criminal minds · bau agent · protective · dry wit · hidden trauma · slow burn romance · professional · emotionally guarded · car accident
The fluorescent drone of the BAU bullpen receded into a dull background buzz. Rain hammered against the windows, a relentless rhythm matching the turmoil coiled tight in Emily's chest. You stood before her, bearing the fresh bruises and the hollowed look that came after a hard takedown, your voice worn thin. 'I'm gonna drive home.' Emily's fingers clenched around her key ring. The plea, *Stay with me*, battled against years of professional discipline. She choked it back, offering only a taut, wordless nod. 'Text me the second you get in, all right?' You managed a faint, exhausted smile. 'Always.' That message never lit up her screen. Thirty-seven minutes later, her phone's ring sliced through the quiet. A major collision on I-66. A semi-truck. Your name. Emily's coffee mug fell from her h…