A/N: Originally this was going to be a one-shot story, but I've decided to keep it going. I have some ideas written down about where I may want to take this. Please feel free to review with thoughts/ideas/suggestions/critiques.

Warnings: I am hoping to keep this story rated T, however I may raise the rating depending on where this goes. Beware of potential violence, language, sex, suggestive themes though nothing too graphic.

JJ slowly stirred the next morning, relishing the feel of the arm wrapped around her, pulling her close to the body next to her. She lay there on her side, her back to him, not wanting to move yet so as to not wake him.

JJ's mind drifted, thinking how great it would be to wake up next to him every morning. He was so compassionate and caring even if he was socially awkward, and they were both single. She knew she could have this if she really wanted it, but something was always holding her back. She wasn't sure if it was simply her pride standing in her way, or if it were something more. In any case it was something she needed to figure out and get over, especially if she wanted to be truly happy.

The arm that had held JJ tight was slowly beginning to drift over her body, bringing her back to the present, and leaving her intrigued.

She didn't say anything as his hand explored her body. He gently rubbed her shoulder, careful to avoid the healing cut Ray Carter had left there. His hand continued its exploration, traveling along her collarbone and down to her chest, giving her breast a firm squeeze.

JJ gasped; surprised that Spencer was being so bold and also a little rough with how he handled her.

"Good morning to you too, Spence." JJ chuckled a little nervously as his hand traveled down her stomach and towards her waist. She watched as his hand reached the waistband of her sweatpants; trying her hardest to keep her breathing calm as he slid his hand into her pants.

"Uh…Spence, what are you…doing?" she stuttered as he moved his hand lower. The only response she received was his hand running over her, causing her to moan his name and curl her toes in pleasure.

"Spence…" she cooed as he rubbed her again.

He didn't say anything, as he continued to touch her, own her.

JJ was impressed with how bold he was being, she had never seen him this way in her life, but she was feeling increasingly uncomfortable. He was becoming more rough and possessive with each added touch, and JJ was starting to realize something wasn't right; this wasn't him.

"Ow! Spence!" JJ yelped.

She finally rolled over to face him, reaching down to pull his hand away from her. When she looked over, all color in her face disappeared.

She was face to face with Ray Carter who had a big grin on his face.

"Good morning, Jennifer." He cackled.

JJ began to struggle hysterically, trying to get his hands off of her and her body away from him. She gave a valiant effort but he was too big and overpowering for her.

"Time to finish what we started." He laughed, pinning her to the bed and straddling her waist.

"Spencer!" she screamed as Carter held her wrists and pushed her legs apart.

"No…" JJ cried.

/

JJ awoke with a start to someone violently shaking her. She bolted upright in the bed, gasping for air, tears in her eyes.

"Hey, it's ok JJ, you're safe. Just breathe." Spencer tried to soothe. He gently put his hand on her back for support but she flinched instinctively at his touch.

"Ok, ok I'm sorry." He said apologetically.

JJ looked around the room, her eyes searching every inch to make sure there was no trace of Ray Carter. She had to be sure this was real and that she was safe. Once she felt a little more at ease she turned to Spencer who was seated closely beside her.

"I'm sorry Spence…I just"

"It's ok, you had a nightmare. It's understandable after last night. Don't worry you're safe."

"He was here. At least…I thought he was. I woke up next to you only, it wasn't you. It was him. And he…he tried to"

"Hey it was a dream. I'm here, not him. He's in custody, he can't get to you."

JJ took a deep breath and nodded, trying to regain her composure and bring her mind back to reality.

"Thanks, Spence. I'm sorry about earlier." She said as she turned and hugged him, letting his warmth wash over and comfort her once again.

"It's ok JJ you were high strung from your nightmare. I should've realized it. I know it wasn't anything personal." He hugged back, pushing any anxieties he had about their proximity to the back of his mind.

"I hope I didn't wake you." She said softly in his ear before they pulled away.

"No, I was already awake." He smiled at her. JJ returned a weak smile of her own.

Slowly she rose from the bed, ready to dress and leave the hotel once and for all. Spencer watched JJ as she went to her suitcase and grabbed some clothes. Without a word she headed straight for the bathroom, seemingly in deep thought.

"JJ?" She stopped in the bathroom doorway, turning to meet his eyes.

"Are you ok?" he asked with concern.

"I'm fine, I just want to get out of here." She said, closing the bathroom door behind her.

Spencer sighed, not convinced.

/

The team met up for breakfast in the hotel before they left. Everyone was at least a little concerned about JJ, but she insisted she was fine and went on as though she were. As far as the rest of the team could tell, JJ was just like normal and not even slightly on edge, despite what had happened the previous night.

Spencer knew otherwise of course, especially after the nightmare she had woke up from. Spencer didn't tell the others however, not even when Hotch approached him in private and asked how JJ was holding up.

"How is she Reid? Be honest." Hotchner asked as they stood off to the side.

"She's doing well, Hotch; as well as can be expected, maybe better."

"I don't have to remind you we're all profilers Reid, she just experienced a rather traumatic event, generally you don't just wake up fine the next morning. JJ shields her emotions well."

"Don't we all usually? Hotch I'm sure there are things she'll have to deal with, but right now she's doing fine. She's tough; she knows this job can get you into situations like last night. She's prepared, she's been trained. She'll be ok. I'm keeping a close eye on her."

Hotch raised his eyebrow, a little skeptical.

"Ok Reid, I trust that you are telling me the truth. Stay close to her. And if anything changes, you tell me right away. Understand? That's an order."

"Yes sir."

"I mean it. I know the two of you are pretty close, but if she's not right and she needs help you have to tell me. I don't want to see her suffer especially if we can help. We all care about her."

"I understand Hotch, I'll keep you updated." Spencer replied as Hotch nodded and walked away, rounding everyone up for their flight home.

Spencer's eyes traveled across the room to JJ. He watched her as she talked with Emily, a thin smile on her face. He couldn't betray her trust. JJ could hide the truth from the rest of the team, but she had let him in, even if it was only a little. He had to be there for her, he was the only one in position to. If he betrayed her trust she would never forgive him and he would be out of her circle.

That was the last thing he wanted, so he lied; for her and for him. Hotch seemed a little skeptical, but he was satisfied that she was doing alright with the condition that Spencer alert him immediately if things did change. If things became really out of hand, then yes Spencer would tell Hotch. But he didn't anticipate that would be the case; he had a firm grasp of the situation.

Spencer walked over to JJ and she met him with a nod. The team finished their breakfast and gathered their things, ready to finally head home.

The plane ride home was quiet. The team all sat in their customary seats, doing whatever they could to pass the time until they arrived home. Spencer sat next to JJ, taking the aisle seat while she sat looking out the window.

JJ didn't want to admit it, but sitting like this made her safe. She could look out the window, watching the clouds in thought, while Spencer acted physically and subliminally as her protector. Anyone who wanted to get to her would have to go through him first.

This logic wasn't lost on Spencer, who knew that their position was JJ's way of subconsciously feeling safe whether she knew it or not.

When her left hand reached down and lightly took his hand in hers, Spencer was a little startled by the contact. He looked over at JJ and their eyes met. JJ's lips curved upward just a little, and Spencer returned a slight, awkward smile. They sat there with their fingers intertwined out of the site of the others, Spencer reading his book, JJ watching the clouds pass.