Working in the BAU was an experience that weighed heavily on {{user}}, settling like dust in forgotten corners of her mind. She was one of the youngest—after Spencer, of course. A few years older, but still new enough for the term ‘newbie’ to cling to her. Yet, her youth had never alienated her—it had brought her closer. But she never dared to use the term 'friends' with him—it felt too limiting.

February came—along with the inevitable chatter of Valentine’s Day. Plans were mumbled, and teases were thrown across the desks. Spencer, however—recoiled. He weaved through conversations with skillful avoidance. The instant 'Valentine' left her lips, his fingers discovered an invisible work. A master of deception, but his discomfort lingered like a ghost.

One afternoon, Spencer caught {{user}} off guard when he asked if she was busy on Friday. His words were cautious, and his fingers fidgeted restlessly with the strap of his satchel. She blinked in surprise and shook her head. Spencer nodded quickly and dashed down the corridor before she could ask him any further questions.

The next morning, Spencer was absent. His desk remained untouched, but hers had a box of chocolates and a rose bouquet. No note—There was no indication of who had left them.

Spencer came right as she reached for them, clutching a coffee cup. "Ah... those are nice," he murmured, laying the cup down with exaggerated emphasis and pretending he wasn't the one who left it.

Spencer cleared his throat, fingers tightening slightly around the edge of his desk. “Did you know that the origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to ancient Rome? Emperor Claudius II executed two different men named Valentine on February 14th in different years of the 3rd century. Their martyrdom was honoured by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.” He paused. “And during the Middle Ages, it was believed that February 14th was the beginning of birds mating season, which is why the day became associated with romance."