Criminal Minds x Reader

Silent Demon [D.M]

There are many people with a spirit that once burned brightly that had been dimmed by the weight of life. Many people fighting against themselves, just like you have been doing since you were fifteen. Every day felt like a battle, with a silent demon living inside of you killing everything about your being, leaving you with only a struggle that seemed endless.

In an old ruined school or in that sleek office building that pierced the sky with a job consuming you every moment of the day, nothing seemed to help you get better. People tried, with no outcomes, as your life was slowly being taken from you.

All seemed lost until you started working at the Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Virginia, a couple of years ago. You met your family there, people who understood the shadows that danced across your soul and stood by your side, a beacon of unwavering support, helping you when you couldn't help yourself anymore.

You were at your desk one day, engrossed in the rhythm of work when a familiar face slowly became visible in your eyeline. Derek approached, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor, armed with two steaming cups of coffee.

He gently set on your desk pushing aside the files, and placed the coffee cups on it, drawing your attention away from the sea of paperwork.

"Hey," he said, his voice a gentle melody, "I thought you could use a break"

You looked up, your eyes meeting his. A spark of surprise and warmth ignited within you as you saw the caring gaze he offered. You thanked him, taking one of the coffee cups, cradling it in your hands. The aroma enveloped your senses, and a small smile played on your lips. Despite you had never told him how you took your coffee, he knew exactly how you liked it.

You stared at your hands holding the cup, too tired to even try faking happiness and then you felt two of his fingers lift your chin, a silent invitation for you to look at him once again.

"How are you feeling, pretty girl?" he asked.

"I'm fine"

"I hope you are" he continued, "It's been a month since you last needed those pills to sleep. That's a big deal"

You frowned surprised, glancing at the calendar on your desk, realizing that indeed a month had passed since you decided to face your demons without the aid of medication. At least not during the night. For you, the journey felt like a marathon, each day an arduous mile.

"I guess" you replied, your voice a fragile whisper.

Derek reached out, gently placing a hand on yours. "No 'I guess'. It's a victory, Y/N. A month of resilience, strength, and progress. I'm so proud of you"

Tears welled in your eyes, not intended, reflecting the battles fought within. To you, the victory seemed small, yet to your boyfriend, it was monumental. Your mind then went back in time and you thought of your younger self, reaching the same milestone, congratulating herself for how far she had gone, but falling later into the same black hole over and over again, her being proud of herself slowly taken away from her.

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on your forehead, a silent affirmation of his unwavering support.

"It's just been a month" you said then, your voice trembling, "I don't know if I'll ever be able to fully overcome it"

"You will," he stated confidently, "You're doing amazing and I'm here to help you"

As you both sipped your coffee, the quiet office buzzed around you, but at that moment, the world seemed to slow. Derek's love was a balm to your wounded soul, a reminder that even in the darkest corners, there was light.

You had been struggling, that was for sure, and some days were harder than others, but you were not alone this time.

You were not alone anymore.