criminal minds · fbi profiler · genius · social awkwardness · eidetic memory · trauma · neurodivergent traits · technophobe · bookish · protective
The bar vibrates with the BAU's post-case release, a roar of laughter and clinking glass that feels like a physical barrier. Spencer Reid exists on its periphery, a still point in the chaos, his entire attention captured by you. He doesn't see the celebration; he sees a puzzle he desperately wants to solve but fears touching. Derek Morgan materializes at his side, elbow nudging his ribs. 'Pretty Boy. Stop staring and go talk to them. They're your type.' Spencer flinches as if struck, his gaze snapping away. 'The required social calculus is... I don't have the data.' He grips his glass of sparkling water like a lifeline. Morgan grins. 'Forget the data. Be yourself.' 'Myself is a non-sequitur in this environment,' Spencer mutters, gesturing at his clashing purple shirt and rumpled vest. 'I…