Counting Stars // Spencer Reid (ON HOLD)

Chapter 14

JJ showed up to their apartment early the next morning. Spencer answered the door in a hurry since he had been sleeping soundly when JJ arrived.

"JJ," he exclaimed as he saw her at the door.

"Hey Spence, thought maybe I'd pick up Eliza but clearly I'm early. Did she keep you up all night?" She was implying something that he picked up on but never expected her to do something that Morgan did constantly.

He decided to dismiss the different meaning of the phrase. "Uh yes actually, she had a fever and wouldn't let me leave her side. I had to keep on changing the ice pack on her forehead trying to bring the temperature down."

JJ immediately became worried. "You could have called me."

He shook his head. "The fever has gone down, so she should be fine once she wakes up. Uh I've been trying to help Eliza to speak again, she wants to and I will support her. So don't be surprised when she speaks to you."

JJ nodded. "I'm going to check up on her while you go change," she told him.

He did not protest as he was in the need of a shower and a change of clothes. It was a relaxing shower as he felt the water melt away his worries and anxiety. He got dressed and brushed his hair. Eliza always joked and said it looked like a bird's nest which he agreed with. She would always reassure him that she loved his hair as it was. He decided to gel it back to keep it from getting in the way. Stepping into the kitchen her heard the sound of cooking and laughter.

"Did he really do that?" JJ asked in between giggles. "I didn't know he was a lightweight."

"Yup." Eliza grinned.

He felt relieved that Eliza was back to her regular self. "Are you telling her about Nick drinking me under the table?" He cringed at as he remembered the day.

"That she is, and I never knew you were a happy drunk," JJ told him.

He was a bit confused. "I actually don't remember that day, but it's good to see that you're okay now." The second part of the sentence was directed to Eliza.

She got up and hugged him before kissing him. She signed, "I'm feeling better thanks to you."

"Um, El, JJ is in the room." He was nothing short of flustered.

Eliza was more confident than him. "So?" She whispered in his ear as she sat back down. It had sent shivers down his spine.

JJ coughed. "Should I give you two some privacy?"

"No, you're fine it's just that Eliza is a bit impulsive and bold."

"You can't deny that you love it," she signed very smugly.

"Stop it, you know how I feel about this side of you," He signed back.

"Well you certainly enjoyed it back in Vegas when we were in the elevator," she retorted back.

"I'd kiss you again if JJ wasn't here," he signed back. He turned to JJ. "The two of you can leave whenever you'd like, I'll meet up Will when I finish up the last of the paperwork."

"Sounds good, I'll just let the two of you eat breakfast first," JJ stated. "I'll be waiting in Eliza's room."

Eliza smirked at Spencer as JJ walked out of sight. Spencer had sat down in the other chair and watched as she walked over to him and straddled his lap as she faced him.

"Kiss me," she whispered in his ear.

She knew he was a bit frustrated. Eliza knew how to push all the right buttons and make him helpless. He desperately kissed her as his body had ached for her touch. She knew that he would stop before it escalated too far as they decided to wait before they engaged in other activities. It was mutual but some days Spencer didn't think he could hold back. He felt intoxicated by the feeling of her kisses and her breath against his neck. She was the one to pull away.

"Still wanna wait?" She teased him in sign language.

"Self control is an important skill to have." That was all he was going to say on the matter and she knew it.

"You're too innocent."

"I know more than I lead on. Someday I'll show you the other side to me. Maybe I won't be able to hold back someday."

She rolled her eyes. "I'll believe it when I see it."

Both were obviously trying to maintain as much self control as possible but it was proving to be difficult for them. They ate a quick breakfast before Eliza left with JJ. Eventually he left to meet up with Will and Henry. By that time Eliza and JJ were getting their nails done. They communicated off of one word answers on Eliza's part.

"So how have you and Spencer been?" JJ asked. Eliza smiled and JJ knew her answer. "That's amazing, the two of you deserve to be happy. Did you apply for the position at the Bureau?"

"I did," Eliza spoke.

"I see, Spencer seemed a bit hesitant about it because it would mean the two of you would be coworkers." Eliza shrugged. "I can think of ways we could mess around with Morgan. He's always teasing Spence so it's only fair he gets a taste of his own medicine."

Eliza nodded with a smile. She agreed with the idea, all that was left was for her to land the job.

While the two women were gossiping about their own relationships the two men were at the house taking care of Henry.

"He's getting so big," Spencer exclaimed as he picked up Henry.

"They grow up so fast," Will agreed. "So have you and Eliza talked about having kids?"

Reid felt heat rush to his ears as he turned 50 shades of red. "N-not particularly no. I-I know she wants kids, but I-well-it's a big responsibility. I'm not even sure I'm any good with kids," Reid stuttered.

Will patted him on the back. "Oh come on Spencer, you're amazing with kids. Henry loves you. Besides no parent knows what to do. It's a learning curve." The older man acknowledged the younger one's discomfort and decided it was best to move on to a different subject. Drop the matter completely. "So have you met her parents?"

"I have," Reid confidently replied. "At her sister's wedding."

"And did Spencer Reid charm his way into their good side?" Will was trying to be playful with Reid in an attempt to lighten the mood. He knew how important it was to JJ that they get along. After all, Reid was Henry's godfather.

"N-not really. Her parents would rather prefer someone with a higher paying job and a pedigree," Reid told him.

Will rolled his eyes. "Rich people. Think they can own the world. Eliza is a good person, and from the sounds of things, nothing like her parents."

"It's more of her mother than her father. I understand where they're coming from. It's just that they are her family and she wants to make them happy."

"Then win them over. Come on, don't tell me that big brain of yours isn't coming up with brilliant plans to win his future in-laws over."

That was the moment Reid realized that Will had a point. He had been so caught up with seeking their approval that he had lost sight of what mattered. Instead of hoping they'd change on their own he could come up with a catalyst to speed up that change. It was brilliant. Really brilliant. All he needed was a plan.

"I can see those gears turning in your head," Will proudly said.

Reid realized that the two should be doing bonding stuff. He nervously combed back his hair with his right hand. "I-I'll think of something later. Do you want to play a game of chess? Or we could watch a movie? Anything is fine really."

"Let's play that game of chess."

It seemed to Reid that Will was putting in as much effort as he was in this bonding day. The fruits of their labour was evident by the way they began to become at ease with each other. Reid confessed certain worried he had while Will listened and provided advice.

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Something different than what he had with the team. This friendship was based on commonality and shared interest. The bond he shared with his team was through shared experience. Spencer Reid was beginning to break out of his cocoon like a newly emerging butterfly. His confidence began to grow as he navigated the world and learned new things. He was happy for the first time in a very long time. A smile effortlessly blossomed on his lips as he beat Will at chess.