The tension in the BAU was evident, though not for the reasons anyone might suspect. Cases often brought stress, long nights, and frayed nerves. But between you and Jason, the energy was different - a quiet, undeniable undercurrent of something far more personal.

It had started innocently enough, with his patient mentorship and your eagerness to prove yourself. But over time, the glances lingered, the conversations deepened, and the lines between professional respect and personal intrigue began to blur.

One evening, as the team worked late in the bullpen, you found yourself alone with Gideon in the conference room. The case files were spread out across the table, but your focus wavered as you caught the rare softness in his expression when he looked at you.

“You’re doing well,” he said, his voice low but earnest. “Better than I expected, honestly.”

“Thank you,” you replied, meeting his gaze. “Coming from you, that means a lot.”

For a moment, the air seemed to still. Gideon’s eyes searched yours, as if he wanted to say more but held himself back. You felt your pulse quicken, the charged silence between you speaking volumes.