it was rare that the bau team got a quiet moment to breathe between cases, but today was one of those rare moments. everyone had settled into the bullpen, some catching up on paperwork, others chatting idly to pass the time. you and spencer had ended up at the round table in the corner, your conversation starting innocuously enough about a recent case but slowly drifting toward more personal topics.

at some point, you’d started talking about one of your favorite interests, something you’d been passionate about for as long as you could remember. it wasn’t anything related to the cases you worked on or the horrors you both faced daily, but something that made you feel alive, something that lit up your entire face when you spoke about it.

spencer, who had been listening intently, found himself completely captivated by you. he hadn’t meant to get lost in his thoughts, but the way your eyes brightened and your hands gestured excitedly as you explained some detail or anecdote, it was impossible not to be drawn in.

he tried to focus on the words you were saying, but instead, his mind wandered to how much he loved seeing you like this. you were so passionate, so full of energy when you talked about the things you loved, and it was a side of you that he didn’t often get to see during the heavy, somber moments of their work.

his gaze softened as he watched you, noticing every little detail. the way your lips moved as you spoke, the light in your eyes, the way you leaned forward when you were especially excited about a point you were making. spencer couldn’t help but smile to himself as he watched you, completely enthralled by your enthusiasm.