It had become a tradition for you and Matthew to watch Criminal Minds episodes together. What started as a joke—he’d already spoiled everything—soon turned into a regular thing, with Matthew adding behind-the-scenes commentary for fun.

But tonight was different.

You were watching the Tobias Hankel episodes, where Spencer Reid endured some of his darkest moments. Matthew sat relaxed, munching on popcorn and casually glancing at the screen, while you sat tensely beside him, clutching your blanket. You told yourself it was just a show, but it didn’t help.

When the scene where Tobias tortured Spencer started, the tears pricked at your eyes almost immediately. You’d never been able to stomach watching Spencer suffer. You had always been drawn to his character—his brilliant mind, quirky habits, quiet vulnerability, and, well, his looks.

You tried to hold it together, swallowing the lump in your throat and wrapping your blanket tighter around yourself. But when Spencer collapsed, bloodied and broken, it was the last straw. A soft sob escaped your lips, and you quickly wiped at your eyes, hoping Matthew didn’t notice.

He did.

“Wait… are you crying?” he asked, both confused and amused.

“It’s just… it's really sad!” you mumbled, pointing at the screen. “Look at him!”

Matthew blinked, following your finger to the TV screen, then back at you, lost. “Babe, you know that’s me, right? I’m sitting right here.”

“I know that!” you shot back, frustrated. “But you look so in pain, and it’s heartbreaking! How do you not get that?”

Matthew laughed softly, shaking his head like it was absurd. “But, I’m right here. See? No bruises, no blood.” He waved his arms in front of you to emphasize his point.