My date with Spencer had been delightful all the way through. He walked me home and we talked about all our favourite places in Washington, him pointing out places along the way (bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants) and me reminiscing about places I used to love throughout the city. He promised to check which ones were still around and take me to every one that was still open.

About halfway home, he nervously grabbed my hand and my heart felt it was about to burst at how sweet and innocent he was. I was tempted to inform him of how many pathogens are exchanged by touching someone else's hand, but obviously he'd assumed it was risk he was willing to take and I was pleased that he had. Once we'd made it to my apartment building, I invited him up for a nightcap, but he politely declined and I was secretly glad. I knew my ways and I was sure I would have made a move had he accepted and there was something about Spencer that made me not want to move that fast for the first time in my entire life. I couldn't resist stealing another little kiss before he hailed a taxi though and just like last time it was soft and gentle and perfect.

It was safe to say I was smitten.

However, Spencer had yet to get a chance to make good on his promise to take me to all my favourite places in Washington (and I hadn't had chance to make good on my promise to pay for our second date) because the day after our first date he was whisked off to Jacksonville on a case. Then as soon as they were back he was off somewhere else and immediately after that, you guessed it, he was off somewhere else.

We did talk on the phone a lot though which in some ways was a good thing. Even though Spencer relaxed and didn't spend our entire date scared to look me in the eye, he seemed more confident over the phone. He was more at ease and open and our phone calls while he was away quickly became the best part of my day.

We spoke about everything. He told me as many details of the cases as he was allowed to share, how annoying the local police were and how they were more of a hindrance than a help, how Morgan had to kick down a door and how Spencer totally could if he needed to, but he let Morgan have the glory so he wouldn't bruise his ego (a fact that I definitely didn't believe, but of course went along with anyway). He told me how his father had left when he was young and how they didn't have much of a relationship, but that he was okay with that most of the time. He told me about his struggles growing up being so much smarter than kids his own age and going to school with kids much older than he was. And he told me that he worried some times that his inability to relate to others and lack of social skills would cause him to end up alone.

I told him that his social skills weren't nearly as bad as he thought and that I didn't think he had anything to worry about. I also told him how my job was going at the yoga studio, how good it felt to be back in Washington and how different I was finding it now I had different goals and an actual purpose in life. I told him how I'd followed Penelope here when she moved, but how she'd been busy with her new job leaving me with nothing to do, but turn to my old ways again and how I regretted that now that I was taking the time to see what a nice place it was if you were sober. I told him how my parents never really believed I'd ever change and how, even after I'd gotten myself back on my feet, they still assumed that whenever I called I was just looking for a handout. I told him how determined I was to prove to everyone that I could be a responsible adult and make something of my life. And I told him that I missed him and couldn't wait for our second date.

By the time Spencer was back in town for long enough for us to actually make plans it was almost a month after our first date, but it felt like I had known him for years.


"I come bearing gifts!" I announced as I waltzed into Penelope's office, a coffee in each hand. Things between us had been getting progressively better over the last few weeks. I could tell she was still apprehensive as if she was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but she was giving me a shot and that's all I could ask for.

She turned in her chair and smiled at me with a roll of her eyes.

"As much as I appreciate the coffee, don't think I'm not aware of your ulterior motives," She warned me as she took one of the drinks. "And your lover boy is not back just yet. They should be here any time though."

"I know," I shrugged. "Came a few minutes early to say hello to you."

"How sweet," Penelope said, her tone sarcastic, but in a teasing way. "What are you two doing tonight anyway?"

"I'm not sure," I smiled. "I picked the place for our last date so Spencer asked if he could choose tonight."

"Ooh, a surprise, how romantic!"

I stuck out my tongue at her teasing.

"He's really sweet," I told her. "I hope people haven't been teasing him too much. I don't want it to scare him off."

"I never in a million years would have thought Mikayla Lawson would be worried about Dr. Spencer Reid being scared away from dating her," She said, shaking her head. "Sometimes I feel like I'm in the twilight zone when I think about it."

"We're not that different really," I insisted. "Okay, I might not be able to read a million words a second like he can and I'm practically scared of my own shadow so I'd be no contest for psycho murderers, but he has a really great sense of humour and I can tell he just wants to be appreciated and taken seriously and that's what I want too."

"I told you he was a sweetheart," Penelope nodded. "I still never would have picked you two though."

I hoisted myself up so I was sitting on her desk, next to one of her many computers earning myself a disapproving look which I promptly ignored.

"We'll see how it goes," I said with a soft smile on my face. "But what about you? Any lovely men on the horizon other than everyone's favourite hunk, Derek Morgan?"

"Haven't had any time," Penelope admitted. "It's been chaos here the last few weeks as I'm sure you've noticed. Derek Morgan is still currently my only love."

"Don't you ever get tired?" I frowned. "Of putting the entire country before yourself? You've all barely had a moment to breathe for almost a month now."

"Of course," Penelope nodded. "There's days when I want to walk out of here and never come back, but I love my job and the work we do. It's worth the sacrifice."

"Well we should have a night out soon," I suggested. "JJ and that new woman can come too. We'll be your wing women and find you someone to take your mind of your work for a night."

I winked, causing Penelope's cheeks to go pink, but she agreed just as the rest of the team poured out of the elevator.

"Do I look okay?" I frantically asked my friend, suddenly feeling incredibly anxious about seeing Spencer again.

"Mickey, are you nervous?" She giggled, enjoying my suffering just a little too much. "You look lovely, Spencer will be absolutely blown away."

I smiled, sliding off of the desk before smoothing down my shirt.

"It was hard to dress, not knowing where we're going, but I'm hoping this will do."

"It'll be fine," She insisted. "You look great. Now, let's not keep Romeo waiting any longer."

I giggled quietly before following her out of the room.

"Well look who's here," Derek's voice boomed out once he spotted me. "If it isn't everyone's favourite yoga instructor."

Spencer's head snapped over in my direction as he piled up files up on his desk.

"Mickey," He smiled. "You're early."

"She ain't here to see you, sweetheart," Penelope informed him. "She came to see her first true love, AKA moi."

I rolled my eyes as Penelope draped her arm around my shoulder, watching as Spencer's cheeks went pink no doubt from being called out on his assumption.

"Of course I'm here to see you, Spencer," I assured him. "I just came a bit early to bug Penelope. She's been neglecting me with all this work you've been doing."

"I'm saving the world, little miss," Penelope smirked. "That comes before you, I'm afraid."

"Yeah, yeah, I understand," I rolled my eyes. "Are you ready to go, Spence?"

I was painfully aware that all eyes were on us and from the red tinge to Spencer's cheeks I assumed he was as well. Penelope had told me a dozen times how odd it was for them that he was 'seeing someone', but I didn't particularly enjoy having an audience.

"Yeah, let's get going," He smiled, checking his watch.

We quickly said our goodbyes to the rest of the team and heading out the door.


Spencer wouldn't tell me where we were going the entire drive back to the city and when he'd parked I was still completely confused.

"You're taking me to the Washington Monument?" I asked, taking a shot in the dark based on our surroundings.

Spencer laughed and shook his head.

"Just be patient, you'll see soon enough."

"Patience is not one of my virtues," I whined, taking the opportunity to slip my hand into his. He froze for a moment before squeezing it gently, a small smile on his face.

"I can see that," He informed me. "But you waited patiently for this date so I think you can wait a few more minutes."

I sighed dramatically, but stopped my complaining as I followed him quietly down the street. That is until he turned and started leading me up some stairs.

"The library of congress?" I questioned. "Are they even open at this time?"

"They are for FBI agents," Spencer smirked as he opened the door and flashed the security guard his badge.

"Even if they're just taking a girl on a date?" I asked, keeping my voice low so we wouldn't get caught if he was breaking the rules.

Spencer laughed and shook his head as he led me through the empty library to a staircase at the back.

"Would you just trust me?" He pleaded. "It'll be worth it and I promise we won't get in trouble for being here."

With another dramatic sigh, I did as I was told and followed Spencer silently up several flights of stairs until we reached a door at the top. He quickly typed in a code to unlock it and led me out onto the roof.

"Wow," I breathed out, looking at the incredible view we had over the city. None of the surrounding buildings were very high so we could see a good ways in every direction and it was dead silent. The noise from the hustle and bustle down below didn't reach this high. It felt very peaceful and I was blown away. "Spencer, this is amazing."

The grin on his face was better than everything else. He looked so proud and relieved that I was enjoying what he'd planned as he lead me further onto the roof.

"I stumbled on this place accidentally," He confessed. "I was looking for a book in the library and I got lost. The door was open so I came out here and it was so peaceful. It's become kind of a refuge for me when I'm overwhelmed by a case. It clears my mind, helps me think about things in a different way."

As he spoke, I noticed there was a table just up ahead of us with a candle and a bottle of champagne on top of it.

"Spencer, how did you arrange all this?" I asked, knowing he'd been at work all day.

"I'm quite friendly with one of the librarians. I told her I was trying to impress a beautiful woman and she set this up for us."

"No one's ever gone to this much trouble for me," I smiled as he pulled out my chair. That was when I noticed the box on the table. Buttercream Bakeshop. One of the places on my list of favourites from before I moved to Europe. "Wow, you have outdone yourself! Let me guess...Cookie cream pie?"

Spencer nodded, the proud grin still on his face.

"I figured I had to come up with something good to make up for putting this date off for so long," He admitted as he popped the cork on the champagne. "Morgan said that women don't tend to stick around for men who don't follow through with plans."

"That's probably true," I nodded. "But you had a good reason so I didn't mind. The people of America need you!"

"Well sometimes," Spencer started as he poured the champagne while I placed a cookie cream pie on each of our plates. "I wish the people of America could look after themselves."

I snorted at his comment, finding it a very out of character thing for him to say. It was nice though, chatting with him again after all our phone conversations. The nervous barrier that had been up before seemed to have dropped drastically, he seemed more free to be himself.

"If that ever happens, Dr. Reid, you will be out of a job so hopefully they'll need looking after for a little while longer."

"That's true," He smiled. "So how's your job going? Are you getting enough classes?"

"I am! Luckily for me, it's cold season so there's been at least one teacher off at least two or three times a week since you left."

"And that gives you enough money?"

"For now," I shrugged. "Ideally I'd like to open my own studio like I did in France, but spaces like that are more expensive here so I need to build up a client base first so I know I'll have guaranteed students."

"Sounds ambitious," Spencer commented.

"Not quite as ambitious as having five degrees, but I do my best."

Spencer rolled his eyes at my comment, having grown used to my teasing about his overachieving especially in comparison with my underachieving ways. Usually he'd argue back, but this time he let the comment slide and changed the subject.


Conversation between Spencer and I flowed so smoothly that we barely even noticed how late it had gotten or that we'd finished all the champagne until a sharp gust of wind made me shiver which set me off with the hiccups. It was November after all and even though it was quite a warm evening for the season, the temperature was dropping quickly as the evening progressed.

I giggled as another hiccup burst through my lips.

"I'm sorry," I said, covering my mouth. "I'm not that drunk, I promise. I think it's just the cold."

"I'm feeling it a bit myself," Spencer admitted. "The cold and the champagne. I didn't even realize we'd finished the whole bottle."

"Finishing a bottle of champagne is my speciality," I joked. "Or at least it used to be. Champagne does have a tendency to go to my head though."

"I don't drink it very often so I would have to say I'm in the same boat," Spencer nodded as my teeth started chattering gently from the cold. He noticed almost immediately and a frown slid onto his face. "Here, take my coat."

I protested, but he'd already taken it off by the time I'd opened my mouth.

"Thanks," I smiled sheepishly, enjoying his scent being wrapped around me, but embarrassed that I was putting a damper on our evening. "I get cold pretty easily, it's kind of annoying."

"Don't worry about it," Spencer assured me. "How do you feel about getting out of here? I didn't really think this far ahead, but we, uh, we could go back to my place? Just to order some take out and watch a movie, nothing, uh, nothing more than that. Unless of course-"

"That sounds perfect," I interrupted sensing that Spencer felt nervous about inviting me back to his apartment and was spiralling into a ramble. He'd done it a few times over the phone when he'd made a comment that could be taken the wrong way and I'd learnt quickly it was best not to let him spiral too far. "I could use some real food to soak up some of this wine."

"Great," He smiled, standing from his chair as I did the same. I realized once I stood up that I was more tipsy than I thought and was very grateful for the arm that Spencer offered me to hold. "Just take what's left of the cookies so the birds don't get it and I'll clean up the rest tomorrow."

"Are you sure?" I asked, feeling bad for leaving our mess on top of a government building, but when Spencer nodded, I didn't argue as I was ready to get inside and out of the cold as soon as possible.


Being the responsible adults that we are we decided that Spencer was probably a bit too tipsy to drive us home so we once again found ourselves taking a taxi home, one that I insisted I was paying for this time.

About halfway back, Spencer demanded the driver pull over. I was momentarily confused until I realized we were outside Thaiphoon.

"You said thai takeaway was your favourite and this was the top of your list," He reminded me of our conversation on our first date. "I figured we could have this for dinner?"

"How did you remember that?" I asked, genuinely touched by his ability to recall every little comment I'd made.

"Eidetic memory," He smirked. He was about to speak again when tipsy giggles fell from my mouth.

"Oh yeah, Dumbo, I forgot about that," I teased.

His brow furrowed in the cute little way he did when I referenced something he was unfamiliar with.

"Dumbo?"

"Yeah, the elephant. Because an elephant never forgets," I smiled, enjoying the look of concentration on his face as he was probably racking his brain trying to understand. "It's a Disney movie, it was my favourite one when I was a kid."

"Alright," Spencer smiled with a shrug. "I can be your Dumbo then."

It was an innocent comment, no doubt brought on by the half a bottle of champagne he'd consumed, but it made my heart swell that he would want to be my anything. He made me feel special, he made me feel appreciated, he made me feel like I'd found the only genuine, nice man left in the world and I was falling for him fast.

The cab driver soon got tired of our conversation in the back seat, demanding we either pick up some takeaway and continue the trip or find another cab prompting Spencer to quickly run inside and get us our food. I, of course, protested that it was my turn to pay, but he was faster out the door than me and insisted that one of us had to stay in the taxi.

Once we got back to his apartment Spencer dashed off to find plates and cutlery for the food, giving me time to look around his place. It was pretty much exactly how you would picture it, but for some reason it felt much more comforting than I anticipated. It was like being inside the cosiest library you could imagine. There were books everywhere, shelves on every wall that were wedged full of books and stacks of them on the floor where he couldn't fit them. The colour scheme was dark, but in a warming way not a depressing, dingy one and his furniture was nice, but nothing overly expensive looking which made sense as Spencer didn't seem like the type to waste copious amounts of money on something like a couch.

Almost as if he read my mind, Spencer appeared with two bowls filled with our curries and rice.

"Sorry, I, uh, don't have a dining table," He admitted. "It's usually just me and it seems silly to spend money on a table for one person."

"It's fine," I assured him, taking one bowl and following him to the living room. "I don't mind eating at the coffee table."

We found some cheesy comedy movie on the television and watched it as we ate silently. I hadn't realized until we started eating just how hungry I was, but I wolfed down my food until I was absolutely stuffed and from the look on Spencer's face when he set his bowl down on the table shortly after me, he had done the same thing.

I sat back on the couch, shifting slightly to curl my legs underneath me as I suddenly felt awkward for the first time that evening. Usually if I was in this situation on a second date, I would make a move. Sit as close to my date as possible, maybe lay my head in his lap 'just to get comfortable', maybe pull my shirt down a bit as I cuddled into his side so that he had a good view if he looked down, any little trick to entice him into starting something. But I didn't want to do that with Spencer which left me entirely unsure of how to act. Was I sitting too far away from him by sitting on the opposite end of the couch? Did it make me seem cold and uninterested? He was a profiler so I knew my body language would tell him how I was feeling, but what body language would convey what I wanted to say?

I was curled into a ball, leaning on the opposite arm of the couch to him when he snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Are you still cold?" He asked, prompting me to realize it was a bit chilly in his apartment. "You have goosebumps on your arms."

"Oh yeah," I smiled. "I guess I am a bit."

Spencer nodded and stood from the couch, momentarily disappearing from the room. When he came back he had a blanket in his arms.

"It's the only one I have that isn't a duvet," He explained. "But it's a bit small, we might have to share."

"That's alright," I assured him, moving over until I was in the middle of the couch.

Once he was settled in next to me, he draped the blanket over both of us and I cautiously leaned against him. He felt tense and unsure about the situation as well so I rested my head on his shoulder in what I hoped was an act of reassurance. It seemed to work and we both turned our attention back to the movie in front of us. That is until Spencer broke the silence again.

"Mickey?" He asked, getting my attention with his soft, apprehensive tone. "C-can I kiss you?"

"Of course," I beamed, tilting my head just slightly to give him easier access.

He quickly took advantage and leaned down until our lips were connected. It was the same, slow gentle kind of kiss we'd shared before, but Spencer obviously had other plans as he moved his hand to tangle it in my hair, increasing the pressure just slightly. Taking the hint, I parted my lips and allowed his tongue to slowly slide inside my mouth.

For someone supposedly so inexperienced with women, he was a wonderful kisser and I felt my heart rate increase with the feel of his tongue against mine, his strong arm around me and the overwhelming scent of him surrounding me. I slid my hand across his chest as our tongues fought for dominance and toyed with the buttons on his shirt as my earlier intentions of behaving seemed almost absolutely insane. It had been a long time since I'd even been kissed like this by a man and all the signs from my body were telling me it wanted more.

Not giving in to temptation was a skill I'd practised though so reluctantly I pulled away leaving both of us a tad breathless as we stared at each other.

"Spencer," I breathed out, my heart wanting nothing more than to continue our previous activity. "I really like you, but can we, um, can we take it slow?"

I cringed at my own words. I sounded like a high school girl trying to convince her boyfriend that they shouldn't have sex on prom night. Spencer nodded, but stayed silent, his eyes on mine the whole time until I started to get concerned.

"I can practically hear the sound of your big brain thinking," I told him, biting my lip nervously. "Are you annoyed?"

"No!" He frantically shook his head. "Sorry, no, taking it slow is fine. I was just still trying to figure out why someone like you is interested in me..."

I reached up to gently stroke his cheek before placing another short, gentle kiss on his lips.

"I feel the same way, Spencer," I admitted. "But I'm glad we're giving each other a chance."

Spencer smiled and nodded, squeezing me in closer to him as we settled into a comfortable silence.


I hadn't even realized we'd fallen asleep until Spencer's phone vibrated violently on the table, waking us both up. I quickly moved from on top of him where I'd somehow ended up laying so he could get up to answer it.

Whatever the phone call was about, it obviously wasn't good. A quick glance at the clock told me it was barely 6:30 in the morning which was earlier than his normal office hours and despite his sleepy, dishevelled appearance he looked concerned. Very concerned, perhaps even frightened.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to sleep over," I apologized once he'd hung up. "Is everything okay?"

"Not really," He admitted. "There's a big problem, I have to get to Quantico immediately."

I nodded, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I reached for my shoes that had ended up next to the couch. We got ready to leave in silence, both tired from our late night and early awakening, but when we got to the door, Spencer froze.

"My car," He groaned. "It's still parked downtown."

"The subway's probably faster anyway," I pointed out.

"It is," He agreed. "I usually take it, but if I leave my car there as long as we're away, I'll get a ticket."

"I don't mind picking up your car and driving it down to Quantico later if you have a spare key," I said with a shrug causing Spencer to bite his lip, weighing up the pros and cons before he pulled his car key off his key chain.

"Would you mind?"

"Of course not," I smiled. "I think I'm meeting Penelope for dinner tonight anyway."

"I wouldn't count on that depending how this case goes," He grimaced. "Also, uh, stay away from parks or places where lots of people tend to gather, alright?"

"Why?" I asked, feeling a bit nervous about what he was implying as we stepped into the hallway and he turned to lock his door.

"I can't say, just be careful. Sorry, I really have to run. I'm already going to be late," He apologized as he turned back to face me. "But I had a really nice time last night, I'll call you when we're done with the case?"

I smiled and nodded before stretching up to steal one last quick kiss before Spencer sped off down the hallway.