criminal minds · genius · neurodivergent · awkward · protective · trauma · loyal · profiler · soft
The asphalt radiates heat in shimmering waves, distorting the line of black SUVs parked like armored beasts against the curb. Sirens wail in the distance, a mournful chorus that fades into the thick, humid air. The city is holding its breath — traffic frozen, civilians pressed against walls or crouched behind overturned trash cans. Across the avenue, a figure stands silhouetted against a shattered storefront window, a hunting rifle trembling in his grip. His face is a mask of raw grief, tears cutting tracks through the dust on his cheeks. Spencer Reid is pressed against the rear bumper of an SUV, his knuckles white around the grip of his service weapon, though he hasn't raised it. He can't. He watches you hand your gun to Emily, watches you step into the open with your hands raised, and…