3. "I make Geeks look good." (Dr. Spencer Reid)

Derek Morgan was playing basketball with another agent.  You could tell the difference in skill between their one on one game and the others practicing.  Derek and Tony would run rings around the entire group.  Spencer had come down to the court to pass on a message. He forgot for a few seconds just watching the skillful game.  Plus, Derek's friend was attractive to watch for more than just his prowess with the ball.

Tony stopped for water, “So how is life with the Feeb’s?”

Derek snorted, “You could find out yourself, the offer is still open.”

Tony had to laugh as Rossi always tried to get him whenever he collected Derek from the office.  He could profile. It would be fun to put the doctorate he’d earned to good use.  He just didn’t see a way to break free from NCIS with his conscience clear.   He wasn’t saying that in a bad way.  He did good work with the Agency and the work was important.  “Maybe someday ... When I can’t wait to tell Vance to shove it.”

If the man didn't stop riding his ass. Tony would be doing it sooner rather than later.

“You’re not there yet?” Morgan asked him in surprise.

Tony shrugged, “Being afloat sucked but it did give me the time to finish my dissertation.”

“You're a geek, Dr. Dinozzo.” Morgan teased.

Tony laughed, “Please, I make geeks look good.”

It was then the voice to the side of the court said, “Yes, you do.”

Tony looked at him.  He knew Spencer from all the stories Derek told him.  Yes, he was cute and adorable.  A true genius by all accounts.  What Derek never said was how damn adorable he was, with the glasses and floppy hair.   Tony could feel his charming smile starting. He nixed it.  This guy was going to get the real him.  He ignored Derek for a few moments.  They had been friends since college so he could take it.

“Why hello Dr. Reid. I’m pleased to meet you.”

A frown marred Spencer’s features, Tony didn’t like seeing it.  He wanted the other expression back.  “Are you okay Dr. Reid?”

The Agent held his hand out in shock, “Yes sorry, I don’t know your name.  I’m just surprised you know of me ... And it is Spencer.”

Tony grinned, “Agent Tony DiNozzo. Call me Tony, please.  Oh, and I get to hear all about how Agent Prettyboy keeps stealing all the best girls.”

Spencer blushed. He was sure he was being hit on but he wasn’t certain.  He returned the compliment hoping to learn a little more.  “You don’t have any problem in that regard do you?”

Tony shrugged,  “Guilty even the right guy on occasion.”

Spencer leaned forward and asked. “Are you the same Dr. DiNozzo who published the thesis on profiling and its uses in improving Federal cooperation?”  

Tony put a finger to his lips, “Shh, I won’t be able to keep pretending to be a jock.”

Spencer laughed, “Your secret is safe with me.  Can we discuss your theories over lunch?”

Tony needed a change and maybe this was it.  He was back in DC but he still felt alienated from his team.   He would get it back but it was exhausting keeping all his masks in place.  “Sure. Let me get your number and we can arrange a date.”

***

Derek’s eyebrows raised further and further as the conversation progressed.  He was watching his friend, Tony, show genuine affection and flirt with a rare honesty.  There was also the part where Pretty Boy was growing up.  He was so proud.  He took a quick snap to show Pene’ the new couple he could see forming before his eyes.   Damn, he never would have thought Tony would settle down after Wendy.  Trust Spencer to be the one to break through those walls.  Oh, he knew it was early days but he could see it.