze out the window turned into a thousand-yard stare as she got lost in the words and started to sing along. "But I don't love you, not like you need it. I don't love you, good as you are. And when I kiss you, I know that you can feel it and I see it in your eyes, and it just breaks my heart."

The grin on Will's face slipped as he listened to the words of the Delta Rae song playing on the radio… he tipped his head in contemplation as he thought back over the last five years.

"I wish to God I could change it, darling, could make you the one. I will always have these regrets and wonder what else I could have done, I will…" JJ sang, her voice wavering ever so slightly.

Will thought about all the steps in his and JJ's relationship that had led them to this point. He'd had to push and fight for them to take every step forward in their relationship. He'd always thought that part of it was how intensely private JJ was. But then it'd seemed that she was ashamed of their relationship when after a year of them being together she still hadn't told her team… and then she hadn't told them team about being pregnant with Henry right away… and then there was…

"'Cause if I loved you; I could be happy. I would make you the light of my world. I wouldn't wait, love, I'd marry you tomorrow and we'd make love and I'd be your girl," JJ sang, her voice breaking.

And there it was… the brutally honest truth that they'd always danced around. 'All the times I proposed to her… and it took me almost meeting my maker twice and a helluva scary day for her to ask me to ask again… but that doesn't change all the reasons she always said no before that.' Will thought as he tipped his head, studying JJ and wishing he'd taken a damn psychology class in college. Maybe that would have helped him understand his wife… of course she worked with profilers for the several years before becoming one herself… so that probably wouldn't really have helped him figure this out and realize what he was realizing in this moment. He loved JJ. He loved her so much that he'd wrapped her feet in cement shoes to hold her in place… to keep her with him… and now he was drowning her.

"But I don't love you, much as I want to. I don't love you, no, it would be a lie. And you deserve love, you're better than a good day. And you'll find it, just not in my eyes." JJ sang, her eyes closing as her head dropped back and a single tear rolled down her cheek, "'Cause it ain't here love, no and it just breaks my heart."

"Cher," Will said softly as he crossed the room in three quick strides and wiped the tear from her face, "don't cry." He said softly as he wrapped an arm around her, certain that this would be the last time he would hold her and comfort her like this.

"Will!" JJ exclaimed as she jumped at the contact, "when did you get here."

"A few minutes ago." Will replied in a soft somber tone, cursing what he thought had been his good fortune. There was no way to stick his head back in the sand now.

"Oh, did something happen?" JJ asked as she turned away from Will and quickly wiped at her eyes.

Will shook his head and stuffed his hands in his pockets as he turned to lean against the kitchen counter. "No, everything is good. Jason offered to stay and cover the rest of my shift so that I could come home and spend the afternoon with you…" he trailed off.

"Oh," JJ sniffled, "that was nice of him."

"Yeah, he's a great guy. Metro PD really got a break getting a transfer like him." Will nodded in agreement with JJ at what a good guy Jason Reid was as he tried to find a way to bring up the subject that he knew they needed to talk about. "So…'s Henry takin' a nap?"

JJ nodded. "Yeah, he tried to talk me out of it after lunch but he was so exhausted he crashed hard… I just got him down a few minutes ago."

"Oh, well then I guess that gives us time to talk." Will said, his eyes closing as he took a deep breath and prayed for the lord to give him the strength to do the right thing.

"About what?" JJ asked, masking over the emotions that had overwhelmed her in the last three and a half minutes.

"Cher… don't… just… don't. Please," Will murmured, his eyes boring into hers, searching their depths, "I know what I saw when you were singing… and I saw how that song affected you… and…"

"Will, I…" JJ started to argue.

"Shhh… It's okay. This is a conversation that we should have had a long time ago… I was just too bullheaded to see it. I kept tellin' myself that you loved me… and then I'd tell myself that eventually you'd say yes if I jest kept proposing… If your Momma hadn't a been there with her weddin' dress an' Rossi and Garcia hadn't a set up the surprise weddin'… I think you woulda talked yourself out a marrin' me," his voice faltering and his accent strengthening due to the depth of his sorrow.

"But I did Will… and that's what matters." JJ replied reaching out for him.

"No, JJ, it ain't. What matters is that you ain't happy. You haven't been in a long time… and I've been ignoring it because you mean the world to me JJ an' I don't want to lose you… but I love you enough to know that I have to let you go. I know how much you liked butterflies when you were a little girl JJ… and right now you're like a trapped butterfly. Sure you look pretty in the glass jar I've got you in…" Will said choking on his own tears as he reached up to stroke her cheek, "but if I don't let you go, you'll die… maybe not today… and maybe not tomorrow… but little by little every day until eventually, someday the JJ that I love will be gone." Will sniffled, "An' I could never forgive myself for causing that."

An hour and much discussion later, Will walked back out the front door of the house with a duffle bag and a promise to come back and tuck Henry in later that night. He paused and turned to look back at the house over the roof of the car, wondering what he could do to make things easier for his soon to be ex-wife… and then he was struck with the memory of those ten weeks almost two years ago… and JJ's concern over the events of six months ago and then he knew exactly what to do as he pulled out his cell phone while he slid into the driver's seat and buckled up. He pressed the number and listened to the phone on the other end ring, waiting for an answer.

"Hello?" the voice on the other end of the phone answered.

"Spencer, it's Will…" he paused and took a deep breath, "listen, can you come over? JJ could really use a friend right now."

"Is everything okay?" Spencer asked in concern as he grabbed his car keys and pulled on his shoes, not pausing or thinking twice as he stumbled his way to the door.

"No, it's not… but I'm sure it will be eventually… probably starting when you get here." Will replied. Then he hung up and backed out of the driveway.

Spence pulled his Amazon into JJ's driveway beyond concerned about what could possibly be wrong when Will had called to tell him to come over, not giving much in the way of details. He took notice of the fact that Will's car wasn't in the driveway and pulled out his own keys, not wanting to lose what might be precious time waiting for someone to answer the door. "JJ?" he called out anxiously as he opened the door and stepped into the entry way.

He entered the house cautiously when there was no reply, only to find a shell shocked JJ sitting on her couch. "JJ?" Spence asked, reaching out and laying his hand on her shoulder.

"Spence?" JJ managed to croak out in confusion, "What are you doing here?" she asked in a soft confused voice as she squinted at him, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that her marriage was over.

"Will called… he told me you could use a friend." Spence as he slid closer, taken in JJ's appearance. She was hunched over, her elbows on her knees, her fingers carded into her hair as her face rested in her hands and she stared at the floor. "JJ… talk to me…"

"Will left." JJ said, her voice an emotionless void in her state of shock.

"Yeah… I noticed he's not here…" He commented, perplexion lacing his voice.

"No, I mean he left. He's coming back tonight to tuck Henry into bed. Then he'll slowly move his things out… then we're getting a divorce." JJ said, confusion in her voice as she turned to look at Spence.

"JJ…" Spence paused, unsure what to say next… he could say he was sorry, but really that would be nothing but an empty platitude. He'd never seen Will as being right for JJ and as much as it had hurt at finding out JJ lied to him about Emily, he had refused then… and he refused now to let their relationship become nothing more than empty platitudes. "I'm here for you… whatever you need… I'm here for you."

Jason stood in the corner, silently watching his mother work through her shock and his father console her. He watched as the possibilities of this universe broke and rewove themselves with the actions of this afternoon. He smiled as he watched his father wrap his arms around his mother. He held his breath and then let it out in a long sigh as she buried her face in his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist seeking comfort.

It would take days… weeks… months… but eventually, with time, now that Will had stepped out the way, his parents would fall into each other's arms. It wouldn't be sudden, but rather like starting a fire without a match or a flint. At first they would dance subtly around each other as they always had in friendly companionship, but without Will there as a buffer, the chemistry and friction that had built in their first few years working together would redevelop. That friction would generate heat…and smoke… and then their relationship would blaze into friendship set on fire. He smiled at another universe corrected, another universe where he and his brothers and sisters had an opportunity to exist.

Then he happily stepped into the ether and onto the next universe where his parents needed some help.

One must learn to love, and go through a good deal of suffering to get to it, and the journey is always towards the other soul. – D.H. Lawrence

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"It is our choices… that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." J.K. Rowling

 

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Jason grinned, thinking back on all the work he'd done to setup the necessary variables in this reality as he stood in the shadows watching his father stand in front of the mirror holding first one button down oxford up and then another as he attempted to decide between the two.

"What is taking you so long in here?" Riley asked as he burst through his best friend and roommates' bedroom door. "My fifteen-year old sister gets ready faster than you bro." he said as he stood in the now open doorway.

Jason smiled at the site of a now adult Riley in the doorway. He pondered the differences in his father's life in this universe. Gary Michaels was arrested before he could attack Riley Jenkins (and yes, he definitely played a part in locking up that vile human being), which meant his father had grown up a little less isolated. Spencer had a best friend growing up… of course William Reid was just as much of a spineless bastard and gutless coward this time around. The stress of his wife's illness and his son's genius had been too much of a burden to bear and he'd stepped back from his family. Lou Jenkins had stepped in and included Spencer in father and son activities given that Spencer and Riley were best friends. He was looking forward to seeing what his Mom and Dad's first meeting would be like in this universe. Speaking of which, he realized with a glance at the clock, he needed to make sure that everything was on track on the other half of this equation.

"Oh, hell no Spencer! You are not wearing that!" Riley said as he stepped closer. "Seriously dude… we are going to a party… you are not wearing a suit and tie." He said tipping his head. "That shirt works… leave the color unbuttoned. No tie… and change into jeans."

Spencer turned to look at his friend, who was really more like a brother as close as they'd been their entire lives and with how Riley's family had taken him in after his father left, "Are you sure? I thought you said this was a work function?"

"Well yeah… but I'm an athletic trainer man… I don't even dress like that for work dude." Riley grinned, he fully planned on getting his brother in all but genetics a date tonight. Spencer was a hot commodity with the ladies… he just didn't know it. "I'll let you change… but make it snappy. I don't want to be late… I am the new guy after all."

Jason was lost in his thoughts as he left his father and 'Uncle' to their own devices to check on the status of his mother. "Oh shit!" He cursed as he stepped into her room, quickly closing his eyes at the sight of her having just dropped her towel fresh from the shower. 'I know that if I set everything in motion correctly, I'll hopefully be seeing those up close and personal in the future…' Jason thought, pausing mid-thought as he realized how dirty that thought sounded. He would have been fine not seeing his mother's breasts up close and personal until after his birth… in his corporeal form as a baby he would never remember seeing them. 'Of course, in order for me to exist and become a baby, Mom and Dad need to meet and…' He paled as he realized thinking about his parents' future actions that would lead to his existence was by no means the way to bleach the vision of his naked mother from his brain. "erm best not to think about how my siblings and I come to exist and just get Mom and Dad to meet." He said clearing his throat and cautiously peeking one eye open and sighing in relief to see that Mom was now dressed.

He smiled as he watched her sit to do her hair and makeup. His mother was incredibly beautiful… but beyond that, she was also strong. He, of course, had already known that; however, to see her playing professional soccer in this universe… and how she dominated on the field… well it was just impressive. He smiled as he thought back on having stepped in to play the role of her couch during her senior year of college.

"Sub in for JJ," Jason said turning to the player standing next to him on the sidelines as he watched the team briefly celebrate JJ having scored the go-ahead goal with just over a minute left to play.

Megan turned to look at the coach with big eye. "Why? JJ is killing it right now. Do you really want to break her momentum?"

Jason sighed. He didn't want to break his mother's momentum in her last game of her senior year during a championship game; however, he also knew that this next play was where she would be injured, thus ending her soccer career, if he didn't change events. "JJ's tired. I need your fresh legs and strong defensive skills to hold onto the lead she just gave us for the next fifty-seven seconds. Can you do that for the team?"

Megan nodded and quickly moved over to let the ref know she was checking into the game for JJ.

"Good work JJ." Jason nodded to her as she ran off the field and play resumed. "Grab something to drink and make sure you stretch." he reminded her.

JJ nodded as she toweled off her face, cheering on the team as she cooled down and stretched. Her head moved back and forth between play on the field and the clock. The clock ticked down… and then the buzzer sounded ending the game.

Jason smiled as he watched JJ and her teammates flood the field, celebrating their national championship. He watched the revelry for a minute and then jogged onto the field meeting the opposing coach mid-field and shaking hands as the players lined up and shook hands as well.

Jason shook his head, bringing himself out of his memories of that season as JJ's soccer coach. Seeing how she handled herself as an FBI Agent in several other universes, well he shouldn't have been surprised by her prowess and leadership on the soccer field. Things were shaping up nicely on this end… and after all of his planning and work, about to go into motion.

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"Great job this year ladies! Have a wonderful evening… you've earned it." The coach said, finishing his congratulatory speech and raising his glass in the air. The team, coaching, training staff, and the remaining guests followed suit in toasting the success of the Washington Freedom's relatively successful second season as a women's professional soccer team.

"So, aren't you glad I asked you to come?" Riley asked as he turned to look at Spencer.

Spencer shrugged, still unsure about this particular outing as he scanned the crowd.

"Okay," Riley chuckled as he slapped Spencer's shoulder. "I'm glad we had this little talk… I'm going to go get a drink." He walked away headed towards the bar. "Let's see… who can I introduce to Spencer…" he mumbled to himself as he scanned the crowd for a suitable lady for his pseudo brother.

"Ugh, it's 2002. You would think we could avoid being made to feel like we're steaks in a meat market." JJ said looking to her teammate Abby as the latest in a seemingly endless stream of obnoxious suitors walked away.

"I never seem to have that problem." Abby teased.

JJ snorted before replying to her friend and teammate. "Yeah… 'cause your girlfriend never gets handsy right?"

Abby grinned. "Speaking of… I'm going to go find her."

JJ laughed. "See you later Abs." She called out as Abby walked away. "…and now I'm on my own… and apparently talking to myself." She said with a shake of her head. Then she decided that perhaps retreat was the better part of valor for tonight as she noticed yet another would be handsy suitor headed her way. She turned and headed for outskirts of the room, hoping to hide in the shadows.

JJ made her way to the back corner of the room away from the throng of revelers celebrating the team finishing in second place for the season. It wasn't a championship, but it was better than the dreadful second to last place finish the team had experienced last year. She paused, her brain completely freezing at the sight of a man sitting at the table she'd been headed for. She couldn't help but notice how distracted he seemed to be as played with his glass on the table and stared down at his drink… and he sat alone. Intrigued, she continued on her way to the table. "So that must be a really interesting drink." She said as she stepped up to the table.

"No, not really… just soda." Spencer commented without looking up from his glass.

"Oh, well the way you are studying it… I thought for sure… is anyone sitting here?" JJ asked. She figured if she was sitting here with this mysterious stranger, it would stop any other wayward advances at the very least.

"Huh" Spencer asked finally looking up and sucking in a breath at the beauty of the woman before him. "Oh… sorry…no…um, did you need the seat for another table? If so, you can…um… have it."

JJ smiled at the rambling, if not slightly nervous man before her… although he did have the most gorgeous eyes. "Actually, I was hoping I could sit with you?" she said with a nod towards the open seat.

"Oh?...OH!...I mean…sure." Spencer replied, swallowing nervously. He watched cautiously as the most beautiful creature he'd ever seen, more beautiful than even Alexa Lisbon, sat her drink on the table and climbed onto the high bar stool across from his own.

"So, tired of the party?" JJ asked, gesturing over her shoulder to crowd of revelers by the bar and on the dance floor.

"No, it's just been a really long week… but I couldn't convince my friend to come by himself." Spencer replied with a tired sigh.

"You're the wingman." JJ replied with a nod. "So, who's your friend?" she asked looking over her shoulder and attempting to guess.

"Uh… Riley, Riley Jenkins." Spencer replied. "He started working for the team as an athletic trainer earlier this year."

"Oh yeah!" JJ replied as she turned back to look at her mystery man. "I know him… seems like a nice guy… I'm Jennifer Jareau by the way." She said as she reached across the table to offer her hand, "but you can call me JJ… all my friends do."

Spencer glanced down at JJ's hand and then up to meet her eyes, seeing only warmth and sincerity in her eyes, he quickly wiped his sweaty palm on his pants leg and raised his hand to clasp hers. "Reid… uh Dr. Spencer Reid."

"A doctor huh?" JJ asked in disbelief. She couldn't tell exactly how old Dr. Spencer Reid was, but he looked much too young to be a doctor… like Doogie Houser M.D. too young to be a doctor.

"Umm…well… not that kind of doctor." Spencer cleared his throat. "I have… um… PHDs."

"PHDs… as in multiple PHDs?" JJ asked as she leaned forward.

"Yes… I have three." Spencer replied taking a deep breath and letting it out to calm his nerves.

"Really? What in?" JJ asked, fascinated by the man who was so different from the men she was used to meeting after her last year on the team.

"Mathematics, Chemistry, and Engineering." Spencer replied.

"Woah… you're like the character in Beautiful Mind!" JJ replied in awe.

Spencer winced, uncomfortable with how close to home the comparison to John Nash came given his mother's medical history and the fear the he would inherit the disease himself. "Uh, yeah… I guess."

"Oh, I'm sorry… I guess that was a little rude… I just… you must have had to work very hard to have already completed three PHDs. I'm struggling with just having started my Masters on top of playing soccer… I mean what are you 25?" JJ asked.

Spencer grinned sheepishly. "Actually… I'm going to be 21…um…next month…but uh what are you studying for your Masters? Sports medicine?" He asked quickly changing the subject off of himself and how he'd managed three PHDs by the age of 20.

JJ's mind boggled momentarily at the combination of advanced degrees and youth sitting before her… two years younger than her… Spencer was two years younger than her and he had three PHDs? However, her ability to read people quickly told her that Spencer didn't like being the center of attention… she imagined he'd probably been picked on and bullied for his intellect. That she could relate to… when her sister… her mind quickly avoided the subject… but needless to say she was well versed in just how intolerant teenagers could be to people who were different. "You would think so, wouldn't you?" she asked with a laugh, "Actually, it's communications. I'm not sure what I plan on doing with it…"

"Well, investing in your education is never a bad thing." Spencer replied with a tentative smile.

"No, it's not." JJ smiled, remembering her parents telling her the same thing and how it had pushed her to work harder for a soccer scholarship because she knew it was the only way she would be able to afford to go to college. "So… how do you know Riley?"

"We grew up together in Las Vegas." Spencer replied.

"Oh… so are you visiting?" she asked remembering his earlier comment about it having been a long week.

"No, I live here… I uh just moved here this week actually." He answered, finding himself truly enjoying this conversation with JJ.

"Oh? So maybe you'll be able to see a game or two then next year?" she asked, unsure of why she cared whether or not Spencer saw her play.

"Well… I'd like to… but I guess it will all depend."

"Oh…" JJ sighed in disappointment at what appeared to be a brush off, "So, what brought you to the district?" she asked hoping to draw out the nicest conversation she'd had all evening.

"The uh … FBI."

JJ's eyes widened in concern as she wondered just what kind of trouble a 20-year-old triple PHD beautiful mind genius could get into. "The FBI?"

"Yeah… I'm…I've uh been accepted into the training class at the Academy that starts in January." He answered. "I moved now since Riley is already here and the next few months will give me time to prepare."

"Oh," JJ sighed in relief. "What all do you need to do to prepare?"

"Well, I'd like to read ahead on… the uh classroom work," he paused, "but the uh, physical skills sections…" he winced, "I'm pretty sure I'm going to struggle a little bit with those."

"Oh? I can help!" JJ paused in horror, "I mean, if you'd like me to that is."

"Really? You'd do that?" Spencer asked in wonder.

"Sure… I mean if you're talking about getting in shape… I mean I have to work out to stay in shape during the off season anyway… and it's be nice to have company." JJ shrugged.

"That would be great!" Spencer replied, excited that maybe he wouldn't need waivers to get through the Academy. Sure, Gideon told him that they'd waive the physical requirements as he was being recruited specifically for the BAU… but that didn't mean that he didn't want to graduate having met the requirements just like everyone else.

"It's a date then Spence… we'll just need to exchange numbers and everything so we can plan when to get together." JJ smiled.

Spencer's eyes lit up in wonder. No one had ever called him Spence before, but he could certainly get used to it coming from JJ given that apparently, they were going to be friends.

Jason smiled as he watched his parents sitting together and quietly talking while the revelry of a successful season for the Washington Freedom continued on around them. He noted how his Dad had a little bit more confidence from having had a friendship with Riley while growing up and Lou Jenkins having stepped in as a father figure when William Reid walked away. He also couldn't help but notice how intrigued Mom was with Dad… sure in in the universes where they'd met for the first time at the FBI, she'd been impressed with his intelligence… and sort of taken him under her wing and offered him friendship… but watching her now… Well to be honest the men who had been annoying her earlier reminded him of a certain New Orleans native with their puffed-up cocky bravado. Perhaps in this universe JJ was ready to appreciate Spencer sooner rather than later because her career as a professional soccer player and time spent in the limelight had given her an appreciation for intelligence, depth, and quiet dynamism that was Dr. Spencer Reid PHD. "PHD times three that is." Jason smirked as he watched the spark arc between his parents as they got to know each other. Usually this would be where he stepped across the ethereal plane on into the next universe where the course of his parents' relationship needed righting, but this time… this time he felt like sticking around a while and seeing how things played out. After all, the fabric of time was his to play with as he moved backwards and forwards through it and across universes, reweaving the tapestry where it needed fixing.

---

"Bro, I'm really happy you met JJ." Riley said, still pondering the coincidence of Spencer meeting JJ on his own while he himself had been looking for JJ so that he could introduce her to Spencer. "So where are you taking her on your first date?"

"Date?" Spencer asked, a tremor of shock in his voice as he turned away from the DC scenery passing by the car window.

"Well, yeah… I mean she gave you her number, right?" Riley asked in confusion as he turned to look at his best friend.

"Uh… well yeah… she's um… going to help me train so I can pass the physical requirements at the Academy… hopefully we can be friends." Spencer stuttered nervously.

Riley sighed, shook his head, and silently damned Alexa Lisbon and Harper Hillman for the number they done on Spencer in high school… thank God he and his Dad had found Spencer as he was being shoved across the football field by the football team. He didn't even want to think about what would have happened to his friend if the then twelve-year-old Spencer had been left to mercies of the Las Vegas High School football team and all of the other lackeys, flunkeys, and followers who had been too weak willed to stop Spencer's torment that night.

"Okay… well JJ's in great shape. I mean the players end up running about six to seven miles or so on average during a game… so I know she will definitely be able to whip you into shape." He said with a grin while making a mental note to pull JJ aside.

---

"How's that?" Riley asked JJ as he helped her up after stretching post workout.

"Good. Thanks." JJ replied as she shook out her legs and then bent over and touched the ground as she stretched a little more.

"No problem… it's what they pay me for." Riley shrugged and then decided now was probably the perfect time to talk to her about Spencer. "So," Riley paused, taking a deep breath and releasing it, "you and my best friend…"

"Yes?" JJ replied, her eyes narrowing as she tried to decide if she was amused or annoyed.

Riley swallowed, "Listen… just don't hurt him… I mean don't lead him on…I mean I think you are into him and would be great for him, but…"

JJ held up her hand to silence Riley. "But what?" she asked in confusion, "Riley, listen I really like Spence… but we haven't even gone on our first date yet."

"I KNEW IT!" Riley cheered. "Ooops… uh sorry." He apologized as some of other team members and staff turned to look at them. "I figured you were into him… but he is under the impression you are just being nice to him and maybe want to be friends."

"What?! How does he think I only want to be friends? I mean we talked for hours the other night… I gave him my number…" JJ's eyebrows rose on her forehead as she looked quizzically at Riley.

Riley took a deep breath. "Listen, it's not my story to tell… but in a nutshell, Spencer has had some crappy stuff happen to him that's made it harder for him to trust people than most… and especially when it comes to women. He didn't exactly have a typical childhood and that's made it more difficult for him to pick up on social cues… like when someone is flirting with him versus just being nice. Look, I just don't want you to take any shyness or tentativeness on Spencer's part as a lack of interest. I just mean that… erm… that is…" Riley paused unsure how to phrase what he was trying to say.

JJ smiled softly, finally understanding Riley's intent. "I might have to take the lead if things are going to go anywhere and I'll have to be comfortable moving at Spence's pace?" she asked finally grasping what Riley was trying to get across. "It's really sweet of you to look out for Spence. I think we need to see how the first date goes… but I will definitely keep everything you said in mind."

"Oh good." Riley sighed in relief that JJ had taken the conversation well.

---

"Hello?" JJ answered cheerfully as she laughed at her friends' antics.

"Hello JJ… this is um Spencer… you know from the uh party?" Spencer said as he shuffled his feet anxiously.

"Hey Spence!" JJ replied, getting up from the couch and making her way to her room so that she could speak with Spence in privacy. "How was your week?" she asked as she shut her bedroom door behind her.

"Long and exhausting… but at least I'm all unpacked. Uh… how about yours?"

JJ sighed. "It was really busy between classes and training… but um do you want to get together this weekend to train?"

"Yeah… that would be great. I really do want to be able to meet the physical requirements." He answered earnestly.

"Okay, do you have a list of everything you need to pass? You should bring it with so we can figure out where you're at and what we need to work on." She replied.

"Everything… I need to work on everything. I'm pretty sure the trainer at the gym I checked out today thinks that I am hopeless."

"Well we've got time. You'd be surprised how much difference a month or two of training will make... plus you've got the first three of four months at the Academy work with too." JJ said as she curled up on her bed. "Maybe after we train this weekend, we could do dinner and maybe grab a movie?"

Spencer smiled at the thought of extra time with the beautiful blonde. "That would… uh that would be really nice."

---

"Ugh… why….ugh….did….ugh… I….ugh… let…ugh…talk…ugh…me…ugh…into…this." Spencer gasped as he ran alongside JJ on the track.

"Because you want to be able to pass all of the physical requirements at the Academy?" JJ turned to look at her running companion. "Come on, you can do this… and if you need to stop and walk for a little bit we can."

"Uuuuuuugh," Spencer groaned as they completed yet another lap on the track. "I…want….to…. pass… not….die!" He panted, struggling to keep pace with JJ who had turned around in front of him and was now running backwards with the occasional glance over her shoulder.

"Spence, you just need to push yourself. If you don't push yourself, you won't improve." She explained. "One more lap and then we can work on your pushups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. Then we'll hit some weights for a little bit because that will help you with your running and everything else."

"heeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaauuuuuugh" Spencer moaned in distress at the thought of what he'd gotten himself into.

---

"Hey dude, you're looking a little rough. Are you okay, man?" Riley asked, glancing up from the TV screen as Spencer hobbled out into the living room the next morning.

"I think JJ broke me. I had to literally roll out of bed this morning." Spencer replied as he stared at the couch, contemplating sitting down and wondering if he sat down, if he would be able to get back up again.

Riley chuckled. "You're a young man. I think you'll be okay. You just need to stretch a little bit and then get back out there. The more often you work out, the less sore you'll start to be after workouts. Just make sure you don't over-do it trying to impress JJ." He said with a wink as he stood up from the couch and grabbed his cereal bowl.

Spencer shuffled along behind Riley to the kitchen, deciding that he wanted coffee more than he wanted to try to sit down on the couch.

Riley rinsed his cereal bowl and loaded it into the dishwasher. Then he leaned back against the counter and watched Spencer, curious if he would follow his normal routine of coffee, more coffee, and no breakfast. If his brother was going to put in the work to meet the qualifications, then he was going to make damn sure to help him succeed where he could.

Sure enough, Spencer pulled out a coffee mug filled it three fourths full of coffee and the rest of the way with sugar.

"You know, if you want to get the results from all working-out you're going to be doing with JJ, you need to eat real food." Riley said as he watched his best friend inhale his first cup of coffee of the day.

"Real food?" Spencer asked curious and yet concerned at the same time about where this conversation was going.

"Yeah, real food. Your body needs protein and minerals and vitamins to help it heal and rebuild." Riley said with a nod. "Don't worry, we'll ease you into it. Let's make you a protein shake using your favorite beverage." He said as he turned and opened the cupboard and pulled out a blender. "You know, coffee." He teased as he pulled out some other ingredients for a protein shake.

---

JJ got lost in her thoughts as she ran, contemplating how to move along her relationship with Spence. The man was an intelligent, funny, adorable, gentleman with whom she very much enjoyed spending time. If he applied himself as much at the things he was good at as he did where he struggled, she could see why the now 21 year-old had three PHDs. Smiled as memories of the birthday celebration she and Riley had put together for Spence crossed her mind. In the two and a half months since they'd met, they'd been training together several days a week and he'd made so much progress. She needed to figure out how to breakdown the mental barrier he had that he wasn't "athletic"… to get him to see the progress that he'd made, to get him to see that his hard work was paying off and that he would be able to pass the physical fitness standards and not need to use the waiver. Suddenly she was struck with inspiration on how exactly to kill two birds with one stone.

"I still can't believe I keep showing up for this torture every day." Spencer said as they rounded the track.

"You're just here for my company… plus your new ripe old age of 21 doesn't seem to be holding you back." JJ turned to grin at Spence as she winked at him. "You seem to be keeping up pretty easily now. Have you realized how much easier you're breathing now and that you can actually hold a conversation while we're running?" JJ asked with a grin as she turned to look at him.

"I…" Spencer trailed off as he was struck with the realization that JJ was right. He was actually able to hold a conversation and he wasn't gasping for air and feeling like he was going to die. He, of course, wasn't even going to attempt to dispute JJ's claim that he kept coming back for her company. That part was very, very true.

JJ smirked and sped up enough to get a-ways in front of Spence and then turned and continued to jog, but backwards so that she was facing him, occasionally glancing over her shoulder to check where she was going as had now become habit for at least part of their runs together. "Let's make a friendly little wager Spence."

"On what?" he asked nervously.

"I'm going to turn around and run. You're going to chase me… and if you can catch me… I'll give you a kiss."

"I… ugh… what?" Spencer stammered, sure that he must have heard her wrong. Maybe he hadn't improved as much as it seemed and he was now delirious from the lack of oxygen after running over two miles.

JJ's eyes twinkled sure that Spence would definitely know that she was attracted to him by the time this morning was over. The ten weeks they'd been training together was long enough in her mind… she was ready to make a move. "I said, if you catch me, I'll give you a kiss. We have about a mile to go. I'm going to run ahead of you, but if you catch me before we finish…I'll give you a kiss." She said as she continued jogging backwards, her eyes scanning over his face and taking in the shock and disbelief. In that moment, she was grateful that Riley had given her a heads up. Normally she would have waited for Spencer to make a first move and based on the look on his face, he never would have.

JJ looked down at her watch and made note of the current pace they were running and then she spun and picked up the pace just a bit, her ponytail tossing in the breeze as she checked over her shoulder to see if Spence was picking up the pace as well.

Spencer followed JJ around the track as her pace continued to increase, but his legs didn't feel quite so tired anymore and he ignored the burn in his lungs as he took as deep of breaths as possible. All he could think about was JJ's pink lips as he wondered what they would feel like… what they would taste like… what would it feel like to hold her? His legs pressed him onward, his arms swinging at his sides as he pushed to keep up with her.

JJ looked over her shoulder at Spence right on her heels and then grinned as she looked down at her watch again going into the last turn of the last lap. She smirked as they hit the final straightaway and eased off her pace just enough that Spence would gain the few steps on her that he needed to catch her just as they finished their three-mile run.

"Oomph!" Spencer exclaimed as he ran into JJ.

JJ grinned and turned to face Spencer. "Congratulations!"

"For what?" Spencer gasped as he doubled over, attempting to catch his breath.

"First of all… nuh-uh… we have to keep walking to cool down. Second of all… you did it. You ran three miles in twenty-two minutes." She said as she came to a stop on the track and turned to face Spence. "You also caught me right at the end."

Spencer snorted… "Yeah, because you slowed down at the end."

"Well, maybe I wanted to get caught." She grinned, her eyes twinkling as she stepped in close, standing toe to toe with him as she rested her hands on his chest.

"JJ?" Spencer squeaked as he looked down at her, his eyes flitting back and forth between her eyes and her lips.

"Hmmm?" JJ murmured as she slid her hands up his chest, her hands wrapping around his neck as she leaned up on her tip toes, one of her hands curling into the hair at the nape of his neck and guiding his head down until her lips met his.

Spencer's questions died on his lips as he discovered how soft JJ's lips were and just how good they tasted pressed against his own as the kiss deepened. He sighed into the kiss as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

---

"Hey man, where are you heading off to?" Riley asked as he ran into Spencer. Riley was on his way in while Spencer appeared to be on his way out.

"I'm heading over to JJ's. I'm helping her practice a speech and she's going to help me study." Spencer replied as he edged past Riley in the doorway.

"Since when has Spencer ever needed help studying?" Riley asked with a quizzical look on his face as he watched Spencer jog over to his prized Amazon and climb behind the wheel. Then a grin lit up his face as he realized how excited Spencer was to spend time with JJ. He hadn't seen that since before Harper Hillman's betrayal. "Damn, I hope I get to spend some time with him this weekend before he has to go back to the Academy for the week." He muttered to himself while thinking maybe he should follow Spencer's lead and find himself a girlfriend.

---

"Go JJ, go!" Spence cheered, jumping to his feet in the stands to watch JJ run down field, the ball bobbing back and forth just in front of her feet after stealing it from a player on the opposing team. He watched as she effortlessly kicked into the high corner of the net just outside the defenders' reach, scoring a goal. "YES!" He exclaimed, throwing his arms over his heard and cheering along with the other fans in the section.

JJ grinned as she saw her boyfriend Spence, wearing a Washington Freedom jersey with her number on it, waiting for her as she came out of the locker room hallway with her gear bag over her shoulder. "Well, hello." She said with a smile as she leaned up to kiss him. "Are you wearing this to dinner?" she asked as she pulled away from his lips, her fingers plucking lightly at the jersey as she ran her fingers down his chest and across his stomach.

Spence blushed as he glanced around the hallway, still getting used to having JJ as his girlfriend and her kissing him, in public no less. He cleared his throat. "I, uh have a sweater in the car…" he trailed off lost in the dazzling brilliance of JJ's smile. "What?"

"I love that you wore this to the game to cheer me on," she nodded at the jersey, her grin widening as Spence reached out and took her bag from her shoulder. "You, don't have to…"

"I want to," Spence interrupted as he effortlessly swung her bag onto his own shoulder. "Shall we?" he asked.

JJ pecked him lightly on the lips and then nodded as she grabbed his hand and led him through the hallways of the stadium and into the early fall air. She paused to let Spence take the lead as he knew where the car was parked.

"Here we are," Spence said as he led JJ to where he'd parked her car before the game. Her parking pass allowed him to park in a special section significantly closer that he would have been able otherwise. He unlocked the car doors and then opened the back door to pick up his sweater and deposit JJ's duffle. "So, where did you want to go for dinner?" he asked as he pulled the jersey over his head.

JJ bit her lip as Spence's t-shirt lifted up, revealing his stomach and the waist of his jeans. She cleared her throat, her eyes darting up to catch Spence's as he pulled his sweater over his head. The v neck allowing his white t-shirt to peek through. She admired the green of the sweater and how it accented the hazel of his eyes. "How do you feel about pasta?" she asked, her head tipping to the side in contemplation.

"Sure," he grinned knowing that JJ must be starved after the game. He reached out to hand her the car keys to her car.

JJ shook her head, "You drive" she said reaching out to open the passenger door of her card.

"Okay," Spence replied reaching out to finish opening the door for her and grabbing her hand as she leaned down to climb in. He closed the door and walked around the car. "Where to for pasta?" he asked as he opened the driver's side door and slid in.

"I was thinking my place?" She replied hopefully.

"You don't want to go out to?" Spence asked in confusion as he turned to look at his girlfriend of a month. "Don't you want to celebrate winning the first game of the season?"

"Mmhmm with you. Just with you." JJ murmured reaching out to run her hand down his forearm and squeezed his hand where it rested on the console. "I can make us pasta and some garlic bread and we can open a bottle of wine."

"Okay… if you're sure you really don't want to go out." Spence stated as he turned back to drive and turned the key in the ignition. The soft purr of the engine filling the cabin of the car as he turned on the headlights.

"I'm sure." JJ sighed as she settled back against the seat. "I feel like things have been crazy between my class schedule and practice schedule and your schedule at the Academy now that you're halfway through your training. I just want to spend a quiet night in with my boyfriend." She watched as he drove, enjoying the quiet moment together in the car.

---

"Come on babe, keep going… one more in the next 3 seconds gives you one more point for sit-ups!" JJ cheered as she held Spence's feet as his back hit the ground mid-sit-up.

Spence grunted, his upper body appearing to bounce up off the ground as he clenched his abs, rising back up towards JJ.

"Fifty," JJ counted as Spence managed to sit-up straight, "and time." Her hands slid up from the tongue of his shoes and up his calves to rest on his knees as she leaned forward and kissed him.

"Mmm," Spence moaned as JJ pulled away, "want to be my partner and hold my feet for the actual test?" he questioned hopefully.

JJ chuckled. "I would if I could babe, but I don't think the FBI will approve of a civilian holding your feet." She said as she sat back up. "Now I know we plan on you being ahead in points on the 300-meter run, the 1.5-mile run, and sit-ups… but you still have to score as many points as you can for pushups. So, roll over and get started."

"Ugh, you're a slave driver," Spence bemoaned, rolling over to brace his toes into the mat as he placed his hands flat on the mat two hand widths wider than his shoulders and waited for JJ to signal the start of the one-minute time limit.

JJ tapped his hip with her toes. "You know this is what you need if you are serious about passing the PFT with flying colors."

"You know I am." Spence replied, his body tensing, anticipating JJ telling him to start doing pushup.

"Okay, then. Get started." She replied as she depressed the stop watch button and smirking as she admired Spence's ass while counting off his pushups.

---

JJ cheered and whistled as Spence's name was called in the list of FBI Academy graduates. Then she sat down next to a grinning Riley as they listened to the names of the remaining graduates. She smiled widely as the class stood and took their oath to defend and protect the United States and to uphold the Constitution. She couldn't be prouder of her boyfriend of six months.

She stood and waved as Spence approached. They agreed beforehand that he would come and find them to avoid the mass confusion of Academy graduates and family and friends trying to find each other. "Spence!" she cheered throwing her hands up in the air.

A wide smile grew across Spencer's face as he stepped into his girlfriend's arms and they wrapped around him at the same time that his best friend clapped him the shoulder.

"Congratulations buddy! You did it!" Riley cheered.

"There you are. Congratulations Dr. Reid!" Jason Gideon said upon finding his protégé in the stands and leading the group trailing behind him over to their new teammate.

"Thank you." Spencer replied humbly and then cleared his throat as he gave his soon to be mentor and the group of men behind him a small wave. "JJ, this is Supervisory Special Agent Jason Gideon. He's the person who recruited me to the FBI. Agent Gideon, this is my girlfriend JJ… and you remember Riley." He said making introductions.

"Yes, yes good to see you again." Gideon said with a nod. "This is Aaron Hotchner, Derek Morgan, Seth Bowen, Chad Dermot, and Mike Pasch." He said making the introductions to Spencer. "This is who I've been telling you about."' Gideon said back to the agents standing behind him.

Hotch cleared his throat, noting how uncomfortable both Dr. Reid and his girlfriend were. He suspected for Dr. Reid it was meeting his soon to be teammates… and for his girlfriend, well it wasn't hard for anyone except for Gideon to miss his slight by not acknowledging Dr. Reid's introduction of his girlfriend. "The rest of the team couldn't make it, but we thought it would be nice to come and meet you and your family to say congratulations." He said with a nod towards JJ. He had not missed how Gideon in his excitement to introduce them to his protégé, had completely missed greeting Dr. Reid's girlfriend. "I have to say I looked at your file… I'm impressed. I'm also impressed that you didn't need any of the waivers that Gideon mentioned setting up for you." He said making a point to point out to his teammates that Dr. Reid was just as qualified as they all were to be on the team.

JJ grinned as she watched Spence blush at the praise and then turned to look back at the agents. "We're going out to dinner to celebrate. Would you like to join us?"

"Actually, I have to get home… my wife, Haley, and I have plans." Hotch explained.

"Yeah, we've got plans too man," Morgan said tipping his head towards the other agents, "but congratulations. Now you're on to all the specialized training." Morgan said. He was skeptical about what the thin reed of a man would be able to do in the field… but he'd reserve judgment and let the kid prove himself.