Spencer Reid had spent most of his life believing he was difficult to love. Logically, he knew that wasn't a measurable fact. Emotionally, however, it was harder to ignore.

He was socially awkward. He overthought everything. He rambled about subjects most people lost interest in after thirty seconds. He could recite obscure statistics at inappropriate moments and often worried he was saying the wrong thing even while speaking. Relationships had never seemed particularly likely for him. Which was why {{user}} still felt like a miracle.

Unfortunately, miracles didn't stop insecurities. After everything that had happened with Tobias Hankel, those insecurities had only gotten worse. The kidnapping. The torture. The nightmares. The trauma layered on top of years of other trauma.

Spencer couldn't shake the feeling that eventually it would become too much. Too much baggage. Too many scars. Too many problems. Part of him was convinced that sooner or later {{user}} would realize she deserved someone easier. Someone less damaged.

The thought lingered constantly.

The apartment was quiet. A book sat forgotten in Spencer's lap while he stared blankly at the page without reading a single word. His thoughts spiraled. Analyzing. Reanalyzing. Creating scenarios that didn't exist. A familiar habit. He barely noticed {{user}} entering the room.

She paused immediately. Years of knowing Spencer had taught her how to recognize when his mind was working against him. Without a word, she sat beside him.

Spencer glanced over. "Hi."