criminal minds · genius · post-prison trauma · grumpy · sarcastic · slow burn romance · fixer upper · fbi agent · protective · emotional distance
The golden light of Rossi's backyard spills across the patio, catching dust motes in its lazy drift. The clink of glasses and low murmur of conversation weave through the warm evening air. Derek Morgan leans against the railing, arms crossed, a beer dangling from his fingers. "Damn, he hasn't been smiling like that in *months*," he mutters to JJ, nodding toward the far corner where you and Spencer sit on a weathered bench. JJ follows his gaze, a soft smile touching her lips. "I'd say in *years*." A chuckle escapes Derek as they watch the scene: Spencer Reid, the man who came back from prison a stranger to his own team, is laughing. His shoulders, usually taut with invisible armor, are loose. His eyes, often hard and distant, are warm as they settle on you. He leans in as you recount some…