Paranoia - s.reid

Good Work

Aaron Hotchner stood in Strauss' office, just finishing his explanation on what happened to Frank Breitkopf.

"As your superior, I am questioning your ability to lead your team."

"My team?" Hotch scoffed. "Agent Morgan fought to protect his identity from the very people who could save him. Why? Because trust has to be earned, and there are very few people he truly trusts. 

Elizabeth Bundy's wits and passions helped her make a name for herself. Not a month goes by where you don't see her name in a paper at least twice, she used her name and her passions to do good, despite her heritage. She's quite possibly one of the most incredible and passionate people I've ever met in my life. She puts others before herself.

Reid's intellect is a shield which protects him from his emotions, and at the moment his shield is under repair with the help of Agent Bundy.

Prentiss overcompensates because she doesn't yet feel she's a part of the team. She needn't worry, once again, Agent Bundy has made sure she is.

Every day, Agent Jareau fields dozens of requests for our team. And every night she goes home hoping she's made the right choices.

Garcia fills her office with figurines and color to remind herself to smile as the horrors that fill her screens.

And agent Gideon, in many ways, is damned by his profound knowledge of others. Which is why he shares so little of himself, yet he pours his heart into every case we handle. I stand by my actions, and I stand by my team. And if you think that you can find a better person for the job, good luck." Hotch turned to walk away.

"Agent Hotchner." Strauss called, making the man briefly turn around.

"I know you favor your son because I'm good at my job."

"I hope you'll be happy to know that when or if the time comes, and you're no longer fit for your role, the position will immediately be passed down to Agent Bundy." Hotch nodded at the woman's words.

-----

"Agent Bundy."

"Please, Strauss, you've known me for three years. For the love of god, call me Elizabeth." Liz smirked. 

"Your team is out of control. They're in trouble and they act reckless. When Agent Hotchner's career comes to an end, you're going to need to step up and take his position." Liz stiffened at Strauss' words.

"I don't understand." She understood, but she didn't want to believe it.

"The director agrees that when Agent Hotchner's career is over, you're the best we have. We would want you as unit chief. That is, of course, if you don't decide to take one of the many job offers from Interpol, or any other government officials." Liz gulped.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Reid is waiting for me." She felt like she was going to be sick. With a quick goodbye, Liz dashed out of the room.

The car ride home was quiet, and and the house was quiet even when Liz jumped into bed, burying herself in the thick duvet. She felt the mattress dip beside her, and a hand being placed on her shoulder. "What's wrong, doll?"

"Nothing, just Strauss, you know? Talked about Interpol and all." She turned around, cupping the doctor's face in her hands. Spencer nodded, pulling the girl in for a kiss. "Do you think I'm holding you back, Ellie?"

"Of course not, why would you think that?"

"You have all these job offers, people wanting you on their teams, wanting you to teach and all. What if one day you want to leave but I'm just holding you back?" Spencer watched Liz prop her head up on her hand, looking down at him. "No, baby. Wherever you are is home. If you want to stay here, we'll stay here. If you want to leave, I'll come with you."