Two new members in the FBI (Rewritten)

Chapter 21

Previously on Two new members in the FBI

Jackson's Pov

"Okay, okay, we get it," Stiles said, grinning as he felt the kick. "You're excited to get here. We're excited too."

As I lay there, feeling the gentle movements of our son and Stiles's steady presence by my side, I felt a profound sense of peace. The road ahead was sure to be full of challenges and unknowns, but I knew we could handle anything together

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Jackson's Pov

As we drove toward the conference center in Washington, D.C., I felt a knot of tension slowly tightening in my stomach. It wasn't just the typical nerves that came with attending a high-level meeting—it was the knowledge that I would be seeing my old team for the first time since I left the BAU.

The memories of my time with the Behavioral Analysis Unit were complicated, to say the least. I had started with the team full of ambition and a desire to make a difference, but the events in Beacon Hills—especially the revelation of my supernatural nature—had fractured those relationships. When it all came to light, things had quickly unraveled, and my departure from the team was anything but amicable.

Working under Fornell was a fresh start, and I was grateful for it. But Stiles had stayed with Hotch's team, and while I knew it was the right choice for him, moments like this were more complicated. He had been my anchor throughout the storm, and now I wondered how he managed to navigate the tension between his loyalty to me and his commitment to the team that had raised him as an agent.

Stiles glanced over at me as we neared the conference center, sensing my unease. "You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely sure. "I'm just... nervous, I guess. It's been a while since I've seen Hotch and the rest of the team."

Stiles reached over and squeezed my hand, his touch grounding me. "You don't have to do this alone. I'll be right there with you. And remember, you're with Fornell's team now. They've got your back."

"I know," I replied, taking a deep breath. "But it's still going to be awkward. We didn't exactly part on good terms."

Stiles gave me a reassuring smile. "It's a professional setting. They'll keep it civil. And if anyone tries to bring up the past, we'll handle it together."

His confidence was comforting, and I squeezed his hand in return. "Thanks, Stiles. I just hope this doesn't turn into a mess."

As we parked and made our way into the conference center, I tried to push my anxiety aside and focus on the task at hand. The building was already bustling with activity—agents from various agencies mingled in the lobby, discussing everything from cybersecurity threats to inter-agency cooperation.

Fornell spotted us almost immediately and waved us over. He was talking with a few other agents from the FBI's cyber division, and as we approached, he introduced us with his usual no-nonsense demeanor.

"Whittemore, Stilinski," Fornell greeted, nodding to the others in the group. "This is Special Agent Harris and Special Agent Delaney from our cyber team. They'll be working closely with us today."

"Pleasure to meet you," I said, shaking hands with the agents. Stiles did the same, offering them his trademark easy-going smile.

After a few minutes of introductions and small talk, Fornell leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I saw Hotch's team come in a few minutes ago. Just a heads-up."