It was getting late. Back in Quantico, three hours ahead, Garcia had contacted Seattle Mercy for the DNA evidence. So far, CODIS had no hits, but it could take days for it to run through the entire system. She had promised to keep them informed.

Craig Lestman had told everything he knew. It wasn't much. He had no idea who Addie could have encountered or even what direction she had taken to get home. All he did know was that Addie was a naïve, trusting teenaged girl, but she would never go off with someone she didn't know. Craig was released and, with sympathy from JJ, the Zachariahs left broken hearted, no closer to finding their daughter.

Outside, the sun had set and the sky was dark. Overcast had set in once again. Rain was forecasted for the evening. The team and detectives, tired and running out of steam, unanimously decided to call it a night. Everyone gathered their things, making plans to head out to dinner. Everyone except Riley.

Hotch, who had for many years held a soft spot for the young girl, attempted to convince her. "You might feel better if you come out for a bite to eat. It's not healthy being alone all the time."

Reid felt a pang of jealousy, knowing the two had kept in touch. Still, he waited with batted breath hoping she'd agree.

"No, I'm… just not in a sociable mood. I really just want to go home." She said, carefully standing up.

"Well, I'd feel more comfortable if someone took you and stayed with you." Hotch said. Reid stood frozen, packing up as slowly as possible.

"Aaron, that's sweet, but I can take care of myself. No one has to inconvenience their lives to protect me."

"Riley, the unsub knows who you are. I have a feeling this wasn't a spontaneous attack, he may have stalked you for awhile. And, he may not take too kindly to you getting away. You should have an officer stay with you."

"I'm not having someone I don't know stay in my apartment with me, Aaron!" Riley exclaimed.

"Well," he noticed Reid eavesdropping behind them, "fine, I'll take you home. I'll stay with you."

Before a single neuron shot in Reid's brain, he answered, "You know, I… I could do it." He watched Riley, whose face was impassive. "I mean… if that's alright with you."

Riley swallowed her nerves, but nodded. "Um… yeah, yeah, that's… fine. That's fine with me."

"Good," Hotch said. "Reid can stop by the hotel and grab his stuff, and then we'll see you guys in the morning."

He left quickly before either could second guess their agreement. They stood awkwardly for a moment, before mutually deciding to take their leave.

The temperature outside was freezing as Reid and Riley headed to the car. The walk was difficult; she must have been in a lot of pain. Reid's arm slipped across the small of her back, his hand resting on her hip. Riley didn't object.

She waited in the car while Reid packed quickly. He only needed things for the night. Hotch may order someone else to stay with her tomorrow, but even if he didn't, Reid didn't want to seem too eager. He didn't expect anything to come of this night. They wouldn't even sleep in the same room. Still, it was a move in the right direction. Maybe if Riley saw how much he cared about her, that no one could care this much about her, she would fall in love with him again… or realize she truly never stopped.

It might be too much to hope for. Someone as smart as Reid should know better, which he determined as he grabbed his toothpaste and shaving cream from the bathroom. For centuries, people have tried to rationalize, explain, and define love. Sometimes you did stupid things; you put your life and everything surrounding it in danger. Your mind gets foggy just from watching her brush her hair off her face, you find yourself attempting and often failing to like the same things just to make her happy, and you encounter her in the morning, with bloodshot eyes, tangled hair, and putrid morning breath, and you think no one has ever been more beautiful. Maybe the explanation was it can't be explained.

He finished at the hotel and got back down to the car. He pulled out of the parking lot, glancing at Riley. She looked tired, slouched in her seat. It had been a long day.

"Are you sure you don't want to get something to eat?" He asked as he pulled onto the highway.

"I kind of just want to get home." She said, turning towards him. Reid could see the ordeal taking its toll on her. "I'm really tired."

"Come on, you have to be hungry. You haven't eaten all day. Why don't I just get some take out and we'll eat at home. Your home, I mean."

Her face broke into a small smile. She nodded. "I'm defiantly up for that."

After a fifteen minute stop at a Chinese place for dinner, Reid drove them to her place. He helped her out of the car, one hand guiding her on her hip, the other clutching their food. His overnight bag left abandoned in the car.

Reid insisted Riley rest on the couch while he prepared two plates. "You don't have to take care of me," she called towards the kitchen. 'You're just here for precautionary reasons."

"I'm not going to let you hobble into the kitchen to serve yourself." Reid announced as he walked in carrying their food. She hadn't noticed him at first as she lay on the couch in her stocking feet, her hair let loose and spread out around her. Her eyes were closed and Reid lingered on her form for a moment. All he wanted was to watch her sleep. He couldn't let his mind wander, though. They had a whole night alone in this apartment together. Reid had to keep his composure. He may have been asked to stay with her, but it was still Riley's call. If she told him to leave, he had to leave.

He nudged her awake and handed her a plate. She giggled, "Plastic forks?"

"I had them throw them in. For the… chop stick incompetent."

She giggled again, revealing those gleaming white misshapen teeth, framed by her perfect pink lips. Reid decided to focus on his food.

It was almost like they were back in Quantico. They laughed and talked like they hadn't spent all that time apart. Reid and Riley discussed everything they'd been through since they said goodbye. Reid cleverly left out how despondent he'd been, finding little reason to neither go out nor clean up. He'd also been pleased that Riley hadn't gone out much, mostly working and trying to adjust to Seattle. If she wasn't going out, she wasn't seeing anyone else.

"I hope the couch is okay for you," Riley said slowly as she set her empty plate on the coffee table.

"Oh, it'll be fine," he replied, lazily twirling some Lo Mien on his fork. "I've been sleeping on the couch a lot lately."

"Oh, that explains it." She said, watching him as she leaned on the arm of the sofa.

"Explains what?" he asked.

"Why you looked so tired," she explained. Reid looked surprised, Riley wasn't exactly a profiler. "You forget, Spencer, I was your therapist. I know how to read you. Now, explain please to your former therapist why you've been sleeping on your couch."

Reid shrugged. "I've been… focused on work a lot lately. A lot of tough cases. The rare times I am home, I end up just crashing in the living room."

"You never did that when I was there." Riley pointed out.

"Well, I had a good reason to make sure I made it to the bed then." He said, smiling. He missed her, and he so desperately wanted her back, but he had to admit, it was good to be able to joke about this.

Riley laughed, starting to move. "Well…" she said, "I hate to… cut our lovely evening short, but… I am really exhausted… I think I'm going to go to bed early. If that's alright?"

"Definitely," Reid said. "There are plenty of books to read, they should occupy me for an hour or so."

She laughed again, standing up. "If you're sure."

He nodded again. "I'm here if you need anything."

She carefully leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for… staying with me."

"You don't need to thank me." He said, looking up into her brown eyes, they were glowing. "Good night,"

"Night," she replied. Without the help of her cane, Riley hopped and limped down the hall to her bedroom. Reid watched her until she was out of sight, reaching for the book on top of the closest pile.

Ten minutes later, as he was about to begin his second one, he heard her. "Spencer," she called. "Could you… come here please?"

"What is it?" he asked, heading in the direction of her cry.

"Just… come here." It was more a whine than a plea for help. Reid carefully pushed open the bedroom door, unsure what was waiting for him in there.

The bedroom looked like the most used room in the apartment. Some boxes stood unpacked, but most of her things were out, scattered around. Her bed was neatly made. That was odd. If she hadn't fully unpacked or cleaned up, why would she take the time to make her bed?

Riley stood next to her efficient bed, still dressed in her sweater and skirt with thigh highs now removed, looking miserable. "What's wrong?" he asked.

She heaved a sigh. "This is embarrassing, but… I can't… I can't change."

"Why… why can't you change?"

"I can't…" This was humiliating. She rolled her eyes, wishing she didn't need to explain it. "I can't balance on one foot and dress with a broken hand at the same time, I just… I need you to… support me."

Reid tried not to laugh, but it seeped out anyone. "Just forget it; I'll sleep in my clothes again."

"No," he called. "I'm sorry; I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing because you don't need to be embarrassed. I'll help you."

"Are you sure?" she asked, timid.

"Yes, it's fine. I don't mind." He assured.

She exhaled, at ease. "Okay, thank you. Close your eyes."

Surprised. "What?"

"Close your eyes," she urged, as if it were obvious.

"Why?"

She gave a nervous chortle. "Well, I don't want you to see me naked."

"You… don't want me to see you naked? You're serious?"

"Yes, I'm serious."

He was stunned. "Riley… I've seen you naked a hundred times."

"Well, that was different. That was when we were dating."

"Do I need to explain the definition of an eidetic memory?"

"Spencer, please. I would just feel more comfortable if you closed your eyes."

"Fine," he gave in. "I am a gentleman, I will close my eyes."

He did as she asked. He didn't even attempt a peek. The sounds of fabric and the sliding of a zipper were heard. This was ridiculous, but he remained blind just the same.

It stopped being funny, however, when he felt her get close to him. Her scent filled his nose and he inhaled deeply. It took every ounce of willpower in him to remain in the dark, knowing the woman of his dreams was disrobing in front of him.

Reid felt her take his hands and place them on her waist. "Just hold me steady so I don't fall." He nodded, and heard her giggle. "Are you okay?"

No. He was not okay. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"You look a little pale," she said. He knew she was smiling.

"This is just entirely absurd," he said, smiling. He heard her snigger.

"I know," she replied. She swayed slightly in his hands. Reid held her steady; the familiar feel of her supple skin in his hands; he brushed it softly, trying to savor the feel. "Thank you for putting up with me."

Her arm went over his shoulder as she put her weight on her bad foot. She pulled herself closer to him. Reid felt her stomach and torso press against him. She was still wearing her bra and he resisted the urge to see what color it was. Automatically, Reid moved his head and felt his lips press against the silkiness of her shoulder. "You're welcome," he muttered into her skin.

Riley seemed to freeze at his kiss. Then he felt her hand run up into his hair, massaging his scalp with the tips of her fingers. Reid remained unmoving in her arms. He placed another kiss on her shoulder, still stationary. Riley's breath blew on the side of his face, warm and minty sweet.

Riley pulled from him. "Just one more minute," she said, sure she was pulling on her shirt. He didn't need to stay now, but he remained motionless. Something wouldn't let him leave her.

"Okay," she said. His hazel eyes slowly opened and he saw her, now standing in cotton pajama pants and a spaghetti strap top. Her hands drew a few strokes of a hairbrush through her twisted curls. "Thank you," she said, sincerely. The hilarity of the situation had diminished.

She began pulling back the covers, getting ready to lie down. Reid walked over to her, brushing some loose hair off her face. "You're welcome; I'll be in there if you need me."

He turned to leave. "Wait, Spencer," she called.

Reid looked back. Suddenly, Riley had a look of pure terror on her face. "Stay," she said.

"What?" he asked.

"Just… stay in here with me. I didn't want to say anything before; I thought I'd be okay, but… I'm not… I'm scared."

"Okay," he replied, softly. Reid didn't need any convincing. He closed the door and switched off the light. The room was all but pitch black. Not even the street light poked in through the blinds. Reid carefully maneuvered around the room to get to the opposite side of the bed. He sat down, removed his shoes, and carefully lied down next to her, above the covers, in his clothes and mismatched socks.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I just don't want to be alone."

"You don't have to be scared." Reid said.

"What if Aaron's right? What if he does know where I live and he comes after me?"

"It's not going to happen." He urged.

"Spencer, it happened before!" She cried.

"Okay, Riley, calm down," He quieted her by wrapping his arm around her middle. Reid pulled Riley closer to him. She didn't object. "I'm right here; I'm not going to let anyone get to you, as long as I'm still standing. Remember?"

Riley gently brushed the side of his face, her brown eyes locked with his hazel. "Of course I remember."

"Everything's going to be fine. Okay?"

Strangely enough, she believed him. Riley couldn't explain it, but Spencer had a hold on her. She nodded, "Okay," she sighed.

"Go to sleep. I will stay right here. All night."

She gave a small smile, closing her eyes. "Goodnight," she muttered.

"Goodnight," Reid repeated. He reached up to kiss her forehead. Riley smiled again, her eyes kept closed. She loved it when he did that.

Reid lay still and watched her. In a few minutes, her breathing became deep and stable. She unconsciously nestled closer to him, feeling her fingers linger on his chest. He was afraid the beating of his heart would keep her awake, it was pounding so hard. Reid gazed at her until he fell into a peaceful sleep as well; the first real sleep either had in seven months. Outside the rain had begun to fall and Reid's overnight bag remained forgotten.