Hi, guys! I'm sorry I didn't post last week. And that this one is a day late. I've been working a lot since this is my company's busy season. Anyways, there's the next chapter!
Spencer all but ran out of the bar when I said I was back together with Ben. I felt terrible. I know for me personally, seeing him again did bring back some feelings for him. I still find him very attractive. But I love Ben. And I haven't spoken to Spencer in almost 2 years. I wasn't about to wait for him.
With my drink in my hand, I made my way back to my friends and coworkers. "What's wrong, Dolly?" Penelope asked as I sat down. "You look upset."
"I ran into Spencer while I was ordering my drink. He asked me out." I took a long sip of my cocktail, needing to feel the effects of the alcohol.
"Oh, no. Poor Boy Wonder," Penelope said sadly. She knew I was back with Ben. Her, Emily, and JJ all knew. Mostly because they had asked about my love life.
"Why is that a bad thing?" Morgan asked. "You two hit it off really well before. Isn't it time for round two?"
"Ben and I got back together a couple months back."
"Oh. Well. That's not what I was expecting," said Morgan.
"Neither was Spencer," I said, still feeling terrible.
"I would have thought you'd kick Benny to the curb after how he was talking to you last time," said Morgan, eyeing me.
"Derek, that was two years ago." I was feeling annoyed with the tone he was using. Yes, Ben acted like a douche a couple years ago. Big deal. We had talked it all out and he's grown since then. People change. "We took a much needed break and now we're both older and wiser and whatnot so we're giving us another shot. I think it can really work this time."
"Hey, if you think that's what's best for you, go for it." I could tell he still didn't fully believe it but I didn't have the patience to get into it with him at the moment. I was annoyed and upset.
There was an awkward and uncomfortable air for the rest of the night. I felt bad for Spencer. I really did. I'm glad the rest of the team wasn't around when he asked me out. I'm glad it was just me. He doesn't deserve the humiliation. I know he doesn't get out much with the ladies and the one time he goes for it I turn him down. But I don't owe him a date. I don't owe him anything. I'm in love with my boyfriend Ben and that's that.
Then why do I still feel so bad and kind of want to kiss him?
No, I shouldn't think like that. Yes, when we kissed two years ago it was amazing and I definitely felt a spark. But as stated, that was years ago. I'm with Ben and I'm going to stay loyal to Ben. We want to make this relationship work. We talked long and hard about me taking this job out here and what that would mean for us. We mutually decided to do the long distance thing until he can afford to move out here with me. I personally really liked this plan and was touched he was willing to relocate for me. That to me shows dedication and love.
That evening when I got home, I talked to JJ about what happened. She was one of the first people I told when Ben and I started dating again and has been up-to-date on all my dating history with him. I probably trust her opinion more than anyone's.
"So, what do you think?" I asked, taking a couple gulps of water. I got pleasantly tipsy at the bar and wanted to make sure I was hydrated. I wasn't expecting a hangover, but I wasn't going to take any risks. "I would never lead Spencer on and I don't think I did. But I still feel terrible about it. Maybe I should have brought up that I was dating Ben sooner?"
"Lila," JJ said sweetly in her motherly voice. "I know you wouldn't lead him on and I know you didn't. There really wasn't any chance for you to bring up your dating life with Spencer or the rest of the team for that matter. It's personal to you and you aren't required to disclose it. While Ben isn't my favorite person for you to be dating, I know you love him and I accept that. Spencer will be hurt for a while but he'll get over it."
"I just don't want things to be awkward, you know? We're going to be working together from now on. We have to get along. I want to be able to do my job effectively, you know?" I finished my glass of water and refilled it half way.
"I'm not gonna lie, things probably will be awkward for some time. You just gotta let that run its course. Try to act as normal as possible. And you always have me and Garcia to help you out."
JJ was right. When I went into the office the next day to file some paperwork about the case, Spencer avoided me at all costs. I ran into him going to take the elevator to the BAU division. He didn't want to get in with me and waited for the next one. I wanted coffee and Spencer himself was enjoying a cup. He quickly finished and scurried back to his desk as soon as I poured mine. He even waited until after I had handed Hotch my papers before going in and delivering his own.
Unfortunately that was just the tip of what was to come. For weeks he barely spoke to me. The only time he really did was when it involved something directly with the case we were working. He also wouldn't sit next to me unless there was nowhere else to go. It was really starting to annoy me. I got along with everyone else so easily. He just has to go and make everything so complicated and weird. I was almost tempted to go to Hotch about this. Almost. I didn't want to make it worse than it actually was so I decided to handle it on my own.
After our latest case, I waited in the lobby of the FBI headquarters for him. I wanted him to think I had left the building so he had his guard down. "Spencer!" I called as I saw him casually walk to the exit. He turned in his tracks and looked at me startled.
"Oh, uh, hey- hey Lila. What, uh, what brings you here?" He was obviously flustered. Much like when we first met. I hated to admit his blush was still insanely cute.
"Spencer, please, for the love of god, stop avoiding me." I cut straight to the point to hopefully bypass any bullshit he might have to say.
"I'm not- I'm not avoiding you." His eyes were looking everywhere but at me and he was clutching his messenger bag tightly.
I rolled my eyes. "Cut the shit, Spencer. You haven't spoken to me laxly since you asked me out and I told you I was dating Ben. I know this is awkward, okay? It's awkward for me too. But we're coworkers. And it's gonna be that way for a while." He was finally making eye contact with me. I could feel the tingles inside me, but I pushed them down. "I want to be able to talk and joke with you like everyone else. Please."
"I want that too," he said softly, keeping his eyes fixed on mine.
"Good," I smiled which he easily returned. "Friends?"
"Friends." He released his death grip on his bag.
"I'd say let's shake on it but I know how you feel about that," I said lightly, testing the waters with a small joke.
"I think I can make an exception for you." He stuck out his hand and I grasped it probably too quickly. He gave a light and awkward shake before releasing my hand. His fell back to his side.
"Since we're friends again, would you want to help me move tomorrow?"
"Move?" He seemed confused. "Move where?"
"I've been living with JJ and Will since I got here. It was nice of them but I've finally found a nice little apartment all for myself. I've already enlisted Will, Derek, and Penelope to help me tomorrow. Can I count you in too?" Will didn't really have a choice in helping me since all of my stuff is currently at his place. If he wants me gone he needs to put in the work. Penelope just wanted to come and help me decorate my new place. I'd never turn down that offer. She was the one to get Derek to agree to help out as well.
"Uh, sure. That could be fun."
"Thanks, Spencer. It totally won't be but I appreciate the help! See you tomorrow!" I darted out before he had the chance to change his mind.
Xoxo
Moving was just as unpleasant as I thought it was going to be. I had only taken my essentials with me when I first moved out here. This enabled me to get out to DC quickly and start my new job right away. My amazing mother had offered to box up all my stuff at home and slowly ship it out to me. I then had it all placed in a storage unit nearby. Now was the time to move all my things from JJ and Will's as well as move everything from the storage unit. Unfortunately neither one was that close to my new location.
Penelope and I were at my apartment, unpacking all the boxes and bags that came our way. The men were in charge of bringing us said boxes and bags. The three of them were out getting another haul from the storage unit. Penelope and I were trying to put my bedroom together.
"I see you and Boy Wonder are on good terms again. It's about time too. All the awkwardness was making me break out in hives."
"I am too, Penny." I was putting my clothes away in drawers while Penelope made my bed. "And I got him to help with the move today."
"Thank goodness. We need all the help we can get." We were on our forth hour of work and we were able to get a lot more done with an extra set of hands. Granted Spencer is not as strong as Derek or Will so he can't carry as much. However each box moved helps.
"Ladies!" I heard Derek yell. I left my door unlocked so they could easily move in and out. "We have the last of the boxes! About damn time too." I heard a thud which I assumed was Derek putting down my boxes.
"Great." I came out of my bedroom and surveyed the remaining things they brought. "One storage unit down, three more to go."
"Excuse me?" Derek looked like he was going to pass out or strangle me. Or both. "You have three fucking more storage units? How much shit did you bring with you?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm totally kidding. I only have the one. I just wanted to see your reaction. Will looks like he's about to be sick!" Will's face instantly paled when I made my joke and that alone was worth it.
Derek chuckled. "Alright, Blondie, you got me."
"Seriously, guys, thank you so much. I really appreciate all your help. If you wanna hang out for a little bit, I'll make you some thank-you cookies."
"I have to go pick up Henry, otherwise I would," said Will. I gave him a hug and he excused himself to go be with his son.
"I'm down to stay. What about you, Reid?" Derek turned to his coworker as he spoke. I myself was watching Spencer closely. Things weren't quite to where I wanted them to be but they were getting better. I was actually able to have a conversation with Spencer when he first came over.
"Sure. Sounds great." Spencer met my eyes and I smiled. "But, uh, do you have any aspirin? I've got a bit of a headache going on."
"Yeah, of course! I just unpacked those boxes. Let me grab that for you." I went and grabbed all my painkillers to bring to Spencer, unsure of which one he would prefer. Honestly they are all the same to me but I know different people like different things.
"Thank you," he said and took a couple pills.
"Of course. I hope that helps you. And thank you again for helping me move."
"You owe us big time, Little Miss Lila O'Haul. If I ever see another one of your boxes I might just have to kill you." Derek collapsed into one of my chairs. I laughed.
"Is my beautiful Derek Morgan complaining?" Penelope finally emerged from my room. I was a little curious as to why it took her so long to come out but part of me didn't want to know. I had a feeling she was going through more of my things and decorating without my permission.
"Mama, have you seen how much stuff this girl has? The amount of stuff she has rivals you."
"Believe it or not, I'm getting another shipment next week," I laughed as I went into the kitchen. I promised cookies and I was going to deliver.
"I'm not helping," called Derek.
"I don't expect you too. Ben's driving my car up here with the remaining stuff. He'll be the one to do all the heavy lifting."
"I wish that man all the luck in the world," Derek retorted, making me laugh again.
After cookies were made, the four of us were relaxing and just talking. Derek had eaten the majority of the cookies and I was glad I opted to make several batches instead of just one. I was having a really great time with my friends. After one of our conversations came to a lull, Spencer spoke up. "So, I have a question."
"Shoot, Reid," Derek said as he ate another cookie.
"During our last case, Garcia, you mentioned taxi's being tracked more than Gaga's twitter. Rossi was supposed to explain that to me but never did."
I honestly thought I was going to die, I was laughing so hard.
Another chapter down! I hope you guys like it! I'm totally open if you guys have any suggestions.
