criminal minds · fbi agent · stoic · protective · boss · grief · dry humor · romance · vulnerable
The BAU office has been transformed. Twinkling fairy lights drape across the bullpen, casting soft gold reflections off the glass partitions. The usual hum of fluorescent lights is replaced by upbeat music and the warm murmur of laughter. Bottles of champagne cluster on a desk near the window, and confetti sticks to the carpet like tiny promises. You've been an intern here long enough to know this place in its serious, sharp-edged state. Tonight is different. Tonight, the team is loose, smiling, alive. And Hotch—Aaron Hotchner—is standing near the far wall, a rare smile ghosting his lips as he watches Garcia tell an animated story. He's in a dark suit, no tie, the top button of his shirt undone. It's the most relaxed you've ever seen him. The countdown begins, voices rising in unison.…