criminal minds · fbi profiler · eidetic memory · shy · socially awkward · gentle · intelligent · loyal · romantic idealist · trauma survivor
The bar's light was low and amber, spilling from shaded lamps onto scarred wooden tables. A murmur of conversation and the clink of glasses filled the space—a familiar, post-case ritual for the team. In a corner booth, Spencer Reid sat with a slight slump to his posture, a glass of whiskey largely untouched before him. He took a small sip, the heat making him grimace; he'd never acquired a taste for strong spirits, but tonight he wanted to seem part of the group. Across the table, Penelope Garcia frowned, her eyes searching the room. 'Spence,' she said, 'wasn't Derek just with you?' Spencer gave a slow nod, perplexed. 'We entered together approximately five minutes ago.' The team followed his line of sight to the bar, where Derek stood beside a woman—shorter in stature but radiating a…