Felicity

IX

Reid's POV

   I was silent for a moment after Derek said how he felt. I wasn't sure why it made me feel embarrassed, but it did. I am a more intellectual person, so things like love were so confusing to me. When Maeve told me that she loved me for the first time I had no idea how to respond. Things like that can't be forced into my head. If I fell in love then it wouldn't be up to me. It was as if my subconscious was a completely different mind. Even though I knew the context of Derek's statement wasn't romantic, it still stuck with me. My heart fluttered the same way it had the past few days and the same way when Maeve said she loved me. 

   Nothing was wrong with what Derek said. I appreciated it and I was glad that I heard it. It was comforting to know that someone was there for me when I was confused. I guess that moment was one in which it might've seemed as if I was ignoring Derek, or as if I wasn't listening. It was hard for me not to be like that sometimes. I had to think about and analyze everything that I see or it doesn't make sense. Sometimes it doesn't make sense no matter how much I thought about it. And that was the case a lot when it came to Derek. 

   He was a little confusing with his words whenever he talked to me. That's why it took me so long to reply to him when he talked to me. 

   "Thanks for saying that, Derek," I said. "I appreciate it."

   He smiled at me. I loved it when he smiled. I looked at the time. It was almost noon.

   "We should go somewhere today," Derek suggested. "We could just take a break from the world, you know?"

   I thought for a moment about what I had to do that day, but when I came up with nothing, I nodded my head and said, 

   "That sounds good. Where do you want to go?"

   His soft smile turned into a mischievous one right after I asked that. I looked at him quizzically.

   "I have an idea. Get dressed, I'll wait outside," he said suddenly. 

   "Okay..." I replied right as he left.

   I got up and I got changed. What is he planning? I wondered. I looked in my closet and wondered about what I was going to wear. I picked out a maroon button-up shirt and a back tie and vest. I grabbed my black slacks and I put my clothes on. After I had gotten ready, I opened my bedroom door and I stepped towards Derek, who was leaning against the wall again. He took one look at me and then smiled. 

   "Are you ever informal?" He teased. 

   "You don't want to see me when I am," I replied, smiling back at him. 

   I put my hands in my pockets and looked at him for a second. 

   "So, where are you planning to take me?" I asked. 

   He smiled again and raised his head as if he was imitating a king. He then said, 

   "You'll just have to see."

   I shook my head and grabbed my messenger bag and my keys. I followed Derek out the door and I locked it behind us. As we were heading for Derek's car, I remembered that I left my car at the BAU the night before. Derek opened the door for me and I go inside his car. I thought about how stupid I was for making Derek drive me home because I was tired. But in all honesty, I probably would've gotten into an accident if I drove home. But then again, it was a bit embarrassing having him sleep right next to me. 

   It was embarrassing just thinking about it. I looked out of the window, thinking about where we might be going. 

   "Derek, where are you taking me?" I asked as I looked back at him. 

   "You'll see." He smiled as he said that for the second time. 

   I did not have a good feeling about this. Derek was always a little bit "extra." I wasn't sure how to feel about it at that moment. I think that, out of everyone on the team, Derek knew me the best. I trusted him more than anyone else I knew, except for maybe my mom. I sat back in my seat and I tried to relax, but I was a bit nervous. I sighed and waited until we arrived at the "mystery destination."

   Only a couple minutes later we pulled into an unfamiliar parking lot and Derek hopped out. He came to my side and opened the door for me. I squinted up at the sign, the sun affecting my vision. For as much as I could see it was some kind of cafe. I instantly felt better at the thought of coffee in my system. I smiled a bit and followed Derek inside.  

   When we were inside, we sat down and Derek said, 

   "I know how much you like sugar with coffee, so I thought you would like to go to a cafe." He smiled his usual smile, looking at me. 

   I ended up ordering the drink with the most sugar on the menu. I was in my happy place at that moment. I didn't even listen to Derek's chit chat. I was too happy. I hated to admit to myself that whenever I get upset that it could last. I like being with the team, happy. I have a sense of purpose at the BAU and I have friends. Being in a mood didn't ever help that, it always seemed to push away what matters most from my view. I looked up at Derek talking. Even though whatever he was talking about was random and I couldn't understand his slang, I smiled. Just a little bit. 

   "Do you feel better?" He asked when he was done talking.

   Without even thinking I said, "Yes." 

   I was so much better. Derek never realized it but he made me feel better. I could feel my heart flutter again, for the billionth time that week. I smiled again, hoping that this moment would never end, knowing it would. 

Heyooohhh, how's it going y'all? I have finally posted the 9th chapter, yay. I am so glad ya'll are reading this, please keep on looking out for more updates, they will be coming soon. I know, the romance is slow, but I swearrrrr it's coming. And soon. So keep your eye out and have a good week. Love you, bye!!