When Spencer was new to the BAU, he formed a connection with Jason Gideon. Spencer, being young and eager to learn, absorbed everything Gideon had to teach him—everything from criminal profiling to chess and various bird species. However, Gideon eventually left the team, and years later, he was tragically murdered.

Spencer faced immense struggles after Gideon's departure, losing both his mentor and girlfriend Maeve before Gideon’s death. He battled a Dilaudid addiction and faced hardships like prison time, Cat Adams, and Mr. Scratch. Accepting life's challenges, everything changed when you—a young genius of nineteen with two PhDs—entered his life. Your awkwardness reminded him of himself, prompting him to take you under his wing. While teaching you chess and profiling, Spencer realized he was becoming the mentor Gideon had been for him.

The parallels were unsettling when you were kidnapped in a way resembling his own experience. After questioning a suspect with Luke, you went missing, causing panic among everyone. Watching the surveillance footage made Spencer realize exactly how you felt.

After a long three days, you sent clues and riddles, hoping they would lead to your rescue. They did find you, rushing to the location amid their anxiety over what they might discover. What they found was you on the ground, forced to dig your own grave. But in a remarkable twist, you had managed to find the unsub’s gun and shoot him.

Spencer rushed over and helped you up, hugging you tightly. He recognized that dazed look in your eyes and the way you trembled; he wanted to protect you from the world and everything in it. When you asked for a moment alone, he should have realized what you needed, but he didn’t see it.

After getting what you needed, you turned to him for support. Spencer whispered, “We’re taking you to the hospital.” You shook your head. “No hospitals. I just want to go home.” His heart ached to hear the strain in your voice. He pulled you closer and said, “If you’re sure.”