TC Stark: So, I have been watching a marathon of Criminal Minds the past two days and have been inspired. I do have to say this is the last chapter. I realize it's a bit sudden and it's jumps a bit, so it's kind of like an epilogue. I'm doing this because I hate for stories not to have closure and it's unfair to keep it open for so long. I'm so busy with finishing school, work, and an internship I don't have time for this story. I have so many ideas circulating around my head, but no time to actually put it into words. So, I'm ending this story and hoping in the future I can write the story I've always wanted to. Thank you all, you have been wonderful and loyal fans to me!

Disclaimer: I own no one that belongs to CBS's Criminal Minds. If I did I would do unspeakable things to Spencer Reid…

Chapter Twenty Three: Time of Your Life

"Checkmate."

Skyler grinned victoriously as she won the match of chess her and Spencer Reid were playing one afternoon. He had turned thirty and hadn't done anything special. Of course he had visited his mother who had forgotten how old he was turning. Though, he really didn't mind. After being a child prodigy any other age after that didn't seem to matter.

Bonnie had no idea how to play chess. Rather she decided to sit back and watch the two people she cared about most in this world play against each other. Some time had gone by; life going on as usual. The team continued to solve cases and was happy to see the return of Emily and JJ. Jack was growing up and it seemed Hotch had even begun to date again. Life had seemed to be getting better for everyone.

Except for Bonnie and Reid. Before either of them knew it years had passed and they were still stuck where they had started off. The idea of never being able to call Bonnie his had sunken into Spencer's heart and had caused him to develop a short lasting relationship with Ashley Seaver. The relationship didn't last after she was asked to leave the BAU, neither upset by this notion.

Skyler and Bonnie had made a great team of comfort for the still young doctor. He understood that even though the latter got along well with the females of the BAU, but knew that she needed to comfort of her first love. And since she also wanted to cling onto their friendship he had spent a lot of time with both girls. It was something he quickly started to enjoy; sharing a glass of wine with Skyler while Bonnie played with the kids.

"Did I tell you two kiddies I met someone?" Skyler grinned while nestling back in her plush white couch.

Both Spencer and Bonnie gave a shrug while listening, "Her name is Rebecca. We met at Starbucks; cliché I know. She's Arab and gorgeous. She has a four-year-old son and is a lawyer."

"And I haven't met her yet?" Bonnie raised an eyebrow and folded her arms mockingly, "Skyler, I'm hurt."

The doctor chuckled lightly as the blonde gave a large grin, "Oh, my beautiful Bonnie, you should know no one will ever replace the hole you have left in my heart. But, we were always just meant to be star-crossed lovers. Make no mistake, the moment Rebecca has a problem with our friendship we will no longer be an item. Besides, have you not been cheating on me?"

"Stop talking in riddles, Sky."

Skyler nodded in Spencer's direction who held his arms up in the air and defended, "Hey, don't drag me into this."

After another glass of wine, Spencer decided he needed to get back home and Skyler wanted to put the kids to sleep. Since the former cocaine addict believed a glass of wine a day helped to improve her heart, Bonnie knew Spencer would join her ex-girlfriend. Spencer had finally beaten his drug habit and had never had a drinking problem, but still enjoyed the occasional drink. It was something he and the mother had in common. As a result Bonnie offered to be the designated driver since she was the only straight edged one.

It had been a year since the two had become physical with one another. Work had seemed to consume the two and she seemed to be relieved when he started dating Ashley. It was as if she no longer had to worry about her own feelings anymore and could breathe again. He on the other hand was still plagued by thoughts of her. The desire to call Bonnie his was strong and no other woman or time was going to change that.

"Spence?"

Her words interrupted his train of thought, realizing the car had stopped in front of his house. It was about nine at night and he wasn't quite ready to let her go, "Coffee?"

Bonnie raised an eyebrow while referencing to the time, "Shouldn't you be getting to bed? We have to be at the office early tomorrow."

"I know," He sheepishly shrugged, trying to play cool, "But, I still have a lot of work to do and I fear the wine might have made me a little drowsy. Or I might stumble into a bush on the way to my door."

The two laughed as she finally caved in and shut off the car. As his body turned to open the door, Bonnie took a moment to observe him. He had recently cut his hair and while she liked him with the longer hair, she also thought his new hairdo made him look very handsome. Even though he had just turned thirty she couldn't help, but think he never looked better.

Spencer started brewing some coffee the moment they stepped into the door to keep up his little fib. While dumping some coffee grinds into a small filter, he couldn't help, but chuckle. When he thought about it, coffee was almost the catalyst to the beginning of their little dance. He had to imagine what fate would have had planned for them if he hadn't so clumsily spilled coffee on her.

While waiting for the coffee to brew, Bonnie took a seat on one of his tall stools near his kitchen counter. Knowing what she wanted to do; Spencer reached into one of the drawers and pulled out a small ash tray. Giving him a lazy grin, she gave thanks before lighting up a cigarette. The doctor placed his hands on the other side of the counter before leaning forward, "I thought your new year's resolution was to quit."

"I did too." She wryly grinned.

Letting out a small laugh, he noticed the coffee was done brewing as he stood up to pour them both a cup. As he reached out to set a cup for her down, hers jetted out to grab it. It was with that similar motion that the two touched upon each other's hands. Both let out a smile and quickly retracted back to the sides of their body.

"So, Skyler has found someone else and Hotch has even started dating again." Spencer decided to be the first one to speak.

Bonnie stubbed out her cigarette before commenting, "Everyone has seemed to move on from their tragedies. It's great to see. Their loved ones would have wanted them to continue living."

"How do you feel about Skyler moving on?"

"I don't mind at all. What we had has been long gone. I have an extreme love for her, but it is strictly platonic."

Reid nodded as he began to sip on his coffee. After that Bonnie finished her coffee relatively fast and expressed the need to call it a night. He stood in silence as she pulled her black open cover up sweater on, staring contently at the black beverage. Just like so many nights before this one he let her walk out that door and pretend everything was a-okay.

"I can't let you leave." He finally decided to speak just as she was turning to walk out the door.

Confused, Bonnie gave a small smile, "Spence, we'll see each other tomorrow."

His brown eyes flickered up to look at her, stepping around the counter to close the distance between them, "I mean I can't let you leave and not say anything. It's been a year since I've even touched you."

"Yes, because you were with Ashley."

"Yes, I was with Ashley," He nodded before running his hands grabbed at his hair, "And I tried being with her. And she was great. And I've even gone out for drinks with Morgan and nothing. I don't want other women, Bonnie, I only want you. I only love you. I love that it's taken me nearly five years to tell you how I really feel and how you try to fight it every step of the way. I love that you scared some of the interns the other day when you drove into work blasting heavy metal. Don't you get it? I love you."

The first time Spencer had expressed his feelings to Bonnie she hadn't reacted well. He remembered her going into hysterics and having to deal with Garcia's questions for a long time after that. Still, he was willing to take the risks. After all he was thirty and was questioning his worth in life. He was after all a childhood prodigy and even though working for the FBI was big, he wondered why he felt so empty. And then it made sense.

"Spencer, I-" Bonnie stopped herself, trying to find the right words, "I…I'm scared."

Frowning, the doctor walked forward and took her into his arms. He allowed her press her body against his, feeling her arms wrap around his waist. Spencer buried his face into the nook of her neck, feeling her grip against his shirt. The aspect of love must have been hard for her and she would need all the support he could give her.

"Spence…I love you too."

Spencer was the first one to arrive at the BAU. It wasn't long until the rest of the team was there. There weren't any urgent cases just yet, the team concentrating on some long overdue paperwork. It was a miracle that they weren't being called out to some state because some sick bastard had committed unspeakable acts of violence. No, today was just like any normal day in the office for any other blue blooded American.

The doctor's gaze was fixed on a stack of papers as JJ stepped near him, her shadow looming over his body. His brown eyes looked up at her curiously as he was handed a small card, "What's this?"

"An invitation," She smiled before explaining, "It's Henry's birthday and Will and I want to throw a little party at our house."

Spencer sat back in his chair while looking over the card with a small laugh, "I can't believe how fast Henry is growing up."

"He's already four." She smiled warmly.

Just then Bonnie was passing the two, JJ stopping her mid-step, "Are you doing anything Saturday night?"

"Saturday? Not that I can think of, why?"

The beautiful blonde gave the raven haired woman an invitation who widely grinned, "Oh my God, Henry. Where has the time gone?"

"No idea."

She laughed as suddenly Hotch marched through the room, "Four dead in Ohio, everyone will be briefed on the plane."

All the members of the BAU nodded and stood up while gathering their things. Morgan and Rossi emerged from their offices and ran down the steps. Spencer looped his messenger bag over his chest as Bonnie wish him, "Good luck."

"I'll call you when we land." Spencer smiled while leaning down and kissed the assistant.

The act of affection took everyone by shock and paralyzed them for a moment. Morgan especially couldn't help, but stare at the two before the doctor raised an eyebrow, "Why is everyone standing still? We have a job to do."