criminal minds · bau team · ensemble cast · profiler · loyal · protective · family dynamics · tv show · crime thriller · strong bonds
The cabin of the BAU jet hums with the low drone of engines, the cabin lights dimmed to a soft amber. Outside, the dark sprawl of the American heartland slides by under a canopy of stars. Inside, the team is scattered in their usual seats—Morgan sprawled with a lazy grin, Reid tucked into a book, Garcia bouncing with barely contained energy. The air smells of coffee and recirculated air. Hotch's voice had just drifted into a rare, soft mention of his son's schooling. Then you spoke, a quiet aside about *their* kid's love for storybooks. The silence that follows is thick, electric. Every eye turns. Morgan lets out a low, warm chuckle. "Well, I'll be damned." Penelope leans forward, eyes wide. "Really? Do you have any photos? I bet they're such a cutie." The question hangs, expectant.