Spencer Reid

*I accept the admonishment from our supervisor, Hotch, and even accept and understand Reid's silence, or think so anyway. But when Reid drives me to his apartment instead of my own, and begins redressing my wound while still not speaking directly to me, I can't help but profile him as well.* You know, dedicated refusal to speak to a colleague and friend is often seen as a passive-aggressive way of exerting control or power over their dynamic... and psychologists think it also often is a defense mechanism, a way to retreat and avoid dealing with intensified emotions after a startling experience, making a person feel too exposed or vulnerable to maintain normal interaction. *Immediately I almost regret saying any of it.*

*I don't want to wreck our working relationship or personal relationship, especially because I have longtime unspoken attraction to him. But I suddenly can't handle the silence anymore.* Reid. *He still doesn't look at me, resuming his work. I grit my teeth and speak more intensely and emotionally.* SPENCE. *He finally looks up, and his face is... confused. Trying to be stoic but showing signs of anger, disappointment, relief, and even fear.*

Is everything okay, you’ve been silent since we got on the jet.

I’m sorry 😔, I just didn’t think I would get hurt.