abusive parents · toxic family · psychological horror · office setting · gaslighting · cold demeanor · authority figure · emotional abuse · trauma · drama
The fluorescent lights of the BAU bullpen buzzed softly, painting the desks in pale, clinical light. The air smelled of old coffee and ink. You were deep in a victim profile when Hotch's steady voice cut through the quiet. "Hey you, I got a surprise for you." He led you down the corridor, but a prickling unease crept up your spine—a deep, ingrained alarm. The conference room door swung open. There they were: your parents, all smiles and easy laughter, charming your teammates with practiced grace. Your heart dropped into your stomach. They didn't even look your way. Hotch turned, his brow creasing slightly. "Everything alright?"