#aaron hotch x daughter!reader | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

spaceyrosie · 3 months

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for you, i would ruin myself

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x daughter!reader, hints of Aaron Hotchner x Emily Prentiss Summary: Hotch is a busy man and he truly tried his best to be there for his children, until one day they got into a serious accident, leaving his daughter to be seriously injured. Warnings: heavy angst, sadness, reader got seriously hurt, descriptive injuries, blood, mentions of death, Haley's death, Hotch really tried his best, cliffhanger Author's note: I've been wanting to write for Aaron Hotchner for a while now and have finally gotten the time and inspiration to do so. I don't know if I should make a second part. Word count: 2.1k

“Dad! Hurry or Jack’s going to eat the cake all by himself!” you hollered from the living room.

Jack giggled “No I’m not,” his hand reaching out for the cookies they baked together that afternoon.

It was a peaceful day, one you have wished for a while now. Your dad’s job made it challenging for him to be home during the weekends, but today is one of the days he has taken the day off to celebrate your birthday.

“I’m coming!” Aaron replied walking to the living room to his children.

He had asked you a few weeks prior if you wanted a party for your birthday but you replied only wanting a small and quiet birthday with him and Jack. “I just want to celebrate the moment with the people I love the most, but I don’t get to do that these days.”

Aaron understands that reference, he has been travelling for work a lot in the past months. This is your first birthday since Haley passed, and it’s hard to celebrate without her.

Pulling Jack to his lap, they both sang Happy Birthday before you blew out the candles. Jack cheered, “We eat the cake and cookies now, Daddy? Please,” Giving his best pout, Aaron laughed.

“At least let y/n cut the cake first,” he chuckled while ruffling his son's hair.

As you are about to slice into the cake, they hear the dreaded ringtone from his work phone. Grimacing slightly, he picked up the call and lifted Jack from his lap before walking to the kitchen, “Hotchner. Yes, JJ?”

You tried not to let your emotions down, you knew this was part of his job. But, your fingers trembled as you sliced the cake before handing a plate to Jack. Your dad is still talking on the phone in the kitchen and judging by how his voice lowered, you know what’s about to come.

You tried to bite back the tears that were threatening to fall - will there be a time when your dad can make more time for his own family?

He walks back into the room, face pulled into a frown. He knelt before you, gaze heavy, “I’m so sorry, honey.” He started. “We got pulled into a case. I got to fly to Arizona.”

His apology lingered in the air. You nod, not really trusting your voice at the moment. You swallowed down your disappointment before forcing out a smile.

“It’s alright, dad.” Your reply was short. You couldn’t let him see the cracks behind your smile. He carried enough burdens, with the weight of his job and being a single parent of two, you couldn’t add your disappointment to his plate.

He frowns not convinced, “Really, me and Jack will just watch Star Wars after this.” Who you are trying to convince, him or yourself, you are not sure.

He looks into your eyes, “I’ll make it up to you, honey,” he whispers, his hand cupping your cheek. You savour this moment - when was the last time Dad held you?

“We’ll be fine, Dad,” You turned away, breaking the contact, and he took the cue to grab his go-bag. Your eyes are misting up but you quickly wipe the tears away not wanting Jack or your dad to see it.

It was your birthday, after all, you are supposed to feel happy, right? Right?

Standing by the door, he crouched down to hug you before pulling away to speak to you, “Happy birthday, honey. I’ll be back soon.”

You watched him walk out the door, knowing he would not be coming home anytime soon.

The next time Hotch dissapoints you was during the end of school year.

The ticking clock felt like a curse, each second mocking his fading hope. Hotch cursed when he saw the time - 3 hours until 7.00 pm.

Looking at the evidence board, he pinched his eyebrows together, the pins and photos taunting him with a case and the fact that he will be disappointing his daughter, again.

He felt a buzz from his pocket notifying a text from you.

I’m getting ready for the show. See you there!

He didn’t get to reply to the text as Morgan notified him the tactical team was ready to go to the unsub’s place. Pulling on his vest, it felt tight against his chest, burned with frustration and anxiety about the situation. He gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white, as he led the team to the location provided.

Emily sat beside him noticing his tense posture, “You alright, Hotch?”

He doesn’t want his emotions to cloud his judgment while being in the field. Shifting his gaze into a stoic focus, he said, “Yeah, just ready to wrap the case after we catch the unsub.”

Emily was not convinced as her gaze cut through his stoic mask with her head tilted to the side and eyebrow arched. Hotch sighs, “Y/N’s recital… it’s tonight. Her solo. And I won’t be there.”

She winced, the weight of his unspoken pain echoing in the silence of the car.

“I promised to be there but I know even if we get this guy on time, by the time we arrive in Quantico, the show is finished.”

You squinted through the glare of the spotlights where a sea face blurred in your vision. Your eyes, desperate with searching, landed on Aunt Jessica’s sympathetic gaze, followed by the emptiness of the reserved seat beside her. She waved when you both locked eyes and gave you an apologetic look when your eyes lingered on the empty seat next to her.

The audience applauded after your fingers hit the last note, but all you can hear is the deafening silence inside your head. Flashes of should’ve, would’ve echoed in your head, as the seat next to Aunt Jess remained empty even until you took the final bow.

The case dragged on as Hotch and Prentiss interrogate the unsub into a confession. By the time the team puts their reports in, it's almost midnight.

Hotch tiptoed into the living room, the house quiet. Your bedroom door flicked open and you felt your dad’s presence.

“I'm sorry, honey.” His voice rasped, each word carving deeper into your disappointment.

“I-” You started, voice thick with unshed tears “I- I understand, Dad.” The lie tasted bitter in your mouth.

When he remained quiet, you continued, “It's part of the job, right.” You whispered, voice cracking at the end.

Hotch swallowed his guilt, he'll never get to see her perform on stage. “Honey, I-” He puts a hand on your shoulder to offer some sort of comfort. But, the both of you know nothing can take back his action. “I really tried to be there, y/n,” He said instead.

Still looking away from him, you took a shuddered breath before sighing, “I just…” you whispered, “I wished you were there.”

Silence consumed the room as they both weighed their words in.

Somehow, too many disappointments led him to situations he regrets.

Hotch frowned deepened when the traffic slows during the drive back to Quantico.

“Traffic’s unusual at this hour,” Prentiss muttered on his side.

Hotch grunted not in the mood. The team got called in for a case over the weekend, and they just finished wrapping it up. Despite it being local, he is still pissed to be working on his day off.

Sirens wailed behind their SUV, and he glanced in the rear mirror where an ambulance was passing through the traffic. The traffic moved slowly and they passed by a few police cars parked by the roadside trying to control the traffic where an accident had happened.

Amidst the flashing lights, he saw it - a black sedan crumpled beyond recognition. His breath hitched in his throat as he saw the plates before he pulled to a sudden stop by the roadside.

“Hotch? Why did we stop?”

She followed his gaze to the plate numbers before realisation dawned on her. Not caring to answer her, he jumped out of the SUV before running towards the scene. The smell of gasoline overwhelms his nostrils as his eyes wildly look around the crash site. An officer pulled in front of him, “Sir, please step back.”

“My family!” His roar cut through the atmosphere as he tried to shove past the officer. “Let me through! That’s my family!”

“Aaron!” A familiar voice hollered and he spotted Jessica’s wild curls from a distance. Jessica stumbled toward him, her face smudged with soot and blood stained her shirt. Dread fills his chest as he takes in the condition she is in.

“Jess!” His voice, usually calm and composed, cracked as he pulled her into a crushing embrace. “What’s happened? Where’s Jack?” He threw many questions. “Jess, tell me what happened! Oh my God, where’s y/n?” Aaron could feel the thumping in his chest.

Jess was crying, “I’m sorry, Aaron. I’m really sorry,” she choked out and he almost lost his mind when he heard those words from her.

Then a small figure emerge from the chaos, “Daddy!” Jack’s familiar voice brought some peace to his racing heart. Running towards the boy, who was being attended by a paramedic, he crouched down to console his son’s terrified sobs, “Hey, buddy. Oh Jack, ohh,” Jack was crying, a deep gash etched across his forehead.

His gaze, frantic and desperate, scoured the scene before he landed on a stretcher with you lying on top. He felt his heart drop when he saw your face, pale with a brutal gash mirroring the one on Jack’s head.

“y/n!” The name ripped from his throat as he nearly scrambled to run towards you.

“y/n! Open your eyes, sweetheart,” Aaron begged as he stood by your side.

“Sir, please step aside so we can help her,” One of the paramedics told him.

He begged, “P-please, she’s my daughter,” Tears were streaming down his face, “Y/n, I’m here, sweetheart. I’m here,” He sobbed trying to take hold of your hand. It felt cold to his touch, you have lost too much blood, causing your body temperature to drop.

You stirred before your eyes fluttered open, “D- dad?” your voice croaked.

Gripping your hand tightly, “I’m here, honey. Dad’s here,” Aaron assured.

Gaze unfocused as your eyes stared ahead, “D- dad, you’re h-here?” You try to reach out. Aaron tried to smooth out the hair out of your face, his face coming into your view.

“I’m here, y/n.” He assured again.

“Dad… it hurts...” You cried, and Hotch felt like his heart had been stabbed. Your whole body was on fire and your breathing hurt. Tears were streaming down your cheeks, mingling with the blood smearing your face.

“I know, sweetheart, I know. But you’re going to be okay. They are going to help you, okay.” His reassurances trembled, knowing he should not make any promises given the condition you are in.

Before you could reply, your eyes fluttered shut before your grip slackened in his. He panicked, calling out your name, “Wake up y/n,” His calloused hand cupped your cheeks, a silent plea etched in his words.

“Don’t do this, honey. Open your eyes, y/n.” His voice, usually strong and steady, cracked as he choked back a sob.

“Step aside, sir.” One of the paramedics immediately rushed.

Right in front of him, he saw another paramedic insert a breathing tube into his daughter’s mouth to help you breathe. Aaron saw his world turned dark when the monitor connecting to your chest beeped rapidly, signalling the heart's struggle to beat rhythmically.

Hotch felt like he failed you.

He failed to protect you.

He failed to be the father you need.

“We are going to be taking your daughter to Georgetown University Hospital, sir,” The paramedic informed as the stretcher was wheeled into the ambulance. “She’s not stable, you can follow us in your vehicle,” He said sympathetically.

His fingers dug into the cold metal of the stretcher, refusing to let go. "I have to be with her," his voice rough with desperation. "Please, just let me hold her hand."

The paramedic's gaze softened, but his hands stayed firm. "She's losing too much blood, sir. Every minute counts. You'll be with her soon, I promise."

Aaron nodded and released his grip, a sob escaping his throat. Images flickered behind his eyes: empty birthday chairs, unanswered phone calls, a whispered promise to come home. How many times had he failed to be there? How many moments had slipped through his fingers, swallowed by the demands of work?

Haley’s pained voice, etched in his memory, morphed into y/n’s bloodied face.

How many times have you needed him but he wasn’t there?

How many times did he leave his family for work?

His knees buckled as he watched the ambulance drive into the night, flashing sirens blurring into the smoked air. His hands trembled on his side unable to control the weight of guilt inside him.

Emily’s voice cut through the fog, “Hotch,” No amount of words can offer him any comfort in that moment. She tried, nevertheless, “She’s strong, Aaron.”

He hopes so.

He really hopes that you’ll be okay.

#aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotchner x daughter!reader #aaron hotchner x female!reader #aaron hotchner x you #criminal minds #criminal minds angst #aaron hotchner angst #aaron hotchner #bau x reader #aaron hotchner fic #aaron hotchner imagine #dad!hotch #emily prentiss x aaron hotchner

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hushedlover · 6 months

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an aaron hotchner x reader where she brings in their kid to the office!! i feel like this could be super cute!!

“Aw, look at her chubby little cheeks!”

Garcia squeals, making grabby hands at the little girl resting on your hip. You laugh and let the blonde woman take your toddler from your arms. The 2 year old claps in delight and immediately latches her hands onto the chunky necklace Garcia was wearing. She was like a crow, anything shiny immediately was in her hands.

“You did good, mama,” Derek smiles as he pulls you into a side hug. You grin up at him and hug him back.

“Thanks, Morgan. Any idea where Aaron is at?” You ask, smiling warmly as Spencer and JJ come over to coo at your little girl too.

“Last I saw, him and Rossi were talking in his office,” Derek chuckles as little Hotchner tugs on Reid’s hair. You smile as you watch her look over at the sound of the deep laugh, your baby immediately squealing at the sight of Uncle Derek.

Suddenly you’re being pulled into a warm chest from behind, strong arms wrapping around your waist to tug you backwards. You laugh softly as Aaron takes a deep breath with his nose pressed to your hair.

“My favorite girls,” He murmurs. “The best surprise.”

“Brought you lunch, too. Thought maybe we could do a picnic,” you hum back. It’s impossible not to lean back into his warmth and close your eyes, just resting like that for a moment.

“Maybe we could steal a few minutes for just us. I don’t think anyone is going to be letting our girl go for the next little bit,” Aaron says with a hint of a laugh in his voice. He watches as his team passes around your little girl, listening intently to the senseless babbles that make up the story she’s telling.

“Sounds perfect to me.”

Pulling out of Aaron’s arms, you grab his large hand and interlace your fingers. JJ catches your eye and send a wink along with a thumbs up, assuring you that she’d keep an eye on your baby girl. Tugging, you lead Aaron out of the bullpen with the team smirking and laughing at the two of you.

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the-guilty-writer · 1 year

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Work The Case

Request from @doctorsteeb: This may be too sensitive a topic but just an idea— Hotch!daughter taking out a school shooter?

Aaron Hotchner x daughter!reader

Summary: A normal Tuesday takes a turn when you come face to face with your father's work.

A/N: Not going to lie I wasn't going to write this because I felt like the idea was too sensitive but then I remembered that I'm the queen of writing too sensitive things in real life so I may as well do that here too (within limits of course. I still have ethics). So here it is!

CW: school shooting, fatal gun shot, talks of foyet, talks of dead mothers, talks of car crashes, talks of drunk driving, talks of divorce, Jackson Pollok slander

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The morning started out like any other Tuesday: you got up and ready for the day before having breakfast with your dad and brother- oatmeal and orange juice- then your dad drove you and Jack to school. Jack always got dropped off first at the elementary school, and you at the high school. The ride between the two was short, but it was always long enough for a small, private conversation between you and your father.

“You okay?” he asked you.

Ugh. Profilers.

“I’m…” You thought about saying ‘fine,’ but you knew he wouldn’t take that as an answer. You sighed. “The teacher let the class vote on what chapter we would cover in class next, so we started on abnormal criminal psychology yesterday.”

“Oh.” You’d never heard your dad sound so uncertain.

“It’s an extra chapter. Since it’s not listed in the curriculum we aren’t being tested on the material. The teacher told me I could spend that period in the library if it was… too much,” you finished.

You dad pulled in front of the school, leaning over to kiss you on the forehead goodbye. “Whatever you need, sweetheart.”

“Thanks,” you told him.

“Try to have a good day,” he said before you shut the car door.

You nodded. “I’ll try.”

---

You took your teacher’s offer and went to the library instead of their classroom. The space was large, but mostly empty of people- there was just the librarian behind her desk and a few students scattered amongst the tables. You took a seat and pulled out your homework, trying not to think about what they were learning back in the classroom. You’d honestly overheard enough phone calls that whatever they were learning about you already knew. There was a buzz in your pocket, which automatically made you freeze. You kept your phone on do not disturb through the school day. The only reason your phone would buzz would be if your dad was texting you… and if your dad was texting you it was an emergency.

You pulled your phone out and you were right- it was a text from your dad. Three words: Work the case.

Shit. That was code for you and Jack to hide- to hide somewhere that you wouldn’t be found unless you wanted to be. You looked around the library, but the area was like an open plain. You shoved your work in your backpack and hurried towards the doors-

BOOM!

A gunshot.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

People began to scream. Through the glass windows of the library you could see students running, but it wasn’t because they were late to class. The lockdown alarm sounded and you scrambled under one of the tables, hoping it would be enough cover.

There was a stillness and a silence for a minute and you hoped that it was over, but gunshots rang out again- this time they were louder than they had been before. Someone was getting closer.

Your heart was pounding in your chest, making it feel as though your entire body was thumping to its too-fast rhythm. You wanted to cry, but you didn’t shed any tears. You wondered if this was what it had been like for Jack when Foyet had killed your mother and then tried to kill your father. As part of WISTEC, you had been sent away to a private boarding school with an alias while Jack and your mom were sent elsewhere. In the end, sending you away had saved your life, but now you were wondering if you were going to die soon anyway.

That was, until the library doors burst open. From your view under the table you could only see old shoes and baggy jeans but you heard the shots that were fired into the air.

“Get up! All of you!” It was a male voice.

You, along with the six other students in the library that had all dropped to the floor, looked around at one another- who would make the decision to stand up or stay down? Who would make that call?

More shots were fired. “I said get up!”

You thought about your dad- what would he do? And so you were the one to make the call, the first student to crawl out slowly from under the table and rise, your hands held up to show that you were no threat. The rest of the students followed your lead. This was your team now- if one of them died, it was on you.

You looked at the shooter and you knew who he was- Timmy Rogers. He’d been in some of your classes in middle school and high school. He had always been quiet- the kind of kid who did well in class but never answered any questions. The person who put their share into a group project and didn’t complain about having to pick up the slack if someone else bailed. He was nice enough of a person that you wouldn’t have expected him to be holding a firearm in the middle of your school, but then again most unsubs could keep themselves hidden for years- that much you knew.

“Line up against the wall. Now!” he shouted.

You walked calmly to the wall while some of the other students scampered. One girl was crying. Another boy’s fists were twisted with fear. The librarian was on her knees, pleading with Timmy. “You’re a good boy. You always have been. Your mother-”

“Don’t talk about my mother! Don’t talk about me! You don’t know me!”

“Yes I do,” the librarian was crying. “I do know you and your mom wouldn’t have wanted-”

Timmy pulled the trigger and she was gone. He marched over and grabbed the girl who was crying, dragging her out in front for the rest of you to see. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry!” She fell to her knees. “Please, I’m sorry-”

You thought quickly about everything you knew about Timmy. He wasn’t an athlete by any means but he joined the wrestling team anyway, he liked art and his project last year was based on his parent’s divorce, his father was a marine, and his mom…

Oh. His mom had died in a car crash last week. She was hit by a drunk driver.

“You never cared about me!” he yelled. “Nobody cares about me. Nobody cared about her-”

“I did.” You didn’t know where the words came from- they were solid and bold and half a lie, but they made Timmy let go of the girl.

“And who are you?” He pointed the gun in your direction. You wanted to scream, but you didn’t.

“I’m (Y/N) Hotchner. W-we had art class together last year.” You hoped your stumble wasn’t too obvious.

“Yeah, and why does that matter? Why should I let you live? Why should I let any of you live?” He waved the gun around in the air, making some of the students shriek, but somehow you stayed calm even though you wanted to explode.

“Y-your mom died in a car crash last week. But it wasn’t her fault. It was the other person who was driving drunk and it wasn’t fair that they got to live and she had to die,” you said.

“Why do you care?” He spat.

You reached deep down… really deep. “My mom died too. She was murdered by a serial killer. She deserved so much better, just like your mom did.”

Timmy paused, the gun in his hand was shaking but still pointed at you. From your view, you could see that through the glass there were officers moving into the school. No. Not just officers- they were wearing FBI vests. Help was almost there, you just had to stall.

“My parents got divorced too,” you said. “Your final project last year really spoke to me- your dad was away all the time and your mom got tired of it, even though they still loved each other.” That was a total lie- the guy was about as talented as Pollok, but you had to find something. “My parents were the same way.”

Now Timmy was crying. You could see behind him that agents were moving towards the library, but you were too focused on stalling Timmy that you weren’t focused on their faces.

“And I was at a boarding school when she died so I was alone- all alone, just like you, Timmy. My mom died and nobody was there to comfort me. My dad wasn’t with me, just like your dad isn’t here right now.”

He was so distracted by your words that he didn’t even notice that the library doors had opened behind him allowing Agent Morgan, Dr. Reid, and your dad to come in unnoticed.

“He- he didn’t even come for her funeral-” Timmy’s hand was getting weaker. He was crying harder. “I-I can’t reach him-”

“I know. I couldn’t reach my dad either since I was still in WISTEC. They couldn’t tell me anything about him until I got home. It’s not fair. I know it’s not fair. I care that it’s not fair.”

Timmy dropped the gun, crumbling to the ground in a fit of tears. Agent Morgan tackled him, pulling his hands behind his back while Dr. Reid disabled the firearm. Your dad ran straight to you, gripping you in a bone crushing hug and you sobbed into his chest.

He pulled you in tighter, stroking a hand down your hair. “It’s over, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I’ve got you. It’s over.”

“I worked the case, dad,” you managed to get out between your sobs. “I worked the case.”

#criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x daughter!reader #aaron hotchner x child!reader #hotch x daughter!reader #hotch x child!reader #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds x y/n #criminal minds x platonic!reader #criminal minds x teen!reader #criminal minds x daughter!reader #criminal minds x child!reader

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ray4hotchner · 7 months

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Bliss

❀ 𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: aaron hotchner x reader

❀ 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: A short drabble of Aaron being a girl dad🤍

❀ 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥: 1k

❀ 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣’𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖: Hey, my loves🥰 I just saw this video and immediately thought of Aaron and had to write something short and cute. Thank for reading and let me know what you think. Comment if you want to be tagged in other Aaron fics🤍

❀ 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕔𝕔: @iyv-ray24

┌─❀*̥˚─❀*̥˚┐

Ao3

└❀*̥˚──❀*̥˚┘

───────── 🍂🥧🕯️🍁─────────

It was one of those lazy Sundays. Aaron sat at the kitchen table, engrossed in his laptop as he tackled his emails. Jack, meanwhile, diligently worked on his science project at the kitchen island. You had just placed a Sunday roast dinner and a pumpkin pie into the oven before joining Jack to help him with his model of the solar system.

The kitchen was filled with a delicious aroma, accompanied by soft music playing in the background. The dark, rainy fall weather outside only added to the cozy ambiance of the room. Even after four years of marriage, you couldn't believe that this was your life now—your home, your family.

Little footsteps echoed through the house as Violet, your 3-year-old daughter, joyfully entered the kitchen. She proudly displayed the fourth outfit she had changed into in the last hour, undoubtedly leaving her room in quite a mess. But that was a problem for later. No one was going to stop her now, especially not when she was so enthusiastically staging a runway show for the entire family. She loved the attention she received from everyone and erupted into giggles whenever she got enough compliments.

Now in a pink, flowy dress, she gracefully walked up to you and her brother, performing a little spin while awaiting your verdict.

"Wow, Vi, this is the best one yet," exclaimed Jack, making his little sister giggle.

"He's absolutely right, sweetheart. This dress looks so pretty," you chimed in. Violet skipped over to her father to bask in some more of his attention. As she approached, he promptly pushed his laptop aside and turned his full attention toward her.

"Oh wow, look at this adorable little princess," he exclaimed.

She twinkled her eyes at him, tugging at the hem of her dress and performing a delicate curtsy before asking, "Will you dance with me daddy?"

"Of course, my angel," he replied, rising to his feet, which prompted giggles from Jack and you in the background. She had him so wrapped around her tiny fingers that he couldn't deny her anything.

"Can you hold me and spin really fast?" she asked sweetly as he lifted her into his arms.

"Of course, pumpkin. What song do you want?"

"Tangled!" Of course, 'Tangled' was her favorite Disney movie, and she never went to sleep without her Pascal stuffy.

"Alexa, play 'I See the Lights,'" Aaron said, and the soft melody began to fill the kitchen. They both started singing and swaying to the music, while you and Jack watched them with big smiles on your faces.

Seeing them together made your heart swell with love. You had known that Aaron was an amazing father from the moment you met him years ago. His gentleness and affection toward Jack had only deepened your love for him.

After getting married, Jack insisted on wanting a sibling, and you were confident that Aaron would be wonderful with your child too. However, he exceeded all your expectations.

Aaron had even reduced his workload to support you during and after the pregnancy and when they found out it was going to be a baby girl, both he and Jack had erupted with excitement.

Jack stood up, turned towards you, and extended his hand, asking, "Mom, may I have this dance?"

"How could I say no to such a handsome prince?" you replied, rising and taking his hand. Jack had grown so much taller since the time you first met him, when Aaron introduced you as his girlfriend. Now, he was a teenager and almost as tall as you, clearly taking after his dad in height.

Now, all of you were twirling around in the kitchen, and as your eyes met Aaron's, all you could see was pure love and bliss. The song was coming to an end when the oven timer went off.

"Thank you for the dance, my love," you said, kissing Jack on the head before walking over to the oven.

Aaron did one last, big spin with Violet in his arms, causing her to laugh cheerfully. With a big kiss on her cheek, he gently set her down, and she instantly ran over to her brother, clearly not finished with dancing.

The two siblings continued dancing while you pulled the pie out of the oven and checked on the chicken.

Aaron came up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you closer to him. He buried his face in your neck, leaving little kisses there. You placed your hand on his cheek and tilted your neck to give him better access.

"I love you so much, you know that," he whispered in your ear.

You turned around within his embrace, your hands laced around his neck. "I know, honey, I love you too."

"I'm so grateful that you chose me," Aaron said with a mixture of tenderness and sincerity in his voice.

"Aaron," you began, your eyes welling up with affectionate tears, but he stopped you, his gaze filled with warmth and appreciation.

"No, really. You gave me this," he said, pointing towards the kids with his head, "you gave me a family and a home… happiness."

"And this is only a home and a family because you are a part of it, my love," you replied, kissing his dimple.

He gazed at the kids, a glimmer of nostalgia and love in his eyes, and then back at you, his expression filled with affection. With a mischievous smile, he said, "I think we should make another one."

"Another what?" you asked, raising an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and curiosity in your voice.

"Another baby," he answered with a grin, a playful spark in his eyes that mirrored his excitement.

"Oh no, Aaron Hotchner. Don't give me that look," you said, trying to pull away, but he held you close and brought you into a kiss. You were immediately lost in the touch of his lips.

"Eww, Jackie, Mom and Dad are being gross again!" Violet exclaimed, pointing with her finger at you, which made everyone laugh.

"Okay, okay. The dance party is postponed until after dinner. Now, everyone, wash your hands and help me set the table, please," you announced, pushing Aaron away after whispering suggestively into his ear, "We'll talk about this tonight."

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𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕤: @callm3c0nfus3d @mrs-ssa-hotch

#aaron hotchner #criminal minds #aaron hotchner x reader #no I did not name the daughter violet because I’m obsessed with fourth wing or anything #girl dad aaron hotchner #aaron hotch hotchner #hotch x reader #criminal minds imagine #aaron hotchner fic #thomas gibson #jack hotchner

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jessicaslittlelovesickmess · 1 year

Text

Hotch’s Daughter

Pairing: Penelope Garcia x Fem!reader Aaron Hotchner x Daughter!reader

Warnings: illusions to sex, fluff, Emily being a flirt for Hotch’s daughter

Word count: 496

"Hey sugar" a blonde smiled taking the stool beside you as she hung her purse on the hook under the bar "Well hello hot stuff" you laughed tipsily. "All by yourself?" she asked ordering another drink "Wouldn't you like to know?" you teased leaning in with a soft smirk.

That night you learned of the great Penelope Garcia and the mastery of her skilled tongue as you writhed in her bedsheets, hands unsure whether to tangle in her hair or grip the sheets.

"Mhmm...Baby" you moaned against her lips one morning "You've got work" you reminded as she rolled on top of you, trapping you between her arms. "I know" she smirked giving you another deep kiss before trailing her lips down your jaw and under your ear.

You whined as she stood up to get dressed "Really?" you yelled sitting up in bed "Yes really, are you free for lunch?" she asked as she slipped on her dress. "Raincheck?" you asked biting your lip "I promised my dad lunch today and I told him that I had exciting news. I haven't seen him since I came to town".

"Sugar!" she gasped adjusting her breasts in her dress "We've been dating three months and you still haven't seen your dad?" taking a seat on the bed. "I- I've been busy" you shrugged "Plus he's very work" flicking your hands out "Orientated? he's just always busy with work and his new kid".

You walked into the building head up "Good morning me" a raven-haired woman smirked as a few Morgan hollered, rolling your eyes as you walked to your father's office door. "Hotch finally getting some?" Morgan smirked as Emily whined at his statement "She's into girls" Rossi laughed walking past.

It wasn't long before you were walking back out waiting for your dad to gather his things, Emily taking this time to flirt with you "Y'know if Hotch here doesn't meet your standards you can always give me a call" she smirked.

"Oh. um- he's my dad" You laughed nervously "and I'm-" You were interrupted by the clacker of heels running towards you "Sugar?!" Penelope laughed confused. Pressing a kiss to your lips softly "Go baby girl" Morgan laughed "I thought you were meeting your dad for lunch?" she asked "I am, Baby. I didn't know you worked here" kissing her again.

"Y/n/n?" Aaron asked walking into the pit "Ready to go?" you nodded anxiously "You've got a little lipstick smudge" he pointed out "Oh. my. god" JJ laughed "What?" he asked confused. "Daddy, remember my news" you whispered "Yeah?" looking down at you "Surprise?" you laughed grabbing Penelope's hand.

"What?" he asked "That's Penelope Y/n/n?" confused as to what you meant "P-Penelope's dating Hotch's daughter a-and E-Emily just tried flirting with her a-and Morgan h-hollered" JJ wheezed. "So lunch?" you laughed "Call it team bonding?" you asked with raised eyebrows "I-" he started "We can't help that you have good genetics" Emily smirked.

"My daughter?"

#wlw #imagine #kirsten vangsness #penelope garcia x reader #penelope garcia #emily prentiss x reader #emily prentiss #criminal minds #aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x daughter!reader #bau #jj criminal minds

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piqtescue · 6 months

Text

had to make a dad!hotch one as well obviously✨

[dad!spencer]

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elizabethsnuts · 11 days

Text

Makeup Surprise

Aaron Hotchner x Daughter!Reader

Summary: You and your brother Jack surprise your dad with a makeover.

———

You and Jack quietly tip-toed into your father's room, the soft padding of your socked feet was almost silent against the floorboards. You had your little makeup kit clutched tightly in your tiny toddler hands, while Jack was your enthusiastic accomplice.

With barely contained excitement, you approached the bed with a little giggle. Your sparky blue Cinderella princess dress was proving a challenge as you tried to climb onto the bed, the dress making you slip. Jack being a great big brother, pushed you up onto the bed with all his 5-year-old strength then climbed onto the bed himself. You both turned to each other with cheeky grins and little giggles escaping your mouth.

You leaned forward, looking at Aaron’s face as he slept. You turned to Jack again. “Shhhh, Daddy sleeping.” You put your finger to your lips to make a shushing gesture.

Jack nodded and opened the makeup kit. “Do it quietly N/N, he’s gonna wake up.”

Your giggles bubbled over as you carefully dipped your tiny fingers into the assortment of colourful powders and glosses. With delicate precision, you began to apply them to your father's sleeping face, your movements exaggeratedly careful as you concentrated on creating a masterpiece.

You smeared a glob of pink sparkly lipstick onto Aaron’s cheek, your little tongue sticking out in pure concentration. “He gonna be pretty like princess.” You smiled in pride.

Jack nodded and he grabbed a small brush, gathering some eyeshadow and making a long line across his forehead. “You are very good at this.”

As the soft bristles of the brush touched his skin, Aaron stirred slightly, but he kept his eyes closed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He could feel the weight of his children's presence in the room, their excitement palpable in the air.

Jack, unable to contain his laughter any longer, let out a soft snicker, which only fueled your enthusiasm. With renewed vigour, you continued your work, your little fingers back to dipping into pots of shimmering eyeshadow and tubes of brightly coloured lipstick.

Aaron pretended to be asleep, his chest shaking silently with suppressed laughter as he felt the long careful strokes of your finger across his face. He could hear Jack's giggles growing louder, his son's amusement infectious.

Jack dipped his finger in the palette, grabbing a giant glob of it and making little stars on Aaron’s cheek with it. You smiled in pride. “You making him look fabulous, Jackie!” Jack nodded and handed the brush over to you.

Finally, you announced triumphantly, "All done!" your voice was filled with pride as you admired your handiwork, your eyes shining with delight.

Aaron couldn't keep up the charade any longer. With a dramatic yawn, he slowly opened his eyes, his gaze meeting the gleeful expressions of his children. "Good morning, what are you guys doing in here?" he said, his voice filled with fake curiosity.

You and Jack burst into fits of laughter, your joy filling the room while Jack pointed his finger at you.

“It was Y/N's idea! She just made me help.” You looked at him with an expression like he was crazy that he just dobbed on you.

As Aaron sat up, his face adorned with a rainbow of colours and globs of glitter from his daughter's makeup kit, he smirked slightly at you.

“Oh, I see. Did you at least make me look pretty?” He asked and raised an eyebrow.

You nodded vigorously and grabbed out your little mirror, showing him. “Seee! You so pretty, like princess!” You grinned and let out a giggle.

Giggles continued to fill the room as Aaron wrapped his arms around his kids. Even after long exhausting cases that drained him, he could never stop loving spending time with his children.

#daughter!reader #aaron hotchner #aaron hotch hotchner #aaron hotchner x daughter!reader #aaron hotch fluff #aaron hotchner x child!reader #criminal minds #criminal minds aaron hotchner #jack hotchner #child!reader

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hothothotch · 9 months

Note

Girl!Dad Hotch threatening his daughter’s date??

hello, hey! i considered here that reader is hotch's daughter's mother and not the daughter itself. i hope you like it s2 (yes, i got a bit carried away here)

Requests are open! ✨

Aaron never believed himself to be the jealous kind of parent.

When Haley got pregnant with Jack, they discussed what kind of parents they'd be to him. Haley, having been raised in a family in which familiar relationships were cherished and encouraged, believed she'd be a kind, loving mother; always the one to cheer their baby up in times of need, which would automatically make her the good cop.

Aaron, on the other hand, always believed he'd be the "hangman" — the one responsible for putting things back into place, the one to give restricted looks and tell Jack that having candy before bed was a no-go.

In his mind, there was just no way he'd be a jealous parent, just because it didn't suit him.

That is, until his little girl started to date. And at that specific moment, Aaron went to hell and back very quickly.

Jack had been the first to know, mostly because he had seen it happening. Him and Mauve were only a few years apart, and the fact they studied at the same school didn't left much room for his big sister to keep a secret from him; and after a very heated discussion between the two of them, Jack had "let escape" Mauve's secret, believing that no one was at home to hear what he had to say.

You had been. And then you were the second to know.

Mauve was an absolute mess as she told you everything about the boy she was dating, how he was lovely and everything she had always dreamed about, but everything Aaron would despise. He was the quarterback (which was honestly a surprise, considering everyone knew Mauve was a nerd, just like Aaron had been), and the whole school knew him as a womanizer; still, he was different with Mauve — sweet, friendly, respectful.

She had begged you to keep it a secret, promising she'd be the one to tell Aaron when the time came. And, since Mauve never broke a promise, she did.

It just happened to be on her prom day.

She had been mysterious about who'd be her date, and you knew Aaron believed firmly she and Jack would go together. The fact that Jack hadn't brought a pair up yet only confirmed Aaron's beliefs, and honestly, you knew he was psyching himself into not noticing how meticulously Mauve had chosen the dress, speaking about matching her pair's tie (and then picking a tie that in nothing matched Jack's), how she had been singing out loud while in the bath (songs that talked about young love, and proms, and dancing with someone you love) and, the ultimate clue, how she forced Aaron into teaching her how to waltz since she didn't want to step on her partner's feet (and Mauve certainly wouldn't give a damn about stepping into Jack's feet).

At some point, you just gave up hoping he'd notice before prom night. You were just dying to see his reaction to the news.

It happened quicker than you thought, though.

Mauve had been ready for the past hour, sitting anxiously at the couch beside Aaron, fidgeting with her thumb — the same tell Aaron had — as the two of them watched a rerun of Hawaii Five-0, Aaron making small comments about how stupid their methods were, and how no one would do something like that in real life, as Mauve giggled nervously, placing a rebel strand of hair behind her ear whenever she heard a car passing outside.

When the doorbell finally rang, Mauve was the first to stand from the couch, immediately intertwining her fingers as she looked at your image making your way from the kitchen (where you had already poured a whiskey glass to offer Aaron once they were gone), Jack's stomps on the stairs loud as he ran to see whether it was his partner or yours.

"Are your friends joining you tonight?" Aaron asked, looking up at Mauve, his brows furrowed in confusion as he looked between the door and his younger daughter.

"Cassie is my pair tonight” Jack revealed as you opened up the door, revealing Cassandra — Cassie, for short — in a beautiful blue dress. You knew that dress because you and Mauve had went out with her to buy it only a few weeks before that day, and she had picked it to match Jack’s tie.

But Aaron hadn’t gone with you — he had gone with Jack to buy his corsage. A corsage that happened to be green, like Mauve’s dress.

It was green because it matched Cassie’s eyes.

"Come in, Cassie" you smiled politely at your daughter's best friend, ushering her inside as Jack finished moving down the stairs, a dumbfounded smile plastered all over his face as he showed her the corsage he bought.

"Thank you, dear" Cassie smiled, observing the corsage lovingly before looking up at Aaron, waving softly at him, "Hi, Uncle Hotch!".

And while in a usual day Aaron would have greeted Cassie with a smile, the only thing he could do was stare at Mauve, his face even more confused, jaw dropped.

"If Jack's going with Cassie..." he pointed between Jack and Cassandra, his eyes widening at the minute, "Who are you-".

As if on cue, the doorbell rang once again, all the eyes turning immediately to the door. Maybe you should've opened the door, maybe Mauve should've started speaking non-stop in order to distract her father, but no one moved as Aaron strode towards the door, opening it up in a swift movement, his features closed off as he faced the man on the other side of the door.

"Hello, Mr. Hotchner! I'm Louis, Mauve's date!".

You admired Louis' courage.

"Date?" Aaron raised one brow, turning slowly to face Mauve — that had moved all the way to the door, standing beside you with worried eyes, "I didn't know about any date".

Louis seemed to deflate at the reveal, his eyes looking past Aaron's shoulders and also meeting Mauve's eyes, "You didn't?".

"No" Aaron replied immediately, crossing his arms over his chest, "Mauve?".

"I..." Mauve pouted, fidgeting with her hands, "I wanted to tell you, Daddy, but I knew you'd be like this. So Jack found out and Mom, too, and everyone kept asking questions and, and... I thought you'd notice by yourself. You're a profiler!".

"She's not wrong" you commented, "I mean, she did give a lot of signs".

"Signs are not the message!" Aaron replied, completely turning to face Mauve, Louis suddenly forgotten at the door, his eyes going from Aaron to his pair for the night, "Why you didn't tell me, Mauve?".

"Because you'd be upset. You always tell me 'you won't date until you're 30, Mauve' and 'you're my baby girl and no one will ever deserve you' and I got so worried that you wouldn't approve Louis!" Mauve sniffled, clearly on the verge of tears, but trying to keep them hidden for the sake of her perfectly made makeup, "I'm sorry, Daddy! I just... I like him so much!".

Louis seemed to have regained his courage, clearing his throat and straightening his jersey (yes, he was wearing the school's soccer team's jersey, just like any popular quarterback would) and touching Aaron's shoulder respectfully, "And I like Mauve to, uh..." he dropped his hand when Aaron looked madly over his shoulder, having suddenly turn his gaze into the Unit Chief look, "Mr. Hotchner, sir".

You chuckled at Louis' stutter — you'd like the boy.

"I promise we can talk about it after the prom, and I'll tell you everything," Mauve said lowly, holding Aaron's hand, "But can I go with Louis, please Daddy? Please".

Aaron knew he would go with whatever Mauve asked at the moment she pouted, her voice embargoed and eyes on verge of tears, but a part of him didn't want to let her go. Because, in his jealous father head, allowing her to walk outside their house with that Louis (he grimaced at the thought of the other guy) would mean you were growing up, that you weren't his little Mauve anymore, and the thought hurt like hell.

"I want you and your brother home by midnight" Aaron stated, his voice holding no space for negotiations — you can't negotiate with the negotiator, after all, "And Cassie and..." he scoffed, "Louis are invited to dinner tomorrow".

Cassie smiled broadly, clinging at Jack's arms immediately at the invitation, "If Uncle Hotch's cooking, I'm in!".

You snorted, "Yeah, that's why you're coming over" you commented under your breath, looking with a smile how whipped Jack looked as he stared intently at Cassandra.

"Thank you for the invite, Mr. Hotchner" Louis replied with a sided, but still frightened, smile, "I'll be here".

Aaron nodded, finally turning to face Louis, "Now let me be clear, young boy..." he took a step towards Louis, placing his right hand on the boy's shoulder. It would've looked like a friendly gesture if it wasn't for the squeeze he gave — not too much to hurt him, Aaron definitely wasn't that kind of man, but enough to make his point clear, "You touch my daughter in an inappropriate way, your break her heart or you pretty much think about any of those things, and I'll have you on juvie in no time. Are we understood?".

Louis gulped, a nervous smile on his face as he looked between the four people behind Aaron, his eyes lingering on Mauve for a bit longer, "He can't do this, can he?".

"Oh, I can" Aaron squeezed his shoulder once more, forcing the younger boy to look at him, "And I will. Was I clear?".

"As crystal" Louis nodded nervously.

“Good” Aaron replied, letting go of Louis shoulder, “Have fun, you kids”.

None of them waited one more minute before moving out the door, and you couldn’t stop but smile when Mauve held Aaron’s hand, kissing his cheeks sweetly before muttering a reverent, “Thank you” on his ear.

You both watched as they moved towards the limo, and you beamed proudly as you intertwined your arm with Aaron’s as you waved them goodbye, the loud song they were hearing making the vehicle tremble only slightly before it left.

“I’m proud of you” you whispered, kissing the skin of Aaron’s neck softly, “Even if you threatened him to death”.

Aaron’s smile was strangled, painful. And the fact that he found it in himself to be dramatic at that moment (or at least you thought he was playing dramatic) only made you smile more.

“I need a drink” he mumbled desperately, “I really need a drink. I think I need to get drunk”.

You laughed, shaking your head as you guided him towards the kitchen, “Come on, old man. Let’s get you a drink”.

Thank you for the request ✨

#aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader #criminal minds #hotch #hotch x reader #hotch x you #aaron hotchner fanfic #aaron hotchner imagine #aaron hotchner fanfiction #aaron hotchner oneshot #Hotch’s daughter

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hotch-stufff · 2 years

Text

Twists of Fate

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Reader, past Jimmy Palmer x Reader

WC: 2.5k

Description: After being cheated on by an NCIS agent, you decide to move to Quantico and join the BAU. What happens when you fall for the Handsome Unit Chief? Will you confront your past, or will it stop you from moving on?

Author’s Note: This has been in my drafts for like months. I actually forgot about it. The reader is Gibbs daughter as well, so there’s a lot going on, but I actually liked how this turned out. Lmk what you think <3. Also, not my gif.

——————————————————

"You cheated on me?" You asked hesitantly. So quiet he barely heard it. His eyes closed and he held his head in his hands.

"I don't- I don't understand. Y-you said you had to work late." Your lip quivered, and your voice stayed quiet and soft. He wished you would yell at him. He wished you were angry. It would be so much easier than the heartbroken look on your face.

"I'm so sorry y/n. I don't know what I was thinking. It just, it just happened." He desperately wanted to bring you into his arms. To hold you. To kiss you. But he lost that privilege

"I- I. I thought you loved me." You were full on crying now. You couldn't bring yourself to do anything but sob silently on the couch. You were so heartbroken. "I thought we were happy." You sniffed, trying so hard to stop the tears.

"Y/n it was a one time thing. I still love you. You are the love of my life. I want to marry you and have kids with you and grow old with you. Please, please forgive me. Please baby." He grabbed your hands, and you let out a sob.

"No." Your voice remained small as you pulled your hands away. Slowly you stood up, the tears still falling. "Goodbye Jimmy." He was crying now.

"Please don't go. Please. I love you. Baby we can work this out. Please." But you ignored his pleas. You stood up, grabbed your phone and keys and walked out. You started your car and pulled out of the driveway.

You aren't sure how you made it there in one piece, but you seemed to have mastered the art of driving while crying.

You drove to the only person who would make you feel any better at all.

Gibbs.

You pulled into his driveway, shut off your car, and made your way inside. You searched around and found him in the basement.

"Y/n? What's th’matter?” He set down his sander and walked over to you as soon as he saw the tears in your eyes. You didn't cry often, so it shocked him seeing you like this.

"Dad." You let out a sob. He held you tight and ran his hand through your hair soothingly.

"Hey, hey. Calm down f’me. Breathe. Tell me what happened." There was no sugar coating it, so you just said those dreadful words.

"He-he cheated on me." His eyes flashed with anger before he quickly brought you into his arms even tighter than before.. You were crying so hard now. He had never seen you so broken. He wished he could do something, anything. He didn't even know you were seeing anyone. Well he knew, of course he knew. He just didn't know who.

"It's okay sweetheart, I'm right here." He held you until you calmed down. He took you upstairs, made you some tea and sent you to bed. You didn't sleep a wink. No matter how comfortable the guest bed was.

You woke the next morning feeling even worse than the night before. You hated this feeling. You hated that a man had reduced you to feeling this way.

You could barely eat, or sleep, or even process anything.

It was torture.

This routine continued for about 2 weeks, before you had had enough.

You knew your father would hate it. But you needed to leave.

You just couldn't stay.

"I think that I'm going to move to Quantico. Take that job with the FBI." You said at dinner one night. Your dad looked slightly shocked, but not overall surprised. He was silent for a long time before speaking up.

"Well, you know I will support you in whatever you do. Even if it is the FBI." You giggled at the distaste in his voice.

"I just think I need to start over. Get away from everything. It's just too hard to stay in DC right now." He understood. And of course he helped you move all of your stuff and settle in in the upcoming weeks. He really didn't like that you were going into the FBI instead of NCIS, but he was just glad you were happy.

And you really were. Over the next month, you really picked yourself up. Your new team, the BAU, had become like another family. They welcomed you with open arms and you felt truly whole for the first time since you found out Jimmy cheated. They, of course, figured that out quickly, being profilers and all. And they all were quick to decide that they hated whoever Jimmy Palmer was.

The next couple months of settling into the team were perfect. You were best friends with Spence and Morgan. Jj had turned into the sister you had lost long ago. Prentiss and Garcia are always ready for a girls night. And Rossi, who was pretty close with your dad, watching over you at your father's request. The only person you had yet to get close to, was Hotch. Jj told you not to take it personally. That he was a closed off man and that he didn't really like change. You of course just thought he didn't like you.

That was until a particular case, where an unsub was hunting down women that looked very similar to you. The team decided it was best that you go undercover, and you were all for it ready to do your job. Unfortunately, it didn't go well. The unsub pulled a gun before anyone could think and shot you in the shoulder. It was unbearably painful and you can barely remember what happened. But you remember Hotch standing over you, applying pressure to your wound. He looked scared as hell and that was just about more terrifying than getting shot. You passed out soon after that.

Waking in the hospital was awful. The lights are too bright, the pain in your shoulder, that scratchy throat. But the hand on your own shocked you more than anything. You looked over to find a fluff of dark hair on the side of your bed. You recognized it instantly as Hotch. Your heart fluttered and you gently shook him awake. He shot up.

"Y/n. You're awake." You smiled softly at him. "How do you feel?"

"Like I was shot." His face hardened. "But overall okay I guess. But wh-what are you doing here?" You asked, scared for his response.

"I couldn't leave. Seeing you get shot, just made me realize how stupid I was being." He wasn't making sense.

"Hotch, you lost me." He stared into your eyes.

"Aaron, call me Aaron please." You were so very confused. "I'm going to do something and feel free to slap me."

"Wha-?" You were cut off by his lips on your own. You were shocked, but it didn't take you long to kiss him back. You were lost in each other, your lips meeting with unmatched passion. But your thoughts strayed to the fact that you were kissing your boss. You had sworn that after Jimmy had cheated on you, you would never date another agent. You hadn’t been on your father’s NCIS team, but you had still had to work with Jimmy on occasion, and ultimately left when he broke your heart.

It was with this thought that you pulled away from Hotch. He looked at you, a smile on his face, and your next words, physically hurt to say.

“We can’t.” You whisper, and his smile falls. His eyebrows furrow, and he nods in understanding.

“Of course, I don’t know what I was thinking.” He pulls his hand away, and you watch him close himself off. He stands, leans across your bed and presses a kiss to your forehead, before turning to leave.

Were you making a mistake? Hotch isn’t Jimmy. You can’t judge every man because you were hurt one time.

“Wait!” Hotch stops in the doorway. He turns slowly, and his eyes meet yours. You’re too scared to say what you really want to, so you say anything that comes to mind.

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” You ask, and Hotch takes a moment before moving back to his chair.

“I didn’t want to scare you away. I know you were hurt in your last relationship.” He pauses, hesitantly taking your hand in his. “And I was scared.” His eyes meet yours once again. “So I pushed you away. I tried as hard as I could to not get close to you. But then you got hurt, and I didn’t want anything to happen to you without you knowing that I care about you. A lot.” He waits with bated breath for your response. And when a smile blooms across your face, he lets out a breath of air.

“I promised myself I would never date someone I work with again.” You squeeze his hand and place your other on his cheek. “But, I know you aren’t Jimmy. I know you would never try to hurt me.” Your heart pounds out of your chest. “I care about you too. A lot.” You whisper, and his lips are on yours again. It’s less passionate than the first time, but just as meaningful. In that moment, you know you made the right choice.

And that was the beginning of your relationship. It was rocky in the beginning. Trying to hide it from the team was close to impossible, but it worked for about 5 months. They eventually caught the two of you making out in the break room when you had thought everyone had left. Aaron's fault really.

He had insisted everyone was gone.

Of course a girls night was planned where you told them everything, from the first kiss, to the first date, to when you met Jack, and the fact that you practically lived at his apartment.

About a year into the relationship, he asked you to move in with him, and of course he met your dad. You weren't the least bit surprised when you walked away for a second and heard your father tell Aaron that he would "kill him and make it look like an accident if he ever hurt his daughter." To which Aaron replied with an awkward chuckle, simply saying he would never hurt you, that you were the love of his life.

Another 6 months brought you to a very fancy restaurant and the man you had hopelessly fallen in love with down on one knee next to your table. You both cried as you said yes and kissed softly as strangers surrounding you cheered. Everything had turned around, and you were so incredibly happy.

That was, until your first joint case with NCIS.

It was a normal day and everyone was sitting at their desks when Aaron came out of his office.

"We have a case. It's a bad one, wheels up in 20. We'll be collaborating with one of the NCIS teams in DC. We'll brief you on the plane. Gibbs, my office please." You stood and walked up to his office, not at all surprised that he called you up. You were dreading his next words.

"It's your dad's team." You sighed. Aaron was surprised at the saddened look on your face. He was the only one, besides your father, who didn't know who the cheating ex was. "What's wrong?"

"There is something I should tell you." You took a deep breath before sitting in the chair in front of his desk. "The guy I was with before you, the guy who cheated on me, is Jimmy Palmer. He's on my father's team. My dad doesn't even know that it's him. But I want you to know before you hear it from anyone else." He was quick to walk around the desk and he pulled you into his arms.

"If you need to sit this one out you can. We can manage." You smiled softly at his kindness. This man understood you like no other.

"No, it's alright. I haven't seen the man in almost 3 years, and I'm sure it will be fine." You couldn't have been more wrong. It was in fact very not fine. As soon as you entered the NCIS building, a sense of dread filled you. Jimmy’s wide eyes found yours and as soon as he was introduced, the team instantly knew who he was. The case was messy, especially since no one from your team trusted Palmer, at all. But you managed to close the case while saving the last victim. Both teams had decided to go out to a bar to celebrate and you were dreading it.

The bar wasn't too crowded, and you stayed relatively close to Aaron or your father most of the night. Jimmy had taken that as a sign to stay away from you. And it worked, until you went to get refills. He volunteered to help and there was no escaping. Once you reached the bar and ordered the drinks he began talking.

"Listen Y/n, I just wanted you to know that I miss you a lot." He began, taking your hand in is. It took everything in you not to punch him square in the nose. "And I still love you. I was hoping that you might want to give us another chance." You were shocked. The man you hadn't seen in 3 years, who had cheated on you had the audacity to say all of this.

"I-I don't feel that way for you anymore. I'm sorry Jimmy. But you screwed up, and you lost me. You need to deal with that." You grabbed the drinks and took them back to your table. Aaron and your father recognized the look of panic in your eyes and they were instantly on alert. Aaron was about to say something when Jimmy grabbed your arm.

"Y/n, you're being ridiculous. We were happy, we can still be happy." You tried ripping your arm from his grasp, but he had a rather tight hold. Aaron stood and he towered over Jimmy. Jimmy glared at Aaron, but his next words shook Palmer to his core.

"Let go of my fiance." He spoke sternly. The look on Jimmy’s face was priceless. "Now." He did as he was told.

"Y-your fiance?" You nodded your head, lifting your hand to sheepishly show Jimmy the ring. Your dad cleared his throat from behind you and had a look of utter confusion on his face.

"Ah yes. Dad, this is the cheating ex. Jimmy, this is my dad, but I'm pretty sure you know him." Palmer looked scared as your father stood next to Aaron. He was quick to turn around and run out of the building, his tail between his legs. You turned around and looked at Aaron with love and adoration.

"Thank you." He smiled softly and took you into his arms. And you all sat back down and enjoyed the rest of your evening. And that night as you lay in bed with Aaron, you couldn't help but smile at the twists of fate that led you to the moment.

——————————————————

Thank you guys so much for reading. This was an old work, in my drafts for months, so if it’s aweful, please tell me lol.

Also, I’m going to go back through and look at some of my previous requests. Hopefully I will be able to answer as many as possible in the next few weeks.

Thank you guys for your constant support, it means the world <3

#imagine #aaron hotchner x reader #angst #reader insert #criminal minds #fluff #hotch x reader #aaron hotchner #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds x reader #gibbs x reader #ncis imagine #ncis #ncis x reader #Jimmy Palmer x reader #Jimmy Palmer #gibbs x daughter #hotch imagine #Jack Hotchner

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thescribblesofreverie · 1 year

Text

I Needed You

Aaron Hotchner x Daughter!reader (reader is sixteen)

Summary: Your dad was usually your best friend, but lately everything has been different.

Warnings: Reader skips school, reader and Hotch get into a fight, brief mentions of smoking and drinking, reader cusses a little, Haley and Jack didn't exist cause kids make me uncomfortable

Word Count: 2384

A/N: This is my first Criminal Minds fic! It is a little stereotypical because I'm still learning how to write in second person and write Hotch. I'm counting this as a starter fic. In the future I will write more creatively, and I have a series in the works. Any and all feedback is appreciative, but please be kind.

You didn’t know that you wanted to hurt him when it started.

There was no malice intended, fuck, there was barely eny forethought at all. Sometimes, the subconscious makes decisions and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

Your father was an important man. Unit Chief of the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI was not an easy role to get. Nor was it an easy one to keep. He was barely ever home, either at the office or away on the case. He did his best to call often at night, but as you got older it got less and less frequent.

When he was home he was a great dad. Movie nights happened often, he helped with homework, and you made meals together on some nights. You were even fairly acquainted with the team, though you weren’t close to any of them. Though you dad loved and trusted the team, he preferred to keep both lives separate. When asked why he would usually mumble something along the lines of “safety”.

Unfortunately, those good nights became less and less frequent.

Y/N,

We got called out on a case. I’ll be in Oregon. Call Garcia if there’s an emergency. There are leftovers in the fridge.

Love you,

Dad

It had been case after case for months. There was hardly even a week passing between each one. You didn’t blame your dad - you couldn’t really.

But goddamn were you lonely.

You had friends, but they couldn’t hang out all the time. And nothing was like the company of your dad. He was usually your best friend.

“Hey dad?” You knocked on the door of his home office, waiting for his response before coming in.

“What’s up?” He didn’t glance up, focused on the paper in front of him.

“I need help with my Algebra homework. I keep trying to solve the problem and it just won’t work…” You were nearly in tears over it.

“Give me a little bit, and I’ll be out.” he still didn’t look up from his work.

“Ok.” You said quietly and closed the door. He never used to bring work home with him.

If he ever came out to help you, it was too late. You fell asleep, curled up on your bed, the assignment pushed to the side. The next morning before school, you struggled through it on your own. He had already left.

It was hard to not be upset. You knew his job was demanding. You knew he got stressed. But he was all you had.

Didn’t he realize that?

It all started with a group project.

You were paired together in biology, and you had to do a research project on one of the topics given. The kids you were paired with were kids you knew, but not well.

You were surprised when you found yourself actually enjoying the project for once.

“So who wants to give the presentation?” Jake asked your little group.

“Nose goes!” You shouted, pressing your finger to the tip of your nose.

The four others quickly followed, leaving Casey the last one. She groaned.

“Oh come on, I hate that stuff.”

“No one likes it! And to be honest, I don’t think anyone pays attention during this stuff anyways.” You pointed out.

The group was sitting in Jake’s room, trying to make the final decisions for the presentation. It was to happen during the first period the next morning, and they were supposed to be the last group.

“I swear, after this is done I'm just leaving school. Screw the rest of the day, a presentation first period is grounds for leaving!”

Jake seemed to consider this carefully, pursing his lips and cocking his head. “Why don’t we all leave?”

“Yeah, sure, Jake.” You laughed.

“No, I’m serious!” He grinned, jumping up from where he was sitting on the edge of his bed. “Why not? I can forge my parents' signatures. If you get me an example of your parents signatures, I bet I can do those too! I can make notes.”

“I don’t know, Jake.” You said quietly. “If my dad found out I think I wouldn’t be allowed to leave my house until graduation.”

“Come on!” He whined, looking at the whole group. “I think we can pull it off. Do any of you actually want to be there?”

No. The answer was the same for all of them.

“You know what, I’m in.” Casey spoke up first.

The other two quickly agreed, leaving everyone’s eyes on you.

“Y/N?”

Your dad was on a case. If you were ever going to be able to pull it off, it would be then. And he hadn’t been checking up on you as much ever since you turned sixteen.

You looked up at your new friends and grinned.

“Let’s do it.”

It wasn’t a one time thing.

It became quite often actually. Leaving the school was less likely, but sneaking off to hide somewhere for a period happened weekly. Your grades really weren’t any worse or any better. You were still having issues but it wasn’t like you were getting any help with them, so why bother with class?

You considered it very low on the rebellion stage. All you did was miss class sometimes to hang out with your friends. It wasn’t like you were getting high or drinking…

You got sloppy. That’s all it was.

You decided to leave after the second period, texting Jake and Casey who quickly joined you. You had a headache and a school environment is the worst place for having a headache.

Jake’s parents were at work, so the three of you hung out at his place for the day. It was only a few blocks away, and you had only just got your license, so you didn’t have a car yet.

You made it back to school before you bus left, hurriedly getting on it and riding home.

When you got dropped off, the first thing you noticed was your dad’s car in the driveway.

He’s not supposed to be back until this weekend.

You rushed inside, swinging the door open.

“Dad!”

He was standing in the middle of the room, a panicked expression on his face when his eyes snapped up.

“Oh thank god,” He breathed out, eyes roving over you, looking for injuries. “She’s here. She’s safe, Garcia.”

He hung up on her, and tossed the phone onto the end table before engulfing you in a hug. “I thought you were gone.”

You hugged him back, confused but still excited to see him.

“I thought you weren’t gonna be back till the weekend at the earliest?”

“We got home early…” He trailed off, pulling away. One eyebrow was raised. “The school called and said you never showed up to third period. Or anything after that.”

Oh, shit.

He took in your shocked expression and frowned, jaw clenching. “I thought someone had taken you.”

“I’m fine…”

“What the hell were you thinking?” His voice was calm.

“Dad, I-”

“Skipping school? Why would you do that? Is something going on?” He was peering at you with an intense gaze. “Are you being bullied?”

“No!” you searched your brain for any excuse.

“Do you know how irresponsible this is? You’re at school to learn, y/n. You’re at school to prepare for your future.”

“I know.”

“Do you?” He ran a hand down his face. “What if something happened, and no one could reach you because you weren’t at school?”

“I have a cell phone.”

His glare told you that was not the right thing to say. “Ok, what if something happened to you! What if someone saw a teenage girl wandering around during school hours and decided to take advantage of that! At school you’re at least protected.”

“I don’t just wander!”

“Are you saying this is a regular thing?”

Shut up, y/n.

When you were silent he took that as a “yes”.

“Where do you go? Do you have a secret boyfriend?”

“No!”

“Are you doing drugs? Drinking?”

“Dad, stop!” You finally shouted. “I get it, what I did was wrong!”

“I don’t think you do get it!” He took a deep breath. “Why hasn’t the school called me until now?”

You hesitated.

“Y/N. I’m gonna need an answer.”

“My friend… can forge signatures.”

He closed his eyes. It was silent for far too long.

“You’re grounded.”

“I know.”

“Indefinitely.”

“I know.” you rolled your eyes.

“Hey!” he snapped, raising his voice slightly to catch your attention. “Don’t act like this isn’t your fault. I will be calling the school to let them know that you can only leave when I call in and let them know. No more notes.”

“What if you’re on a case?”

“I’ll remember.”

“Sure.” You scoffed. “Are you gonna tell the school?”

He hesitated. “No. But only because I’m certain it won’t happen anymore.”

You grabbed your backpack and went to your room in a huff.

He was right. Skipping was dumb.

But now you were going to be even more alone.

Hotch didn’t like how the fight ended.

Honestly, he wasn’t sure what to do with you in general. You were usually such a good kid. None of this made sense to him.

Keeping tabs on you wasn’t easy with his job. The hours were long and the work was important. He texted you to check in a lot more than he had been, but all he got was one word responses.

You were being tight-lipped about what friends you had been skipping with. The loyalty would’ve been a good thing in most other circumstances.

When he did come home, you stayed in your room. Some nights you wouldn’t even eat dinner with him.

It was stressing him out.

Rossi knocked on his office door about a week after the fight. He let himself in and sat across from Aaron.

“You’re on edge.”

“That obvious?” Hotch muttered.

“What’s going on? Is Y/N ok?”

Aaron shook his head. “She got in trouble last week. I found out she’s been regularly skipping school.”

Rossi winced. “Y/N? That’s surprising.”

“I know.” Hotch nodded. “She’s grounded. She has to come home after school first thing, and she isn’t allowed to hang out with friends until further notice. But…”

“But?” Rossi prompted after a short time.

“I expected her to come around sooner. She’s a smart kid, she had to know she would be in trouble for this. But it’s been a week now, and she still won’t talk to me! I just don’t understand what happened.”

“You know what I’m going to say.” Rossi said, smiling gently.

“I know, I need to talk to her. I just wish she would come to me like she used to.”

That night your dad knocked on your bedroom door.

“Come in.” You said, though you really didn’t want him to.

You were bored. And really lonely.

Jake and Casey were sympathetic, but you didn’t get to hang out. And even if you did text them all the time, it wasn’t the same.

“Hey…” His voice was gentle as he entered the room and quietly shut the door behind him.

You were sitting at your desk, your algebra sitting in front of you. Most of it was undone, and the few problems that were done had been erased and re-wrote multiple times. None of it was adding up.

You were silent, waiting for him to talk first.

“I think we need to talk. Can I sit?”

You nodded and he sat on the bed, across from you.

“I know you’re upset about being grounded.” He started. “But what you did was wrong.”

“I know that.”

“Then why are you still so mad?”

You sighed and looked away. “I really don’t want to talk about this.”

His face fell, and he genuinely looked hurt. “Honey, I just want you to come to me again. You know I’m always here for you.”

Anger.

White hot searing anger flared up quickly and your eyes snapped to him.

“Bullshit.”

“Y/N-”

“No, that’s bullshit!” You stood and crossed your arms. “What are you talking about? We haven’t had an actual conversation in months!”

“That’s not true!” He was standing now too.

“Yes it is!” you stood your ground. “You’re always at work or bringing it here! Even if you’re not on a case, you’re doing paperwork and shit and you still don’t come home.”

“Y/N, my job is important!” He defended himself. “I’m sorry that it takes so much time, but I do my best to keep it at work!”

“You used to! Now I can’t even ask for help with homework without being brushed off.” Your hands were trembling. “You don’t talk to me when you’re on cases anymore, and we haven’t had a movie night in three months!”

He was taken aback. “Y/N, I-”

You shook your head, fighting tears. “I don’t have anyone else, dad. No one else can help me with my homework, no one else texts me to check up on me during the day. I get that your job is important, but I wish I was too.”

His heart shattered.

He had been aware that work had been more intense lately, but he had no idea how badly it was affecting you.

“Y/N, honey…” He hurried across the room and wrapped you in a hug, letting you sob into his shirt. Your shoulders shook and you clung on like you were going to lose him. “I’m so sorry…”

The apology didn’t excuse it. It didn’t make up for you feeling abandoned for so long.

“You were skipping school because you thought no one would care.” He muttered, the answer finally hitting him.

You choked out another sob, silently nodded.

“Of course I care…” He said, holding you close to him. “I’m sorry I’ve been distant. I promise, I won’t bring work home anymore. And I’ll make sure to text you more and call when I’m on cases.”

“I’m sorry, I’m being needy…”

“No.” He promised, looking her in the eye. “You’re not. You’re the most important thing in my life.”

You sniffle and nod, finally smiling.

“C’mon, let’s go get some dinner.” He kissed your forehead and led you out of the room.

#aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotch x you #aaron hotch fanfiction #aaron hotch x daughter!reader #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x daughter!reader #criminal minds #criminal minds fic #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds angst #aaron hotchner angst #aaron hotch fluff #aaron hotchner

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spnjediavenger · 2 months

Text

It Won't Last Forever (Chapter 3)

Title: It Won’t Last Forever (Chapter 3)

Type: multi-chapter; father!Hotch x teen!daughter!reader, some bau x teen!reader (platonic!)

Warnings: canon-typical Criminal Minds sadness

POSSIBLE TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions PTSD

Spoilers: S5 SPOILERS

Notes: The PTSD description is a mix of my own experience and some I read online - this is not how ALL PTSD is experienced.

The Container Exercise is a real thing, one of my past therapists actually walked me through it and i love it

EMDR is an actual method of therapy and it works for some and not for others, it's also very dependent on person and situation; this is taken from my own experience and doesn’t reflect everyone’s

As always, love and/or constructive/friendly criticism is welcome and encouraged!

Word count: 814 (shorter, transition chapter)

“It is worth remembering that the time of greatest gain in terms of wisdom and inner strength is often that of greatest difficulty.” Dalai Lama

When Hotch informed Rossi that Y/n had finally agreed to therapy, the older man told him that he had an old friend who was a licensed therapist and specialized in PTSD. Hotch was grateful for the suggestion. He decided to bring Y/n to work with him so he and Rossi could talk to her about it together.

When they got to the BAU, everyone greeted her, glad she wasn’t as emotionless as the last visit. Hotch then brought her up to his office, keeping the door open.

Y/n pulled some homework out of her bag as her dad began to work at his desk. A light knock came to the door about 30 minutes later, making both Hotchners turn their heads up.

“Hey, Dave,” the older Hotchner greeted and waved him in.

Rossi walked in and patted Y/n’s head, making the girl smile a bit. He sat in the chair next to her.

“What’s going on?” Y/n asked, looking from Rossi to her dad.

“Y/n, I know you’re hesitant about starting therapy. But when I mentioned to Dave that you agreed to it, he mentioned he knows someone that might be a good choice.”

“Dr. Warner is a friend of mine, very good in her field. She specializes in kids dealing with PTSD. We figured you might feel a little better if you’re talking with someone one of us knows.”

Y/n thought it over for a second, gave a half smile, and nodded a bit. “That sounds good. Could you…could you be there too, Dave? For the first time at least?” she asked.

The older man smiled warmly and put an affectionate hand on her cheek. “Of course, bambina.”

Y/n giggled a bit and smiled at the italian nickname only Rossi used for her. “We’ll get you better, kiddo.”

Y/n put her hand on his and smiled. “Thank you.”

Y/n sat in a small waiting area with her dad and Rossi. Her leg bounced up and down wildly as her eyes darted around the room, trying to find something to focus on. She only stilled her leg when her dad put his hand on her knee, catching her attention. Her movement had stopped and she turned to look at him.

“Y/n, it’ll be alright. Dave said Dr. Warner is a nice woman. And therapy goes at your own pace and comfort level. You’ll be just fine. Ok?” Hotch held his palm up and Y/n accepted his hand.

“Ok,” she sighed.

“Y/n Hotchner?” a voice called from the other side of the room.

Hotch ran a comforting hand over her back as she took a shuddery breath and they walked over with Rossi in tow.

The woman led them into a room and shut the door behind everyone. She held her hand out to Y/n first and introduced herself, “I’m Dr. Warner, but you can call me Peggy.” She shook each person’s hand and gave Rossi a small hug as well.

“Thanks for doing this, Peg,” he said warmly.

“Any friend of yours is a friend of mine, Dave. Please, everyone, take a seat anywhere.”

Y/n sat on the couch across from Dr. Warner’s chair and had her dad and Rossi sit on either side of her.

The session started simply with Dr. Warner explaining to them how things would go and taught Y/n a tool for when she was between sessions.

“This is called the Container Exercise,” she explained. “I want you to close your eyes and picture a container. It can be any kind you want. A box, a jar, anything. Think of the shape of it, the color, if there are any designs on it. Do you see it? Now, any time bad memories or feelings come up between our sessions, or you aren’t in a place where you can properly handle them, I want you to imagine putting those memories and feelings inside your container and sealing it until we can talk about them. You can open your eyes now.”

The rest of the session went by rather smoothly as well. They didn’t get too far into specifics about Y/n’s trauma since it was the first session, but Dr. Warner got the basics of what they would be working on. Upon understanding these things, the doctor recommended a technique called “EMDR” which both Hotchners agreed to start for Y/n at the next session.

When the group left, Hotch kissed Y/n’s head before she got into the car. “I’m proud of you, sweety.”

The girl smiled and hugged him. “Thanks, daddy.”

She was on the road to recovery.

“You survived the trauma. Now, you’ll survive the recovery.” Unknown.

#fanfiction #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x teen reader #criminal minds x hotchner reader #criminal minds x teen reader #bau x teen reader #criminal minds #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds fanfiction #fanfic #hotch x daughter reader

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14buddy22 · 1 year

Text

Slipping Through My Fingers

Aaron Hotchner x Daughter!reader

WC: 5.2K

A/n: This is from Aaron’s perspective on his daughter’s wedding day! This was inspired by Slipping Through My Fingers from the Mamma Mia movie. Feel free to listen to it while reading. (See the bottom for song :))

Masterlist

“Slipping through my fingers all the time. I try to capture every minute.”

Getting dressed for a wedding vs. getting dressed for a funeral is almost the same thing. Two important events. One event where everyone wants to attend, the other… well not so much. Getting in similar dress-like clothing (except for the bride and groom), the only difference is that two people are celebrating the start of their lives together and another has to live in sorrow for the rest of their life. The other difference is the emotion of people.

Weddings usually make people happy, maybe except for the father of the bride. That’s what I am today. My daughter’s getting married. I had been the one at the funeral, having to live the rest of my life without Haley, but my daughter and my future son-in-law were going to be starting the rest of their lives together.

My day started off hectic. I got called into the BAU. That was not something I wanted to happen on the day of my daughter’s wedding. I’m sick and tired of work and my home life clashing. It’s clashed for the past 25 years. I’ve missed out on moments from Y/n and Jack’s life. The two most important people to me and I lost out on time with them. I lost Haley because of my job. She was my rock when we first got married and my job ruined our marriage. She died because of me. It’s a guilt that I carry around every single day, and even today, more than ever.

After quickly resolving what needed to be resolved at the BAU, I came home, went for a run, showered, and began to make breakfast and clean up from last night. My living room looked like a frat party was thrown. I guess that’s what I get for letting my two children have people over the night before my daughter’s wedding.

Cleaning up the mess, I came across a photo album. Just looking at it, I knew exactly what it was. It was Haley and I’s wedding photo album. I’d been so busy with everything in my life, I guess I didn’t have time to sit down and think about what my daughter must be feeling about her wedding.

I picked up the book, only to find another photo album underneath. One was an album of my daughter and I. She made me so proud to be her father. I was the lucky one to have her in my life.

I began to flip through the pictures of the moment I found out I was going to be a father. On the first page of the book, there was a polaroid of Haley holding up the pregnancy test with myself kissing her. It made me think back to that moment, and how sentimental it was.

Exhausted. Yep, that’s what I was feeling, but that’s okay, because now I’m going home to see my beautiful wife, cook her dinner, and spend an evening with the woman I love, maybe work on making a baby.

When my key hit the front door, it made me stop and think, what’s my life going to be like in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years? Will I have 6 kids running around the house and they’ll be running to the front door when I walk inside? Will my kids be playing sports or in the marching band? Instead of coming home to see the kids, I have to split up and watch soccer games, cheerleading, baseball, band, and theater. It excited me.

I shuddered at the memory I had. I did that to myself. I chose work over the family I could have had with Haley. My two children are perfect but had I been more invested as a husband, and as a father, I could have had more. I only had myself to blame.

I walked into the kitchen to find Haley in the kitchen. She had made dinner, even though I was supposed to. I was lucky to have her, to marry my high school sweetheart, my best friend.

“So, you know how I haven’t been feeling good honey?”

“Yeah. I wanted you to rest while I was at work today.”

I paused when she put her hands on my waist to hold me still. To stop me in whatever pilot mode I was in. She was bringing me back to reality and not just going through the motions of what I did every time I got home.

“Honey, you know how we’ve been trying for a little Hotchner?”

“Haley, I told you, if we can’t have a baby, we can’t have a baby. It’s okay, we can adopt a couple of kids or we can have none. I’m sure there will be BAU babies in the future.”

“Aaron. Honey, we did it. We’re having a baby.”

She pulled out a positive pregnancy test and held it in front of my face. Tears streamed down both of our faces. We were going to become parents. At that moment, I learned I was going to be a father. We wouldn’t find out until 7 months later that we’d have a baby girl. That baby girl was the best thing to happen to Haley and me.

I flipped through the picture book, reminiscing on the days when my daughter was a baby, toddler, child, not the beautiful, young woman she’d turned into. I saw the photo of me and my two kids in the hospital bed. Y/n was only 2 years old when Jack was born, she was so excited to be a big sister and I knew their bond would be like no other.

I was slowly tearing up, going through memory lane, thinking about how fast my kids grew up and I wasn’t there for it, it killed me. I have many regrets in life, not leaving the BAU when I had the chance is my biggest one. While the work I did saved thousands of people, those moments with my kids and any chance I had with Haley, I’ll never get back.

Before I could have a full-blown crying moment, I heard my daughter speak up from her bedroom.

“Dad, can you help me get ready?”

I wasn’t new to helping her get ready. Without Haley in Y/n and Jack’s life, I had to become Dad and mom.

If you had asked me 21 years ago if I’d be the one helping my daughter get ready on her wedding day, I would have said no, that was Haley’s job, but 15 years ago, I knew that would change, when I was helping my 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son get ready for their mom’s funeral.

Over 15 years, I learned how to braid her hair, learned the correct hair and makeup products that she needed. I never envisioned I’d have to do that when I held my baby girl in my arms for the first time. I thought Haley would do that and I would just give her my debit card and she’d go. It’s funny how the times have changed.

Walking into the room that she’d grown up in made me think back to all the memories we had together. I just paused for a moment. The flashbacks of me coming home to her playing princesses in her room with her stuffed animals and then being so happy to see me. Or her putting on her music, begging me to dance with her. Her begging me to read her a bedtime story or asking to sleep in her bed because of the thunder.

Being there for my kids taught me a lot. I learned a lot more about my kids in the last 15 years than I did in the first 4 to 6 years of their life when Haley was alive. Granted, that was my fault, but they taught me much about life.

When I saw her looking at me, I quickly snapped out of whatever trance I was in. For someone who was getting married in 2 hours, she was not ready one bit, but that was the good thing about my daughter. She was good about not getting stressed, so if she was, I couldn’t tell. But I also refuse to profile my children.

Well actually, as a father, you have to read your kids. I just can’t turn it off sometimes when it comes to my kids, especially my daughter, that’s my little girl. She was opening up to me. She’d always done that, so there was never a reason to profile much. My daughter was nervous. I mean, I was when I married Haley, I don’t blame her for being nervous. There’s so much that could go wrong on the big day, that if you don’t have a support system, you’ll get lost in trying to make sure everything is perfect.

“Honey, I thought Anna and Shelby were supposed to be helping you get ready?”

“Dad, I just needed some time to be alone. I also think Anna and Jack are hooking up.”

I snickered watching my daughter gag at the thought of her best friend and younger brother hooking up. Anna and Shelby were Y/n’s childhood best friends and Jack fit into their friend group as they got older.

“Honey, Go get showered, I’ll help you with your hair. How do you want it? Curled? Braided?”

“Dad, I don’t have a lot of time, I can’t be late for my wedding.”

“We have time, we have time.”

She walked over and hugged me. It made me very happy to hold her in my arms one last time before she was getting married. I wasn’t ready to let go, but my little girl was a strong, independent woman.

In just a few short hours, I was going to be giving her away. Giving her away to a man who loved my daughter with everything he had, they had the kind of love that Haley and I had in college, the kind of love that was there when we found out we were going to be parents.

“You know Dad, I’m getting Mamma Mia vibes from this moment.”

“Except you know who your father is and he’s walking you down the aisle.”

I watched her roll her eyes and she made her way to the bathroom. I went to grab her some food and caught Jack walking out of his room, praying that he wasn’t hooking up with Anna, Y/n’s childhood bestfriend.

“Jack, your sister’s getting married and you’re fooling around with her bridesmaid.”

“Dad, come on. We’re here for a good time, not a long time.”

He patted my shoulder and walked by to grab some food. I couldn’t believe this is how my kids turned out. My daughter, marrying an amazing guy while my son on the other hand is screwing around with my daughter's bridesmaid.

“When are you getting ready? The wedding is in two hours, you still need to shower, shave, Anna needs to get to her house to get ready. Jack, I’m serious, stop laughing.”

“Hey old man, relax. It’s going to be okay. Anna and I are having a snack, she’s leaving to go get ready at her own house. I’m going to shower. See ya, daddio.”

Watching my son walk back to the room that I used to tuck him in with and build forts in seemed crazy to me. In my eyes, he was the little four year old boy that would fall asleep on the couch trying to stay up for me when I got home for work.

Both my children were growing up and I wasn’t ready. From what I saw, they were still my babies, both of them. I’m not ready for them to never need me again. Once Y/n get’s married, she’s going to have her husband, and then they’ll have kids because that’s what she’s always wanted, and then she’s going to have her own family, not her dad, and that scared me.

You can prepare all you want, but I was never prepared to become a single father to two young children, wasn’t prepared to have my daughter date, or prepared enough to have her move out of the house. From what I’ve learned, there’s no amount of preparation for that feeling of what it’ll be like when your children, your babies, grow up.

I walked back into Y/n’s room with her and Jack’s favorite food, dino chicken nuggets. No matter how old they got, they never grew out of their dino chicken nugget phase. Both of them would tell me over and over that dino chicken nuggets were elite, they basically told me that dino chicken nuggets were the Aaron Hotchner of the BAU and it somehow clicked in my mind. They were comparing me to chicken nuggets, making me feel like a hero, when in fact, I shouldn’t be their hero.

I chuckled thinking back to that conversation that they had with me. We were sitting at the kitchen table, I had got back from a case early in the afternoon and picked them up from school. They were so happy to see me, so when we went grocery shopping, I had mindlessly picked up regular chicken nuggets. Oh, was that a big mistake. Both children yelled, “NO! Not those!”

I smiled laughing at the fear that took over me in that moment. My two children, 10 and 8 years old, were telling me not to buy chicken nuggets. Jack had said that Dino chicken nuggets were the best and that he’ll eat them forever. After I explained that just the shapes were different, my daughter spoke up, saying that dino chicken nuggets were like the Aaron Hotchner of the BAU, the best of the best. Her exact words were, “Dino nuggets are the hero of chicken nuggets, just like you’re my hero.”

I didn’t want to cry. I was on the verge of tears earlier, I still had to hold it together for my daughter. I didn’t need her to come out and see me crying because I know she’d cry. She didn’t need that stress on her big day.

“Ugh! Dad.”

My daughter came into her room with one of my ¼ zips and her favorite pair of running shorts. Those were her comfort clothes. That ¼ zip was 21 years old. When I was away on cases, Haley would wear it when feeding her, and as Y/n got older, it’s the one ¼ zip she always gravitated too. While it was big on her when she was a child, she still slept in it, wore it when I wasn’t home, it was her sense of safety when I couldn’t be there. Because of me, she was attached to a piece of clothing because I couldn’t protect her. What father puts their children through that?

“What’s wrong honey?”

“Dad, I was shaving and I cut my leg.”

“Come here, sit down. I have a band-aid.”

She sat down on the bed and I grabbed a band-aid from my pocket. One thing that Haley told me from our wedding day was to always have enough band-aids. I made a promise that whenever our children got married, I’d be the one to carry the band-aids. Turns out she was right, we did need the band-aids after all.

She grabbed the dino nuggets after I put the band-aid on and she sat down on the bed. I moved to sit with my back against her head board and I was looking at her. I thought I’d see the beautiful woman she had turned into, but all I could see was my Y/n. My little girl who’d want to play basketball with me or try to show me the newest soccer move. My little girl who was just in a red dress and pigtails. Yeah, that was the little girl I saw.

“Dad, did you hear what I said?”

“What?”

“I started talking but you didn’t answer me. Are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I was just thinking. What did you say?”

“Can you believe I’m marrying A.J.?”

Her fiance was the perfect man for her. He was sweet, kind, just overall in love with her. The kind of love that Haley and I once had. He was everything I could have ever imagined for my little girl.

“No, I can’t believe the day has finally come. 1 year of prepping for a wedding flew by.”

“Thank you for everything, dad.”

My daughter leaned into me and put her head on my shoulder. When I looked at her TV, Mamma Mia was on. When did she put that on? This had to have been her way of trying to soak on as much time as she could before she was getting married. Maybe it was her way of getting me to come to realize that my little girl wasn’t my little girl.

As she ate her dino nuggets, I held onto her a little longer, not wanting her to get married. I know she had to, everyone has to grow up, but I just wasn’t ready. I’m finally ready to admit that. Before I could say something, Jack entered the room with two plates of dino nuggets.

“Jack, you’re supposed to be in the shower.”

“Dad, Y/n’s moving out of the house officially tonight, this is the last time we’re all going to be living together, under one roof. We’ve spent the past 19 years living together. Well, 19 years living with me, 21 for you two, but if I’m being honest, I’m not ready to let that go.”

My son was right. He was stronger than I was. He said what I had been afraid of saying this entire time. I took the plate of dino nuggets that he had reached out to give me. He sat on the bed with my daughter and I. Sharing the bed how they used to share the bed when they were just kids.

I watched my daughter begin to take pictures and videos and we got one of all of us smiling, eating our dino nuggets. Something so simple, yet so meaningful. The last time I’d ever have my children living under one roof all together. Yeah, Jack’s right, I wasn’t ready to let go, but I did, in less than an hour and 10 minutes.”

As we finished our dino nuggets, I had to begin to help with her hair, the movie playing in the background. Jack had stayed in the room to take pictures. Pictures that I would cherish for the rest of my life.

My daughter had put on “Slipping Through My Fingers”. The scene was coming up shortly in the movie but she put the song on her phone. She looked at me through the mirror and smiled. All I could think of was how much this song was so impactful in our life, and now it’s becoming a real story for our life.

Jack went to go get her dress and then went to go change, leaving Y/n and I for a minute that we both needed. With her hair braided the way she wanted, she turned around and looked at me. I handed her her dress and Jack walked into the room.

“You clean up nice, Jack.”

“Thanks sis. Dad? Do I look okay?”

My son was put together. In just a few short moments, I was going to have two children ready for a wedding. Two children who weren’t 4 and 6 anymore, but were 21 and 19. They were grown up.

“You look nice, call me when you’re ready Y/n. I’m going to change.”

I walked out of her room to give her a minute to get into her dress and walked into my room. I changed into my suit and fixed my hair. I finished tying my tie and walked back outside of Y/n’s room. I knocked on the door, getting the okay from Y/n to come in. As I made my way in, I looked at my daughter. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Just an hour ago, I was looking at the little girl in pigtails that I once saw. Now, I was staring at a beautiful, strong, young woman who had everything in the world going for her at that moment. She was my daughter and I was lucky to be her father.

Jack was sitting on the desk, giving me time to fix the little bits of hair that needed to be recurled on Y/n’s head. She was looking in the mirror, I knew she wanted to say something but I wasn’t going to pressure her. Until I heard her speak.

“Dad, am I letting you down?”

“Why would you think that?

“Because of what you’ve done, being the unit chief of the BAU, raising 2 children 2 years apart, being a single-father.”

“Honey, I didn’t have a choice. Your mother was taken from us because of what I did. I became a single father because you lost mom because of me.”

“Dad, stop. That’s not true.”

I was staring at my daughter, but that wasn’t her who said that, it was Jack. Jack was teary eyed, looking at me and Y/n. I shook my head slightly because Haley’s gone because of me and my job.

“Dad, please, you have to listen to Jack and I. It is not your fault. Foyet killed mom. You did everything you could to protect Jack and I. Dad, you could’ve been dead, too! He stabbed you 9 times. You raised us into the people we are today. We wouldn’t be half of the people we are if it weren’t for you. You’re our hero, dad. You always will be.”

I wrapped my arms around my daughter. She still saw me as a hero. My little girl. My little girl who was getting married in 45 minutes. I was her hero. There could be nothing more better than hearing her call me her hero.

“You will never let me down. No matter what. I am so proud to be your father.”

“I’m lucky to be your daughter. You’re my hero. No matter how old I get, I’m always going to need you in my life. Never forget that, Dad. Will you give me away?”

All day I had been holding up tears, guilting myself for letting Haley get killed but at this moment, all I could think about was what a blessing it was to be a father. A father who was loved by his kids. I was loved by my daughter and son, neither one of them ever angry with me for raising them as a single father, never blaming me for losing their mom. I was their hero. I was someone they trusted, they found comfort in. My kids were my saving grace. Y/n asking me to give her away, the floodgates had opened. I wiped the tear that had fallen onto her cheek and pulled her into my arms. I looked over at Jack, for one to never get emotional, he was wiping his tears as well.

As I pulled away from the hug, I kissed her forehead. She was ready to get married, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready for her to get married, but that didn’t matter because all I wanted to do was make my daughter happy.

“I think we have to get to a wedding.”

My kids and I all took one last hug. The ending of Slipping Through My Fingers filled the room. All of us all quietly soaking in the moment, realizing all we had been put through as a family, but in the end, we had made it out.

As we got to the church, we watched everyone walk down the aisle and I held onto her arm. I looked down at her and she squeezed my arm.

“Are you ready, Dad?”

“No.”

She and I shared a laugh. She just wanted me to be honest. I knew that and that’s what she was waiting for.

“No, I’m not ready for you to finally be grown up. I know you’ve been grown up for a long time, but in my eyes, you’re still the little girl who barely fits into my ¼ zip. Now you’re getting married. But if there’s anyone who deserves it, it’s you. You deserve every ounce of happiness Y/n Hotchner.”

She kissed my cheek and whispered, “You deserve happiness, too, Dad. Don’t forget that. I love you.”

The church doors swung up and the pianist began to play “Slipping Through My Fingers”. My daughter and I looked at each other, let out a deep breath and began to smile, taking our steps down the aisle.

I wish someone would’ve told me that this was the shortest walk of my life. What felt like the longest, but the most important, was the shortest amount of time I’d have with my daughter when giving her away. I wanted to cherish every moment I could get with her before she married A.J. This was the last moment before she became a married woman. I kissed her cheek, then went to sit down next to my team. Rossi gave me a pat on leg. A small gesture that I didn’t know I needed until I felt the tension in my body relax.

I had given my daughter away, she was marrying the love of her life, that feeling that I’m losing her forever was kept in my body up until that point in time that I felt Rossi’s touch.

The ceremony was beautiful, as A.J. and Y/n shared a kiss, the audience began to clap. She began to walk down the aisle, hand in hand with her husband. She gave me a smile and a wave, a small gesture that I’d hold onto forever.

As the night began to wind down, it was a beautiful wedding and reception. There was still one more thing that I needed to do. The father-daughter dance. I still had no idea what the song was, I just knew that we were dancing to a slow song.

As the D.J. called my name to the floor, I met my daughter in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone had surrounded us. I grabbed my daughter and embraced her in a hug.

“Just wait for the song, Dad. You’ll love it.”

Just as she finished, “Slipping Through My Fingers” had begun to play throughout the reception hall. I saw Jack beginning to record and looked around at everyone. They were all wiping their tears and I began to spin my daughter around the dance floor.

I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to say everything that I could to her in the time the song began to play, but I could feel all tension leave her body as soon as she held me. She had been trying to make this wedding so perfect, and it was. There’s just something you’ll always know about your children, there’s something you’re always able to provide them. Being there to provide my daughter the comfort that I had tried to do all my life was big for her.

“I’m proud of you. I want you to know that.”

“Dad, you’ve told me that ever since I was a little girl.”

“I know I have, but it’s because it’s true and I want you to know that. Okay? You need to know that you’re important to me. I’m not ready for you to not be my little girl anymore. I’m not ready to wake up tomorrow morning and know that you and Jack won’t be trying to burn down my house making breakfast. I’m not ready to let go of the fact that you really have slipped through my fingers. I don’t know where the time has gone, I just know that it went way too fast, you were always growing and I tried to make it stop but I never could. You’re always going to me Y/n Hotchner to me, you’ll always be my little girl. Just know that I’m a phone call away. I’m a car ride away to watch mamma mia and eat ice cream with.”

I watched her smile and I wiped the tears from her face.

“Just please not chocolate ice cream, dad.”

“I know, never.”

“Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture.”

We began to laugh about the ice cream. At that moment, I really did wish I could freeze the picture because this song was ending, my little girlwas going to be grown up in 30 seconds, and I had to adjust to everyday life with her being a married woman. I was proud of her. She deserved every ounce of it, worked so hard to be who she is now.

As the music faded out, I spun her in a circle and hugged her. The audience of our friends and family began to clap. I held onto her a little too long, but it was something both of us needed. I felt Jack come hug us and we all whispered how much we love each other.

When we finally let go of one another, I quickly stepped out of the way to let everyone else join in on the dance floor. A.J. and Y/n began to dance to the music, and Jack was dancing with Anna. Everyone was smiling. It was a great wedding with family and friends.

As I got Jack home for the night and into his bed, placing Gatorade, water, and Motrin at his bedside, I walked into Y/n’s room. She didn’t come home. For the first night in a while, she wasn’t going to be home. It was something I was going to have to process, but it was okay. I knew she was happy. I knew that I was the father that was trying his best, the father who made a difference in her life.

Y/n slipped through my fingers, I focused too much on trying to capture every minute with her that I didn’t realize how fast she grew up in my eyes. My daughter was married. This day was hard and I didn’t think that there’d be crying on my wedding day like how we cried at Haley's funeral. The thing that was different was that we were crying for different reasons.

I wiped the tear that had fallen onto my cheek and turned out the lights in her room.

She grew up way too fast for me to realize it, but I’m glad I had every minute I did with her. I walked back into my room and got out of my suit. As I laid in bed, I changed my profile picture on social media to the picture of walking Y/n down the aisle.

I then posted another picture of her waving and smiling as she was walking down the aisle with her husband. The caption was perfect for the ending of this night. “She waved goodbye, with an absent-minded smile.”

#aaron hotchner fanfic #aaron hotchner fanfiction #aaron hotchner one shot #aaron hotchner imagine #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x daughter!reader #jack hotchner #hotchner!reader #aaron hotchner angst #aaron hotchner fluff #dad!hotch #hotchner x daughter!reader #Spotify

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weirdmorefics · 1 year

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Could u do a request with a Aaron hotchner daughter reader(2-3) and jacks around 8 or 9, and reader meets beth for the first time, like maybe she was watching Jack because Jessica had to leave so she came over and when reader wakes up from a nap she’s just like 😳who is this lady

So Sleepy

x daugther!reader

A/N- I am so sorry for taking so long to update I have been working on my art business as well as editing some videos for youtube. I really need to not hyper-fixate on things so hard lol.

Warnings- None

Pronouns- She/Her

Word Count- 470

Summary- Hotch is waiting for Beth to come over this morning so she can watch them for the day.

Hotchner's POV

"Jack, what cereal would you like? You have to pick fast if you want to eat together." I say calmly but swiftly.

"I want to wait for Beth," Jack groans rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Okay, just eat fast with Beth because you have to get on the bus soon."

Jack smiles and crinkles his eyes "Okay Dad."

I look at the clock Beth should be here any minute. I can't help but feel antsy. This is the first time she has watched or met Y/N but I am sure she will be great. I wish she could have met Y/n first but Jessica got the Flu and there is no way she can watch them like that and we would have just all ended up sick.

My thoughts are quickly ceased by a knock at the door. Jack excitedly runs to the door while I go to open it.

"Hi, Beth! Do you want to eat breakfast with me we have Fruity Pebbles?" Jack asks with a smile on his face.

"Sure buddy," Beth smiles back.

"Jack your bag is all packed for school, right?" I ask and Jack nods quickly. "And you got your lunchbox out of the fridge right?"

"Oh right!" Jack runs off quickly causing Beth and me to laugh.

"Thank you so much Beth for watching Y/N last minute," I say with immense gratitude.

"Really Arron it is no problem at all," She assures me grabbing my hand.

"Well, I guess it is about time you met Y/N," I nod and lead her to Y/n"s room.

I turn on the lights and Y/N's light snores fill the room. I walk over to her bed and gently say "Hey Y/N it's time to wake up." She rolls over and covers her eyes with her arms "Do you want to say goodbye before I leave?"

She quickly jumps and reaches her arms out to hug me until she sees Beth and squints.

She tilts her head and stares "Do you see the lady? Is she a ghost? Where is Jess?"

I smile and stifle a laugh "This is Beth the Woman Daddy's friend who I have been seeing a lot."

"Oh... you better not steal Dad from me," She says trying to look tough which makes me smile. "Dad says you are very nice though and you have been running with each other but I bet you can't beat me."

"Is that a challenge, " Beth laughs.

Y/N looks serious "Yes! But I need breakfast first."

"Sounds like you have a busy dad" I kiss her head.

"Yes, I do! Have fun at work Dad," She smiles brightly and hug her then Jack on my way out. I have a good feeling about Beth watching the kids.

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#haaron hotch hotchner #aaron hotchner #agent hotchner #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds hc #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds fic #aaron hotch fluff #aaron hotch fic #aaron hotch x you #arron hotchner x reader #criminal minds x daughter!reader

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the-guilty-writer · 1 year

Text

Can't Lose Her Too

Request from anon: Hotch x daughter reader when her depression is really bad and she barely eats and sleeps all the time and doesnt want to see anyone or do anything??

Aaron Hotchner x daughter!reader

Summary: When your depression hits, your father’s ghosts come back to him.

A/N: Did I intend for this to be Taylor Swift related? No. Did it happen that way? Yes. Yes it did.

CW: reader has depression, mentions of reduced food intake, mentions of Haley and Foyet, lots of sad Hotch

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When my depression works the graveyard shift All of the people I’ve ghosted stand there in the room - Taylor Swift, Anti-Hero

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Aaron got home early for once- around 7 o’clock instead of the usual 9 to midnight. In addition to that, it was a Friday and Strauss had a different team on call that weekend, which meant no interruptions, no emergency cases, and more time with his kids.

He unlocked the door, stepped into the house, and was immediately greeted by Jack’s arms around his legs, throwing his balance for a second.

“Hey, buddy.” He smiled and ruffled his son’s hair.

“Hi, daddy.” Jack beamed up at him, his small arms still wrapped around his father’s legs. Aaron put down his briefcase by the door and picked the boy up- Jack was already 5 years old, but Aaron would carry him as long as he could, not wanting to miss more of his son's childhood than he already had.

“You’re home early,” Jessica said as she walked into the living area from the kitchen.

“Yeah,” he told her. “The team got lucky and we didn’t have as much work this week so I let everyone go home.” He put Jack down and the young boy ran off to resume playing with his toys.

“Well, everyone’s homework for the weekend is done. Jack already ate dinner and there’s some leftover in the fridge for you and (Y/N),” Jessica said.

Hotch furrowed his brow. “Still?”

Jessica sighed and looked down. “Still.”

When Haley died, one of the first things Aaron did was put you and Jack in counseling- better to do damage control now than to face the consequences years later- but it seemed, to no one's fault, that you were going to need more than that. The event with Foyet had left you traumatized, but you’d worked through it well. Even the loss of your mother wasn’t the cause of the lows you experienced.

Aaron knew better than anybody else that there were things about the brain that were unexplainable in origin and uncontrollable to the being it belonged to; he only wished you hadn’t been an unlucky victim of the chemical warfare of the mind. You’d already been a victim of too much already.

“Thanks again for watching them,” he said.

Jessica shook her head. “We’re family. It’s what we do.” She said goodbye to Jack and grabbed her coat before heading out the door.

“Daddy!” Jack called. “Can you come play?”

“A little later, buddy.” Aaron had made his way to the kitchen, heating up leftover dinner for you and himself. “I’m going to check on your sister.”

“Can I come too?” Jack asked.

Hotch hesitated. You were prone to irritability, especially when your depression became exceptionally overwhelming. Of course, you’d never purposefully say anything mean to your brother, but it was better that the only people in your room- your personal space- were you and the adults you trusted.

“Well,” he said, “it's almost your bedtime. So why don’t you get ready for bed and after I talk to (Y/N) we can read a story.”

“Even a comic book?”

“Even a comic book.”

Jack dashed upstairs without another word. Aaron plated the food for you and him, carefully carrying it up the stairs and knocking on your bedroom door.

“Sweetheart,” he called softly- it was the nickname he had been calling you since you were a child, just as he had always used “buddy” for Jack. “Can I come in?”

There was a murmured “Sure” that came through the door. When Aaron stepped through, he wasn’t surprised to find that the lights were off and you were wiping sleep away from your eyes.

“Hey,” he closed the door behind him and turned the lights on as dim as they could go. “You take a nap?”

“Yeah,” you said sleepily.

“I figured we could eat dinner together.” He sat on the edge of the bed and handed you a plate, though he wasn’t sure if you would actually eat it or just cut it into pieces and push it around with your fork.

“What time is it?” You asked.

“7:30,” he said. He began to eat his dinner, watching passively to see if you would too. “Jack is getting ready for bed.”

You nodded and took a small bite of food- a baby step forward. The rest of the meal was eaten slow and silent, but your dad didn't mind. Any time he got to spend with you was precious, especially since you didn't want to do much these days. Any time you ate something, anything, offered to you it brought him relief.

You finished about a fourth of your meal. Your dad knew better than to question if you wanted more- instead he just put your plate on top of his empty one.

“You want to do anything once Jack goes to sleep?” he asked.

You shook your head. “I’m tired.”

“Okay.” He placed a kiss on your forehead. “Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you.”

“Love you too,” you mumbled and tucked yourself back under the covers.

He left your room, quietly closing the door behind him. He put the plates by the staircase so he wouldn’t forget to take them down before he went to bed and then walked to Jack’s room. The door was wide open, the little boy already wearing his favorite set of fire truck pajamas and tucked under the covers. Aaron expected him to be holding a comic book- one of the new ones with Captain America on it- but instead he was holding Haley’s candle.

“No comic book?” he asked.

Jack shook his head. “No. I thought we could talk to mommy instead.”

Aaron smiled just a little and nodded. He knelt next to Jack and lit the candle for him. The reflection of the flame danced in his dilated pupil as he silently thought of his mom and then he blew it out.

“All done,” Jack said.

Aaron placed the candle on the nightstand and gave Jack a kiss on the forehead, just as he had done for you. “Goodnight, buddy. I love you.”

“I love you too, daddy,” Jack said, settling under the blankets.

Aaron walked to the door and flipped off the lights. He was about to leave when he heard Jack’s voice again.

“I asked mommy if she could grant me a wish,” he said.

“Oh?” Jack didn’t usually tell your dad what he ‘talked’ to his mom about, which was something he was okay with. His children’s relationship with their mother was sacred and personal- something they should only have to share with others if they wanted to. “You did?”

“Yeah,” Jack said, his head peeking out from under the blankets. “I asked her to help (Y/N) get better.”

A sad smile warped Aaron’s features. “That’s a nice thing to ask for.”

“Yeah,” Jack hummed sleepily. “Goodnight, daddy.”

“Goodnight, buddy.”

Aaron closed the door and went back downstairs. The silence in the house was deafening- there should have been a movie on, or the clicking of a keyboard, or even soft music playing from your phone. But you were upstairs asleep, not wanting to do anything or be with anyone. He could have taken the time to enjoy the quiet, but he couldn’t. He tried to read, or get ahead on paperwork, or even clean (though the house didn’t need it), but he couldn’t be happy about the silence that was a result of your loss of joy.

He went to bed early, following his normal night routine until he got into bed and rolled over onto his side.

Haley’s candle was on the nightstand.

He sat up, taking a deep breath before gently reaching for the candle and lighting it. A tear fell from his eye as he watched the flame burn in front of him- a reminder of everything he had lost.

Honey, he thought. If you hear this, please help her. I’ve already lost you… I can’t lose her too.

I really can’t lose her too.

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