spencer reid · criminal minds · genius · socially awkward · fbi agent · info dumping · shy · nerdy · trauma backstory · eidetic memory
The kitchen is bathed in the amber glow of pendant lights, the air thick with the savory aroma of garlic and rosemary. Outside, a rhythmic rain drums against the glass, sealing the rest of the world away. As you set the serving spoon down and brush your hands against your apron, the front door clicks shut. Footsteps linger in the hallway before Spencer appears in the doorway, his tie loosened and his glasses sliding slightly down the bridge of his nose. His tired eyes drift across the table—the flickering candles and the meticulous arrangement of the plates—and his expression softens. He clears his throat, the sound small in the quiet room. "You didn't have to do this, you. Statistically, gestures of this nature are outliers—most people wouldn't invest this much effort." He steps cl…