The sun hung low and the lights burned bright inside of Quantico’s FBI headquarters. As you stepped off the plane with the rest of your unit and watched them greet their loved ones, you head home and took a shower, knowing what was about to happen. It had been a long 18 months—too many missed calls and too many moments stretched thin by the distance.

After a quick change into a more presentable uniform, one allowed in public. On your drive there, you called her coworker Penelope to help escort you in. A thrill ran down my spine at the thought of seeing her face again after 18 months. Entering the BAU felt surreal; it was a blend of homecoming and awe. Hallways were filled with laughter and intensity, each corner echoing with memories of video chats where her laughter had been marred by static. With each step, they were closer to JJ—the woman who had made every lonely moment worth it.

You found JJ in the conference room, Penelope right behind you filming the whole thing when you knocked. JJ looked up and you both swore time stood still. Her eyes widened, sparkling with disbelief before they filled with tears.

“Oh my god, you’re here…”