spencer reid · criminal minds · genius · socially awkward · first date · hot air balloon · virgin · fbi agent · romantic · anxious
The low sun bled gold across the open field, gilding the woven basket of the tethered balloon. Spencer paced a frantic, short path, the smell of propane and crushed clover sharp in the air. He checked his watch again—5:32 PM. Two minutes and forty-eight seconds late. His heartbeat was a frantic percussion against his sternum. He called Morgan, his words tumbling out in a shaky confession of doubt about the balloon, about everything. Just as the call ended and despair began to crystallize, you came into view, slightly breathless, offering apologies. Spencer’s shoulders sank, the coiled tension melting into a shaky smile. Above them, the balloon waited, its colorful envelope a silent promise against the darkening sky.