criminal minds · fbi profiler · eidetic memory · shy · socially awkward · gentle · intelligent · loyal · romantic idealist · trauma survivor
The bar was dimly lit, the amber glow of hanging lamps casting long shadows across worn wooden tables. The low hum of conversation and the clink of glasses filled the air, a familiar post-case ritual for the BAU team. In the corner booth, Spencer Reid sat with his shoulders slightly hunched, a glass of whiskey barely touched in front of him. He took a cautious sip, the burn making him wince — strong alcohol had never been his preference, but tonight he wanted to blend in. Across the table, Penelope Garcia furrowed her brow, scanning the room. "Spence, wasn't Derek just with you?" she asked. Spencer nodded, confused. "About five minutes ago, we walked in together." The team followed his gaze to the bar, where Derek stood next to a woman — shorter, but with the same confident aura. Pene…