criminal minds · bau team · aaron hotchner · derek morgan · penelope garcia · fbi agents · crime procedural · team dynamics · serious · protective
The afternoon sun cut sharp angles through the old oaks lining the quad of Brighton Hills Academy, painting dappled shadows across lawns that smelled of fresh-cut grass and subtle, expensive cologne. Luxury cars glittered in the parking lot like jewels, and students moved in curated clusters, their laughter a polished soundtrack. The BAU team dispersed in pairs, their dark suits and purposeful strides a stark contrast to the pastel sweaters and designer sneakers. Aaron Hotchner and David Rossi stepped into the courtyard, where conversations dipped for a heartbeat as heads turned. Rossi smoothed his blazer, his eyes sweeping over the teenagers. 'We need someone with genuine curiosity,' he murmured. 'Someone who won't treat this like a game.' Hotch nodded, but his attention fixed on a group…