𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡
˗ˏˋ ꒰                                                            ꒱ ˎˊ˗

"THIS IS IT, VAL! Our first case as FBI agents!" Cassidy's voice rang softly as she bounded up the short flight of stairs beside Valerie. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Valerie couldn't help but smile, feeling a rush of anticipation rising within her chest. The thrill of something so unknown and challenging sent a wave of energy through her veins. This was what she had worked for.

This was the real deal.

As they stepped into the spacious conference room, Valerie's gaze immediately swept across the state-of-the-art equipment that filled the room—sleek screens and polished surfaces, much more advanced than the sterile, clinical environment she had grown used to during her time in the hospital. It was a different world entirely. At the front of the room, a large screen flickered to life, and Penelope Garcia stood next to it, holding the remote with a wide grin on her face, but her eyes were sharp and focused.

The blonde tech analyst adjusted her glasses before addressing the team with a seriousness that belied her usual cheerfulness. "Alright, you all are jetting to Durant, Oklahoma," Penelope began, her tone grave as the team settled into their seats. She clicked a button on the remote, causing the screen to shift. "Because in the last three days, two women have been found dead after being sexually tortured and then blinded with a sulfuric acid solution."

Penelope's words hung heavily in the air as the room fell into an overbearing silence, the grim details settling heavily in the minds of the agents. Even Cassidy, usually so full of energy, fell silent, her expression sharpening as she processed the details. Valerie quickly pulled out her notebook, fingers itching for the familiar action of taking notes, grounding herself in the routine. As a file was placed in her hand, she looked up to see Spencer give her a curt nod before returning his attention to Penelope. 

The glossy folder was thick, and as she flipped it open, the first thing that caught her eye were the photographs—images of Abby Elcott and Beth Westerly, the victims. Their faces stared back at her from the paper, ghostly pale and haunting. The way their blue eyes gleamed with youth and innocence sent a deep, unsettling chill through her body. Both women were around her age. The thought lingered in the back of her mind, sending a pang of sorrow through her chest. These were young women, like her, with their entire futures stolen from them in the most horrifying way imaginable.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to look away from the images as her fingers hovered over her pen. Her heart thudded louder in her chest as she focused back on the details. There was work to be done, and the cold reality of the case snapped her back to the task at hand.

Turning to Cassidy, Valerie caught her friend's gaze, the reflection of her own unease mirrored in her eyes. They didn't need words; their shared look spoke volumes. This was more than just a case—it was a responsibility, one that felt heavier now that they realized the lives of people, people just like them, depended on their actions.

The team remained quiet as Penelope continued with the briefing. Valerie stayed focused, writing down everything she could. Each word, each fact, seemed crucial in piecing together the puzzle they were about to unravel.

"Both were low-risk victims," Emily Prentiss interrupted, her sharp voice cutting through the tense silence. She flipped through the case files spread across the table, her brow furrowing in concentration as she absorbed the details. 

Morgan leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the pictures on the screen. "And physically similar," he added, his voice low but tinged with frustration. His sharp eyes scanning the details, searching for any clues that might help them understand the motive. "Same general build, same hair color. There's a reason this guy picked them."

"How close are the two abduction sites?" Rossi cut through the quiet murmur of the room. 

Penelope quickly accessed the map on her tablet, her fingers dancing over the screen as she zoomed in, the soft tap of her fingertips filling the air. "Five miles apart, at bus stops," she said. She pulled up a heavily detailed map of Durant, highlighting the key locations. Red dots blinked on the screen, marking the spots where the women had disappeared. "Abby's cell was found near one of them. Beth's scarf was found near the other."

Valerie  eyes flicked to Spencer, her curiosity piqued as she saw him scribbling notes with rapid precision. His focus was intense, his mind clearly working through the details as he processed everything. She found herself inexplicably drawn to the way he thought—fast, efficient, laser-focused. But then their eyes met for a brief moment. There was a flicker of something unspoken between them before she quickly returned her attention to the briefing.

"Where were the dump sites?" he asked, finally setting his pen down as he looked to Penelope. It was clear he was piecing everything together in his mind, connecting the dots between the abductions, the locations, and what little evidence they had so far.

"One in an alley, the other in a field."

JJ's brows furrowed in confusion as she stared at the images on the screen, her voice reflecting the collective confusion of the entire team. "So he stapled their eyes open, then he blinded them?"

Hotch gave a solemn nod toward the blonde, his sharp gaze then shifting toward Valerie and Cassidy. The unspoken message was clear—he wanted their input. As the room's attention shifted toward the two women, Valerie felt the pressure settle heavily on he shoulders. She had to contribute something helpful.

Her mouth suddenly went dry, and for a split second, her mind went blank. The room was silent except for the faint clicking of Penelope's tablet. Valerie licked her lips nervously and took a deep breath. She grabbed her notebook, flipping through the pages to steady herself. 'Stapled eyelids...then blinded. Similar characteristics, similar abduction sites. The psychological and physical damage...' Her thoughts swirled as she reviewed the case notes. 'He wants power,' she thought, her gut tightening with the realization.

After a brief pause, Valerie finally spoke, her voice a little shaky but gaining strength as she continued. "The behavior we're seeing is...um, extremely power-assertive," she began, looking down at her notes for a moment before meeting the eyes of the agents around the table. She could feel Rossi's steady encouraging gaze, and it gave her the courage to continue. "It suggests an individual who derives satisfaction from asserting control and dominance over the victims. The stapling, the acid—both are tools of physical and psychological torture, but it all begins with the initial abduction. These women were taken from what should have been a safe space, the bus stop."

The agents' expressions transformed into one of respect. Rossi's gaze softened with a hint of approval, a small, appreciative smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Hotch exchanged a brief, almost imperceptible glance with the Italian man before giving a slight nod, signaling his agreement with Valerie's insights.

Across the room, Penelope paused her frantic tapping on her tablet, her eyes now focused on Valerie, absorbing her words with intrigue. Emily and JJ exchanged a quick glance, their eyes widening slightly as they registered the depth of her analysis. Derek, ever the focused one, nodded, scribbling something down in his notebook. Spencer, however, was still, his posture relaxed, arms crossed, but his intense gaze was trained directly on Valerie. His eyes bore into hers, calculating and assessing, yet somehow... thoughtful. There was something almost... predatory in the way he studied her, but also a sense of respect.

Valerie held his gaze for a moment before quickly turning her attention back to her notebook, feeling a slight heat rise to her cheeks, her focus redirected. 

Spencer leaned forward slightly in his chair, his sharp gaze locked on Valerie.  She suddenly met his eyes again. "Or it could be about shame," he suggested. His eyes never left hers as he continued, "Perhaps the unsub is disfigured himself. Blinding the victims leaves them helpless, lost, and entirely dependent. It may be a manifestation of how he sees himself in this world."

Valerie met his stare, processing his words. His theory was solid—unexpected, but logical. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, a nod of respect for his quick deduction. "That's a very plausible angle, Doctor Reid. It's enucleation without a scalpel." Spencer blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Valerie wasn't just keeping up, she was pushing the analysis forward. His lips parted slightly, as if to respond, but he hesitated.  "If either one of them had survived, it would be etched into their memories forever."

Across the table, Rossi's expression shifted as realization dawned. "His face is the last thing they see before darkness," he murmured.

Hotch, now confident they had enough to begin constructing a profile, finally set his pen down. His commanding voice broke the silence. "Garcia," he said, trying to get the analyst's attention. "Garcia."

Penelope blinked rapidly, snapping out of her moment of admiration. "Yes, sir?" she said, straightening her posture as she put down her tablet. Her usual bubbly demeanor was momentarily replaced by professional seriousness, though a hint of pride lingered in her eyes.

"Come up with a list of jobs that would give the unsub access to sulfuric acid," Hotch instructed before giving a short nod of approval, scanning the rest of the team. "The rest of us, wheels up in thirty minutes." 

Chairs scraped against the floor as the team began moving, already shifting gears to prepare for departure. Morgan grabbed his files, exchanging a knowing glance with Prentiss, while Rossi and JJ murmured to each other about the media approach. Spencer was still jotting down notes, deep in thought, before quickly tucking his pen into his pocket.

As Hotch turned to leave, he paused at the doorway. His sharp gaze flickered back toward Valerie, who was still reviewing her notes. "Agent Romero," She looked up, startled for only a second before meeting his eyes. "Good job."

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✧ ★ ✧꒱ ˎˊ˗

Valerie listened in silence as Hotch delivered the team's orders, her eyes fixed on him as he laid out the plan for their arrival in Durant. She sat rigidly, absorbing every word, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of the case file resting on her lap. Despite the sense of pride she felt for contributing her knowledge to the case discussion, a lingering unease gnawed at her. She could feel the silent disapproval radiating from Spencer. As Hotch delved further into the victimology of the unsub, she stole a glance at the young doctor beside her. His brow was furrowed in deep concentration, his keen eyes darting between the photos spread across his lap and the meticulous notes he scrawled in his well-worn notebook. There was an intensity to his focus, one that made her stomach twist uncomfortably. It was clear he had reservations about her assessment.

Spencer, who had been engrossed in his own research and profiling since the jet took off, exuded an almost imperceptible skepticism. The rhythmic scratching of his pen against paper never faltered, his movements precise and methodical. His right hand supported his chin, elbow propped against the armrest, as though he were carefully dissecting every detail, weighing each possibility.

Despite her earlier confidence, doubt crept in, uninvited and unwelcome. Spencer Reid was a prodigy—his mind operated on a level that she wasn't even sure she could match. If he was questioning her interpretation of the case, what did that mean for her own instincts? Had she overlooked something? Had she miscalculated? The thought sent a ripple of frustration through her, but she quickly buried it, unwilling to let her uncertainty show.

"Dave, you and I will talk to the parents. Morgan and Prentiss, go to the disposal sites. JJ, you and Reid, to the abduction sites," Hotch ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. Each agent nodded in acknowledgment, already mentally preparing for the tasks ahead. Hotch then turned his attention to Valerie and Cassidy, scanning his notes before addressing them. "Easton, you'll be training under Morgan," he stated, his sharp gaze settling on Cassidy. "Go assess the scene and look for anything out of the ordinary on the bodies." Cassidy gave a small nod, her posture straightening with readiness. Then, Hotch's attention shifted to Valerie. "Romero, you'll be working with Reid," he continued. "You seem to have a good sense for the case; see if you can connect anything further."

Valerie felt her shoulders tense involuntarily.

She glanced toward Cassidy, who offered her a quick, encouraging smile. It was a silent reassurance, one that Valerie appreciated more than she cared to admit. With a small nod in return, she refocused on the crime scene photos before her, blocking out the lingering weight of Spencer's gaze. Whatever doubts she had, whatever unspoken challenge he presented, she pushed it aside.

She had a job to do.

Spencer continued to watch Valerie with quiet curiosity, his analytical mind working to dissect not just her words but her entire demeanor. He was trying to understand her perspective, her reasoning of why she had reached the conclusions she did. His fixation on her was so intense that he barely registered JJ's voice beside him. Her words faded into the background, lost in the haze of his own thoughts as his focus remained solely on Valerie.

It wasn't like him to become so distracted, to let his attention narrow so sharply on one person. He wasn't entirely sure if this tunnel vision was a bad thing, but there was something undeniably intriguing about her—something that compelled him to observe, to analyze, to try and piece together the nuances of her thought process.

Meanwhile, Valerie remained engrossed in studying the crime scene photos, methodically flipping through each image as she committed details to memory. But even as she focused on her task, she could feel his gaze lingering on her, unrelenting and intense. It wasn't accusatory or condescending—just inquisitive.

She resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Instead, after a few moments, she decided to break the silent tension that had settled between them. "Can I help you?" she asked, finally lifting her head to meet his gaze. Their eyes locked intentionally for the first time—her soft brown ones meeting his sharp, inquisitive hazel. The moment stretched just long enough for her to catch the flicker of surprise in his expression, the subtle way his lips parted as if searching for a response.

A faint flush crept up Spencer's neck, tinging his cheeks as he quickly averted his eyes. "Er—no?" he stammered, his usual eloquence suddenly failing him. His voice carried a slight waver, as though he himself wasn't entirely convinced by his own answer.

Valerie observed his reaction with quiet amusement, the corners of her lips twitching as she studied him in return. Whatever had just happened in that brief exchange had clearly thrown him off, and that in itself was curious. Pursing her lips thoughtfully, she nodded once before offering a brief smile to JJ. Then, with deliberate ease, she returned her attention to the crime scene photos, as if the moment had never happened.

The plane continued its descent, the engines humming steadily, but between her and Spencer, the air remained charged with unspoken curiosity.

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✧ ★ ✧꒱ ˎˊ˗

The hum of the busy traffic surrounded Valerie as she, JJ, and Spencer made their way to Beth's abduction site. With each step, the bustling sounds of the city filled her ears, reminding her of New York. She came to an abrupt stop, her eyes scanning the crowded bus stop and the flow of pedestrians weaving through the sidewalks. A puzzled furrow settled between her brows. How could Beth have disappeared here, in broad daylight, without anyone seeing a thing?

"So, Beth got off the bus here and headed northwest toward class," Spencer's voice cut through the noise, though it was more of a muttered observation to himself than an explanation for them. Valerie took in the sharp edge of tension in his tone and JJ's concerned glances toward him. There was something unspoken between them, something she could sense but had no desire to be tangled in. It wasn't her place to pry, and right now, their focus needed to be on Beth, not whatever lingering conflict simmered between them.

A sudden brush against her shoulder jolted her from her thoughts as she stepped aside to avoid colliding with a hurried pedestrian. The movement sent her straight into Spencer, her arm knocking against his as he stumbled slightly at the unexpected contact. "Sorry," she murmured quickly, barely sparing him a glance before redirecting her attention to the busy street. Her eyes followed the departing runner before shifting back to the spot where Beth had last been seen. The sheer number of people passing through made her frown deepen. "I don't get it," she admitted, frustration seeping into her voice. "How could nobody see her? These streets are packed."

JJ gave a slow nod, her gaze trailing over the bustling intersection as if willing it to give up its secrets. "Yeah," she agreed, her voice tinged with unease. "It's amazing that nobody witnessed her abduction."

Spencer, however, responded with a sharp edge of sarcasm, glancing back at the two women as he kept walking. "Emily was buried six feet under and somehow wound up in Paris, so I guess anything's possible, right?" 

Valerie's brows knit together at the cryptic remark, her gaze flickering between Spencer and JJ in confusion. Before she could ask, JJ shot her a quick, knowing look—a silent promise to explain later—before turning her sharp glare onto Spencer. Shaking her head incredulously, JJ muttered under her breath, though loud enough for both of them to hear, "So that's what this is about."

Spencer's jaw tensed, but he didn't respond. Instead, he pressed forward, increasing his pace slightly as if trying to outrun the situation. "You know, maybe our unsub pulled a Bundy and feigned an injury in order to get her to help him."

Valerie, sensing the shift, latched onto the idea. "That's actually not a bad id—"

"Look, Spence." JJ cut her off, her voice firm but not unkind. "If you want to talk about this..."

Undeterred, Spencer continued, "Maybe he tried other tactics, like, 'Wow, you're really pretty. You should be a model. I can take your photo.'" Valerie stifled a small snort, quickly bringing a hand to cover her mouth, amused by Spencer's obvious attempt to steer the conversation away from whatever unresolved issue lingered between him and JJ. The blonde agent caught the exchange, subtly shaking her head as she looked between them. However, Spencer's expression darkened. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his sharp gaze locked onto Valerie. "Is something funny, Dr. Romero?"

Valerie instinctively dropped her eyes to the sidewalk, the sudden shift in his tone catching her off guard. "Charm," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Then, gathering herself, she lifted her head and met his gaze once more.

Spencer's brow furrowed in confusion, his expression hardening as his head tilted slightly. "What?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief as he tried to make sense of her suggestion.

She inhaled deeply, fighting the tightness in her chest, and, with a quiet determination, lifted her head. Her eyes met Spencer's once more, this time unwavering, her voice stronger as she spoke. "The charm of the unsub," she repeated, her words deliberate, as though weighing them for their impact. "It would've disarmed her, taken her aback—made her hesitate just long enough. It's not just a nice line, it's a manipulation. A moment of vulnerability for someone who's trained to read it."

Spencer's eyes flickered for a brief moment, something unreadable stirring in them, but he was quick to mask it. Before he could respond, JJ's voice cut through the tension. She crossed her arms, the muscles in her jaw tightening as she stepped closer to the pair, her posture protective but subtle. A small, approving smile tugged at the corners of her lips, but it was her eyes—steady and knowing—that caught Valerie's attention. "Charm's quite the killer," JJ remarked, her words carrying a quiet depth, as if speaking from experience.

Spencer scoffed at the remark, his shoulders stiffening as he shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to dismiss the conversation. "So are tears," he muttered, his voice edged with a bitterness that Valerie could sense even in his curt words. He quickened his pace slightly, brushing past them with a grace born of practiced distance. The air around them grew cooler, and a sharp breeze swept past, tugging at the edges of Valerie's jacket and ruffling Spencer's hair, but neither of them paid it any mind. Valerie glanced at the couple passing by them, watching their oblivious conversation as they navigated the busy sidewalk, a stark contrast to the tension between the three of them.

Valerie, still shaken by Spencer's response, let out a small, incredulous huff, her lips curling slightly in disbelief. She shook her head, the frustration building. "Whatever his ruse was," she pressed, her voice now firm, "the unsub most likely used it to get her into his vehicle." 

"Well, if Abby was last seen at a bus stop a few miles away, then he definitely has a means of transportation," The blonde woman added, attempting to steer the conversation in a more productive direction as she glanced over at Valerie. 

Spencer, seemingly unphased, brushed past Valerie as he walked away, moving effortlessly through the crowded city street. His form soon disappeared into the sea of people, until he was barely a blur in the distance.  Valerie's eyes followed him, frustration and confusion bubbling inside her. Her clenched fists were a testament to the anger she was trying to hold back, but as she glared daggers into his retreating back, it was clear that the tension wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Turning back to JJ, Valerie raised her eyebrows, silently demanding an explanation. She needed answers, and she needed them now. "What is his problem with me? What did I do wrong in five hours of working with him?" 

JJ let out a slow sigh, the sound heavy with the weight of unspoken history. They continued walking, trailing after Spencer's retreating form, but JJ's focus remained fixed on him, as if trying to read his mind from a distance. Valerie watched the blonde woman closely, noting the way her shoulders slumped just slightly. She took a deep breath before speaking, the chill of the air biting at her skin as she crossed her arms for warmth. 

"A few months ago, Emily faked her death," JJ began, her voice quieter now, laced with a bitterness that Valerie could sense but not fully understand. "Hotch and I were a part of the plan. It took a toll on him, on all of us when she died...and when she came back." JJ's eyes flickered briefly with pain as she continued, rubbing the cold air away from her arms. She finally reached out, a comforting hand resting on Valerie's shoulder. The gesture was soft, but there was strength in it. A wordless understanding, as if JJ was trying to share the burden of her own pain. "It's nothing personal, Valerie. He's just really upset right now."

Valerie nodded, soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips, though it was tight and not quite reaching her eyes. "I can relate to what he's feeling...what you all are feeling," Valerie murmured, her voice softening as her thoughts drifted inward. "The uncertainty of what to do. It's really hard to lose someone, but I can't even imagine discovering that they've been alive this whole time. I guess you just..." She trailed off, her voice faltering slightly, and her gaze fell to the ground as her heart thudded painfully in her chest. A flicker of sadness clouded her eyes as she looked back toward Spencer, who glanced over his shoulder to check on them. She caught his gaze for a brief moment, but the exchange was fleeting. Her voice became quieter, almost fragile, as she spoke again. "I guess you just eventually lose hope." A frown tugged at her features, and her breath hitched as a familiar ache settled in her chest. She blinked rapidly, trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill.

JJ must have noticed the shift in her expression, the subtle tightening of Valerie's jaw, because she nudged her gently with her shoulder, her voice lowering with genuine concern. "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, her voice steadier now, though the flicker of vulnerability still lingered in her eyes. She took a deep breath, wiping away the stubborn hint of moisture gathering in her eyes, and managed to offer a small, reassuring smile.

The older agent maintained her supportive gaze, her blue eyes gently urging Valerie to open up if she felt inclined to share. The silence between them hung comfortably, filled only by the distant hum of city life and the faint sound of Spencer's footsteps, which had slowed to a deliberate pace ahead of them. JJ's voice, low and steady, cut through the quiet as they came to a stop. "If you ever need to talk about anything, I'm here for you, okay?"

Valerie felt a surge of warmth and gratitude at JJ's sincere offer. The kindness was unexpected but welcomed, and it felt like a lifeline in the midst of everything. She met JJ's gaze in a way that made Valerie realize she wasn't alone in this chaotic world they were trying to navigate. Her smile, though still tinged with the remnants of earlier sadness, deepened as she spoke, her voice steady. "Same goes for you, JJ, whether it's about Reid or anything else." 

Nodding, the two women continued walking, her pace matching Valerie's as they continued to trail behind Reid. His form ahead of them was lost in thought, his strides a little longer, his focus distant. JJ glanced briefly at Valerie, the faintest hint of amusement playing at the corners of her mouth. "Well, with Reid around, there's always something to talk about."

Valerie chuckled softly, the tension in her chest easing as she gave in to the moment. JJ's lighthearted attempt to shift the mood succeeded, and Valerie's smile grew wider. "Believe me, I can already tell he's quite the catch." 

"Oh, you have no idea."

𝘼𝙐𝙏𝙃𝙊𝙍'𝙎 𝙉𝙊𝙏𝙀 . . .

double upload day, since i haven't written in a while! thank you for your reads, but i would love if you could leave some votes and comments, they mean the world to me! 

maybe some q+a next chapter??? leave some questions here!