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A/n here we are at "Somebody's Watching," and I re-watched the episode. TPTB never indicated how long Gideon and Reid are in LA for their seminar. I'm going to say that it was probably a whole week before Natalie's murder.

Greetings from the Golden State

To others, a seminar in California might seem like an inconvenience. To Spencer Reid, it was part of the job he found – complicated. He loved sharing knowledge, but talking to strangers, especially strange LEOs, was a bit intimidating, even after more than a year as a profiler.

Also, Spencer found it difficult because he had to share a hotel room with Gideon due to budgetary constraints. The Bureau said it was inefficient and politically problematic for agents to have separate rooms when they could share a double room. Spencer didn't care about sleeping in the same room as Gideon, but he had to make excuses to leave and find a place to call JJ.

Spencer liked talking to her on the phone, but once he understood he'd have to sneak around, Spencer decided to write a letter to her, even though he realized they'd probably return before she received it.

Also, he wanted to address her last letter. He'd received it only three days before they left for the seminar, and he'd freaked out a little at the PS. It made him blush but also made him feel oddly proud at the same time. It was a bizarre sensation in the pit of his stomach that he enjoyed.

Dear JJ,

I'm writing this even though I'm sure you won't receive it before Gideon and I return from LA.

As you know, I am sharing a room with Gideon, and it isn't easy to talk to you on the phone. Today was our first day at the seminar. I was surprised by Detective Kim. He's accepting and doesn't treat me like a kid or like I'm odd. A few LEOS look at me as though they've never seen a genius before, but I'm used to that, and I'm getting better at not feeling like I am weird if that makes sense.

We talked about how forensics and profiling work together, and tomorrow we're going into psychopathy, which is my favorite part of the seminar. Gideon will be handling most of the workshop, so that I will be listening carefully. I know you are wondering why I want to pay close attention, but I always have more to learn about this job.

I know we've only been on one scheduled date and three coffee shop meetings, but I want to address what you said in your last letter concerning our dinner date. I'm glad we're not speaking on the phone because I know I wouldn't be able to talk without stuttering.

JJ, I did like what you said, and it made me feel – desired. I very much want you, too. I hope you're not frightened by my admission because that's not my intention. To me, you're beautiful, not just on the outside but also on the inside.

You said you found my using chopsticks arousing, so I feel that it's only fair to tell you that I find you very stirring when I watch you outwit the members of the fourth estate.

I wish you were here with me in the sunshine and warmth of California. I'm going to think about your smile tonight.

Spencer.

After he addressed his letter to JJ, he wrote his daily letter to his mother and sealed it when Gideon came into the room after going out for a walk.

"You ready for dinner?"

"Ah yes," Spencer said as he swept the letters into his bag.

"You can mail those when we go down to the lobby. You know the letter to Washington won't arrive before we return."

Reid swallowed and then realized that Gideon must have glimpsed JJ's name before he hid it away. "Ah, yeah, um, I wanted to tell the team about –"

'You don't have to worry about me," Gideon held up a hand as Reid stumbled around, looking for an excuse. "Why do you think I gave you the tickets for the Redskin's game? I'm only sorry that it didn't go well for you. I'm glad you two found another way."

Reid ducked his head to hide the blush forming on his cheeks. "Thanks, Gideon."

"You're welcome. Now, let's go get something to eat."

"Right."

Reid picked up his messenger bag and decided that it might not be so bad to spend a few days in California.