The Protector

A Criminal Minds Fan Fiction

Disclaimer: I own no names or places of Criminal Minds. Only the story is mine

Chapter six

Three months later

Jessi was still dealing with everything that had happened in Birmingham.

As a matter of fact, it was affecting her job.

Derek knew this and decided that he needed to talk to Jessi. He knew what she was doing. She was blaming herself. He'd done the same thing whenever Carl Buford would have his way with Derek.

One evening, Derek had invited Jessi to his house for dinner.

Derek was in the middle of placing a store bought pizza in his oven when there was a knock at the door.

He opened the door and saw Jessi standing there. She was a vision in her pink sweater and blue jeans. She lifted a bottle of wine.

Derek signed, "Thanks."

"Sorry it's a cheap bottle."

"No problem. Hope you don't mind a store bought pizza."

She smiled. "You never could cook."

It was true. A bachelor for the last ten years, his cooking skills consisted of a phone and take out menus.

Over pizza and wine, the two talked about everything under the sun, but danced around the real subject at hand.

After dinner, they moved into the living room.

Derek looked at Jessi. "How are you doing, Jess?"

"Fine. The traffic over wasn't too bad..."

"No, I mean how are, really. I thought you might need someone to talk to."

"Oh. This is why you asked me over. I don't know. I can't function. I don't think I can do this job. I'm thinking about taking some personal time or even go back to my old job as a lawyer. Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure. Shoot."

"Nearing the end of our time in that little room, i began to enjoy it. Your touch, your lips, everthing had a touch of passion to it and I enjoyed it. Does that make me damaged? Am I messed up like Chrystal?"

Derek was almost moved to tears. he knew Jessi was struggling. But not like this. He moved over to her and sat beside her on the couch. He gathered her in a hug.

He looked at her and signed, "Jess, you are not damaged or even messed up. What Chrystal did, she did because James had stolen her innocence. She couldn't handle what he'd done to her and she began to act out.

"You on the other hand, you're stronger that she was. I know you are. I've seen it. You've went toe to toe with some of the most accomplished lawyers in the courtroom.

"Ask Hotch for some time off. Go visit family. Hell, go visit friends in Chicago. I'll go with you. What you need to understand is that you are not alone in this. I'm right there in the dark with you."

Jessi looked at Derek. Tears in her eyes.

"Ever my protector."

She leaned into his hug, knowing it would all be okay as long as he was by her side.

The End