Chapter eight: "There is no I in Team"

Word count: 8,4K 


Summary: It's Spencer's birthday, and the team meets Mikey, Lu, and Frank. Reader is no longer in denial, but she has no idea what she is doing. Also, Rossi is here. 


Warnings: Cursing, frustration, please don't hate me. 


A/N: Hi! I hope you enjoy this fluffy chapter 'cos... well... things are a few chapters away from getting a little messed up. Thank you for all the support! your likes and comments keep me writing! Love you all!


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(Y/N)'s point of view


Suddenly, working at the BAU wasn't just catching serial killers. After almost two years at the FBI, I was dealing with some serious issues that were starting to get in the middle of me and work: Spencer Walter Reid.


I didn't want to face it, and I knew I was trying to deny it as much as I could, but even when I kept telling everybody no, deep down, I knew the answer was yes.


I was falling for my best friend.


But I refused to deal with my feelings. There were more important things to do, like catching killers and celebrating Spencer's 26 birthday. So yes, I was screwed.


Penelope organized a breakfast celebration at the BAU with the whole team on his birthday, and I was in charge of the cake. I baked it myself the day before, and Lu decided to help me. And by "help me," apparently, she actually meant "drive me crazy."


- "So, when is Spencer's birthday?"- she sat and sipped her tea at the kitchen island as I continued mixing ingredients.


- "Sunday, October 28th, why?"


- "Just asking. And what's the plan?"


- "Tomorrow Friday, we'll throw an early birthday breakfast at the BAU. Then, I was planning to have a huge surprise party for Spencer here Saturday night. If we are called on a case, then we are doomed. But if we are home, we should definitely celebrate Batsy's day."


- "Aha"- I cut her a questioning gaze, and she just smiled- "I was just trying to make conversation."


- "Ok..."


- "And waiting patiently for you to face the fact you are in love with Spencer."


I nearly dropped the mixer bowl as soon as I heard those words.


- "Lu, what the fuck?!"- I knew I was all kinds of shades of pink, but I did my best to keep my cool and pretend to be stony.


- "I'm just saying it's about time you drop the act and deal with your feelings."


I hated the fact she was right. I was in love with Reid. But I didn't want to talk about it. Honestly, I wasn't ready to acknowledge those feelings out loud 'cause it would make them real. And all I wanted at that minute was to pretend those feelings didn't exist.


- "The only feeling I am dealing with right now is with how pissed I am with your innuendo."


I turned my back at Lu and started looking for the right pan for the batter. I had bought three sizes just to make sure I'd get it right. I also made a mental note not to tell her that.


- "There's no innuendo. I'm telling you upfront. I know you are in love with Spencer."


- "What?!"- Lu laughed and walked to the kettle to pour herself another cup of tea.


- "You do remember I've known you since we were six years old, right?"


- "Yes, I remember that. But that doesn't mean you know how I feel about Spencer."


- "No, of course not. It means you can stop acting. I see through you! you are baking the man a cake."


- "So?"- I looked at her and raised an eyebrow, trying my best to look serious and not busted at all.


- "So you've never baked a cake for me, or Mikey, or Frank!"


- "Well, if you are all jealous, I'll bake one for your birthday then!"


- "(Y/N), please. The cake is just an example. You and I both know you are in love with him."


- "I am not"- I sighed and turned off the mixer, 'cos the batter was ready.


- "(Y/N)"- my friend whispered a few seconds later in a softer voice.


- "Lu?"


- "You are in love with Spencer Reid."


I took a deep breath and crossed my arms on my chest as I looked at her. She was smiling, pleased. It made me think of Frank's request a few months earlier when he asked me he and the guys wanted me to date Reid. I thought it had been cute. Now I was wondering if they all suspected I had feelings for my best friend.


- "Lucy, why are you so obsessed with this?"


- "'Cause he is in love with you too, and I want you to be happy"- and her answer kind of broke my heart.


- "Reid is not in love with me,"- I whispered and returned to the cake to pour the batter into the pans.


- "Why are you so sure?"


- "'Cos I know him! And I know he is in love with someone else"- Lu frowned and shook her head, in disagreement with my words. Like she knew him better.


- "Spencer Reid is in love with you, (Y/N). I've known it since the day I met him."


- "Spencer Reid is in love with JJ. I've known it since the day I met him 'cos he actually asked her out."


- "Oh, come on! You told me that story! Nothing happened!"


- "'Cos she doesn't like him, but you should see him when he is around her! and now that she is dating, it's so obviously killing him!"


I let my arms fall at my sides, defeated, and Lu tapped on the seat next to her. So I sat by her side and held the cup of tea I had left forgotten earlier when I had started baking.


- "So, tell me why you think Reid likes JJ"- Lu demanded, and I somehow managed to tell her what I felt without looking desperate. Or that's what I thought.


- "He worships the floor she walks upon. And I get it, she is cute, she is fun, blond, and friendly. I bet every guy she meets loves her. And it's awful 'cos I love her too, she is my friend. She's the sweetest."


- "But?"


- "But what?"


- "Sounded like you were going to tell me something like "But I hate her 'cos I am in love with Reid."


- "I don't hate JJ! I'm happy she has Will, though she hasn't told us about it. And I love working with her! she is sweet and amazing!"


- "But you are sure Reid loves her"- I just nodded- "Well, you are wrong."


- "Trust me, I'm not."


- "Well, then I'll have to meet that JJ girl and see if Reid looks in love with her."


- "How are you planning to do that?"


- "I don't know"- Lu simply shrugged and smiled- "Something will come up."




And something did come up. Spencer's birthday party. October 28th, 2007.


We threw him a surprise party at my apartment, and everybody came. Derek, Garcia, Prentiss, JJ, Hotch, Lu, Mikey, and Frank. It wasn't just Spencer's 26th birthday party. It was me not hiding anymore. I couldn't hide myself from the team if everybody were invited to my house and about to meet my friends. But I didn't care. I didn't actually think about it much at the moment, 'cos all I cared about was giving Spencer the best surprise birthday party on earth.


And I think I nailed it, 'cos he had no idea what was going on when he knocked on my door at eight. He was innocently holding a bag with some snacks I had asked him to bring for the movie marathon I told him we would have. And he believed me. He was adorable.


As soon as I opened the door and saw him there, my heart skipped a beat. Maybe that's why I didn't say much; I just smiled and invited him in.


- "Is your electricity out? Why are all your lights off, (Y/N)?"- he innocently asked, right before turning on the light and hearing everybody yelling "Surprise!!"


- "What the..."- Reid looked around in shock, not getting what was going on. Frank jumped over and nearly tackled him with a hug, making me laugh. Garcia turned to me in shock, but I just shook my head. That's Frank.


- "Happy barf day, doc!"


- "Thank you so much! Hey!"- Spencer looked around and looked at me. I smiled and watched how everybody got closer to him and hugged him. I don't know if he was ok with it, but he didn't seem to complain. The birthday boy hugged everybody that night.


Spencer's point of view




I don't think anyone had ever thrown me a surprise party before. I never suspected it. Not even a little. I was so glad they had done it, though. I was so happy to have friends and family to share that day with.


It was my fourth birthday at the BAU, the second (Y/N) had organized, and somehow I didn't feel alone anymore. People weren't friendly to me for being condescending. They actually liked me.


- "Doc! You are gonna love these!"- Frank nearly tackled me with his present- "It's from Mikey and me. We thought you might appreciate some new addition to your collection."


I chuckled and held the vinyl records he had given me: Elton John, The Clash, and Arctic Monkeys.


- "Collection?"- Morgan asked and looked at me, surprised- "You collect vinyl records, Reid?"


- "Yeah, I do actually,"- I smiled and kept my eyes on the records- "I think it's a unique classic format. It sounds better than digital, and it includes warmth, richness, and depth to the music you don't find in a cd or mp3."


- "And not just classical music?"- Derek was somehow surprised- "You actually listen to any other musical genre?"


- "What are you talking about?"- I argued, almost insulted- "Just because you think I'm a nerd doesn't mean I only listen to classical music. Last year I got a Johnny Cash record. You were there!"


Morgan raised his hands and smiled, defeated. I chuckled and looked at Frank and Mikey.


- "Thank you, guys."


- "Don't worry about it, come here"- Mikey opened his arms and pulled me into a hug. I tapped on his back and smiled.


I noticed JJ's look at Penelope and wondered if she was surprised I had friends out of the BAU. (Y/N) and I were always together, and we usually talked about what we do with her friends during the weekend. Our friends. They were our friends.


- "We already gave him his presents this morning,"- Garcia explained to Frank. I don't know why maybe she thought it was necessary to make sure he understood and let them know they weren't the only ones who had given me presents.


- "Ok, kids, we've got pizza, beer, and a Halloween cupcake for the birthday boy"- (Y/N) walked over and put on a party hat on my head. I smiled and also received the bottle of beer she handed me.


- "Thank you, chipmunk"- I whispered and felt her arm around my waistline, wrapping me sweetly as she rested her body against my side.


- "You are welcome, honey. Happy birthday."


The way she looked at me made me feel I was the most important person in the world for her for a solid minute. And I wondered how I could make her feel the same.


- "So, doc. How was the cake?"- Lu stood by my side and smiled at JJ, who was just talking to me about nothing important.


- "Good! It was delicious! Did you help (Y/N) bake it?"


- "No!"- she shook her head and chuckled- "I just came for moral support yesterday."


- "It was good! Real good! you can't go wrong with chocolate and raspberries."


- "I'm glad"- she smiled and looked at JJ. I shook my head, embarrassed, and made the proper introductions, though (Y/N) had already done it.


- "You have been (Y/N)'s friend since you were kids, right?"- JJ asked, and Lu smiled again, nodding.


- "We were all neighbors growing up. And... you and doc, how long have you been working together?"


- "For the last... three years, I'm the communication liaison of the team"- Lu nodded and sipped her cup of tea.


- "He has been an incredible addition to the Three Stooges' lives"- Lucy joked and turned to me for a moment. Then, she scanned my face carefully, keeping a big, warm smile on her face.


- "Mikey and Frank were so excited to hang out with you. They keep hoping to find Lila Archer each time they go to your house."


I heard JJ laughing and looking at me, surprised. Lu just kept her eyes on her tea for a moment and then stuck out her tongue to me playfully.


- "Lila Archer?"- JJ asked, shocked- "Are you two still talking? Is there something I don't know about?"


- "No! no!"- I quickly tried to explain- "The guys are obsessed with her. Frank, mostly, and they love to bug me with her."


I turned and looked at them. Frank was hugging (Y/N), and Mikey kept trying to steal her beer from her hands as she just chuckled. I stared at them for a second, and I know I smiled. Somehow I felt slightly jealous of Frank and Mikey for always being so physical with her, not overthinking everything they did around her. I always wished I could be like that. But then again, they weren't in love with her.


- "So you and (Y/N)'s friends get along pretty well"- JJ's voice was curious. I kept thinking she was shocked I had other friends.


- "Actually, we consider Spencer our friend,"- Lu answered and chuckled- "Please, don't tell them I told you this, but they always get excited to see you."


- "Me?"- I was shocked- "Why me?"


- "'Cos they admire you a lot. Frank keeps saying you are the coolest guy he has ever known."


I didn't know what to answer. I had never been one of the popular guys, so having Lu telling me those guys thought I was cool was pretty shocking and heartwarming.


- "Hey, doc! I heard you met Mrs. (Y/L/N),"- Frank said from the other side of the room, causing everybody to look at me. I nodded awkwardly and took a sip of my beer- "She's hot, isn't she?"


- "Frank!!"- (Y/N) yelled and hit his arm- "You are talking about my mom!!"


- "I am not ashamed, Nugget! You know what I think about her!"


- "Wait, princess!"- Morgan was still laughing when he started talking- "Your mom is Mrs. Robinson?"


- "I don't know! Frank is just a perv!"- my best friend argued, looking disgusted.


- "Your mom is a hottie. Deal with it!! Mikey thinks so too!!"- Frank threw his friend under the bus trying to save his own ass. Everybody kept laughing as (Y/N) gasped and turned to see him.


- "You are a sick bastard too!!"


- "I haven't said anything!!"- Mikey tried to explain, but it was useless. Everybody kept chuckling.


- "You are thinking about my mom!!"


- "Well, I'm pretty sure Reid thought about her too!"


- "What?! Why me?!"- I shrieked, and I know I blushed.


- "You saw Mrs. (Y/L/N)! Didn't you think she was hot?"- Mikey looked at me and snickered.


- "She was very welcoming and cordial with me"- I tried to say the most neutral things possible.


- "Dude! come on! she is hot!"- Frank argued and looked at me in shock


- "She is my friend's mother!"


- "Yes! please stop talking about my mother!!"- (Y/N) kind of shouted but chuckled a little at the end.- "Instead, can we talk about how hot Morgan looks tonight?"


- "What?"- Derek raised an eyebrow- "Where is that coming from, princess?"


- "Pure honestly"- (Y/N) replied with a warm smile- "Doesn't he, Garcia?"


- "My chocolate thunder is always the center of my attention,"- Penelope answered and winked at Morgan- "And it's not just tonight. He is always delicious."


I shook my head and took a look around. All my friends were together in the same room. For the first time ever. Only Ethan was missing.




- "(Y/N), where do you have more dishes?"- Prentiss asked her as (Y/N) walked back from the kitchen, carrying a tray with drinks.


- "I'll help you"- I quickly ran to the kitchen and grabbed a few more dishes, plus napkins and a few coasters.


- "Thank you, honey bunny"- (Y/N) whispered and smiled at me when I walked back with everything.


- "You surely know your way around this house."- JJ pointed out, with a somehow suspicious tone of voice.


- "We hang out here a lot."- I explained and looked around, trying to find my beer.


- "Here you have, doc"- Mikey handed me a cold one, and I nodded- "The band has a gig Halloween night. If you are in town, you have to go."


- "Sure! I'd love to!"


- "You have a band?"- Garcia asked awed, and Mikey nodded- "You two? together?"


- "Yeah"- Mikey confirmed and looked at Frank, who talked with Morgan and (Y/N)- "Nugget and the doc are our biggest fans. They never miss a show when they are in town."


- "You go to rock shows?!"- Garcia was now in shock and hit my arm- "Does he go to the shows wearing band's t-shirts and jeans?! or in his usual wardrobe??"


Mikey chuckled and looked at me with a confused stare.


- "They don't hang out with you outside work a lot, do they?"


- "Yes! We do!"- and Penelope nearly jumped, insulted by those words- "We are just surprised 'cos there's a whole lot of our resident genius we haven't seen yet! like... going to rock shows!"


- "So you haven't seen him drunk? 'cos drunk doc is a beast!"


- "I am not a beast!"


- "I haven't seen him drunk! Boy wonder!! Why are you wilder with (Y/N)'s friends and not with us?"


- "We are his friends too,"- Mikey corrected her and smiled- "And we might push doc a little further, like the day we bet we couldn't drink a box of milk in 30 seconds."


I laughed, thinking about that moment, embarrassed and amused at the same time. It was true; the guys and I had a completely different dynamic than the one I had with my work team. Probably because from day one, neither Lu, Mikey, nor Frank labeled me as a dork. Well, sure, I was one, but so were them. They made me part of the group instead of being the "weird one" of the group. Somehow with Mikey, Lu, and Frank, I could be just plain Spencer and not Doctor Reid and allow myself to do silly, weird, dorky things, not afraid to be judged.


- "When did that happen?!"- JJ was in shock, overhearing that conversation and walking over with Lu.


- "A few weeks ago,"- Mikey answered and chuckled. I wasn't drunk that night; we just had a few beers. And it had been Frank who was incredibly persuasive about trying the milk challenge.


- "I made an equation, and we tried to beat it,"- I explained JJ, and Mikey laughed right away- "According to it, a regular human being might drink a whole box of milk in 33,3 seconds, and Frank argue he could do it in 30."


- "Spoiler, he couldn't"- Mikey added- "But he gave it a good fight, nearly died, choking."


- "Technically, he would have drowned"- I corrected- "It's called "dry drowning." It happens when water is in the mouth or nose and the vocal cords spasm, trapping the water, causing the person to asphyxiated."


- "That's a real thing?"- Garcia questioned in shock.


- "Yes, you drown, but you don't get any water in your lungs. Instead, it goes through your nose and your mouth, and the muscles close off and spasm."


- "Wow"- Mikey tapped on my back a few times and smiled- "I love that you know so much weird shit, doc. Happy birthday!"


- "Thank you..."




My birthday celebration was a blast. Mikey, Lu, and Frank were the hit of the party, and the BAU loved them. Penelope had a rocky start with Mikey, I think 'cos she was a little jealous I had done more weird things with them than with her, but everything was smooth after they shared their third beer.


I laughed so much my face hurt. Morgan and Frank told the weirdest and most incredible stories. Prentiss came up with a few fun games to play, and everybody was on board with them. Even Hotch. Lu and JJ talked a lot, and the two of them seemed to get along just fine.


(Y/N) was incredible. She made sure everything was perfect. The fact my birthday party had Halloween decorations melted my heart. She had all my favorite snacks, pizza toppings, and drinks. Even a Halloween cupcake. What else could I ask for in life? I had everything I always dreamt of: a family. And a best friend who loved me. Not in the same way I did love her, but you can't always have everything in life, right?


- "Thank you for everything, Munchkin!!"- one drunk Garcia hugged (Y/N) for the hundredth time, standing by the door. At two in the morning, she was the only one left, along with Morgan, who was her drive back home.


- "See you Monday at work, batgirl"- (Y/N) hugged her and giggled as Garcia nearly choked her with her tight embrace.


- "And you come here!!"- Penelope hugged me too and kissed my cheek- "I love you so much, boy wonder!! I'm so happy you are happy, 'cos you deserve to be the happiest you can be!"


- "Thank you, Garcia,"- I giggled and looked at Morgan- "Are you going to be ok?"


- "Hey!"- Penelope hit my arm (for the hundredth time that night) and frowned- "What do you mean if he is going to be ok? I can behave!"


- "I know you can! I'm sure you can! I'm asking Morgan 'cos it's late and he has to drive!"


- "I'm gonna be ok, kid."- Derek answered and smiled at me- "Do you need a ride?"- I shook my head and heard the words I was secretly waiting to listen to all night long.


- "You can crush the couch if you want to,"- (Y/N) suggested and turned to me, shrugging.


- "I can help you clean,"- I added right away, and she smiled. Morgan stayed still, staring at me, and I swear he was trying to read every single facial movement I could do. So I just looked at him and smiled.


- "Ok then, we'll leave you two alone. See you Monday at work"- Derek tapped on my back and gave (Y/N) a small hug. Garcia winked and walked out.


Just like that, it was finally just the two of us.


- "Did you have fun?"- (Y/N) whispered after she closed the door and rested her back against the wood. I nodded and smiled, staring at her eyes shine.


- "Very much. This was actually my first surprise party."


- "Ever?"- (Y/N) questioned and frowned- "Really? then I am glad I didn't know that before, 'cos I don't think I could have managed the pressure of having to make you the best surprise party on earth."


- "You raised to the occasion"- she smiled and walked to the kitchen. And I followed her.


- "Are you hungry?"- I heard her asking as she opened the fridge. I grabbed a bunch of dishes and glasses on my way to the kitchen and piled them on the sink.


- "Not really. I think it was really too much pizza."


- "Spencer Walter Reid, there is never enough pizza,"- she argued, trying to stay serious.


- "My stomach is telling me otherwise."


- "So there's no room left for a slice of chocolate raspberry cake?"- I turned around and found her smiling from the fridge. She held a cake and giggled playfully.


- "You baked another?"


- "I had some free time this morning, and I had the feeling this is how the evening was going to end."


I don't think there are enough words in the vocabulary to express how those words made me feel. And most of all, I don't think my brain functioned correctly each time (Y/N) looked at me how she was going that moment.


- "So honey. You, me, your new blu ray of the 7th season of Doctor Who."


- "Which blu ray?"


- "The one I just got you, dork."


When I thought I couldn't love her more. There it was. My doom.


- "You are just making this incredibly impossible for your birthday,"- I joked, and she burst out laughing.


- "You can see through me, doctor. I hate it."


- "I'm the best profiler in the BAU, (Y/N)."


- "Really? then why didn't you discover I was planning this party?"- I made a pause and bit my inner cheek. (Y/N) turned to me again and crossed her arms on her chest, waiting for an answer.


- "I'm guessing 'cos you are the best liar in the BAU."


- "You are god damn right."




We cleaned the living room, left most of the dirty dishes piled on the sink to take care of them in the morning. Then we cuddled on the couch with a cup of tea and some cake each.


- "Are you comfortable?"- I asked her wrapping my arm around her neck as she rested her head on my shoulder.


- "Perfect, you?"


- "Me too"


- "Hit it, then. It's time travel time, doc."




(Y/N)'s point of view


I woke up in Spencer's arms. He was taking me bridal style to my room. My face was pressed against his chest, and I swear I felt butterflies in my stomach just feeling his smell.


- "What is going on?"- I mumbled and saw him smiling at me.


- "You were snoring on the couch, so I'm taking you to bed."- he whispered, placing me carefully on my bed. Then, he took out my shoes and covered me with the blanket.


- "Stay,"- I pleaded and held his hand- "Don't sleep on the couch tonight. Stay with me."


I kept my eyes closed, 'cos it was embarrassing to see him as I asked him to sleep with me on the same bed.


- "Are you sure?"


- "It's your birthday. You can't sleep on a couch. And it's not like it hadn't happened before."


I knew I was right. We had slept together in the same room many times while we were out of town during cases. We had also slept together in the same bed before when Reid was detoxing in my house; though we never actually talked about it, it just happened. Those times we literally just passed out due to exhaustion. But this time was different. That was me asking him to stay with me. And he didn't refuse.


I heard him take off his shoes and then walked around the room until he reached the other side of the bed and got under the covers with me.


- "Good night, batsy,"- I whispered and snuggled closer to him. He didn't even hesitate and hugged me tight, leaving a sweet kiss on the top of my head.


- "Good night, chipmunk"- his voice was soft and careful, just as his hands were caressing my back. I sighed and snuggled even closer, craving more of his touch.


- "Happy birthday, honey bunny."


- "Thank you, ma chère"- those words gave me shivers, and the way he murmured them made me feel things I shouldn't have felt for him, especially if he was in that bed with me.


I didn't want to be in love with Spencer. But I couldn't stop those feelings. I had to remind myself he didn't see me the same way. It was hard to deal with those feelings when I was cuddled with him in my bed. And I knew I had gotten under that situation willingly. But I just couldn't help myself. For once, I wanted to know what it felt like to sleep in Spencer's arms. I could pretend to be cool the following day, but right there under those blankets, all I wanted was to pretend he loved me the way I loved him.


Is that too sad? Maybe pathetic? Holding your best friend close in the middle of the night, pretending he is your boyfriend. Feeling how you fall deeper and deeper in love with him, knowing you will never actually kiss him or even romantically hold his hand. But it doesn't matter, 'cos what he gives you every day is way more important than that.


I snuggled closer to Spencer, feeling how he locked his arms around me. I inhaled deeply, trying to burn in my memory how everything felt like. I looked at him for a second and decided to force myself to sleep. I knew it would be hard, 'cos though I was weary, I wanted to enjoy that moment for as long as possible.


There I was, The Ice Princess like Paul had called me once, melted in Spencer's arms, wishing there was a way to stay there forever.


- "Are you ok?"- I heard Reid whisper suddenly, slightly moving to put an eye on me.


- "Yeah, why?"


- "Because you can't sleep."


- "Am I keeping you up?"


- "No... I was worried you weren't comfortable."


- "I am"- I murmured and sighed- "I was just going over the day again. But I'll fall asleep in a minute."


- "Ok..."


- "Are you comfortable?"- he hummed in response and caressed my back sweetly until I started zoning out slowly.


I didn't want to fall asleep, 'cos being awake for once was better than dreaming.


Yes. As cheesy as that.




I woke up to the smell of coffee the next morning. Spencer had made breakfast, and he had also done pretty much all the dishes. As a result, my house was cleaner than it was before the party.


- "You didn't have to clean the whole place on your own,"- I argued as I sat at the kitchen island and sipped my cup of coffee.


- "I know, but I wanted to thank you for throwing an amazing party- Spencer smiled and held his cup of coffee with both hands for a moment- I wanted to make you breakfast, but all I managed to do was the Spencer Reid Special


- "You know I love it!"- I chuckled and watched him turn around to get me a bowl of cereal and milk.


- "Breakfast of champs!"- I teased and grabbed my spoon- "Did you sleep well?"


- "Yes, very much. You?"


- "I don't think I sleep. I fell unconscious. I didn't even hear you get out of bed. I was too tired. It's been a long couple of weeks."- I chewed my cereal as Spencer sat across from me.


- "Yes. But we've managed well without Gideon"- Spencer brought him up, and that surprised me. He hadn't talked about him or even said Gideon's name for the last few weeks.


- "Yeah, we did a fantastic job"- I reassured his words, and he nodded in silence- "Are you excited to meet David Rossi?"


- "Yeah! I mean, that man is a legend. I can't believe he wants to leave retirement and join the BAU again after all these years."


- "I heard he is freaking loaded"- I finished my cereal and sipped my coffee- "Garcia told me that he shouldn't even work anymore with all the money he has made from his book."


- "Why do you think he wants to come back to the BAU?"- Spencer asked and looked into my eyes with a childish expression.


- "I have no idea. Maybe being a millionaire is not as exciting as catching serial killers."


I stood up as I spoke and opened the fridge. There was still some cake left, and I knew Spencer would love to have his sugary coffee with even more sugar.


- "Or perhaps he has unfinished business,"- he said and smiled as soon as he saw the pastry.


- "I just hope he is nice. I don't want to deal with an asshole with a gigantic ego who can't handle working as a team."


- "I heard Hotch saying he is very nice."


- "Assholes are usually nice with Hotch."


- "Are you implying Hotch is an asshole?"- I set to dishes and frowned at Reid as I cut a slice of cake.


- "No! I am saying assholes respect him. And they are colleagues. I don't know if Rossi will work well with younger people, though."


- "We'll have to see tomorrow."




Reid was right. And I didn't want to create a false idea of David Rossi in my head before I met him. I had already read all of his books, and when Hotch told us he might join the team, I hyperventilated for a bit of bit. I mean it when I say David Rossi is a legend. Working along with him would be the most incredible experience ever. But only if he was nice.


I had worked hard for almost two years to get where I was in the BAU. And I didn't want to go through the whole process again, proving to Rossi I deserved to be where I was.




- "So, do you have any plans for today?"- Spencer asked me suddenly, and I just shook my head- "Mikey said they had a show on October 31st."


- "Yes! And that happens to be also Frank's birthday! So be prepared, 'cos if we are in town, we are gonna party hard that night!!"- Spencer smiled and nodded.


- "Then maybe we could go get him a present later,"- he suggested.


- "Deal. And perhaps some new Halloween decorations."


Oh! His excited face was priceless. That boy loves Halloween as much as I do, and each year we got all the best decor to keep our houses festive all year long. 'Cos we are Halloween dorks.


- "You know, Garcia and JJ were pretty shocked last night when they found out I go out and party with you and the guys."


- "Why?"- I cut him a second slice of cake and put it on his dish. He shrugged and sipped his coffee.


- "I guess they didn't know I am human."


- "Don't say that, honey."


- "It was a little upsetting too."


- "Why?"


- "'Cos they kept calling them "your friends," referring to you, and they kept telling them they are my friends too. What? So now I can't party or have friends?"


Spencer was honestly upset with those facts, and I could totally understand why. Everybody treated him like a kid and a nerd. They now knew he did things that weren't expected from someone like him, like going to rock shows and partying. So, of course, they were going to be shocked.


- "Have I ever told you meeting you is the best thing that the BAU has given me?"- I answered, in a rush of honesty that came out of nowhere.


- "No"- he mumbled and pouted like a kid- "Why are you telling me this?"


- "'Cos I wanted you to know."- I smiled and stared at him for a second- "Never let anyone make you feel you are less than awesome, Spencer Walter Reid. 'Cause you are the most amazing person I've ever met."


The way he looked at me, in a weird mix between shock and gratitude, melted me. After that, he didn't say anything; he just blushed. And I guess I was too scared to continue talking, 'cause all I managed to do next was excuse myself and lock in the bathroom to shower.




Spencer's point of view


I walked into the bullpen the following Monday, ready to spread my Halloween love. After spending Sunday with (Y/N), I was in a fully Halloween mood. We had gotten Frank a birthday present, also did some Halloween shopping, and even got pumpkins to carve that day after work. October is my favorite month, and Halloween is hands down my favorite season.


- "I'm going to eat you!!"- I groaned on Morgan's neck and made him jump in frighten as Prentiss laughed, staring at the scene. I was wearing a Frankenstein mask, carrying bags of candies and a bunch of decorations for my desk and the office.


- "Reid!"- Derek complained, but I just smiled and took off my mask.


- "Happy all hallows eve, folk!!"- I waved and walked to my desk- "To paraphrase from Celtic mythology, tomorrow night, all order is suspended, and the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed!!"- I joked and threw Emily a plastic vudú head. But Morgan wasn't in the mood, I guess.


- "See, that right there is why Halloween creeps me out."


- "You are scared of Halloween??"- I narrowed my eyes and looked at him, not getting what he was talking about. 


- "I didn't say I was scared. I said I was creeped out. There's a difference there, youngster. You should look it out."


- "What creeps you out about it?"- Emily asked what I was about to.


- "I don't know, people wearing masks"- he pointed at me and added- "I don't like folks in disguises."


- "That's the best thing about Halloween. You can be anyone you want to be"- I argued and threw some candies to him to cheer up his morning.


- "Nah, I'm pretty good just being me."


- "Yeah, why is it that neither of those points of view surprises me?"


Emily joked and shook her head. I was about to discuss Morgan's point when I saw (Y/N) walk into the bullpen. She was carrying a gigantic plastic Jacko lantern while wearing a zombie mask we had just gotten together the day before.


- "I want brain!!"- she moaned, and Emily laughed as soon as she saw her.


- "Not you too, princess!!"- Morgan whined as soon as he saw her- "We were just talking about this."


- "What? You are not a Halloween fan?"


- "Not as much as you two nerds"- he answered and shook his head- "You know what, though? On the flip side, it does provide a pretty good reason to cozy up with a scary flick and a little Halloween honey."


And as soon as Derek said those words, (Y/N) and Emily frowned, disgusted.


- "Halloween honey, now I am creeped out,"- Emily argued, and (Y/N) shook her head, leaving the Jacko lantern on her desk carefully.


- "Guys, he's here,"- I warned them, trying to be as discreet as possible, but I don't think it worked. David Rossi walked over, along with section chief Erin Strauss. (Y/N) made a gesture and reminded me to take off my mask, as I quickly did my best to look presentable. Rossi just smiled at us and walked straight to Hotch's office.


- "So, do you guys think he is going to stay here for good?"- (Y/N) asked, standing by my side. She reached out and handed me a bag filled with my favorite candies for no reason and just smiled.


- "I don't know. Maybe they asked him to fill in while they find a replacement for Gideon,"- Emily said, her eyes glued at Hotch's office, though none of us could see a thing of what was going on in there. We just saw Strauss walking out and JJ walking over, most likely to announce Hotch we had a case.


- "So, what did you guys do Saturday after we left?"- Morgan asked (Y/N) and me and smiled pleased, probably ready to tease us over anything we might tell him.


- "Nothing really, we got naked and did the dirty on every spot you sat on in my apartment."


(Y/N) answered as casually as possible, not even paying attention to his face. Emily burst out laughing, and I know I blushed, looking down at the files on my desk.


- "There's no need to get all defensive, princess,"- Morgan answered and shook his head, smiling at her.


- "Well, it's not the first time you ask about what we've done with that teasing tone of voice, so excuse me for giving you the answer you wanted to hear."


- "Guys,"- I whispered and looked over. Emily and Derek stood up as soon as they noticed Hotch and Rossi were walking towards us.


- "SSA David Rossi, this is SSA Emily Prentiss"


- "Sir!"- she smiled and shook his hand as he nodded.


- "SSA Derek Morgan,"- Hotch announced, and my friend shook Rossi's hand.


- "It's an honor, agent Rossi."


- "Please, just Dave."


- "SSA (Y/L/N)"- he said, and (Y/N) shook his hand too.


- "Nice to meet you, sir."


- "And Doctor Spencer Reid"


- "Sir, if I could talk to you later about your work with the Scarsdale skinner. Psycho-linguistics is an incredibly dynamic field, and the fact that your profile for his reading habit ultimately led to his capture is something I find so incredibly intriguing."


- "Reid"- I know I was carried away when Hotch interrupted me- "Reid, slow down. He'll be here for a while. You can catch up with him later."


Rossi was a little overwhelmed. I'm guessing it was because he was meeting many new people, which can be pretty intimidating at any age. So I smiled and nodded.


- "Sorry,"- I whispered and looked at Hotch to see if he was mad at me, but no. If anything, he was amused.


- "No problem, doctor,"- Rossi added and smiled.


- "Maybe you guys can talk on the jet,"- Hotch suggested, surprising Rossi.


- "The jet?"


- "We've got a jet now"- and Hotch even smiled at Rossi, who was honestly shocked.


- "Are you serious?"


- "Yeah, it comes pretty handily. Come on, JJ is waiting."


Hotch and Rossi walked away to the conference room. Emily followed them, along with Morgan, who also teased me and smiled. I stood still and waited for (Y/N) for a second and felt her hand on mine as we walked to catch with the team. She just smiled, and I did the same. Moments like those were the ones that made me keep going, kept me sane, and made me feel honestly happy. I didn't want it to end.


But it did. Eventually.




The case took us to Carrollton, Texas. It was the first one we had with David Rossi as a part of the team, and it was weird. Rossi didn't really know how to work as a team, and if there was something the BAU had in its DNA was working together, no matter what.


The first time on the field with him, he barely talked to (Y/N) or me. As a matter of fact, she then pointed out she felt we were on his way. In fact, he collected his thoughts and wrote everything he might come up with but never spoke it out loud. So we had to take the words from him.


- "The man is a legend, (Y/N)"- I sipped his coffee and looked at how my best friend shook her head. We were sitting at the Carrollton police office, waiting for Hotch to finish talking with the police chief so we could deliver the profile to all the officials.


- "So? The fact he is a famous profiler means he can't fucking talk to us? give me a break! he is acting like a diva!"


- "He and Gideon created the BAU"- I tried to make a point, but I knew I didn't have any good point to save Rossi from my best friend's.


- "We are ready to deliver the profile,"- JJ announced, and the two of us stood up quickly- "Hey, I'm sorry you missed your concert,"- she whispered as we walked to meet the rest of the team.


- "Yeah, I was looking forward to seeing Frank and Mikey's band live,"- I said and smiled at her, surprised she remembered it.


- "Were your friends too upset?"


- "No, they are already used to it, which is actually pretty upsetting too. That means we've lost a lot of shows. But they know it's because we are working, and not because we don't want to go"- JJ smiled at me and chuckled slightly.


- "What? You still can't believe I go to rock shows?"- I asked her and raised an eyebrow, trying to understand her reaction.


- "No, it's just that you keep saying "we," and it makes you sound like you are an old married couple who does everything together,"- she answered and shook her head as she pointed at (Y/N) and me. I didn't know what to say at that, and I don't think (Y/N) heard her, or she would have said something (anything) to JJ. I just stared at her confused, and she cut me one more smile before we heard Emily speak.


- "There's a sophistication and patience in what this unsub does that suggests a level of maturity. We believe this puts his age in the mid-30s to 40s range."- Prentiss started describing the serial killer we were hunting. I turned to her and nodded, ready to continue giving the profile.


- "Michelle Colucci was taken from the primary crime scene and disposed of at the tertiary crime scene four days later. That means she was held somewhere for at least three days. You can't really just hold a victim anywhere for days on end, so he most likely has access to a house of some kind."


- "And he's also fairly tech-savvy"- Morgan continued- "The fliers were made on a computer, and it's probable that he used a device to intercept the last victim's phone call."


- "Witnesses in the victim's neighborhood say they might have seen a white man putting up fliers, but none of them could describe him. Even with all the media this case has received"- Hotch added. One of the detectives sighed, annoyed we couldn't give him anything better.


- "Great"


- "Actually, what that tells us is that there is absolutely nothing remarkable about this man,"- (Y/N) said and looked straight into the detective's eyes- "He is exceedingly average. Average height, average build."


- "It extends to his professional life as well,"- I added and nodded at her- "He most likely works in a field where he doesn't stand out. Doesn't really make a mark."


- "His lack of distinction is part of his psychopathy,"- (Y/N) said and took a look around the room- "We have hundreds of interactions with people every day. Most of those involve someone overlooking someone else. Most of us don't pay attention to being ignored, but to this kind of unsub, each oversight is intentional, especially when it comes from this object of sexual desire. He begins to obsess over her until she is all he can think about, and the rage builds until he has to attack that person."


- "So he is pissed off that nobody noticed him?"- the sheriff asked and narrowed his eyes. Most people get upset when they find out serial killers do what they do for such pointless reasons.


Hotch was starting to explain his plan to the sheriff and how we would make him contact the police when his attention focused on the tv. The news showed the exact same mask the killer was using on his victims, something we had explicitly asked everybody not to share with the press.


- "JJ, how'd they get that?"- Hotchner's voice was shocked and upset. JJ looked at him, confused, shaking her head.


- "Not from me! Hotch, I called the local police departments, and I stressed withholding the mask!"


- "I called them"- Rossi pointed to the tv as soon as he walked into the room and didn't give it much thought to what was going on. We all looked at each other, confused, and waited for Aaron's reaction.


- "What?"


- "I said the FBI think the mask means he's impotent,"- Rossi explained, and none of us moved or even said a word. All we could notice was how Hotch's face was trying to hide his anger.


- "Can I speak to you for a second?"- he asked David, and the two of them walked away.


- "So, assholes were usually nice with Hotch, right?"- I whispered into (Y/N)'s ear and heard her chuckle. Morgan looked at us and frowned. I guess it wasn't the time for humor after all.


- "So the legend likes to fly solo,"- Prentis whispered as she stood by our side.


- "Are you surprised?"- (Y/N) crossed her arms on her chest and sighed. All of us kept an eye on the door that separated us from Hotch and Rossi.


- "I don't know. I wasn't expecting this today, but I can't say I'm shocked either"- Emily murmured and shook her head- "I just thought maybe he'd know how to work with a team."


- "Now I'm scared,"- (Y/N) said and looked around- "Do you think he knows how to work with females on the team? Or will he keep asking us to bring him coffee?"- Prentiss chuckled at (Y/N)'s words, and Morgan placed a hand on her shoulder.


- "Come on, princess, he is old but not that old."


- "I already went through a lot to validate myself in front of Aaron and Gideon the last two years"- (Y/N) confessed- "I am not planning to do the same with him. He has to know, everybody in this team is here for a reason."


- "We are not letting him do that,"- Derek assured her and cut him a warm smile- "Personally, I won't let him do that."




We caught the killer later that very same day. Well, Rossi killed him, to be completely honest. The team reached his house and saved the last victim. She was hurt, but she was going to be ok soon. The neighborhood was filled with kids trick or treating, and the fact the area was surrounded by police cars and ambulances alerted everybody.


- "Honey..."- (Y/N) whispered and held my hand as she walked me down the street- "Those kids are watching the police procedure, and I don't wanna ruin their Halloween."- she said and pouted.


- "Do you wanna give them some candies?"- I asked her and opened my satchel- "I still got some of the ones you gave me."


- "I love you so much"- she kissed my cheek and grabbed some of the candies. I stayed still for a second and just stared at her walking to the kids and how their faces lit up when they saw the candies. I guessed that's how I looked whenever she walked to me.  

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