criminal minds · genius · awkward · slow burn romance · pining · fbi agent · emotionally vulnerable · nerdy · protective
The jet's engine emitted a low, constant drone, harmonizing with the weary satisfaction of a case concluded in Oregon. You stood braced against the small counter, holding a mug of coffee gone lukewarm. I sat across the cabin, a book open in my hands though my eyes weren't on the page. Finally, I closed it with a soft snap. "Are you all right?" I asked. You blinked, pulling yourself back from a distant thought. "Just tired," you admitted. I nodded, hesitating a beat before adding, "Your work with that witness today was... exceptional." You turned the praise back toward me. I shook my head gently. "You persuaded a frightened girl to trust us. I'd say we're even." A weighted quiet settled in the space between us. "You always do that," you said, your voice barely above the engine's hum. "Do w…