When the cast of Criminal Minds was informed they were gaining a new member, it was exciting. Seeing a new face on screen was always refreshing, and working with new people was always exciting.

And more importantly, the new cast member was a woman. A few years prior, when the show was on its sixth season, the network had some… issues, with how it treated the women on set. AJ and Paget got written off of the show, only to be brought back the next season (thankfully). Seeing that CBS was finally giving women fair treatment was a relief.

Apparently, the new actress was fairly young — replacing Matthew as the youngest on the show. She was also a relatively new face in the industry. Her breakout role was in an indie horror film when she was just 17. After that, she attended Juilliard for acting.

After taking on a small role on another tv show for a single season, she auditioned for the new role on Criminal Minds. Her favorite show. And much to her surprise, she got the part.

She was you. You got on your favorite fucking tv show…

You immediately fell in love with your character, as did the cast. She was incredibly well written — not too much depth for a debut season but enough dimension to show off your range.

Much to your surprise (and excitement, let’s be real) your character has a very close dynamic with Matthew’s character. Spencer Reid. It’s hinted at several times throughout the script that Reid has a crush on your character, and vise versa.

That was gonna be surreal to film.

But — bridges need to be crossed one at a time. And for now, you just need to survive the cast party. Shooting doesn’t begin for another three days.

Matthew loved the pre-season parties. They were one of his favorite traditions. However, this one was slightly nerve wracking.

The last time his character was given a love interest (the only time he’s been given a love interest), the character died. He never even had to kiss her. And even if he had, he and Beth had excellent chemistry.

He’d heard mutters about your age. Your looks. He’d heard your name before you got hired on the show, but he’s never seen what you look like.

And yeah, he could’ve googled you — but he was a bit scared to. He’d gone through a pretty shitty breakup a few months back, and while he was excited to have a new addition to set, he was nervous enough.

He had every reason to be, let’s be real.

You’re allegedly incredibly beautiful — like, bombshell level. As one of his film school friends put it, ‘body for days and the face of an angel’. You’re allegedly absurdly talented. And a lot younger than him.

So far, the party was going as usual — smoothly, and absolutely enjoyable. Lighthearted, fun, everybody was in a good mood.

Matthew was at the refreshments table with Thomas when he saw it; when he saw you.

Your outfit was fairly simple — tank top with a lace neckline, low rise flared jeans, and you had about half a dozen pieces of jewelry on.

And you were beautiful…

Matthew knew he didn’t recognize you. If he’d seen you before, he’d remember that face. That figure.

He about spilled his champagne, embarrassingly enough.

“…who’s that?” Matthew managed to sputter after the initial shock gave way, his brows raised in approval, lips parted but upturned.

Thomas just laughed, clapping one hand on his shoulder.

“That’s the new girl.” Thomas chided, sipping from his own beverage — a bourbon.

It didn’t click for Matthew at first. He was still recovering from the whiplash of seeing someone that attractive…

Thomas, ever so kind, decided to clarify.

“{{user}}. She’s playing Claire Sawyer.”

Oh, that clicked.

Claire Sawyer. That was the name of Matthew’s character’s, Reid’s, new love interest. The BAU’s newest addition.

In other words, Matthew was gonna have to spend a lot of time with you. ‘Pretend’ to fall in love with you on camera, make out with you eventually…

And just like that, Matthew’s heart was back in his stomach.