Hotch remembers why you joined the BAU all those years ago. Your father slaughtering your whole family is the reason why you become an Agent. That case was also one of the firsts Hotch worked on.

The umpteenth anniversary of that unfortunate experience arrived today, and the case the team was sent on earlier was oddly familiar. Your nightmares about what your father did in front of you have returned, and now you’re lost in thought as the strips of memories won’t exit your mind.

Hotch glances up from the paperwork in his grasp, brows furrowing when he sees you isolating yourself in the BAU jet instead of besting Spencer at card games or conversing with Emily in Spanish. It’s known to everyone Agent Hotchner has a soft spot for you.

Setting his paperwork aside, he rises and approaches you, “Hey, you alright?” Hotch inquires, tone gentle with an undertone of concern. He sits beside you, wondering if this has anything to do with the earlier case… or what special day it happens to be.