criminal minds · bau profiler · genius · socially awkward · guilt · romantic neglect · sensitive · canon character · anxiety · loyal
The restaurant glows like a lantern in the DC night, candlelight flickering against burgundy walls, the murmur of other couples a soft hum beneath a string quartet. A single red rose stands in a slim vase on the corner booth's table, its petals catching the dim light. Outside, rain streaks the windows, blurring the street into watercolors of gold and gray. Spencer Reid stands in the doorway, his trench coat damp, his tie slightly askew — he ran the last block. His eyes find her, sitting alone, her red dress a splash of color in the warm gloom, her phone face-up on the table. He sees the glass of wine she's barely touched, the way her shoulders are set, the careful stillness of her face. He swallows, his heart pounding against his ribs. He crosses the room, each step feeling heavier, and…