#JJ Hat Center

[permanentstyle]

https://www.permanentstyle.com/2023/08/reader-profile-ian.html

Reader profile: Ian

[amarmoria]

Summer Heat

Kook!Reader

Rafe Cameron x Reader or JJ Maybank x Reader?

Rafe is with Sofia here, JJ swoops in and saves you, though I don't think Rafe really liked that.

Wc: 3.2k

Notes: 'finish your wips! finish your wips! Finish your wips!' I will whip you, JK, ofc I will, but I js had to write these two ⁄⁠(⁠⁄⁠ ⁠⁄⁠•⁠⁄⁠-⁠⁄⁠•⁠⁄⁠ ⁠⁄⁠)⁠⁄

(set somewhere in s4)

You're watching them.

Rafe and Sofia. Dancing around each other with no care in the world for who knows how long.

The drink you've been nursing has long been warm in your hand when you hear them laughing, so sweet so bitter, if not the crowd around you, you would've been vomiting your stomach out.

Another gurgle in your stomach sends you sitting down on one of the wooden high chairs, the legs slightly sinking into the sand as you place your long forgotten drink on the counter.

You didn't even have the appetite to drink anything, let alone party, why'd you even come here? Your jaw flexes as another wave of nausea hits you, you should've stopped 7 cups ago. You're not normally a drinker, in all senses you hate seeing people drunk of their asses, you're always the sober sister when it comes to these parties, only drinking a cup or two to loosen up, never drunk though, not like this.

Despite the booming speakers you can still hear them, like they're just right behind you, the thought sends you shivering, you wanted to puke, so bad, not sure if it's because of the alcohol or the other, maybe both, you're not sure.

Then a guy comes beside you, recklessly stumbling to sit on the chair, you roll your eyes, oh good, a pogue.

You've never been the one to pay attention to the ongoing war between the kooks and pogues, you're all just people living on an island, even though your boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, has always wanted to show them who's the boss, the one on top, it sounded childish, how a grown man, not really, like him would choose to have a beef with teens not less than one or two years younger than him, he seemed almost sure he can drive them off the island like insects.

Your thoughts were stolen away when the guy beside you bumps your shoulder, maybe from trying to adjust the chair or whatever.

"Shit sssorry— my bad, man" he chuckles as he downs a shot.

"It's fine-" you pause when you finally glance at him.

"Mhm? Got you speechless huh?"

"Aren't you—?"

"Maybanks' son, yeah, uh-huh, been there, done that," he waves you off. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Just a little shocked,"

"Shocked. Yeah, a very common reaction in seeing a pogue in a kook party."

"No I—!"

"Tis fiine, got nothin' to worry 'bout, sweetheart" you cringe at the name, if not the forced accent he just did.

"Hit a nerve huh?"

"N-no.."

"Yeahhhh, def did."

"Are you drunk?"

"Nahh, just tipsy, nothin' compared to me in a pogue party."

"Pogue party?" Your eyebrows furrow. "Yeah, like a party on our turf of the island? You're not that clueless are you kook?"

Your face heats up. "I-I'm not! It's just that, a party is a party no matter where it is, so might as well say that this party is boring compared to yours."

"Hahhh, you're very funnyy for a koook"

"And you're pretty rude for a pogue."

"Huh, didn't you say a party is a party no matter where it is?"

"I'm talking about the party, not you."

"Sooo, serious kook, you should loooosen upp firsss"

"Ugh, I'm too drunk for this." You rolled your eyes and turned around, making your back face him.

A few seconds passed and he was suspiciously quiet, your attention going back to the still dancing couple at the center.

"Sayyy, we get outta heree" you yelp as he flicks your head. "W-wha, I don't even know you."

"JJ Maybank at your service" he bows, pretending to put on a top hat and fixing his imaginary mustache.

You couldn't stop the chuckle that escapes you.

"Now you know me, so should we dip or what?"

"Still no, I don't go with strangers, especially at night."

"You kill joy doucheee" you laugh as he almost tips over. "Careful there."

"Sir yes sir!"

You laugh again. "You're very funny for a pogue"

He joins you laughing, then he burps abruptly and laughs again. "Well, you're not so bad yourself kook"

"What do you say huh? Ditch this thing-a-ma-bob of a party for a real one?"

"Hm, let me think" if you were any sober you would've quickly turned him down and safely went home, but the alcohol in your system was wurly burly, and it maybe, just maybe, had a play at your decision.

"Fine—"

"Yes!" He animatedly made a goofy jump, he paused when his hand was about to reach for yours, quickly taking it back like you've burned him.

"Follow me, mademoiselle!"

You chuckle as he jogged just further in front of you. You unknowingly followed him through the busy crowd, slightly get annoyed when the others curse at him quietly, angry that a pogue was here, but he didn't seem to mind, almost like he was used to it.

Your mood turns slightly sour, you can't even take a little criticism, a little curse at you would send you spiraling and weepy, you didn't like it when people didn't like you, so you can't imagine what he's even feeling right now, he didn't seem bothered by it, but it bothered you.

"Almost theeere," he glances back at you, the booming speakers awhile ago was fading in the background, your mind long distracted away from the couple.

Then JJ slows down, matching your pace as the music beats in the background, the waves replacing the booming speakers.

"So this is your party huh?"

"Nahh or maybe yeahhh, maybe I'm here to abduct you and give you to the aliens, or maybe here to lure you in the water and let the mermaids eat you,"

"First of all it's the sirens that lure you," you hear him hum, but you don't expect him listening, the way his eyes drift on the random things that pass by tells you he's high as a bird, only humming when you end your sentences.

"But you might be the one who wants to lure me out here, then kill me for the pure pleasure of whatsoever."

He chuckles, "Maybe I did, or maybeeee I might just be here to ask for ransom,"

"Hm, let's see here," you whisper, but just loud enough so that he can hear, he arches an eyebrow, putting his hands on the back of his head.

"No, please don't kill me, Mr. Maybank! I wanna be in the sequel!" You clasp your hands together, trying to contain your laugh, but a few seconds pass and he doesn't make a noise. Great, you've scared him off.

You sighed and you were about to take off when you heard him wheezing, your eyebrows furrowed and your face quickly heats up, the embarrassment creeping in.

"What's so funny?"

"You— w-what did you—" he kneels on the sand as he tries to breathe, but the laughing easily comes back to him. "I'm— your—"

"I'm what!" You stomp your foot.

His fit doesn't stop for a long time until he was on the floor, on his back, trying to get oxygen back in his body while you were there angrily crossing your arms.

"There, now can you answer me more properly?"

He gives you a boyish smirk, sitting up and shaking the sand off his hair.

"Dork." Your eyes snapped back to his. "W-what did you just call me?"

"I said you dork!" You didn't have time to react when he tackles you to the ground, right where the ocean touches the sand, so now your clothes are half wet half dry.

"Hey! No fair!" Okay so now you're mad, you didn't have extra clothes brought because you weren't planning to swim anyways.

"I'm wet now!" JJ snorted when you stood up, flicking the heavy sand off you. "What?!"

"Dude did you not hear yourself?"

"JJ I don't care! My clothes are wet, and it's cold! And I have nothing to change into!" You stomped on the water, briefly splashing JJ but he didn't mind.

"Woah, princess getting worked up," he raises his arms up, whistling.

"I'm serious, JJ!"

"Chill man, you're fine, its gonna dry later anyways," he speaks as if this was nothing to him, what if you get sick? The wet top and cold air blowing on your back will kill you.

You were somewhat sober now, not that drunk compared from earlier, and that was thanks to JJ's wake up call.

"It's not that big of a deal anyways— woah—"

You tried to tackle him further into the water, but he was big and heavy, and more stronger than you so all your might was only half of his, only throwing him off the ground where there was mo water than could catch him.

"Ha! See that! That's what you get!" You laugh, holding on to your stomach, you ignore the shiver than ran through you when another cold breeze came by.

You paused when you hear no JJ, he was crouched on the floor, his forehead leaning against the sand as he clutches his stomach, his face contorted into a painful one, letting out a pained groan.

"..JJ?"

"Agh— fuck—"

"Oh my go— JJ are you alright?" You hurriedly kneeled beside him, placing your hand on his back as he continued to crouch on the sand.

"I- I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, JJ, I'm— w-where does it hurt? Oh gosh, JJ answer me please? Did I hit you too hard? JJ—"

You pause when he wheezes, you thought he'd hurt himself even more but he lets out a series of out of breath laughs, wheezing and punching the sand, he lied on his back once more, clutching his stomach not from pain, but from laughing.

"Wha.. JJ are you alright..?" You frown. "I-I'm— sssorrry but—"

"JJ what're you—"

"Did you actually— believe that shi—" he fell into a coma of laughter once again, kept on hitting the sand below him as you stood up with an irritated look.

"JJ, I'm actually tired, and too drunk of your bull, so if you want to keep dying here, I may as well let you."

You angrily turned around and stomped away from the twitching man. Just because you let him talk to you without getting called pogue slurs doesn't mean he can insult you like this, you won't let him.

"W-wait— wait up, stop—" he stood up staggering, calling out your name, but your ego was hurt, and you wouldn't let it past him.

"Wait— I'm sorry—" you didn't have time to react when a body hugs you from behind and throws the both of you into the water completely, you hurriedly sat up from the ambush and angrily looked around, you spot JJ, who was also drenched with you, already sat up and looking at you.

"Why did you—"

"I told you to wait up"

"I don't care If—"

“Alright chill, chill, my fault my fault, But you have to admit, that was def funny.”

You paused, trying to stop the snort out of coming your mouth. THE JJ Maybank apologized? How in the world did you—?

JJ flinched when you burst out laughing, you try to muffle it but you just couldn't stop laughing, a few seconds of you painfully wheezing then JJ bursted out laughing too, the two of you splashing around the water like children and laughing so loud you didn't even know you had in you.

"JJ Maybank—!" You inhale, wheezing it out once again. "Yeah?"

"Apologizing?!"

"Huh, why not?"

"Since the flip when?!"

"The flip?!—" that's when he bursts out laughing even more. "Now where'd you get that?"

"Wdym?!"

You splash him with water, the tides were getting bigger, and def stronger the more both of you stayed in it, he was about to splash you back when a grip on your arm pulled you up, you stumble in front of the very last person you wanted to see.

"What the fuck do you think your doing?"

You thought he was talking to you, but his eyes were trained on the soaked blond still in the water.

"No, what the fuck are you doin' here?" Now JJ was the angry one, both of them were, you meekly turned to glance at the blond behind you, silently begging him to just pull back and let everything slide on, but his attention was solely on the other blond in front of you.

"Last time I remembered, this was a no pogue zone, dipshit."

"Yeah, well I didn't see no sign, Cameron, so if you can just fuck off and leave us alone" he was standing now, just right behind you, careful on not getting too close, you might even think he was careful on not getting you wet, but technically you already were soaked in salt water.

"Since when does a fucking pogue order me around huh?" You can tell Rafe was trying to rile him up, and JJ seemed to be riled up enough.

"Since the fuck now— " you yelp as JJ pushes you aside, although he had his hand on your arm, you still trip on your feet, Rafe's hand caught your waist and pulling you up, you didn't have anytime to reload before they started punching eachother.

You had to stop them, before they kill each other again, you've always been there for each one of their party fights, the other always happy to oblige with the wishes of the opposite, but you were never the one to get involved, you were always hiding, taking your phone out just in case something happens, but this time it was just you, and the two warmongers.

That is until you hear the crowd hyping them up, then you see Sofia, uselessly standing right behind Rafe and yelling at them to stop.

No they won't stop the fuck? Hasn't she even seen them whenever they fight? No, you suppose not, she's busy flirting and frolicking around the bar and Rafe.

But what can you even do to stop them though? At least Sofia was trying, you were only standing frozen, and here you were calling her useless.

A shove from behind you quickly snapped you from your thoughts.

"S-sorry— oh shit, JJ stop no—!" It was Mr. Heyward's son, Pete? Pablo? It's on the tip of your tongue, just not quite there yet.

"Rafe, let him go, stop it!" You hear Sofia shout, but the two blonds kept landing punches on each other.

One moment they're still standing, next another they're on the floor, with JJ on top, of course Rafe wouldn't let his image get ruined like that so Rafe flipped the both of them, crashing into the waters, you hear the crowd whistling and howling, some even betting on them, it's fowl, how they think this is fun, how they think two half bloodied guys fighting are worth to bet on, Rafe had a bruised lip, while JJ was sporting a bruising black eye, both of them had bloodied noses.

Some time during everything, their friends managed to join their ruckus, turning their fight into a wrestling match, you see Topper fighting Sarah's boyfriend, uh husband, then Kelce jumping in to pull Heyward jr. away from JJ and get a punching of his own, their girls nowhere to be seen.

Except for Topper's girl, she suddenly appeared behind Sofia and pushed her away slightly, even she knew not to mess with Rafe's girl, huh, Rafe's.. girl..

You didn't even register that she was headed for you, not until she got a fist full of your hair, managing to pull you down on the ground, you didn't back up though when you got a grip on her newly bought necklace and ripped in from her neck, the necklace must've been expensive because of how tightly it clung on her neck despite how hard you pulled, the more she pulled your hair the more you pulled on her thousand dollar jewelry, then your hands finds its way to her top, if she was going to bring you down, your bringing her down with you.

"Fucking bitch!" She screams when you rip her bikini off, her grip on your hair disappears as she covers her boobs with her hands, you flip her off as you try to fix yourself, you are surrounded by phones and their flashes, but you couldn't care less when she was the one who targeted you in the first place.

You see her slink away in the crowd, muttering a curse before running off to whatever.

During the scuffle at one point the crowd slowly joined, the others just wanting to add fuel to the fire and hype up the people recording.

"Fuuuuu— booze and thiis?" You hear the guy moan, ugh, you thought, quickly scuffling away from him.

And just before you can escape the human stampede, a hand clamps around your arm, you try and keep up the mysterious hand pulling on you, only seeing a gust of blond hair on your guy, you try to pull against him but he keeps you steady behind him, your weak attempts at trying to escape looked nothing compared to his grip.

He dragged you across the brawl hurriedly, your feet taking twice as many steps as his did. "Y-you're hurting me!"

You didn't think he heard you, with the music being tuned up for the sake of the audience's enjoyment, you hear the others chanting 'fein' while punching a person square in the jaw.

"Stop! Please!" You pull for your arm, but the man yanks you back again, this time you bump into his chest that felt like bumping into a wall.

"Hold. Fucking. Still"

"R-Rafe?"

"C'mon" he grunts, you didn't even notice that you were already out of the riot until he places you in front of him, beside his truck.

Only then you noticed how bruised he actually was, his face was marked with the aftermath of the brawl—bruises blooming in dark purples and blues around his cheekbone and jaw. A cut near his eyebrow oozed slightly, leaving a faint trail of dried blood. The swelling along his lip made it difficult for him to smile, and a faint redness traced the area under his eye, hinting at a blow that landed too close.

"Rafe, you're bleeding—"

"—Don't" he raises his hand, you shut your mouth closed, as much as your ego loved seeing him like that, you couldn't deny the worry threatening to pour out, to drag him to your house and play nurse on him, you didn't like seeing him like this, you finally decided.

"We should wash that," you reach out to the cut in his eyebrow, he doesn't flinch, not like how he does when he's high. "Rafe where.."

You hesitate, he doesn't look up when you pause. "W-where's Sofia? The last time I saw her was before you—"

"—No."

"What do you mean no? What if Sofia's still back there, we should go—"

"Stop—! talking, about her I," he runs his hand through his buzz cut. "T-take, take me home, n-not, not tannyhill, no, not there, jus', yours, your house,"

You frown, what about—?

"Please.. please"

"Rafe, I don't —"

"'M not asking for a million, doll, js- just take me home..?" his voice slightly breaks at the end, his words were swirly and airy, if not high rafe then very drunk rafe.

...

"Okay."

[bbearthyy]

JJ and John B have shared everything since they were 8

~~~

this is just a lil something i was thinking about this morning and figured i could write to ring in the new year. it’s kinda short sorry😭

Smut!!! MDNI

they’d figured it out very quickly - how to share things. john b shared with jj because he could, jj shared with john b because he had to. they both knew this and were perfectly fine with it.

the first time jj slept over at the chateau they shared the bed. jj was supposed to sleep on the couch but there was a thunderstorm roaring outside, and the noise terrified him. jj poked his head into john b’s room seeking comfort and before he knew it he was waking up, cuddled so closely to john b in his small twin bed that it was hard for them to decipher where one ended and the other began. it became instinct at that point. every morning that they woke up together (which was almost every morning, as long as jj snuck back into his home before his dad awoke) john b would give jj his clothes to wear, and jj would give john b a hat to borrow. they shared a plate at breakfast when food was low, shared toothpaste, and of course all of john bs toys were jjs as well. and as they grew older they shared bigger things, such as their vehicles, beers, their surf boards, girls.

so it should come as no surprise that they had to share you. john b never understood how jj bagged a girl as pretty as you, but he couldn’t think too much on it right now. couldn’t think at all really. your back was pressed against his chest, arm reached behind you to jerk him off. your legs were spread wide, jj’s strong hands pinning your thighs to the bed as he ate you like a man starved. you didn’t think he could get any deeper, but john b reached out anyways, placing a firm hand on the back of jjs head and pushing, forcing jj to press even further into you. you wanted to pull away, worried that the blonde couldn’t breathe, but by the time you could grasp a coherent thought you were cumming. your juices spilled all over jjs face, meanwhile john bs hand kept him pressed into you, giving the blonde no where to go, not that he would’ve pulled away if he could. your hand kept stroking john bs thick cock even as your orgasm rushed through you, and he soon was cumming too, release spilling over your back. it was lucky your long hair was pulled up into an updo, otherwise it would’ve been ruined by john bs massive load.

you were still awake, fighting the aftershocks of your orgasm, but your eyes were fluttering shut. jj took note of this once he was able to pull back from your center, reaching a hand up to swiftly but gently tap the side of your face. “hey,” he mumbled, “don’t forget about me sweet girl. papa j needs some loving too.” he sealed the deal with a kiss, allowing you to taste yourself on his tongue before he pulled away. you giggled at his words, body going lax as he picked you up, laying you back onto the bed on your stomach beside john b. jj spread your legs, squeezing your thighs as a silent way of saying keep them open. john b laid down beside you, hand gently caressing your cheek and murmuring words of praise as jj stripped out of his shorts. your eyes had closed once more, relaxing under john bs gentle touch and kind words, but abruptly snapped right back open. jj has his thick cock in his hand, smacking the heavy tip against your clit. you moaned out, making the blonde chuckle. “oh baby,” he began, “i haven’t even done anything yet.” but it didn’t matter. because then he was reaching up with his other hand to grab your hip, the hand on his cock pushing it forward, forcing his way into your gummy walls. “fuck mama,” jj panted out, clearly wanting to say more but being unable to after feeling your wetness around him. the blonde began moving immediately, heavy sack smacking against your clit with every thrust. you were soaked, arousal spilling out all over jjs cock. his eyes rolled back into his head, hips slamming harder into yours. john b reached out, grabbing onto jjs hand to pull the boy back into reality. the blonde smiled gratefully, looking at his best friend, before his head turned towards yours. “‘m gonna fucking ruin you.”

[basketonthedoorstepofthefbi]

"concrete" - hotch x fem!bau!reader

your crush on your boss is so nearly at its breaking point; based on the request found here

cw: canonical violence, mutual pining, mild miscommunication, not a happy ending but not an unhappy ending lmao sorry luv ya

word count: 1.4k

------

You’ve been crushing on your boss for exactly ten months and nine days. You’ve known him for close to a year, but when you think about it, that two month difference in time is just about what it takes to warm up to Aaron Hotchner. 

He was a statue when you first met him. Unwavering, stoic, and maybe even a little strict (definitely very strict). He didn’t crack a smile around you until the first case you ever worked with the BAU was wrapped up, and he definitely didn’t make any jokes until much later on. You discovered underneath the stalwart, brick wall you met was the same man, only softer. Like one of those hard-shell candies with a jelly center. He was incredibly kind, patient, observant, and honorable. 

And he would do anything for anyone on his team at the drop of a hat. 

You also got to see the more playful side of him as you got to know him, as your caseload with the BAU only grew. Sure, he was a stickler for paperwork and procedure, but was he though? 

You once saw him take over a report JJ was supposed to finish so she could make it to Henry’s t-ball game. You definitely witnessed him reassuring Penelope that it was okay that she hacked into the Interpol database for info on an UnSub, and when Derek needed help tracking down his cousin in Chicago, Hotch had the whole team pitch in, which was certainly some kind of ethics violation. 

Little did you know that Aaron was crushing on you, too. He didn’t word it that way in his head, of course, but the second he watched you stride into the conference room to consult on a case, he knew he was in trouble. He expedited the transfer paperwork himself, even followed Strauss in the elevator on her way out one night to make her sign it. 

He grew fond of you quickly, of your insights, your compassion with victims’ families, your quick wit. You always bring homemade cookies or cupcakes for the entire team when it’s someone’s birthday, and you always have a different perspective to offer on cases. He especially loves when you are clearly thinking hard about something, so you cross your ankles - sitting or standing, he’s noticed - and tap your toes against the floor. 

Aaron’s ways of showing affection were not lost on you. He brought you coffee on more than one occasion, but he also brought coffee to the rest of the team. He straddles the invisible line between Caring Boss and More Than That so well. You’re not exactly sure what his actions mean.

Like today, for example. The team is in a small town in Kentucky, and you’re deep into a case - a spree, four murders in four days. You have been awake for about twenty straight hours, give or take, and the world around you has turned hazy. 

You are combing through a suspect’s letters with Spencer, your eyes growing heavier by the second. Your chin is propped up by your arm, and you finally close your eyes, just for one second of respite. Your arm gives out and your head whacks against the table, a wake-up call no amount of espresso could ever provide. 

“Shit, Y/N. Are you okay?” Spencer’s out of his chair in an instant as you lift your head, rubbing the already-formed welt on your forehead. 

The spot is tender and red and you’re dizzy, the wheels on your chair not helping matters. Why are there three Reids hovering over you? They meld back into one Reid after you blink a few times, and as you’re nodding to reassure Spencer you’re okay, you hear Hotch walk in. “I heard a thud. What happened?” 

The conference room in the police precinct is teeny and already cramped, so Spencer has to move out of the way for Hotch to get to you. 

“She smacked her head on the table,” Spencer explains hurriedly. “I’ll get you an ice pack,” he scurries off, likely to ask one of the local officers, leaving you alone with Hotch. 

You’re still reeling and a bit disoriented from the contact with the solid oak table. Hotch takes the rolling desk chair beside yours, previously occupied by Spencer, and is hunching to meet your eye line. “You should really go back to the hotel and sleep for a little bit,” he says.

“Nobody else is,” you protest just as Hotch squares up to you to examine the welt on your forehead. You see him visibly grimace, his lips pressing deep into his face.

His thumb is suddenly on your forehead, padding around the bruise. It’s tender, and you know it would hurt if he touched you even a centimeter to the left, but he’s hitting it at just the right spot. You can see the lines on his palm.

“Yeah, well, no one else just concussed themselves,” he points out. You can tell just by looking at him that he’s tired, too. His eyes are heavy, the bags under them puffier than usual. 

“If I’m concussed, then I really shouldn’t go to sleep,” you point out, and Hotch’s expression tightens. 

“What day is it today?” He asks, retracting his hand and pulling back into his own space. 

“Wednesday,” you reply, then your eyes dart to the clock on the wall. 12:17 AM. “Thursday,” you correct. 

Hotch releases a pressure-cooker sigh and narrows his eyes at you scrupulously. You lean forward in your chair in a challenge. “I’m fine,” you insist. 

“I just wish you’d take care of yourself so I wouldn’t have to.” 

This catches you off guard. Your brows furrow and you frown at Hotchner, crossing your arms over your chest. “Excuse me?” you ask, feeling offended. What the hell was that supposed to mean? “You don’t think I take care of myself?”

Hotch’s mouth is hanging open just slightly, and he’s shaking his head. “No, Y/N, that’s not what I-” 

“You and I both know you would tell me if my performance was inadequate,” you decide in that moment - maybe it’s the potential concussion, or maybe it’s the exhaustion - to rip into him. “I don’t need a babysitter, Aaron.” 

Hotchner shakes his head again. “I know you don’t need a babysitter,” he says calmly. Irritatingly calmly. “I just meant that there are many other things I’d rather be doing…” 

Your mouth goes dry. Obnoxiously, with the cadence of a confused basset hound, you say, “huh?” 

Aaron’s cheeks are pink now, and he swallows hard. “I’d better go check on Reid and that ice pack,” he murmurs, but before he can roll away, you grab the arm of his chair.  

“Aaron,” you breathe out, and suddenly he’s looking at you like you’re the only person in the world, like there’s a spotlight shining down on you from the ceiling of a little police precinct in Middle of Nowhere, Kentucky. 

His brown eyes are so soft at this moment. His eyebrows have softened from their usual piercing, investigative furrow. He knees press into yours, and you want so badly to bridge that gap between his face and yours. His mouth is hanging open, only slightly, and you watch with bated breath as his tongue juts out - just barely - to moisten his lips. 

The door flies open at that moment, and Spencer’s shifting three different ice packs among his hands. “I’ve got gel, I’ve got water-based, and they also had one of those beaded eye masks that people put in the freezer for self-care at home,” he laughs at this, stopping at the head of the table when he realizes he very clearly interrupted something. “Should… should I go?” 

You’re rolling back from Hotch, crossing your ankles and shaking your head. “No, you’re fine, Spence,” you say hurriedly and squeakily, just as Hotch clears his throat and rises from his seat. He lingers in the door on his way out. As you’re taking the gel ice pack from Spencer and placing it gingerly against your forehead, your gaze meets Hotch’s. 

He’s boring into you with those beautiful molten chocolate eyes, and he purses his lips pensively for one fleeting moment, as if to say, to be continued. 

“What was all that about?” Spencer asks as he sits back down. You shake your head. 

“Nothing,” you feel concrete tension in your jaw that radiates all the way down to your toes. You grab the next pile of letters and open one. The fact that you have to pretend like nothing just happened, like you didn’t just share an absurd amount of tension with your boss? It feels like your entire body is on pins and needles. “Let’s just keep going.”

[maiiuelle]

˚❀˚

when you and jj first get together, he really makes an effort to impress you. the boy doesn’t have much to give, having grown up with the shirt on his back and not much else, but he’s eager to make you feel special. he’s no stranger to women, being a pretty hot commodity for pogue girls and tourists but he never sticks around long enough for anything to be considered serious. he’s a free spirit at heart, and before he took interest in you, that boy couldn’t be tied down. your first date was one to remember, the only warning beforehand being a cryptic text saying: “meet me at the dock at 6?”

you’re ecstatic, even though he didn’t explicitly say it’s a date, you’re hoping it will be. you’re something of a hopeless romantic, and your growing crush on maybank was driving you crazy. you put on a pretty sundress, curl your hair into messy coils and pack one of your crocheted shoulder bag with your wallet and emergency lip gloss.

you get there right on time, the sun just starting to set over the marsh. you shuffle nervously to the end of the dock, where you find jj leaning over the wooden railing.

“jayj?” your voice is soft, trying not to startle him. he turns his head and his body follows, but before he can greet you he’s taken in by your dress, his blue eyes transfixed on it’s short frilly skirt. he’s in his usual garb, a white tee and cargo shorts, which you still find very charming. you blink up at him shyly, not knowing why you’re so nervous, after all it’s just jj.

“uh—hey!” he lifts his baseball cap, running his hand through his hair as he tries to keep his eyes on yours. “whatcha all dressed up for?”

“oh, i dunno. was just excited to get out of the house, i guess.” your cheeks heat up, suddenly concerned that you misread the situation entirely.

he nods. “i’m glad you did. y’look very nice.” he lets his eyes linger on your dress a second longer before he clears his throat and reaches for your hand. “would you.. be interested in an exclusive boat tour of this here marsh on the hms pogue?”

you slip your hand into his, tilting your head curiously. “ooo — i’d be honored.” he starts to lead you down the wooden ramp to where the boat is floating against the dock, and once it comes into view your sweet smile turns into surprise.

he spread out a picnic blanket over the front of the boat, and a big bowl of fruit, two subs from haywards, and an empty beer can stuffed with wildflowers sits in the center. you just feel warm, relieved that clearly your feelings are mutual, and this is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you. “oh — jj!” you jump into his arms, hugging him tight. “this is beautiful, you planned all of this?”

as you pull away to admire the boat again, his touch lingers on your waist, still holding you close. “‘course i did, cupcake. you like it?”

you huddle close to his side again, looking up at him with anticipation. “do i like it? i love it! this is amazing.”

“well, i’m glad.” jj smiles down at you before clearing his throat, getting flustered already. “c’mere, we should get out there while the sun’s still setting.” he takes hold of your hand, adjusting his hat again in an attempt to hide his rosy face. he helps you onto the boat, where you sit atop the blanket to admire the flowers he picked while he drives you out into the marsh.

the two of you fill the hot summer air with giggles over the roaring motor, but eventually the boat sputters to a stop at a nice clearing. the yellow and orange clouds paint over the still water beautifully, and singsonging birds chirp in the distance. the scene before you looks like something out of your favorite romance movies. jj makes his way to the bow, making sure the anchor is set.

“dig in, you don’t gotta wait on me.” he laughs and finally settles down next to you, popping a strawberry into his mouth casually. he gestures to the sandwiches, eyebrows creased in slight concern. “said you like italian, right?”

“oh yeah — who doesn’t?” you smile, helping yourself to some of the fruit too. “this is all so sweet, jayj. really.”

he waves a hand in the air, brushing it off. “well shucks, you’re sweet, cupcake.” he can’t keep his eyes off of you, between how your skin is glowing in the low sunlight, your dress, hair, lips — he can barely handle it. “y’deserve it, a girl like you’s once in a lifetime.”

you blink at him, his compliments going right to your burning cheeks. “you really think that?”

“you kidding? of course i do.” he rubs his jaw, shrugging like it’s obvious as he leans forward. “m’just lucky enough to be here with you.”

“jayj.” you lean on your arm, tilting your head as you stare back at him. you lick your glossy lips, and he feels like you can read his mind. your mind is spinning, heart racing as he moves closer, reaching gently to tuck your hair behind your ear. you lean into his palm, letting him guide you into a soft first kiss.

˚❀˚

[little-jana]

Mistletoe Series:🎄 Spencer Reid (1)

"Mistletoe Logic"

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x reader

Genre: fluff

Warnings: kissing, talk of germs, use of Y/N, teasing from the team

Words: 2.1k

Summary: Kisses under the mistletoe with a certain Genius.

The annual FBI Christmas party was in full swing, and, as always, Penelope Garcia had outdone herself. Twinkling lights decorated every available surface, carols played softly in the background, and a garland of mistletoe sprigs hung conspicuously in every corner.

I stood by the refreshment table, watching the festivities with a cup of cider in hand. The team was scattered across the room—Derek and Penelope were in the middle of some heated dance-off, Emily was laughing with JJ near the bar, and Rossi was holding court in a corner, regaling a small crowd with one of his legendary stories.

And then there was Spencer Reid, lingering by himself near the bookshelf. He looked as out of place as ever, standing stiffly in his dark cardigan and mismatched tie, nervously clutching a glass of water.

Spencer had always intrigued me. He was brilliant—everyone knew that—but there was something else about him. A quiet charm, a vulnerability that made him different from anyone I’d ever met.

I made my way over, feeling a familiar flutter of nerves. “Hey, Spence,” I said, smiling as I stopped beside him. “Enjoying the party?”

He glanced at me, his lips twitching upward in the smallest of smiles. “As much as one can enjoy an event that combines loud music, forced social interaction, and a statistically significant increase in the risk of spilled drinks.”

I laughed, sipping my cider. “So, not really your thing, huh?”

He shrugged. “It’s not that I dislike parties. It’s just… overwhelming sometimes.”

I nodded, leaning against the wall beside him. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m not exactly the life of the party either.”

He looked at me, his smile softening. “I doubt that. You’re… easy to talk to.”

My cheeks warmed at the compliment, and I quickly changed the subject. “So, what do you think of Garcia’s decorations? She really went all out this year.”

Spencer followed my gaze to the mistletoe hanging nearby. “Actually, mistletoe is a fascinating plant. It’s parasitic, meaning it attaches itself to host trees to extract water and nutrients. The tradition of kissing under mistletoe dates back to ancient times, where it was associated with fertility and vitality in Norse mythology. Later, it became a symbol of romance during the Victorian era.”

I smiled, shaking my head. “Only you could turn a Christmas decoration into a history lesson.”

“It’s just interesting,” he said, his expression earnest. “Most people don’t know the origins of these traditions.”

“Well,” I teased, “if you’re not careful, someone might drag you under one of those sprigs and force you to participate in its ‘romantic’ significance.”

Spencer’s ears turned pink. “That seems… unlikely.”

I laughed, but before I could reply, Penelope appeared out of nowhere, clutching a Santa hat and grinning mischievously.

“Y/N! Boy genius!” she exclaimed, pulling us both toward the dance floor. “Why are you hiding over here like a pair of wallflowers? Come mingle!”

“I’m fine here,” Spencer protested, but Penelope was already dragging him into the crowd.

---

A while later, I found myself near the center of the room, chatting with JJ and Emily about holiday plans. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Spencer hovering nearby, his gaze flicking between me and the mistletoe hanging overhead.

“You’ve got an admirer,” Emily teased, following my gaze.

JJ smirked. “Yeah, he’s been watching you all night. It’s cute.”

I shook my head, laughing nervously. “Spencer? No way. He’s just... socially awkward.”

“Socially awkward or not, he’s definitely got a thing for you,” Emily said, her tone teasing.

Before I could respond, Derek and Penelope approached, and Derek immediately noticed the mistletoe above my head.

“Well, well,” he said, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “Looks like someone’s under the mistletoe.”

I rolled my eyes, about to make a sarcastic comment, when Spencer suddenly appeared at my side, his face bright red.

“She’s not technically under the mistletoe,” he blurted out, pointing to the sprig. “The angle is slightly off. It’s more to the left.”

The entire group burst out laughing, and I couldn’t help but smile at his endearing awkwardness.

“Aw, come on, genius,” Penelope said, nudging him playfully. “Don’t ruin the magic! This is your chance!”

Spencer looked utterly mortified, but before anyone could push him further, I took pity on him and pulled him aside.

“Thanks for saving me back there,” I said with a laugh.

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed. “I wasn’t trying to save you. I just… wanted to clarify the logistics.”

“Of course you did,” I teased, crossing my arms. “But, you know, you still owe me a kiss now.”

His eyes widened, his cheeks flushing even deeper. “What?”

I tilted my head toward the mistletoe. “It’s tradition, remember? And I don’t think anyone will believe your ‘angle’ excuse.”

Spencer opened his mouth, then closed it again, clearly torn. Finally, he blurted out, “Did you know that more germs are transmitted through handshakes than through kissing?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Um… no, I didn’t.”

“It’s true,” he said quickly, his words tumbling out in that familiar, rapid-fire way he spoke when he was nervous. “A study conducted in 2014 found that a typical handshake transfers more than twice as many bacteria as a kiss. Skin-to-skin contact, especially with hands, is one of the most common ways germs are transmitted.”

I stared at him, trying not to laugh. “So what you’re saying is… kissing would be safer than shaking hands?”

His cheeks flushed even darker. “Well, technically, yes.”

I stepped closer, my heart fluttering as I looked up into his wide, uncertain eyes. “Spencer, are you trying to talk me into kissing you right now?”

“I’m just stating the facts,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “But… if you wanted to…”

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me at his vulnerability. “You know, for a genius, you’re not very good at subtlety.”

Before he could respond, I leaned up on my toes, cupping his face gently as I pressed my lips to his. He froze for a heartbeat, and I worried I’d misread the situation, but then he melted into the kiss, his hands hovering near my waist before settling there.

His lips were soft, warm, and surprisingly confident as the kiss deepened. It was sweet and tentative at first, but there was something electric about it, something that made my entire body hum with warmth.

When we finally pulled back, Spencer’s eyes were wide, his cheeks flushed, and his lips slightly parted.

“Well,” I said softly, my own cheeks warm, “I guess that settles it. Kissing is definitely safer.”

Spencer let out a breathless laugh, his gaze never leaving mine. “I think I need to conduct further research.”

From across the room, I heard Derek shout, “Finally!”

I turned to see the entire team watching us, grinning like lunatics.

“About time!” Emily called, raising her glass in mock celebration.

Penelope clasped her hands together, looking near tears. “This is the greatest Christmas gift I could’ve asked for.”

Spencer groaned, covering his face with his hands. “This is so embarrassing.”

I laughed, pulling his hands away and smiling up at him. “Don’t worry, Spence. I think it’s kind of perfect.”

And as the team toasted and teased us mercilessly, I couldn’t help but agree.

[writerdarlin]

Last Christmas - JJ Maybank

A/N: To my first Outerbanks fan fiction. I don't know if I'll write more like I was planning to, but since it's Christmas and I love Last Christmas by Wham I felt inspired.

Summary: At the Pogues' Christmas party, memories of last year resurface when Rafe arrives with Sofia, stirring old wounds. But JJ, with his charm and playful antics, reminds you of the love and laughter you’ve found with him. This Christmas is about letting go of the past and embracing the present with someone who makes you feel whole.

Warnings: Little bit of angst but mostly Fluff.

JJ Maybank x reader, exbf!Rafe Cameron x reader

The Pogues’ annual Christmas party was a loud, chaotic mess in the best way possible. Music boomed through the speakers, snow was falling outside, and you were pretty sure someone had spiked the eggnog far more than necessary. You stood near the kitchen, sipping a drink as you tried to steady your nerves.

And then, like clockwork, he walked in.

Rafe Cameron.

His arm was around Sofia, his face lit up with an easy smile that hadn’t been aimed at you in almost a year. The sight shouldn’t have hurt anymore, but it did. It brought back memories of last Christmas—of nights when his attention had been solely yours, when you thought the two of you were untouchable.

But you weren’t.

"Babe!" JJ’s voice snapped you out of your spiraling thoughts, and a second later, he was at your side, all golden hair, blue eyes, a mischievous grin m, and a stupid damn hat that he wore backwards never failed to make you’re heart skip. He waved his hand in front of your face dramatically. "Earth to (Y/N)! What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?"

You blinked, startled by his energy, and forced a laugh. "Nothing. Just thinking."

He tilted his head, his gaze narrowing. "Thinking about Rafe?" he asked bluntly, motioning over his shoulder toward the other room.

Your mouth fell open, but before you could deny it, JJ threw his hands in the air. "Nope, I already know. I’m psychic." He tapped his temple with a smirk. "Saw you looking, babe. I know that look."

You frowned, setting your drink down on the counter. "JJ, I wasn’t—"

"Shhh," he interrupted, holding up a hand like he was making a grand declaration. "Let me tell you something important." He leaned in close, lowering his voice as if revealing a world-shattering secret. "That guy? He’s yesterday’s news. You? You’re my whole front page, center spread, breaking story."

You burst out laughing despite yourself, shaking your head as JJ gestured dramatically, pointing at himself like he’d just solved the meaning of life. "You’re ridiculous."

"Ridiculously into you," he quipped, grinning like he’d just won.

Your laughter softened into something warmer, something real. JJ’s antics might have been over the top, but they always worked. He had a way of making you forget about the weight you carried, of bringing you back to the moment.

"Come on," he said, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and steering you toward the main room. "You’re not hiding in the kitchen all night. We’ve got bad karaoke and good booze waiting. Plus, I’m about to deliver a world-class performance."

"And by world-class, you mean horrifically off-key?" you teased.

JJ stopped in his tracks, spinning to face you with mock offense. "Excuse me, babe, I’m a star." He jabbed a thumb at his chest. "Just wait. They’ll be lining up for my autograph after this."

Your laughter bubbled up again, the warmth in your chest finally overpowering the lingering ache from earlier. JJ cupped your face briefly, his thumbs brushing your cheeks as his gaze softened.

"You’re too good for that guy, you know?" he said, quieter this time. "And for the record, I’m really glad you’re here. With me."

Your heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, everything else melted away. You wrapped your arms around his waist, pulling him into a hug. "I’m really glad I’m here too."

As the night went on, JJ lived up to his promise, delivering an outrageously bad but enthusiastic karaoke performance that left you in stitches. And when you glanced at Rafe and Sofia again, it wasn’t with pain or longing. JJ caught you looking and threw you an exaggerated thumbs-up from the makeshift stage, shouting, "I told you—you’re front-page material, babe!"

This Christmas wasn’t about what you lost last year. It was about what you’d found—someone who made you laugh, someone who made you feel special. And you wouldn’t have it any other way.

[outerbankspov]

Forbidden love.

- warning: fluff, supportive best friends, jealous kie..

Requested by- @giannadrichardson-blog 💋

.. When you hear “kook and pogue” all you think is the rivalry between the two groups who live on the opposite side of one island, dating one another is FORBIDDEN. So why is y/n bailing JJ Maybank out of the county jail. “J you can’t keep doing this baby” you tell him as he leads you to the side of the station and kisses your neck. “Come on, I’m sure it turns you on when you bail me out of jail.” He mumbled. “Not my bank account. Come on” you kiss him And quickly went inside your car. Getting situated you look at him. You secretly love bailing him out.

“Take me to yours?” He says. You smile and agreed. God you love him so much and it’s so bad that you do because he’s a kook. Everyone wants you to date the kook king Rafe Cameron but he is your beloved best friend since diapers and surprisingly he’s okay with you and JJ because he wants you happy and he quoted. “No one is better than me on this island so go for it”. You would Just role your eyes at his self centered self.

Once you get home JJ’s eyes lighten when he sees his dirt bike sitting in her driveway. “Baby…. How in the hell?” You look at him and gives him a kiss to distract his mind. “Come on” you say as you get out the car and drags him with you. “Stay the night” you begin as you give him the best puppy dog eyes. “Baby….” He groans already knowing he’ll say yes because he loves you too much. “Okay deal.” He walks up close to you and starts kissing your soft lips and groans when they finally touch.

JJ lays on your bed and pulls you with him, chin resting on his chest. “Do you ever think about how different our life’s would be if everyone knew about us?” You ask as he massages your head, relaxing you. He hums And looks up onto the ceiling. “I do, and baby believe me when I say I want to go public more then ever.” He begins as he moves and places you onto his lap, pushing your long hair behind your ear and pulling your lip out from underneath your top one. “I wish we can-”

“DUDE COME ON!” Pope yells as John b takes his blunt while driving. “What?” He laughs while smiling at pope. “Guys?” Kiara begins. They all look to their left to see JJ’s dirk bike in a kook’s drive way. Y/N DRIVE WAY. “No fucking way. That can’t be” Kiara says almost sounding jealous. John B And pope look at one another and immediately knew what to say. 

“Maybe it’s not even his. A lot of these kooks like to copy us yuh know?”

“Maybe it’s someone else’s!” Pope joins along for what John B has said. Trying to not get her worked up. “Let’s just go to the wreck, I’m starving” John B says And drives away fast.

-

“So, how about you take me outside And watch me catch a sun tan ?” You smirk knowing JJ loves to see u in your bathing suits and sundresses. “Say no more” he grins and you smile. A little later JJ was chasing you because you had his hat. Bare feet on the fresh cut grass. “JJ wait-” he picks you up and spins you around. “Did I ever tell you how hot your hands are” you smile as he wraps his arms around your waist. John B And pope decided to circle back after dropping Kiara home and see JJ and Y/N almost acting…. In love?

“No fucking way” pope says looking in shocked.

“He did it! That pussy. John B laughs as he watches His best friend look incredibly happy with Y/N. He knows how it feels, he has a Y/N and that’s Sarah for him. He knows how it feels to fall in love with someone who’s forbidden to be with.

[iitslera]

Kai's first Christmas : JJ Maybank Dad x Reader (Gigi) Mom

Summary:  JJ and his girlfriend (reader named Grace) celebrating Kai’s first Christmas

Warnings: English is not my first language (use of iphone translator), I don’t use y/n (reader is called Grace or Gigi as JJ calls her), Other than that, I think it’s pure fluff.

Based on baby on the way : JJ as a dad masterlist 

A/n: I’m receiving requests from JJ and Rafe, (im hoped to improve my level of English soon to stop using the iPhone translator) enjoy 

I had always imagined celebrating Christmas surrounded by friends, with laughter, lights, and a little chaos. But this year was different. Now I had a small family: JJ and Kai. Christmas wasn’t just another holiday anymore; it was a time to create memories that, although Kai wouldn’t understand yet, would forever be etched in our hearts.

“What do you think, little one? Do you think your dad overdid it with the lights?” I asked, holding Kai in my arms as we watched JJ trying to plug a third string of lights into an already overloaded outlet.

“You can’t have too many lights, Gigi,” JJ replied in that carefree tone of his that always made me smile. “It’s Christmas. If we don’t look like a house straight out of a holiday movie, what’s the point?”

Kai let out a babble that could’ve been agreement. She was always on his side. She had adored him from the moment she was born.

Our little tree was decorated with ornaments JJ had found at a thrift store and some I had made with whatever we had at home. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but to me, it was the most beautiful tree in the world.

“We’re here!” The door burst open, and the unmistakable voices of our friends filled the house.

John B was the first to walk in, carrying a box of cookies with a suspiciously bitten corner. Sarah and Kiara followed with bags full of gifts, while Cleo and Pope came in balancing what looked like a giant cake.

“Isn’t it a little early to start snacking, John B?” I teased, pointing at the box of cookies.

“What? I couldn’t let them get cold,” he said with a mischievous grin. “Besides, these are for Kai. Well, some of them. Maybe half.”

Sarah rolled her eyes and gave me a quick hug. “Grace, the house looks amazing. Did you do all this?”

“JJ and I did,” I said, smiling. “Well, mostly him. You know how he is with lights.”

“Where’s my favorite niece?” Kiara asked, stretching out her arms for Kai.

“My only niece, you mean?” I joked, handing her the baby. Kai settled into Kie’s arms with a curious smile, probably fascinated by the beaded necklaces she was wearing.

JJ emerged from the kitchen with a tray of hot chocolate, proudly showing off his ridiculous reindeer sweater. “You guys started without me? I thought everyone would wait for the star dad to open presents.”

Cleo snorted, crossing her arms. “Of course, because it’s always all about you, huh, JJ?”

“Exactly.” JJ winked at her, and we all burst out laughing.

Kai was the center of attention, as always. Sarah had brought her a little reindeer hat that was slightly too big, but it didn’t matter; with that hat and her big, bright eyes, it was impossible not to look at her with pure adoration.

During dinner, the jokes flew back and forth. Pope was telling a ridiculous story about how he had tried to cook a turkey last year and nearly set the kitchen on fire. Sarah and Kie kept interrupting him with sarcastic comments, and Cleo couldn’t stop laughing.

When it was finally time to open presents, everyone insisted Kai should go first.

“What do you say, princess?” JJ knelt in front of her, holding a gift wrapped so poorly it looked like a five-year-old had done it.

“Is this a present for her or a test of your patience?” Cleo teased, laughing.

“Ha, ha, very funny,” JJ said, helping Kai tear the paper.

Underneath the wrapping was a stuffed teddy bear dressed in tiny overalls. JJ had picked it out because, according to him, “it looked like me, but more adorable.” Kai hugged it immediately, letting out a squeal of delight that made everyone in the room melt.

“Definitely the best gift,” Sarah said, pulling out her phone to snap pictures.

“Well, you haven’t seen my gift yet,” Pope said, pointing to a big box by the tree.

It was a brand-new stroller, something we really needed but hadn’t been able to afford. My heart swelled with gratitude.

“Pope, you didn’t have to…” I said, walking over to hug him.

“Of course I did,” he said, smiling. “We’re family. Besides, I knew JJ wasn’t going to buy one.”

“Hey!” JJ protested, but he couldn’t hide his grin.

The night went on with laughter, games, and a whirlwind of wrapping paper. When everyone had finally gone to sleep, JJ and I sat together on the couch. Kai was asleep in my arms, her teddy bear clutched tightly to her chest.

“So, what do you think of our first Christmas with Kai?” JJ asked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

“It was perfect,” I said, resting my head on his shoulder. “More than I could’ve asked for.”

He kissed my forehead softly. “Next year will be even better. I promise I’ll make every Christmas special for her. And for you.”

I looked at him, knowing he meant it. JJ wasn’t perfect, but he was the most devoted and loving man I knew. As long as we were together, I knew everything would be okay.

The fireplace was still crackling, and the lights on the tree twinkled softly in the darkness. As I gently stroked Kai’s tiny head, I thought about how lucky I was. My little family, my friends… everything was exactly where it needed to be.

That night, as snow began to fall outside, I knew this Christmas would be the first of many unforgettable ones.

[callmearcturus]

okay the Eye of the Duck for each of the MI films

Mission Impossible:

I promise I really thought about the Vault Scene and I could go on for ages about it and I maybe should since it's the marker of what separates MI from other action franchises.

But my heart lives in this scene as the emotional core of the movie, where Jim comes back from the dead and tries to spin a tale that Ethan is too smart to fall for but is still tempted by. The way Jim says one thing but Ethan's already pieced together what really happened-- and doesn't like the answer, rewrites it in his head to make it fit what he wants.

Ethan's emotions and how much he cares about people is his ultimate weakness and it remains so for the entire franchise, so to see him wrestling with that all the way from the start is crunchy.

Also Ethan soulgazing the camera for that long is very affecting.

Mission Impossible 2:

the point of the EOTD is to find the scene at the movie's center that reflects its core back at you. I think Woo's vision of MI is exemplified by that final fight scene between Ethan and the villain. I remember the first time I watched the movie, this scene made me go "NO" out loud several times.

I mean, mostly because absolutely not that handgun will not fire after being in the sand for that long, there is not enough gun oil in the world.

but since I have wisened up and realized MI2 is not the worst MI movie, I think I get it more. The over-the-top motorcycle jousting, the slow-motion, but especially the cuts to the roiling ocean-- everyone shut the fuck up and let your bodies tell the story, even if the 'story' here is as simple as "I'mma fuck you up." It doesn't have to be original, it just has to be a cohesive vision, and honestly I think people would like MI2 a lot more if they acknowledged Woo accomplished his specific vision here.

I don't love MI2, but I respect it. Way more than, uh.

Mission Impossible 3:

god i hate this fucking movie but the EOTD is really obvious.

The only scene in this movie that works 100% is after the stupid vapid villain is gone and when the movie returns to the two fucking actors who carried this horrible script on their fucking backs.

Ethan has a charge in his head that is about to detonate and kill him. He's asks Julia to kill him and then bring him back to life to defuse it.

I... My hatred of this movie is legendary but I love this scene. I love Ethan staggering around like a drunkard bc he's blinded by pain. I love the way he explains how to shoot a gun to Julia. I love his little "Don't point it at me" and the way he likens the reload of a magazine to the flashlight in their kitchen, something both of them understand. I love the absolute trust here--

Esp bc I think it's clear Ethan could die right now, but he'd rather go out trusting his wife to save his life than to worry about it too much.

And Julia actually fucking saves him, and it's good! It's the only good scene in the movie other than Benji's second scene. And if MI3's goal was to dig into the Emotions of the franchise, then fine, this is the scene that's best at it.

Still the worst movie. Someone stop JJ Abrams from ever writing scripts.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

holy shit i am stunned someone clipped this bit

I am straight up stealing Brendon Bigley's EOTD scene because he's right.

This moment, right after Ethan and Brandt have escaped the river, there's this incredible lull in the action where Brandt asks "Why would that work?" about Ethan's ridiculous flare trick to misdirect the KGB dudes with the rifles.

Ethan's confused about Brandt's question because... he didn't know it would work, he played a hunch.

Brandt's bitchy lil "'kaaaaay.... so what was your scenario" and the way Ethan actually smiles as Brandt tries analyzing the logic of what just happened and why.

This is the EOTD of GP because it's the film tipping its hat to everything its doing (and everything MI will become moving forward) in microcosm. MI is not about metriculous clockwork plots and spy intrigue, it's about heart and instinct and the fucking motto of the IMF: "I'll make it work." Tacitly, this convo between Brandt and Ethan is Brandt as audience surrogate and Ethan as filmmakers' surrogate.

Why did that work? Don't worry about it, just keep saying yes and we'll get through.

(Also the bit immediately after with the best Tom Cruise Is Short joke in the series, immaculate physical comedy, love it.)

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation:

fuck all y'all I'm going to pick a single joke and obsess over it

FIRST 15 SECONDS

THAT'S IT THAT'S THE EYE OF THE DUCK

I'm not even remotely kidding, but this is related to BTS info about the gag. The script apparently only said "ethan and benji get into the car" but when it came time to film, TC was like "I can't just get into the car, it's the waste of a moment. hang on, i got it" and for the next take just DID that stupid flail across the car. Pegg's stunned look is real because no one knew he would do that.

As a writer, I love this moment because yes, just climbing into the car would have been a waste. It would have been an opportunity to put in a character moment just forgotten.

This is related to that lovely lil moment in Fallout where the team are meeting up with Walker after catching Lane, and there's no dialogue, but as they come up the stairs, Benji spots Walker, and he immediately flattens himself to the wall to get out of Ethan's way and looks back at Ethan for guidance. Ethan gives Benji a nod to say we're good, don't worry and they continue up the stairs.

These are little moments of characterization that are mostly built from actors who are just very comfortable with their characters, and this expediency of storytelling. Cut all the unneeded seconds, and make sure every second that remains in the movie is doing some kind of work.

so yeah that's the EOTD for RN.

Mission Impossible: Fallout

the EOTD for the entire MI franchise is the scene with the Parisian cop.

Ethan stopping everything to try to convince a bystander to leave and keep them from getting hurt. That's the soul of MI, the same emotional damage Ethan's carried since MI1.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning

"I was hoping it'd be you."

shocker, I'm not picking the moment when Ethan literally Says The Fucking Theme Out Loud, nope. I'm picking the moment Ilsa decides she too will follow the new IMF's batshit "beat the trolley problem by pushing the trolley off the tracks" creed, and gives up everything for a woman she doesn't know who is in over her head.

History repeats, and Dead Reckoning's obsession with closing the loop and creating internal consistency out of a series that has had five directors and seven films works perfectly for me. Venice is a visual recreation of Prague in MI1, with Ethan racing down dimly lit streets to save someone but is just not fast enough.

I also have this personal read on the scene as a refutation of Gabriel and the Entity, who represent an almost Calvinistic philosophy of inevitability and fate. Gabriel tells a lot of fucking lies for a guy fashioning himself to be a prophet, and he taunts Ethan about having to choose between Grace and Ilsa.

But Ethan doesn't chose shit, he's busy getting almost suffocated by Paris in an alleyway. Ilsa is the one who makes a decision, and for a person like Ilsa who literally was the person to ask Ethan to run away with her because all this spy shit is useless and meaningless

Ilsa is the one who picks, and she decides to save Grace. Not Ethan and not the Entity and not Gabriel.

Ilsa died to save an innocent (well mostly) woman, and that's the entire point of MI. There is no such thing as acceptable losses and if you can prevent someone's death, you do it.

AND THEN ETHAN SAYS THAT OUT LOUD TO GRACE BECAUSE "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW ME" "WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THAT MAKE?" AND THAT'S MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

okay i'm done

[emberfrostlovesloki]

Day One, One Day [Hotch x Reader]

Photo credits: Left (@hazelwoodhandmadeuk) Center (@milla984) Right (@xjackxv)

Prompt: The reader is called to join the BAU from their team to help them solve a string of kidnappings and murders in a high school. To say the reader's first day and the case was eventful was an understatement, and Aaron can’t help but be drawn to the new face, even though he shouldn’t be. 

Pairing: Aaron x genderneutral!reader. The reader uses they/them pronouns 

Category: angst/comfort 

Word Count: 15K

Content Warnings:  kidnapping, mention of smothering, teen death (nothing explicit [three victims]), unwanted attention, imprisonment, mention of the foster care system, mention of abuse (not specified [reader]), tight space, possibility of being shot [Hotch], death by gun (unsub), language, bruises, mention of snuff films and porn [not explicit]. If I missed any, please let me know 

A/N: Hi loves! Here is another fic based on the amazing @imagining-in-the-margins January/February Writing Challenge. The prompt was to describe the character’s first day at the BAU. This fic came about because of the reader being flustered while meeting Aaron for the first time. And then the jealous!hotch got added which is an absolute favorite trope of mine. I had fun navigating the ins and outs of this fic, and I hope you like it too. It's another long one, so grab a cup of tea/coffee/whatever you like and settle in. If you do enjoy this fic, likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated! I hope you’re having a great start to your weekend and thanks for reading.  Love Levi - ❤️

List with all stories 

_y/n_  your name 

_y/l/n_ = your last name 

_________ = the nearest FBI field office to you. 

y/e/c_ = your eye color (aka brown-eyed, green-eyed, etc.)

_c/t_ = coffee of tea 

_c/s_ = cream or sugar (if you take neither in your tea or coffee, just ignore this one) 

_y/f/c_ = your favorite color 

Aaron had been CC’s on an email from JJ, as he drove toward the normal coffee shop that he stopped at before the office. He was slightly annoyed. The email indicated that the new agent. Agent _y/l/n_ was running late. If there was anything that Hotch didn’t like, it was tardiness. He hardly accepted it from his team, let alone a new agent just joining the BAU. While Aaron moved his car forward at the green light, _y/n_ was angrily saying, at their car, “Just start gosh darn it!” _y/n_ wasn’t one to let anger get to them, but today was a big day for them, and they needed their car to start five minutes ago. It didn’t help that it was so cold outside that _y/n_ felt like their fingers were freezing off. They had taken off their gloves to try and fiddle around with their engine. Even though _y/n_ was by no means a mechanic, they had hoped that a YouTube video and the willpower to try restarting their car would be enough to get it going. Unfortunately, _y/n_’s self-reliance wasn’t working out in their favor. Just as _y/n_ was going to call an Uber or Lyft to take them where they needed to go, a strong voice called out, “Hey. Is everything alright?” _y/n_ looked up at the tall stranger. He was dressed appropriately for the weather in a puffer jacket, gloves, a scarf that obscured some of his face, and a grey hat. Although the man was well-layered, he seemed put together. His outfit, unlike many _y/n_, had seen in the thirty minutes of hoping their car would cooperate, was put together. It looked expensive. _y/n_ would normally be weary of strangers. They’d seen enough bad things happen to people who seemed helpful at first but turned out to be monsters later. However, the seriousness in this man’s deep-set eyes and demeanor had _y/n_ reconsider in this rare case ._y/n_ normally liked to be independent, but their lack of car knowledge and need to get moving stat had them reply to the man’s question, “Not really. My car won’t start, and I need to get going. I was about to call a Lyft actually.” The tall, _y/n_ estimated, middle-aged man, stepped forward and said, “Mind if I look under the hood for a second?” _y/n_ stepped back from the infernal machine and said, “Knock yourself out. I can’t figure it out.” With a determined look, the man stepped forward and leaned down a bit to see if there was any issue with the car. 

The first thing he noticed was that heat was radiating off the engine even in the freezing weather. Of course, engines were hot, but not this hot. Aaron from a few close calls in his youth, had a good idea what the issue was.” He turned his head to the person, just as he was about to ask them if they’d replaced their coolant recently, recognized them as the last-minute agent he and JJ had selected yesterday afternoon for the latest case. He hadn’t realized it was them before because agent _y/n_ of the Crimes Against Children Unit was wearing a thick coat and their face was flushed from the cold. It was clear that _y/n_ hadn’t realized who he was yet either. It was so rare for Aaron to come across someone else in the FBI who didn’t know who he was, even if it was just for a minute or so. Hotch couldn’t help but notice how tense and anxious _y/n_ appeared to be. Aaron had been very hesitant to add a new agent so abruptly, but given the fact that five teenagers had gone missing from a public school in Texas, it seemed prudent to have someone who worked well with children onboard for the case.

Having to interview teenagers took a whole other set of skills than dealing with adults. JJ and Garcia did a fast but thorough scan of the possible agents that would fit the bill. The best fit for an agent that wasn’t actively on a case had been _y/n_. Hotch reluctantly signed off on it for JJ. Now that _y/n_ was standing in front of him, he decided to perform an informal test of their personality. Once _y/n_ recognized who he was, they would change. People always changed around him. He often found they became more closed off. Aaron stood straight and asked in a neutral tone, “You said you need to get going? Something happening this morning for you?” _y/n_ let out a measured breath and said, “Well it’s supposed to. This rental car kind of threw a wrench in everything though. I already sent an email explaining the situation to the people I’m working with, but I haven’t gotten a response yet. I hope they’ll understand, but I don’t want to hold anyone up. No matter what this is on me” Aaron nodded at _y/n_’s clear discretion. He asked, like he didn’t know already, “Is it a new job? What is it you do for work exactly that makes you need to email these people?” _y/n_ looked over at him. There was a flash of something in their eyes, but _y/n_ remained cool and said, “Not a new job exactly, more like a new team.” _y/n_ didn’t mention anything about the nature of their work, which Aaron appreciated. Given _y/n_’s attitude and choice of responses, Aaron let _y/n_ know exactly who he was by saying, “Well, I think I can help you. Maybe not with the car unless you’ve got some coolant back there. But I can give you a ride to work.” _y/n_ took a step back at the odd statement. This man seemed so normal, but again, seeming like anything didn’t mean much in their line of work. _y/n_ asked with caution, “Pardon me?” _y/n_ was ready to run or scream if this went bad. Now _y/n_ wished they’d had their gun on them and not in the glove box of the car. Hotch noticed the split-second change in demeanor with Agent _y/n_ taking on a defensive stance, even if it was masked as calmness. Aaron couldn’t help but applaud the instance change. It showed they were quick. Hotch clarified by saying, “I can drive you to work because my name is Aaron, Hotchner.” He flashed his badge to reassure them. Once _y/n_ looked at the badge and looked Agent Hotchner in the face, their eyes grew wide with awe. _y/n_ wanted to hit their head on the palm of their hand with how dumb they had been for not noticing. Agent Hotchner didn’t seem like the person to be easily forgotten. y/n_ composed themself and quickly said, “I am so sorry Agent Hotchner. I didn’t mean to hold you up, nor did I expect to meet you before our planned debrief this morning.” Hotch raised a hand. He was still slightly amused by the whole situation. However, he didn’t let that show as he replied, “It’s alright. You just killed two birds with one stone. I’ve met you now, and I can get us both to Quantico without any delays, but if we want to get there promptly, we should go now. I’ll give you a minute to get your things.” Aaron knew the traffic would get terrible if they didn’t leave soon. _y/n_ nodded and quickly pulled their go bag from the back trunk. They then grabbed their case files and gun from the front glove compartment. Even though _y/n_ wasn’t a part of the BAU, they often joined other teams than their own on cases that needed a CACU agent’s skill set. Given that fact, they already knew how to pack a go bag and get moving quickly. In under a minute, _y/n_ clicked the lock on their car and followed Hotch toward his car in the lot. 

As they started driving, _y/n_ reflected on the whirlwind of yesterday. They had just finished a case with their team in Kentucky. Their team had been in the office late, trying to finish up their report as thoroughly as possible. The Trafficking case had been difficult and dealt with lots of parties, so _y/n_wanted to give themself time to fill out the forms accurately but with concision. That task had taken longer than _y/n_ had expected. _y/n_ had rubbed their dry eyes when the ping of their email sounded. _y/n_ turned to their work computer and a message marked urgent was in their inbox from their supervisor. A twinge of panic hit _y/n_. They rarely interacted with their supervisor Most of the time, meetings, instructions, or the rare reprimand came from their Unit Chief, Agent Smith. With hesitation, _y/n_ clicked the email afraid that they’d made some mistake or something else._y/n_’s eyes grew wider and wider as _y/n_  read the contents of the email. It read: 

To: y/n_cacu@fbi.gov 

From: JessicaPola@fbi.gov 

CC: JeffinerJareaubau@fbi.gov, AaronHotchnerbau@fbi.gov, DrakeSmithcacu@fbi.gov 

Subject: Transfer Request 

Good morning, agent _y/l/n_. We have an urgent request for you. The Media Liaison for the Behavioral Analysis Unit based in Quantico has requested your presence to help with the team's current case. You are requested to come as quickly as you can. You have been selected due to your team's case status, and your intimate knowledge of crimes against children. For more details about this choice, please contact Jennifer Jareau [CC’d]. For issues with travel and expenses, please contact the Travel Resource Office. I have already contacted your Unit Chief, and let Agent Smith know of this temporary shift of teams. Be safe, and good luck. 

Supervisor of the ________ Field Office, Jssica Pola. 

_y/n_ didn’t know that to think for a moment. To be joining the famous BAU team on a case felt otherworldly. It didn’t seem like a thing that could ever happen to them. One, because they were a relatively new agent, and two, the BAU was too important to need someone like them to help on a case. But _y/n__ practical side kicked in quickly. There would be time to think later. Now they needed to work. _y/n_ quickly emailed Drake and then spent more time emailing the BAU’s liaison about the details of the case. Only a few minutes after _y/n_ had sent that email, Agent Jareua replied with a couple of attachments including details on the current case and the BAU team. _y/n_ quickly finished booking their red-eye flight to Virginia at 1:00 a.m. before thanking the agent and noting that they would be in the Quantico office in the morning. _y/n_ had to quickly pack up and go home to get things for their absence. Once this was done, _y/n_ moved to the airport. They tried to relax, but the prospect of getting to work with the BAU kept them up. The team was legendary. And that was justified by the sheer amount of high-profile arrests the BAU made. _y/n_ ended up looking at the folder with the team’s information to refresh their memory of who was currently on the team. _y/n_ had met Agent Morgan and Agent Reid while they were a N.A.T., but the mercurial and stern Unit Chief had been gone on paternity leave while they were finishing up their training. But _y/n_ didn’t need to see Aaron Hotchner to know who he was. Apart from his team being praised constantly, his leadership after Gideon stepped down from the role of Unit Chief was unmatched. As soon as _y/n_ opened the file on the plane, they felt the exhaustion come on like a wave. _y/n_ closed the file and put away their phone, leaning into the tiredness that overwhelmed them. y/n_ would take the sleep now because there wasn’t going to be much later. When they landed in Virginia, it was 5:00 a.m. and an hour's drive to the Quantico field office. _y/n_ chose to rent a car and not spend a fortune of the FBI’s money on getting a ride share. That turned out to be a mistake, as _y/n_ nearly got to the office. _y/n_ had pulled into the parking lot of an unassuming coffee shop. They needed the caffeine for what was to come. When _y/n_ had returned to the car, it would not start. There was no getting the engine to rev to life. Thus, why she was in the passenger seat of Agent Hotchner’s car. _y/n_ didn’t try and give themself too much grief about not recognizing the man in the driver’s seat. They reminded themself that they’d never seen him in person before and that they hadn’t fully looked at the team folder Agent Jareua had sent them. 

Aaron could sense that _y/n_ was thinking. He cleared his throat and said, “Well, we might as well get the debrief done now instead of waiting to get to the office. That way the team can jump right in once we arrive.” _y/n_ nodded. They noticed the shift in Aaron’s attitude. A shift from one of apparent amusement to one of professionalism. Here was Aaron Hotchner _y/n_ who had expected to meet in the office. Hotch kept his eyes on the road, and said, “You’ve probably heard all of this before, but we take these things very seriously at the BAU. First, we work as a team and a unit. Keeping ideas to yourself doesn’t solve the issue. If you have an idea I recommend you share it with everyone. Second, you run things by me or someone on the team before you do them. Third, nobody gets over-involved with the witnesses or families. Fourth, we integrated with law enforcement and didn’t overstep. Fifth and final note, the actions of anyone on this team, permanent or temporary reflect on the FBI as a whole. I don’t tolerate bad behavior or ethics. Do you understand?” _y/n_ nodded. Here _y/n_ saw the dedicated leader of the BAU. _y/n_ understood that a man in Agent Hotchner’s position had to be firm, strong, and have rules, especially for young agents who just get added to a team that was well-oiled and worked well as what seemed like a machine. _y/n_ spoke up and said, “I understand Agent Hotchner.” They wanted to add, “I won’t let you down,” but from the reputation the BAU had, maybe they would. _y/n_ didn’t want to dwell on it too much. They didn’t have to, as Hotch added in a voice with a hint of warmth, “And, if you have any questions, you can ask me, or anyone on the team. Things move fast in the BAU, and it’s fine if you need clarity.” _y/n_ nodded and replied, “Thank you, Agent Hotchner.” _y/n_ reflected on the hot-then-cold nature of the man beside them. _y/n_ realized that perhaps that was why he was respected. Agent Hotchner was as stern as he needed to be, but underneath that facade, he was a caring man. Even if he tried to hide it. He made it part of his job to hide it. _y/n_ felt oddly warmed by the idea, but _y/n_ waasn’t so naive to believe this assumption. They’d need to see Aaron with the team to confirm their suspicion about his character. After all, he had been profiling for over half their life, _y/n_ wasn’t going to trust their judgment on a skill Aaron Hotchner had perfected. 

Hotch looked at _y/n_ and commented, “You’re team does good work. Difficult work.” Aaron wasn’t exaggerating. He couldn’t imagine having to work on crimes dealing with children in every case. To him, it was the most disheartening thing in the world. He was jaded enough seeing the killers he did. Having to do that with children specifically put his stomach in knots. He assumed it was because he was a father. When Jack came home with a runny nose he was instantly on high alert. Aaron took a moment to wonder if many of the agents in the Crimes Against Children Unit had children. He knew Agent Smith was married, but was unsure if the man had children. For some reason, Aaron turned his face to _y/n_, who was silently running their thumb over the pads of their other fingers in a gesture that might be nervousness. Internally Aaron thought, “They seem too young to have children.” His eyes glanced at _y/n_’s left hand. There wasn’t a ring there. Hotch snapped his eyes back to the road, not sure why he’d taken that internal tangent. He reminded himself of the no profiling agents rule, but when a new agent joined the team, even if it was just for a case, it was hard not to. That was why he did debriefs with new Agents. He did them firmly so he could get a natural read on their reactions. He did this to introduce himself to the agents and set the strict guidelines he asked his team to follow. Even with that plan in place, Aaron still found it hard to not try and read agents. He gave a small sigh and shifted his attention back to work, as they pulled into the bureau parking lot. Aaron took his reserved spot on the bottom floor of the parking garage. 

_y/n_ and Aaron grabbed their things from the car, and _y/n_ said, “Thank you for the ride, Agent Hotchner.” Aaron nodded and said, “You’re welcome.” The unlikely pair moved inside and Aaron was greeted, and greeted by many important Unit Cheifs. _y/n_ recognized many of them and had to act cool as they entered the building. It was a nice space. Clean and bigger than _y/n_’s field office. _y/n_ had to make sure they kept their face neutral and did not look like a kid in a candy store. This was a privilege, not a present. Once through security, Aaron led _y/n_ up to the BAU. As they rode up the elevator, many famous agents entered or left the metal box, _y/n_ continued to realize just how big a privilege this was. In their mind, _y/n_ swore to do their best while working with the BAU. To learn and grow from this experience. Even though _y/n_ felt inexperienced for this role, it was still a chance to gain new skills and learn how the most famous unit in the FBI worked. From their brief interaction so far, Aaron Hotchner seemed like a big part of that answer. Once they were on the BAU floor, they walked into the bullpen. _y/n_ noticed Agents Morgan and Reid right away. There seemed to be an electric energy in the air. Even with that being the case, there was a familiarity in the room as well. The way Agent Morgan was leaning on Agent Reid’s desk, and a stunning brown-haired woman, who _y/n_ assumed was Agent Prentiss, was standing nearby laughing at whatever Dr. Reid had just said. That kind of levity didn’t happen on their team. Lost in their thoughts,_y/n_ startled slightly as Hotchner called them saying, “Agent _y/l/n_.” _y/n_ perked up and realized that the Supervisory Special Agent had moved to the short staircase leading up to the upper level of the floor. _y/n_ snapped back to themself and quickly closed the gap between them. At the top of the stairs, they were met with a blond woman who stepped out of an office door saying, “Hotch, did you get my email about agent _y/l/n_?” Aaron nodded and said, “I did. Agent _y/l/n_ is here now.” JJ’s eyes widened as Hotch stepped aside and she saw _y/n_. The Media Liason looked over at Aaron with questions in her eyes, but he shot her the “It’s a long story look.” JJ gave a tiny nod of acknowledgment and instead of speaking to Aaron, stepped forward and extended a hand toward _y/n_. _y/n_ took the offered hand as the woman said, “Good morning, Agent _yl//n_. I’m Jennifer Jareau, media liaison to the BAU team. We spoke yesterday over email.” _y/n_ nodded and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Jareua.” Aaron cut in for a second with a comment directed at JJ saying, “Let’s meet in conference in ten minutes.” JJ nodded and turned her attention back to _y/n_ saying, “Well now that you’re here, let me give you a quick tour. Sorry there isn’t time for you to get comfortable, but things move fast on this team.” _y/n_ nodded and followed as JJ showed her the break room, restrooms, a spare desk as well as a giving very brief history of the BAU team. At the end of the tour, JJ took _y/n_ to the conference room. Aaron was already there. An extra chair had been added to the table. JJ said, “You can sit at the end there. The team will be here in a minute.” _y/n_ nodded and took a seat. Aaron’s eyes briefly flashed to theirs. _y/n_ pulled the folder in front of them open and immediately realized that it was the folder JJ had sent last night. Even though _y/n_ hadn’t had much time to read over the file on the team, they had thoroughly read the case notes so far. The details were unfortunately familiar. That dull sickening feeling had washed over _y/n_ as they had processed the information and started taking notes. 

The sound of the door opening pulled _y/n_ from their thoughts. The rest of the team, plus Penelope, traipsed in the room. They all stopped momentarily, as they realized someone new was there. Hotch called them all to sit down, and he stood at the front of the room with JJ. He spoke in his normal, professional voice. Aaron said, “Everyone, this is Agent _y/n_, _y/l/n__ from the Crimes Against Children Unit out of _________.” The team looked at them and _y/n_ raised a tentative hand and waived. Everyone responded, and Rossi and Penelope specifically said, “Hi” and “Hello.” When Aaron cleared his throat, everyone looked back at him. He continued, “You’ll understand why I’ve asked Agent _y/n_ here in a moment.” JJ used the clicker to change the slide. Five teenagers' photos were displayed. JJ said, “Two days ago, five children in Dearborn, Texas, ranging from the age of fifteen to seventeen, went missing. All one day apart. All of the parents made a fuss, but one family did. The incredibly rapid disappearance of a group of children was shocking. The media is all over it, and many are panicked.” Hotch stepped forward, and JJ clicked on the next slide. Some graphics and information were on the slide, and Aaron said, “Two of the five children were found drowned in a nearby lake the following day. However, the mortician ascertained that the victims were dead before being dumped. They believe that the victims were smothered within hours of each other. One of the children, Kaden Morris, appeared to be beaten, but the other victim, Victoria Cross, had no signs of abuse. The next morning, a third body was found. Eli Perry is the oldest of the children. With Eli, there were defensive wounds and the same manner of death. None of the children had been sexually abused. The thing is that all of the victims, those that are deceased and the two that are possibly still alive have in common is that all of them go to the same high school. Also, they are all children in the foster system. The fact that there are two large overlapping factors is unique. Even with these things tying the victims together, the police in Dearborn haven’t gotten any leads despite a desperate plea from the foster parents and the police for information. So, we were called in to figure out what’s happening and try and get to the victims before anyone else is killed or taken.” The room was silent for a second, and Aaron could feel the tenseness in the room. With everything happening so quickly, along with the intricacies of the information involved, Aaron said, “It’s a long flight to Texas, so let’s save reading over the files from the jet. Wheels up in thirty.” 

Between the debrief and boarding the jet, _y/n_ was greeted by the team. Again they had to contain their excitement, as they got to shake Derek and Rossi’s hands, along with meeting Emily, Spencer, and Garcia. Once _y/n_ had shaken Deek’s hand, they said, “Agent Morgan…” Before they could say anything else, Derek said, “It’s just Morgan. It’s nice to meet you too.” The pleasantries only lasted a few minutes as everyone grabbed their bags and got ready for the jet. _y/n_ quickly called the rental company and explained how the car had died and where it was. They were assured that the car would get picked up or towed and that the rental company would be in contact once they had more information. On the jet, _y/n_ found a place near the side of the main few rows. Once the plane had taken off, the team took a few minutes to read over the case file and current information before the ideas started flowing. Ideas ranging from the unsub to the victims were varied. Things like the possibility that the victims may have tried to run away, or that the unsub was a peer. _y/n_ wasn’t sure about either of the assertions and said, “If the victims were trying to run away wouldn’t the unsub keep moving on? Why drop the three bodies off at the same place? They could have possibly crossed multiple state lines by now. Why stick around and do it again.” Rossi nodded and said, “_y/l/n_’s right. Also if the unsub has multiple victims, then they have to have a place to keep them. A home, or someplace where they can isolate themselves without being noticed. A trucker or good samaritan who offers to give a kid a ride doesn’t have the sort of space on the road. Spencer also noted that the rate of killers that are peers was so low that it was unlike, though not impossible. Reid stated, “Psychopathy or anger issues in adolescents don’t normally come to a head until their early twenties. So it’s unlikely that the unsub is another teen. Also, it takes a lot of force and desire to smother someone. Unless we’re speaking of a very large teenager, it’s unlikely they’d have the strength or willpower to follow through with one, let alone two killings. As the team, plus _y/n_, kept bouncing ideas off of each other Aaron listened and observed. Even though Agent _y/l/n_ was new and temporary, they seemed to blend well with the team. Unlike some more unfortunate temp transfers. _y/n_ was offering helpful information about the experiences children go through as well as statistics about the foster process. Information, that apart from Reid, the team didn’t know. _y/n_ had a deep wealth of knowledge about the system and how it worked for and against the kids in it. _y/n_ also didn’t butt in on conversations. Agent _y/n_ seemed to have picked up on the rhythm of the team’s conversation and added their thoughts at a helpful time. Each time _y/n_ spoke up, Aaron found his eyes in that direction. He told himself that he was just looking because _y/n_’s calm, steady voice was new, and he couldn’t help himself. That might have been part of it, but there was a certain draw to the younger agent that Aaron couldn’t seem to refuse. It had happened before he’d even known they were an agent in the parking lot of the coffee shop. Hotch let out a sigh and moved his gaze elsewhere. There wasn’t time to get distracted. Not now. And given the fact that _y/n_ was on another team and that he was a senior agent, there wouldn’t ever be an occasion to think about it further. The latest thought wasn’t even a conscious one. Just something Aaron’s subconscious stopped from sending to the forefront of Aaron’s mind. 

While Aaron was trying not to look at _y/n_ too much, the _y/e/c_ed agent was having the same issues. As exciting as it was to be next to Agent Rossi and Agent Reid, _y/n_ couldn’t help but look at Agent Hotchner. They were comforted by Hotch’s stern demeanor. The way he kept composted, and most of all his intensity. The way the man focused on things meant all of his attention was on the case. There was no wavering or distraction. Just the thing in front of him. _y/n_ got that from Drake too, but their Unit Chief was younger than Aaron by five years or so and hadn’t quite gotten to the point where he was that focused yet. Drake is a great team leader, just not quite Aaron Hotchner. _y/n_ averted their eyes as Agent Hotchner seemed to turn his head in their direction. The plane ride was long, and after two hours, _y/n_ got up to make a cup of _t/c_. At the Keurig as _y/n_ was preparing the hot drink, Emily stepped out of the bathroom, running her hands on her slacks. The woman smiled at _y/n_ and asked, “So, how are you liking it so far?” _y/n_ offered back a small smile and said, “It’s very interesting. I’m learning so much. I think I’ve heard more theory in the three hours I’ve been on this team than the twenty weeks I did in Virginia.” Emily nodded and said, “I understand. I felt the same way you did when I joined the team. Sometimes the best way to learn is to just do the thing, but that’s hard in a job like the FBI. We can’t exactly have unqualified agents on the field.” _y/n_ nodded, stirring in _c/s_ into their styrofoam cup. _y/n_ bit their lower lip for a second before acknowledging their hesitation, saying, “Honestly I’m not sure why I got picked to join y’all on this case. There are senior agents who could have been called.” Emily pondered the statement and replied, “I can’t tell you for sure _y/n_ some of it may be that more senior agents need to be around if a case on your team comes up.” Prentiss realized that she just essentially said that _y/n_ was a junior agent. But Emily added, “But these choices are well thought out. Of the pool of applicants, you were the best fit based on your performance and the cases you’ve completed. Temporary transfers to the BUA aren’t just a guessing game. JJ and Hotch picked you for our skills. You never have to question that.” Em paused for a second and added, “And for my part, you’ve fit well with the team so far. Some folks are far too shy, starstruck, or intent on making an impression. You haven’t done that.” 

_y/n_ smiled softly and said, “Thanks, Agent Prentiss.” Em smiled and replied, “It’s just Emily. And no need to thank me.” With that, Emily slipped past _y/n_ and back to her seat. _y/n_ felt a rush pass through them. They were both flattered at the compliment and a bit concerned that Emily had felt the need to reassure them. _y/n_ didn’t want to seem desperate or in need of reassurance. With a sigh _y/n_ moved back to their seat, more determined than ever to be an asset and not a weight to the team. As the jet continued its journey to Texas, _y/n_ listened and learned as the team worked every angle possible. When the plane landed West of Houston, the team rallied and got ready for the case ahead. 

The BAU was met by local law enforcement, and they piled into the SUVs and made it to the Dearborn police station. Once there, Aaron made quick introductions and then asked for a space to have the team work on building a profile. Once the slightly more private space was provided, Aaron said, for _y/n_’s sake only, “Let’s gather some evidence before we start building. We’ll split into teams. Myself, Agent _y/l/n_, and Reid will go to the school. Rossi and Derek, you take the dumpsite and then go to the hospital. Lastly, JJ and Prentiss, see if you can get in contact with the victims' families. Give them a preliminary interview. Any details they can recall will be valuable.” Everyone nodded and moved to their respective roles. _y/n_ moved into the backseat of the SUV while Aaron and Spencer sat in the front seats. Hotch looked in the rearview mirror and said, “Agent _y/l/n_when we’ve made contact with the school administration I’d like you to give an address to the students if the principal will let you. You have more experience in this field than either Reid or I, and I assume the student population knows more than they might be letting on.” _y/n_ nodded and said, “Of course, Sir.” _y/n_ was relieved to be helpful and be able to contribute in some way to something that they were used to dealing with -- the younger population.

Once the trio arrived at the High School, they parked and moved to the front office. After flashing all of their badges, the group was led to the main office. The Vice Principal, Stevenson, and the principal, Jackson, met the team with appreciation. Hotch introduced everyone and the principal said, “Let’s speak in a more private space.” The agents moved into a smaller, closed-off room with the senior staff of the public high school. Principal Jackson, who was in a wheelchair said, “Agent Hotchnerwe need help. Half of the parents are calling for the school to close for a week. The abductions have stirred everyone up, no thanks to the media circus.” Hotch nodded and said, “We can understand your frustration, Principal Jackson. We hope to be as unobtrusive as possible. However, if we could hold an assembly in the afternoon, we think we could glean a lot of information from the student population. Often students know of events that they might not even know about.” Jackson nodded reassuringly and said, “Anything you think can help. Agent Hotchner, I’ll indulge anything. I just want the rest of our students home safe. This school has a significant amount of students who are dealing with difficult situations, either with parents, poverty, drugs, or crime. This leaves many of our students in the foster system. I lead a support group on Fridays during lunch to try and help them as much as possible. Keeping a school like this up with a good ranking is hard when no one seems to care about us or our students.” Hotch started tapping his forearm. He realized that the man was steering the conversation away from the missing kids and that Jackson was rambling. Spencer caught onto this too, and when the principal paused, Reid said, “Well you’re certainly involved with your students. I’m sure they appreciate that. Now could you give us more details on the students that were killed and those that are still missing?” _y/n_ noticed how excited and happy Jackson got when he got praise which was an odd reaction given the terrible circumstances. Agent _y/l/n_ turned their gaze to Hotch to see if he noticed it too. Aaron’s face was set in a frown, and his features were tight. He didn’t look overly enthused by the man sitting in front of them. After a half-hour of rambling about how wonderful, kind, and resilient the missing and dead students were, Aaron couldn’t take it anymore, thanked the Principal, and led _y/n_ and Reid away to a private room to make a plan. It was clear that they all felt the Principal’s reactions and emotions were odd, but no one addressed that right now as they might be overheard. Instead, Aaron said, “Agent _y/n_ I want you to give the address this afternoon, given this is your area of expertise. Reid, until the assembly I want you to look through the files of the missing and deceased students and see if there are even more connections between them. I’m going to go and speak to the teachers who had those students and see if they can add insight. With the tasks assigned, everyone started their work until the assembly. 

An hour later, the whole school assembled in the auditorium. Aaron chose not to stand on the stage, as he didn’t want any of the students to feel intimated or pressured in any way. He realized he could give off a solemn attitude that didn’t always fit well with adolescents. And standing where he was, he could watch for any major reactions in the audience. Aaron listened as the principal spoke about the fact that school was still planned for tomorrow because the board of regents still hadn’t met for an emergency meeting, but “We’re trying to as soon as possible. To our faculty and students, thank you for your calm and respectful response. We have two FBI agents here to give you a little talk.” The man motioned for Spencer and _y/n_ to step forward. _y/n_ stepped up to the mic and said, “Thank you, Principle Jackson. As Principal.Jackson said, my name is _y/n_, and this is Dr. Spencer Reid, and we’re both members of the FBI. We’re here to try and find out what happened to your classmates and friends. At times like this, it can be a very painful and scary thing. Even if you don’t know the missing students. It’s okay to have big emotions around what’s happening. Please know that there are people who care about you. If you ever feel unsafe or need someone to talk to, you can speak to a teacher or counselor. You aren’t wasting space or time. Your feelings are valid. Now, if you’re someone who knows Kaden, Victoria, Eli, Baker, or Shyann, we’d like to ask you some questions. You won’t get in any sort of trouble for speaking to us. We actually think that you might know something that we don’t. So if you’re one of those people, before you get dismissed today, please talk to a teacher. Thank you.” _y/n_ gave a little wave, and they and Spencer moved off the stage toward Hotch. As Jackson gave the release for the teachers and students back to the classroom, Spencer quietly asked, “Anyone stand out in the crowd?” Aaron nodded no and said, “No one that I noticed. The kids seem genuinely scared though. And the faculty too.” Hotch’s eyes flushed from Reid’s to _y/n_’s, and he said, “Good job with the announcement. You described the situation with the weight it deserved without putting anyone in a panic. Hopefully, some of the victim’s friends will be willing to speak with us after school.” As the trio waited for the final bell to toll, Aaron called the other BAU teams to see what progress they’d made. Rossi and Derek had found some pink insulation flakes where bodies had been dumped which proved the teens had been kept in a house or business. As Hotch was talking, _y/n_ said to Spencer, “Because these kids are all in the foster system, do you think the unsub is trying to save them somehow? The system’s not perfect and a lot of bad things can happen to those kids.” Reid nodded and said, “It’s a good point. We might try looking at caregivers like nurses or counselors. People who might know that abuse was happening at home.” A short while after this conversation, the bell rang. Only a small group of seven teens came to see the agents. Jackson had three classrooms set up for each agent to use. For the next two hours, each agent would speak to a kid and ask them questions about how they knew the victims, any behavior change, or anything odd. Hotch took special note that the first victim had started to withdraw from the football team which had been his life most of high school. Large shifts in behavior or interest could mean something significant. Aaron made a note to speak to the football coach as soon as possible. 

Eventually, there were only three students left. _y/n_ finished their last conversation first, and once the student had gone, wandered into the hall. _y/n_’s eyes were fatigued, and they closed them and stretched. A semi-familiar voice saying, “Any luck from the kids?” from behind _y/n_ had them snap around. Principal Jackson was approaching them. _y/n_ sighed internally. Jackson gave them the creeps. Also, _y/n_ couldn’t talk about what the children had said to them. _y/n_ quickly fixed their face of annoyance and just said obliquely, “Oh, you know, we were just chatting.” Jackson pressed further and said, “Oh come on, you can tell me. If anything, I should know as their principle.” _y/n_ looked away from the man’s gaze for a moment, his lingered. After a micro-second, _y/n_ looked at the Principal again and said, “We were just talking. But I’d like to hear more about that support group you run. That sounds like a very kind and beneficial thing you do in your scant free time.” _y/n_ said this as a tactic. They remembered how animated Jackson got before while talking about himself, and they needed to throw him off the interview thing. _y/n_’s plan worked like a charm. The man thanked them profusely for noticing his “good deed” and jumped into what he did, and how he helped these struggling students. As the man talked for what felt like an eternity, _y/n_ noticed the man’s eyes lower to a place that made _y/n_ highly uncomfortable. _y/n_ looked around the empty halls. They wished there were other people around. However, Jackson had suspended all before and after school activity and let the teachers head home directly after contract hours to be with their families during this stressful time.

_y/n_ hoped Hotch or Reid would come out soon. They had an idea that if either man joined them, Jackson would stop ogling them while lauding his service. _y/n_ felt that the man in front of them wasn’t fully acclimated to social situations which was odd given his job. Jackson was and had acted like a teenager with a total need for validation. This was proved correct as the man bizarrely said, “You see me in ways others don’t Agent _y/n_. Can I give you my number?” _y/n_ jaw dropped at the audacity of such a question. It was also at this very moment that Aaron stepped out of his classroom. He heard the comment and instantly looked over at _y/n_. Hotch, unfortunately, misconstrued the situation, as _y/n_’s back was to him and he couldn’t see they were shocked, and they put off face. Nor how they shook their head no as the man slipped his number into their palm. It didn’t help that Aaron was tired and stressed about the rapid taking and dumping of the teenagers. Also, his odd feelings toward _y/n_ in the parking lot, jet, and even as they were standing around in the auditorium were coming up again. The issue was that Aaron didn’t want to have to think about the feeling. In his head, the feeling didn’t exist, but now that they were twisting into disappointment at a clear breaking of boundaries annoyed him even further. Hotch called out to the principal to ask about the football coach to distract himself from the growing disappointment he felt. It didn’t help _y/n_ was too shocked to move which Aaron read as reluctance to look at him which would mean they had something to hide. Although none of this was true, _y/n_ was embarrassed and their face felt warm from the ludicrous ask by Principal Jackson. When Aaron was done with his question with Jackson, he called _y/n_’s name. It was harsh with a hint of bitterness underneath it. When _y/n_ turned and walked toward him, they slipped the number in their pocket. Aaron thought for sure he saw hesitation in their face, and he grit his teeth. The small amount of admiration that someone so young who had joined the team and seemed to do well with it up to now felt crushed for Aaron because they were possibly flirting with someone involved in the case. He thought he had a better read on people, and _y/n_ was now baffling him. Aaron would have said something about how inappropriate their actions were, except Spencer left his room and at that point, they should head back to the station to regroup. In a clipped tone, Hotch said, “Let’s go and catch up with everyone.” 

As Spencer and _y/n_ followed behind Aaron, they could both sense he was angry but neither understood why. Spencer shot _y/n_ an inquisitive look, but they just shrugged their shoulders as bewildered as Reid was at the change in Agent Hotchner. In the car, Spencer tried to cut the tension by talking about the case and those they’d talked to. Reid said, “I was surprised that there were so few people that showed up to talk to us. There didn’t even seem to be people there who just wanted attention.” _y/n_ nodded and said, “I’m not actually. Given the information we knew about the victims, they all seemed like wallflowers. Given that, plus the fact that foster kids move around often, face a hard life, and have a probability of trauma in their past, they might find it hard to make friends or put down roots at school or home.” Hotch, who was wearing his sunglasses to mask his emotions shot _y/n_ a look from the rearview window. _y/n_ met his gaze and again felt that he was disappointed in them. _y/n_ tried not to fidget as they continued driving on the busy road. Aaron put his eyes back on the street and felt confused again. Now _y/n_ was acting like an intelligent well-seasoned agent with their head on straight. Not someone who would take a number from someone possibly under investigation. He realized as a few minutes had passed, that he’d only caught a snapshot of the conversation, and he wasn’t getting their side of the story. However, that didn’t mean that he didn’t have to ask them about it which he wasn’t looking forward to. The tension lingered in the car even as they all talked about what they’d learned and how odd Principal Jackson was. At the man’s name, _y/n_ cringed. Aaron stated to everyone, “Jackson just started the support group this semester, so it seems like he could want to be involved in some way. Involving himself in the scene and the victims like most unsubs do.” The desire to go back to the scene of the crime and watch the suffering of those being impacted was a need for most of them. After this, Spencer added the theory that the unsub might see themselves as saving the victims from a bad situation and trying to offer them something better in their eyes.” _y/n_ added, “If that’s the case,  the victims have to know this person well. To trust them, and once they realize what’s happening they panic? Try to leave which the unsub wouldn’t like.” The conversation kept going until they all reached the station. 

Inside, the trio was greeted by the rest of the team. Before anyone had the chance to share, Aaron said, “Agent _y/l/n_, I need to speak to you alone for a moment.” Those words had the team quiet instantly. If Hotch called you into a space alone it wasn’t good unless you were Haley before the divorce. _y/n_ couldn’t stand the silence, even for a moment and softly said, “Sir.” Aaron walked to the empty, windowless file room, opened the door, and let _y/n_ go in before him. Once the door was shut in the small, stuffy room, Aaron turned and he said bluntly, without preface, “Were you flirting with Principal Jackson at the school.” Hotch sounded stern and disappointed and _y/n_’s eyes went wide. They weren’t sure how he’d read that uncomfortable situation iso incorrectly. _y/n_ wanted to clarify that that was not what had happened and said, “No, Sir. I would never do that on a case.” _y/n_ didn’t add that they hardly ever did it off a case either. Hotch still looked unconvinced and asked, “Then why do you have his number in your pocket right now? Why were you so flustered when you turned around?” Aaron could feel that unexplored emotion bubble up in him again, and he said those questions with more bite than he intended. _y/n_ took a visible step back from him, and they looked slightly hurt. Hotch looked at the ground for a second realizing he’d been too harsh. He dropped his arms from his chest and tried to appear more relaxed. He looked back at _y/n_ and said, “I’m sorry that I said that like I was accusing you and not asking you, _y/n_. This case is messing with my head. Would you please give me the context of what happened?” Aaron watched as _y/n_ relaxed a little and then opened up about the man’s bizarre and downright threatening behavior. Hotch felt bad once he’d heard the full story and said, “I’m sorry, _y/n_. For acting how I did and that you were put in that situation. Even if Jackson isn’t the unsub, he certainly is strange.” Hotch’s comment and the tone he used while saying it had _y/n_ let out a chuckle that made Aaron feel warm in the chest. He couldn’t help but give a ghost of a smile that things seemed smoothed over. As _y/n_ looked at Aaron they said, “Thank you for listening to me, Agent Hotchner. For letting me clarify.” Hotch felt an internal tug on his ribs in the center of his chest before saying, “Don’t mention it, and you can call me Hotch. Now let’s get back to the team.” Hotch turned to the door and missed that _y/n_ was flustered again, but not in an uncomfortable way. In a pleasant way. As both agents emerged from the room, the team looked over to them. Hotch’s soft, “I’ll make sure you’re not alone with him in the future” had _y/n_ nod.

That scene, and Aaron’s soft, almost protective tone, told the BAU that whatever issue had brought the two into the files room had been resolved. Everyone let out a silent sigh of relief. As much as the drama was interesting, it was never helpful on a case. Once the duo was back, the team jumped into the day. Everyone got caught up with all the details. The major updates were that JJ got a press briefing out and set up a better tip hotline with Garcia ready to tap and trace in a few seconds if a useful call came in. Rossi and Derek’s find of the insulation. Emily and JJ noted that all of the families seemed appropriately worried and concerned about what had happened and there didn’t seem to be any indication of abuse at the families' homes. Then there was the odd behavior of Jackson, but it was too early to assume that he was the unsub. However, that didn’t mean he didn’t bear looking into it. From the information the team gathered, they made the basic profile that the person was likely a white male in their mid-thirties or early forties with the possibility of it being a woman. The unsub had to own or rent enough space to keep at least two teenagers at a time. They likely had a savior complex and experienced trauma in their childhood. They were strong enough to kill a high school football player who fought back. It was also likely that the unsub was trying to keep track of what the police, and now the BAU were doing to keep one step ahead of them. This was the profile that Aaron gave the police. He didn’t tell the officers that the unsub was not good at what they were doing. They might be strong, but they made mistakes. The impulsivity of killing two people in one day and dumping them at the same spot was reckless. Also, the insulation was something a more experienced kidnapper would get rid of. The team hoped that the unsub would mess up enough to leave a big enough clue behind to be found. The teams paced and worked and profiled and took unhelpful tips from the hotline. And after another two hours, Aaron called it for the night. It was 12:30 a.m. and he knew having the team even partially rested would give them a good start in the morning. 

The Comfort Inn and Suits was not far from the police department, and the tiredness hit the team like a brick. Aaron, Rossi, and Derek drove everyone to the motel where they had to call an attendant to check them in. There weren't rooms near each other at the motel, so everyone went their own way to sleep or keep working. _y/n_ got to their room and set down their things. As they changed into more comfortable clothes to keep working and look at the case from their area of knowledge. As _y/n_ took off _y/f/c_ blazer, Jackson’s number fell out of their pocket. _y/n_ felt embarrassed all over again which kind of pissed them off. There were so many other things to be angry and upset about. The victims, the families, everyone worried sick, and here they were feeling flustered because of some man. _y/n_ shook their head to clear it. They needed a boost and the vending maching in the lobby called them for something sweet and salty. _y/n_ got up, slipped on shoes, and moved downstairs. As _y/n_ was paying for a soda and bag of chips a familiar voice asked, “You holding up okay, kid?” _y/n_ looked over to possibly the most famous member of the BAU and honestly said, “Agent Rossi. I don’t know. I think I could be doing more. I feel like my head’s all over the place. More than usual.” The thud of the soda can and chips at the buttom of the machine made _y/n_ stop talking. They realized they were oversharing to the most important man in the FBI. Dave didn’t mind, and he responded, “I can imagine why. You’re on a new team with all new dynamics ot figure out on a difficult and emotionally draining case. My mother, bless her soul, she always told me, ‘Everyone has a day one, one day.’ And from what I can see, you’re doing very well on your day one on the BAU.” _y/n_’s eyes widened at being told that after the days events. They couldn’t stop themself from saying, “But I made Agent Hotchern upset.” Dave waived a hand and said, “Lot’s of things make Aaron upset even though he’ll hever admit it. And he’s clearly not upset at you anymore. Give yourself some slack kid, and an hour of sleep if you can.” Rossi half turned indicating the conversation was coming to a close and _y/n_ finished it by saying, “Thank you, Agent Rossi.” Dave nodded and walked to the front door to get something he forgot in the car while _y/n_ took their snacks up to their room for a few more hours of thinking. 

In his room, Aaron had taken off his tie and suit jacket. He also undid the top two buttons his his shirt. As he sat at the desk and switched the lamp on, his mind momentarily flashed to the encounter with y/n_ in the file room. He couldn’t get his anger or the way they’d stepped away from him out of his mind. Aaron knew there were more important things to think about, but he knew his mind couldn’t be fully on the case if there was conflict or tension on the team. Tension he had started. He replayed the memory again in his head to pinpoint what the issue was so he could move on from it. He had over reacted. He knew that. Aaron didn’t like that _y/n_ had moved away from him with a tiny flicker of fear on their face. Like he might do something to them. Provoking that response from a fellow agent was unacceptable to him. He didn’t know _y/n_’s personal background well. He’d only read up on their case work and the remarks made in their most recent reports. He didn’t have time to learn more about _y/n_  than that before addeding them to the team. After all, that wasn’t his job. If it was anyone’s job, it was _y/n_’s Unit Chief. But the interaction this afternoon had Aaron thinking that _y/n_ had some painful experiences in their past. Then again, most FBI agents did, but Hotch rarely saw such a visceral representation of that. Another thing that bothered him was _y/n_’s response to his apology. Their small voice saying, “Thank you for listening, Agent Hotchner. For letting me clarify.” All that statement could mean was that someone hadn’t listened to them before. And Aaron knew that was how bad things kept happening. That was why questioning victims was so important. Hotch made a plan to apologize to _y/n_ again in the morning, and he felt for now, he’d have to leave it at that. It might never be the right place or time to ask _y/n_ anything more about their reactions. They were a temporary agent, and his feelings for them, whatever they were would never be fulfilled or reciprocated. With that in mind, Aaron jumped back into the case work. 

The next morning, at five a.m., the worst happened. Another body was found, this time in a differnt location, a popular park, and another teen had been taken. The town was in even more of a panic even though the victims were very specificly targeted. The Education Secretary of Texas, Mike Morrath, had to step in and override the district and close all schools for the remainder of the week. With that being the case, Hotch had the team split up. He and Derek would take the latest scene of the dumpsite while Rossi and _y/n_ would head to the school and see if there were any clues there as the latest victim, Tim Groff, had been one of the students Spencer had interviewed yesterday. JJ and Emily were going to speak to the new victims foster family as well as the partents of the deceased. Everyone moved effienctly and as soon as _y/n_ got to the school, they asked to see the security footage which _y/n_ asked Garcia to analyze. Particularly footage of the parking lot and front door where cameras were trained. One thing Aaron, _y/n_, and Spencer had found out yesterday in the interviews was that all of the victims so far had their own cars or got picked up from school. None took the bus. So the teens were either taken from home, which seemed unlikely given how concerned the parents were, or school. School was the likely answer. If they had been taken from the high school grounds, _y/n_ hoped that the tech genius could help. _y/n_ had found out about Garcia’s amazing abilities online and with a computer on the flight too Texas when she’d crunched massive amounts of date, given to her by Spencer at a mile-a-minute, in minutes. To say _y/n_ had been impressed was an understatement. After _y/n_ had sent the hours of footage from the school systems to Garcia, they approached Spencer who was interviewing Jackson for any possible leads. Jackson was much like he had been yesterday. As the interview wrapped up, Jackson turned to _y/n_ and said, “Agent _y/n_ may I have your card or something in case I need to speak to one of you if I think of something new during the day?” _y/n_ frowned and replied in a restrained tone, “Agent Hotchner gave you his card yesterday,” in an attempt to rebuff any inappropriate behavior on the Principal's part. Reid caught onto their play and quickly pulled out one of his FBI cards with his name, email and work phone and said, “Here, have mine.” Jackson frowned and took it with a snap before looking at _y/n_ and said, “I’d feel better if I had everyone’s number. In case I can’t reach one of you fine folks.” _y/n_ sighed and handed their card over. Not because they wanted to, but to shut the childish man up, and so they and Spencer could keep looking for things out of order at while speaking to other faculty members. Once the duo were out of earshot, Reid asked, “What was that all about?” _y/n_ sighed, shrugged, and said, “I wish I could tell you, Reid, And that wasn’t even the worst of it, but that conversation can wait till later.” Spencer nodded and they moved down the hallway a little faster. Spencer did note that the principal had been highly agitated that school had been cancelled which was shocking to him given the fact that school appeared to be the most dangerous place for the students. _y/n_ agreed. None of his made sense. 

Everything and everyone got thrown off the rails, however -- even Penelope's analysis of the school footage -- when an anonymous tip came in from someone saying they were the killer and had the rest of the victims. This sent each member of the team rushing to the address that Garcia had picked up from the trap and trace. It was not what the team expected given the information they knew about the profile. The address led to an apartment complex and not an isolated home. The team surrounded the unit. With a hand signal, Derek, and Aaron broke into the unit, and the team plus police followed. Inside the dimly lit bed room, Derek found a twenty-year-old man with bad teeth playing some videogame with a headset on. It was almost comically easy it was for Morgan to tackle him to the ground. The man shouted in protest and said, “What the hell, I didn’t actually do anything. What the fuck man.” Derek pulled the man named Gerret, to his feet placing cuffs around his bony wrists saying, “Well I don’t know if you know if or not, but taking responsibility for a crime, even if you didn’t do it and interfering with a federal invesitagation is a federal offense. So say good by to Call of Duty and get ready to spend some time with some real criminals behind bars.” Morgan got the un-unsub out of the house and into a police cruiser. Even thought it was very, very unlikely that the man was responsible, the team did a quick scan of the apartment. Reid sent Garret’s IP to Penelope who was quick to confirm that the man was as serial troll who had swatting charges, doxing attempts, and one successful bomb threat to the public library in town. Outside, Aaron was talking to an officer and started to grow frustrated with the lack of leads even though all the information seemed right in front of them. He thought back to the principal and just how odd he was. Deep down, even though he might not have the reason to yet, Hotch felt that Jackson was the man behind all of this. Hotch wondered if the facade of strangeness was a way to get others to think him incompetent of such a crime. _y/n_ who had looked at the contents of Garret’s room stepped out for a breath of air. Hotch motioned them over and asked, “Anything in his room?” _y/n_ replied, “He had what looked like possible snuff films and hours of violent porn, but I don’t know what you expect from an edgelord that makes it into adulthood.” He’s not our guy and never has been. He’s certainly not a good guy, but not ours. 

After that two hour distraction, the team got back to the precinct. Everyone was annoyed and one edge. Especially Aaron. He paced and stated, “What it is we’re missing. We should have everything. What’s missing?” Hearing this, Rossi said, “Mayby we do have everything we need.” Hotch looked over at him unasumed and said, “What do you mean by that, Dave?” Rossi replied, “Now that we have someone in custody, we can play them off the unsub. Sure, Garret’s a nobody, but the unsub doesn’t know that. Hold a press conference and say we got the guy. That he killed the victims because he thought it was fun. It gave him a rush. If the unsub has a savior complex, he’ll have to call and correct us. He won’t be able to help himself.” Hotch nodded. It was a good plan and direct contact with the unsub might give them the final push they needed. Aaron got the filmed segment set up with JJ and the local television stations. It would take place inside the precinct's front room and they’d flash a mugshot of Garret on the TV screen to make sure the unsub saw how wrong the BAU had gotten it. They would run the segment on prime time at seven p.m. when the station had the most viewership. As the team prepared there was a tense anticipation. _y/n_ paced and got a text on their phone. _y/n_ pulled it out and it was from Jackson. They sighed not having time for his nonsense. They clicked off and silenced their phone, as they watched JJ film the press release saying, “I’m happy to announce that with the help of the Dearborn Police Force and the FBI’s involvement, we have been able to apprehend the man behind the abduction and killing of three Dearborn High School Students. Now the location of the still missed students is unknown, so an intense search is being conducted at and near the perpetrator's apartment. The man behind these killings is Garret Gripe. The FBI was able to get a full confession from the man who said he did it because he hated kids and couldn’t stand it when he found them living a better life than his own. The main takeaways are that this community is finally safe again thanks to the hard and tireless work of the police. 

The cameras stopped rolling and Rossi moved toward JJ saying, “Great job. If this doesn’t get the unsub angry, I’m not sure what will.” JJ gave a small smile and replied, “I only hope it works. KSAT10 said that it will be a half hour before it airs. They need to make sure the audio is clear.” Aaron nodded at JJ. The plan did work. It worked to a T because twenty minutes after the press briefing aired, the tip line got a call. Aaron set Garcia up for the trap and trace and then picked up the line and put it on speaker. A muffled voice on the other end of the line shouted, “You think a child, a child could do what I do? A punk ass kid would hurt them! You’re all idiots. ALL OF YOU! You didn’t catch anyone and I’m going to keep taking, them forever.” The person on the other end of the line had yelled so much that he had to take a few deep breaths. Hotch looked over at Spencer who was on the line with Penelope. Reid held up five fingers to indicate five seconds more. Hotch didn’t want the unsub to hang up in a rage and said, “Why do you need to take them? What is it that you’re keeping them safe from?” The muffled voice said, “You’re the smartest man in the room Agent Hotchner, why don’t you figure it out? Or Dr. Reid, or Agent _y/n_? You’d like to, but you can’t, can you? You’re just as stupid as everyone else.” With that the line went dead. The specific call out for himself, Spencer, and _y/n_ upped Aaron’s suspicion about Jackson. Spencer took off the headphones and put Penelope on speaker as Hotch asked, “Did you get it, Garcia?” There was mad clicking of keys and then she said, “Yes. Just in time.” Hotch nodded and said, “We need the address, Garcia.” Some how the typing sound increased and Penelope said, “And the address is… 527 Humphry Drive. It’s a big house and lot. Owned by… one… Van Jackson.” Hotch stood and ordered the team to move out which they all did quickly running to the SUV’s.  

The Sherrif and five cop cars followed behind them as the team sped onto the road. On the radio, the Sherrif said, “You really think Van’s our guy? How can he take out kids when he’s disabled?” _y/n_, who was in Aaron’s car clicked the radio and said, “He gets in with them. Get’s to know them and make them trust him. Get into his car even.” Hotch nodded and asked, “What’s his story? Who is Van Jackson?” The Sherrif replied, “It’s can’t possibly be Van. Everyone one loves Van.” Impatient, Hotch said, “Yes everyone loves him, but who is he?” The Sheriff sobered and said, “Well he’s a bit of a local hero. He was born and raised here. Had a trouble childhood but made it out through a sports scholarship for football. He made it to the semi-pro’s joining the Capitol City Bison team in Austin as a linebacker. He made a good bit of money. He went into education and came back here. A year ago he got into a mountain bike accident and broke his back. It was really tragic.” Hotch could only think the tragedy was the dead chidren, but he didn’t voice that. Instead he shifted his thoughts to those who were still alive a possible trapped in the unsubs home. Aaron radioed the team and said, “Remember, there are still possible victims inside. Jackson might try and use them, so don’t shoot unless you have a clear shot. If not, don’t shoot. Use the profile. He need attention, feed into that.” The other two cars rogered that and soon after with a screeching halt, they arrived at the large, and fancy house. 

The house seemed quiet, with all the lights off and no sound coming from inside. However, the Principal’s car was parked out front, and the team took a stealth approach. Hotch indicated for Spencer and Emily to search outside. The rest of the team slipped into the home after breaking down the door as quietly as possible. He motioned for Rossi and Derek to take the upstairs and attic, and that he and _y/n_ would take the downstairs. All throughout out the house there were accessibility ramps for anyplace there were stairs. There was even a lift to get to second story of the house. This all matched up with the fact that Jackson was in a wheelchair. In the living room it was all quiet until there was a soft sob from somewhere either in the walls or close by. _y/n_ and Hotch froze. _y/n_ had good hearing and pointed toward the bookcase which is where they thought they had heard the sound come from. Aaron approached the shelf and looked it over in the dark of the room. As the felt along the side of the shelf he felt a gap and then a hing. Hotch motioned a swinging door, and _y/n_ moved behind him. They would have called for back up, but the sound would give them away. Hotch pulled out his side-arm along.  _y/n_ did the same. They both kept them pointed at the ground. Aaron pulled at the side of the shelf and it swung open silently. There was a light on at the bottom of some steep stairs. The steps were so steep in fact that they couldn’t see to the floor beneath. Without much choice, Aaron and _y/n_moved down the steps with Aaron in the lead. At the bottom of the stairs was a very small room and at the end, standing up in what seemed liked a modified crawl space, was Jackson and the latest teen to be take. The man had a gun to the teens had and tears were streaming down their eyes. Jackson said softly, “Do anything rash and he dies. And not a pretty death.” Aaron and _y/n_ nodded and they both dropped their weapons on the ground. They both noticed the pink insulation on the wall. Johnson turned his gaze to Agent _y/n_ and said, “Back up the stairs and close the door and then come back down. Keep your hands on your head at all times or I’ll kill him  and Agent Hotchner.” _y/n_ looked at Hotch and he gave them a slight nod. _y/n_ slowly and deliberately moved up the stairs, There was a button to close the door, and _y/n_ pressed it with their elbow. As the door closed, _y/n_ felt for a moment like they were being placed in a tomb. With the door closed, the sound of their breaths could be heard, showing just how soundproof the space was. _y/n_ turned around and then walked back down the stairs. 

When _y/n_ was next to Aaron, Jackson moved forward with the teenager. When the intimidating man reached the guns on the floor, he bent down with a bead still on the high schooler. He took Aaron’s gun and then pointed it at the Unit Chief, pushing the student aside. Jackson’s anger was building, as his nostrils flared. Hotch took a reassuring tone as he said, “You don’t have to do this.” Jackson’s face reddened, stepped forward, putting the gun an inch from AAron’s face. With such a deadly weapon so close to his head, Hotch managed to keep his cool. This fact bothered Jackson and he said, “Still the tough guy. Well, let’s see how tough you are with your brains on the walls.” This statement gave _y/n_ an in and they said, “You can’t do that Mr. Jackson. Van.” The man turned his furious gaze from Aaron to them and said, “I don’t think a whore who doesn’t text me back deserves a word, but tell me why not because I’m killing you next.” _y/n_ swallowed, and Hotch realized that his life was in _y/n_’s hands. _y/n_ tried to take all their training, everything they’d learned on their team and with the BAU, and went on instinct saying, “Because there are children in the room. Because you saved them from violence and you want to help them, and if you blow Agent Hotchner’s head off in front of them, what would that do to them then? What damage would they incur?” _y/n_ could see a tiny moment of hesitation in Jackson’s eyes, but he tightened the grip on Hotch’s gun anyway. _y/n_ took another breath and said, “You saved them and gave them a better life with a parent that loved them. Why throw that all away for this?” The instant Jackson hesitated the second time. Hotch pushed the gun up to the ceiling and Jackson fired hitting the light. The room went dark and the teenagers screamed. _y/n_ took out their phone. They could hear grunts and punches landing, but mostly it was the high schooler’s screaming. When _y/n_ managed to use their phone light to find their gun and shine the light at the writhing mass on the floor, it was too difficult to tell who was who. The sound of gunfire had _y/n_ cringe and hope beyond hope that it had been Jackson who got shot. For a second there was just heavy breathing in the blankness before _y/n_ asked, “Hotch?” The reply of “Yeah,” almost made _y/n_’s knees weak. But just for a second. They then quickly ran up the stairs, opened the door, and shouted for help. 

The next three hours passed by more normally than _y/n_ would have imaged for such a dramatic ending to the case. That was because they were doing what they did best, comforting those who had been taken. Even in shock _y/n_ provided what comfort they could, getting blankets and water. _y/n_ then intercepted the set of foster parents and told them what to expect, and how to act to best be reunited with their kids. And Aaron watched as the coroners placed a sheet over Jackson. He’d know the shot was clean because he’d pinned the man to the wall with nothing between Van's body, and he was glad that it had been in the dark because the aftermath hadn’t been pretty. The teenagers were escorted out of the room by _y/n_ before light had been restored to the room. And somehow, as if time warped around them, the team was back in the jet at around 4 a.m. headed to Virginia. Even though everyone should have been exhausted, there was still energy on the plane as so many aspects of the case still didn’t seem to match up. They all wanted some closure. The discussion started when Derek said, “So why fake the disability? Why choose to be in a wheelchair for over a year? Did he have Munchenson’s syndrome or something?” Emily replied, “He would have faked more illnesses than that if he had Munchenson’s. I think it was because he was a complete egomaniac. He couldn’t stand to not have the attention be on him.” Spencer added to this line of thought, saying, “More than an egomaniac, he probably had histrionic personality disorder. He not only felt like he needed to be the center of attention, to him he had to be the center of attention.” Hotch who was sporting a few bruises to the face, nodded and said, “He couldn’t keep playing football forever and just being generous and well like in town wasn’t doing to for him anymore, so he facked the back injury and everyone believed him. But then that grew old and his aspirations got bigger. He needed something new. He must have seen something in the first victim and thought that he could save them. Be a hero.” Morgan was still a bit hesitant to believe such a thing and said, “But does that happen? I mean, it did, but what’s the precedent?” _y/n_ now spoke and said, “Sherri Papini for one. She faked her own kidnapping with the help of an ex-boyfriend. She was a pathological liar and felt she deserved the attention.” JJ asked the next question to _y/n_ and the liason said, “_y/n_,” they were all on first name bases now except _y/n_ still called Aaron, Hotch, and Rossi, Rossi, “Why did you think to bring up violence when you were trapped down there. How did you know that would stop Jackson?” Everyone’s eyes turned to _y/n_ and they felt a bit uncomfortable under the gaze of the whole team. _y/n_ didn’t want to fully admit that it was a guess on their part, but ended up being honest, saying, “I wasn’t fully sure it would work. But a comment the Sherrif made about Jackson having a hard upbringing made me think it might stop him enough to think. Violence doesn’t always have to be physical either it was the broadest term I could think of instead of abuse. I think that when Jackson is under stress he becomes emotionally stunted somewhere in his past. Somewhere painful. That’s why he acted so strangely while we were around. So I tried to use an easy concept like a child might.” The team processed the information and nodded. Dave said, “Well whatever the cause was, you did good, kid. We’ll never know the whole truth, but at least the town is free from his reign of terror.”

Everyone agreed and then soon after the tiredness came now that they’d talked it out. So people grabbed blankets and sleep masks and soon the cabin was mostly quiet. Only _y/n_ Aaron and Rossi were still up. _y/n_ was sitting on a chair on the far side of the jet looking out the window. Aaron could see they were deep in thought, a slightly troubled look on their face. He moved closer, and once he sat across from _y/n_, he said, “What’s on your mind, _y/n_?” They turned their head toward Aaron and said, “That town is never going to be the same again. Those children in Jackson’s Friday group, or those who survived, I don’t know what’s going to happen to them.” Hotch nodded but didn’t say anything. He could tell that _y/n_ would say more, and after a few seconds, _y/n_ added softly, “Jackson really thought he was doing the right thing. He thought he was saving those kids. It’s hard for me to reconcile when someone’s good intentions cause so much harm.” With the last sentence, Aaaron saw _y/n_’s eyes slip away from his and to the side. To some point on the jet’s wall. Hotch could tell with that sentence and _y/n_’a avoidant gaze that they weren’t just thinking of Jackson anymore. They had that look of going back into painful memories of one’s own. Again, the fact that Aaron didn’t know what had happened to _y/n_ in their youth ate at him, so he softly yet firmly said, “They were still wrong. He was still wrong. Good intentions don’t make a thing good. In time, people may come to understand that.” _y/n_ had turned their head back to look at him, and Aaron saw the tears welling in their eyes. _y/n_ said, “I hope so.” Hotch nodded, pulled a tissue from his pocket at handed it over to _y/n_. _y/n_ took it and rubbed it under their eyes catching the falling saline droplets that threatened to mar their face. Hotch shifted forward ever so slightly in his chair. He felt the tug and emotion in his chest again as he asked, “Do you want to talk about it?” He wondered now if _y/n_’s Unit Chief had ever asked them this. Had noticed the pain lingering under the surface of _y/n_’s skin. _y/n_ thought about it and shook their head no. They weren’t quite ready to have that conversation. They did say, however, not even sure why, “Maybe some other time?” Again, Aaron nodded. He briefly looked around the cabin and suggested, “Maybe you should try and rest? There’s still a few hours until we get back.” _y/n_ nodded and slumped over in the chair saying, “Thanks, Hotch,” as their head landed on the armrest. 

Aaron moved to the back of the jet and made a cup of coffee before moving back next to Dave. He was still upset that he hadn’t figured it out sooner. Couldn’t have saved the last victim when the unsub had been right in front of him the same day. Rossi had watched the whole interaction with Hotch and _y/n_ and found it highly interesting. Aaron was not always so gentle. Hotch had been acting a bit strangely the whole case around Agent _y/n_. Rossi had a feeling he knew what was going on, but was going to wait for the right time to say anything about it. As Hotch sat across from Dave in the small space, he couldn’t keep his despairing thoughts to himself as he said, “How did it get so bad? I was pretty sure I knew it was him. And I think _y/n_ knew it was Jackson too, but I got angry and someone else died, and he was right there?” Rossi could see that Aaron could talk this way, in circles, for hours if left undisturbed. So Aaron’s friend laid out the facts as clearly as possible. Dave remembered that Aaron had once been a young agent too as he said, “Aaron, we had no right to search Jackson's house until we got the call. You might have just thought he was a weird man. There are lots of weird people who don’t turn out to be killers. And, the Sheriff said they had all had a meeting at Jackson’s house three days before we got there and no one saw any kids or heard anything. They had no clue the people they were looking for were under their feet. Plus we were almost working with two personalities. Not Dissociative Identity Disorder or anything, but there was the egomaniac and the child. The child in Jackson was disorganized and needy, and you don’t expect that from a grown man. It was a weird case. Plus we had a new agent in the mix.” When he spoke about _y/n_, Rossi looked at Aaron and gave him that look. Hotch rolled his eyes and said, “Dave, please, not this again.” Rossi shook his head and said, “It’s been a year since Haley left, Hotch. You’re allowed to look at someone attractive.” Aaron scoffed and said, “Dave _y/n_’s not even a part of the team. Once they get to Virginia, they’ll go back to the _______ field office. It’s not that I don’t find myself attracted to them, but that I can’t. I just can’t.” Rossi shook his head and just said, “Aaron, at some point you’re going to have to give yourself grace. Not just on the case, but about how you feel too. You’re only human after all.” The conversation ended there and the jet continued its silent journey home. 

The team took the rest of the day off, and _y/n_ got a motel. They would need to finish their forms and turn them into Hotch before returning to their team. The following day, _y/n_ got a temp desk which only reminded them that this thing, being on the BAU, was temporary. Even though the case had been very stressful, _y/n_ was already thinking about how they would miss this team and all that they’d learned at the BAU. As it turned out, despite all the hype and fame that the team received, they were still just agents. The best agents, but they acted like people and that had only added respect for the team in _y/n_’s eyes. At the end of a long day of writing, _y/n_ moved to Aaron’s office. _y/n_ knocked, then entered the lamp-lit space. Hotch’s dark eyes found theirs, and they both felt something between them. _y/n_ quickly averted their gaze and moved toward the desk. _y/n_ had looked away when the feeling started, not because it wasn’t enjoyable, but because it was, and _y/n_ was sure there probably wasn’t supposed to be feelings. Hotch cleared his throat and said, “Are you finished with your file?” _y/n_ looked at him again and extended the manilla envelope, saying, “Yes, Sir.” Hotch extended a hand and took the folder from theirs. Aaron said deliberately, thinking of what Rossi, and had said, “You did a good job on this case, _y/n_. If another case mostly involving children should come up and you’re available, I’ll ask for you again.” From Hotch, this was high praise, and _y/n_’s eyes widened. They responded, “Thank you, Sir. It would be an honor. I understand why this team is held in such high regard. Thank you for having me.” Aaron nodded and asked, “When’s your flight back?” _y/n_ looked at the clock on the wall and said, “Eight p.m. I should probably go straight to the airport. I checked out of my motel this morning.” Aaron nodded and said jokingly, “Please tell me you’re not taking another rental?” That made _y/n_ laugh. It was bright and happy, and it warmed Aaron to hear. _y/n_ shook their head no and replied, “Not this time. I’ll call an Uber or something.” Hotch frowned slightly and looked at his watch. It was already five and the traffic would be awful this time of the evening. Not only would it take over an hour to get to the airport, but it would cost an arm and a leg as well. Aaron said, “I can drop you off. It will be quicker and it won’t be a hundred dollars down the drain.” _y/n_ raised a brow in surprise and said, “Are you sure?” Aaron nodded, and as he stood he became even more sure as he said, “Yeah. I’m sure.” When Hotch held the door open for _y/n_ they looked at him while walking out. This time _y/n_ didn’t turn their eyes away from him as a ghost of a smile formed on Aaron’s face. In the car, they both felt very differently than the last time they’d driven together. That had been out of need, this was something else. As _y/n_ sat, they considered how somewhere in the future they would be back helping the BAU again, and the feelings they both had for each other, whatever they were to become when they met Aaron again, well, only time could tell.

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Long Live the King

Chapter 7: Crossing the Unknown

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The marshy ground of the Moors becomes more and more overrun with water during the day, until there's only the occasional mound of earth poking out from under the surface. The trees aren't bothered, their roots growing larger and lifting themselves out of the ground. Slowly, the boat starts to rock again. Just the faintest bit of waves. Not long after this motion gets noticeable, the boat pulls over to one of the small islands. There are three row boats docked here, along with two groups of people--one wearing wide, flat hats, the other wearing Phantom masks. The flatbed boat stops and Vsevna gets off first, greeting the Phantom group with enthusiasm.

Jackieboy peeks over to look at the new people and the row boats. He frowns, “We’re not crossing the ocean for two days in tiny row boats are we??”

Henrik, standing nearby, laughs. "No, of course not. That would be terrible. Look." He points farther out to sea. There, illuminated by the fading sunlight, is a large sailing ship, the sails not yet down. "That is the Serpent's Wake. Vsevna's ship. He is very proud of it."

Jackieboy squints at the horizon and then he brightens up, bouncing slightly, "OH FUCK YEAH!! LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT THING!!"

Henrik laughs again. "I know! It is so amazing, isn't it?!" 

Chase joins them, staring out at the ship. He whistles. "I-I didn't expect it to be so big." 

"You have never been on a ship, then, Chase?" Henrik asks. 

He laughs. "I grew up in the mountains and never went more than a day's walk from my village. Of course I haven't." 

Jameson joins as well. To be fair, I haven't, either. 

"Didn't you also grow up in the mountains, though?" Chase asks. "I remember that the Jairsolas claim was in the Northavens." 

Jameson nods. That's true.

"I wanna climb those sail rigging things SO BAD!!" Jackieboy exclaims, "I wanna be like a pirate!! Like in the movies!!" 

"Please don't Jackie if you fall here we can't help you when you break something," Dr. J says with a sigh. 

Bro laughs, "Don't worry doc, I can float up there and catch him if he falls!" 

"Yeah Jays! Let me live my dream!!" 

Henny is staring out at the boat in awe, "It is majestic! Like something out of an epic!"

Henrik grins. "Vsevna will be so happy to see your reactions. He loves his ship." 

"Hey!" Jackie is over by the pile of supplies in the center, untying the ties. "We have to move this stuff to the rowboats!" 

"Ah, right, right." Henrik nods. "Ah... we were not expecting to run into four extra visitors, so it may be a bit tight. Perhaps we can convince some of the others to wait for a bit." 

"I say we let them take a boat to the ship right now," Chase says. "The sooner they come back, the faster the loading will happen."

"I can stay to help load! Flying will make it easier," Bro grins. 

"I'm willing to do whatever needs to be done to make this easier for you all," Dr. J says with a smile. Jackieboy looks like a kid waiting for his turn on a ride, excitedly watching the boat. He can't keep still.

Chase notices Jackie's excitement and grins. "How about me and Jameson row out with these three?" He indicates JJ, Henny, and Jackie. 

"That will work out," Henrik says. "Go talk to Ankhi and Felicia over there, in the hawk and doe masks. They will row you out there while the rest of us load the two last boats and get ready to load the third when you return."

"Yes!" Jackieboy pumps his fist and parkours out of the boat, eager to get to the row boats now. The rest of the swaps laugh, seeing Jackie so excited. Henny and Dr. J thank the others then follow Jackie out to the rowboats. 

Jackieboy is first to the new Phantoms, "Hi! I'm Jackie!“

 The two Phantoms--Ankhi and Felicia, hawk and doe--look surprised to see Jackieboy. "Ah, good to meet you, then," Felicia says, giving a small smile. Ankhi looks over at Vsevna, raising a hand for attention, and when 

Vsevna waves back he shrugs and looks at Jackie again. 

“Our friends said you could row us out a bit early?" Jackieboy asks.

"Early? Yes, I suppose," Felicia continues. Chase and Jameson catch up with Jackieboy. "Sorry, it's just that we picked up some extra people along the way," Chase explains. "So you will need two trips then, I see." Ankhi nods. "Alright, in the boat, then." 

The rowing takes longer than the swaps expected, but soon they stop next to a ladder built into the side of the ship. "Be careful climbing up," Felicia says. "Landwalkers find it hard sometimes."

Jackieboy makes a 'pffft' sound, "Don't worry, I'm pretty good at this kind of stuff!" 

Dr. J and Henny share a concerned look. But, Jackie scales the ladder like a champ and jumps onto the deck before poking his head down to look at the others. "Hurry up, slowpokes!" 

The two sailor Phantoms look impressed at Jackie's scaling.

"Oh my god he's insufferable sometimes-" Dr. J sighs. 

Henny giggles and goes up next. His lanky limbs kinda get in the way before he manages alright. 

Dr. J hesitates then slowly works his way up the ladder, clinging to the deck once he makes it. Henny helps him up and holds him steady once they're all up. 

After the swaps have gone up, Jameson goes, slow and careful, and then Chase, who tries not to look down and breathes a sigh of relief as soon as he gets on deck. "Not a fan of high places," he says. 

Ironic, considering the jumps you've made before, Jameson says. 

"Hey, those were desperate moments. If we didn't jump out that window the King probably would've killed me." 

That's fair. 

There is so much space on this deck. Not to mention there are stairs leading up to a second deck on top of a cabin. 

Jackieboy laughs in disbelief as he sees the deck and he runs around on it and spins around, laughing in glee. "Look at this thing!! ITS AMAZING!! it's so big!!" He looks back at his friends and points, "That's it! When we get back home- I'm looking up where to find a ship like this nearby cuz I need to take Zara and the kids on one of these!!" 

Dr. J chuckles, "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Jackie." 

Henny comes to join Jackie, running around the deck and looking around. Chase and Jameson hang off to the side, more watching the other three react than anything else. 

There are quite a few people out. They all have Phantom masks but only a couple are actually wearing them on their faces. They all seem to stare at the Swaps when they see that they don’t have masks but relax as they see Chase and Jameson with theirs. 

“I guess we’ll have to see if Vsevna has plaster here… you all need masks,” Chase says. 

Henny gasps in excitement and stims a bit in place. “We can get masks?! Oh yes, yes!!!” 

“Heh really? That’d be so pog!” Jackieboy grins. “Bro and Alt talked on and on about how much they loved theirs.” 

“But… aren’t those only for Phantoms..?” Dr. J says quietly. 

I think at this point you all certainly count as Phantoms. Jameson smiles. 

“Though we’re not exactly the uh- authority on that,” Chase laughs. “But I’m sure Jackie, Hen and Marvin will agree.” 

The Swaps exchange excited looks. 

Meanwhile, Bro is trying his best to help carry all the heavy things and load them into the rowboats.

While that group piles in the rowboat and heads off, the others continue unloading the boat, which is a bit harder than loading it in the first place since the hold is so small. Marvin's levitation magic proves invaluable. 

In the time it takes the first rowboat to go out and come back, the other two have been loaded. 

"You can take one of these two out while we finish this last boat," Jackie says to Bro. "We won't mind if you want to meet up with your friends sooner."

Bro wipes some sweat off his brow and then looks at Jackie and laughs, "Do I really need to take a rowboat if I can just... fly over?" Then he thinks, "... then again- I don't wanna scare the other crew-"

Vsevna overhears Bro's comment and laughs. "Do you think my crew scares that easily?" he says, playfully. "We have seen much! We have even sailed through some Wyldseas. Sure, they may shout, but they will not be scared." 

"But he does not have his mask," Henrik points out. "They may not trust him at first." 

"Ah, I'm sure his friends can explain."

Bro laughs with Vsevna and nods, "Ah very true- I was wonderin' if you guys still had my mask from last time... but considering what happened to Wyvern lair... probably not." He sighs and shakes his head, "...probably good I didn't keep mine though... Alt had his when we left... but he didn't have it after... I think the King got rid of it..." Anger burns in his eyes.

Jackie's expression darkens. "He might've kept it," he mutters. "I haven't interacted much with him, but from what others have told me... he's the type to keep trophies." 

"Son of a bitch," Henrik mutters. 

Bro grits his teeth in even more anger, his eyes glowing bright blue. “Fucking bastard.” 

Jackie sighs. "In any case. It seems like you can fly on over if you want. I think Vsevna knows his crew." 

Vsevna grins and nods.

Bro looks back at Jackie and manages to calm himself down for a second- enough to give Jackie a small smile. “…I have been getting kinda restless not being able to fly so-“ He jumps up and hovers in the air above them for just long enough to give them a salute, “See you on the boat then, gents!” And then Bro rockets over to the boat. 

The crew on the Serpent's Wake shout out in surprise when they see Bro flying. A few go for crossbows hanging from their belts but Chase waves his arms. "No no no! He's with us!" he shouts. 

"A flying man?!" Someone shouts, confused. 

"Um--yeah?" 

The crew exchange glances and mutters but don't do anything as Bro flies closer. 

Jackieboy looks up and grins, waving up to the sky, “Bro!!” 

Dr. J chuckles, “I’m surprised he waited this long to fly around!” 

“I could tell he was getting antsy,” Henny giggles. He joins Jackie in his waving.

To be honest, he didn't do that much flying while he was here last time, Jameson says, eyes wide. It's amazing to see.

"Yeah that makes sense- He doesn't wanna scare people," Jackieboy chuckles, "He's a bit better than Alt though. Alt gets sick if he can't glitch- Bro just gets super restless. Like- that feeling when you're trapped inside and you wanna get out-" 

Bro startles as the crossbows are grabbed and hurries down to land on the deck. "Uh- hello there everyone! Sorry- i'm friendly and with the Phantoms I swear!" 

"Yeah he's with us!" Jackieboy grins and throws his arm around Bro's shoulders. "He's chill!" Bro blinks and then laughs, ruffling Jackieboy's hair. 

The crew look at each other and--almost in comical unison--turn away and get back to work. 

Chase and Jameson are surprised, and Chase actually laughs. "I wasn't expecting that." 

I suppose sailors have more to worry about, Jameson says. Is that true, about Alt getting sick? 

Jackie and Bro both look at Jameson. The hero nods sadly, "Yeah... he used to get sick a lot as a kid cuz... well he didn’t know he was magic I guess. Or I think we had to hide that? at least that's what my aunts said... I don't remember why... I think we just didn't want our parents finding us?" He gets a far off look in his eyes for a second before he shakes his head and continues, "But, yeah- one time early in our friendship he wasn't glitching around us and he just got... really sick." 

"I believe we figured out later its just pent up magic," Dr. J adds, "His body produces magic very fast and he has to use it or it overwhelms him like a fever." 

"He didn't use his ghlishing all that much last time," Chase mutters. "Poor guy. If he was worried he didn't need to be." 

Bro looks at Chase with a slightly sad expression, "Yeah... knowing Alt... he was trying not to... He's very stubborn like that... and really hates being looked at strangely... you know? But, if he does glitch around you, that means he trusts you." He smiles a bit more at this.

Jameson looks a bit worried about the far-off look in Bro's eyes, but decides to ignore it. I hope he doesn't do that again. His comfort is more important than others' impressions. 

Bro smiles softly at Jameson, “I hope so too… I think it’s easier for him here now… he didn’t seem like he was like- looking to hide it.” 

"Well, it's hard for some people," Chase says slowly. "People don't like to stand out. I get it." He smiles back at Bro. "And I think it's really nice that he eventually got comfortable to, ah, ghlish around us. Is that how you say it? I thought 'ghlishing' was the only form of that word." 

Clearly we lost something in translation last time, Jameson says. 

"Clearly." 

Bro blinks and then knits his eyebrows together, “It’s cuz it’s a really modern word… it has to do with a… lightning machine we have and his magic looks like… an effect it gives off?” He laughs, “it’s really complicated to explain…” 

“It can be called ‘glitch-ing’ as an action or… I guess ‘glitch’ is also an action word!” Dr. J chuckles, shaking his head. “English is so strange sometimes.” 

All languages are strange, Jameson comments. 

Changing the subject, Chase looks around. "I didn't expect a ship to be so busy."

Looking out towards the coast, the three rowboats are halfway to the ship. People start shouting and running about, preparing for their arrival.

Henny looks around at all the chaos too and sticks closer to the group. “ah yes- a lot is happening…” He looks towards Chase and Jameson, “Should we be helping? Or would we uh… get in the way?”

Chase also looks confused and a bit worried. "Um... I think we should stay to the side," he says. "None of us really know anything about ship stuff." 

The swaps all look at each other then agree to stay back. Yeah, this seems complicated. Besides- looks like the crew had it handled. 

When the rowboats approach, the crew lowers some winches as people start climbing up from them. Vsevna is first, and a lot of the crew shouts greetings. He laughs and waves and starts talking with the others. Henrik and Jackie soon appear, though Jackie turns around and shouts back down, "You can't make them pull you up again!" 

"Fuck you!" Marvin shouts back, though he doesn't sound actually angry. 

The swaps all laugh at hearing Marvin's shout.

Jackie sighs and looks around for the others. "Hey."

"Pulled up again?" Jackieboy asks through giggles, "Did he make the crew pull up the whole row boat so he wouldnt have to use the ladder before??" 

"That's exactly what he did," Jackie says. "I don't fully blame him for that, since he's not the best on his feet, but surely there's some magic that could help with that, right?" 

"If I'd known that was an option, I would've asked for that," Chase mutters. "That ladder was terrifying." 

Jackie sighs. "In any case. There are three guest cabins downstairs with a bed each. They're pretty small, but if you want to all try to fit in, go ahead. Or I suppose you could choose to sleep with the crew, they probably have spare hammocks. Oh, speaking of Marvin. He asked for a cabin to himself, given the whole... nausea condition. Even with the tonic he's worried about it. So there's really only two. "

The boys all share some looks, then look back towards Jackie. 

Dr. J timidly lifts a hand, "...I'm also worried about being nauseous so if I can... a cabin would be great." 

"We could share, Doc!" Jackieboy says with glee, "That way I can hopefully get some better sleep too- last couple nights have been rough..." 

"Me and Henny could share too- You wouldn't mind, right Hen?" Bro asks. 

"only if it is okay!" Henny says timidly, "I would not wanna take a cabin from someone else who is needing it!"

Henrik raises an eyebrow. "If you all think you can fit. They are pretty small." 

"I'm fine with sleeping with the crew," Jackie says. "What about you two?" He looks at Chase and Jameson. 

Chase shrugs. "I don't really care. I can sleep wherever." 

I'll take wherever I can get, Jameson adds. 

Henny and Bro look at each other, "If they're small- me and Hen can sleep with the crew too. I'm a pretty heavy sleeper." 

"Yeah! I think it could be fun! I have never slept a whole night in a hammock!" Henny says brightly. 

"Also, here, JJ." Henrik hands JJ a small ceramic bottle. "This is one of the tonics. Take one mouthful when you go to sleep and another when you wake up." 

The thought of a swinging hammock on a rocking ship makes Dr. J look kinda pale. So, he's relived when Henrik hands him the tonic. "Thank you so much Henrik."

"Not a problem." Henrik smiles. "I need to give one to Marvin, too. Where is he?" 

"Boat." Jackie points. "Again?" 

"Yea." 

"I do not think the crew like him that much." 

Jackie stifles a laugh. 

Bro laughs loudly at this, "Yeah i'm not sure I would either, having to do that!" 

"Oh, the sunset!" Chase gasps, looking off the bow of the ship. The sun is setting, the orange and pink light reflecting off the deep blue water. "That's beautiful!"

Henny and Jackieboy looks towards the sunset, then towards each other before they run towards the bow.  Jackieboy climbs on the top of the wall of the ship and looks out, laughing lightly in awe, "Wow... that is just gorgeous..." 

Henny leans on the wall and smiles, watching," Ha... this reminds me of when I was young… with my Papa and brothers... seeing the sun set on the beach..." 

Dr. J watches the two go with a fond shake of his head. Bro smiles and they take in the sunset too.

For a moment, everyone just watches the sunset. The crew doesn't mind, working around them. They're used to passengers. So they start pulling up the boats and their stored goods and begin to transfer them to the cargo hold. 

Marvin gets out of the boat and wanders over to the group, also looking at the sunset for a moment before clearing his throat. "I'm, um... going to go to a cabin." 

"Ah, here, Marvin." Henrik hands him another one of the ceramic bottles. "One mouthful before sleep, one when you wake." 

"Alright. Sure." Marvin examines the bottle. "Is everyone going below the deck, too? Who has the cabins?" 

"Jackieboy and JJ." 

"And you?" 

Henrik blushes. "Vsevna offered..." 

Jackieboy snickers at Henrik's blushing. 

Marvin grins but says nothing and just heads down a set of stairs tucked next to the captain's cabin.

"I might follow Marvin's lead and retire early too..." Dr. J says, clutching the tonic. "Since its gonna be dark soon anyways." 

"Oh yeah- is this kinda ship good to sail at night?" Jackieboy asks with a head tilt, then he shakes his head. "... that might be a dumb question- I just dont remember if we're setting off right away or in the morning-" 

"If we were not leaving until morning, why would we already be on the ship?" Henny asks, knitting his eyebrows. 

"Idk man! I dunno how boats work! That's my wife's specialty!"

Henrik chuckles. "Of course the ship is good to sail at night. It is built for long voyages. You cannot just stop sailing when it gets dark, that would eat up so much time. Don't worry, the crew is very capable." 

Jackieboy laughs and messes with his hair, "Yeahhh that makes sense... That'd be dumb-" 

"We might as well go to bed then, and let them take care of it," Chase says.

Bro stretches and nods, "That works for me." 

Henny smiles, "Yes! nothing wrong with some extra sleep. Then, we'll be one nights closer to finding our friend!"

"Let's go below, then," Jackie says. "Come on. I've been on the Serpent's before, I can show you where things are."

◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈

A benefit to sleeping below the decks of a massive ship? There is hardly any light to wake you up in the morning. Those in the cabins have portholes, but the portholes have wooden shutters that close. Everyone is free to sleep as long as they want... though those in the hammocks may be stirred by the sound of the crew getting up and going about their ship business.

Bro rises pretty early with the crew- used to early morning patrols. He stretches and looks around, smiling as he sees Henny still curled up asleep in his hammock. He goes up on the deck and goes to the edge to look out at the sea, feeling the fresh salty sea air. 

Dr. J comes up not long after, looking around and then relaxing slightly at seeing Bro. He comes over to stand next to him. "Good morning, Chase!" 

Bro smiles back at JJ. "Mornin' Doc. How ya feelin'?" 

"Better than I thought I would! Henrik's tonic has helped a lot." The good doctor smiles.

Jackie is already up, also used to early mornings, doing sword practice in a corner of the deck with some of the sailors. Seems the swaying deck has taken away some of his keen dexerity and he loses pretty frequently. 

Chase wakes up shortly after JJ does. "There's so much water," he mutters, looking out at the open sea. Then he looks up. "There are already people up there?!" He blanches just seeing the crew members going up and down the rigging.

Bro looks up at Chase's exclamation and then grins, "Oh... Jackie's gonna be such a menace to those guys-" 

"Honestly I don't see the appeal..." Dr. J says, shaking his head. 

"Only cuz you're scared of heights." 

"Any sensible person would be!"

"I completely agree," Chase says. "What if you fall? Not everyone can fly. In fact, almost no one can fly!" 

Henrik comes out of the captain's cabin at that moment. "Good morning, everyone," he says cheerfully. "Hmm. Seems only about half of us are awake. Do you want to watch Jackie fight? He falls down while doing so on the ship, it is very rare to see him fall." He chuckles. 

Bro grins, "I'm actually thinking of joining if I can! But, dunno probably good to eat something first-" 

Then, one of the doors to the lower cabins bursts open downstairs and Jackieboy claws his way up the stairs to the deck. He grins wide at seeing others up in the rigging and points up, "WATCH OUT ROPES IMMA BOUT TO CLIMB YOU SO HARD!!" 

Bro bursts into laughter, "Uh oh- proper sleep has made him hyper!" 

"YA DAMN RIGHT IT DID!" Jackie calls. 

Dr. J shakes his head, "Before breakfast? He's a mad man-" 

Chase shakes his head as he watches Jackieboy. "He's a fool." 

Dr. J laughs, "I agree- but unfortunately he's a very loveable fool." He says this as he watches Jackieboy start to climb the rigging, grinning like a child on Christmas. 

"Don't be so mean," Henrik scolds. "Not everyone is scared to fall. Besides, Bro could catch him, probably." 

"Well, he's free to do whatever he wants." Chase shrugs.

Henny soon pops his head up from below, his hair tussled from sleep. "Why is there the yelling?" he asks as he joins the others, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. 

Bro chuckles, "You don't usually sleep this late, Henns-" 

"The hammock was very comfy..." Henny yawns.

Chase glances at Henny and smiles. "Yea, it was, wasn't it? Something about the swaying was so soothing to me. And then--then I had another draisling." He looks at the swaps. "You remember me telling you about that, right? With Jack?”

Bro blinks and then nods, "Oh yeah! Your magic dreams- I remember!" 

“He, um... told me something. The King and Magnificent are going to the Wyldwood, and they're bringing Alt with them." 

Jameson appears just in time to hear this, looking like he didn't sleep as well as Chase and Henny. So my vision is on our path? he asks. 

"Seems like it." Henrik lets out a breath. "That is good to know." 

"And," Chase adds, "the two of them think that the Winged Elder One is helping Alt somehow." 

Henrik gasps. "So we are really on the right path, then!" 

Jameson grins, happy to hear this. 

Bro frowns at hearing about the King and Mag, and looks furious at the mention of Alt still being with them. But, he does brighten as he hears about the Elder, but his expression quickly morphs into worry. "If that is true... then they already know... that means they're gonna do everything they can to stop it..." He grits his teeth in anger.

"The King and Magnificent will stop it, you mean?" Henrik asks, looking worried. 

Chase rolls his eyes. "How arrogant do you have to be to think you can stop an Elder? If I was in their position, I would just give up there and try something else." 

Jackie, after getting knocked on his ass again, gets up and joins the others. "What are you talking about?" 

"Oh, uh..." Chase fills him in quickly. 

Jackie sighs. "Well, people like those two won't give up until they get what they want. And honestly, I don't think they'll ever get what they want. Their goal will keep shifting." 

Jameson nods. There's a way of fortune telling involving arcana cards. I remember learning about it when I was little, oracles in Saelas use it. One of the arcana cards is Hunger. A person who is never sated no matter how much they consume. This spirit is certainly like that, and I'm betting Magnificent is, too.

"Oh yeah... that's probably the best way to describe him," Bro growls, power bright in his eyes. "Arrogant, power-hungry... probably thinks going up against an Elder is a fun challenge-" He spist out with hatred. 

"... What can we do then? What if... together... they can best an Elder?" Henny asks in a small voice.

Chase and Jackie start laughing at that. 

"If they can defeat an Elder, they'd still have to deal with the other twenty-four of them," Jackie says. 

"I don't care how unnaturally strong that spirit is, he cannot defeat them," Chase says. "And even if he can, the world is full of other gods who would take issue with that." 

"Exactly," Henrik says. "The Celestial Sisters are watching over this island, as well as the Forger. Do they think they can defeat the ocean? Do they think they can defeat the moon and sun?" He scoffs just saying that.

Henny blinks and then laughs lightly too, shaking his head. "Ha... no- Magnificent is powerful but not that powerful!" 

Bro seems to relax at this too. Having someone point this out helped to ease his worry. "Ha- never really thought we'd have gods on our side..." He looks up at the sky, gripping his shirt over his chest. "... I hope they're able to help Alt... just until we get there..." 

"I'm sure he can make it," Jackie says. 

Chase nods. "I've had a couple encounters with an Elder. They're in my draislings. I'm sure they can protect him."

Bro smiles at Jackie and Chase’s reassurance.

"We have to believe in him too, Chase," Dr. J says gently, "Alt is a tough lad- I bet he's fighting as hard as he can... But, no matter what... we'll find him and bring him home." 

Bro nods at this and sighs, messing with his hair, "Yeah... I know... I just... can't help but worry. He's my baby brother..."

As Bro mentions Alt being his brother, Jameson's expression uncharacteristically... breaks. It's hard to catch, but for a moment, his face is full of grief. He quickly schools it back to sympathy. It's tough, trying to protect younger siblings, he says. But you can't let that guilt eat you up. You're doing everything you can. And I'm sure Alt knows that, even through whatever spell they have on him. 

The others glance at Jameson.

Henny watches Jameson and looks concerned for him. 

Bro blinks then smiles slightly, “Oh yeah- you mentioned having siblings once… sisters, right? So… you get it.” He sighs and messes with his hair some more. “But you’re right… Worrying isn’t gonna do anything right now…”

Jameson glances at Henny’s concerned face, then looks back at Bro with a small smile. Well technically Emer wasn’t my sister all the time, sometimes she was my [sibling], but she didn’t mind the rest of us lumping her together with Orla and Mairead. 

Bro smiles, “Non-binary- nice! also those are such pretty names! I bet they’re great gals!” 

Jackie clears his throat. “I have siblings too. Haven’t seen them in a while but I do wonder how they’re getting on sometimes. I’m not going to say you shouldn’t worry, it’s impossible not to, but don’t let it control you, okay?” He grins. “How about a distraction?” He raises a wooden practice sword in demonstration. 

“Oh yes, Bro, you may have a chance now that the waves throw Jackie off,” Henrik chuckles.

Bro looks at Jackie and then grins wide, “Hell yeah!”

As soon as Bro looks away Jameson’s expression slips again. Chase puts a hand on his shoulder, which Jameson looks grateful for. Has anyone seen Marvin? he asks, changing the subject. 

“I think he is still in his cabin,” Henrik says. “I hope the tonic is helping his nausea. If it is, he should come up. He would like watching this I think.” He gestures at Bro and Jackie going off to spar. 

I’ll go check on him, then, Jameson says, and turns to leave.

Henny watches Jameson with more worry and then looks to the others, “I think I left something downstairs as well! I will go with Jameson-“ Then he quickly follows after Jameson. He hesitates for a second and then reaches out to gently take Jameson’s shoulder, “…Jameson my friend… is something wrong?” He asks quietly.

Jameson stops just before the stairs below deck. He reflexively starts to deny it, then hesitates. Are you… prepared to hear something serious?

Henny looks even more worried but then he nods, “If you are willing to share… it is alright if you are not though. I just want to make sure you are okay…”

I think an explanation is needed, anyway. It’s only fair. I think everyone else knows. Jameson hesitates again before going on. My sisters… have passed. Six years ago my parents opposed many of the King’s new policies, so he… retaliated. I’m the last of my line. He shakes his head. All that sibling talk just… reminded me of things. 

Henny’s eyes widen and then, without thinking, he grabs Jameson and pulls him into a tight hug. He buries his head against Jameson’s shoulder and whispers in a shaky voice, “I am… so sorry, Jameson…” 

Jameson, not expecting that at all, stiffens slightly. But then he quickly melts into it, hugging Henny back. He closes his eyes and lets out a long breath. Been a while since someone said that.

Henrik hugs him tight for a while before finally letting go. He wipes underneath his eyes and then looks at Jameson with a sympathetic expression. “…I understand your pain, my friend. In a different way but… I… I will tell you something my friends know that you all do not…” He fidgets anxiously with his pocket watch and looks down, taking a deep breath. “…Magnificent… he pulled me from the past in our world… one minute… I was still living with my papa and my brothers were alive and then… it was suddenly 90 years in the future.” Tears brim in his eyes, “in a way… he took my family from me… and I already lost my mother and my sisters in a war…” He pushes up his glasses to wipe at his eyes better before laughing bitterly. “M-maybe that is too serious but… I understand, Jameson… I lost my entire family too…”

Jameson's eyes go wide, and then his expression softens. He shakes his head. No, it's not too much. It's alright. There are tears in his eyes too. I'm so sorry, Henny. I can't imagine what it would have been like jumping through time, after already losing your family. He gives a voiceless, dark laugh. But I also understand that pain. He smiles, eyes watery. I suppose we have to make them proud from beyond, then, don't we? He indicates the mask hanging from his belt. My family crest was a rabbit. I think... I think resisting the King is what they would want me to do.

Henrik looks up at Jameson and gives him a watery smile too, a tear dripping down his face. “Yes… I-I think they would be very proud… of both of us.” He gives Jameson another quick hug before backing up and wiping at his face again. He laughs lightly. “now… w-we should probably see if Marvin is alright, Ja?”

Jameson nods. He's probably sleeping in, if he's not too nauseous. But let's check anyway. He gives him one more smile, and then heads down the stairs. 

◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈━◈

Soon after the sun rises, Aneirin wakes up. He immediately turns his attention to Alt. He didn't see any more strange dreams that night, but that didn't mean there weren't more possibly coming. Getting up, he nudges Alt awake, and then Magnificent. "I think it's time," he says, grinning. "Time to jump across the land."

Alt looks exhausted, the dark bags under his eyes getting worse each day. But, he glitches up and stands at attention, dazedly looking back at the King. 

Magnificent blinks awake and then grins, getting to his feet in a flicker of magic. “Finally~!” He glances over at Alt and checks his strings mentally. They’re still strong. He nods in satisfaction, grinning even more.

Aneirin looks a bit concerned at Alt’s condition, but they don’t have time to let him rest. “We can leave the horses behind,” he says, grabbing the bags from them. They’d made sure to stock them up during the trip, but if worst comes to worst, he could remember an edible fruit if he saw it. “It will be too difficult for them.”

“Good- they were useful but I’m glad to not have to ride them anymore.” Magnificent grumbles. 

Alt looks at the King grabbing the bags and holds out a hand, “I can carry those, mu Ríth.” 

Aneirin grins. “Thank you, á klaíoh.” He was going to tell him to carry them anyway, but it’s always good to see them showing initiative. Alt takes the bags and adjusts them accordingly, nodding to the King. 

 As Aneirin hands them over, he looks up at the sky. Clouds are visibly moving across it. Gathering above them. This black magic is certainly giving him a boost. Then he looks around. They need a stretch of clear land… there. He points to a spot about fifty feet away. “I’ll open the doorway there. Don’t get too close until it appears.”

Magnificent grins at the clouds but then tilts his head and narrows his eyes towards where Aneirin pointed, “Why can’t we get close-?”

“Because lightning is about to strike,” the King says bluntly. The clouds rumble ominously after that. How dramatic.

“…oh- well yeah… that would explain it.” Magnificent replies, blinking rapidly.

“Get ready.” The King narrows his eyes. They flash green— A bolt of lightning flashes down from the clouds and strikes the ground. 

Dirt and grass sprays into the air, and suddenly a hole opens up, an archway of green light wide enough for the three of them to walk through side by side. The middle no longer shows the field, but instead a lush forest in all shades of green, the ground gradually sloping downwards.

Alt’s eyes widen as he sees the forest on the other side. He starts to walk forward- but Mag grabs him and tugs him back slightly. “Stay by us, kitten. We don’t want you getting lost.” 

Green flashes weakly in Alt’s eyes but he nods, whispering, “Y-Yes my liege.” 

Ah. Just as he remembers. The King nods, preparing himself, and walks forward. 

Magnificent grins, looking at the portal with mad glee. “This is it! Let’s go~” He walks toward, Alt trailing just behind him.

As soon as the three of them are through the doorway closes. They are standing on a sloped ground, surrounded by trees with dark green leaves, thick enough to completely block out the sky. But it’s bright as day in the forest, lit up by glowing yellow and orange mushrooms growing on the trees’ bark. Patches of moss cover everything in a fuzzy green carpet and the grass blades are wide, reaching their knees. “This is… in the foothills of the mountains, I believe,” Aneirin says.

Magnificent whistles, “My my… what a pretty sight!” He then makes a face at the grass reaching up so high and lifts up his foot slightly. “ugh- I definitely see where the wild fits in though.” 

Alt looks around at the glowing mushrooms and the trees. “it’s… beautiful.” 

Aneirin looks around. "I suppose it is. It's been so long since I've seen it in person." He gently puts one hand against the nearest tree. And the moss shrinks back, spreading away from his hand like an amoeba moving. A low groaning sound echoes through the forest. Other than that, there is no noise at all. "But that doesn't make it any less dangerous. I think I remember our destination being on flatter ground."

“Then let’s get moving,” Magnificent says, heading down the slope. 

Alt hesitates, watching the moss shrinking away from the King. But soon enough his eyes flicker with green and he moves to follow Magnificent. He grips their supply bag tightly, looking around the forest cautiously as they move.

Nothing happens for a while. They brush through the grass and weave around the trees, heading gradually downwards. Alt and Mag can feel the magic around them, so strong it's practically buzzing. Another one of those groaning noises echoes through the forest, and despite the lack of wind, the trees rustle. And then the ground heaves, gnarled tree roots rising from the earth, blocking their way forward.

Alt reacts first, getting in front of Mag and the King and holding a hand buzzing with green lightning out towards the roots. But, he relaxes as it doesn’t seem like it’s attacking them. He does look at them in confusion, though. 

Magnificent steps forward and growls, lighting green fire up in his hand. “The fuck is this?!”

"I told you, the forest has a mind of its own," the King says. He steps forward, experimentally touching the raised roots. They don't react. He turns to the side, inching between the trees, but it seems this wall continues to the left and the right. "No way around it, it looks like. We'll have to find some way through."

Magnificent growls, eyes glowing bright, “I’ll make a way through!” 

“W-Won’t that cause a huge fire??” Alt says in a bit of panic. 

“Silence whelp- you weren’t spoken to!” Magnificent snaps at Alt. The knight scampers back and presses his lips shut. “If this forest has a mind of its own- it can find a way to put itself out!” The mad magician giggles, then lashes out to try to blast a hole through the roots with a blast of green fire. 

The fire catches, burning through the wood surprisingly quickly. 

Aneirin steps back, looking actually shocked. The roots writhe as more of those groaning sounds echo through the environment. And then, from deep within the forest, comes a wailing scream of terror. Fear rolls through the woods, rising up within them at the sound of that scream. It's almost a physical force telling them to run as fast as possible in the other direction.

Alt stumbles back from the fire, eyes wide. Then, the screaming comes and he feels a shiver go through his body, parts of it threatening to pixelize. He starts to step back, almost wanting to listen to the force. But then his eyes flash green, Mag’s command to stay close washing away all the terror and he relaxes, eyes glazing over slightly. 

Magnificent feels the force but then snorts and steps forward, going through the smoking hole he made through the wood. “Nice try, woods- but you won’t scare me.”

Aneirin raises an eyebrow. "Impressive." He follows Magnificent. As he passes through the hole the tree roots slam down, barely missing him as they burrow into the earth to recover from the burning. He doesn't even flinch. "That's probably a banshee or darrig. We'll know if it's the latter if we have nightmares." 

The tree branches overhead bend, almost avoiding touching the two of them. They don't bend away from Alt. Which is a bit inconvenient, but it doesn't feel malicious.

“Oh goody- I love those,” Magnificent grumbles. He keeps moving forward. Alt stares at the roots as they slam down, a brief flickering in his eyes. But then he follows after Mag and the King, glitching around the branches in his way. 

It's hard to tell how much time passes without the sun for reference. Slowly, the trees change, growing taller and straighter, their dark brown bark speckled with white. The grass is no longer knee-length, now just brushing their ankles, turning dark green, almost turquoise. The glowing mushrooms disappear but are replaced by small white flowers and pink butterflies, both glowing as well. 

Soon, hunger starts to set in for the King and Alt. And just as they start to notice, they come to a section where vines drop down from the high branches of the trees. Vines with fruit on the end and berries along the length. There's a whole variety, the fruit resembling plums, apricots, nectarines, the berries like cherries and mulberries, but they're all the wrong colors. They look almost like jewels in the way they shine.

Alt, who's been dazedly walking through the changes, blinks up at the vines. Then, he seems to brighten, his stomach churning painfully. He instantly reaches up to try to grab some of the fruit. 

"Careful, á klaíoh." The King holds out his hand, stopping Alt from grabbing anything. "Fruit in the Wyldwood could be a trick." He narrows his eyes, trying to recall these. "If I'm correct... you shouldn't eat the ones that are warmer colors. Stick to the cooler blues and purples." Maybe. It's been a while since he had to eat these. And he'd rather Alt try than him. 

Alt startles slightly at the King stopping him. He blinks and then looks out at the vine again. He takes the first cool colored fruit he can find, hesitates, then slowly takes a bite.

It--it's so good. Delicious, sweet, and surprisingly rich for a fruit. It tastes like new flavors are emerging the longer he has it in his mouth, and as he swallows he feels comforting warmth in his stomach. His body is buzzing with energy, glitching on its own. 

He wants more. He needs more--

Alt practically melts as he chews on the fruit, eagerly eating what he can before he starts to reach for another. Then, he stops and furrows his brows against the sensation. He's hungry but... this... feels like a trap. He glitches back, looking at the fruit with narrowed eyes. He looks down at his body now, eyes widening as he sees the energy bubbling throughout. "...woah-" 

"...strange fruit-" Mag comments, raising an eyebrow. "If it provides energy though... maybe we should keep some around." 

"...I-I don't think that's a very good idea, sire..." Alt breathes, "...I think the fruit was trying to bewitch me-" 

Aneirin blinks. "Ah yes, I remember now." He reaches up to the vines himself and--avoiding the fruit at the end--takes some of the berries. "The warm fruit will steal your energy while the cool fruit gives you it, but they both taste so delicious that you want to eat until your stomach bursts. To offset it, you need to consume the berries first." He pops a couple of them in his mouth. They taste slightly sour, a feeling that lingers as he grabs a purple fruit and bites into it. It's delicious, but not irresistible. "You were able to resist the feeling on your own? Impressive."

Alt feels a wave of pride swell through him at the King's praise. He smiles timidly and nods, grabbing some berries for himself and following the King's lead. "T-Thank you, mu Rith." He mumbles, popping a few berries in his mouth and then grabbing another cool fruit. His body buzzes with more energy and he grins, feeling better than he has in a couple days. He starts to pick both berries and fruits to take with them. 

"You're welcome." The King leans back against a tree as he eats. "We can take a moment here. I believe we also have bread and meat in the bags, if we're making this a full meal. If you would, á klaíoh, when you're done gathering." He gestures at the bags Alt is carrying. 

Alt glitches around and then perks up a bit and seems relieved the King is willing to take a break. "Of course, sire!" He sits down and starts to unpack, pulling out all the things they need for a full meal. 

Mag looks annoyed about having to stop but he sighs and comes over to sit anyway.

Aneirin notices Mag's annoyance and smirks slightly. "Come now, Magnificent. Surely you remember the need for rest, even if you may not remember the need for food. Besides, we're not sure where our destination lies anyway. A search takes more energy than a simple journey."

Magnificent sighs dramatically but he does lean back on his hands. "Yeah yeah- I suppose my legs could use a rest." 

Alt breaks the bread and hands some of the bread and meat to the King before giving himself some to eat and digging in.

They eat quietly for a while, the only sound being the faint rustling of leaves and that strange groaning noise. Now able to sit and really listen, it sounds like... like something heavy moving. Maybe something wooden. 

Magnificent has his eyes closed, enjoying the feeling of the forest during their break. Even if he's not a big fan of that groaning noise... 

There's also another sound. Alt can hear a faint... murmuring. Not a sound that fits in the woods. It sounds like one or two human voices.

Alt eats quickly but tries to savor the food too. As he's finishing up he picks up the sound of the mumbling and looks towards it, lightly tilting his head.

"...What is it?" Aneirin asks, noticing Alt's attention. Then he hears it too. "...Voices?" He frowns. "Wait a moment. Let's see if they change at all." 

They don't. They stay where they are, at generally the same volume, too low to really hear the words.

Alt tenses his shoulders and listens, narrowing his eyes. When they don't move he looks towards the King, "...an illusion?"

"Possibly," he says slowly. "But I believe we can take on any creatures that would cause it. It could also be real. And if it is, I am curious..." He pauses. It's tempting to send Alt to check it out, but if he goes too far, they could get separated. He looks at Magnificent, silently asking for his opinion. 

Alt's eyes spark with magic, "I could check it out, mu Rith." 

Magnificent glances at Aneirin and then shrugs, {His control is solid. He knows not to stray too far from our side.}

Aneirin nods reluctantly. "Very well. Be careful. If you think you are in danger, return and alert us instead of staying to fight."

Alt's flash green at the command as he nods, "Yes, mu Ríth." Then he glitches out of sight. He appears where he thinks he heard the noise, magic bubbling in his hands as he looks cautiously around.

As he weaves between the trees, the voices get louder until he sees two figures crouching behind a pair of bushes--which doesn't help hide them at all, since they are the only bushes in sight and kind of stand out. One of the figures is small, the size of a child, but with adult proportions. He wears old-looking clothes and has a mane of curly red hair and a beard that practically hides his face. The other is mostly covered by a black cloak, but has skinny wrinkled arms and long white hair. They are talking. It's not Glasish (or even English), but somehow Alt knows what they're saying. 

"What is a Jester but a Fool without conviction?" 

"The conviction is the difference. A Fool would walk down the Forest Path, a Jester would turn away for spite or fun." 

The short man grumbles and the cloaked woman sweeps two things towards her. It seems they're playing a card game of some sort, with a set of cards whose backs have the same pattern as the bark on the surrounding trees. Each of them has a hand of five cards and a pile of face-up claimed cards, and there's a deck to draw from in the middle. 

Alt pauses as he hears the voices get louder and he stops to hide partially behind a tree. He narrows his eyes at the figures. ...the King said this forest was dangerous... why are these people just... out here playing cards...?

Suddenly, both of them turn and look right at Alt, the tree doing him no favors. "Oh, someone approaches!" says the cloaked woman. "He smells of Hunger but he is not of that." 

"I think he travels with one, maybe two," says the small man. "Which is he, you think? Perhaps of the Hood?" 

"I say a Magician, or perhaps a Ghlish." 

"These people are of many arcana, maybe he is all of them." 

"That is very true. Stranger, would you like to join our game? We can deal you a hand. If you play well, perhaps we will give you aid."

Alt stiffens as they turn towards him, his blood running cold. He cautiously steps out from behind the tree, trying to keep himself from glitching. "um... dia duhui ..." He tries to greet. "Y-You all speak in... a strange tongue... may I ask what you... are, exactly?" He asks quietly, fearful of their reactions.

"Ah, some of the Wanderer in you, too, I see," the cloaked woman cackles. "Far from home, if you do not know." Somehow, Alt realizes that she's switched to another language that he understands as well. 

Alt blinks in confusion as they speak. Why does the language sound... more familiar now? It's not... Glasish. "... far from home...?" He whispers, green-blue flickering in his eyes. 

"You have nothing to fear from Lasta and Caba," the short man says, speaking that language too. 

"Frightening and strange we may be, but death and pain is no fun," the cloaked woman agrees. 

"And If I am Lasta and she is Caba, who are you?" the short man asks. "Will you give us your name?"

Alt  shakes his head out, blinking rapidly. "Oh well Lasta... Caba.... it's nice to meet you..." He says slowly. As they ask for his name, a foggy memory swirls in his head. Of a woman with red hair and a kind smile, who warned him about the fey. ... the fey...? like... the fair folk...? That's... confusing... but the memory’s vivid enough to give him pause before he speaks. "... I cannot give you my name... but you can call me Alt." He replies. 

Lasta and Caba laugh. "So he's clever!" Caba says. "Not so much a Wanderer, then." 

"Seeing more of the Magician, yes," Lasta agrees. "Well, Alt, would you like to play?" Caba picks up the deck and shuffles it. Alt catches glimpses of colorful illustrations on the face side of the cards. "There will be no cost." 

"And it may reveal more than you think," Lasta adds.

Alt hesitates again, glancing back towards where he left the King and Magnificent. But... surely there wasn't too much risk in playing a game...? He could just say he was scouting around. The knight nods and goes to sit down on the ground by them, "Um... sure? you.. keep mentioning all these titles and names... what are you referring to exactly?" He asks curiously. Honestly- it feels weird to be speaking so much. He's really only been speaking when spoken to by the King and Magnificent the past couple days.

"We speak of the arcana, Alt," Caba says, spreading out the deck for a moment to show the illustrations. Each card has one, with writing underneath it labeling it. 

Alt's eyes light up and he smiles, a foregin name on his tongue, "Tarot cards...!" Then, his eyes flash green and he knits his eyebrows together, shaking out his head. "Uh... sorry I don't... know why I said that..." 

Caba continues as if he had not spoken, "Oracles use them to tell fortunes, but they can also be used to tell the character of a thing." 

"Or for simple games," Lasta says. 

"Yes, like ours!" Caba cackles. She flips the deck so the faces are down. "Take five for your hand, Alt. Our rules are loose. Each round, present one of your cards. We will present one of ours. We must give reasons why our card will beat the others presented." 

"Use your imagination," Lasta says. "And if you do not know what your card is, go with your gut feeling to its meaning." 

"The one who convinces the others will take the cards," Caba continues. "And we go until we run the deck out. Whoever has the most cards wins for all. But you may bow out after however many rounds you please."

Alt listens to the rules and nods, smiling again, "Alright... that sounds fun." He starts to draw 5 cards.

Caba and Lasta smile. 

"Let the game begin!" Lasta says, and they each grab a card from the deck to fill out the rest of their hand. 

Alt's five cards are all different. Maybe there aren't any repeats in this arcana. The first one shows a two-wheeled silver cart being pulled by a pair of goats and driven by a woman with red hair and purple eyes. It's labelled as "The Chariot." The second shows a wheel with six spokes. In each corner is a woman, a bird, a wolf, and a cat, all with wings. It's labelled "The Wheel of Fortune." The third shows a man standing in front of a gold-framed mirror. While the man has short green hair and wears blue and red, the reflection has long brown hair and wears black and red. It also has scars on half of its face. This is labelled "The Mirror." The fourth shows a background that's all vivid colors blurred together, broken up by a black crack running down the middle, with more cracks branching off to the side. This is labelled "Fracture." The final one has an illustration of a clock face. It's floating in space, and the stars are spiralling around it, the background swirls of purple and blue. It's labelled "Time." 

Alt's eyes widen as he looks at the mirror card. Why... does the image of the man in red... look so familiar....?

"Play at will, Alt," Caba says, setting down her chosen card face-down on the grass. "We'll reveal in unison."

Alt’s caught in his own head for a second before he snaps back at the sound of his name. He nods and pulls a card at random from his deck, too shaken to put too much thought into it.

Lasta puts his card down shortly after. "I'll turn them, then," he says, and flips over the three cards. 

On the left is Lasta's card: an illustration of a cloaked figure wearing a white mask, holding a lamp in one hand and standing on a cliff. "The Hermit." It came out upside down when he flipped it. 

In the middle is Caba's: an illustration of a brown-haired man with a crown sitting at a banquet table, yet despite the full plate before him his cheeks are sunken. "Hunger." 

On the right is Alt's chosen card. The "Fracture." 

"Interesting, interesting," Caba says. "You seem to have no good cards, Lasta." 

"Better than yours, at least. A Hermit would not fall to Hunger." 

Alt's eyes widen looking at the Hunger card. The crown- the King...? He gasps for a second, a sudden pain in his temple as his eyes flicker green. He grits his teeth and tries to push past the sudden discomfort. He can't anger these kind creatures.... they are probably fair folk! It's just a simple game... it will be fine- He looks at the other cards and then mutters out, "Um.. t-the fracture would... affect both of them... wouldn't it? Anyone can feel... fractured-" He says this and grips over his heart.

They tilt their heads in comical unison. 

"Often a Hunger will cause a Fracture," Caba insists. 

"And the Hermit would have enough wisdom to avoid it," Lasta adds. 

"Oh, come now, yours came out reversed." Caba smirks beneath her curtain of white hair. "The upside Hermit is lost and lonely. He would have no one to support him through a Fracture." 

Lasta throws a hand in the air. "My hand has not been good these past few rounds!" 

"So you concede?" 

"I do." 

"Between you and me then, lad," Caba says. 

Alt grips tighter at his tunic listening to Caba talk about the Hermit. Lost and Lonely... He has to shake his head more to look back at Caba. He sees the Hunger card and feels a twing of pain in his head again. "... fracture seems... powerful... doesn't it? s-surely enough to best a... a hungry... king-" He says slowly. 

"So you see it as a King," Caba says. "Fascinating." 

Alt blinks in confusion and looks up, "Is he... not?" He asks, tilting his head at the Hunger card. 

She cackles. "For one so unfamiliar, you are correct. A Fracture is a danger to many. I concede." 

"We've not had one beat us in some time," Lasta adds. "Perhaps we should have fought more." 

Alt looks back up with surprise. "I won...?" 

"This lad has been through much. The smell of Hunger says it. We are not like those cruel ones, are we?" 

"No, of course not." Lasta laughs. "Very well. What shall he win, then?" 

"That is the question, hmm." Caba sweeps the cards towards Alt. "For now, keep these three for yourself. Consider them a souvenir in addition to your prize." 

Alt takes the cards from them and studies them a bit closer, frowning. "Ah... t-thank you..." 

"Gold is traditional for my people, if you'd like that," Lasta says, grinning. 

"Or I can wish you luck on troubled waters, if you travel much," Caba adds.

Alt then looks back at them and thinks, "... I don't have need for gold... so luck would be... better I think. I have been travelling for quite some time..."

"Ahhh, we are very lucky," Lasta laughs like this is some joke between him and Caba. 

"The cards will look like what you know," Caba says. "Perhaps in the presence of others it will look different. But luck, you say?" The two of them lean closer, almost pressing their heads together. Then they draw apart again. 

"Very well." Lasta reaches into one of the bushes and pulls out a small twig with bright green leaves. He passes it to Caba, and she rolls it over in her hands. Alt can smell salt, like the ocean. Caba hands him the twig. "When you most need it, luck will bring you where you need to be," she says. 

Alt watches with bright curiosity as Lasta and Caba prepare the twig. He hesitates to take it though- his eyes flickering more with green. It almost feels like he's fighting something... but he's not sure what. But, he eventually grabs it and looks at it with a tilted head. "...where I need to be... huh...?"

"Now, do you wish for a second round?" Lasta says, shuffling the deck. 

For some reason, Alt feels that a second round is a bad idea... He straightens up at the offer and then he pushes himself up. "Um... I... I probably shouldn't... I'm expected somewhere... I-I need to return but... thank you for the game, and your gift." He says, giving them a small bow.

"Yes, of course, twas a pleasure!" Lasta says. 

"No debt owed, no need to thank!" Caba adds. "Return to where you came from, and tell your companions of what happened." Lasta shuffles faster. 

Alt backs up and then nods to them, "R-Right..." He's not sure how much he will end up telling the King and Mag... He's worried they will be angry for how long he's been gone. 

"And we will continue as we do." Caba plucks a card from the deck mid-shuffle. 

"Farewell," they say in unison. And then immediately, the two of them turn their attention back to the cards, like Alt is no longer there.

Once their eyes are no longer on him, Alt glitches away, hurrying back to where he left Mag and the King.

Aneirin stands up when he sees Alt approaching. "What happened?" he demands. "You were gone for so long." If he hadn't been able to sense Alt's mind staying still he would have been very concerned.

Alt stumbles back with a look of fear as the King speaks, "I-I stumbled into a pair of f-fair folk! They tricked me i-into a game. I'm s-so sorry, my king..." 

Mag sits up and knits his eyebrows in thought, "You got tricked?"

Aneirin's eyebrows shoot into the air in surprise. "A game? With two Fair Folk? By any chance, did they introduce themselves as Caba and Lasta?"

"Y-Yes." Alt says quietly. "Have you met them before, s-sire...?"

"Not personally, but I have heard of them," Aneirin says slowly. "A leprechaun and bodacha trapped in an eternal game. When the rest of the Fair Folk left this world for their Faerilynd, those two refused to help with the moving, instead continuing to play with their cards. In anger, other Fair Folk cursed them so their game would never end." He chuckles. "Little did they know that wouldn't bother the two of them at all. It's said they try to entrap travelers into playing while time around them passes quickly. But if the travelers win a round, they're granted a prize of some sort."

Magnificent snorts at this, "Ridiculous..." 

"...I... I won." Alt says quietly, yet, he tries to hide his prize under his tunic, suddenly afraid of the King knowing about it.

"You did?" The King looks surprised. He laughs. "They must have gone easy on you. Or perhaps you drew a good hand. Very well. What did you get? Tell us."

Alt stiffens, his eyes flashing green. He chokes a bit, then feels compelled to say, "I won these, mu Rith," and he holds out the twig and the 3 cards. His hands tremble as he shows the King. "Cards... and an aid for our travels." 

Magnificent teleports over and peers down at the spoils, then makes a face. "What garbage is this?" 

"The Fair Folk are fond of disguising valuables as common trash and common trash as valuables," Aneirin says. He takes the cards and turns them over, revealing their illustrations. Strangely, the person in the Hunger illustration looks different. No longer wearing fine green clothes and a crown, but instead a tattered cape with colorful static on the inside. The Hermit also looks different, now a man wearing a green cloak and holding a sword in the hand that's not holding the lantern. The King's expression darkens. 

"Keep these," he mutters, handing the cards back to Alt. "What do you mean by 'an aid'?"

Alt nods, taking the cards. Then he says quietly, " They said.... 'When you most need it, luck will bring you where you need to be' and h-handed me the stick." 

Aneirin's eyes light up. He looks at Magnificent. "I did say that we didn't know where our destination is..."

Magnificent eyes widen and then he grins too, giggling sinisterly. “My my Alt… how lucky for all of us!” 

Alt starts to back up, suddenly overwhelmed with dread. He holds the twig close to his chest- His eyes start to flicker.

"Alt," the King says, his tone dangerous as he notices the flickering. "Give that to me." He holds out his hand.

Alt flinches and seems like he wants to fight against the command- But, he can’t resist it as his eyes flare green again and he uncurls, reaching out the stick to the King. 

The King grins. He feels the slightest tinge of magic as his fingers touch it. And if Magnificent was to reach out, he could sense a faint signature from it and the cards, something strange and beautiful. 

Aneirin tucks the twig into a pocket on his tunic. "Well then. Now's a good time to continue on, I think."

Alt stands stoically in place one the stick is taken and nods dazedly. “Yes, mu Ríth.” 

Magnificent looks at the twig with a hungry expression. “If this thing could help us get to the doorway- shouldn’t we go ahead and use it?”

"I don't think this is something that can be used," Aneirin says. "Otherwise the Fair Folk would've told him a command word. I think its luck will simply guide us passively." He looks around, eyes settling on one direction. "Let's continue going downhill. I'm sure I remember it being on flat land."

“Ah- that makes sense.” Magnificent says. He glances at Alt and then starts back down the hill. 

Alt slowly follows after, the forest around him dimming into a hazy fog.

Aneirin leads the way, a triumphant grin on his face.

[ghostiewriter]

So this thought came to me after season three and I have to get it out of my head lol it’s kinda of stretch but hold on to your hats and listen, SO since John B was a little self centered this season I’m need a moment where in season 4 for some reason he might be acting out and pushing people away because he misses his dad and maybe makes a comment about his dad and somehow implies his loss was greater then Sarah’s and upsets her and then cue my cambank siblings and JJ having to talk to John B and tell him that yes his dad is gone (even tho he was shitty af) but it’s still just as painful for Sarah because Ward was still her dad and then I’m going to need JJ follow that up with “I know what she’s feeling, my dad was the worst dad ever but I still missed him when he first left” Like the parallels are RIGHT THERE for those two and I really just need those two bounding and creating a shitty dads club together ✨

SHITTY DAD CAMBANK BONDING PARALLEL MOMENT IM GOING TO SCREAM

I desperately need this. Someone send this to Jonas Pate. I NEED IT.

[batgodofredo]

Joanna Karpowicz - JJ Hat Center

[instructionsnotincluded]

Snow on the Beach

Chapter XI.

Excerpt:

You’re gonna be late,” Audrey only rolled her eyes, JJ’s sing-song voice following after her as she made her way to the far side of the hallway of the Chateau, pausing briefly at the closed door.

“Next time don’t distract me.”

“I don’t see how this is my fault,” JJ wandered further down the hall as he watched her hover at the door, his eyes raking over her. Dressed in her work uniform with her hair tied back tightly, JJ had managed to get a few pieces of hair to escape during their good morning make out session, both teens thankful that John B left before they were up to return the Cameron’s SCUBA gear. JJ leaned against the wall beside the door as he continued, “especially when you were very willing this morning to be distracted.” As if realizing where they were, he frowned over at her, “what’re you doing?”

Audrey turned the handle and pushed the door in—the only door that creaked in the house. Her dad’s bedroom looked the same as it did the morning he disappeared. Bed unmade—various clothes strewn about. His beloved flip flops sat by the dresser, his floppy fisherman’s hat balancing on the corner. It was like a time capsule.

“We don’t have power and my phone’s now dead,” Audrey found herself saying as she hovered awkwardly in the doorway before taking a step inside, subconsciously inhaling to see if there was any lingering smell from her dad. “And as you just pointed out—I’m late. So, I need a watch if this is how the summer’s going to be.”

“Could charge it in the Twinkie,” JJ offered as he leaned against the doorframe, not wanting to intrude on Big John’s room. His father figure hadn’t been a hard ass, but there were two firm rules he lived by, and that was don’t go into his room and don’t go into his office. JJ was more than willing to follow both.

“I’m never in there long enough,” Audrey stepped over to the dresser, her eyes taking in her dad’s toiletries, a few knick-knacks, and some photos taped to the mirror above it. One of her and John B when she was around ten, smiling widely as he took them out fishing on the HMS Pogue. Another of baby John B, wrapped tightly in a blanket, their mother smiling back at the camera. Her eyes briefly lingered on the photo, taking in her mother’s kind, heart shaped face, her dark hair piled up onto the top of her head. Her eyes were exhausted but joyful, as anyone might be after delivering a baby.

“We could change that,” the familiar sound of JJ’s Zippo opening and closing filled the silence as Audrey pulled open the center dresser drawer, “spend a little more time exploring the van…if you’d be interested in that sort of thing…”

[rviner]

"Think it's just you that thinks JJ's got any blessin' and isn't just one giant curse, Crick." Tammie chuckled but she was over the moon that her dork of an older brother had someone like Cricket, a good and honest person who loved him despite the many...very obvious flaws. Laughing more at the exchange with Faith, Tammie's brows raised teasingly. "Uhuh, you wait 'til she's walking and talking you'll be regretting that. I'm telling you now, I don't think a Cross-Jones was ever supposed to be something that happened." Only time would tell but Tammie could already see hints of a little girl who wasn't going to take no for an answer, which she'd promptly blame Ryan for even if her father had numerous receipts that said otherwise. Tammie's head cocked curiously as Cricket explained how she felt but her head was soon nodding in quiet agreement. "Obviously I don't love it, you know? But, we grew up around it so it's kinda...normal? I just don't want him to go back to jail or worse, get himself hurt." Or even worse, get the dreaded call that she had to think about even when he was on a normal shift at the firehouse. "As for me, well if Adri ever comes back I'm gonna be having a few damn words. I'm pissed she just left and it's fallen to me so maybe it's best if she don't come back at all." Tammie grumbled, hunching slightly from a quick bout of tension as she frowned. It was replaced by laughter then as she sat up and pointed. "Yeah! That little turd! I couldn't find a mom or dad for him anywhere I looked, I think they just...let him wander off?" Which wasn't uncommon in Center Hill. "He's gonna be a real shit when he's older. Camo hat, I mean. Not Jax."

;

"Mm, that'll be their blessing and curse when they get older I think. Kinda like JJ's." she laughed, but cuddled Faith closer to her and squished her cheek against her niece's in a tight squeezing hug. "Urgh, that's not true. You are an angel. Literally the sweetest thing." she mumbled in a baby voice, sitting beside Tammie and shifting Faith around on her lap to prop her up carefully against an arm. "Um... it was fine. JJ's on his way home, but you know- just." It felt like constant stress and worry, and whoever said time made things easier was wrong. If anything, Cricket was finding it worse. "Do you get it? That kinda sicky feeling when you know Ryan's gone, or when they're asking you to help?" Cricket asked, waving her hand around near her own stomach. "I feel it all here, like I'm at the top of a ride just before the drop." she explained but shrugged, laughing about Jax and watching as the boys were pulling out all the toy boxes ready to ruin the newly tidied living room. "He's obsessed with that thing, was it that kid who always wears the camo hat? Because I think there's a toddler rivalry going on, Jax almost got him last weekend too."