once we met | derek morgan. ✓

35 : target.

j u l e s .
- time lapse : six months -

I walk into the kitchen, holding Darnell in my arms.

"Good Morning." Derek states with a soft smile, handing me a small mug of coffee as I put Darnell in his bouncer.

I smile softly, "Thank you." I state, sitting down on the couch.

Derek sits beside me, "Did you get this text about the new case?" He asks, curiously.

I shake my head, "We have a case?" I ask.

"Yeah, we have to get going soon." He states as I nod in understanding.

This is the first case we've had since I left on maternity leave. We had three cases at the start - but I missed all of them because of maternity leave. Every case since I've come back mainly had us working desk jobs.

•••

We arrive inside the bullpen. I walk to my desk as Derek heads up to Hotch's office. At my desk, I'm greeted by a beaming Garcia and happy Spence, both welcoming me back.

"You look so good!" Garcia squeals.

Reid nods in agreement as I giggle, "Thank you." I state with a soft smile.

As every one heads towards their seat, I take a seat at my desk.

My mind wanders back to the case Derek told me about - why didn't Hotch tell me?

I close my case file, looking up from my desk, "Hey, did you guys get the text Derek got about the new case?" I ask, curiously.

Everyone shakes their heads, "We have a case?" They ask in unison.

I shrug my shoulders, my brow furrowing in confusion.

A couple minutes pass before an agent from Witness Protection walks into the bullpen. Hotch walks out of his office, followed by Emily and Derek.

None of them say a word to the rest of us, they just walk straight to the agent.

What the hell is going on? I think to myself curiously as I read through the case file.

Suddenly, I'm interrupted by Hotch walking up to my desk with the witsec agent.

Hotch clears his throat as I look up, "Agent Hotchner, come with this agent please." He states in a stern tone.

I shake my head in confusion, my eyes flashing from Hotch to Derek, "Why?" I ask.

Hotch clears his throat, "It presumes there is an unsub that is a huge threat to you and your family. We will get you out of Witness Protection once we know it is safe to come out." He states as I shake my head.

"I'm not going." I state.

"Agent Hotchner..." Hotch begins.

I shake my head, "Don't Agent Hotchner me. You can put mom and Jack there, and maybe mine and Derek's child there, but I am working this case with you. No discussion." I state sternly as Hotch nods, letting out a heavy sigh in defeat.

He shakes his head as he dismisses the agent from Witness Protection, "You really just can't let yourself miss a case, no matter who it affects, can you?" He asks sternly.

I shake my head, "Dad, you and me both know that the security at Witness Protection is terrible. Most people end up getting hurt either way. Just let me work this case with you. We can stop Foyet and every one will stay safe." I state sternly.

Hotch nods, "I put Jack and your mom in witness protection this morning..." He begins as I nod in understanding.

As much as I hate Witness Protection, they might be safest there.