#The Analysis Bureau

[celestiarambles]

here’s another criticism of the tropes fans put in the cc tv tropes page, and it’s mostly about angela (another defending angela post i’m so sorry, long post and spoilers ahead!)

angela haters like to look and nitpick certain things she does that could probably hint at her being the mole, but fail to gloss over the good things she actually did do.

for example, her character arc in south asia, especially in plagued by death where she showcases her talents in biology and medicine is severely overlooked. here’s an example:

if you look at the recap page of plagued by death, shweta and warren are the ones listed as the big damn heroes. while yes they did do those things, they probably wouldn’t have done it if angela hadn’t intervened.

sure, shweta did tell angela all about the final ingredient needed for the cure and she did say that she was planning to share her findings with the bureau later on, but it’s hard to say whether she actually planned to share it or not. after all, angela and lars had been studying and working on finding a cure for WEEKS, but during that timespan shweta had not reached out to them even once, especially since she knew that she was the one who had created that virus. hell if the bureau didn’t find patient zero and flagged shweta as a suspect, would she actually say something to help out? if angela didn’t yell at her for hiding information from the bureau, would she still go to help them? bottom line is that shweta knew that she created the virus that caused the epidemic, and while she did help in finding out the cure, she never said anything about it to the bureau until she was first interrogated. not even basic information or anything. and basically, she only said that she was planning to TRY out the flame lily for the cure, but angela was the one who made it work.

other than that if angela didn’t find the cure, obviously warren wouldn’t have any medicine to distribute. in fact, she and the player were the ones who inform him about it personally. i don’t know if angela was aware that warren was sombra or not (given that she is sombra as well), but she still warned him about o.m medilab too.

i’m not saying that shweta and warren didn’t do enough to help with the epidemic, but it’s kinda off-putting on how angela and lars have been working their asses off to the point of sleep deprivation just to find the cure, and when angela was the one who discovered it the cc community just blatantly ignored that and said that shweta and warren were the ones who saved the day.

“well that’s because angela is the mole! she can’t do good! she’s evil!” in later cases (and seasons), both shweta and warren also became killers as well. how come they get credited with this but all that they can say about angela here is that she was “determined”? regardless of her connections with sombra, angela was the one who CREATED the cure.

“angela only worked on finding that cure because lars got infected!” even before lars got sick, they were BOTH working on it together. yes, it was obviously a factor as to why angela was determined to find the cure, but of course no sane person would want a virus like that to plague an entire country. and she’s a scientist. it’s her job. and imagine trying to find a cure knowing that someone you love’s life is on the line and only that cure would save them: there was a ton of pressure on her part during that case, more so when lars got infected too.

“but angela is sombra, she must’ve wanted that to happen since sombra’s motto is that the weak die! she’s probably been helping o.m medilab too!” she probably was aware of what o.m medilab was doing given her ties with sombra, but she seemed to be most likely against it, given that she’s in the medical field and that their actions harmed a lot of people. here’s another overlooked detail, this time in bad medicine:

if angela wasn’t against the crimes that o.m medilab had done, she wouldn’t have told elliot that dracoxia is dangerous. this may have been another case of “angela pretending to help so that the bureau wouldn’t think she’s the mole”, but if she wasn’t genuine she would’ve told elliot surface-level information about the drug. she could’ve omitted the part about how the pills weren’t tested yet and claim plausible deniability if they confronted her about it. but she still told him EVERYTHING she knew. she was clearly against their actions from the start.

“but angela’s loyal to sombra!” that’s another pet peeve i have in tv tropes’ perception of angela. the fans who put her tropes there think that she is completely loyal to sombra even though she disagrees with some of their methods and that lars is her ‘morality pet’. i really couldn’t blame them because pretty simple had written her poorly in the darkest hour, but i don’t think she was actually THAT loyal to sombra at all. she was just afraid of disobeying them because of the harm they could do to her and her family so she had to comply. and when she got arrested, everyone in the bureau was basically aware that sombra was everywhere at that point so angela had to put on this act that she did agree with sombra.

look at the sequence of events in save the world. in south asia, angela created a cure to a virus that o.m medilab, a sombra front, bought from shweta, then the bureau found out that said sombra front was embezzling funds. in east asia, the bureau discovered sombra’s child trafficking scheme, something angela was CLEARLY AGAINST to the point she feared for her children’s lives. (what didn’t help was that sombra was the one who initially took her in in the first place when her parents died, so the investigation probably made her remember her own trauma in the murder games and the death of her parents.) then in oceania, the bureau found out about the experimentation they did to the children who won the hunt, something that angela wasn’t aware about because it had never happened to her when she was raised by sombra. add the fact that elliot, their teenager colleague, was kidnapped as well.

after everything she had discovered, angela had enough. she probably wanted out of sombra that time. which is why sombra made the bureau’s plane crash in africa to keep her in line. to threaten her.

i’m not trying to say that angela didn’t do anything wrong. i just think that she isn’t as bad as people make her out to be. she clearly knows what’s right and what’s wrong, even if she wasn’t married to lars. she just had to make a lot of difficult choices that time just to protect herself and her family. players know her for all those choices and for all the bad things she did, but fail to acknowledge the good things that she actually did do. i mean girlie won a whole NOBEL PRIZE for god’s sake, which in real life is difficult especially for a woc like her. and even if she did it out of guilt, she created this whole charity to help orphans and adopted children, and it’s even deeper when we acknowledge the fact that she herself became an orphan.

TLDR: angela committed crimes and did a lot of bad things, but whether you like her or not, she still did some good things as well. don’t ignore or downplay that just so that she could fit into this villain narrative.

[abbatoirablaze]

Criminal Minds, Season 1, Episode 15, Part 1

Word Count:  2.1k

Warnings:  sexual situations

Samantha Reid

“That’s it.  That’s the last of it.”

Your twin brother looked at your desk sadly, “you know...we’ve been together for most of our lives...the only time I really remember us being apart was the year and a half we spent while I went to MIT and you went to Stanford.”

You felt your stomach knotting as you bit your lip, “yeah...”

“Y-you’re not...leaving because we’re on different groups are anything, are you?”

“No Spencer,” you frowned, “I just-the state department is going to be a better opportunity for me.”

“Yeah...okay...I just-we’ve talked about being at the BAU together most of our childhoods.”

“I know...I’m sorry, Spencer.”

His frown deepened, “I’m going to miss you, Samantha...”

“It’s not like I’ll never see you again, or anything,” you laughed, nudging your twin, “you’re acting like I won’t see you at home, or-“

“I uh-I’m going to take your box down to the car,” he said with a forced smile, “maybe you should go say goodbye to Hotch.”

“Are you sure?” you asked. 

His tight-lipped smile continued as he took the box out of your hands and started to walk towards the doors.  Your brow furrowed, and you watched him board the elevator, before turning towards your boyfriend’s office.

Spencer had known about you and Aaron since the Billie Copeland case that he was on when you came back to your shared apartment a few days later, and you’d been wearing the same clothes that you’d left in. 

He wasn’t mad, at least, he claimed that he wasn’t, but you could tell that the dynamics in your relationship had definitely shifted since then.  Spencer had, in many senses of the word, been treating you differently.  He had been treating you the same way he had when you’d announced you’d be finishing your degree at Stanford instead of MIT like he’d wanted.  

You felt the smallest twinge in your stomach, but you knew that deep down, this was the best option for you. 

And for your relationship with Aaron.  But in turning towards the offices, you noticed that Aaron’s office door was closed. And his blinds were drawn.  Curiously, you went up the stairs and knocked on the door. 

“Come in.”

You opened the door, and was shocked to see the lighting was off, save for the desk lamp.  On his desk, was takeout, and the chair in front of it had been pulled out. 

You smiled, “and what, exactly is this?”

“Dinner one more time in the office?” he asked hopefully. 

You sighed and went into room, closing the door behind yourself.  He gave you a charming smile, and your heart felt like it was about to beat right out of your chest as you leaned against the door. 

“You didn’t forget the chopsticks again, did you?”

He smiled even wider and held up two pairs, “made sure to grab them.”

“God, I love you,” you giggled, strolling to the chair before taking a seat.   He chuckled a little bit more and opened the boxes, serving you, and filling your plate before his own.  When he finished, he looked at you, a twinkle in his eye, “what are you looking at me like that for?”

“I just-I can’t believe that your last day is finally here,” he admitted, “I won’t get to see you around the office anymore.”

“I can always still visit,” you offered, “and I mean, you could come to the Pentagon to visit me from time to time too!”

“Samantha...”

“I know...it’s not the same,” you laughed.  He smiled again and reached for your and so that he could hold it in his own.  While you loved the sweet, attentiveness to him, you got a feeling in the back of your mind that something was going on, “Aaron, what’s going on?”

“I know we’ve been talking about it for a few months...but I can’t stand the idea of not seeing you every day...”

“Aaron, you’re acting like we’re never going to see each other once we stop working together.”

He let go of your hand, and reached into his drawer, before pulling out a key.  The distinct clinking noise of the metal hitting his desk sent you into a moment of shock.

“I bought an apartment for us...”

It felt like someone stole the breath in your chest, “y-you what?”

“I got us an apartment, Samantha,” he repeated, “I want you to move in with me.”

“What-what about Jack?” you asked quickly, “and Haley?  I thought you were going to stay at the house until-“

“We talked about it, and while Jack is going to be raised in the house, it’s time for me to leave,” he admitted with a nod, “and the more Haley and I talked about it, she’s okay with you and I moving in together, provided that we’re close enough to her and Jack...so we’re still in town...but I want our story to start, Samantha.  I want our future together to be here.  So...will you move in with me?”

Everything felt like it was clicking into place.

How tense your twin had been all day, only for him to act standoffish and insist that you go see your boyfriend.

“Did Spencer know?”

“Yes.”

“You really want to do this?” you asked, “you really want to move in with me?”

“I do, Samantha.”

You felt like you’d been holding your breath the entire drive over to the apartment.  After dinner, Aaron had insisted that he would get to show you it, so you agreed. 

But now, standing at the door, you felt a new bundle of nerves rising to your throat. 

What had you agreed to?

Sure, you and Aaron had a number of discussions about moving in together and advancing your relationship, but you never really thought much of it becoming a reality when he still managed to live with Haley. 

Even if they no longer shared a bedroom.

It still felt weird to you.

“You ready to see our place?”

Your eyes slipped up to his and you noticed how hopeful and happy he appeared.  It did enough to calm your nerves as you put a smile on your face and nodded, “yeah...”

He released the anxious breath that he was holding and turned the key, letting the door open.  You gasped seeing a trail of rose petals from the entrance, going around the corner.

“Aaron...” you asked, looking at him, “wh-what did you...did you do this?”

His smile got even wider as he nodded, “I wanted it to be special, Samantha.”

“And what if I had said no?”

He shrugged, “you didn’t...but I mean...if you did then the rose petals would have been a lot harder for me to clean up tomorrow morning.”

You couldn’t help but giggle, “you know...sometimes I hate how sure of yourself you are, Aaron Hotchner.”

“Hazard of the job.”

You shook your head and leaned into his body.  He smiled and leaned down, pressing a chaste kiss to your lips, before wrapping his arm around your waist, “come on...let me show you the lay of the land.”

You laughed, and allowed him to lead you in.  He pulled the keys from the lock and closed the door. Shaking your head at him, you stifled a giggle when he tossed his briefcase on the couch unceremoniously. 

“That the permanent spot for it?” you teased.

He grinned at you, shrugging yet again, “Maybe!”

He swept you up in his arms once more and you couldn’t help but laugh as the two of you fell onto the couch together.  He made a face, before shifting the briefcase out from beneath himself.

“You okay?”

“Okay, so maybe I find a new place to house my briefcase,” he admitted, “you know...before it gives me life-long back problems.”

“Poor profiler didn’t think about how that could end up, did he?”

He playfully narrowed his eyes at you, and then rolled the two of you, so that he was hovering above you.  Your breathing hitched in your throat as his thumb grazed over your exposed hip; your shirt having ridden up. 

“Do you know what I’m profiling right now?”

“Hmm?”

“How my girlfriend is reacting to my touch,” he smiled, applying the slightest bit of pressure to your hips.  You moaned, feeling his growing erection against your lower half.  He leaned down and you allowed your neck to lull to the side, while he pressed a series of kisses down the column of your throat, “how you love the way I touch you...you’re eager for it.”

“Feels like you’re pretty eager too!” you replied as one of your hands slid down to his crotch.  His breathing got shallow as you undid the belt and button of his pants, before sliding your hand into them.  His eyes fluttered shut and you whimpered seeing his long eyelashes fluttering for a moment, while his brain processed how you were stroking him.

“Samantha...”

“What do you say, Aaron,” you teased, “should we christen this new apartment?”

He nodded breathlessly, “D-I don’t have a bed yet...it-supposed to be delivered tomorrow afternoon...”

“Then where were the roses going?”

“Bedroom,” he whispered breathily, “had blankets set up on an inflatable mattress.”

“I think we can suffice with making love on the floor,” you teased, sliding your hand out of his pants and slipping down to the floor.  He swallowed hard as you slipped out of your skirt and started to undo the buttons of your shirt, “don’t you?”

He nodded, loosening his tie.  Taking it off, he started to rip at the buttons of his own shirt, before kneeling in front of you, “I think we can manage.”

And just as your lips touched, and the electricity felt intense enough to light up a whole city block, his phone rang. 

He moaned into the kiss, trying to keep you in place, “if it’s important they’ll call back!”

“Aaron, it could be an assignment!” you giggled softly, breaking away from his kisses. 

“Wanna be with you!” he  murmured between kisses. 

But you were already on your hands and knees, crawling towards his phone when it stopped ringing.  And you felt your boyfriend’s body hovering over yours.

“I’m thinking you just wanted an excuse to get away!” he teased, grinding his crotch into your ass. 

You looked over your shoulder and the phone started to ring again.  Reaching onto the side table where the phone was, you grabbed it.  You could feel him sighing heavily and rest his head on your back.  But as you sat up on your knees he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into his lap, before taking his phone.

“Hotchner!” he answered, a little more aggressively than he needed to. 

You could hear Gideon on the other end talking quickly.  Then you felt Aaron’s posture change. 

He was going to leave.

“I’ll notify the team to meet at the airstrip.  We’ll be to you soon, Gideon.”

He hung up his phone and threw it onto the couch.  His arms looped low on your waist, and you felt him kissing your shoulder blade once, then lean into your back. 

“Everything okay?”

“No,” he frowned, shaking his head, “I have to go.”

“I figured as much.”

“Samantha...I-I didn’t want it to be like this.  Not on the first night I-“

“Aaron, it’s okay,” you said, cutting him off.  You removed yourself from his lap and stood, before helping your boyfriend to his feet as well.  He gave you another sad look and you braced your hands on his chest.  You leaned up and gave him a soft kiss, “you go pack a go-bag, and I’ll use your phone to text the team to meet at the airstrip...then you can drop me off at my apartment with Spencer, and pick him up, then go on assignment.”

“Samantha-“

“I already have my copy of the apartment key, and I’ll come over tomorrow with some of my stuff, and make sure the bed gets delivered...and I’ll clean up the roses.” You said, cutting him off once more.  He went to speak and you put a finger over his lips, “Aaron...go...I’ll take care of the home front.”

“Okay...” he said sadly. He leaned down and pressed another kiss to your lips before turning towards the bedroom.  You gently smacked his ass as he left, and he looked over his shoulder at you, “I’ll give you that one...but if you-“

“Don’t go soft on me in your old age, Aaron!” you teased.

“Honey...you know I’m never soft on you!” he smiled.

You shot him a wink and picked up his phone to text the rest of the team about a new case, while he disappeared into the bedroom to pack his go-bag.

Season 1, Episode 15, Part 2

[francesthetraveller]

Watch me go ham about the art book!!! (in a positive manner)

Lately from January to this month I've gotten REALLY into B.O.O. due to a false rumour going around that resulted in me drawing my first OC for it and I spent the eventual first half of my year trying my best to research EVERYTHING I could about the movie, even if some of them were scarce at best or non-existent at worst. But in April of this year, an early copy of the art book itself got leaked online, and I was so ECSTATIC about it that I spent almost an entire school day trying to look through the art and read through the script of it inorder to peice together what the movie was completely about. I was originally going to save it earlier, however they took it off of The Wayback Machine, and I was only able to screenshot a few images before doing so. HOWEVER!! They did infact also save it onto a Mega file, and so I spent an entire friday afternoon downloading both the art book and the guide-book/pitch bible onto my computer incase I would need it for either my art, writing or for research (I am,,, normal,,, about this movie,,,) It's not actually that hard to find it's both on The Lost Media page for it and also for The Cancelled Movie wiki page. Although you do have to download them first because they're both zip-files. Regardless of the fact, I'm going to dwelve into parts of the art book that particularly caught my interest (I plan to do the guide-book for another post). This might take me more than one post to do but I'll try my best.

The Art Book Itself

Since it is pretty much an unfinished version of what would've been the final product (the date underneath each pages say that this was worked on around September 30th of 2014), text from every page had the HTTYD2 art book text added in as a temporary placeholder. The actual text itself is within another file that you have to open separately.

It's also important to note that some of the images haven't been completely added in yet as of the time this early draft was created, so it is mainly left to interpretation on what was originally going to be added there.

The Worldbuilding

Ever since clips of the movie surfaced around, some people were speculating on where the movie itself was going to take place (aside from the cosmic realm). And We've actually got an answer for that right here! The town where most of the hauntings happen is called Gateway, which is somewhere around Illinois.

I very much love the whole vibe of the town, as it looks almost like an early, dreamworkish version of the New York City shown in Soul (oh no,, the afterlife hyperfixations clash !!).

The mixture between the different architecture from both the past and the current era really shows how much this town changed overtime and emphasizes a reason to feel close towards it. It also gives more meaning towards its name (while also tying into the whole ghost plot)

The Character Designs (For the humans, that is)

Although not that visible within the rendered animated models, it was actually intended that humans and ghosts would have followed the teardrop theory way of character design, with humans being wider from below while ghosts were more wider from above to showcase how ghosts are more lighter since their forms aren't actually corporeal.

(I actually followed this when doing the second designs for my OCs!)

[criminal-mids]

🩸Welcome🩸

ABOUT THE BLOG:

This is a side blog!

I follow/like from my main blog @justmorebtsffs.

I'm only on Season 5 so far, but I already love this show sooo much it's insane.

CONTENT:

Fanfiction

HCs

Memes

SHIPS: 

Morgan x Garcia

Emily x Spencer (idk why, I just feel like they could be cute together)

Will x JJ

What I DO write ✔️

- Canon-typical Violence

- Fluff

- Sickfics (no emeto) 

What I DO NOT Write ❌ 

- x reader (reader insert or "your name”) I don’t judge, It’s just not a genre I like to write.

- smut

- emeto (throwing up may be mentioned but not described in detail.) 

[moneyecon]

U.S. Economy Grows Faster than Expectations

Good News! U.S. Economy Grows faster than expectations, despite the fear of recession which was always around the corner from the last year. The Economy grew faster than expected. On 29th November, 2023, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), released the Third Quarter GDP data and the data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reveals a resilient economy driven by increased consumer…

[hislop3]

Friday Feature: GDP Report

Yesterday, the second quarter GDP report (economic activity) was released. This is the initial print from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. It will see two more prints but the initial one is always the headline story. Revisions of late, tend to be down versus up (improvement). I eschew the headlines for the details as the numbers jumble together to create a picture but the “devil is in the…

[rumplereids]

wonderstruck.

part one. tags: spencer reid x fem!reader. tech analyst!reader. early-s1!spencer. a/n: tech analyst!reader won’t leave my little brain. i hope u like this :) masterlist. requests are open !

You were 21 when you got recruited into the bureau. Barely a graduate, and already on a FBI watchlist. Honestly, the only reason you’re under their watchful eyes is because of a lapse in judgment.

To celebrate the semester ending, your roommate decided that you both needed to get drunk. Being a psychology major with a pre-med roommate leads to tequila shots in your own dorm room. It’s the convenience and comfort of your own space that got you so drunk. This situation led to this: you admitting to your roommate, with heavy eyes, that you can “hack, you know. I learned when I was 15.”

She sat up from her place on the floor.

“Really? I don’t believe you!” she giggles, and then hiccups.

“I so can!” there’s indignation and a want to prove yourself in the tone of your voice.

“Okay, show me!”

Shuffling on heavy feet, you plop down in front of your laptop. A few clicks and the comforting clacks of your keyboard, and then a window pops open. You look at the wide-gaped mouth of your roommate. “What are you hacking?”

You hum, “I don’t know.”

And then you remember the talk from a few days ago. Two agents from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit came over to your college to talk about criminal profiling to psychology majors and anyone else interested.

Completely inebriated, you manage to hack into their database. Your hazy mind doesn’t forget to compliment the beauty and intricacy of the codes and firewalls you broke down.

At Quantico, Virginia, Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia rushes into her unit chief’s office.

“Sir, somebody is attempting to get into my system. I think they’re trying to communicate?”

Hotch follows Garcia into her office, the quickness of their steps catching the attention of Dr. Spencer Reid who was seated at his desk, skimming over a case report.

When Hotch gets into Penelope’s ‘lair’, his eyes squint, adjusting to the dimmed lights and bright screens. On the main monitor, a window displaying the barebones of a text chat is open.

<ATHEN411> ????

<ATHEN411> hiiiiidfgsd

<YOU> Who is this?

<ATHEN411> ohymgofd i didnt think anyonewould alsnwer

<ATHEN411> wh o it sthis?

<YOU> BAU Section Chief Aaron Hotchner.

<ATHEN411> omfdg i know uuu !! jason mentoined u

<YOU> Jason?

<ATHEN411> yhuhh jason digeon or sumn omg i cant tpoye

<ATHEN411> sorry

<YOU> Jason Gideon? How do you know him?

<ATHEN411 disconnected.>

You’ve completely forgotten about the conversation. Until, a few days later. You’re turning the corner of the hallway to get into your dorm. Backpack slung on a shoulder, arms full of your laptop, binders and a soft-bound copy of your final paper. You stop in your tracks when you see two men stationed outside your room’s door.

One man was in a shirt, jeans, and combat boots. He also had sunglasses on. The other had a permanent furrow to his brows, dressed formally in a suit and tie.

“Hi, can I help you?” you ask, hand reaching into your hoodie pocket for your keys and pepper spray.

The one in sunglasses holds up a badge and ID.

“FBI. I’m Agent Morgan, this is Agent Hotchner. Are you Y/N L/N?”

You gulp, wondering why they knew your name.

“Um, yeah. Why?”

“Can we talk somewhere private?”

Your bring out your keys, and you notice how Agent Hotchner eyes the pepper spray keychained to it.

“Um, yeah. We can talk inside? My roommate’s still out.”

You unlock your door and walk in, the agents following in after you. Dropping your bag on your desk chair, you turn to ask the agents, “How can I help you?”

Agent Hotchner asks, “Are you familiar with the name athen-four-one-one?”

You look up at them guilty.

“It’s athena-eleven.”

“So, it’s you?” Agent Morgan clarifies.

“Yes. How did you find me?”

The two men share a glance. A silent conversation passing with you unknowing.

“Two nights ago, you hacked into the BAU’s database.”

You look at them in suprise, “I did?”

“Yes,” Agent Hotchner says, passing a folder to you. Inside are images and a transcript of messages shared between a ‘P.GARCIA’ and ‘ATHEN411’.

“Oh my god,” you whisper, realizing what’s happening.

“I was drunk off my ass two nights ago! I’m so sorry,” that catches Agent Morgan’s attention.

“You were drunk?”

“Yeah, my roommate and I were celebrating our exams. I didn’t… Am I in trouble?”

Agent Hotchner raises a hand in a placating gesture, “You were drunk when you hacked into the bureau’s database?” Confusion and slight amusement evident in the tone of his voice.

“Yeah,” you confess, “It was just a dare! I don’t even remember much of it.”

Agent Morgan looks as if he doesn’t know what to think about the situation. You feel the same. Agent Hotchner extends a hand to get the file back from you, and you give it to him easily.

“Would you go with us back to the station?”

“What? For what? Am I being sued?”

“The opposite. I would like to conduct a proper interview.” Agent Hotchner explains.

“An interview? For what?”

“A job as a technical analyst at Quantico.”

You look at them, eyes furrowing in confusion and disbelief, “What? I can’t!”

“Why not?”

You gesture toward your desk, “I still have a paper to pass!”

Meeting Penelope Garcia was like a dream come true.

“I should have realized! The triple-stacked firewall should’ve been so obvious! The Black Queen signature!”

The blonde’s eyes sparkle, happy to meet a match.

“Athena-Eleven! I didn’t even notice you were in my systems until you sent your first message.”

You feel your chest puff up at the indirect praise.

“You were one of my idols,” you admit, “Your exposé on Griffith Industries was just… stunning! Absolutely flawless. You had a section in your code that I used to build my private server—” Agent Hotchner interrupts your spiel.

He gestures to the rest of the room, where agents were seated at a round table.

“This is Y/N L/N, the unit’s newest technical analyst. ” he says, and you give a shy wave. You get a wave back from the agent wearing glasses. He’s cute. Have you seen him before?

“This is Jennifer Jareau, our communications liaison,” you shake her outstretched hand. She’s so pretty, you start to think, gorgeous blue eyes too.

“You’ve met Derek Morgan,” Agent Hotchner says, and Agent Morgan gives a two finger salute, his hands wrapped around a coffee cup.

“Agent Jason Gideon,” you return his handshake, mumbling a shy; “Hello, sir. Nice to see you again.”

And then, “This is Dr. Spencer Reid—”

“Oh! You were with Agent Gideon at the seminar! You talked a bit about geoprofiling, and how an unsub’s subconscious can’t help but stick close to home, which helps you triangulate the—” Agent Hotchner lets out another soft cough.

“Um, yeah. I did. Nice to meet you,” he gives another small wave, smile close-lipped and awkward. Endearing. He’s really cute. “I don’t really shake hands.”

You nod, “I get that, germs and stuff. It’s actually, weirdly, safer to kiss.”

You don’t see the way JJ and Derek look at each other, nor do you notice when Penelope whispered, “Oh my God, there’s two of them.”

“Your code name, it’s for the Athena, right? The Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft?” Dr. Reid asks you, curiosity getting the better of him.

“Yeah. I love greek mythology.”

He gives you a smile, “I do, as well. I’m wondering about the eleven though. Does it mean anything?”

You tsk’d through your teeth, “The angel number 1111’s often seen as a spiritual wake-up call and awakening. I thought it was fitting, and I was 15 when I chose the name, okay? Excuse little old me.”

“That’s cool,” Dr. Reid admits. If he remembers your file right, you were barely 17 when you became a trademark and known name in underground hacking circles. He can’t properly meet your eyes, struck in awe. Athena. It’s perfect for you.

“Y/N formally starts her job with us in three days,” Hotch informs the team, “Be kind.”

With a final word, Gideon and Hotch start to return to their offices.

Derek straightens from his position on the office chair. “I am very kind!”

“He didn’t say anything about you,” Penelope teases.

“Ooh, that says a lot, Morgan. It says so much,” JJ teases back.

You smile at them, your new co-workers, taking the seat JJ was gesturing at for you. The three continue bickering, you start to tune them out as you make eye contact with Dr. Reid. The apple of his cheeks blush red, and you can’t stop the grin on your lips from getting wider. He’s downright enchanting.

[abbatoirablaze]

Criminal Minds, Season 1 Episode 14

Word Count:  1.5k Warnings:  angst, mention of loss of a child, mentions of cheating/secret relationships.

Samantha Reid

“Alright, now, remember,” JJ smiled as she put a hand on your shoulder, “the most important thing to do in a case normal case is to make sure that you have a firm grip on the media.  Making sure they follow the story that you need them to can be an integral part in making sure that the team can not only take down the unsub, but also that the victim has a better chance of making it out of the situation, okay?  But with this case, it’s all about containment.  Sarah Jean and her husband are set to be executed, so it’s all about making sure that we do our due diligence.”

“Okay!” you nodded, swallowing down your nerves, while you wrote in your notebook.

“Now in a case like this, it’s especially important!” she pointed out, looking down at the file on the table in front of the two of you.

“You know, I was a rookie when this case originally dropped into our laps,” your soon-to-be former team leader sighed as she sat down across from the two of you with a cup of coffee, “worked it with the good old boys before the BAU really took off and we were still called the BSU.”

“Agent Silverton?” Ana asked, looking to the chair next to her, “do you mind if I join in?  We’re supposed to go over our angle to the media before we land.  And since Samantha is with the two of us as a liaison and not an agent, we need her full attention.  It’s going to be crazy when we land, and we need to make sure that she is able to handle this.”

“Right!” the senior agent nodded, giving a tight-lipped smile, “best of luck with the state department, Dr. Reid.”

“Thanks.”

“Alright, Sam...we’ll have plenty of time to talk about your life, the case from the good old days, and your new job later,” Anastasia pointed out as she tapped her fingers on the file, “since this is a previously solved case that has some new life breathed into it now that the executions are finally here, we not only need to go over and be aware of every minute detail, but we have to make sure that the press doesn’t turn into a circus.”

“That can happen all too quick with a notorious case like this!” JJ added in.

“C-can I talk to you?”

You looked up from your paperwork and notes, to a nervous looking JJ.  Your brow furrowed and your head quirked to the side.

“Is everything okay?”

She looked towards the door, which was open, and put the coffee carrier down, before walking back over to it and shutting it.  Outside the door, you could see your boyfriend stopping his work momentarily to give you and her a look. 

“I want to apologize,” she admitted, looking over her shoulder to Aaron and the rest of the team, who were currently looking over the files and planning on how to find the last of the bodies that Sarah Jean’s husband claimed existed.  Your heart wrenched as you thought about the baby boy that was murdered, “about Hotch...and Haley.”

“Oh...”

“I know that what I’ve been doing to you hasn’t been fair...but you know it’s only because of-“

“It’s fine!” you said quickly, cutting her off.

She shook her head, “it’s not fine.  I’ve been barring you from working with us on assignments because of my friendship with Haley, and how I’ve known Hotch for years.  And ever since Haley gave birth to Jack-“

“Jennifer, it’s fine!”

She stopped speaking and looked at you, “She told me about how she’d been seeing someone even before she and Aaron officially split up...why didn’t you tell me that?”

You sighed, and she gave you a look.

“It wasn’t my place to tell you, JJ.” You shrugged, “did I want to?  Sure!  I mean, I know that you and Haley are friends, and that’s important.  You were trying to do what you thought was right.  I don’t fault you for it.  But just so you’re aware, Haley and I have talked about mine and Aaron’s relationship...we’ve talked about our dynamics and how the two of them want to co-parent Jack...”

“Does that...involve you?”

You nodded, “yeah.  It does.  That was another one of the reasons I agreed to take on the role at the state department.  Because it will allow me to be home more so that Aaron could have Jack if he wanted, or if Haley wanted a break, I could step in.”

“Haley told me that you and him were planning on moving in together.”

“Yeah...I mean, we’ve talked about it...but we haven’t agreed to anything yet.”

“Would you...move in with him?”

“JJ...I love Aaron,” you said firmly, “I don’t know why you’re so sceptical about it.  I want to move in with him.  And we want to have a strong, committed relationship where we love each other, and help raise Jack into an amazing young man.  And eventually down the road, we do want to get married and have our own children as well.  And, well, I’m taking those first steps by making sure that I have a normal nine to five at the state department.”

“I just-you’re really young.”

“And I know what I want, JJ.” You replied, before looking over to your boyfriend, who was trying to discreetly watch the two of you.  You couldn’t help but smile at him and he blushed, before looking away, “and I want a future with him.”

“So long as you’re sure that it’s what is best for everyone involved.”

“I think it is!”

Anastasia Garcia

I understand what she did, you know...” you frowned, looking down the hallway where you knew that Sarah Jean had walked.  Samantha looked up at you, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“What?”  she asked, “how?”

“Monsters are what affect a child...the sins of their parents are what makes their lives predestined before they even have a chance.  And while a parent is supposed to be the one chasing monsters away at night, there’s only so much that you can do if the parent is the monster,” you sighed, thinking of your own child, “you know...there was a large part of me that always wondered what would have happened to Declan, had I just said fuck it and taken him  with me anyways.  I know that he would have followed me to the ends of the world to get him back...but I just...sometimes I wonder if things could have been different.”

“Ian wouldn’t have let that happen.”

“No...” you admitted, your throat tightening as you thought about it, “I think that he would have if I asked him...let me take him...but he would have regretted the decision and tried to live a normal life.”

“A normal life...” she scoffed, “from what you told me, he doesn’t seem like the type to have anything normal in his life.”

“Me and Ian had a different type of relationship.  I know it’s hard to think of it like this, but it was almost...pure.”

“Pure...”

You chuckled, “I said what I said, Reid.”

“How is that possible?” she scoffed, “he was a weapons dealer, and terrorist.”

“There was a soft side to him though...a side that no one else ever saw.” You admitted, thinking about all of the secret, intimate moments with just the two of you. 

“Must have been for you to have a child with him and marry him.”

“I’ve been waking up lately wondering just what I could have done though to change what happened in the past, so this case hits me really hard, Samantha,” you frowned, “seeing that Sarah Jean gave it all up because she wanted a better life for her son...I-I wish things turned out like that for Declan.”

“You can’t blame yourself for that,” she tried, “you only did what you thought was best for him.”

“Samantha...sometimes it’s not enough...” you said tearfully, “sometimes you can do what you think is best, and it still turns out like shit.  Sometimes you lose the only thing that ever mattered in the end, and it’s your fault because you thought that was ‘what was right.’  What Sarah Jean did, was spare her child the sins of her and that evil fucker...Declan...he died because of the sins on me and Ian.”

You found yourself trying to wipe away the tears that were falling as a noise from behind made you jump.  Samantha turned, and you with her, only to see Derek standing at the door, a sad look on his face.

“Agent Morgan, I-“

“Can I talk to Ana?”

“Y-yeah...of course.  I should probably meet up with JJ,” she said quickly as she grabbed her stuff, “i-I’ll see you guys on the jet later?”

“An hour,” he said firmly, as the two passed one another.  Samantha gave you a look before she closed the door on her way out, “An-“

“I don’t want to talk about it, Derek.”

“I heard what you said,” he said softly, taking a few strong steps until he was right in front of you.  You wouldn’t look at him as he wrapped his arms around your waist, “baby...look at me.”

You looked up. 

He gave you a sad look before pulling you into his chest. 

You broke down, sobbing against him, “I-I ne-“

“Shhh,” he cooed, shushing you while he cut you off.  One of his hands went up and he smoothed down your hair while he held you against himself, “we don’t have to talk about it, baby.  Just let it out.  I’m here for you.”

“I’m so sorry.  I-“

“You don’t have anything to be sorry about, baby girl!” he said softly, continuing his attempts at trying to calm you down, “you lost a child mama.  That isn’t anything that anyone should ever take lightly.”

“I left him, Derek,” you sobbed, “I left him with my ex, thinking it would be better off.  But he-he’s gone.  He-“

“It’s okay, baby girl, let it out!”

S1, E15, Part 1

[ssahotchnerr]

i just want a hug from Hotch so bad!!! 😭🤧 can i request a sunshiney and oblivious reader and Hotch hugging and sharing his coat bc she forgot hers and insists it’s too cold for Hotch to just give her his, so obviously the smartest solution is just to share hehehe? 🥰 and ofc the team makes fun of him bc he’s a huge softie for her!!! ❤️🍯

tysm! i absolutely adore your fics!

survival instincts

AWWWW cw; fem bau sunshine!reader, established relationship, playful banter and fluff <3

Patience was a virtue, one you felt as if you exhibited thoroughly. You were easygoing, positive, sensible when it came to others.

So waiting for the local PD to wrap up their analysis of the crime scene would've been fine, if the temperature hadn't been plummeting by the minute.

And you hadn't foolishly left your coat back at the precinct.

Your nose was numbing, you were beginning to shiver in place; the sun wasn't there to provide any supplemental warmth. The clouds were a menacing, gloomy gray that was darkening, with the tiniest bit of gleam coming from behind. In an hour or so, night would be upon you.

You breathed out, watching your breath fan out in a cloud, hoping it would entertain you enough to stop thinking about your growing frigidness. Your gaze furthered past it as it expanded, landing on Aaron and his warm coat.

The visual caused you to think about the earlier morning, warm in the comfort of bed. Laid beside Aaron, enveloped in the weak comforter the hotel had to offer - which didn't matter with the warmth he consistently provided. You would've done anything to go back to the moment. And so, a plan to remedy your problem quickly developed in your mind.

"Aaron." You whisper-yelled, despite the fact he was a mere foot away. His eyes were locked forward, without a doubt ensuring the crime scene wasn't being compromised by the officers poking around.

His brown eyes found yours, "Hm?"

"I'm cold." You whined with a playful pout, your eyes begging for help.

"Then maybe you should've remembered a coat." He teased, hands buried in his coat pockets.

You quipped by use of a cheeky expression in return. You gazed at the asphalt below, the wind whipping your hair around your face. You mumbled a feigned, solemn, "Maybe."

He began prying his coat off his shoulders, "Here, let me-"

"No silly. Then you'll be cold. And we can't have that, can we?" You rolled your eyes, bringing yourself in front of him. You slid your arms around his middle, underneath his coat - thankfully unbuttoned - and embracing him tightly.

The long coat he wore was loose enough to shield your sides, provided mild coverage from the wind, and whatever was left was made up from his body heat. Immediately, you began regaining warmth head to toe.

"Sweetheart, this isn't very convenient." You felt his chuckle rumble through him, gently jostling your head as it rest on his chest. But still his arms wrapped around you, holding you close. "Or professional, given the circumstances."

"This is merely a survival technique." You mumbled insistently into his shirt, a smile tugging at your lips. "Close contact preserves body heat. I'm just doing what it takes to survive. I don't think the Bureau would be very happy if one of their agents froze to death while on the job."

Aaron hummed at the stretch of your proposition. "Well, I think the Bureau would presume their agents would have the intention to bring a coat."

You scoffed lightly, causing him to laugh again. "Well, do you have a better idea?"

"Yeah, you could just wear my-"

"I already told you no. And my supporting evidence," You insisted, your voice laced an almost, mischievous wisdom. "You're just getting over a cold, which won't be returning if there's anything I can do about it. Plus there's a reason I call you a furnace. This, you," You tightened your hold on his as if to prove your point. "Can supply me with more warmth than a coat ever could."

He laughed softly. Again it was leaning more on the rigid side, conscious of any wandering eyes. He did, however, sneak a quick kiss to the top of your head. "If you say so."

You closed your eyes, releasing a content sigh and savoring the warmth, as well as Aaron's contact. One of his hands softly brushed a spot along your back. However, your shared moment of solitude was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Aww, can I join?" Derek gushed, shit-eating grin on his face. JJ had an equally as smug grin as she trailed up from behind him.

You shot him a look, one that read ha-ha funny as well as amused, while Aaron subtly narrowed his eyes. He then turned his head in the opposite direction, his cheek resting against your head comfortably.

"Cuddling on the job, huh? What would Strauss have to say about this?" Morgan continued to tease, and Dave even took out his phone, discreetly snapping a picture.

"He's just doing his job. Looking out for a team member by preventing potential frostbite. Or hypothermia, even." You arched an eyebrow playfully, your fingers clutching onto the fabric of Aaron's shirt underneath his coat. "And there's nothing wrong with that."

[macleod]

By analyzing the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, CAP found that in 2022, union households held $338,482 in median wealth. Meanwhile, nonunion households had $199,948. Being in a union also substantially chips away at racial and educational wealth gaps, per CAP's analysis. Black, nonunion households have a median household wealth of $61,500; meanwhile, Black union households hold around $164,6000 in median household wealth. Black workers are also more likely than workers of other races to be in a union, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with their union membership rates outpacing their white, Asian, and Hispanic counterparts. Unions particularly pay off for workers without a high school degree and again seem to be bridging educational wealth gaps, per the data. The median wealth of union members without a high school degree is over three times that of nonunion workers without a high school degree — $69,510 compared to $22,800 respectively.

Unions work, Unionize.

Source: Juliana Kaplan, Business Insider, Mar 21, 2024.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Collagen craze drives deforestation and rights abuses

For the first time an investigation has linked collagen powder to violence against Indigenous peoples in Brazilian forests

The stench arrives before the lorries do. They are carrying skins that were stripped from cattle carcasses days ago. Flies are everywhere.

The lorries’ destination is Amparo, a small industrial town in São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Here, Rousselot, a company owned by the Texan business Darling Ingredients, extracts collagen – the active ingredient in health supplements at the centre of a global wellness craze.

But while collagen’s most evangelical users claim the protein can improve hair, skin, nails and joints, slowing the ageing process, it has a dubious effect on the health of the planet. Collagen can be extracted from fish, pig and cattle skin, but behind the wildly popular “bovine” variety in particular lies an opaque industry driving the destruction of tropical forests and fuelling violence and human rights abuses in the Brazilian Amazon.

An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, the Guardian, ITV and O Joio e O Trigo has found that tens of thousands of cattle raised on farms damaging tropical forests were processed at abattoirs connected to international collagen supply chains.

Some of this collagen can be traced all the way to Nestlé-owned Vital Proteins, a major producer of collagen supplements championed by the actress Jennifer Aniston. Vital Proteins is sold globally – including online on Amazon, in Walmart stores in the US, in Holland & Barrett and Boots in the UK and in Costco in both countries.

The investigation – the first to connect bovine collagen with tropical forest loss and violence against Indigenous peoples – found at least 2,600 sq km of deforestation linked to the supply chains of two Brazil-based collagen operations with connections to Darling: Rousselot and Gelnex, which is in the process of being acquired by Darling for $1.2bn. It is unclear how much of this deforestation, which was calculated by the Center for Climate Crime Analysis, is linked to Vital Proteins.

Continue reading.

[dollielliot]

𐙚ྀིྀ ⠀︵　info on the Apalchee highschool shooting that happened today, 9/4/24˖ ㅤ૮𐔌ྀི ´ ཀ ྀི 𐦯ྀིა⠀

The 14-year-old suspect in the fatal mass shooting at a Winder, Georgia, high school has been identified as Colt Gray, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey said at an afternoon news conference. The suspect is a student at Apalachee High School who will be charged with murder and will be handled as an adult as he moves through the criminal justice system, Hosey and Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith added.

Two teachers and two students were killed, Hosey said. Nine other victims were taken to hospitals, according to the officials. The gunfire sent students and faculty desperately scurrying for cover as schools across the county went into lockdown and parents scrambled for information. Wednesday’s shooting is the deadliest of the 45 school shootings so far this calendar year, according to a CNN analysis. It is one of 11 school shootings with four or more deaths since 2008 when CNN first started tracking school shootings. Authorities said the first report of an active shooter came in at 10:20 a.m. ET. A school resource deputy assigned to Apalachee High confronted the shooter, who got on the ground and was taken into custody, Smith told reporters.

The witness sat next to the suspected shooter

Lyela Sayarath, 16, told CNN the alleged shooter sat next to her in an algebra class. She said he left class early, around 9:45 a.m., but didn’t take a bathroom pass. She thought he might be skipping. Toward the end of class, someone told her teacher over the loudspeaker to check their email, she said. Shortly after, Gray was outside the classroom door, which was shut, Lyela said. Another student who went to the door jumped backward when she saw he had a gun. "I guess he saw we weren’t gonna let him in,” Lyela said. “And I guess the classroom next to me, their door was open, so I think he just started shooting in the classroom.” At first, she told CNN she heard a burst of gunfire – maybe 10 to 15 shots – and then they were “kind of just Students dropped to the floor and crawled to the corner, Lyela said.

“It seemed like this wasn’t something he planned too well or that he wasn’t really strong with the gun because he didn’t try and shoot our door. Once he saw he couldn’t get in our room, he just went to the next one.”

Latest developments

The high school had received an earlier phone threat, multiple law enforcement officials told CNN. The phone call Wednesday morning warned there would be shootings at five schools, and that Apalachee would be the first. It is not known who placed the call. It was not immediately known whether the assailant had some connection with his victims, the sheriff said, though officials stressed that will be part of the investigation. Schools in Barrow County will be closed for the rest of the week.

Student texted mom: ‘I’m scared’

Erin Clark was at work Wednesday morning when she got a series of text messages from her son, a senior, who was attending class at Apalachee High School.

“School shooting.”

“I’m scared,” he wrote.

“pls” “I’m not joking,”

“I’m leaving work,” Clark replied. “I love you,” her son, Ethan Haney, 17, wrote back.

“Love you too baby,” his mom texted before racing to the high school.

Clark told CNN her son heard eight or nine gunshots before he closed his classroom door and, with the help of another classmate, moved chairs and tables to block the door.

Clark told CNN she was “absolutely terrified” when she read her son’s messages. “Just kept praying he’d stay safe,” she said.

Schools in the county went into lockdown

As emergency responders came from several counties, video from outside the school showed at least five ambulances and a large law enforcement presence at the campus, and at least one medical helicopter could be seen airlifting a patient from the scene. At the football field, where authorities had students gather, people lowered their heads and formed a prayer circle in the end zone, standing on the letters for “Apalachee” as their classmates milled around the field. All schools in the Barrow County School System, which includes the high school, were placed on lockdown and police were sent out of an abundance of caution to all district high schools, according to the sources, but there are no reports of secondary incidents or scenes. Some of the critically injured were removed by helicopter, and additional helicopters are on standby.

Atlanta Trauma Center and other hospitals take patients

Grady Health System – a Level 1 trauma center in Atlanta, about an hour's drive from Winder – received one gunshot wound victim from the incident who was transported by helicopter, a hospital spokesperson told CNN. Earlier, a source with knowledge of the situation who is not authorized to speak to the media, told CNN Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital in North Georgia received two victims from the shooting. The source said one victim was an adult with a gunshot wound to the stomach and was in surgery, and another was a minor with unspecified injuries. Three gunshot victims were taken to nearby hospitals following the shooting, according to a hospital official, and five other patients reported to the hospital with symptoms related to a panic attack. Two gunshot victims were taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Barrow with non-life-threatening injuries, Northeast Georgia Health System spokesperson Layne Saliba said. Four other patients came with symptoms related to panic attacks.

Another gunshot victim was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville with non-life-threatening injuries, Saliba said, and an additional patient came to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton with symptoms related to a panic attack.

Georgia governor sends prayers and says he can send resources

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has directed all available state resources to assist at the scene, he said in a statement on social media. The governor urged “all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state.” President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, the White House said, offering federal support to state and local officials.

“His administration will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local officials as we receive more information,” the White House said in a statement. Attorney General Merrick Garland similarly said the US Department of Justice “stands ready” to support the community after the shooting. “We are still gathering information, but the FBI and ATF are on the scene, working with state, local, and federal partners,” Garland said at a meeting of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force.

Winder had a population of about 18,338 as of the 2020 census, according to the US Census Bureau The Barrow County School System is the 24th largest school district in the state, per the district’s website. It serves about 15,340 students, 1,932 of whom are enrolled at Apalachee High School.

[rynbutt]

pierced. pt. 8 | spencer reid.

When you told Spencer you loved him, he didn't know how to react. JJ helped him see what he was missing... but what if he never got to tell you himself?

you can find the other parts on my masterlist.

cw: fem!reader, angst, guns, criminal minds shiii, mentions of murder, being shot, etc.

a/n: re-upload cus i was unhappy with the previous one >:(

You and Spencer had been together for seven months.

Seven months of impromptu late night visits to your apartment when he got back from trips, watching his favourite documentaries while he talked the whole way through them, your surprise visits to the bureau with a box of pastries, seven months of proving to Spencer that he was worth every ounce of happiness he felt. 

Spencer didn’t believe in miracles or signs, but just your pure existence was enough for him to ponder such things. You understood him, you were patient with him and his demanding work, you were kind to him and let him ramble about whatever was on his mind, even if it took him far too long to get to the point. You never got angry with him when he shut down or had a hard time verbally communicating his problems, you were just there and that was enough.

You knew you loved Spencer, it was hard not to. You knew how Spencer felt about the ‘chemical and hormonal reactions of affection’, if anything it made you love him more, how technical and literal he was about virtually everything. You loved him nonetheless and you knew you wanted to tell him, even if you would never hear it back or you would be met with an analysis of why you felt ‘love’ for him. How it was all technically just your vast attraction and affection towards him and the bond you’d created. You’d roll your eyes and tell him you loved him anyway.

“You got your keys?” You called from the bathroom as you combed your hair.

Spencer had slept over once again. He basically lived with you, many of his clothes and books were packed into your cupboards and shelves, some pairs of his shoes sitting in the bottom of the closet next to yours. He even spent time going over case files while you were still at work, making sure to feed Tofu and have dinner ready for you. You had fallen into a domestic routine and you knew how much Spencer liked routine. 

“Yeah, what time will you be home?” Spencer called back from the living room, gathering case files and books into his satchel.

“Maybe five? I have an early finish,” you replied, leaning close to the mirror to comb mascara through your lashes. You heard Spencer’s footsteps nearing as he approached you in your ensuite, pulling the door open to kiss you goodbye.

“Okay, I just have paperwork to do today, maybe we can go out for dinner tonight?” He suggested, leaning his head against the doorframe.

“Sounds perfect, Spence,” you smiled.

“Okay,” he grinned, “I’ll see you tonight. Call me before you leave?”

“Yup, I will,” you turned to look at him. Spencer leaned down to kiss your cheek.

“Okay, angel,” he smiled, turning to leave your bedroom. “Bye!”

“I love you!” you called out, grinning at yourself in the mirror when you heard his footsteps come to an abrupt stop. You knew he hesitated for a moment before the footsteps continued and your apartment door latched closed.

Spencer wasn’t one for proclamations of love, cringing at the scenes in rom coms before over analysing every detail. You would always remind him that it was just a movie, and that it’s nice to tell people you love them. Spencer always dismissed the idea, but you weren’t going to sway on telling him you loved him, you felt like he needed to know that someone loved him and that in a room full of people, he’s the only one you would look for.

You weren’t offended when he didn’t say it back or come running back into the bathroom to confirm what you said. If anything, you expected it. You just wanted him to know how you felt.

Spencer drove in silence, both hands gripping the wheel as he replayed your confession in his head. Sure, his parents had told him they loved him when he was a young kid, but Spencer knew it was because of maternal and paternal instincts. But you. You loved him because you knew him, because you understood him, learned his flaws and loved him anyway. 

He walked into the bullpen in his own little bubble, barely registering that other people had greeted him as he made a beeline for his JJ’s office. Spencer shoved the door open, startling JJ who was on the phone to Will.

“Spencer? What- Hold on,” JJ said.

“Y/N told me she loved me,” Spencer almost yelled, his hands gripping the strap of his satchel.

JJ stared at him for a moment before bringing the phone back to her ear, “Hey, Will. I’ll call you back, okay?” She hung up the phone, turning her attention to Spencer, “...what’s wrong with that?”

“I don’t know! I just- I didn’t expect it, and I’m not sure how I feel or if she’s mad because I didn’t even say it back and I don’t even know if I should say it back-” he rambled, pulling a chair out to sit at JJ’s desk. 

“Do you love her?” JJ asked, eyes narrowing at Spencer who seemed entirely too worked up.

“What?” Spencer asked.

“Do you love her?” JJ repeated. Spencer opened his mouth and JJ held up her hand, knowing he was going to ask an overly analytical question, “When I ask if you love her, I mean do you miss her when she’s not around? Or do you get excited when you see her? Do you look forward to seeing her at the end of the day?”

Spencer stared at her a moment, thinking about it, “I do… But feeling affection toward someone you care about is entirely normal-”

“What you feel is love, Spence,” JJ replied. “It’s probably something new to you but you don’t have to fight it.” “I’m not fighting it,” Spencer retorted, “I’m thinking about it factually-”

“You’re fighting it,” JJ said blankly. “You’re probably afraid to lose her, afraid that it’ll all go wrong somehow just because you say you love her… In my opinion, it’s important to remind the people you hold close that you do love them, before it’s too late to tell them at all.”

Spencer didn’t say anything as he thought about it, his lips forming a tight line.

“Loving her looks like it comes naturally to you,” JJ said honestly.

Spencer spent the rest of the morning thinking about it, thinking about you and how irrational he felt when it came to you. He wanted to make you happy, wanted you to be proud of him. He wouldn’t care if he had no one else as long as he had you. 

The case they were working on was local to the area. Spencer didn’t anticipate working on a case at all, no one did, but after Hotch called them in, they realised they had little time to act. Three women had been abducted over a week, all turning up dead within 24 hours. The most recent victim they were looking for had maybe 12 hours before she would be found the same way.

They worked the case all day, Spencer and Rossi stayed behind to set up a geographical profile while Emily, Hotch and Morgan visited the morgue to establish victimology. It helped Spencer take his mind off the guilt of not returning your confession. He knew he was definitely thinking about it more than you were, it’s the type of person you were. You were honest and you were never ashamed of your feelings, he always wished he could be like that.

By the four hour mark, Spencer and Rossi were sure they had established the UnSub’s comfort zone and with help from Garcia, they had found where he was keeping the last victim.

It all moved so fast from there.

The house was secluded, a large shed in the back and surrounded by mostly forest. Hotch sent JJ, Morgan and Spencer to cover the shed while he stayed back with Rossi and Emily to cover the house. Spencer held his gun close as he rounded the shed, searching for a way in. He suddenly thought of you and he didn’t know why. 

Spencer heard the victim before he saw her. He called for JJ the moment he saw her hunched in the corner, duct tape over her mouth and her wrists and ankles bound. Spencer put his gun away, gently peeling the duct tape from her mouth.

“You’re okay,” Spencer said, peeling the tape from her ankles.

The girl began crying, “thank you,” she hiccuped, tears streaming down her bruised face, “thank you.”

“We found her,” JJ said into her mic, putting her gun away as she helped the girl to her feet. “Where’s the UnSub?”

“I don’t know,” Spencer muttered, wracking his brain.

They walked outside, Spencer helping hold the girl up as she stumbled on her weak legs. Morgan jogged over to them, “Where the hell is he?”

“Help Hotch and Rossi,” JJ suggested.

Spencer frowned as he looked around, “he could very well be watching us-”

Spencer felt the pang against his abdomen before he heard the gunshot. Before he knew it, he was on the ground, a splitting pain surging through his body from his right side. He heard the victim scream, JJ diving to the ground with her. 

His chest felt heavy, like a weight had been dropped on him. He blindly reached his left hand down, feeling the warmth oozing from his abdomen, not the best place to be shot. He lifted his hand, crimson blood covering his skin. His ears were ringing, he couldn’t hear, could barely see. All he could think about was you. You, you, you.

“Spencer!” JJ yelled, crawling to his side, “oh my god.”

“We need an ambulance!” Morgan exclaimed. Two of the local officers escorted the UnSub out of the house in handcuffs. 

Spencer looked up at JJ, her hair hanging down in front of his face, blocking the bright sun, “Can-Can you do me a favour?” His voice was weak, every word hurting his chest as he spoke.

“Just- shit! Hang on a minute!” JJ pressed her hands against the wound, Morgan falling to her side to press his over shirt against the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. 

“Can you tell- Can you please tell Y/N I love her,” Spencer muttered out, breathing heavily.

“You can tell her yourself, kid,” Morgan replied, his hands covered in Spencer’s blood. After that, Spencer felt himself growing more and more tired, his eyes falling closed as JJ and Morgan yelled for him to stay awake. He couldn’t do it, he was so tired, he just needed to shut his eyes. Just for a minute.

You felt like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders when you told Spencer how you felt. It was always important to you that the people you cared for knew how much you appreciate them, Spencer was no exception. But you knew Spencer probably wouldn’t say it back, at least not right away, and you were okay with that. You were sure he would come around eventually. Eventually was good enough for you.

You sat at your desk for most of the day, only getting up to refill your mug or get on the ass of one of your coworkers who hadn’t submitted their project yet. You hadn’t heard from Spencer all day, which upset you a little given that Spencer was always calling or texting you about something. You understood it probably had something to do with your love confession.

By the time five o’clock had rolled around, you still hadn’t heard from Spencer. So you decided to call him. Your phone rang for a short while before you heard his voicemail, you assumed he was probably still busy with work.

“Hey, Spence. I’m on my way home now… Call me when you can,” you said before hanging up. You leaned against the elevator wall, wondering if maybe you frightened him a little too much.

As if on cue, Penelope’s name blinked across your screen, you answered the call, “Hey Pen-”

She sounded frantic, “Y/N, thank god! Y/N, Spencer’s in the hospital-”

“What?!” You stood bolt upright, your hand death gripping your phone.

“He was shot! We-We were working a case and he was just-”

“Where is he?” You ran as soon as the elevator dinged open, fumbling for your keys in your purse as you ran to the car garage.

“We’re at the hospital, he’s in surgery and I-”

“Send me the address, I’m coming now.”

You weren’t sure how you didn’t get pulled over with how fast you were driving. You couldn’t think straight, all you had on your mind was Spencer. You pulled into the closest car park outside the ER, not even bothering to check if you were supposed to pay or not. 

You bolted inside, your heart in your throat the moment you saw everyone sitting in the waiting room. Hotch was pacing back and forth and Penelope looked like she had been crying. You didn’t even realise it but you had been crying too, hot tears streaming down your face. Penelope saw you first, darting up from her seat to meet you halfway.

“You’re here,” she muttered into your hair, holding you tight.

“W-What happened?” Was all you managed to get out.

“We were tracking an UnSub and we found one of the victims on his property and he just- he shot him. I don’t even-” Penelope let out a deep breath.

“Fuck,” you breathed, feeling as more tears began streaming down your face, ruining your makeup.

“Y/N…” JJ came to hug you, wrapping her arms around your shoulders. You held JJ for a moment as you cried, sniffling into your hand. 

“Where is he?” You asked as JJ pulled away.

“He’s in surgery,” JJ replied, guiding you over to sit down with the rest of the team. You felt numb as you sat down next to Emily, your hands held tight in your lap. JJ was talking to you but you couldn’t hear her, you couldn’t hear anything. Emily rubbed your back, letting you cry softly as she comforted you.

It was hours before you heard anything. You had cried so much that it made you exhausted, falling asleep against Emily. Rossi draped his coat over you, letting you rest until the surgeon came out to the waiting room. Emily gently shook your shoulder and you shot up once you noticed the surgeon.

“He’s okay.”

You felt like the weight of the world lifted off you.

“Can I see him?” You asked. “He’s on a lot of pain medication-”

“Please,” you sounded pained.

“Of course,” the surgeon said, “he might be out of it for a few days, but for now he’s stable.”

One of the nurses guided you to his room as the surgeon briefed the rest of the team on Spencer’s condition. You would ask JJ to give you the details later, all you wanted right now was to see Spencer, hold his hand, just be with him. 

Your heart squeezed when you saw him, cords hanging around him everywhere, an IV in his arm and his eyes closed. He would have looked like he was peacefully asleep if it weren’t for the beeping, the needle in his arm, the sterile smell of the hospital ward and the thin tube under his nose. 

You pulled a chair next to him, sitting down by his bedside and reaching for his hand. His hand was still warm despite the coldness around him. You let out a sigh of relief, bringing his hand to your lips to press a kiss to his knuckle.

No one could get you to move after that. Penelope and Morgan tried to get you to come get food with them, Hotch and Rossi both offered to drive you home so you could get some sleep. You refused. You couldn’t leave him, not now. Not when he needed you.

a/n: i'm a degenerate when it comes to mgg

taglist: @crazycat-ladys-blog @cillsnostalgia @secretly-tumb1r @33-81 @elissanatok @outrunangelss @cultish-corner @666-gothic-bat-666 @evvy96 @littlemarvelstan8 @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @meg-black @dreamsarebig @anuncalledbridge @fioletowelowe @ladylincoln @spencereidsgf420 @bollzinurmouth @scarlettssub @ipseitydelrey @donttrustlove @mcntsee @ruziazyn @valinherfantasyworld @khxna @maybe-not-this @shardsofmarxx @danadinosaur3 @justsarahbella @ah-blossom @lorelaireid @btskzfav @reidsdoll @pinkpantheris @violetvsworld @readergf @pangirl-fangirl @emideadpoets @blackbeautyiloveyouso @feyresqueen

[kadextra]

We got the names of more Federation departments to add to the list!! 🎉 here’s all of the ones we know now:

Census Bureau

Design Bureau

Genetics Department

Department of Convivial Condition Observation

Department of Subsistence Monitoring

Department of Permanence Surveillance

Department of System Analysis

now I’m gonna try and break down the new egg ones

“convivial condition” basically means “happiness condition.” remember how with the original eggs at the beginning it was meant to be a test for the parents, where the happiest egg by the end would win them a prize? its changed since then, but the federation has continued to observe the eggs’ happiness levels (like with the cookies) and also use them to observe the happiness of the islanders/keep them in check

“subsistence” means to survive by one’s own support. considering how pomme and tallulah were just left in the wall alone for who knows how long struggling to survive, this makes sense. probably to see how an egg left in a condition like that would develop- this does imply the hope egg, who was also left alone to survive, is the deceased member of that group. and yes these eggs are also probably used to take note of islander ability too

“permanence” is the state of being stable and long-lasting. em sunny and pepito were stuck on hellish purgatory island and lived. their conditions are being monitored as a result, and they are currently being used to “stabilize” all the traumatized parents (especially the ones who had lost an egg before)

system analysis is pretty self-explanatory. analyzing the system of the experiment/island processes, for further development. it’s different from observation, monitoring, and surveillance. though I’m not sure what that means for richas and the unknown egg or why they’re glitching, it’s worrying