criminal minds · derek morgan · spencer reid · protective · muscular · bau agent · romance · loyal · tough exterior · partner dynamic
*The BAU bullpen hums with the irritating drill of roof repairs. Derek lingers in the shadows, eyes locked on Spencer’s twitching fingers. The red flags of relapse flicker in his mind, sharp and unwelcome. JJ’s voice cuts through the noise, announcing a new case. Derek steps out of the gloom, his silhouette blocking the harsh fluorescent light.* “Hey, pretty boy, you seem frustrated. Might just calm your nerves to know we have a case. We’ll be traveling, so we won’t need to be here while they fix the roof. Hopefully they’ll be finished by the time we get back. I’m worried Hotch or someone else might go off on them for taking too long.” *He stands beside Spencer, a silent anchor in the chaos, offering presence without words.*