protection ｡˚○ spencer reid
non-gendered
You hadn't been there through any of it, the interrogations, the trial, and now, prison. Too afraid of what you might see or hear. Spencer Reid. Guilty.
You refused to let it be part of your reality so you didn't let it. Acting like it wasn't really happening and Spencer would come home soon enough. Until you couldn't push it away any longer. He had been locked up for two months now and the team were practically begging you to visit him. You couldn't tell if the urgency came from Reid or the others worried about you, but either way you had to go see him for yourself.
You see him, although at first you weren't sure if it was really him. His hair was longer and shaggier than usual, it fell over his eyes and ears, like it was protecting him from unwanted stares. His cheeks were hollow and the bags around his eyes dark. There was a stillness that surrounded him, one that was never there before. Usually Spencer filled the silence with rambling facts and nervous energy but now he was completely still, only his eyes darting around the room, taking every inch of it in. Surveying his surroundings. This wasn't the Spencer you had grown to love, this was a shell of the man he once was.
You took a deep breath in before walking over to sit across from him, a thick pane of glass dividing you. Just like in the movies, Spencer picked up the phone beside him and waited for you to do the same. His eyes staring straight into your soul. Neither of you speak for a second
"You shouldn't have come." He says finally.
You stiffen, his voice was unusually cold. "I tried to stay away. I just- I had to see you for myself."
His stern features falter but only for a second. The two of you always had a complicated relationship. Always flirting but never making what you had official. It was like you were both too afraid if you labelled it, things would end badly.
"Are they treating you well?" He asked.
You think for a minute. It wasn't as simple as it sounded. He didn't mean the team or work. He meant, did anyone follow you, has anyone threatened you, has anyone tried to use you to get to him?
He was being protective.
You nodded slowly in response. Too scared to answer out loud. Your throat feeling tight.
He responded with lifting his palm up against the glass. You look between it and him for a moment before lining yours up with his. The glass was cold, almost like it was mocking you for wanting to feel the warmth of Spencer's hand in your own. There was nothing you wanted more in that moment.
"Don't come alone next time." He almost ordered.
"Are you profiling me now Spencer?" You teased. Gingerly testing the waters of your relationship again.
He almost looked amused. "I profile everyone."
Almost.
He leant close against the glass, talking even lower now. "You need to be careful."
You followed his lead, leaning forward in your seat. Hand still pressing into the glass. "I don't need to be anything. Besides, I'm not afraid."
He didn't doubt you but if there was one thing the whole experience had taught him was how vindictive people can be.
His voice shook slightly. "But I am."
He wasn't afraid for himself, but for you. You noticed for the first time, the fresh bruises on his knuckles.
The visiting timer buzzes. You both flinched at the piercing sound. As the guard moved to take Spencer away you anxiously ramble down the phone, not wanting this to be the last thing he heard from you.
"'m so sorry I didn't come sooner, please know I never stopped thinking about you not even for a second. I knowyou'reinnocent. I-" He hung up the phone before you could finish. The guard's grip on his shoulder tightening. But as Spencer stood, he didn't remove his hand from yours until the last second. His eyes trained on you, like he was trying to memorise your every feature in this light. And although he didn't hear you say it, you know he loves you back.