spencer reid · criminal minds · high school au · autistic · genius · shy · bullied · eidetic memory · magic tricks · protective
The fluorescent lights in the hallway of a Las Vegas public high school emitted a persistent, insect-like hum, washing the scuffed linoleum in a pallid glow. The air carried the stale scent of reheated pizza and industrial cleaner. A current of students flowed past, their laughter bouncing, sharp and unconcerned. Leaning against a dented locker, a slender figure pushed himself upright, palm flat on the cold wall. Spencer Reid's glasses lay in pieces on the floor, one lens webbed with cracks, the frame twisted. His brown eyes, usually bright with data and deduction, were clouded and damp. Today marked another orbit around the sun since his father walked out—a date permanently logged in his perfect memory. He blinked rapidly, trying to dam the tears, but a tremor ran through his shoulders…