be the one ⇢ s. reid

xviii.

While Spencer was off trying to get information from Agent Quinn, JJ had relayed Spencer's information over to Melanie and gave her the reassurance that Spencer was telling the truth about his discovery about the former agent. It wasn't that neither of the two trusted Spencer but the way he went about Quinn made them concerned. 

It was a slow news day for both the  investigative journalists at the BAU. Sam had decide to go out for lunch with his girlfriend while Melanie went up to the briefing room to check up on Spencer who had been watching the monitor that showed Quinn in the holding cell. 

"Heard through the grapevine that Rossi's on his 'doesn't add up' tears." Melanie said as she walked into the room. 

Spencer, who had been tensed up, relaxed his shoulders a bit when he heard his girlfriend's soft voice. 

"Uh oh..." was all he could say. 

"Yeah. I'm guessing he's not the only one." Melanie chewed softly on her bottom lip. She could tell Spencer was frustrated and confused, like something was bothering him and he couldn't figure out why. 

"Can't see it in this case." He mumbled. He then turned around to face his girlfriend. "I mean, is he a suspect? Or is he a victim? The worst part is, I can't see why I can't see it." 

Melanie rubbed her arm. "I went digging around to see who this man was since it seems like no one really remembers him quitting. Apparently one day he was here...the next he wasn't." She paused briefly to let out a breath. "So I went back to see when that was...and I saw that it was two weeks after you were arrested for murder." She glanced down at the floor. "But you knew that, didn't you?" She looked up at him. 

"It's not connected." He said quickly.

Melanie wasn't sure whether to be irritated with Spencer. He was still leaving things out and the only way to fill in the gaps was for her or the team to find it out for themselves. 

"Why can't you just be honest, Spencer?" She asked calmly. She rubbed her forehead before sighing softly. "Okay. I may not be a profiler, or know much about psychology, but I know your rational brain is telling you that, and that part's right. I also know there is a part of you that you don't show anyone, including myself."

Sensing Melanie was getting hurt due to his actions made Spencer's heart hurt. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her again. 

"Mel-"

Melanie shook her head and held up a hand to stop him. "That part of you is trying to figure out why did Spencer Reid get out of prison, you know, when Quinn didn't." She took a deep breath. "The answer is family. This family. We fought to get you out of there. The same way you guys fought for me. To save me from Mr. Scratch. We fought to save this team from getting shut down. And now, family will help us figure out what we're missing." 

"How?" Spencer asked. 

"Quinn's family is downstairs. How he responds to them could really tell us who he is." Melanie replied.

Spencer nodded slowly. He also couldn't help but to look at Mel and really take her in. This time it wasn't because of her beauty or what he thought of her. This time it was how much she has proven herself to be one of them - the profilers. Melanie didn't really know much on how to be one, or knew much about being an FBI but the more she was with them or worked with them she was able to pick up on a few things. Spencer knew Melanie was smart, and definitely the most brave person he knows. 

Spencer placed his hands on the sides of Melanie's face. His hazel eyes looking down at her brown ones. 

"You are an incredible woman, Melanie Alvez." Spencer said softly. "I'm not sure how I deserve you but I'm glad you think I'm worthy enough."