Chapter One.

The team stood, facing their leader, Aaron Hotchner.
‘I need to say this, while you may feel like we failed, remember that we saved so many in the future. That was a tough case and you all handled the demanding nature of it well. JJ, can I talk to you?’
‘Sure Hotch.’ She formed a weak smile, pushing her blonde hair behind her ear and stepping away from the team. JJ was used to being pulled aside. Within the BAU she was recognised as Hotchner’s go-to girl, and her specialty in communications meant she often dealt with particular areas of a crime scene that the others didn’t have to, such as the broken families, and manipulative press. It was hard on her, and not many outside the BAU would recognise how deeply important and difficult her role was. Those in it however; Emily Prentiss, David Rossi, Derek Morgan, Penelope Garcia, Dr. Spencer Reid, and Aaron Hotchner understood all too well. She glanced at them as she moved away and received another pre-empted sympathy glance as they knew what it would be about.
Yes, they found the killer, the murderer of six young teenage girls, but unlike so many of their cases, they were just that little bit too late to save the last one. SWAT had come in too soon; the man had reacted and fired successfully into her, in front of them. They could practically feel her blood on their hands, and their conscience. ‘We’ll wait for you JJ,’ Morgan reassured.
‘Thanks.’ It was obvious he was glad he wouldn’t have to break it to the last victim’s mother. Hotchner gestured her with his eyes and she followed him over to the family. Mother, Sister, Father. Hotchner put his hand on her shoulder in consolation. 'Here we go,' She thought as she took a deep breath and begun what would be the worst thing these poor people would have to hear in their lives.

‘Alright everyone, back on the plane, let’s get the hell back to Virginia.’ Rossi broke the silence, apparently impatient with the atmosphere of defeat they all shared, one member in particular. They moved silently back to the cars, Morgan and Prentiss climbing in the front of their SUV. Rossi called Hotch over, JJ with him. Reid walked slower, deep in strenuous thought. She was right there, Anna, girl 6, and they had watched her die. He knew, he knew where she was, and if he had been there one second sooner she wouldn’t be dead. JJ wouldn’t have told the family that their child had to die. He felt an ache in his temple from a mixture of stress and suppressed emotion. ‘What’cha thinking about?’ a voice came from beside him.
‘Oh, sorry. Nothing.’ He forced a smile.
‘JJ, You right to take Reid?’ Rossi asked from across the road.
‘Yeah see you back there.’ JJ walked beside him until they got to the car. He sensed she was watching him, trying to figure out what to say, but stopping herself. He was about to get in the passenger seat, when she stopped him, holding his wrist. ‘Spence? Do you want to drive?’ she asked him, sensing something was seriously up.
They switched sides and Reid stopped himself to look at her. ‘JJ, I really feel like slamming down the accelerator right now, that’s probably why Hotch thought I shouldn’t drive.’
‘I know.’ She replied promptly.
He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
‘Why are you so confident I won’t?’ He asked, relaxing a little from the distraction. ‘Spence, I think you could hold me at gunpoint and I wouldn’t believe you would ever hurt me.’ She rolled her eyes, sliding into the passenger seat.
He kept the confused expression and faced the front, starting the car, then accelerated faster than he usually did, but not enough to make her feel uncomfortable. ‘I’m really that weak huh?’ he raised an eyebrow. She faced him.
‘Weak? That’s not why. I just, well I’d hope that you agree we’re close enough friends that you wouldn’t try and kill me, right?’ JJ laughed.
‘Yeah I guess so.’ He replied. She smiled. ‘What, has no one ever trusted you before or something?’ She queried, watching his hands tight on the wheel.
He paused, then smiled, not facing her. ‘Something like that.’ He muttered.

When they arrived back at Quantico, 3 books and 9 hours sleep later, they were all in a better mood. ‘Hey Gorgeous, how are you?’ The blonde Tech girl asked.
‘I’m good Garcia, we’re all home safe, you want a coffee?’ Emily asked.
‘Did I mention you were my favourite person in this whole wide world?’ Garcia replied, grinning. ‘I’ll be right back.’ Emily smiled.
‘I'm guessing you were talking about me?’ Derek Morgan chuckled as he entered Garcia’s office, passing Prentiss. ‘Not this time sweet cheeks, you don’t give me awake drugs like she does.’ He chuckled. ‘Fair enough.’
She swiveled her chair around to face him. ‘Can I ask you, how’s Reid?’
Morgan sighed, ‘He’s fine now, but lately he’s been taking things to heart, beating up on himself whenever we lose someone.’ Garcia nodded.
‘We’re looking after him, don’t worry. I wouldn’t let anything happen to Reid.’
Prentiss walked in. ‘Get your shots, great rate.’ She joked, handing over the take away cup. ‘Thanks lovely. It’s ten thirty already. Where’s JJ to steal you away from me? I’m not used to actually being able to see you. In fact it’s kind of boring without the chase.’ She grinned taking a sip.
‘How kind of you to say so,’ Morgan replied.
On cue the young blonde walked into the room. ‘Good morning Penelope.’ She smiled. ‘Good morning Jennifer.’
‘Guys, Rossi is in a board meeting so the briefing isn’t until 11 today.’
‘I see.’ Emily replied.
‘So, I’ll see you all then, wide awake,’ she winked acknowledging the cups in their hands. JJ left Garcia’s office returning to her own only to find a visitor. He wore a striped shirt and thin tie, tucked into his over worn pants. She had to admit though, influence from Morgan had left him with significantly better dress sense than when he had first arrived at the BAU.
‘Hey you,’ she greeted, shutting the door. Spencer Reid smiled. ‘Hey.’
‘How come you’re not out celebrating your 30 minute holiday?’ She asked stacking folders on her cluttered desk into piles. He dropped his voice a little and fidgeted. ‘Well I felt more like hanging out with you.’ He replied. JJ looked up and felt herself blush a little at the compliment. ‘Well, as you can see, I am very fun.’ He laughed, feeling a little more relaxed. ‘Actually messy desks often reveal particular levels of organisation. Did you know- ’ She cut him off.
‘Reid.’
‘Sorry,’ He replied. ‘That’s okay,’ she slumped into her chair, leaving the piles for another time. She caught his eye, and he turned away, standing up and studying the decorations on her office walls. She smirked. She knew everyone in this building couldn’t help but profile each other constantly. ‘Anything interesting?’ she asked. ‘No not really, I already knew you liked butterflies, and country music.’ He said a little distantly. She smiled. ‘What can I say?’
Reid looked at her in the reflection of the framed and mounted certificate; her head was rested on her hand, her hair in her eyes. He watched her push it away and smile at him, even though she didn’t know he could see it. He wasn’t sure why but he got slightly nervous when she stood up and walked over. A sick feeling of previous guilt and upset mixed with the contrasting warmth he felt from having a friend near him.
She sighed as she stood next to him, seeing such a torture in his eyes. She hated him like this; it seemed every case now, every single victim he kept with him, adding to the burden on his mind. ‘You’re still not 100% are you, Spence?’ she said softly. He didn’t lie to her, ‘No, Not exactly, but thankyou again for the other night.’
‘For letting you drive?’ She asked, surprised.
‘I know it seems like a really unimportant thing..’ he paused, swallowing hard and turning away from her. ‘But for some reason it meant a lot to me.’ His voice rasped at the end. He felt the urge of hot tears in his eyes. Don’t cry now, in front of JJ. He thought, but it was easier thought than done.
‘Spence..’ She whispered, talking his slender hand and squeezing it. He wouldn’t have moved except she wrapped her arms around him and he felt himself hold her warmth to him. He hadn’t cried, she must have known he was close, but he hadn’t cried. Pulling away, she touched his eyelids gently and smiled. ‘hey, I’m always going to be here, you know that.’ He nodded, wet eyelashes brushing her fingertips and smiled back at her. It was then he felt a new wave of nerves emerge to his stomach. She squeezed his shoulder when the door opened. Hotch cleared his throat. Embarrassed, they pulled apart, JJ realising for the first time that Reid’s arms were wrapped around her waist.
Hotch pretended to ignore the awkward moment, but his expression read concern into how he had seen them. ‘Rossi just finished, briefing in five.’ He left, hastily, leaving the door open.
‘Uh, well, i’ll see you there, i’ll tell the others.’ JJ stammered, feeling flushed.
‘Yeah, cool.’ Reid pushed his hair back nervously, wiped his eyes and walked out of the room. She paused in the doorframe. What was that? One second I’m pitying a friend and the next...Oh God. Hotch. JJ was sure their encounter hadn’t looked the way it was. At least she had the truth on her side, it wouldn’t be too awkward, would it?



please leave some comments, tell me if it's a lost cause.

I like it! Well, of course I would, it's JJ/Reid ::wub:: I think you should carry on, and post more! *nudge nudge*