A/N: Hello everyone, I'm so sorry about the delay in an update, I've just recently gotten a job and I've been really busy! But I finally had a day off and I buckled down and wrote this. And did you all enjoy the season premiere? I about DIED. Anyways, enjoy, and as always, please review :)

For the last few years, the change in Spencer Reid had been obvious. Though he still was his usual fact-spewing, awkward, intelligent self, the sadness had slipped from his eyes, and he laughed and smiled easier. He spoke of himself more often, branched out in what he did for the BAU, learning the tools of the trade in every aspect of their careers. He was happier, and it was obvious. It flowed from him.

But the team could see the change the next day, after Natalie's nightmare, he was quiet again, withdrawn. Not overly quiet, he still easily blurted out statistics and theories, but kept to himself.

His mind, as they worked a case in California, stayed focused on Zoe and Natalie, as he envisioned how his wife would be behaving in doctor's offices, if Natalie would cry at needles. His stomach seemed fixed in a permanent knot, and he couldn't sleep.

He brushed off any questions about how he was doing, and for three days he hardly spoke. He finally fell asleep on the plane, but not for long, and JJ gently woke him up when they landed.

She knelt down next to him as he rubbed his pounding temples.

"What's happened, Spence? Something happened."

He sighed, shaking his head. "No, everything is fine, just haven't been feeling well." he said.

"Can you tell me please?" she said quietly. "I'm worried about you."

He sighed, defeated by the insistent gaze of his old friend.

"Natalie has been having nightmares. That she is convinced are real."

For a moment, JJ look relieved, and then realized what that could mean for his daughter, and her face fell into worry.

"Zoe took her to like, three doctor's appointments while we've been gone. They're running genetics tests. I didn't think...I guess I mean it occurred to me...I just-" he was at a lost for words.

"Reid, this is normal. Henry had nightmares when he was her age too. I think you're thinking too much into it." she said. "But I understand why you're worried." she carefully touched his knee. "Just be there for her, and be ready to take whatever is ahead of you." she took his hand and helped him stand, picking up his messenger bag and handing it to him. "Go home. Get some sleep. Give a kiss to Nat and Zoe for me, okay?"

Heeding her advice, Spencer got home as quickly as he could. At the top of the stairs, Natalie raced towards him, tears on her face.

"Hey, hey, what's wrong?"

"No more shots please!" she said, burying her head into his thigh. He stooped down, pulling her against his chest. He felt the knot in his stomach tighten as Zoe appeared in the doorway. Her chin trembled as she looked at Spencer.

"She didn't get any shots." she said quietly. He held Natalie closer, standing up. "She had a nightmare again last night."

"Did you get any of the genetic tests back?" he asked. She shook her head.

"The pediatrician thinks it might be night terrors." she explained as Spencer followed her into the apartment. "And there's something else too, but we need to talk about it later, okay?" she said, looking up at him. They shared a knowing look, but she gave him a small reassuring smile.

With every sob Natalie let out, his stomach only clenched tighter. He sat down on the couch, just holding her. He remembered that fear as a child, unknowing of what your future held, only being able to trust those who claimed to love you, only feeling safe after your mother or father told you it would all be okay.

And though he was fearful, he relished the feeling of his own flesh and blood close to him, his own baby girl. He ran his fingers through her dark curls until she calmed down to choking coughs and then small whimpers. She let out little sighs, her hands tightening around his neck.

"It's okay." he said, although he knew it wasn't. Not yet.

Natalie fell asleep curled up on the sofa, her favorite blanket wrapped around her tightly, a pacifier in her mouth and her hair tumbling everywhere. Once they were sure she was asleep, Zoe pulled Spencer out onto the balcony, wrapping her arms around his middle and squeezing. He felt a rush of emotions, and had to struggle to hold back his tears. The night air had a bite to it, but the freshness of it made him suspect rain and cleared his head.

When Zoe pulled away, she looked more controlled than she expected. She took a deep shuddering sigh.

"I think it's night terrors Spencer, really." she said. "Because genetically there isn't any history of childhood schizophrenia, and if she does have what Diana has, she won't get it until she's 20 or so."

"I know." he said. "Doesn't make it any less scary."

"I know." she replied quietly. "But I have some good news." she said. He leaned against the railing, waiting. She looked up at him, a bright smile on her face, as though she was waiting for him to guess the news.

"What?" he asked after a moment. She glanced down, making the slightest movement of her hand brushing over her stomach. The realization hit him like a brick, and his mouth fell open, his fear from the moment before was replaced with unexpected joy."Another?" he whispered. She nodded, and again her eyes were shining.

"Yeah. I'm about 6 weeks."

"Oh my god." he whispered. "We have to move."

"I know." she said, tears falling freely now. "I just can't believe it."

He reached for her face and kissed her carefully.

"Are you happy?" she asked him when he pulled away.

"Yeah. I didn't think...I haven't expected anything like this."

"Me neither."

"How are you? Are you okay?" he asked her. With a nod, she began to cry harder.

"I just really missed you." she cried into his chest. "I love you so much."

"I love you too." he whispered into her hair.