Author's Note:

I CANNOT say how much I loved writing this story. I also cannot say how much it means to me that you guys read it and enjoy it. I started this while in PA school as a way to escape from all the science and clincals. I never realized how much fun and enjoyment I would get out of it. Clinicals are very challenging and there was nothing better then getting out of a 8 hr long surgery (without a break!) to see a review saying how amazing I was. More than once I got a surprise review that made my day! I know this is short but I think it is the PERFECT Amy and Reid ending and the one I envisioned from the day I started it in the middle of a PA school classroom. It is also fitting that I update the LAST chapter on my graduation day! I made it and you guys were a big part of helping me stay sane through it. Thanks and love!


Chapter Twenty Eight

Reid struggled to carry a few grocery bags and his go bag up the steps to his apartment. He knew without checking that his milk had went bad. The latest case had taken them away for five days. All he wanted was to unpack, eat, and go to sleep.

When he finally made it up this stairs and swung open his door he just dropped the bags by the door. He had been talking to Amy every day over the past week and a half. The conversations were a time he looked forward to. They freely asked each other questions and got to know each other in a way they had missed. The case had made talking harder the last couple of days. She had seemed distant the night before, but he had been exhausted. He probably hadn't been the best conversationalist.

He walked further into his apartment and noticed it was cooler than it should have been. His forehead crinkled as he walked to the thermostat. He always turned it up when he had to go out of town on a case. But, the thermostat was set at a comfortable 75. Maybe he forgot. He shrugged it off and went back to the bags. He was putting the groceries up when he heard noise in the hallway. He instantly reached for his gun and spun towards the sound. He was shocked to find a collie puppy bounding his way. He holstered his weapon just in time to return the puppies eager attention.

"What are you doing here?" Reid asked out loud as he looked the puppy over. Then it hit him. A certain mischievous technical analyst had a key to his apartment. She had been telling him for weeks that he needed a dog to liven up his silent apartment. She had also repeatedly mentioned he must be lonely without Amy. "I can't believe Garcia left you here by yourself," Reid told the puppy ruefully as he spied the food and water dish set up in the corner.

"She didn't," a voice called from the kitchen doorway. Reid looked up to see Amy leaning on the door frame. She was beautiful. She had a cream colored summer dress on and it popped the tan she had earned while in Texas. Her hair was curled just the way it had been on their first 'date'. "Hi," She greeted with a wide smile.

She gingerly walked across the kitchen and crouched down on the floor to sit with them. Reid could see the effort the walking took her but was amazed at her progress. She made the small distance without crutches.

"Hi," he replied in shock. "You brought the puppy?"

"I always wanted one," Amy admitted petting the dog. "With me starting clinicals and you working out of town I figured we could share him. Garcia will take him on days we are both out of town. Brynna volunteered to help too."

The dog buried itself in Reid's shirt and made itself comfortable. "He seems to like me," Reid said bemused. Dogs never liked him.

"I may have stolen one of your shirts before you left. He slept with it for the last couple of days. He loves you already," Amy shrugged sheepishly. "I know getting a dog is a big step."

"We haven't done things half way so far," Reid admitted with a grin.

"I know," Amy agreed biting her lip. "I think we need to slow things down a little. I feel like I missed so much of getting to know you. I want to go on a first date, I want to have a first overnight stay. I want the butterflies. I want to get to know you without all the drama and craziness. I still have a lot of therapy to do and a lot of problems to conquer. We have an uphill battle, but I want to make this work."

"I think we can do that," Reid smiled at her. If they could make it this far he wasn't giving up now. "I still owe you that non-FBI funded date. I've been planning it."

"I'm looking forward to it," Amy grinned eagerly.

"You're back," Reid murmured as he stood up and helped her to her feet. He pulled her close before she could speak.

"I am," Amy answered as she wrapped her hands around him. "I'm sorry I left a letter."

"It's okay. You are the only one who came back." Reid's hands tilted her face up and he kissed her with all the energy and emotion he could.

Amy pulled back breathless. "Well, maybe we can start taking things slow tomorrow."

Reid smiled brightly as the puppy danced around his feet. "Tomorrow is good."


I tried to make it longer but it just didn't work. Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for taking a ride with me!

Also look out for a short Amy/Reid date night coming hopefully...soon!