Authors Note: I don't own Criminal Minds. This takes place toward the end of season 1, right before "Secrets & Lies". There is no Will, Henry, etc. Just a short story featuring JJ and Reid, as JJ's my favorite character. Reviews are appreciated!

Spencer Reid walked through the dimly lit BAU office as he filed the last of his paper work for the day. Just about everyone else had already left, but his mind had been on over drive from the previous case so he decided to stick around and catch up on some mind numbing paper work. Now he was beginning to feel tired and he was more than ready to go home, speed read a book or two, and fall asleep praying he wouldn't have another early morning wake up call.

Reid closed the file cabinet before walking back to his desk to grab his coat and turn off his small desk lamp. As he slid into his coat he happened to look in the direction of Jennifer Jareau's office, not all too surprised to find that the door was closed but some light was peeking from the space beneath it. He knew all too well that she put in longer hours than just about anyone else on the team, and that hard work and drive that she possessed were just two of the things that fueled his crush for her.

Spencer stared at the door for a minute as he considered whether or not it was a good idea to pay her a visit. He didn't want to disturb her if she was hard at work or whatever else.

'Whatever else?' he asked himself.

That was a weak excuse. He was always making excuses for himself to try to avoid social situations that made him uncomfortable. Not that he wasn't comfortable with JJ; he spent as much time around her as anyone else in his life, if not more. No, it was because he knew that it would be just the two of them in the dark, empty BAU office and if his mind started to wander or if he started to look at her too hard, then he would begin to stutter or feel more self-aware of himself.

The last thing he really wanted to do was let on that he still had strong feelings for her, and that he was more torn up than he let on that his "date" with her hadn't gone as smoothly as he had hoped.

'C'mon be a man, what would Morgan do?' he asked himself as he tried to motivate himself to go up there.

He knew he was making a big deal out of nothing, but that happened sometimes when he was constantly thinking. Of course she wouldn't mind him paying her a visit and saying goodbye before he left. And if she did mind she would still be nice to him, she was always nice.

Spencer breathed in and walked slowly up the steps towards the second level where JJ's office was located. He could feel his heart starting to beat a little faster, and he reminded himself once again that he was overreacting. He reached her door and with a moment's hesitation, he softly knocked on her door.

/

JJ knew she should go home, but she had one more paper to finish before she could finally go home. She was thoroughly exhausted from the long day, and staring at the pile of cases on the right side of her desk did nothing to help her motivation.

She was tempted to look at the clock to see what time it was, but she was scared to. She knew just about everyone else had left and in what was increasingly becoming the norm, she was one of the last ones there.

She let out a sigh as she ran a hand through her blonde hair. As much as she loved her job and found it to be rewarding, there were times like tonight where she craved having a more normal life. She couldn't remember the last time she had a night out with the ladies, and the last time she went on a date was to the Redskins game with Spence.

It had been a great time and she had a lot of fun, even though he barely knew the first thing about football. It had been relaxing, and it felt great to get away from work for the day. And Spence was cute. Sure he was awkward and he had a habit of rambling at times, but he did so in such an innocent way that it was rather attractive; even if he wasn't the most physically imposing guy or her usual type. At this point he was probably the closest thing she had to a boyfriend, even though they were only friends.

JJ sighed again. Damn she felt lonely sometimes.

Just as she put her head in her hands, she was startled back to reality by a soft knock at her door. JJ sat up immediately, straightening her hair and trying to give the appearance that she was still on top of her game to whoever was on the other side of her door.

"JJ?" she heard the unmistakable voice of Spence call quietly as he softly knocked on her door again. Her heart picked up a beat and her eyes brightened.

"Spence? Come on in." she said putting extra effort to sound cheerful and awake. Her door opened halfway and Spence peeked around the door at her, his eyes immediately catching and holding hers for an extended moment.

"Can I come in?" he asked a little too cautiously.

"Of course! What can I do for you?" she smiled.

"Uh… nothing… just thought I'd see if you were okay, it's getting late." He said as he struggled not to get lost in her gorgeous blue eyes or her warm smile.

"Yeah I'm fine, just trying to finish filling out this last sheet so when I come in tomorrow I can get to work on this stack of new cases." She said as she pointed to the stack of folders on her desk.

She watched him eye the stack for a moment. What she would give to know what went through his head sometimes.

"What are you still doing here?" JJ asked kindly as she snapped him out of his trance.

"Oh, uh, just finished my stack of files, finally." Spencer said as he was starting to find it hard to hold a conversation with JJ once again.

"Good." JJ nodded as she watched him, seeing that there was obviously more on his mind but that he was struggling to articulate it.

"Spence?" she asked finally after another moment of silence.

"Huh?" he asked as he mentally scolded himself, he knew that he was starting to be awkward again and that soon he was going to lose her patience.

"Is everything alright?" she asked with a hint of concern in her voice.

"Uh, yeah, I'm fine, just tired I guess." He stumbled as he smiled weakly.

"Ok. Because if you need something or if you want to talk, I'm more than willing to listen." She offered as she tried to figure out why he was becoming increasingly nervous.

"Thanks JJ. I think I just need to sleep, I'm going to head out." He said as he avoided eye contact.

He felt so stupid, and awkward, and he hated it. He knew his attempt at small talk was awkward at best and creepy at worst. He decided it was best to leave now before he made things worse and made her want to avoid him.

"Have a goodnight." He called over his shoulder as he made to leave.

"Hey, Spence?" JJ called to him as he was halfway out her door. He stopped and turned halfway to look at her as she scrambled to put her things away and grab her coat.

"Yeah JJ?" he asked curiously.

JJ sighed to herself as she put on her coat and her heart raced a little faster. Was she really going to do this? This time it was JJ's turn to be quiet and it was Spencer who was left to ponder what was going through her mind.

"I don't normally ask this…" she started as he watched her intently.

"But, do you think you can give me a ride home? I really hate to admit it but I'm absolutely exhausted and I think me driving probably isn't really a great idea right now." JJ fibbed.

Sure she was exhausted, but she could drive herself home if she wanted to. What she really wanted was company, specifically his. She wanted to make sure he was ok, as something seemed off with him.

But she was also lonely, and in all honesty, she wouldn't mind seeing if there was something there between them, as things had fallen off since their one date and she kind of regretted it. JJ figured it was the job once again ruining her ability to have any real relationships, as they had both become busy with work and allowed what had happened during the date –which had been nothing more than a quick, simple kiss- to fall into the past.

"Spence…?" JJ asked as she snapped herself out of her thoughts and realized that he still hadn't responded.

"Oh…uh, yeah. Of course JJ." Spencer finally stuttered in response, her favor being the very last thing he had expected her to ask of him.

JJ's eyes brightened and she smiled. "Thanks Spence, I really appreciate it."

Reid gave a half smile in response as his ability to think was suddenly becoming overwhelmed by the potential implications of the favor he was doing her. JJ shut off her light and Spencer was able to gather himself enough to hold the door open for her as she passed, and carefully closed it behind them.

They walked to the elevator in silence, Spencer's thoughts going back and forth from how good she smelled, to what he was going to say to her as he drove her home. They waited patiently for the elevator and before long they were in the parking garage at Spencer's car. Spencer pulled out his keys and unlocked the passenger door, holding it open as JJ got in.

"Thanks Spence." She smiled to him, appreciating that he was being a true gentleman.

"You're welcome JJ." He responded before shutting the door once she had settled.

He slowly walked to the driver's side door, trying to calm his racing heart a little. This was just a normal car ride with JJ he tried to convince himself, nothing more. He got in and started the car, and soon they were off.

AN: Little bit of a slow start, but the next chapter will be up soon!