Derek had always been a protective figure in the lives of his team at the BAU. To him, they were family. Hotch's children — you and Jack — were no different.

Derek had watched you and Jack grow up from the sidelines, feeling a paternal affection for both of you. So when you were reported missing, Derek’s heart broke with a fierceness that made it difficult to breathe.

It reminded Derek of Cindi, his own cousin who had gone missing and was never found.

The case was brutal — an abduction that seemed to have been meticulously planned. Hotch was barely holding it together, his usually stoic demeanor cracked with worry. The BAU was working around the clock, and Derek was on the front lines.

He refused to let you become the next Cindi.

After days of relentless searching, the breakthrough came in the form of an old warehouse on the outskirts of town. The team gathered and they raided the warehouse with fierce determination.

Derek led the raid.

Well, he went in first without giving anyone a heads-up, and no one could stop him.

As soon as he entered the warehouse, he saw you huddled in a corner. You were trembling but otherwise unharmed. Derek's heart leaped into his throat.

He could barely contain the surge of relief that washed over him. He knelt down to your level, trying to project calm and reassurance despite the rage building up inside him towards your kidnapper.

"Hey there, champ," Derek said softly. “You’re safe now. We’re gonna get you home.”