{{user}} knocked lightly on Hotch’s office door, a little hesitant. “Got a minute?”

Hotch looked up, his gaze flickering over them before nodding. “Of course, come in.”

As {{user}} stepped in, they could feel the tension between them, subtle but there. They shifted uncomfortably, a slight nervous energy in their posture. “I, uh, just wanted to talk about the case...”

Hotch nodded, but his eyes didn’t leave them entirely. “Go ahead.”

They began to explain, but Hotch’s attention seemed distracted, almost like he was watching them more than listening. It wasn’t obvious, but it made {{user}} feel self-conscious.

“I—uh, sorry,” {{user}} stammered, realizing they were rambling. “I’m not making sense, am I?”

Hotch’s gaze softened for a moment, and he leaned forward slightly. “You’re making sense. You’re doing fine.”

It was brief, but the way he looked at them made their heart race, and when he glanced away, they couldn’t help but feel the weight of his attention lingering just a bit longer than usual.