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scarlettjemily · 2 months

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Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl

Pairing: Emily Prentiss x Jennifer Jareau

Word Count: 2.4k words

Summary: Inspired by the song Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl by Chappel Roan.

Emily is a bartender and she sees JJ on a date with a guy that is clearly not going well. Emily being Emily, she suggests that her and JJ leave the bar and she can help redeem her Friday night.

Warnings: swearing, alluding to smut, not actual smut (sorry whores), alcohol, Emily in a red tank top lmaooo. I think that’s it?

Pictures from Pinterest. | 1 | 2 | 3 |

“Do you wanna dance?” JJ asked over the pulsing music in the bar. The room was dark, with red lighting flickering along with the beat.

The man she’d come with was sitting next to her, nursing his beer. “Oh no, no. I’m not a dancer,” he said, shaking his head.

JJ couldn’t hold back the eye roll. She instantly knew this date was over. She was looking for fun, and this guy was the complete opposite. She’d been trying to get a glimpse of his personality all night, but he was giving her nothing.

The guy awkwardly sipped his beer. “I’m just gonna go to the bathroom!” JJ raised her eyebrows, giving him a small nod, truly not caring what he did at this point. “Don’t spike my drink!” he attempted to joke, but it fell flat. JJ stared at him, unable to force any sort of reaction. He quickly took that as his sign to leave.

“I think you’re in need of this, sweetheart,” a shot glass filled with clear liquid appeared in front of JJ’s face, spilling slightly as the bartender placed it down.

The brunette woman who worked behind the bar placed a second shot glass down beside JJ’s. “And I’ll have one with you because I need it after having to sit here and watch that train wreck all night,” she said, pouring her shot with precision.

JJ lifted her shot, clinking it with the bartender’s, throwing it back with ease. The liquid warmed her insides, and she let out a light groan, her shoulders shivering slightly when the alcohol hit her stomach. JJ couldn’t help but smile at the woman, who took her shot without a single reaction to the warm liquor. “Didn’t think bartenders were allowed to drink on the job?” JJ leaned her chin on her propped-up arm, watching the other woman move around behind the bar.

“Not technically, but you needed rescuing,” she said, taking the empty shot glasses and tossing them into the sink. She effortlessly removed her waist apron and threw it into a basket under the bar. “I’m clocking off now. If you need me to whisk you away, I’d be more than happy to.”

JJ admired the woman’s confidence. The way she carried herself made JJ intrigued to get to know her. “I don’t even know your name, and you want me to leave with you?” A smirk flashed across JJ’s mouth, excitement rushing through her. The woman was the complete opposite of the man she’d arrived with.

JJ watched as the brunette woman hauled herself up onto the bar, sitting directly next to her. She leaned down, her mouth close to JJ’s ear. “It’s Emily. Now you know. Are we getting out of here?” She hopped off the bar, landing on her feet beside JJ.

JJ got up and grabbed her purse. “Should I wait for the guy? At least tell him I’m leaving?”

Emily laughed and grabbed JJ’s hand. “Sweetheart, let’s not waste any more of this night on a shitty first date. Especially with that guy.” She led JJ away from the bar, toward the exit.

JJ couldn’t help the giddiness that flowed through her as she gripped the woman’s hand and followed her out of the bar.

JJ’s chest thumped once they got outside, and she was finally able to get a proper look at the woman in the brightness of the streetlights. She was beautiful. Her pale skin contrasted against her dark brown, almost black hair. The woman wore boots, black jeans, and a red tank top, making her skin glow in a way JJ couldn’t quite grasp.

“Now usually I tell people to never waste their Friday night on a first date, but that’s too late. So what do you wanna do? How’re we gonna redeem your Friday?” Emily asked, motioning to the street and taking her eyes away from JJ for a second. “Club?”

“Yes,” JJ felt as though she would’ve blindly followed this woman wherever she wanted. There was something about the bold move she made that hooked JJ instantly.

“So is this technically our first date?” Emily looked over at the woman next to her as they walked down the street. She chuckled at her question, thankful the vibe between them wasn’t something she’d made up in her head.

“If you want it to be, it can be,” Emily replied with a slightly raised eyebrow, waiting to see what JJ would say. Emily almost melted when JJ smiled, her nose scrunching slightly in the center of her face.

“I might as well have one successful date tonight, even if this is the craziest start to a date I’ve ever had.” JJ knew it was slightly insane to be going off with this woman, but she felt safe enough. Emily had saved her from her train wreck of a date, so she thought she might as well make the most of it.

Emily chuckled to herself, noticing that JJ was already having a much better time than at the bar. She had been watching her most of her shift, and it was rough. JJ was trying to talk to him, but he must’ve been a bit shy. Regardless, Emily felt compelled to help the woman.

“So, what’s JJ short for?” Emily asked, looking at JJ as they continued to weave through the busy street together.

“Oh, uh, Jennifer. My last name also starts with J, so people just call me JJ.”

JJ halted when Emily came to a stop. “Jennifer? What a girl-next-door kind of name. How adorable,” she said, guiding JJ into a doorway leading down to what she assumed was a nightclub. The music was thumping and getting louder with each step they took.

Emily casually grabbed JJ’s hand, slightly taking her off guard, but she held on regardless.

“Hi Penelope! Care to do me a solid and let me and my new girl in?” Emily leaned over the desk, giving the girl at the computer a small smile.

The girl looked away from her computer, crossing her arms. “Emily, that cute smile isn’t going to work on me, but a few shots the next time I’m in your bar might?” Emily laughed and leaned over the desk, giving the woman a quick kiss on the cheek. “Deal! Thanks, Pen!”

Emily pulled JJ along. “Oh, and this is Jennifer!” she yelled quickly before they both pushed through the doors.

“Pays to know people, sweetheart.” JJ let out a small laugh, loving this woman’s personality. She was everything her other date wasn’t.

They made their way, hand in hand, toward the bar. The club was packed, every inch of the floor covered in bodies, dancing and having fun. Despite that, Emily held on tightly to JJ’s hand as they made it through the sea of people.

“What would you like to drink?” JJ shivered slightly when Emily’s arm landed softly on her lower back. Her breath warmed her ear as she spoke.

“Shots? I’ll have whatever you have,” she replied, her mouth just as close to Emily’s ear as hers previously was. JJ watched her as she motioned to the bartender, ordering their drinks for them.

The bartender poured two shots for the women before serving another customer.

“Do we not have to pay for them?” JJ yelled over the loud music, struggling to even hear her own voice. She grabbed her shot, following Emily’s lead and throwing it back quickly.

“Connections, Jennifer. What’d I tell you?” She winked at JJ, making the blonde’s stomach flip.

“Now how many women have you brought here on a first date?” JJ playfully asked.

“Not as many as you’d think.” Emily’s eyes traveled past JJ’s shoulders, checking out the dance floor. “Shall we go dance?”

JJ’s face lit up, making Emily smile. “Yes, yes! Let’s go!” JJ instantly turned to guide them to the dance floor. She let go of Emily’s hand after placing it on her hip so they wouldn’t lose each other.

When they hit the dance floor, JJ’s body was already moving along with the music. Emily couldn’t keep her eyes off her. She was infatuated.

When they finally found an opening in the crowd, JJ spun around, her body moving in sync with the beat of the music.

Instantly, it was as if there was an invisible pull between the two women. Their bodies got closer with each loud thump of the song. The closer they got, the temperature between them rose.

Anyone looking at them wouldn’t believe they’d only just met. Their bodies swayed to the music like it was muscle memory.

The beat of the song dropped a few octaves, making the bass heavy in a way that vibrated through their chests. JJ casually laced her fingers into Emily’s so both their hands were connected.

Emily’s heart skipped a beat when their faces became so close, their noses almost touching. She guided JJ’s hands to rest around her neck while her own hands snaked around her waist.

All the chaos around them suddenly drowned out and blended into the music. The only thing JJ was focused on was Emily. Her fingers moved into the brunette’s hair as she pulled her lips against her own.

Emily immediately kissed back, pulling JJ impossibly closer by her hips. It started off soft at first, but the connection they felt was hard to deny. Their lips parted, the kiss deepening with each passing second.

JJ pulled away, letting out a deep breath, their noses still touching, her hand still tangled in Emily’s hair. “Wanna find somewhere to sit?” she whispered against Emily’s ear, leaving a soft kiss on it as she spoke.

Despite the warm temperature of the club, Emily shivered in response to the kiss JJ pressed on her ear. “Let’s go.” She grabbed JJ’s hand and led her to a quieter corner of the club. She saw a vacant seat in the corner, but there was only room for one. Emily sat down and, without a word, pulled JJ to sit on her lap.

JJ laughed, immediately wrapping her arms around Emily's neck and leaning down to capture her lips.

One of Emily's arms snaked around JJ's waist, pulling her body closer. Her other hand rested softly on JJ's neck, holding her still as she kissed her back.

Their lips moved together perfectly, despite having just met that night. The shared kisses between them made both women equally excited.

JJ let out a moan that vibrated against Emily's lips. Their movements became more urgent, more desperate. Both women tried to get closer to the other, but there wasn't a single inch left between them.

Emily held JJ's waist against her, hands roaming her body, trying to feel her curves and commit them to memory, not wanting to forget a single thing.

"Wanna get out of here?" Emily breathed out, momentarily pulling away from her. JJ nodded, both hands tangling into Emily's hair, slightly pulling her head back so her face was tilted up towards her.

"Fuck, you're gorgeous," JJ mumbled, kissing Emily again. She wanted to get out of the club, but she couldn't keep her hands off the brunette.

Minutes passed, the kiss a complete display of desperation.

When they finally separated their swollen lips, their breathing was noticeably uneven. "Let's go," JJ slipped off Emily's lap, pulling her up by her hands.

Emily couldn't help but smile as she looked JJ up and down. Her mind was racing with all the possibilities of how the night would continue. "Lead the way, sweetheart."

The two women left the club and walked down the street hand in hand.

"So, has this night been better than you thought it was going to be?" Emily asked, snaking her arm around JJ's waist as they walked.

JJ couldn't help but smile at the shivers she felt when the other woman held her firmly around her hips. "Oh, so much better. Seriously, thank you for such a fun night," she smiled up at Emily, stopping in the middle of the footpath.

"I mean, it doesn't have to end now, you know," JJ stated, feeling herself fold slightly inward, her confidence disappearing momentarily, worried about what the other woman would say.

Emily's eyebrow raised, chuckling slightly at JJ's sudden coyness. "Jennifer, darling, are you insinuating that I sleep with people on the first date?" she teased, now having both arms around JJ's waist.

JJ's cheeks deepened to a light shade of pink. "No, not insinuating, kind of hoping?" Her head lolled to the side, her face scrunching in embarrassment. "You did say never waste a Friday night on a first date, so I'm really trying not to waste it."

Emily's hand lifted to rest on the side of JJ's face. "You're so fucking adorable," she whispered, pressing her lips to JJ's.

She could tell how nervous JJ was, but when she parted her lips, deepening the kiss, she could physically feel the other woman relax. "Let's go."

They ended up at JJ's apartment, Emily following her inside and taking it all in.

She didn't expect her night to end this way, but she also didn't want the night to end anytime soon.

JJ watched as Emily looked around the apartment. The brunette woman sat down on her couch, smiling when she realized JJ was watching her.

"Your apartment is so cozy," Emily said, tucking her legs up on the couch and hugging her knees. "I could sit on this couch for hours and watch movies."

JJ made her way to the couch and dropped down next to her. "Are you saying you want to skip the sex and put a movie on?" she questioned, teasing Emily.

Emily laughed, shaking her head. "I mean, I don't see why we can't do both?" She smirked, her legs dropping as she pulled JJ onto her lap in one swift movement.

JJ laughed loudly as she straddled Emily's lap. "You're something else, aren't you?" She wrapped her arms around Emily's neck, her fingers tangling in her hair.

Emily's hands traveled along JJ's body, feeling every curve. "I'm so glad that guy didn't have what it took to be with a girl like you."

JJ let out a breathy laugh, hungrily kissing Emily's lips. She felt eternally grateful that she didn't get stuck with her original date because Emily was exactly the type of person she wanted to be spending her Friday night with.

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andreafmn · 8 months

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Running in Circles | Chapter 9

Word Count: 3.6K

Summary: (Y/N) Rossi is following in her father’s footsteps by joining the BAU team as a profiler. The girl genius knew almost everything but she could have never predicted falling for Aaron Hotchner, her boss, and her father’s friend. in their world mutual feelings are not enough to push them together. Will all the adversities and obstacles they face pull them together or push them apart forever?

A/N: can't believe it's been over a year since I updated this story. It was one of the first I ever posted but quickly got disheartened by it as I tried to follow the show's timeline (which is non-existent, honestly). I'm trying to get through season 6 as fast as I can because I've already written chapters for afterward, but I need to tie it into the show. Honestly considered putting the story on hold but I got the chapter done 😊😊 Also need to go back and edit this story, especially regarding the POV

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As if by divine intervention, (Y/N)’s phone started ringing. The vibrations matched the fluttering of her heart as she prayed that Hotch could have been thinking about her at that moment as well. Maybe then she could trick herself into believing that fate was playing its cards right.

“Hey, baby girl.”

“Derek,” she sighed quietly, trying her best not to voice her disappointment. “What’s up? Everything okay?”

“You mind some company for tonight? I got a bottle of whiskey with our names on it.”

“Know what? After the day we just had, sure.” She looked down at the pan of lasagna and decided if she couldn’t enjoy it with Hotch, she’d enjoy it with a friend. “I’ve got some lasagna going in the oven we can eat.”

“Sounds perfect. I’ll see you in about fifteen minutes.”

After the phone clicked, she decided the most prudent thing would be to send Hotchner a text message thanking him for the food and saying she’d update him on everything tomorrow. After everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours, she needed a moment of calm and clarity. A moment with certainty rather than mixed signals and stolen glances. She just needed a moment to breathe.

As any evidence of the day shed from her skin in the shower, a loud knock rang through the house. She quickly stepped out of her bathroom and slipped on a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie before she ran down the stairs to be met with Derek already inside the kitchen, digging a fork into the piping hot lasagna, with Spencer staring at our friend as he ate like a maniac.

“You know, if you let it cool down a bit, you can savor the taste,” Reid chuckled.

“I know,” he spoke with a full mouth. “But I wanna get drunk tonight, and I won’t do it on an empty stomach.”

“There’s some garlic bread in the toaster oven if you need something that will soak up the alcohol,” (Y/N) laughed as her two friends came into view in her kitchen. “And it’s good to see you’re putting those emergency keys to good use.”

“Sorry, (Y/N),” Spencer responded quickly. “Derek said you wouldn’t mind. We waited five minutes outside.”

“It’s fine, Reid. But you could’ve checked who was at the door.”

“Well, I didn’t want to overstep,” he shrugged. “It’s not my house after all.”

“Good to know you have boundaries, Reid,” she chuckled. “Not that they stopped either of you from letting yourselves in.”

Derek only grumbled in response, too focused on serving the plates and stuffing his mouth. (Y/N) headed to the front door, unsure of who else could have decided to drop by. And though a part of her wanted it to be Hotchner, she knew better than to live in that delusion. He was back in his home with his son, while she had a house full of friends and him on her mind.

“‘Em,” the woman smiled as she opened the door. “Derek invite you too?”

“As a matter of fact, he did. But I’m guessing he didn’t tell you I was coming over.”

“I’m just glad you didn’t use your emergency key as freely as those two boys.”

“Well, you did say we should feel at home,” Morgan grinned. “I’m just doing what you told me to.”

“First time you follow the rules, Morgan,” Emily teased. “Although I’d rather you guys break into (Y/N)’s house than mine.”

“Geez, thanks, Em,” she chuckled. “You’re lucky there’s enough food and booze to go around. But don’t go too crazy. We still have work tomorrow.”

“As if you’d ever let us go hungry,” Emily laughed. “Your Italian blood would never let you.”

“All I need to know is if there’s anyone else that will show up out of the blue.”

“Not that I know of,” Derek shrugged. “Now open up that bottle, I’m thirsty.”

By the time midnight rolled around, Emily and Derek had gone back home. They had eaten enough and drank enough the exhaustion was making their eyelids flutter. And all of them knew that the longer they stayed, the harder it would be to make it back to their homes. Only Spencer was left, curled up on the sofa, still nursing the same glass of whiskey from the start of the night. His eyes were squeezed shut, a hand over them blocking the overhead light.

“You okay, Spence?” (Y/N) asked as she sat by his head, resting it gently onto her lap. She ran her fingers through his curls, massaging his scalp softly. “You got a migraine?”

“Something like that,” he sighed. “They’ve been going on for a bit, but lately, they’ve been worse. The pain is unbelievable, and it makes me sensitive to everything around me.”

“Have you gone to a doctor? This could be something serious, Spence,” she worried. “I have a friend that might be able to squeeze you in. She’s a neurologist and…”

“I’ve got it handled, (Y/N),” he chuckled softly. “I made an appointment for later in the week. I just have to power through the remaining days with sunglasses and pills.”

As soon as he mentioned the pain, a question popped into (Y/N)’s head that she did not want to ask. It was composed of words that could only bring back horrors from his past and the mistakes he was still paying for to that day. The last thing she wanted was to resurface that horrible period, but she had to know. For his sake, she just had to.

“I haven’t taken Dilaudid,” he said before she could speak. “It hasn’t even crossed my mind.”

“How did you…?”

“You were thinking too loud,” he responded as he grinned slightly, his eyes still closed. “And you’re the only one that still asks.”

“I’m sorry, Spence. I don’t mean to be so pushy, she sighed as she stared at the way her fingers ran through the brown of his hair. “If you don’t want time to ask, just…”

“No. I’m grateful that you do.” His free hand searched for hers, squeezing it softly as he enjoyed the warmth of her skin. “I sometimes feel that the team goes out of their way to pretend that part of my life didn’t happen or that it could never happen again. But it did, and it could. Still, I know I can always count on you to look after me, (Y/N). Even if I’m a couple of years older than you, you always find a way to take care of me.”

“And I always will, Reid. You’re a part of my family, and I take care of my family,” she responded softly. “Do you wanna stay here tonight? If it’s too bad, I don’t want you driving out there in the dark.”

“Honestly? Yeah,” Spencer breathed. “I don’t think I could make it home right now.”

“Alright, then. Why don’t you head on up and take a shower while I prepare you some tea and get you a cold compress for your head?” (Y/N) instructed. “You can take any of the sweats from the guest room, and I’ll fetch you some migraine pills so you can hopefully get some shut-eye tonight.”

“Thanks, Rossi,” the man smiled, finally allowing his eyes to open, finding that she had dimmed all the lights. “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“And you’ll never have to find out,” she smiled. “Now, go on upstairs, and I’ll get started on the tea.”

“Fine,” he jokingly whined. “And can you not tell anyone else? I don’t want them worrying about me.”

“I won’t. Just, please keep me updated.”

“Copy that.”

As he disappeared to the second floor, (Y/N) couldn’t help but worry about her friend. Spencer had gone through things that were unimaginable. And though he came out of them with his life, they had slowly started to eat away at him. She knew firsthand just how debilitating anxiety could be to someone’s body, and it concerned her that he was downplaying his symptoms.

She set her kettle to boil as she searched for her own mixture of sleepy-time tea—chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender. From her cupboard, she pulled out the purple and blue mug Spencer had always used since he had claimed it was able to keep his tea warm enough to sip slowly. Because apparently it had always been a big concern of his. After placing the tea infuser into the mug, she drizzled a few circles of honey to the bottom and a sprinkle of cinnamon. And once the kettle beeped, she drowned the leaves and the honey in boiling water.

(Y/N) could hear the shower running upstairs as she let the tea seep into the water, and all she could do was worry. Granted, it was something she did every single day of her life. She worried about her father spending all his time in books and his work and not enough on his personal life. She worried about little Jack having to grow up without his mother and a dad who didn’t quite believe he could do a good job as a father. She worried about Hotch, about what he did or didn’t feel. She worried about the team every time they went out on a case. And most importantly, she worried about herself and how she would ever live up to the people around her. Now, she added Spencer’s migraines to the list. If she ever made it to old age without a heart attack, she would have been very surprised.

Walking up the stairs with the mug and the pills, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She balanced the mug on the flat handrail and pulled out the device to see Hotchner’s name lighting up the screen. Her heart hammered against her chest, making her hands tremble with nerves. It was just a phone call., she told herself. He was probably only calling to thank her again.

“Hotch,” she breathed, her voice croaking more than she intended. “Hey.”

“Sorry. Did I wake you?”

“No!” she answered quickly. “I was just heading up the stairs. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, you don’t need to worry,” he assured. “It’s just that Jack wanted to say goodnight and thank you.”

“Isn’t it a bit late for him to be up?” (Y/N) smiled. “I mean, it is still a school night.”

“I caved,” Hotch chuckled. She could hear the exhaustion still present in his voice, and all she wanted to do was help him. It was all she could do. To him, she’d always be just a friend, a coworker, his colleague’s daughter. “Please don’t hold it against me.”

“I could never,” the woman laughed. “I would have probably caved too.”

“Well, then, I’ll put you on.”

(Y/N) heard scuffling from the receiver before Jack’s voice came through. “Hi, (Y/N),” he said. “I wanted to say goodnight since we couldn’t say goodbye to you. I had a lot of fun this weekend.”

“Aw, buddy, I’m glad,” she cooed. “I loved having you over. You know you’re welcome any time.”

“Thank you, (Y/N)!” he beamed. “But I gotta go to bed now. I have school tomorrow. So, goodnight!”

“Good night, Jack,” she responded. “Now, why don’t you pass the phone back to your dad.”

“Alright. Bye bye!”

“Bye, Jack,” she chuckled. “I think that kid should be heading off to bed now, Hotch.”

“He is,” Hotchner answered. “I knew he’d want to after saying good night to you. I think my son likes you more than he likes me.”

“Oh, that’s nonsense, Hotch. He only likes that I’m all fun. But he loves you. Don’t ever doubt that.”

“Thanks, (Y/N),” he chuckled softly. “I’ve been saying that a lot lately.”

“Even when you don’t have to,” the woman sighed contentedly. “Now, go on. You have to sleep too. It’s not just Jack that is up past his bedtime.”

“Very funny, (Y/N). Good night.”

“Night, Hotch.”

(Y/N)’s chest wrenched as her heart accelerated, already wishing the days before could repeat themselves so she could wake and know that he was there. But there was no point in deluding herself. The man could not and would not ever see her as anything more than what she already was. Even their job would allow it. Nothing seemed to ever align for something between them to work.

She turned to the left once she reached the top of the stairs and headed to the guest room to leave the steaming mug for Spencer to find after his shower but found him already sitting on the bed drying his hair. “Was that Hotch on the phone?” She nodded in response. “You didn’t tell him about what’s going on with me, right?”

“Of course not, Spence,” she said in a low tone as she set the mug on the nightstand. “It’s not my information to divulge. Unless it becomes life-threatening, I won’t say a thing without your permission.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” she smiled, handing him the pills. “Anything.”

“What do you think these migraines could be?” The pain behind his eyes was more than visible, it was almost palpable. “I just… what if it’s something serious, (Y/N)?”

“Serious like what, Spence?”

“What if I’m starting to lose my mind?” His voice was frail, trembling at the terrifying thought. “You know, my mom…”

“Don’t go there, Spencer. You can’t go there,” the woman insisted. “We won’t speculate until you have an answer from the doctor. So, I’m begging you, don’t go there.”

“I can’t help it, (Y/N). Either there’s something seriously physically wrong with me, or it’s all psychosomatic. Neither is a good option.”

“I know, Spence. I know. But let’s just not jump to conclusions yet. Not until you’ve gone to the doctor, and we get some type of answer. Until then, I don’t want you to think of the worst-case scenario. It’s not gonna do you any good.”

“Fine,” he sighed as his shoulders slumped forward. “Can I ask you something else? Something that is so off-topic you’ll get whiplash.”

“Go ahead, Reid,” she chuckled softly.

“Do you still have feelings for Hotch?”

The question as innocent, no ill-will behind it. But it still made (Y/N)’s breath hitch in her throat. It had been a long time since any of the people they knew mentioned her less-than-secret infatuation with the unit chief, and it made her heart race like the first time he had confronted her about it. “Yeah,” she muttered. “It’s not something that’s going away any time soon.”

“Have you ever thought of dating someone else? It might help you get over him.”

“I might not be ready for that just yet,” she sighed. “I just can’t seem to stop holding onto hope.”

“I understand. Love… it’s hard, huh?”

“It’s one thing we can’t learn from all the books we read,” she smiled sadly. “But that’s enough talk. The pills should start to work soon, and you need to sleep.”

“Thanks, (Y/N),” he smiled as he got under the covers. “Thank you for caring.”

“You don’t need to thank me for that, Spence. Again, you’re family,” she grinned. “I’ll see you in the morning, alright?”

“Yeah. Good night.”

“Good night, Reid.”

The rest of the night, Spencer’s words floated in her head. She could open her dating pool and allow herself a little venture. Hotch wasn’t waiting for her, nor had he shown a smidge of real interest in her. Holding onto him only hurt her in the long run, making it harder for anyone else who wanted to take the place he did not want. But she couldn’t. Not now. Not just yet.

After a couple of days and a two-night case all the way in Miami, Spencer asked (Y/N) to accompany him to the doctor for the reading of his test results. He was jumpier than usual, his legs bouncing at a rapid speed as they waited for his name to be called. He figured with his fingers, picking at the skin on the corners until she placed her hand on top.

“You won’t have any skin left for our next case,” she chuckled. “Don’t start jumping to conclusions, Mr. Genius.”

“I can’t help it,” he worried. “It’s all I can do. I can’t just shut off my brain.”

“Then, tell me something. Something I might not know.”

“Easier said than done,” he snorted. “You know almost as much as I do.”

“Ah, you said almost as much. So, you believe there are things that you know that I don’t.”

“Okay,” he chuckled. “Did you know that rubber bands last longer if they’re kept in the fridge? The unusual, lightly cross-linked polymer structure of the rubber used to create them react to the cold differently to what people might expect…”

“Right, the chains heat up when stretched, technically shortening them causing the rubber to contract and eventually snapping at the exothermic change,” she mused. “Cooling them would allow for a bigger stretch and life longevity because the release of energy is slower. Nice fact.”

“See, it’s not as fun with you,” he said with a soft chuckle. “The team would have been asking why I would care about rubber bands. You? You go into a simple explanation of thermodynamics.”

“Well, I ask you for a fun fact. I never said I wouldn’t analyze it.”

As Spencer was about to retort, a nurse came out to call his name, telling him the doctor would see him. He got up onto his feet, smoothing down his pants and taking a steadying breath. But he didn’t seem to do more.

“Do you want me to go with you?” (Y/N) quickly offered.

She was met with a soft smile and a gentle nod before they both headed into the office where Spencer’s worst-case scenario unfolded. The doctor told him there was nothing he could see that was physically wrong with him, the scans and the lab work all came back negative. If there was something happening, it was most likely in his head.

Those were the news Spencer did not want. They terrified him, and he let the doctor know. In his own way. “It’s not—I’m not crazy.”

“Crazy? Dr. Reid, I’m not saying…”

“I have headaches. I have intense sensitivity to light. Because there’s something wrong with me,” he asserted, his words spilling out faster than he could hold them. “Physically, not mentally. It’s not that.”

“That?”

“Listen, doctor, my mother’s a paranoid schizophrenic who’s been institutionalized. So I know very well what mental illness looks like,” Spencer continued. “Maybe even better than you, and it’s not that. It’s not.”

“Reid,” (Y/N) called as the man got up from the exam table and left the doctor with a shocked expression on his face. “I am so sorry, doctor. This topic is just… it’s a little hard for him.”

“There’s not much you can do to help someone who doesn’t want to accept their reality,” the doctor sighed softly. “Can you just see that he finds a way to manage his stress and his emotions? I truly believe this might be one of the biggest reasons for these headaches.”

“I’ll try my best, doctor,” (Y/N) smiled. “Thank you for seeing him.”

“No problem.”

She found Spencer waiting for her in the hall, his sunglasses on his eyes and his arms crossed in front of his chest. They remained in silence until they reached her car, the doctor’s pout evident on his face. She knew he was annoyed she had apologized for his behavior, but she couldn’t leave without at least giving a reason for his outburst.

“It’s not psychosomatic,” he stated. “It just can’t be.”

“Spence, we have one of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Day in and day out we see cases that astound even the most seasoned officers. And we get into the minds of the people that commit these atrocities,” she offered. “Don’t you think there is a possibility that these migraines are your body’s way of telling you that you need to balance yourself out?”

“If it was really the job like you say, all of us would be getting these headaches,” he said angrily. “But I don’t see Morgan or Prentiss doubling over because their brain feels like it wants to escape their skull.”

“Everyone is different, Spence. And I know you don’t need me to tell you this. Stress presents itself differently in everyone. Just because we don’t know how they handle their burdens doesn’t mean they don’t have them,” (Y/N) continued, maintaining the same calm tone as she cooled him down. “All I am saying, Reid, is that it might be psychosomatic, and you need to find new ways to handle your stress because I am certain this is not you going crazy. Or it might be something else, and you’ll need to get a second opinion. But regardless of what the outcome is, you can’t just get angry at your doctor because you don’t like your results, and I’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll find you a way through this, okay?”

His stance finally softened at her words. His arms fell to his sides, and a soft smile tugged at his lips. “I was kind of an ass back there,” he chuckled. “It’s just frustrating and terrifying all the same time, and I don’t know how to process it all.”

“We take it one day at a time, Reid,” she smiled, taking a hand of his in hers. “You’re not alone in this.”

“It’s sometimes hard to remember that you’re you get than me,” he snickered. “I’m pretty sure you’ve babied everyone on the team at some point.”

“What can I say?” she laughed. “I just wanna make sure every single one of you is okay.”

And that was one thing she knew she would do for as long as they would let her. For now, her main concern was Spencer’s well-being. And she was grateful that it was enough to keep Hotchner out of her head.

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snailsandpuppy-dogtails · 1 year

Text

California

A one bed one bed. Smut ahead, be warned. Garvez, Ao3 WC: 5,267 Penelope is directed to join the team on a case in California, but due to some seemingly serendipitous events she and Luke end up sharing a room and a bed. Everything goes fine until Penelope wakes up and can't get back to sleep, maybe some reading will help lull her back down. ---------------

Three FBI profilers and one technical annalist supreme huddled around a cellphone in the lobby of a Pasadena, California hotel like beach goers around a bonfire. Unfortunately, this was not a vacation.

“Garcia, Alvez, you’re sure you’re ok bunking together?”

“Oh, I’m fine, so long as Penelope keeps her hands to herself-“

“Excuse-” she defended, turning to wap him with the back of her free hand.

“Ow! See?!” Luke flinched and teasingly begged, looking for a grain of sympathy. None was found, though sly smiles were traded.

Penelope glared turning back to Prentiss on the phone, “Of minimal issue, Oh Fearless One.”

Prentiss remained back at Quantico, Rossi had also been held back, his insight and connection to Voit deemed too vital to allow him to stray further than an hour’s drive. Penelope’s presence, however, had been specially requested by Pasadena P.D.

Due to her insider, if outdated, knowledge of CalTech’s campus and community, and given what Prentiss viewed as temptation in the form of a key witness, she was directed to go along. It wasn’t until accommodations came up that the practicality of sending three female agents and one male agent out in the field dawned on her.

Feeling left out at being held back, Rossi had upgraded the team to a ritzy hotel. He argued that he wanted to make sure the team (really, his concern was Penelope) was comfortable, not in some trash heap motel the Bureau would spring for. He reasoned that since she wasn’t often in the field and since he wasn’t there this time, he wanted to do what he could to make her feel secure…He certainly hadn’t in his wildest actions schemed, hadn’t used his skills as a profiler, hadn’t even thought they would…and those thoughts hadn’t been spurred by the intermittent gossip his late wife shared in idle moments at home. David Rossi absolutely had not looked for the nicest place with the fewest amount of vacancies…

And even if he had, it would have been a 33.333% chance they’d end up in a room together…

He had zero way of knowing Luke wouldn’t feel right sharing a room with JJ because she was married (even if he was very familiar with Luke’s Catholic upbringing), nor that Tara, forced to share a room with Gabriel growing up, had an aversion to bunking with men (only exacerbated by her experience with her ex husband and ex-fiancee), and he only knew Penelope to have shared that one time with Morgan…

However, it was indeed the discomfort of Tara and Luke, and the flexibility of JJ and Penelope that quickly brought the group to the decision of Luke with Penelope and Tara with JJ.

A sound of defeated aggravation broke between the four and the phone, “Now I feel bad! Penelope, I can do it, we all know how tidy Luke is and with any luck it should only be a few nights. Sharing a room with him can’t possibly be as bad as sharing with Gabriel.”

“Aww, gee, thanks, love you too.“ he mocked, playfully scowling.

JJ and Penelope smirked

“Tara, it’s fine, really. You guys, we’re fine. I have brothers, and I’m not bothered one bit by sleeping in the same room as male friends and coworkers. Luke and I can share a room.

“Hey, no really-” Tara tried again.

“I know the last time was with Derek…” JJ started.

“And that’s why it’ll be fine!” Penelope insisted, loudly cutting everyone off, “Guys, it’ll be just like that! …Well, hopefully not just like that, I could really do without the dead man part-”

No one knew. No one needed to know. One dinner three years ago, countless charged interactions, and a hand full of flutter-filled dances buried in the past. They were on stable ground now. They could do this as friends.

“Alright, if you’re absolutely sure. Everyone get some sleep, you’ve all got your work cut out for you in the morning.”

With sleeping arrangements sorted and key cards divided up the group loaded into the elevator with their bags, Luke carrying double, ignoring the weak protests of the blonde toddling along behind him.

As the elevator climbed in levels, Luke and Penelope now bickering over the baggage situation, JJ and Tara held a conversation of their own through traded looks; raised eyebrows, widening, narrowing, and rolling eyes, and little nods saying what they wouldn’t out loud, each wondering if this serendipitous arrangement would make their trip that much more interesting in the morning.

“Have a good niiiiight” JJ sang as she and Tara exited a floor ahead of the other two.

“Sleep tight” Tara bid, fluttering her fingers in a wave.

Luke ducked his head chuckling, Penelope scoffed in slight offense narrowing her eyes at the parting duo.

Rude.

As far as they were concerned she and Luke were colleagues, nothing more. Nothing to be making cute little voices about.

Settling in to their room, things had gone without incident, their interactions polite. Cordial. They set their things down, she took a bath, he made her tea, he took a shower, and then they went to bed.

There were no lingering looks, no awkward exchanges, and no tension to constrict

despite

the one little issue no one had realized they faced

Freshly showered, Luke folded back the covers, pausing to play with his alarm (he never needed it, but he didn’t like to leave things to chance in an unfamiliar environment) before getting in the singular bed.

One bed.

One very nice, very large, very inviting looking bed. One bed for the two of them. How anyone who worked at the hotel had managed not to mention that detail was beyond him. He wondered if Penelope was regretting her choice in being so easygoing now. He wondered if he should offer to sleep on the couch...but she hadn't mentioned it and he'd decided in an effort to mirror her unbothered attitude, he wouldn't either.

Fake it until you make it, right?

Coming out of the bathroom in little shorts and a matching camisole she was completely adorable and sexy, and as she assured him she had no problem with him sleeping in his briefs instead of full length pajama pants because she figured he was a hot sleeper, which was a perfectly considerate and not at all lascivious thing to say, he felt guilty for thinking the second part.

She was correct, too, at home he slept in little else, but on cases he always slept in an FBI training shirt and basketball shorts. If there was some middle of the night emergency, he did not want to have to evacuate half dressed. But somehow the basketball shorts he kept in his go bag had gone missing…He was usually meticulously prepared, so he was grateful when she showed mercy as he tore the bag apart in confusion and frustration looking for them, only to turn up with long flannel pants he kept for cold nights at home instead.

Alvez, looking at her lost and apologetic, in that just tight enough dark blue shirt…

Friends. In a bed.

(and very little else)

Right.

She could do that.

With his arm between them tucked on his chest and his other tucked behind his head, Luke focused on his breathing, drifting off almost instantly.

For Penelope, initially it had been just as easy. The hot tea Luke had kindly brought her for her bath calmed her insides while the warm water on the outside worked it’s magic on her swollen feet. By the time she had finished, she was but a string of spaghetti in a boiling pot, limp, plump, and lax. Serenely, she too fell quickly into slumber, cuddling against the comforter.

But if the lack of awkwardness and ease of rhythm lead her to believe that either truly felt things were neutral, she was deluding herself.

Her subconscious was not so easily lulled into the false narrative told by the waking tech analyst however…

Rousing with a start from a dream she could only embarrassingly describe as too good, she first cursed JJ and Tara for their earlier insinuations, obviously planting the seeds for what had transpired for dream Penelope, then watched the dark profile next to her for a time. He was asleep. He would be asleep. This was business, work, mundane, routine, she was as good as Matt laying in this bed next to him, as good as Roxy, to Luke this meant nothing. To Luke this would never mean anything again. And why should it? Hadn’t she let him know in no uncertain terms where he stood? Rejected him enough? No man would continue to hold feelings that long, no person would lack so much self respect…

And yet, it was lies. She clearly lacked that self respect.

Penelope rolled to her back, closing her eyes and letting out a slow, quiet breath. Sleep had come so easily just an hour ago, but now the sandman was far from this room, far from this bed, half way across the globe, and she lay starkly awake. She found herself flopping and shimmying; right, stomach, left, back, she rolled and twisted, but nothing would settle.

Frustrated, she jerked to her left, facing the edge of the bed. She needed to sleep so she wouldn’t be snappy and mean, anything else she could work through with coffee, but she’d been such a biting jerk coming back she wanted to be better this next case, actually act like she wanted to be there, because she did. Being back had helped her accept this was where she felt most useful, where she felt like what she did mattered, plus nothing really compared to working with friends.

She’d laid with her eyes closed trying to clear her mind and focus on her heart beat, her respiration, feel the weight of her limbs, and the bed supporting her, all the meditative tricks she knew, but nothing worked. Sergio would pop in, or Shane, her brothers, Luke. She needed something else, something to wipe away the unsolicited thoughts. She decided to read until she fell back asleep, a bit of reading always helped when nothing else would. She’d set the screen’s brightness on her tablet low so it wouldn’t keep her up and so it wouldn’t accidentally wake Luke. Luckily she’d been reading on the plane on the way here, so it was already close by in her bag at the side of the bed.

Powering it on, she went straight to the Ao3 bookmark for her favorite guilty pleasure (guilty only because if she thought too hard about it, fanfiction about FBI coworkers with a friendly rivalrous enemies-to-friends-to-lovers type relationship might hit a little too close to home) and was pleased to see a new story had been posted. Pleased until she saw the subject, her brain screaming at her to turn it off and making her head whip back to check he was still sleeping when she saw the rating…

Penelope bit her cheek and frowned, conflicted. Fudge. If she were home, on her own, she wouldn’t think twice. But reading one bed smut while at work? In a real life one-bed scenario? With the situational equivalent laying inches from her?

Don’t do it! Don’t do it! Don’t do it! blared like alarm bells.

But he was asleep, she argued, and this was one of her favorite writers, the story was all but guaranteed to be good… not quite a good thing if what she was looking for was sleep, but now she simply wanted the distraction from being awake and restless.

He’d never know.

Getting in to it, she tried for a time, then no longer bothered to fight off her brain’s urge to replace the male avatar with Luke in the visualizations that appeared as she read. Unfortunately, this story was closer to their own than simply being two agents sharing a bed on a work trip. It was all too easy for Penelope to think about him as the female lead reminisced guiltily about dancing with her co-worker, when she bit out pithy teasing retorts, and when he flirted back effortlessly. So wrapped up in the parallels between the story she was reading and her actual life, she failed to notice when Luke was no longer sleeping, soft breathing behind her, weight turning gently towards her.

Every flip and flop, huff and rustle she’d done trying to get comfortable enough to fall back asleep had unknowingly tugged him closer to the edge of waking. He was a light sleeper by trade, never knowing when he’d need to wake up and be ready for action. This time though, it wasn’t battle he found waking him but a sleepless Penelope, dim light of her tablet softly glowing, finger silently scrolling.

From his higher vantage point behind her, Luke peered over her shoulder wondering what it was Penelope Garcia read late at night when she couldn’t sleep. Though he read, he wasn’t a ‘read to sleep’ kind of guy. Maybe it was chatrooms on deepweb, maybe it was tech stuff, possibly even some shopping…

‘I know you want this as much as I do’ ‘How does it feel?’ he asked, pressing himself against her

Luke sneered in disgust. Like assault he answered the protagonist in his head.

Huh. So that’s what she read…

From what he could make out it was some self-published bodice ripper-

was that what they were still called?

What if there wasn’t a bodice to rip? Reid would know what they called them.

Why was he thinking about Reid?

Oh, yeah, because he was trying pointedly not to think about Penelope in this bed a heartbeat away reading what was as best he could tell some porn about two coworkers sharing a hotel room and bed while out on a case, much like…

Neither had offered to take the floor, the expectation that they were both mature enough to handle themselves, were work colleagues, and friends on top of that squashing any thought of things being romantic between them. Why would either compromise their sleep, their health, their ability to function at optimum level tomorrow just because they were sharing a bed? They weren’t a pair of hormone riddled adolescents, they could stand to lay next to each other without anything happening. And they were friends…but he was wishing now he had offered to take the couch, or the gutter for the direction his thoughts were headed…or that he could peel his eyes away from her reading.

Kate’s mouth dropped open and her eyes shut, a silent breath released. Jake’s actions grew bolder, hand slipping from control on her hip, down and forward, splayed fingers brushing low on her abdomen and just north of her clit, coming together to land on the tie of her pants.

Playing with the string, his fingers tangled in the barrier keeping her from him ‘’…the flirtatious banter, how your body responds to mine when we dance, the look in your eyes… I know you see how I look at you…Aren’t you? Just a little bit curious?” he could feel her breathing speed up, becoming labored at his words, the memories, the feel of him on her. Jake moved, his lips nuzzling her ear as he whispered, “I know I am. It’s ok if you’re not, but if so, tell me.”

Luke could see Penelope’s breath picking up like Kate’s, shoulder and chest rising and falling.

He hadn’t realized he’d done it until he felt the warmth under him. He’d been leaning over for a better view of the story, wanting to see what else the two agents got up to, how far Jake might go, if Kate would beat the shit out of him. But now his large hand was resting on her waist, middle and ring fingers tight against unquestionably prohibited skin, skin so smooth, exposed from the restless tossing and turning she’d done pre-book, electric shock zinging up his fingertips and locking his skin to hers.

Just because she was reading something incredibly similar to the situation they were currently in, characters sharing oddly similar experiences to theirs, did not mean he could touch her, was not an invitation. He knew.

And yet… he couldn’t help but wonder: is that what she wanted? Is that what he should have done two years ago? Did she expect him to make a move? To show her how he felt? To shut her down and vehemently deny he didn’t feel that way, but in fact felt there was more, could be more, between them? He’d thought at the time she just wasn’t feeling it anymore, that the draw had worn off. He thought he was clear when he’d asked her out…but now he wasn’t quite so sure.

Her breath stilled at the touch, Luke’s hand moving lower molding to the curve of her hip, hesitantly coming to rest just there.

Partially startled at the contact, but lust-fuzzed brain taking up the majority of thought, Penelope imagined his hand slipping down and back, groping her ass, about Luke, like Jake, fed up with the lies, restraint breaking, turning her roughly, forcing her to admit she thought about him -still thought about him, never had stopped thinking about him, wanting him.

But he was probably just reaching out during his sleep, he was a tactile person, it would make sense he was a sleep snuggler.

Unsure what possessed him, where his self-control had gone, Luke found himself speaking the words from her story; “I know you see how I look at you…It’s ok if you don’t want to, but if you do, please tell me.”

At that her heart stopped- Sleep-reading was NOT a thing- then slammed- Did he just quote the fluffing dialogue?!- then thundered.

Okay, so he’d changed it, still, it was a plead; please don’t rip my arms from my body, please say yes, please, please, please.

Shuddering a breath, her head tilted back, but what he saw in her face wasn’t fear or timidness, it wasn’t anger or outrage, what he saw was pure desire, pools of black reflecting back the soft gray glow of the tablet she was still clutching loosely, full lower lip dropped and waiting like an especially succulent section of orange for the taking.

“Just kiss me-” had barely been uttered before her lips were on his. The tablet falling to the carpet with a dull thunk in her rush of movement to turn fully towards him, Luke reacting instantly, body moving to cover hers, hand scooping behind her head, fingers threading through silken hair, the meeting of lips, of tongue tips, breath exchanged, gentile but frantic little sips until they turned deep, and long, and hard, her body rocking into his, Luke settling on top of her. Even if he knew better, he wasn’t wasting this opportunity.

The pressure and weight of Luke’s body on hers, his muscles tight against her, his lips plush and firm, directing, instructing, pulling her along, the rough abrasion of stubble across her neck as he nipped and sucked and kissed her jaw, and tugged on her earlobe, his thrust and buck and grind into her pushing her further, spurring her on, building her up, his hands traveling along her sides, gripping, squeezing, leaving her a moaning mess under him. She was teetering on the edge from friction alone, dream and story having peppered her body into a wet and wanting state. Hard, harder, Penelope spreading her legs to hook around and allow for better connection, more fulfilling contact, his groin against her clit, Luke’s tongue at her pulse and his hands slipping, slipping, pulling and tugging lose, hands under her top and she wants it so bad, wants those hands, that body, everything, everything she’d wanted for years, everything she’d wanted but couldn’t, wouldn’t let herself have because… the though of-

that

“Luke- Luke Luke, stop. We should stop.” Penelope breaks away pushing and panting. Luke freezing at the request, arms locked, hovering over her.

“This is… This isn’t… We both know…” her hands tremble against his chest, fighting the urger to swoop down and feel more of him, to move up and pull him back down. Fighting the impulse that would ruin them both.

Between them Luke’s head drops.“God damnit, Penelope,” and it isn’t a yell, though in his chest it feels like a roar, it’s a whisper, soft and heartbroken. “for me it's there, it's alway there, it’s always been there. I’m not your girlfriend and it's not just some unresolved sexual tension. This is real for me, this is a full, all-in, I’d like you to be my last- kind of thing. Something I want to try for night after night, and day after day…Penelope, I have…very strong feelings for you and not just because we happen to be in this bed together…And I feel like you might have them for me… If this is because you’re scared, talk to me, we can work it out together, I want to work it out together. I want to be with you, and not just tonight…”

Penelope blinked up at the man still atop her, the man straddled between her legs, the man who froze in the heat of passion when she told him to. The man she’d been running from. And for what? She couldn’t tell herself it was because of the job when he’d waited until they were no long working together to ask her out, it wasn’t that his motives were unclear, if they had been, they weren’t anymore, and it wasn’t that she couldn’t trust him, when he’d shown her from the start anything she was willing to give was safe in his hands with how he had always cared for every member of their team. Her faith was in him, but still it felt too big, too far, up so high and leaping off the cliff and she was never a leaper, a trouble maker and rule breaker, yes, but she was always hidden away behind firewalls and multiple vpn routs and…safe…But if she wasn’t safe with Luke…then there was no one she would be safe with.

She was breathing hard and she wasn’t sure if it was from the panic attack she was holding off by a thread or if it was from the sudden physical activity, or perhaps both, but she breathed out a strained “Too big-“

Uncomprehending, Luke’s brow furrowed, confused “I’m not- what?” Was she…talking about…

“Too much, let’s just. Hi, I’m Penelope, and I like you.” she’d awkwardly pulled a hand between them positioning it for a handshake.

Luke stared at her like she’d suddenly sprouted three heads before barking out a laugh, “WHAT ARE YOU-“

Penelope cut him off yelling and pushed at his chest as she pulled herself up into a seated position against the headboard, “Shut it! Just go with it!”

Luke’s smile widened but his laughter stopped. Sitting back on his knees, he took her hand shaking it in greeting, “Nice to meet you, Penelope, I’m Luke…I like you too…” then quieter, leaning in, he confided, “Chica, I’m not sure where to go with this”

“I think we should kiss and see where things go from there” she said matter of factly.

But Luke was still more than a little confused, not understanding, “Penelope, I think it’s fairly obvious where things are going to go from there…” It wasn’t supposed to be a joke, but the whole thing felt a little funny so he didn’t bother smoothing out the teasing grin beaming back at her.

Did he ever not need to talk things through?! “Just SHHH! For one- Geez! Must you always-“

But Penelope found her thoughts dissolving as powerful lips swallowed them, an arm drawn tight around her waist lifting her up to him and the other bracing against the headboard, Luke surrounding her. Gradually she relaxed, his bracing arm sinking further down to the bed with their twining bodies, his other easing them each further down the mattress. No longer were movements frantic or rushed, together they moved like molasses, sticky and thick, a slow, sweet, undulation melding together.

His lips on hers, her body with his, legs tangling, feet skating up calves, hips in a slow grind, Penelope exploring all his hard lines and all his soft ones, her hands combing through his thick curls and stroking his neck, his mouth sucking at hers, she could feel herself rapidly reaching a boiling point again, and Luke, she could feel through their scant layers, quickly catching up. His hand tangled in her hair, gently pulling, angling her head, their mouths meeting and pressing deep and leisurely, his other hand at her hip, fingertips trail up and down her thigh, squeezing and groping, his lips moving, parting from hers, traveling south, her jaw, her throat, her collar, her chest, humid and plump and sucking wet and slipping on skin, the anticipation of those same lips on her breasts, those hands on her…that tongue, the hand on her thigh sliding up up up, and the other, down down down, both meeting at her waist, teasing the fabric apart there.

Stopping just sort of what she wants, pulling back a few inches, Luke looks up at her, questioning. This had been the stopping point before, he wants to make sure this time, doesn’t want a repeat, “Can I?” is pushed between them, velvet and gravel, fingers skirting the hem of her top.

Breathless, Penelope gulps out her response, head bobbing in agreement “Yeah. Yes. Absolutely“ as she lifts herself to ease in discarding her camisole and shorts, then helps to peel off his shirt and briefs.

Naked, new, though dark, Penelope takes a moment to admire him, Luke, sweet, caring Luke, his body, this machine, her hand skims his chest, fingers coasting down the valley of muscle to the hard plane of his V’d hips, Luke’s eyes drifting shut, her reverent brush untangling his soul. Her hand lifts, his eyes open, Penelope pulling him back into another sensuous, slow, passionate kind of kiss, sweet and deep, Penelope, who always made him prove himself, was now telling him that he had, and he wishes he’d done it first, wishes he’d shown her such deference, so he tries, hands coming up to her belly, smoothing over her waist, across her ribcage, hands cupping her breasts and thumbs brushing nipples, kiss never breaking, deep and long until the panting and whimpers are too much and she’s writhing under him and gasping for air.

She’s aching and wet, tight, and swollen, and sensitive, more than ready, all she can taste is skin and lips and tongue and all she can smell is Luke and all she can feel is the heat from his body on hers, and then large rough fingers are making quick strokes to her clit, and there’s a small sharp nip to her throat opening up to the blossom of his soft lips, slick warm tongue softening the sting, the same slick warmth blooming as she comes suddenly, a sharp noise to match the nip peeling from her throat, hips jerking towards his and what feels like a smug smile landing in more plush kisses at her collar. His fingers don’t cease and she’s quickly pulled into another body dragging orgasm, his name tugging up from her navel in a tight whine “Luke- ohm ygod. No. Not. umf-fair” stutters around her jerking torso until her hands reach for his and he pulls away chucking, nuzzling into her neck, kissing her cheek.

“It seemed very fair to me for all you put me through…” he teases lightly, planting more skating kisses to her jaw.

“While I admit that was crafty, that is not what I- that is not what we- that is nOT what- ” but despite her fully gown, very experienced self, looking down at the impish and smoldering, very fine Luke Alvez whose fingers she just came on multiple times, she can’t bring herself to say it.

“Crafty?” he questions, “Maybe considerate…” and then that shit-eating grin spreads, and she knows he knows, “What is it you want, Chica? Tell me and I’ll do it” He kisses the corner of her mouth and she wants to push him away and pull him in and never let him go again. The problem with Luke Alvez.

He just wants to hear her say it, for her to beg him. And really she’s not so sure she’s above that anymore, not entirely, but instead of giving in entirely she reaches between them, her hand grasping his rigid cock and strokes it, purring as she does, “I would like this inside me, Newbie. I would like you to use it and make me come again.”

Accenting her request, she hikes a leg high on his hip, but waits, prompting, “Ready,?” At that Luke swoops, kissing her again, forceful, searing, his hips dipping, Penelope guiding him into her. He feels massive, heavy, uncomfortably large against her stimulated walls, Penelope constricted and hot and throbbing around him. They both take a moment to adjust, but once they do neither hold back, Luke thrusting and thrusting, Penelope’s body meeting and responding in kind, fast and harsh, slipping and slamming together, his arms cupped around her back, hands on her shoulders, hers holding and clinging to his back, tense. She can feel the little cuts forming under her nails, digging, needing him close, closer, more, so close, all of her tightening, all of her quickening, his cock hitting over and over the spongy bundle inside her, pain and pleasure, the firm muscle of his pubic bone grinding and kneading her clit, gasping, “Luke-” her head twisting from him, his mouth gliding undeterred over her jaw and down her throat, the taste of her, he couldn’t get enough. “-I’m gonna, Luke-“ and his hand fumbles from it’s grip, but not to where she thinks, not for what she thinks. Instead of slipping between them she feels his fingers brush up her wrists, feel towards her hands, grabbing them, pulling them away from him, planting on the pillow next to her head, some of her hair, fingers lacing roughly, palms kissing as he pitches further, harder, again and again. Her fingers curl around his, her walls curing around his cock as he continues to fuck into her deeper with each thrust, the shudder of her silken walls pitching Luke over, coming undone, he pulls her into another deep kiss, her thighs convulsing around his waist, her muscles spasming on his cock, Luke thrusting and kissing and kissing and thrusting until he’s gone soft, until neither of them has anything else to give and they break apart, Luke rolling to the side, but not letting go, their hands still clasped, panting and sucking down air, the sweat on their bodies pebbling their skin.

She wants to make a joke, to lighten the mood, but with him it doesn’t feel right, with this it isn’t right, so instead she raises the hand that he’s still holding, the part of her he won’t let go, and kisses it. Rolling to her side she snuggles into him, her head on his chest, and listens to the ebbing of his heart, she kisses his sternum and her other arm hugs around his waist, only then does Luke let go, arm coming to hold her closer, and together they fall back asleep.

#criminal minds #fan fiction #garvez #smut #luke alvez #penelope garcia #one bed #rossi #emily prentiss #jj #tara lewis

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thesiriusmoon · 1 year

Text

The interview

Summary: Bonnie Mcbride is a young girl with her heart set on becoming an FBI agent, and has successfully secured an interview with the head of the BAU for an assistants job.

Main characters: Bonnie McBride (OC), Aaron Hotchner.

Side characters: Spencer Reid, Jennifer Jareau, Emily Prentiss, Derek Morgan, Jason Gideon, Penelope Garcia

Other: platonic, just for fun writing

Word count: 2k

The first of many things to come for this idea

——————————

Well the building was huge first and foremost. Her pencil skirt tight over her opaque tights, white blouse tucked neatly, and her blazer freshly ironed and still warm. Her emotional support book back over one arm.

For a year now, she was studying. Criminal justice. It was a piece of cake really. Every single word she read tattooed itself under her eyelids, there wasn’t a single thing she could forget. Which is how she’s ended up so far ahead so young. She couldn’t explain it. She skipped grades and was in college before she even knew it. All with one thing on her mind. Justice. Just as the course said. Not for any terrible reason however. She wanted to give her mother a life. One she was never able to grab for herself.

It was Bonnies deep secret. Her mother was a prostitute. Amongst other jobs here and there. She wanted to see her mother in a nice house rather than the shabby one they lived in right now. And with the money made from this assistant job she could really help!

So in she stepped and was blinded by how white everything was. So clean it was intimidating. She placed her bag through the metal detectors and took off her earrings to pass the test. Nodding politely towards the security guard who towered over her small body, and took her bag to the lift and pressed the number six button, and held her breath.

“Hey, are you lost?” A pretty young woman with straight blonde hair stopped with a concerned smile.

Bonnie shook her head. “No. Well- kind of. I’m looking for Agent Hotchner, I have an interview for an assistant job.” The woman laughed.

“Oh right! Sorry, my mistake. If you would like to follow me I’ll take you.” And Bonnie gladly did that, while admiring the framed pictures of men and women in uniform all over the walls.

“What’s your name? Excuse me for being so rude there.”

“Bonnie.” She smiled with rosy lips, already liking this woman.

“Nice to meet you Bonnie. My names Jennifer but everyone calls me JJ.”

“Jennifer… that’s really nice.”

“Why thank you!” Jennifer giggled and led Bonnie through the glass doors for the BAU, and she was met with many people older than herself working at desks.

“Agent Hotchners office is that one at the top, just knock and he’ll answer.” With that, Jennifer gave Bonnie a supportive thumbs up before heading back out the way they came in.

Before Bonnie could thank her, being too overwhelmed with the authority surrounding her. Every person in here must have a gun on them, and she found herself standing and wondering if she made one wrong footstep would they draw them?

Eventually she knocked on the door, and a “come in!” Was heard.

This was it!

“Hello, I’m Bonnie, I’m here for your assistant interview?”

“Assistant interview? I didn’t know I had one.” Bonnie froze awkwardly, stroking the strap of her book bag.

“Oh… uhm, I have the paperwork here if you’d like to take a look sir.” She took the neat unfolded paper from her bag and approached the desk while this man stared at her confused, but took the paper.

“Oh… right well, have a seat then. Sorry for the confusion.” She tried to laugh it off but all the confidence she had seemed to drain out of her and was replaced with blush. “If you just give me one minute.” And he excused himself out of his office, leaving her to fidget with her bag strap once more.

He really did come back in a minute, and she jumped not hearing him come back in.

“So… I won’t lie to you I had no idea there was an assistant interview, it was my other coworker who decided to set it up, but I’m more than happy to follow through with this if that’s still what you want.”

Bonnie nodded. “I’d like that sir.”

“So…” he began to read her CV. “Bonnie McBride? Scottish?”

“Yes sir.” Her accent sounded thicker now that she were on the spot.

“Only eighteen?”

“Yes sir. October thirty.”

“And you’ve already been enrolled in criminal justice?”

“Yes sir. Started when I was sixteen in Georgetown. One more year to go if I keep doing what I’m doing.”

“And what are your plans for after?”

She felt a little embarrassed talking to the unit chief who was clearly very successful in what he did. “I wish to become an FBI agent.” To which she thought he almost smiled.

“Well you’re heading in the right direction that’s for sure… and why would you want to be an assistant here?”

“Because… I really appreciate the work that yourself and your team do. I would like to be able to give something back whether that be filing things so you won’t have to stress or always being on hand if someone needs something like a drink or-“

“Not because you’re a spy?”

Bonnies eyes widened comically and her jaw dropped. Agent Hotchner was so serious she thought he was going to draw his weapon until he laughed.

“I’m just kidding. You seem like a lovely girl but I’m worried that what you may see in here will affect you negatively.”

“Don’t worry about that sir! I wish to work in law enforcement and will have to get used to it sooner or later won’t I?”

“I understand… but what about your studies? We can be away for days, weeks, or even months at a time.”

“There’s the option of online courses which I’m set to apply for if… if I’m successful in this interview.”

“Well… convince me then. How will you assist us.”

Us. He said. Not just him.

“I’d get to know everyone. What they and what they dislike. I’m quick on my feet and make terrific coffee, best ever if I do say so myself. I can read a room like a book and I love organising and cleaning, one of my hobbies actually! I’m great with computers and my time management, I’m never late for anything only early. And if need be I can also stay out of the way, do my work until my phone pings for me to set off!”

Agent Hotchner listened intently before his eyes averted towards the blinds in his office.

“Come up here, and tell me what you see.”

Nervously, she followed and peeked through the window.

“The other agents?”

“Yes but, you said you could read a room. Prove it to me.”

She swallowed hard, and her attention landed on a skinny boy who was spinning on his chair.

“That man there, with the curly hair spinning on his chair, that must be a way to relax or concentrate as the motion of the air and dizziness of the head takes away anything else surrounding. His hand at clasped bear his face, he’s thinking. Oh- now he’s writing, very quickly at that. He’s onto something.”

Agent Hotchner nodded.

“And that man there.” Now she was looking at the broad shouldered man with a cup of something in his hand. “The way here hold himself, the mug in one hand the other on his hip. He’s confident. He doesn’t need two hand to steady whatever’s in his cup because he moves so swiftly. The hand on the hip can also be defensive. He’s brave and looking for danger, maybe even trying to be intimidating as if to say ‘don’t even think about it.’ And he obviously works out! His shoulders are very big…” she began to lose track.

Right up until she saw Jennifer.

“And there’s Jennifer! I met her after the lift up. She’s very kind and maybe even worries a lot about others, seeing as she had approached me to ask if I was lost. She cares a lot about others and is looking over peoples shoulders to make sure they’re working. Very passionate about her job and work, because she knows that what they do affects others.”

An older man exited one of the offices.

“That man… walks fast, he has places to go and things to do. Hardly takes a break. Maybe a little stressed but at the end of the day takes a lot of pride in his work because of how hard he works to help people. He looks authoritative, been here a while. Knows the place inside and out he doesn’t have to look where he’s going…”

“That’s Jason Gideon. Former unit chief. A legacy left behind but he’s still going.”

Bonnie felt very proud of herself.

“Oh! And what about her.” The agent pointed to a plump girl with crazy blonde hair and red high heeled earrings dangling over her shoulders, matching the shoes on her feet.

“Hm…” she thought hard.

“Unique. She’s herself at all times. She only cares about what she thinks of herself and-“ she watched the woman lean a hand on top of the broad shouldered man’s desk. “Fancies that man?” Agent Hotchner snorted, and physically wiped the smirk off his face.

“Yes it does seem that way doesn’t it? But I can assure you they’re just the best of friends.”

Then yet another woman who Bonnie swore would be the last she profiled was very attractive. Black hair curled not very long, but she couldn’t get anything for this woman. Nothing. “I have no idea about that woman.”

“That’s Emily. She’s sealed like a safe.”

“Secretive? Defensive?”

“Something like that yes.” The Agent sighed. “Well, now for the next test. How good is your coffee really?”

“Very sir.” She smiled, and he led the way out of the door and into the office again.

Each of the peoples heads she had talked about turned to their direction and she pretended that she didn’t notice how they all started whispering.

She only focused on the mug in front of her.

“Do you like it light, normal, or strong?”

“Strong.” She scooped three teaspoons into the mug.

“Sugar?”

“No thanks.”

She added a little hot water and mixed it was all dissolved.

“Milk?”

“No thanks.”

“You look like an americano guy.”

“Oh really? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh sorry sir! I didn’t mean it as an insult.”

“No it’s fine. I’d like to know why though.”

Bonnie wished she hadn’t spoke at all.

“Well… you keep a straight face. Being the boss you have to remain on guard and professional. No time for fun and games when lives are at stake. And maybe the strong coffee keeps you up for the day and the lack of sugar and milk would mean that you just want to taste the coffee, rather than something else. Because the thought of drinking just coffee acts as a placebo to heighten your awareness. Milk and sugar would falter that.”

“I’m actually just lactose intolerant. But you’re right about the sugar. I like the bitter taste because it reminds me I’m drinking coffee which includes caffeine. The sugar distracts me.” The agent was smiling.

Bonnie laughed and handed the man the cup she had prepared after stirring more water in to almost the top, anxiously waiting his reaction.

He brought it to his rough lips and hummed. “That is quite good actually… Bonnie, I’ve made up my mind.”

Everything had went very well so far… she crossed his fingers.

Instead of speaking, she led her to the group of desks where the agents had disbanded back to their work after their boss began approaching. Except from the man called Jason Gideon.

“Everyone, I’d like you to welcome Bonnie to our team. She’s our new assistant.”

“Well done Bonnie!” Jennifer grinned.

“Welcome to the team kid.” Said the broad man’s who’s desk read ‘Derek Morgan.’

Then the spinning man, ‘Spencer Reid.’ “Good job!”

“Hope you’ll enjoy it here!” The attractive woman chuckled.

“It’s great! Never a boring day!” The woman with the crazy earrings clapped her hands.

“I knew you’d love an assistant Aaron.” Jason laughed.

#criminal minds #Aaron hotchner #Jason Gideon #Derek morgan #Spencer Reid #jennifer jareau #emily prentiss #penelope garcia #jemily #penemily #moreid #hotchgan #JJ and will #criminal minds fan fiction #cm fandom #cm fanfic #own character #thesiriusmoon bonnie cm #thesiriusmoon writes cm

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eddies-puppet · 2 years

Text

Lost In The Fire | Spencer Reid

Chapter 27: Epilogue

Warnings: Fluff, fluff, and a bit more fluff 💕

Word count: 965

Chapter 26 | Chapter 27 | THE END

——————————————————

"It's a good job this wedding is happening today and not in a weeks time, or you'd have had to find another dress," Gemma laughed as she fastened the last button on the back of Becca's dress. "You need to tell this baby to stop growing!"

"Oh, come on," Penelope grinned. "Chubby babies are the cutest! I'm going to feed you cake every day until baby Reid enters the world."

Becca laughed, running her hands down the front of her dress, her fingers smoothing gently over the delicate white lace that covered her stomach. Gemma was right, her bump had really started to pop now, and with five months left to go it wasn't going to stop anytime soon.

Pretty much the minute she'd joined the BAU on a permanent basis, Emily had made it clear that she could travel with the team, but under no circumstances was she allowed to go out on arrests. That suited her fine, as she certainly wasn't in any shape to be chasing after unsubs!

There was a soft knock on the door, and she turned just in time to see Emily's head pop around it.

"Is it safe to bring you some visitors?" She asked, Becca nodding excitedly in response. "Dave will be up to get you any minute, but these guys wanted to come say hi before you take your final walk," Emily laughed.

"You make it sound like I'm going to my death," Gemma laughed as Derek, Luke and Hotch filed into the room. "Hey!"

"Wow," Derek muttered as he took a step towards her. "I think for the first time ever, we might be about to see pretty boy speechless! You look beautiful," he told her, kissing her gently on the cheek.

"Thank you," Becca smiled shyly. "Is he ok?" Derek nodded.

"Much calmer than I was at my wedding," he laughed. "How about you?"

"I'm good," she nodded. "Thank you, all of you, for all of your help the last few weeks, turns out growing a human being really takes it out of you," she laughed.

"Can I come in?" She heard from the doorway, turning to see Dave.

"I mean, it is your house," Luke chuckled.

"That's enough out of you chuckles," he smiled. "Time for you lot to get your walking shoes on, the minister's ready. Gentlemen, grab your ladies!"

Becca took a few deep breaths, smiling excitedly as each groomsman offered their arms to the bridesmaids, Derek to Gemma going first as best man and maid of honour, followed by Luke and Penelope, and Hotch and Emily, and they filed out of the room, each blowing kisses and wishing her luck on their way past.

"You ready to do this kiddo?" She grinned up at him.

"So ready." As Becca picked up her flower bouquet and linked her arm with Dave, he grinned.

"Your Prince Charming awaits."

————————————————————————————-

"So you're telling us that you've known about Emily and Hotch for months, and said nothing?" Derek exclaimed.

Becca had gone to the bar to get herself a drink and had been accosted by Derek, Savannah, Matt, Kristy and Tara.

"What can I tell you, I guess she only told those who could keep a secret," Becca laughed, raising a glass of juice to her lips.

"Hey, woah," Derek chuckled. "I can keep a secret!" Savannah laughed beside him, gently squeezing his arm.

"Baby, you cannot keep a secret," she shook her head as the rest of the group laughed.

"May I cut in, Mrs Reid?" Spencer appeared beside her, holding his hand out towards her. She grinned back at him, placing her glass down on the table beside her before gently laying her hand in his.

"I'll catch up with you all in a bit," she said to the group before turning back to Spencer. "After you, Mr Reid. Dr Reid? What do we call you now?" She laughed as she followed him to the dance floor.

He pulled her softly to an empty spot on the dance floor, nestled somewhere between Penelope and Luke, and Emily and Hotch, and pulled her towards him, enveloping her within his embrace. She gazed up at him, smiling softly.

"You can call me whatever you want," he told her softly. "Although you know how much I love when you call me doctor," he added, his eyes glinting cheekily.

"Oh, is that so?" She giggled as he lowered his head, gently kissing her lips as he nodded. "I'll bear that in mind, Dr Reid," she said quietly, tightening her arms around his waist. She smiled up at him. "I can't believe we're married."

"I can," he said simply. She looked at him, her eyebrows raised expectantly. "I knew from the moment we met that I was going to marry you."

"No, you didn't," she giggled.

"Alright, well I hoped I would," he chuckled. "And here we are."

"Here we are," she nodded, removing her arms from his waist and slipping them around his shoulders, burying her fingers in his soft hair. "I love you," she sighed. "So, so much."

"I love you too," he smiled, his arms tightening around her waist. "You," he paused. "And this little one," he nodded his head downwards. "I wish my mom had met you," he whispered, his eyes glazing over with unshed tears. "She'd have loved you."

Becca placed a hand gently against his cheek.

"Spence, as long as you remember her, she's still with you," she reassured him. "And we'll make sure the baby knows everything about her, and how amazing she was, and all the things she overcame." Spencer nodded slowly, breathing deeply.

"It's all gonna be ok baby. It's you and me," she whispered. He looked deep into her eyes, a smile creeping slowly across his lips.

"Always."

THE END 💕

#spencer reid fluff #spencer reid #dr spencer reid #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid x original female character #penelope garcia #emily prentiss #tara lewis #jj jareau #luke alvez #matt simmons #david rossi #uncle dave #aaron hotchner #derek morgan #criminal minds #criminal minds fan fiction

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dr-spencer-reids-queen · 2 months

Text

Outfoxed: Part Two

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2k

Summary: Derek has had enough and decides now is the time to work bringing you home. The team is working on two cases and stretching their agents thin but they'll do anything to bring you back into Spencer's arms.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Season Five Masterlist

Author’s Note: I know I'm going to piss some people off with the way I wrote the trial and the gathering of evidence but remember, this is fiction and it's my story. I'm making it easy and convenient. I know this isn't how trials work.

I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them.

When Emily gets the message from JJ, she repeats it back to Hotch. They've already arrived at the prison and kept their heads down as they walked past the cells housing some of the most dangerous criminals.

"So, why wait a year to send Karl a note? Unless they were communicating the whole time?"

"That's the first thing we need to find out. Karl has a big ego. He's gonna want to answer a question with a question. The first thing he's gonna want to know is why I'm not wearing my wedding ring. Then, he's gonna want to describe to you in graphic detail every sexual act he committed with the families."

"To freak me out?"

"To pull you into his fantasy. More than anything, he's going to want to see the images of the children."

"We can't give him that."

"We have to give him something or we'll get nothing from him." Hotch and Emily walk into the interrogation room they've placed Karl in, and the criminal smirks when he sees them. "Hello, Karl."

"Agent Hotchner." His eyes flit over Emily. "I didn't know you were sending... they just told me two agents"

"Karl, this is Agent--"

"Emily Prentiss. I know all about you."

Hotch takes out files and only sets out certain evidence for him to look at while keeping most of it hidden.

"It appears you have a fan."

"Admirer. Not a fan. Big difference, right?"

"Is this the first time you've been contacted by your admirer?"

"I have many fans. Even on my own website. Don't you? You'd be astounded by some of the questions they ask. I make a log of all of them. Would you like to read some?"

"I would love to," Emily says.

"You'd love to? Here." He puts a file on the desk right by him. "Look."

Emily reaches over the table to grab it and Karl immediately leans in to smell her hair. Hotch snatches the file away and Emily backs off, but the damage has been done.

"Your admirer is taking wedding rings, just like you. Maybe not for the same reason."

"Like how you took all of mine. You took mine," Karl says to Hotch. "I see... you lost yours."

"Eight rings, four families. Or was it one ring for each family?"

"How'd you come to lose your ring?" Karl laughs before Hotch can answer. "Wait, don't tell me. A casualty of the job."

"My job is what put you here."

"True. Then, it's the children who suffer most. Wouldn't you agree?"

"You'd know more about that than me," Hotch glares.

"Which is why you came to me. I can help you with that, Agent Hotchner. I certainly can, but I'll need to see those photos. May I?"

"Can we talk for a second?" Emily asks Hotch before he has a chance to see those pictures.

"Is there a problem, Emily?"

"No," Hotch answers for her, the two of them leaving the room with the files in hand.

"We cannot show him these."

"These images will be his undoing and our way in."

"They're not just images."

"That's exactly what they are."

"We can't use Lucy like that."

"It's a tradeoff we have to make."

"You're saying we're going to use a dead twelve-year-old in a bathing suit as a bargaining chip? For what?"

"To him, it's not just a photograph. It's much, much more, and we need to know what."

"I've never done this before," she sighs.

"You don't have to now."

"Yes, I do."

"Alright. When I feel he's ready to talk, I'll leave the room. You get him talking. Whatever he does, whatever you feel, just stay on script. We need to know why he killed those families."

While half the team is working endlessly on the current case, Derek and Spencer head back to the BAU to work with Penelope on your case. Derek knocks once and enters her office. She is surprised to see them back when there is an active case, and Derek explains before she can question it.

"I need you to work your magic, baby girl. We're helping Y/N regardless of what Strauss says."

"Yes, I knew you'd come around," she grins. She wheels her chair over to the set of monitors on the side. She already has files saved dedicated to your case and she pulls up every single one of them. "I looked into her whereabouts during each of the murders, and I happened to come across two videos before Strauss shut everything down. I cross-referenced her face against any kind of video across the country. I haven't watched them but I did manage to save them before the shutdown."

She plays the first video which is a grainy CCTV footage of a hotel a few states away from Virginia. This was when the team was out on a case so they watch Hotch, Rossi, Emily, JJ, and Derek walk into the lobby of the hotel. You and Spencer walk in behind them holding hands. Spencer sighs silently at the fact that he hasn't held our hand in a long time. Two and a half months is a lifetime when it comes to you. The second video is a grainy CCTV video of you at the gas station. You paid cash but it clearly shows you walk inside the place to pay.

"That proves she was in that hotel and at that gas station at that time with us. How does it connect to the murders?" Derek asks.

"I looked at the only two autopsies for two of the victims. Juan Lopez and John Dimateo died on the night you checked into the hotel. Police were so blinded by the fact that there was all this evidence against her that they didn't want to look into this. They were dead a week before being found by police. You were on a case for the first few days of them being dead."

"It's like the police don't want to know the possibility that someone else did this. Why are they so stubborn? Why aren't they looking into this more?" Spencer asks.

"Great job, mama, but this only clears her for two of the seven murders. She needs to be cleared on all seven."

"Yeah, I'm working on it."

"Kid, go talk to your neighbors. There may be something someone saw or someone roaming the hallways near your apartment. PD wouldn't have done this because they're confident that the case is closed."

"Okay," Spencer nods and leaves her office.

"Baby, look for footage of everything related to those seven murders. There has to be someone who knows something. I'm going to go to the ME's office and see if there is a connection through the victims."

"Okay, got it."

Derek kisses the side of her head and leaves her office with his phone in his hands. He quickly texts Hotch an update on your case. Hotch sees the message and keeps it under wraps right now. He and Emily have a goal right now, and that's to get Karl talking. Both of them walk back inside the interrogation room and Karl stands up.

"You want to see, don't you?"

"Very much."

"We're going to show you." Hotch takes out the pictures of the crime scene photos. Karl looks at them with wide eyes. "This is the home of the Downey family. There were three children."

"How old?"

"Twelve, nine, and four. A girl and two boys."

"Where were they found?"

"Backyard."

"Buried... Interesting."

"Laura, the mother, and the two boys were killed in the house." He shows the picture of the master bedroom. "This is where the mother and the youngest son were killed. The other boy was shot in the bedroom closet."

"Where's the father?"

"Overseas. The killer knows this."

"He knows everything about this family, and he watches their every move to be sure he achieves what he needs." Karl chuckles. "You have no idea how he knows the father is gone or how he targets these families, and the how. That's the key. The how is why he was able to catch me."

"You watched the families for days."

"Weeks. I got to know them, but not your guy. He doesn't need weeks. If he did, he'd stay longer."

"Why?"

"So he can enjoy them. What I don't understand is why he didn't separate the children. That way you have more control. No room for error. Why he didn't put the boys in separate rooms and say, 'If you cry, I'll have to kill Mommy'? Tell me, how did the girl die?"

"She was drowned."

"Yet the others were shot. May I see her?"

Emily doesn't give him the chance and stakes the files away from him.

"What's so special about the girl?"

"To suffocate her. To feel the life leave her body means everything to the man who did this."

"To you, maybe, but not to this killer. Not in the same way."

"All I did was show them how weak fathers could be. That's all."

"Every child you killed you abused physically. For this man, there is no sexual gratification."

"At least I spared the fathers the grief of living."

Emily sighs, takes out her phone, and sends a quick text to Penelope who responds even faster. How is it going? We're working as quickly as we can. Penelope has not stopped looking into your case since Derek and Spencer left her office. She continues to use her database to get a match of your face on cameras around the time of the murders, and she looks for videos regarding the areas where the murders took place.

She comes across a video that's too dark to make anything out, but the person holding the camera moves underneath a street light. She can see down an alley where there are cars on either side of the street. She assumes a man steps out into the light but the person filming is too far away to see any notable features. The man (she assumes it's a man because of his height and build) drags a victim out of the car and begins stabbing him. The crime scene photos of Chase Williams compared to the place in the video are exact except one is with the sun out and the other with the moon out.

That makes you clear for three of the seven. She dials Derek and gets him on the second ring.

"Hey, I found a video of Chase Williams getting murdered by the unsub. I compared it to the crime scene where he was found. Y/N is much smaller than the person I saw. No defined features, I'm afraid."

"Good. Keep that in evidence."

"You got it." Derek hangs up the phone and turns to the ME who agrees to see him. She hasn't done all seven autopsies yet due to being backed up which is why only two were released to the public. "Sorry, Doc. You were saying?"

"Eric Price and Jeffrey Rideback have injuries far older than when they were found."

"Meaning what?"

"Meaning they were dead long before they were found."

"We came to that same conclusion with the first two victims, the ones whose autopsies were released. Can you determine the date of death?"

"Based on the severe bruising around Eric's eyes and Jeffrey's neck, and the state of decomposition, I'd say they were dead two weeks before when they were found."

"When can you get the autopsies done?"

"By the afternoon."

"I'd like them faxed over to our technical analyst as soon as you get them done."

"Sure."

If these two men were dead two weeks before they were found, then that means you couldn't have done it. Two weeks before their discoveries, you were out of town with Spencer. He has receipts that show you were in another county and footage from the security cameras on the cabin you rented. Whoever killed these men must have been in a blind rage because he would have thought about all of this before doing it.

That makes you five of the seven murders. He needs to clear you on all seven for you to be released. He takes out his phone and calls Rossi to check in on the team.

"Hey, how's it going over there?"

"There's been another murder but we've got it handled over here. Focus on Y/N right now. We got this."

"Thank you."

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

#spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid fic #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid angst #criminal minds #criminal minds fic #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds fluff #criminal minds angst #criminal minds series rewrite #criminal minds season 5

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ftrcountry · 3 years

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Life Changes - Aaron Hotchner x Reader

So this was an idea that popped in my head this morning and I worked on it throughout the day. This is based on the episode “Derailed” in season 1 but of course, I changed up most of it. I hope you enjoy!

“Time takes it all, whether you want it to or not.” - Stephen King

You were supposed to just go to a school and do a presentation on profiling but everything changed. You were looking through your notes to review what you would go over in the class when all of a sudden the train came to an abrupt stop. You and other people riding the train looked out the windows. It was silent and then loud gunfire was going off. Everyone screamed and you dropped to the floor, under the seat. Your heart was racing. You put your hands on your stomach. You were pregnant. You just found out and haven’t had the chance to tell Aaron. This is not how you wanted to die. You closed your eyes as you heard more screaming and gunfire.

The door to the train busted open and heavy footsteps could be heard. You looked under the seat to see cowboy boots heading your way. The sound of a gun clicking could be heard. “No one is going anywhere!” ----- “There’s been a hostage situation on a train just thirty minutes from here. There has been at least one causality.” Penelope introduced the case to the team. Penelope hit a button on her remote and the live camera footage on the train appeared on the screen. Aaron’s demeanor changed when he looked at the live scene. He could point you out from anywhere. He stood up and walked over to the television. He pointed to the screen, his heart beating faster. “That’s Y|N. We need to get there now.”

------

A little boy and his mother were sitting behind you, cuddling up together. The mother was trying to keep it together for her son. A girl across the aisle from you was holding her cross necklace tightly and praying under her breath that she would make it out alive. You slowly looked up from the seat to see the unsub holding a shotgun in one hand and hitting the side of his face repeatedly with the other. He was muttering a lot of stuff under his breath. You then noticed a small camera in the corner of the train’s ceiling. The team will know about this. They will be on their way. Aaron won’t let nothing happen to you. You kept thinking to yourself. The unsub turned around and started to walk down the aisle. He stopped in front of you. HIs eyes went over to the folder sitting in your seat. “Federal Bureau of Investigation” He lost it. “FBI?! Why are you following me?!” He exclaimed before quickly snatching you up from the floor. He tightened his grip around your neck. Tears filled your eyes as you realized this was it. All you kept thinking about was Aaron finding out and him not seeing you ever again. He stared into your eyes like he was memorized. He then threw you to the floor, kicking you onto your knees. He aimed the gun right at your face. “Please don’t kill me!” You pleaded. The man shook his head and scratched his head really hard. “Why shouldn’t I? You spy on everyone! That damn government.” He rambled on a rant. Your eyes gazed past the gunman and looked straight into the camera. You knew Aaron the team would be watching. This was a hell of a way to tell him. “I’m pregnant.” --- The team arrived to the scene not too long ago. Swat was already here with helicopters flying around for different news channels. They set up an area a few feet away from the held up train so they could watch what was happening. Everyone gathered around the screen as the gunman held his gun right in your face. Aaron couldn’t watch at all. His jaw clenched the whole time. He had his FBI vest on and gun in hand ready to go in to shoot the crazy maniac who had his wife. “She’s looking right at the camera. What is she saying?” Morgan spoke. Aaron had tears in his eyes just looking at you. Aaron’s hands laid flat on the table staring at the screen. “I’m pregnant.” Aaron punched the table as tears fell. He quickly wiped them away so the team couldn’t notice. Rossi placed his hand on Aaron’s shoulders. “We will get her. Nothing is going to happen”

---- After you told the madman you were pregnant, he hit you in the face with the but of the gun, knocking you back on the floor. You grabbed your head in pain. You choked up when you felt a warm liquid on your hand. You pulled your hand back which was now covered in blood. You didn’t dare move anymore. You slid down in between the seats on the floor. One hand covered on the wound that was now bleeding even more and your other hand rested on your stomach. Tears rolled down your face. At this moment, you realized you might never see Aaron again. Suddenly a man that was on the train stood up. “What’s your problem freak? Don’t touch a pregnant woman like that and let us go!” All hell broke loose. You could hear the two men fighting back and forth over the weapon. You flinched and closed your eyes when the gun went off. BANG! The commotion stopped and the train filled with silence. Then you heard the familiar voice yelling “FBI!” You didn’t budge. You were still in shock from what happened. All you did was stare up at the ceiling. All of a sudden, Aaron appeared in your view. You just broke down crying then and there. “Shh, it’s okay. I’m here now.” He got to his knees, scooping you in his arms. He kissed the top of your head as he put his hand over yours that rested on your stomach. You looked up at him. “I love you.” ---- You held tightly to Aaron’s arm as the doctor in the emergency room finished up with the stiches. Afterwards, you were able to get an ultrasound to make sure the baby was okay. You even got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. (Not how you pictured hearing it). After making sure you and baby were alright, it was finally time to head home. After today’s events, you stayed right on Aaron’s side the whole time. As soon as you got home, Aaron helped you up to bed. “I’m glad you are okay. I was scared to death.” Aaron pushed your hair behind your ear as the two of you laid in bed together. Aaron had his right arm around you as you laid your head against his chest. “I’m just glad I’m alive to tell you we are having a baby.” You whispered. As much as Aaron wanted to celebrate that, he just wanted to take in that you were alive and well. The two of you stayed in that position all night. Aaron kissed the top of your head and turned the lamp off. Relief washed over Aaron’s face as he fell asleep with you in his arms.

#Criminal Minds #Aaron Hotchner #Spencer Reid #Derek Morgan #David Rossi #Emily Prentiss #Penelope Garcia #JJ Jareau #fan fiction #Aaron Hotchner x reader

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charlleyx · 4 months

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Jemily Fan Fiction

Jareau-Prentiss : Case Histories

This is my first 'case' in my series of Jemily one shots and multi-chapter instalments. They are all connected but won't be in any order. They will be all about the relationship between Emily Prentiss and Jennifer Jareau and the life they create together. It was span years of time. Some may follow loosely to some canon events but it should all become clear as you read and any changes I hope to explain in my writing as it comes up.

They will vary wildly in length and rating. Some will be short, some like this one multiple long chapters, some two shots and so on. Some will be rated T and some will go all the way to E. Some will contain smut, some will be fluff, some angst, some a mix of some or all of the above.

This is the first one I am posting

What happens when JJ decides on the 25th anniversary of her older sister's death that she will take Emily, her wife and their two young daughters to spend the long weekend with JJ's mother, Sandy. Will it help JJ's mother deal with her grief? Can a strained relationship between JJ and her mother be healed with the help of JJ's daughters presence. What will happen when before the anniversary date actually hits, JJ and Emily get called away on a case? Is leaving their young daughters with Sandy a smart move or could tragedy be lurking around the corner yet again?

The Case Of : Tragedy Strikes To The Day

Chapter 1 : Homecoming

Chapter 2 : Duty Calls

Chapter 3 : Trust Instincts

Chapter 4 : Finding Strength

Chapter 5 : It Comes In Waves

Chapter 6 : Let Me Hold You

Chapter 7 : Connections Strengthen

Chapter 8 : A Different Kind Of Closure

#criminal minds #emily prentiss #jennifer jareau #paget brewster #aj cook #criminal minds evolution #jemily #fan fiction #criminal minds fan fiction #jareau-prentiss #jemily fan fic #cm jemily #jj x emily #criminal minds jemily

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kalivodas · 4 years

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emily: i like my coffee how i like my men

reid: but ur allergic to coffee beans, therefore you can not drink coffee???

emily: yes

emily: ✨ lesbian ✨

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wtfevenismypage · 4 years

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Safe and Sound

Pairing: Spencer reid x reader

Summary: Reader goes into a coma after being tortured on a case and Reid spends all of his time with her.

Warnings: Abuse/torture, coma, probably a swear word or two

Category: Angst/fluff

A/n:I wrote this really late last night while half asleep, so it isn’t the best quality but oh well, I hope you enjoy!

Pain was the only feeling you had. It wasn't just a feeling, it was also your current emotion. You were ashamed in yourself for being so stupid.

You were moving in on the unsub, thinking it was only one person, you should have been able to take him out, but it was two grown men. Two grown men that took you out instantly.

And now you’re tied up to a chair, a blindfold tight over your eyes.

“Your friends are watching. If you try to send messages you’re dead.”

You smile sadly and look up, revealing your battered face to the men who beat you.

“I’m alright guys. Just look for the victims. I’ll be fine-”

A fist to your face cuts you off, and you let out a yelp as they yank your hair backwards.

“You all have four hours to find her. Every ten minutes we’ll carve two letters into her. If you can’t find her in time, she’s dead.”

A blade is pressed against your neck and you whimper.

The blindfold is torn off of your face and you look around with bleary eyes, observing all you can about the area around you.

An abandoned production warehouse. There’s colorful powder streaked across the walls and floor, so beautiful, yet you knew it would only fuel your nightmares for the next few months.

“You better hurry.”

The tall man behind me presses the blade into my neck, marking a shallow sting of blood on your throat.

“P-please... Please stop.”

The team could only watch in horror as you get beaten, Penelope trying desperately to track the live footage.

A firm hand is resting on Spencer’s shoulder, trying to calm him down as he glares at the screen, tears dripping down his neck.

Thirty minutes pass with no succession of finding Y/n. six letters are carved into you.

D-E-A-T-H-I.

One of the men, the taller one, walks in front of you and pinches your cheeks together.

“We’re going out, but we’re watching you. If you try and send any messages to them, We have deadly gas in the vents waiting to be released. Behave.”

They walk out, but not before punching you in the stomach, the rough leather of their gloves rubbing against your carved skin.

“Please... Guys they’re going to kill again... I... I don’t think I’m gonna make it. If... If anyone is watching this, please, Tell the rest of the team I love you all. Penelope, please keep being yourself, never lose the light that you have, it’s a beacon for others.”

Penelope’s eyes overflowed with tears as the team watches you bleed out more and more with every breath.

“Rossi, you gotta get out more man, get yourself a woman to love. There’s someone out there for you, you’ll find her soon.”

Rossi turns his head, not wanting to cry at your words.

“Emily, You are the strongest woman I know, please don’t lose your persistence. JJ, Tell Henrey I said Hi okay? You’re so brave, don’t let anyone push you around. Morgan, You keep fighting for what’s right and don’t you dare give up, the world needs you bud.”

“Hotch, it’s alright to take breaks, this team is strong, they’ll survive if you take a cheat day. You have to give yourself a chance to breath okay?”

Even Hotch himself had a tear dripping down his cheeks as you let out broken sobs, almost screaming as the pain in your stomach starts to make you dizzy.

“Spencer... Oh god Spencer... I’m so sorry... I should have waited for you to come up... I’m so sorry...”

““But if I’m... If I’m gonna die then I have to tell you... I have to tell you that I love you. I’m in love with you...”

You look around, looking at the corner where a pile of spilt boxes on the floor, Makeup palettes shattered across with broken eyeshadow on the floor.

“It was a few months ago in December, it was a cold night.” You desperately send them hints. “You had given me an eyeshadow palette. I was upset that day, and slowly, I forgot about it. But I came across it recently. I’m so sorry that I never told you. I love you Spencer... I love you so much.”

The team watches Spencer, waiting nervously as his eyebrows are furrowed together.

“I never bought her an eyeshadow palette...”

Everyone’s eyes widen.

“Garcia look for abandoned eyeshadow palette factories within a fifty mile radius.”

Hotch demands as Morgan sits Spencer down.

“Take a breath, we’ll save her.”

“Morgan, I love her too, if she dies, it’s my fault, I didn’t make it to her in time...”

“Hey kid, don’t do that to yourself, she’ll make it.”

Spencer continues to think about all the times you two had together. You were the only person who listened to his rambling, you actually listened and you liked it. You and him told each other everything, your deepest darkest secrets.

He couldn’t survive without you, there was no way. You helped him when he had nightmares, you made him coffee, you truly held his heart in your hands.

“There’s a match! 68738 Raney Street! Go get my baby!”

Reid is off in a bolt with Emily and Hotch following right behind him.

The men return to the ware house, flipping knives in their hands.

“Looks like it’s time for some letters.”

“Can’t we just finish the message? Please baby?”

The tall man sighs before crouching in front of you, pulling your shirt up and place the knife right under your boob before pressing it in, making you scream out.

“Please! Please stop!”

Your breathing is labored, the blood draining from your body quickly as he continues to slice into you like a stick of butter.

The last thing you hear before passing out is the sound of bells ringing in your ears.

“Please...”

You wake up with a pounding headache, you can’t open your eyes or move any limbs, but you can hear voices talking.

“The nurse said she had a few complications before they could get her to surgery, her heart stopped twice, but they managed to stabilize her.”

It was Penelope, you could tell by the sigh that followed she was talking with Morgan.

“What did they... What did they cut into her?”

His voice was shaky, it made your eyes tear up even when closed, and you could feel the itch slip out of your eye as Penelope speaks.

“They said death is the beginning.”

“And he’s been there since she got out of surgery?”

“He refuses to leave. The nurses told him he had to leave but he wouldn’t budge. It’s been three days. I don’t think he’s eaten...”

Another sigh from Morgan.

Your body is numb, gentle pins and needles spread all throughout your senses. More tears slip through the tiny slits of your closed eyes, dripping down to your ears.

“She’s crying... Probably a nightmare...”

Silence. You can feel yourself drifting back to sleep slowly, the gentle beep of your heart rate putting you to ease as your breathing slows down.

“I can’t believe she went through that torture for four days...”

Had it really been four days? It felt like a life time had passed from being taken from your team.

As you drift into a deep sleep, you can only relive the horrors as you remain unable to wake up.

The next time you awaken, you still can’t move or even blink, your throat dryer than before, pools of sweat at your thighs. You’re able to feel a hand clutching yours though, it’s slender and bony, long fingers squeezing yours tightly.

“You might be able to hear me, and if you can, we uh... We saved you Y/n. You’re safe now.”

Spencer.

You wanted to smile and throw your arms around his neck, but your limbs feel like lead, the heaviest lead in the world and you just can’t lift them up.

“I love you too Y/n. I love you so much. But it’s been eight days since you got to the hospital... Please wake up so I can tell you how much I love you.”

A pair of lips presses against your forehead. It tickles, warm breath from his nose gliding over your skin as he finally pulls away.

“Wake up soon Y/n...”

You slip in and out of consciousness like that for the next few weeks, listening to Spencer’s stories of the team’s current case, and relaxing to classical music as he reads books aloud to you.

They were books you loved too, fictional books about space pirates and cheesy rom-coms. You were so grateful too him, hoping you could move sometime soon so you can kiss him.

One day the nurse came in to talk with Spencer.

“Her state isn’t improving, she hit her head pretty hard when you found her, we don’t know how long it’ll be until she wakes up.”

You wanted to fight for him. You wanted to open your eyes and look at his beautiful face, you wanted to be able to hold him in your arms. So when his hand returns to your’s, you try your hardest to squeeze his hand, to let him know you’ll survive.

It takes all of your energy, but briefly, very briefly, your hand clenches softly, and you can feel his hand tense up.

“She squeezed my hand!”

With those words you swiftly passed out.

Spencer squeezed your hands days after that, it had been almost three months now, and a few days since you held his hand.

Your disheveled state was slowly improving, your sunken cheeks and deep eyebags now gone, but you still weren't waking up.

“So I brought a children’s book today, I thought you would like it.”

He begin’s reading to you, squeezing your hand every few seconds to hopefully gain some sort of reaction from you.

But once again, nothing.

“Please wake up soon princess...”

You strain your muscles harder than you ever had to before, trying so hard to tap your fingers on his hand in the tune of the distant piano playing in the background.

One finger twitches on his skin, bouncing up and down to the beat of the piano, the rest of your fingers following suit.

A gasp escapes his lips.

“Princess? Are you awake?”

How the hell do you think I’m gonna answer that Spencer you dumb-

“Oh wow princess, You’re awake! Um, Uh, Okay, I need to go get a doctor, keep your fingers tapping okay? Doctor!”

You keep tapping your sore fingers, listening to Spencer and the doctor panicking about what to do.

But then, You’re eyes slowly flutter open, the blinding light impaling your irises as the sound of Spencer’s crying fills your ears.

“Good morning Agent Y/l/n, you’ve been sleeping for a while now, I’m gonna help you sit up okay?”

You do your best to nod as the female doctor moves the hospital bed upwards, allowing you to lock eyes with Spencer.

“Sp... Spence...”

Your voice comes out broken and shattered, only a semblance of a croak, but he leans in and wraps his arms around you, making you feel safe and secure.

“Hey princess, I missed you so much.”

He presses a kiss to your head again, letting his tears fall onto your hands, which he’s held against his cheeks.

“I... I love...”

“Shhhh, I know princess, I know, just relax now alright? You’re safe and sound.”

“I love you...”

“I love you too.”

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snailsandpuppy-dogtails · 1 year

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Oops

A year ago, Oops was posted to Ao3. It's my only 4+1 things. 5,932 words of Garvez, humor, feelings denial, the whole cast, all while accidentally injuring Kevin Lynch, it's easy to see why this was a much enjoyed fic.

ONE

"I’m sorry, he did what? He said what? After she was shot by a date he broke into her apartment, shut off the breaker, lurked in the dark, and then told her she was overreacting?! And you all didn’t murder him? Morgan didn’t break his face pushing him down the stairs?”

Luke's feeling on Battle's fate was undeniable when told, but hearing what she was made to put up with after, from someone who purported to love her, awashed him with new bitterness.

“She didn’t tell us until a lot later. I think she knew some of us would have come close to losing our jobs.”

Throw.

Catch.

Throw.

Catch.

“...the way she’s THEE soundbite for work-place sexual harassment.”

Luke laughed, ducking his head. Catch. Throw.

“It cooled off after you left, and I was definitely never a recipient.”

Catch. Morgan’s eyebrows raised. “Huh.” Throw.

They were in the empty gym tossing a baseball back and forth. Morgan was in town doing some consulting work for the FBI. They had started the game up in the BAU office, but were quickly pushed down to “a more appropriate place” as Prentiss put it. One close call too many and “other people trying to work”. The two men had some familiarity before Morgan left and Luke joined, but grew closer through the group chat Garcia resistantly added Luke to and refused to take Morgan from.

“She slipped up once though, and started to” a lopsided smile appearing at the memory.

Catch.

“then caught herself and told me: That sounded like flirting. I don’t do that with you. It’s in my mission statement.”

Throw.

Catch. Morgan shook his head. “Baby Giiiiirl”

Throw.

They were moving back and forth, throws alternating from hard to soft. Conversation had gone from family life, to the job, to reminiscing. It was an easy flow of comparison, no pissing contest, neither needing to prove anything to the other. They respected each other, liked one another, understood the stresses of the job they each faced, loved the same people...

“I told her to try being a little more friendly with you.”

Catch.

“Yeah, maybe remind her. Daily.” More laughing.

Throw.

Morgan caught the ball with one hand and twisted his wrist looking at his watch. “It’s Friday night and almost quitting’ time. You think those pencil pushers are gone yet?”

Throw.

“Only one way to find out.” Luke grinned, "Head up?”

They hadn’t bothered to stop the game, toss, catch, toss, catch. Through the hall and up the elevator, seeing the room all clear they continued in throwing.

“Eaaay, Pretty Boy, wanna join in? Jayge?” Rossi and Prentiss watched from the catwalk as the team spread out across the room, ball flying and fumbling.

“So we all goin’ out tonight? Or is it just me and my girl?”

Penelope appeared, all packed up, from around the corner joining Rossi and Emily in watching. “Aww, Sugar, it’s your last night. I thought we were gonna stay in bed and watch a movie.” she simpered.

Throw.

Catch. The game continued around the room.

“Woman, you can’t keep me there all the time. And anyway, I hear you still need bonding practice with my boy here.”

Throw.

Penelope looked from Derek to Luke, Luke making a mocking “told you so” face in return. Catch.

Her eyes narrowed, “We just went out. Fine. Are you all done? Let’s go!” and swept her hand for emphasis, everyone else making for the door.

Spencer had the ball, so took the opportunity for one last toss. He threw it hard, but off center. Luke lunged sideways to catch it, not noticing the scrunched and wide-eyed faces ranging from shock to amusement, only hearing the words “oh shit” and “oh no” too late, his body colliding forcefully into another as he leapt diagonally tackling something large, and soft, and meaty. Another person. They tumbled to the ground Luke on top of Kevin, hand with ball having clocked him directly on the side of his head. Luke looked down hand still gripping ball. “Oooh.” Sorry?”

“That’s why I said GYM!” Emily threw her hands up, vindicated.

What was Kevin doing here so late?

Kevin huffed a laugh, “Can you get off me, Alvez?”

“Right, yeah.” Luke pushed up, stifled laughter and coughs falling around them.

Instinctually, he grabbed the other man and pulled him to his feet, steadying him. He may not like him, but it was a genuine accident and he felt bad.

Alvez, that pretty boy neanderthal from Fugitives Task Force. Kevin didn't like him on principal, hated him now that he'd punched him and then righted him like some child. Completely embarrassing.

Fucking asshole

Everyone liked him, his smug face, his need to be better than everyone else, prove how much stronger and smarter he was. His constant doubting of the information Kevin had given him. It wasn’t his fault a fugitive moved, that’s what they do, that’s why they’re fugitives! He never had a steady girlfriend, he was definitely one of those guys who used a new girl every weekend. And now he was here working with Penelope. His Penelope. He could only imagine what that was like. He knew how she was with Morgan, he could see how easy it would be for her to slip right into that pattern with this one.

Morgan moved closer, arms folded tight across his chest. “Kevin.”

Morgan never did like Kevin for Penelope, found it unbelievable how quickly he moved in on her, felt he was taking advantage of someone who had just experienced serious trauma. Emotions run high during times like that and people form weird bonds. It was the only explanation he could come up with for why Penelope Garcia, brilliant goddess, would forgive him and put up with his bullshit time and time again. But now that they’d been through for a while, years, he wasn’t about to let him slip back in.

“Hey, Morgan.” the man shied away, but straightened up.

“Kevin,” Penelope rushed, “ we were all just leaving. Whatever it is it’ll have to wait until Monday.”

Rossi stepped off the catwalk, tagging team members as he walked, “You heard the Kitten, team. My house for Morgan’s last night.”

Kevin was left standing alone.

TWO

Luke had run into Kevin in the previous divisions he worked in before settling in with BAU. And though he generally liked everyone, he hated Kevin Lynch. Growing up he was aware that his athletic build could be imposing and that his looks could be alienating, so he really did try to be as friendly and open with everyone as possible, let them know he wasn’t an asshole. But not with Kevin Lynch. The stories just added to his dislike, one more piece of evidence tipping the scale out of Kevin’s favor. One more thing that highlighted how self-centered, manipulative, and incompassionate he really was. But he was a professional, so until Kevin showed up on a list somewhere, he wasn’t going to do anything. Kevin wasn’t really his problem, he just tried to stay clear of him as much as possible. Weirdly, that wasn't working out lately.

He rolled over looking at the clock. Fuck. 10 am. He was in so much shit. He had to go. He was late. Why hadn’t his alarm gone off?! Where was Roxie?! Oh, yeah, still at the sitters. Thank god. Luke tore off the blanket, jumped in the ice cold shower, quickly washing down like he’d learned in the military and hopped out. He grabbed a clean gray shirt and jeans, ripped a navy button-up off the hanger, pulled on his boots, and brushed his teeth at the kitchen sink while a cup of instant coffee heated in the microwave. In 5 minutes he was out the door and attempting to avoid mid-morning traffic and collisions.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Thankfully, Emily was pretty understanding, but he really needed to finish up those reports and get them turned in. Like he had planned on doing this morning.

His phone rang while he was driving. He answered, hands-free. “Alvez? Where are you?” came the clipped voice on the other end.

“Sorry, Prentiss, I’m on the highway now… unexpected late start. I’ll be there in 20.”

“As soon as you can. We’re briefing. New case.”

She sounded pissed.

A sick anxiety flooded him. Of course this would happen the one time he woke up late. The one time his alarm didn’t go off or he hadn’t heard it…No time to inspect what really happened there. And now he had to try and fight his way though this traffic and get to work and he couldn’t finish up his paperwork and he would end up getting even more because of the new case. God damn it. He couldn’t catch a break. He swooped into the FBI parking structure, tires squealing as he took turns around poles and pulled into a spot at the far end of the lot. He grabbed his bag and rushed towards the elevator.

Pushing the button, he bounced on his toes.

Come on, come on, come on. Hurry up.

That’s when he noticed the note, the lack of light at the top. Elevator was down for maintenance. He had to take the stairs and use the lobby entrance. As he darted up the stairs taking steps three at a time he couldn’t help but laugh thinking about Garcia in her platform heels climbing these same stairs this morning, coffee and computer in hand. Struggling. Fussing. If he had been on time he might have been able to offer her help in carrying something. Walked up with her. But here he was darting up the dirty cement blocks alone and late. And holding everyone else up.

Light shone through the walls, ground level. He’d made it. Just a few more steps. Luke burst through the stairwell doors, running across the front of the building, reminding himself to walk when he got to the main lobby entrance. Didn’t want to set off alarm bells. Though he was sure they had lots of irritated agents passing through, frustrated at having been inconvenienced.

Luke opened the large glass door, cool air-conditioning hitting him instantly. “Luke Alvez?”

Shit.

His access badge. “Morning, Gina…I..”

She threw her hands up knowing exactly what he was going to say. “Downed elevator’s bringing in all the old faces this morning. Go through the scanners and come see me.” The elevator was adding more time already, he really didn’t have time for pleasantries, but it would take longer to run back down the stairs and then back up again. And it might offend Gina. He quickly offloaded his weapons into the tray and walked through the scanners. All clear. One thing going his way this morning. He collected his stuff and was putting it all back in place while walking over to the older lady.

“I could see you were in a bit of a rush, BAU now huh?” she handed him something to sign. “I cleared you. Sign it and go. But make sure to bring me a coffee some time, yeah?”

Luke beamed at the woman. “Thank you. “

“Oh, hey, Alvez, elevator inside’s down for the next hour too. Gotta take the stairs.” she gave him a tight lipped frown pointing off to the side.

“Fffffuh-“ he sighed, and took long strides towards the stairs, rubber soles of boots gripping and propelling him along the slick tile floor. Shortly he found himself racing up another set of steps, and another, and another until he’d hit the BAU’s level. At this point he gave up all pretense and ran. God, they were going to give him so much crap. He wouldn’t blame them if they had briefed without him and just made him catch up on the jet. There was the door! Luke grabbed it, but something bright and blonde racing along the catwalk on the other side caught his eye and his breath as he was opening it.

He thrust the door inward watching her disappear around the corner, the door meeting a heavy resistance, a loud thunk, and an even louder “OW! What the FUCK!? Alvez?! ”

And there he was.

Kevin Lynch. Gaslighting asshole.

Laying on the floor of the BAU office.

And there she was, head popping back around the corner to investigate.

Luke leaned over, extending a hand as everyone in the office watched in dead silence. “Oh, Lynch. Sorry about that, I didn’t see you...” He was kind of embarrassed, if he hadn’t been watching Penelope he’d have definitely seen Lynch. And though he had new reasons to leave this monster on the floor and walk over him, he was in a governemnt building with lots of on-lookers. Best to make nice and move on.

Kevin ignored the proffered hand getting up on his own, hands going from forehead to nose rubbing, feeling, checking for the blood that was definitely oozing. “The doors are glass, Alvez." he spat “Clear. How could you not?”

Luke bounced from the injured man to Penelope, still peaking out from the corner covering her mouth, eyes squinted … was she laughing? He made sure that her eyes were on his when he made his apology, “Sorry. Distracted.” and brushed past Kevin.

What was he doing up here any way?

Fuck Lynch.

He had a rainbow to catch.

THREE

Luke wasn’t normally accident prone, so she found it pretty suspicious that he kept accidentally injuring Kevin. After JJ recounted the lows in her relationship to him over drinks one night. She thought he sounded a little jealous, looked a little hostile… like she’d been told Derek had when Kevin announced to the whole team they were dating while stepping up to Rossi…after she told him not to. Whatever. But, she shook it off, no reason Luke should be jealous, they were teammates, nothing more.

"You know, if you had a system of organization, you would be less likely to lose things.”

"Spencer, I love you like a brother, but I will hurt you.”

Luke was franticly shuffling manilla files, gray folders, stacking, restacking, unstacking. Desk. Chair. Floor. Open desk drawer, slam it closed.

“What he means is, if you didn’t keep your desk looking like the under side of your teenage bed, you’d know where you put it.”

Luke ran his fingers through his hair pulling, “TARA- Not. Helping.” he gritted out and broke into a strained laugh thinking about the very neat room he kept as a kid, continuing to grab at files, read and toss, read and toss.

“Even now, you’re mixing up stacks! Do you know what you’ve looked at and what you haven’t at this point?” Spencer continued safely from the other side of the cubicle.

Luke broke down collapsing into the chair, head falling into his hands, reports slipping onto the floor, more stressed laughter floating around them. “No. Guys, help me. Or don’t, but I need to find this file, I have to be in court tomorrow.” He wasn’t normally messy, his house was spotless, everything in it’s place. Efficiency. But work had gotten away from him, case after case, file after file, paperwork mounting and more frequent trips away for longer…Things had gotten a bit out of hand at his station. Normally he liked to have everything cleaned up, finished and put away before he left, but they’d been busy so much lately…and now it was missing. And it should have been near the top, if not on the top. He was JUST looking at it yesterday. In this very building.

Tara frowned sipping her coffee, “Alright, just calm down. Relax, close your eyes. Let’s walk through it. Go back to what you last read.”

"You wanna do a cognitive?" he asked, looking at her incredulously.

“Just, go with it. Think about what it said. What you were thinking about. Notice the feel of it in your hands, the object under you. Where are you?”

Luke leaned back in the chair, trying to focus as much as possible, eyes closed, going back. “I’m in the BAU. I know that. Tara, I had it with me yesterday, here. But now it’s not.” He threw his head back frustrated.

“Ok.” Spencer removed his bag, storing it under his desk, “How about we each take a stack. We’ll go through things together. But after, you really need to figure out a system. In box and out box or something.” he suggested.

Tara took a stack of gray files, Spencer took a stack of manilla, and after he’d read and confirmed each was not the right one, he put all of his in chronological order, earliest to latest. And then the ones Tara had gone through, and then the ones Luke was going through. By the end all of Luke’s reports were tidily together, organized and in a manageable order. But that file was still missing. He slumped into the black leather, defeated. “I don’t understand. It should be here. Fuck.”

Tara leaned against the desk, thinking about possible scenarios. They worked in a secure building, it’s not like someone would come take it off his desk. “-Hey…Alvez, did you, maybe, take it home last night?”

“I-.” He didn’t think so, but anything was possible. “I’ll be back, if anyone asks.” and out he raced down the elevator, into the parking lot, and out to his truck.

“So… is he going home?" asked Spencer. Tara clapped him on the back, “Don’t worry about it.”

He rummaged through the center console, felt around and peeked under all his seats, shoved his hands between the cushions, and checked in the seat pockets. Nothing. Of course. Locking the vehicle, he sighed heading back in.

Where could he have left it?

Backpack. If he did bring it home, maybe it was in his bag.

Nervous energy mounted as the elevator slowly climbed higher. He dodged under his desk frantically grabbing at his backpack. His last hope, it had to be there whether he remembered packing it or not.

Please be there Please be there Please be there

Feeling the weight, he knew the answer before ever unzipping it. He squeezed his eyes shut tight willing it by some magic to Mary Poppins itself into life. He thrust his hand in, dug around the familiar textures and shapes. Opened them, pulled it wide and tossed it to the floor.

“FUUU-“ A loud, warbling yell boomed behind him, he turned to see hands grasping wildly at his desk as a large body fell forward, feet tangled in straps. Lynch. Shit. First he punches him, then he plows him down with a glass door, now he trips him with a backpack.

Why was he up here anyway? Wasn’t he supposed to be on level 2?

“Newbie! What are you doing? I mean besides setting up tripping hazards for other employees?” A high, anxious, familiar nagging.

Luke turned his head from the man on the floor to the woman standing feet away, shock and guilt evident on his face. And he couldn’t help it, he started to laugh. It was a little funny, it was kind of like karma. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking I didn’t mean to….I was just… I’m trying to find a file!” He wiped the smile off his face turning back to the man, “Lynch, I’m sorry. Here, let me.” He may hate him, but he could be nice for Garcia’s sake. Just because he didn’t like the guy didn’t mean he couldn’t be civil. He reached for Kevin, now on all fours scowling.

“Don’t touch me. Just be more careful.” He reached stinging hands up to the desk pulling himself upright facing Luke.

Penelope cut in, newly annoyed, “You mean the one you LEFT in my cave yesterday?! Here.” She gave him a pointed look and slammed the report to his chest, walking briskly past the two men into the kitchenette.

They both watched her go, Luke wondering what he’d done to make her so mad all of a sudden, then faced one another again. Luke’s unoccupied hand came out in apology, “Really, Lynch, it was an accident”, a peace-offering shake extended between them. Kevin's jaw flexed looking Luke up and down. “Don’t worry about it.” he grumbled, and walked off.

Penelope’s office. That’s right. He was holding it when he came to say good night.

FOUR

He wasn’t jealous. Really. There was no reason to be jealous. If anything, Kevin should be jealous. After all, he got to work with her every day, have her talk to him, on the rare occasion when she slipped up, flirt with him. He got to hug her, and touch her, and hear her laughter, hangout with her and see her at parties, cook dinner at Rossi's. Kevin would never have that again, had he ever. No, he wasn’t jealous Kevin Lynch, that awful no-bounderies slimy tech analyst he had history with had been with Penelope. Their Penelope. They were accidents…mostly. Really.

It had been a long, bad case. They all needed to decompress before heading to their homes, to their families, to the people around them who simply would never understand. They would not wish for them to understand. Even Matt, who found the greatest comfort in being with his kids and Kristy, couldn’t muster the courage to face them just yet. And Penelope needed her people. Needed to be around them, hear them, see them, feel them, know they were real and ok and uninjured. That they were all safe and home. And so tonight, though they were all exhausted, they were going out after work, going to the bar, going to drink shitty well drinks (not Tara or Rossi) and listen to music on a buzzing sound system. Play pool, play darts, inhale the stale smoke that permeated the plaster walls and booth leather decades ago, and know they had all survived and would continue to.

After a few drinks everyone split off into little groups around the space. Spencer was talking with Emily at the table, JJ and Matt were playing pool, Tara inserted herself into a conversation about the legitimacy of Shelby mod kits (not legitimate, obviously), and Rossi was at the bar keeping tabs on everyone around him.

“You wanna play?” Luke nodded to the vacant dartboard.

“Oh, no, i’m terrible.” Penelope laughed, “JJ, though she’s great, used to hustle guys out of money all the time.”

“JJ’s busy at the pool table. I thought those fingers were magic. Come on Garcia, show me what ya got. Maybe I can give you some pointers…” he grinned.

Luke stood up, leading a smiling, protesting Penelope by the hands to the game space. They were laughing and joking, Penelope fully enjoying herself. Luke showed her where to stand, and stood behind her, hand on hand guiding her movements but quickly found she must have been snowing him. Penelope Garcia was a ringer at darts. She shrugged all coy, “Maybe JJ rubbed off on me…”

Something about tonight, right now, felt different between them. She was opening up, being silly and playful, just the two of them. Maybe it was how awful this case had been that had pushed her towards him, maybe she was just finally accepting him. It was Luke’s turn and Penelope's arm slid around his back trying to tickle him, fingers coming to ribs as he raised his hand to throw.

“Penelope, STOP, you're cheating!” He laughed, resisting the convulsions his body wanted to make at her touch. Her face was pure joy watching his until she glanced past him, stilling.

“-Kevin” It was breathless, and quiet and filled with frustration and if she hadn’t been right next to him he was sure he wouldn't have heard it. But he did…just as his fingers let go and his arm had flown, his body jerked away from her instinctively because of the tickling, and well…

"AHHH!” Kevin Lynch was standing off to the side, dart plunged neatly into the soft, front round of his shoulder joint, staring in disbelief clutching at the top of his chest.

“Luke!” Penelope immediately reprimanded brows knit and mouth dropped open in a wide “O” She let go of his flannel, hands flying to her mouth.

“I didn’t- It was an accident!” He wasn’t really concerned with Kevin, it was superficial, he’d live. Dart tips were like, what? An inch? He was, however, concerned Penelope might start thinking this was intentional…

Penelope found her legs, scurrying over. “Kevin, what are you doing here?!” Her hand hovered back and forth over the injury, unsure of touching it. Tara grabbed a couple of napkins from a table near by and passed them off. Penelope plucked the dart out and replaced it with the napkins “Here, hold it, apply pressure. Hold it!” She shrilly commanded, letting go and stepping back. Her body language said everything, arms folded, high shoulders, hunching forward, foot turned out, and she was tapping. Luke looked to Rossi across the room, to JJ near by, and Emily talking with Spenser who gave a slight shake of her head “no”. Luke stepped back to JJ and Matt at the pool table.

“So what is this, he stalking her now?” he whispered.

“He couldn’t be so stupid. He has to know we’re here…” JJ answered back.

It was at that point Kevin’s pain turned to rage, “I’m gonna fucking kill him!” he lunged forward, snarling face pointed towards where Luke, JJ, and Matt stood, but he found he wasn’t moving. “AHHHH! he yelled again in pain, noticing the finely manicured hands of Tara and Rossi holding him back, Tara’s placed just so, directly over the wound digging in as he pushed away from them.

Penelope didn’t move, didn’t flinch, “Why are you here, Kevin?” she demanded again.

He glanced from her friends back to her, glaring at Luke “… I heard it was a bad case… I tried to catch you at work,” he looked down hissing in pain and jerked, shaking off the hands restraining him. “I wanted to check on you, to see if you…wanted some company. But they said you’d gone, so I don’t know. It was stupid, I just wanted to come see you, that’s all.” he finished, looking back up softly at Penelope, then coldly at Luke, “I know how these things affect you.”

“That’s nice, but you can see i’m with the team, i’m in good hands, and we’re all fine. You’re free to go, have a good night.” She turned away heading to JJ and Matt.

“Penelope, wait.” And there he was again not willing to listen, serving his own needs. She didn’t even bother to face him.

“Kevin, please leave. I want to be with my team tonight.” JJ and Matt wrapped her in a hug. Everyone else stood watching him, daring him to make a move beyond what she’d just requested. He didn’t and walked back out.

Leave it to Kevin Lynch to ruin the night.

FIVE

Luke remembered hearing Kevin whine to various co-workers about his girlfriend turning down his proposal before. He’d say her job was too stressful and he told her she should just quit and move out to the country, relax. Luke didn’t feel especially bad for the guy, something about Kevin always rubbed him the wrong way. Why would you be spreading gossip about your own girlfriend all over the building you both worked in if you supposedly loved her? The big thing Luke remembered though, why he really didn’t like Kevin, was Lynch puffed up around the office one day going on about how his girlfriend asked him not to talk to her boss about them, but he was "gonna show her how much of a man he was, he wasn’t scared of David Rossi” whoever that was...Why would you go against the explicit wishes of your girlfriend and jeopardize her position? Kevin was a dick. You don’t respect someone’s wishes, you don’t respect them. And now knowing Penelope was that girlfriend, he hated him. Knowing that he hurt Penelope, intentionally brought another woman to JJ’s wedding, knowing that he manipulated her and complained about her all over the office, how on and off they were, he wanted to wipe the floor with Kevin Lynch.

Since that night out, she really had been nicer, friendlier towards him. He would bring her coffee from Lunacorn most mornings, and she’d pretend to be surprised, small hand coming up to push at his chest, “For moi?”, or “Luke Alvez, stop making me like you!” grinning and walking away. He wanted to chase after her in those moments. They had turned a corner, and he loved every minute of it, he couldn’t get enough of her. Dancing with her at parties, standing next to her at Rossi’s cooking nights, hip bumping into his, her greetings becoming more flirtatious over the phone, but still just a little bit mean, a tart sweetness. She would never be completely nice to him and truthfully he liked it that way. He didn’t need someone to stroke his ego, he needed someone to keep him on his toes. He needed Penelope Garcia.

And so it was her he was thinking about on this very slow work day. Thankful for the chance to finally finish filling out his reports and get them turned in, but wishing for a technicolor-tech distraction. Prentiss had been very understanding about the paperwork, but the bureau was less so. They were breathing down her neck, so she had passed along the note. The paperwork was always the hardest part for him, recounting events, writing it all down, making sure nothing got left out, that everything was objective and nothing was bias, just the facts and their profile. It was very analytical, monotonous, and tedious work. And under the fluorescent lights it was awful. He sat up stretching, taking in the pile of to-do he’d gotten through and felt he earned himself a coffee break. Plus a walk around the office was good for you, kept your joints lubricated, blood flowing, your mind sharp, and it stopped his ass from going numb. And maybe, if he was lucky, he’d bump into his favorite display of hue. He knew where to find her, but he didn’t want to bother her if she was working on something. He made a lap around the bullpen, and then a lap around the catwalk, crossing near her office, door closed. His smile faltering the slightest bit. Emily’s head popped out of her office.

“Alvez, you need something?”

“Huh, uh, no. Just stretch break.” he pointed to the stack of files his desk, “Almost done. I’ll have um all for you by tonight.”

She gave a tight smile, “Ok” and disappeared again.

Deciding to get back on it, he walked to the break room to make a quick cup of coffee before diving back in. No Penelope distraction, it would seem. He was head deep in the cupboard looking for a clean mug when he felt a familiar soft hip check his.

“Tea, for me Newbie? You shouldn’t have...” she purred.

He closed the door, pulling out the last remaining clean mug and smiled wide, “In your dreams, Chica, there’s only one cup left.”

Penelope pouted, invading his personal space, “I thought you worshiped me”, her fingers closing around the cup.

His cheeks flushed, she was so close, so very close. “Even dutiful servants need their energy. Go get me one of the five I know are in that cave of wonders, and I’ll show you how devoted I am.”

She smirked, turning around, orange and vanilla smacking him in the face, “Come get it yourself.” and left him standing there. He looked from Penelope to his desk, he really did need to finish that stack of work before the day ended, couldn’t let feelings get in the way of work. He finished making the coffee and headed back to his desk, the light blue mug of daisy-cats mocking him and urging him to work faster from where it sat safely on the back of his desk.

He had two more reports left to do, small victories. Coffee drained from the cup, and unable to get her out of his mind, he got up, washed the mug, and brewed her favorite tea stashed in the back of the far drawer. It was only fair, she did a lot, she needed the boost too. Luke walked from the kitchenette, up the stairs across the cat walk and around the corner, head down ignoring the very pointed looks he could feel JJ, Matt, and Tara trading. He could do nice things for people. It didn’t mean anything.

"Kevin you can’t file a complaint. I won’t let you."

"He’s doing it on purpose!"

"No he isn't! What reason would he have? Luke is one of the sweetest people! He’s not some school yard bully!”

Luke stopped short, they were fighting. About him. Kevin wanted to file a complaint? Nice. So much for interoffice relations. Baby.

“Penelope, it’s not up to you, I came here out of courtesy, nothing more.”

“AND I TOLD YOU I won’t let you. I will delete it Kevin. Like it never even existed. I’ll write code that deletes it every time you file just to save me time if i have to. I don’t care.”

"Ooooh! Oh, I see.”

"What does that mean? What do you “see” ?!”

"That face. It was the same with Morgan! Some big, strong, handsome, fatheaded asshole walks in the door and you can’t help but fall all over yourself for them. He’s playing you! He’s using you.”

She was quite. He knew what that meant, there was either a furious Penelope on the other side or a broken one. He worried his lip, unsure what to do. How could he convince her it wasn’t true?

When she spoke again her voice was like steel. “You don’t talk about Derek. You are the only person here who ever thought I was being used.” Furious. Good.

Just because he was awful, didn’t mean everyone else was too. He was sick of this, tired of this guy showing up, tired of hearing him tear her down, hearing about how he belittled her, and tried to make her be less than she was. She deserved so much, so so much. Right now all he had was tea, but he could try for more. Luke took a deep breath, and moved forward, he knocked briefly and opened the door, not waiting for a response. He put on his brightest smile, because truthfully, he couldn’t not when she looked at him, and stepped into the room cup extended.

“Oh, great it’s you.” Was the first sound he was met with,"Get out, Alvez. Or have you come to spill that boiling bog water on me?” Luke kept his eyes on Penelope, but his smile flickered at the thought.

No, Lynch, I have something better in mind.

Luke ignored the man, speaking to her, voice low and soft, filling the space as only he could. "Hey, Garcia. Penelope…. I brought you that tea, but…” He glanced to the deep brown liquid and back to the same brown in her eyes, his head falling to the side, "I’d like to take you out. Can I take you to dinner?”

He could hear Kevin sputter as he watched Penelope’s eyes light up, rapidly nodding her head.

Fuck Kevin lynch, he hoped that hurt.

#garvez #criminal minds #luke alvez #penelope garcia #derek morgan #emily prentiss #jj #spencer reid #matt simmons #tara lewis #david rossi #kevin lynch #4+1 fic #wump fic?#accidents happen #snails tales #ao3 #fan fiction #kevin lynch is repeatedly injured by luke alvez

17 notes · View notes

mysticalrambling · 3 years

Text

Criminal Minds, One Shot

Skimming through a 1000 page book in just a few minutes, a small frown adorned his unusually large forehead. He brushed his messy hair out of his eyes and continued on while spinning on his office chair.

“Spencer, we have a case. Conference room in ten minutes,” Penelope muttered quickly while strutting away in her fancy new pink panther heels.

“Pretty boy, come quickly. This is going to be really interesting,” stated Derek goofily as he eagerly skidded towards the conference room.

“Why is everyone trying to rush me? I only need a few minutes to complete this book,” murmured Spencer to himself and continued reading through his new Phillip Roth book.

Rossi passed through his cubicle and slapped him playfully st the back of his head. “Reid, in these few moments, the whole of Las Vegas will be wiped out by this serial killer.”

“Actually that is not plausible unless the serial killer switches his MO from stabbing victims to nuclear bombs,” Reid spoke out enthusiastically all the while following Rossi in to the room, forgetting all about his books. “The population of Las Vegas is - and the only way possible to wipe them all out is through nuclear means.”

“You finally got him to stop reading that book!” cheered Emily as she watched them both enter the room.

“But the cost was me getting some unnecessary information,”

“Take one for the team, Rossi”

“Hello! I am right here,” Reid stated as he raised both his hands in exasperation. Penelope just continued arranging the slides and kept on ignoring them all. Derek just spun around in his chair while looking at some cat videos that his baby girl sent him.

“Oooo, you are watching the videos that I sent to you. Aren’t they just the cutest?” Penelope started the conversation eagerly.

“Baby girl, this cat does not stand a chance in front of you.”

“Yes, I am.” Penelope continued with her work while making her way around the table. Disregarding their conversation, Rossi and Emily continued teasing Reid.

“Stop making fun of him. He is just imparting his wisdom to you guys,” Hotch defended the poor guy and took his place on the head chair.

“Thank you, Hotch,” Reid’s high pitched voice echoed through the room and he finally decided to sit down.

“Okay, so I got a call today from the Las Vegas County and they have a serial killer roaming around their streets...” Penelope continued talking about the case with a grimace on her face.

“We have approximately 48 hours to catch this killer or else there is going to be another murder at our hands,” Hotch concluded the meeting and closed the tab in his hands. “Wheels up in 20.”

25 notes · View notes

eddies-puppet · 2 years

Text

Lost In The Fire | Spencer Reid

Chapter 26: The Secret Garden

Warnings: Pure fluff!

Word count: 2,299

Chapter 25 | Chapter 26 | Chapter 27

—————————————————————

"Baby, are you nearly ready?" Spencer called loudly from the lounge as he pulled his suit jacket on and straightened the collar. When greeted with nothing but silence, he made his way through to the bedroom, where Becca was stood close to the mirror, putting in her earrings.

They locked eyes in the reflection and she smiled, turning to face him. "You ready?" He asked again. She made her way towards him, her hands straightening her dress.

"Yeah," she smiled, slipping her arms around his neck and pulling his face to hers, kissing him gently. "Or," she breathed against his lips. "We could just stay here," she giggled, her fingers moving gently down his spine.

"Uh uh," Spencer laughed, shaking his head slowly. "As much as I'm loving this recent surge of hormones, Rossi is throwing this party for you, we kind of have to go. Plus, we really need to tell everyone our news," he said softly, laying his hand against Becca's stomach. "It's killing Garcia having to keep it to herself," he smiled. "You look beautiful," he smiled. "The hormones suit you."

"Thank you, I think," she laughed. She took a step backwards, holding her hand out towards him. "Come on, let's go. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can get you home," she giggled, leading him from the apartment.

————————————————————————-

"Ah, my favourite lovebirds," Rossi laughed as he swung open the front door to his house, ushering Becca and Spencer inside. "Welcome to your 'we're so happy you're staying' party! Can I take your coats?"

"Thanks so much again for this Dave, no special occasion would be complete without a David Rossi party," Becca giggled as she shrugged off her coat and handed it to him.

"Just don't blame me for the hangovers tomorrow morning," he winked, Becca smiling as she felt Spencer's eyes on her. "There's drinks in the kitchen and the rest of the gang are out in the garden. I'll be right out," he smiled before turning and walking away.

Spencer smiled down at her, taking his hand in hers and leading her to the kitchen. Luckily, as Spencer often didn't drink, there was always non-alcoholic drinks at any gathering, so they both took a glass of juice before making their way out to the garden.

Becca laughed as she spotted Penelope and Emily on the dance floor set up on the lawn, Penelope singing along loudly using a hairbrush as a microphone. The rest of the team watched on from the veranda, talking and laughing amongst themselves. Becca paused, looking around her as she smiled.

"You ok?" Spencer asked softly. She nodded slowly.

"I love this bunch of weirdos," she laughed quietly. He smiled, gently squeezing her hand.

"And they love you. And I love you, and our baby will love you too," he told her quietly. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with newly formed tears.

"Fucking hormones," she laughed.

"You ready to do this?" She took a deep breath, nodding nervously as they made their way towards the rest of the group.

"Here they are," Will grinned, his Louisiana drawl seeming even stronger after a few drinks.

"Hey," JJ smiled, making her way towards them and pulling Becca into a hug. "I'm so happy you're staying," she grinned, squeezing her tightly. The group quietened, hearing the clink of metal against glass. They turned to see Rossi coming towards them from the house.

"I know this is a party, and I won't bore you all for long," he smiled. "I want to welcome you all here on this special night, as we celebrate the expansion of our family." Becca bit anxiously at the inside of her cheek. Little did he know the news she and Spencer had for them all.

"It seems like a lifetime since Becca arrived, and even a blind man could see how happy she makes our boy genius over there." Spencer chuckled, smiling at Becca. "But as we know, Becca brings with her even more extended family, and it didn't seem right for us to celebrate without them here as well, so..." Dave paused.

Becca looked around, confused, before she heard footsteps approaching from behind Dave, her jaw dropping open in surprise.

"Oh my god, you're here," Becca said quietly as her sister walked towards her, holding her arms out. Becca ran to her, wrapping her arms tight around her, her heart pounding inside her chest. "What... how..." she stuttered, taking a step back and holding her sisters shoulders. Gemma laughed.

"When you can speak again, you've got Dave to thank," she smiled, Becca turning towards Dave, who laughed aloud when she ran at him, throwing her arms around him.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome, amore mio," he smiled. Becca made her way back to her sister, slipping her arm through Gemma's.

"Salut," Dave said loudly, raising his glass as the rest of the team lifted their own drinks to their lips.

As Becca took a mouthful of her juice, Gemma looked quizzically at her.

"Juice?" Gemma muttered, her voice laced with suspicion. Becca smiled, taking a deep breath.

"Can we talk?" Gemma nodded, smiling as she followed her sister away from the group.

———————————————————————-

"Oh my love, your sister, she's amazing," Penelope gushed. "Although I'd expected no less being related to you."

"I still don't know how he got her over here, but I guess I should know to expect the unexpected from David Rossi," Becca laughed, taking a sip from her drink as she nestled herself into Spencer's embrace, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders.

"And was she excited? You know, about..." Penelope hesitated, looking pointedly at Becca's stomach.

"She was. In fact, she's considering moving here as well," Becca beamed excitedly.

"See, I told you," Penelope said loudly. "I knew you two would make it work! And now, with a baby genius on the way..."

"Pen, we still haven't told everyone yet," Becca hissed quietly. "We're just trying to find a moment to get them all together."

"Well then, let's fix that," Penelope said decisively as she took Becca's hand and dragged her towards the group on the veranda.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please gather!" Penelope shouted loudly.

Becca anxiously grabbed hold of Spencer's hand as he appeared beside her.

"I guess this is it," she whispered, her stomach turning somersaults. He nodded, smiling at her as he leant forward, placing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"I love you," he whispered. She took a deep breath as the team gathered around them.

"I just wanted to thank you all for coming tonight. You all know how hard it was for me to decide to stay here, and really it was you guys that made it so hard," Becca said. "This one also had a little something to do with it," she grinned, nodding her head toward Spencer.

"From day one, you've welcomed me into your family. You're a bunch of absolute lunatics," she laughed. "But you're lunatics of the best kind, and I love you guys," she added, her voice faltering as she became emotional.

She looked at her sister, who was stood with Emily and Hotch, smiling on knowingly.

She took a deep breath before continuing. "When Dave said earlier that your family was expanding, he didn't realise how right he was." Becca turned to look at him, smiling at his puzzled expression.

"I'm pregnant," she giggled. "Spencer and I are having a baby."

Time seemed to stand still for the next few seconds, as she looked around at her friends faces, the news slowly sinking in before they all thundered towards her like a tidal wave.

"I'm putting it out there now, so you don't try and pretend like I'm not the best candidate, but it's tradition for me to be the fairy godmother to all of the BAU babies," Penelope grinned, pulling Becca and Spencer into her arms, hugging them tightly.

"Noted," Becca laughed. As quickly as Penelope had loosened her grip on them, Becca and Spencer found themselves tight in the grip of Dave. "Surprise!" Becca giggled as he pulled back from them, an ecstatic smile on his face.

"I'm so happy for you both," he said softly, one hand laid gently against each of their cheeks. "You're going to be amazing parents," he assured them.

"I mean, I'd planned to have the baby and then just give it to you for the first two years," Becca teased him. "Seriously, thank you Dave. For everything." He winked at her, raising his glass before turning and walking away.

"Pretty boy!" Derek's voice boomed as he made his way towards the couple, arms held open wide. "How long have you been keeping this to yourself?!"

"A couple of weeks," Spencer smiled.

"Well, welcome to the club kid," Derek laughed. "Make sure you get plenty of sleep now, cos you certainly won't be getting any once this little one's born," he added, laying his hand gently against Becca's stomach. "And hey, at least now we can be sure you do know how to do it," he teased, winking cheekily at Spencer, who rolled his eyes.

"Oh Derek," Becca sighed. "If only you knew," she smiled, raising her eyebrows suggestively.

"Woah, hey," Derek laughed, holding his hands up as if to defend his ears. "That's my cue to find another drink! Congratulations," he grinned before turning and walking away.

————————————————————————

Her hands wrapped tightly around a fresh glass of juice, Becca made her way back out to the veranda, smiling as she saw Penelope still setting the dance floor alight, dragging Luke in her wake.

"Hey." Becca turned to see JJ standing at her side.

"Hi! You having a good night? Will seems to be wiping the floor with Dave," Becca laughed, nodding towards Will, Dave, Hotch and Derek sat around one of the tables, a pack of playing cards laying between them.

"Yep, that's the New Orleans upbringing for you," JJ laughed, pausing for a second. "I'm sorry I didn't come over earlier, I know how overwhelming it can get when the BAU get excited about something," she laughed.

"You are not wrong," Becca nodded.

"I just want you to know how happy I am for you both," JJ smiled. "I know things got a bit, complicated, between us in Boston, but I really am happy for you. You're exactly what Spence needed. He's been through so much, and you make him so happy," JJ gushed.

"I promise you Jayj, the feeling goes both ways," Becca smiled softly.

"I know it does," JJ nodded. "Congratulations," JJ smiled, pulling Becca into a brief hug. "I'd better go, make sure Will isn't gambling away our house," she laughed.

———————————————————————————-

"There you are," Becca smiled broadly. "I've been looking everywhere for you," she added as she sat down beside Spencer. She looked around, sighing contentedly. "Wow, it's really beautiful down here."

She had found Spencer in a small walled garden at the very back of Dave's yard. It was enclosed on all sides by tall red brick walls, a small arch the only way in and fairy lights hanging from the walls, casting a soft glow across the garden.

There was a fountain against one of the walls, Spencer perched on one of the low surrounding walls as the water cascaded behind him, the smell of the many blossoming flowers enveloping them in what felt like their own private paradise.

"Do you think Dave would let us live here with him?" She giggled softly. "Did you know this was down here?" Spencer nodded.

"I spent quite a bit of time down here with Dave after Maeve..." he paused, swallowing hard. "After I lost Maeve," he added quietly. Becca sighed softly, gently taking his hand in hers and laying their hands in her lap.

"I never thought I'd get over it, even when I was dating Max." He turned to look at her, smiling adoringly. "And then you came along."

"I love you," she whispered. "And so does our little bean," she giggled, putting his hand against her stomach. Spencer smiled, squeezing her hand and leaning forward, his lips gently brushing her cheek.

"I love you too. Both of you," he chuckled. "I can't honestly believe this is happening," he whispered, shaking his head slowly. "After everything that's happened to me, I'd just about given up on finding love. On having a family. But here we are," he smiled. "Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for loving you," she smiled.

"Yes, I do," he insisted. "No amount of thank you's would be enough," he said softly, his voice cracking as a small sob caught in his throat.

"Becks, you make me happier than I ever thought I could be. And if you'll let me, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way," he paused, taking a deep breath.

"Will you marry me?"

As the words drifted from his lips, she could have sworn she felt the world stop turning, time ceasing to pass. Her heart raced so hard in her chest that she was sure he must be able to hear it, and she didn't trust her own voice to speak. A tear fell silently down her cheek, and he gently wiped it away with the back of his fingers.

"Breathe baby," he whispered.

She exhaled sharply as the outside world seemed to fade back into view.

"Sorry," she breathed. "Yes! Of course I'll marry you," she whispered, her lips spreading into a wide smile as she threw her arms around his neck, pulling him tightly against her as she climbed into his lap, peppering his face with small kisses before burying her face into his neck.

"I love you, Spencer Reid."

#spencer reid #dr spencer reid #spencer reid x original female character #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fluff #pure fluff #penelope garcia #emily prentiss #jj jareau #tara lewis #luke alvez #matt simmons #derek morgan #aaron hotchner #david rossi #uncle dave #criminal minds #criminal minds fan fiction

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agent-ccarter · 4 years

Text

memento mori | emily prentiss

Emily Prentiss final moments with the love of her life.

A/N: lol this is sad I’m sorry.

Warnings: death, blood, A LOT OF BLOOD, knives

***

Masterlist

Lovers don't finally meet somewhere, they’re in each other all along. - Rumi

It’s odd the things you remember when you are watching someone die.

For Emily, it was something about blood. Somewhere in the back of her head, Spencer was telling her that ‘the average person has 1.2 to 1.5 gallons of blood in their body, but we actually only need to lose over 40% of that to die’. She was now sure that this must've been the first time in his life Spencer Reid remembered a fact wrong, because as you were sitting there, bleeding out on the pavement, there was way more than that. You were blinking, breathing shallow, yet the wound wouldn't stop pouring all over.

It ran down her hands, held up straight as she was stuck in shock. The red was bright, much brighter than any blood shed seen before, and it just wouldn't stop.

She was sure she could hear your whimper, voice fighting against the literal rope around your neck. The tree you were tied to had turned dark, submerged in the same liquid, whilst the rope from your wrists of the same colour laid on the ground.

“Emily,” she could hear a voice, but all she could see was red. A hand grasped her shoulder, and that physical touch was all she needed. She recognised the voice as Spencer’s, but the recognition made her sick. 40% of 1.2 gallons. 40%. 40. Why is there so much?

She knelt next to Derek, pulling at the rope he'd been trying for so long on.

“Let me help,” she sounded as if she were in a trance, refusing to look into your eyes that were searching so desperately for the comfort of her own. Derek looked up at you, pitifully.

“Em,” he said, refusing to break eye contact with you. She was pulling angrily at the ropes now, surely doing more harm than good, “Em, stop.”

He raised his voice and she finally paid attention. He nodded towards you, and Emily moved to grab your hand. Your breathing was shallow, and now you were crying.

“My sweet girl,” she went to rub the tear from your eye, but the water mixed with the red on her hands and it just made everything worse, “no, no, no.”

“Emily, please.” You almost gasped, both from the shock and as Derek had finally released the rope from your waist.

“We need to move you in one, two -”

“Three women have been murdered in the space of a month in Chicago. All three have been, well,” Garcia struggled to discuss the vile acts, “I’ll just show you.”

The screen changed, and three images graced the screen. Three women tied up in public, rope on their limbs, round their necks and throats and crosses carved into their stomachs. Each also had a different word carved into their arm - He, shall and rule.

The entire room sat in silence.

“Well that's new,” you sighed, earning attention from your fellow agents, “It isn't often we are stunned into silence.”

“I think the words are from a bible verse, Genesis 3:16 - Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” Spencer said, eyes unmoving from the screen.

“So we've got a male unsub who hates woman?” JJ offered.

“Or just an unsub who hates women who don't completely submit to men? I mean, one is a sex worker, one is a college student and one is a high ranking business women,” Emily flipped through the file, “maybe he just doesn't like that these women refuse to stay home.”

“Nice guy,” you muttered, and Emily rolled her eyes at you.

“And if he is referencing that bible verse-”

“Then he's going to kill at least 2 more women.” Rossi looked at Reid, finishing his thought.

“Wheels up in 30.”

“Stay with me,” Emily leaned over you, though at this point you were sure there were five of her.

“My chest, I can't,” you gasped.

“I know, I know, I just need you to stay with me, please. Y/N,” her red hand grabbed your chin, trying to stop your eyes from rolling back in your head, “No, no no no-”

“No way,” You said, shocked Emily would even suggest something so stupid - her turning the car into the other direction showed you she wasn't joking.

“I don't see any other leads, Y/N. The pastor makes the most sense, he was a raging misogynist when we spoke to him, and the verse? It makes complete sense.”

“Well, in that case, he is officially the most stupid unsub we've had.” You stepped out of the car, feet loud against the gravel.

“Gun?” Emily asked, and you responded by pulling yours from your waist, “be careful.”

“I always am.”

“She's back,” Derek said, hands pressed firmly on your stomach, “you gotta stay with us, Y/N.”

“Wheres-” You couldn't even finish your sentence before you noticed Emily, still sat right next to you.

“I’m here. I’m here.”

“You gotta talk to her Em, keep her with us.” Derek had wrapped the two words on your arms in gauze, but kept pressure on the wound on your stomach.

“I’m sorry.” You choked out.

“No, stop that. You’re going to be fine,” Emily smiled through the blood and tears on her face, “y-you’ll be fine, and we’ll be back to watching shitty lifetime movies on the sofa in no time, ok? Y/n?” Even her voice was failing her now, and it sounded more like she was trying to convince herself than you.

“Popcorn?” Even whilst bleeding out, you managed to make her laugh.

“Yeah sure, all the popcorn in the world.”

“People all over the world are watching you, Y/N.” You sat strapped to a chair, face bruised but relatively unscathed.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, please let me go, I’ll be good! I swear.” You knew the profile, and knew your best bet was to make him think you were terrified, a meek, submissive girl he could control.

“I bet your pretty little girlfriend is watching too. Say Hello, Emily,” he tried to make you torture her, but you stayed silent, “I think she’s going to enjoy this.” He grabbed the scalpel, and you hand pretty good idea of the words he was about to carve into your arms.

“It won’t stop! Derek why aren’t they here yet?”

“I don’t know.”

“She won’t stay awake.”

Breathe. Breathe.

You were cold. No pain, just freezing.

“Keep breathing Y/N. You’re ok.”

Emily.

You grabbed for her hand, willing your eyes to open one last time. Blood was everywhere now, anywhere it hasn’t reached before was soaked.

She looked manic, and was sobbing heavily. You brushed your bloody thumb against her cheek, covered in red, but what wasn’t already?

One final act of selflessness; a thumb stroke to say you’re ok.

And then nothing.

It’s strange the things you remember when you’re watching someone die.

For Emily, it was a multitude of things. Like the fact you’d never get to see that movie you were so excited for. You’d just booked that trip to Germany, somewhere you’d always wanted to go. She never told you she’d found that beautiful ring in your night stand. You’d never get to ask.

Never.

Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality. - Emily Dickinson

#Emily prentiss #Emily prentiss x reader #Emily prentiss imagine #Emily prentiss x y/n #criminal minds fan fiction #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds x y/n #Aaron hotchner #Spencer Reid #Penelope Garcia #Derek Morgan #jj jearau

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