Chapter 1

"You just have to do it." Reid whispered.

"I don't know, man. What if she says no?"

"Then you'll look into her eyes every day and see the black depths of her rejection."

Morgan gave Reid a dirty look. "Not cool."

"If you do it, then you get to keep your man card."

"Who told you about man cards?"

"Shelly… I didn't know I owned one, but apparently she has it, so that explains it."

"I have no idea what she sees in you."

"A man? You need to go now. New tech intern is closing in fast." Reid said, indicating the newest king of the nerds, pocket protector and glasses firmly in place. He strolled up to Garcia's desk. She favored him with a smile.

"Go!" Reid hissed. Morgan, losing his natural grace, ambled forward. Nerd King stopped midsentence, and Garcia seemed grateful for the interruption.

"Sorry, Mike, duty calls." she apologized.

"It's Mick." the guy said, glaring at Morgan.

"Sorry Mick. But someone out there is dying, so I've got to make with the genius and catch a bad guy. I'll see you."

Mick shuffled off so Garcia could turn her full attention on Morgan.

"What's up, Hotstuff?"

"Not much…ummm…"

"What's wrong? Normally your all godlike. Is the case really that bad?" Her beaming smile was replaced by a look of uncertainty. "Oh gosh…"

"No, it's… it's not a case."

"Thank God." Garcia was relieved. "Just coming to say hi, and rescue a damsel in distress then?" She winked at him, and he nearly turned around and left, but he knew Reid was waiting, and damn it he was NOT going to let Reid be a superior bastard for the next month.

"No, that's not it either… Garcia…um, Penelope, would you like to have dinner sometime?"

"Sure, how about after are next case, the usual coffee shop?"

"I'm don't mean a work thing. I mean a date. Will you go one a date with me, to dinner, or whatever you like, really, as long as you show up?" What was it about her that took him from a powerful, commanding man and turned him into a little stuttering awkward teenager?

"Sure!" she said not missing a beat. "Friday works. There's a great seafood place I know, pick me up at seven. Now off to work. And tell Reid I said hi." She winked again, and he thanked God she was so amazing.

"Great!" he said, smiling back and feeling his confidence swell inside of him as he strutted back to Reid.

"Piece of cake." he told his friend. Reid just smirked at him.

"Shelly's eight year old nephew does it better than you." Reid told him.

"I'll give you a thirty second head start." Morgan growled, and Reid took off without another word.