Pride and Punishment

Chapter 11

"Thanks again for hanging out with me these past few days, Y/N."

"No thanks needed." You smile at Spencer and snag a fry off the corner of his plate. "I'm happy to be here. I needed a break from the BAU and the BAU definitely needed a break from me."

"I still appreciate it, more than you know. It can be...difficult with my mom sometimes."

"I'm always here for you bud." You reach out and give his arm a slight squeeze, knowing that he would find a hug uncomfortable. You had spent the last three days in Vegas with Reid, sight-seeing and visiting with his mom. It was refreshing to get away from work for a while, although you had to fight off a feeling of homesickness anytime you thought of Aaron.

Spencer suddenly shoots up and waves, calling out to someone across the room. "Hey, Alex, over here man!"

Oh no. No way.

You look up to see Officer Vargas crossing the diner, beaming his pearly white smile at you.

"You invited him?" You hiss.

Spencer frowns. "Well, yeah, he was helpful with the case and he seems really nice. Should I not have asked him to join us?"

You mentally curse yourself. Spencer doesn't have a lot of friends and doesn't usually reach out to people and here you are being an ass to him the first time he does. "No, no, it's fine. I was just surprised is all." You backtrack hastily.

"Hey Spencer, hey Y/N." Alex greets you both and sits beside you in the booth, sliding an arm behind you to rest on the back of the seat. "Enjoying your vacay from the bureau?"

"We fly back home tomorrow." You blurt. "No time for a real vacay."

"That's a shame, I would have loved to show you a few of my favorite spots." He replies, with an emphasis on you. "Sure you can't stay another day or two?"

"We're sure." You hastily answer him before Spencer can interject. "We'd hate to miss out on any action at the BAU."

"Well, that's too bad. You know, I've got some college friends that live in Virginia, I was thinking of dropping in on them in the next few weeks. Maybe you can show me around the bureau while I'm in town."

"I'm sure Spencer would love to give you a tour." PLEASE take a hint.

"Yeah, maybe we could all grab dinner." Spencer chimes in. "Y/N, you could show him that Chinese place you love so much."

"I love Chinese." Alex beams at you. "It's a date."

It most certainly is not a date.

"Excuse me for a minute, I need to use the restroom." Reid slides out of the booth.

Damn it Spencer don't leave me alone with this guy. You shoot him a look, hopelessly hoping he'd be able to read your mind. He doesn't unfortunately, and scampers off, leaving the two of you alone. 

Alex is grinning down at you. You offer him a weak smile.

"You don't like me, do you Y/N?"

Ah, he gets it.

"Don't be ridiculous, I don't even know you." You half-heartedly attempt to fib.

"You're not attracted to me though." He observes. "You don't think I'm good-looking?"

"I never said that. I'm just not interested in dating anyone right now. I'm more than happy to be your friend."

"I can respect that." He takes your hand and shakes it. "Friends."