Ch4: Mark The Calendar

A/N: Hey. So hope you're not confuzzled out of your literary minds yet. I think the new format will work better, but it's just re-uploading, re-naming, and re-posting which is the harder work. Thanks for bearing with me this far!

'Soooo, pretty boy; what's the deal with you and Fernandes, huh?' Morgan started as the team (minus Hotch) sat down for lunch. The girls smirked, and Rossi gave a knowing half-smile, finding some amusement of the poor genius' apparent situation. Reid gave a puzzled expression.

'Deal? What deal? All we did was talk for a few minutes after...'

'-And we wanna know what goes on! Do you like her?' Garcia interrogated, cutting to the chase. They all watched Reid expectantly, as he paused in thought.

'Well, get this; Sam said she didn't mind that I had practically knocked her down the other day, cause most people would probably avoid me after that or something. And when I started talking about something, which you guys say I ramble about, she actually added to the conversation, which, like, no one ever does. And then when I tried to explain something else, which I kinda stuffed up before, Sam explained what she thought it meant...and-and she was right. It was exactly what I meant to say, but I don't know how she knew.

Oh yeah, and she referred to some fact about speech patterns having a way of explaining themselves. And the way she said it, she really knew what she was talking about. It was...weird.' he ended hopelessly. The others just all glanced at each other, then at Reid. Rossi sighed and stated to explain, as if preparing to give a serious talk to a teenage son.

.

'You know Reid, what you're saying sounds right. Morgan and I have seen this Fernandes girl before, and from what Hotch said, she's almost a genius herself.'

'Almost a genius?' Reid said skeptically. She either was, or she wasn't.

'I don't actually know for sure, but apparently her IQ's pretty impressive for someone her age; she got through school a year or two early and everything. She's a smart girl, and she possesses certain...traits that we picked up on that confirm that.'

'Such as?' Reid asked, now very curious to hear more. Rossi just sipped his drink, and then put it down.

'I won't go into all the details, shameful as that may be for a profiler, but her note-taking was very quick; almost unconscious, later on she...well- recited, I guess a large portion of information to us by memory, and her manner of speech, while casual, appeared fairly literal...a bit like yourself, if you don't mind me saying.' he added as a "no offence".

'Reid, I think you may have a kindred spirit within the FBI.' Prentiss remarked. Garcia nodded.

'Yeah, you should talk to her more often.' she suggested. But Reid shook his head.

'I don't know. I mean, I've only seen her twice, by accident and coincidence. Plus, she's a trainee, she'll be graduating soon, and there's, statistically a large chance that she'll be sent to another FBI unit somewhere, provided she doesn't get her immediate choices of preference.'

'And do you know what her preferences were Reid?' Morgan asked. Reid stopped as he was about to answer, recalling his first conversation with Sam.

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'She did say she was very interested in profiling; she asked a lot of questions about the BAU...'

'Same goes when we met her. She admitted she put high preference for it. And from what we know from Hotch, she has a great chance as a new addition.'

Yeah, you never know, we may be seeing a lot more of her.' Prentiss said, backing Morgan up.

'But there's still a high chance of relocation, the statistics-'

'Reid, damn the statistics. Things don't always swing in the majority's favour. Now stop trying to rebut us, and try and act like you're looking forward to seeing this chick again.' Morgan concluded, seeing the look in his friend's eye. 'You do want to see her again, don't you?'

Reid gulped. 'Yes! I mean, she's great to talk to, and...'

'Right then, that's settled. We're going to see her again.'

'W-we? How? When?' he asked dumbfounded. Garcia, on the same telepathic line as Morgan, answered.

'I said so before. At graduation. It's two months from now, and it's in Quantico. We're probably meant to show up anyway, so that's problem solved genius!' she explained brightly.

'Better mark you're calendar pretty boy, we got two months.' Morgan said, clapping Reid on the back encouragingly. Reid just moved his mouth a little, many thoughts going through his head.

.
He would have the chance to see Sam again; to talk with her again. Was he looking forward to it? Was he nervous? Yes. That was for sure. But when she spoke to him, she was natural and free in what she had to say...most of the time. And when he helped her get up on her feet again and held her, which he wouldn't normally do, there just was something about holding her, that felt...sort of- right. He hadn't really felt such an immediate connection with anyone...any girls particularly. He wasn't really one for picking up girls, like Morgan. He could do magic tricks, but that wasn't much for credit. Sure, it got the attention of pretty girls, but what did they know really? But Sam had no idea about Reid's little hobby, and Reid didn't need to use his tricks of visual illusion to get Sam's attention. Just...talking to her was satisfying enough. He wanted to know more about her, profiling alone wasn't enough. Now, he had the suspicion that the others were trying to set him up or something like that. But Reid was coming to the conclusion that he just wanted friendship. It was sensible. Just someone to talk to...on his level; a conversation they could both understood. He just wanted a friend, another real friend. Reid absently continued to think about when he would see Sam again; finding himself hoping that two months would come a lot sooner.

After a long days work, the team at the BAU had finally found a case. There had been three serial killings of young boys in Georgia, all the boys with slightly similar appearances, but their killings with no apparent motive. This one had local police (and the BAU, initially) baffled. But being the brilliant profilers they were, they met in the bullpen as Hotch and JJ explained the case, trying to get some early doorway into this case.

'First victim: Yani Abrams, ten years old, youngest child of three, found with his hands and feet bound, shirt removed.'

'Sexual motive? Aggressive behavior maybe?' Emily asked, examining the photos.

'Possibly. Our UnSub isn't much of an organized person, mental instability makes them act rationally, just to satisfy need or desire.'

'Well, whatever desire they've got in mind, it's pretty sick.' Morgan commented, looking over the other photos and case details.

After going over the logistics of everything else they knew they made their way to the jet, on their way to Georgia, hopeful to stop any more killings, and find their UnSub.

...Two Months Later...

The BAU team was in the bullpen, hanging out before the graduation of the latest group of cadets at 11am. Garcia was making Morgan look a little more presentable by fixing his tie- despite his reluctant protests. Hotch and Rossi were looking a little more formal than usual. Otherwise, the rest of then were more concerned with checking and answering emails, while Reid read some foreign technical journal. At about 10:45am, there was a timid knock at the door. They all looked up as a head poked through hesitantly.

'Um, hi guys.'

The team all smiled at the appearance of the familiar face.

'Hey! Fernandes! Paying us visits now?' Morgan called.

'Shouldn't you be in the auditorium getting ready?' Hotch asked suspiciously, but not accusingly.

'Well, kind of. But I've got time to spare. I… kind of dropped by to show you all something.' she admitted sheepishly. Garcia's eyes lit up.

'Oh my gosh! Show me what you're wearing!' she demanded excitedly.

'That um, wasn't quite what I wanted to show you.'

'Then don't keep us in suspense, come in and show us!' Rossi said. The smile on Sam's face grew, as her hands came around the doorframe. And to the BAU's amazement, Sam stepped right into the room; completely without the assistance of crutches. Morgan, Garcia, and Prentiss clapped and exclaimed in surprise. Sam held out her hands as proof.

.

'Hey! You're off the crutches! Well done kid!' Morgan said, going up to her and shaking her hand, and clasping her shoulder. Garcia gave her a massive hug.

'Oh! This is great honey! Now you can really show your stuff!' Sam hugged her back, surprised that this team seemed to be so accepting of her. Prentiss put her hand on Sam's shoulder, even though they were about the same height.

'Nice work. You're standing on your own, you'll knock 'em dead when you graduate!' she responded positively. Rossi and Hotch made their way over to Sam as well, both shaking her hand.

'Good to see you on your feet again Miss Fernandes.' said Rossi.

'I'm impressed you got yourself this far Fernandes. How did you do it?' Hotch added, surprised by Sam's rapid recovery.

'Lots and lots of intensive physio work. I've spent most of the last few weeks just walking around my apartment, and trying not to crash into furniture. I think it's paid off.'

'You're a very determined young woman aren't you?' Hotch commented.

'So I'm told.' Sam shrugged modestly.

'Well, you've done well to get this far. But it's only the beginning.' warned Hotch. Sam nodded.

'Exactly what we've been told already Agent Hotchner. Thanks, for the support, I mean. All of you.' Sam said appreciatively, looking around her. But she noticed there was someone missing.

.

Craning her neck to view the rest of the bullpen, she was rewarded with the sight of Reid making his way slowly from his desk to the back of where his team was huddled. Morgan let him through. Reid just gulped nervously, before speaking to her.

'Wow. You're...walking pretty well.' he started off lamely. Sam shrugged smiled kindly.

'Thanks. I've got a bit of a limp, but otherwise, free of all sticks.' she responded brightly. Reid nodded, looking her up and down.

'You, um, you look...nice.' he said with complete honesty. He wished he could've verbalized any other adjective that meant beautiful. Her hair was tied up tightly, with the rest of it styled in waves, curled and hanging artistically around her head. Her dress was simple; down to her knees, black and forest green, which made her eyes even brighter behind her glasses. Her dark tights and back heels made her look even taller, now that she wasn't hunched over on crutches. No one could deny it, Sam looked rather stunning. Her cheeks went a little pink at Reid's compliment.

'Thanks.' she mumbled. 'So, you're all coming then?'

'Yep! Should be fun.' Morgan said a little sarcastically.

'Are you're family here?' Hotch asked. Sam's face suddenly saddened.

'No. This is probably the last place they'd be.' she confessed honestly.

'Why is that?'

'They pretty much broke off all ties after I told them I was wanted to join the FBI. I think that was the final straw for them. After a few months, it was no more questions asked. Since I left New York, they've hardly spoken to me. I don't mind much. '

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The team just stood in silence at Sam's brief explanation. She noticed their varying expressions. 'Some of my friends are here though. That's all I need.' she said, not seeming to care much. Garcia made a noise, and then hugged Sam again. After a few seconds, Sam pulled away awkwardly.

'I should probably get going. They'll be wondering where I am. See you later.'

'We'll be watching out for you!' said Garcia, waving as Sam made her way to the door.

'Break a leg out there Fernandes!' Morgan added. Sam stopped in her tracks, and gave Morgan a funny look.

'It means good luck.' Sam silently mouthed "Okay". With one final smile at the team, she walked faster than they'd ever seen her walk before. They just stood where they were.

.

'I think you might've hit a nerve there.' Rossi observed, looking in Hotch's direction. After all, he was the one who'd originally asked the question.

'I guess there's more to her than we know. And it's not like we know her that well.'

'Not yet we don't. Though Reid might.' Prentiss teased. Reid looked slightly abashed.

'I don't know much more than you do! Why do you keep bringing the conversation back to me? It's nearly eleven, we should get going.' he snapped, grabbing his bag from his desk, and walking out of the bullpen alone. The others looked at each other and took the hint. They wouldn't continue what they'd started.

'All right peoples, let's get moving.' announced Hotch, making his way out the door, his team following close behind.

Two hours later, the formal part of the graduation ceremony had ended, and the large group of fresh-faced trainees were now full agents. The celebrations were soon to come. Hotch and the team found Sam afterwards, walking (with a slight limp on her left leg) out of the crowd that had gathered to greet their family and friends. There were more hugs and hand shaking.

'Congratulations Fernandes!'

Sam was beaming from ear to ear. 'Thanks! I can't believe I made it!' she exclaimed.

'Will we be seeing you around in the future?' Morgan asked, after pulling out of a half-hug. Sam shrugged one shoulder.

'Who knows? I'll find out tomorrow. If I have time, I'll drop in and let you know.' she assured them. They all seemed pleased with this news.

'You going out to celebrate anywhere?' Prentiss asked. Sam rolled her eyes.

'I'm not really the party type, but my friends have forced me to come out with them. They came all the way from New York, so I won't disappoint them. God only knows how tonight will go.'

'Well, go have some fun! You've deserved it.' Garcia encouraged.

'Thanks Garcia.' Sam replied.

'Oh please honey, call me Penelope!' she insisted.

.

Sam started to say her goodbyes to the team, as they went their separate ways, but one more person was waiting to say something...and not stuff it up. Reid walked forward as Sam was about to turn away.

'Sam, wait!' Reid called. Sam, stopped and turned back to Reid. She gave another warm smile as she noticed how he'd stayed for a moment longer.

'Oh, hi... Spencer.' she said surprisingly quieter. This still had the butterflies going in Reid's stomach.

'Congratulations. You know, on graduating and all that.' he said.

'Thank you. I appreciate it. Maybe I'll see you around sometime.'

'Yeah, maybe. That'd be nice.' he couldn't believe he had just said that. Reid wasn't sure whether he should slap himself or not. He made a mental note to do it later when he got home. He hardly noticed the blush creeping through Sam's already rosy cheeks.

'Yeah. Well, um...sorry to dash and run, not that I'm capable of that right now, but I think my friends are waiting for me. Some of them aren't as patient as they'd like.'

'Oh yes, of course. Have fun. Um, goodbye Sam.'

'Bye Spencer.' she said shyly, as she turned and headed to a small group of three men and two women around her age. They greeted Sam enthusiastically, and all flocked to group-hug her. Reid didn't get a chance to see anymore when Morgan and Prentiss called him over. He reluctantly joined his waiting friends. Rossi and Garcia followed not long after.

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'Hey Hotch? You coming for lunch?' called Morgan, over the buzzing crowd. Hotch nodded, and was about to responded positively, when another voice grabbed his attention.

'Hotchner! A word please?' It was Erin Strauss. Even amongst the cheerful atmosphere, she still managed to look stony faced. Scary to think, she could probably beat Hotch in a staring contest any day. Hotch looked back at his team, an annoyed expression on his face.

'Wait for me, I'll be a second.' They watched him go.

'Even on a day like this, that woman still has something serious to go on about.' Prentiss remarked.

'This is the FBI Emily.' Reid answered, stating the obvious. Hotch joined them a minute later.

'What did Strauss want?'

'I'm not even going to begin to tell you.' he answered firmly. The team knew to leave it at that. As they began to walk away, Morgan noticed Garcia staring at Sam and her friends.

'Hey, Baby Girl, what is it?'

'Nothing.' she said simply, her eyes curiously scruitinzing the small group for a second longer. She then turned her attention to Morgan.

'So Hot Stuff; where we going?'

'Dunno yet, but it'll be good.' he reassured, putting his arm around Garcia's. And with that they went off to enjoy themselves.

Meanwhile, Sam was happily catching up with her best friends from New York.

'So, Sammy girl.' one of the guys began.

'Don't call me that Ben.' Sam replied venemously

'Or what?' Ben retorted playfully, trying to indimidate her with his tall and cool persona.

'Or Miss FBI here will kick your butt, that's what.' answered a petite young woman, with jet black hair, streaked with purple.

'Don't get ahead of yourself Vi, the poor girl's just gotten her legs back.' said another girl with curly dark brown hair.

'Can keep talking now?' Ben asked hopefully. Sam hit his arm playfully.

'Hey!' he exclaimed in mock-hurt.

.

'Sissy.' muttered another one of the young guys.

'Don't start with me Jared!' Ben groaned.

'Already have.' said Jared.

'Jerk.'

'Come on guys! My car's this way! I'm driving, cause I can.' the third guy interrupted cheekily.

'Oh yeah Rocky, real original. I'm still going with Amber.' Jared replied, nudging the curly haired girl, who gently retaliated, pushing him against one if the cars. They leaned in to kiss, when Sam cut off the moment.

'Whoa. You two are a couple now? I haven't been gone that long have I?'

'Only a few months. We all knew it was a matter of time.' Rocky explained, unlocking his car.

'Wow, the things I miss.' Sam muttered.

'See Sam? You're already missing us?' said Vi. Amber added on.

'I know you've graduated and all, but are you sure you don't wanna come back to New York? We miss you and you caould still-'

'No. I've made my decision. I could be ordered off anywhere now; if I'm lucky, maybe New York. But I'm an Agent now, gun, badge, everything. I've made my choice now. I'll come back when I can, but I've worked hard to get here; I'm not going to give it up now. I'm sorry to leave you all back in New York, and I loved what I did with you guys, but I have to move on. I need you to understand that I want to do this.'

Her friends were silent for a short while, as they reconsidered their thoughts and expectations.

'That's okay Sam. Sorry.' said Rocky.

'We're just going to miss you, that's all.' Amber said. Sam sighed, and went to hug her friends again.

'I know. And I'll miss you too.' She looked down at the ground for a moment, before glancing around at he rfriends with a renewed glint in her eyes. 'Now; you said we were gonig out? What do you say- like old times?'

Her friends grinned mischievously, all thinking alike. 'Let's go!' they agreed.

A/N: Hey hey. Any comments on the new format? Thanks for sticking through this far!

G. :)