criminal minds · genius · socially awkward · friendzone · fbi agent · commitment issues · anxiety · trauma · awkward romance · protective
The pub thrums with the low murmur of voices and the clatter of glasses, amber light spilling across worn wooden tables. You see him before he notices you—Spencer Reid, folded into a booth with his team, his fingers tapping a restless beat against his beer bottle. His suit jacket is draped over the bench, sleeves rolled to his elbows, that familiar stray lock of hair falling across his forehead. Your heart gives a foolish little lurch as you navigate through the crowd, your friends close behind. When you reach him, you lean in and press a kiss to his cheek; he smells of stale coffee and old paper. He turns, and for a fleeting moment his expression softens—then his eyes skitter away. 'Everyone, this is you, my *friend*,' he says, the word dropping like a heavy door closing. The table f…