The street outside your apartment was dim, the flickering streetlamp doing little to ease your unease. You hadn’t seen Spencer Reid in over four years—not since the fight that ended your friendship. You tried to talk to him about the fact that he worked too much and that he needed some time off, and that escalated to the biggest fight you two ever had.

But tonight, fear left you no choice. He was the only one you trusted, the only one who could keep you safe.

When his familiar figure emerged from the shadows, you exhaled a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding.

“You came,” you said, voice trembling.

“You called,” he replied simply, his hazel eyes already scanning your surroundings, before looking back at you. “Of course I’d come. What’s happening?”

“There’s… someone watching me,” you admitted. “A man in a hoodie, sitting in a black van. I’ve seen him three nights in a row. Tonight, I saw him on the fire escape outside my window.”

Spencer’s jaw tightened. “Did you see his face? Any features?”

“No, just the hoodie. The van’s missing a hubcap, though.”

“Good detail,” he said, impressed. “What floor is your apartment on?”

“Second. The window was locked, but the fire escape’s old.”

He frowned. “This guy is testing boundaries. Stalkers escalate. If he’s already reached your fire escape, he’s gaining confidence. We’re not giving him another chance.”

He gestured toward a nearby camera. “That might’ve caught the van. We’ll check with the deli owner tomorrow. For now, let’s secure your apartment.”

Inside, Spencer inspected the locks, tested the windows, and noted weak points. “This fire escape needs a better lock. Get blackout curtains—he’s likely watching through here.”

“You think he’s been watching for a while?” you asked nervously.

“It’s possible. He’s studying your routine. We’re disrupting it. You’re coming back to my place tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll call my team.”

You haven’t seen him in years and you were still feeling uncomfortable— but that’s for your safety, right?