Cuddle Buddies

Cuddle Buddies

Summary: Spencer misinterprets the meaning of the term friends with benefits – but having a friend who will cuddle with him is, in fact, highly beneficial

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader 

Category: Fluff

Content Warnings: suggestiveness (referenced/implied sex), embarrassment, awkwardness

Word count: 1k

Author's Note: I wrote this for @imagining-in-the-margins FWB writing challenge!

Masterlist

“Tell me, pretty boy. What’s going on with you and her?” Derek teased his coworker while motioning towards your desk.  

Acting like you didn't hear him, you kept your eyes focussed on the paperwork in front of you. But of course you were interested in Spencer’s answer too. For weeks you had been trying to figure out the nature of your relationship (or friendship?) with him. 

“We’re friends,” Spencer said and thought about his own response before adding, “With benefits.” 

Spencer, oblivious as ever, had heard that term before but didn't know its true meaning. The two of you were friends who occasionally cuddled with each other – something Spencer would consider as highly beneficial to the wellbeing for the both of you. 

His words caught the attention of everyone in the room. The snickering and whispering followed the second he finished his sentence. You could no longer pretend you weren't listening as you felt your cheeks heating up.  

“Excuse me?” You squeaked, clearly embarrassed by what he had just stated. 

It was not like you hadn’t thought about it before. In fact, most nights when you ended up cuddled up with Spencer under a blanket while continuing your Doctor Who rewatch, it had crossed your mind. But it had never happened and you weren’t sure why Spencer would lie about it. 

Spencer found your eyes, immediately noticing the horror written all over your face. “Did I say something wrong?”

“We’re not friends with benefits,” you mumbled, still in disbelief about what was happening. 

Derek couldn't hold back his chuckles anymore but JJ seemed to feel sorry for you and chimed in on the conversation. “Spence, I’m not sure you know the actual meaning of that term.”

She stepped closer to him before whispering what you assumed was the correct definition of friends with benefits. Once he realized his mistake, his facial features changed and could only be described as panicked. 

“That's not what I meant,” he stated what already was obvious. To deflect from the awkwardness, he started doing what he was most comfortable with - rambling. “I’m sorry, I just assumed that's what it meant. Our friendship does have benefits though, specifically the cuddling aspect. Did you know that nonsexual physical contact is very common among social animals? There are many health benefits to it, like lowering blood pressure, the release of oxytocin and –”

Your unit chief stepped into the room to interrupt Spencer and finally end your misery. “Guys, we have a new case.”

Spencer had to hold back a sigh of relief that this painfully awkward situation had come to an end. Both of you tried your best to not let it affect your workday, keeping up your professional demeanor in front of your coworkers. But neither of you could hold back the occasional glance at the other. 

It was hard to interpret Spencer’s expression when his eyes met yours. He had an apologetic look but there was also something else. Almost as if he had trouble holding back his thoughts from wandering to places that were completely inappropriate at work. 

You were very familiar with those struggles. 

It didn’t surprise you to hear him knocking on your hotel room door once your workday had come to an end. Spencer was predictable and you knew that he was about to apologize for embarrassing you earlier. 

When you opened the door, you immediately stepped aside to let him into your room. He had already shed his work attire and changed into sweatpants and an old Caltech t-shirt – a look not many people beside you got to see on him. There was a moment of silence between the two of you before Spencer finally found the courage to talk. 

“I’m sorry about what I said,” he mumbled. 

You showed him a soft smile and responded, “Yeah, I know.” 

“Are you mad at me?”

The question amused you. To you it was almost impossible to be mad at Spencer. You were aware that he never had any intention of hurting you. In fact, looking back you almost found his innocence and lack of discretion endearing. 

You shook your head. “Of course not.” 

Spencer sighed when you reached out your arms to hug him. He reciprocated the contact, immediately pulling you into his arms and holding you closely against his chest. There were many things left unsaid but talking about your feelings wasn’t really one of your strong suits. So you decided to suggest what the two of you seemed to be most comfortable with. 

You motioned over to your bed and said, “Do you maybe want to stay and watch a movie with me?” 

His smile was genuine when he responded, “Yes, I would love that.”

It was almost like the two of you followed muscle memory when you slipped under the duvet and turned on the TV. You found your place inside Spencer’s arms, your head resting on his chest, listening to the steady thumps of his heart. His fingertips gently brushed over your arm, leaving goosebumps on their path. 

Despite the positive effects Spencer explained about cuddling earlier, it was impossible for you to fully relax that night. He noticed it, too. 

“You okay?” He breathed as he turned down the volume of the TV. 

Before you could think about it too long, you heard your mouth spill out the question that had been nagging you all day. “Do you sometimes think about those other, more exciting benefits?” 

Spencer audibly gulped before clearing his throat. Instead of answering your question, he retorted, “Do you?” 

You shifted your position until you sat beside him and said, “Would it be weird if I said yes?” 

It seemed like your confession took him by surprise. Spencer took a moment to think about his response. First his eyebrows furrowed, then his facial features softened again. “It’s not weird. I think about it, too, sometimes.” 

That was all the confirmation you needed to boost your confidence for once. With your hand gently placed on his jaw, you leaned closer to him until you could feel the heat of his breath against your mouth. Spencer didn’t hesitate to close the gap between the two of you, finding your lips in a tender kiss. 

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Taglist: @nomajdetective @reidsbookclub @gspenc @samuel-de-champagne-problems @matthew-gray-gubler-lover @malindacath @reidselle @alexxavicry @frickin-bats @spencersprettyslut @sebs-oxygen @happymangospot @cynbx @hotchandspencearedilfs @emiliaserpe @velvetthunder93 @saturnstringz @missabsey @guacam011y @hugyourlungs @reiderwriter @loaksulluyswife @xserenax-13 @grumpyy-bearr @luredwithpretzels @castiels-majestic-wings @super-nerd22 @pleasantwitchgarden @yeonalie @r-3dlips @evvy96 @torigorie @meyaareads @luvdella @bunnylovesani @spenciesslut @billie-lover8 @indyvelazquez @evrmorets

if you’re shifting to criminal minds please remember to script that the team cannot profile you. 💘

i think we should all just lock in and shift tonight idk 🤷‍♀️

shifting to my better cr tonight. life’s bin tuff. see you guys in another universe ig! 👋👋

— brooke’s navigation

masterlist!!

Sibling power.

Pairing: nick Nelson x sister!reader, Imogen Heaney x reader.

Trigger warnings: talks of sexual identity and coming out.

Request.

It was a rare moment of quiet in the Nelson household. Nick sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. You had been unusually quiet all afternoon, lingering around the edges of the house, clearly wanting to say something but holding back. He knew that look — it was the same one he’d worn for weeks before he’d finally come out to the family.

A soft knock came at his door, pulling him out of his thoughts. He sat up quickly, surprised. "Come in."

The door creaked open, and you poked your head through. Your usual energy was muted, and you hesitated before stepping fully into the room. "Hey, Nick."

"Hey," he said, frowning slightly. "What’s up?"

You lingered by the door for a moment, clearly struggling to find the right words. "I... I need to talk to you about something."

His heart raced at the seriousness of your tone. "Okay. What’s going on?"

Taking a deep breath, you stepped further into the room, closing the door behind you. "I’ve been thinking about a lot of stuff lately. Like, really thinking. And it’s been hard to keep it to myself."

Nick’s brow furrowed in concern. "What do you mean? Is everything okay?"

You sighed, leaning against the wall, your arms crossed tightly. "Not really. I just... I don’t know how to say this. But I think I might be gay."

Nick’s eyes widened in surprise, but a warmth spread through him. He was struck by the realization that he wasn’t alone in this anymore. "Wow. Thanks for telling me."

You looked up, surprised by his reaction. "You’re okay with it?"

"Of course!" he replied, his voice earnest. "I’m just glad you feel like you can share that with me. I mean, I’ve been figuring out my own stuff, too."

Your eyes met his, a flicker of hope igniting. "Wait, really? What do you mean?"

He took a deep breath, the weight of his own secret feeling lighter as he shared it with you. "I think I’m bisexual. I was scared to say anything because I didn’t know how you’d react. But hearing you say that… I feel like I’m not alone anymore."

A smile broke across your face, a mixture of relief and joy flooding through you. "Seriously? I thought I was the only one!"

Nick chuckled, the tension in the room dissipating. "Nope, not at all. We’re in this together, I guess."

Just then, Imogen, your girlfriend and Nick’s close friend, knocked lightly and walked into the room without waiting for an invitation. She paused, sensing the charged atmosphere, and raised an eyebrow. "Hey, what’s going on in here?"

You and Nick exchanged a glance, and Nick felt a mix of hesitation and relief. "Um, we were just talking about some stuff," he said, trying to sound casual.

Imogen took a step closer, her curiosity piqued. "Talking about what? You guys look like you’re plotting something."

You took a breath, emboldened by Nick’s presence. "Actually, Imogen, we were just talking about our identities. I told Nick that I’m a lesbian.”

Imogen's face broke into a bright smile, her eyes shining with support. "Really? Oh baby.” She hugs you tightly.

Nick felt a rush of warmth, grateful for Imogen’s love for you.

Imogen leaned against the door frame, crossing her arms. "You know, I think it’s really brave of you, baby. I’m so proud.”

You felt a swell of gratitude and relief. "Thanks, Imogen. It helps to know we’re not alone."

Imogen nodded, her expression softening. "Definitely. And you guys aren’t alone in this — I’m here for you both. We’re all in this together."

Nick couldn’t help but grin. The weight of uncertainty had lifted, replaced by a sense of belonging. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he had both you and Imogen by his side.