Disclaimer- I do not own CBS or Criminal Minds. I'm merely borrowing these characters for my own amusement and hopefully yours.
A/N- Hope you enjoy this story. Please read and review.
A Chance At Happiness
BAU Headquarters, Quantico Virginia
Tuesday, July 22nd
Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid was sitting at his desk in the bullpen area of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, working on his report from the case that the team had just completed, when Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner walked out of his office and descended the stairs.
"Alright guys," Hotchner called out, instantly gaining the attention of the BAU members. "Assemble in the conference room."
Without a word, which was highly unusual for Supervisory Special Agent Derek Morgan who almost always had something to say, the members of the BAU got to their feet and trooped up to the conference room. The team's senior member, Supervisory Special Agent Jason Gideon, was already seated at the round table that was in the center of the room as was the BAU's media and local law enforcement liaison Jennifer Jareau, affectionately know to the team members as JJ. Morgan and Reid sat down across from them while the newest member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, Special Agent Emily Prentiss, sat down at the foot of the table.
"Thank you for assembling so quickly," Hotchner said as he entered the room and took his place at the head of the table. "Now I know that we just returned from a case and that you're all tired but I have an assignment for one of you. A psychology professor at Virginia Tech has asked that one of us come and give a guest lecture to her students.
"Guess I'm off the hook," Jareau, the only non-profiler in the room, said as she flashed her winning smile. "May I go Hotch?"
Knowing that she had reports to finish, and that the meeting really didn't concern her, Hotchner nodded his consent. Jareau dipped her head in thanks, got to her feet, and quickly left the room.
Hotchner gazed around the room, his eyes briefly pausing on each profiler, before finally coming to rest on Gideon. The older profiler was, of course, the obvious choice for the job. He had the most knowledge, the most experience and he'd actually taught a class on profiling at Quantico when he'd came back from his medical leave.
Gideon focused his gaze on Hotchner, fully aware of what thoughts were going through the younger profiler's mind. "Don't look at me Hotch. My in box is full of case files that I've been asked to consult on. I have to get caught up before we have another case."
Hotchner heaved a sigh and then gazed around the room once more. Prentiss was the only one who looked eager for the assignment however Hotchner quickly decided that she was too inexperienced and new at the job to give a lecture by herself. His gaze then shifted to Morgan, who appeared completely indifferent, as though he could give the lecture or not and didn't really care which was the case. Finally Hotchner's scrutinizing gaze fell upon the youngest member of the BAU team and he instantly picked up on the fact that Reid was looking everywhere except in his direction.
Hotchner was fully aware that Reid was on roughly the same social level as a junior high student however he also knew that the only way he was ever going to conquer that particular problem was to address it head on. This knowledge served to make Hotchner's decision for him. "Reid, I think you should be the one to give the lecture."
"What?!" The young agent's head whirled around so fast that Hotchner was amazed that the kid didn't give himself whiplash. "B-but Hotch. . . Y-you can't be serious."
Hotchner noticed the slight stutter that Reid developed whenever he was extremely nervous however he'd made his decision and he fully intended to stick with it. "I assure you Reid, I'm quite serious. The lecture is scheduled for Friday afternoon at two o'clock."
The expression on Reid's face told the experienced profiler that the young man wanted to argue however, after a couple of minutes, Reid merely nodded. "Alright," Hotchner said, addressing the entire group once more. "I know you're all tired so as soon as you finish up your reports you may go home."
This statement served to adjourn the meeting and the sounds of chairs being moved could be vaguely heard as the profilers all stood up to leave. As he made his way toward the door Reid felt a firm hand clap him on the shoulder. Glancing back over his shoulder he wasn't even the slightest bit surprised to see Morgan grinning at him.
"Hey man," Morgan said as the two made their way back to their desks down in the bullpen area. "I'm jealous. You get to spend a Friday away from work, surrounded by college girls."
Reid rolled his eyes at the older man, who was well known in the BAU as a ladies man.
Morgan persisted. "Don't tell me you're not at least a little excited about the prospect boy genius."
Reid sat down at his desk and stared up at Morgan with, who's handsome face held a roguish grin. "I have work to do Morgan. I want to go home so I have to finish this report." This said, Reid picked up a pen and resumed work on the report that he'd been working on when Hotchner had called his little meeting. Morgan gave the young man another clap on the shoulder and then walked over to his desk, chuckling softly to himself.
Reid had been nearly finished with the report when he'd been interrupted and he should have been able to complete it in no time once he resumed work however the young profiler was finding it almost impossible to concentrate on the task in front of him. "I can't believe this," he thought to himself as he held his pen just above the paper. "Hotch knows I'm lousy at public speaking and yet he still gave me this stupid assignment." Now it did occur to Reid that Hotchner was doing this for his benefit however that did not serve to decrease his annoyance over the situation.
After the meeting with his team Hotchner returned to his office, to resume his paperwork, and he hadn't been there long when he heard a knock on the door. Glancing up from his own mountain of papers, Hotchner called out, "Come in."
The door swung open to reveal Jason Gideon, who held a stack of manila envelopes in his arms. Hotchner gestured toward the chair that was positioned in front of his desk and, with a nod of thanks, Gideon sat down.
"You're wondering whether giving Reid the lecture assignment was the best decision that I could have made," Hotchner said after studying Gideon's expression for a few minutes. Smiling slightly at the fact that they all tended to inadvertently profile one another Gideon nodded. "The thought did cross my mind but I actually came here to tell you that I agree with your decision one hundred percent."
That statement surprised Hotchner, who's eyes widened a small degree. "You do?"
Gideon nodded. "I know this assignment is going to be difficult for Reid but I'm also fully aware that things cannot change if you do not make a conscious effort to change them. However hard on him this will be in the end I think that the positive effects will far outweigh the negative."
Hotchner nodded his agreement. "That's my hope. Plus I think the college kids will be more awed hearing this information coming from someone around their own age who has actually been there."
"Perhaps," Gideon said. "Well I should probably start work on these case files. I'll see you later Hotch."
Hotchner nodded as the senior agent left his office.
Reid finally managed to finish his report, despite all of the distractions from his wandering thoughts, although it took much longer to complete than it should have. With a sigh the young man picked up the folder and made his way up to the small landing above the bullpen which housed the conference room as well as the offices of Jareau, Gideon and Hotchner.
The young man made his way to Hotchner's office and, finding the door standing slightly ajar, knocked lightly on the door frame. Hotchner glanced up from his paperwork and, seeing who his visitor was, motioned for Reid to enter the office. Reid obliged and stepped inside the office. He walked over to the desk and handed the folder he was carrying to the Agent in Charge.
"I finished the report," Reid told his boss as Hotchner took the folder from him.
"Good work Reid," Hotchner said as he placed the folder down on his desk. "You may go home now."
Reid nodded and turned to leave however he paused after only a few steps and turned back to face his boss. "Hotch I just. . ."
"I'm sorry about the assignment Reid," Hotchner said, anticipating the conversation Reid seemed so desperate to have. "But I think that it'll do you some good. Besides I don't understand why it's such a big deal. You gave a lecture for that physics professor while we were in California."
"I didn't have a choice in the matter," Reid said. "Charlie made a deal with the professor so that Larry would take care of his classes so we could work on the case."
The corners of Hotchner's mouth twitched up into something resembling a smile. "Well look at it this way, Reid. You don't have a choice this time either. Now go home Spencer."
"I'm going," Reid said, once again turning to leave. This time he made it out of the office, although he still wanted desperately to argue further. Shaking his head Reid made his way back to his desk, where he gathered up his things. After quickly stuffing some papers into his messenger bag Reid left the building and headed for home.
When the young man arrived back at his apartment he deposited his messenger bag on the sofa and then set up his laptop. Logging on to the Internet Reid saw that his friend Charlie Eppes was also online. With a small smile Reid quickly signed on to his Instant Messenger.
FBI PROFILER: Hey Charlie!
MATH WHIZ: Spencer! Haven't heard from you in awhile. How are you?
FBI PROFILER: We've been on a case, just got back this morning. And you'll never guess what Hotch is making me do this Friday.
MATH WHIZ: What?
FBI PROFILER: I have to give a lecture at Virginia Tech, to a bunch of psychology students.
MATH WHIZ: So, what's the problem?
FBI PROFILER: What do you mean, what's the problem?! I'm a lousy public speaker and you know it Charlie.
MATH WHIZ: You're overreacting Spencer. You did fine with the lecture that you gave to Larry's students and at least this time you'll be talking about something that you're an expert on. Actually, you're probably an expert on physics too. Come to think of it you're an expert on everything.
FBI PROFILER: GRRR
MATH WHIZ: Settle down Spencer, you'll do fine.
FBI PROFILER: Probably not but I don't have a choice in the matter. I have to do it, there's no reasoning with Hotch on this subject.
MATH WHIZ: It won't be that bad. Now unfortunately I have a class to teach so I'll have to talk to you later, okay Spencer?
FBI PROFILER: Later
MATH WHIZ: Bye Spencer
Reid signed off of his Instant Messenger and, after a couple of minutes of pointless web browsing, he logged off the Internet. Closing his laptop Reid walked over to a large bookcase that was situated along one wall however he couldn't find anything that he particularly wanted to read. With a sigh Reid walked back over to the sofa and sat down. He was exhausted, both from the case they'd just completed and the case of nerves that he'd developed due to his new assignment, and he fell asleep within minutes. Yet despite his exhaustion Reid slept fitfully, tossing on the couch as visions of his high school days assaulted his mind.
The young man was jarred from his disturbed sleep by a sudden impact with the floor. Reid sat upright and gazed around the room in confusion for a couple of minutes, before it dawned on him what must have happened. "Ugh," he groaned as he got up from the floor. "Could this day get any worse?"
Still exhausted, yet fully aware that after the bout of nightmares there was no way he'd be able to go back to sleep, Reid gave a resigned sigh and grabbed his messenger bag from the spot where it had fallen on the floor. He pulled a small book from the bag's depths and flipped it open to a blank page. Reid had began writing down his thoughts and feelings in a journal while he was in high school, at the insistence of the guidance counselor, and although it hadn't really helped much at the time now the young man found it strangely comforting. Picking up a pen he began to write.
Today's assignment is one of the worst I've ever been given, giving a lecture in front of a group of college students. I think Hotch is doing this to help me overcome my self confidence issues but I'm still not happy about it. And Charlie didn't help matters any. Although it was great to talk to him again his assurances that I'll do fine did nothing to help the situation.
VIRGINIA TECH CAPUS
FRIDAY APRIL 25
The dark sedan pulled up to the college campus and Reid turned and offered Hotch a forced smile. "Thanks for the ride Hotch."
"No problem," Hotchner said as he watched his young subordinate unfasten his seatbelt. "Give me a call later and I'll give you a ride back."
Reid nodded as he opened the car door. Both men were fully aware that the true reason why Hotchner had given Reid a ride to the college campus was so that he could make sure that the younger man actually went however neither brought up that fact. Reid gave his boss a small wave as he stepped out of the car and closed the door behind himself.
The black sedan pulled away and, with a deep breath to calm the butterflies that were in his stomach, Reid slung his messenger bag over his shoulder and went in search of the Psychology Professor, Dr. Trisha Whitman. It didn't take the young profiler long to locate the office he was searching for and when he arrived Reid knocked lightly on the door.
"Enter."
Taking another deep breath Reid opened the door and stepped inside the office, quietly closing the door behind himself. Reid glanced around the room, noting the book-filled shelves that lined the walls, before his gaze came to rest upon a woman who was seated behind a large Mahogany desk. The woman appeared to be in her early to mid fifties and her dark hair was tinged with gray. She stared at Reid over the top of her glasses. "Is there something I can help you with young man?"
"Um. . ." Reid said as he quickly stepped over to the front of the desk. "Um. . . hello Professor Whitman. M-my name is Dr. Spencer Reid. I'm with the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI."
The professor's eyes widened as she continued to stare at Reid. "You're a member of the famous BAU?"
Reid nodded. "Y-yes ma'am."
"I thought they'd send someone more experienced," the professor said.
"I've been with the BAU for three years," Reid informed her, accustomed to people underestimating him because of his age. Reid then proceeded to profile the woman who sat in front of him and when he'd finished with his analysis the woman appeared genuinely impressed.
"I beg your pardon Dr. Reid," she said, getting to her feet and offering the young man her hand which Reid took despite being uncomfortable with touch. "It's just that I take my classes very seriously and I was excited that I'd actually managed to line up a guest lecturer from the BAU. Although I must admit you're nothing like I pictured. You look more like one of my students than an FBI agent."
Reid blushed although why her comment bothered him he really couldn't say. It's not like this was the first time he'd heard this kind of statement. Far from it in fact. He and Gideon were often told that they resembled a college kid and his professor.
"Well," Professor Whitman said, realizing that she'd embarrassed the young profiler and seeking to change the subject. "Shall we go to the auditorium and prepare for class Dr. Reid?"
Reid nodded and followed the professor out of her office. Professor Whitman led the way down the hall to her classroom, followed a few steps behind by Reid, and when they arrived the psychology professor gestured for Reid to enter first. The young man obliged and then the professor followed him on to the stage.
"Class starts in fifteen minutes," Professor Whitman informed the young man. "You can use this time to prepare."
Reid nodded his thanks and walked over to the podium that was positioned at the center of the stage. Placing his messenger bag on the floor beside the podium, Reid knelt down and pulled some papers from it. Getting back to his feet Reid placed his notes on the podium and then quickly read through them one last time.
Then, once this task was complete, Reid pulled his cell phone from his belt and switched it off. Then he clipped it back to his belt and waited.
Ten minutes or so passed and then the doors of the auditorium opened and students began to file inside. Reid watched the group as they entered, his gaze shifting from person to person, sizing them up.
"Welcome," Professor Whitman called out as her students assembled in front of the stage. "Please take your seats quickly. We have a guest lecturer with us today." The psychology professor gestured toward Reid who stood behind the podium. "This is Dr. Spencer Reid. He's a Behavioral Analyst with the FBI. Please give him your complete and undivided attention."
With that Professor Whitman walked off the stage and took a seat in the front row, effectively turning the floor over to Reid.
Despite all of Reid's fears the lecture went smoothly, or at least as smoothly as it could have since he was the one giving it. As soon as he was finished Reid twitched a small smile as the students all stood and filed out of the auditorium.
"Good job Dr. Reid," Professor Whitman said, climbing back onto the stage and coming to stand beside Reid. She offered the young man a smile. "I especially liked how you profiled those two boys who were making rude comments during your lecture."
A slight blush appeared on the young man's face. "I can't believe I did that. I embarrassed them in front of their classmates."
Professor Whitman shook her head. "They deserved what they got. Those two are here on football scholarships and they don't seem to think that they need to do well in their classes. And apparently they haven't grown out of their bully phase."
"Hmm," Reid said, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"If you ever want to give another lecture you're more than welcome in my classes Dr. Reid."
"Th-thank you Dr. Whitman."
Professor Whitman held out her hand, which Reid shook, and then turned and left the auditorium. Reid walked back over to the podium and gathered up his notes, which of course hadn't been necessary. He'd only brought them along as a sort of psychological tool, just in case something threw him off. As he packed the papers back into his messenger bag the young profiler heard the sound of someone walking up behind him. Getting quickly to his feet Reid turned and saw a young woman walking across the stage behind him.
"Um. . . I'm sorry," Reid said, slinging the strap of his bag over his shoulder. "I thought I was the only one still here."
"I didn't mean to startle you Dr. Reid," the young woman said quietly, offering Reid a tentative smile. "My name's Lyssa Knight and I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the lecture."
Reid's eyes widened in surprise and he stared at the young woman in confusion for a few minutes before he finally managed to mumble, "Thank you."
"I realize this may sound kind of forward," Lyssa said. "but would you be interested in getting something to eat?"
Reid hesitated, unsure of what he should do.
"I'd love to hear more about profiling," Lyssa said quickly, picking up on Reid's hesitance.
"Um. . . okay," Reid said.
"Great," Lyssa said, smiling at Reid. "Do you like Chinese? I know this great little Chinese place just off campus."
Reid groaned inwardly, his mind flashing to the memory of the evening the BAU members had all gone out for Chinese. His teammates had made fun of him unmercifully that night due to the fact that he absolutely could not get the hang of eating with a pair of chopsticks. All of this flashed through his mind before he replied, "Chinese sounds good."
"Come on," Lyssa said, grabbing Reid by the hand and pulling him toward the door.
Half an hour later Reid found himself seated at a booth with Lyssa in a small Chinese restaurant. Their food had been served and Reid was trying his best to eat with the chopsticks that he'd been given while answering Lyssa's questions about profiling. The young woman seemed to be genuinely fascinated by his career and Reid couldn't help but notice how intelligent she was. Judging by the depth of some of her questions she had to have a fairly high IQ and on top of that she was very attractive. She was around five, six with long chestnut hair and piercing blue eyes.
Despite his nerves Reid was actually having a good time however just as they finished eating (Reid having given up all hope of EVER being able to use chopsticks well enough to get a decent meal) the phone that was clipped to his belt began to ring. Pulling the cell from his belt Reid glanced down at it and saw the single word 'Hotch' on the screen.
Glancing apologetically at Lyssa, Reid said, "I'm sorry but I've gotta take this."
"It's no problem," Lyssa said. "I'll be here when you get back."
Reid nodded and made his way to the exit. Stepping out onto the front side walk the young man flipped the phone open. "Reid."
"Exactly how long is this psychology class?" Hotchner asked by way of greeting.
"The class ended about an hour ago," Reid told his boss. "I decided to get some lunch before coming back."
"I see," Hotchner said, drawing out the words to show the young man that he'd caught the hidden meaning in that statement. "Well finish up Reid. We've got another case and we need you."
"Understood," Reid said.
"I'll meet you in front of the library in about twenty minutes."
"I'll be there sir."
Reid flipped his phone closed and clipped it back to his belt with a sigh. He'd been enjoying his lunch date with Lyssa, despite the slightly awkward feeling that he'd had since they'd met, but now it was time to go back to work. The young profiler walked back inside and made his way over to the table where Lyssa was waiting for him. "That was my boss," he told her as he pulled out his wallet and counted out the money to pay the bill. "We've got another case. I'm supposed to meet him in front of the campus library in twenty minutes."
"I'll bet you're relieved," Lyssa said with a smile. "Now you can escape me and my incessant questions. I know you must be tired of them by now."
"Not at all," Reid said quickly. "I've been enjoying myself."
Lyssa's eyes widened and she offered Reid a wide smile. "Really?"
Reid blushed. "Y-yeah."
"So would you maybe like to do it again sometime?" Lyssa asked.
"Um. . . yeah," Reid stammered, the blush on his face deepening as he gazed down into the young woman's piercing blue eyes. He pulled a small notebook from the front pocket of his messenger bag, flipped it open, and quickly scribbled something on it. He then tore the page from the notebook and handed it to Lyssa. "Here's my email address."
Lyssa nodded as she took the paper from him. Then she tore the page in half, wrote down her own email address, and handed it to Reid.
"I-I'll see you later."
"Good luck with your case," Lyssa called out as Reid turned and left the restaurant.
TBC. . .