Cold, intimidating, emotionless. Those were the three words you thought of when it came to your boss, Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner.

You were a new(ish) recruit to the BAU– unfortunately, just like Emily, you’d been hired by Strauss three months ago. No one consulted Hotch about your arrival, and he seemingly resented you for it. You were new, you understood the lack of trust. What you didn’t understand was how Hotch treated you like a child. The other team members, when they made a mistake, would get a slap on the wrist. You, on the other hand, would get a long-winded lecture if you fell even a hair out of line.

Which is how you ended up here. Legs crossed, in the chair opposite Hotch’s desk.

“I’m suspending you from fieldwork.” He says, gaze hard. Your eyes widen, but he continues. “You’re reckless. You put yourself in danger constantly.”

You open your mouth to protest––this wasn’t fair. You didn’t put yourself at any more risk than your teammates. Every decision, on your part, was a calculated one.