The Beauty of the Written Word

Reid took his usual seat round the table in the conference room.Everyone slowly filed in to the room one by one ,Morgan taking the seat next to Reid giving him a playful ruffle of his hair.Pushing his hand away Spencer sorted out his hair before focusing on the case at hand.
"Nashville has requested your help my doves"Garcia chirped before turning on the screen bringing up two pictures of women side by side with their crime scene photos."Two women stabbed to death within their own homes and the body's covered in rose petals"
"How romantic"Rossi quips
"Are there any connections between the two victims"Derek asked
"Not that the local police have found however I did some digging of my own and both victims lived high class expensive life styles"Garcia explains
"Garcia I want you to look in to the victims more,Morgan and Rossi go to the morgue,Reid and Amelia you take the crime scene while Me and JJ will go talk to the local PD.Wheels up in 30"Hotch commanded and the team nodded in sync.
Amelia walked behind Derek and Spencer.Derek said something to him with a big grin making Spencer pick up his pace in return and his cheeks to flash red.She wondered what it could be but didn't spend to much time with it
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Sipping her coffee Amelia thought over the evidence that laid before her.Both women lived wealthy life styles and were both found in romantic way ,well as romantic as you could get with murder,covered in rose petals. Rossi had returned from the morgue not moments ago with Derek noting the ME reports showed all victims had chicken ,broccoli ,pasta and red wine in their stomachs.Reid and herself had returned from scene bringing back the fact their was no forced entry.The entire case screamed romantic but the reason they couldn't figure out is why.Then it clicked in her head
"It's a fantasy ,he wines them and dines them like a typical romantic evening"Amelia theorized out load glancing over the ME report "When the fantasy is interrupted he kills her"
"So the Unsub gets to play house with the victims"Rossi adds
"Lets give the profile"Morgan said standing up and walking in to a room of eagerly awaiting police officers.Everyone followed including a very nervous Amelia.Still to this day standing up in front of large crowds terrified her.It felt like being in high school again.Taking a deep breath she calmed herself enough to stay stable in front of these people
"Our profile suggest we are looking for a white male"Hotch begins
"He's highly intelligent and probably comes from a place of high status"Spencer adds
"However he has recently lost that status and has been abandoned by the loved one who gave him that status"Rossi noted.Nodding towards Amelia Rossi signaled her to finish the profile off ,she was a smart kid she just needs a little faith that's all.With her heart pounding in her chest Amelia started where Rossi left of
"This man is very sociable and will do anything to protect the fantasy of a romantic evening and stable relationship that he's created.Look for anyone who fits this description in places which both victims have visited and may have came in contact with the unsub".Police disbanded to either their stations or out the door to potential locations.Amelia walked in to the coffee room briskly to get out of everyone's way.Placing her hands on the side she took deep breaths trying to calm her shaking hands.
"You okay"A voice called out making her jump and snap her head in its direction .Spencer shot her an apologetic look as she sat down at the table
"Sorry ,you just scared me"She apologized fiddling with the padding on the arm of the chair
"Is something bothering you"He asked siting across from her.Being a proflier helped in these situations. Spencer could see she was reserved with her nervous ticks were becoming more apparent.Amelia didn't speak only nodding in reply
"But could we talk about it later I don't really feel like talking about it now"Amelia mumbled
"Of course " Spencer nodded.He wasn't going to push her to open up.Things like that take time but he was defiantly was going to check in later.Seeing her upset made his heart drop yet her smile could make it soar.Honestly she was sending him on some weird emotional roller coaster
"Oh and Spence ,thank you"Amelia smiled at him.He didn't say anything when she called him Spence ,just trying to hide his ridiculous wide grin.Only two people in the world called him that ,JJ and now her.
"Its okay ,Amy" He smiled not even realizing that he came up with the nickname before it left his lips
"Amy ,hmm I like it" She noted .To be honest people had called her Amy before and she never liked it but when he said it the name just fit. Spencer's small laugh was cut short when he knocked his coffee over spilling it on his hand.Hissing in pain he stood up shaking the injured hand as if that would some how make the pain go away.Grumbling to himself he wiped up the remaining coffee with some paper towels.Amelia laughed at him and gave him a hand throwing the soaked up towels in the bin.
"You did that when I first saw you y'know ,burning yourself on you coffee you big clutz"She laughed"Run it under the cold tap I'll find something to wrap it up with"
"I know I've got Ph.D's"He pointed out rolling his eyes in a comical fashion
"ah less I forget your Ph.D's in mathematics and chemistry as well as BA's in Psychology and Sociology"Amelia retorted as she fumbled around in the cupboard looking for a first aid kit.
"You remember that" Spencer said surprised with a small smile on his face
"um yea I do I remember a lot of things about you"Amelia blushed ,glad that the cupboard door was hiding her face.Finally she found a green box on the top shelf and could just about manged to reach it.The box didn't have much in it she could use so she picked up a wrap of gauze bandaging before turning to Reid
"A little extreme for a small burn but its all I could find"Amelia said "Gimme your hand".Spencer did as he was told and held out his hand for Amelia to bandage.As soon as their hands touched it was ,as cheesy as it sounds like a jolt of electricity passed through them.Spencer could feel his heart beating faster and faster inside his chest threatening to burst through and Amelia's cheeks began to heat up again.Wrapping the gauze around the middle of his hand twice and fixing it so it would stay put Amelia fought back the urge to mold their hands together and never let go.
"So what e-else do you know about me"Spencer stumbled
"Well lets see.You graduated high school when you were twelve,joined the bau at 22 ,your IQ is 187,you have eidetic memory, and can read 20,000 words per minute.You like to learn by yourself ,classic autodidact. Classics are your favorite when it comes to films ,books anything really.You don't like to use technology that much and you also cant use chopsticks although you clame its a choice.You hate spinach and inhale coffee like its air but only if it has a dump truck worth of sugar in it "Amelia rambled laughing at that last note.Spencer smiled not caring about how wide it was anymore or at the fact he was blushing again.
"How do you remember all that"he wondered aloud
"I dunno ,I guess whenever you talk and people tell you to shut up or tell you to stop rambling I like to listen"She replied not looking up at him
When she walked back of to the cupboard Spencer was already missing her touch and wondered how it's possible to be falling for someone this hard.Although it was easy to pull the box of the shelf in the cupboard ,Amelia found it hard to put it back.Stretching up in her kitten heels Amelia tried again but it was still useless.Spencer fought to stifle a laugh but it was no use.
"Are you just going to stand there laughing at me or are you going to help"She sighed"Honestly when will you stop teasing me about my height"
"When it stops being so easy"He laughed walking over to her and taking the box out of her hands placing it on the shelf"There simple"
"Yea easy for you" she said looking up at him.In her heels she was level with his neck but if she took them off she was shoulder height.Suddenly they both became aware of how close they were to each other yet neither pulled away. Spencers hand was still on the shelf above her head .Without even thinking about it they both started leaning in ,eyes drifting shut and hearts pounding against their rib cages .Spencer swallowed hard as their lips were centimetres apart a-
"Has anyone seen Reid and Amelia"JJ said from the other room and the pair jumped miles apart just in time.JJ poked her head round the door and sighed in relief
"There you guys are"JJ smiled
"Sorry we were just getting coffee and clumsy over here burned his hand"Amelia blurted out with an awkward laugh.JJ didn't notice anything unusual about it and just rolled her eyes
"Typical ,come on Garcia's got something this case might just be over"She chirped hopefully and left.Spencer and Amelia glanced across to each other and blushed before leaving the room.
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Not long after JJ's interruption the Unsub was caught.Turns out all the victims had used a valet service which our Unsub worked for.Joe Belser fitted the profile the best ,his wealthy fiance just left him for his best man and he was also up to his eye balls in debt.We caught him just in time ,seconds away from committing another murder.His apartment also contained universal garage-door remotes which is how he got in to the houses.Despite all this all that Amelia could think about was that near kiss with Spencer.Most would think they'd be awkward after that but if anything they were closer.On the plane ride home they chatted and joked as if nothing ever happened blissfully unaware that the one was constantly thinking about the other.Hotch looked at the pair from his seat down the end of the plane and rossi ,who resided opposite him, craning his head round to see what the unit chief was looking at.
"Y'know it's kinda of funny how blissfully unaware they are"Rossi chuckled turning back to Aaron"Its like a cheesy teen movie"
"You'd think at least boy genius over there would figure it out"Hotch added
"If they to ever decide to get together whats going to happen"Rossi asked
"Well I expect it be a rather aw-"
"That's not what I mean Hotch"Rossi said cutting him off.Hotch sighed giving the Italian man a knowing look
"Well the rules says Its not aloud"
"What about Garcia and Kevin"
"Garcia is not in the field and not with him when she's working"Hotch pointed out
"Doesn't mean that the relationship couldn't affect her work yet you let it continue"Rossi defended
"Protic-"
"Screw protical Aaron you're sat across from the man who is the reason that rule is in place.They make each other happy and with the job we have don't you think they deserve some happiness"Rossi stated .Hotch looked over to them then back and Rossi
"Okay I'll consider it"Hotch said but gave Rossi a knowing look
"Good"Rossi replied leaning back in his chair smiling to himself clasping his hands together.The plane landed shortly after that each member filing off one by one looking less tired after their short naps.One short drive to the BAU later they were back and greeted by a rather happy Garcia.
"My family you're home safe and sound come hug me"She cheered pulling Amelia in to a hug making her laugh
"You know I want more than a hug hello ,sweetness"Derek spoke with a wink as they embraced
"In your dreams ,chocolate thunder"Garcia teased jabbing his muscular chest.Spencer rolled his eyes and moved back over to his desk but Garcia stopped him before he could sit .
"Nahuh wonder boy we are going out"She said making Spencer groan "In fact all of you are ,let of some steam"
"You all go ahead I got work to do"Hotch called out and disappeared in to his office before Garcia could argue.
" we'll meet at the usual bar not excuses "Garcia said waggling her finger at Reid then left
"See you there baby girl"Derek called out after her.
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Spencer sat at the table next to Derek playing with the straw in his diet coke.The bar was one the team often frequented at because it was close and was simple.No large crowds just a few clusters of people either on the dance floor ,at the bar or around tables.The bass from the music didn't shake the floor but it was loud enough for those who wanted to dance.Ricky ,the bartender, knew the team quite well and stuck by his 'Feds and cops drink half price' rule which was a bonus.Everyone was there apart from Amelia and to be honest Spencer was feeling lost without her.JJ talked with Garcia about Henry and the little outfits aunt Garcia brought him while Rossi and Derek argued over some form of sport team.He couldn't really tag in on either of these conversations so he flicked the straw in his drink watching it spin around and around.
Then he saw her push open the door ,letting a couple leave before she entered.Brushing down her cream skater style dress and pulling down the sleeves of her long black cardigan she walked over to the group.Granted it was only a day dress but Spencer had never seen her like this.Her work clothes always covered her figure up and even now she looked like she wants to wrap the large cardigan around herself and hide.Amelia had a small petite figure which suited her rather well and her straightened hair rested on her shoulders.
"Hey kid pick up your jaw"Derek laughed tapping his chin which had dropped and ,to his dismay, everyone had noticed.Everyone gave Spencer a knowing look and he in return mumbled a quiet "shut up"in to his drink as the team snickered.Amelia gave them a wave accompanied with a polite "hello"before siting down.
"Hey Amy can I get you a drink"Spence asked his voice unusual high pitched so he discretely cleared his throat.
"Why thank you Spence I'll come with you"She beamed and followed the young doctor.As soon as they were out of ear shot the gossiping began.
"'Amy' 'Spence' "Garcia repeated
"Only JJ calls him Spence because she's like his big sister"Rossi said and JJ nodded in agreement
"And that look he gave her ,oh They are head over heels why don't they see it"Garcia grumbled throwing her hands in the air to put emphasis on the point
"Because baby girl ,they're some of the most clueless people on the planet when it comes to this"Derek explained shaking his head.
"Oh and what are you an expert"JJ laughed
"No I'm the king"He said popping the collar of his shirt and the table laughed at his cocky demeanor. Spencer paid for Amelia's coke ,turns out she doesn't drink as well,and returned to the table.Through out the evening the team laughed and talked in among themselves.Morgan eventually got up and danced , as of he were a magnet a hoard of girls joined him. JJ and Garcia got up and danced too for a little while but eventually came back while Derek took his sweet time returning.All the while Amelia was quiet ,she'd join in every now and again but she was still reserved.No one really seemed to noticed but Spencer did ,it was the same kind of shield she put up in the coffee room in Nashville.Moving up to the bar she went to refill her drink and he followed. Popping up on one of the bar stools Amelia ran her hands through her hair and sighed.
"Whats up"Spencer asked taking the seat next to her
"I um don't do to well with social gatherings you know like this.I get really anxious and nervous that I'll say the wrong thing or I'll weird people out.It's silly I know"She mumbled waving her hands air dismissing her feelings
"No its not honestly"Spencer reassured her placing a hand on her back relaxing her a little yet her stomach swarmed with butterflies.Amelia smiled but Spence could see she was still a little shaky. Looking at the hair band around her wrist an idea sprung to mind.
"Hey I know what'll cheer you up"Spencer beamed.
"Enlighten me"
"Okay put your hands up like this"He instructed sorting them so both index fingers pointed up and the tips were about eye level.Pulling the hair band off her wrist he stretched it over her fingers then turned to Ricky.
"Hey Ricky do you have a business card I could use"He asked.Ricky nodded handing him a small blue card and Spencer quickly got to work folding it till it was a even smaller rectangle shape.Bending it in half slightly so their was a definable crease he disappeared behind Amelia's back
"Spencer what on earth are you doing"She laughed
"You'll see"He smiled taunting her in a knowing voice.Amelia could feel him standing behind her unbearable close.His stomach was pressed against her back ,she could feel the fast beat of his heart,and his head leaned against the side of hers gently.He could practically feel the heat radiating of her cheeks and his warm breath ghosting past her ear made Amelia shiver.Spencer tried to keep his hazy mind clear as he reached his arms around and placed to crease of the cardboard on the band pulling the folded card back creating almost a mini slingshot
"Now if I get the angle just right"He started and finished off his sentence by letting go of the cardboard projectile.Flying across the room it landed ,as wonder boy predicted ,directly in Rossi's glass.Amelia laughed clasping her hand over her mouth and Reid pumped his fist in the air celebrating his victory.The Italian scowled at the pair and they looked around the room comically as if they had no idea what just happened making JJ and Garcia laugh.
"I'll get you meddling kids"Rossi grumbled
"And what ?Our little dog too"Amelia joked making Spencer burst in to a fit of laughter.Suddenly a shot of pain zipped through Spencers skulls making his head feel numb,it happened again but this time the pain was constant and brutal. "No not now"Spencer thought cradling his head in his hands with elbows resting on the bar.His start tapping his heel on the floor quickly in some from of attempt to relieve the pain and rubbing at his eyes furiously.
"Spence are you okay"Amelia asked ,her tone laced with worry
"My head I think it's a migraine"He lied wincing in pain.
"Stand outside and take deep breaths I'll be there in two seconds"Amelia told him.He didn't think twice speeding out of the bar and letting the cool night air hit his face.A few deep breaths later his headache calmed down enough for him to open his eyes and sit down on the bench in front of the bar.Amelia came and sat down next to him handing him a glass of water which he downed quickly
"What happened back there and don't you dare say migraine because that's like no migraine I have ever seen"Amelia asked
"Its a little complicated"Spence mumbled taking great interest in his shoes.
"Okay How about this ,I tell you whats up with me and in return you tell me what just happened"Amelia suggested
"I don't want you to talk about anything if you don't want to"Spence said in a worried tone
"No I want to tell you Spence and no matter what you say I'm going to tell you anyways"She explained.Spence sighed and nodded before giving a verbal reply
"Okay deal"
"Well the only other people who know this because its on my file is JJ and Hotch is that when I was 15 I tried to kill myself".Amelia spoke slowly but as soon as the last two words left her lips Spencers head jerked up to look at her.All he wanted to do was pull her in to a bone crushing hug and ramble on about how much she meant to him and beg her never to try that again but he let her continue.
"I just hated myself so much.I took everything for granted ,I was rude ,horrible ,selfish ,pathetic and a disgusting waste of space.I told myself with every breath I took I thought that everyone would be better off without me here.I dealt with social anxiety as well thats why I found the idea of giving a profile or even siting in their with my friends terrifying so as you can imagine I beat myself up for that as well.Most of that hate wasn't even real it was all in my head but it got to me.So I swallowed a crap tons of pills from the medicine cabinet and before I knew it I was waking up in a hospital bed calling the doctors assholes for saving me.I got better I took some time but I got there ,I still get the occasional burst of anxiety or depression though as you've witnessed.I don't tell people not because of shame or relapsing feelings ,I don't want that event to define me as a person y'know.I don't want that to be the only thing anyone saw when they look at me".Once she finished Spencer couldn't find the words ,well maybe except one.
"Schizophrenia"He said aloud ,almost spitting the word out in hatred and Amelia gave him a confused look.He cleared his throat before speaking
"My mother is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The illness can be passed down and you start to show symptoms around about my age ,one of them is severe head aches.Amy if this is schizophrenia I lose everything my job ,my friends all of it"
"Have you been to see a doctor"She asked
"Seeing one on Monday after work"
"Are you showing any other signs"
"No but-"
"Spencer don't jump to conclusions wait for the doctors input and no matter what happens we're going nowhere okay"Amelia reassured him.Pulling him in to a hug Amelia wrapped her arms around his neck ,Spencer body stiffening at first for a second but then his body relaxed in to hers burying his head in her neck.Her perfume smelled like vanilla and strawberries making a small smile crack on his lips for just a second
"Please don't ever feel like you have to do that again"he whispered in her ear before dropping his head down to her neck again
"I promise I wont ,thank you".Some silence passed before Spencer spoke again.
"I'm scared"Spencer mumbled making Amelia's heart drop ,seeing him so broken and terrified broke her heart.
"It's gonna be okay"She said in a soothing voice rubbing his back "Look at us a pair of lunatics on a bench ".Spencer let out a warm laugh to accompany her small chuckle.Suddenly Reid changed as he tensed up letting out a small whimper in to her neck.
"Is it happening again"She asked and he nodded.Amelia moved him so he sat up facing her with grimacing in pain and his hands fumbled about in his lap frantically
"It hurts so bad"He whimpered
"I know don't worry this will help"she replied.Spencer was bout to ask what she was going to do then he felt her soft hands on either side of his face.Rubbing his temples slowly Amelia watching as Spencers hand stilled and his facial expression changed in to a more relaxed one.Letting out a quiet 'hmm' Spencer leaned in to her touch and smiled
"Y'know I remember a lot about you too"He said referring to their earlier conversation.
"Shh Spencer for once try not to think okay"She giggled but he didn't listen
"Your name is Amelia Brooks you grew up in Las Vegas, Your parents are still together and you have a brother Andrew who lives in Manhatten ,New York with his wife working as an architect. You love to read so much so I'm pretty sure you'd consider it more important than breathing.You've written story before which I'd love to read some day.You hate tuna fish with a passion ,you have a tiny lisp and small dimples although the one on the left is more defined than the other.You're short height is something I often pick on but only because its so cute and you're the most beautiful girl in the world to me".Spencers deep brown eyes were open now and looking in to Amelia's as she blushed a deep shade of red.Repeating the same actions as in the coffee room they both leaned in to each other but this time there was no interruptions when their lips pressed against each-others. Simultaneously they both took a sharp intake of breath before moving their lips in perfect sync.Amelias hands had moved down to Spencer's neck as his hands wrapped around her small waist pulling her in closer.Fireworks went of inside their heads and they never wanted this moment to end but unfortunately it had to .Pulling away the couple still rested their foreheads against each-others as Spencer stole a few more pecks making Amelia giggle
"Although I'd really love to keep doing this all night they're going to wonder where we are"Amelia pointed out and Spencer groaned sticking out his lower lip pouting like a child.Laughing Amelia kissed him one last time ,holding on to his lips for longer than she expected before standing up holding out her hand.Following suit Spencer took her hand and stood up pulling her in to a hug.Resting her head on his chest she heard his heart beat thumping inside his chest at a fast rate.Spencer rested his chin on the top of her head and grinned
"Your heart beat is so fast"Amelia thought aloud
"Take a wild guess as to why that is"He smiled as he could feel her own cheeks rising against his chest.
"Do you want to um get some coffee with me at lunch t-tomorrow"Spence stumbled ,even after he kissed her the prospect of asking someone out still racked him with nerves
"I'd Love too"she replied kissing his cheek before walking back in to bar.Trying not to look to happy and ecstatic Spencer walked as calmly as he could back in to the bar.Through out the evening they carried on has normal yet they still exchanged stolen glances and rosy cheeks