Takes place just before and after Episode 10 Season 4 Brothers in Arms

Chapter Two

[Workmen who arrive early, who would have thought it. As much as I've enjoyed this morning chat I've got to go. If your free later, I could really use a guinea pig for some cupcakes I'll be trying out later. Talk to you later Doc ]

Quickly reading the text he'd just received Spencer could not prevent a small smile not only at the nickname Niamh had given him, but the request to for him to be a guinea pig as well. Despites only seeing Niamh the other day Spencer found he couldn't wait to see her again, although they had a second date arranged for Wednesday the idea of seeing her sooner caused him to feel an excitement he'd never felt before. The fact that Niamh had agreed to a second date still bewildered him, to learn that she would actual like to see him before that was totally unexpected. Not only was she attractive, but she was smart, kind, had a funny sense of humour and was the type of person he never imagined going on one date with. Yet, despites the small uncertainty that plagued him Spence knew deep down that Niamh was different, he'd instantly connected with her. Even when dating Lila and his brief time with Austin he had never felt this way about either of them. Despites the short time he had known her things with Niamh were so very different, he really felt that he could be himself and not have to worry about pretending.

Beep! Beep!

Snapping out of his thoughts Spencer automatically opened the text, finding his smile instantly increase as he read the new message and realised who its sender was.

[There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast it is all a shame...What about this one Doc? ]

Apparently, the game they had been playing over the last two days wasn't over, each of them trying to outdo the other with their literature knowledge. Although he had managed to outdo her the previous evening Spencer had been impressed with Niamh's knowledge, able to provide author and book to the extracts he had given. She even provided facts that most people wouldn't known about either the author or the book itself. After being caught out last night Niamh had assured him that she would find a book he didn't know, and at this present moment in time it would appear she had. Feeling the evaluator coming to a halt Spencer realised he'd have to put the quote aside for the moment, leaving the puzzle for later as he snapped his phone shut before exiting onto his floor.

Immediately taking note of the paperwork upon his desk Spencer could honestly say this was one part of the job you could always rely on, no matter how quickly you got through it there was always more to take its place. Reaching his desk, he had no sooner sat down before sensing a presence before him. Looking towards whoever had joined him Spence wasn't surprised to see it was none other than Morgan leaning against his desk.

Patiently waiting for the younger agent to acknowledge him Morgan quickly stopped himself from doing his usual teasing as he took in the one before him. From the second Reid had exited the evaluator he'd noticed there was something different, something that wasn't usually there within his friend. Although it might have brief Morgan hadn't failed to notice the slight smile Reid had shown before closing his phone. Even with the questioning look Reid was now giving him Morgan couldn't shake the feeling that there was definitely something different, he just couldn't put his finger on what.

"So, Kid, what you get up to this weekend?"

"Nothing really. Had a pretty quiet weekend."

Despites the simple, yet quick response Morgan had worked long enough not only at this job but the individual in question to know he wasn't getting the entire truth. When it came to Reid, he'd caught on pretty quick to the hand fidgeting or avoidance of eye contact that the younger agent would normal display when he was uncomfortable with a situation or person. Therefore, the fact that Reid was doing both only proved that he was hiding something. The only other tines Morgan had seen Reid react this bad was either around women, public speaking or at the clubs, at least until he allowed himself to relax enough to at least partially enjoy it. Able to cross two off the list immediately Morgan realised that only left one possibility, that Reid had met someone.

"With an entire weekend, that we rarely get your telling me you did nothing."

"I was able to catch up with my papers."

Although he didn't for one second believe Reid's response Morgan decided not to push for answers, it becoming pretty obvious that Reid was being very uncomfortable with the situation with the amount of fidgeting he was doing. Despites the curiosity he might have about the possibility of a new woman in Reid's life he didn't want to interrogate one he considered family. Regardless of the jokes he made at Reid's expense he really did care about the younger agent's wellbeing. It was one of the main reasons

Not believing for one second the answer Reid had provided Morgan decided to leave further questioning for another time, it was obvious from the increased fidgeting that Reid was becoming uncomfortable with the situation. Although he was curious about the possibility of a new woman in Reid's life, he did not want to interrogate one he considered family. Despites the jokes he made at Reid's expense he really did care about the younger agent's wellbeing, which was one of the main reasons why he constantly tried to get Reid to come out with him and the others. There was no arguing that Reid was the smartest guy Morgan knew, but when it came to social skills the guy needed a little help.

Yet, it wasn't Reid's lack of social skills that piqued his curiosity regarding this possible new development in his friend's life, the ultimate reason being Lila an old girlfriend. After the case involving the actress Reid had fallen hard for the woman, despites the long-distance relationship the first three months had been fine. However, it wasn't long after that things started going downhill; the more popular Lila became the more she changed and the time she had for Reid became less and less. Instead choosing film premiers and parties over Reid's more quiet nature. Morgan still didn't know to this day all the particulars only that during their sixth month as a couple Garcia had rung him out of the blue asking him to get over to Reid's and apartment ASAP.

With Garcia refusing to give him an exact details Morgan had been shocked to the core by the sight which greeted him upon arriving at Reid's apartment. The utter loss and dejection he'd seen within his friend that day was something he never wanted to see again. In the following weeks everyone couldn't fail to notice the difference within Reid, seeing a return to his initial days at the BAU, a quiet, reserved individual who was reluctant to do anything other than work. It had affected the whole team seeing their youngest member so demoralised and it had taken everyone to rebuild his list confidence. Although Morgan was on board for Reid finding someone new, he also wanted any potential partner to the right type of person for his friend.

"You spend way to much time in the books Kid, you are definitely coming out this weekend."

Leaving Reid with his parting comment Morgan decided to share his suspicions with the one person, apart from JJ, who knew Reid better than anyone.

Later that day

"Enter oh seeker of knowledge."

Spinning in her chair Garcia couldn't prevent her smile as she took in the very person she wanted to see. Ever since Morgan had shared his suspicions regarding their resident super genius, she had become very intrigued about Reid's activities this weekend. The idea of Reid finally meeting someone thrilled yet terrified her all at the same time. Although she knew that everyone in their little family shared the same concerns when it came to Reid and his personal life, she had become the most protective of him when it came to the subject of dating. While Reid tended to be closer to JJ and herself out of everyone, it was often herself that Reid came to for advice regarding women, with a little assistance from Morgan.

Even as she returned Reid's smile Garcia couldn't help but think back to that night more than a year ago when Reid had called her late in the night. Her initial puzzlement and sleepiness disappearing in an instant as she heard emotions rarely heard in Reid's voice, utter heartbreak, and loss. After rushing over to Reid's apartment Garcia had felt her own heart break upon seeing the frail form she had found. However, it wasn't Reid's huddled form that hit her most but the dejection and loss within red rimmed eyes that truly got to her. In their entire friendship she had never seen Reid so lost to emotion.

She'd quickly lost track of time as she tried to calm Reid down and coach out of him what was wrong, slowly he had revealed how Lila had broken up with him, saying she was capable of someone better and that their relationship had been built on hero worship. It had taken every ounce of control not to hunt the woman down and beat her senseless, how dare she make Reid feel so worthless.

"I brought the file you asked for."

Snapping out of her thoughts Garcia was glad to forget them as she once again gave Reid her attention. Silently taking her friend in she didn't need to be a profiler to see what Morgan had been talking about, although subtle there was definitely something different with Reid.

"Thanks Boy Wonder. So, what did our resident genius get up to this weekend?"

"Did Morgan put you up to this?"

"Up to what? I am deeply hurt that you think so lowly of me; here I was simply wanting to catch up with my Boy Wonder. You know only someone with something to hide would be so suspicions."

Finishing her statement with some light laughter Garcia could not help but think Reid's attempts at avoiding her eye was adorable, it was times like this that reminded her of how young the agent was.

"Come on then, share with Aunty Penny."

"It... It was an interesting weekend."

Instantly picking up on the slight blush that overcame Reid at his hesitant answer Garcia knew in that moment that Morgan was right. From Reid's reaction there could be no doubt that he had met someone, it was just a matter of getting him to admit it. Deciding to try a little slight of hand with the younger agent while his guard was down Garcia knew it was the only chance she had of catching him out.

"Did she turn out to be a satanic worshipping nut job?"

"What! No!"

Unable to hide her quirky smile at the quick response Garcia thanked whoever was listening that her gamble had worked. Seeing the look of realisation that overcame Reid as he realised what had just happened Garcia managed to contain her laughter as she noticed the slight tension which overcame him. Even though she was overrun with curiosity Garcia knew the best approach was to take things easy.

"Does she have a name?"

"Niamh. Her names Niamh."

"And I'm taking it things went well with Niamh this weekend?"

"Surprisingly it did, I had a really great time. She, actually likes my more . . . unusual qualities."

Taking it one step at a time to get more information about this mysterious Niamh Garcia was finding it hard not to push for every single detail. Although part of her couldn't deny that she was worried about Reid dating again, the bigger part wanted to find this woman and hug her. The main reason being the small smile Reid was currently wearing, he had barely started talking about Niamh and yet the mere mention of her was causing such an instant reaction.

"And does the lucky lady get another date?"

"We have a date planned for this Wednesday, but she's asked if I'm free tonight to be a guinea pig for some new recipes she's trying."

Overjoyed at hearing that Reid did indeed have another date with Niamh Garcia could barely contain her excitement at hearing the woman would like to see Reid tonight. It would seem at first glance that Reid wasn't the only one affected by this weekend. About to see if she could learn anything more about the woman who was having such an impact on her friend despites the short amount of time Garcia didn't get the opportunity as Morgan chose that time to appear.

About to quiz Reid a little more about the woman that by all appearances was having such an impact in such a shore space of time Garcia did not have the opportunity as Morgan opened the door.

"Reid we're needed in the conference room."

Seeing the questioning look Morgan send her Garcia was able to discreetly interdict that he should give her another minute. Watching Morgan leave a moment before Reid began to follow Garcia made sure to remind Reid that this conversion was far from other.

"I expect more details Wonder Boy once you get back."

Days later

Once again hearing faint buzzing as the phone opposite him vibrated against the table Morgan hesitated over whether to answer, this was the second time in the last hour that it had rang. Taking a quick glance towards Reid's sleeping form he was reluctant to wake him. Eventually deciding to find out who was after his fellow agent Morgan took a quick glance at the caller ID, 'Niamh', a name Reid hadn't mentioned before. Glancing towards his sleeping friend Morgan wondered if this was the person responsible for the subtle changes with Reid.

"Agent Morgan."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realise I was interrupting something; I'll call back later."

"Morgan."

"Oh, I'm sorry I did not mean to interrupt anything. I'll call back later."

"Only think you'd be interrupting is Reid's beauty sleep, I don't mind waking him if you want to speak to him."

"As much as I think you'd enjoy that Agent Morgan I must politely decline your generous offer. It is late and I'm guessing you've all got some sleep to catch up on."

Smirking at the laughter which accompanied the accented voice Morgan immediately identified the Irish element within the feminine voice. An Irish woman was not someone he imagined when pondering the idea of who Reid could have met, but he wouldn't be the first or last to fall for the Irish charm.

"You could say that. Did you want me to give Reid a message?"

"Yes please. Can you tell ask him to ring me later about our date, there's going to be a slight change in plans."

"Date?"

"Ah, I'm assuming Spencer hasn't mentioned me then."

"Not in so many words, but I had my suspicions there might be someone."

Hearing the moments pause from Niamh Morgan had a feeling there was more to this woman than he realised as her voice came back over the phone.

"Despites the short time we've known each other, I can already tell Spencer is a great guy, one I'm glad to have met."

Quietly listening to Niamh speak Morgan didn't need to be a BAU agent to detect the honesty within her voice, she genuinely cared about Reid. Although he knew it was only early days for Reid and his mystery woman Morgan had a feeling that Niamh would be different from any woman his friend had met.

"I'm going to hazard a guess Agent Morgan that you'll been quizzing Spencer non-stop about me once he wakens."

"You think so?"

"From what Spencer has told me yes I do."

Smiling at the slight laughter Niamh was giving Morgan could only imagine what Reid had told her about him. The fact that Reid had told her anything about them made him think even better of her. He knew the younger agent well enough to know that Reid didn't easily share his personal life with others.

"Well, I can't just thrown him to the wolves now, not on his own at least. Do you happen to know Enbarr by any chance?"

"Yeah I've heard of it, why?"

"If you can hold off with the Q&A for a few hours I'm willing to face the wolves with him Agent Morgan. Least I can do is settle his friend's curiosity myself."

"You want to meet us all? You sure about that?"

Laughing lightly at the humour within Niamh's voice Morgan had to admire the woman's decision to meet the team. He could only assume Reid had mentioned their line of work to her which only impressed him more, that Niamh was willing to meet them so Reid didn't have to answer the numerous questions he'd be getting.

"Out of four siblings I'm the only girl Agent Morgan, I should be able to handle meeting Spencer's friends."

"As my mum says, never argue with a lady who has set her mind to something. You sure about this?"

"She's a wise woman, and yes, I'm sure. I think I'm up to the challenge. If I remember correctly there's six of you right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"Alright then, I'll get a table booked and have Spencer give you the time when I speak to him Agent . . ."

"Derek."

"Derek. Do me a favour and tell Spencer he's not getting out of this. Now as much as I've enjoyed chatting, I have a table to book, I look forward to meeting you all."

Chuckling to himself as the phone went dead Morgan had a feeling Reid had gotten himself a keeper. However, he would wait until meeting the woman to give his final verdict.