Fate's Gentle Nudge
Chapter 6: Unbreakable (part two)
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❀ 𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: aaron hotchner x reader
❀ 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: fluff, fluff, angst, happy ending
❀ 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥: 23k (part one and two together)
❀ 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣’𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖: Hi, besties! Sorry for taking so long to finish the last chapter. It's finally done, and it's a long one. Since it took me a while, I wanted to complete it entirely and not leave you guys with a cliffhanger. I hope you enjoy the last chapter. I'm thinking about writing small drabbles for this story, so let me know if you have something in mind. Anyway, I love you all. Thank you for reading!🤍 [18+ MDNI]
❀ 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤: blood and violence, stalking, knife attack, mention of suicide and murder (let me know if there are any missing)
❀ 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕔𝕔: @iyv-ray24
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Emily and Derek return an hour later, and Emily hands Y/N a bag with some of her clothes and essentials.
"Sorry that I had to go through your stuff," Emily apologizes.
"Are you kidding me? You guys are my heroes right now," Y/N smiles at her with appreciation.
At the same time, Derek informs Aaron that the apartment is clear, with no signs of forced entry or anyone being inside.
"Did Garcia find something new?" Derek asks.
"No, she didn't. The security camera was a dead end, and there are no other leads," Aaron responds with a frustrated sigh.
"Then, for now, we can't do anything but keep her safe, Aaron."
"I know, whether I like it or not, we have to wait for now," Aaron answers, looking through the glass of his office where Y/N is talking to Emily.
Aaron and Y/N spend the rest of the time in his office. She looks around at his trophies, awards, and pictures while he works on some papers. She asks questions about things she finds interesting, and he always answers. She walks around his desk and stands beside him, taking the framed baby picture of Jack and coos, “he was so tiny.”
Aaron puts his pen down, slings his arm around her waist, and rests his head on her stomach. “Yes, he was. Every time I picked him up, I would get scared. He seemed so fragile,” he says.
Y/N takes the frame next to it into her hand, a picture of Jack and Hailey, and says softly, “She was so beautiful. She resembles Jack a lot.”
“Yes, she was, and she was a great mom. So selfless and loving.”
"You must miss her a lot," she says, caressing his hair.
"I do, but we were separated long before she passed. And I can't say that I was home most of the time during our marriage. I made a lot of mistakes with her that I regret now. But mostly, I'm sad that Jack has to grow up without her."
“You didn’t know any better. You couldn’t imagine that things would go this way. And Jack, he is incredible. You are raising him to be a great person,” Y/N reassures him.
Aaron looks up at her and says, “I know, I am not the same person I was then. And I don’t intend on making the same mistakes I did with Haley. I can’t mess this up with you, and I can’t lose you.”
She puts the frame down and cups his face, whispering, “I’m right here, and you won’t lose me,” before she kisses him tenderly.
Her growling stomach interrupts their kiss, and he chuckles as her cheeks turn red. He stands up, gives her a kiss on her rosy cheeks, and says, "I’ll get us some food.”
Aaron walks up to the glass window and looks down into the bullpen. Most of the team has already left, including Emily, who offered to take Y/N home with her. However, Aaron wanted Y/N to stay with him as long as possible and assured her that he would drop her off later.
“Let’s get you to Penelope, Derek is probably there too. They can keep an eye on you until I get back. I need to talk to Strauss too before she leaves.”
“Why can’t I wait in your office until you come back? We are in the FBI building, Aaron. What could happen here?” She asks, confused.
He walks up to her, holding her hand. “You, my love, won’t be alone until we find out who that person is. Not even for a second,” he says in a sweet voice and leads her out of his office to Garcia's.
Penelope's door is already open as they enter, and to their surprise, it's JJ who's sitting there with Penelope.
"Guys, can I leave Y/N with you for a little?" Aaron asks.
"Of course! Come into my casa," Penelope instantly agrees, pushing a chair toward Y/N.
"I'll be back soon. Have you girls had dinner?" Aaron inquires.
"Yes, we're good, Hotch. Thanks," JJ replies. Aaron nods, then turns around and leaves the three women settled in Penelope's office.
"I'm sorry that you guys have to play babysitter", Y/N apologizes as she sits down.
JJ looks at Y/N with a warm smile. "You don't need to apologize, Y/N. It's not a problem at all. We're more than happy to have you here."
Penelope chimes in excitedly, her eyes sparkling. "And we've been dying to meet you finally. You and Hotch, are adorable together!"
Y/N blushes a bit at the mention of her relationship with Aaron. JJ leans in a bit, her curiosity getting the best of her. "How did you two meet?"
Y/N smiles at the memory. "We met at a parents night. Jack's previous teacher had a baby and I replaced her."
Penelope remembers the time Y/N brought Jack to the office and how they briefly met. "I remember when you brought Jack here. He's such a sweet kid. You seemed really nice back then, too."
Y/N nods. "Thank you. Jack adores the team. He's always talking about everyone."
"Does Jack know about you two?" JJ asks curiously.
"No, he doesn't. Not yet at least. All this is a little complicated because I’m his teacher, that's why we were really reluctant at the beginning," she explains.
JJ nods understandingly. "I can imagine it's not an easy situation to navigate. But from what we've seen, you and Aaron seem really happy together."
Penelope adds with a knowing grin, "Love always finds a way, right? So how is Hotch as a boyfriend,”she asks shamelessly and the three share a laugh, and Y/N feels grateful for their support and friendly curiosity.
Later, Aaron and Y/N have a quiet dinner together in his office. As the night grows late, they make their way to Emily's place and she welcomes them warmly and shows Y/N the guest room, leaving them alone for a private moment.
In the middle of the room, Y/N hugs Aaron, her emotions a mix of gratitude and concern. "I wanted to ask you something," she begins.
Aaron, holding her close, responds, "Of course, sweetheart. What do you need?"
Y/N sighs, her worry evident in her eyes. "Liz has been calling me all day. She knows something is up, but I didn't tell her, like you said. But you know how she is, she's worried, and she's threatened multiple times that she'll just come over to my place. Can I please tell her what's going on?"
Aaron considers this carefully and Y/N adds, "I'm telling you if she goes over to my place and I'm not there, and I haven't told her where I am, she will storm the FBI building next."
Aaron smiles softly, though there's a hint of concern. "I know you're joking, but I'm also worried you're not," he chuckles. "Okay, fine, you can tell her."
"Thanks, honey," she says, giving him a grateful kiss. "You should go. It's getting late and Jack should see you before he goes to bed." Their shared concern for Jack is palpable as they part ways for the night.
Y/N changes into comfortable clothes and joins Emily in the kitchen, where Sergio, Emily's cat, has taken a liking to her lap. She dials Liz's number and answers, trying to calm down her frantic friend. Emily prepares tea for both of them, listening to Y/N's side of the conversation.
Liz's voice on the other end is filled with anxiety and desperation. Y/N does her best to reassure her. "I'm safe, Liz. This is the safest place I can be right now, and I have the best agent watching over me," she says with a playful smile at Emily.
As Y/N continues to speak with Liz, it's clear that her friend is not easily swayed. Y/N protests Liz's insistence to come over, but Liz remains determined. Y/N finally hands the phone over to Emily with an apologetic look. "She wants to talk to you," she says softly.
Y/N is left in confusion as Emily communicates with Liz on the phone, only hearing vague responses from Emily like "yes" and "no." Emily finally ends the call and Y/N watches as she texts something on her phone, then hands it back to Y/N.
Y/N looks puzzled. "What just happened?" she asks.
Emily sighs. "Your friend is scary, and I just texted her the address. She's coming over."
Y/N's eyes widen in disbelief. "What the hell did she tell you?"
Emily shakes her head. "I don't think I can repeat that," she says with a bemused expression.
Not long after Liz arrives and Emily buzzes her in. "I'll kill Aaron the next time I see him. How could he stop you from telling me right away," Liz exclaims, engulfing Y/N in a bone crushing hug.
Y/N chuckles. "Maybe you shouldn't threaten an FBI agent in front of his friend and colleague," she jokes, playfully nodding toward Emily, who stands nearby.
Liz smirks and turns to Emily. "And you must be Agent Prentiss," she says, looking Emily up and down with a raised brow, her tone slightly challenging.
Emily doesn't back down. "And you need to be on the FBI watchlist," she counters with a playful smirk. "I'll get you guys some drinks. Go get comfortable," Emily says, heading off to the kitchen, leaving the two friends to catch up.
Liz turns around and mouths a silent "OMG" to Y/N. "Why didn't you tell me how hot she is? I wouldn't have been that harsh on her," she says, and Y/N laughs, pulling her towards the living room.
The three of them sit together, discussing everything that happened that day. Emily explains the usual procedures in their line of work, and Y/N can't help but notice the glances Emily and Liz exchange throughout the night, making a mental note to tease them both about it later.
It's already the middle of the night, when Liz decides to head home, and they all stand at the door saying their goodbyes.
"Are you sure you can make it home? It's already late so feel free to stay," Emily suggests.
"I'm a big girl, Agent. And if you're trying to get me into your bed, at least buy me dinner first," Liz says in a suggestively low voice, poking Emily on the chest, before walking out the door, leaving Emily open-mouthed. Y/N bursts into laughter at Emily's reaction, thoroughly entertained by the exchange.
Unable to shake off the creepy feeling that had haunted her earlier in the day, Y/N finds it difficult to fall asleep. Alone in the quiet of the night, her mind races with thoughts. Grateful that Emily had packed her laptop and journal, she distracts herself until sunrise.
In the morning, Y/N makes a call to the school, informing them that she won't be able to come to work for the week.
Midweek, the team receives a new case, and Y/N can't help but feel guilty that Aaron and Emily are staying behind to watch over her. Though she understands it's for her own safety, she can't shake the feeling of being confined in the apartment. The days drag on, and she feels like a burden, especially since no new messages or threats have been made. She cries a few times, once into Aaron's shoulder, finding solace in his comforting embrace as he reassures her how much he loves her and that she's not a burden at all.
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On Friday morning, Jack enters the kitchen still in his pajamas. Aaron, while preparing breakfast, notices his son's unhappy expression.
"Why haven't you changed, buddy?" Aaron asks, looking at Jack with a raised eyebrow.
"Dad, I don't want to go to school today," Jack protests. Aaron looks at him with a raised eyebrow. Jack typically loves going to school and has never refused before. Aaron picks him up and sets him on the kitchen counter so they are at eye level.
"Why? Aren't you feeling good?" Aaron looks directly into his son's eyes, waiting for an explanation, his expression a mixture of curiosity and worry.
"No, I'm fine," he just answers still not giving him a real explanation.
"Then why don't you want to go, buddy?" he asks lovingly and ruffles his hair.
"Miss Y/L/N is sick, and she wasn't in school the whole week. It's no fun when she's not there," Jack explains, and a warm feeling spreads through Aaron's chest.
He places a gentle hand on his son's shoulder and speaks with comforting warmth. "Don't worry, bud. I'm sure Miss Y/L/N will be back at school soon. Sometimes people get a little sick, she'll be fine."
“But is she really really bad sick?" Jack asks, concerned.
"I don't know, but I don't think so," he reassures Jack, patting his shoulder gently.
"But aren’t you supposed to know?" Jack asks in an almost accusing tone.
"What do you mean, how would I know?" Aaron asks back, confused.
"Aren’t boyfriends supposed to know when their girlfriends are sick?" Jack asks as if it's the most obvious question, and Aaron can only look at him with an open mouth.
"What are you talking about, bud? Where do you get the idea that I’m her boyfriend?” Aaron asks so caught off guard.
"Dad," Jack protests with a whine, "I’ve known for a while now."
Aaron sees no point in denying but still confused he asks, "What… how?"
"Dad, I’m not 5 anymore, I’m almost 8," Jack explains with a serious expression, resembling Aarons, "You ask about her every day after school. And then you smile really big. And when you see her, you look at her all funny and stuff."
"I guess you’re right, my big guy and little profiler," Aaron says and pulls him into an embrace. He steps back and asks, “And you are alright with this?”
“Yes, Miss Y/L/N is the best. But I want her to come back to school already,” he whines.
"She will, honey, really soon," Aaron promises, "but until then, you still need to go to school, or she will be really upset." He carries Jack to his room to get him ready for the day, their bond stronger than ever.
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After dropping Jack off at school, Aaron makes his way to the headquarters. The team returned last night after a thankfully short case. Rossi joins him in his office for a morning coffee.
"How is she holding up?" He asks about Y/N.
"Slowly going crazy in Emily's apartment, but at least she's safe."
"I'll suggest something, and I know you won't like it, but just hear me out. What if she just returns back to her normal life,"
"So she becomes a target, Dave? No, definitely no."
"She won't be a target if we’re all around. We can take turns again and watch her. You'll be by her side most of the time anyway. Without any new leads, we will not make any progress, and you know that."
Aaron considers this idea, realizing it might be a way to keep Y/N safe while not making her feel like she's in hiding.
Aaron listens to Rossi's suggestion, clearly conflicted. After a moment of contemplation, he finally responds, "I don't like the idea of putting her in harm's way, Dave, but if it's the only way we can move forward, then I'll talk to her about it."
Rossi nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Let's hope this stalker reveals themselves soon so we can put an end to all of this."
Later in the day, Aaron goes over to Emily's apartment. It was Spencer's turn to watch over her. He thanks him for keeping her company, and Y/N hugs him goodbye before he leaves.
"That's new," Aaron says, pointing at the closed door Spencer just left.
Y/N looks puzzled. "What's new?"
"He usually doesn't hug people, especially the ones he's not close with."
They go over to the kitchen, and Y/N puts the coffee mugs into the dishwasher as Aaron takes a seat at the kitchen island.
"So, I wanted to talk to you about something," Aaron begins.
Y/N hums in response, encouraging him to continue.
"We don't have any new leads or threats, and Dave suggested something."
Y/N turns around, closes the dishwasher, and sits down beside him, her curiosity piqued.
"He's thinking that maybe it’s the best you return to your daily routine."
Her eyes light up with enthusiasm. "Yes, yes, Aaron, please, I’m suffocating in here."
Aaron hesitates, his worry still evident. "I know you want to get out of here, but I'm so worried that something will happen."
Y/N leans in closer, her expression earnest. "Please, Aaron, let's do it. I don't want to sound ungrateful for all the things you guys are doing for me, but I'll go insane if I stay here any longer. I feel helpless and like the biggest burden to everyone."
Aaron sighs, giving in to her pleas. "If this person is really stalking you, we should try some of your usual activities."
Y/N immediately throws her arms around his neck, grateful that he is giving in.
"But," Aaron continues, "if we do this, you will follow my every order, okay? We can't risk putting you in danger."
Y/N playfully teases him, "Yes, my big, strong FBI agent, anything you say, sir."
“Stop it”, Aaron's smile widens and he pokes her sides. "Jack told me to say hello to you and that he misses you."
"Aww, I miss him too, but wait...” Y/N's expression shifts to one of surprise, “why is Jack telling you to tell me?"
Aaron hesitates before answering, "Well, he kind of figured out that we're dating."
Y/N's eyes widen in shock. "He did what!?"
"The school told them that you're sick, and he asked me how you're feeling. I said I don't know, and he scolded me for not knowing how my girlfriend is feeling," Aaron explains with a grin.
Y/N looks at him, blinking away the shock, and bursts out laughing. Aaron watches Y/N's reaction with a mixture of amusement and affection. Her laughter fills the room, and he can't help but chuckle along with her.
Y/N continues to laugh, her eyes sparkling with glee. "I can't believe he figured it out, and I can't believe he scolded you!"
Their laughter fills the room, temporarily pushing aside the worries about the stalker that have been hanging over them.
Y/N's laughter subsides, and she smiles warmly at Aaron. "Thank you for telling him, even if it was unintentional. It means a lot."
Aaron reaches out and takes her hand, his gaze locked onto hers. "Y/N, I would've never kept our relationship a secret anyways, if the circumstances were different. So I'm really happy that he knows actually."
She leans over and gives him a tender kiss before asking enthusiastically, “So when can I go back to my place?”
“Let’s pack up, and I'll drive you over.”
She immediately jumps up and almost sprints to the guest room, starting to pack up her things. Before she leaves, she takes a piece of paper and writes Emily a note expressing her gratitude for everything Emily did, adds Lizzie's number at the end with a tiny heart, and pins the note on the fridge.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
After almost a week Y/N finally returns to her apartment. Aaron is right beside her when she unlocks the door but he can’t help but notice the subtle shake in her hands. She steps in and lets out a breath she felt like she was holding. Nothing is unchanged, exactly like she had left it on Monday.
“You ok?”, Aaron asks putting her bag on the couch.
Y/N takes a moment to look around her apartment, her heart still pounding from a mix of anxiety and relief. She turns to Aaron with a faint smile.
"Yeah, I think I'm okay," she replies, though her voice still carries a trace of unease. "It's just... strange being back here… I don’t know."
Aaron steps closer to her, his protective instincts still in full force. He wraps his arms around her and holds her close.
"We'll make sure everything's safe, Y/N," he reassures her. "And if anything feels off or you get even the slightest bit uncomfortable, you call me immediately, okay?"
She nods, feeling comforted by his presence. "Okay, Aaron, I promise."
They spend the next hour checking the security of her apartment, ensuring all windows and locks are secure. Aaron insists on it, even though Emily and Derek have already double-checked everything.
Finally, when they're satisfied that her place is as safe as it can be, Aaron pulls her into another warm embrace.
"Now that Jack already knows about us, you could stay at my place you know," Aaron suggests, his concern for her safety still evident.
"I know, baby, but I missed my home so much. And even if he knows, let's not put too much change on him at once," Y/N responds with a soft smile, her eyes reflecting the exhaustion of the past week.
Aaron knows she's right, she always is, but he can't bring himself to leave her alone.
"Alright," he concedes with a sigh, "but I want you to promise me something."
Y/N looks at him attentively, waiting for his request.
"If anything feels off, even the slightest bit, you tell me or call me immediately, okay? I don't care what time it is or how trivial it seems. Your safety is my top priority."
She nods, understanding the seriousness of his request. "I promise, Aaron."
His face breaks into a warm smile as he says, "Let me take you out on a date."
"Right now?" she asks, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"Yes, why not," Aaron replies. "Dave said to do our usual activities. We had to cancel our dinner date, so why not go now? I'll be by your side the whole time."
Y/N's eyes sparkle with excitement. "So where are you taking me?" she asks, her fingers lightly playing with the collar of his shirt.
"Well, since we're making up for the canceled dinner date, I was thinking of taking you to that Italian place you love so much. How does that sound?" Aaron suggests with a charming smile.
Her face lights up at the mention of her favorite Italian restaurant. "That sounds perfect, Aaron. I'll go get ready."
Y/N heads to her bedroom and quickly rummages through her closet. She chooses a long black elegant dress and slips into black stilettos. Not wanting to keep Aaron waiting for long, she swiftly curls her hair, creating natural waves, and expertly applies her makeup. She knows Aaron appreciates it when she wears jewelry, always commenting how much it suits her, so she carefully selects some pieces to complete her look.
Minutes later, she emerges from her bedroom and Aaron can't help but be captivated by her beauty as she walks up to him.
Aaron stands up, his eyes filled with admiration as he takes Y/N's hand. "You look stunning, my love," he murmurs, planting a gentle kiss on her knuckles.
"Thank you," she chuckles softly and steps closer to him. Her hands find their way to his shoulders, sliding down to his tie. Aaron looks at her with curious eyes as she slowly loosens his tie and removes it entirely. With a skillful hand, she opens the first button of his shirt, her fingers adjusting his collar with a playful yet affectionate smile.
"Now we are ready," she says, her fingers gently patting his chest. They both grab their coats and head out for their long-awaited date.
At the Italian restaurant, soft candlelight flickers on the cozy table for two. They enjoy a delicious meal of pasta and wine, engaging in conversations filled with laughter and love. Aaron can't help but admire Y/N's smile, her eyes sparkling in the intimate ambiance of the restaurant.
After dinner, they take a leisurely walk through a nearby park, holding hands under the starry night sky. The city's hustle and bustle fade into the background as they savor each other's company, cherishing the simplicity of the moment. It feels nice to pretend that everything is alright, forgetting their worries for a short time.
As their date comes to an end, they stop by a gelato shop for a sweet treat. Sharing a scoop of their favorite flavors, they talk about their dreams and the future.
Aaron's insistence on staying over at Y/N's apartment prevails, and they settle into the comfortable atmosphere.
As they get ready for bed, Aaron admits, "You know, I've missed being here with you. It feels like we haven't had a moment to ourselves in a while."
Y/N smiles and nods. "I've missed it too honey."
He gently cups her cheek, his thumb stroking her skin. "Well, tonight, we have this place all to ourselves. Anything special you'd like to do?", he asks with a mischievous smirk.
She leans into his touch, her voice playful. "Hmm, I could think about one or two things."
Aaron grins and pulls her into a warm embrace. "That's what I was hoping you'd say."
In the middle of the night, Y/N stirs and finds Aaron wide awake, standing at the window, arms crossed, looking outside. She sits up in bed, covering herself with the sheets. "What are you doing?" she asks in her sleepy voice.
Aaron turns to her, a faint hint of worry in his eyes. "It's nothing, go back to sleep, my love."
She can sense that something is bothering him. Y/N protests softly, "Aaron," as she stands up, pulling the sheets close around her. Aaron's distant gaze worries Y/N as she joins him by the window. Wrapping her arms around herself, she leans against him, trying to see what has caught his attention. They both gaze outside at the quiet, dimly lit street. The moonlight paints a serene landscape, but Aaron's expression remains pensive.
“Talk to me please”, her voice filled with concern.
He takes a deep breath, his eyes still fixed outside.
“I can't help but think about the stalker, Y/N. I know we've been taking precautions, but I can't shake this feeling of helplessness."
Y/N turns her gaze to the street outside, and in the dim light, she sees nothing unusual. "You've done everything you can to keep me safe," she reassures him. "We're together, and we have the team looking out for us."
Aaron holds her a little tighter, afraid that she might slip away. "I know, it's just... I can't help but worry about you."
She notices a black SUV parked outside, similar to Aaron's but clearly not his car.
"Did you put agents outside to watch my apartment?" Y/N asks, with curiosity in her voice.
Aaron nods, his arms wrapped around her as they stand near the window. "I told you we'll have someone watching over you until we find this person."
She turns around in his arms, her expression puzzled. "Then why are you not in bed with me, If someone is already watching the street?”
A smile tugs at Aaron's lips, and he doesn't need further encouragement. He lets her lead him back to bed, the worries of the night momentarily forgotten as they seek solace in each other's arms.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
The next morning, Aaron and Y/N are having breakfast together and he's trying to convince her to come to Jack's soccer game, knowing she's hesitant about it.
"Using your son to manipulate me like this, Hotchner is just dirty," she says playfully, giving him a teasing, dark look.
Aaron chuckles, always enjoying her playful banter. "Come on, it will be fun, and..."
She raises an eyebrow, completing his sentence. "And you'll be able to keep an eye on me."
He nods with a smile. "And yeah, maybe that too."
"But isn't it dangerous for the kids if I'm there and the stalker shows up?" she asks with concern.
Aaron reassures her, "According to our profile, no, it won't be. There were no signs of violence or new threats at all. So we don't think there will be a lashing out towards anyone else."
"Okay, if you say so," she replies, still somewhat hesitant.
"I do," he says, giving her a gentle peck on the lips. "And also, I can finally show you off as my girlfriend, now that Jack knows."
Y/N lets out a soft laugh, her resistance melting away as Aaron's sincerity and Jack's longing tug at her heart.
Y/N smiles, unable to resist his charm. "Fine, fine, you win. I'll come to Jack's soccer game. But you owe me ice cream after this."
"You got it," he replies, sealing the deal with a kiss. It's a small victory for Aaron, knowing that she'll be safe with him.
As Y/N hops into the shower, Aaron calls up his team, making sure they are ready. He informs them that they'll be at the soccer field in the park, and he shares how they should set up surveillance. Y/N is unaware of all the precautions Aaron is taking because he knows how guilty she feels about all the work they put into her safety.
"Rossi is my co-coach, so he will be close by," Aaron explains over the phone. "There are multiple parking spots that have a clear view of the field, and walking around in the park should not seem suspicious either." The team acknowledges the plan and prepares to ensure Y/N's safety without her knowledge.
As they arrive at the soccer field, Aaron and Y/N spot kids running around in their red uniforms, a clear sign of the soon beginning soccer game. Y/N takes a couple of deep breaths to calm her nerves, and Aaron gently grabs her hand, providing reassurance.
"I'm nervous," she admits.
"You've been to a game before, and you see Jack almost every day," he says, caressing her hand with his thumb.
"I know, but it's the first time I'm seeing him officially as your girlfriend," she confesses, looking at him with slightly terrified eyes.
"You'll be fine, my love," he reassures her, giving her hand a comforting squeeze, and then leads her toward the bustling soccer field.
As they approach the group of parents and children, Jack spots them. He calls out enthusiastically, "Miss Y/L/N!" His eyes shine brightly as he runs toward them. Y/N kneels down and opens her arms as she sees him sprinting without slowing down. He collides into her arms, hugging her tightly.
"Hi, sweetheart. How are you?" she greets him.
He pulls back with a big smile. "I'm fine. Are you feeling better?"
"I am feeling much, much better,” she pokes Jack's tummy and he giggles.
"So, are you coming back to school?" he asks with hopeful eyes. Y/N looks back up at Aaron, questioning, and he nods.
"I guess I am," she says, ruffling his soft blond hair, and Jack's face lights up with joy.
"School was so boring without you, Miss," Jack says, and Y/N chuckles.
"You know, Jack, when we're not in school, you don't have to call me Miss. You can just use my first name."
"What is your first name?" he asks curiously.
"It's Y/N," she answers with a big smile. Aaron stands beside them, watching them talk and not disturbing their moment.
"Y/N? That's a nice name. Can I call you that because you're Dad's girlfriend now?"
"Yeah, I guess. How do you feel about that?"
"Will I see you more often now that you are together?"
"If you want to, yes."
"Then I'm alright with it," he says and hugs her again, sealing their newfound bond. Aaron smiles, his heart warming at the sight of Y/N and Jack getting along so well.
As they stand together, Aaron's arm wrapped around her waist, Y/N feels a sense of warmth and belonging. Jack rejoins his friends, and Aaron leans down to whisper, "I love you," into her ear, planting a gentle kiss just beneath it.
Jessica approaches them with a kind smile, expressing her sympathy for what has been going on. Y/N thanks her sincerely for her understanding and support.
More families start to arrive at the soccer field, and among them is Rossi, carrying a large clipboard, clearly ready for his coaching duties. The park is buzzing with activity as the game is about to begin, and Y/N feels a mix of nerves and excitement, grateful to have Aaron by her side.
“Hi Aaron!!”, YN hears an annoying voice yelling across the field.
Aaron turns around, taking her with him since his arm is still wrapped around her. Nancy's overly enthusiastic waving comes to an abrupt halt as she takes in the sight of Aaron with his arm around Y/N.
Nancy approaches them with a forced, tight-lipped smile, her discomfort evident. Y/N can't help but feel a touch of amusement as she observes the awkward encounter.
"Hello, Nancy," Aaron greets politely.
"Hi, hi!”, Nancy's voice is even more elevated than usual as she responds, "The teacher from the museum, what was your name again?" Her head tilts to the side in an almost comical fashion.
"Y/N," she replies with a forced smile.
Nancy's insincerity becomes painfully evident as she exclaims, “You guys are such a cute couple, so adorable."
"Thank you," Aaron acknowledges with a nod before turning his attention back to Rossi, effectively dismissing Nancy. But her overly cheerful facade doesn't go unnoticed by Y/N. Her disingenuous compliments send shivers down Y/N's spine, and she can't help but feel like Nancy's eyes are still on them as Aaron turns his attention back to Rossi.
As the game begins, Aaron and Rossi switch into full coach mode, and Y/N can't help but find it somewhat amusing. They're clearly passionate about the team, and their intense focus on the game is endearing. Y/N tries to concentrate on the soccer match unfolding in front of her, but that lingering feeling of unease gnaws at her heart.
Unbeknownst to Y/N, Emily, Derek, and JJ are discreetly keeping an eye on their surroundings, ensuring her safety without drawing attention.
Throughout the game, Nancy inches closer and closer to Y/N, standing now uncomfortably tight beside her and cheering far too loudly. Suddenly, she makes a pained sound, as if someone punched her in the gut. Y/N immediately turns to her, concerned.
"Are you alright?" Y/N asks, worry etched on her face.
Nancy hunches over slightly, clutching her stomach. "No, no, I don't think so," she replies, her voice strained. She grabs Y/N's arm to steady herself and continues, "I'm pregnant, it's still really early but something doesn't feel right."
Y/N's initial instinct is to call for help or an ambulance, but Nancy stops her abruptly.
"No! No, there's no need for that," Nancy insists, her voice shaky. "Could you just help me get to the bathroom? I don't think I can walk there on my own."
Y/N nods, her concern deepening. She quickly turns to Jessica and informs her that they're heading to the bathroom, then gently assists Nancy in walking away, supporting her as they make their way to the restroom.
As Y/N and Nancy make their way to the public restroom, Nancy continues to make pained sounds, and Y/N's concern deepens. She regrets not telling Aaron about the situation.
"We're almost there," Y/N reassures Nancy, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's just around the corner."
They enter the bathroom, and Y/N immediately scans the stalls, searching for the cleanest one.
"Here, Nancy, come to this one," Y/N says, turning around to guide her. However, as she turns, she's taken aback to find Nancy standing by the door, her expression completely devoid of pain.
Y/N feels a rush of alarm as she senses the anger emanating from Nancy's eyes. Her instincts kick in, and she goes into fight-or-flight mode.
"Are you feeling better?" Y/N asks, her voice calm, though she's ready for any potential confrontation.
Y/N's heart races as she hears the faint click of the bathroom door, and she instinctively scans for another means of escape, but there's none in sight.
"Nancy, what's going on?" Y/N asks, her voice shaky, as Nancy approaches her with deliberate slowness.
Nancy's eyes are filled with fury as she accuses Y/N, "You whore, just couldn't keep your hands off my man." She spits the words, advancing closer and pushing Y/N further against the tile wall with each step.
"What are you talking about?" Y/N tries to reason, her back now firmly pressed against the wall as Nancy corners her.
"Did your mommy teach you how to steal another woman's man?" Nancy seethes with rage, and Y/N desperately attempts to defuse the situation.
"Nancy, you're not making any sense. Let's go back to the game," Y/N pleads.
"Shut up!" Nancy screams, and to Y/N's horror, she pulls out a pocket knife. Y/N's eyes widen in fear as she stammers, "Nancy, what—?"
Fear courses through Y/N as Nancy's rant continues, each word laced with venom.
"For months, I've been flirting with him, trying so he would ask me out," Nancy seethes, the knife swinging dangerously close in front of her. "I already knew you were trouble when you came to the first game," she accuses Y/N. "The way you threw yourself at him," she adds, her voice dripping with malice.
"What? No! We weren't even together back then," Y/N tries to reason, but her pleas fall on deaf ears.
"I TOLD YOU TO SHUT THE HELL UP!" Nancy's voice rises to a dangerous crescendo, her grip on the knife tightening, “and when I saw you two at the museum, I had my confirmation. The way you were grinding on him like the little whore you are,” she yells and it finally dawns on Y/N and her anger begins to flare.
"You sent the picture?" Y/N asks, finally connecting the dots.
"Ding, ding, ding!" Nancy taunts. "But I guess that wasn't enough. Who knows how you manipulated him into sleeping with you."
Y/N's patience wears thin. "Did you force him? You definitely threw yourself at him," Nancy continues her tirade.
"I didn't do anything. We love each other, Nancy. Move on!" Y/N's voice rises in defiance, pushing back against Nancy's unfounded accusations.
“And waste months of work? I even tolerated his annoying kid. What's his name Jeff or John?”, But Nancy doesn't stop there. She continues her verbal assault.
Y/N can't tolerate it any longer. She snaps, her patience worn thin. "Don't talk about him or his son," Y/N warns. She clenches her fist and lands an unexpected punch on Nancy's cheek. Nancy stumbles back, surprised and hurt, clutching her jaw.
"What the fuck you slut!" Nancy yells in response and swings the knife toward Y/N. She manages to dodge to her right, narrowly avoiding a direct hit, but the knife still grazes her arm, causing her to wince in pain.
Y/N's heart races as she tries to stay calm and assess her situation. Nancy is still holding the knife menacingly, and Y/N knows she needs to find an opportunity to escape. She remembers the self-defense classes Liz had convinced her to take last year, and it suddenly feels like a lifeline.
As Nancy continues her tirade, Y/N carefully gauges the distance between them, searching for an opening. She knows she needs to act fast.
Meanwhile, JJ notices Y/N's absence on the field. She immediately radios Emily and Morgan, who are patrolling the area.
"Guys, do you have eyes on Y/N?" JJ asks urgently.
Derek and Emily pick up their pace as they jog back to the field. Derek responds, "We're coming up to the field now."
Emily adds, "Is she not there?"
"I can't see her from here. Maybe she's sitting down somewhere," JJ replies.
Derek and Emily arrive at the field and begin scanning the crowd, searching for any sign of Y/N.
Aaron's heart races as he sees Derek and Emily approach. The urgency in JJ's voice is evident, and he knows something is wrong.
"What's going on?" Aaron asks, his concern evident. He turns around, scanning the area, and quickly realizes that Y/N is nowhere in sight.
"Where is Y/N?" he asks urgently, his voice tinged with worry.
"We don't know," Derek replies, furrowing his brow. "She was just here."
Aaron's anxiety deepens. He turns to Jessica, who seems to have some information.
"Y/N?" Jessica repeats, "She went to the bathroom with one of the moms."
"When was this?" Aaron asks his voice tight with anxiety.
"Just now, a minute ago," Jessica replies. "I don't know her name. The blond one with the long hair that flirts with you all the time."
Aaron's face pales as he processes this information. He knows exactly who Jessica is talking about. Dread washes over him as he realizes that Y/N might be in danger.
Aaron's voice cuts through the tension like a command from a general. He quickly assigns tasks to his team before they run off to the park's restrooms.
"JJ, Rossi, get the kids and the families away from here. Tell them the game is postponed," he instructs urgently. "Number 11 is Nancy's kid, take him with you. Derek, you take the restrooms on the west side. Emily, you're coming with me."
His team nods in acknowledgment, and they split up to cover more ground. Every second feels like an eternity as they rush to find Y/N and put an end to this terrifying ordeal.
Inside the restroom, Y/N is putting up a fierce struggle. She manages to kick the knife out of Nancy's hand, but the deranged woman still has a tight grip on her. Y/N is pressed on the ground with Nancy on top of her raining down io punches down on Y/N's face as she desperately tries to escape.
With a surge of adrenaline, Y/N finally pushes Nancy off of her and scrambles to her feet. She races towards the door, her hands trembling as she reaches for the lock. But before she can unlock it, Nancy grabs a handful of her hair, yanking her back with brutal force.
Y/N cries out in pain, and her voice carries through the restroom, reaching the approaching team members. Aaron's heart clenches at the sound as he reaches the locked door. He calls out Y/Ns name and relief washes over her as she hears his voice.
The door crashes open, and Aaron rushes inside, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anger. Emily is right behind him.
Y/N is on the floor, her hair disheveled, and her face bruised. Nancy stands nearby, shocked by the sudden intrusion. Aaron's eyes narrow in anger as he sees the pocket knife on the ground.
Her eyes land on the pocket knife on the ground and Aaron follows her sight. "Stay right where you are," he growls at Nancy but she makes a swift attempt forward to grab it.
Emily acts quickly and grabs Nancy, restraining her and ensuring she can't reach the pocket knife. Nancy struggles and curses, but Emily keeps her under control.
Meanwhile, Aaron focuses all his attention on Y/N, gently helping her sit up. He checks her injuries, his worry evident in his eyes. "We need to get you to a hospital," he says softly, his voice filled with urgency.
Y/N nods, still feeling shaken but relieved to be in Aaron's protective presence.
He gently cradled Y/N's face. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.
Y/N nods weakly, her eyes locked on Aaron's. She's battered and trembling, but at least she's safe now.
As Aaron helps Y/N out of the restroom, she clings to him, she knows she's safe now.
Outside, Nancy is apprehended and handcuffed, ready to be taken into custody. The team springs into action, calling for an ambulance and coordinating the transfer of Nancy to Quantico.
Aaron, his protective instincts still in high gear, holds Y/N close. "Let's get you checked out by a doctor, just to be sure, okay?" he says to her softly. He wants to be absolutely certain that she's okay, not willing to take any chances with her health.
As they ride in the ambulance to the hospital, Aaron keeps a reassuring arm around Y/N. Luckily she has no big injuries other than the cut on her upper arm. Her right eye and cheek are bright red, swollen and already turning purple and she has scratches on her neck and arms. But to be honest, Nancy didn’t look any better and Aaron is so proud of her for keeping up a fight. He's relieved that her injuries aren't more severe but still upset that she had to go through this terrifying ordeal. He can't help but feel an overwhelming amount of guilt.
Once at the hospital, Y/N is promptly attended to by medical staff. They cleaned and stitched up her arm, addressing her other minor injuries as well. Aaron watches closely, his concern never leaving his eyes. He remains by her side throughout the process, offering comfort and support.
Y/N breaks the silence when the nurses leave the room, her voice still shaky but determined. "What's going to happen now?"
Aaron gently brushes a strand of hair from her face and answers, "First, we'll make sure you're well taken care of here. Then, I'll do anything in my power to ensure Nancy is brought to justice. You won't have to worry about her anymore. You were really brave in there," he says softly, taking her hand in his.
"I'm so proud of you." She manages a weak smile.
They drive back to the BAU, where the team is already waiting for them. Aaron gives her a sweater from his go bag, and JJ lends her some clean pants so she doesn't have to walk around in the same clothes she rolled on the dirty restroom floor.
With her wounds cleaned and now wearing new clothes, she feels more grounded as she joins the team in the briefing room. Penelope immediately stands up, walks up to her, and embraces her in a big hug, which she gratefully accepts.
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm so glad you're okay," she says.
"Me too, Penelope. Me too."
"Take a seat. I have some information you all need to hear," Garcia says, and Y/N takes the seat beside Aaron. He instantly holds her hand and pulls her closer.
Garcia begins with her briefing, detailing Nancy’s complex past. "Nancy Harris, 37 years old, originally from Texas. She's been married four times, and interestingly, three of her husbands died of what appeared to be natural causes, even though they were relatively young and had no prior medical issues."
The team listens intently, absorbing the information about Nancy's suspicious history. Garcia proceeds, "Nancy has a son from a previous boyfriend who is currently in prison for unrelated charges."
Y/N, still holding Aaron's hand, can't help but shiver at the thought of what could have happened if they hadn't intervened in time. She leans into Aaron's comforting presence, grateful for the support of her newfound family in the BAU.
"Now it gets really interesting," Garcia continues, "three of her husbands were divorced right before they got married. One was a single dad. Her last husband, who is still alive, pressed charges for aggravated assault, obtained a restraining order and now resides in Canada. She has restraining orders against her from different states, all with almost the same statement. These are either single dads she knew from proximity, like work, school, or straight-up married couples but all with children. She would stalk the husbands and try to get them to cheat," Garcia finishes.
"So this is her thing?" Y/N asks.
"Apparently," Garcia confirms, "her phone is filled with different dating apps and social media accounts, all portraying a different persona.”
Rossi's voice filled the room, "It seems like her pattern involves manipulating dads, and yes, trying to push them into cheating if they're in a relationship. She's been using various dating apps and social media accounts to identify and approach her targets. Her history of restraining orders suggests that she doesn't take rejection well."
Aaron's grip on her hand remained steadfast as he listened intently, his expression a mix of concern and determination.
"So, we have a woman who's obsessed with taking other women's partners," Emily summarized.
Rossi nodded. "And it looks like Y/N became a target because of her association with Aaron."
Y/N furrows her brow and speaks up, "She seemed convinced we were together before we actually were. She said I was trying to 'steal' him from her."
As the team discusses Nancy's situation and what will happen now, Y/N can't help but feel a sense of guilt and she speaks up, "What is going to happen to her son?" Y/N asks, concerned.
"CPS picked him up. Sadly, she was already on their radar, but they moved so much over the years that no one could really keep track of them. They will reach out to other family members so he has someone to take care of him," JJ informs, and Y/N nods.
“She told me she was pregnant. She acted like she was in pain and needed help. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have gone with her."
JJ reassures her, "She knew you have a soft spot for kids. She used your kindness. This is not your fault."
Aaron remains unusually quiet throughout the conversation, and Y/N looks at him with concern. He's just watching their intertwined hands, lost in his thoughts.
"Where is she? Tell me where she is!" They hear someone yelling downstairs from the bullpen.
"Liz?" Y/N asks, standing up and walking out of the room toward the commotion. The rest of the team follows her. Liz is in the bullpen, arguing with a younger agent, but when she catches sight of Y/N, she rushes up the stairs. The agent is about to follow when Aaron signals to him that it's okay.
Liz wraps her arms around Y/N and hugs her tightly. Y/N lets the emotions she'd been trying to repress flow freely, and tears stream down her face as she cries into Liz's shoulder.
Aaron's heart shatters into a million pieces as he watches Y/N cry. He takes a step toward her, but Liz's angry eyes halt him.
"Is this happening because of you?" she snaps at him. Y/N pulls away from the hug, wiping her tears.
"Liz, please," Y/N implores.
"Y/N, you got attacked," Liz says, her voice laced with concern.
"How do you even know what happened?" Y/N questions.
"I called her," Emily speaks up from behind them. "I'm sorry I should've asked before, but I thought you might want her here."
Rossi intervenes, "Girls, come on, let's get you to a quieter spot." He guides them both into his office, closing the door behind him.
Aaron turns to the rest of the team and says firmly, "I’ll interrogate Nancy."
"Hotch, do you really think it's the best idea for you to question her?" Derek asks, concern in her voice.
He doesn't answer, instead, he simply walks over to the interrogation rooms.
Aaron entered the interrogation room, and Nancy's demeanor shifted as if she were meeting him at a coffee shop rather than sitting with her hands cuffed to the table in the FBI headquarters.
He wasted no time and got straight to the point. "Nancy, let's talk about what happened."
Nancy smirked, her eyes cold. "Oh, Aaron, it's been a while, hasn't it?"
He ignored her taunts and got down to business. "Why did you attack Y/N today?"
Nancy leaned forward, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Why, Aaron? Isn't it obvious? She's stolen you from me. I had to do something."
Aaron's jaw clenched. "Nancy, there was never anything between us. We never had a relationship."
She laughed a manic sound that sent shivers down his spine. "Oh, Aaron, you always were good at pretending."
Aaron used his years of experience to rattle Nancy, knowing that he had to push her buttons to get the truth out of her. He leaned in closer, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Face it, Nancy. No one will ever want you. You're a pathetic woman with a history of failed marriages. Your husbands divorced you or... maybe they just wanted to escape. Maybe they were having affairs, cheating on you, and they wanted out."
Nancy's face reddened with anger. "You're wrong!" she shouted. "Those idiots were lucky to have me. No one would ever dare to cheat on me."
Aaron continued to press her, stoking the flames of her anger. "You would let them leave, huh? Maybe they died, maybe they killed themselves just to escape from you. They realized you were suffocating them, and they wanted freedom."
Nancy's voice cracked with fury. "No! I loved them! I did it because I knew they would never find a better woman than me. No one would ever dare to cheat on me, and they wouldn't dare to leave anyway. That's why I killed them!"
Aaron's tactic had worked. Nancy's confession was now on record, and they had the evidence they needed to ensure she faced justice for her crimes. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw a smirk form on Aaron's face. Then she realized what she just had done.
He stands up and leans in over the table, his voice low and controlled. "Listen to me carefully. I'll do everything in my power to ensure you rot in jail for daring to lay hands on Y/N. Do you understand me? You will die, alone and unloved in a cold cell, forgetting what freedom feels like, and that is a promise," he says before leaving the room.
Returning to his office, he's relieved to have secured her confession. Rossi enters right after him, holding a file.
"What is this?" Aaron asks.
"Y/N's written statement. She felt comfortable talking to me," Rossi says. Aaron nods, opening the file and reading the detailed account.
The pain in his heart grew with each word as he absorbed the details of what Nancy had said to her.
"Talk to her, Aaron. Don't close off," Rossi advises, then leaves him alone.
Rossi's words echoed in his mind, and Aaron knew he needed to talk to Y/N, to be there for her. He entered the room where Y/N, Liz, and Emily were seated, ready to offer his support and comfort.
"I could drive you home now if you want," Aaron asked, his tone tinged with a hint of shame.
"Yes, thank you," Y/N replied.
"I'll stay with her," Liz interrupted, but Emily intervened with a gentle touch on her knee, whispering, "Let them have some alone time." Then she spoke louder, "You guys go I will drive Elizabeth home." Liz blushed at Emily's use of her full name.
Aaron took Y/N's hand, and they left the building, driving to her apartment. She promptly took a shower and changed, though she kept Aaron's sweater on. In the kitchen, Aaron prepared a meal, and they ate together in mostly silence. As Y/N settled into the couch, Aaron moved restlessly around the room, and she couldn't bear it any longer.
"Aaron, enough, please don't do that," she begged. "Don't distance yourself from me now. Don't push me away. Right now, I need you to hold me as close as you can," she said, her voice breaking, her eyes brimming with tears.
Aaron listened to Y/N's heartfelt plea, her voice filled with emotion and her eyes teary. He knew that he had been distancing himself, perhaps as a way to protect himself from the pain of seeing her hurt. He understood now that what she needed most was his support and comfort.
Without hesitation, he walked over to her and sat down on the couch, wrapping his arms around her. Y/N leaned into his embrace, her head resting on his chest, and he held her as close as he could.
"I'm here, Y/N," he whispered softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I won't push you away. We'll get through this together."
“I don’t know if you can ever forgive me but,” Aaron began, “But I am so, so sorry that this happened to you, Y/N.”
She looked up at him and put her hand on his cheek, “There is nothing to forgive. I told you this before, none of this is your fault.”
"But it is. My life, my job, everything I do seems to put people I love in danger."
"This has nothing to do with your job, Aaron. That person is sick, she did this to so many different people and could have done this to anyone else too" she assured him.
As tears welled up in both of their eyes, Aaron shared his fears with Y/N. "But it was about my job once, and I couldn’t save her that time, and I almost didn’t save you," his voice breaks.
Y/N's heart ached at the pain in his voice. She gently cupped his face and said, "But you did! You did save me," burying her face into his neck, seeking comfort in his embrace.
"I feel like I attract the evil, and being with me gets people hurt, eventually," he continued, his voice trembling.
Y/N immediately understood what he was implying and pulled back to look him in the eyes. “Aaron, I am not going to leave you, you understand me? I love you like crazy, you are my heart.”
At her words, the tears in his eyes overflowed, and they both cried, holding each other tightly, finding solace in their love and shared pain.
They ended up cuddling in Y/N's bed, Aaron shared details of the interrogation, and Y/N listened, her head resting on his chest while he gently caressed her hair.
“I just feel bad for his son," she said. "Growing up without a parent is hard, and not having both… I can't imagine.”
Aaron continued to stroke her hair. “She wasn't a good mother. She used him for her games. I hope he will have it better from now on.”
“I hope so too,” Y/N agreed, her voice filled with compassion.
They enjoyed a comfortable silence before Aaron broke it. “How about we go away for a couple of days? You, me, and Jack.”
Y/N lifted her head slightly to look at him. “Like a weekend getaway?”
Aaron nodded. “Yes, just to get our heads cleared for a while. What do you think?”
A warm smile spread across her face. “That sounds amazing, actually.”
Her expression turned a little more serious, and she said, “I've decided that I'm going to tell the school about us. There's really no point in hiding it anymore. Some parents saw us at the game, and I'm sure everyone knows about Nancy already.”
Aaron considered her words. "I guess you're right. When will you tell the principal?"
"Tomorrow morning, I'll drive there first thing. I'm on sick leave next week, but I want to get it over with already."
He nodded in understanding. "I'll come with you," he offered, and she agreed with a nod, appreciating his support.
The next morning as they drove to school they decided, to purposefully choose a time when the kids were in the classrooms so they wouldn’t see her injured face.
As Aaron waited in front of the office, he heard footsteps approaching, and someone stopped beside him, leaning against the wall just like he was. He didn't need to look up to know it was Liz. The two of them stood there in silence for a moment, both lost in their thoughts.
Finally, Liz broke the silence. "She's strong, you know," she said, her tone a mixture of admiration and concern.
Aaron nodded, not taking his eyes off the hallway ahead. "Yeah, she is."
Liz continued, "I want to apologize for the way I talked to you yesterday."
"No, I deserved that," Aaron replied, his voice laced with sadness. "I promised you I'd take care of her."
She sighed, her expression troubled. "I just hope she'll be okay. I hope you both will be."
Aaron glanced at her, seeing a mix of emotions in her eyes. "We will be," he said with conviction, his gaze returning to the office door where Y/N was talking to the principal. "We just have to."
Y/N left the principal's office a couple of minutes later, letting out a breath of relief. She walked up to where Liz and Aaron were waiting.
"And?" Liz asked eagerly.
"I still have my job," Y/N began.
"Thank god," Liz exclaimed.
"But boy, I don't want to a talk like this ever again with her. She is scary,” Y/N whispered the last part.
Liz led them into her empty classroom, and Y/N continued speaking. "God, I felt like a teenager getting caught with her boyfriend. Anyway, she basically scolded me, and, like I guessed, everyone is already talking about Nancy and what happened. Some crazy rumors are going on, let me tell you that."
She continued, pointing at Aaron, "About us dating, she was definitely not happy that we kept it a secret. But she told me no school policy could force us to end things. She won't force me to change classes. I just have to have meetings with HR every month where they will basically lecture me about… I don't even know."
Aaron listened as Y/N recounted her conversation with the principal. He felt relieved that she didn't face any drastic consequences for their relationship but couldn't help feeling annoyed by the HR meetings she would have to endure because he knew how insufferable these could be.
Liz crossed her arms, "HR meetings every month? That doesn't sound pleasant."
Y/N shrugged a genuine smile playing on her lips, “I can handle it. It's better than losing my job or having to transfer to another school."
Aaron nodded in agreement. "As long as you're safe and still teaching, that's what matters."
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
Y/N appreciated Aaron's unwavering presence and care during her recovery. His commitment to staying by her side reminded her of how lucky she was to have him in her life. The wounds on her body were gradually fading, but the love and support he showered upon her were the real remedy for her soul.
As she healed, the two of them spent quality time together, cherishing the moments they had. Aaron's dedication to changing her bandages and tending to her wound showed the depth of his love and concern.
When a new case came in midweek, Y/N initially tried to persuade him to go. She didn't want to hold him back from his duties. But Aaron was resolute.
"I told you, I won't make the same mistakes I did with Haley. You need me right now, so there is no more important place for me to be."
Y/N couldn't argue with his heartfelt words. She realized that having him close was exactly what she needed for her recovery, and she welcomed his presence with open arms.
Spencer came over to check up on Y/N because he was away in Vegas with his mom when everything happened.
His visit was a pleasant surprise for both Y/N and Aaron. Despite the relatively short time they had known each other, Spencer seemed to trust Y/N a lot, which Aaron found surprising.
After lunch, when Spencer left with good wishes and a warm hug, Aaron couldn't help but express his amazement. "He really trusts you a lot, that doesn't happen too often," he remarked.
Y/N smiled at Aaron's comment. "Spencer is an incredible person, and I'm grateful that he's comfortable around me. We've had some meaningful conversations when I was staying at Emily’s place and it's clear he values you as a boss and your friendship."
Aaron nodded, appreciating how easily Y/N seemed to connect with people, even those in his own team. "You have a way of making
people feel at ease, and it's one of the many things I admire about you."
Y/N blushed at his words, feeling a warm sense of contentment. They shared a sweet moment, both grateful for the support and trust they had in their relationship.
The weekend trip to the beach was a much-needed break for all of them. As they arrived at the cozy beach house in Virginia Beach, Jack's excitement was contagious. The weather might have been a bit chilly, but the beauty of the landscape made up for it.
Y/N wrapped herself up in a warm sweater and a scarf, enjoying the sound of the waves crashing against the shore as she and Aaron walked along the beach. Jack was busy collecting seashells and building sandcastles nearby.
"It's so peaceful here," Y/N remarked, leaning against Aaron as they watched the sunset over the ocean.
Aaron smiled and held her close. "That's why I chose this place. We all need a break from the chaos."
The weekend was filled with beach walks, cozy moments by the fireplace, and watching movies with Jack. It was a time to heal, reconnect, and create beautiful memories together.
Y/N's return to school was met with a heartwarming reception from her students. The flowers, welcome back card, and the kids' eagerness to hug her filled her heart with immense joy. She felt truly appreciated and loved by her students, and it was a touching moment that brought tears to her eyes.
Jack, now fully accustomed to having Y/N around, had grown attached to her presence and he would get cranky if she didn't come over at least a couple of times a week. So Y/N started staying over, and it soon became a regular occurrence. Whenever Aaron returned from a case, they would have baking and movie nights together, creating special memories as a trio.
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
Y/N stood in front of the mirror, calling out, "Babe, could you zip me up?"
Aaron emerged from the bathroom, wearing his new sweater vest over his button-up shirt. "Wow, look at you, handsome. I knew this would suit you," she said, giving him a peck as he approached.
"Thank you, darling. Now, let me help you with that," he replied, gently turning her around to zip up her dress. As Aaron lovingly zipped up Y/N's dress, his fingers gently traced the path of her scar. It had become a daily ritual for him, a reminder of the day he almost lost her and a testament to their enduring love. He placed a soft kiss on top of the scar, cherishing each moment they had together and vowing never to take a single day with her for granted.
"You are breathtaking, my love," he complimented her, his arms enveloping her waist as they made eye contact through the mirror. "Maybe we should skip the party and stay home," he groaned in her ear, kissing her jaw.
She sighed and leaned back against him. "It's Christmas, and Dave would kill us," she chuckled. Turning around in his embrace, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "But I promise you, you won't be disappointed by your present later," she added suggestively, brushing her lips against his, causing him to whimper at the enticing thought.
At the Christmas party, the warmth of the season enveloped them. The house was beautifully adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths, and a towering Christmas tree that seemed to touch the ceiling. Laughter and the chatter of friends and colleagues filled the air.
They indulged in a delicious holiday dinner filled with traditional dishes, and Jack couldn't resist sneaking cupcakes when he thought no one was looking.
As Y/N watched Liz and Emily share a feisty kiss, under the mistletoe, with Emily pressing her against the doorframe, she couldn't help but smile at their ongoing game of cat and mouse. It was evident to everyone around them that there was something going on between the two, but neither seemed willing to make the first move.
She had seen Emily sneakily placing extra mistletoes around the house earlier, a clear sign that she was hoping for a chance to steal a kiss from Liz. Y/N secretly prayed that this Christmas might finally be the time when one of them would confess their feelings but both were stubborn as hell.
The room was filled with the joyful sound of Christmas music as everyone danced and swayed to the rhythm. Y/N was carrying Jack in her arms, his small hands resting on her shoulders as they moved gracefully together on the dance floor. Her smile was radiant, and Jack's laughter echoed in the room, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Aaron stood across the room, watching them with a heart full of love and gratitude. Seeing Y/N and Jack dancing together, so full of happiness, was a sight that filled him with an overwhelming sense of joy. He couldn't help but feel lucky beyond words.
As he gazed at them, he knew, without a doubt, that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Y/N. The love in his chest was so profound that it felt like it might burst. He felt blessed to have found such a wonderful woman to share his life with, and he was determined to cherish every moment they had together.
As the lively Christmas song changed into a gentle, slow melody, Y/N carefully lowered Jack to the ground. The little boy, still filled with excitement from the festivities, joined some of the other kids nearby, leaving Y/N free to turn her attention to Aaron.
Their eyes met, and there was an unspoken understanding between them. Aaron extended his hand, and Y/N took it with a soft smile. They stepped onto the dance floor together, finding their place in the gentle sway of the music.
Wrapped in each other's arms, they danced with a tenderness that spoke volumes of their love. Aaron's warm breath brushed against Y/N's ear as he whispered sweet nothings, his words filling her heart with warmth.
The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment. The soft glow of Christmas lights added to the enchantment of the evening.
He leaned in, brushing his lips against her forehead, a sweet and tender kiss that spoke volumes of his feelings for her. "You are my world, you mean everything to me, Y/N," he whispered. "I can't imagine my life without you. I love you more than words can express."
Y/N looked him in the eyes and whispered, "You are the love of my life, my one and only. I love you."
They both felt the weight of their pasts lifting, replaced by the promise of a bright and beautiful future together. And for the first time in a long while, Aaron felt a sense of hope and anticipation for what lays ahead. With Y/N by his side, the stars seemed to shine brighter, and their love illuminated the path before them.
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