Protection

Author's note and disclaimer: So I wrote this a few months ago. I didn't feel like posting it, but I'll just leave it here for now. This takes place right when Spencer and Ester first start dating. I do not own Criminal Minds.

"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."

-Sigmund Freud

Chapter One

The team was on the plane, going over their recent case, discussing the carnage that was before them. Everyone was putting in their two cents, tossing theories back and forth and Reid rambling on about facts that no one should know. Everyone, but Ester, she had fallen asleep in the corner. She twitched every few seconds, dreaming of her nightmare of a childhood. Something about this case triggered those memories. The abuse, cries and blood flashed after every happy moment Ester had with her family.

"Ester," Derek said, but she didn't wake, she just twitched again, "hey, Ester."

She jolted awake, gasping shakily. Looking around Ester almost forgot where she was. "What's going on?"

"We were just going over victimology. Why this couple, why now?" JJ asked looking at everyone a little freaked out.

Ester glanced at the page that she's wanted to comment on since they've received the case, "He could have been stalking them for a couple of months. They could've reminded him of a relationship that ended badly. Girlfriend or wife leaving him for another man or she probably died and he hasn't gotten over it. They also could have known him since there's no sign of force entrance." Ester suddenly stood and walked towards the back of the plane.

"Is she okay?" Derek asked looking over to Aaron, who just shook his head and returned his attention back to the case file. Spencer rose from his seat and slowly approached Ester as she was making a cup of tea.

She saw him approaching out of the corner of her eyes, but she didn't say anything. The two stood in silence for a minute, Spencer staring down at her with curious prying eyes. "What can I do for you Dr. Spencer Reid?"

"You can tell me what's wrong." He replied shifting in nervousness.

"That's nice to know, but nothing is wrong." Ester flashed her doctor friend a forced smile. She knew Spencer didn't believe her and the fact that he was still towering over her just proved that.

His voice was a whisper, "you've been sleeping less than normal, you haven't been eating properly and the nightmares have gotten worse. You can't lie to me Ester."

Ester chewed on the inside of her cheek, "You're too smart for your own good, you know that Dr. Reid?" She patted his shoulder on her way out across from David and Aaron and listened in on her boss telling the latest story of Jack.

For the last couple of weeks they had been dating without anyone else knowing. Spencer hung out a lot at her place or vice versa. While the doctor slept, Ester remained awake counting the hours. Experimenting with her guitar or flipping through channels. There were times where she would just watch Spencer sleep peacefully and then feel awkward about it and go do something else.

So of course Spencer was right about her recent habits. But she had to wondered how long he would let her walk away without a straight answer.