Disclaimer- I do not own CBS or Criminal Minds.

REID'S APARTMENT

SUNDAY JULY 2

MATH WHIZ: So Spencer, how was your date last night? Good, bad, or indifferent?

FBI PROFILER: It went better than I expected but now she wants me to come to her house and meet her dog.

MATH WHIZ: And this is a problem why?

FBI PROFILER: Dogs hate me. Don't ask me why, I don't know, but they do.

MATH WHIZ: Tough luck. If you can't win over the dog then this relationship is doomed. Maybe you should buy a book on dog behavior or something.

FBI PROFILER: . . . Charlie, are you actually suggesting that I attempt to profile the dog?

MATH WHIZ: Why not? It couldn't hurt.

FBI PROFILER: It's no wonder people think I'm weird.

MATH WHIZ: Oh you're one to talk.

BAU HEADQUARTERS

MONDAY JULY 3

Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner was the first member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit to arrive at Quantico after their weekend off, which was typical for the team leader, and when he arrived he made his way up to his office. Sitting down behind his desk Hotchner pulled a folder from his top desk drawer, placed it down in front of him and flipped it open. The Agent in Charge picked up his pen and began to fill out his portion of the report from the team's most recent case however he hadn't made very much progress when he was interrupted by a knock on his door. Glancing up from his paperwork Hotchner called out, "Enter."

The door opened slowly and Jason Gideon stepped inside the office, also holding a manila folder embossed with the seal of the FBI.

"Good morning Jason," Hotchner said to his colleague at the same time gesturing toward the chair that was positioned across from his desk.

Gideon nodded to the youngest agent as he accepted the invitation to sit. "Did you enjoy your weekend off Hotch?"

A small smile appeared on Hotchner's usually somber countenance. "I did. How about you?"

Gideon nodded once again. "I spent the weekend alone at the cabin. It was very relaxing."

It was Hotchner's turn to nod. He knew that Gideon went to his secluded cabin in the woods whenever the team had time off from their busy case loads.

"So do we have any new cases?"

Hotchner shook his head. "JJ said the place was pretty quiet while we were gone. No new requests for assistance have came in."

"Sounds like you should have given us some more time off Hotch."

Both Hotchner and Gideon shifted their attention to the open door and neither was in any way surprised to see Derek Morgan grinning at them from just outside the office.

"Morgan," Hotchner said, fixing his subordinate with one of his famous stares, one eyebrow slightly raised. "Don't you have a report that you're supposed to be finishing?"

"I do," Morgan admitted, completely unphased by the look that Hotchner was giving him. "And I was on my way over to my desk to do just that but something I saw down in the bullpen freaked me out and I thought I'd come share it with the boss." His gaze shifted from Hotchner over to Gideon at this point. "Err. . . bosses."

"What is it Morgan?" Hotchner asked, getting to his feet and walking toward the door.

Morgan gestured over his shoulder to the only occupied desk down in the bullpen area. "Boy genius down there."

Hotchner glanced down at the young profiler, who was seated at his desk working on something, presumably his portion of the report that Morgan should be working on. He turned back to Morgan. "What exactly is disturbing about this sight?"

Morgan opened his mouth however it was Gideon who answered Hotchner's question. He had risen from his chair and joined Hotchner and Morgan by the door at this point and he said quietly, "It's that soft smile that he's wearing isn't it Morgan?"

Morgan nodded once, in agreement. "It's creepy. It actually looks like the kid actually had fun during our time off. I tried asking him what it was but he wouldn't say anything."

"I don't blame him," Hotchner said. "I wouldn't tell you either."

"That was cold Hotch," Morgan said, his hand going to his chest as though he'd just been mortally wounded. "Here I am, trying to show concern for a colleague and you say something like that."

"Reid will be fine," Gideon told his colleague in a quiet voice. "If he wants us to know what's going on then he'll tell us. Until then, just leave him alone."

The expression on Morgan's face told the older profiler plain as words that leaving the kid alone was the last thing in the world that he wanted to do however after a few moments the younger agent nodded.

"Go finish your report," Hotchner said. "I want them all turned in before lunch."

Morgan held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'm going."

Gideon was sitting in his office, working on some consulting jobs that he'd been sent, when he heard a knock on the door. Glancing toward the door he called out, "Come in."

The door swung open and Reid tentatively stepped inside the office. "Can I talk to you about something Gideon?"

"Of course," Gideon said, closing the folder containing the case file that he'd been reading through. He gestured toward the chair that was positioned across from his desk. "Have a seat."

Reid sat down across from the older profiler and folded his hands together in his lap. The young man sat quietly for a few minutes, debating what he should do, and then his gaze shifted up to Gideon, who'd been patiently waiting for the young man to make a decision. "What are the odds of having a relationship while doing this job?"

The first thought that went through Gideon's mind was how unusual it was for Reid to ask about the odds on anything since the kid was a walking book on statistics. The second thought was that Reid, shy and slightly anti-social Reid, had just asked him about a relationship. "So that's why you were looking so happy when you came to work this morning. You've met someone."

Reid blushed slightly but managed to nod his head. "There's this girl that I met at Virginia Tech when I went to give that lecture on profiling. Her name's Lyssa."

Gideon smiled at the young man. "You like this girl?"

Reid nodded once again. "She treats me like a normal person, not some freak who can only spout out facts."

"That's good Spencer," Gideon said.

"Maybe," Reid said. "Maybe not. I'm really worried about how this is going to work out Gideon. Hotch is the only one around here who's married and Morgan's with a different woman every night. I'm afraid there's something about this job that makes having a meaningful relationship impossible."

"Don't worry Reid," Gideon said. "You can do this job and still form bonds. It just takes a little more effort. You'll do fine Spencer."

Reid twitched a smile and got to his feet. "Thanks Gideon."

Gideon nodded as the younger agent turned and left the office, closing the door quietly behind himself. Once Reid had left his office, Gideon resumed work on the case that was lying on the desk in front of him however he was finding it more difficult than before. His thoughts kept wandering back to his young colleague and the fact that the kid had actually found someone outside of work that he could talk to.

Gideon was aware that Reid still spoke to Charlie Eppes, both on the phone ad on the computer, however Reid had had some help forming that particular bond. Gideon and Charlie's brother Agent Don Eppes had forced the two young geniuses to work together on the coed killer case and during the investigation the two of them had became friends. With this girl however Reid hadn't had any outside help, unless you wanted to count the fact that Hotchner had forced the young man to take the lecture assignment.

Gideon sighed. "I hope things work out for you Spencer. I really do."

After leaving Gideon's office Reid made his way back to his desk in the bullpen area. Morgan glanced up from his report as the young man walked past. "So are you ready to tell me what happened this weekend kid?"

Reid focused his gaze on his colleague. "I don't know what you're talking about Morgan. Shouldn't you be less concerned with me and more concerned with finishing your report so that Hotch doesn't flip out when you're forced to tell him that you're not finished?"

"I wish people would quit saying that," Morgan said, picking up his pen. "I'm going to get it done on time."

This said Morgan went back to work. Reid twitched a smile, having effectively diverted Morgan's attention away from him and back to his work. The young man sat down at his desk however since he'd already finished his report there wasn't really anything for him to do. This was a rare occurrence at the BAU and Reid knew that he should enjoy the free time however what he really needed was something to keep his mind occupied.

As he sat at his desk, doing nothing, Reid's thoughts flashed back to the evening that he'd spent with Lyssa. He thought about the fact that the vast majority of their conversation had been focused on profiling. "I'll have to remember to ask her about that the next time I speak to her."

Reid was jarred from his thoughts when Hotchner emerged from his office and descended the small flight of stairs into the bullpen area. "Alright everyone assemble in the conference room. And make sure you bring your reports with you." This said the Agent in Charge turned and left the bullpen area.

Reid and Prentiss got to their feet as Morgan hurriedly signed his name to the bottom of his report and closed the folder.

"See, you should have listened to me," Reid said as the three of them made their way to the conference room.

"Hey," Morgan said, pointing his right index finger at his young colleague. "I don't need to hear any 'I told you sos" from you kid."

Reid actually smirked as they sat down in their usual places, dropping the folders containing their reports on the table in front of them.

"I'm warning you boy genius," Morgan said, fixing the young agent with a narrow eyed gaze.

Prentiss turned to face Gideon, who was sitting at the foot of the table. "Do you ever feel like a high school principal Gideon?"

Gideon smiled as his gaze shifted from the two younger agents over to Hotchner, who'd just entered the conference room. "I used to but now that responsibility rests solely with Hotch."

Prentiss nodded as Hotchner closed the door behind him, effectively ending all conversation in the room. "Alright," he said, his gaze shifting to each team member in turn. "Has everyone finished their reports?"

There were nods around the room as each agent offered Hotchner a folder embossed with the seal of the FBI. Hotchner collected each folder and then addressed the group. "Good work everyone. Break for lunch and then we'll discuss work assignments."

BAU HEADQUARTERS

TUESDAY JULY 4

"I can't believe we have to be here today of all days," the BAU's digital intelligence officer, Penelope Garcia, grumbled as she and Reid emerged from the elevator. "You'd think since it's a national holiday we'd get the day off. Think I'll go and complain to Hotchner about it later."

"Be sure to warn me before you do that," Reid said quietly, taking a sip of the coffee that he'd picked up before work. "So I can run."

Garcia chuckled as the two of them walked toward the bullpen. "You seem to be in an unusually good mood today sweetie."

"Everyone keeps saying that," Reid said. "Am I really that hard to get along with normally?"

Garcia shook her head. "Everyone has their moments, even me although I'm sure you'll find that almost impossible to believe."

"Hey angel," a voice called out from across the bullpen. "See if YOU can find out what's up with him. He's been acting strange since yesterday and I know he's hiding something."

Garcia winked at Reid before she replied, "Too bad sweet cheeks, he made me promise not to tell anyone. And that includes you."

"WHAT?!" Morgan exclaimed. "He told you and not me. Now that is just wrong Reid. Seriously wrong."

"Conference room everyone. We've got a new case." Without pausing Hotchner made his way up to the small landing that housed the conference room, followed a short distance behind by his troops. Jareau was the last to enter the room and, once she'd closed the door behind herself she began handing out folders to the rest of the team. "In the past week the Atlanta PD has found four undetonated pipe bombs hidden in various parts of the city. Now local officials didn't think anything of the situation and blame was placed on local youths. This changed however when a bomb was detonated at a shopping center located near a police station. No one was killed, although several were injured, and a letter stating that there would be more attacks was found at the scene."

"Were there any demands made in the note that was found at the scene of the bombing?" Reid asked, his gaze focused on Hotchner.

Hotchner shook his head. "No. The note didn't contain anything other that the threat of more bombings to come."

"That's unusual," Morgan said, flipping through the case file that he held in front of him. "Bombings almost always have some hidden motive, either someone using the threat of an attack to acquire something or else terrorists who just want to scare as many people as possible."

"This is true," Hotchner said. "And we haven't completely ruled out either. The UnSub may just be waiting to make demands. Wheel's are up in an hour."

The agents of the BAU all nodded as they got to their feet and left the conference room. As soon as he was back at his desk Reid pulled out his ready bag and placed it on the floor at his feet. Then he set up his laptop and quickly drafted an email.

Lyssa. We caught another case so I don't know when I'll have the time to talk to you again. I'll email you as soon as we get back. Spencer.

Glancing around to make sure that no one was paying attention to him (no one was) Reid hit the send button and then quickly shut down his laptop. Reid twitched a small smile as he realized that he hadn't even hesitated before sending this email. Apparently the fear that one of his colleagues would find out about Lyssa superseded his fear of rejection.

"Look at you," Morgan called out from his desk. "Now you're back to your usual glum looking self. What happened in the past ten minutes that's got you so down?"

Reid shrugged off Morgan's question however an answer from him wasn't required. Jareau was walking by and happened to hear the question. She gave Reid an appraising look and then turned to Morgan. "You've been a profiler how long Derek? Can't you tell, Spence has a girlfriend."

"WHO TOLD YOU THAT?!" Reid demanded at the same time that Morgan exclaimed, "WHAT?!"

Jareau smiled as she placed a hand on Reid's shoulder. "Calm down Spence, it's nothing to get up tight about."

Reid shook his head as his gaze shifted to Morgan, who was beginning to recover from the shock. The older profiler got to his feet and walked over to the spot where Reid was sitting, a wide grin spread across his handsome face. "My man," he said, clapping his hand down on Reid's shoulder. "So tell me, is she hot?"

Reid blushed. "I don't really want to have this conversation Morgan."

"Now that could be read one of two ways," Morgan said, pulling a chair from a nearby desk over beside Reid. He sat down and gazed into the young man's eyes. "She's either really pretty and you don't want other people to know for fear that she might leave you for them."

Reid opened his mouth to protest this logic however Morgan held up his index finger, effectively silencing the young agent.

"Or," Morgan continued. "She could be a little on the homely side and you're embarrassed to be seen with her. So which is it?"

Sensing trouble and not wanting any part of it, Jareau removed her hand from Reid's shoulder and continued on her way to her office. "Should have kept my mouth shut," she thought to herself as she retreated.

Reid stared at Morgan however the older profiler was saved from his colleague's wrath by the appearance of Hotchner. "Morgan," the Agent in Charge said as he came to a stop beside the two agents. "I want you to work on studying the crime scene during our flight. See if you can find any links between it and the bombs that weren't detonated."

"Right," Morgan said with a nod.

"Reid," Hotchner said, addressing his other subordinate. "Work victimology for the store owner."

Reid nodded.

"Let's wrap this one up quickly," Hotchner said. "Before anyone else gets hurt."

With that Hotchner turned and walked away, once again leaving Morgan and Reid alone. As soon as their boss was out of ear shot Morgan leaned forward, his gaze focused on Reid's face. "I can't believe you told Garcia and you didn't tell me."

"I didn't tell Garcia anything," Reid said. "She told you that just to see your reaction and you played right into her game."

HOLIDAY INN, ATLANTA GEORGIA

WEDNESDAY JULY 5

It was just after midnight when Hotchner finally allowed the team to return to the motel where they would be spending their brief free time while in Georgia. Despite the lateness of the hour and the fact that they'd been hard at work on the case since their arrival in Atlanta, Reid had no intentions of going to bed. Instead he pulled out his laptop and logged on to the Internet, hoping that his friend would be online as well. As luck would have it he was.

FBI PROFILER: Charlie, help

MATH WHIZ: What's the problem Spencer?

FBI PROFILER: Morgan found out about Lyssa and now he won't shut up about her. He's asking so many questions I'm beginning to think he's trying to write her biography. And worse, he keeps trying to give me dating advice.

MATH WHIZ: What's wrong with that? Didn't you tell me that Morgan gets lots of girls?

FBI PROFILER: I did say that and it is true. The problem is that he doesn't KEEP any of them

MATH WHIZ: Oh. Well then I have no idea what to tell you my friend. It seems unlikely that Morgan will simply drop the subject. Your best course of action may be to give him a little information. If you do that, then the mystery no longer exists and he may lose interest.

FBI PROFILER: You make a good point Charlie. I suppose it can't hurt to tell them a little bit about her.

MATH WHIZ: Them? I thought we were just talking about Morgan.

FBI PROFILER: We were however by telling him I am essentially telling the entire BAU.

MATH WHIZ: I get you. Well Spencer, let me know how it all turns out.

FBI PROFILER: I will. Thanks for the help Charlie.

MATH WHIZ: No problem. Always glad to help.

BAU HEADQUARTERS

THURSDAY JULY 13

The members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit had just returned from Atlanta Georgia, where they'd spent over a week investigating an UnSub who had an affinity for pipe bombs, and SSAIC Hotchner told them all to go home for the day. Most of the team obeyed the order almost immediately however Morgan lingered in the bullpen area. He sat down at his desk, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"What's on your mind sweet cheeks?" a voice called out from across the room, jarring Morgan from his thoughts.

Morgan glanced across the room and watched as the BAU's digital intelligence officer, Penelope Garcia, walked toward him. Morgan smiled as Garcia pulled up a chair and sat down beside him. "Why are you still here?" she asked, a slight note of concern in her voice. "I thought Hotch told everyone to go home."

Morgan ignored the question from her and asked one of his own. "Reid didn't really tell you what had put him in such a good mood before we left for Georgia did he Garcia?"

Garcia shook her head, confused. "No. I just told you that to wind you up, since you seemed so obsessed with it. Why?"

"He met a girl while he was at Virginia Tech for that lecture that Hotch made him give."

"Ahhh," Garcia exclaimed, her eyes widening. 'JJ said that's what it was but I didn't believe her. You mean our little Spencer actually has a girlfriend?"

Morgan nodded. "The thing is I'm not so sure about her. She sounds nice enough and Reid seems completely taken with her but he also told me that she's really interested in profiling. Apparently the two of them discuss Reid's job rather a lot."

Garcia could tell where Morgan was going with this. "You think she may have an ulterior motive for befriending Reid?"

"It's possible," Morgan said. "I know that an interest in profiling doesn't make her an UnSub or anything but still. . ."

"Well," Garcia said, elongating the word. "I can think of one way to find out but if we get caught it won't be pretty."

"If anything happens to Reid because of her it really won't be pretty," Morgan countered.

Garcia nodded. Reid was like the BAU's resident little brother and they'd all do anything to protect him. "Let's do it."

Morgan nodded and together the two of them got to their feet and made their way down to Garcia's domain. Morgan pulled up an extra chair as Garcia sat down in front of her computer. "The girl's name is Lyssa Knight," Morgan told him friend. Garcia nodded and began typing. About fifteen minutes passed by, Garcia working hard, her fingers dancing across the keyboard while Morgan watched, both in silence, and then the digital intelligence officer uttered a small gasp.

Morgan sat bolt upright in his chair. "What is it?! What did you find?!"

Garcia swiveled her chair to face Morgan. "Absolutely nothing. This little chickie of Reid's could pass an FBI background check with flying colors. In fact, you know I think she just did. Take a look at this sweet cheeks."

Morgan briefly scanned the information that Garcia had pulled up on Lyssa Knight and he sighed in relief. "She seems harmless enough."

Garcia nodded. "Who knows, maybe she's a future member of the BAU."

Morgan grinned at his friend. "What do you say we call it quits for today and go out to eat?"

Garcia smiled broadly. "Love to."

Morgan got to his feet and offered Garcia his hand, which she immediately grasped. Morgan helped her to her feet and then the two of them left the office, arm in arm. "You know," Morgan said as they walked toward the elevator. "I think it would be in our best interests if we keep this to ourselves. Reid will flip out if he ever finds out that we did this."

Garcia nodded.

TBC. . .

A/N- Please read and review. I suffer from extreme lack of self confidence.