Fade.

Problem Child

*thee months later*

It had been a few months since my first case and damn had they been crazy ones. I helped provide the key aspect of a major serial killer's profile which lead to him being caught. I've written three articles for papers and a thesis. The team has started coming to me for the complicated aspects of profiles, which is all fine and dandy minus the fact that I've noticed some changes. Those changes are Reid.

The past month and a half I've noticed that he's shut himself off a bit, drifted from everybody so to speak, and I'm starting to worry about him. The only person he'll talk to is JJ and maybe Garcia if she tries hard enough. I haven't tried to talk to him though. I need to find out what's wrong. I'm gonna ask JJ first.

"Hey. Can I ask you a quick question?"

"Absolutely."

I take a deep breath and sit on the corner of her desk trying to find words.

"I've uh- I've noticed that Reid's been acting kinda distant lately and I was wondering if he's alright?"

She sighed and set her pen down and looked up at me.

"Look, Willow, he's never had competition like this and I think it's just hard for him."

She was lying. I know she was lying.

"Don't, JJ."

"Don't what?"

"Lie."

"I'm no-"

"Yeah, you are. Look, I know he's like your brother but I can tell when you're lying. You play with your ring. What's really going on?"

"He really does feel like you're competition. He just won't tell me anything else."

"Then I'll talk to him."

She just nodded a bit and I got up. I slowly walked over to his desk and poked his ear.

"Hey beanpole, can I talk to you?"

"I'm busy. Can it wait?"

"Reading a psychology text book isn't busy, and no. It's important."

He turned his chair around and looked up at me.

"What is it Willow?"

I started walking away knowing he'd follow. I led him to the briefing room and closed the door.

"Why are we in here?"

"Because I wanna know what's been up with you."

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"Then why is it that you don't say good morning to me or the rest of the team? Not to mention you zone out entirely too much."

"I'm fine."

"No you're not."

He opened the door to walk out.

"You know I care about you right? All of you. You guys are the closest thing to family I've had in three years."

"Are we done yet? I have work to do."

"You know you can talk to me right? about anything. Is it your mom?"

He just stared at me with a blank expression then closed the door.

"Look, I appreciate what you're trying to do here but I'm fine. I don't want to talk about it."

He left. He just walked out leaving me standing there feeling stupid. Great. Now I need to vent.

"Garcia? Can I come in?"

"Absolutely angel."

I walked in and laid down on the floor like I always do when I'm stressed.

"Why so glum sugar plumb?"

"Reid."

She gasps a bit.

"Wait a second, are we coming to the amazing oracle to admit a crush that I've sensed since day one?"

"No Garcia. As much as I love your enthusiasm, nows not the time."

"Oh know. What's wrong?"

"He's been acting weird and only been talking to you and JJ and I feel like it's kinda my fault. I mean I did come in and steal his thunder."

"Oh honey, Reid is a special kind of personality. He deals with stuff differently. Yeah you did steal his spotlight but that doesn't mean it's your fault he's being weird."

I sit up and cross my legs.

"You think so?"

"Honey, I know so. Now don't worry your pretty little head. He'll come around eventually."

I nod and slowly leave. I hope she's right. I don't want this to be my fault.