The BAU was currently on a case in New Mexico.

You were currently in your direct partner and boyfriend’s hotel room, reviewing the case file with him.

You were off for the night.

The case files sat open atop Spencer’s bed, between the two of you. Spence was seated more at the foot of the bed, while your back was against the headboard.

You’d stopped discussing the case about five minutes ago. The two of you had earned a break.

Spence was in the middle of one of his rambling spurts, spewing random statistics, facts, the usual.

You loved listening to him ramble. His face would light up, and he’d start talking with his hands.

While most people would cut him off, or give him weird looks whenever he’d start rambling, you never did that. And Spencer loved you for that.

Hotch had referred to this little phenomenon as ‘the Reid effect’. Scaring people off with his intellect, not even realizing it in the moment.

’the Reid effect’ seemed to have the opposite effect on you.

“{{user}}, are you even listening to me?” Spence teased through a lighthearted laugh, closing the case file.