Are You Profiling Me?

-1-

You've been at the FBI's BAU for almost two years. The cases never got easier but you were able to become almost numb to blood and gore. The look of a grieving spouse, child, or family member became normal and not in a good way. You had been struggling a lot with the fact that you were steeled. You were replaying the statistics that Reid was spewing while you sat at your desk.

"Dani. Are you listening?" Spencer's chair was completely turned toward your desk and he held a pen in his hand, leaning back leisurely, with his legs crossed. You couldn't pinpoint the moment you zoned out or the second you so rudely stop hearing Spencer's words.

"I'm sorry, Spence. I'm lost. Can you repeat that?" You mustered up a smile. He started rambling again but this time you held eye contact hanging on every work. While he was talking you saw movement in the corner of your eye. You peered up to the second floor landing and saw Strauss stand from the desk in Hotch's office. She turned to leave and she shut the door quietly. She made eye contact with you and stopped in her tracks. The contact lingered as if she was waiting for you to look away but you never did. You usually would but today was different. When she realized she wouldn't win she stormed off to her office, long necklace clacking against her pearl encrusted shirt. You loathed Erin Strauss but you still had to respect her even when she didn't deserve it.

Your eyes fell back to Hotch's office. He looked worn, composed, but worn. To anybody else he would look like he was just worse for the wear but you analyzed Agent Hotchner far more than you like to admit. He checked the photos on his desk frequently and he adjusted his tie every ten minutes. Everyone was done with their reports except the two of you. JJ and Emily were talking about their plans for the night and Derek was trying to convince them to go to the bar.

"What are you up to tonight, Ace?" Derek diverted his attention to you. You pulled yourself out of your trance and met his eyes. You smirked.

"Depends what you're doing, Morgs." He flashed a big smile.

"You always know what to say to make a man melt." He pretended to swoon. "I say we go to that bar on Verrick St." He starts putting his paperwork into his briefcase.

"I'd love to, I really would but I have to finish this work before the bossman has my head" You say motioning to the paperwork.

"You've been working on that since 5." JJ speaks up. You look at the clock above the door and realize it's half past 8. You close your eyes and let out a groan.

"I'll catch up with you guys. Clancys?" Derek's smile is back and he stands up, leaning over your desk.

"If you are not at that bar by 9:30, we are watching the next horror movie at my house and you get to be the one to drive home in the dark." He says it as a threat but you can hear the humor he's holding back.

"Alright, alright, get out of here." You shew him off.

"Not a minute later, Ace!" Emily yells from the door. You smile to yourself. You are the only one left. The office feels cold all of a sudden but there's a heat coming from the only other Agent here. You find yourself walking toward Hotch's office, paperwork in hand. You knock softly and hesitate before opening the door. You hear him call that you can come in but you don't move. A few seconds later you see that the door is open and Hotch is standing in the doorway. He moves so you can come in.

"Is that the case report?" He says and you just look at him.

"Oh yeah, yes." He reaches out, seeing you weren't coming in.

"Oh, it's not done yet. I thought maybe I'd keep you some company while I finish, unless you are done..."

"Sure. I still have a few pages left." he cuts you off. Hotch's office is neat just like him. You go to sit on a chair opposite his desk. You both are quick to do your work. Hotch being so close calms your senses and your thoughts are clear and concise. You can tell he has been done for a few minutes because you feel his eyes flicker to your paperwork every so often. You sign the bottom and hand it to him. He glances over it quickly before putting it in his briefcase, locking the clasps. You check the time. 9:10. Maybe you would make it to the bar. You stand up but Hotch stands in front of the door.