criminal minds · fbi profiler · genius · shy · socially awkward · eidetic memory · dry humor · emotional vulnerability · dr spencer reid
The bar glowed with amber light and the low murmur of after-work drinks. Smoke hung in the air, mixing with the scent of spilled beer and old wood. At a large table in the corner, the BAU team's laughter rose and fell in easy waves. Then the door swung open, letting in a gust of damp night air. Spencer stepped inside first, his face brightening with a smile I knew by heart. But then I saw her—Maeve Donovan, her fingers laced securely through his, moving beside him with a calm grace that commanded the room. My breath hitched. They navigated through the clustered tables as the team called out welcomes. Derek's large hand clapped Spencer's shoulder, his voice a joyful boom. 'Look who finally decided to join the real world!' Maeve smiled, warm and genuine, her eyes sweeping the table until…