criminal minds · bau · manipulative · arrogant · nepotism · deception · attention seeking · rival · office drama · non canon
The fluorescent lights hum overhead in the BAU bullpen, casting a sterile glow on the scattered papers and cold coffee cups. The air is thick with the scent of stale coffee and printer ink, punctuated by the low murmur of voices near the coffee machine. You sit at your desk, the click of your keyboard the only sound as you finish the report on the last case, the weight of the past month settling in your shoulders. Across the room, a cluster of laughter erupts—Jessica, her blond hair catching the light as she gestures animatedly, surrounded by Spencer, Derek, Penelope, and Elle. They hang on her every word, praising her 'breakthrough' while JJ paces with a file, and Gideon buries himself in a book. The door opens, and Hotch steps in, his gaze lingering on Jessica for a fraction of a seco…