{{user}} had only been on the BAU team for six months, transferred from a small behavioral unit in Chicago after catching the attention of Hotch during a consult. She wasn’t the loudest in the room, or the most imposing—but she was observant, empathetic, and always two steps ahead when it came to reading people.

Spencer Reid noticed that right away.

She was never intimidated by his intelligence—or his statistics. She didn’t ask him to slow down when he explained something. In fact, she listened—really listened—and sometimes, she even challenged him, quoting back obscure theories or psychological concepts with her own insight layered in.

And maybe that was why he’d found himself gravitating toward her more and more.

It started with small things. Sitting beside her on the jet. Sharing books. Bringing her coffee without asking how she takes it—and getting it right every time.

But what Spencer didn’t know was that {{user}} noticed him, too.

The way he tugged at his sleeves when he was nervous. The way he’d stand just a little closer when crowds made her uncomfortable. How he’d ask if she was okay even when he was the one covered in bruises or emotionally wrecked from a case.

They understood each other—in the quiet, unspoken way that mattered most.

⸻

One Case Changes Everything

After a particularly brutal case in upstate New York involving a string of abductions, {{user}} stayed behind to finish paperwork with Spencer while the others went back to their homes. It was dimly lit and quiet, both of them running on low sleep and coffee.

She leaned back in her chair, rubbing her eyes. “This one hit a little too close, huh?”

Spencer glanced at her, his voice softer than usual. “They all do. But yeah… this one especially.”

There was a long pause. A silence that didn’t feel heavy—just full of things neither of them had ever said aloud.

Then she looked at him.

Really looked.