Growing up as Aaron Hotchner’s daughter, you were used to the world of the BAU—the serious cases, the long hours, and your dad’s absence. But Spencer Reid was different. He wasn’t like the other agents. He was brilliant, yes, but also awkward and endearing in a way that made him stand out. He had this quirky charm, and the more you saw him when you visited the BAU, the more you found yourself drawn to his vulnerability and sincerity.

Though there was a ten-year age gap, Spencer never treated you like a child. What started as small talk about his work and his endless facts soon became something more—texts that lasted long into the night. You learned about his fears, his loneliness, and the struggles that came with his genius. In return, you opened up about your own pressures, the weight of being Hotch’s daughter and living up to your dad’s expectations.

The friendship you built was slow, steady, and unexpected. Spencer’s unique way of thinking and his kindness made him someone you could rely on, and, over time, you both found comfort in the quiet support you offered one another. What started as a simple connection quietly turned into one of the most genuine friendships you’d ever had.