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A/n this takes place after Tribe. I have accelerated the time frame of cases because the airdate isn't until March, originally. Thank you all for your kind comments and support. You're all awesome.

Dilemma

Conundrum. Webster's dictionary defines the word as an intricate and challenging problem, or a question or problem having only a conjectural answer.

Reid knew the definition verbatim from the source, and yet, he stared at the problem facing him, his phone and a stack of stationery. His fingers drummed nervously on the surface of his desk as he considered the options facing him.

JJ wanted him to call her.

Okay. Reid understood that most people preferred phone calls or texts over old-fashioned letters in the modern age – but – he sighed and picked up the note she'd written.

Call me. We need to talk.

Why had JJ used the word need? Why not say I want to talk with you, or I would like to converse with you about a miscellaneous topic having nothing to do with work? Or, I want to talk to you because I'm not too fond of writing letters and – Reid put his face in his hands and screamed in breathless frustration.

Why are you overthinking one word?

It was in his nature to overanalyze a problem because – Reid stopped and stared at the wall. Analyzing a problem to find the best solution was proper and healthy, but overanalyzing was obsessive and unhealthy? Right?

Reid looked at his phone and said. "Stop it."

Well, telling himself sternly not to freak out didn't help him make a decision. Still, he had to make one soon because an entire week had passed since he'd received JJ's new letter.

"She's going to think you don't want to talk to her outside of work."

No. That was not true. Reid wanted to talk with JJ about everything – but – how to start? If he could begin, then he'd be alright.

Reid wanted to hide away and not deal with his dilemma, then he said. "Don't make another mistake."

His cell phone appeared to leap into his hand because Reid didn't register touching it. He pushed the speed dial for JJ's number and waited for it to ring. Reid's hands began to shake, and adrenaline heated his blood and sent it pounding through his body.

"Spence?"

Reid jerked and, for a few seconds, couldn't speak. He swallowed hard and squeaked out. "Hi."

Oh, God. Relief washed over him that JJ couldn't see his face because he could feel the heat of a blush.

"Hello. I thought you'd never call."

"Um, I wasn't going to," he blurted out, then said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean- actually, can I say hi again?"

JJ giggled, and for some odd reason, her laughter cooled his blood, and his hands stopped trembling. "Sure," she said. "Hello, Dr. Reid, what can I do for you?"

"Hello, JJ," Reid said without a squeak. "I received a letter that you wanted to talk, so I am responding as requested.

JJ giggled again. "Thank you for making me laugh after a tough day."

"You're welcome. What did you want to talk about?"

"I thought we could speak out loud after exchanging letters. I've wanted to talk to you outside of work for a long time, Spence."

Reid's spine tingled at her use of his shortened name. "I enjoy it when you call me that."

"Do you?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad."

They were silent for a few moments, then Reid said something extraordinary for him. He wanted to say it before he ran out of courage. "Um, JJ, I know we never talked about the football game and how it went, but I don't want to dwell on it. Will you go out with me again, and we can say it's our first date?"

"Yes."

"Really?" Reid asked – his squeak returning to make him blush again.

"Yes," JJ repeated, and he could hear her smiling.

"Good."

They talked for an hour, and when Reid finally ended the call, he sagged back in his chair with a smile that wouldn't leave his face.

Reid drew his stationery to him and picked up a pen.

JJ,

Thank you for talking to me today. I look forward to our new first date. I like you very much.

I know you like to talk on the phone and text, but I wondered if you might be amenable to a letter once in a while?

Please write back if you agree.

With affection,

Spencer.

Reid scanned the letter and smiled. For the first time, it was perfect.

A/n hello all. I have a bit of a conundrum, myself. I think this is a good place to end it, but I love JEID and would like to continue if you all would like to see more. I like the idea of their relationship progressing through letters, but also conversations as in this chapter. Please let me know your thoughts. Should I end it here or would you like to see more. Thank you all.