Criminal Minds x Reader

Playing Around to Get You [D.M]

The bar was packed, music thumping so loud you could feel it vibrating in your chest. Neon lights flickered overhead, casting shadows that danced with the rhythm. You scanned the crowd, your gaze lingering on Derek. He was in his element, laughing and flirting with a group of women at the bar. It was his usual MO — smooth, charming, effortlessly charismatic. And it was driving you crazy.

You had this thing, Derek and you. Not quite dating, not quite single. A perpetual dance around the boundaries of what you were. Friends with benefits, maybe, but there was something more simmering beneath the surface, something neither of you dared to name.

Tonight, though, you were done with the uncertainty. If Derek wanted to flirt, then so would you. You were going to show him just how good you could play this game.

You took a deep breath, squared your shoulders, and strode onto the dance floor. The music pulsed around you, a heady mix of bass and melody that wrapped itself around your senses. You let yourself get lost in the rhythm, your movements fluid and confident. You could feel eyes on you, appreciative glances from both men and women. Good. Let them look. Let Derek see what he was missing.

It wasn't long before you were surrounded. A tall guy with a broad smile spun you around, his hands respectful but assertive. You laughed, the sound light and carefree, and let him lead you through the crowd. Then a girl with bright blue hair and a mischievous grin took his place, her moves seductive and playful. You matched her energy, your bodies moving in sync to the beat.

Out of the corner of your eye, you caught Derek watching you. His smile had faded, replaced by a look of intense focus. Great. Let him stew in it.

You danced with everyone who approached you, never staying with one person for too long. It was a whirlwind of faces and bodies, laughter and flirtation. You could feel him staring at you the entire time, a burning intensity that sent shivers down your spine.

Finally, you felt a pair of strong hands on your waist, pulling you back against a solid chest. You knew who it was before you even turned around.

"Having fun?" Derek's voice was low in your ear, barely audible over the music.

You turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "What's up with you?"

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, you saw a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Just making sure you're okay"

You smirked, leaning in close. "I'm more than okay, Derek. I'm having a great time, you know?"

His grip on your waist tightened, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against your ear. "You know, you're driving me crazy out here"

"Good," you shot back, meeting his gaze head-on, "Now you know how it feels"

For a moment, you just stared at each other, the tension between you two crackling like electricity. Then his expression softened, and he let out a sigh.

"You don't get it, do you?" he said, his voice almost drowned out by the music.

"Get what?"

"I flirt with other people because I think you're too good for me. I don't want to mess this up, whatever this is"

You rolled your eyes, trying to get away from him. "Bullshit"

He hardened his grip on your hips. "No, I'm serious"

You blinked, taken aback. Of all the things you'd expected, that wasn't one of them. "You think you're not good enough for me?"

He nodded, his eyes earnest. "Yeah. I do"

You felt your resolve waver, the walls you had built up starting to crumble. "Derek, you idiot," you breathed out, your voice softer now, "You're more than good enough for me. You are perfect"

His eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he just stared at you. Then a slow, genuine smile spread across his face, and he pulled you closer. "You mean that?"

You nodded, your heart pounding. "Yeah. I do"

For a little while, you just stood there, wrapped up in each other, the rest of the world fading away. Then Derek leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in a kiss that was both tender and intense. It felt like a promise, a confirmation of everything that had been unspoken between you two.

When you finally pulled apart, Derek's eyes were shining with something you couldn't quite place. "So, what now?" he asked, his voice rough with emotion.

You smiled, taking his hand in yours. "Now, you take me out of this place and ask me to a real date"

He squeezed your hand, a grin spreading across his face. "Sounds like a plan"