A/N: For the sake of the story, we're going to pretend that 15-year reunions are common. Also, this story will also be slightly AU, although not quite as much as my last story. Thanks, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Criminal Minds, but sadly I don't. I do, however, own the first season, and am slowly making my way toward owning the rest.


"Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?"

-Mary Manin Morrissey

* * * * *

Spencer Reid sat at his desk, contemplating the thick green and gold invitation in his hands. It was an invitation to his fifteen-year high school reunion. Today was the last day to R.S.V.P., and Reid had procrastinated till the last possible moment to reply. He hadn't attended his ten-year, and he didn't really want to attend this one either, but for some illogical reason he felt compelled to. He couldn't understand it; it's not like there was anyone from his high school years that he wished to see again. Before he could put the invitation into his messenger bag and get started on the pile of paperwork he had, someone snatched it from his fingers.

"Hey kid, what've you got here?" Morgan asked with a grin, flipping the invitation over. "Ooo, high school reunion, it's in a few weeks; better ask Hotch for some time off before it's too late."

"Why? I don't think I'm going anyway."

"Why not? Reunions are always fun. See if any of those predictions in the yearbook ever came true."

"Did I hear something about a high school reunion? Whose is it?" Prentiss asked, walking in from the break room with the requisite cup of coffee and taking a seat at her desk.

"Reid's, but he says he isn't going."

"Aww, why not? I'd love to be able to go to one, but they don't really have them when you got your diploma from a tutor."

"Do you guys not remember how miserable high school was for me? Why would I want to go back to see people who made my life a living hell?" Reid snapped, snatching the invitation back from Morgan and shoving it into his messenger bag. "All they ever saw was a socially inept freakish prodigy loner who wouldn't amount to much, and it's not like that's changed a whole lot over the years. I still don't do well in social situations, I still make people feel uncomfortable with what I know, and I'm still alone."

"Now that's where you're wrong Spence." Emily argued. "At least for the most part. " Emily conceded, since Spence was still pretty awkward socially.

"What are you talking about?" Reid asked in confusion.

"Well, for one thing, you amounted to much more than I'm sure any of them have even dreamed. You're six years younger, and a success."

"I'm not a success."

"Emily's right. Come on Kid, how many 27 year-olds have three PhDs, two BAs with a third on the way, and are currently working as one of the best profilers in the country?"

Emily continued, not giving Reid a chance to protest. "You make a difference to the world, Spence. You see evil day in and day out, and you defeat it, one unsub at a time. You're one of the strongest people I know. You've saved victims, you've saved misunderstood unsubs, and you survived Hankel. You're an amazing man Spencer Reid, even if you can't see that for yourself."

Reid blushed at Emily's declaration, not knowing what to say. Morgan seemed oddly silent as well. "I may have done something with my life, but I'm still awkward and alone."

"Don't worry about the awkwardness. We're all a little awkward in our own ways, and truth be told, yours is a little endearing." Emily smiled. "And as far as being alone, it's not like this job enables us to have much time to date. JJ and Garcia are the only two on the team who have someone, and they met Will and Kevin because of work."

"What about Morgan and Rossi? They're always going on dates."

"They're not relationships kid, and most of the girls we meet are because of work. If all you want is a one night stand, you'd be surprised how many people want a chance with our resident genius."

Spencer looked at Morgan in disbelief, finding it hard to believe that anyone found him attractive. "I don't know…" Spencer still hesitated. "I doubt anyone will care about my accomplishments when they still see that the genius still can't girl."

"That's easily solved. I'll go as your date." Emily volunteered.

Spencer looked at her like she had suddenly announced she was in cahoots with Foyet. "Why would you want to go as my date?"

"I've always wanted to go to a reunion, and it'd be fun to go to one in Vegas. We always have fun together, don't we Spence?"

"Well yeah, but I doubt this will be the same as us going out for a drink after a case."

"Nonsense. Besides, I can help out with any social situations. I wasn't a politician's daughter for nothing."

"I don't know…"

"Come on Reid, it's a good idea." Morgan interceded. "Besides, you can see your mom while you were there, and I know you were talking the other day how it's been awhile since you last saw her."

"It'd be nice to see mom, but I still don't get why you guys are so adamant that I go."

"Kid, we've all got skeletons in our closet, parts of our past that make us ashamed or sad or hurt. But we can't let those parts dictate how we live our lives today. We have to accept what happened as the past, as something that led us to who we are now. Going to that reunion will help you face your demons, and I know in the end you'll feel better for doing it." Morgan argued, knowing that Reid was close to giving in. If anyone knew how hard it was to overcome the past, it'd be Morgan. He'd held onto the pain of what Buford did to him for so long that he hadn't realized how much it was dragging him down until he faced and defeated it.

Spencer sighed and couldn't help but make one last argument. "What if Hotch can't spare both of us? After all, that only leaves you, Hotch, Rossi, and JJ in the field, and normally JJ's dealing with the press, so that really only leaves the three of you."

"Be right back." Emily jumped up from her seat, grabbed the invitation from Spencer's bag, and ran up the stairs to Hotch's office. Five minutes later she returned, bouncing on her feet like a little kid. "Hotch said we can go. If he needs us, he'll call us. He said it was about time we took some vacation, and that the time away would do us some good. Come on Spence, please?" Emily jutted out her bottom lip, her expression matching one much used by Jack on his father. Spencer sighed before finally nodding his head yes, knowing he was beat. Emily squealed in delight and hugged Reid, who blushed bright red. He sent a quick e-mail signifying he would be attending and bringing a date. Spencer tried to ignore the odd sense of excitement he felt at returning to his past, especially with Emily by his side.

* * * * *

It was nearing the end of the workday, and Spencer and Emily were the only two left in the bullpen. JJ, Hotch, and Rossi were all in their offices with the doors closed, and Morgan was off chatting it up with Garcia, as usual. Spencer slowly packed up his desk, trying to gather the courage to ask Emily the question he'd been mulling over all day. It wasn't something he wanted to ask when others were around, particularly Morgan. Though the other agent, for all intents and purposes, was his best friend, Spencer knew he'd never live down the embarrassment. Realizing Emily was about to leave and he'd miss his chance, Spencer pulled himself out of his inner musings and spoke up.

"Hey Emily, can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure Reid, what's up?" Emily asked, setting her things back down.

"Well, since we're going to this reunion and showing off my success," Spencer rolled his eyes a bit, "I want to look right. I may not have the greatest fashion sense, but I know my cords and sweater vests won't cut it, especially since it's pretty much what I wore in high school. I've got some other stuff, but I don't know if it'd work or not. Will you help?" Spencer looked at the floor nervously, bracing himself for Emily's laughter. When none came, he looked up, though he still avoided looking directly in her eyes.

Emily smiled at Reid's apprehension. "Of course Spencer. Since we have this weekend off, pending any huge cases, why don't I come over early Saturday and I can check out your closet? That way we'll have plenty of time to stop at the mall in case you need anything."

Reid gave a sigh of relief, glad that Emily wasn't making fun of his social ineptitude like most did. "Thanks."

"Not a problem. You know you can always ask me for help."

"I know, and I really appreciate it. You never make me feel bad for not knowing what to do in social situations. I have a feeling you'll be helping me a lot on this little adventure."

"Of course I wouldn't. The only reason why I know what to do is because I grew up in the world of politics." Emily reassured Reid. "And quit worrying about Vegas. We're going to have a blast, I promise."

"Whatever you say," Reid grumbled, though his slight smile softened his response. Emily smiled back and wished him a good night, reminding him again not to worry about things. Reid watched her leave, feeling just a little better about the trip, knowing Emily would be there with him every step of the way.


A/N: That's it for chapter one. Hope you enjoyed it! Please review- it feeds my muse!