Disclaimer: I don't own, Mr. Davis and friends don't sue... Deal?
Spencer glanced at Derek suspiciously for the umpteenth time since the senior agent had shown up on his doorstep asking about a guy's night. Spencer didn't do guy's nights. Guy's nights involved sports and drinking, both of which he abhorred. But Derek was making an effort to include him, so he went along with it. Except Derek was twitchy and kept shooting Spencer sidelong glances. When he asked what Reid would prefer to listen to, instead of just turning on the normal R&B, the genius knew something was up.
He still hadn't figured it out by the time they arrived though, and, sighing miserably while he mentally prepared himself for a night of sipping on a noxious beer and watching a ball do something, he followed Morgan into the house. When his entire team popped out shouting "SURPRISE!" the second he walked in the door, he nearly stumbled back out. Quickly, he tried to think of a reason they'd be throwing him a surprise party. It wasn't his birthday. He hadn't finished his latest doctorate yet. As far as he knew, he hadn't been promoted. The banner was no help. All it said was "We love you Reid!" in brown, orange, and blue letters. My favorite colors. He noted absently.
On the far wall were two tables, one filled with food, the other with gifts. Spencer's mouth started watering. He could see the ham, green onion, and cream cheese pinwheels from where he was standing. But Will hated onions, in any form, so things like that were never served at team parties. Neither was the queso blanco dip that he saw because it was too spicy for Kevin. What was going on?
Penelope ran forward and wrapped him in a hug, squeezing tightly. "Do you like it Reid? It's all for you. We tried to get all your favorites and Ryley did all the cooking. She's a great cook by the way! Even better than Rossi, I swear. And you have presents and-"
Morgan gently pulled Garcia away from Spencer. "Calm down momma. Let the boy take it all in."
Garcia nodded but continued to bounce anxiously next to her Boy Wonder. "You do like it, right?"
Spencer nodded, still looking around. It did have all his favorites. Colors, food, music, everything. He just couldn't figure out what it was all for? "I love it Penelope. Just… Why?"
"Oh!" She began to jump lightly. "That's what I was trying to tell you. You see we know we've been a bit…"
"Blind?" Prentiss put in, trying to help even as she gave her own hug to Reid.
Garcia nodded. "Yeah. We've been a bit blind to what you like and everything. I mean we're always telling you what we like and all that but we never stop to listen to what you like."
JJ nodded, embracing Reid tightly. "Like we had no idea you like jazz music."
"Which is weird because I'm from New Orleans and you know how we feel about jazz down there." Will added, giving Spence and awkward hug as well.
Hotch stepped up next, patting Reid's shoulder in lieu of a hug. "Or that you liked old movies. I wish I had listened or even just asked you. I love those 'Movie in the Park' showings. Jack and I even go on occasion. It would have been great to have you with us."
"And those cigars. Superb Reid. Thank you, truly." Rossi said, clapping Reid on the back.
"Same goes for the lollipops." Prentiss called.
"And the biscotti." From Garcia.
"Dude. The coffee. I owe you." Morgan said, ruffling Reid's hair.
"And I always wondered why I never ran out of pens." Hotch added with a small smile.
"I can't count the number of times the chocolate covered almonds you give me have saved me from a mental breakdown." JJ added, grinning at him as she leaned back against Will.
"Anyway," Garcia continued, practically vibrating in Kevin's arms as he held her to stop her bouncing. "Ryley ripped us a new one for it. And… wait? Where is Ryley?"
Everyone looked around, including Reid. He had a feeling he'd get a less disjointed explanation from her. But Ryley was nowhere to be found.
"Is she in the kitchen? Maybe she's putting the finishing touches on the cake." David suggested. Morgan furrowed his brow and poked his head through the kitchen door.
"No Ryley in here." He called back.
Reid frowned and thought for a moment. Ryley wasn't comfortable in other people's houses. He knew that. She'd admitted that. If she was in a strange house for a party, she'd go and hide somewhere private. Somewhere people wouldn't think to look or stumble onto accidently. In Derek's house that would be… He headed to the stairs. She was in Derek's office. He'd stake his career on it.
"Hey Reid! Where are you going man?" Morgan called, moving to follow him.
Spencer quickly held out his hands, staving the other agent off. "I know where Ryley is. I'm going to go get her. Just stay here. I need to talk to her for a moment and then we'll both be down, ok?"
Everyone nodded and suppressed grins, hoping above hope that intern and their genius would get together. Garcia was the only who knew that they already had a date, well, a date by Reid's standards. She was crossing her fingers that they'd kiss.