Criminal Minds one shots

The return of the lost Hotchner

The upbeat sound of one of Alice Merton's songs was blasting with full volume through the headphones. Lightly tapping of fingers on the tiny desk was the only sounds people around could hear.

Songs about not having a place to call home were usually sad, but this one was completely different. Moving around and never really settling down doesn't have to be a bad thing. It would mostly be depressing, but not to the girl listening to the song. It was her favourite.

She never had roots either. Always on the move to her next adventure. Exploring the countrysides and the big cities was how she spent her time. Ever since she can remember, she's been on the road in cars, busses or jumped on random trains. Russian roulette of destinations as her mother used to call it.

The song ended and so did the smile on the young adults face. She quickly put her phone and headphones in her small backpack before sneaking out of her seat. Squeaking sounds made her ears bleed as the train stopped. People started to push each other out into the smoke filled air.

She loved the feeling of her feet touching the ground for the first time after travelling. An old pair of denim shorts in a beautiful blue colour was the only thing apart from a black bra and a hoodie to cover her frail body. Her brown hair was thrown up in a messy bun. It was beyond creasy, but she didn't mind. As long as she had her backpack, she would be perfectly fine.

Her bare feet were sore after walking for hours. They were almost bleeding from the hard pavement scraping the skin. She didn't think much of it before the walking stopped. Starring at a giant building she might as well have broken her neck looking up. The building was nothing like the countrysides. The cities were filled with cars contaminating the air, loud people and pointless grey boxes blocking the view of the sky. The country had green leaves, colourful flowers, the blinding sun lighting up the morning and the amazing smell of fresh air.

Taking in a deep breath the young girl took a step closer to the door. Signs of how anxious she was to be there was becoming harder to hide. Her skin was turning paler by each minute that went by, her hands were shaking as if they were having a seizure and her breathing was cut off by the restriction she felt in her chest. Despite being on the verge of a panic attack, she stumbled through the big door.

Instant shivers rushed through her body as the cold floor met her feet. Being too anxious she moved further into the clean building. She stuck out as a cucumber between carrots, but she knew her way around the giant building as if it was her own pocket. Gently she pushed the buttons by the elevator. Her mind was racing with millions of scenarios as to what would happen when the elevator stopped at the right floor. Imaginary bricks were placed on her chest, making each breath a battle. She wished with all her heart that she could have been back a few weeks earlier, but that would have done more harm than good.

The doors opened and she looked up to see the place in the same state as last time she saw it. Class doors with the logo on was separating the elevators and the offices. The frustration on the working people past the doors were obvious as they walked around the small desks companied by a chair and piles of paper waiting to be looked at.

"No way.." A voice said surprised as the brunette walked past the class door. He saw seated on the corner of a desk next to a nerdy looking young man. Seconds after putting all the attention on the new person in the room, he stood up and ran a hand over his dark coloured arms.

"We have been looking for you for weeks.." He said with a hint of sadness in his voice. The thin man with curls stood up as well. Both men looked like they had seen a ghost. Their mouths were hanging and their eyes wide open. The girl took up as little space as possible. Air wouldn't enter her lungs they way it was supposed to. She wanted to tell them why she had been gone for so long and why she finally showed up, but no words would leave her mouth. Her breathing rhythm was gone as she was noticeable fighting to compose herself in front of the agents. Them being behavioural specialist they quickly noticed that she wasn't alright.

"Where's.. dad? They.. needed help.. that's.. why.. I'm late.." She struggled with every word. Fear was plastered all over her face. Her eyes were wet with tears and so was her face as they started to roll down.

"HOTCH!" The handsome man yelled as loud as he could. Balance wasn't a thing when her entire body started to shake. Just as quick as a man came out of his office, the detective had his strong arms wrapped around the girl. He lowered her to the floor, but didn't let go. She was curled up against his chest, struggling to breathe.

The man from the office had his usual black suit on. His fancy shoes could as well had been running shoes as he was besides his team in seconds.

"What's going on, Morgan?" He asked in his monotone voice. A hint of worry could be seen in his eyes. The nerdy guy ran his fingers over her wrist feeling her pulse. A shocked expression ran over his face as he felt the racing heart rate.

"She just came in and asked for you. She also said that they needed help and thats why she's late." Morgan, the man holding the poor girl, said to his boss.

"Liv, look at me, slow your breathing." Hotchner whispered to the girl who had been missing for weeks. No reaction from the girl made the agents share a look. Morgan rubbed her back with his free hand in soothing motions. This wasn't his first time dealing with someone having a panic attack. It wasn't Olivia's first either. Her head was flashing with the memories of what had happened.

"Olivia.. Sweetheart listen to my voice, ok? You need to slow down your breathing. If you do so, you'll be fine." Hotchner said in a reassuring voice. Her airways was almost closed entirely. Instead of quick breaths it had become superficial.