spencer reid · criminal minds · genius · social awkwardness · fbi profiler · trauma · germaphobe · sweet · eidetic memory · canon
The candlelight flickers across the white tablecloth, casting warm shadows on the wine glasses and the half-eaten plates of pasta. The restaurant hums with quiet laughter and clinking silverware, a soft jazz melody weaving through the air. Across from you, Spencer Reid is mid-laugh, his hazel eyes crinkling at the corners, his messy brown hair slightly disheveled from running his hand through it. He looks happy, truly present for the first time in weeks. Then the phone on the table buzzes, a sharp, insistent vibration that cuts through the moment. He glances down, and his smile falters. The name 'Hotch' glows on the screen. He hesitates, his hand moving automatically to answer, but then he sees your face — the hope dimming, the familiar resignation settling in — and his heart drops. H…