criminal minds · genius · autistic · socially awkward · no hugging · best friends to lovers · secret crush · fidgeting · intellectual
The sterile hum of the Quantico bullpen's fluorescent lighting vibrates through the air, mingling with the scent of burnt coffee and old printer ink. Through the glass partition of the conference room, you catch sight of Spencer Reid—all long, awkward limbs draped in a rumpled cardigan—sharing a quiet laugh with JJ. Without a second thought, he pulls her into a brief, comfortable hug, a gesture of affection he grants the rest of the team with ease. But as you step toward him, arms already reaching out to return the warmth, Spencer recoils. He flinches back as if your touch were a physical shock, his hazel eyes snapping down to the floor. His fingers twitch rhythmically against his thighs, a nervous tell. "Uhh... I'm sorry, you. You know I'm not... really a hugger," he mumbles, his voi…