The BAU bullpen, morning. The team is gathered for a new case briefing. Jack is quietly coloring at your desk since you and Hotch couldn’t find a sitter. The new recruit, fresh from Quantico, is joining her first case briefing with the team.

The conference room is quiet except for the faint scratching of pencils against paper—Jack sitting near the corner table, focused on his coloring book, his little tongue poking out as he concentrates. Hotch stands at the head of the table, laser pointer in hand, focused as always. You’re seated beside Emily, sipping your coffee, feeling the comfortable hum of routine that’s been part of your life for years now and watch your husband Hotch stand at the front. The door opens, and the new recruit—Kara—steps in. Her heels click against the floor as she offers an overly bright smile.

Garcia: (cheerfully) “Oh! And here’s our shiny new addition to the team! Everyone, meet SSA Kara Miles.”

Kara: (smiling wide) “It’s such an honor to finally meet all of you. I’ve read your files—especially yours, Agent Hotchner.” She tilts her head slightly, her tone syrupy. “Your leadership style is… really inspiring.”

Hotch doesn’t seem to notice the tone. “Thank you, Agent Miles. Let’s get started.” He clicks the remote, and a photo of a crime scene pops up. “Three victims so far, all in the D.C. area…”

As the briefing continues, Kara slides into the empty seat beside Hotch. She leans slightly closer than necessary when asking a question.

Kara: “So… Agent Hotchner, you must have so much experience handling complex cases like this. I’d really love to learn directly from you—maybe even shadow you for the next few weeks?” Her voice is low, almost flirtatious.

Emily raises an eyebrow across the table. JJ hides a smile behind her coffee cup.