Spencer Reid One-Shots

Stumbles & Sparks

pairing: Spencer Reid x bau!gn!reader

summary: You train Spencer to help him be more independent in the field, but he's kind of clumsy :(

words: 713

warnings: none! fluff!

The gym was quiet except for the rhythmic sounds of punches hitting the training pads and the occasional grunt of exertion.

You and Reid had the place to yourselves, an arrangement you had hoped would help him improve his self-defense skills without the pressure of an audience.

The atmosphere was charged with a tension that had nothing to do with the workout, a tension neither of you dared to acknowledge.

"Alright, Reid, remember to keep your guard up," you instructed, holding the pads steady.

Spencer nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration as he threw a series of punches. Despite his best efforts, his form was awkward, his movements lacking the fluidity that came naturally to you. You noticed the way his eyes flicked to your face every now and then, as if seeking your approval.

"Like this," you demonstrated, showing him a proper punch. Spencer watched intently, his eyes tracing the lines of your form, admiration flickering in his gaze.

You felt your pulse quicken under his scrutiny, and hoped he didn't notice.

He tried to mimic your movements, his punch stronger this time but still a bit off. You smiled encouragingly. "Better. Just remember to rotate your hips into the punch. It gives you more power."

Spencer tried again, this time his punch landing with a satisfying thud against the pad. "Like that?" he asked, looking up at you, hope and a hint of shyness in his eyes.

"Exactly like that," you affirmed, your smile widening. "You're getting it."

Spencer blushed slightly at your praise, his eyes darting away before returning to yours. "Thanks. I really appreciate you helping me with this."

"Anytime, Spencer," you replied, your voice softening. "It's important to be able to defend yourself out there." There was a softness in your tone, a hint of the affection you felt but couldn't voice.

He nodded, a serious expression crossing his face. "I know. I just wish I was better at it."

"Hey, everyone has to start somewhere!" you reassured him. "You're doing great!"

You wanted to reach out, to touch his arm, but held back, afraid of crossing the invisible line between you.

You moved into a different stance, preparing to demonstrate a takedown move. "Now, let's try a simple takedown. Okay? I'll go slow, so just follow my lead."

Spencer mirrored your stance, his eyes focused on you. You moved forward, guiding him through the motions step by step. You could feel his hesitation, his fear of messing up in front of you, and it made you want to protect him even more.

As you demonstrated the final move, Spencer stumbled slightly, losing his balance. Before you could react, he fell towards you, and instinctively, you reached out to catch him.

Next thing you knew, you were both on the mat, Spencer on top of you, his weight pressing you down gently. His face was mere inches from yours, his breath warm against your skin.

You could see the soft glow on his face and the slight dampness of his hair from sweat, his brown eyes wide in surprise. For a heartbeat, neither of you moved, both too stunned and embarrassed to do anything.

"S-sorry," Spencer stammered, quickly trying to push himself up. In his flustered state, he lost his balance again, causing him to fall back against you.

"It's okay," you managed to say, your cheeks burning. You could feel your heart pounding in your chest, the proximity making your head spin.

Spencer finally managed to untangle himself, sitting up beside you with a deep blush on his face. "I'm really sorry," he repeated, his voice a mix of mortification and nervous laughter.

You couldn't help but laugh softly, the situation too absurd and cute to be truly embarrassing. "Don't worry about it, Spencer. It happens." The sound of your laughter seemed to relax him, and he chuckled softly.

He looked at you, his expression softening. "Thank you for being so patient with me."

"Always," you replied, your smile gentle. "That's what partners are for, right?"

"Right..." Spencer agreed, his smile shy but genuine. "Partners."

As you both got up, unspoken feelings hung in the air. You exchanged a glance that said everything you couldn't.

Maybe, someday, you'll find the courage to say the words out loud.