In the intricate world of love and relationships, few dynamics are as compelling as that of a worrier and their steadfast partner. For fans of Special Agent Doctor Spencer Reid from the beloved series “Criminal Minds,” the notion of him in a romantic relationship often sparks curiosity and adoration. What kind of person could capture the heart of such an enigmatic and brilliant mind? This story delves into a hypothetical scenario: Spencer Reid finding love with someone as dedicated and exceptional as himself – a surgeon.
The Enigmatic Dr. Reid: A Mind Burdened by Worry
Doctor Spencer Reid is known for his extraordinary intellect and his equally prominent anxieties. His mind, a labyrinth of knowledge and deduction, is also a breeding ground for concerns, ranging from everyday germs to the darker realities he confronts in his work at the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). This constant state of worry, while sometimes endearing, is a significant aspect of his personality, shaped by the intense and often grim nature of his profession.
For someone like Spencer, finding a partner who understands and alleviates these anxieties is paramount. Enter Y/N, in this fan-fiction scenario, a skilled and compassionate surgeon. Her profession, demanding and high-stakes, mirrors Spencer’s in intensity, yet her approach to life and care provides a soothing contrast to his ever-churning mind.
A Love Born of Understanding and Care
The story unfolds with Y/N having navigated nearly six months as Spencer’s girlfriend, becoming accustomed to his predictable yet heartfelt worries. Initially, one might expect his constant concerns to be bothersome, but Y/N finds them endearing. It’s a testament to Spencer’s deep care, a trait she had perhaps not encountered so profoundly before. This attentiveness to her well-being becomes another layer in her growing affection for him.
Spencer Reid looking concerned
Y/N understands that Spencer’s anxieties are not unfounded. They are shadows cast by the grim realities he faces in his work. While he shares the successes and less harrowing cases, the ones that leave a mark of profound sadness remain unspoken. These are the cases that weigh heavily on his shoulders, stealing his smile and haunting his sleep. Y/N, perceptive and empathetic, pieces together the unspoken burdens he carries through the subtle ways he begins to safeguard her life.
Early in their relationship, Spencer’s protective nature becomes evident when he learns about Y/N’s outdated and insecure garage door. This seemingly minor detail triggers a significant reaction from Spencer, rooted in his deep-seated need to protect her from unseen dangers, reminiscent of the vulnerabilities he encounters in his cases.
The Garage Door Incident: A Testament to Spencer’s Protection
The old garage door at Y/N’s house, a relic from the 1960s, becomes a focal point of Spencer’s protective instincts. It’s manual, lacks a proper lock, and Y/N, in her busy life, often leaves it open for convenience. For Spencer, this is not a minor oversight but a significant security risk.
His reaction is swift and decisive. He arranges for a brand-new garage door to be installed, complete with modern security features – secure locks and a keypad entry. This isn’t just about home improvement; it’s about ensuring Y/N’s safety, a direct response to the darkness he confronts in his professional life. He spends an entire weekend meticulously testing the new system, reiterating safety instructions to Y/N, ensuring she understands how to operate it securely.
His instructions are repetitive and precise: “Double-check that it shuts all the way, and doesn’t go back up before you leave.” “Always watch when it shuts to make sure no one slips inside.” These aren’t just safety tips; they are mantras born from the anxieties that plague him, fueled by the tragic outcomes he has witnessed.
GPS Upgrade: Navigating the Digital Age of Worry
Further illustrating his protective nature, Spencer replaces the GPS in Y/N’s car a couple of months into their relationship. His explanation – the old model was susceptible to hacking – initially puzzles Y/N. The implications of a hacked GPS seem minimal to her, perhaps a breach of privacy at most.
“What are they going to do with that, Spence? Figure out I spend way too much time at Target?” she jokes, attempting to lighten his mood. However, Spencer’s reaction reveals the depth of his concern. A fleeting look of regret crosses his face, hinting at the darker possibilities he envisions – scenarios far more sinister than targeted advertising.
“Yes,” he manages to say, the simplicity of his reply underscoring the gravity of his worry. Y/N understands. It’s not about the data itself, but the potential vulnerabilities, the unseen threats that could materialize from seemingly innocuous breaches. From then on, Y/N trusts Spencer’s judgment, recognizing that his protective measures, though sometimes excessive, stem from a place of deep care and a desire to shield her from the darkness he battles daily.
The Alarm System Fiasco: Late Nights and Lingering Concerns
Y/N’s demanding schedule as a surgeon often leads to late nights, a reality that clashes with Spencer’s heightened security measures. The advanced alarm system he installed, while intended to protect her, becomes a source of minor, yet frequent, frustrations. On one particular night, as Y/N returns home just past 2 AM, she finds herself facing the familiar beeping of her own alarm system.
For the third time that week, she triggers the alarm, struggling to remember the complex code Spencer meticulously chose – a random string of numbers designed to be unguessable, even to her. In her tired state, the keypad becomes an obstacle, each wrong attempt escalating her frustration.
“For the absolute love of fuck,” she mutters, juggling her belongings and desperately trying to disarm the system before it alerts the security company. Her phone rings incessantly as she fumbles with the keypad, a quick glance confirming it’s Spencer, undoubtedly alerted by the alarm.
A Weary Call and a Reassuring Voice
Before Y/N can successfully disarm the alarm, ADT calls to verify her safety. Through a tired exchange with Macy from ADT, Y/N assures them it’s just another false alarm, a consequence of her boyfriend’s overly secure passcode. Meanwhile, Spencer’s persistent calls underscore his worry, a concern that, while sometimes inconvenient, is rooted in his deep affection.
Finally managing to silence the alarm, Y/N answers Spencer’s call, preemptively reassuring him, “I’m fine, Spence. I’m perfectly fine.” His immediate sigh of relief is palpable, a sound that softens Y/N’s irritation into understanding.
“I’m sorry,” he says, his voice thick with sleep. “I know this happens a lot –“
“It’s fine, sweetheart,” Y/N replies, her voice gentle. “I’m sorry I woke you up again.” She gathers her scattered belongings, moving into the kitchen, the day’s chaos still clinging to her.
Spencer’s response is immediate and unwavering: “Don’t be. I’d rather be woken by a false alarm than by hearing you were hurt.” His words, though simple, carry the weight of his genuine concern, melting away any lingering annoyance Y/N might have felt. In the quiet aftermath, a comfortable silence settles between them, punctuated by the unspoken understanding of their bond.
A Worry for His Godson: Henry’s Unexpected Illness
Their peaceful interlude is soon interrupted by a different kind of worry. In the background, the sound of a child crying breaks the calm. “Spencer?” Y/N asks, her surgeon’s instincts subtly activating.
“It’s – that’s Henry,” Spencer explains, his voice laced with concern. Henry, his godson, is staying with him for the night, a favor to Will and JJ. “Will and JJ wanted some time alone so I took him for the night. I… think he might be getting sick.“
Y/N, attuned to Spencer’s nuances, recognizes the telltale signs of his deep worry. It’s the tone reserved for his most profound anxieties, the kind that surfaces when those he cares for are vulnerable.
“You were already awake when ADT called, weren’t you?” she asks, her suspicion confirmed by his delayed response. “Spencer. You just got back from a case and you’ve been up for almost twenty-four hours –“
“He had a fever when I put him to bed,” Spencer defends, his protective instincts extending to his godson.
Y/N, balancing her roles as a doctor and a supportive girlfriend, gently reminds him of the normalcy of children’s temperature fluctuations and the prevalence of minor illnesses in kids Henry’s age. “It’s common for children’s temperatures to rise a bit at night,” she explains. “And kids his age are prone to colds, which is nothing some sleep can’t help.“
Spencer, however, remains unconvinced, his worry escalating with each perceived symptom. “It wasn’t there this afternoon, though,” he insists, the beep of a thermometer confirming his continued vigilance.
A Doctor’s Reassurance and Lingering Unease
“What’s his temp?” Y/N prompts, her professional curiosity piqued. Silence follows, then a mumbled, “99.9.“
“But that’s higher than it was an hour ago –” Spencer adds, his anxiety palpable.
Y/N, drawing on her medical expertise, begins to assess the situation remotely. “Does he have any other symptoms?” she asks, her mind already running through possible scenarios. Again, silence, followed by a reluctant admission: “He didn’t eat as much at dinner.” Spencer’s worry is clearly escalating beyond rational levels, fueled by his protective nature and perhaps a touch of exhaustion.
Y/N guides him gently, suggesting simple remedies: “Okay, Spence. Give him some Tylenol and get him to drink some water. If there are no other symptoms present, he probably just has a cold. It could even be allergies, and he’s just uncomfortable.“
Spencer’s anxieties, though sometimes overwhelming, are rooted in his deep capacity for care and concern. Y/N recognizes this, balancing her reassurance with an understanding of his inherent nature. She knows that for Spencer, worrying is a form of love, a way of processing the uncertainties of a world often filled with darkness.
The Doctor’s Orders: Rest and Reassurance
Y/N gently steers the conversation towards Spencer’s well-being, recognizing the toll his constant vigilance is taking on him. “Hey. It’s fine. You’re just concerned,” she reassures him. “But between the almost back-to-back cases you’ve been working and now me setting off my alarm every other night, you’re wearing yourself out.“
Spencer, often resistant to acknowledging his own limits, this time concedes. “I know. You’re right,” he mumbles, the exhaustion evident in his voice.
Y/N seizes the moment to lighten the mood, teasing playfully, “I’m sorry, what was that? I didn’t quite catch that.“
Her gentle humor works, eliciting a chuckle from Spencer. He knows she’s heard him, but plays along, a brief respite from his worries. “I’m not repeating it,” he giggles, the sound a welcome relief to Y/N.
With Henry stirring again, Spencer shifts his focus back to his godson, promising to get him back to sleep and then rest himself. Y/N, ever practical, issues “doctor’s orders” for him to get at least a couple of hours of sleep.
“Alright, baby. I’m gonna go shower and lay down,” she says, deciding to postpone dealing with the day’s clutter. “I’ll text you when I’m up. I love you.“
“I love you too,” Spencer murmurs, the reciprocal declaration still fresh and cherished between them. “Goodnight, Y/N.“
“’Night, Spence.“
With a lingering smile, Y/N hangs up, checks the time – nearly 3 AM – and resigns herself to a short night before her next demanding hospital shift. Despite the exhaustion, she showers, a brief act of self-care before collapsing into bed, sleep claiming her almost instantly.
A 4 AM Wake-Up Call: Henry’s Worsening Condition
Just as sleep deepens, Y/N’s phone rings again. Groaning, she answers, half-expecting it to be the hospital calling her back in.
“This is Dr. Y/L/N –“
“Y/N,” Spencer’s voice cuts in, panicked and urgent. “I’m so sorry to wake you, but Henry’s gotten worse.“
The time – 3:58 AM – flashes on her nightstand, a cruel reminder of her fleeting rest. “Spencer it hasn’t even been an hour –” she starts, exhaustion battling with a rising sense of concern.
“He threw up twice, and he says his stomach really hurts,” Spencer rushes on, his voice pitched higher with worry. “His fever’s at 100.8, it’s going up quickly –“
Y/N’s medical mind clicks into gear, symptoms aligning to paint a concerning picture. Escalating fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain – not a benign combination. “Hey, okay, okay,” she interjects, forcing herself to sit up, the symptoms swirling in her groggy thoughts. “Alright. Spence, take a breath.“
“Y/N, I’m worried about –“
“I know. But I need you to calm yourself down,” she insists. Spencer’s huff of exasperation is audible, but she persists, knowing clear thinking is crucial. “Alright. One more.“
He complies, his breathing audibly evening out. “I – should I take him to the ER? He’s gotten a lot worse and he’s crying, but I don’t want to worry Will and JJ if I’m just overreacting –“
This time, Y/N shares his concern. The symptoms warrant immediate attention, and a trip to the ER, while potentially alarming to Henry’s parents, is necessary. However, a quicker approach comes to mind – her own expertise.
“Text me their address,” she instructs, already throwing on clothes, her surgeon instincts overriding exhaustion. She’ll assess Henry herself, ensuring he gets the care he needs without delay.
The address pings through, and Spencer’s relieved voice returns. “Thank you so much. I’m sorry. I know you’re so tired –“
“Spence, really. It’s okay,” Y/N reassures him, typing the address into her GPS. “My GPS says I’ll be there in about ten minutes. I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.“
“Drive safe,” he replies automatically, then adds, with ingrained habit, “be sure your garage door shuts all the way.“
A small smile touches Y/N’s lips. Even in panic, Spencer’s protective nature persists. She watches the garage door close, a familiar ritual of reassurance, before driving into the early morning darkness, her focus now entirely on Henry and Spencer.
A Doctor Arrives: Assessment and Urgency
Spencer is at the door before Y/N even knocks, pulling her into a much-needed hug. He clings to her, his relief palpable, burying his face in her neck before murmuring apologies.
“I really am sorry, Y/N. You’re so tired and if this is nothing –“
Y/N pulls back slightly, cupping his face, silencing his worries with a tender, reassuring kiss. He melts into her touch, his hands finding her wrists, holding her close.
Breaking the kiss, she murmurs, “Spencer, I don’t know how else to say it, but I’m being completely honest when I say it’s okay. You’re not overreacting. Henry’s worsened and it’s a legitimate cause for concern. You have every right to worry.“
Spencer nods, his forehead resting against hers, seemingly reassured by her words and presence. They linger in the embrace, a moment of quiet connection amidst the escalating urgency. When he finally steps back, Y/N gently strokes his cheek, comforting him before nodding towards Henry.
Henry is curled on the couch, whimpering, clutching a Spider-Man plush toy. Kneeling beside him, Y/N offers a warm smile, gently brushing his hair back, feeling the heat radiating from his forehead.
“Way too warm,” she notes internally. Spencer, ever-prepared, offers the thermometer. He sits beside Henry, who instinctively snuggles into Spencer’s lap, seeking comfort.
The sight melts Y/N’s heart – Spencer with Henry, a picture of unexpected tenderness. She’d never seen him with children, and the natural ease and affection he displays is captivating.
“This is my friend, Dr. Y/N,” Spencer introduces, his hand stroking Henry’s side soothingly. “We need to take your temperature again, okay?“
Henry sniffles, nods, and opens his mouth for the thermometer. As it beeps, he reaches out, handing it to Y/N with a small whimper, “it hurts real bad.“
“I’m sorry you don’t feel good,” Y/N says sympathetically, glancing at the reading – 101.2°F. Not good. “Henry, can I take a look at your tummy really quick?“
Another small nod, and with Spencer’s help, Henry gently rolls onto his back. Even the slight movement causes tears to well up, his face contorting in pain. Y/N gently palpates his abdomen, focusing on the right lower quadrant. A sharp yelp of pain confirms her suspicion. Appendicitis.
She rises, catching Spencer’s eye. “Spence, can you set up Henry’s car seat in my car?” she asks, her voice calm, professional, careful not to alarm Henry. Spencer, sensing the shift in urgency, understands immediately.
“Of course. Henry, I’ll be right back, okay?” Spencer reassures Henry, who is quickly comforted again on the couch. Spencer grabs the car seat and hurries outside. Y/N pulls out her phone, moving into the hallway, keeping watch over Henry as she dials the on-call nurse at her hospital.
“Hey, Ashley, it’s Dr. Y/L/N. I know I’m not scheduled until seven, but there’s an emergency and I’ll be bringing in a patient,” she explains quickly. The hospital’s understaffing is a constant challenge, but Henry needs immediate attention. “I’ll need an operating room and a team ready to perform an appendectomy.“
“Is everything alright?” Ashley asks, concern evident in her voice, already initiating the necessary protocols.
“I’ll need an operating room and a team ready to perform an appendectomy,” Y/N reiterates, her tone leaving no room for doubt. Henry needs surgery, and he needs it now.
Emergency Surgery and a Team United
As dawn breaks, painting the post-operative room in soft hues, Henry sleeps peacefully. Y/N pauses on her way to the waiting room, checking on her young patient. Ashley, the nurse, hands her Henry’s chart.
“I know it’s usually me talking to the family, but since this is personal I figured you’d want to do it,” Ashley says kindly. “I’ll stay here with him for now, he should be up pretty soon.“
“You’re the best,” Y/N replies, squeezing Ashley’s arm in gratitude. She heads to the waiting room, ready to face Spencer and Henry’s parents, Will and JJ.
Entering the waiting area, Y/N is met with a sight she hadn’t anticipated – not just Will and JJ, but Spencer’s entire BAU team. The faces, familiar from Spencer’s stories and photos, are all turned towards her, etched with concern. Penelope Garcia, vibrant and colorful, leans on Derek Morgan, whose protective stance is unmistakable. Aaron Hotchner and David Rossi stand to the side, their presence offering a sense of calm amidst the tension. Emily Prentiss spots her first, her eyebrows raised in question.
“Henry LaMontagne?” Y/N asks, addressing the room, her voice cutting through the anxious quiet.
Eight heads snap towards her, and then Spencer emerges from behind Hotch and Rossi, his face etched with exhaustion but lighting up at the sight of Y/N.
“Y/N, how is he?” Spencer asks, rushing to her side, JJ and Will rising quickly behind him. The rest of the team watches intently, their gazes shifting between Spencer and Y/N, piecing together the unspoken connection.
“He’s just fine,” Y/N reassures them, and a collective sigh of relief washes over the room. “Thanks to Spencer, we got him here before his appendix burst and the surgery went through without a hitch. We’ll have to keep him overnight – it’s just normal procedure after an emergency surgery – but he’ll be good to go home tomorrow morning.“
Spencer’s reaction is immediate and heartfelt. He pulls Y/N into a tight embrace, a silent thank you, a moment of shared relief. For a blissful moment, the morning’s chaos fades, replaced by the warmth of their connection.
“Thank you so much for all you did,” Spencer murmurs against her neck, pressing a kiss to her skin before reluctantly pulling back, his eyes shining with gratitude and affection. “You’re really amazing, you know that?“
Y/N starts to reply, but a cleared throat from behind Spencer breaks the spell. Spencer’s eyes widen in realization, as if just remembering the audience surrounding them. He turns, stepping aside, revealing his team, all watching with knowing smiles.
Spencer’s ears flush crimson, mirroring Y/N’s own blush. Morgan steps forward, clapping Spencer on the shoulder, a grin spreading across his face.
“Well, well, well. Looks like the doctor’s got himself a doctor.“
Spencer, momentarily speechless, manages a nod, then a stammering attempt at explanation. “This – um, Y/N is my doctor – no, wait. So, we’ve been dating, um –“
Y/N laughs, squeezing Spencer’s hand, then extending her other to Morgan. “I’m Y/F/N Y/L/N.” After a beat, she adds with a playful grin, “I’m the doctor’s doctor.“
Laughter fills the waiting room, easing the tension. Y/N turns to Will and JJ. “I’m sure Henry’s awake by now. If you’d like, we can go check on him and I’ll have my nurse bring your entourage to meet us in his room.“
“That’d be fantastic,” JJ sighs, hugging Y/N warmly, Will patting her back in thanks. As Y/N starts towards Henry’s room with Will and JJ, Spencer’s hand gently catches hers. Turning back, she sees a flicker of worry in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, concern mirroring his.
“I just – is this okay? This was all so sudden, you just got thrown into the middle of everything, I didn’t give you any warning to meet everyone and –“
“And you know what?” Y/N interjects gently. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.“
“Really?” he asks softly, a small smile breaking through his worry lines. “I just… I didn’t want to overwhelm you or… or scare you off.“
“You don’t need to worry, Spence. Really.” She gestures to the assembled team with a laugh. “Okay, okay. Garage doors and sick kids are one thing, but me leaving you? Never. You’re sort of stuck with me.“
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he teases, leaning down to press a soft, sweet kiss to her lips. “For the record, though, I now have proof that I don’t always worry too much.“
He has a point. Y/N rolls her eyes playfully, starting down the hall after JJ and Will, shaking her head at Spencer as he heads for the coffee machine. His anxieties might be ever-present, but so is his capacity for love and care. And while his caffeine intake might be her next worry, for now, she’s content in the chaotic, loving world she shares with Doctor Spencer Reid.
