Idk if your reqs are open but if they are I lowkey need a tooth rotting fluffy Spencer proposal fic! Literally all the details are down to you all I ask is that spencer is the one doing the proposing and that it is as fluffy as possible!
Thank youuuuuu
-spencerscardigan
hello thank you for the request!!
i did write this one a while ago where spencer proposes to reader!! i hope this is what you were wanting haha
this might be controversial but i have been thinking heavy about married!reader having an affair w spencer and i feel like i could make it like a miniseriesโฆ..
like i know its SOOO unspencer but like i have a vision trust
hi! Are the Spencer x nurse reader one-shots considered finished? thank you!
heyyy wait this ask made my heart so happy ๐ฅน
i was going to leave them as is just because i didnโt have any other ideas for what to do with them right now! however i LOOOOVE nurse!reader so if you guys had any ideas/followups you might be interested in i might be down to write some more!!
thinking ab spencer reid fucking the attitude out of you but hear me out. like not mean. not punishing. not โbratting gets corrected.โ
i mean him realizing youโre cranky/frustrated/restless and instead of escalating it he gets SO soft and sweet about it. like heโs kissing your neck, rubbing your sides, coaxing you into his lap, talking to you all low and gentle while you slowly melt in his hands.
very โhey, heyโฆ is this what was wrong? you just needed a little attention, huh baby?โ
and heโs soooo condescending about it but in the sweetest way possible ๐ญ like heโs talking to you the way youโd soothe somebody after a bad day while simultaneously absolutely ruining you.
just guiding you to the bedroom all calm and certain like โcome here for me,โ โthatโs better, huh?โ โlie back for me, angel, iโve got you.โ
not rough enough to scare you into behaving. just sweet enough to melt the attitude straight out of you
(LIKE OBVIOUSLY CONSENSUAL AND NOT INA. WAY LIKE HES TRYING TO PLACATE YOU WITH SEX. but like he knows thats WHY youโre frustrated so he just. takes care of it)
a/n: this has taken me so long omg im so sorry. i keep feeling like im not doing these reqs justice bc im trying to keep them from being super repetitive but i hope you enjoy my twist on it!! your receipt is at the bottom!!
summary: you and spencer have it bad for each other, unbeknownst to the other. however, after spencerโs kidnapping, he hasnโt been the same, and you want to fix it.
content warnings: s2!spencer reid x bau!reader, lots of talk about tobias hankel/revelations, addiction, drug use, also mentions of alcohol/drinking, elle is here for one(1) line, maybe out of character spence i feel like i donโt write early seasons spence well im sorry
Spencer Reid had never been very good at asking for help.
In all twenty-five years of his life, he had learned to bottle things up. His dad wasnโt around, and his mom was too disoriented half the time to realize if he was there or not. He didnโt really have any friends growing up, trending much younger than his peers.
So, he bottled.
It carried over into his adult life. After being recruited for the BAU, he saw horrible things on a daily basis. He learned not to let it bother him. He learned to swallow it down like a sour lump in his throat and let it eat him from the inside without ever even realizing.
He didnโt need to talk to anyone. Why would he? You all saw these types of things regularly. It was part of the job description.
But twenty-four was awfully young to be exposed to so much tragedy with no outlet.
And twenty-five was even younger to become part of the tragedy.
You liked Spencer. He had followed Gideon back to the BAU almost two years ago now, and he was the most brilliant person you had ever met. His constant fact-spouting, the way he fiddled with his hands, his glasses forever sliding down his nose entranced you beyond belief.
Despite your best attempts, you felt extremely obvious. You leaned into him, laughed too hard at his jokes, listened too intently when he spoke about nothing at all. It had almost killed you when he asked JJ to accompany him to a baseball game.
โLikeโฆ just the two of you?โ You had tried to respond casually to JJ as she held up the tickets.
โOh, no. I invited Garcia.โ She laughed. Then her face dropped, eyebrows knitting together. โOh.โ
You had huffed a laugh and moved on with your day, trying desperately to stomach the fact he had tried to ask someone else on the team on a date. Clearly, he didnโt share the same interest in you as you did in him.
Except Spencer was, unfortunately, extremely aware of you.
Painfully aware, actually.
Aware enough that he knew the sound of your footsteps apart from anyone elseโs. Knew the way you tilted your head when you were thinking. Knew the smell of your favorite perfume.
He also knew he had absolutely no business liking you.
Not when you were so competent and capable and loved by the team, and he couldnโt get out a sentence half the time without stumbling over his words. He missed social cues. He slicked down his hair because he couldnโt figure out how to style his curls. He was awkward, everyoneโs nerdy little brother.
So he did what he did best, as usual.
Over the next year, the two of you were painfully obvious to everyone except yourselves.
โSoโฆ whatโs his deal?โ You asked the girls one night as you sat at the bar for post-case drinks.
โWhat, outside of being the worldโs biggest dork?โ Elle snorted, sipping her drink.
โJust, you know, is he, likeโฆโ You gestured vaguelyโโฆdating anyone?โ
โOoh, I think somebody has a crush!โ Garcia grinned.
โWhat? No.โ Your cheeks burned, your eyes fixating on the liquid swirling in your drink. โHeโs justโฆ private, is all.โ
โOr thereโs just nothing to talk about.โ JJ shrugged.
You let the subject die as Garcia quickly moved on to another topic of conversation, wistfully watching your ice cubes clink together. Maybe your next one should just come in a bottle.
Well, speaking of bottles.
Spencer was only slightly less obvious about his interest in you. At least, he certainly wasnโt the one to bring it up. It was only about the fifth time that day that Morgan caught him giving you doe eyes behind his glasses that he finally called him on it.
โReid.โ Morgan said, leaning over in his chair.
Spencer startled, blinking rapidly. โYeah?โ
โDude, why donโt you just ask her out?โ
Spencer pursed his lips, eyebrows raised. โI have no idea what youโre talking about.โ
Morgan scoffed. โYouโre seriously gonna play that game with me right now? Youโre practically drooling.โ
โAm not.โ Spencer replied defensively.
โFace it, pretty boy.โ Derek smiled, patting him on the shoulder as he stood. โYouโre down bad.โ
Spencer frowned as he walked away. Down bad. That was one way to put it.
Derekโs words seemed to linger in his head over the next few weeks. Just ask her out. As if it were that simple.
And maybe he wouldโve.
If it wasnโt for Tobias Hankel.
If it wasnโt for the needle in his arm. Or the torture. Or being forced to dig his own grave.
If it wasnโt for Hankel being right about the dilaudid making it better.
It was like all the overwhelming thoughts, statistics, analysis, assessment, anxiety, justโฆ shut up, for a while. It was quiet.
God, it was quiet.
You noticed Spencer was different after Hankel. How could you not? He had been tortured, beaten, drugged, forced to choose who lived and died. That would take a toll on anyone.
You certainly didnโt suspect addiction. Not at first. You thought maybe he was depressed, certainly traumatized.
You felt so terrible for him. He didnโt smile as much anymore, didnโt crack jokes or engage in conversation as vividly as before. His fingernails grew long. The bags under his eyes grew darker. You just wanted him to feel better.
So, one Saturday morning, you found yourself at the door of his apartment with a box of chocolate sprinkle donuts in hand.
He opened the door, rubbing his eyes blearily.
โHello?โ He asked, voice scratchy with sleep.
โSpence, itโs like, ten.โ You replied, eyebrows furrowing. โDid I wake you up?โ
โNo, no, Iโm fine. Whatโs up?โ
You sheepishly extended the donuts. โI brought you these. I know chocolate sprinkle is your favorite.โ
His mouth twitched into a strange sort of half-frown, half-smile as he accepted the box. โWow, thanks.โ
He glanced over his shoulder into his apartment. You followed his gaze.
It was a wreck. Books scattered everywhere, empty takeout containers piled up by the trash can, clothes strewn about haphazardly.
โSpenceโฆโ You tilted your head before finally asking. โIs everything okay?โ
โYeah, Iโm fine.โ He replied quickly.
Your lips pressed into a thin line. You thought about not pushing it. Depression is a hard thing, and you knew that. You didnโt want to press if he didnโt want to tell you.
But, more than anything, he was your friend, maybe even family. And right now, he was drowning silently right in front of you.
โCan I come in?โ You asked gently after a moment of silence.
โI donโtโโ
โPlease?โ
That stopped him. He hesitated for a second more before sighing and stepping back, opening the door.
It was worse inside. For a germaphobe like Spencer, it was extremely out of character. You mentally appreciated your years of profiler training that allowed you to keep a straight face.
Spencer gingerly sat the box of donuts down, shoulders tense like he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
You didnโt say anything at first. Instead, you slowly reached for one of the empty containers and put it in the trash.
โYou donโt have to do that.โ Spencer said, voice thin.
โI know.โ You said softly, continuing on to the next.
After watching you silently for a while, he gingerly moved to join you, putting books away on the shelves, washing dirty dishes.
The two of you moved in a quiet dance for a while until the apartment looked, at the very least, manageable.
He sat down on the couch, eyes distant. You brought the box of donuts over and set them on the coffee table before taking a seat beside him.
You nudged him gently, smiling. โYโknow, statistically, having a clean environment can boost mental health.โ
He huffed out a laugh at that, lips hardly curving upward, before settling around a heavy exhale.
And for once, Spencer Reid didnโt bottle it up.
โIโฆโ He paused, eyes shining. โIโm really struggling.โ
Your chest constricted at the sound of his voice, thin and unsteady in a way you had never heard before.
โYou donโt have to do it alone,โ you said softly.
Spencer swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as he stared down at his hands. They trembled faintly in his lap, fingers twitching like he didnโt know what to do with them.
โI thought I could handle it,โ he murmured.
You didnโt interrupt.
โIt justโฆโ His voice faltered. He shook his head slightly, like he was frustrated with himself. โIt made everything quiet. For a little while.โ
Your breath caught.
Oh.
Spencer scrubbed a hand over his face, exhaling shakily. โI donโt feel like myself anymore,โ he whispered.
His shoulders folded inward, posture collapsing in on itself like he was trying to make himself smaller, less noticeable. A shaky breath left him, uneven and sharp.
You didnโt think. You just reached for him.
The second your hand touched his arm, he let out a quiet, broken soundโ something between a breath and a sob, like he had been holding it in for weeks and didnโt know how to stop anymore.
โOh, Spenceโฆโ you whispered.
And then he was crying. Silent tears slipping down his cheeks, his breathing uneven as his hands curled into fists in his lap like he was embarrassed to even be seen like this.
You shifted closer, wrapping your arms around him gently, pulling him into you.
He melted against you like something inside him had finally given out. His forehead pressed against your shoulder, breath hitching as quiet sobs shook through him.
You had imagined holding Spencer before, in quieter moments, softer daydreams you never let yourself linger in.
But never like this. Never when he was breaking apart in your arms.
โIโm so sorry,โ you murmured softly, tears threatening your own eyes.
โIโm scared,โ he admitted, voice barely audible.
You swallowed hard, tightening your arms around him.
โYou donโt have to be alone in it,โ you whispered.
He didnโt answer. Just stayed there, shoulders shaking quietly, breathing unevenly.
But for the first time since he had found himself on Tobias Hankelโs doorstep, he didnโt feel alone. For now, that was enough.
After a while, Spencerโs breathing slowed, though he didnโt pull away from you.
You werenโt sure how much time passed like thatโ minutes, maybe longerโ before he finally spoke again.
โHey,โ he murmured quietly.
You tilted your head slightly. โYeah?โ
There was a long pause, like he was choosing his words very, very carefully.
โWill youโฆโ He hesitated, fingers tightening faintly in your shirt. โWill you stay for a while?โ
Your eyes stung. Spencer Reidโ stubborn, independent, endlessly private Spencer Reidโ had just asked you not to leave.
โYeah,โ you said softly. โOf course.โ
He nodded weakly against your shoulder, eyes slipping shut again.
And you stayed.
Because somewhere along the way, caring about Spencer Reid had stopped feeling like a passing crush and started feeling like something much deeper. Something steadier.
Something that made your chest ache in the quietest, most terrifying way.
And when his hand shifted, fingers curling loosely around yours like he needed to make sure you were still there, you didnโt pull away.
For the first time in weeks, Spencer Reid fell asleep without fear clawing at the edges of his mind.
And for the first time in just as long, you saw a glimpse of the Spencer you knew before that horrible case.
Heyyy, I'd love a latte with hazelnut/coconut drizzle (one or both, whatever you decide) and whipped cream!
Maybe one where reader is Garcia's childhood best friend and they end up traveling near her on a case? And Spencer notices how pretty she is and yadda yadda kissy kissy
Also I did see your most recent post, take your sweet time I'm in absolutely no rush, I'll probably forget about this the second I send it anyway <3
a/n: wowwww the way this absolutely wrote itself. I LOVED THIS REQUEST!!! seriously this was the fastest iโve ever written a fic before. ty for the req i hope you love!! receipt is at the bottom!!
summary: spencer meets garciaโs childhood best friend and promptly forgets how to act like a normal human being. between phone calls and sneaking around, what starts as a crush turns into something a lot harder to keep hidden.
content warnings: spencer reid x fem!reader, lots and lots of smooching, slightly suggestive moments if u squint real real hard, otherwise just disgustingly tooth-rotting fluff
The case wrapped up clean.
The unsub had been apprehended with no further casualties, hostages rescued. The team had made it back to the precinct, packing up their things as they prepared to leave.
โOkay, now that weโve got the bad guy and all of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things are over, I have one tiny request.โ Garcia announced to the team.
Hotch glanced over his shoulder as he zipped up his go-bag. โWhatโs that?โ
โCould we please stay for dinner?โ She asked, eyebrows raised hopefully. โMy best friend growing up lives right down the road from here, and I havenโt seen her in ages. Iโd love for her to meet all of you.โ
Hotch looked around, assessing the reactions of the team. The accomplishment of a job well done seemed to outweigh their tiredness as everyone shrugged and nodded.
Before long, Spencer was trailing behind the group as they strolled up to the restaurant. The air was starting cool as the sky dimmed, and the aroma wafting out the doors was making his mouth water.
โOh, hi!โ He heard Garcia exclaim suddenly. He couldnโt really see through the crowd of people, with the team and the patrons coming and going from the restaurant, so he shoved his hands in his pockets and waited his turn to be introduced.
โItโs so good to see you!โ Garcia chattered. โThese are the people Iโm always telling you about. This is Hotch, and Emily, and Rossi, Derek, JJ, andโโ she paused, peering over everyoneโs heads. โReid! Thereโs Reid, in the back.โ
He turned his head as everyone shuffled aside, creating an opening, and he pulled his hand out of his pocket to wave and thenโ
Oh. Oh, wow.
โHi.โ You smiled, and it almost knocked him off his feet.
He blinked, hand awkwardly half-raised before he reminded himself to look slightly less like a deer in headlights.
He straightened, clearing his throat. โHi.โ
You wereโฆ
For once, his brain actually ran out of words.
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning. Radiant. Breathtaking. Captivating. Alluring. None of them seemed to truly encapsulate you.
The group was soon ushered inside the restaurant and sat at a table. Conversation began to flow as you and Garcia caught up and you got to know the team.
โOh, you actually said that?โ Your jaw dropped as you looked at Emily.
โNot only did she say it, she said it in front of the entire Sacramento Police Department!โ JJ interjected, causing the table to burst into laughter.
Spencer couldnโt help but watch you as you threw your head back, shoulders shaking with laughter. Your laugh was infectious, he thought. He wanted to be the reason you laughed like that.
Wine and chatter flowed around the table as you dicussed JJโs children, Rossiโs career as an author, Derekโs most recent date.
He was mid-bite when you turned to him. โSo, Reid, what about you? I hear youโre the resident genius.โ
He nearly dropped his fork, chewing quickly. โUm, well, I guess you couldโโ he coughed, trying to swallow before continuing. โI mean, it depends how you classify โgenius.โ My IQ is statistically above average, I have an eidetic memory, and I read at an average speed ofโฆโ
He trailed off, noticing the rest of the table had gone silent. He cleared his throat. โUm, yes.โ
You nodded approvingly, eyebrows raised with a slight smile as the group chuckled.
The meal began wrapping up, plates slowly clearing and wine glasses emptying. Spencer watched you still as Garcia turned the conversation back to you, actively reminding himself not to stare.
โSo, tell me.โ Garcia said, leaning in to you. โAre you dating anyone?โ
Spencer felt like a puppy who had just heard the word โtreat.โ He stared hard at the tablecloth, trying not to seem invested in the answer.
โNo, not since that guy from the bank.โ You replied, smoothing your shirt.
โThank God. He was soโฆ average.โ Garcia answered. โYou could do so much better.โ
Someone accidentally nudged his shin under the table. He shifted, heart fluttering at the knowledge you werenโt involved with anyone. Not that he would ever do anything about it, but it was nice for the moment to not have to imagine you with anyone else.
Checks rolled out, everyone paid, and the group made their way to the door.
A chorus of goodbyes echoed across the group outside the restaurant. Garcia pulled you into a tight hug. โKeep in touch.โ
โOf course.โ You replied as you pulled back, looking to the rest of the group. โIt was so great meeting you guys.โ
The sentiment was returned and you waved, flashing that brilliant smile one more time. โHave a good flight!โ
You turned on your heel, and Spencer felt a pang in his chest at the thought of not seeing you again. Oh, well.
A hand grabbed his arm with a vengeance, and he turned to face the culprit.
โOw! Garcia, what are you doing?โ He pulled his arm from her grip, rubbing at the irritated skin.
โFor a genius, you really are acting like an idiot!โ She whispered. โGo get her number!โ
His eyebrows pulled together in confusion. โWhat?โ
โDid you not feel me kick you under the table when she said she was single?โ She asked, exasperated. โIโm setting you up! Go ask her for her number! Now!โ
She punctuated her demand with a little shove in your direction, and before he knew it, he was calling out.
โHey!โ
You turned around, already about fifteen feet away. โHey?โ
He glanced back over his shoulder briefly before half-jogging over to you.
He swallowed. โUm, I wanted to, uhโโ He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look up at you. โI wanted to ask if I could maybeโฆ get your number.โ
A smile twitched at the corner of your lips. โReally?โ
His heart dropped. โI mean, only if you want to. I justโ I think you are really nice, and pretty, andโโ
โYou think Iโm pretty?โ You interrupted softly.
He paused, meeting your shining eyes.
โYeah.โ He breathed. โI do.โ
You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, rustling through your bag. Spencer thought, briefly, that thereโd never been a time he so badly wanted to watch someone bite their lip like that in slow motion on repeat. He wanted to tattoo the image on the inside of his eyelids.
Chill out. He reprimanded himself as you handed him a napkin with your number scribbled on it.
โYou can call me.โ That smile turned his brain to static once more as you waved sheepishly, a rose tint coloring your cheeks in the dim light. โBye, Reid.โ
The whole interaction had him heckled mercilessly on the flight home, but he didnโt mind too much. The teasing was all worth it the second his gaze landed on that ink-stained piece of tissue.
He waited about three days to call you. He almost hung up on the fifth ring, convinced you wouldnโt answer, when your voice crackled through the speaker.
โHello?โ
โHi, hi. Um, itโs Spencer. Reid. Garciaโs friend?โ He sat up straighter, as though you could see him.
โOh, hey!โ He could hear your grin in your voice, and it made him smile reflexively. โHow are you? Read any good books lately?โ
โYeah! You know, I just re-read The Count of Monte Cristo in the original French. Itโs fascinating.โ He replied animatedly, settling back into his couch.
That first phone call lasted nearly forty-five minutes.
The second was nearly an hour.
Before long, he got in a routine of calling you ever other day, and then every day. Eventually, Spencer Reid, ever the technophobe, found himself texting you every chance he could. He even bought a used laptop so he could video chat with you on WhatsApp.
It wasnโt just your physical appearance. Spencer was attracted to so much more than that. Your kindness. Your humor. Your patience. Your laugh. Your intelligence.
You told him about your life, your family, your job. He eventually opened up to you about his mom, some of his trauma. And you listened to every word with heartfelt kindness.
After a few months of this, the man who relied so heavily on statistics felt that it was just dumb luck you actually gave him your number.
โSo, Iโve been thinkingโฆโ You said one night on a video call.
He raised his eyebrows at the screen. โYeah?โ
โWhat if I flew out and stayed with Pen for a weekend?โ You asked. โYou and I could actuallyโฆ you know, spend some time together. In person.โ
Spencer hesitated, turning the idea over in his mind.
It wasnโt that he didnโt want to see you. God, did he want to see you. Three months of only having you over a screen was slowly becoming torture. His dreams were becoming increasingly plagued with the idea of holding you, kissing youโฆ
He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.
โIโll take your silence as a no,โ you said jokingly, but he could hear the dejectedness in your tone.
โItโs not a no, itโs justโฆโ He paused. โHow are you going to keep it from Garcia if youโre staying with her? Wonโt she wonder where youโre going?โ
Privacy was very important to Spencer. He loved his teammates like family, but truthfully, he valued keeping your relationship between the two of you, at least for now. He wanted to navigate the idea of you without any outside influence or opinion.
Heโd had that conversation with you early on, given your relationship with Garcia, and you had been fine with it.
โI can make something up, give her a fake reason Iโm in town.โ You shrugged. โI just really want to see you, Spencer.โ
He felt a strange swell of pride in his chest at the thought. โI really want to see you, too.โ He replied softly.
A mischievous grin crossed your face. โBesides, it might be kinda fun. Sneaking around.โ
He fought a smile at the idea. โYeah? When would you fly out?โ
And so the plan was set in motion.
You texted Garcia not long after, saying you needed a place to stay for a weekend for your great-grandmotherโs funeral. She agreed, albeit her excitement dying a little at the addition of your need to spend time with family members in town, but you assured her you would reserve some time for her, too.
Sure, you felt a little bad about the lie, but it would have to do for now.
Two weeks later, Spencer was checking his phone every five minutes for a text signifying youโd landed.
Buzz.
He scrambled for it so quickly it was almost comical.
โin your city :)โ
He bit back a smile at the message before quickly typing his reply:
โSee you soon.โ
When four p.m. rolled around, Spencer found himself walking up to the park.
There you were.
Sitting on a wooden bench, people-watching. The afternoon sun was beating down on the world, but around you, it looked like a halo.
You. Real. Not on a screen for the first time in months. And this time, not as a stranger.
Your head turned at the sound of his footsteps, and you broke into another one of those steal-his-heart smiles.
โHi.โ You said, looking up.
โHi,โ he echoed, a little breathless.
He stepped closer as you stood, and then you were both right there.
You hesitated. He paused. Should he hug you? Was that too much too soon? He hadnโt had any sort of physical contact with you before, outside of your fingers brushing his when you gave him your number.
A small, nervous laugh from you. โI didnโt know if we were, umโโ you gestured.
โYeah, me neither.โ He huffed out a laugh. He took you in for another moment before asking, quietly, โCan I hug you?โ
โYes. Please.โ Your answer was immediate.
His arms enveloped you, and then you melted into him.
He exhaled slowly against the top of your head, nerves and tension melting away as he held you. Real and warm and solid against him, not just a memory and a voice through a speaker.
You pulled back just a bit, hand staying on his arm.
โI missed you,โ you breathed.
His eyes flicked down to your mouth before he could stop himself. โYeah, Iโ me too.โ
You gazed up at him, the corner of your mouth twitching. โYou can.โ
โI can what?โ He asked.
โKiss me.โ
โOh.โ He mentally chastised himself for being so obvious.
Then immediately mentally high-fived himself the second his lips touched yours.
The kiss was soft, and new. His hands came up to cradle your face, a little clumsily.
But somewhere, distantly, in the static that was currently filling his brain, he thought this must be nirvana. A state of perfect peace, liberation, and completion. This must be the glorious thing and the pinnacle that everyone dreams of acheiving.
He doesnโt know how long he stood by that bench, kissing you, but he knew that he would spend every waking second waiting for the next one.
The rest of the weekend feltโฆ unreal.
He took you to his favorite local coffee place. You perused the shelves of his frequented bookstore, fingers laced together. He showed you his apartment, which all too quickly felt like your little corner of home in an unfamiliar city.
And every once in a while, another kiss.
Maybe it was more often than that.
He absolutely committed himself to relishing every single moment you were there. You spent nearly all day Saturday at his apartment before you finally convinced him you had to spend some time with Garcia, or she would get suspicious.
โIโll stop by tomorrow before I have to leave.โ You said, toeing your shoes on by the door.
He swallowed, the notion weighing heavy on him. โSounds good.โ
You stopped. โOh, hey. I still have your sweater on.โ
He shrugged, looking down at you. โIt looks good on you. Keep it.โ
You flushed, eyes dropping shyly to the floor. โThank you.โ
He kissed you one more time, really breathing you in, before he opened the door for you and watched you walk away with a wave.
Sunday had arrived all too quickly.
You were outside his door, bags in hand. You handed his folded sweater back to him gently.
โI did wear it all night.โ You smiled half-heartedly. โBut you can have it for now. I need a reason to come back and steal it again.โ
Spencer pursed his lips, fighting back the emotions threatening to rise up in him.
โIt wasโฆ really good to see you.โ You said softly, gazing up at him.
โYeah.โ He nodded. โIt was.โ
There was a pause.
โYouโll text me when you land?โ He asked.
โObviously.โ
Another pause. You looked at each other for a moment.
He was very appreciative for his eidetic memory in this moment, because he couldnโt forget you standing here in his apartment.
โWe should do this again sometime.โ Your voice was watery through your joking tone. โI really liked sneaking around with you.โ
Spencer didnโt answer you. He just leaned forward, capturing your mouth in a kiss. Warm and sweet and over all too soon.
A thin laugh from you as you parted, eyes brimming with tears.
โIโll see you.โ He said softly.
You nodded, brows crinkling. โBye, Spence.โ
And you were gone.
On Monday, Spencer wore the sweater to work. You really mustโve worn it all night, because it smelled just like your perfume, bringing him a small amount of comfort knowing this weekend hadnโt been a fever dream.
He tried to work, his focus drifting between thoughts of you and the occasional buzz in his pocket.
โHow was your weekend?โ He overheard Emily ask Garcia as she walked in.
โOh, it was great. I really love getting to see her, but she was super in and out the whole time. Lots of visiting to do, she said.โ Garcia replied.
Her footsteps faltered by his desk.
โReid?โ
โYeah?โ
โWhere did you get that sweater?โ
He froze, risking a glance up. Garciaโs face was twisted in confusion.
โThis? Itโs mine.โ He replied, trying to keep his voice smooth. Casual.
โNo.โ
โWhat do you mean? Itโs mine.โ
โNo, I sawโฆโ she trailed off. Spencer swore he could see her eyes light up, growing wide as it clicked.
Uh oh.
She gasped. โOh my gosh!โ
โWaitโโ Spencer started.
โOh my gosh!โ She repeated, louder this time. โYou! You dirty dog!โ
โIt wasnโtโโ He leaned in, trying to do damage control. โIt wasnโt like that. Weโve beenโฆ long distance.โ
โI knew it!โ she shouted, spinning in a circle. โI knew something was weird when she wouldnโt tell me where she kept disappearing to!โ
Spencer winced. โWe didnโt want toโโ
โYou lied to me,โ she gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. โOh my gosh, youโre in love with her.โ
His cheeks were on fire. โIโ what? No, I didnโt sayโโ
โYou didnโt have to,โ she said, grinning. โYouโre wearing the sweater.โ
He blinked. โItโs my sweater.โ
โExactly.โ
And later, when his phone buzzed again in his pocket, he didnโt even try to hide it.
โmiss you already :(โ
โMiss you more.โ
โCall you tonight?โ
Across the room, Garcia watched him with a knowing grin.
And for once, Spencer didnโt mind being figured out.
ahhh TYSM!!! and thank you for the request seriously it was sooo good i knocked this fic out in like 5 hours bc i was so inspired by it. im so glad i was able to do it justice!!!
Heyyy, I'd love a latte with hazelnut/coconut drizzle (one or both, whatever you decide) and whipped cream!
Maybe one where reader is Garcia's childhood best friend and they end up traveling near her on a case? And Spencer notices how pretty she is and yadda yadda kissy kissy
Also I did see your most recent post, take your sweet time I'm in absolutely no rush, I'll probably forget about this the second I send it anyway <3
a/n: wowwww the way this absolutely wrote itself. I LOVED THIS REQUEST!!! seriously this was the fastest iโve ever written a fic before. ty for the req i hope you love!! receipt is at the bottom!!
summary: spencer meets garciaโs childhood best friend and promptly forgets how to act like a normal human being. between phone calls and sneaking around, what starts as a crush turns into something a lot harder to keep hidden.
content warnings: spencer reid x fem!reader, lots and lots of smooching, slightly suggestive moments if u squint real real hard, otherwise just disgustingly tooth-rotting fluff
The case wrapped up clean.
The unsub had been apprehended with no further casualties, hostages rescued. The team had made it back to the precinct, packing up their things as they prepared to leave.
โOkay, now that weโve got the bad guy and all of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things are over, I have one tiny request.โ Garcia announced to the team.
Hotch glanced over his shoulder as he zipped up his go-bag. โWhatโs that?โ
โCould we please stay for dinner?โ She asked, eyebrows raised hopefully. โMy best friend growing up lives right down the road from here, and I havenโt seen her in ages. Iโd love for her to meet all of you.โ
Hotch looked around, assessing the reactions of the team. The accomplishment of a job well done seemed to outweigh their tiredness as everyone shrugged and nodded.
Before long, Spencer was trailing behind the group as they strolled up to the restaurant. The air was starting cool as the sky dimmed, and the aroma wafting out the doors was making his mouth water.
โOh, hi!โ He heard Garcia exclaim suddenly. He couldnโt really see through the crowd of people, with the team and the patrons coming and going from the restaurant, so he shoved his hands in his pockets and waited his turn to be introduced.
โItโs so good to see you!โ Garcia chattered. โThese are the people Iโm always telling you about. This is Hotch, and Emily, and Rossi, Derek, JJ, andโโ she paused, peering over everyoneโs heads. โReid! Thereโs Reid, in the back.โ
He turned his head as everyone shuffled aside, creating an opening, and he pulled his hand out of his pocket to wave and thenโ
Oh. Oh, wow.
โHi.โ You smiled, and it almost knocked him off his feet.
He blinked, hand awkwardly half-raised before he reminded himself to look slightly less like a deer in headlights.
He straightened, clearing his throat. โHi.โ
You wereโฆ
For once, his brain actually ran out of words.
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning. Radiant. Breathtaking. Captivating. Alluring. None of them seemed to truly encapsulate you.
The group was soon ushered inside the restaurant and sat at a table. Conversation began to flow as you and Garcia caught up and you got to know the team.
โOh, you actually said that?โ Your jaw dropped as you looked at Emily.
โNot only did she say it, she said it in front of the entire Sacramento Police Department!โ JJ interjected, causing the table to burst into laughter.
Spencer couldnโt help but watch you as you threw your head back, shoulders shaking with laughter. Your laugh was infectious, he thought. He wanted to be the reason you laughed like that.
Wine and chatter flowed around the table as you dicussed JJโs children, Rossiโs career as an author, Derekโs most recent date.
He was mid-bite when you turned to him. โSo, Reid, what about you? I hear youโre the resident genius.โ
He nearly dropped his fork, chewing quickly. โUm, well, I guess you couldโโ he coughed, trying to swallow before continuing. โI mean, it depends how you classify โgenius.โ My IQ is statistically above average, I have an eidetic memory, and I read at an average speed ofโฆโ
He trailed off, noticing the rest of the table had gone silent. He cleared his throat. โUm, yes.โ
You nodded approvingly, eyebrows raised with a slight smile as the group chuckled.
The meal began wrapping up, plates slowly clearing and wine glasses emptying. Spencer watched you still as Garcia turned the conversation back to you, actively reminding himself not to stare.
โSo, tell me.โ Garcia said, leaning in to you. โAre you dating anyone?โ
Spencer felt like a puppy who had just heard the word โtreat.โ He stared hard at the tablecloth, trying not to seem invested in the answer.
โNo, not since that guy from the bank.โ You replied, smoothing your shirt.
โThank God. He was soโฆ average.โ Garcia answered. โYou could do so much better.โ
Someone accidentally nudged his shin under the table. He shifted, heart fluttering at the knowledge you werenโt involved with anyone. Not that he would ever do anything about it, but it was nice for the moment to not have to imagine you with anyone else.
Checks rolled out, everyone paid, and the group made their way to the door.
A chorus of goodbyes echoed across the group outside the restaurant. Garcia pulled you into a tight hug. โKeep in touch.โ
โOf course.โ You replied as you pulled back, looking to the rest of the group. โIt was so great meeting you guys.โ
The sentiment was returned and you waved, flashing that brilliant smile one more time. โHave a good flight!โ
You turned on your heel, and Spencer felt a pang in his chest at the thought of not seeing you again. Oh, well.
A hand grabbed his arm with a vengeance, and he turned to face the culprit.
โOw! Garcia, what are you doing?โ He pulled his arm from her grip, rubbing at the irritated skin.
โFor a genius, you really are acting like an idiot!โ She whispered. โGo get her number!โ
His eyebrows pulled together in confusion. โWhat?โ
โDid you not feel me kick you under the table when she said she was single?โ She asked, exasperated. โIโm setting you up! Go ask her for her number! Now!โ
She punctuated her demand with a little shove in your direction, and before he knew it, he was calling out.
โHey!โ
You turned around, already about fifteen feet away. โHey?โ
He glanced back over his shoulder briefly before half-jogging over to you.
He swallowed. โUm, I wanted to, uhโโ He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look up at you. โI wanted to ask if I could maybeโฆ get your number.โ
A smile twitched at the corner of your lips. โReally?โ
His heart dropped. โI mean, only if you want to. I justโ I think you are really nice, and pretty, andโโ
โYou think Iโm pretty?โ You interrupted softly.
He paused, meeting your shining eyes.
โYeah.โ He breathed. โI do.โ
You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, rustling through your bag. Spencer thought, briefly, that thereโd never been a time he so badly wanted to watch someone bite their lip like that in slow motion on repeat. He wanted to tattoo the image on the inside of his eyelids.
Chill out. He reprimanded himself as you handed him a napkin with your number scribbled on it.
โYou can call me.โ That smile turned his brain to static once more as you waved sheepishly, a rose tint coloring your cheeks in the dim light. โBye, Reid.โ
The whole interaction had him heckled mercilessly on the flight home, but he didnโt mind too much. The teasing was all worth it the second his gaze landed on that ink-stained piece of tissue.
He waited about three days to call you. He almost hung up on the fifth ring, convinced you wouldnโt answer, when your voice crackled through the speaker.
โHello?โ
โHi, hi. Um, itโs Spencer. Reid. Garciaโs friend?โ He sat up straighter, as though you could see him.
โOh, hey!โ He could hear your grin in your voice, and it made him smile reflexively. โHow are you? Read any good books lately?โ
โYeah! You know, I just re-read The Count of Monte Cristo in the original French. Itโs fascinating.โ He replied animatedly, settling back into his couch.
That first phone call lasted nearly forty-five minutes.
The second was nearly an hour.
Before long, he got in a routine of calling you ever other day, and then every day. Eventually, Spencer Reid, ever the technophobe, found himself texting you every chance he could. He even bought a used laptop so he could video chat with you on WhatsApp.
It wasnโt just your physical appearance. Spencer was attracted to so much more than that. Your kindness. Your humor. Your patience. Your laugh. Your intelligence.
You told him about your life, your family, your job. He eventually opened up to you about his mom, some of his trauma. And you listened to every word with heartfelt kindness.
After a few months of this, the man who relied so heavily on statistics felt that it was just dumb luck you actually gave him your number.
โSo, Iโve been thinkingโฆโ You said one night on a video call.
He raised his eyebrows at the screen. โYeah?โ
โWhat if I flew out and stayed with Pen for a weekend?โ You asked. โYou and I could actuallyโฆ you know, spend some time together. In person.โ
Spencer hesitated, turning the idea over in his mind.
It wasnโt that he didnโt want to see you. God, did he want to see you. Three months of only having you over a screen was slowly becoming torture. His dreams were becoming increasingly plagued with the idea of holding you, kissing youโฆ
He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.
โIโll take your silence as a no,โ you said jokingly, but he could hear the dejectedness in your tone.
โItโs not a no, itโs justโฆโ He paused. โHow are you going to keep it from Garcia if youโre staying with her? Wonโt she wonder where youโre going?โ
Privacy was very important to Spencer. He loved his teammates like family, but truthfully, he valued keeping your relationship between the two of you, at least for now. He wanted to navigate the idea of you without any outside influence or opinion.
Heโd had that conversation with you early on, given your relationship with Garcia, and you had been fine with it.
โI can make something up, give her a fake reason Iโm in town.โ You shrugged. โI just really want to see you, Spencer.โ
He felt a strange swell of pride in his chest at the thought. โI really want to see you, too.โ He replied softly.
A mischievous grin crossed your face. โBesides, it might be kinda fun. Sneaking around.โ
He fought a smile at the idea. โYeah? When would you fly out?โ
And so the plan was set in motion.
You texted Garcia not long after, saying you needed a place to stay for a weekend for your great-grandmotherโs funeral. She agreed, albeit her excitement dying a little at the addition of your need to spend time with family members in town, but you assured her you would reserve some time for her, too.
Sure, you felt a little bad about the lie, but it would have to do for now.
Two weeks later, Spencer was checking his phone every five minutes for a text signifying youโd landed.
Buzz.
He scrambled for it so quickly it was almost comical.
โin your city :)โ
He bit back a smile at the message before quickly typing his reply:
โSee you soon.โ
When four p.m. rolled around, Spencer found himself walking up to the park.
There you were.
Sitting on a wooden bench, people-watching. The afternoon sun was beating down on the world, but around you, it looked like a halo.
You. Real. Not on a screen for the first time in months. And this time, not as a stranger.
Your head turned at the sound of his footsteps, and you broke into another one of those steal-his-heart smiles.
โHi.โ You said, looking up.
โHi,โ he echoed, a little breathless.
He stepped closer as you stood, and then you were both right there.
You hesitated. He paused. Should he hug you? Was that too much too soon? He hadnโt had any sort of physical contact with you before, outside of your fingers brushing his when you gave him your number.
A small, nervous laugh from you. โI didnโt know if we were, umโโ you gestured.
โYeah, me neither.โ He huffed out a laugh. He took you in for another moment before asking, quietly, โCan I hug you?โ
โYes. Please.โ Your answer was immediate.
His arms enveloped you, and then you melted into him.
He exhaled slowly against the top of your head, nerves and tension melting away as he held you. Real and warm and solid against him, not just a memory and a voice through a speaker.
You pulled back just a bit, hand staying on his arm.
โI missed you,โ you breathed.
His eyes flicked down to your mouth before he could stop himself. โYeah, Iโ me too.โ
You gazed up at him, the corner of your mouth twitching. โYou can.โ
โI can what?โ He asked.
โKiss me.โ
โOh.โ He mentally chastised himself for being so obvious.
Then immediately mentally high-fived himself the second his lips touched yours.
The kiss was soft, and new. His hands came up to cradle your face, a little clumsily.
But somewhere, distantly, in the static that was currently filling his brain, he thought this must be nirvana. A state of perfect peace, liberation, and completion. This must be the glorious thing and the pinnacle that everyone dreams of acheiving.
He doesnโt know how long he stood by that bench, kissing you, but he knew that he would spend every waking second waiting for the next one.
The rest of the weekend feltโฆ unreal.
He took you to his favorite local coffee place. You perused the shelves of his frequented bookstore, fingers laced together. He showed you his apartment, which all too quickly felt like your little corner of home in an unfamiliar city.
And every once in a while, another kiss.
Maybe it was more often than that.
He absolutely committed himself to relishing every single moment you were there. You spent nearly all day Saturday at his apartment before you finally convinced him you had to spend some time with Garcia, or she would get suspicious.
โIโll stop by tomorrow before I have to leave.โ You said, toeing your shoes on by the door.
He swallowed, the notion weighing heavy on him. โSounds good.โ
You stopped. โOh, hey. I still have your sweater on.โ
He shrugged, looking down at you. โIt looks good on you. Keep it.โ
You flushed, eyes dropping shyly to the floor. โThank you.โ
He kissed you one more time, really breathing you in, before he opened the door for you and watched you walk away with a wave.
Sunday had arrived all too quickly.
You were outside his door, bags in hand. You handed his folded sweater back to him gently.
โI did wear it all night.โ You smiled half-heartedly. โBut you can have it for now. I need a reason to come back and steal it again.โ
Spencer pursed his lips, fighting back the emotions threatening to rise up in him.
โIt wasโฆ really good to see you.โ You said softly, gazing up at him.
โYeah.โ He nodded. โIt was.โ
There was a pause.
โYouโll text me when you land?โ He asked.
โObviously.โ
Another pause. You looked at each other for a moment.
He was very appreciative for his eidetic memory in this moment, because he couldnโt forget you standing here in his apartment.
โWe should do this again sometime.โ Your voice was watery through your joking tone. โI really liked sneaking around with you.โ
Spencer didnโt answer you. He just leaned forward, capturing your mouth in a kiss. Warm and sweet and over all too soon.
A thin laugh from you as you parted, eyes brimming with tears.
โIโll see you.โ He said softly.
You nodded, brows crinkling. โBye, Spence.โ
And you were gone.
On Monday, Spencer wore the sweater to work. You really mustโve worn it all night, because it smelled just like your perfume, bringing him a small amount of comfort knowing this weekend hadnโt been a fever dream.
He tried to work, his focus drifting between thoughts of you and the occasional buzz in his pocket.
โHow was your weekend?โ He overheard Emily ask Garcia as she walked in.
โOh, it was great. I really love getting to see her, but she was super in and out the whole time. Lots of visiting to do, she said.โ Garcia replied.
Her footsteps faltered by his desk.
โReid?โ
โYeah?โ
โWhere did you get that sweater?โ
He froze, risking a glance up. Garciaโs face was twisted in confusion.
โThis? Itโs mine.โ He replied, trying to keep his voice smooth. Casual.
โNo.โ
โWhat do you mean? Itโs mine.โ
โNo, I sawโฆโ she trailed off. Spencer swore he could see her eyes light up, growing wide as it clicked.
Uh oh.
She gasped. โOh my gosh!โ
โWaitโโ Spencer started.
โOh my gosh!โ She repeated, louder this time. โYou! You dirty dog!โ
โIt wasnโtโโ He leaned in, trying to do damage control. โIt wasnโt like that. Weโve beenโฆ long distance.โ
โI knew it!โ she shouted, spinning in a circle. โI knew something was weird when she wouldnโt tell me where she kept disappearing to!โ
Spencer winced. โWe didnโt want toโโ
โYou lied to me,โ she gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. โOh my gosh, youโre in love with her.โ
His cheeks were on fire. โIโ what? No, I didnโt sayโโ
โYou didnโt have to,โ she said, grinning. โYouโre wearing the sweater.โ
He blinked. โItโs my sweater.โ
โExactly.โ
And later, when his phone buzzed again in his pocket, he didnโt even try to hide it.
โmiss you already :(โ
โMiss you more.โ
โCall you tonight?โ
Across the room, Garcia watched him with a knowing grin.
And for once, Spencer didnโt mind being figured out.
Heyyy, I'd love a latte with hazelnut/coconut drizzle (one or both, whatever you decide) and whipped cream!
Maybe one where reader is Garcia's childhood best friend and they end up traveling near her on a case? And Spencer notices how pretty she is and yadda yadda kissy kissy
Also I did see your most recent post, take your sweet time I'm in absolutely no rush, I'll probably forget about this the second I send it anyway <3
a/n: wowwww the way this absolutely wrote itself. I LOVED THIS REQUEST!!! seriously this was the fastest iโve ever written a fic before. ty for the req i hope you love!! receipt is at the bottom!!
summary: spencer meets garciaโs childhood best friend and promptly forgets how to act like a normal human being. between phone calls and sneaking around, what starts as a crush turns into something a lot harder to keep hidden.
content warnings: spencer reid x fem!reader, lots and lots of smooching, slightly suggestive moments if u squint real real hard, otherwise just disgustingly tooth-rotting fluff
The case wrapped up clean.
The unsub had been apprehended with no further casualties, hostages rescued. The team had made it back to the precinct, packing up their things as they prepared to leave.
โOkay, now that weโve got the bad guy and all of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things are over, I have one tiny request.โ Garcia announced to the team.
Hotch glanced over his shoulder as he zipped up his go-bag. โWhatโs that?โ
โCould we please stay for dinner?โ She asked, eyebrows raised hopefully. โMy best friend growing up lives right down the road from here, and I havenโt seen her in ages. Iโd love for her to meet all of you.โ
Hotch looked around, assessing the reactions of the team. The accomplishment of a job well done seemed to outweigh their tiredness as everyone shrugged and nodded.
Before long, Spencer was trailing behind the group as they strolled up to the restaurant. The air was starting cool as the sky dimmed, and the aroma wafting out the doors was making his mouth water.
โOh, hi!โ He heard Garcia exclaim suddenly. He couldnโt really see through the crowd of people, with the team and the patrons coming and going from the restaurant, so he shoved his hands in his pockets and waited his turn to be introduced.
โItโs so good to see you!โ Garcia chattered. โThese are the people Iโm always telling you about. This is Hotch, and Emily, and Rossi, Derek, JJ, andโโ she paused, peering over everyoneโs heads. โReid! Thereโs Reid, in the back.โ
He turned his head as everyone shuffled aside, creating an opening, and he pulled his hand out of his pocket to wave and thenโ
Oh. Oh, wow.
โHi.โ You smiled, and it almost knocked him off his feet.
He blinked, hand awkwardly half-raised before he reminded himself to look slightly less like a deer in headlights.
He straightened, clearing his throat. โHi.โ
You wereโฆ
For once, his brain actually ran out of words.
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning. Radiant. Breathtaking. Captivating. Alluring. None of them seemed to truly encapsulate you.
The group was soon ushered inside the restaurant and sat at a table. Conversation began to flow as you and Garcia caught up and you got to know the team.
โOh, you actually said that?โ Your jaw dropped as you looked at Emily.
โNot only did she say it, she said it in front of the entire Sacramento Police Department!โ JJ interjected, causing the table to burst into laughter.
Spencer couldnโt help but watch you as you threw your head back, shoulders shaking with laughter. Your laugh was infectious, he thought. He wanted to be the reason you laughed like that.
Wine and chatter flowed around the table as you dicussed JJโs children, Rossiโs career as an author, Derekโs most recent date.
He was mid-bite when you turned to him. โSo, Reid, what about you? I hear youโre the resident genius.โ
He nearly dropped his fork, chewing quickly. โUm, well, I guess you couldโโ he coughed, trying to swallow before continuing. โI mean, it depends how you classify โgenius.โ My IQ is statistically above average, I have an eidetic memory, and I read at an average speed ofโฆโ
He trailed off, noticing the rest of the table had gone silent. He cleared his throat. โUm, yes.โ
You nodded approvingly, eyebrows raised with a slight smile as the group chuckled.
The meal began wrapping up, plates slowly clearing and wine glasses emptying. Spencer watched you still as Garcia turned the conversation back to you, actively reminding himself not to stare.
โSo, tell me.โ Garcia said, leaning in to you. โAre you dating anyone?โ
Spencer felt like a puppy who had just heard the word โtreat.โ He stared hard at the tablecloth, trying not to seem invested in the answer.
โNo, not since that guy from the bank.โ You replied, smoothing your shirt.
โThank God. He was soโฆ average.โ Garcia answered. โYou could do so much better.โ
Someone accidentally nudged his shin under the table. He shifted, heart fluttering at the knowledge you werenโt involved with anyone. Not that he would ever do anything about it, but it was nice for the moment to not have to imagine you with anyone else.
Checks rolled out, everyone paid, and the group made their way to the door.
A chorus of goodbyes echoed across the group outside the restaurant. Garcia pulled you into a tight hug. โKeep in touch.โ
โOf course.โ You replied as you pulled back, looking to the rest of the group. โIt was so great meeting you guys.โ
The sentiment was returned and you waved, flashing that brilliant smile one more time. โHave a good flight!โ
You turned on your heel, and Spencer felt a pang in his chest at the thought of not seeing you again. Oh, well.
A hand grabbed his arm with a vengeance, and he turned to face the culprit.
โOw! Garcia, what are you doing?โ He pulled his arm from her grip, rubbing at the irritated skin.
โFor a genius, you really are acting like an idiot!โ She whispered. โGo get her number!โ
His eyebrows pulled together in confusion. โWhat?โ
โDid you not feel me kick you under the table when she said she was single?โ She asked, exasperated. โIโm setting you up! Go ask her for her number! Now!โ
She punctuated her demand with a little shove in your direction, and before he knew it, he was calling out.
โHey!โ
You turned around, already about fifteen feet away. โHey?โ
He glanced back over his shoulder briefly before half-jogging over to you.
He swallowed. โUm, I wanted to, uhโโ He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look up at you. โI wanted to ask if I could maybeโฆ get your number.โ
A smile twitched at the corner of your lips. โReally?โ
His heart dropped. โI mean, only if you want to. I justโ I think you are really nice, and pretty, andโโ
โYou think Iโm pretty?โ You interrupted softly.
He paused, meeting your shining eyes.
โYeah.โ He breathed. โI do.โ
You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, rustling through your bag. Spencer thought, briefly, that thereโd never been a time he so badly wanted to watch someone bite their lip like that in slow motion on repeat. He wanted to tattoo the image on the inside of his eyelids.
Chill out. He reprimanded himself as you handed him a napkin with your number scribbled on it.
โYou can call me.โ That smile turned his brain to static once more as you waved sheepishly, a rose tint coloring your cheeks in the dim light. โBye, Reid.โ
The whole interaction had him heckled mercilessly on the flight home, but he didnโt mind too much. The teasing was all worth it the second his gaze landed on that ink-stained piece of tissue.
He waited about three days to call you. He almost hung up on the fifth ring, convinced you wouldnโt answer, when your voice crackled through the speaker.
โHello?โ
โHi, hi. Um, itโs Spencer. Reid. Garciaโs friend?โ He sat up straighter, as though you could see him.
โOh, hey!โ He could hear your grin in your voice, and it made him smile reflexively. โHow are you? Read any good books lately?โ
โYeah! You know, I just re-read The Count of Monte Cristo in the original French. Itโs fascinating.โ He replied animatedly, settling back into his couch.
That first phone call lasted nearly forty-five minutes.
The second was nearly an hour.
Before long, he got in a routine of calling you ever other day, and then every day. Eventually, Spencer Reid, ever the technophobe, found himself texting you every chance he could. He even bought a used laptop so he could video chat with you on WhatsApp.
It wasnโt just your physical appearance. Spencer was attracted to so much more than that. Your kindness. Your humor. Your patience. Your laugh. Your intelligence.
You told him about your life, your family, your job. He eventually opened up to you about his mom, some of his trauma. And you listened to every word with heartfelt kindness.
After a few months of this, the man who relied so heavily on statistics felt that it was just dumb luck you actually gave him your number.
โSo, Iโve been thinkingโฆโ You said one night on a video call.
He raised his eyebrows at the screen. โYeah?โ
โWhat if I flew out and stayed with Pen for a weekend?โ You asked. โYou and I could actuallyโฆ you know, spend some time together. In person.โ
Spencer hesitated, turning the idea over in his mind.
It wasnโt that he didnโt want to see you. God, did he want to see you. Three months of only having you over a screen was slowly becoming torture. His dreams were becoming increasingly plagued with the idea of holding you, kissing youโฆ
He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.
โIโll take your silence as a no,โ you said jokingly, but he could hear the dejectedness in your tone.
โItโs not a no, itโs justโฆโ He paused. โHow are you going to keep it from Garcia if youโre staying with her? Wonโt she wonder where youโre going?โ
Privacy was very important to Spencer. He loved his teammates like family, but truthfully, he valued keeping your relationship between the two of you, at least for now. He wanted to navigate the idea of you without any outside influence or opinion.
Heโd had that conversation with you early on, given your relationship with Garcia, and you had been fine with it.
โI can make something up, give her a fake reason Iโm in town.โ You shrugged. โI just really want to see you, Spencer.โ
He felt a strange swell of pride in his chest at the thought. โI really want to see you, too.โ He replied softly.
A mischievous grin crossed your face. โBesides, it might be kinda fun. Sneaking around.โ
He fought a smile at the idea. โYeah? When would you fly out?โ
And so the plan was set in motion.
You texted Garcia not long after, saying you needed a place to stay for a weekend for your great-grandmotherโs funeral. She agreed, albeit her excitement dying a little at the addition of your need to spend time with family members in town, but you assured her you would reserve some time for her, too.
Sure, you felt a little bad about the lie, but it would have to do for now.
Two weeks later, Spencer was checking his phone every five minutes for a text signifying youโd landed.
Buzz.
He scrambled for it so quickly it was almost comical.
โin your city :)โ
He bit back a smile at the message before quickly typing his reply:
โSee you soon.โ
When four p.m. rolled around, Spencer found himself walking up to the park.
There you were.
Sitting on a wooden bench, people-watching. The afternoon sun was beating down on the world, but around you, it looked like a halo.
You. Real. Not on a screen for the first time in months. And this time, not as a stranger.
Your head turned at the sound of his footsteps, and you broke into another one of those steal-his-heart smiles.
โHi.โ You said, looking up.
โHi,โ he echoed, a little breathless.
He stepped closer as you stood, and then you were both right there.
You hesitated. He paused. Should he hug you? Was that too much too soon? He hadnโt had any sort of physical contact with you before, outside of your fingers brushing his when you gave him your number.
A small, nervous laugh from you. โI didnโt know if we were, umโโ you gestured.
โYeah, me neither.โ He huffed out a laugh. He took you in for another moment before asking, quietly, โCan I hug you?โ
โYes. Please.โ Your answer was immediate.
His arms enveloped you, and then you melted into him.
He exhaled slowly against the top of your head, nerves and tension melting away as he held you. Real and warm and solid against him, not just a memory and a voice through a speaker.
You pulled back just a bit, hand staying on his arm.
โI missed you,โ you breathed.
His eyes flicked down to your mouth before he could stop himself. โYeah, Iโ me too.โ
You gazed up at him, the corner of your mouth twitching. โYou can.โ
โI can what?โ He asked.
โKiss me.โ
โOh.โ He mentally chastised himself for being so obvious.
Then immediately mentally high-fived himself the second his lips touched yours.
The kiss was soft, and new. His hands came up to cradle your face, a little clumsily.
But somewhere, distantly, in the static that was currently filling his brain, he thought this must be nirvana. A state of perfect peace, liberation, and completion. This must be the glorious thing and the pinnacle that everyone dreams of acheiving.
He doesnโt know how long he stood by that bench, kissing you, but he knew that he would spend every waking second waiting for the next one.
The rest of the weekend feltโฆ unreal.
He took you to his favorite local coffee place. You perused the shelves of his frequented bookstore, fingers laced together. He showed you his apartment, which all too quickly felt like your little corner of home in an unfamiliar city.
And every once in a while, another kiss.
Maybe it was more often than that.
He absolutely committed himself to relishing every single moment you were there. You spent nearly all day Saturday at his apartment before you finally convinced him you had to spend some time with Garcia, or she would get suspicious.
โIโll stop by tomorrow before I have to leave.โ You said, toeing your shoes on by the door.
He swallowed, the notion weighing heavy on him. โSounds good.โ
You stopped. โOh, hey. I still have your sweater on.โ
He shrugged, looking down at you. โIt looks good on you. Keep it.โ
You flushed, eyes dropping shyly to the floor. โThank you.โ
He kissed you one more time, really breathing you in, before he opened the door for you and watched you walk away with a wave.
Sunday had arrived all too quickly.
You were outside his door, bags in hand. You handed his folded sweater back to him gently.
โI did wear it all night.โ You smiled half-heartedly. โBut you can have it for now. I need a reason to come back and steal it again.โ
Spencer pursed his lips, fighting back the emotions threatening to rise up in him.
โIt wasโฆ really good to see you.โ You said softly, gazing up at him.
โYeah.โ He nodded. โIt was.โ
There was a pause.
โYouโll text me when you land?โ He asked.
โObviously.โ
Another pause. You looked at each other for a moment.
He was very appreciative for his eidetic memory in this moment, because he couldnโt forget you standing here in his apartment.
โWe should do this again sometime.โ Your voice was watery through your joking tone. โI really liked sneaking around with you.โ
Spencer didnโt answer you. He just leaned forward, capturing your mouth in a kiss. Warm and sweet and over all too soon.
A thin laugh from you as you parted, eyes brimming with tears.
โIโll see you.โ He said softly.
You nodded, brows crinkling. โBye, Spence.โ
And you were gone.
On Monday, Spencer wore the sweater to work. You really mustโve worn it all night, because it smelled just like your perfume, bringing him a small amount of comfort knowing this weekend hadnโt been a fever dream.
He tried to work, his focus drifting between thoughts of you and the occasional buzz in his pocket.
โHow was your weekend?โ He overheard Emily ask Garcia as she walked in.
โOh, it was great. I really love getting to see her, but she was super in and out the whole time. Lots of visiting to do, she said.โ Garcia replied.
Her footsteps faltered by his desk.
โReid?โ
โYeah?โ
โWhere did you get that sweater?โ
He froze, risking a glance up. Garciaโs face was twisted in confusion.
โThis? Itโs mine.โ He replied, trying to keep his voice smooth. Casual.
โNo.โ
โWhat do you mean? Itโs mine.โ
โNo, I sawโฆโ she trailed off. Spencer swore he could see her eyes light up, growing wide as it clicked.
Uh oh.
She gasped. โOh my gosh!โ
โWaitโโ Spencer started.
โOh my gosh!โ She repeated, louder this time. โYou! You dirty dog!โ
โIt wasnโtโโ He leaned in, trying to do damage control. โIt wasnโt like that. Weโve beenโฆ long distance.โ
โI knew it!โ she shouted, spinning in a circle. โI knew something was weird when she wouldnโt tell me where she kept disappearing to!โ
Spencer winced. โWe didnโt want toโโ
โYou lied to me,โ she gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. โOh my gosh, youโre in love with her.โ
His cheeks were on fire. โIโ what? No, I didnโt sayโโ
โYou didnโt have to,โ she said, grinning. โYouโre wearing the sweater.โ
He blinked. โItโs my sweater.โ
โExactly.โ
And later, when his phone buzzed again in his pocket, he didnโt even try to hide it.
โmiss you already :(โ
โMiss you more.โ
โCall you tonight?โ
Across the room, Garcia watched him with a knowing grin.
And for once, Spencer didnโt mind being figured out.
Heyyy, I'd love a latte with hazelnut/coconut drizzle (one or both, whatever you decide) and whipped cream!
Maybe one where reader is Garcia's childhood best friend and they end up traveling near her on a case? And Spencer notices how pretty she is and yadda yadda kissy kissy
Also I did see your most recent post, take your sweet time I'm in absolutely no rush, I'll probably forget about this the second I send it anyway <3
a/n: wowwww the way this absolutely wrote itself. I LOVED THIS REQUEST!!! seriously this was the fastest iโve ever written a fic before. ty for the req i hope you love!! receipt is at the bottom!!
summary: spencer meets garciaโs childhood best friend and promptly forgets how to act like a normal human being. between phone calls and sneaking around, what starts as a crush turns into something a lot harder to keep hidden.
content warnings: spencer reid x fem!reader, lots and lots of smooching, slightly suggestive moments if u squint real real hard, otherwise just disgustingly tooth-rotting fluff
The case wrapped up clean.
The unsub had been apprehended with no further casualties, hostages rescued. The team had made it back to the precinct, packing up their things as they prepared to leave.
โOkay, now that weโve got the bad guy and all of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things are over, I have one tiny request.โ Garcia announced to the team.
Hotch glanced over his shoulder as he zipped up his go-bag. โWhatโs that?โ
โCould we please stay for dinner?โ She asked, eyebrows raised hopefully. โMy best friend growing up lives right down the road from here, and I havenโt seen her in ages. Iโd love for her to meet all of you.โ
Hotch looked around, assessing the reactions of the team. The accomplishment of a job well done seemed to outweigh their tiredness as everyone shrugged and nodded.
Before long, Spencer was trailing behind the group as they strolled up to the restaurant. The air was starting cool as the sky dimmed, and the aroma wafting out the doors was making his mouth water.
โOh, hi!โ He heard Garcia exclaim suddenly. He couldnโt really see through the crowd of people, with the team and the patrons coming and going from the restaurant, so he shoved his hands in his pockets and waited his turn to be introduced.
โItโs so good to see you!โ Garcia chattered. โThese are the people Iโm always telling you about. This is Hotch, and Emily, and Rossi, Derek, JJ, andโโ she paused, peering over everyoneโs heads. โReid! Thereโs Reid, in the back.โ
He turned his head as everyone shuffled aside, creating an opening, and he pulled his hand out of his pocket to wave and thenโ
Oh. Oh, wow.
โHi.โ You smiled, and it almost knocked him off his feet.
He blinked, hand awkwardly half-raised before he reminded himself to look slightly less like a deer in headlights.
He straightened, clearing his throat. โHi.โ
You wereโฆ
For once, his brain actually ran out of words.
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning. Radiant. Breathtaking. Captivating. Alluring. None of them seemed to truly encapsulate you.
The group was soon ushered inside the restaurant and sat at a table. Conversation began to flow as you and Garcia caught up and you got to know the team.
โOh, you actually said that?โ Your jaw dropped as you looked at Emily.
โNot only did she say it, she said it in front of the entire Sacramento Police Department!โ JJ interjected, causing the table to burst into laughter.
Spencer couldnโt help but watch you as you threw your head back, shoulders shaking with laughter. Your laugh was infectious, he thought. He wanted to be the reason you laughed like that.
Wine and chatter flowed around the table as you dicussed JJโs children, Rossiโs career as an author, Derekโs most recent date.
He was mid-bite when you turned to him. โSo, Reid, what about you? I hear youโre the resident genius.โ
He nearly dropped his fork, chewing quickly. โUm, well, I guess you couldโโ he coughed, trying to swallow before continuing. โI mean, it depends how you classify โgenius.โ My IQ is statistically above average, I have an eidetic memory, and I read at an average speed ofโฆโ
He trailed off, noticing the rest of the table had gone silent. He cleared his throat. โUm, yes.โ
You nodded approvingly, eyebrows raised with a slight smile as the group chuckled.
The meal began wrapping up, plates slowly clearing and wine glasses emptying. Spencer watched you still as Garcia turned the conversation back to you, actively reminding himself not to stare.
โSo, tell me.โ Garcia said, leaning in to you. โAre you dating anyone?โ
Spencer felt like a puppy who had just heard the word โtreat.โ He stared hard at the tablecloth, trying not to seem invested in the answer.
โNo, not since that guy from the bank.โ You replied, smoothing your shirt.
โThank God. He was soโฆ average.โ Garcia answered. โYou could do so much better.โ
Someone accidentally nudged his shin under the table. He shifted, heart fluttering at the knowledge you werenโt involved with anyone. Not that he would ever do anything about it, but it was nice for the moment to not have to imagine you with anyone else.
Checks rolled out, everyone paid, and the group made their way to the door.
A chorus of goodbyes echoed across the group outside the restaurant. Garcia pulled you into a tight hug. โKeep in touch.โ
โOf course.โ You replied as you pulled back, looking to the rest of the group. โIt was so great meeting you guys.โ
The sentiment was returned and you waved, flashing that brilliant smile one more time. โHave a good flight!โ
You turned on your heel, and Spencer felt a pang in his chest at the thought of not seeing you again. Oh, well.
A hand grabbed his arm with a vengeance, and he turned to face the culprit.
โOw! Garcia, what are you doing?โ He pulled his arm from her grip, rubbing at the irritated skin.
โFor a genius, you really are acting like an idiot!โ She whispered. โGo get her number!โ
His eyebrows pulled together in confusion. โWhat?โ
โDid you not feel me kick you under the table when she said she was single?โ She asked, exasperated. โIโm setting you up! Go ask her for her number! Now!โ
She punctuated her demand with a little shove in your direction, and before he knew it, he was calling out.
โHey!โ
You turned around, already about fifteen feet away. โHey?โ
He glanced back over his shoulder briefly before half-jogging over to you.
He swallowed. โUm, I wanted to, uhโโ He cleared his throat, forcing himself to look up at you. โI wanted to ask if I could maybeโฆ get your number.โ
A smile twitched at the corner of your lips. โReally?โ
His heart dropped. โI mean, only if you want to. I justโ I think you are really nice, and pretty, andโโ
โYou think Iโm pretty?โ You interrupted softly.
He paused, meeting your shining eyes.
โYeah.โ He breathed. โI do.โ
You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, rustling through your bag. Spencer thought, briefly, that thereโd never been a time he so badly wanted to watch someone bite their lip like that in slow motion on repeat. He wanted to tattoo the image on the inside of his eyelids.
Chill out. He reprimanded himself as you handed him a napkin with your number scribbled on it.
โYou can call me.โ That smile turned his brain to static once more as you waved sheepishly, a rose tint coloring your cheeks in the dim light. โBye, Reid.โ
The whole interaction had him heckled mercilessly on the flight home, but he didnโt mind too much. The teasing was all worth it the second his gaze landed on that ink-stained piece of tissue.
He waited about three days to call you. He almost hung up on the fifth ring, convinced you wouldnโt answer, when your voice crackled through the speaker.
โHello?โ
โHi, hi. Um, itโs Spencer. Reid. Garciaโs friend?โ He sat up straighter, as though you could see him.
โOh, hey!โ He could hear your grin in your voice, and it made him smile reflexively. โHow are you? Read any good books lately?โ
โYeah! You know, I just re-read The Count of Monte Cristo in the original French. Itโs fascinating.โ He replied animatedly, settling back into his couch.
That first phone call lasted nearly forty-five minutes.
The second was nearly an hour.
Before long, he got in a routine of calling you ever other day, and then every day. Eventually, Spencer Reid, ever the technophobe, found himself texting you every chance he could. He even bought a used laptop so he could video chat with you on WhatsApp.
It wasnโt just your physical appearance. Spencer was attracted to so much more than that. Your kindness. Your humor. Your patience. Your laugh. Your intelligence.
You told him about your life, your family, your job. He eventually opened up to you about his mom, some of his trauma. And you listened to every word with heartfelt kindness.
After a few months of this, the man who relied so heavily on statistics felt that it was just dumb luck you actually gave him your number.
โSo, Iโve been thinkingโฆโ You said one night on a video call.
He raised his eyebrows at the screen. โYeah?โ
โWhat if I flew out and stayed with Pen for a weekend?โ You asked. โYou and I could actuallyโฆ you know, spend some time together. In person.โ
Spencer hesitated, turning the idea over in his mind.
It wasnโt that he didnโt want to see you. God, did he want to see you. Three months of only having you over a screen was slowly becoming torture. His dreams were becoming increasingly plagued with the idea of holding you, kissing youโฆ
He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.
โIโll take your silence as a no,โ you said jokingly, but he could hear the dejectedness in your tone.
โItโs not a no, itโs justโฆโ He paused. โHow are you going to keep it from Garcia if youโre staying with her? Wonโt she wonder where youโre going?โ
Privacy was very important to Spencer. He loved his teammates like family, but truthfully, he valued keeping your relationship between the two of you, at least for now. He wanted to navigate the idea of you without any outside influence or opinion.
Heโd had that conversation with you early on, given your relationship with Garcia, and you had been fine with it.
โI can make something up, give her a fake reason Iโm in town.โ You shrugged. โI just really want to see you, Spencer.โ
He felt a strange swell of pride in his chest at the thought. โI really want to see you, too.โ He replied softly.
A mischievous grin crossed your face. โBesides, it might be kinda fun. Sneaking around.โ
He fought a smile at the idea. โYeah? When would you fly out?โ
And so the plan was set in motion.
You texted Garcia not long after, saying you needed a place to stay for a weekend for your great-grandmotherโs funeral. She agreed, albeit her excitement dying a little at the addition of your need to spend time with family members in town, but you assured her you would reserve some time for her, too.
Sure, you felt a little bad about the lie, but it would have to do for now.
Two weeks later, Spencer was checking his phone every five minutes for a text signifying youโd landed.
Buzz.
He scrambled for it so quickly it was almost comical.
โin your city :)โ
He bit back a smile at the message before quickly typing his reply:
โSee you soon.โ
When four p.m. rolled around, Spencer found himself walking up to the park.
There you were.
Sitting on a wooden bench, people-watching. The afternoon sun was beating down on the world, but around you, it looked like a halo.
You. Real. Not on a screen for the first time in months. And this time, not as a stranger.
Your head turned at the sound of his footsteps, and you broke into another one of those steal-his-heart smiles.
โHi.โ You said, looking up.
โHi,โ he echoed, a little breathless.
He stepped closer as you stood, and then you were both right there.
You hesitated. He paused. Should he hug you? Was that too much too soon? He hadnโt had any sort of physical contact with you before, outside of your fingers brushing his when you gave him your number.
A small, nervous laugh from you. โI didnโt know if we were, umโโ you gestured.
โYeah, me neither.โ He huffed out a laugh. He took you in for another moment before asking, quietly, โCan I hug you?โ
โYes. Please.โ Your answer was immediate.
His arms enveloped you, and then you melted into him.
He exhaled slowly against the top of your head, nerves and tension melting away as he held you. Real and warm and solid against him, not just a memory and a voice through a speaker.
You pulled back just a bit, hand staying on his arm.
โI missed you,โ you breathed.
His eyes flicked down to your mouth before he could stop himself. โYeah, Iโ me too.โ
You gazed up at him, the corner of your mouth twitching. โYou can.โ
โI can what?โ He asked.
โKiss me.โ
โOh.โ He mentally chastised himself for being so obvious.
Then immediately mentally high-fived himself the second his lips touched yours.
The kiss was soft, and new. His hands came up to cradle your face, a little clumsily.
But somewhere, distantly, in the static that was currently filling his brain, he thought this must be nirvana. A state of perfect peace, liberation, and completion. This must be the glorious thing and the pinnacle that everyone dreams of acheiving.
He doesnโt know how long he stood by that bench, kissing you, but he knew that he would spend every waking second waiting for the next one.
The rest of the weekend feltโฆ unreal.
He took you to his favorite local coffee place. You perused the shelves of his frequented bookstore, fingers laced together. He showed you his apartment, which all too quickly felt like your little corner of home in an unfamiliar city.
And every once in a while, another kiss.
Maybe it was more often than that.
He absolutely committed himself to relishing every single moment you were there. You spent nearly all day Saturday at his apartment before you finally convinced him you had to spend some time with Garcia, or she would get suspicious.
โIโll stop by tomorrow before I have to leave.โ You said, toeing your shoes on by the door.
He swallowed, the notion weighing heavy on him. โSounds good.โ
You stopped. โOh, hey. I still have your sweater on.โ
He shrugged, looking down at you. โIt looks good on you. Keep it.โ
You flushed, eyes dropping shyly to the floor. โThank you.โ
He kissed you one more time, really breathing you in, before he opened the door for you and watched you walk away with a wave.
Sunday had arrived all too quickly.
You were outside his door, bags in hand. You handed his folded sweater back to him gently.
โI did wear it all night.โ You smiled half-heartedly. โBut you can have it for now. I need a reason to come back and steal it again.โ
Spencer pursed his lips, fighting back the emotions threatening to rise up in him.
โIt wasโฆ really good to see you.โ You said softly, gazing up at him.
โYeah.โ He nodded. โIt was.โ
There was a pause.
โYouโll text me when you land?โ He asked.
โObviously.โ
Another pause. You looked at each other for a moment.
He was very appreciative for his eidetic memory in this moment, because he couldnโt forget you standing here in his apartment.
โWe should do this again sometime.โ Your voice was watery through your joking tone. โI really liked sneaking around with you.โ
Spencer didnโt answer you. He just leaned forward, capturing your mouth in a kiss. Warm and sweet and over all too soon.
A thin laugh from you as you parted, eyes brimming with tears.
โIโll see you.โ He said softly.
You nodded, brows crinkling. โBye, Spence.โ
And you were gone.
On Monday, Spencer wore the sweater to work. You really mustโve worn it all night, because it smelled just like your perfume, bringing him a small amount of comfort knowing this weekend hadnโt been a fever dream.
He tried to work, his focus drifting between thoughts of you and the occasional buzz in his pocket.
โHow was your weekend?โ He overheard Emily ask Garcia as she walked in.
โOh, it was great. I really love getting to see her, but she was super in and out the whole time. Lots of visiting to do, she said.โ Garcia replied.
Her footsteps faltered by his desk.
โReid?โ
โYeah?โ
โWhere did you get that sweater?โ
He froze, risking a glance up. Garciaโs face was twisted in confusion.
โThis? Itโs mine.โ He replied, trying to keep his voice smooth. Casual.
โNo.โ
โWhat do you mean? Itโs mine.โ
โNo, I sawโฆโ she trailed off. Spencer swore he could see her eyes light up, growing wide as it clicked.
Uh oh.
She gasped. โOh my gosh!โ
โWaitโโ Spencer started.
โOh my gosh!โ She repeated, louder this time. โYou! You dirty dog!โ
โIt wasnโtโโ He leaned in, trying to do damage control. โIt wasnโt like that. Weโve beenโฆ long distance.โ
โI knew it!โ she shouted, spinning in a circle. โI knew something was weird when she wouldnโt tell me where she kept disappearing to!โ
Spencer winced. โWe didnโt want toโโ
โYou lied to me,โ she gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. โOh my gosh, youโre in love with her.โ
His cheeks were on fire. โIโ what? No, I didnโt sayโโ
โYou didnโt have to,โ she said, grinning. โYouโre wearing the sweater.โ
He blinked. โItโs my sweater.โ
โExactly.โ
And later, when his phone buzzed again in his pocket, he didnโt even try to hide it.
โmiss you already :(โ
โMiss you more.โ
โCall you tonight?โ
Across the room, Garcia watched him with a knowing grin.
And for once, Spencer didnโt mind being figured out.
a/n: this has taken me so long omg im so sorry. i keep feeling like im not doing these reqs justice bc im trying to keep them from being super repetitive but i hope you enjoy my twist on it!! your receipt is at the bottom!!
summary: you and spencer have it bad for each other, unbeknownst to the other. however, after spencerโs kidnapping, he hasnโt been the same, and you want to fix it.
content warnings: s2!spencer reid x bau!reader, lots of talk about tobias hankel/revelations, addiction, drug use, also mentions of alcohol/drinking, elle is here for one(1) line, maybe out of character spence i feel like i donโt write early seasons spence well im sorry
Spencer Reid had never been very good at asking for help.
In all twenty-five years of his life, he had learned to bottle things up. His dad wasnโt around, and his mom was too disoriented half the time to realize if he was there or not. He didnโt really have any friends growing up, trending much younger than his peers.
So, he bottled.
It carried over into his adult life. After being recruited for the BAU, he saw horrible things on a daily basis. He learned not to let it bother him. He learned to swallow it down like a sour lump in his throat and let it eat him from the inside without ever even realizing.
He didnโt need to talk to anyone. Why would he? You all saw these types of things regularly. It was part of the job description.
But twenty-four was awfully young to be exposed to so much tragedy with no outlet.
And twenty-five was even younger to become part of the tragedy.
You liked Spencer. He had followed Gideon back to the BAU almost two years ago now, and he was the most brilliant person you had ever met. His constant fact-spouting, the way he fiddled with his hands, his glasses forever sliding down his nose entranced you beyond belief.
Despite your best attempts, you felt extremely obvious. You leaned into him, laughed too hard at his jokes, listened too intently when he spoke about nothing at all. It had almost killed you when he asked JJ to accompany him to a baseball game.
โLikeโฆ just the two of you?โ You had tried to respond casually to JJ as she held up the tickets.
โOh, no. I invited Garcia.โ She laughed. Then her face dropped, eyebrows knitting together. โOh.โ
You had huffed a laugh and moved on with your day, trying desperately to stomach the fact he had tried to ask someone else on the team on a date. Clearly, he didnโt share the same interest in you as you did in him.
Except Spencer was, unfortunately, extremely aware of you.
Painfully aware, actually.
Aware enough that he knew the sound of your footsteps apart from anyone elseโs. Knew the way you tilted your head when you were thinking. Knew the smell of your favorite perfume.
He also knew he had absolutely no business liking you.
Not when you were so competent and capable and loved by the team, and he couldnโt get out a sentence half the time without stumbling over his words. He missed social cues. He slicked down his hair because he couldnโt figure out how to style his curls. He was awkward, everyoneโs nerdy little brother.
So he did what he did best, as usual.
Over the next year, the two of you were painfully obvious to everyone except yourselves.
โSoโฆ whatโs his deal?โ You asked the girls one night as you sat at the bar for post-case drinks.
โWhat, outside of being the worldโs biggest dork?โ Elle snorted, sipping her drink.
โJust, you know, is he, likeโฆโ You gestured vaguelyโโฆdating anyone?โ
โOoh, I think somebody has a crush!โ Garcia grinned.
โWhat? No.โ Your cheeks burned, your eyes fixating on the liquid swirling in your drink. โHeโs justโฆ private, is all.โ
โOr thereโs just nothing to talk about.โ JJ shrugged.
You let the subject die as Garcia quickly moved on to another topic of conversation, wistfully watching your ice cubes clink together. Maybe your next one should just come in a bottle.
Well, speaking of bottles.
Spencer was only slightly less obvious about his interest in you. At least, he certainly wasnโt the one to bring it up. It was only about the fifth time that day that Morgan caught him giving you doe eyes behind his glasses that he finally called him on it.
โReid.โ Morgan said, leaning over in his chair.
Spencer startled, blinking rapidly. โYeah?โ
โDude, why donโt you just ask her out?โ
Spencer pursed his lips, eyebrows raised. โI have no idea what youโre talking about.โ
Morgan scoffed. โYouโre seriously gonna play that game with me right now? Youโre practically drooling.โ
โAm not.โ Spencer replied defensively.
โFace it, pretty boy.โ Derek smiled, patting him on the shoulder as he stood. โYouโre down bad.โ
Spencer frowned as he walked away. Down bad. That was one way to put it.
Derekโs words seemed to linger in his head over the next few weeks. Just ask her out. As if it were that simple.
And maybe he wouldโve.
If it wasnโt for Tobias Hankel.
If it wasnโt for the needle in his arm. Or the torture. Or being forced to dig his own grave.
If it wasnโt for Hankel being right about the dilaudid making it better.
It was like all the overwhelming thoughts, statistics, analysis, assessment, anxiety, justโฆ shut up, for a while. It was quiet.
God, it was quiet.
You noticed Spencer was different after Hankel. How could you not? He had been tortured, beaten, drugged, forced to choose who lived and died. That would take a toll on anyone.
You certainly didnโt suspect addiction. Not at first. You thought maybe he was depressed, certainly traumatized.
You felt so terrible for him. He didnโt smile as much anymore, didnโt crack jokes or engage in conversation as vividly as before. His fingernails grew long. The bags under his eyes grew darker. You just wanted him to feel better.
So, one Saturday morning, you found yourself at the door of his apartment with a box of chocolate sprinkle donuts in hand.
He opened the door, rubbing his eyes blearily.
โHello?โ He asked, voice scratchy with sleep.
โSpence, itโs like, ten.โ You replied, eyebrows furrowing. โDid I wake you up?โ
โNo, no, Iโm fine. Whatโs up?โ
You sheepishly extended the donuts. โI brought you these. I know chocolate sprinkle is your favorite.โ
His mouth twitched into a strange sort of half-frown, half-smile as he accepted the box. โWow, thanks.โ
He glanced over his shoulder into his apartment. You followed his gaze.
It was a wreck. Books scattered everywhere, empty takeout containers piled up by the trash can, clothes strewn about haphazardly.
โSpenceโฆโ You tilted your head before finally asking. โIs everything okay?โ
โYeah, Iโm fine.โ He replied quickly.
Your lips pressed into a thin line. You thought about not pushing it. Depression is a hard thing, and you knew that. You didnโt want to press if he didnโt want to tell you.
But, more than anything, he was your friend, maybe even family. And right now, he was drowning silently right in front of you.
โCan I come in?โ You asked gently after a moment of silence.
โI donโtโโ
โPlease?โ
That stopped him. He hesitated for a second more before sighing and stepping back, opening the door.
It was worse inside. For a germaphobe like Spencer, it was extremely out of character. You mentally appreciated your years of profiler training that allowed you to keep a straight face.
Spencer gingerly sat the box of donuts down, shoulders tense like he was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
You didnโt say anything at first. Instead, you slowly reached for one of the empty containers and put it in the trash.
โYou donโt have to do that.โ Spencer said, voice thin.
โI know.โ You said softly, continuing on to the next.
After watching you silently for a while, he gingerly moved to join you, putting books away on the shelves, washing dirty dishes.
The two of you moved in a quiet dance for a while until the apartment looked, at the very least, manageable.
He sat down on the couch, eyes distant. You brought the box of donuts over and set them on the coffee table before taking a seat beside him.
You nudged him gently, smiling. โYโknow, statistically, having a clean environment can boost mental health.โ
He huffed out a laugh at that, lips hardly curving upward, before settling around a heavy exhale.
And for once, Spencer Reid didnโt bottle it up.
โIโฆโ He paused, eyes shining. โIโm really struggling.โ
Your chest constricted at the sound of his voice, thin and unsteady in a way you had never heard before.
โYou donโt have to do it alone,โ you said softly.
Spencer swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as he stared down at his hands. They trembled faintly in his lap, fingers twitching like he didnโt know what to do with them.
โI thought I could handle it,โ he murmured.
You didnโt interrupt.
โIt justโฆโ His voice faltered. He shook his head slightly, like he was frustrated with himself. โIt made everything quiet. For a little while.โ
Your breath caught.
Oh.
Spencer scrubbed a hand over his face, exhaling shakily. โI donโt feel like myself anymore,โ he whispered.
His shoulders folded inward, posture collapsing in on itself like he was trying to make himself smaller, less noticeable. A shaky breath left him, uneven and sharp.
You didnโt think. You just reached for him.
The second your hand touched his arm, he let out a quiet, broken soundโ something between a breath and a sob, like he had been holding it in for weeks and didnโt know how to stop anymore.
โOh, Spenceโฆโ you whispered.
And then he was crying. Silent tears slipping down his cheeks, his breathing uneven as his hands curled into fists in his lap like he was embarrassed to even be seen like this.
You shifted closer, wrapping your arms around him gently, pulling him into you.
He melted against you like something inside him had finally given out. His forehead pressed against your shoulder, breath hitching as quiet sobs shook through him.
You had imagined holding Spencer before, in quieter moments, softer daydreams you never let yourself linger in.
But never like this. Never when he was breaking apart in your arms.
โIโm so sorry,โ you murmured softly, tears threatening your own eyes.
โIโm scared,โ he admitted, voice barely audible.
You swallowed hard, tightening your arms around him.
โYou donโt have to be alone in it,โ you whispered.
He didnโt answer. Just stayed there, shoulders shaking quietly, breathing unevenly.
But for the first time since he had found himself on Tobias Hankelโs doorstep, he didnโt feel alone. For now, that was enough.
After a while, Spencerโs breathing slowed, though he didnโt pull away from you.
You werenโt sure how much time passed like thatโ minutes, maybe longerโ before he finally spoke again.
โHey,โ he murmured quietly.
You tilted your head slightly. โYeah?โ
There was a long pause, like he was choosing his words very, very carefully.
โWill youโฆโ He hesitated, fingers tightening faintly in your shirt. โWill you stay for a while?โ
Your eyes stung. Spencer Reidโ stubborn, independent, endlessly private Spencer Reidโ had just asked you not to leave.
โYeah,โ you said softly. โOf course.โ
He nodded weakly against your shoulder, eyes slipping shut again.
And you stayed.
Because somewhere along the way, caring about Spencer Reid had stopped feeling like a passing crush and started feeling like something much deeper. Something steadier.
Something that made your chest ache in the quietest, most terrifying way.
And when his hand shifted, fingers curling loosely around yours like he needed to make sure you were still there, you didnโt pull away.
For the first time in weeks, Spencer Reid fell asleep without fear clawing at the edges of his mind.
And for the first time in just as long, you saw a glimpse of the Spencer you knew before that horrible case.
hey jas!!! iโve been following your blog for a bit bc i feel like you are obsessed w spencer and little details to the level i am lmao and i love seeinf your takes on things.
i did just see your post where you talked about feeling like they leave out details on him in later seasons (where you reblogged about his nokia phone) and another one i noticed was he really doesnโt drink alcohol for the majority of the show. like even in season 14 at rossiโs wedding he just gets soda water to sip on.
i know a lot of people also lament that the show seemingly forgets about his addiction storyline, but this to me is always a subtle way they reference it since previous addicts typically donโt indulge in other addictive substances, and we know he used to drink as can be seen in season 1 when they are all at the bar!!
idk rlly what the point of the ask is but i just thought iโd point it out bc againโฆ i am obsessed with the details lol
HI HI HI!!! Im so so obsessed with tiny details about him too yes yes yes!! Ive always adored this detail about him and im so glad you brought it up!! From what i can remember the last time we saw him drink alcohol was when he had a scotch at Ethanโs bar (aka his addiction at its worst). I canโt help but wonder if, beyond wanting to maintain sobriety in all forms, the thought of drinking again reminds him of that night in particular. The night where his addiction was addressed and then swiftly swept under the rug because โheโs smart and heโll figure it outโ. We know he drinks in the early seasons but to be honest I canโt see him doing it unless itโs for a social event. I think it was always just a social crutch for him / a way to blend in. Maybe the thought of drinking with the team just reminds him too much of his own desperate attempts to fit in and their own coldness to him when they all first met as well as their betrayal by not helping him during his addiction. Welcome to the reading too much into it club im the president!!!