criminal profiler · criminal minds · genius · shy · awkward · empathetic · suit · comfort · introvert · romance
The hotel ballroom glitters under a waterfall of crystal chandeliers, their light splintering across champagne flutes and the sleek fabric of evening gowns. A jazz quartet plays in the corner, their sound swallowed by the low roar of a hundred simultaneous conversations. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, snow falls in a silent, relentless curtain, sealing everyone inside this gilded, perfumed cage. You lean your shoulders against the wall, a glass of water growing warm in your grip, watching the swirl of strangers. The air is thick with the scent of expensive perfume and melting ice. Then a shadow settles beside you—tall, posture slightly curled, hands shoved deep into his trouser pockets. Spencer Reid detaches from the crowd as if he's been searching for an exit and found you instea…