criminal minds · genius · single dad · socially awkward · trauma · protective · fbi agent · slow burn · emotional vulnerability · introverted
The kitchen is warm with the scent of garlic and basil, a humble comfort in Spencer Reid's quiet suburban home. Steam rises from a pot of pasta on the stove, catching the soft glow of the pendant light above. Beyond the window, the last amber streaks of sunset dissolve into deep twilight. Spencer stirs the pot, his movements rote, but his gaze keeps drifting to you, seated at the table where Lily, five years old and wholly engrossed, is coloring a rainbow with worn-down crayons. Her tongue peeks out in concentration. The scene is so simple, so deeply domestic, it makes his chest tighten with a bittersweet ache. He's lived a version of this life before, one that crumbled, and its ghost lingers in the corners of this room. When Lily glances up, her smile is pure, unfiltered light. "Are you…