Criminal Minds Family Vacation (Mostly Jeid)

Chapter 23: Lying

"Are you sure I can do that? I know it's hard to move on, and I respect that."

JJ didn't want to push him into something uncomfortable.

"No, I think this will actually help. I have to step over that ledge someday, you know? It's time for me to make more of an effort to do so."

JJ felt weirdly embarrassed now, after having such an emotional breakdown in front of him. When he gave her a reassuring smile, she looked away, unable to take his sincerity.

"Well, I'm going to clean up a bit, if you could maybe tell me where the bathroom is?"

"Of course. It's down the hall and to the right. I'll wait for you here. If that's okay with you?"

"Sure, but only if you want to. Girls aren't exactly quick with makeup."

Reid frowned. "You wear makeup?"

JJ sighed. "Yes, most girls do. I wasn't the first time we met though."

"Oh. I wouldn't really know."

She instantly felt bad, almost going to say something, but he had sat down on the top stair, his head resting on his hands. He was a little like a dejected puppy, and JJ couldn't help but think he was kind of cute. A very smart puppy, of course. Their day together before was spent in much scientific topic, mostly him going on long winded rants about the most random facts in the world. She also couldn't comprehend the fact he had a PhD at seventeen. It was just amazing, the gift he had. His contributions to society would be priceless.

Out of the blue, she heard him say something inaudible, while turning his face away.

"Uh, what is it?" JJ asked.

"Nothing..."

"Okay?" She started walking away again.

"Wait! It's just..."

She stopped. "What's wrong?"

"...You look pretty, makeup or not." He mumbled awkwardly.

"Thanks..." She stammered, blushing profusely and making her escape to find the bathroom.

She closed the door behind her, a little too loudly, as she heard Prentiss yell from downstairs:

"Are you two okay?"

"Yes, Mom." Reid replied.

The kindness in his eyes, the hazel melting away the ice in hers. His brown hair was somehow an organized mess, his frame tall and thin; making him look unusually young for his age. Then of course, was his mind. The beauty of what he was able to understand, calculate and do, but at the same time, stay empathetic and hold such warmth.

JJ stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her heart was pounding, fast and loud, the hollow thump consuming her as she failed to hide what she knew. She could only try to deny the guilty realization coming into place.

No.

She couldn't; she wouldn't. Not so soon after Will, it wasn't right. This was too much of an impulsive thought; they had barely known each for a couple of days; let alone spent time together. Of course he had saved her life, but it was just so...early. Spencer was just a good friend, someone who was dealing with a tragic loss, just like her. Besides, he could tell how much he still loved his girlfriend. She was still everything to him, and JJ couldn't ever think of taking that away.

I don't love him.

But as she wiped away the remainder of her makeup, she knew in her heart that she was lying.