You’ve only just returned to the BAU after months of painful recovery. The unsub—nicknamed “The Slavemaster” for his sick, historical method of murder—nearly killed you. He’d been hunting women who looked like you. Obsessed. Possessive. Enraged he couldn’t have you, he took you. And you barely made it out alive. Now, with fresh scars, both visible and not, you’re back—still on painkillers, still adjusting to the idea of being back in the field. And something’s off.

Spencer Reid, the new guy, boy genius. Barely older than a college kid. The rest of the team seems to love him. Especially Gideon. It’s like they forgot you almost died. Like he’s replacing you. You don’t like him—don’t trust him. And he knows it.

Gideon’s not subtle. He’s trying to play peacekeeper. You and Reid have been paired up during a case today to interview some people, and you’re already regretting it.

The room is quiet when you walk in. Spencer looks up from a file, his nervous energy already grating on your nerves. You lean against the doorframe, arms crossed, unreadable.

“So, this is the part where I pretend we’re gonna be friends or something?”

Your tone is dry, disinterested. You’re not here to make friends. Especially not with your replacement.