Emily's first impression of you was how easily you blended into the background. Since joining the BAU a few months ago, Emily had learned your name, but nothing more. When you walked through the bullpen, you never spoke to her or anyone else. Emily would only catch glimpses of you out of the corner of her eye—a quiet shadow walking to your desk and getting to work.

She had a feeling that you liked it - to remain invisible and do your work without drawing the team's attention.

They all speculated, that much was clear. You were a mystery, and that was what made it exciting. Emily would sometimes wonder what you were like, what you were hiding, and why you were hiding it—maybe you weren't hiding at all.

"You know what they say," JJ had said with a shrug, "people who blend into the background have the most to hide."

"But there has to be more," Emily said. "We don't know her. We've barely had a conversation. What if it's nothing? Maybe she's shy, and we're just assuming things."

Assuming.

You, though? Unassuming, invisible, and quiet. You were an enigma.

Emily found herself wondering what it would be like to get to know you.

— The hostage situation, that changed everything.

It wasn't supposed to happen. It shouldn't have happened. But it did. And now, Emily found herself worrying about you.

The brunette noticed you sitting quietly, clearly weighed down by the ordeal. The jet was silent, everyone tired and not wanting to talk about the case.

Emily couldn't help herself as she took the empty seat beside you, smiling gently when you looked up at her.

"Hey," Emily said softly, "how are you holding up?"