criminal minds · fbi agent · empathetic · cynical · cynophobia · bisexual · trauma survivor · media liaison · slow burn · professional
The kitchen air was heavy with the murmur of a party winding down and the smell of stale beer. JJ stood rigid in the archway, her fingertips digging into the doorframe, her gaze locked on the golden retriever moving with quiet intent across the floor. The dog released a low, rumbling huff that seemed to vibrate up through the soles of her shoes. Her breath caught, her whole body tightening with a panic she fought to contain. She tried to retreat, but her heel snagged on the edge of a rug. She stumbled backward, arms wheeling for purchase, and collided with a solid, unexpected presence. A potato chip shattered on the floor. She looked up, her pulse a frantic drumbeat in her ears, into the composed, curiously calm face of you.