Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Criminal Minds!
A/N: I don't usually write CM pairings expect for M/G, but I thought I'd try something different. Set immediately after 'Proof' while the team is at Rossi's house.
"Are you going to start talking to me now?" JJ asked, nudging Reid's shoulder as she took the empty spot on the sofa next to him. "Spence?"
Reid glanced up, meeting her eyes for a very brief second, but long enough to convey the mistrust, hurt, and slow acceptance that was filling his own eyes. She watched silently as he cleared his throat, an obvious tactic to buy time, and reached for his wine glass on the coffee table. "Yes." He muttered simply, now quietly tapping his fingers against the glass.
JJ smiled softly as she watched the nervous habit. He'd done that for as long as she could remember knowing him and it was good to see solid proof that he hadn't changed completely over the years. Hearing laughter she glanced up, smiling wistfully at the rest of the team who were milling around Rossi's dinning room table as they got ready to eat the Italian cuisine Rossi had showed them how to make.
"Are you…" Reid began suddenly, surprising her slightly and making her look back at him. He looked up, catching her eyes for a second, before clearing his throat again and continuing. "Are you going to lie to me again?"
"I hope not." She answered honestly. "I had to this time, Reid, for Emily and for the team."
"I know."
"I didn't like it, but I had to and I'd do it again if necessary." She continued without stopping even as he nodded understandingly. "And I really, really hope I never have to do something like this again. But I would never intentionally hurt you, Spence." She added, reaching out to clutch his hand and smiling when he squeezed it back. "I love you too much for that."
Reid smirked slightly, finally meeting her eyes and not looking away. "I know." He stated softly, but with a tone so full of confidence and sincerity that she knew he was beginning to let a few of the barriers down that had been keeping her at arms length.
It wouldn't happen over night, over the next week, and maybe not even over the next few months, but eventually he would trust her again and let her see the Reid she had missed so much. And maybe one day he'd be able to say 'I love you' in return.
A/N: Thanks for reading! What did you think?
