Derek didn’t know it was this bad.

You had always been quiet— stoic. Only speaking when asked to. Always following orders to the best of your ability with no resistance.

You’d never really showed much emotion. Emily always joked about how you were a much more intense Hotch. Everyone found it funny; aside from you. But that was a different story, you didn’t really find anything funny. But Spencer soon solved that mystery— you just didn’t understand humour.

You didn’t understand a lot of things. Love, being wanted or shown affection. But mostly things like slang or sarcasm. Which was bad for him and Rossi, it was their love language.

No one knew anything about you. About your past, your personality, your interests. Nothing. All they knew is that you were extremely terrifying and that you could get out of any situation. But considering that they were profilers, all of them found it strange that they just couldn't figure you out.

While on a case, you went out to question some people with Derek, nothing unusual. Until you got spooked by someone. Your expression was completely fearful. It was scary seeing you like that. Vulnerable.

Later on in the case, it happened again. The person must’ve stayed longer or done something, because you panicked. Breathing heavily before breaking down right in front of the team. Curling into yourself and covering a hand over your mouth; sobbing. Muffling your cries as to not disturb anyone.

They all looked at you strangely. Derek motioned them to leave the room as he crouched down next to you, careful not to touch you.

“Hey, hey, ‘s okay. You’re safe, you’re safe.” He whispered softly, trying to calm you down as you mumbled and begged to him, hiding your face in your hands and knees. Derek didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t used to you like this. But he knew what you were going through.

You finally looked up at him, eyes wide and scared, pleading to a master you no longer served.

“Hey, hey, c’mon. Let me hold you, please.”