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saiilorstars · 1 year

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Home is my Happy Place

One Shot: An insight on how some of Hotch's returns home look like when Malú is around...

Fandom: Criminal Minds // Hotch x OFC

[ Malú’s masterlist ]

Taglist: @ocappreciationtag @arrthurpendragon @anotherunreadblog @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @foxesandmagic @averyhotchner

If you’d like to be a part of this OC’s work/edits, let me know

Malú was long used to the crazy schedule that her boyfriend had. It was not easy, it was not something she would ever get used to, but it was something she would gladly live with if it meant being with her boyfriend. Aaron Hotchner was one of a kind, and Malú was certain that she would never find another man like him. And the best part? He thought the same about her.

As much as she loved him and practically worshiped the ground he walked on, he felt the absolute same towards her. It was strange to other people how in sync they were with each other about everything. How could they ever be apart?

The BAU's cases was the only answer — the only constant answer.

Malú grew used to the whole ordeal of having to be away from each other for days. All she asked from Aaron in return was to keep her updated on his well being. She was not a cop — far from it, she was a school psychologist — but she knew how dangerous his job was. She could not go to sleep each night until Aaron called or texted her.

Aaron didn't mind. He liked knowing how much she cared for him. He always aimed to call her for at least a few seconds to say goodnight unless there was absolutely no time for it. There was almost always time for a phone call of a few seconds.

"Where are you this time?"

"Portland," Aaron said, turning just slightly more towards the window that gave a view of the rainy night. None of the officers and detectives in the precinct would really care about his phone call but Aaron always tried keeping Malú away from his gore-filled job.

"Never heard of it," Malú said so nonchalantly that Aaron couldn't help his laugh.

That time, an officer or two may have turned their head his way.

"I'm kidding," Malú said a moment later.

"I know," Aaron said, finding a tad funnier the fact she had to clarify herself.

"I didn't want you to think I'm an idiot who doesn't know her cities and states," Malú said.

"I don't know, I could always give you a lesson or something," Aaron said ever so innocently.

It was Malú's turn to laugh. She did so with a few butterflies in her stomach. "When you get home, feel free to stop by."

Aaron would want nothing more than that. "It's raining here. Pouring. Believe me, I'd rather be with you."

A smile spread across Malú's face. "I'm in bed," she told him, "And you'll never guess what I'm wearing…"

Aaron hummed quietly, definitely not wanting to draw any attention to him right now. "There are so many answers to that; I wouldn't know what to start with."

"You get three guesses," Malú said. Aaron didn't need to see her face to know she was smirking. Indeed she was.

"Are you challenging me?" Aaron said incredulously. God, he really missed her.

"Maybe. I'm kind of bored over here," Malú said, "All alone in my bed. I don't know, maybe I'm wearing one of your shirts or, uh, maybe—" she snapped her fingers—, "I'm wearing the green satin set you like so much. Do you remember it?"

Aaron was following her taunt with amusement and a wide smile on his face. "Yes," he nodded, "I remember it very well."

"Or maybe, just maybe, I'm not wearing anything at all." Malú gasped lightly. "Which one do you think it is?"

"I think that you are nothing but a tease and you're getting me back for breaking your favorite coffee mug last week," Aaron said, although Malú heard the subtle clearing of his throat. As good as a profiler as he was, he also had tells for when he lied.

"All I know is that you and your butter fingers better find me a new favorite mug in Portland. That's in Oregon by the way. See? Told you I knew where it was. So…what's your guess?"

"My guess is…" Aaron happened to glance back at the precinct and saw Rossi waving him over to the conference room.

Malú heard his sigh and knew what it meant. "Don't tell me what you're doing. I get anxious just thinking about you going out there…"

Aaron sighed again. "I'm sorry, honey. I have to go. And you should get some rest. You're 3 hours ahead of me. You should be sleeping by now."

"It's Saturday tomorrow — or today, technically — and you know I don't care how late it is," Malú said, "I need to know you're okay."

"And I am, promise," Aaron said without hesitation. "We're almost done here. I might see you tomorrow for lunch."

"Mm, I like the sound of that. You better wear a jacket when you go outside."

Aaron laughed quietly. "Yeah…"

"I mean it. You said it was pouring out there."

"I will—"

"You better wear the jacket because if you get sick, I'm not gonna coddle you. And I'll tell Jack that you got sick because you didn't listen to me."

Aaron struggled to keep his laugh from getting louder. "I hear you—"

"Aaron, I really mean it. And I also love you, so…yeah…"

"Yeah," Aaron nodded, "I love you too. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Malú hung up promptly afterwards, and he went back to work.

~0~

Aaron was usually a patient man. He worked under a lot of stress so he had to learn how to be patient, otherwise he would've been dead ages ago. When his case in Portland happened to finish earlier, he wanted to surprise Malú at her place. But looking at the time, he knew that she would be asleep still. Malú hated mornings and absolutely valued Saturday mornings more than anything else.

It would not be wise to wake her up.

So Aaron compromised instead. At six in the morning, he used his key to get into Malú's apartment and quietly walked inside. He left his things right beside the door and headed for the hallway. His heart raced with anticipation of seeing Malú again, even if she was asleep. Very carefully, he turned the knob of her bedroom door and quietly stepped inside the room.

She was fast asleep; she didn't move in the slightest with his approaching steps. She was also a heavy sleeper.

He pulled his jacket off and left it on the dresser then loosened his tie. Shoes were left at the foot of the bed.

Aaron didn't know if his exhaustion won him out or his deep desire to see Malú did, but either way he ended up crawling into bed with her. Amazingly, she didn't even move with that either. He scooted as close as he could to Malú, though very careful not to wake her up. Her back was to him when he brought an arm over her. He finally rested his head next to hers and breathed in.

She had to have showered last night. Her hair smelled fresh of coconut. Her skin was warm and soft under the covers. She was divine even when she slept. Dawn couldn't hide it.

At this point, Aaron would confidently say the exhaustion won him out as his eyes fell shut. And knowing where he was and who was next to him, he had no problem falling asleep.

~0~

"Wakey, wakey…" A soft voice hummed beside Aaron's ear. It took him a few seconds to realize a pair of lips were pressing alongside his cheek. "C'mon Aaron, wake up already."

"I'm up…" His eyes weren't even open.

"You're not up. You're not waking up!"

"What are you talking about? I'm definitely up. I'm talking aren't I?"

Malú rolled her eyes. He was sarcastic at all times of the day. She grew tired, though perhaps it was impatience more than anything else, and proceeded to maturely respond to the situation. Since she was sitting on her knees on the bed, she started jumping on her knees to bounce said bed.

Eventually, Aaron gave up and conceded her the point. He opened his eyes and immediately saw Malú sitting beside him, looking at him with a grin on her face. "You're beautiful."

Malú's grin widened even more. She tossed some of her hair behind her shoulder. "Why thank you. But I must admit that I did not wake up this way, that I did get up and brush my hair and my teeth and ate some breakfast. Speaking of," she reached for a bowl on the bed stand and held out a strawberry to him, "Breakfast?"

Aaron drew in a breath and pushed himself to sit upright. "What time is it?" He was still a bit groggy.

"Late for me but I imagine you got here pretty late so it's early for you," Malú said, leaning forwards. She fed him the strawberry.

"Thanks," Aaron said with a flush on his face. He was not one for sweet acts like this…unless it was him doing it to Malú. It's why Malú tended to return the favor most of the time. She wanted him to know and feel the same way he made her feel all the time — cared and loved for.

"You could have woken me up," Malú said, reaching for another strawberry in the bowl on the bed stand.

"You were sleeping," Aaron remarked matter-of-factly. He watched Malú as she fed him another strawberry.

"I was," she nodded, "And I would've woken up to welcome you back."

"I feel pretty welcomed right now," Aaron said, sharing a smile with Malú. As soon as he finished with the strawberry, Malú leaned over again and kissed him. Aaron's arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her body flush against his.

"Welcome home," she murmured against his lips.

"What a welcome indeed…" He looked at her fondly and brought his hands down her long hair. Her eyes closed as he stroked strands of her hair. "But you, my darling, are a liar."

Malú's eyes snapped open and a confused expression took her face over. "What? What are you talking about?"

Aaron looked her over again, lowering his hands down her sides until they came to rest on her hips. "You cheated."

"How did I—?"

"You're wearing the flower set," Aaron pointed out her pajamas, "Your favorite."

Recognition filled Malú's eyes when she understood. She'd played with him last night about what she wore to bed. "Oops," she said with a growing smile on her face.

"I was told—" Aaron's tone turned sharp at the same time his hands squeezed Malú's hips and brought her against him again—, "that there was a possibility you might not be wearing anything."

Malú barely held her shudder with his voice right next to her ear. While she gathered her cool (something she seemed to lose a lot in moments like these), her fingers drummed along his shoulders. "A 'possibility' doesn't mean it's a fact. You didn't make your guess so you lost."

"You didn't give me opportunity to make my guess," Aaron reminded her, "But I'll be happy to play again on the next case."

Malú rolled her eyes at him. She pulled back enough to look at him. "I would much rather play right now…"

Aaron raised his brows at her. "Right now?"

Malú straightened up to tower over him a bit. She pulled his loosened tie and tossed it to the side. "Why are you so surprised?"

Aaron's head raised and inadvertently moved his lips over her neck then mouth. "Well…I…wouldn't mind…"

"Mm, I thought so." Malú lifted one leg after the other to pull the covers off him. "And you'll see that afterwards I definitely won't be wearing anything anymore."

"Now that's an appealing factor," Aaron remarked, drawing a small laugh from her.

Malú draped her arms over his shoulders. "Welcome home, darling."

"Welcome home…" Aaron repeated like he was in a trance, watching Malú as such. She moved her legs again, pressing her chest to his, then cupped his face and tilted his head up.

She dove down and kissed him.

#ocappreciation #fd: criminal minds #cm #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner fics #aaron hotchner imagines #hotch fics #hotch imagines #criminal minds fics #criminal minds imagines #cm fics #cm imagines #hotch x oc #criminal minds ocs #oc: Malu Ayala

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ssahotchnerr · 2 months

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okay but when the team actually starts calling the reader and aaron mom and dad behind their backs and one day someone lets it slip out in front of them??

i just… aaron’s reaction?????

the parentals

i love this dynamic SO MUCH cw; fem!bau!reader, established relationship, fluff <3

as you and aaron entered the bullpen, you were both quick to notice the others huddled around spencer's desk, surely for a new session of physics magic.

a smile immediately twitched at aaron's lips, tossing you a mischievous look. as long as it didn't make a mess, or a disruption - per his and reid's previous discussions - he really didn't mind the recurring demonstrations.

but would he ever miss an opportunity to get the blood rushing in this scenario - never.

"be nice." you teased, laughing softly under your breath as you followed him over.

"i'm always nice." aaron playfully insisted, those brown eyes flickering in that way that just melted your heart. "what do you mean?"

"better be careful," emily's warning came into earshot as you neared, completely oblivious to the two of you - the timing just perfect. "or else dad's gonna ground you."

aaron's expression quirked at the title, his eyebrows lightly furrowing.

"oh please," spencer said, his fingers making quick work of whatever the experiment happened to be. "he's too busy with mom-"

jj's eyes happened to lift right at mom, made direct eye contact with you, and immediately choked back a laugh. some horror timidly filled her eyes, and she didn't cover up her sound too adequately. it caused the others to instantly look up too, and freeze.

"busted." jj mumbled, her gaze finding the ground.

aaron's smile resurfaced, crossing his arms. his tone was playful, yet confused and utterly amused nonetheless. "dad?"

spencer flushed. "uh..."

"oh c'mon. cut the crap." emily interrupted with an eye roll, looking between the two of you. "like it's not shocking at this point. just look at what the two of you were about to do, lecture us-"

"hey no," with a laugh you cut in, arching an eyebrow. "i don't lecture."

"exactly. he does," emily crossed her arms also with a smitten smirk - her point thoroughly exhibited. "you're the flexible one. see, mom and dad."

"i always thought rossi was dad." aaron expressed openly, a small chuckle shaking through his chest.

"no, you were always dad," jj shook her head, "rossi was mom, until," once again, her eyes found yours, smiling softly this time. "until someone else came around, and took on the role wholeheartedly."

you grinned, exchanging a quick, loving glance with aaron. "what's dave now, then?"

"old."

#aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner fluff #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner x fem!reader #aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotchner imagine #criminal minds #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds x you #criminal minds drabble #aaron hotchner drabble #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds fanfiction #hotch imagine #criminal minds x fem!reader

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headkiss · 5 months

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something more

pairing: aaron hotchner x fem!bau!reader

summary: you and aaron are friends with feelings more obvious than you think. or: 5 times the team suspects you and hotch are dating +1 time they know it.

word count: 6.6k

warnings: friends to lovers, the team being a little nosy, pining idiots!!!, probably inaccurate descriptions of bau jobs (for the plot!), a very small injury, a birthday, a first kiss, and fluff!

a/n: hiii this one has been a long time coming so thank you guys for being so patient with me!!! and special thanks to the anon who requested this one! i hope u guys enjoy it and please please let me know what you think <3 ily

༄

Aaron Hotchner was never someone you thought you could be this close to.

Coming to the BAU, you’d been intimidated more than anything. As Unit Chief, he’s got a reputation that’s hard to ignore. Professional, brave, cold when he has to be. His success and talent were undeniable, and all you wanted to do was prove that you belonged there, too.

Then, you really met him, and he surprised you in a way you hadn’t expected. Hotch was kind right off the bat, welcoming you to the team with a smile that felt like some sort of prize.

He was an excellent boss. Understanding and protective, quick to defend anyone on the team like they were his own family. Except, he was so much more than just your boss.

Now, you’d call him your closest friend, someone who’s number you’d call if you were in trouble. He’s your closest friend and yet you feel so much more for him.

It started slow, a friendship blooming the way a plant does with just enough sunlight. It was a shared smile here, a nudge of the shoulder there. It grew to be a seat next to him reserved for you on every plane ride.

Today, it’s eating lunch with him in his office.

Aaron usually works through lunch, more eager to get things done than he is to worry about skipping a meal. Somehow, with two tupperware containers in your hand and a sweet smile, you’d managed to get him to take a break.

“Whatcha doing?” You’d asked.

Hotch looked up from his paperwork then, dropping his pen because you were in his doorway. “You know, Unit Chief business. Reports.”

“Sounds like you have time for lunch, then.” You set the containers down on his desk, making sure to avoid the papers he’d just been working on.

“I should really get this done-”

“Hotch,” you stopped him, “you and I both know that you’re always ahead on this stuff because you stay here so late. Lunch won’t set you back.”

With a shake of his head and the biting back of a smile, a simple twitch at the corners of his mouth, Aaron agreed and stacked his paperwork off to the side.

That’s how you’ve ended up in the chair that’s usually on the opposite side of his desk, only now it’s tugged to be next to his. Your knees touch every so often when one of you shifts, and the warmth stays with you even when the contact is gone.

“Sorry it’s nothing fancy,” you say as he opens the container you brought for him.

“Don’t apologize. It’s great.” Hotch has a way of saying things that make them sound true, no matter how few words he uses, so you accept it.

“Okay, good!” There’s a small silence, a lull as you both take your first bites. “Can I help with anything?”

Aaron looks from the paperwork to your face, your eyes already on his. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to,” you reassure him. “I think sometimes you forget that you aren’t the only one who can do this stuff.”

He knocks his knee against yours. Purposeful this time. A silent ‘thank you.’

“Like you said, I’m ahead anyways. I’ve got it.”

“Come on, Hotch. I’m already done with my report from our last case. I’ve got time. Let me help.”

He’s always been reluctant to accept help, to ask for it, but when you’re asking so sweetly, when it’ll give him an excuse to spend more time with you, it’s hard for Aaron to say no.

“Alright. You help for an hour, that’s it.”

You grin at him, like his acceptance of your offer was some kind of gift he’d given you. Your nose crinkles a little with it, and his hand flexes in his lap, like he’s fighting not to reach out to you.

“Okay, put me to work, boss.”

“We just started lunch,” he says, a little chuckle puffing out.

“Have you ever heard of multitasking, Agent Hotchner?”

Aaron laughs, shaking his head as he reaches for one of the files in the stack he’d made and hands it to you. He’d call everyone at the BAU a friend, but there’s something different, something more about how he’d describe you.

He’s grown closer to you than he usually lets himself get to people, like you’re the only one with the right tools to break through walls he’s put up. You see each other outside of work (on the rare days you aren’t working), and still, he feels like it’s never long enough.

Hotch briefly wonders if he could just move your desk into his office. He shakes off the thought and what it might mean.

Head bent, you’re now focused on the work he gave you, and Aaron takes the chance to admire you. His eyes flick over your profile, the light hitting your cheeks, the flutter of your eyelashes every time you blink.

As if you could feel his gaze on you, you turn towards him and smile—a small, closed-mouth smile, but a smile all the same—before turning your attention back to the page.

When you take a pause and take another bite of your lunch, a small drop of sauce lands on your thigh. “Oh, shit.”

Aaron grabs a tissue from the box on his desk, wrapping it over his fingertip before wiping the small spot from your leg, his finger a spark against you even through your pants.

“Good thing you wore black,” he says, tossing the tissue in the garbage. His hand, however, stays on your leg, and though the touch is light the weight of it feels the opposite. Heavy, huge.

“Good thing you’re here to clean up after me, more like.”

Your eyes meet, and you share a smile with Hotch the way you often do. Mid-conversation, across a room, it’s a smile you sort of reserve for each other.

In the main office below, Derek, Spencer, and JJ stand together, watching the interaction through the window into Hotch’s office. You and Aaron seem to be in your own bubble, completely unaware of your small audience.

“They’ve gotta be together,” Derek is the first to speak, waving a hand towards the office where you and Hotch are talking. “I mean, come on.”

“I don’t know,” JJ shrugs, “they both seem kinda clueless.”

“We probably shouldn’t speculate about them,” Spencer, always the sweetheart, says. “But, statistically, Hotch never eats lunch. Just saying.”

JJ pats Reid on the shoulder, huffing out a laugh before she heads back to her desk.

You stay in Aaron’s office much longer than an hour that day.

Punctuality is important in the BAU. Really, if you’re not early, you’re late. You’ve always got to be ready, wheels up in ten, or five.

You suppose that doesn’t really apply to outside-of-the-office parties at Garcia’s.

It’s rare that you’re all available at the same time, from late nights at the bureau to families, it’s tough to make your schedules line up when you aren’t working, which is why whenever she can, Penelope likes to host drinks for the team.

You’re on your way there now, or, you should be. Instead, you’re getting ready in your bedroom while Aaron waits in your living room.

Hotch has offered to drive you to these things every time, and with every offer, comes your easy answer of ‘yes.’ He’d been outside in his car for five minutes before he decided to call, because you’re usually in his passenger seat within seconds of him pulling over by your building.

The ringing of your phone had your eyes blinking open, squinted against the sudden brightness of your TV. You’d accidentally fallen asleep, and, still disoriented, picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Hey, everything okay?” It’s Aaron’s voice on the other line, and you pull your phone away for a second to check the time before sitting up quickly.

“Shit, Hotch, I must’ve fallen asleep. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s alright, I can wait for you.” He’d wait as long as you need, he thinks. The thought passes through like a leaf blown in the wind, freely, randomly.

“Have you been waiting long?” You ask, fingers tugging at a loose thread in your pants.

“No, don’t worry. Barely five minutes.”

And he still wanted to check on you.

“Why don’t you come in? My couch is probably more comfortable than your car, right?”

“You sure?” He checks, like he hasn’t been to your place before, like you’d ever not want him there.

“Get in here, Hotchner.”

You hung up before he could reply, and he laughed to himself in his car before shutting it off and doing exactly what you’d told him.

So, now, you’re rushing to find an outfit while Aaron sits on your couch by himself.

Even though he’s in the next room, you can feel his presence around you, the steady security he gives you, the warmth that seeps out of him even when he tries to hide it.

You settle on a knitted sweater, a skirt, and some tights, which you realize as you tug them on aren't the speediest of options, but it’s too late to change your mind now. With your hair figured out and the mascara that had smudged during your nap fixed, you step back out into the living room.

Aaron made himself at home while you were gone (he often feels that way with you, at home), sitting on your couch with his arms spread across the back. He looks better than he should there, suit stretched across his shoulders, and you have to clear your throat to snap yourself out of it.

“Okay, sorry again for the delay. I’m ready to go.”

He looks up as soon as you walk in, eyes skimming over your legs and the tights wrapped around them, your waist, up your neck. His gaze lands on your eyes the way it often does, like magnets.

He shakes his head, “don’t be sorry. We’ll be what they call ‘fashionably late.’”

You laugh, because who would’ve thought that the words ‘fashionably late’ would ever come out of Aaron Hotchner’s mouth.

“Who taught you that one, huh?”

“I like to keep my sources anonymous.”

“Well okay, then. Let’s go be fashionably late, Hotch.”

He lets you lead the way to the car, only jogging up ahead to open your door before you can reach it yourself.

During the drive to Penelope’s, you take control of the music with little objection from Aaron, and when it gets to a song you know he likes, you sing along, encouraging him to do the same.

“Let’s hear it, Agent Hotchner.” You hold your fist out like there’s a microphone in it, looking at him with a grin on your face.

“I can't sing.” Aaron’s fighting off a smile, because you’re sitting beside him, not too shy to sing along, being all cute and, briefly, he thinks about reaching out and grabbing your hand and holding on.

“Sure you can! Everyone can sing, come on.” You unfurl your faux microphone-holding fist and tug on the knot of his tie, “loosen up a little.”

And, because you have some way of convincing him of things—first lunch, now this—he humors you by joining in for one chorus of the song. When your eyes light up a little, and your grin only widens, he can’t bring himself to be too concerned of how bad he probably sounds.

By the time you’re at Garcia’s door you’re a solid hour late, yet you and Aaron walk up to the door with matching smiles all the same.

“I’m getting you to do that every time I hear that song now, I hope you know.”

“That was a one time special,” he says. He reaches over your shoulder to knock on the door. His hand brushes against you, featherlight and quick, a crackle over your skin.

On the other side, Morgan says, “must be the lovebirds” when he hears the sound.

You and Aaron don’t hear him, only broken out of your little shared bubble when Penelope opens the door. “There you guys are! I made your drinks but the ice might be melted by now. You know, ‘cause you’re late.”

You know this is directed towards you more than it is Hotch, because Garcia’s a little intimidated by him still. You also know she’s only joking, and greet her with a hug before stepping in.

Aaron isn’t far behind you, though at these things, he never is.

You’re met with warm greetings from the team when you walk in, and you chat for a bit, but it isn’t long before things split off into smaller conversations. They all know that Aaron drives you to these things, and, as profilers, they’re also all able to see the way you look at each other, the way the knot of his tie sits lower than usual.

In the corner, Emily leans over to Derek, saying, “usually it takes at least two drinks for Hotch’s tie to look like that.”

“I told you, they’re together,” Derek shrugs.

“I don’t think they know that,” Emily replies.

This time, Aaron hears them, and he can’t help but look towards you in the room the rest of the night, thinking and thinking and thinking.

He ends up deciding that they might have a point. That maybe, that shift in his heartbeat when you’re around isn’t nothing, isn’t just friends.

The flight home from a case always feels the longest.

On the way there, you’re packing every hour with information about what’s going on, talking to Garcia, reading police reports. You’re all on edge, eager to get out there and help and do your jobs,

Then, on the way home, with another case solved, all you’re thinking about is going home, sleeping in your own bed, and time seems to go slower.

If your name happens to be Aaron Hotchner, you’d spend the plane ride home doing paperwork that actually can wait.

You and Aaron sit next to each other on pretty much every flight, though the seats have never been assigned. It’s an unspoken thing, like your names are written on the fabric of the same two seats on the jet and that’s just the way it is.

The first time was early on in your time on the team. It was a tough case for you, and Hotch seemed to know it without you having to say anything, so, when you got on the jet to come home, he smiled that small, twitch of his lips smile at you and nodded at the seat next to him. You’ve been sitting there ever since.

Today, your flight is on the shorter side, but feels long the way it always does. Trying to keep yourself occupied, you pull out your earbuds and shuffle your playlist, hoping that the songs will speed things up.

“Sick of me already?” Hotch speaks up when he notices your headphones.

You tilt your head to look at him. He looks tired, the way you’re sure you do, too, but never any less handsome. His eyes are soft where they meet yours, paired with a hint of a smile that you’re always able to catch.

“Sick of you, Hotch? Never.” You nod at the file he has open on the small table, “just didn’t want to distract you.”

“I thought you enjoyed distracting me. Always telling me I work too much.”

“‘Cause it’s true,” you say. “That doesn’t mean you listen.”

“I listen to you more than I listen to most people.” Aaron’s voice is gentle when he says it, the words sinking in and melting you just a little, sugary sweet. It could mean absolutely nothing, but with the way he keeps his eyes steady on yours, you don’t think it does.

“Listen to this, then,” you hand him one of your earbuds, and his fingers brush yours when he takes it from you. “But you can’t make fun of me if a musical soundtrack comes on, okay?”

“Okay,” he huffs a small laugh, and you feel a little brighter. “I promise.”

You’re aware of the team having their own conversations in the rows in front of you and Hotch, but you can’t bring yourself to join in, because you and Aaron are sharing your earbuds and his head is bent just a little closer to yours. It’s delicate, and you’ll do your best not to break it.

You talk a little longer, until it naturally fizzles out and Hotch is back to working on his files and you’re bobbing your head along to your songs. Only now, Aaron sits closer to you, his arm against yours.

He’s not sure what to do with his newfound realization that his feelings for you run far deeper than friendship. All Aaron knows is that he likes the feeling of you beside him, and that he’s planning on keeping you there as long as you’ll let him.

It’s quiet between the two of you aside from your occasional ‘this is a good one,’ and his hum of acknowledgement.

Eventually, you’re relaxed enough that your eyes grow heavy, the sleep you’ve been lacking suddenly catching up to you, and when you hit a patch of slower songs you’re fighting to stay awake.

When your head lulls onto Hotch’s shoulder, you jerk your head up, “sorry, Aaron.”

His chest does something funny. A jump. It’s not often you call him Aaron, and he’d listen to the sound of his name on your lips on a loop if he could. Because he can’t help himself, he scooches himself even closer to you.

He decides to call you something different, too, saying, “it’s alright, honey.”

You’re too sleepy to really read into that one, all you feel is the flutter in your stomach and Aaron’s hand on your head, gently guiding it to his shoulder.

When he’s sure you’re asleep, Hotch looks away from his files and over to you. Your cheek is squished against his shoulder, your lashes fanned shut. He thinks you’re the prettiest girl he’s ever seen.

Aaron doesn’t even feel the smile that spreads over his face as he reaches up and pushes your hair away from your face. He’s completely unaware of the eyes that catch him, far too focused on you.

Emily turned around when she realized she hadn’t heard your voice in a bit, and she did it just in time to catch Hotch’s movement. Instead of saying something, she turns back around and shakes her head to herself.

Hopeless, she thinks.

Sleep doesn’t come so easily with this job, with the things you see, so Aaron can’t help but try and stay steady for you, and if that leads to him letting his eyes close and resting his head on yours, then so be it.

It’s not until the end of the flight that the team checks on the two of you. As everyone stands and grabs their go bags, they notice the two of you, asleep next to each other, earbud wires hanging between you.

“Should we wake them up?” JJ asks.

“Hotch doesn’t get enough sleep as it is,” Spencer chimes in. “Neither does she, actually.”

Of course, Derek finishes with, “let’s leave the lovebirds to it,” before the team gets off the plane.

It’s only about twenty minutes later that Aaron does wake up, but he feels more well-rested than he has in a while, even with the kink in his neck.

Blinking his eyes open, he’s met with an empty jet and the comforting weight of your head on his shoulder. “Shit,” he sighs.

He debates waking you, ultimately deciding that you’d probably rather sleep in your bed rather than the seat of the BAU’s jet. Reaching up, he pulls your earbuds away, setting them on the table. With a brush of his fingertips to your cheek, he coaxed you awake.

“Hey, honey,” Aaron’s nearly whispering, like he’s afraid to scare you. Or, maybe, he’s convinced that if he moves too quickly, too loudly, this whole thing will fade away as if he’d been dreaming. “Wake up, we’re home.”

“Hm?” You grumble, scrunching your nose when he brushes your cheek again.

“We fell asleep, but we landed.”

“Oh, god.” You sit up properly, lifting your head. “I’m sorry, Aaron. Hotch.”

“Aaron is good,” he eases you. “Come on, I’ll drive you.”

Sleep-hazed, or maybe just happy that he can be Aaron to you, you agree easily and take his hand when he offers it, letting him lead you to his car.

You’ve been spending more time at Aaron’s ever since that flight. In the car, he’d convinced you to stay over at his place in the guest room, since it was closer. With your go bag already in his car and heavy, sleepy eyes, it was hard for you to do anything but agree.

It’s another slice of his life that he’s let you see, and you can’t help but feel like it means something, like you’re stepping further and further away from being coworkers who are friends and towards something different. Something more.

That flight feels like the catalyst, the thing that caused things to shift into what they are now.

Aaron’s couch is much more comfortable than yours, and though you’ve yet to spend the night again, you’re sitting there with him at almost every chance. The time off you get is rare, and Aaron wanting to spend it with you sends flutters to your stomach whenever you think about it.

You feel like you know him better, getting to see his space, how he chose to decorate, what colors he likes, which ones he doesn’t. You also know what temperature he likes to set his thermostat.

“Do you enjoy living in a refrigerator?” You ask, hands tucked into your sleeves. “Just wondering.”

Aaron laughs, a small huff, “I think you just run cold, honey.”

He’s been calling you that a lot, too. Honey.

“No way, Hotchner. Your house is what runs cold. Or maybe you’re cold-blooded.”

Not with you, he thinks. Years and years of doing what he does, Hotch might even call himself cold when he’s thinking a little too hard. But never cold with you. He thinks that might be impossible for him.

“Shhh, don’t tell anyone my secret,” he says, his arm brushing against yours from where he sits next to you on his couch. “Where are you cold?”

“Can’t feel my toes, Aaron. I might be out of commission for the next case.”

“Well we can’t lose our best girl, can we?” Best girl, he says. Like he means it, like it’s simple. “I’ve got some thick socks you can grab. Bottom drawer.”

Just like that, he’s cracked another wall of his down even further, giving you permission to go into his bedroom as if you’ve been in there a thousand times.

“Really?”

“Unless you’d rather not feel your toes-“

“Okay, okay,” you stop him, unable to fight your smile. “Thanks, Aaron.”

When you stand and head towards his room, Aaron can’t stop himself from thinking that you belong there, in his home, his room, his life. You fit in so seamlessly he wishes you’d never leave.

He stands up too, because the couch suddenly feels sort of empty without you beside him, without your warmth. He walks over to his thermostat on the wall and turns it up for you.

You’ve always thought that you can tell a lot about a person from where they live, and seeing Aaron’s bedroom now solidifies it. His place does too, but there’s something about his bedroom that feels much more personal.

Here, there’s more of him, little bits of his life scattered around. A picture of him as a kid with his parents on the dresser, the newspaper’s crossword sitting completely finished on his nightstand, his bed neatly made.

You smile at the framed photo before slipping the top drawer open and finding the pair of socks he’d been talking about. As much as you’d love to snoop, you don’t want to invade his privacy in any way. Besides, from Aaron, even a glimpse of his space feels special.

You slip on the socks before you leave his room, letting them bunch at your ankles.

As soon as you walk back into the living room, Aaron’s phone rings. Glancing at you softly, almost apologetically though he’s got nothing to be sorry about—you work with him, you know how important a call can be—he picks it up.

“Hotchner,” he says, holding it to his ear. His voice is different this way, more professional, controlled. Never any less pleasing to hear.

He’d wanted to say something about how good you look in his clothes when his phone rang, Garcia’s name flashing on the screen. Aaron wishes it was someone else, only to spend more time with you this way.

“Sorry to call late, sir,” Penelope says. “We’ve got a case. Missing kid; it’s urgent.”

“Don’t be sorry, Garcia. We’re on our way.”

“Wait, we?” She asks, curious as always.

“What’s going on?” You ask Aaron.

“Got a case. I’ll drive, honey.” He lets the pet name slip, like it’s a habit.

On the other line, Garcia’s grinning to herself in her office. She’d had a suspicion of who on the team Hotch would be with outside of work, and hearing your voice, and his use of the word ‘honey’ all sticky sweet, she knows she’s onto something.

“Oh, that’s ‘we,’” Penelope’s voice teases. “Tell her I’ll see you guys soon!”

Aaron shakes his head, fighting his smile. “Bye, Garcia.”

He hangs up and looks from his phone to you, your eyes already on him, corners of your mouth tugged up just a little like you’d heard what Garcia said, heard the lilt in her voice. Like you liked the idea of you and Aaron being a unit. We.

He likes that idea, too.

Back at the BAU, Garcia calls Derek next, who picks up with his classic, “hey, babygirl.”

First, she tells him that he needs to come into the office, that they’ve got a case, then, “you’re never going to believe this.”

Penelope loves to talk, and Derek’s happy to listen, so she tells him about how you’d been with Aaron when she called, and that you were on your way together.

“I give them another week, max, before they’re holding hands when they come in.” Derek laughs, because he can see yours and Hotch’s feelings so easily, plain as day, and he loves to be right about things.

“How mad will Hotch be when he finds out that we talk about his relationship?” Penelope’s mostly joking, only a fraction concerned.

“If the boss didn’t want us talking about it, he shouldn’t be so obvious, sweetheart.”

Once you arrive at the office, you don’t catch Penelope and Derek’s shared looks behind yours and Aaron’s—who happens to be carrying both his and your go bag—backs.

And if anyone notices the loose socks around your ankles, they don’t say anything about it.

You’re not supposed to go off on your own unless it’s absolutely necessary. You know that, the team knows that. Aaron, who is always trying to keep you as safe as possible, enforces it.

You guess that this time might be up for debate.

When it comes to what you do, you have to trust your instincts most of the time. And today, your gut told you to make a decision that might not have been safe, but to you, it felt like what you had to do.

Aaron had been on the phone with you, trying to figure out a way to make the car drive any faster to get to you. He’d heard it in your voice, in the tone of it, that he couldn’t convince you to wait for someone else to show up.

“I have to do this, Aaron,” you’d said. While the team would normally probably tease him about you calling him Aaron, as if it isn’t his name, they’d known not to interrupt this time. “You know I do.”

“You don’t have to.” His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he spoke. “We’ll be there soon, alright? Just-”

“I’m sorry.” And then, you hung up.

In the end, going in when you did had been the right move. A life had been saved, and you’d slowed the guy down enough that the police were able to arrest him when they arrived. All it cost you was a cut and a bruise on your cheek.

So, your instincts weren’t so bad.

Aaron, however, disagrees. Logically, he knows that he would’ve done the exact same thing you did, knows the rest of the team would’ve, too. But when it comes to you, he has a hard time thinking logically.

After you hung up on him, all he could do was breathe and breathe and breathe over the heavy thumping of his heartbeat and the worry spinning in his head. He drove the quickest he could manage, the car silent inside. A static.

It’s not that he doubts your abilities—he’s always thought you were incredible, even before the friendship, even before now—only that the idea of you being alone with such a bad man makes him feel sick.

He’d take your place in a heartbeat, if he could, just to make sure you’d be safe.

By the time he and the rest of the team get to the scene, you’re walking out of the building with a hand pressed to your cheek and a paramedic leading you to a nearby ambulance.

Aaron spots you right away, his eyes scanning the small crowd through red and blue lights and conversations surrounding him. When he spots you, everything goes quiet.

His first thought is, thank god she’s alive, then, it’s fuck, she’s hurt.

Without a word to anyone, he heads over in your direction right away. He meets you at the ambulance, where you sit on the small bench inside while the paramedic presses your cheek with gauze.

“Honey.” It comes out in a breath. Relief and pain all at once.

You look over to him, his hair a little messy, his eyes wide and roaming all over you like he’s checking for any other injuries. He cares about you, and it’s written all over him.

“Aaron. I’m okay.” You hold a hand out, and he grabs it, sitting beside you on the bench in the ambulance. “Promise.”

For now, he nods, letting the paramedic do their job bandaging up your cheek. When they’re finished, they hand you a spare bandage saying, “it’s gonna bruise, and it might feel sore for a bit, but you’re all patched up.”

The paramedic leaves after that, probably going to check on other people. The lights inside the ambulance seem to cocoon you, a bright difference to the darkness outside.

The first thing Aaron says is, “let me see.”

His hands reach for your face, rough fingertips gently holding your jaw, tilting you so that he can look at your cheek. It’s a little swollen, discolored where you must’ve been hit. There’s a furrow in his brow, something that looks like a pout on none other than Aaron Hotchner.

“Hey,” you grab his wrists, but his hands stay on your face. “I’m fine.”

Aaron’s always worried, he’s always cared about you and about everyone on the team, but this is different. He was usually able to hide things much better than this. Much better than with you.

Now, all he sees is the tiny bloodstain on your shirt and the bandage on your cheek. All he feels is your hands squeezing his wrists and your eyes locked on his.

“You should have waited,” he says. “I could have been there.”

“Hotchner,” your deadpan tone is intact, which he’ll take as a win, even if it’s directed towards him. “You and I both know you would have done the same. I had to.”

One of his hands shifts to cup your non-injured cheek. Normally, he’d be much more composed while working, but he can’t bring himself to care about how he must look right now.

“I know you did,” he tells you, because he does. “I just wish that you didn’t. I don’t like seeing you hurt.”

Your stomach is tumbling, rolling, your heart doing silly things in your chest. You can hardly feel the pain of your cheek anymore when his hand is on the other, his palm warm against your skin, his gaze even warmer.

“I’m hardly hurt, Aaron. Just a scratch.”

“Right. One that required medical attention. That’s more than just a scratch, honey.”

“If you say so, Hotchner.”

He shifts his hands so that they fall into your lap, palms up and fingers instantly finding yours, tangling together perfectly. Like puzzle pieces.

“Good job, by the way.” Hotch rubs his thumb over your skin once, back and forth. “You did the right thing.”

“Learned from the best,” you say.

You’re both oblivious to the fact that the team is watching from a distance, and that the two of you look so lovesick it’s ridiculous that you haven’t spilled your feelings yet. You’re both absolutely fucked.

Where she stands with the team, Emily shakes her head, “I haven’t seen Hotch like this since… ever.”

Beside her, JJ merely shrugs, like it’s obvious, “yeah, they’re in love.”

Spencer looks at you and Aaron in that ambulance with a smile. “The odds of you guys being right are very, very high.”

Aaron Hotchner was never the biggest fan of birthdays. Was never big into the cakes and making wishes, the song and the presents and the fuss of it all.

When he started at the bureau, it stayed that way. Days off were rare enough as it was, so he’d always work on his birthday. And while he kept the signed cards from the team, he treated it as any other day. Nothing special.

This year, you’re on a mission to change that.

While it isn’t the first of Aaron’s birthdays you’ve spent with him, it’s the first one since the two of you have grown as close as you have, since you’ve felt the way you do. You’re just hoping to make it a good birthday for him.

You’ve roped the whole team into it. Decorating the conference room with streamers and balloons and a sign that hangs crooked on the wall, bringing in a cake that reads ‘Happy Birthday Hotch’ in frosting, and keeping it all a secret.

Of course, you’ve all already said happy birthday to him, and you’ve got a present stashed under your desk for later, but you’ve been doing your best to act natural even when the anticipation of your surprise for him eats at your stomach a little.

Surprises are a tricky thing, and there’s no way of knowing whether he’ll like it or not. You’ll just have to wait and see.

While in his office, the team had made it seem like they’d all left for the day, saying their goodbyes to Hotch. Instead of leaving, though, they’ve been hidden in the conference room waiting for you to bring him in.

“Aaron,” you say, knocking on his office door. “I think I lost an earring. Do you think you could help me look for it?”

Because you’re the one asking, Aaron says, “‘course, honey. Where do you think it is?”

You smile, because he’s fallen into your trap easily, because you know that he probably would search for an earring with you if you’d actually lost one.

“I remember having it on in the conference room, so maybe there.”

He stands from his desk, gesturing for you to lead the way with his hand held out. You grab onto it before he can drop it, tangling your fingers and leading him behind you.

Aaron lets you guide him, and when you open the door to the conference room and flick on the lights, he’s met with the team’s grinning faces and a chorus of, “surprise!”

For a moment, he’s speechless, frozen in his spot in the doorway with your hand in his.

No, Aaron’s never been the biggest fan of birthdays, but maybe that’s because nobody’s ever done something like this for him. You came into his life all sweet smiles and now you’re throwing him a surprise party? He’s never ever liked someone the way he likes you.

So much that like is spilling into a four letter word and he’s happy to let it.

You know him well enough to know that he doesn’t like being the center of attention too much, so the only people in the room are those of the BAU. His closest friends. And you, his favorite person.

Before he can say anything he’s being spoken to by the team, getting a ‘happy birthday, boss,’ from Derek, a spill about how hard it was to keep this a secret from Penelope, a grin from Spencer, a tip about how you’d organized all of this from Emily, a squeeze to the shoulder from JJ.

When he finally gets the chance, the others split into their own conversations, Aaron tugs you aside to the corner of the room.

“You did all of this for me?” He asks, head bent to catch your eye.

Although you’d caught the signature Hotchner smile—closed-mouthed and quick—when he saw the surprise, you’re nervous about what he might say. You worry that you’ve done too much, that he’d been pretending to like it for your sake.

“I’m sorry if it’s a bit much,” you start, anxiously tugging at your sleeves. “I wasn’t sure if you liked surprises, I know not everyone does, but I wanted to do something for you because I care about you. A lot. And birthdays are meant to be celebrated, you know?”

Aaron can’t help but let a smile spread over his face as you speak; a real smile. His heart is light, his feelings for you melting through him like the soft pink of cotton candy. He doesn’t think you could ever do anything that he wouldn’t like.

“I’ll clean it all up, too, I prom-”

Your rambling is cut off with his lips on yours. He’s kissing you.

It’s soft, the press of his mouth against yours, and it takes you a second to push back. It stays delicate, a dance between the two of you like you’d practiced a million times before.

His hands skate down your arms to hold your hands, weaving his fingers with yours, squeezing like he’s making sure you know this is real.

You feel it all over, your stomach tumbling, your heart beating in a rhythm that thumps his name. Aaron, Aaron, Aaron, over and over.

It’s a kiss worth a thousand words that you haven’t said yet, a kiss full of feelings and meaning and you know it, just by the way he does it, because you know him and he knows you. It’s you and Aaron, and it feels like the beginning of something huge. Of the rest of your life, maybe.

When he pulls back, Hotch rests his forehead against yours, giving your head a gentle nudge, locking his brown eyes on yours.

“It’s perfect,” he says.

The next thing you hear is Derek Morgan cheering, “I knew it!”

Similar words come from the rest of the team.

“Finally,” from Emily.

“About time,” from JJ.

“This isn’t surprising,” from Spencer, who smiles while saying it.

A sweet, “yay,” from Penelope.

Distracted by Aaron kissing you, you’d sort of forgotten they were there. Bashful, you tuck your head beneath Aaron’s chin, forehead against his collar. He simply tightens his hands around yours.

And when it’s time for cake, this year, Aaron Hotchner makes a wish on his birthday candles. He wishes to spend every other birthday just like this. With you.

༄

thank you so so much for reading!!! if you liked it, please please please consider reblogging/commenting and letting me know what you thought! love you <3

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chr0llossexygf · 1 year

Text

IN RUINS

PAIRING: spencer reid x fem reader

SUMMARY: spencer reid has always had something against you. during a particular case, spencer snaps and says something he shouldn’t have said leaving you in ruins. but what happens when your in danger and he still hasn’t explained why he reacted the way he did. will he have the time?

“ what happened?” hotch says standing infront of the big white board that had some very gruesome pictures of 5 victims splayed out on a park bench. he’s standing tall and strong with his hands crossed in his dark grey suit. he’s looking at you and spencer, who’s walking in right behind you slamming the door close.

“ It’s her fault.” spencer says quickly moving to the other side of the room opposite you, trying to get as far away from you as possible.

you take a deep breath in trying your absolute hardest not to roll your eyes and cross your hands in annoyance and disappointment. “ it’s not my fault reid-”

“ woah woah what the heck happened?” morgan says pushing himself back in the precinct chair watching you and spencer. he looks at spencer, he sees the strong look of disgust and annoyance spencer is shooting at you. he looks at you, he notices you looking at spencer with a disappointed look.

“ she told the unsubs family we are after the unsub-” spencer spits out looking over at hotch, waiting for him to yell at you or lecture you.

“ wait spence we don’t even know who the unsub is. what do you mean?” jj says turning her head to look at spencer confusion written on her face. “ exactly! thank you jj!” you reply throwing your hands up.

“ michael miller is our unsub hotch.” spencer says completely ignoring your attempt to reason with him, his eyes stay on hotch waiting for him to snap at you or just lecture you. “ wait a minute i thought michael miller had a solid alibi.” morgan says laying back in his chair resting his arms on the arm rests. “ he does have a solid alibi it checks out-” spencer cuts you off. “ it does not check out!” spencer says.

“ yes it does! hotch we asked his dad who confirmed his son came home at 8:30 pm from football practice.” you say growing impatient looking at hotch, hotch’s eyebrows are furrowed tightly. his arms are still crossed listening to you and spencer bicker back and fourth.

“ just because his dad showed the tiniest bit of concern about his son when the fbi showed up to his doorstep does not make him a reliable source, just because you never had a dad who showed any bit of concern and now when you finally see a dad care about their kid does not mean you should not fall into their trap just because you never had a trap to fall into.” spencer spits out finally looking at you.

he watches as your expression hardens. he watches as humiliation and embarrassment fill your once determined eyes, the determined eyes who tried to reason with spencer at-least 4 minutes ago. 4 minutes, that’s how long it takes for your perspective of someone to change. he watches as your eyebrows tremble, a habit you have when your trying to fight back tears. he watches as your throat trembles too, probably trying to fight back that agonising choke you get when your about to cry.

the entire room goes quiet. spencers gaze remains on you, slowly watching your soul shatter because of his words. your gaze remains on spencer, slowly feeling your soul shatter because of his words.

the door that spencer slammed close 4 minutes ago opens, rossi and emily walking in. “ michael millers alibi checks out. we’ve got pictures of him at football practice from 5pm to 8:25pm. he wouldn’t have had the time to commit the murders.” rossi says opening the door for emily. “ also his teammates described him as an extrovert and outgoing which is not what we profiled the unsub to be.” emily says with her hands inside her pockets nodding looking at everyone surrounding the table.

“ i feel as though we interrupted something.” rossi says eyeing everyone in the room raising an eyebrow in confusion. he could feel the tension. emily could too. which is why she immediately looks over at morgan for answers. morgan looks at her for a split second before returning his gaze on you.

“ y/n-” spencer attempts. he tries to bring himself to take a step towards you, but it’s like his words somehow built a barrier between you and him that he now can’t even physically cross. or maybe he’s just scared that if he takes a step towards you, you’ll take a step back. away from him.

you swallow the gut wrenching feeling of tears crawling up your throat. you look down to your converse. “ i’m gonna go…uhm get coffee.” you say turning around immediately walking towards the door. “ excuse me.” you whisper pushing past rossi and emily.

“ oh wonder boy..” garcia says through the tv screen, her bright purple tinted lips which usually wear a bright smile on her face now wearing a frown. her tone disappointed as she presses her heart eye fuzzy emoji pen into her cheek. “ i uhm did my usual background checking on the uhm..list of potential unsubs and a uhm…scott anderson has a sketchy background. i’ve just sent his file to you my pretties.” garcia says stuttering quite a few times finding it hard to sneak her usually bubbly nicknames into the conversation after what had just happened. “ thank you garcia. jj take y/n and check out scott anderson.” hotch says looking at jj his arms finally by his side.

jj nods standing up walking towards the door “ i-i can go” spencer says turning his body towards jj. “ stay.” hotch replies his voice stern and bold. he looks at spencer his eyebrows furrowed.

jj closes the door. “ sit.” hotch says to spencer pointing to the empty seat at the table, spencer slowly walks towards the seat sitting down. “ you shouldn’t have said that spencer.” hotch says crossing his hands. “ hotch-” spencer attempts but is quickly cut off, “ i’m not finished. I get it. your worried spencer. your scared-”

“ hotch-” spencer is cut off once again. “ you may think your hiding it well spencer but your not. we know the unsub is targeting female victims which have similar features to l/n. if your too close to the case spencer-” it’s spencer’s turn to now cut hotch off. “ but i’m not too close to the case hotch!” spencer replies. he wanted the similarities between you and the victims to only be in his head because he wanted only him, himself to notice the similarities between you and the victims. you both have the same hair color, hair length, both considered to be attractive, both have similar personalities, and similar taste in clothing. he didn’t want it to be true. but now he knows that they are, and they’re not just in his head he’s even more worried.

“ your stuttering spencer. you do that when your worried or nervous.” emily says pulling a chair from the table. spencer shoots his eyes away from hotch to emily’s. his gaze softens a bit, emily’s tone wasn’t like hotchs. it wasn’t as stern or bold. it was rather understanding and gentle. “ i just cant control myself around her.” spencer says looking down at the picture of the fourth victim who had been wearing the exact same pair of converse your wearing now. “ well your going to have to learn how to control yourself pretty boy. you shouldn’t have said that.” morgan says looking at spencer. spencer sighs hiding his face in his hands. “ i just..god i’m so stupid.” spencer groans rubbing his tired eyes.

“ stupidity is what ended my third marriage.” rossi says crossing his hands leaning against the bulletin board with a small chuckle, morgan looks at rossi and laughs. “ well thank god pretty boy isn’t married. he’d be the new rossi.” morgan says tilting his head to the side looking at spencer trying to lighten the mood, spencer who still has his head in his hands. there’s a million thoughts going through his head, all of them are about you. all of them are about how he should apologize. is he even allowed to apologize? will you let him apologize to you? would you accept his apology? what if you didn’t? did he just ruin his friendship with you? no screw friendship, he doesn’t just want to be friends. he wouldn’t be as sensitive as he is to this case if he just wanted to remain friends. he’s in love with you. spencer reid is in love with you. and he just potentially ruined any slight chance of ever having you know that he loves you. just because he’s stupid and didn’t think before he spoke.

“ are you okay?” jj says both hands on the steering wheel turning around to look at you next to her, in the passenger seat. your heads turnt towards the window, your picking at your nails. a habit of yours. you turn to look at jj and nod. “ yeah i’m fine why wouldn’t i be?” you ask tilting your head to the side with a confusing smile. you know exactly why your not okay. but for some reason, you just can’t bring yourself to actually be upset over it. what’s there to be upset about? what spencer said is true. he’s not wrong. why are you making excuses for him? what he said was not okay. totally not okay. why do you have to make excuses for every male figure in your life for when they’ve done something wrong? why do you always make them the victim and you the villain. you just don’t wanna lose them right? because you know that if your the victim and their the villain they’ll never apologise and the entire relationship will disappear, it always does.

“ what spencer said-” jj is talking in that tone, that tone that she would speak in whenever something was wrong. in a motherly kind of tone. you immediately shake your head, “ it’s- it’s fine jj really, i don’t care. can we just please forget it ever happened? lets just work on the case.” you say running a hand through your hair biting your lower lip trying to stop your voice from trembling, you know when your about to cry and you have that heavy feeling in your throat? you swallow it hard. you turn your head to look at the window not waiting for a response from jj. jj clears her throat, “ no yeah of course.” she nods smiling turning her head back around.

“ this should be it…” jj mumbles stopping the car, parked infront of a 2 story cabin. you unbuckle your seatbelt and open the car door. “ it looks like no one’s home, there’s no car. we profiled that the unsub would have a van or a truck..” jj says closing the car door looking at the house. “ maybe he wouldn’t leave something so valuable to him outside, to the eye of the public. he’s possessive he thinks the entire world revolves around him he probably thinks someone would try to steal it.” you reply reaching in your pocket for your id. jj doing the same thing. you two walk to the front door, you in the front,

you knock on the door. you put your hand against your hip waiting for the door to open. “ we should ask the neighbours. maybe they’ll know-” you knock on the door again. “ scott anderson. fbi.” you say knocking on the door again. jj puts both of her hands on her waist. “ looks like he’s not home-” your cut off by the door swinging open.

you immediately turn your head around. “ scott anderson?” you ask looking at the man infront of you. you know it’s scott anderson, penelope had already sent his id picture on the drive over. he looks at you, then looks at jj. “ who are you..” he says looking directly at jj. “ i’m agent l/n with the fbi and this is agent jareau. do you mind if we come inside?” you ask smiling holding up your id.

he doesn’t even bother looking at your id. “ yeah whatever.” he moves to the side, making room for you and jj. you nod turning around to look at jj. she nods. you step inside jj following you.

“ do you live alone?” you ask analysing the house, its organised. weird for someone that’s his age. “ uhm yeah i do. what’s wrong with that?” he asks crossing his hands. you chuckle, “ no no nothings wrong with that, i also lived alone when i was 17.” you reply smiling. “ i’m 19.” he says looking at you, eyeing you up and down smiling. “ your pretty organised for a 19 year old.” jj says raising an eyebrow also crossing her hands smiling. “ guess i was just raised that way.” he replies rubbing his lips together. you nod. “ how were you raised scott..if you don’t mind me asking.” you say looking around the house. “ yeah scott how did you manage to score such a house at your age. do you work?” jj asks grabbing a picture frame. “ no i don’t work-” he turns to look at jj. “ put that down.” he snaps speed walking to jj. you immediately reach for your gun.

“ right..sorry. you don’t like people touching your stuff.” jj replies throwing her hands up in defeat. he snatches the picture frame. he grabs it caressing it gently, jj looks at you with wide eyes. you raise an eyebrow in confusion. “ scott. why do you have a picture of my colleague framed?” jj asks looking at the frame scott’s holding. your eyes widen.

“ oh god oh god. where’s y/n and jj?” penelope says aggressively tapping on her keyboard. “ what? what’s wrong?” spencer is the first to respond shooting up from the office chair just at the mention of your name. “ they’re at scott anderson’s why?” hotch says turning around, away from the white board to the tv. garcia starts tearing up, “ i-i did some deep digging and scott anderson has a blog about y/n..” garcia says in a shaky tone. no. no. no. no. no not again please.

his heart stopped for a split second. his hand start sweating. the air has been sucked out of his lungs. why is it so hard to breathe? why is there no air to breathe? there’s a million thoughts running through his head, they’re still about you. but now they’re worse. your in danger. your with the unsub. the unsub who has already killed five people. your in the same house with the unsub. the unsub who has a blog dedicated to you. and the last time you saw spencer you were teary eyed. no it can’t be the last time. no. please be safe.

his sweaty shaky hands reach for his phone. he clicks on your contact. hotch grabs his phone and immediately calls jj. spencer immediately puts the phone up against his ear. it rings. rossi and emily immediately stand up, “ penelope send us the address to scott’s house now.” emily says walking to the door. it’s still ringing. spencer starts biting his nails. his hearts pounding. the ringing of the phone case is haunting him. what is happening on the other side of the phone. why aren’t you answering. you always answer the phone. why is it still ringing? y/n why aren’t you answering.

“ god damn it!” spencer shouts into the phone as it keeps ringing. morgan stands up, “ hotch we gotta go.” he says standing up shoving his phone into his pocket.

the ringing stops. spencer’s heart stops. his breathing stops. everyone in the room looks at spencer waiting for any kind of confirmation. “ y/n you’ve gotta get out of there with jj!” spencer says stuttering with a shaky voice. hes scared. hes so so scared. hes never been more scared in his life. it’s quiet. why is it quiet? why aren’t you answering? what’s wrong. god y/n.

“ hey mom.” you reply. spencer takes a deep breath in. he stops biting his nails. he wipes his wet fingers on his pants. his hearts racing. your in danger. why are you calling him mom if your not in danger. oh god. he feels like he can’t breathe again. he can’t focus. he can’t do this. he can’t do this. he can’t do this without you. breathe spencer. she’s in danger spencer. she’s all that matters.

“ y/n. god i…” he chokes. “ you already figured it out didn’t you.” he says his throat feeling scratchy. he hears you giggle on the other side of the phone, your laugh erupts the butterflies in his stomach. under any other circumstances he would absolutely hate the butterflies in his stomach and would be mad at you for making him feel such way. but now they bring a sense of comfort, they make him feel normal for a split second. that this is not that big of a deal, he’s just calling the girl he really likes and he got butterflies from hearing her beautiful laughs.

“ yeah of course. i called aunt lizzie for her birthday mom i’m not stupid.” you respond. god your voice is so beautiful, but he can hear it. he can fear the slight fear in your voice. maybe other people wouldn’t hear it, but he can. spencer can. and it’s killing him. it’s tearing his heart apart. it’s making his legs shake. “ d-did he hurt you- is he gonna hurt you?” spencer says gripping his jeans tightly. he hears you laugh again, “ yeah mom.” you say.

he feels his legs going weak.

13K notes · View notes

tlou-reid · 6 months

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Baked Goodies ❤︎ Aaron Hotchner

♡ SUMMARY: aaron is smitten for his new graduate student neighbor as soon as he meets her.

♡ WARNINGS: male masturbation, allusions to smut but nothing fully written (part 2?), tooth-rotting fluff, mutual pining & slowburn, mentions of drinking and alcohol, mentions of criminal minds-esque violence, age gap (mid 20s/mid 40s)

—♡

Aaron doesn’t think he’s ever blushed before now. The warmth on his cheeks was an unfamiliar feeling, as was the smile that was slowly making its way across his face. “Thank you,” He says with a voice that’s slightly lower than his usual tone. His hand reached out to grab the Tupperware container you were holding in yours. He tried to ignore the gentle shock that reached his fingertips as they made contact with yours. He also tried to ignore how soft the skin of your manicured hand was. It was probably a lotion, one with the same lavender scent radiating off your body.

“No need to thank me!” Your voice was so lively, so excitable. It was unlike anything he’d ever heard before. “If you ever need any more baked goods, I’m right across the street.” As you spoke, you lifted your arm to point at the house across the street from his.

You were his new neighbor. The house had been on sale for a few weeks and Aaron had been keeping his eye on it, seeing who the new family would be. He was hoping it would be a family that had a child similar to Jack’s age. He didn’t have any friends in the neighborhood, they all lived a few blocks over. Having someone Jack could bond with right across the street would make things easier for both him and his son. Especially when Aaron had to leave for days or weeks at a time due to his job.

But, selfishly, he was not disappointed it was you at all. You hadn’t disclosed if it was just you living in the house or not, but Aaron had already formed an imaginary life for you. It was just you and some pet living in the house, and he was going to be the protector. He’d check on you, you’d come to him when you need some manly job done at the house. And he hadn’t known you for more than five minutes yet.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said with a slight chuckle. “It was nice to meet you, Aaron!” You called to him as you stepped off his porch, heading to the next house to take your fresh-baked goods to. He closed the door, stepping in and taking a look at the container you’d dropped off. It had a mix of different treats, all homemade. There was a little note inside.

“Jack, I got food!” He yelled to his son as he made his way to the kitchen. He quickly sat it down, opened it, and took out the note before Jack could see it. “Hi! I’m Y/N, your new neighbor! I hope you enjoy these! (p.s. there’s no peanuts!) x” is what the note read. He smiled at the fact that you didn’t give off any real personal information, and even more at the fact that you worried about the allergies of the neighborhood. Not even people you knew. You were worried about the allergies of strangers. He felt his blush come back.

“What’s that?” Jack’s voice tore him away from his thoughts. “Someone moved into the house across the street, she baked some stuff and is giving it out,” Aaron explained. “For free?” Jack inquired, reaching for a chocolate chip cookie. Aaron laughed, “Yeah, she was introducing herself.” Jack nodded, biting into his cookie. “Wow!” He exclaimed, surprised at how good it tasted. Aaron laughed again, reaching for one of his own.

It was almost a week before Aaron saw you again. The team had been called in to work on a semi-local case that lasted four days. It wasn’t the worst thing Aaron had been through, but it’s never easy to come face-to-face with a serial killer. Then, he’d just become busy with paperwork and Jack’s after-school activities. Aaron had helped coach one of his soccer games, which wasn’t something he got to do often.

So now, late Sunday morning, he was finally making the walk across the street to your house. He had planned this since the moment you’d dropped the Tupperware container into his hand. He was going to return it just so he could see you again.

He gently knocked on your door, loud enough you would hear it if you were around, but not loud enough to wake you up if you’d decided to sleep in today. He hadn’t seen enough to observe your routine. Not in a creepy way, just the way you notice when your neighbor’s car is in its driveway or if they do yardwork every Saturday evening. Come to think of it, he didn’t know any of his neighbor’s routines. He was never around enough to notice them.

When you opened the door, his attention left the surrounding houses and landed right on you. He had been looking around upon realizing how little he knew about the people in his neighborhood. You’d be the first one he’d get to know, he decided.

“Aaron!” You were basically beaming at him. He smiled and mumbled out a, “hello”. “How are you today?” You smiled, stepping out onto the porch to stand near him. “I’m good, I was just coming to return the container.” He explained, holding out the Tupperware. You reached out to take it from him, looking at his hands. You couldn’t help but notice the veins that ran along them.

“Oh! You didn’t have to,” You chuckled, moving your eyes up to look at his again. If you were being honest, you’d been surprised when he answered the door. Chatter about the older man from the neighbors you had given your baked goods to prior to arriving at his house had you ready to be nervous and intimidated.

Instead, you were undeniably attracted to him. When he had first opened the door after hearing your timid knocks, you couldn’t help but let your eyes scan his broad form. You didn’t think he had noticed, as he was too busy trying to figure out why someone was unexpectedly knocking at his door.

“Did you like them?” You asked with wide eyes. He could tell you were genuinely curious. “I did,” He smiled as he continued, “With the few that I had at least. My son loved them.”

“Your son?” You couldn’t stop yourself from asking. Of course, an attractive man like him was married with kids. You weren’t sure why hadn’t assumed that before. “Yeah, Jack. He’s my son.” Aaron was awkward, not really knowing what you were asking. You recovered quickly, “Which ones were his favorite? I can make more!” Aaron smiled with a slight shake of his head, “He loved them all, you don’t have to worry about any of that.” You laughed, “I do! I love baking, it’s a nice way to pass time.” Aaron nodded along to your words, “I guess he liked the brownies the most, they were gone in a day.” You smiled, taking a mental note.

“And your wife?” There was a hidden motive behind this question, one you hoped Aaron didn’t pick up on. You wanted, no, needed to know the details of this man’s life. You needed to know if you could keep up the fantasy you were creating of him. He let out an awkward laugh, “Uh, no,” he cleared his throat, “No wife. Just me and Jack.” You almost wanted to break out into a smile at his words, but you knew that would be inappropriate.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to like, pry, or anything.” The awkward tone of the conversation was beginning to make you uncomfortable. As much as you wanted to know, you didn’t want to blow your chances with him. “It’s okay,” he comforts you when it should definitely be the other way around, “Just a bit of a touchy subject.” You nodded in understanding. You two stood there in silence for a little bit, before Aaron stepped back. “I should get back,” He said, nodding towards his house.

“Yeah, yeah. It was good to see you again.” Aaron took note of the awkward smile and lack of eagerness in your voice. “You too, Y/N. See you around.” He stuck his hands in his pockets as he walked down the steps of your porch

He was just reaching the curb on his side of the street when he heard someone yell your name. You hadn’t retreated back into your house, instead opting to tidy up the furniture on your porch. He didn’t know you were waiting to make sure he had made it into the house safely. Aaron watched as the man who lived two houses down from you began to approach your porch.

“The cookies were delicious!” The man was still shouting as he walked over. Aaron couldn’t tear his eyes away from you. He watched as you giggled at his words, yelling back, “Thank you!” When the man approached you, he handed off the same kind of Tupperware container Aaron had given you. Aaron couldn’t help the jealousy that took over him as he realized this man and he had the same idea: returning the container just to see you again.

Once the man reached you and Aaron could no longer hear your conversation, he turned to continue walking back toward his home. He couldn’t help but notice how you giggled at this man’s words. Your conversation with him felt so natural, which was very different from the uncomfortable conversation you two had.

Aaron couldn’t help but feel insecure about this. Of course, you’d want to conversate with the younger, handsome, athletic guy who lived in the neighborhood. Why would you choose an older man who had a child and knees that creaked when he stood from his office chair? You wouldn’t. No one would.

Little did Aaron know, you had been watching him the entire time you were talking to the neighbor. You couldn’t help but check Aaron out as he walked away. His sweatpants hugged his hips deliciously and the athletic fit shirt showed off the muscles in his back. Aaron was hot and you couldn’t deny it.

The next time you saw Aaron was very unexpected. Your friend, Elise, had convinced you to volunteer at the local middle school, working the door for entry to the soccer game they were hosting on a Friday night. Part of her grad school program involved her working at this school, so you guys had signed up together. She was excited to see the students she had been working closely with.

You, however, had completely forgotten you had a paper due for one of your graduate classes. So, she was up, selling tickets, conversating with parents, and wishing the students good luck, while you had your nose buried in your laptop. Textbooks and articles were spread across the table that was holding the register for the ticket money.

“Jack! You’re gonna do great!” You heard Elise encourage one of the students, not really paying attention anymore. It wasn’t until you heard a familiar voice that you looked up from your halfway-done paper. “He’s been practicing hard,” Aaron smiled, touselling the hair on the little boy’s head.

Your movement from behind your laptop caught his attention. “Hello, Y/N,” he said, not expecting to see you there. Jack and your friend both turned to face you, surprised that you and Aaron knew each other.

Aaron pushed Jack forward with a gentle hand on his back, “Buddy, do you remember the cookies and stuff our neighbor had dropped off?” Aaron asked him, ready to introduce you two. “You made them?” Jack asked, stepping closer to you. You nodded at him with a smile, “Yes! I live across the street from you!” You smiled at the young boy. You didn’t notice the eyebrow raise your friend gave you, knowing about the crush you had said you were growing on your older neighbor. She was connecting the dots.

“Do you work here?” Aaron asked as Jack ran into the stadium to join his team. You shook your head, pointing to Elise, “She does. She needed volunteers and asked me to work.” Aaron nodded. He let out a light laugh and pointed to your laptop, “Doesn’t seem like you're doing a lot of work.”

Your cheeks started to warm up in embarrassment, “I have a paper due that I completely forgot about.” Aaron was shocked to hear you discussing college. He thought you were older than that. “You’re in college?” He asked. You nodded again, “Grad school. I only have one more semester until I graduate.” You explained, and he relaxed. You were older than an undergraduate.

He knew you were young, but he didn’t think he was being perverted by forming a small crush on you. Sure, some people may deem it inappropriate, but it is up to you in the end. If, by some miniscule chance, you harbored the same feelings he did, he wouldn’t feel weird about it, he didn’t think.

Aaron questioned what you were studying and you explained your major, your intended career, and how passionate you were about what you were doing. As your face lit up and your hands aided in your expressive explanation, it was as if Aaron could feel fondness growing in his chest. He began to feel warm, as if you were the sun shining on him.

He hasn’t felt like this in a long time. The only feeling that could mirror what he was feeling now was when Jack got crowned MVP at his last soccer tournament. It’s the kind of pride that you feel when you know someone is going to go far. Aaron wanted to go with you.

Unfortunately, the buzzer interrupted his thoughts. He let out a breath, a small “Shit” escaping from his lips before he continued, “I gotta get to my seat.” He chucked, rushing away, “Good to see you.” He nodded at you and your friend before disappearing into the stadium.

“So that’s him? The hot next-door neighbor?” Elise squealed, with a wiggle of her eyebrows. “Elise! Stop!” You whisper-shouted at her, still weary of Aaron’s presence, “I have a paper to finish.” She laughed at the way you made your eyes big, emphasizing that she needed to drop the subject.

“Okay,” Elise breathed out after a while, relaxing in the seat next to you, “we’re done!” You nodded at her words, moving to save the file on your laptop. “What’s next?” You asked as you closed it, deciding to finish the paper later. “You hungry? The concession stand has fantastic pizza!” Even if you weren’t, the way she practically moaned about it had you wanting this pizza. “Sure,” you shrugged. You packed up your things as Elise dropped off the register where it needed to go, and then you guys headed into the stadium.

The line for the concession stand moved quickly. You couldn’t help but scan the stands for Aaron, wondering where he ended up sitting. When Elise proposed staying to see the end of the game, you agreed, solely because it would increase your chances of seeing him again.

And, you did. Not until the very end of the game, after the buzzer had sounded and Jack’s team ran to the sidelines, celebrating the win they had just claimed. The only way you found Aaron was through the cheers. He was the loudest one, the proudest parent sitting amongst the whole school. It brought a smile to your face to know how much he loved his son.

“Congratulations, kid!” Elise cheered for Jack as he approached the entrance to the field, by where you two were standing waiting to congratulate the team. Jack just smiled before turning back to his friends. “You guys did great!” You called from behind her. Aaron smiled at you as he reached where you and Elise were stood.

“So, will you guys be at more games?” He wasn’t going to invite you, as he felt that would be overstepping some invisible boundary he had made up in his head. But, if you were going to be around anyway he could at least offer to sit with you. “I definitely will be!” Elise cheered, turning to you. “I’ll see. You never know with school and work.” You shrugged, trying to mask the disappointment. You were not aware that Aaron was doing the same.

“Dad!” Jack shouts, running over to his father, “Can I sleep at Chris’ house tonight? The whole team is going!” You couldn’t help but notice how adorable he looked, and the fond look Aaron gave back to him. “Sure thing, buddy. Let’s just run home to get your stuff.” Aaron turned to bid a quick goodbye to you and Elise. To your surprise, he turned back to you. “Did you need a ride home?”

You stuttered at his words, “Uh, no, um, Elise-” “Yes, she does! I was her ride but my boyfriend just asked to meet somewhere!” Elise nudged you as she cut you off. She waved her phone to emphasize her point. “Thanks, Mr. Hotchner, you’re the best! Have fun at your sleepover, Jack!” Elise said as she stepped away from the group. Once you were the only one that could see her, she threw you a big smile and thumbs up, before taking off to your car.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that happened,” You gestured to your friend running off as you apologized. “No need to be sorry, I wouldn’t have offered if it bothered me. It’s not like you live far away.” You nodded and smiled at Aaron’s comforting words, thanking him again. “C’mon, the car’s this way.” You followed him and Jack, watching as Aaron congratulated Jack on the win and questioned him on the different strategies the team uses throughout.

Aaron opened the passenger door as Jack climbed his way into the back. Your jaw almost dropped as you realized he opened it for you. It was so casual. He didn’t even stop his conversation with Jack as he held it open for you. He laughed at something as you buckled your seat belt up.

When he leaned over to check that you were comfortable in the seat, his eyes met yours. He gave you the softest smile you’d ever seen and you could feel butterflies take flight in your stomach. Your cheeks felt warm and you looked down at your hands, growing nervous under his gaze. You mumbled a soft “thank you” as he closed your door, walking around to the driver’s side.

Aaron noticed your nervousness this time. He could tell you were shocked at his actions. Initially, this made him sad as he realized that no man had ever shown you the care you deserved. However, that sadness quickly turned to excitement as he realized he could be the first. He wanted to show you how you deserved to be loved in so many ways, definitely more than just opening a door for you.

The drive to your homes was filled with laughter as you and Jack tried to sing the pop songs that were steadily playing on the radio. Jack kept stumbling over the words and you could not carry a tune to save your life. Aaron had matching butterflies to yours as you interacted with his son.

His car pulled into the driveway and Jack was inside the house faster than you could even open your door. You both laughed as Aaron made his way around the car to stand with you. “I can walk you across while he gets his things,” Aaron gestured to his house, indicating Jack might be a second inside.

“You don’t have to. Get him to his sleepover, he seems excited.” Aaron laughed, nodding along to your words. “Have a good night, Aaron.” He wished you the same and watched as you made your way to your house. His eyes didn’t leave your figure until you were safely inside.

Jack gathered his things for the sleepover very quickly. Aaron was almost certain he had forgotten something as they made their way back into the car. Once they were buckled and on their way, Jack shifted his body to face his dad.

“Dad?” He asked, getting his father’s attention. Aaron let out a gentle “hmm” of recognition. “Do you have a crush on our neighbor?” Aaron didn’t answer, reaching forward to turn up the radio, but the pink spreading across his dad’s cheeks was the only answer Jack needed.

Aaron was exhausted. Completely and totally exhausted. The case and been long and gut-wrenching. The only victory was the arrest of the unsub, as he had murdered all of his previous victims before the team could save them. Aaron was gone for two and a half weeks, and barely got any sleep while he was away.

“Thanks, JJ,” His voice was weak as he thanked her, reaching into the back of the SUV to get his go-bag. He had been too tired to drive himself. JJ had kindly offered after seeing the dark eye bags he was wearing. “Anytime, Hotch. Get some sleep.” He could only muster up a nod in return.

Aaron was turning the key in his lock when he heard your door. “Shit!” You yelped as the glass outer door slammed. He turned around with a chuckle, never too tired to see you. “Hello, Y/N!” He called as best he could with how tired he was.

He was suddenly wide awake when you faced him. He hoped you couldn’t see his eyes scan the entirety of your body, pausing at your very exposed thighs. You were in a loose, long-sleeved t-shirt that came down the end of your butt. The shorts you were wearing with it were incredibly short, barely covered by the shirt. Even with the distance between your houses, he could tell you weren’t wearing a bra.

He wanted to blame the way his dick was hardening on how tired he was, and definitely not the dirty thoughts he was having about you right now. He could imagine the way his rough hands would trace the skin across your thighs as he pulled you into his lap, preparing to devour you. His fantasies did not slow as you yelled back to him, very excitedly, “Aaron! Where have you been?”

He shook his head, attempting to clear it so he could have a normal conversation with you. His heart fluttered at the fact that you’d noticed his disappearance. “I was away for work,” he informed, “for far too long.” You erupted into a smile, walking off your porch, “Well, the neighborhood missed you!” He knew you were lying. No one in this neighborhood knew him. They didn’t care if he was gone or not.

But, being a profiler had its perks. He knew the hidden meaning in your words. You missed him. His brain was tired and his heart was beating a million times a minute. That must’ve been why his mouth was moving before he could stop it, “I missed you too.” The words rolled off of his tongue, no thought behind them. No thoughts, but definitely feelings.

You hoped Aaron couldn’t see the way your eyes lit up at his words. You could feel the heat growing in your cheeks as you continued to make your way to your little garden. That’s why you were out here, to get your front yard set up for Halloween decorations. “Get some rest, Aaron. Welcome home.

Even with you raising your voice, he could hear the softness behind it. You sounded so fond. This is how he wanted to be welcomed home after every case, with your sweet voice and gentle demeanor. “Have a nice night!” He called to you, before stepping through his front door.

He dropped his stuff by the door and reached up to loosen his tie. He kicked his shoes off and then moved to undo his belt. Leaving both the tie and the belt on the arm of the couch, he made his way right to the master bathroom. He had texted Jessica to let her know he would pick Jack up in the morning during the drive home, too tired to make the drive to her house.

Aaron had forgotten about his half-hard dick, too encompassed by your presence outside. He ignored it, stripping down and climbing into the hot shower. He hadn’t realized how tense his muscles were until the hot water ran down them, relaxing his whole body. As he loosened up, his mind drifted back to you. As he imagined holding onto your thighs as he fucked into you from behind. He could clearly make out the curve of your ass.

He felt as if he wasn’t controlling himself as his hands moved to his now fully hard dick. He didn’t mean to jerk himself off to dirty thoughts of you, his brand new, younger neighbor, but you looked so fucking sexy. His hand wrapped around his cock tighter as he remembered the outline of your tits that he could make out from across the street.

He could feel himself getting closer and closer to release as he tried to imagine the noises you would make for him. All the times you said his name replayed in his name and he tried to imagine you moaning it, whining it, grunting it, screaming it. He could’ve sworn he could smell your lavender perfume as he came. He opened his eyes as he finished stroking himself through his orgasm. He watched as the water washed away the cum that had landed on his hand and stomach.

“Fuck,” he said to himself, frustrated with the hold you had on him. Now that he got that out of his system, he couldn’t believe he just came to the thought of you.

He had been having doubts earlier, wondering how inappropriate, how immoral, how wrong his growing crush was. Being a senior in graduate school, you had to be late 20s, maybe early 30s at the most. Being mid-40s, there was at least a 15-year age gap between the two of you.

He had to shake these thoughts. He quickly lathered himself up, rinsed off, and got out of the shower. He slipped on a pair of boxers and climbed into his bed. He was asleep in less than five minutes.

The next morning, he was woken up by knocks on his door. He had slept for about 11 hours, so he wasn’t mad that his slumber was interrupted. “Coming!” He yelled, shuffling for pants to throw on. Once he got a pair of plaid pajama pants on, he made his way down the hall to the front door.

He didn’t have time to register who it was before he heard your voice, “I’m so sorry to wake you up! I know it’s early but my car won’t start and I have an exam at one and I really need to be on time so I was wondering if maybe you could come look at it?”

Your mouth was moving faster than your brain could keep up with, obviously feeling bad about the whole situation. “Slow down,” Aaron breathed out, trying to get you to relax. His efforts failed as you ran your hand along your hairline and mumbled an “’m sorry”. “I can come, give me just a minute.” He stepped back, opening the door further for you to step inside to wait.

Your eyes widened at his silent invitation. You followed him through the door, awkwardly standing by the front door. You could tell from your spot in the entryway that the layout of his house mirrored yours. He was currently on his way down the hall to the master bedroom. To get a shirt, you presumed.

You definitely noticed the lack of clothing on his part. It was clear you’d disturbed him, and while you felt bad about that, you were ridiculously grateful. His morning voice, low-rise pajama pants, and hairy chest will be pressed into your memory, ready to be used when you needed some help finishing yourself off.

He appeared again quickly, fully clothed with socks and slides on his feet. He opened the front door, gesturing for you to go through. He followed you across the street to your driveway, where your very old sedan sat. “Can I have the key?” You nodded, retrieving the key from your pocket and pressing it into Aaron’s large hand.

As Aaron went to start the car, it was hard for him not to realize that this was the dream life he had conjured up for you when you first showed up on his porch. Here he was, being the manly man, helping you with your car. He tried turning it on and the sound of the engine sputtering made you want to cry. Without words, Aaron walked around to pop the hood, analyzing what was going on. He was quiet as he looked, and you wouldn’t dare interrupt it. “I think it’s the spark plugs. I have the stuff in my garage.” He said after a few minutes.

You nodded along to his words, trying to convince him that you knew exactly what he was talking about. As he began to make his way back across the street, you couldn’t help yourself from apologizing again. “Thank you, Aaron. I’m really sorry.” He was quick to turn back around to face you. With a hefty shake of his head, he spoke, “Please stop apologizing, this is what I’m here for.” He smiled at you, before returning to his journey to the garage.

If you were growing a crush on him before, it was full-fledged now. You needed to do something about this before your heart exploded at his actions and you soaked through your underwear at his words.

He returned after a few minutes, carrying a toolbox. You couldn’t do anything but stare as he worked on the car. He didn’t say much, focused on doing this right for you. Every once in a while he would attempt to explain what he was doing, but you were too distracted by the way the muscles in his arm contorted as he worked.

“That should do it,” He said as he made his way back into the driver’s seat. Sure enough, after a few turns of the key, the car sputtered to life. “Oh my god, thank you!” You spoke as he stepped up from the seat, throwing your arms around his neck. “You’re a lifesaver!” You squealed. Aaron’s hands awkwardly found their way around your waist, surprised at the sudden contact. Surprised, but very intrigued.

When you pulled away, Aaron felt cold. “Not a problem, Y/N.” He said as he wiped the grim off of his hands. “Why don’t you give me your number so next time you don’t have to walk all the way over?” The way he asked was so casual. He was so calm as your heartbeat increased with every word. Your number? Next time?

“Yeah! Sure!” You were afraid your voice sounded too excited, blowing your cover. Aaron picked up on it but didn’t mention it. You two quickly exchanged numbers, and he excused himself, stating he needed to pick up Jack. “Seriously, Aaron. Thank you.” You emphasized, grabbing his hand and pulling him forward. You were being bold. You pressed a gentle kiss against his cheek. He turned away before you could see the pink blush spread across his cheeks. “Anytime.” He said, starting to walk away.

You spent the next couple of hours cramming for your exam and trying to repress any thoughts of Aaron Hotchner that your brain was attempting to conjure up. It was working, your focus on passing this exam. However, on your drive to campus, your phone dinged. Your car showed you a message from ‘Aaron (neighbor)’. You were giddy the rest of the way, not wanting to open while you were driving.

When you parked, you opened your phone to a simple text: “Good luck on your exam! You got this.” You walked into class with a smile, and you were pretty sure you aced the exam.

You were surprised at the amount of time you and Aaron spent texting. It was definitely an assumption you had made based solely on his age, but you did not expect him to want to text. However, he appeared to be better than men your age at it. Quick replies, letting you know when he’d be unavailable, and absolutely never leaving on you read. Sometimes you had to explain emojis or slang to him, but you found it adorable.

You had learned that he works for the FBI in a unit that catches things like serial killers, rapists, and kidnappers. He was away on a case right now, somewhere in California. He had learned that you had a very old dog, but other than that, it was just you in the house.

There were times when the conversation felt a bit flirty. Teasing jokes thrown around, compliments to each other. Part of you was starting to think he may reciprocate your feelings, but the other part was starting to think you were delusional. There was no way he could ever like you back.

Until he did.

Elise and a few of your other friends had dragged to a bar downtown. One you had never been to. Like normal, you and Aaron were in the middle of a text conversation while you were sitting at the bar. You had been up and dancing, having fun with your friends, but you couldn’t stay away from your phone long enough to enjoy your time.

Elise was picking up on this. After a few rounds of shots, she was getting aggravated. She couldn’t comprehend how you were managing an intelligent conversation with him, but she knew she had to get you away from it. She kept telling herself it was for your own good, not wanting to feel guilty about the atrocities she was about to commit.

However, it was going to be so much worse than either of you had anticipated.

Elise slithered her way in between you and the person sitting on the barstool next to you. The older lady on your right was definitely agitated with her actions, but Elise did not care. She saw the white screen of your text messages and long contact name and knew who you were texting. Even in her drunken state, she could recall all of the screenshots you had been sending her from your conversations with Aaron.

“Give it here,” Elise slurred, reaching for your phone. It was still unlocked as she held it in her tight grasp. “You’re texting your hot middle-aged neighbor. Come shake some ass with us and find a guy your own age.” Her words were a little bit harsher than she intended. “Elise, stop. I’m enjoying texting my hot middle-aged neighbor and do not want to find a guy my own age” You demanded with your own drunken slur, reaching for the phone. “Uh-uh,” Elise shook her head, locking the phone and tucking into the cup of her bra, out of your reach for the rest of your night.

Only because you were forced to, you eventually did get up and dance with your friends. Just your friends, no men at all.

Elise only returned your phone at the very end of the night, when you needed to order an Uber home. Your head was starting to spin from all the alcohol, so that was all you did. After the order was placed, you gripped your phone as a way to keep the world from twirling underneath. The Uber arrived, too slow for your liking, and you were home. You immediately made your way towards the couch, ready to pass out.

The loud knocks on your door did nothing to help the pounding headache you had woken up with, and you couldn’t imagine who was knocking. The knocks were powerful and authoritarian. “Hello?” You questioned as you threw open the door. There was clearly attitude behind your greeting. “What did that mean?” Aaron’s voice sounded rushed as he pushed himself inside the door. He was dressed in a suit and acting very different than the Aaron you had known before.

“The message, the last one you sent.” He seemed stressed, running his hand through his hair. Something about the way he looked made him look exhausted. Your eyebrows furrowed, not understanding what he meant. You grabbed your phone from the end table next to your couch and opened your and Aaron’s message thread. Your eyes widened at the voice message marked as “read: 1:32 AM”.

“I-I don’t know,” you stuttered out, afraid to meet his eye, “What did it say?” Aaron took a step away from you. “It was Ms. Landon, uh, your friend from the game,” He sounded nervous as he spoke, “You should just listen to it.” You nodded, checking the volume on your phone and then listening to the message

It was right after Elise had grabbed your phone when she was berating you for being on your phone the whole time. When she mentioned your hot middle-aged neighbor and you replied, also calling him your hot middle-aged neighbor. And saying you did not want to find a guy your age because of him.

“Aaron, I am so sorry-” You started, wanting to apologize for your and your friend’s actions and blame the whole thing on being intoxicated, but he cut you off. “Forgive me for barging in here like this, Y/N, but I need to know why you were ignoring your friends to text me.” He finally locked eyes with you, and the eye bags under his eyes were the first thing you noticed.

There was a beat of silence, until he continued, “Y/N, I have enjoyed the sparse moments we have shared together. And I may be reading this wrong, I may just be incredibly sleep-deprived, but I think you have as well. I understand that I am older than you, but I would like to continue to have these moments with you. I would like to see what else we can do together.”

Your heart started to beat at his confession. You nodded at his words, rendered speechless for the first time in your life. You couldn’t stop yourself as your legs moved forward, reaching for his face and pulling him into a kiss.

There was very little hesitation as Aaron’s hands slipped around your waist, pulling you closer. You didn’t know he’d been waiting to do this since you met, but you were going to find out soon. His hands gripped you tighter as he deepened the kiss, moving his tongue into your mouth. He was very skillful in the way he held you and the way he kissed you.

You didn’t separate until you needed air. If it wasn’t for the fact that you needed air to live, you could’ve stayed wrapped up with him forever. Your forehead was pressed to his as you whispered, “Are we gonna talk about this?” He knew that you were talking about where you were supposed to go from here. Is it gonna be a relationship? Are you going to be exclusive? How would it work with him being away so much? What would your role in Jack’s life be?

Aaron decided all of these questions would remain unanswered as he said, “Later, we got things to do right now..” He pulled you tight against him, roughly pressing his lips to yours again.

#criminal minds imagine #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds blurb #aaron hotch imagine #aaron hotchner smut #aaron hotchner imagine #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotchner #hotch x reader #hotch smut #aaron hotch fanfiction #aaron hotch hotchner

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luveline · 7 months

Note

hi, i have a request for hotch if that's okay with you :)

when they're on the jet, yn is smiling a lot at her phone so the team starts to tease her because the think that she has a mysterious boyfriend. and she does, but he's sitting right next to her and he's also wondering who's making her smile like that since it's clearly not him

tysm!

Hotch is trying hard to award you your privacy, but your smile makes it difficult. You're actually squared away from him despite sitting in the seat beside him of your own free will, your phone to your chest, a huge smile curved across your cute mouth. 'Cute mouth', Hotch thinks to himself with derision. He's thoroughly whipped for you. It might not work out.

You've been secretive and strange on your phone for an hour now. With nothing left to do but wait for the jet to touch down, you can watch whatever or text whenever you want. Hotch just wishes it wasn't so distracting. Who are you texting? He feels ill.

"Who's that?"

The dam finally breaks. As soon as Morgan asks, Emily pipes up, "Yeah, who is it?" as Rossi laughs and declares, "I know that look. Young Y/N's in love."

You side eye Hotch. "Workplace harassment," you say.

"Who is it?" Hotch asks.

You gawp but laugh at his unprofessional questioning, pressing your phone screen tight to your chest. "Hotch, it's–"

"Your not-so-secret boyfriend? Come on, we all know you have one," Morgan says.

"I know you know, you're like sharks," you say, giving them all a great long look.

For weeks now, you've glowed. This overzealous smiling and laughing is the straw that breaks the camel's back. Your nosy coworkers can't hold back their curiosity any longer. Hotch was stupid enough to think that your secretive dates and nights spent curled in on one another might be the reason behind your new hopped up sprightliness, but apparently not.

"So you admit it!" Emily cheers.

"Maybe. But it's not what's happening on my phone."

"Well, what is it?" Spencer asks.

They've leaned in on you, a circle of eager faces. Your sudden decision to admit you —maybe— have a boyfriend is as much as anyone's gotten out of you in weeks. If anyone could tease the truth from you, of course it's Hotch, and so the team looks to their leader pleadingly.

He's not sure he wants to know. "They won't leave you alone otherwise," he says, hoping that his expression shows his leniency. Your secrets are your own if you want to keep them.

You smile at him. Again, he thinks you have a cute mouth, and that he's biassed but you definitely smile sweeter at him than anyone else. You and Hotch know something the others don't, amusement like light behind your irises. "I'll show you," you say smugly, "and only you, Hotch."

"Typical," Morgan murmurs, sitting back on the couch.

Hotch clenches his sweaty palms beneath the table. "Alright."

You lean in against his shoulder. Your phone turns on, and he's taking deep breaths as you click to your photo app, and then an album labelled with a simple, '<3'.

It's photos of him. Most he knows you took, sitting across from you in dark restaurants or kneeling in your apartment putting together a new set of drawers. Your giggles begin in earnest as you swipe through them to a more recent photograph. You couldn't have taken it more than a week ago, when he'd stayed the night with you by accident, too tired to leave. His face is slack in sleep. He realises it's a video when you click a button and the sound of crinkling fabric plays from your speaker. In the video, you unbutton the tight collar of his shirt, stroking his neck briefly with a loving knuckle. The video moves down to frame his arm, his hand clinging to your other one like a sucker.

Hotch looks up from the video and blinks at you. Your hand on his sleeping neck, the sound of your tired laughter —he can't not smile. "Oh. That's…"

"What did you show him?" Morgan asks, his voice coloured with both amusement and frustration. The team echo his question.

"I can't kiss and tell," you say, still tucked up by his side.

"I think it's best if you don't, L/N," Hotch agrees.

He'd lose all credibility.

#aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner x y/n #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner fic #aaron hotchner blurb #aaron hotchner drabble #aaron hotchner imagine #aaron hotchner fanfic #aaron hotchner fanfiction #hotch x reader #hotch #hotch x you #hotch blurb #hotch drabble

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thewulf · 24 days

Text

Bulletproof Bonds || Aaron Hotchner

Summary: Request - Maybe a husband!Aaron x Long Time BAU!wife and how there’s a new member to the BAU and she keeps trying to flirt with Aaron but he keeps turning her down🥲 but the new member doesn’t know that Aaron and reader are married, and new member just thinks of reader as competition to get with Aaron, eventually leading to reader getting really mad cause new member does something really stupid on a case that leads to reader almost getting seriously injured??... Read Rest Here

A/N: Really loved writing this one. Hope you all enjoy! Thank you for the request @viscade !

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Female Reader,

Word Count: 3.1k

TW: Yelling, gunshot (non wounded)

In the bustling chaos of the BAU bullpen, Aaron Hotchner sat at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he sifted through the multitude of case files scattered before him. A usual sight for the unit chief. The harsh fluorescent lights cast stark shadows across his features, accentuating the lines of exhaustion etched into his face by years of chasing monsters in the dark.

You sat by his side, a silent sentinel amidst the whirlwind of activity. Your own workspace dedicated beside him cluttered with documents and crime scene photos. The faint aroma of stale coffee hung in the air as you both delved into the intricate web of clues left behind by the latest serial killer to plague the streets. It was always so easy with him, your husband. The way the two of you were able to bounce ideas off each other was like none seen before.

The tension in the room was palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on everyone present as they grappled with the enormity of the task at hand. Each unsolved case seemed to loom over them like a specter, a constant reminder of the lives lost and the justice yet to be served. Amidst all the usual chaos, Agent Sarah Miller made her presence known. Her arrival heralded by the soft click of her heels against the linoleum floor. She moved with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, her youthful exuberance a stark contrast to the world-weary countenances of her colleagues. She had no idea what she was getting herself into.

Sarah's eyes lingered on Aaron as she sauntered past his open aired desk, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of her lips. She was young, ambitious, and hungry for success. Her gaze fixed on the formidable figure of the BAU's leader like a moth drawn to a flame.

Despite Aaron's cold indifference, she persisted in her attempts at flirtation, undeterred by his lack of response. Her tactics were shamelessly transparent, her words dripping with false sweetness as she sought to capture his attention. Agent Sarah Miller yet again walked past Aaron's desk, her gaze lingering on him for a moment too long before she turned her attention to you. There was a subtle flicker of annoyance in her eyes as she took in your presence, her lips curling into a barely concealed sneer.

"Hey, Hotch," she purred, leaning against the edge of his desk with practiced ease. "You must be tired of staring at all those files. Why don't you take a break and grab a coffee with me?" Her eyes kept looking back to you in brief flashes to gauge your reaction. You decided early on after her brazen attempts that you would give her none. A layer of disgust masked on top of the doe eyes she was attempting to give your husband was meant for you. She was very forward, you had to give her that one.

Aaron's response was polite but firm, his tone devoid of any warmth. "I'm sorry, Agent Miller, but I have work to do," he replied, his eyes never leaving the papers in front of him.

Undeterred, Sarah flashed him a flirtatious smile, her gaze lingering on him expectantly. "Maybe some other time, then," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness before she finally strolled away.

You couldn't help but roll your eyes at her blatant display of interest, the subtle scoff escaping your lips as you returned your focus to the files sprawled across your desk. "Some profiler she is," you muttered under your breath, the sarcasm dripping from your words like venom. It was a small act of defiance, a way to vent the frustration bubbling just beneath the surface as you watched Sarah's failed attempts at seduction.

Your comment earned a small smirk from Aaron, his lips quirking up in amusement as he glanced up from his work. His eyes met yours, a silent acknowledgment passing between you, a shared understanding of the absurdity of the situation. In that fleeting moment, you found solace in the unspoken reassurance that he was not blind to Sarah's antics, nor was he unaffected by them.

As the tension in the room continued to get heavier, you exchanged a knowing glance with Aaron, the unspoken bond between you speaking volumes. It was a silent reminder of the unbreakable connection that bound you together, a tether grounding you amidst the disarray swirling around you. In that moment, you drew strength from the knowledge that no amount of flirtation from the new agent could ever hope to rival the deep-seated love and loyalty that defined your marriage.

But beneath the surface, resentment simmered, fueled by the blatant disrespect for the boundaries of your marriage. Each lingering glance, each flirtatious comment served as a reminder of the fragile line Sarah was treading, unaware of the storm brewing beneath the calm facade. Yet, as frustrating as her antics were, you knew that the true test of your marriage lay not in her misguided advances but in the unwavering trust and devotion you shared with Aaron. A bond that would withstand any challenge thrown your way.

You had to give the girl credit. She certainly didn’t stop. It was not even an hour later that the girl came crawling right back to him. In the dimly lit bullpen of the BAU, the seasoned agents huddled together, their eyes darting furtively around the room as they exchanged knowing glances. Reid, Garcia, Morgan, and Prentiss stood in a tight circle. Their voices hushed as they leaned in conspiratorially.

"So, who's going to crack first?" Garcia whispered, her eyes sparkling mischievously behind her glasses.

Prentiss smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. "My money's on Y/N. She's got that poker face down pat."

Reid nodded in agreement, adjusting his glasses. "And she's got a wicked sense of humor. I don't think she's sweating it."

Just then, Morgan, ever the observant one, interjected with a grin. "You know what, I'm with both of you on this one. Y/N's handling this like a pro. She's probably just waiting for the perfect moment to drop a witty comeback."

The others turned to look at you, noticing your bemused expression as you observed the scene unfolding with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. The new agent, eager to impress, leaned in a little too close to Hotch, her voice dropping to a suggestive whisper. "So, Hotch, any plans for dinner tonight?"

Hotch glanced up from his paperwork, his expression remaining impassive. "Just finishing up some reports, Agent. Nothing planned."

Undeterred, the new agent persisted, fluttering her eyelashes coyly. "Well, if you change your mind, I know this great Italian place down the street."

Hotch merely nodded, returning his attention to the file in front of him. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Agent."

Behind his back, the BAU members couldn't contain their laughter, stifling their giggles as they watched the new agent's attempts fall flat. It was clear that Hotch was immune to her charms, his focus unwavering even in the face of relentless flirting.

As Sarah retreated, finally somewhat defeated, the BAU members exchanged triumphant looks, their silent bet settled. Hotch may have been unflappable in the field, but when it came to dodging unwanted advances, he was truly a master of his craft. And you, well, you were just enjoying the show, your amused smile barely masking your annoyance as you watched the scene unfold.

The breaking point came during a particularly intense case, where the unsub's erratic behavior had everyone on edge. You felt the adrenaline coursing through your veins as you moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridors of an abandoned warehouse, every nerve on high alert.

In the heat of the pursuit, Sarah's impulsive decision shattered the fragile equilibrium you had struggled to maintain with your team. Ignoring protocol and disregarding the safety of the team, she charged ahead recklessly, her actions sending shockwaves rippling through your ranks. Bullets flew past you like angry hornets, the deafening roar of gunfire echoing off the walls as chaos descended upon you.

It happened in the blink of an eye, a split-second decision with far-reaching consequences. A bullet sliced through the air like a deadly whisper, its trajectory aimed straight for your chest. But thanks to the protective barrier of your bulletproof vest, the impact was nothing more than a forceful shove, the fabric absorbing the blow with a sickening thud. The impact knocked the wind out of you, pain searing through your body as you stumbled backward, clutching your chest.

As the adrenaline faded and the reality of what could have been sunk in, fury ignited like a wildfire within you. You rounded on Sarah, your voice a crescendo of anger as you unleashed the pent-up frustration that had been building for weeks. Each word was a dagger aimed straight at her heart. Your tone laced with a venomous ferocity that mirrored the intensity of the emotions raging within you.

Coughing up blood, your vision blurred as you struggled to make sense of what had just happened. Anger surged through you like a tidal wave, drowning out the pain as you staggered to your feet. With a primal roar, you lunged at Sarah, grabbing her by the collar with a strength born of desperation.

"What the fuck was that?" you yelled, louder than you ever had before. And certainly not in front of the team. Your voice raw with fury. Each word was a thunderclap, reverberating through the warehouse like a warning shot. "You could have killed me! Or them! Do you even realize what you've done?"

But Sarah's response was a defiant sneer, her gaze unwavering in the face of your righteous indignation. "I did what needed to be done," she spat, her voice laced with arrogance. "I'm not afraid to take risks to get the job done."

The words were like a slap to the face, a cruel reminder of the recklessness that had nearly cost you everything. With all your rage, you shoved her away, your hands trembling with anger as you struggled to contain the tempest raging within you.

"You're a liability," you growled, your voice a low, dangerous whisper. "And if you ever put my life, their lives,” You pointed to Spencer and Emily behind you, “in danger again, I won't hesitate to take you down myself."

As you stood there, trembling with fury and pain, the rest of the team made their way over. You still hasn’t seen Aaron yet but the rest of them looked on in shock and disbelief. Derek surged forward, his strong arms wrapping around you as he pulled you back from the confrontation. "Easy there Y/N," he said, his voice low and soothing as he tried to calm the storm raging within you. "Cool off."

Emily and JJ exchanged worried glances. Finally, Aaron found you after too many moments of losing it in front of everyone. His eyes widened in alarm as he took in the sight of blood staining your lips, his heart clenching with fear at the sight. "What happened?" he demanded. His usually calm voice was laced with urgency as he reached out to gently touch your arm. His fingers trembled against your skin, his touch a comforting anchor in the swirling chaos of the moment.

Still reeling from the confrontation and the shock of narrowly escaping serious injury, Spencer stepped forward, his voice calm but tinged with urgency. "Aaron, Sarah made a nearly fatal mistake," he said, his words cutting through the tension like a knife. "Her impulsive actions endangered everyone on the team, especially Y/N." You were thankful he was willing to step in because you weren’t quite sure if you had the right words.

Aaron's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching with barely contained fury as he turned his gaze on Sarah. The air around him crackled with palpable anger, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. "Is this true?" he demanded, his voice cold and steely as he pinned her with a hard stare.

Sarah shifted uncomfortably under his intense scrutiny, her bravado faltering in the face of his unwavering gaze. "I...I was just trying to apprehend the unsub," she stammered, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

But Aaron's patience had worn thin, his temper flaring like a raging inferno. "You made a reckless decision that put the entire team at risk," he snapped, his voice echoing off the walls of the warehouse. "Until you can prove that you're capable of following protocol and putting the safety of your teammates above all else, you will not be back in the field."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the consequences of her actions. Sarah's expression fell, her defiance crumbling under the weight of his judgment. It was a harsh lesson, but one that she would need to learn if she ever hoped to earn back the trust of her colleagues and prove herself worthy of wearing the badge.

As Aaron turned away, his attention returning to you with a renewed sense of protectiveness, you couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the unwavering support of your team leader and husband. But as you tried to catch your breath, a sudden coughing fit wracked your body, drawing Aaron's attention back to you. Concern flashed across his features, his eyes narrowing with worry as he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to steady you.

"Hey sweetheart," he murmured softly, his voice a gentle caress against your ear as he brushed a strand of hair away from your forehead. "Let's get you checked out, alright?"

You attempted to speak, but the coughing fit continued, leaving you gasping for air. So, you shook your head in protest. You were fine and you knew it, but the damn bullet hit you right in the lung leaving you gasping for air. Aaron's worry deepened, his brow furrowing with concern as he knelt down beside you, his hands hovering anxiously over your shoulders.

"Honey, just breathe," he urged, his voice filled with tenderness as he placed a comforting hand on your back. "We'll get you to the hospital, and they'll take care of you. I promise." It wasn’t usual that he dropped those sweet terms of endearment to you in front of the team, but he couldn’t really care. Not when he could’ve lost you.

Despite your protests, Aaron's determination remained steadfast. With gentle insistence, he scooped you up in his arms, cradling you against his chest with a strength born of love and concern. "You're going to the hospital," he declared, his voice unwavering as he carried you towards his SUV. “I’m not taking no for an answer sweetheart."

As Aaron settled into the driver's seat beside you, his eyes flickered with concern as he stole glances, his hand reaching out to brush against yours in a silent gesture of reassurance. But despite his unwavering determination to get you to the hospital, you couldn't help but feel a stubborn sense of resistance bubbling within you.

"I'm fine, Aaron," you insisted, your tone tinged with frustration as you crossed your arms over your chest. "This is incredibly dramatic. You’ve been hit in your gear too."

Aaron's expression softened at your words, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Maybe I am," he admitted with a chuckle. "I also know what it feels like honey. I’d rather be safe than sorry."

You shot him a playful glare, unable to suppress the teasing smile that danced on your lips. He cared for you, truly. Every inch of himself loved you more deeply than even you could have fathomed. You also knew that love bore stubbornness and there was no talking him out of what he knew he had to do. You were just along for the ride now. "You just can't resist playing the hero, can you?" You spoke up after a moment of silence between the two of you.

Aaron chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he glanced over at you. "Guilty as charged," he replied. "Always remind me never to get on your bad side," Aaron quipped, a lighthearted smile playing on his lips as he attempted to alleviate the tension that hung heavy in the air.

You managed a weak laugh trying your hardest to hide the pain radiating from your chest. However, so grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. "You looked like you were about to take matters into your own hands back there," he teased gently, his voice laced with affection.

The image of you, ready to throw down with the new agent, brought a genuine laugh bubbling up from deep within you this time. "Well, she did have it coming," you admitted with a mischievous grin. "But I guess I'll let you handle the heroics this time."

As the laughter subsided, Aaron's expression turned more serious, a hint of regret flickering in his eyes. "I'm sorry things got so heated," he said softly, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I should have stepped in sooner. I thought she was harmless. Dealt with her type so many times before." He sighed, running a hand through his hair before finding your hand and lacing his fingers within yours.

You squeezed his hand, a warm smile spreading across your face. "It’s not your fault you’re such a silver fox," Tossing him a wink you couldn’t help but to tease him right on back. It’s how you knew everything was going to be just fine. The two of you had dealt with so much worse and come out even stronger, this would be nothing but a minor blip on your journey together.

Aaron laughed at your playful comment, a warmth spreading in his chest at your familiar banter. "Ah, so you're saying my charm is both a blessing and a curse," he retorted with a grin, his gaze softening as he looked at you.

You nodded, a fond smile playing on your lips. "Something like that," you agreed, feeling a surge of gratitude for the ease with which you could navigate even the toughest moments with Aaron by your side.

As the car glided through the streets towards the hospital, a comfortable silence settled between you, punctuated only by the gentle hum of the engine. Despite the events that had unfolded, you found solace in the quiet intimacy of the moment, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, you would face them together. With each passing mile, you felt the weight of the day begin to lift from your shoulders, replaced by a sense of reassurance that only Aaron could provide. His unwavering love and support was everything you needed. He guided you through the darkness, illuminating the path forward with hope and determination.

As you arrived at the hospital and Aaron helped you out of the car, you knew that this was just another chapter in your life together. You couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the man beside you, your literal partner in crime, your rock, your everything. Together, you were truly unstoppable.

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criminalskies · 6 months

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Aaron being a human furnace? You putting your cold ass feet on his body during the night, sometimes unconsciously in your sleep? Him jumping and startling awake because of the ice packs (your feet) just touching him?? 😭💀

I've said it before I'll say it again, our man 100% runs hot. He's unfortunately also not the deepest sleeper, so whenever he's fast asleep and you're so perfectly snuggled up to him, and just one innocent little ICE COLD foot finds the hot surface of his leg, he'll jump up with a Hissssss and move the blanket at the foot of your bed to lay over your freezing little piggies and warm them because THERE'S NO WAY IT'S GOOD FOR YOU TO BE THAT COLD ALL NIGHT.

of course, sometimes, if he's been teasing you or being a pest all day, you'll intentionally slip your cold feet under the waistband of his sweatpants beccause a) you know it'll be like the freakin firey depths of hell in there and b) you know he'll grumble and whinge and whine about how freezing cold you are but he'll end up moving even closer to you, holding you tighter and insisting he has to do so to keep you extra extra warm <333333

#rome’s wonderful moots! <3 #the charming citrusiove!#rome's got mail!#HOTCH MAIL!#aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner imagines #aaron hotchner oneshot #aaron hotchner thoughts #hotch imagines #hotch oneshot #hotch thoughts

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vervainariadne · 8 months

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Strauss: You need to hire a professional tech analyst for your team.

Hotch: *sees a scented homemade pink stationery resume written in glitter ink*

Hotch:

Hotch: That one. I want that one.

#criminal minds fanfiction #incorrect criminal minds quotes #criminal minds fandom #criminal minds memes #criminal minds #incorrect quotes #aaron hotchner #aaron hotch imagine #aaron hotch hotchner #aaron hotch fanfiction #aaron hotch x reader #penelope garcia #penelope garcia x reader #criminal minds incorrect #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds fic

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saiilorstars · 1 year

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All the Time

Fandom: Criminal Minds // Hotch x OFC

Taglist: @ocappreciationtag @arrthurpendragon @anotherunreadblog @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @foxesandmagic @averyhotchner

If you’d like to be a part of this OC’s work/edits, let me know

A/N: This has been sitting in my drafts since Christmas and internet sucked so

The first time they met, it was interesting, and fast. It was so fast that he didn't really have time to process the encounter until afterwards.

He was on his way to pick up a few things from the grocery store — the one day he had open with Jack had to be paired with their favorite lunch. He was just about to go into the store when a woman came zooming out and crashed into him. Whatever was in her bag flew out and hit the ground, some jars even smashing. There went some marinara sauce splattering in the process.

"I am so sorry!" The woman was in a rush to pick everything up. Everything about her screamed 'I'm late' — Aaron didn't even bother asking if he was right.

He bent down to help pick some of the groceries up, the savable ones anyways. He was sure that she wouldn't want the opened box of pasta anymore.

On that, he was wrong. The woman reached over to snag the box up, slamming it shut without a care for the pasta she had lost in the process.

"No, no, leave it there! I got it!" She exclaimed when he tried reaching for the box of cream cheese. She snatched it off the ground as well. She was zooming again. "I got it! It's my fault! I'm sorry!"

"It's really alright," Aaron tried to say but the woman was already halfway standing up, mumbling (in a rush) about how late she was and all the things she still needed to do.

"No, no it's not," the woman said fervently, "And I'm very sorry but I have to go now!" And just as she moved to stand up, Aaron did the same and so they bumped into each other again.

The woman felt something hit the top of her head and dropped her purse, losing a few things in the process. In turn, Aaron felt something hard hit the tip of his nose that then reverberated through the rest.

"Dammit!" the woman exclaimed. She reached down for her bag but Aaron had already beat her to it. He had grabbed her bag and the things that had fallen. "Seriously, thank you, I gotta go!" The woman grabbed the purse from him and bolted from her spot. She was so fast that she didn't hear Aaron calling her about a missing bracelet she left behind. It was a simple silver thing but hers nonetheless. He presumed the big 'M' dangling was the first letter of her name.

Now he was left with a bracelet and a hurt nose…and no idea what had happened.

~0~

He forgot he had stuffed the bracelet into his pocket, deciding to figure out what to do with it later. That 'later' had been forgotten and when he wore the same pants to work a week later, the bracelet fell out. Rossi had several questions about the bracelet and the mysterious 'M' behind it.

It brought in the rest of the team as well, but all Aaron said is that it was a long story and one that had no purpose anyways. He stuffed the bracelet into his back pocket and proceeded to forget about it again.

He only remembered it when it fell out right before doing the laundry. At that point, he left it on his dresser. He felt a bit guilty for thinking about trashing it. So, the bracelet remained on his dresser, untouched, for weeks after that.

~0~

Two months later, they met again. This time, things were only slightly different. The woman — M — wasn't in a rush. She was simply ahead of Aaron in line, getting her coffee. Upon turning around, she crashed into Aaron again and dumped half of her coffee on him.

"I am so sorry!" She exclaimed immediately, jumping back instinctively as the warm coffee splattered on her wrists. It was nothing compared to the white shirt Aaron had decided on for that day. "I'm sorry! I'll get you a — hey…" She stopped when her eyes finally rested on him. Recognition filled her. "It's you."

Aaron was a bit more preoccupied finding napkins to dry himself up. A nice elderly woman sitting behind them offered him the napkin dispenser at her table. "Thank you," he told the woman kindly then proceeded to pull out a bunch of napkins from the dispenser. There was no way in hell the stain was coming out right now.

And of course it was at that moment that the barista called his name for his drink.

M turned around to the counter and, making the connections, reached over the drink. She dumped her own coffee in the trash and cleared her throat before she offered Aaron's drink to him. "So, I guess I owe an Aaron a huge apology…" She said with gritted teeth, feeling absolutely horrible.

Aaron could tell once he actually looked at her. It was the same woman — M. What were the odds?

"I'm so sorry," M reiterated, "I really — I should really watch where I'm going, I know…" She sighed, "Please, bill me for that dry cleaning."

"I'm okay," Aaron ultimately said for M's sake. He could hear the desperation in her voice. The coffee wasn't that hot anyways…

"No, you're not," the woman said with a shake of her head, "I just dumped hot coffee on you. You should be mad. I crashed into you a while back too, remember?"

A small chuckle slipped out from Aaron. "Yes, how could I forget?"

M scrunched her nose. "You caught me on a bad day then. It was my sister's birthday and I was put in charge of dinner and I never get put in charge of anything with my family and the one time they did, I was so late but—" She stopped with a big gasp, her eyes widening. "You don't care about that. You care about your stained shirt and ruined morning."

"Actually, all I care about right now is my morning coffee," Aaron remarked, dabbing the last wet coffee on his shirt. The stain would stay but at least his skin wouldn't burn anymore.

"Oh!" M remembered she held his coffee and held it out him. "Yes, your coffee, of course. Take it before I ruin it too."

Aaron took his cup with a small smile on his face. M was genuine, at least. He walked over to the nearest trash bin to drop all the napkins he'd used them returned to M for his coffee. "What about yours? Can I buy you one?"

"Me?" M blinked then fervently shook her head. "No, no! I dumped mine on you. I should be paying and I want to, so bill me for the dry cleaning. Do you want cash?"

"No," Aaron chuckled, "I'm fine, really."

M sighed. "Seriously, just bill me. I'd feel a little less bad if you did."

Aaron wouldn't accept. He instead offered M another cup of coffee with the idea that it would make things slightly less bad. M ultimately agreed just to ease her conscience.

Although she wasn't sure if sitting down at a table waiting for him to bring her coffee was doing anything to ease her guilt. It should have been the other way around.

Aaron came by with another cup for M and sat down with her. "Caramel latte."

"Thank you," M said, truly grateful as she took her new cup.

Aaron watched her carefully then while she drank her coffee. It was only now that he was truly getting to study her.

She was light skinned and average height which, to him, was still a decent difference. She was able to hit his nose with the top of her head, after all. She had plump cheeks and soft pink lips. Her eyes were a dark brown, just like her long dark brown hair that cascaded down her chest. A couple strands were misplaced, no doubt from their shaky meeting. She was dressed casually — perhaps it was her day off as well.

"You know, I ordered your drink but I had no idea what name to give the barista," Aaron remarked. He thought about the bracelet still sitting on his dresser. M.

M smiled lightly when she lowered her drink. "Malú," she said, thinking it was the least she could do for him. "Now you have the name of the culprit for your stained shirt. Seriously, bill me. Malú Ayala."

Malú Ayala. For some reason, Aaron wanted to remember the name for days to come.

And maybe he would.

"And I know your name," Malú reminded him, tilting her head at him, "Aaron. Sorry for everything, Aaron. You really had some bad luck meeting me. Promise I'm not an absolute disaster all the time."

"I didn't think you were," Aaron said, smiling with her, "You seemed late the last time we met."

"Mm, and today? Stupid, maybe."

"Harmless mistake."

Malú scoffed. "Say that to your shirt."

"It's dry now," Aaron said, patting the front of his shirt. Maybe it humid but she didn't know that. She looked miserable enough.

Malú shook her head. "You're kind, Aaron. Anyone else would have thrown their coffee at me. You seem to have a lot of patience."

"Really? That's what I seem like?" Aaron was amused with her presumption. A low level profiler and she didn't even know it.

Malú nodded her head, her eyes really starting to look at him. "Yeah. You didn't even show any rational emotions back there, nor the last time. It's okay to be mad, you know. I totally deserve it."

"Accidents," Aaron reminded her, "Besides, it's all fine now. I'm fine. Are you?"

Malú started to smile the more she considered her current position. Having coffee with a handsome man who just so happened not to hate her for ruining his morning? "I'm fine too," she ultimately agreed. "Thank you for the coffee." She picked up her coffee to drink from and hide her flush in the process.

They spent the next half hour conversing about mundane things like what they were doing today and what they liked to drink at coffee places…but it was somehow the most relaxing, good time they had in a long time.

Aaron most felt pure hatred for his demanding job when he saw the message that Penelope Garcia had sent him, alerting him of a new case the BAU needed to handle. "I am so sorry, but I have to go," he told Malú who couldn't look more disappointed.

She quickly recovered and put on her best smile. "Right, of course."

"It's my job — this happens all the time," Aaron said in a rushed manner as he put his phone away and grabbed his coffee from the table. "It pulls me away from many things."

"It does?" A smidge of hope sparked in Malú's eyes. So he wasn't changing his mind about her and didn't hate her? Because she certainly didn't hate him at all.

"Yeah, all the time," Aaron nodded, getting up from his chair, "But, uh, listen, there's a bracelet, um…I kept your bracelet."

"What?" Malú blinked, confused.

Aaron had no idea how that happened — since when did he stumble over his words? He shook his head and tried again. "The last time we met, you dropped your purse and you left before I could tell you that you dropped your bracelet. A silver one with an 'M' charm."

"Ooh," Malú laughed softly, and Aaron couldn't remember when someone's laugh had sounded so sweet like that. "You have my bracelet? That's great! My best friend gave that to me. We have matching ones. She has the first letter of her name on her bracelet."

"I have it, um…do you think you want to meet again to take it back?"

"Just for that?" Malú said rather boldly, at least in her opinion. She just couldn't help it. Half an hour was not nearly enough time to spend with him. She needed more.

"Well…" Aaron swayed his head, "I wouldn't mind…I mean we could…have lunch? Or dinner maybe?"

That was exactly what Malú wanted to hear. She couldn't agree fast enough.

So when Aaron left the coffee shop, he left so with a date for the upcoming weekend and a wide grin on his face.

~0~

It was hard to hide the truth from the team, especially Rossi. The man knew what was going — had a suspicion — from the get. Aaron could dissuade the others' accusations but not Rossi.

"What's her name?"

"How'd it happen?"

"How are you feeling about it?"

This was the first time he was going to see someone after Beth moved away. There was a lot to think about but surprisingly, Aaron couldn't really think of anything that could persuade him not to see Malú again. He looked forward to seeing her that weekend, as did Malú.

~0~

Malú was up and ready for her date. She picked out the best dress she could find in her closet and put herself together in record time only for her to get a text from Aaron saying he had to cancel — reschedule was the word he used. Work was keeping him away for the weekend.

Malú hated that she had not asked what exactly this job of his was but nonetheless she swallowed her disappointment and replied back to Aaron that it was fine and she would wait for that Monday he promised.

Monday came, and he never sent anything. Malú waited the whole day before calling it quits at seven. Her best friend, Celia, warned her that it was the beginning of the traditional "ghosting". Malú was so disillusioned. She hadn't taken Aaron for that kind of man. He seemed sincere.

They're always sincere, Celia had said aith a roll of her eyes.

On Tuesday, Malú tried her best to forget Aaron altogether. Clearly, he was not interested anymore and so she should move on. She didn't need the bracelet anyways. Celia promised her they would get new ones instead.

Celia also warned Malú to go ahead and erase Aaron's number as well.

If you keep it, it means you still think he's going to call.

If it was the other way around, Malú knew she would be telling Celia the sake thing. Tuesday night, she erased the number (after Celia practically held a gun to her head, but it was erased). She also forced Malú to block the number before, just in case.

Needless to say, there was no way she could communicate with him again. She had no idea where Aaron lived, worked or — and this really made her feel so stupid — even knew his full name!

"Good," Celia had said then, "It'll make it easier to forget him. A total stranger. There's tons of them out there."

Malú thought very differently but she didn't say anything. Instead, she focused on not feeling as glum as she did.

~0~

Thursday, Aaron was beginning to lose it. The case lasted much longer than he thought it would and it didn't even finish the right way. The unsub got away but not without making a promise to the team that he would be back for all of them. Great.

Aaron tried texting Malú several times with no response. He switched to calls but the same thing happened. No doubt, Malú had grown tired of waiting for him and was now dodging his calls. A perfectly rationale response, but not the one that Aaron had wanted.

"Find her," Rossi had suggested the idea like it was the most logical thing in the world.

"I don't know where she lives," Aaron reminded him, keeping his voice hushed despite being in his office with the door shut.

Rossi looked at him like he was genuinely stupid. "Gee, it's too damn bad that you have no way of finding out someone's address — oh wait…" He made a gesture towards the bullpen out the window.

Aaron shook his head. He was not bringing anyone in the team into this. Malú was his secret and he liked things the way they were. But then again…there would be no secret if there was no more Malú. There had to be some middle ground somewhere.

And Rossi found it.

Friday night, just before she left, Rossi caught Penelope at the elevator.

"I thought we were done with the case," Penelope led the way into her office.

"We are. This is for another case," Rossi explained. "And I need an address."

"Oh, do you mean that other guy?" Penelope swallowed hard. She hated unsubs to begin with but even more the unsubs who managed to slip away. "You think this is an accomplice?"

"Just give me the address, alright? And don't tell anyone else. This is on a strict need-to-know basis, got it?"

"Yes, sir," Penelope nodded firmly and asked for the name she was going to he searching for.

Malú Ayala.

Penelope found her in a snap. "She's local! What are the odds?"

Rossi merely nodded and asked for Penelope to send the address to him and Hotch — covering the basis.

Aaron got the message instantaneously. He gripped his phone in his hand amd stared at the address in bed that night. He couldn't decide how best to proceed. He liked Malú, he really did, and it was so strange knowing all he had was a half hour with her.

The things they talked about were ridiculous, now that he looked back on it. He was pretty sure he had asked her what she thought of the weather that day. At least asking for her favorite drink was a bit less embarrassing. But that was the point. Such mundane things and yet it just made him grow fonder of Malú. Even disastrous as she claimed to be, Aaron couldn't think of anything else she should be. He needed more time with her. A half hour, an hour, etc.

~0~

Sunday morning he was free. Jack had a play date and the BAU was off. It was perfect. He just had to be fast before any one of those things changed.

He found the address easily and went up to the right apartment. One knock, two knocks, three knocks, four—

"Alright, I get it!" Malú snapped when she flung the door open. "Oh…" She blinked at the sight of Aaron. "How on earth did you find me?"

Aaron went straight to business. "Can I talk to you please?"

"Mm, I'm not sure I can…"

"Why not?"

"I promised my best friend I wouldn't. You left me hanging for a week," Malú frowned. "Celia made a point. You were ghosting me."

"No, no, I wasn't," Aaron promised her that it wasn't like that. "It was my job — it always does this."

"Really?" Malú raised an eyebrow at him.

Aaron sighed. "Malú, something important about me is that I don't like people who waste my time and as a courtesy, I don't waste someone else's time either. I don't want to waste your time. Please, can I explain what happened?"

Malú leaned rested her cheek against the wooden door, drumming her fingers up and down. "Fine…but only because I want to know what happened." And she really missed him, however ridiculous that sounded.

"Thank you." Aaron walked into the apartment and turned to her. Malú then gestured him towards the couch where they could sit together and talk.

"Okay, so what is it?" Malú asked, trying her best to sound as disinterested as possible. "Lost phone? No battery?"

"It's my job," Aaron reiterated like he had from the start. Malú would give him points for at least being consistent. "I work for the FBI. I'm the Unit Chief for the Behavioral Analysis Unit. A huge detail about this job is that I'm on standby a lot of the time, if not most of the time. I have to travel nationally, for days, sometimes longer. And it's terrible but it is what it is and I can't change it. I love my job. I do. That Saturday, I was still in Wisconsin and I didn't get back until Monday night. It was a hard case and I didn't even get to close it."

"You seriously work for the FBI?" Malú blinked a couple times, dumbfounded. Of all the things he could have said…

Aaron nodded. "Yes."

"For how long?"

"Too many years to count."

"Woah…" Malú slowly pushed herself up from the couch, still mighty shocked.

"Are you alright?" Aaron watched her intently. "Was it too much?"

"N-no, I, um…" Malú swallowed hard, "I'm beginning to think maybe this isn't a good idea."

"What? Why not?" Aaron nearly frowned.

"Because you're — you're FBI. I don't think…I don't think I'm what you're looking for," Malú said, bringing her hands to her chest, "I work for a school district. You…you want more."

"More?" Aaron smiled lightly.

"You know, someone more up on your level?" Malú took a seat on the couch again, facing him. "Thanks for explaining things to me. I believe you. You should go, though."

"Not if it's because you think I want something more out of someone," Aaron said, "I've been trying to get ahold of you for a reason. I'm just sorry that this is what I have to offer."

Malú couldn't decide what to do. He seemed sincere, but what if in the long run he grew tired of her?

"I'm not sure, Aaron," she admitted, "Maybe…maybe we should just slow down here. I'm going back to school, actually, and if your schedule is as hectic as you say it is, maybe going on a date isn't what we need right now."

"Malú, I don't want to waste your time, so I'm telling you everything right now, the way it is. You can take your time to think about things but I'm not leaving until you have no doubt about what I want."

Malú discovered how intense of a look Aaron could have. She found herself nodding, feeling like she was transfixed by him. And so goes Celia's words…

"You work for a school district?"

"Yeah," Malú nodded. "And you for the FBI?"

"Yes," Aaron nodded, "And I also have a son."

"Oh." Malú's eyes widened.

Aaron expected that reaction. Perfectly normal. "I would rather you know that now. Cards on the table."

Malú respected him more for that. "Okay. You…have a son. What about the mother? Is she still in the picture?"

Aaron lowered his head. That was a gateway question and he had no idea how she would react. "No…she, um, passed away a couple years ago."

"Okay…" Malú felt a twinge of guilt for asking. "I'm sorry about that. Aaron, you don't have to give me your whole life story. I'm not heartless. Your job is heavy, and you travel. I got it. You don't need to tell me everything about yourself, okay? You're not in trouble…anymore…"

Aaron cracked half of a smile at her, prompting Malú to do the same thing. "I like hearing that," Aaron admitted, "Is there any chance you would reconsider rescheduling our dinner?"

Malú's shoulders rose together, clearly unsure of the answer. She thought it was sweet of him to come all the way here to tell her everything about him so that she could make a conscious decision. He was right. He was laying out the cards on the table for her to see them clearly.

He was straightforward, and she admired him for it. He wasn't here to waste her time, just like he said.

"Is…there a chance you might cancel that too?" She asked as a final test.

Aaron ultimately nodded at her. "Perhaps, yes," he answered honestly.

Malú grew more fond of him at that moment. You totally want to date him. Yes, she did but she also wanted to stick to what she had said first and keep things slow because she wasn't sure if she could handle this kind of situation.

He was predisposed to canceling dates, outings or just any plans in general because of his job. He was on standby and she had never been with anyone in that situation.

"I don't want to waste your time either," she said quietly, letting her shoulders fall slowly, "So how about a middle ground for now."

"What are you thinking?" Aaron asked, curious of her idea. It wasn't a definite 'no' and he could work with that.

"Let's not do dates right now. Let's…let's just see each other when we can," Malú said, sighing, "Because I don't know if I can handle losing dates left to right. I just don't know, I'm sorry. You can totally walk out right now and not feel guilty about it. I know it's stupid, like I'm dragging you down an uncertain road…I told you that you might want more out of a person based on your job."

"None of that is true," Aaron said calmly, looking at Malú with a genuine smile, "A job does not define the person you are, and trust me my job is very much about defining things. I accept your offer. I think it's a good idea because I wouldn't want either of us to lose time."

"Are you sure?" Malú had to ask twice before she could begin to believe it.

Aaron nodded. "It's not the first time. I've had relationships end because of the crazy schedule. My job is high maintenance and I understand that it's not for everyone. I wouldn't want to put you in that kind of situation if you don't want it."

"Okay then…" Malú bit her bottom lip, "Well, if you have the time right now…wanna have some breakfast? I was sort of eating before you got here."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that…" Aaron grew confused when he checked his watch and saw it was well past noon. When he met Malú's gaze again, she was smiling bashfully.

"I like to sleep in a lot," she confessed, causing a laugh between them, "I'm not a morning person at all."

"But you said you worked at a school district? Those jobs usually start early don't they?"

Malú let out a heavy sigh, confirming the answer. Aaron smiled more.

"Got it," he nodded.

"So…breakfast?" Malú asked again.

Aaron agreed. "Breakfast."

And that morning, they had a nice breakfast together with a deeper conversation about Aaron's high maintenance job that would keep him away for days. Malú wanted to know exactly what she should expect in the future.

~0~

A month passed by and while nothing explicitly changed between them, both Malú and Aaron didn't want to let the other go. It was their individual secret from each other, never knowing that each one felt the same thing.

There were no dates, not officially anyways. There were casual outings whenever Aaron returned from a case. Malú learned to measure the typical time between cases, though sometimes there were back-to-back cases that kept them apart for weeks. Those were the harder times, especially when she was at school as well.

Aaron, in turn, learned Malú's schedule very early on. She worked from seven to three at the school district and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, she went to school in the afternoon. Malú wanted to become a school psychologist. It was her absolute dream and that dream tended to have some downsides for them both.

For one, sometimes when Aaron was free, Malú was not. She was buried in schoolwork. She was cramming for exams or doing projects. Sometimes, she was just too exhausted from school to do anything. Aaron understood her and tended to leave her to rest. What he wanted to do was make her comfortable but that…that would involve certain liberties that he did not have.

They danced around the fine lines of friendship and an actual relationship. Sometimes, there was a hug that lasted longer than it should have. Other times there were kisses on the cheeks that were a bit too close to each other's mouths. The hand holding was one of the harder ones. What kind of hand holding was reserved for friends and which one was for a relationship? Neither one knew. Fingers brushed against each other's hands when they handed each other things, when they cooked together, or when they walked alongside each other. It was hard being with each other but it would be even harder not to be with each other. That was the silent agreement between them. Both preferred to leave things as they were rather than lose it all.

Sometimes, sometimes they would slip. Neither one complained about it.

One special morning, Malú woke up with a missed call and a text message from Aaron. She nearly fell out of bed when she read the message.

I think I'll be free for a bit this morning. Any chance you don't have plans this hour?

Malú couldn't text back fast enough. She jumped out of bed and went straight to her closet to pick out the best clothes she had. It was a special day indeed and it was even more special now that she got to spend a small part of the day with him. She had to be fast to get to him before the opportunity slipped away.

It was ironic that she got to the coffee shop before him. She didn't mind; she checked her phone just to make sure a case hadn't come up all of a sudden to pull him away. It had not.

She heard her name and, like a child, flipped her head back with a wide grin on her face as Aaron approached her table. Yeah, she felt like an absolute giddy kid.

"Hi!" She stood up from her seat to greet him. A hug and a kiss on the cheek was always a must, even if it was a terrible taunting crumb of touch between them. She would take it. Aaron would too.

"You look beautiful," he remarked, gazing at her and her soft purple dress she wore. The clothes, the makeup, the neat and prim hair — she was heavenly. "Happy birthday."

Malú grin widened more if it was even possible. "Thank you."

They sat down together and ordered something light and quick — they didn't know how long they had today.

Without a hint of a word or anything leading towards it, Aaron took out a small black box from one of his inside pockets and placed it on the table between them.

Malú's eyes widened at the gesture. "Oh…you didn't…you didn't have to get me anything."

The present was getting to see him today at all. She was convinced that with her luck, he would have had a case early on today so the most she would get was a phone call wishing her happy birthday. Getting to see him in person, have breakfast together was the best present she could have gotten.

You're way too deep in. It was a thought that regularly came to her, one that she couldn't deny anymore.

"It's tradition you give a present to someone on their birthday," Aaron said casually, sliding the box towards Malú, "And I think you're going to like it."

"Is that a fact from your profiling skills?" Malú smirked. "Or are you just that confident in your present-buying skills?"

"Can it be both?" Aaron asked swiftly, making Malú laugh.

"With you, I suppose." Malú reached for the box, already feeling her face flushing under Aaron's constant stare. She just couldn't grow used to his intensity.

She heard the click of the box when she opened the lid. Inside, she found a silver bracelet with a bright jade gem at the center. Looking closer at it, there were smaller jade beads adorning the chain, each one sparkling under the light of the shop.

"Curse you and your profiling skills and confidence," Malú mumbled under her breath, but Aaron still heard her perfectly.

He smiled, perhaps smug, but who knew. All he knew right now is that Malú loved her gift and that's all that mattered.

"Thank you for this. I love it," Malú said softly. "Where'd you get it from?"

"During a case a couple weeks back," Aaron replied, "You said jade was your favorite color."

"Yeah, in passing," Malú said with an embarrassed laugh to follow. In truth, she was touched with the gift. If he had bought the bracelet a while ago then it meant he saw them still being in each other's lives now.

"Can I put it on you?" Aaron motioned to the bracelet. Malú could nod faster. She chuckled and handed him the bracelet then held her wrist out to him.

He brought the bracelet around her wrist, subtly taking note of her warm skin. She couldn't stop staring at him no matter how much she tried (although she didn't try that hard). Her face grew warmer the more seconds passed with his soft fingers brushing over her skin. What she would give to have those hands touch other parts of her.

Aaron snapped the bracelet hooks together and pulled his hand off Malú's wrist. "What do you think?"

Malú immediately smiled. "I love it, Aaron. Thank you." She leaned over the table and kissed his cheek. She couldn't, and didn't, ignore the warmth on her face. "But you really didn't have to give me anything. Having breakfast with you is enough."

Her words brought a smile out of Aaron, along with a similar warmth. He would say the same thing to Malú if roles were reversed. Time wasn't a luxury for them so they learned quickly how to value it. Still, he would gladly buy her gifts if it meant getting to see her smile as much as she was right now.

Later on, they were walking down the street hand in hand, neither one commenting about the fact. They talked about what Malú's day was going to look like. She knew her best friend was planning a party for her tonight. That was something to look forward to, especially when she knew it would most likely be just her going.

Sometimes, Malú regretted the grounds she had set with Aaron.

They both knew what was happening when Aaron felt the buzz of his phone in his pocket. Malú silently sighed and watched him take out the phone to read whatever message was waiting for him.

Aaron didn't even have to explain it. He lowered the phone and looked over at Malú, apologizing.

Malú put on her best smile for him, just like she always did when it happened. "The present was getting to see you today," she assured him.

"I'm still sorry," Aaron reiterated while he put his phone away. "I wish—"

"I know—"

"I really wish I could—"

"Aaron," Malú wrapped an arm around his, forcing him to stop and look at her, "I know," she reassured him. "It means a lot that you want to spend today with me, trust me. I get it. You have other things to do, other responsibilities."

Aaron nodded slowly. He met her gaze with his own, taking her in for a new memory he would take with him and use when the case inevitably got dark. He found he did that a lot lately.

Malú smiled warmly at him. "Thank you for all this." She slid a hand over his cheek and leaned up to kiss him on his other cheek.

Aaron turned a bit quicker when she drew back. Her lips briefly met the corner of his and if it wasn't for time running out again, perhaps one of them would have acted on it. It was a moment that neither one would forget for a while.

~0~

The months to come were getting harder and yet somehow lovelier too. It was harder in that each time their schedules conflicted with each other's, the pain it brought grew stronger. They ached for each other, whether they were simple miles apart or states apart.

And it was lovelier in that even though they saw each other for brief moments, they still grew closer. Walls were beginning to dwindle.

Aaron started telling Malú more about his son. He found it was getting easier talking to Malú about Jack, about their lives and what he felt at times. He knew his personality was usually closed-off and so far Malú didn't seem to mind it. He wanted her to know that he was trying to change that.

Malú loved seeing him try. It warmed her heart. And she loved learning more about little Jack. He sounded like an adorable little boy. When it was Jack's birthday, she gave Aaron a gift for him.

You don't have to tell him it's from me, she clarified when she handed the gift over to Aaron. I just thought it was a cute book to read at bedtime.

Aaron ultimately decided to tell Jack who had really given him his new book — which turned out to be a series of children's bedtime stories. It was the shortened version, of course.

A friend of dad's works at a school district so she knows all the best books.

Jack had loved the present and now required that at least one of the stories be read to him each night. Seeing his son love something so small from Malú made Aaron consider the idea that the rules of their 'relationship' (which wasn't really much of a relationship) had finally expired.

One morning, he woke up with all the intentions of facing Malú and telling her exactly what he felt. Unfortunately, that same morning the BAU had an urgent case.

Still, he left a voicemail asking Malú to call him back. He intended on making his feelings known no matter what. She just didn't call that morning. The case was local which gave a lot of opportunities to keep calling and leaving messages. Part of him began to worry, drawing his attention away from the case until something sparked and fueled that concern.

"Hotch!" Morgan called twice before Aaron finally placed his attention on the case.

"What was that?" Aaron straightened in his seat. The others who sat around the conference table watched him curiously. It wasn't like him to space out.

"We got a call," Morgan repeated just as Penelope hurried into the room.

"Alert! Alert!" The blonde exclaimed. "We got an incoming message and you guys are going to want to see this!" She quickly set her computer up with the screens in the room so the others could see.

A series of video feeds started popping up on the screen, all of different yet very familiar people. Everyone was stunned and very soon began to feel dread creeping up on them.

"That's Will and Henry," JJ scowled, rising from her seat. Her husband and son were playing soccer in their front yard.

Aaron froze as well when he saw his own son on one of the screens. Jack was walking with his aunt to school.

"The unsub is following people we know," Spencer remarked, eyes flickering from one screen to the next. "Across states." Because he then saw his own mother on one of the screens.

"We need to set security details on friends and family," Rossi said, glancing at Aaron for his input.

Aaron was still watching the screens. Already he felt the ire washing over him knowing this unsub had been watching his son. But then his attention was drawn to another screen thanks to Spencer pointing out that amongst their friends and family, there was one woman none of them recognized.

"I want the security detail to bring everyone here," Aaron gave the order.

"Here?" Penelope looked at him with widened eyes. "Everyone?"

"Local ones," Aaron clarified, "We'll alert the respective precincts for Reid's and Morgan's families but everyone else needs to be here. Now." He stood up from his chair and grabbed his phone out of his pocket as he stormed out of the room. He couldn't dial any faster.

'Hi! It's Malú! Leave your message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!'

Aaron could only control his breathing so much when he died twice and Malú still wouldn't answer. "Malú, please call me as soon as you get this," he left his voicemail in a rush. If he had any luck, even just a sliver of it, Malú would be able to pick up her phone and tell him that she was alright.

~0~

There was chaos as each family member was brought into the building. Unanswered questions, fear and of course the sweet blissful innocence of the children who had no idea why they were being brought into their parents' work.

"It's just for a couple hours, buddy, okay?" Aaron promised his son in the solitude of his office.

"But what's happening?" Jack insisted on the proper answer. "I thought I was going to school."

"You will, tomorrow," Aaron nodded, "You get to take a break today."

"In here?" Jack looked around the office curiously. "Can I play on your desk?"

Aaron smiled lightly. "Sure, just don't write on any of my papers, okay?"

Jack grinned. "Deal!" He even shook hands on it then hopped off the couch and dashed for his father's desk.

Aaron breathed a little easier knowing Jack was alright and completely unaware of the danger he'd been in. He rose from the couch and walked over to the windows giving a perfect view of the bullpen. He saw the other families with the team, each one trying to get some answers. He was glad to see everyone was alright but his mind hadn't stopped wondering about—

Two officers walked in through the bullpen doors leading a dark haired woman inside.

Aaron rushed out but not before posting an agent in front of his office to keep an eye on Jack. He then hurried down the small steps leading to the bullpen.

Malú saw him seconds before he reached her. "Aaron, what's going on?" she whispered to him, her eyes seeming permanently wide.

Aaron couldn't help it. He hugged her first, startling Malú and the rest of his team who'd begun to watch them curiously. "You weren't answering your phone," Aaron spoke beside Malú's ear.

"Yeah, I was in a long meeting today at the district," Malú explained, pulling away from him. "What's going on? These officers just showed up at my job telling me I had to come to the FBI? Why am I in the FBI right now?"

Aaron thanked the officers and pulled Malú with him towards the first empty office he came across, which so happened to be Rossi's. He shut the door and pulled the blinds down. "It's a situation that we are handling."

"Situation?" Malú raised an eyebrow at him.

Aaron nodded. "Yes, my team and I stumbled across an uunsub — a murderer who's taken it personal against us. He's been…" He knew this was going to be hard. "Uh, he's been watching my team's friends and family, including mine."

"Oh…" Malú started blinking rapidly, her mind going in the same pace. "L-like…l-like me?"

"Yes, like you," Aaron nodded once again, "I don't know how long it's been going on but I promise you that I'm going to make it stop. You just have to stay here in the meantime, okay?"

"What—"

"You'll be safe here," Aaron promised her. He walked up to Malú, cupping her face gently. "Just promise me that you'll stay here until I come back."

"Wh-where are you going to go?" Malú asked, already frightened. It was ironic that this is what had frightened her — the fact that Aaron was about to go into the unknown and not the fact that some stranger had been watching her.

"To go catch this guy," Aaron said, "So promise me that you'll stay here."

"Okay, yeah," Malú nodded fervently, "Whatever you need. I'm not going to make it harder. But you promise me something right now."

"Anything."

"You gotta promise me that you're going to be careful. I know you're like mister big shot around these parts but you still have a son to look after, right?"

Aaron smiled lightly. "Yeah, I know. He's here too. Everyone's families are. So…stay, alright?"

Malú reassured him that she would listen. Aaron still cupped her face and for a moment, it seemed like he would lean over. Malú would have welcomed it. A knock interrupted them, however. Aaron had just let Malú go when Rossi opened the door.

"We may have something," he informed Aaron, indicating it was time to go.

Aaron begrudgingly walked away from Malú, stopping at the doorway to look back at her. Malú encouraged him to go, promising again that she wasn't going to leave until he returned.

~ 0 ~

Spending your time in the BAU when you weren't an agent was actually very boring. Malú found that out quickly. She was free to go into the bullpen, into the conference room and virtually any room that was within the BAU's floor…but none of it was very interesting. She was bored out of her mind and that was a horrible thing to think of knowing the situation was terrible.

She came across a blonde woman who was dressed pretty brightly for a BAU agent. She quickly introduced herself as Penelope Garcia, who was a technical analyst.

"Is everything going on okay with, um, the team?" Malú asked nervously.

Penelope nodded at her. "Yeah, um, they're okay. You…you're…you're Hotch's friend, right?" She remembered Malú's name coming up in another investigation but now she suspected it had been more of a personal search.

"Uh, yeah, a friend, yeah…" Malú pursed her lips together, "Um, I don't mean to be rude but…is there somewhere I can…"

Penelope understood Malú perfectly. She herself didn't like the gray walls of the BAU. "You know, Jack's here too."

Malú remembered that detail as well and instinctively looked around. Penelope took that as a sign to bring Malú over. Malú didn't have the opportunity to admit that she had never even met the boy when Penelope brought her into the office.

"Hey Jack," Penelope greeted the boy when she strode into the office. "I brought you some coloring sheets and, guess what?"

"What?" Jack happily took the papers from Penelope's hands.

"One of your dad's friends is here to see you," Penelope said with a wide grin on her face.

Malú was cautiously standing by the doorway, watching the exchange silently. Already she could see some of the resemblance between Aaron and his son.

Penelope glanced back at Malú and motioned her to come in. "Maybe I can get you guys something to drink, and the bad stuff we have around here. Yuck!" She shuddered and Jack chuckled.

Malú managed a smile too. She liked Penelope indeed.

"I'll be back!" Penelope promised and hurried out of the office.

Jack then looked at Malú with the curious eyes that only a child could have. "Hi, I'm Jack. Are you friends with my dad?"

Malú nodded and walked a few steps in. "My name is Malú."

"Oh! You gave me a book for my birthday!"

Malú's eyebrows raised. "You know about that?"

"Yeah, my daddy told me that you work at a school so you know the best books in the stores!"

Malú chuckled. "He said that?"

"Aha! And guess what? I have that book in my backpack. It was share day at school today…" Jack hopped off the chair and hurried to the backpack beside the couch.

"I'm sorry about that," Malú said, deciding to walk over to the couch, "Maybe you can share it another time."

Jack shrugged and pulled the book out of his backpack. "Do you want to read with me? I'm practicing."

Malú smiled at the boy. "I would like that, yeah." She took a seat with him on the couch. "Do you practice at home too? You know that's very important."

"Yeah, my daddy says the same thing too," Jack nodded, "I read every day for 20 minutes. They time it. I can't tell time yet."

Malú laughed softly. "Right. Well, do you have a favorite story so far?"

"All of them," Jack said with a sheepish smile, "I love my book. Thank you for buying it for me."

Malú started laughing when Jack hugged her out of the blue. She gasped then, slowly, hugged him back. Everything she had heard about Jack from Aaron had made her grow fond of the boy but this small moment made her love him. She would gladly read to him all day if he wanted.

~ 0 ~

It was late in the evening when Jack had fallen asleep. He rested on Malú's lap. Penelope had come in several times to check in on them and offered Malú a blanket so she could rest as well, but Malú preferred that Jack get a blanket instead. She wouldn't be able to sleep until she knew that Aaron was alright.

And the hours become agonizingly long when she heard no news about the team. All she had was her mind and her dark thoughts. She became restless, so much that in the end she had to slip away from Jack before she accidentally woke him up. She made sure he was comfortable on the couch and that the blanket covered him up well then proceeded to pace back and forth. Her legs would be sore for sure.

Malú heard commotion out in the bullpen and felt her heart hammer within seconds. There were so many things that could have gone wrong and they were all coming to her.

What if something happened to the team? What if Aaron got hurt? What if he got hurt and he wasn't coming back? She would never see him again. All that time, however little it always tended to be, would vanish.

Malú gulped. Had she screwed up? She was the one who told Aaron they couldn't be anything except friends. For all she knew, that had been it. There was nothing else to come and that…that hurt so much. She felt tears welling in her eyes.

"Oh my God," she barely stifled her sob. She couldn't take it and dashed towards the door. At the same time, the door opened. Malú almost bumped into Aaron himself.

He looked at her with wide eyes, a disheveled appearance that only led Malú to wonder what he had to have faced before this.

"It's okay, you're safe now," he told her. "You're—"

Malú crashed into him with a hug. "Thank God! I was beginning to think the worst!" She clung to him perhaps in the most uncomfortable way but neither one minded.

Aaron held her tightly as well. He was relieved knowing she would go home safely tonight. "You're okay. I promise you'll be okay now. He's gone."

Malú looked up at him, her eyes still teary. "You? How about you? Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"No, no, I'm okay. I'm good, I promise," Aaron said, cupping her face. "You're free to go now. There's agents ready to take you home."

"Just like that?" Malú blurted, unable to stop the hurt that came with the implications of his supposed alleviating news.

Aaron grew confused. "That's…that's what you wanted, no? What we both wanted?"

Malú swallowed hard. That made sense, but it was no longer the only thing she wanted. "I spent the whole day with your son," she said, stepping back and gesturing towards Jack sleeping on the couch. "He is perfect…like his father." Aaron managed to smile a bit. "You told him about me. You never mentioned that."

Aaron nodded silently. "I didn't want you to feel like you had to meet him. I understand what you want and why. I would never want you to feel like you had to do something out of politeness."

Malú looked at him with soft eyes. "I would love to spend time with you and Jack." She slid her hands over his cheeks and brought him to her lips for a kiss.

After the day he had, Aaron had the quick sense to respond. He'd imagined the moment so many times before and Malú was the one who initiated it? It was even better.

Malú pulled away first and only because she remembered they were not alone, despite the third littlest member being fast asleep. "Go home with your son," she whispered to him.

"What?" Aaron's first thought was that Malú had changed her mind or this had just been a bittersweet way to say goodbye. Already he looked helpless.

Malú smiled at him again, caressing the sides of his face. "He missed his dad all day. He should wake up knowing that you're both at home. But come see me right after, okay?"

The way Aaron looked at Malú was asking her if she was serious. Malú laughed quietly, not wanting to wake Jack up.

"Things can't stay the same anymore," Malú admitted, sighing, "I know what I said before but I…I went insane not not knowing if you were coming back. I felt even worse knowing how much time we wasted. I-I know that it's not when I say things can change but if you're open to discussing it again…"

Aaron grabbed her head and kissed her again. They lingered over each other's lips for a moment.

"And just so we're clear, it's anything you want," Aaron said, earning a small chuckle. "I have no problem following you."

Malú flushed. "Then we can continue this tomorrow. And just so we're clear, the rule is that from now on, you have to kiss me every time we're together. If Time isn't a luxury, then we'll have to take advantage of it."

Aaron nodded on the spot. "I can live with that arrangement." He kissed her again then brought her into a hug.

#ocfairygodmother #fd: criminal minds #criminal minds #cm #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner fics #aaron hotchner imagines #criminal minds fics #criminal minds imagines #cm fics #cm imagines #hotch fics #hotch imagines #oc: Malú #oc: Malu

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ssahotchnerr · 2 months

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👉🏼👈🏼 is it ok to request a fic where jack starts trying to take care of the reader the way he sees his dad does? like maybe hotch is away from a case and reader gets sick or sad or idk, so jack takes it upon himself to be there for reader? like maybe he even starts referring reader with the same pet name hotch calls her? tysm!

like dad does

aw 🥹 cw; fem!reader, established relationship, mentions of sickness, fluff <3

you awoke with a gentle start; a trail of cold water trickling down the side of your face, pooling vaguely in your ear.

likewise, a more concrete sensation was set on your forehead - a cold compress. most likely a washcloth, and one that hadn't been wrung out too much at that.

but it was relieving, a delightful contrast from your burning forehead.

"oops," a small mumble came directly from your left ear, as well as a soft exhale of a breath. "sorry."

"jack?" you muttered, rather drowsily. you forced your eyes open, finding jack's sweet, concerned face beside you. "what're you doing?"

"i'm taking care of you." he explained softly, his tone so nonchalant as if it were the most obvious and simplest thing in the world. he reached forward, adjusting the top of the blanket that was draped overtop you. "like dad does. he put the washcloth on you yesterday, you 'member?"

he was right; you were on day two, maybe three? of a nasty bout of the flu. quite honestly you didn't know what day it was, they all blurred together, and your scattered sleep schedule didn't help. you offered him a nod.

"thank you." you gave him a small, closed mouth smile. if it weren't for the germs, you'd reach out to touch his cheek. you sat up a bit from your position in bed, your voice hoarse. "where is your dad?"

"a meeting."

your eyebrows furrowed, the facial movement burning your sinuses. "he's home?"

jack nodded, "he's in his office, but he said it might take a long time. so that's why i'm helping you feel better."

his face brightened a bit, as if a realization struck him. he reached into his pant's pocket, retrieving a few cough drops he had shoved in there, dropping them onto your blanket covered chest.

"i'm sorry i can't make you soup." jack apologized, solemnly as his shoulders dropped. "but i'm not allowed to use the stove."

your face softened, the weak smile resurfacing. "that's okay bud, don't worry. you can help dad make some later when he's done, how 'bout that?"

he nodded enthusiastically, before hoisting himself onto your bed.

"hey no no no, i wouldn't," you protested gently, your heart also melting at his action. "i don't want you getting my germs."

"if i get sick i get sick." that's the same thing aaron had said, multiple times, when he insisted on getting into bed with you earlier. jack scooted somewhat close, staying mainly on his father's side of the bed.

"and if i get sick, i don't need to go to school."

you laughed softly, but finding yourself too weak to argue, you did the only thing you could - go right back to sleep.

it was restless; you were in and out of slumber, and could roughly process jack getting up here and there - solely due to the distant sensation of the washcloth leaving and returning to your forehead, dampened once more.

and once aaron's meeting had ceased, he went in to check on you, and was pleasantly surprised, and touched, to see jack accompanying you.

you were out, with jack diligently watching over, while also keeping himself busy - his sketchbook and colored pencils were scattered amongst the bed.

"how's it going?" aaron asked him from the doorway, the door producing a sharp creak as he pushed it forward a tad.

"good. i brought cough drops, the washcloth, and made sure she got lots of rest. just like you did." jack continued to draw as he spoke, before his head shot right up. "can we make soup?"

"sure buddy," aaron nodded, a tinge of pride pulling at his heart. he tilted his head towards the hallway, and jack immediately scrambled off the bed. "c'mon."

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dudeitiskarev · 25 days

Text

I Want to Hold Your Hand | Aaron Hotchner

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x bau female reader

Summary: Hotch sends you home and you almost die, which only makes him realize how much he truly loves you.

Word count: 2.4k.

Tags/warnings: hurt/little comfort; season 1 Hotch my beloved <3; canon typical violence; Haley and Jack don’t exist in this universe oopsies; angst with happy ending; Hotch is a baby; probably very inaccurate medical talk bc all I know is from Grey’s; not beta read + English isn’t my first language so good luck with that.

Author’s note: remember when I said I was probably done writing for a Hotch? Turns out all I had to do was stop taking my antidepressant 🙄 anyway, don’t get your hopes high. I just needed to take a break from my never-ending Spence fic so I wrote this. Which is basically a rewrite of what happened with Elle. I just wanted to make Hotch suffer a little so I hope you like it!

MASTERLIST

A few hours ago, Aaron kissed the top of your head and sent you back to the hotel with a police officer.

Now, he was in a hospital waiting room with his heart in his throat, hoping the doctor would show up with good news.

You’d been attacked in your hotel room, and it was his fault.

“They’re gonna set up a bed for you in her room.” Jason walked in with a cup of coffee for Aaron. His fourth one already.

“She’s… not out of surgery yet,” Aaron shut his eyes. “We don’t know if —”

“The hospital chief, I know him.” Gideon sort of smiled. “I asked him if he could go check on her. All I know is that they’re closing her up now.”

The words began to sound far and faded as if Aaron was underwater. His vision blurred and his legs would’ve given up if he wasn’t sitting down already.

It was his soul returning to his body.

He didn’t want to get his hopes high, though. If they were closing you up it meant you were alive, but nothing else. There could be a hundred things wrong with you while being alive.

All he could do was nod and put his hands together over his lips like a prayer.

You were alive.

“The doctor should be here with the updates any minute now.” Jason sat next to Aaron and gave him a gentle tap on his back.

Gideon knew. Even when Hotch hadn’t told anyone about his feelings—not even you—he spent most of his day with profilers so of course the best one in his team knew about it.

“I’m heading back to the hotel soon,” Gideon continued. “See what the hell happened. Why… How did they let the unsub enter her room. Garcia should be landing soon. We need to check every security camera.” He smacked his tongue in disappointment and shook his head.

Aaron rose from his seat and tried his best to at least let his shoulders relax but every bit of him had turned into concrete.

“Where are Reid and Morgan?” He asked, pacing back and forth and stretching his neck from one side to the other. Even in moments like this, he needed to know where the rest of his people were. Especially in moments like this.

“Back at the local PD,” Gideon answered.

“JJ?”

“She’s talking to the hotel manager, making sure none of the employees makes any declaration to the press before we catch the guy.”

Aaron nodded, and soon, the doctor walked into the room with the updates.

“Surgery was a success,” he began. “We managed to repair all the damage and save her lung. Now, she flatlined once in the ambulance and then again during surgery so her brain has been through a lot.”

It wasn’t the time to profile anyone, but the way the doctor couldn’t keep eye contact for longer than two seconds told Aaron he was aiming at something more serious.

“Just tell us.” Aaron rubbed his thumb with his fingers.

“She’s not breathing on her own yet and according to her EEG, her last exam, her brain is swollen. It may take her a while to wake up.” The doctor gulped. “If she wakes up.”

Aaron’s entire world crumbled once again. He pinched the bridge of his nose and walked to a corner to pull himself together.

This was his fault. You might never wake up and it was his fault.

“When can we see her?” Gideon asked for him.

“You can see her now but… you need to be prepared. A machine is breathing for her. There’s a tube down her throat and it might be a lot to look at.”

Just picturing you like that turned his stomach upside down.

God, if you don’t ever wake up—

“She’s gonna wake up.” Penelope’s voice entered the room and so did the light she carried everywhere.

She was one of Aaron’s comfort people. If Penelope was there, there was hope.

“Garcia,” Jason said in a don’t tone.

“She’s strong.” Penelope walked up to Hotch anyway. “And people wake up from comas. Miracles happen and—” Her eyes filled with tears once she touched Hotch’s arm to get his attention. “She needs us, she needs you. And we need her.”

Garcia also knew, apparently. And if she knew without being a profiler, everyone else knew.

“I found this.” She handed Hotch a Polaroid picture of you. You were leaning on Garcia’s desk, your arms folded over your chest and with your sweet, sweet smile. There was the hope. “I took it a while ago and kept it on my desk along with the others but…”

Aaron took it with a shaky hand. You were mesmerizing.

“García,” Gideon insisted.

A nurse interrupted to let them know they could see you now.

“You go,” Gideon said to Hotch, taking a step back. “Just call me if anything changes. Garcia, you’re coming with me.”

“Yes, sir.” Penelope gave Hotch one last hopeful smile before following Jason out.

Aaron looked at your photo again and took deep breaths to gather himself as walked to the endless hall that took him to you.

“We’ll set up your bed in a few.” The nurse smiled at him, gesturing for him to go in. “She looks good. It might not look like it because of all the machines but she’s doing good. She’s a strong woman.”

Aaron said a quiet thanks before the nurse left.

It was just you and him.

The steady beeping of the machine brought him a sense of comfort—it meant you were alive—yet his feet were hesitant to take him next to you. He stood at the door for a moment, watching you from afar.

As the doctor had said, it was a lot to look at. It reminded him of the last time he saw someone close to him like this: his father. The difference was that back then, he couldn’t wait for his dad to die.

Today, he’d found himself praying multiple times to a god he wasn’t even sure existed most times.

He dared to move and when he reached your side, he almost crumbled. You had a few bruises on your left cheek, your knuckles were split—you even had a broken finger, and you looked beautiful as ever. He wished he could see the twinkle of your eyes, hear your voice, catch you smiling at him.

Guilt brewed at the pit of his stomach again. He should’ve gone with you. He should’ve been with you.

He lifted one hand to stroke your head and tears welled up as soon as his skin touched yours. His chin quivered and he sniffled quietly as tears threatened to spill. He used the heel of his hands to dry them away. He couldn’t cry, even if you were in a coma and couldn’t see him like this—broken. You believed people’s energy had effects on others, and you needed him to be strong. He needed to be more like you.

His bed was set soon after, right next to you. His eyes were heavy, and his muscles were sore. Even then, he couldn’t bring himself to lie down. He was scared to close his eyes. What if you died while he was asleep? He stayed sitting down, holding your hand and never losing sight of you.

“It’s raining,” he said out loud, talking to you. “Every time it rains I think of you.”

He smiled at the memories. You’d shown up at his office for your interview drenching, and he was smitten from the very first moment he laid eyes on you.

“Agent Hotchner,” your perky voice caught him off guard. No one inside the BAU building was perky—besides Garcia.

You stood by the door, both hands behind your back waiting for his signal to come in.

“Please.” He gestured with his hand to the seat across from him.

He took half a second to study you quickly. Raindrops were gathered over the shoulders of your blazer and your mascara was a bit smudged under your eyes.

“Forgot your coat, agent?” He commented, peeling his eyes off you and reading through your resume.

“Didn’t think I’d be raining by the time I arrived, sir. I don’t keep an umbrella in my car either. I apologize for my… appearance.”

It wasn’t your appearance that got you on his team, it was your outstanding resume. It made him wonder why you chose to apply to the Behavioral Analysis Unit instead of staying at ViCAP. Your performance there was impeccable.

“I wasn’t feeling comfortable there anymore,” was your answer. “And I want to seek other paths, sir. And I know I’m a good fit for your team.”

You started the very next day, and he partnered up with you to keep an eye on you during your first cases. You were a quick thinker, were fast on your feet, and stayed calm under critical situations.

Not once he felt at a disadvantage in the field for working with the new kid, which only showed him how good you naturally were. He was drawn to you and it wasn’t just because of your professionalism.

It was your fast food order. It was the first joke you ever made that only made him laugh. It was your perfume, the way you spoke with your hands, and how you raised your brows when making a point.

Everything about you made him take a deep breath. You made him dizzy. Lightheaded. Drunk.

Exactly how he felt right now while holding your hand, except that now, the room was spinning at the mere thought of losing you.

“I love you,” he murmured, bringing your hand up to his lips and kissing your bruised knuckles with shaky lips. “I love you.”

He’d never said it before. He didn’t know he did until now.

“God, I love you so much. From the moment I saw you, you lit up my life. You made it better, made me better.” He kept talking to you, hoping that his voice would heal everything inside you. “I can’t lose you. I won’t make it.”

Please wake up. Please wake up. Please wake up.

The rain stopped, the hours passed, and the sun never came out.

It’d been two weeks and he’d already made the habit of reading you at night.

“Studies have shown that playing music they really like and talking to the person in a coma increases their chances of waking up,” Spencer had said the day the entire team came to visit you.

Most nights he read case files. Others, he liked to read poetry.

You still hadn’t woken up, but the music, the poetry, and the flowers didn’t stop.

“I hope you don’t mind if I read something by Neruda,” Aaron said as he sat on the chair next to you. “Maybe not Neruda.”

It was one of those nights where hope had watered down with his tears.

He put the book down next to you and held your hand. He hadn’t stopped holding your hand; he hadn’t stopped kissing it either. He sighed deeply and stood up to draw the blinds, turning his back to you.

A loud smack against the floor startled him, making him turn around. The book he’d left next to you had fallen. He didn’t think he’d left it at the edge of the bed, but he picked it up without much curious and went to put it where it was.

Your hand twitched when he grazed your knuckles casually.

Then it twitched again—harsher—and a soft whimper came from your chest. That sound definitely came out of your body.

Aaron was quick to check on you, towering over you and watching you closely. Your eyelids started to move and the next thing he knew, he was making eye contact with you.

Those beautiful twinkling eyes took his breath away.

“We need a doctor in here!” He was quick to react, pressing the call button.

Nurses stormed inside and moved him out of the way to assist you.

“She’s awake. She’s fighting the tube,” was all he heard before a thousand tingles rushed through him.

You were awake.

Your doctor arrived soon after to examine you and Aaron stood there as they took the tube out.

You coughed and writhed with discomfort.

“Can you tell me your name?” Your doctor moved a small flashlight in front of your eyes.

You blinked a few times and searched around the room. Your eyes landed on Aaron. “Hotch?”

Your soft voice traveled to him and enveloped his heart, mending every bit that was broken.

“Hi,” he merely said.

You shook your head and said your name instead. Your doctor asked some more questions like your birthday, where you worked at and what was the last thing you remembered, and the entire time your eyes were trained on Aaron.

“It’s vague.” You took a sharp breath. “I think I was attacked but I don’t know how. I can assume by this unglued scar, though.” You put your palm on your chest.

“We’re still going to do some tests,” Your doctor said. “But you’re great. Pupils are responsive, your lungs sound healthy and there are no signs of brain damage. No memory loss. No speech loss either.”

“How soon can she go home?” Aaron asked, taking another step closer. He finally stood by your side, and you reached for his hand.

This was you. Sweet and caring even at your worst.

“I’d like to keep her under observation for a couple of days, then she can go. But just so you know, you can’t fly for at least two weeks after open-chest surgery.”

The doctor gave you some other indications before leaving, then it was just the two of you as it’d been for the past two weeks. Though now he got to see the twinkle of your eyes, hear your voice, and catch you smiling at him.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, tilting your head to the side like a puppy.

“I sent you away and—“ he raised his brows.

“Don’t.” You squeezed his hand. “Don’t do that. Don’t… blame yourself.”

“I should’ve come with you. I should’ve— god, you almost died. You almost died,” he repeated in a whisper, shutting his eyes with pain.

The guilt was still there.

“But I didn’t.”

“I was so scared,” he admitted, daring to look back at you.

“I… don’t remember much. Just bits and pieces but I do remember that I wasn’t scared. I think. I… channeled you at that moment.” You laughed. “I remember thinking, Hotch wouldn’t be scared, he would put up a fight, so I did. I fought the guy, which got me almost killed but I wasn’t scared.” You lifted your hand and cradled his face, rubbing your thumb over his cheek. “You have a beard.”

He chuckled. “Barely.”

“It looks good. I like it.”

He didn’t like it much, but he was grateful it was there so you wouldn’t see how hard he was blushing. He poured you some water and handed it you to distract himself from it.

“Where are we?” You then asked, taking a sip from the straw.

“Seattle.” Aaron raised his brows while licking his lips.

Last time you two were in Seattle, you’d kissed for the first time.

“Oh,” you mirrored his smirk. “So that’s gonna be like a three-day road trip back to Quantico?”

“It’s either that or two more weeks in Seattle until you can fly there,” he responded.

“Both sound amazing, don’t you think?” you scanned his face up and down and heat rushed to his cheeks again. “Thank you for staying with me, Aaron.”

I love you, he thought.

“How could I not?” he said instead.

Never said there would be a love confession now did I 🤭 But don’t worry, hotch confesses his love during the road trip <33333 also the title is a The Beatles song bc he played The Beatles a lot while reader was in a coma. And bc he held her hand a lot.

I hope you liked it!!!!

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