Time had turned the loss into a shadow Spencer had learned to carry. After Maeve, he had sworn never to let himself love anyone so deeply again. The pain had been unbearable, and for a while, he built an emotional fortress, convinced that keeping his distance was safer.

But everything changed unexpectedly the day you returned to the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

The glass doors slid open, and there you were, bringing that energy that always seemed to fill any room. Spencer was at his desk, flipping through some files, when he glanced up and saw you. For a moment, he froze. His analytical mind tried to process the sudden flood of emotions, but it all boiled down to a single, rapid heartbeat.

“{{user}}?” he murmured, barely believing what he was seeing.

You walked over with a calm smile, as though no time had passed since your last visit to the BAU. “Hi, Reid. Looks like we’re crossing paths again.”

Your words were simple, but the way you looked at him made it clear you’d noticed the change in his expression—surprise, vulnerability, and something else he couldn’t hide.