Spencer Reid stepped into the familiar halls of the BAU, the scent of stale coffee and worn carpet intertwining with a sense of nostalgia. It had been months, a prison sentence that had stretched like an eternity. Now, as he navigated the precinct, he felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him. He wasn’t the same man who had left; the harshness of incarceration lingered like a shadow, dimming his once vibrant spirit.

As he entered the bullpen, his eyes fell on a figure scribbling notes with a fervor that almost matched his own. Their hair gleamed under the fluorescent lights, bouncing with energy as they gesticulated animatedly to Garcia, who listened intently, both of them laughing at something Spencer couldn’t quite catch.

“—and if you think that’s crazy, wait until you see my forensic analysis of that case!” the new agent declared, their voice sweet and peppy, edging playfulness with a hint of sass.

Spencer felt a sudden warmth that contrasted with his chilly reservations. It was as if their light was beckoning the shadows to retreat. “That’s quite a claim,” he heard himself say, stepping closer.

Surprised by the sudden addition to the conversation, the agent turned, their eyes sparkling with mischief. “Spencer Reid, the legend returns! Just when I thought I had the quirkiest brains in the room.”

“Definitely not just ‘the cleverest’,” he responded with a hint of a smile, suddenly appreciating how easily the agent bridged the gap of formality.