Olivia's POV

I'd never really believed in second chances nor did I believe that people could change which I guess wasn't that surprising with what I had experienced in my youth.
With Jake and Andrew it was hard to inject that much hope in someone's ability to change their ways.

With that being said, the amount I had changed personally over the past year alone had challenged all my beliefs surrounding the cliche of people changing.
Maybe that alteration too my assumptions was why u hadn't had as much initial regret or mental pushback on my decision too give Spencer and I a second chance then I had expected.

On the surface I had convinced myself that this was the final piece of the puzzle of being back in Virginia- ignoring the remaining 99 other things that I still had yet too confront.
But that didn't mean I could stop the whisper of doubt crawling it's way into my thoughts every now and again, even if Spencer and I had respectfully changed over our time apart, what was too say that the issues that the issues that tore us away from each other wouldn't reappear?
Was I just meant to assume that this time around old feelings or trauma weren't a factor?

Never the less, I couldn't deny that this was the happiest I had felt in a very, very long time. It was difficult to think of the last time I felt this free, like I wasn't being held down by an enormous weight of guilt and hopelessness.
For the first time I was thinking past tomorrow, planning for a bright future.

A few days had past since Spencer and I rekindled and I was still in a considerable amount of shock, to be perfectly honest I still wasn't over the hotel room kiss.
Everything seemed to happen in a blur after that kiss.

Though we hadn't been in each other's company since we established what we were - not because of a lack of want or anxiety, I sadly had other plans I needed to act on, Such as house hunting - Spencer  managed to stay  in my mind even more then usual as we had been messaging each other almost 24/7.
I felt like a prepubescent teenager with the way I awaited his reply and gushed over the phone whenever his response was received.

Too normal people this small gesture may not have seemed so noteworthy but taking into account Spencers aversion to technology it was obvious he was really willing to give us an honest second go.

Derek has returned home from the case last the night before, I had heard him come in but thankfully it was late enough that I could feign sleep and was able to get out of the house before I had to endure anymore awkwardness between the two of us just yet.
Most of my focus had been on Spencer and I in the teams absence yet Derek's unusual behaviour and our interaction just before he left snuck into my worries at any silence I experienced.

No matter how much I pondered it, an answer or solution too his hostility was still unreachable.

"If you follow me through... Miss? Miss?" Speaking of apartment hunting. A voice broke through my inner dialogue, transferring my focus onto the women standing too my side.
Her face held sharpe features, pulled back - pixie like that were complimented by her bouncing honey coloured curls that sat elegantly on her shoulders.

Shaking my head I apologised for my fleeting attention "no worries, if you'll follow me through too the bedroom I can show the balcony" she said through a smile.
This was the 5th apartment I had been shown by this real estate agent - Giselle - this task had been one of the many that rivalled against Spencer and I's debatably perfect revived relationship.

Every place Giselle has showed me was beautiful in its own way as well as being in price range, however, that all felt wrong, off somehow.
I wanted to be able too move out of Derek's place as soon as possible but I couldn't bring myself to sign onto something I wasn't prepared to call home.

I had to admit this place was the nicest - with a balcony and exposed brick interior but I was too consumed in my thoughts too really care, the worry of having to return home with no excuse to avoid Derek playing heavily on my mind.

"I can give you a few days to think on it if you'd like?" Giselle spoke softly, she displayed a kind persona but who knew if that was simply for the sale.
Midway through expressing my thanks my phone began to ring, pulling the device from my pocket, a grin grew on my face as Spencers face flashed across the screen.
"sorry I have to take this but I'll definitely be in contact" I said apologetically before bidding my final farewells too Giselle and answering the buzzing call.

"Hey.." I muttered out trying too hold back the excitement in my voice "Liv, hey.. how's your day going?" A small laugh left my lips at his hesitation in his voice, something about his meaning for calling was apparently making him panicky.

"It's alright, just left the latest apartment showing" I explained while walking down the sidewalk in the direction of the train station "thats, what? The 5th one now? Any luck?" He responded, through our persistent texting Spencer had heard all about my house hunting struggles.

Pushing a sigh from my lungs, I replied "it still doesn't feel right, nothings clicking like my old place did.. anyways, how's your day going, Spence?" My heart skipped a beat at the familiar nickname that had a tendency to double as a term of endearment in our time together.

"I- uh.." Spencer stuttered out, I could almost hear the grin forming on his face as his voice gained more confidence "it's getting better. Look I was thinking, we only have today left off before we have to go back to work - how about you let me take you out tonight?" The last part left his mouth so quickly I almost missed it.

"Are you asking me out on a date Dr Spencer Reid?" I chuckled, his undertone if desperation was incredibly endearing "in theory" he mumbled, cutely.

I took a second too think right as I reached the train station "screw it. One last night of freedom - let's do it" I finally said "really?" His shocked voice shot out from the speaker "I mean, I'll pick you up at 7" he rushed in an recovery attempt.
Glancing up at the arrivals/departures board I spoke up again "sounds good, I'm looking forward too it. My trains just pulling in, I'll see you tonight" there was no way I could even try to hide my joy.

I was going on a date with Spencer!

We exchanged heartfelt 'goodbyes' and not long after I was jumping on the train back to Derek's place.
Majority of the ride I was all but shaking of excitement, so much so that it wasn't until I was standing at Derek's doorstep that it dawned on me; I have too confront hims now.

Sighing deeply I entered the house, it's now or never right?

"Hey" I quietly greeted , Derek was standing over the kitchen sink, chugging a large glass of water, dowsed in sweat. He must have just gotten back from a run, or maybe work at one of his properties.
My body had stalled, too hesitant to move closer as if Derek was a deer that I was running the risk of scaring at any second.
He choked out his own greeting, still recovering from the unknown exercise "how, uh, how was the case?" I asked.

I took a few steps forward and placed my bag down on the table ahead of me that separated us "eh, could have gone better if I'm honest. A 19 year old was going around shooting up all of his old foster homes and when we finally tracked him down, JJ ended up having too face him one on one-" I could have sworn he was pausing solely to torture me "shes okay. Just a little beat up, anyway, we got him and Hotch thankfully gave us today off" he explained calming my uncertainty of JJ's safety slightly.

"Oh good, thats good" I responded with an edge too my voice, why didn't I know how to speak too him anymore?
Derek stared back at me a raised eyebrow, thankfully he chose not too question my uneasiness "yeah.. anyway I was just about to head back too one of the properties" I guess he was still running away from me. At least we conversed, that had too count for something - regardless of how awkward "I'll see you when I get back" he added, I assumed as a courtesy.

Cutting my body short as Spencers date invitation passed through my head "oh no, sorry, I'm going.. out" failing to sound unsuspicious, it wasn't shocking that Derek choose too question me with a head tilt.

Thinking fast on my feet had never been my strong suit "uh, yeah, late apartment viewing" I lied. I could have sworn I saw Derek tense up at the reminder of my plans too move out, however he shot back a understanding nod.

It felt as though I was suffocating as the uneasiness between us settled in the air around us.

Shuffling on the balls of my feet, I tried to come up with a way out of this conversation "well, I'm gonna go give JJ a call - see if she needs anything. I'll see you later.." Derek's offered up a half-hearted smile as I walked past.

Once I was in the safer confines of my room I quickly dialled JJ's number and after only a few rings she answer "hello" her voice held a weak tone, further more adding to the image of her interaction with the young unsub in my mind.
"JJ, hey it's Olivia, how are you? Derek told me about the case.." I trailed off, a small broken laugh came from the other end of the phone "I'm fine! Really, a little bruised but I'll survive"

It sounded like she believed it but that didn't mean I did "is there anything you need? Meds? A babysitter?" Yet again JJ laughed "God, you sound just like Spence. I'm okay! Will has got it all covered and I've already been cleared to come back to work tomorrow" while that did convince me of her wellbeing slightly, it didn't settle the worry fully.

"If you say so," I mumbled "oh, Will's calling me for dinner. Thank you for checking up on me, Liv. I'll see you tomorrow?" She sighed, sincerity laced her voice.

A few moments later the call had ended and my mind had been pushed back onto Spencer, at this point the topic of Spencer was a comfort thought.
Obviously I hoped for JJ's full recovery but I couldn't lie, her being the focus of the call in such a serious way made it extremely easy to keep Spencer and I's development from her.
Apart from Spencer, JJ and Derek were the two I found it hardest to lie too. They all just knew me too well.

Taking a quick peer at the small time stamp on my phone screen I cursed quietly too myself, it was already 6:00pm meaning I only had an hour too get ready for the date!

Pulling myself up from the bed, I leaped forward to my suitcase in search for anything that remotely resembled a date worthy outfit - I didn't exactly plan to be going on dates when I moved back here.
Truthfully as stereotypical as it sounded, after Spencer the first time around I had pretty much given up on the idea of love. With Spencer it was always so real, he had showed me what it was like to be loved and I knew no-one would ever match it.

Settling on a black halter neck, a-line dress, black tights and a long dark coat. I rushed to the bathroom, sparing no thinking time I jumped into the shower.
Once I was clean I checked the time for the second time and it read; 6:15pm. Crafting a timed agenda in my head as I dressed gave me less then a second too dwell on the rising nerves I had for this date.

However my mind did wonder as I applied my makeup,

What had Spencer planned for tonight? Was what I picked out to wear appropriate for what he had in mind? I hoped with everything in me that we weren't just going for dinner - with how on edge I was already feeling I didn't think I would be able too handle the extra stress that came with my unresolved issues with food.
These particular problems had affected me badly in high school but had no doubt gotten worse since the last encounter with Andrew.

Of course I had brought it up in my therapy sessions but it never seemed to entirely fade away. Spencer had actually been the only one - other then therapy - that I had really confided in about it so maybe he would remember? Did I even want him to remember?

Please don't just be dinner.

Shaking myself back to reality, I made quick touch ups too my face. The time was now 6:45pm.
Now it's just a waiting game.

What to do? ... what to do? I needed some sort of distraction so that I didn't talk myself out of tonight's endeavours.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, eagerly grabbing for my phone and typing the familiar number "hello stranger" Jenna's voice uttered with enthusiasm, I let a content sigh out at the sound of her voice. I missed her so much.

"Jenna, hey! I'm sorry I haven't been very good at keeping in contact, it's all been quite hectic" I said, sincerely.
"Don't worry about it, Liv! Just tell me everything!" And with that being said I went on to explain everything. Every little detail, from the arguments too the kiss Derek and I shared too all the recent changes involving Spencer and I.

I know it was my idea and I stood by my words but boy did it feel good too tell someone!

"Oh my god! Holy crap, Liv! You've been holding out on me" Jenna screeched, gaining a laugh from me "so what? He's on his way to pick you up now?" She concluded.
"Yeah, any second now-" I mumbled as the door bell rang out through Derek's place, startling me "oh god, he's here" I added, the anxiety I had managed to ignore resurfacing. Another high pitched squeal came from Jenna's end "go answer the door and let me know how it goes! Good luck!" She said before abruptly ending the call, inadvertently pushing me too answer the door.

Taking a deep breath I pulled the door open, my ability to breathe vanished for a moment at the sight of the man infront of me.
Spencer was donning a black business shirt, sleeves rolled up to just below the bend of his elbows with a matching tie and dark trousers. His messy curls tucked adorably behind his ears, a smile erupted on his face.

If I hadn't been so dazed by his beauty I may just have melted right there and then.

"Hi" he said, simply in a near whisper before adding  "you look beautiful" causing a blush to creep up on "you don't look too bad yourself" I uttered, still in awe of this presence and finding myself unable to find the real words I wished to describe him
"Come on in. I just have to put some shoes on"

Spencer nodded, slipping in past me "Morgan's not home?" He hesitantly asked, having remembered my only condition as he observed the surroundings.

Shaking my head gently while I collected my shoes from by the door "no, he's at one of his properties, although I think he's avoiding me" I could never explain why I felt I could be so truthful towards Spencer but for some reason I was sure, no matter what I said he wouldn't judge me for my confessions.

Taking a glance at Spencer who was staring back at me with a confused gaze, prompting me to explain further.
My reply, however, was delayed a few moments by Spencers sudden but smooth movements too be closer to me. He reached for my shoes ignoring my protests and instructed my left foot into the first boot as he prompted me too continue.

"H-he's been weird with me since the last the last case we were on" it wasn't necessarily a lie but it wasn't the whole truth either. I was still undecided o wether I was too tell Spencer of the events that transpired between Derek and I.
Like I said I didn't feel as though he would judge me but I didn't want anything to jeopardise what we were, regardless of how new it was.

Maybe I should ask Jenna...

"Any idea why?" He inquired, looking up to me briefly before his fingers continued their dance to lace up my boots.
Struggling for a moment to shake my fantasising gaze I replied "no idea. He's not great at expressing his feelings.." humour playing on my words.

"Hmm, maybe I should give him some pointers" Spencer joked, it was honestly shocking how self-aware he seemed, I couldn't help but wonder what changed?
Laughter slipped from me at the image forming in my head from Spencers words.

Gracefully Spencer tied my last boot and stood, offering his hands in aid too help me up "shall we go?" He mumbled with a grin and once I agreed we headed out the front door, hand in hand.

"So.. what are we doing for this date?" I asked when we were both safely in the car. Spencer appeared to be going the whole 9 yards tonight, he had helped me into the car before running around to his side.

Turning his head away from the road for only a second, he looked almost weary when he answered "uhh it's a surprise?"
A groan tumbled from my lips impulsively "you know I hate surprises" after the events in my life it was hard too find enjoyment in the unknown.

"I know, I know but I promise you this is a good surprise" Spencer said, matter of factly.
No amount of encouragement in this situation, my nerves were building too an all time high at every passing second.
My internal dialogue ran rampant with various scenarios that could take place tonight, each new idea becoming more and more extravagant aided by the lack of detail provided by Spencer.

Jolting out of fear I snapped my head to the side. I hadn't realised how far I had zoned out until Spencer  had placed and uncertain hand on my thigh "I can feel you freaking out, you're safe. I promise"

Through my life I had prided myself on being independent - realistically I'd never really had a choice but with Spencer, his words and actions never faulted to calm me.
Somehow more often then not I was inclined to believe whatever he was saying with little to no persuading.

Without a second thought my hand glided over his, slowly turning it over and linking our fingers, a light shiver ran down my spine as I did so.

In a weird way it didn't  really feel like so much time has past, of course there would always be a gap in our history, yet in that moment everything felt normal. Like nothing had ever changed.

I was right where I needed to be.

A/N
Hello lovelies!!
Okay so here's the deal, while I already have the basic layout for the next chapter and I'm vibing with it pretty hard, I also happened to go back a read a chapter from the first book in this series and I nearly cringed to death and I decided it is no where near the standard I hold myself up to now (because I like to believe that my writing now is just a tad bit better then that lmao) soooo I may go back and change that book up a bit.

Wether it's before the next chapter or after - I don't know but I just wanted to give y'all a heads up that stuff could be different :))) anyway I love y'all and I hope you're enjoying the book so far!!!!!! xxxxxx