True Genius

The next few months flew by. Victoria had developed a close friendship with Emily and Penelope. Yet, she was closest to Spencer. The two had become nearly inseparable. Spencer spent most of his Friday evenings at Victoria's house. They watched a lot of horror films with the occasional Pixar or Disney. Victoria was careful not to mention her friendship with Spencer to Korey. She had amended things with her boyfriend and now they were seriously considering marriage.

Spencer was fantastic with Victoria's brothers. Jason and Seth taught Spencer their video games, and often the four of them played until the wee hours. Victoria was pleased that her brothers looked up to Spencer, who she thought was an excellent role model. Both of the boys' fathers were not really in the picture, so it was good for them to have an adult male to look up to. Victoria didn't tell Spencer that, though. She told Spencer practically everything, but she kept her family to herself. Spencer wasn't too open about his past, either. He had admitted to his drug addiction before, but he hadn't gone into too much detail. But Victoria didn't press him. His past didn't matter. He mattered.

As October rolled around, Victoria tried to figure out the perfect gift for Spencer's birthday. The ninth was approaching quickly, and she wanted it to be special. Victoria frowned and dialed Spencer's number.

He answered on the second ring. "Hey," he said.

"So, I was thinking that since you love Halloween so much, that we could do something Halloweenish for your birthday. Or I could take you to dinner. Or something. What do you think?" Victoria said, looking at a birthday card.

"What did you have in mind?" asked Spencer.

"Well, have you been to any of the haunted houses in town?" asked Victoria.

"Actually I haven't." said Spencer.

"Is that something you'd be interested in or not?" Victoria replied.

"Sure. But you kind of spoiled the surprise." said Spencer.

Victoria grinned. "I might have something else up my sleeve," she teased. "You never know. So how does Friday sound? And is it okay if my brothers come? I don't want them to be left at home for too long."

"Of course they can come," said Spencer. "And Friday is perfect if we're not on a case."

"Fingers crossed," said Victoria. "Talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay," said Spencer. Victoria hung up. She grinned to herself as she went to the checkout lane of Target.

Spencer smiled. It was nice of Victoria for wanting to do something special for him for his birthday. Other than Morgan and JJ, she was his closest friend on the team. Her brothers had become his brothers. But Victoria was more than a sister to him. He really enjoyed her company. She was fun to be around, especially when watching movies. Whenever something bizarre happened, she'd turn to Spencer and demand, "Can that really happen?!" Spencer would then explain if it could or couldn't and why. He didn't feel bad when he rambled, because Victoria seemed to enjoy his rambling facts.

Victoria had reduced her traveling with the team to every other case that was out of town. Whenever she didn't venture with the team, it felt strange. Spencer had grown used to her presence. He had grown used to her keeping him company whilst he profiled geographically. When she wasn't traveling with the team, she stayed with Garcia. The only time Spencer would get to see and talk to her was whenever Garcia Skyped the team or called them with information. Spencer received a text from Hotch. There was a case and it was out of town. Spencer frowned. Victoria wouldn't be attending this trip, as she had the previous case. Spencer grabbed his go bag and headed for the BAU.

Victoria watched as the team grabbed their stuff to head to the jet hangar. Spencer waited in the conference room for the rest of the team to disperse. Victoria handed Spencer an envelope. "Happy birthday," she said.

Spencer smiled as he accepted the card. "You're the first to say it, thank you." He opened up the letter and looked at the card. He grinned. It was a picture of a T-rex stretching its little arms and saying, "I love you this much!" He opened the card. Victoria waited patiently for Spencer to read the message she'd scribbled. She remembered it quite well, as she'd written it on a different sheet of paper beforehand.

Spence-

Happy birthday! I've really enjoyed getting to know you these past few months. I don't know how I got on in life without your random monologues about God knows what… Seriously though, I love you. In just a few months, you have become one of my closest friends. I love you, dork!

-Victoria

P.S. They didn't have any actual birthday cards that I liked, so that's why the card says I love you and not happy birthday. So… Yeah.

Victoria watched Spencer's reaction closely. It shouldn't be taking him this long to read the card. He could read an encyclopedia in an hour. "Spence?" Victoria prompted.

Spencer looked up from the card, an odd look on his face. "This is really sweet."

Victoria rolled her eyes. "It's so dumb."

Spencer shook his head. "No, I love it. Thank you."

Victoria shrugged, brushing it off. "No problem."

Spencer pulled Victoria into a hug. "You're one of my closest friends too, you know."

"I know, because I'm awesome." Victoria joked. The hug lingered for a few seconds. Victoria pulled away. "Happy birthday, Spence. I'll see you Friday hopefully."

"If not, we'll just reschedule for Saturday. Or Sunday. Whichever I'm free for." said Spencer, smiling.

"Be safe. Don't do anything too dangerous, please." said Victoria.

Spencer nodded. "Okay. See you later."

"Bye." Victoria replied. Spencer left the conference room. Victoria scrunched her lips together in disappointment. She always felt bored when Spencer was away on a case. She trekked to Garcia's office.

"Baby V," chirped Penelope. She handed Victoria a mug of steaming liquid. "Green tea with honey, just the way you like it."

Victoria smiled. "Thank you, Pen."

"Of course, my love," said Penelope. She twiddled with a pen. "So… What's up?"

"What do you mean?" Victoria asked after sipping from her beverage.

"You're unusually quiet." said Penelope.

"I'm always quiet," Victoria pointed out.

"Not with me," Penelope said. "What's going on?"

Victoria set down her drink and fished in her jacket pocket. She pulled out an engagement ring. "Korey proposed the other night."

"Holy shit is that real?" demanded Penelope, snatching the ring away. The diamond was pretty big.

"I hope so," Victoria chuckled as Penelope handed the ring back. "I haven't told the rest of the team yet."

"Oh, I'm so happy you told me first! I'm so excited. When are you having the wedding?" Penelope asked.

"I don't know yet. Next spring some time is sort of what we're going for. It's Korey's favorite time of year." said Victoria.

"Isn't it supposed to be your day?" Penelope queried.

"It's our day," said Victoria. She huffed. "Don't say anything to the rest of the team. I want to be the one to tell them."

Penelope hugged Victoria. "I'm so happy for you! I promise I won't say a word. I better be one of your bridesmaids. I know where you live."

Victoria laughed. "I haven't even begun to think about planning yet. I guess I should start soon."

"Duh," said Penelope. "Oh, I gotta call the team for the case. They should be on the jet by now." She readied her computer for video chat. The team answered.

"Go ahead Garcia," said Hotch.

Victoria sat quietly, not listening to the team discuss the case. She merely observed the team's interaction. They definitely weren't rogue. Just extremely loyal to each other. But Victoria was going to be careful with her wording in her report. She didn't want "extreme loyalty" to be translated to "will sacrifice country to the dark lord Cthulhu and therefore must be terminated." Victoria giggled to herself at the idea of Hotch dancing around a bonfire for Cthulhu.

Penelope swiveled in her chair to look at Victoria. "What's so funny?"

Victoria looked up, realizing the entire team had heard her. "Nothing."

"Not writing bad things about us in those reports, are you sweetheart?" said Morgan. Spencer was peering at Victoria through the camera, but he was sitting too far away to really talk to her, so he merely waved.

"Yep. I'm saying they might as well exterminate you little traitors." Victoria replied nonchalantly.

Morgan smirked and shook his head. "We'll take you down with us." called Rossi.

Victoria stuck her nose into the air. "You can try."

Garcia grinned and signed off. She turned to Victoria. "Wanna go out Friday night?"

Victoria frowned. "I can't. I have plans with Spence."

"Is something going on between the two of you?" Garcia said, tilting her head suggestively.

Victoria smacked Garcia's arm playfully. "Of course not, weirdo. He's just my friend."

"You guys hang out a lot." said Garcia.

Victoria shrugged. "Friends do that."

Spencer frowned, feeling a bit miffed. It was the next day of the case. The team had forgotten his birthday. The only person who had done anything was Victoria. He worked his jaw, shaking off his disappointment. They were on a case. What was the team going to do anyway? They were busy.

His phone buzzed with an incoming text. Spencer checked it. It was from Victoria.

Are you okay?

Yeah, why?

Haven't heard from you all day. Usually you check in.

I'm okay. Spencer paused before sending the text. He decided to go ahead and tell Victoria what had happened the other day. The unsub contacted me with a letter.

What?! What did it say? Are you in danger?

Spencer suppressed a smile as he typed back a reply. I'm fine. Just challenging my intelligence, that's all.

Haha, well I think you'll win this one.

Spencer smiled. Thanks. And thanks again for your card.

No problem, seriously. What else did you get?

Spencer pursed his lips. The team forgot.

Damn. I'm sorry, Spence.

It's okay. They're busy.

They didn't even say happy birthday?

No. It's okay though. My mom called me and talked to me for a bit.

Well that's good. How's she doing?

She's doing pretty well. She misses me. Wants me to visit.

Too bad there aren't any killers in Vegas right now. Spencer raised his eyebrows. Another text from Victoria shot through. That came out wrong.

I was about to say… Spencer teased. I knew what you meant.

I have something to tell you.

Spencer frowned. What is it?

I'm pregnant. It's yours.

Spencer rolled his eyes and grinned. Very funny.

You got me. That would be physically impossible. Like the Immaculate Conception or something. I really do have to tell you something important. But it might be better if it were in person…

Is everything okay? Korey isn't getting onto you about hanging out with me, is he?

No. Everything's fine. Just a head's up.

Okay…?

Well, I'll let you get back to catching the non-Zodiac guy. Just making sure you're okay.

Thank you. I'll let you know if anything comes up.

Hey Spence, please be careful. If he contacted you… I'd be very disappointed if we had to cancel our plans this weekend because you got hurt or something.

Spencer smiled. I promise I'll be careful. He put his phone away and began working on the geographical profile once more.

"Baby V!" Penelope chirped. Victoria paused in her walk toward a meeting.

"What is it?" Victoria asked, frowning.

"They're on their way back. Our babies are safe and sound. Reid had a little takedown with the unsub, but he's all good. Where are you headed? You're all dressed up." Penelope said.

Victoria pinched her brows together. "Spence had a takedown? He's okay?"

"Yeah, he's fine. He just talked the unsub down, that's all. Where are you going?" Penelope replied.

"I have my first meeting with Cramer." said Victoria.

"Cramer? As in that chairman guy?" Penelope said.

"Yeah. It's my meeting with him about you guys." said Victoria.

"You look like you're going to court." said Penelope, observing Victoria's outfit. She wore dark grey slacks, a red top and a white blazer. Her heels were red and white checkered with a little bow near the toes. Her hair was curled but pulled out of her face. She was wearing more makeup than usual, too.

"I basically am," said Victoria. "I have to defend the team."

Penelope beamed. "Let me know how it goes. Good luck."

"Thanks. See you later." Victoria replied. She headed off for the meeting.

"How are your headaches?"

Spencer swallowed. "Much better, thank you. I'm not as stressed anymore, too."

"Good. Happy birthday, by the way. I know I'm a bit late."

"Thank you," said Spencer, beaming. He felt himself blush a little bit. "How are things with you?"

"Still getting those random phone calls. Spencer… I think you need to start calling me from a different number. I don't want my stalker to find you."

Spencer nodded slowly. "Maeve, are you sure you don't want help? My team can help you."

"I'm sure. Don't get involved, okay?" said Maeve.

"Okay," Spencer replied. But he didn't like it. "I'll start calling you from phone booths, okay?"

"We should keep the calls to a minimum, too. What day are you usually free?" Maeve asked.

Spencer thought for a split second. Fridays he usually spent with Victoria, provided he wasn't on a case. Saturdays he was usually free… Sundays worked best, though. "Sunday."

"Great. Listen, I'm sorry it has to be this way. I just don't want him to find you." Maeve murmured.

Spencer cleared his throat. "Yeah. Of course. I don't mind at all. I just… Are you sure you're okay?"

Maeve laughed. It was a surprisingly beautiful sound. "Spencer, I'm fine. Listen, I have to go. I'll talk to you Sunday, okay?"

"Okay." said Spencer, disappointment settling in the pit of his chest.

"Bye, Spencer." said Maeve.

"Bye, Maeve." Spencer replied. He hung up and let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He grabbed his bags and headed for the jet, grinning to himself.

"In your observations of the team dynamics, did they seem dysfunctional in any way to you?" Chairman Cramer asked.

"No sir." said Victoria.

"You mentioned their loyalty to one another. Would you say that they would use that loyalty against their oaths? Would they put each other before the Bureau?" demanded Cramer.

Victoria had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing. "No sir."

"Their behavior doesn't seem to concern you in the slightest." said Cramer.

"Sir, what behavior are you referring to? They do their jobs well, and they do it with honor. Just because they're loyal to each other doesn't mean they're a rogue team. I'm sure you've heard of the term 'brothers in arms'?" Victoria said.

Cramer scowled at her. "Watch the attitude, Agent Parker. It was a privilege that we allowed you to remain as the team's counselor. Don't let your biasness blind you in your work. You are not one of them. You are there for the sole purpose of analyzing their every move. When your two years are up, you will be transferred back to your department. Do you understand?"

Victoria looked at her hands. "Yes sir."

"Good. Thank you for the report. We will meet again in three months." said Cramer.

Victoria grabbed her things and left the room. She headed toward the BAU's bullpen, a sense of dread overcoming her. Two years was a long way off. Right? She had two years with the team. Cramer was right. She wasn't one of them. She was an outsider looking in. She didn't help solve cases. She observed the team. Once they no longer needed her as their babysitter, she would return to her department and wait for either another team to analyze, or act as a counselor for anyone who needed to talk. The team was like her family. She had finally started to feel like one of them… She still had two years. And it wasn't like she wouldn't ever see them again, right?

But what if she wasn't one of them…? Even Garcia helped solve cases. They'd all been through so much together. Victoria was just… there. She wasn't important to the team. She wasn't a vital member. She had examined their relationship and gone over the cases they'd solved. She'd seen how they'd worked tirelessly to save Hotch's wife. They had failed, but they'd been there for each other. She'd looked over Spencer's case, when he had been kidnapped. The team hadn't rested until they'd saved Spencer. When Spencer had tried to work a personal case, the team had helped on their own time to take care of their family member. The team would go to hell and back for each other. Victoria was like a third wheel to the team. Not even third… More like ninth! They didn't need her like they needed each other.

"Parker! Come on!" called Morgan from the conference room. Victoria blinked. A tear fell from her eye and splashed on her cheek. She wiped it away and entered the conference room. There was a cake, presents… Spencer was grinning from ear to ear. He blew out the candles to his cake. The team cheered and clapped for him. Victoria smiled sadly and clapped.

Penelope zeroed in on Victoria and was at her side in an instant. "What's wrong?" Penelope whispered.

"Nothing," Victoria said out of the corner of her mouth. JJ began cutting the cake and divvying it out to the team.

"How'd the meeting go?" Penelope asked.

"What meeting?" Morgan said, taking a bite of cake. Spencer looked over curiously.

Victoria realized the whole team was staring at her. She cleared her throat. "I had to meet with Cramer about you guys."

Prentiss cringed. "He didn't give you too hard a time, did he? You look a little upset."

Victoria felt her face go red as the team instantly looked concerned. "Oh, no. It was just stressful. I'm okay. Really."

Spencer frowned but didn't say anything. Garcia elbowed Victoria when an awkward silence began to develop. "Tell them!" Garcia hissed.

"Tell us what?" Morgan asked, frowning.

Victoria braved a smile. She sought her ring out of her pocket and put it on. "Korey and I got engaged."

"Congratulations!" cried JJ, jumping up. She hugged Victoria.

Victoria was yanked this way and that into hug after hug. She grinned, feeling a bit better. She showed off her ring. JJ, Penelope and Emily started asking about wedding planning. Victoria was happy to talk about something other than her meeting. She glanced at Spencer out of the corner of her eye. Despite his birthday party, he seemed a little troubled. Victoria made a mental note to ask him about it when the time was right.

Spencer made his way to his car, his stomach full of cake and his arms full of gifts. Victoria was engaged. Huh. He wasn't sure why he was disappointed, but he couldn't shake the nagging feeling.

"Spence!" called Victoria. Spencer turned. Victoria hurried toward him, her red and white heels clacking on the ground. "Let me help you carry." Victoria didn't wait for Spencer to object. She took some of the load from his arms.

"Thanks," Spencer said. "What was it you were going to tell me?"

"Oh," said Victoria. "That I got engaged."

"Oh," said Spencer. Why had she warned him beforehand if she were just going to tell the whole team? "Did you warn everyone else?"

"Actually, I wasn't planning on telling the team today. Just you." said Victoria.

"So why did you?" Spencer asked, frowning. He unlocked his car and popped the trunk. Victoria set his gifts into the trunk before answering.

"Garcia kinda put me on the spot," she said. "Are you okay? You looked kind of sad earlier." said Victoria.

Spencer raised his eyebrows. "Me? I'm great." He considered telling her about Maeve, but decided against it.

Victoria looked as if she didn't quite believe him. "Okay… See you Friday, I guess." She turned away.

"Victoria," Spencer said, grabbing Victoria by the arm. She looked at him, her eyes rounded in concern. "I've just been questioning if joining the FBI was really… I've been afraid that I've let myself down. But I've been feeling better. Emily helped out."

Victoria nodded. "Oh," she croaked. "Well… I think what you do is great. The fact that you choose to do this, despite its low pay and overall shitty-ness is really admirable, Spence. Kind of makes you a hero."

Spencer looked at the ground sheepishly. "Thank you," he muttered. He frowned and peered at Victoria in concern. "Your turn."

It was Victoria's turn to frown. "What?"

"You're upset about something. What's wrong?" Spencer prompted.

Victoria inhaled deeply. "Cramer got onto me in the meeting," she admitted. Spencer waited for her to continue, but she didn't.

"What'd he say?" Spencer asked.

"He said that I need to watch my attitude and to not be biased." said Victoria with a shrug.

Spencer frowned. Victoria wasn't telling the whole truth. "And?"

"That's all." Victoria said.

Spencer sighed. "Victoria, I know you pretty well. Someone telling you to mind your attitude would not get under your skin like this. What else did he say?"

Victoria stared at the ground. "He said I'm not really part of the team," she muttered. She looked up. Spencer was taken aback to see tears in her eyes. "He's right, too. What do I do but watch? You guys don't need me. You didn't need me before and you don't need me now. I'm just your babysitter."

Spencer frowned. "Victoria, that is not true. You've helped us tremendously. You're protecting us from Cramer. If it weren't for you, the team probably would either be suspended, terminated or dispersed. You've kept us together by singing our praises in those reports. And we all love you. You really think we don't consider you one of us?"

Victoria shrugged. "I don't know, Spence. I'm not a profiler."

"We study behavior, Victoria. We don't read minds," said Spencer. He softened. "You're my best friend, Victoria. I heard Garcia telling Emily that they'd have to fight to be your maid of honor at your wedding. You're very much a part of this family."

Victoria smiled, though she still looked sad. "Thank you, Spence. That makes me feel better."

Spencer nodded. "You're welcome."

Victoria sighed. "I only have two years with the team."

"What?" Spencer said, frowning.

"I'm only here for two years. And then I go back to my department." said Victoria.

Spencer felt his heart sink. "Oh," he mumbled. "Well… That's still a long time."

"Yeah," said Victoria. She squared her shoulders. "I should get home. The boys want me to cook tonight."

"Yeah," said Spencer. "I'll see you Friday."

Victoria smiled and hugged Spencer goodbye. She trekked across the parking lot to her car. Spencer climbed into his own, but he didn't feel like driving yet. Two years… It seemed like a long time, but he knew how fast time flew. Victoria would be gone before he knew it. And he didn't want that to happen.

"Please no cussing or hitting the actors Have fun, guys." said the admittance worker. She waved Victoria, Spencer, Seth and Jason into the haunted attraction. Victoria led the way. A strobe light flickered. Grisly decorations littered the dark room. Victoria glanced back at her companions.

"Just letting you guys know, I can't see." she warned them. She turned back to face the front. A person wearing a hideous mask jumped out from the darkness and screamed at her. Victoria jumped backward with a yelp. Spencer laughed. Victoria giggled and led her group onward through the attraction. A girl with her makeup done to make it look like her face was rotting off zoomed toward Victoria and snarled. "Jinkies!" Victoria cried.

Someone jumped at Seth. "Like, zoinks, Scoob!" he yelled. Victoria laughed. She continued to lead through the maze of the attraction. The people in masks jumped out at Victoria and her friends, screaming bloody murder. A girl covered in fake blood crawled toward them.

"Help me! Please help me!" she shrieked.

Victoria paused. "I don't like it when they're on the floor." she muttered. She stepped around the girl.

A large man charged at Spencer, who scuttled closer to Victoria in surprise. Victoria giggled. She continued on through a dark hallway. Weird cobweb decorations hung from the ceiling and caught on her hair and clothes. Hands reached through the boarded walls, attempting to grab her. A man jumped out at her. Victoria leapt backward, slamming into Spencer with a squeal. She laughed at herself.

"Sorry, Spence!" she called.

"No problem," Spencer replied. Victoria led her group into a pitch black room. She paused. She hated the dark.

"Um…" she said, widening her eyes. She grabbed Spencer's hand. "You lead."

Spencer raised his eyebrows at her but didn't object. He strode into the darkness. With her free hand, Victoria grabbed Seth's hand, who grudgingly grabbed Jason's at Victoria's request. The four navigated the darkness with actors jumping out at them to scare them. Victoria squeezed her eyes shut. It wasn't that she was scared of the dark, it was just that… Okay. She was scared of the dark. Not that she was going to admit it. She tried to be brave, but the something about the dark really unnerved her. She was pretty proud of herself for leading thus far.

"Oh, fresh meat!" cried a woman, getting up in Spencer's face. The woman sidled off.

"It's your girlfriend, Spence!" cried Jason.

"Ha ha!" Spencer called back sarcastically.

Victoria realized she was still holding Spencer's hand. She let go. Spencer glanced back at her but didn't say anything about it. Victoria blanched. Oh God… Did he think she liked him or something? She hoped not, because she didn't. Well she did, but just as a friend. Finally, Victoria could see the exit.

"We made it!" Seth cried.

The revving of a chainsaw stopped Victoria cold in her tracks. "Oh, shit!" yelled Jason. He took off for the exit, sprinting straight past the chainsaw wielder and through the exit. Seth followed him with an uncharacteristic high-pitched scream. Spencer started for the exit but hesitated. He looked at Victoria, laughing hysterically. Victoria was staring at the clown's face, the chainsaw held high.

"Hehehehehehe!" the clown shrieked. He charged toward Victoria, but she was frozen.

Spencer grabbed Victoria's hand and hauled her toward the exit. "C'mon!" he laughed. They burst out of the haunted house and into the cool evening air, gasping for breath. Victoria recovered from her shock and laughed at herself. Spencer grinned. "That was fun. Thank you for bringing me here."

Victoria raised an eyebrow at him. "The night's still young, Spence. C'mon, let's head to my house."

Victoria's brothers charged upstairs to their temporary game room. Victoria had an armful of blankets. "Spence," she called. Spencer was busy staring at a piece of artwork. It was one of Victoria's, a painting of a lake beside a mountain. It was pretty good. Spencer walked away from the painting and followed Victoria out the back door of her house. She led Spencer toward her pasture. They walked in silence for a while. Spencer squinted when he saw something glowing in the distance. When they arrived at it, Spencer realized it was a fire pit. Two chairs were positioned around the fire. Victoria tossed Spencer a blanket. Spencer noticed Victoria had a bag slung over her shoulder. She opened the bag and withdrew supplies to make s'mores and two thermoses. She handed a thermos to Spencer. "Hot cocoa and s'mores." Victoria announced.

Spencer stared at the scene. He beamed. "Victoria… This is incredible," he said. Victoria shrugged. But Spencer was touched. "I mean it. This is awesome. Thank you."

Victoria plopped into a chair and spread the blanket over legs. She grabbed a marshmallow and stabbed it with a hanger she'd straightened out and hovered the marshmallow over the fire. "You're welcome. Happy birthday, Spence. I know it's not a phantasmagoria, but hey."

Spencer readied a marshmallow and sat in the other chair. "This has been really fun," he assured her. He raised his eyebrows at her. "You're afraid of the dark. And clowns."

Victoria looked at him. She opened her mouth, looking as if she were about to argue, then closed it. She stared at the fire. "Yeah, I am."

"Why?" Spencer asked.

"I don't know," said Victoria, making a face.

"I'm scared of the dark, too." said Spencer.

Victoria cringed. "I'm sorry! I wouldn't have made you lead if I'd known that."

"Victoria, if it were a big deal, I wouldn't be in the FBI." Spencer chuckled.

Victoria giggled. "Yeah, I guess not."

They settled into a comfortable silence for a while. "So… You're getting married."

"Yeah." Victoria didn't sound too thrilled.

"Are you okay?" Spencer queried.

"Just… Thinking." said Victoria. She didn't elaborate.

Spencer decided he wanted to know what she was thinking about. "About what?"

"I wish I were better at deciphering my feelings." Victoria admitted.

Spencer frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly that," said Victoria. "I've never been really good about figuring out how I'm feeling, you know? Or I always doubt myself."

"I understand." said Spencer.

Victoria smiled grimly. "For a while, I was stuck on finding 'the one' and all that. And then I started dating Korey. It's been great… I just… I thought there would be some sort of sign, I guess."

"The probability of finding a soul mate is very rare, Victoria. You can be compatible with so many different people that it's highly unlikely. Most couples who view their partner as their soul mate end up being unhappier than the ones who view their partner as someone they grow with." said Spencer gently.

Victoria nodded. "I know," she said. "I'm not saying I believe in soul mates. I used to be really naïve. When I was thirteen, y'know? After my parents got divorced, I started having anxiety attacks. For the most part, I can handle them now. And they don't really hit me as often. But I still have them. I don't know why I'm telling you this."

Spencer's eyes rounded in concern. "I have really bad headaches occasionally. They were really bad at one point. But all the doctors said I was fine. I was terrified that I was developing schizophrenia because it's genetic, and it usually presents itself around my age."

Victoria's eyes were sad. "I'm sorry, Spence."

Spencer shrugged. "I've passed the age now. And my headaches have lessened. Did you have an anxiety attack recently?"

Victoria shook her head. "No," she said. "Well, a few weeks ago, after Korey accused me of cheating. My dad cheated on my mom. That's why they got divorced. I just… I don't want to turn into my dad. I'm so scared that one day my marriage will collapse, too. I'm terrified of being cheated on, or that I will. I'm scared that there's just another layer to me, waiting to come out…"

Spencer gazed at Victoria. He wasn't sure what to say. "Victoria… You're not like that. You would never do that to someone you love."

"That's the thing, though," said Victoria, sniffling. "How do you know you love someone?"

Spencer opened and closed his mouth. He could give her the science of love. He could give her statistics of relationships. But he knew that she didn't need that. "I don't know."

Victoria smiled, but her eyes flashed with bitterness. "I don't think love is an emotion," she stated. Spencer raised his eyebrows. "Because emotions are fleeting. And if love is an emotion then… all relationships are doomed."

Spencer let a long breath. He didn't often see this philosophical side of Victoria. He enjoyed it, though. "I don't have all the answers, Victoria. But… I agree with you."

Victoria chuckled. "Dr. Reid finally doesn't have an answer," she said, shaking her head in amusement. Her laughter faded. "Can I tell you something that I haven't told anyone?"

Spencer shifted. "Of course."

Victoria stared into the flames. Spencer wondered if Victoria knew that her marshmallow had caught fire and fallen into the inferno. Spencer realized his had as well. "I don't know why I said yes to marry Korey." Victoria admitted.

Spencer looked up sharply. "Do you love him?"

Victoria sighed. "I don't know," she confessed. "When I'm with him, it's almost magical, as corny as it sounds. I get that flutter in my chest, he makes me feel sexy, and he makes me laugh…" Victoria trailed off, sounding embarrassed. "But we're not really friends, you know? If I think about it, we don't really know each other."

Spencer puffed out a breath. "You should tell him."

Victoria flinched. "I don't want to hurt him."

"You'll hurt him more if you don't say anything." said Spencer gently.

"You're right," Victoria sighed. She was quiet for a long time. She chuckled. "I'm sorry, Spence. This was supposed to be fun."

Spencer smiled. "No, I've enjoyed this. I'm glad you told me this."

Victoria met his gaze. "You're my best friend, Spence. Thanks for not being terrified of me."

Spencer made a face. "Why would I be terrified of you?"

Victoria shrugged. "I'm weird?"

"Well, so am I," said Spencer. He grabbed another marshmallow from the bag. "Thank you for doing this for me. I've had a lot of fun tonight."

Victoria pursed her lips. She stabbed a marshmallow and then began to roast it. "No problem," she said. "Bet I can eat more s'mores than you."

Spencer grinned. "You're on."

Slowly but surely developing… Haha. Happy late Halloween everybody! Thank you so much for the support for this story!

Guest: Wow, thank you! I was hoping Korey was realistic… You have calmed my fears! Thank you so much for your review! It made my day reading it!

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you thought by leaving a review!