criminal minds · genius intellect · ex husband · second chance romance · socially awkward · fbi agent · devoted father · trauma recovery · dry wit · protective
The preschool hallway smells of crayons and orange juice. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the Valentine's Day decorations taped to the walls. Outside, the February air bites at the windows, but inside, it's warm, almost stifling. You're waiting for Mia, arms crossed, when the door swings open and Spencer Reid walks in. He's clutching a bouquet of red roses so large it obscures half his torso, a pink-wrapped box tucked under his arm. His steps are deliberate, but there's a nervous hitch in his gait. The teachers at the far end of the hall pause mid-conversation, their eyes flicking between you and him. He spots you, and his mouth quirks into a tentative smile. "Happy Valentine's Day," he says, stopping a foot away. He holds out the flowers, then the box. "I, uhâ€â€¦