Erm, Hello! This is my first attempt at writing in the Criminal Minds fandom. I'm a fan, have been for a few years now, just haven't ever had the guts to post...but I've decided, why not? Feel free to tell me if I should continue or abandon ship! I'm open for all sorts of feedback.

I've attempted to delete all mishaps, it's the English Major in me. If some have been overlooked, tell me and I'll correct them. Apologies if there are.

I own nothing.

"I cannot believe I let you talk me into wearing this outfit today. Do you know how many people have commented my bum since we left your apartment this morning? Twenty-five, and that's not counting the additional thirty-six that have spared a second glance at it!"

"Relax and enjoy the attention, lord knows you don't even realize when you're in your normal garb. Live a little."

I narrowed my eyes at my long time friend. I envied him his carefree notions from time to time. His ability to not remember everything that's happened in his life—I've tried to forget, more times than I wish to remember.

"Spencer, Spencer, Spen—"

"Don't you Spencer me Ethan! Majority of these people probably assume we're a couple just because we're dressed rather similarly and you're standing in my personal space, occasionally touching my—don't do it on purpose! Don't give them more reason to believe we're a couple. Because of my messenger bag they probably assume I'm the bottom."

"Relax man, I'll tell the kid at the counter you're my cousin; he's been making eyes at you since we walked through the door. Or would brother be more believable?"

My eyes immediately went to the counter, we were four people from ordering and I was momentarily frozen with the guy at the register. His gaze was meeting the customer he was currently taking an order from, but it was the smile that distracted me. It was beautiful, if only due to my inability to find another fitting word.

"I knew I shouldn't have said anything, besides, he's a kid, as in illegal. I'm pretty sure of it. He's not in here during the week when I come in."

I waved off his words, still staring down the kid, taking in his dark complexion, one that would compliment my rather pale one magnificently—oh bother, kid. Ethan said kid, as in still in high school.

"Don't remind me, JJ talked me into subbing for her classes while she's out on maternity leave. I actually told her I'd come in tomorrow to meet her classes."

I smiled as my gaze met Ethan's surprised one and stepped ahead as another customer's order was filled and they made their way to an unoccupied table.

"She teaches high school English Spencer, as in students who are pract—"

"I know how old they are in relation to my own age, the burden of genius I suppose. Besides, only JJ and Ms. Straus know the truth."

He raised an eyebrow then lowered his voice.

"Are you going to be okay though? I mean, I recall stories; they weren't pleasant."

I nodded as I stepped up to the counter, in full view of the boy who was apparently making eyes at me; honestly though, to complain would be a terrible action. Kid or not, he's beautiful.

"What can I get for you gentlemen today?"

Ethan's hand fell on my shoulder and he spoke up before I could open my mouth.

"Doc here will have the largest cup of coffee you have with your entire stock of sugar, and I'll have a large cup, black."

I felt myself flush and dug in my bag for the five I keep on hand for coffee 'dates' with Ethan. The kid chuckled as he took our money and then asked for our names. Ethan told him 'Doc,' and that I'd be the one waiting while he went to find a table.

"Doc? That a joke or something? Or what you want to be, or are?"

I noticed the slight hesitance in his voice. I cleared my throat—I could do this, small talk with someone obviously out of my league, age be damned.

"Eh, no, I actually have two doctorates and am currently working on my second Masters."

"So you're like a genius or something?"

"Or something."

We smiled as he handed me the cups of coffee and if our fingers touched briefly, neither of us made it obvious.

"Well Doc, here's your order, there's extra sugar on the tables, I'm going to let you put in however much you want. Come back again."

"Thanks."

I offered another small smile before turning around searching out Ethan who, from his expression, knew had been watching the entire interaction with far too much enthusiasm; probably too much presumption as well. His smirk grew as I approached him.

"When's the first date? Did you even get his name?"

"Shut up!"**