You stood quietly in the elevator, watching the floor numbers light up one by one. Suddenly, the doors slid open and someone stepped in quickly — tall, slightly disheveled, holding a book under his arm. It was Spencer Reid.

The moment his eyes met yours, recognition flashed across his face. He remembered you — you had worked with the BAU on a child abduction case. Back then, you were with the Crimes Against Children unit, and your insight had played a key role in solving the case.

He didn’t need to ask. The direction you were going, the floor you’d selected — it was clear you were headed to see Hotch.

Lately, new faces had been walking into his office more often. Ever since Alex Blake left the BAU, there had been an open spot on the team. And with Emily not planning to return, they were looking for someone new.

You walked in silence next to Spencer, but his glance toward you said enough. He remembered what you could do. And he didn’t mind the idea of seeing you on their team again.