#he is already a good father AND HE NEVER KNEW ABOUT MORGAN OH GOD

[witchofthemidlands]

it has been a long time since a plot twist has had me screeching like a banshee at my television but the series 1 finale of annika oh my GOD

[strawbeerossi]

See It In Your Eyes

Pairing: fem!reader x Derek Morgan

Description: Derek Morgan is a notorious playboy, not ever thinking of settling down. Until he met Y/N and started hooking up with her.

Content Warning: mention of parent death, mentions of an argument, other than that it’s Derek being cute and nervous, some good quality fluff <3

Word Count: 2.2K

Based on this ask

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Tagging my bestie: @rainaaaskyy, who has been begging me for a Derek fic since she found out I’ve been writing. Hope you like it. 🫶🏻

Derek wasn’t a man for strings attached, exclusive relationships. He just wasn’t bred for that type of thing. He could barely hold a relationship for longer than 6 months, it just wasn’t something he wasn’t interested in. Getting married, having kids, doing the whole family bullshit.. It wasn’t appealing. He liked his freedom, never being tied to one person for the rest of his life.

His newest fling was Y/N, who worked a simple 9-5 in an office downtown, in the accounting department. She seemed to be into the same thing he was, just having someone around for casual sex as well as that small sliver of companionship before they ultimately ended up getting tired of one another.

The thing was, Derek enjoyed the time he spent with her. The sex was amazing, obviously. In addition to that though, she was truly a gem to be around. She had the best sense of humor, she was a damn good cook, and she just had a warmth to her. Regardless of how she wasn’t the type for relationships, being a bit of a playgirl herself, she did a good job of making a man feel special. Even if he’s just the man of the month.

There were times where he wanted to push her away, tell her to go on to the next man in line. However, part of Derek didn’t want that at all. No, he had dreams of them living in one of his restored houses, a couple of kids running around in the backyard, maybe even a couple dogs. It wasn’t something he was used to at all. Which he assumed was what triggered his flight response, wanting to run off before growing attached to the point that he was a lovesick puppy.

His career was hard on any potential relationships. After all, who wants to be with someone who can leave for days or even weeks at a time? Not really a relationship worth having.

He guessed he was more nervous of the outcome of a situation where he died in the field. He couldn’t imagine leaving behind a child after losing his life on a case. He knew first hand how it felt to lose your father at a young age, thankfully these hypothetical children wouldn’t have to see his demise though.

It was traumatizing to lose a parent at a young age, much less a parent that you loved dearly.

The more rational side of him was well aware that he wasn’t planning on dying anytime soon, so the fear was a bit outlandish. Besides, why did he care about kids when he wasn’t having any right now? Oh my god, Derek is thinking about having kids. He’s getting attached, attached to a woman who matched him in the commitment issues department.

This was a recipe for disaster.

Before the team left for a case across the state, Derek had pulled out an attitude out of nowhere. It was his way of starting to distance himself to escape the inevitable. It was enough to make Y/N show her more emotional side, the woman leaving upset with the slam of his apartment door after demanding him to call her back when he wasn’t acting like an overgrown child.

Derek must’ve been too lost in his thoughts again, his head resting back against the headrest of the jet seat that he’d gotten comfortable in for the ride back to Quantico. Wrapped up in the confusing fantasies of him being married with two children, he didn’t even realise whenever someone was sitting in front of him.

“Don’t tell me it’s S.D.U time already,” JJ commented, now sitting across from Derek who was looking up at her with a raised eyebrow. “S.D… Excuse me?” He asked, throughly confused on what the blonde was getting at. The abbreviation could’ve been too many things, his brain drawing up a blank. Asking Spencer would’ve probably short circuited his circuits, I mean, his brain.

“S.D.U. She doesn’t understand. Yo, she doesn’t understand our schedule. Yo, baby girl, she doesn’t know how hard our job is.” The blonde continued, putting on her best Derek impression while the male let his eyes roll, a chuckle leaving his lips. “I do not sound like that.”

“It’s where you break up with a girlfriend, or more likely, you get her to break up with you.” JJ finally answered his questions and suspicions while leaning back in her seat. “She isn’t even my girlfriend.” Derek pointed out, making her put her hands up in self defense. “Whenever you are with someone every day you are able to, I think it’s safe to say that you aren’t just being casual.” She commented. “I think you’re just too afraid to get attached.”

Profiler JJ held back no punches, damn.

“Are you profiling me?” Derek asked the obvious question while chuckling. “I think I liked you better as our communications liaison.” His tone was teasing as he brought his hands to rest in his lap.

“Hey, I learned from the best.” JJ matched his tone before sighing. “However, I feel like you just need to think this through before you end anything. I mean, the Derek Morgan I know doesn’t usually struggle with his thoughts this much. That’s gotta mean something, right?”

Leave it to JJ to be the voice of reason, the one to make Derek ponder even harder on what he wanted. If he ended it, the fantasy would stop. If he didn’t, the fantasy would persist and more than likely become his reality.

That was when the realization struck him. He loved Y/N. As much as he wouldn’t ever admit it, he did. He began to love her, even if he couldn’t articulate the way he had to admit it, he did feel that deep, unmistakable emotion that drew him to her within the past six months.

Love. Derek Morgan is fucking in love.

The word kept bouncing around his skull, almost like he didn’t know the meaning of it, having to learn what love was all over again in order for it to sink in.

Penelope was gonna lose her mind over this, going to love the very idea of Derek, her chocolate thunder, settling down and actually living a family life, being a husband and a father. The way he would slowly turn from a man who didn’t want children to a man who adored his own children, the stars in his sky.

Even after the jet was landed in Quantico and the team was filing off, there wasn’t a missed beat when David was looking around the group. “I say we go out for a drink tonight to celebrate a successful case with no casualties. I’m buying.” He proposed.

However, Derek was shaking his head as he held his go bag in his hand. “I can’t join tonight.” The words made everyone look over, some in a mixture of shock and others in concern. “Everything okay?” Aaron was asking, catching the tail end of the conversation to hear Derek turning down joining the rest of the team on a night out of celebration.

“I’ve just.. I’ve got things to do, that’s all.” He explained, the best of his ability. However, Penelope Garcia wasn’t gonna let anyone just run away without giving her an explanation. It didn’t surprise him at all when she was hot on his heels as soon as he exited the bullpen. “What’s going on? Derek, are you sick? You know that I can go back with you and make sure you’re okay. Or that if you need go talk that I’ll listen.”

The kindhearted woman wasn’t expecting the next words to come out of his mouth.

“I just need to talk to Y/N. She’s the girl that I’ve been seeing. I have some things to tell her.” His voice trailed off until he felt two hands on his shoulders, his attention down at the blonde who was already firing up. “Do you love her? Derek! You love her, don’t you?! Are you gonna ask her to be your girlfriend?? Oh, my god! I hope she doesn’t mind sharing you with me because I don’t think-“ Derek was chuckling as his hand was playfully being placed over her mouth.

“Baby girl, chill.” The nickname had the woman smiling as she licked his hand in order for him to move it. “Fine. But you owe me details, mister! I wanna hear all about it when you get back!” She demanded while walking him to the elevator, a wide smile on her face as she let her arms cross over her chest.

It wasn’t long until he’d made it to the familiar apartment complex, the male taking in a breath as he had to give himself a pep talk in the car. Derek Morgan being nervous, that was new. Something he’d never live down, but new. Instead of driving over here to fully put a stop to a fling, he was putting himself in the position of throwing himself into a relationship.

As Dr. Spencer Reid would say, “Men are 5% more certain that they are in love.”

Derek was much more than 5% certain.

As he was getting out of the car and hurrying up the steps of the complex, it wasn’t long until he was standing outside apartment 24, the numbers faded and dying to be replaced. His fist was coming out to knock against the door, a soft huff leaving his lips as he was glancing around the poorly lit hallway.

The sound of locks were clicking on the inside, the door open and a familiar face poking out. “Derek?” Y/N asked, her hand coming up to rub her eyes. She must’ve fallen asleep, it being 11 pm made it very obvious. “What are you doing here? No call, no text?” She asked, a yawn leaving her lips as she was opening the door more in order to let him step inside.

“I just got home from the case that I left for.” He clarified while his gaze was falling on the tired woman as he was closing the door behind him, his hand reaching behind him to lock up just so she didn’t have to.

“Derek, I’m way too tired for sex tonight. I’m sorry.” She began as the male let out a soft sigh. “No, no. That’s.. I’m not here for that.” He spoke while he was resting a hand on her lower back, leading the confused woman over to the couch while the two were sitting beside each other.

“Then why are you here?” There was confusion, Derek never really came over for much else. Sure, he’d stay afterwards but she was pretty used to them going to each other’s apartments for sex and then they stayed afterwards for whatever else they wanted to do.

“I just.. I’ve been thinking a lot. About you. About us.” He began, feeling a light layer of sweat covering his forehead from just how nervous he was. He could feel his heart beating, almost as if it were ready to bust out of his chest and take over the conversation for him. If only it was that easy.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is that.. I know this was supposed to be casual but as the months have gone on, I’ve had these thoughts.. About us. A future that we could potentially have, something that could be ours. No more sleeping around, no more stressing over what could’ve been of yet another fling we called off..”

This was where he was bracing himself. Derek wasn’t used to rejection, not in the slightest. This was where he could break, where he could feel exactly how everyone else felt when he’d be calling off everything and run off to the next person. He had the possibly of feeling his heart being brutally ripped out of his chest, stomped on the ground in front of him.

Instead of getting stabbed in the heart, the woman beside him was offering a smile. “You’ve been thinking about a future with me?” The words had her looking down, shy as could be. Which was funny considering this man seen everything she had to offer, yet the thought of a relationship with him had her giddy like a child.

“I’m not used to this. Confessions.” She admitted. “Truthfully, most men come over and call things off so I was a bit worried when you told me you wanted to talk.” She laughed softly while slowly rubbing her hands over her thighs. “But.. I’ll admit that I’ve been having similar thoughts. About you, obviously.” She spoke.

Derek let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in, a smile gracing his features. Thank god. He didn’t know how he’d react if she said anything other than that, who knows, it probably could’ve broke him completely and turned him from his playboy days and brought him into a life of heartache.

Dramatics aside, there was no denying the relief and happiness that was flooding the room.

However it wasn’t long until Y/N was playfully swatting Derek’s arm, the man bringing a hand up in mock offense as if that was the worst thing she’d ever done.

“What was that for?!”

“For waiting until I’m trying to be mad at you to tell me this!”

[alrightbuckaroo]

Thanks for the tags @jesuisici33, @strandnreyes, and @reyesstrand!

Rules: Share what you wrote this year! It can be works you posted to Ao3, Wattpad, Tumblr, or anywhere else! You can share everything you wrote or just the ones you're most excited about.

Bear with me, this is a long one, most are listed under the cut

January

wedding bell blues

“I mean, how do we even bring it up?” Marjan asks, eyebrows furrowed. “Hey, sorry your engagement fell apart, by the way we brought Catan.” She shrugs. “Seems a little less than empathetic.”

leave all your worries on the dance floor

“Oh my god,” TK’s eyes widen. “Do I have two left feet?”

Carlos smiles sympathetically, “Baby, I thought you knew.”

you go your way I'll go your way too

“You sure you don’t want anything else to eat?” TK looks down at the bottle of water in Carlos’ hand. Carlos is sitting across from him, they’re in the sleeping quarters away of the firehouse away from everyone. Carlos hasn’t stopped thinking about it; he’s barely thinking about anything else right now. It’s at the forefront of his mind, begging to be let out. “Yeah, I’m fine, I already ate.” He doesn’t realize his slip up until he sees TK set his bag of chips down. “So you weren’t here for lunch.” TK’s using the voice he uses when he’s not mad, just confused.

February

we’re a match, in every way that matters

Carlos and TK are made for each other; they always kind of have been. Even if they didn't realize it at first.

when you wake up in the morning and think you have nothing; remember this.

TK wakes up and Carlos isn't there; he doesn't know how he's lived like this before.

here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten

Carlos had spent years suppressing the feeling he never had a name for. Then he met TK Strand.

your love is sweet like sugar

TK wakes up to Carlos making breakfast. It's his first time waking up in Carlos' apartment, but he hopes it's not the last.

what is a promise if not your hand in mine?

TK might not wake up, and Carlos can’t even hold his hand. TK might not wake up, and all Carlos wants to do is hold his hand.

a shoulder to sigh on

Carlos has always carried it well; but that doesn't mean he has to carry it alone.

March

the music stopped but we went on dancing

Carlos has waited and waited for a day like today; but of course, something had to go oh so wrong.

you can count on me; i'll be there

Carlos is dealing with the stress of trying to become detective; TK becomes his biggest cheerleader any way that he can.

will you bee mine?

Carlos is teaching his third grade class when he gets stung by a bee; now it seems he has no choice but to finally visit the new school nurse, TK Strand.

some like it hot

TK is determined to win the fifth annual chili cook-off; the only person standing in his way is his long-time culinary rival, Carlos Reyes.

you drive me wild

TK has to ask Carlos if he can borrow the thing most precious to him. His car.

our love’s a protective poison

Gwyneth Morgan loves her son; that is an uncontested fact. Tyler Kennedy Stand is his father’s son; that is also, an uncontested fact. Gwyn loves her son, even though he has a tendency to act just like his father. Gwyn loves her son, even when he has a tendency to act just like his father.

i love you; i want us both to eat well

“How do you tell someone you love that they’re not good at something?” Carlos asks Nancy and Mateo. “I don’t know,” Mateo shrugs. “Nancy’s good at everything.” “Aw,” Nancy croons. “Babe, you’re so good at telling the truth.”

April

you've made so very happy

TK stabs his fork into a leafy green. “That was my friend, Cash. We’re having our high school reunion next month and one of the planning committee members dropped out last minute. He asked if I could fill in.” “You’re going to your high school reunion?” Marjan asks, wiping her fingers on her napkin. “You have a friend named Cash?” Paul is quick to follow up, both clearly focused on different things.

home is wherever i'm with you

Carlos says, “I love you” in so many different ways, and TK loves each and every one of them.

when life gives the lemons

Carlos starts, "So, I was in the neighborhood." TK’s eyebrows furrow, confused by what his husband is doing. “Carlos we’re married, we live together, this is our neighborhood. Why wouldn't you be here?” “Just go with it, babe.” Carlos says through a tired smile or TK is helping Jonah sell lemonade during a hot summer day. They're not having any luck with customers until Carlos decides to walk by.

this side of paradise

“It’s just, it’s our honeymoon.” Carlos explains. “Oh,” He can hear Grace perk up on the other end. “Where did you two decide to go? Cancun, Bali, Tuscany?” Grace draws out the y of Tuscany, hoping that’ll be the answer. “That’s the thing,” Carlos admits, “We haven’t.” “Oh.” He can hear Grace slightly deflate on the other end.

all my blood for the sweetness of his laugh

TK laughs and it sounds genuine and true. Carlos can’t help but smile, he feels like the sun has cracked open inside him. He feels a warmth inside himself that’s hot to the touch.

hooked on you

“Nancy,” Nancy looks up at the call of her name. TK is standing in front of her, both hands on his hips. Nancy releases a thin sigh. “Oh no.” Nancy knows what that pose means. TK’s upset. After finishing off the last sip of her coffee, Nancy asks. “What’s wrong?” “I’m upset.” TK announces as he takes space in the empty seat next to her.

May

i'd wait a million years for you

If you had told TK Strand that he would be marrying the love of his life in a place like Austin, Texas, he would have looked at you like you’d grown a second head. If you had told him that he would propose in the middle of the night, bed head and all, he would laugh and ask you, “Who do you think I am?”

June

anger has told me her real name is grief

Carlos is letting his grief manifest into anger; no matter how much he doesn't want it to.

a little taste of love

TK Strand, a florist working for the renowned flower shop, Bloom With a View, can't take his eyes off of Carlos Reyes, a baker working at Cake My Day, the bakery across the street.

July

as cute as a button

Andrea is taking TK down memory lane and they come across a koala named Kique, who happens to be missing one button eye.

we're a batch made in heaven

Carlos misses TK; so he does what he always does. Makes cookies.

August

all's fair in love and lizards

Love comes in many shapes and forms; and sometimes, that form is a stuffed novelty toy at a carnival game

summer slipped us underneath her tongue

TK Strand is a freshly heartbroken art history student who's been given the opportunity of a lifetime; studying art in the heart of it all, Paris, France. However, he thinks it's a cruel taunt from the universe. He's studying what he loves so much in the city of love but is stuck thinking there's no one out there who loves him. Carlos Reyes is a career driven culinary student studying at Le Cordon Bleu. He has hard time maintaining relationships, an even harder time of detaching himself from his work and and has an awful habit of doubting everything about himself. After a night out that they end up sharing with each other; they agree to keep any and all things casual. Well, like most things, that's easier said than done.

November

29 Going on 30

During a trip to New York City to celebrate TK turning 30, TK and Carlos stumble upon a list of things TK always wanted to do before he turned 30, all of them being references to romantic comedies he loved so much growing up. While TK is fine with leaving the past in the past, Carlos thinks there's no better time than the present. He thinks that TK deserves to feel the same type of love he loved watching on the silver screen, so he devotes the rest of their trip to just that. Told through a tale filled with everlasting love, a never-ending trek across New York City and the occasional painful reminder of the past, Carlos learns a little more about the city TK once called home and TK learns a little more about himself.

December

it was love at first sight

Carlos thinks love at first sight is nonsensical. Then he locks eyes with TK Strand.

the moment my heart fell

Carlos has never been more in love and it scares him. Each and every day, Carlos finds himself falling that much harder and he’s worried that one day he’ll reach the ground and never know how to get up again.

my world deeply stained by the color of you

Everything's vibrant, sparkling as if it's the debut of a color TK's never seen before. Pale grey doesn't cast over everything the way it used to and TK's afraid to close his eyes at the risk of never seeing the world's colors this way ever again.

no pressure tagging: @carlos-in-glasses, @lemonlyman-dotcom, @heartstringsduet, @freneticfloetry, @lightningboltreader, @orchidscript, @three-drink-amy, @bonheur-cafe, @ambiguouspenny, @never-blooms, @theghostofashton, @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut, @sanjuwrites, @wandering-night19, @thisbuildinghasfeelings, @rmd-writes , @welcometololaland and open tag to anyone who wants to share :)

[n3rdybird]

Love Blossoms in the Spring

Criminal Minds One-Shot

Aaron Hotchner x Teacher!Reader

Rating: Teen

Prompt: “The ladies love a guy who’s good with kids.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Screams filled the air and the BAU team was on alert.

“This is pure pandemonium,” Rossi said, his eyes wide.  The rest of the team nodded at the assessment.

Hotch chuckled and pushed the sleeves of his shirt up, ready to work.

“Too late to back out,” he said, leading the group onto the grounds.  They passed underneath a large banner declaring the entrance to the annual Spring Carnival.  Elementary-aged children ran around, their parents and guardians following their kids around.

Jack tugged on his father’s hand.

“Look, there’s Miss (L/N)!” he said, pointing into the crowd.  The team peered over the children to see a young woman, dressed casually in a cute cotton print dress with a soft cardigan over it.  The most eye-catching thing was the delicate flower crown nestled in her hair.

“Oh my god, she is adorable,” Garcia gushed.  “Is that Jack’s teacher?”

You gently pushed your way through the crowd, waving to students as you passed.  Jack released his dad’s hand and ran to you.  You kneeled down primly and hugged the young boy.  You knew as a teacher, you weren’t supposed to technically have favorites, but Jack was special.

As you stood, you took in the group that accompanied Jack.  Aside from Aaron Hotchner of course, you had never met the BAU team that your student called family.  But from all the stories Jack had told you, you felt as if you already knew them.  You recognized them for sure.

“I’m so glad to finally meet you all.  Of course, I know Mr. Hotchner, but it’s nice to finally put faces to the names,” you said, shaking the hands of the BAU team.  “I also wanted to personally thank you for volunteering on your day off to help out.”

“It’s no problem.  Helping to wrangle kids for a few hours is much easier than profiling,” Morgan said, dodging a small boy who nearly ran into his legs.

You grinned wryly, motioning to the chaos surrounding the group.

“You say that now, but you may change your mind in a few hours.  Several areas can use volunteers.  I didn’t want to overwork you guys, so you should only be working about two hours, and then you are free to enjoy the carnival.”

“I call face painting duty,” Garcia blurted out, pulling a rolling tote behind her.  “I have paint, glitter, and stickers out the wazoo.”  You glanced at the peppy blonde, taking in her eccentric and colorful outfit.

“You must be Penelope, the kids are gonna love you,” you said, shaking her hand.

“Like you I bet, you’re like a young adorable Ms. Frizzle,” Garcia said, admiring your daffodil print dress.

You laughed and referred to the clipboard tucked under your arm.  You turned to the dark handsome man that towered over the group.

“Agent Morgan, I had you down for the games, and surprise surprise, the only opening is for the dunk booth,” you said, fighting off a blush.  “I am so sorry,” you apologized.

Derek grinned, his pearly whites surely giving the nearby single mom’s heart attacks.

“No complaints here, anything I can do to help.  And Morgan is fine.”

Emily shoved Derek’s arm playfully, and Garcia fanned herself.

“Derek Morgan, in a pseudo-wet t-shirt contest?  Someone get pictures, please for all that is holy.”

You took in Dr. Spencer Reid’s attire, the sweeping cape affixed to his shoulders and the white gloves on his hands.

“The kids are excited for your magic show Dr. Reid.  According to Jack, you’re the best.”

“Well, David Copperfield is widely considered the best, but I’m not too shabby,” he said, pulling a deck of cards out of seemingly nowhere.  You clapped, amazed already at his skills.

“Mrs. Jarreau?” you said, turning to the other blonde of the group.  “Is your family coming as well?”

“Oh JJ is fine, and Will is bringing our son Henry a bit later on.”

“I’m glad to hear it.  I know you talk a lot for your job, but do you mind MC’ing the talent show?” you asked, handing her the list of sign-ups.

“Oh, that’s no problem at all,” she said, taking the list of contestants and glancing at the entries.

“Mr. Rossi, you have the story circle.  I figure a published author would be able to do the best voices,” you said.

“I’ll keep them on the edge of their seats,” he promised with a wink. 

“And best for last- Emily Prentiss, I presume?”  You looked to the final member of the group, the dark-haired agent stepped up and gave a little wave.

“If you could help judge the student art fair, I’d appreciate it.  It’s in the gym, and out of the sun,” you stage whispered.

“You are an angel,” Emily thanked you, her long black hair already sticking to her neck.  You handed all the agents maps of the carnival and lanyards with their names.

“Just ask the teachers on duty at each station and they’ll get you squared away,” you said.  The group disbanded to their posts.

“And what about me?” Hotch asked.

“Your job is to escort this handsome young man to our class booth and help with the caramel apples,” you said.  “We’re gonna get the most tickets, aren’t we Jack?”

“Yes ma’am,” he said resolutely.  You looked at the older Hotchner who watched as his son animatedly explained how each class had a booth, and whichever booth in each grade had the most tickets would get a pizza party.

“Now Jack, can I trust you to keep your dad in line?  Don’t let him sneak any caramel,” you asked, raising a brow at the elder Hotchner.

Jack nodded resolutely and shook your hand to seal the deal.

“I’ll be on my best behavior.  I promise,” Hotch said, dropping his hands on his son’s shoulders.  Jack looked up at his dad with a wide excited smile, before pulling him towards his class’s booth.

You stood there, watching them walk away with a smile on your face.  You were so glad the father and son could have this time together.  Jack knew his father had an important job he was so proud to talk about how his dad caught bad guys.  

But you also knew exactly when Agent Hotchner was out of town on a cause because Jack would come to school a little diminished.  Those were the days you gave him a little extra attention, drawing him out of his shell.  All in all, Jack was a fairly well-adjusted kid for the circumstances.

It had been a good year for Jack, and you were glad to have been a part of it.  You’d be lying to yourself if you said you weren’t going to miss him when he graduated to the next grade.  He had a special place in your heart.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few hours later, the sun was setting and the carnival was winding down.  The BAU team had done their volunteer hours and had joined in on the fun.  Morgan had won Garcia a huge stuffed unicorn at one of the booths.  Reid had somehow gotten tied up by his own rope of scarves by the kids, but luckily Emily and Rossi saved him.  JJ called Will to bring Henry and the family spent some quality time together eating junk food and taking photos.

And Hotch, well he was having the best time.  His work schedule wasn’t conducive to spending a lot of time with his son.  Luckily, Haley’s sister Jessica was always ready to help.  But any free time he had, he spent it with Jack.  And he found out readily that his son was quite serious about winning the booth contest.  By the end of the night, Hotch was sure Jack had caramel in his hair and that he had crushed peanuts in his shoes.

Hotch was attempting to help clean up by stacking chairs while Jack ate some ice cream with the team.  But it seemed every time he took a step, different women would come up and make conversation with him.

Across the patio area, his team watched with amusement.

“Ladies love a guy who’s good with kids,” Derek pointed out, as yet another woman approached their unit chief.

“It’s almost shameless,” Emily laughed, as one of the women touched his arm and smiled.

Jack, who was sitting quietly, spoke up.

“Miss (Y/L/N) is pretty.  And she’s really nice,” he said between bites of his sundae.  The team zeroed in on their boss’s son.

“Does your dad think Miss (Y/L/N) is pretty?” JJ asked, her eyebrow raised.

Jack shrugged as the team eagerly awaited his reply.

“Whenever Dad talks to her, he’s always smiling.”

Garcia squealed at the prospect of a match for Hotch.  After Haley, Hotch threw himself into work as usual, with only the team and Jack keeping him company.  Playing Cupid was one of the tech goddess’s favorite pastimes.

“Oh please tell me we are doing something about this?”

Morgan leaned over to look around the group.

“We may not have to, baby girl.  Look.”

They watched as you made your way to their Unit Chief.

Aaron Hotchner was too polite for his own good.  No, not polite, diplomatic.  Probably from all his years as an authority figure.  All the single moms (and not so single you noticed) were fluttering around him like chattering birds.  One of them, a PTA mom, Janet, whom you butted heads with before, was the leader of the group.

She placed a hand on Hotch’s arm, and you quickened your steps.

“Oh excuse me, Mr. Hotcher,” you called out, drawing his attention from the table he was currently cleaning.

“Can I help you, Ms (Y/L/N)?”

“I’m sorry to keep imposing on you for help, but can I ask you to help me with some of the decorations?”

“Of course, excuse me, ladies,” he said, tilting his head in apology to the PTA moms.  The leader of the group narrowed her eyes at you discreetly but flashed a toothy smile at Hotch.

“We just wanted to personally thank Mr. Hotchner for volunteering.  Please let me– us know if there is anything the PTA can do.”

You did your hardest to keep from rolling your eyes, but Aaron caught your expression.  He held in a laugh but nodded to the group of moms.

“That’s not necessary, but thank you.”

He touched your back gently and motioned for you to lead the way.  The two of you walked side by, away from the dispersing crowds.

“So, that was a lie I just told.  You seemed uncomfortable.”

Hotch smiled and let out a chuckle.  You felt your heart just a tad bit faster.  Getting him to smile was one of your favorite things to do.

“Are you the profiler now?”

“I don’t know, maybe.  Does the BAU need a teacher who can figure out which kid pulled pigtails or who stole whose glitter pencil?”

“Well, I have your number, in case I ever need a consult.”

The two of you made it to your classroom booth, already closed down for the night.

“Well hopefully you’ll use my number for more than that,” you said, pulling him into the booth away from prying eyes.

Aaron’s arms were around you instantly, his long fingers spanning your lower back.

“This was harder than I thought it was going to be,” you murmured against his chest.

“Oh? How so?”

“You, wearing that apron.  Very sexy,” you said tilting your head upwards to smile at him.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” his voice rumbled in your ear.  You stood up on your tiptoes and pressed your lips against his.  He responded in kind, slanting his mouth against yours.  Your legs started to shake from the strain and you pulled away reluctantly.

“So was all that for the apron?  Or the PTA moms?” he asked, thumbing the skin of your arm.

“A little bit of both?” you said sheepishly.  Hotch shook his head in amusement.

“I know, I know.  It’s my reasoning for keeping this under wraps.  I just don’t want the other kids to think Jack gets special treatment.”

Hotch raised a brow and you slapped his shoulder.

“Don’t you use those eyes on me, I confess nothing,” you sassed, causing Hotch to laugh.

“Okay, okay, Jack may get a bit of preferential treatment, but that’s more because he’s a great kid and less because I have a bit of a crush on his father,” you admitted with a smile.

“Is that so?”  He leaned down and brushed his lips against yours.

“A bit of a crush?” he asked, his mouth leaving a trail of kisses and tingling skin in its wake.  Your breath stuttered as he made his way down past your jawline and to your neck.

“More than a bit,” you amended as you crossed your arms around his neck.  Your nails scratched at the nape of his neck.

A knock outside of the booth caused the both of you to jump apart.

“Hate to break this up lovebirds, but Jack is almost done with his ice cream.  He’ll come looking for you in a minute,” Rossi’s voice broke the silence.

You felt your face flush in embarrassment from being caught.  Hotch was a bit better at concealing his emotions but he did have a faint smile as he straightened his shirt.  The two of you ducked out of the booth like a couple of teenagers.

Rossi raised a brow at the two of you, his eyes zeroing in on the lopsided flower crown on your head.  You quickly fixed it, making sure there were no other signs of your hurried make out session.

“Is this a new development?”

“We’re keeping it quiet until the end of the school year, with Jack being (Y/N)’s student.  We didn’t want to cause any friction at school,” Hotch explained.

Rossi held up his hands.

“I’m not judging.  I’m happy for you both,” the Italian man said with a smile.

“But you forget who you work with.  The team is taking bets right now,” he said, walking back towards the food court area.

Hotch took your hand in his, placing a kiss on your knuckles.

“They’ll keep it quiet until you are ready.”  You raised his hand with yours, rubbing your cheek against his hand.

“School is almost out.  Figure we can tell Jack then?” you said hesitantly.  You didn’t know if Hotch was ready to tell Jack either.  He sensed your uncertainty and kissed your temple.

“Agreed.  I’m sure Jack will be very happy to find out.”  

You kissed him again and stepped back, your hand feeling empty without his.  Giving the agent a beaming smile, you tilted your head, wondering out loud.

“So, do you think we can get in on this bet?”

—------------------------------------------------------------

“The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” – Harriet Ann Jacobs

[squidproquoclarice]

Yeehawgust Day 8: Mean as a Snake

December 1874

San Francisco, California

His father’s hand was hard on his shoulder, but then, it always was.  But at least this time it was a grip to get attention.  “Now, Arthur,” he said, “you know what to do.”

“But…”  Arthur shook his head, looking at the row of horses in the stable.  This was no hayseed town in the middle of nowhere.  This was a bustling city, and it felt like eyes were everywhere for most things.  They’d been living mostly off his pickpocketing for the three weeks since they’d gotten here, because the opportunities for that were much greater.  Kids especially seemed invisible, it seemed.  But he’d sensed–and felt the effects of–his father’s rage growing higher and higher with each passing day with no score of his own, and with the food dwindling.  Especially with the winter cold that cut through both of them.  Lyle Morgan was mean as a snake at the best of times, and mean as the devil himself at the worst.  This had slid more towards the worst, no question.

“I don’t think it’s a good score, Daddy.  There’s too many folk about.”  Stealing a horse?  That was so visible compared to lifting something from a shop stall, or even his daddy luring someone into an alley to relieve them of their money.  And of course he knew his father’s eye had fallen on some of the best of the lot, and the sight of the shaggy, shabby man riding a prize horse?  No, that wouldn’t cause any attention at all, would it?  Where did his father think they would sell that horse anyway?  They’d have to go clear across the city at least.

“I don’t ask what you think, stupid boy,” Lyle hissed, his grip hardening, twisting into Arthur’s shoulder, fingers digging in sharply.  “We’d both have starved years gone already, if we left it up to your brains.  Now keep watch and do as you’re told.”  He let go, and left Arthur to watch the ends of the lane behind the saloon.

He rubbed his shoulder, knowing it would bruise come morning.  Tucked himself back against the wall a ways down from the horses and scanned one end of the lane, and then the other, keeping a careful eye out for anyone looking their way.  Knowing also he’d be expected to draw any attention away if it did come.  Oh, he knew his job, all right.

He never could say, in all the years to come whether some part of him had actually wanted it to happen and stayed silent, whether it was sudden terror that came over him, or whether it was just pure shitty luck that made it happen.  Maybe all three.  But a policeman passed by, and peered down the alleyway, and before Arthur knew it, he’d raised the alarm, blowing his whistle.  A shrill sound pierced the winter night.  Ignored the boy against the wall, like most people did, and went right to the man struggling with the reins of the pretty chestnut mare.

Arthur stood, and saw it all happen.  Nothing he could do.  He couldn’t fight an armed policeman, and there was no distraction at this point that would work.  But he didn’t run away either.  If his pa got loose, and Arthur had run…God, the beating he’d take for that would make every other one look like a lark.  His father didn’t look at him, but he said, voice laced with raw fury, “You useless little shit.  You couldn’t even do that one thing right, could you?”  Said it in Welsh, so the policeman didn’t understand, and Arthur couldn’t know if he’d done that deliberately to not call attention to the boy standing there, or merely just him reverting to his native tongue in his rage.  “They’ll hang me for this, and on your head be it.”   

Arthur knew.  Horse theft was no joke.  But he couldn’t do much with the thought that this here was the end of it for Lyle Morgan, that Arthur’s own life would now never be the same.  Couldn’t do much of anything.  Felt like his mouth and his legs and his mind all had frozen right there, and all he could do was watch.

The lawman replied, “Yeah, whatever.  Tell it to the judge,” hauling Lyle upright and forcing him to walk down the alley.  

Arthur watched them go, and it was only minutes later that it felt like his trembling legs unfroze enough for him to finally run.  Where to, he didn’t know.  Only away, and that would have to be enough for the moment.

[statticscribbles]

Bring your kid to work day

Summary: Criminal Minds, Derek Morgan/ftm reader, Reader is a single parent and the rest of the team find out

Spencer doesn’t look up from where you emerged from the guest room.

“You good Y/N?”

“Yeah..”

“You don’t sound it. You want to talk about it before I actually put thought into your behaviour… Or worse tell the team my little brother isn’t fit for duty..”

“You wouldn't!” You scowl but then grimace and sigh.

“I’m pregnant.”

“Alright what are you, we going to do about it? Have you told Derek? Do you want to? Should I? What about mom?”

“Calm down Spence; I just wanted to let someone know.”

“Oh so you and Derek have been trying? You’ve only just started dating…”

“Well we weren’t not trying. So basically we were since I kinda assumed the shots sort of cut my chances of ever having a kid let alone a slightly accidental one…”

“Alright; well I’ll keep your secret, one condition.” You grimace again wondering what outlandish thing your brother will demand of you.

“I get to be the godfather.”

“You were already going to be!!”

“Should I change my demand then?”

“No, that's perfect, great choice!” You both laugh at each other before he offers out his arms and pulls you into a hug.

“We’ll all get through this, now; how are you telling Derek?”

”Y/N, why is there a small child here?”

“It’s bring your kid to work day..” You offer surprised to see Hotch’s eyebrows raise.

“We have that?”

“No, I just couldn’t find a sitter.”

“She uh, is walking pretty well.”

“Mhm, she’s two.”

“Oh hey kiddo.” Spencer laughs and Hotch turns to him with a glare. “What?”

“Y/N has a kid?? You’re an uncle??”

“Yeah, did he never say anything? I thought they knew!” Spencer scolds you and you shrug.

“Nobody ever asked!! I’m not going to run around like the lion king and shove her in everyone’s faces.”

“Aw spence is this your niece??” 

“Yeah, Y/N’s daughter..”

“You have a kid???”

“Why is everyone surprised, can’t I be a single dad??”

“You’re dating Morgan, you're not single.”

“Can’t I be a dad?” Plus I thought you guys would be happy I was keeping her out of the public eye.”

“We are, but Reid, really you couldn’t even tell us your own brother was a father… It would have made sense why he skipped so many meetings! You could have gotten parental leave.”

“Why did you think he wasn’t a father? I’ve mentioned my niece before!” Spencer shrugs.

“We assumed you had a sister or something?! Why would we think your brother has a kid!” Derek and Spencer start laughing at the same time.

‘What?”

“Nothing, just an inside joke.” They chuckle a little and you roll your eyes.

”Papa!” You try to hide the smirk as your daughter interrupts the conversation. Derek reaches for her automatically and you can tell the team is biting down any questions they have to avoid saying anything in front of your daughter.

“So uh is this one of those two dad things?”

“Yes. But also-”

“You don’t have to..” Derek cuts in and you shake your head at his protectiveness.

“A, they already know from the files; B I’ve been meaning to tell them anyways.”

You nod to where your daughter is currently occupied with a tablet and some cartoon.

“I’m technically her mother; well I got pregnant and gave birth to her; I’m transgender.”

“Oh my god.”

“Yeah it’s-”

“You and Derek had a kid out of wedlock!!! You can’t get health benefits if you disclose that!”

“That’s what you’re focusing on??” “Well yeah, it makes sense why you never said anything.”

“Of course that’s what you’re… yeah?” You scowl when Hotch seems to appear, case files secured between his arm and elbow.

Support My Writing?

[hobis-hope94]

~ It Wasn’t His Fault 15 ~

AN: we’ve reached the half way mark!!! Also I’m back in class today, like on site and I’m bricking it because it’s a new class and new course which means I have to meet new people!! Ahh. So nervous.

Part 14 Here:

it wasn’t his fault 14

DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE NEW TO MARVEL AND HAVENT SEEN AVENGERS: ENDGAME YET AS THERE IS A MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD

Summery: Y/N’s reunited with Bucky, but at a cost ….

Parings: husband!Bucky x wife!Stark!reader

Characters: the Avengers, Morgan Stark, Happy Hogan and Pepper Pots.

Warnings: major character death, Endgame spoilers, crying, funerals mentioned, death mentioned, grieve, little angst with some fluff.

(gif not mine):

“Morgan’s a great kid,” you said that evening.

Morgan was already in bed, you were with Pepper in the living room, Pepper was going over some papers and you were again reading The Hobbit.

“Thank you,” Pepper looked up at you and smiled.

You smiled back.

“I’m glad Tony still trusted me with you. He saw you’re safest at home,” Pepper said gently, getting back to her papers.

You forced tears back. You were finally feeling some peace. After five long years.

———

The following afternoon, the world felt different. More birds were singing than usual.

You shared the same look at Pepper. Your phone rang. You couldn’t believe your eyes when you saw Bucky’s name appear.

“H…hello?” You asked slowly.

“Oh my god, you’re okay,” Bucky’s voice was music to your ears.

“Bucky?!” You stood up, causing Pepper and Morgan to jump.

“Hi doll,” Bucky said, you started crying.

“Oh my god I thought you were dead,” you cried.

“I’m okay,” Bucky said gently, “don’t cry baby. It’s alright,” he added softly.

Once you calmed down, Bucky then explained they needed yours and Pepper’s help. Pepper wouldn’t let you go because of your broken arm. So she went and you stayed with Happy and Morgan.

You watched as Pepper said her emotional goodbyes to her daughter, then she looked at you.

“If something happens to me and Tony. We’ve talked about this. We want you and Bucky to look after Morgan. Happy’s got the papers all ready,” Pepper said gently.

“We’d happily take her,” you choked.

Pepper smiled. She hugged you tightly, gave one last hug to Morgan then said goodbye to Happy, and then left.

“I’m afraid you girls are under strict instructions not to leave the house,” Happy said gently, you both nodded.

“Y/N, do you wanna play?” Morgan asked after a few hours.

You were sitting staring at the door, waiting for your family’s safe return.

“S-sure. What do you want to play?” You asked.

Morgan explained the game to you and you happily played along. Well, as happy as you could be. Yes you had Bucky home but this war could make you loose him for good.

Then, after a few rounds of the game, Pepper came home. She looked heart broken. You knew, so did Happy. Tony was gone….

Pepper knelt to be at level with Morgan and explained everything, the look of heart break on Morgan’s face broke you. You never got to say a proper goodbye to your father. Pepper engulfed Morgan in the tightest hug, Happy put his arm around your shoulders. You did allow a few tears to go free.

“Bucky?” You suddenly asked, after a while.

“Out back with Sam and Steve,” Pepper said gently as she lifted Morgan and went into Morgan’s bedroom to calm her down.

You looked at Happy, you felt like you should be helping Pepper with Morgan.

“I got them. You go,” Happy said gently as he went to the kettle to make tea then you saw him go into the freezer for a popsicle for Morgan.

You ran outside and clear as day. You saw him. Bucky. Your Bucky. Your husband.

“Hiya,” he said gently.

You slowly went over to him and with your free arm, you gently placed your hand on his cheek. He gladly lent into your touch.

“You’re okay,” you sobbed after checking for any injuries.

“I’m o…doll, what happened to your arm?” Bucky asked noticing your arm in a sling.

“Clint broke it saving my life,” you said, tears running down your cheeks.

Bucky smiled gently and then kissed the palm of your hand. He carefully hugged you and allowed you to cry onto him.

——

“I don’t want to have to say goodbye to daddy,” Morgan said tearfully as you helped her get ready for Tony’s funeral.

You looked at her, for a little girl who’s just lost her father, you all thought she was coping well.

“I know, bug. I don’t want to either but you know. A very wise man taught me a very good lesson about death,” you said tearfully, kneeling down to be at the same level as her.

“What did he say?” Morgan asked, her brown eyes shining with tears.

“He said “death isn’t the end”. And do you know what that means?” You asked, Morgan shook her head.

You sighed tearfully.

“It means. Our dad is still having the biggest adventure ever. And one day, when we’re ready and he’s ready to see us again, we’ll all be together,” you said gently, wiping her tears away.

“When will that be?” Morgan asked tearfully.

“When you’re over 100yrs old,” you said softly, Morgan gave you a little laugh. “That’s my girl. That’s what dad would have wanted. His baby girl smiling,” you added, giving Morgan a brave smile.

“You girls ready?” Pepper asked tearfully.

You looked at Morgan, she nodded as you stood up. You nodded too. Morgan ran straight to Pepper and Pepper picked her up. You sighed heavily. Bucky was waiting for you.

“You don’t have to come, bub,” you said, noticing Bucky looking uncomfortable.

“N-no. I want to be here, for you,” Bucky said gently, wiping your tears away.

You smiled gratefully. The funeral went on and it was hard. You were at the front with Morgan and Pepper, both of you were kneeling down beside her.

Once the funeral was over, you went over to Bucky. He wrapped his arm tightly around you.

“Tony has left a message for you all,” Happy said gently.

You nodded. Bucky let go of you and started to back away.

“He left one for you too, Barnes,” Happy said, noticing Bucky back away.

You grabbed Bucky’s left hand gently. He sighed heavily and went inside.

You were sat on the sofa, Morgan in the middle of you and Pepper. Happy the other side of you. Pepper had her arms around Morgan as you all listened to Tony. Happy had his hand on your knee. Bucky was behind the sofa, keeping his eyes on you.

“And as for you, Barnes,” Tony’s recording said, Bucky looked up. “You hurt my daughter in any shape or form, I will come back and haunt your ass,” he added.

You all whipped your heads at Bucky, then let out a breathy laugh. Bucky relaxed slightly.

“But seriously,” Tony’s recording said, “I know how happy you make Y/N, and I know you’d never hurt her, and I’m sure if you either stupidly or bravely did, I wouldn’t need to haunt you because she’d kick your ass in an instant,” he added.

His recording winked at your direction. You smiled softly.

“You’re a good man, Barnes. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to see. I know you’ll watch over my daughter and keep her safe. I have no doubt,” he said gently.

Bucky smiled tearfully and mouthed “thank you. I will sir.” Steve put his hand on Bucky’s shoulder.

“As for my girls. All three of you,” Tony’s recording said, looking at his girls, “I want you all to save the world. Keep it safe for me, yeah? And don’t forget to have fun and let loose, especially you Peps,” Pepper rolled her eyes with a smile.

He went forward slightly and looked directly at Morgan.

“I love you 3,000,” he said gently.

With that, he was gone. You placed your hand on top of Happy’s and gave him a brave smile.

——

“You two are welcome to stay here,” Pepper said gently.

You had just said goodbye to Steve Rogers for the last time. You were upset. Steve gifted you his dog tags.

“Thank you, but I think we’re gonna move to New York,” you said as you softly watched Bucky interact with Morgan, “while we love Wakanda, I think Bucky wants to be somewhere he knows well,” you said gently.

Pepper smiled softly at you.

“All three of you are welcome to visit any time you like,” you said as you gave her a hug.

“And you’re both welcome to visit as well,” Pepper said gently.

You hugged her again, then bid goodbye to Happy and Morgan.

“Come on you. Let’s go start our lives together,” you said to Bucky, linking your unbroken arm with his.

Bucky smiled at you. He couldn’t wait to get started.

——-

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[thatgirlstrawberry]

I Need Him

In which Y/N goes int on labor while Spencer's at work

Spencer Reid x Fem!reader

Warnings: Labor???? Fluff

Y/N was eight months pregnant. She was pregnant and on leave from her job at the BAU. She was so tired of being at home by herself all day. Hotch wouldn't even let her work with Garcia!

Spencer would call her every two hours when he wasn't with his wife.

Right now was when she got that call. Spencer was in Georgia working on a case.

Y/N's phone begam to ring. She sighed and rubbed her baby bump and picked up the phone.

"Hello, Spence."

"Y/N! How are you feeling, Love?" Spencer asked through the phone.

"I'm just as good as the last time, Spence." Y/N laughed.

"I'm just making sure that you're okay." Spencer sighed. Y/N giggled and rubbed her stomach. She felt the baby begin to kick.

"Ohhh. Spence, she's kicking." Y/N said excitedly. She heard Spencer gasp.

"That's because she can probably hear me talking. Unborn babies usually tend to get excited when they hear their parent." Spencer explained. "Okay well, we're so close to getting the unsub. I love you and baby so so so much."

"We love you to- Ah!" A sharp pain made its way through Y/N's stomach.

"Babe? Are you okay? What's wrong?" Spencer asked worriedly. The pain didn't subside.

"I- think- she's just- oh! Ah! She's just kicking a little hard today- ah!" She tried to say through gritted teeth.

"Morgan, call Garcia and tell her to pick Y/N up and take her to the hospital." Y/N heard Spencer say on the other end.

"N-no Spencer. I'm f-fine. Ugh!"

"You don't sound fine and I'm getting you to the hospital now. I'll be there in two hours and twelve minutes." Spencer rushed. Y/N sighed knowing that she wasn't going to sway his mind.

"Oh God." Y/N squeezed the arm of the couch and her eyes filled with tears. "She's not supposed to come for another month." Y/N stressed.

"I know. There shouldn't be anything wrong with her. It's not un common." Spencer said calmly. Y/N knew that he was freaking out.

"I'm not scared something will be wrong. I'm just not ready! What if I can't do it?" Spencer's wife cried. She cried through the pain and grunted. She felt something dribble down her legs.

"Spencer! My water broke!"

"Oh, just breath baby. I just got in the jet." Spencer soothed. A knock on the door made Y/N look up.

"Garcia's here." She breathed. She got up and opened the door.

"Babe! We need to go!" Garcia exclaimed, looking down at her. Y/N nodded and held the phone back up to her ear.

"Spence, I gotta go. I have to get to the hospital." Y/N smiled with tears in her eyes.

"I love you so much honey. I'll be there. Just go."

"I love you too."

~~~~~

In the car ride Y/N's contractions got closer together and more painful.

"Oh, Godddddd." Y/N groaned, hovering above her seat holding on to the arm rest and the door of the car.

"It's gonna be okay sweet love." Garcia soothed as she pulled into the hospital's emergency driveway.

"Oh no! Spencer's not here! I can't do it, Penelope." Y/N cried and grunted as she endured another contraction. Penelope got out of the driver's side and went to help Y/N out.

When they got inside Penelope looked at a nurse. The nurse looked at the woman who was almost shrinking down to the ground in pain.

"Sweetheart, do you know where the father is?" The nurse asked her.

"I can't do it without him! I need him!" Y/N shouted, making everyone look at her.

"Um, he's on his way." Penelope told the nurse. The nurse nodded.

"I'm Connie and I'm gonna take real good care of you." Connie said. Y/N nodded and grunted through another contraction.

~~~~

"Gah damnit!" Y/N screamed. She squeezed the bed sheets and Penelope's hand.. She was only five centimeters dialted and it had been and it had been two hours. Spencer was supposed to be there.

"I'm sure he's just downstairs, sweet face!" Penelope grunted as Y/N squeezed her hand. When the contraction was gone Penelope tore her hand away from the pregnant woman. "I love you but, I really need to go ice my hand. Maybe I could go check the lobby to see if Spencer's here."

Y/N nodded and wiped sweat from her forehead. She leaned her head back on the flat pillow and looked up at the ceiling. A few tears escaped her eyes.

"I can't do this alone." She whispered.

"You won't be doing it alone." Y/N's head snapped up. A smile came across her face as she saw her husband standing in the doorway.

"Spencer!" He raced towards his sweaty wife and planted a small kiss On her lips.

"The rest of the team is on the way." Spencer whispered smiling at Y/N.

"What about the case?" Y/N asked. Spencer shook his head.

"They caught him right before I left."

Y/N was about to say something when a contraction hit her hard. "Ohhh! Spencer!"

Spencer grabbed his wife's hand and she squeezed it as she shut her eyes, holding her breath.

"Breathe! You can't forget to breathe." Spencer told her. Y/N nodded and let put big shaky breaths.

"I'm only five centimeters. This is going to take forever." Y/N whined as the contraction went away.

"I'm so sorry baby. I promise it's gonna be worth it."

~~~~~

"God!"

Ten excruciating hours later, it was finally time to push.

Spencer was up by his wife, she was holding his hand tightly to her chest.

"Sweetheart, it's time to push." Her doctor said.

Y/N nodded and looked at Spencer. "You can do it."

"Okay 1,2,3 big push." Y/N pushed and held her breath. She whimpered and shut her eyes tightly. "Good." The doctor soothed her.

Spencer pushed sweaty hair out of Y/N's face. "And relax." The doctor instructed.

"You're doing so good." Spencer told her. She looked up at him.

"And push!"

She did. She screamed in pain. A few tears streamed down her cheeks.

"I can't do it! I can't." Y/N sobbed.

"Y/N, baby, look at me." Y/N breathed heavily and stopped pushing. She looked over at Spencer. "You can do this. You are the strongest person I know. And you are about to bring our child into the world. You can do it."

Y/N nodded and squeezed his hand tighter.

"You ready?" The doctor asked. Y/N nodded.

"I'm ready."

~~~~

Fifteen minutes later Y/N pushed her baby into the world. Spencer cut the baby's umbilical cord.

"Oh my God. We're parents." Spencer breathed as the doctor took the baby to get it cleaned. Fresh tears pooled in her eyes.

"We did it." You whispered.

Y/N's mouth dropped into an open smile as the nurse came over with their new baby girl. She was so beautiful. She already had a bunch of Spencer's hair and Y/N's eyes. The nurse handed her the baby.

"She's so beautiful." Spencer whispered. His wife nodded and looked at Spencer.

"God, she looks like you." Y/N breathed out, touching her new baby's nose. Spencer just chuckled quietly.

"Oh my god!" That was the unmistakable voice of Penelope Garcia. Her heels quickly clicked across the linoleum floor. "Oh, she's so beautiful!"

Morgan came up next. "Baby girl Reid." He smiled. "How you doing sweet lady?" Morgan asked the baby's mother.

"I'm good. I'm so good." Y/N chuckled while tearing up. "Spence, you still haven't held her." She smiled. She lifted the baby up and gently placed her in his arms.

Spencer teared up instantly and looked down at his baby girl. "Hi. I-i'm your dad." Hotch came up next to him and placed a hand on Spencer's shoulder.

"Congratulations, Reid."

Emily went to Y/N's bedside.

"Hey, I'm so proud of you." Emily said. Y/N nodded and smiled.

"Oh, I'm so happy you guys did the nasty and made this beautiful little Reid baby!" Penelope squeeled. She was now holding her.

Everyone laughed. JJ eventually got the baby.

"Wait, you never told us her name." JJ stated. Y/N and Spencer looked at each other as JJ handed Y/N the baby.

"Um, her name is... Y/D/N. Y/D/N Diana Reid." Spencer announced. Penelope squeeled again and everyone else gasped.

~~~~~

That night the team went home. Spencer was laying by Y/N's side on the hospital bed as he held Y/D/N. She was asleep. Y/N was dozing off and Spencer was stroking her head with his free hand.

"I love you so much." He whispered. "And i love our baby. And I love our life."

Y/N smiled as she heard his words.

"I love you and our baby and our life too."

Spencer got up carefully, not waking the baby and put her in the bed. He went back and laid with Y/N taking her in his arms.

"Goodnight Y/N."

"Goodnight Spence."

~~~~~~~~

I can't tell if this is good or just really cringe. But um yeah!

[eloves-writes]

Don't know if this is a dumb idea, feel free to ignore it if this isn't the type of thing you write

The reader and Spencer are married and both work at the BAU and they have a 4 year old son. And unfortunately their sitter canceled so they had to bring him at the office, which was possible cause it was paper work day

a/n : not dumb at all! this is super cute, i’m personally not great with kids so this might not be my best writing ever but i really hope you still enjoy! i used the season 7 team bc they’re my personal faves but i’d imagine it as more season 14/15 spencer :)

baby genius at work

——————————

stupid job. stupid criminals committing crimes on a sunday evening. stupid police in tampa needing the bau’s help on said sunday evening when they definitely could solve it themselves. at least you didn’t have to go to florida, they just needed an over-the-phone consult but still- it was generally inconvenient to get called into work with no notice and a 4 year old at home. you could get some paperwork done before monday though, if that was a plus.

“spence?” you called from the kitchen, quickly trying to pack your son’s overnight bag. you hoped that a sitter would pull through and he could stay the night somewhere that wasn’t your office- a specialist unit for profiling serial killers, rapists, and pedophiles wasn’t an ideal babysitters club. “did the sitter call you back?”

your husband entered the room followed by your son, theo. they were both smiling mischievously like they’d been doing something you’d disapprove of in the next room. they probably were.

“yeah,” spencer said, running a hand through his overgrown, messy hair. “can’t make it, too late notice.”

theo ran around your feet with far too much energy for a small boy at 8pm, his hair just as messy and unkempt as his father’s. you sighed irritably, throwing the dinosaur backpack over your shoulder along with your own work bag.

“did you try jj? maybe will could watch theo, he’d love to see henry and micheal.” you ruffled the boy’s hair as he jumped up and down, trying to calm him.

“will’s on duty, they have a sitter.”

“crap. i mean, shoot. erm, we’ll just have to take him to work,” you sighed, searching the kitchen counter for your phone you’d somehow misplaced in the last 15 minutes.

“what?” spencer exclaimed nervously. “we can’t take our son to work, he’s four! what about all the files? what about-”

“i’m going to work with mommy and daddy!” theo shouted happily. you gave your husband an amused but sympathetic look. his eyes told you he’d given in.

“garcia can watch him. she never does any work anyway and he’ll fall asleep in an hour, it’s fine- we just need to get going or we’ll be even later than we already are.” before you could even comment on the still-missing phone, you saw theo was playing with it and took it back before loading him into the car with his overnight back and blanket; you had no idea if you’d be back home tonight.

soon enough you made it to quantico, and despite all hopes looking good that your son had fallen asleep, his sixth sense of impending excitement woke him up as you pulled in to the parking lot. spencer held his hand to walk him inside and you handled the bags. garcia was walking along the corridor as the elevator reached the bau floor and squealed at the sight of your son.

“oh my goodness! it’s the baby genius! to what do i owe this pleasure?” she smiled, theo running into her arms. you heard a faint “auntie penelope!”- garcia absolutely adored all the team’s children to the ends of the earth and back.

“can i babysit? can i watch him? please, because you're my favourite genius lovebirds in the whole world?” garcia asked excitedly, wrapping her arms around him. you laughed and nodded.

“he is all yours, pen. let me know if he starts getting tired,” you changed you focus to theo. “behave yourself for auntie penelope.”

she smiled happily, leading him towards the bat cave to let you and spencer focus on the case. theo liked the bat cave, all penelope’s little things on her desk and all the screens and things to play with. he was unlike his father in that way; spencer didn't like computers and avoided the sort of well-meaning chaos of garcia’s desk, but theo was like him in other ways- he adored reading, and had sounded like a walking thesaurus since the day he learned to speak. the funniness he obviously got from you, but the hair was unquestionably inherited from your husband too. spencer placed his hand on the small of your back and guided you into the bullpen to your desk where emily gave you a friendly smile and carried on with her paperwork; you could tell it was really not an exhilarating case because everyone looked tired. you suspected they’d cheer up if they knew theo was here, but you wanted to get some actual work done before they all wanted to be his favourite aunt or uncle.

you did all get a few reports finished and a short consult on the case before garcia came back into the bullpen with a sleepy theo about an hour later, the team all turning their heads and suddenly looking less tired and bored.

“you didn’t tell us baby genius was joining the team tonight!” jj said, getting up from her desk to hug him. she was closely followed by emily and morgan, the latter of which was convinced he was the superior god-parent to jj. garcia was still mad you didn’t choose her, but she definitely loved him just as much.

spencer stood beside you and placed his hand on your waist, the way he always liked to stand. “we weren’t planning on it,” you yawned. “sitter cancelled.”

“i’m wayyy more fun than a sitter,” garcia promised. you were quite sure she was.

the team all stood around fussing over theo, who was more than happy with the attention but looked like he’d fall asleep the moment it stopped. you took a second to appreciate the way the team loved your’s and spencer’s son; the job took absolutely everything out of them except their endless love for each other and their families. it showed you the ugliest people with the ugliest lives, but they still chose to prioritise the purity and innocence of a child. they had so, so much love to give and wisdom to share- when you and spencer decided to bring a baby into the world, you knew they would be raised by the best family that could be. every member of the team was part of that family, just the way you wanted it to be forever and ever.

[wishuhadstayed]

It Takes a Village

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x reader

Word Count: about 3000

Summary: when the Hotchner fam is in need, it’s a good thing to have many helping hands. Part 9 to Begin Again.

Warnings: mentions of blood and pregnancy complications

Author’s Note: I really am sorry for that cliffhanger y’all. 😬 I’m just glad you still love me after being gone for like, a literal year. Shoutout to @agent-laufeyson you’re the best 💜 (PS, please ignore Haley in the below gif, also please picture Hotch in the hospital in casual clothes.) 😌

Previous Chapter

Masterlist

For a moment, Aaron’s whole world stopped turning. A cold, familiar sense of dread settled into his chest at the words, “You all may want to sit down for this.”

“Not again,” he thought. “I can’t do this again, we can’t do this again.”

“God please,” he begged internally, slumping into a chair, “if you’re listening, please don’t take her. We need her.”

Suddenly, the voice of a surgeon cut through the silent room like a knife.

“Sir, your wife lost a significant amount of blood. We had no choice but to perform an emergency c-section. Although your daughter is slightly pre-term, she seems to be in good health. However, we would like to keep her a while for monitoring.”

“And my wife?” He inquires, voice trembling with fear.

“It was touch and go there for a while, but we were able to locate the source of bleeding and get it under control. Your wife is out of surgery. She’s stable, but she is very weak and currently asleep. She will also be hospitalized for recovery. At least a week most likely, maybe longer.”

“Mama’s gonna be okay?” Jack pipes up.

“Yes, she is buddy,” Aaron replies, ruffling his hair. “Thanks to that doctor.”

“Thanks for making my mama feel better.”

“You’re most welcome,” the surgeon replied. “You and your dad can go visit her now. The rest of you will have to wait. She needs her rest. I’m sorry.”

“Thank you doctor,” Aaron says, shaking his hand with a sigh of relief.

“You go Aaron,” Rossi encourages, clapping him on the shoulders before he even had a chance to turn around. “Go see your wife and baby. We’ll wait.”

——————————————————————————

Entering your hospital room, Aaron thought your sleeping face was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Sitting on the side of your hospital bed, he grabbed hand as you stirred awake.

“Hello Angel,” he murmurs as you take everything in. “You gave us quite a scare,” he mentions, softly caressing your face.

“The baby,” you whisper, touching his hand.

“Ssssshhhh,” he soothes. “The baby is fine. She’s in the nursery. You just rest okay?”

Instant relief washes over your face. “Jack?”

“I’m right here mama!” he exclaims, scrambling into Aaron’s lap.

“I want to see the baby,” you tell Aaron.

“I know darling, but you really need your rest.”

“I NEED to see her, Aaron.” You plead.

Taking the hint, he begins to rise. “Jack why don’t you stay with mama, while I go talk to the nurse, okay?”

“Okay Daddy,” he agrees, climbing in the bed next to you.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better mama,” Jack says, looking up at you with the sweetest face.

“Me too, baby,” you reply. “Are you ready to meet your sister?”

“Yeah!” he exclaims with a look of excitement. “Can I hold her?”

“Of course you can buddy, as long as you’re careful,” Aaron replies as he re-enters the room. “The nurses are bringing her down.”

A few minutes later a nurse arrives holding a tiny pink blanket. “Who wants to hold her first?” She inquires.

“You should hold her first, Aaron,” you suggest.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he insists. “You’ve been the strongest, bravest mom I know already. You should hold her first.”

As the nurse places the tiny, squirming bundle with her father’s dark hair in your arms, all the stress and chaos of the day seems to just melt away.

As you free a tiny hand from the swaddle so she can grasp your finger, her eyes flutter open.

“She’s perfect, isn’t she?” you wonder aloud.

“Absolutely lovely,” Aaron muses, draping his arm around your shoulders. “Just like her mother.”

——————————————————————————

Meanwhile, cooped up in the waiting area, the BAU team began to grow restless.

“Maybe we should get out of the hospital and go shopping while we wait,” Garcia suggests. “I think Y/N deserves all the gifts and pretty things today.”

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” JJ questions.

“TARGET RUN!” all three women exclaim in unison.

They all wandered the aisles like kids in a candy store.

“I’m getting her balloons,” Penelope says. “Like so many pink balloons. Nobody can feel bad with that many balloons.”

“Flowers,” Rossi chimes in. “We should get her plenty of flowers to make the room cheerful.”

“We’ll have to get those from hospital gift shop,” JJ comments.

“I’d want chocolate,” Emily suggests. “Chocolate helps everything.”

“Look,” Morgan says, showing a pink stuffed bunny to Garcia. “It’s cute right? For the baby?”

“It’s perfect, Derek,” she assures, grabbing his hand. “Very cute.”

“Oh, a memory book,” Reid mentions. “So they can write down details every day.”

“Leave it to the genius to pick out a book,” Morgan jokes with a playful shove.

“Settle down, boys.” JJ cuts in. “As much as I’m sure she’ll appreciate the pretty gifts, she did just have a baby,” she reminds the group. “She needs some practical things too, trust me.” As she picks out a blanket and a pacifier, Henry begins to grow restless. As she picked up a snack for him, another idea crossed her mind.

“We should get something for Jack, too,” she thought aloud. “LEGOs. He loves LEGOs. And some gummy bears.”

A sudden ringing startles everyone.

“Ssssshhhhhhh,” Garcia commands as she puts the phone on speaker. “It’s Y/N! Quiet!”

“Hello my angel dear,” she lilts, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m very tired, but otherwise happy and healthy,” you report. “Is everyone with you?”

“We’re all here,” JJ chimes in.

“Hi everyone!” You reply. “In that case, I have news. The nurses have said that we’re allowed to have visitors first thing in the morning, if you’d like to see our newest addition.”

“Oh, wild horses could not keep us away, ma’am.” Penelope assures. “We’ll see you all bright and early.”

“Not too early, Penny,” you remind her. “You gotta give me a chance to wake up first.”

“Right, sooooo 10am then?”

“It’s a date.”

——————————————————————————

That evening, you soaked up as much family time as possible before the wave of visitors began. Aaron was a natural, as you’d known he would be from seeing him with Jack.

Watching him with the baby was quickly becoming your favorite pastime. The look of sheer enchantment on his face as he held her close and rocked her made you fall a little more in love with him every moment.

“Daddy loves you so much,” he coos to the tiny bundle in his arms.

“What?” he questions as he catches you watching.

“Oh nothing,” you reply, ruffling Jack’s hair as he slept by your side. “Just wondering how I got so lucky.”

“I think it’s me who got lucky. I thought I’d never love again. I was so closed off. I was prepared to spend the rest of my life as a single dad, doing everything on my own. Now,” he chokes out, “now I’d fall apart without you.”

“Good thing you’ve got two of us now to keep you boys in line then,” you return with a wicked grin. “She’s got you wrapped around her finger already.”

——————————————————————————

When you awoke the next morning, you were greeted by the most beautiful sight. Aaron still asleep in the recliner next your bed, his arm cradling the sleeping baby on his chest. While you hated to disturb the peaceful scene, you knew the team would be arriving as soon as the clock struck 10.

“Aaron,” you whisper. “Aaron, wake up,” slightly louder this time. He stirs awake, moving slowly so as not to wake the sleeping child.

“What is it babe?”

“The team will be here soon,” you inform him.

“Ah. I should go get ready,” he replies.

“Mama, can I hold her while dad gets ready?” Jack asks, startling the both of you.

“Oh buddy, I didn’t realize you were awake,” you say to him. “Of course you can hold her if you want.”

Jack scrambled into your lap as Aaron rounded the bed.

“Just be really careful with her bud,” Aaron reminds him as he settles the baby on his lap.

“I will dad,” he replies.

As Aaron walked away, the baby’s eyes fluttered open and she let out a small cry.

“Here, why don’t you give her a pacifier?” you suggest.

“Sssshhhh, don’t cry,” he says, giving her the pacifier, and then softly stroking her head.

“What do you think about your baby sister, Jack?”

“She’s pretty, Mama, just like you.”

“Thank you baby,” you reply. “That’s very sweet. I love you.”

“I love you too, mama.”

“And I love you all,” Aaron adds.

——————————————————————————

A short while later, a knock at the door alerts you that your visitors have arrived.

“You ready for this?” Aaron asks as he walks to the door.

“I’ve never been more ready. I just know they’re gonna be so in love with her.”

Aaron opens the door and the team flows in with their myriad of gifts.

Penelope hands off her bouquet of balloons to Derek and rushes over to hug you.

“Oh Y/N,” she gushes, cupping your face. “You look beautiful. It’s so good to see you, we were all worried sick.”

“Thank you Penny,” you reply, eyeing the room. “I’m assuming the shopping spree was your idea.”

“Oh shush woman,” she scolds. “You deserve it. We wanted your room to cozy and pretty because we heard you’re going to be here for a while. Sue us.”

“Thank you all for the gifts, you really didn’t have to do any of that,” you reply, tearing up as you address the whole room. “Just being there for us when we needed you the most was all we could ask for and you’ve gone above and beyond.”

“This is the least we could do, really,” JJ assures, softly rubbing your hand.

“Oh fine, be modest if you insist,” you reply with an eye roll. “I’d open all the gifts now, but I imagine you’re all much more interested in our slightly earlier than anticipated arrival.”

Seemingly for the first time since they came in, everyone notices Aaron’s presence and the little pink bundle in his arms.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” you continue, “the announcement you’ve all been waiting for. Introducing Miss Savannah Rose.”

“What a lovely name,” Emily chimes in.

“Thank you,” Aaron cuts in. “We would have told you all sooner but we actually just decided on it while we were here,” he says beaming down at his perfectly content infant daughter. “You can all hold her if you like.”

“I’m sure we’d all love to,” JJ replies, “but i think we should leave that you for now. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to spoil her rotten just as soon as she gets home.”

“Right! We just wanted to check on everyone and make sure you have everything you need,” Garcia adds.

“Well thanks to you guys, I think our hospital room is pretty well stocked. I just wish I could say the same for the nursery,” you say with a shrug.

“What’s wrong with the nursery?” Rossi inquires.

“I’m afraid that’s my fault,” Aaron admits. “Between me traveling so much for work and Y/N being pregnant and taking care of Jack, it got pushed to the wayside. I thought we had a bit more time.”

“Aaron, how many times do I have to tell you it’s not your fault?” you soothe, reaching for his hand. “We’ll figure it out together.”

“I know, I just wanted everything to be perfect for you.”

“It already is dear,” you assure him with a smile. “Why don’t you go get some coffee, you look exhausted.”

“Good idea babe,” he says, settling the baby into your arms.

“I could use a cup myself,” Morgan adds.

——————————————————————————

“Derek, I need your help,” Aaron pleads, once out of earshot of the room.

“Of course man, anything you need.”

“We’re going to be in the hospital for about a week while Y/N recovers and I’m desperate to have a nice nursery for her when we get home, but I obviously can’t leave her alone. I know it’s a lot to ask, but is there anything you could do to help?”

“Sure thing man, don’t worry about it. That’s the best gift I could hope to give you.”

“You’re the best,” Aaron replies, slapping him on the shoulder. “Just don’t let Y/N find out, okay? I want it to be a surprise.”

“My lips are sealed,” Derek promises.

——————————————————————————

That afternoon Derek had the whole team assembled in the nursery to get started.

“Alright everyone,” he begins, “We’ve got one week to make this the best surprise gift possible. Let’s make it happen.”

“What color should we paint it?” Penelope inquires.

“Got that covered already,” Derek replies while opening a paint can. “Purple. Hotch said it’s Y/N’s favorite color.”

“Oh Derek, it’s perfect!” she squealed, squeezing him tight. “She’s gonna adore it.”

“While the two of us are painting,” Penny addresses the group, “why don’t the rest of you do some some shopping?”

“Great idea, baby girl.” Morgan chimes in. “I think they’ve got the basics from the baby shower and I saw a crib and changing table in the garage, but I’m sure you guys can find things they’re missing.”

“Oh I think we’ve got this,” JJ states confidently. “Let’s get this show on the road,” she commands, herding Emily, Rossi, and Reid out the door.

When the group arrived back at the Hotchner house several hours later, the nursery walls were covered in a soft shade of lavender; as were Morgan and Garcia.

“I don’t know how you two managed to get any paint on the walls,” JJ said with a grin.

“Smile for the camera, you two,” Emily cuts in, snapping a picture on her phone as the couple hug and smile in their paint splattered clothes.

——————————————————————————

The next day conversation flowed as team was busily assembling furniture. Rossi, Reid, and Morgan worked on the crib while Penny, Emily, and JJ tackled the changing table.

“Let me know if you ladies need any help,” Morgan mentions casually.

“Oh right,” Emily grumbles, “because OBVIOUSLY the women need a big, strong man’s help, right?”

“I didn’t say that,” Derek counters. “I was just offering.”

“Oh not only will we get ours done without your help, we’ll get it done faster,” Emily challenges.

“Oh yeah?”

“YEAH!” all three women reply in unison.

“You’re on,” Morgan accepts.

“Oh you’re so going down,” Penny taunts, throwing pieces of plastic wrapping at Derek.

“Losers buy sushi for lunch?” Rossi suggests.

“Oh that could be pretty expensive for you Dave,” JJ comments. “You sure you’re up for that?”

“Ha ha, very funny,” Rossi says, rolling his eyes. “We’ll see about that.”

Two hours later, as JJ and Emily were finishing up the crib, the men came dragging in, arms full of takeout bags.

“Say cheese!” Penelope squeals as she takes their picture. “For the bragging rights.”

——————————————————————————

The next days were spent putting the finishing touches on the room.

A purple gradient butterfly mobile above the crib from JJ.

A bookshelf with a fully stocked library, specially selected by Reid. Emily places her floral covered photo album on top.

Lavender curtains with a shimmery overlay, Penelope’s contribution.

Derek’s stuffed bunny, carefully laid in a white gliding chair with purple cushions, which was generously paid for by Dave.

Derek lays a soft shag rug over the hardwood floor and drapes a plush floral blanket over the edge of the crib.

“I think that about does it, guys,” he says with a look of pride.

“You know, I bought them that photo album,” Emily comments, “it would be a shame if we didn’t put a few in there as a gift.”

“Yeah, but how do we get a picture of the whole group?” JJ wonders out loud.

“We could set a timer,” Penelope suggests.

“Yeah, but who sets the timer?” Reid asks, as he turns to see the whole group looking at him.

“Seriously guys?”

Between the camera falling over, closed eyes, and Spence not making it back before the timer, it took a few tries before there was a good group shot.

“And now a funny one,” Penny insists.

Once the photos, including the bloopers, have been printed and arranged in the album, JJ makes sure to write descriptions for each in the margins before setting it back on the shelf.

“Good job team,” Derek announces. “Our work here is done.”

——————————————————————————

After all the chaos surrounding the birth and a full week in the hospital, nothing felt better than standing at the door of your house with the love of your life and your two beautiful children.

“You ready to finally get some rest, baby?” Aaron asks as he ushers you inside the house, one solid arm arm around the small of your back and Savannah in her carrier on the other.

“Yeah,” you sigh, dropping your purse on the coffee table and slipping off your shoes. “I just wish we didn’t still have to worry about the nursery,” you groan, plopping down onto the sofa.

“About that,” Aaron says with a mischievous grin, offering you his free hand.

“What are you up to, Aaron Hotchner?” You muse as he leads you down the hallway.

“Just trust me,” he assures, coming to a halt in front of the nursery door. “Close your eyes,” he requests.

“What is going on here?” you inquire again.

“Just close your eyes please, darling,” he asks. “For me.”

“Alright, alright,” you comply, “this better be good.”

“Don’t open them until I say so, okay?”

“Yes sir.”

With eyes closed and Jack close by your side, you hear the door open and the rustling of paper inside the room.

“Alright,” he whispers, sliding his arm around your shoulders. “Open your eyes.”

—————————————————————————

Taglist: @ange-must-die @agent-laufeyson @poetsacademia @hotchners-slut @arganfics @ladyreapermc @rousethemouse @less-intelligent-spencerreid @tgibstan @themanip @word-scribbless @quillvine @glizzieborden @miss-united-ace @samayoshito @hotchnerundercover @pedropascalian @thenewnormalforensicator @crowdedimagines @sagittarianwolf @kleff03

[darkacademicfrom2021]

Moving day

Based on @lucywrites02's writing challenge, with the prompts "1. You're family" and "8. I have a surprise for you". I wish you a very happy birthday, Lucy!

Pairing: Loki x fem!reader (Tony Stark's daughter, not Morgan)

Word count: 3.2 K

Warnings: fluff and pregnancy :) This was very adorable to write.

Taglist: @lucywrites02, @louieboo87,@jesuswasnotawhiteman, @geekwritersworld, @whatafuckingdumbass, @mysticunicorn7, @toe-vind-ek-jou, @t00-pi, @selfship-mishaps, @sallymagnoliaposts, @deadgirl88, @enderslove

Gif: @moonrainbow

It had surprised Thor greatly how quickly and intensely his brother had fallen for you. He was as committed and truthful as he has never been in his long, long life. He looked at you softly, in comparison with everyone else. As soon as you walked in a room, he followed you with his gaze and invited you to his conversation. It wasn’t a surprise that after a few months of this very silent flirting (that very few noticed, because it mainly consisted in batting eyelashes and repressing subtle smiles when the other was around) you’d come out of the shell and admit you started dating. Thor was ecstatic.

Tony, on the other hand, was not amused. Not amused at all; in fact, he hated the idea of you going around with that God. He said, explicitly “if you ever get in trouble because of him, you solve it yourself. Nothing of coming for daddy to help, clear?”. Pepper had told him to cut some slack, and observe at how happy you were together, but he, stubborn to the bone, had to take a few months more before accepting the fact that his little girl was in love with the God of Mischief.

But the months passed by; almost a year, and you grew closer and closer. You hated to sneak into his room every night, and get interrupted all the time by every single soul in the compound, or mocked to death every time you cuddled on the sofa, watched a movie or read a book together. So, it all boiled down to the same conversation:

“I don’t think he’s ready”, you said while pouring some milk on your cereal. Nat rolled her eyes.

“He’s even readier than you”, insisted Wanda. They were exhausted from having the same conversation over and over, but you couldn’t bring yourself to actually do something about it. “He’s lived much longer, if any of you two were to be unready, that’d be you”.

“Do you think I’m not ready?”, you doubted yourself.

“God, Wanda. You’re planting unnecessary seeds here. The girl’s already anxious enough”.

“I just think… I want him to be with me for the rest of my life. I don’t know if he feels the same”.

“He totally does”.

“Yeah. No doubt about that. Just look at how he looks at you. What are you even waiting for?”.

“I don’t know, a signal?”.

“Of what? You’re impossible. Unless God themself comes down the sky and tells you textually just move in with him, you wouldn’t consider it a ‘signal’”, bitched Nat. But she was right. Commitment was not exactly your thing, even though you were as in love as you could be.

You heard an oncoming scream approaching the room. In silence, you three observed cautiously, and moved away from the middle. The screaming increased its loudness, until a body shattered the roof and fell to the floor violently. Loki laid still among the dusted debris until a second screaming started sounding from the sky.

“Oh, fuck”, he said, managing to get up quickly and making himself as a shield for you three. Thor landed on his feet over the same spot Loki had fallen. Dust flew everywhere and the floor cracked a bit more. “Don’t”, he alerted, pointing at his brother menacingly.

“I’m tired of your whinings, brother. Do something or I’ll do it myself”, spat Thor, grabbing Mjölnir and leaving the room. Loki sighed and sat on the couch, cleaning the remains with his magic. Wanda sighed and put it all back together.

“And what was that about?”, asked Nat, eating a candybar, still on the same spot as earlier. It wasn’t an unusual scene.

“I…”, said Loki, but desisted. You sat on the couch by his side and he laid, using your lap as a pillow. You took out a tissue and started carefully cleaning the blood off his cuts. He smiled softly. “We just had a fight”.

“I can see that. What did you fight about?”.

“He wants me to… well, talk to you”, he struggled to say.

“Well, we’re talking now”.

“Yes. No, wait, no. Like, talk talk”, he clarified, and Nat and Wanda nodded, leaving the room. You could still hear their chattery from the door.

Loki sat up and grabbed both of your hands, making direct eye contact. He was nervous, which only made you even more unsettled. He was never nervous. He was always calm, even in life or death situations. He was unfazed in everything and with almost everyone. Almost.

“What do you want to talk talk about?”, you joked, and he chuckled, releasing some tension.

“I want you to move in with me”.

“Oh. Wait. What?”.

“Like, move out. But with me”.

“To your room?”.

“Out of the Compound”.

“To an apartment?”.

“Yes”.

“Here?”.

“In Midgard, yes”.

“But like, in New York?”.

“Wherever you want, actually”.

You stayed silent for a few seconds, and Loki grew nervous again. You couldn’t help but laugh. He looked at you quizzically, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that… a God just fell down the sky and told me to move in with you”, you clarified, which didn’t actually clarify anything.

“You… what?”.

“Yes, I’d love to move in with you, love”.

And in no time you were already packing things up and going together on apartment huntings.

Tony insisted on helping you out himself, which was hilarious, given the repulsion he had for the idea in the first place. So, you’d go to an apartment by yourself, check it out and talk to the owner for a bit; Loki would arrive later, tensing things up (the owners would usually recognize him, but after a little chat they’d find out he’s a fine man), and then, just after you’d be all calm and good, the owners would see in the papers you’re a Stark, and tense up even more. Easier to say, it wasn’t a normal neighborhood chat.

You had finally decided on a small but very cozy apartment near Central Park; far enough from the Stark Tower, but you could get there pretty quickly for every mission.

You found the place advertised on the papers, and when you showed it to Loki, in sickness and all, you insisted on going to visit it that same day.

“My love, my dearest… you need to rest. I’m afraid you might faint again��, he cooed, trying to get you back to bed.

“A little fever won’t do anything to me, really, I’m f…”, you said, but you felt like vomiting, so you stopped your words and sat on the floor. Loki sat by your side and rubbed your back.

“If you feel better tomorrow, we go, yes? Now, come on, I’m gonna call Banner and you wait on your bed”.

“No, but they might take it, we need to go to make sure…”.

“What about I go, call you on one of those animated images, and you can see it from here?”, he proposed, helping you up. He meant a video call.

“That… sounds about right”.

But you had no actual time to have that video call, for when he was in the apartment, Banner was delivering some more important news.

You’ve been to the examination’s room of the compound before. But this time it seemed brighter. The lights shone so strongly, you had to close your eyes a little.

“What would you like to do about it?”, asked Banner. You were sobbing and trembling.

“I… I don’t know, I’m sure Loki will leave me”.

“What? No, don’t base your decision on that guy’s opinion”.

“Well, I don’t want the kid to not have a father, you know?”, you said as he gave you a tissue. “I want to have it, I’ve always wanted a kid. I think I’m… ready? I’m probably not. Not by myself, and I can’t do this alone. He’ll leave me, won’t he? Why would he want to have a kid with a mortal? We’d die as fast as he blinks”.

“Look, I’m no one to talk about it, but this sounds more like your anxiety and less like something he would do. He really loves you, he has for like at least a year, and I don’t see that going away anytime soon”.

“I know. You might be right”.

“You’re allowed to doubt everything. This is a huge thing, y/n. Think this through, talk to people, talk to your friends, or your parents. Don’t let this eat you”.

“Thanks, Bruce. You’re really… you’re being really nice, I appreciate it”, you sobbed. He handed you another tissue as he rubbed your shoulder.

“This is your call, okay? You have time to think. Text me later how you’re feeling, and have bed rest now. And if you feel too bad, take this”, he handed you some pills, “it should be innocuous for the baby”.

One of those days, that same week, you had decided to make it the official moving day. So, you put every box in the van and drove through the city, to your new home. You haven’t told Loki yet what you knew, and you were terrified he’d get even more upset because you didn’t tell him before the moving. But, to be fair, you didn’t think he’d actually leave.

You had told no one about it, despite Banner’s indications. But it wasn’t eating you. You were enjoying it silently. You were glad; you had your doubts, fears… Hell, you were terrified. But you knew, if Loki wasn’t going to be a part of that, you could do it yourself. You hoped he’d wanted to, though.

Loki and you had started taking the boxes inside, all by hand (to be honest, he was a little scared of the neighbours watching him do things with magic and kicking you two out). You laughed through it, and played races to see who’d finish their boxes first. He was wearing one of those midgardians shirts and pants that melted you completely. He wore that for your anniversary dinner the week before that day, and he noticed how much you loved it on him, so he started wearing fancy casual clothes more often than not.

After about two hours, you were done and completely exhausted. You laid in the middle of the wooden floor, surrounded by boxes and a strong smell of floorwax and fresh paint, and looked at each other fondly.

“Welcome home”, you said, and he showed you the biggest smile he’s ever done.

“I think this place is perfect. It’s away, but not exactly far from your family for whenever you’d want to be with them”.

“Yes, it’s perfect”, you said, getting up and helping him up. “You know, I have a surprise for you”.

“Really? What is it?”.

“Tonight at dinner, shall we? In the meantime, what about we get something to drink before unpacking?”.

“Can’t wait for tonight, then. Would you like some tea?”, he said, surrounding your waist with his arms. You played gently with his hair.

“Yes”.

“I love you”, he said, giving you a small peck over your smile.

“And I love…”, you started saying, but the entrance got filled with noisy people, interrupting you. Four of your friends were already filling the place, giving you an idea of how a small party would fit in there. “... you”.

“Oh my God! This place is so well illuminated!”, said Wanda, marveled.

“And what’s that smell? Have you been cooking something weird?”, said Nat, less enthusiastic, but equally curious. Sam and Bucky were still on the door, and Sam seemed to have brought food. Like a cake, or something similar. Wanda and Natasha were quick to invade the place without further notice.

“Oh, you got one of those hidden drawers! What are you hiding in there?”.

“Probably sex toys”, guessed Nat.

“I’d say drugs. But, like, alien drugs. You know, from his town”, apported Bucky, now making his way in and leaving the cake over the counter.

“I thought drawers were supposed to be for clothes”, said Sam, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, but hidden drawers? Sexy clothes”.

“Actually, I’m saving my daggers in there”, finally said Loki, kissing your cheek before pulling away from you, and appearing a cup of tea in each guest with a movement of his wrist.

“Boring”.

“So, guys, what do you think?”, you said as you started opening one of the boxes.

“I think it’s small”, said Tony, as he walked in. Pepper rolled her eyes behind him.

“Don’t listen to him, you guys chose perfectly. This place will look very nice once you paint it and decorate it”.

“It’s already painted”.

“Oh. Well, it… it looks nice”.

“Thanks mom”, you chuckled. “It’s small but we don’t need it to be big”.

“You better be actually saving daggers in here”, Tony peeped inside the hidden drawer. “Now that is not so hidden. I wouldn’t like to open it up someday and find a…”.

“Dad, please”, you rolled your eyes and went to Loki’s side. “Don’t worry, you won’t find anything weird. Just the daggers and knives of my very innocent boyfriend”.

“Well, you’ll have to think further about having knives so close to the floor, you know”, he muttered. Loki furrowed his eyebrows.

“Why?”.

Tony ignored him and walked to you earnestly, with the most serious face expression you’ve ever seen, and everyone observed quietly. He grabbed you by the shoulders, and inhaled a deep breath. All of the sudden, his eyes got watery, and you realized Banner had told him about the pregnancy. Your heart beat so fast you thought you’d faint again, right there. The corners of his lips formed a tiny smile, and he hugged you tightly. Loki was certainly confused now. As far as he knew, Tony didn’t like him, and why would he be so happy about you moving out? It’s not like you were his only child, either.

“I’m so proud of you”, he whispered, and then Loki had the feeling he wasn’t talking about the new apartment, but didn’t ask any further.

That night you managed to cook something special, even though you still hadn’t gotten the gas installed. You cooked together, and laughed at every minor inconvenience the house could give you. The doors of the countertop cabinets were the perfect height for Loki’s 6’4” ass to stump his head every time he tried to open it.

After some time of silent cooking, absorbed on each’s thoughts, Loki asked about your dad’s pride.

“Oh, he’s… well, he just, gets very emotional with these things”. He chuckled at your very obvious lie.

“No, he doesn’t. Certainly not with me”.

“Come on, he likes you now. He likes anyone I love, because you make me happy, and because he has no other choice”.

“Well… I thought he’d be less amused”, he admitted. “Hasn’t he? Other choice, I mean”.

“I don’t think so. He’d have to deal. Family is family”.

“Oh, do I know about that”, he said, cutting a carrot more strongly than before. You laughed.

“I meant it in a good way”.

“Well, your family is one thing, mine is another… I can’t push yours to like me, as much as I would like to. They’re very nice, and I wish I had a family like that, but I don’t”.

“Love, family is built”, you said, this time a little more serious. He repressed a smile, still looking at the vegetables. “You’re part of this, too, you know?”.

“Of this?”.

“You’re family”.

He didn’t repress the smile this time.

“You’re right. You’re my family, too, my love”.

“You…”, you took a deep breath. It was the perfect moment. “Do you ever imagine us in the future?”.

“Why yes, of course”.

“Really?”.

“I want to spend all your life with you. I didn’t want to rush into things because… I don’t know, scaring you out of anything, but I…”, he said, and the alarm on your phone went off, to take the rice from the fridge. You two laughed at how mundane this conversation seemed. “But I love you, and I want you by my side”.

“Okay. Well I do too. That’s good, right? That’s good”.

“Yes, of course it’s good, why so doubtful?”, he laughed, grabbing a tomato and stabbing it.

“Because I’m pregnant”.

“Yeah”, he chuckled, without actually realizing what you just said. And then, he fell. “Hold on, what did you just say?”.

“I’m… I’m having a baby. Yours, of course”, you clarified. You felt like you had to, but it wasn’t actually necessary. Silence filled the kitchen.

“Oh dear” he paused. He left the knife over the counter and looked at you, looking for any trace of a joke. You weren’t joking, and you grew nervous as he let time pass by without saying a word. “How could you not tell me this before moving in?”, he muttered, still in a bit of a shock.

“Oh. Well… I…”.

“I wouldn’t have let you carry those heavy boxes, love, I’m so sorry”, he said, and cupped your cheeks. “Are you really…?”. You sighed in relief. For a moment you thought of the worse.

“Yes, I am”.

His arms embraced you completely, hugging you as tight as he allowed himself to. He muttered how much he loved you, and how happy you had just made him, for the rest of his life.

Later that night, as you laid in bed, he cuddled you from behind with his hands on your tummy and his lips on your bare shoulder. You could feel his soft breathing grazing your skin, and his warmth keeping you safe.

“Loki”, you whispered, checking if he was still awake. You couldn’t sleep.

“Yes, love?”, he whispered back.

“Are you sure you want to be a daddy? With me?”.

He turned you around, and lowered his head to your abdomen. He sank his face and kissed all around your stomach and hips, leaving a trace of kisses up to your neck, and then your lips.

“How could I not?”, he whispered in a low voice. Burying his nose in the crook of your neck, teased “besides, the word daddy comes out so well from your lips”.

You laughed softly, and after some more silence that was fairly filled with loving stares, a thought crossed his head and you saw the light of his eyes turn to dark.

“What is it, love?”, you put a strand of his hair behind an ear.

“I… I’m just realizing something bad”, he said, and you nodded. “I’m a Frost Giant”.

“Why is it bad?”.

“My actual form is bigger than this. And… colder. And if the baby were Jötun too...”.

“You think the baby might hurt me?”.

“They might. I don’t know. Oh no, what if they hurts you?”, he began to panic, and you shushed him, kissing his temples.

“Don’t worry, Lokes. If that’s the case, we’ll figure it out”, you reassured him. “And maybe it’s not. And we’ll have a little and very healthy half-Jötun running around this small apartment. When have we not solved our issues? We’re good at that bit”.

“You’re right. You’re right, my dear”. He sighed, and then chuckled. “Should we have gotten a bigger place?”.

“We’ll be a very close family”, you laughed.

“We already are”, he whispered, cuddling back to you. “We are a very close family”.

[bumblesimagines]

Green Thumb

Part 16

Request: Yes or No

This first half is for you anon! Excuse my inability to write drunk characters lmao

~

"What the hell are you doing?" You blinked, looking up at Tony. You stumbled back slightly, gaze flickering around the room.

"Uhm.." A small snort left you, holding onto the counter and raising the bottle of whiskey.

"This?" You answered, head tilting as you smiled widely. Tony raised his brows, eyeing you with a disapproving gaze.

"So what? You drink now?"

"Clint would know if I- Oh, fuck." You caught yourself before you could fall, a small laugh leaving you. "If I touched his beers."

"Barton's drinking too? What a great influence you have, kid." Tony frowned, shaking his head.

"This isn't my first time." You muttered, huffing softly as your eyes narrowed. Tony raised a brow, taking in a deep breath.

"Could've fooled me."

"Sam was pretty sneaky." You giggled softly, putting the bottle down before you could drop it. You didn't notice the way Tony flinched when you put it down a little too hard.

"Drinking isn't the answer to what you're feeling." Tony called, taking a step towards you. You scowled, shaking your head.

"You're a stupidly lucky bastard, Stark." You muttered, taking a step forward. Your hands quickly caught the island, ice covering the area you touched.

"Okay, kid, let's get you to bed before you set this place on fire." Tony said, reaching out towards you. You scoffed, smacking his hands away.

"Don't touch me, asshole." You snapped, hands heating up and turning the ice to water. Tony didn't want you to have an outburst and make a sinkhole swallow the facility.

"It's been two years. Two years since everyone just.. Poof! Gone! What did you lose, huh? A kid you barely knew? Your pride?" You raised your brows, staring at him. His face was fuzzy and the room was slightly spinning.

"What did you lose? Your parents were already dead, your bestie is alive, your wife is alive, you're expecting a kid! You lost nothing." You sneered, glaring at him with glossy eyes.

"Everyone I love is gone but you get to start a new life with Ms. Pans or whatever her fucking name is. You get to have a family while I have to live without mine.. Clint.. Clint doesn't even come home half the time!" Your brows lowered, body trembling as you tried fighting back tears.

"I think we should talk about something." Tony said softly. You scoffed, rolling your eyes and licking your lips.

"Yeah? What? Gonna tell me I'm immature again?" You asked, letting out a small fake laugh. You looked away from him when tears began to slip down your cheeks.

"Why do I keep losing everyone?" You sobbed, taking in short breaths. Tony's gaze softened, placing a hesitant hand on your shoulder.

"It's not your fault, (Y/N)." He said softly, frowning. Tony had never seen you vulnerable. You were usually snappy and feisty with him.

"I d-didn't try hard enough." You breathed out, a quiet whimper escaping you.

"All of us could've tried harder. All of us wish we did. Don't you think Thor feels the way way you do? He's just angry instead of sad. No clue where he flew off but.." Tony sighed, eyes shutting as he thought of things to say that wouldn't piss you off. You turned and stared at him for a moment before reaching out and grabbing the back of his head, leaning forward. Your lips met his though your mind didn't process that you were kissing a married man with a baby on the way. You pulled away from the stunned billionaire, patting his chest.

"You suck." You whispered, eyes becoming droopy before you collapsed. Tony quickly caught you before you could hit the ground, clearing his throat.

"Hey, F.R.I.D.A.Y? Could you contact Rhodey? I need some assistance." Tony dragged your body towards one of the couches nearby, laying you on your side in case you had to vomit. Tony stared down at you, taking in your flushed, tear stained cheeks. He raised a hand to his lips, gently touching them. He shook his head, looking down at his ring with a heavy sigh.

"What's up, Tony?" Rhodes asked, gaze immediately dropping onto you.

"Could I charge him for underage drinking?" Tony asked, looking at him. Rhodes shook his head, chuckling.

"He turned 23 last month. Sent him a birthday card and a small cactus plant." Rhodes told him, approaching the couch.

"How come I'm never told of his birthdays?"

"Cause he doesn't like you." Rhodes answered simply, grabbing your legs as Tony hooked his arms under your armpits. They got you to your old bedroom in the facility, thought it took them a while. Tony propped up a pillow under your head, placing a trash can beside the bed.

"What would a kid like him want on their birthday?" Tony asked, looking at Rhodes as he put his hands on his hips.

"His boyfriend back." Rhodes muttered. Tony blinked, turning his head to look at him with wide eyes.

"Boyfriend?"

"Yeah, Barnes. I found out when we went to Wakanda. They were all over each other. Never thought he'd have a thing for older guys but.. I gotta admit, Barnes is an attractive dude." Rhodes shrugged, gently bringing the covere up over your shoulders. He gently rubbed your shoulder, sighing.

"He's a good kid. I guess I gotta lock up whenever he comes over. I'm surprised he even still bothers being here. Thor's nowhere to be found, you're barely even here.. God knows where Clint is. He hasn't visited yet."

"I'm gonna retire." Tony announced, looking at Rhodes. Rhodes raised his brows, looking at him.

"I wanna give Morgan a good life. One where she sees her father every day." Tony explained. They both turned to you when they heard you groan and gag, throwing up into the trash can and almost falling off the bed.

"I'll go get him a water bottle and painkillers." Rhodes mumbled, turning around and leaving the room. Tony nodded, licking his lipd and sighing softly.

"Are you just gonna stand there?" You asked in hoarse voice, slowly getting up. You sluggishly walked towards the bathroom, washing your mouth.

"I wouldn't bother. You're probably gonna throw up-" Tony cringed, hearing you throw the toilet seat up and vomit again. Rhodes entered the room, placing the pill bottle down and glancing into the bathroom.

"Should I contact Clint?" Rhodes asked, looking at Tony.

"He can come here when he realizes his son isn't home." Tony replied, glancing at Rhodes before turning around and leaving the room. Rhodes nodded, walking towards the bathroom and placing a hand on the doorway.

"Need help?" He asked, head tilting. You shook your head, grabbing toilet paper and using it to blow your nose. Rhodes hummed, leaving the room as well. You pushed yourself off the floor, walking to the sink and washing your mouth again. Your throat burned and you could taste what you had for dinner. With a heavy sigh, you approached the bed, collapsing onto it. Your arms wrapped around one of the pillows, nuzzling into it. You turned your head when someone entered the room.

"Read this when you have a clear head." Tony said quietly, placing a file on the nightstand. You furrowed your brows, a frown tugging at your lips. You were tempted to look at the file but your body desperately needed sleep.

The next morning, you woke up with a raging headache. Your mind and body were still tired but you weren't sure if what you needed was sleep or actual therapy. You noticed the trash can you had thrown up in was gone as you pulled your legs over the edge of the bed. The yellow file caught your eye again. You sighed, deciding to use the bathroom before anything else. You picked up the pill bottle, taking two tablets and pushing them down with some water. You licked your lips, putting the water bottle down and taking a seat on the bed. You picked up the file, placing it on your lap. You stared at the writing on the front in sharpie.

(Y/N) BARTON

"Is this.. My file?" You blinked, flipping it open and seeing your picture in the top right corner followed by your information.

"Why would I need this?" You flipped to the next page, seeing a picture of an unknown woman.

Florine De Meyers (Could be a false name) is believed to be (Y/N) Bartons' aunt from his fathers side.

Your mouth went dry as you reread the sentence over and over again. After almost six to seven years with the Avengers, you had never been told about your family. It was always your parents being unknown yet here was a piece of information stating you had a relative. You closed the file, standing up and leaving the room. You made your way to Tonys' office, tossing the file on his desk. Tony looked up from the box in his hands, glancing between you and the file.

"What the hell is this?" You questioned, arms crossing. Tony carefully placed the box down, clearing his throat.

"Your file."

"Yeah, I know that, dipshit." You sneered, earning a pointed look from him. Tony sighed, picking the file up and going to the second page.

"You-"

"Shut up and sit down." Tony ordered. You glared at him, sitting down on one of the chairs.

"Florine De Meyers is a 47 year old woman from Lasne, Belgium. It's unknown if Florine De Meyers is her real name since not much is known about her. It's stated that she had a brother but no information came up about him. We, well more like F.R.I.D.A.Y, went through your blood test and searched for any relatives. She's the closest living relative you have." Tony said, putting the file down. Your leg bounced as you tried to stay calm, taking in soft deep breaths.

"So, all this time I could've been learning about my family? Why didn't you tell me sooner?! She might've been snapped away too!"

"Quite frankly, you seemed happy with Barton and his family. Plus, I forgot about it while trying to save the world a few times." Tony answered, picking up trophies and medals, putting them in the box.

"Does Clint know?" You asked softly.

"Nope. Romanoff doesn't know, Banner doesn't know, Thor doesn't know, Rogers... Well, as far as I know, he's unaware but he very well could." Tony shrugged, closed the box and taping it.

"She lives in Belgium?"

"That's what I said. Though, you might not be from Belgium. We think she's your fathers half sister. So, your father and her share a parent. It's why we had some difficulty finding anyone. Your parents made sure nobody could make any connections. Whether it was protect you or to protect themselves, we'll never know. Florine might know though. F.R.I.D.A.Y, what's the most recent security footage of Florine De Meyers?"

"Florine De Meyers was seen in a supermarket last thursday." F.R.I.D.A.Y answered, making a picture of a security footage appear. You stared at the picture, sighing softly.

"Where's Nat?" You asked.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y?"

"Contacting Agent Romanoff." You stood up, pulling the file towards yourself and looking down at the picture as Tony spoke with Natasha. Florine seemed to have a permanet frown on her face, eyes hard and icy.

"Romanoff is on her way. She can accompany you to Lanse." Tony said, watching you with a small frown.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." You looked up at him in surprise. Tony was never one for apologies.

"I thought that if.. Your parents wanted to desperately protect you, I should respect their wishes and do the same. You're a big boy now. It's up to you to decide what you want to do now." Tony said, placing the box down and looking at you with a gentle gaze. You swallowed, nodding as you rubbed your arm.

"Uhm... I'm sorry for being a dick and insulting you." You apologized as well, choosing to ease the tension between you and Tony.

"What's up?" You turned to look at Natasha, picking up the file and closing it.

"I need a ride to Belgium."

[vanillann]

the third rule debacle (emily prentiss x fem!reader)

a/n: this request spark something in me. also my wlw are always so soft omg it’s so cute 

word count: 1.9k

warning: swearing and sexual innuendos

emily prentiss masterlist

Emily Prentiss had three rules that she followed in her life, she normally didn’t like these types of rules but these three were important.

Rule one was never to let her mother know too much. She learned that the hard way after she told her mother about this boy she liked or thought she liked, and she invited his entire family to dinner to talk about it.

Rule two was never let Penelope say she’d be DD for a night out. She never actually stayed sober, she loved pretty drinks with umbrellas in them, and Emily didn’t mind being sober most nights.

Rule three was don’t ever date a coworker, which is something Emily was known for at FBI Headquarters. She just thought it made things messy and complex for no good reasons, close friends were great but anything more was a bad idea.

Until they got a new teammate from the CIA, who asked to work closely with fewer international crimes, who sat across from Emily with a sticky sweet smile that made Emily have a sweet tooth.

She hated rule three so much it was giving her stomach aches because she sat there like a goddess and Emily wondered why she even made this rule anyways. She was starting to look dumb every time she’d wink from the other side of the bullpen at her or when she told Morgan he “wasn’t her type” then turned to look at her.

“Come on Em, you’d look so hot together!” Pen moved her glass on the table, her word somewhat slurred and Emily was confused about how she was already wasted.

“I think I’m on Pen's side this time,” JJ tilted her head to Pen but never lost eye contact with Em. JJ was getting annoyed at the pinning, so annoyed she started ranting to Henry about it.

“I don’t date coworkers,” Emily played with the glass of water in front of her, playing with the droplets as they fell down to distract her from her own problem. Could it be easily solved? Yes. Would it be? Probably not.

“But what if she is your exception,” JJ spoke sincerely, so sincerely it scared Emily shitless.

Pen slammed her fist into the table, her mouth wide open as she sang “you are my only exception” and Emily recognized the song quickly. It was Hayley Williams for crying out loud.

“Who’s an exception?” Em looked over her shoulder at an overly confident Morgan and normally she would have loved to see him but it made her feel worse. Morgan was supposed to pick up (Y/N) which meant she was now here and Emily would be left pining for her all night.

“(Y/N),” JJ spoke softly, looking around Morgan to try and find the girl in question.

“She’s getting a drink over there.”

Emily looked to where Morgan’s finger pointed, smiling lightly when she spotted the girl leaned against the bar with a little smile on her face. Even under the rough bar lights over her head, she looked like something you’d rip from the magazine just to tap it to your wall.

She looked like everything Emily wanted in someone, minus working together.

“Just drop the silly rule,” Morgan dramatically rolled his eyes, watching Emily come back down to Earth.

“It’s not a silly rule, it’s serious!” Emily looked between her friends, hoping at least one would back her up but she was left empty-handed. She knew they were right, it wasn’t that serious but it felt serious. What if it ended in flames?

She already came to the team late, would they kick her off over this? Yeah, okay, maybe she was overthinking it but to Emily, this was the biggest reason she didn’t date coworkers.

“Ladies!”

(Y/N) came around the corner like a fast-moving bullet, her arms wrapping around JJ’s shoulder in a hurry. Her excitement bounced off her to Emily quickly, like it always did.

“(Y/N)! We were just talking about you!” Pen reached for the former CIA agent, her hand flying over her mouth as sound as she realized what she said.

“Glad to know I’m a topic of conversation,” she smiled slightly at Pen, squeezing her hand before she spun and spotted Emily watching her. A smile was quick grace on both of their lips, which just made the rest of the team's points made.

“How could we not talk about you,” Emily did her best for the comment not to come off too flirty but by JJ’s smirk she failed miserably.

“Well I hope it’s dirty like my martini,” the girl winked, smiling when the taller dude from the bar brought the drink over with a smile to the girl's energy. Emily shook her head and smiled to herself.

How couldn’t you adore that?

“So, is Spencer coming or-” she trailed off, looking to her other teammates to find her answers about the sweeter boy.

“He’s flying out to see his mom tonight,” Morgan nodded, his smile flatter slightly but he bounced back quickly.

“Man, I was hoping he’d be here so I could see him dance!”

The conversation was easy there like it always had been. (Y/N) was a great fit for the team, had everyone wrapped under her finger in seconds without trying. Emily knew she had imprinted the team forever, she had imprinted her forever.

“(Y/N), look at this baby panda!” Garcia reached across JJ, her pink blinged phone glittered under the lights of the bar. Without much thought, Pen pushed her phone father until her knuckles pushed the martini from the hardwood table into (Y/N) lap.

Her face was one of shock, looking down at her lap as the liquor pooled in her lap. Then a little smile painted across her cheeks and suddenly she was laughing, like throw your head back and make the room stop laughing.

“Better not let my PO find me,” she joked, smiling when JJ took the few napkins from the table and tried to clean up the little mess that was made. Pen continued to apologize, her eyes welling up with tears before (Y/N) reached for her hand.

“Pen, it was just an old Green Day shirt. Don’t worry sweets, as long as it wasn’t the Chemical Romance we’re clear,” she smiled at Pen, which made the blonde release drunk giggles.

“I’m gonna go clean up,” she waved off the table, taking a few of the napkins JJ had with her as she pushed back everyone until she found where she was looked for. Emily watched her back until she could no more, her eyes suddenly trained on the door.

“Go talk to her, I’m begging you,” JJ reached across the table, her hands clapped together with pleading eyes.

“Rules were made to be broken Em,” Morgan shrugged, his body already moving so Emily could slide out the small wooden booth.

“Says the FBI agent,” Emily smirked and Morgan slid out the booth anyways. She knew they were right, it was clear as day she needed to confess something. She knew (Y/N) felt somewhat the same, she at least hoped.

Her boots were moving over the sticky floor of the bar before she registered that she left the table. Her mind followed the same route (Y/N) did seconds ago. An older man reached out to catch her attention but she walked right around him. No soul could get in the way of her right now, because she finally was ready to break rule three.

Fuck rule three, rule three was made for the scared girl who didn’t know what she felt like, but she was going to find out.

Her hand lightly pushed open the door to the bathroom, smiling when she spotted her standing in front of the mirror with the paper towels in her hand. She looked up from her shirt, smiling at Emily in the mirror than looking back at the mess.

“Gotta piss?”

“Oh god no,” Emily let out a little laugh, she didn’t say anything funny but she knew she couldn’t stay serious if this was going to go her way.

“Good, I wasn’t giving my bathroom,” she smiled under her breath, something Emily never found that attractive before she did it.

Emily finally walked into the bathroom, letting the door lightly shut behind her. She realized how harsh the red tank top as a leather jacket was against the white tiled of the bathroom, but standing next to the girl, woman, in the Green Day tee with a stain down the front and the most acidic washed jeans she’d seen, she felt right where she belonged.

“Can we talk?”

“Of course Em,” she spoke without looking up, her hand moving to the tap to turn on the water.

“Are you free Sunday?”

Her hand stopped on the cold water knob, her eyes slowly moving from the tee to her own eyes. She couldn’t believe she had said it that smoothly too. She didn’t stutter or try to fight it. She didn’t wanna fight now she felt anymore.

“Why?”

“I was thinking dinner,” Emily leaned on the wall beside the sink, her finger coming up to her mouth as she bit her fingernails, cursing Spencer for bringing it up as her nervous habit, now she can’t stop.

“Like date dinner?”

“Hopefully.”

Emily gave her best smile, hoping that would make her more inclined to say yes, although she was hoping she liked her more to just say it to start with.

“I thought you didn’t date coworkers,” (Y/N) turned so her side was leaning against the sink, her body now facing Emily’s right on. That just made her more intimidated.

Emily didn’t really know what to say at first. Does she give her the long version about how she thinks they’d be good? Does she just tell her things have changed? As her brain wrapped around something to say, her brain went back to Pen singing the Paramore song and she couldn’t stop the smile that split her face in two.

“You’re my exception,” Emily spoke the words casually, shrugging as if she didn’t think over her words over words forever.

But it was worth it as (Y/N) smiled, pushing off the sink and reaching out from Emily. Her hand curled at the back of her neck, her face pulling closer to her own as their lips collided. Emily could feel her lip gloss running off her own lips onto her own, and nothing made her smile more than knowing she had proof now.

She was kissing her and her lips were as soft as frosting and Emily was so thankful for her sweet tooth. She was her sugar high she’d never come down from. As their kiss became the ghost of one, the world filled back in. She remembered she was in a dingy bar bathroom while her liquor ran into her shirt more and more.

“I’m actually completely free this Sunday,” (Y/N) licked her lips, smiling to herself as she looked up at Emily with the most innocent look in her eye.

“Never pictured you tasting like strawberries.”

Emily smirked, leaning in for another because she needed a taste of what breaking rules felt like.

“You thought about how I’d taste.”

“Oh all the time,” she rolled her eyes and smirked but leaned in herself because while she was her sugar, Emily Prentiss was her spice and she wasn’t going to stop reminding them both.

Emily smiled a little harder as she exited the bathroom because she both ruled three for the girl she’d break the law for.

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[just-dreaming-marvel]

Out Of Time ~ 138

MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 2,485ish

Summary: The hospital keeps monitoring Y/N and Morgan. (Refer to this post on why there’s two chapters today.)

The doctor requested that Morgan be held at least twice a day, cause it seemed to be working. Tony was the only one to have held Morgan so far, but everyone understood. Slowly, three weeks passed by. Morgan was doing better, the wires and tubes slowly not needed anymore. Y/N was a different story on the other hand, and that is why the doctor called Tony into her room to talk alone. Tony was sitting at Y/N’s bedside, holding her hand, as the doctor stood at the edge of the bed.

“After have no apparent decline the last few weeks, I was hopefully that maybe we could prepare to wake Y/N,” the doctor started. “That is why I ordered multiple scans yesterday. I got all the results back this morning.”

“And?” Tony breathed out, extremely nervous. He met Rhodey’s gaze through the blinds before focusing back on the doctor.

“And there has been no decline, but there also has been no improvement. After consulting with multiple people, I have decided to keep Y/N sedated for another 3 weeks. Once those three weeks are over, we will wake her, no matter what, and then see what we are dealing with.”

“How bad is this, doc? Really?”

“Unfortunately this is one of the worst cases I’ve seen. But I have hope. Y/N is strong and has been known to miraculously pull through before. I believe that if anyone can get through this it’s her.”

~~~

“I-I don’t know, Nat,” Steve shook his head. “What if Tony comes in and gets mad? I don’t want to upset him anymore than I have.”

“Just hold her,” Nat urged. “It’s time for her kangaroo care and Tony isn’t here yet. That can only mean… just hold her. She’s your niece.”

Steve looked at Morgan in the incubator before sighing. “Fine. But do I have to take my shirt off?”

“Yes,” both Nat and the female nurse replied quickly. With a huff, Steve pulled off his shirt.

“Now, sit in the rocker and I will bring the baby over,” the nurse ordered. 

Steve nodded as he sat down. He watched, dutifully, as the nurse picked up Morgan and made her way to him. Nervously, he held out his large hands and let the nurse set Morgan in them. Steve listened intently as the nurse instructed him on the do’s and don’ts and helped get Morgan settled against his chest. He was so mesmerized by little Morgan that he didn’t noticed Natasha taking pictures. He gave his niece a little smile as he rocked her. Rhodey walked in not too long later. 

“They’re keeping Y/N sedated for 3 more weeks,” he told them. “She’s hasn’t made any progress, good or bad. They’re going to wake her no matter what, to see what we’re dealing with.”

“How’s Tony taking it?” Natasha asked.

Rhodey shook his head. “Not well. He’s in there right now begging her, and I think God, to make some positive progress, to push through.”

“If she doesn’t… what is this going to do to him?”

“That’s not an option. She has to push through. She has too.”

“Your ma’s going to fight for you, Mo, I know it,” they heard Steve whisper. They turned and watched him. “She’s a fighter, and she would never leave you without putting up one… I was told you enjoy your pa singing to ya. You mind if I try? There’s this song, your ma used to love and constantly sing. I want to give it a try. So bare with me, okay? Okay…”

“Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high,” Steve began to softly sing, fully focused on the babe in his arms. “There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true… Someday I’ll wish upon a star, and wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops. Away above the chimney tops, that’s where you’ll find me… Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly. Birds fly over the rainbow, why then, oh why I can’t I? If happy little blue birds fly beyond the rainbow, why, on why can’t I?”

Steve pressed a kiss to Morgan’s head. “You keep fightin’,” he whispered to her. “And your ma will too.”

~~~

“Tony,” Pepper called as she lightly knocked on Y/N’s open door. “I brought you some food.”

“I’m not hungry,” Tony muttered, focused on Y/N’s face.

“You need to eat something.” Pepper slowly came into the room more. 

“What I need is for Y/N to wake up… this is killing me.”

“I know, Tony. But there’s nothing you can do but take care of yourself. If you don’t, how are you going to be able to take care of Y/N when she wakes or take care of Morgan.” Tony sighed, and held his hand out. Pepper quickly handed him the bag of food. “Rhodey told us what the doctor said… I’m so sorry Tony.”

“How’s Morgan today? I know I missed her kangaroo care time.”

“She’s doing well. Natasha got Steve to cover for you.” Tony nodded, taking a bite of his food. “I know that you both have a rocky relationship, but I know Y/N would appreciate you both for trying to work together.”

“She’d get the biggest kick out of seeing us without our shirts on, holding Morgan.”

“She would,” Pepper nodded. “It’s a good thing Natasha’s been taking pictures of it all.”

“Yeah… it just sucks that Y/N’s not here to see it herself…” Pepper put a hand on Tony’s shoulder. “I just want to see her smile and hold Morgan, even if it’s just once… she deserves it especially since—since she never got that with AJ.”

“She’ll get it, Tony… she’ll be able to hold Morgan… she has to.”

~~~

The next three weeks went by extremely slow. But while Y/N was making no progress, Morgan was doing well. Before they knew it, they didn’t have to do kangaroo care with her anymore, which honestly made both Tony and Steve sad. They enjoyed that time bonding with her. Finally, all the wires and tubes were taken off Morgan and she was sleeping in a normal newborn baby bed. She was still in the NICU, being closely monitored, but could be held and visited more. 

Tony was impressing everyone with how quick he was catching on with taking care of a baby. He was currently trying to calm Morgan down. She was wailing in his arms and he couldn’t figure out how to get her calm.

“I know, I know,” he said, gently bouncing her up and down. “You want your momma. I want her too… just please stop crying. Please.” She continued to wail, so he changed her position in his arms. “Come on, hun. Do you want me to start singing? I can do that.”

“Um… oh Morgan, when you smile I am undone, my sun,” Tony began singing, chaining the lyrics. “Like at my sun, pride is not the word I’m looking for. There is so much more inside me now. Oh Morgan, you outshine the morning sun, my sun. When you smile, I fall apart and I thought I was so smart… My father wasn’t around, my father wasn’t around. I swear that I’ll be around for you. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll make a million mistakes. I’ll make the world safe and sound for you. Will com—“

“Tony!” Steve exclaimed, rushing in with Natasha. “They’re waking Y/N right now.”

“What?”

“They’re waking her right now!”

“Here,” Natasha opened her arms, “I’ll take Morgan. You two should be by her side when she wakes.”

“Okay,” Tony nodded. He looked down at Morgan. “I’m going to go check on your momma now, alright?” He gave her a little kiss. “I love you so much, and I’ll see you soon.” He carefully handed her to Nat, looking worried.

“Don’t worry,” Nat gave him a small smile. “I’ll take care of her.”

Tony nodded and gave Morgan on last kiss before running off with Steve. When they reached Y/N’s room, they weren’t allowed to enter. Standing in front of the window, they could see several doctors and nurses jotting notes down and checking up on Y/N.

“She’s going to be okay,” Steve whispered, mainly to herself. “She’s going to be okay.”

Tony moved up closer to the window when he noticed Y/N’s eyes blinking open. Her eyes found his before the doctor caught her attention. The breathing tube was still in her mouth, but Tony couldn’t help but let out a whimper of relief when he saw Y/N nod in answer of the doctor’s question. With tears forming in both of their eyes, Tony and Y/N made eye contact again.

“I’m right here, honey,” Tony comforted through the window, pressing a hand up against it. “I’m right here.” He could see her hand trying to rest on her stomach, eyes afraid. “She’s okay, Y/N. Our daughter’s okay. Morgan’s beautiful.”

~~~

Tony and Steve were told to wait with Morgan or in the waiting room as the doctors ran tests on Y/N. They were both so nervous, but were relieved at the response they had witnessed from Y/N already. They were both in with Morgan, pacing around a small, private room as she slept in a crib. 

“She recognized me,” Tony mumbled, trying not to get too excited. “She recognized me.”

“That means she’s going to be okay, Tony,” Steve replied. “It has to.”

“Yeah… Yeah… you’re right…. I really want to see her.”

“Good,” the doctor came in with a smile, “cause she wants to see you too.”

“How is she doing?”

“She’s going to be fighting migraines and light sensitivity for a while, maybe forever. She’s also going to be tired for a while. Again, whether that fatigue be something she’ll be fightings for a little while or life, only time will tell. Her memory and speech is better than we’d hoped. The plan is to keep her in the hospital for at least two more weeks for safety measures. But, Tony, this is the best outcome we could have hoped for.”

“Thank you so much, doc,” Tony shook the doctor’s hand. 

“Only doing by job. Now, go see your fiancé.”

Tony looked back at Morgan. “What about—“

“I’ve got her,” Steve said. “Go see Y/N. I’ll follow soon with Mo.”

Tony gave Steve a grateful smile before hurrying to Y/N’s room. When he arrived, the blinds were barely open and he could tell the only light in the room was a lamp. Trying to contain his excitement, Tony took a breath before walking in. Y/N’s head moved slowly to face the door, eyes barely open. A small smile came over her face.

“Hi,” she rasped. 

Tony choked on a happy sob. She lifted her hand slightly, waving him over. He fell into the chair at her bedside, grabbing onto her hand and bringing it to his lips.

“You know…” Y/N paused to swallow. “I was hoping for a kiss on the lips. But I guess my hand appreciates it as well.”

“I’m sorry, I just…” Tony’s eyes were bursting with tears. “I’m so happy that you’re okay. I was so worried.” He stood up slightly and kissed her soft and long. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Y/N kissed Tony again before gasping and pushing Tony away.

“What? What is it, hun?”

“Morgan… where’s Morgan?”

“She’s right here,” Steve interrupted, pushing Morgan’s bed into the room.

“Oh.” Y/N held her hand to her mouth as Steve brought her closer. “She’s gorgeous.” 

Tony sat on the bed and put an arm around Y/N then gave her head a kiss. “Just like her momma,” he whispered.

“Do you want to hold her?” Steve asked.

“Can I?” Y/N wondered. 

“Of course. I’ll hand her to ya.” Steve gently picked Morgan up, who immediately started fusing. “Sshh, sshh. You’re okay.” He moved to the bedside. “Okay, hold out your arms and I’ll set her down.”

Y/N nodded and held out her arms. Ever careful, Steve set Morgan down in his sister’s arms. Y/N swore that her heart could have stopped. She was holding her child. She couldn’t help the tears that slipped down her cheeks.

“She’s perfect,” Y/N whispered. “Absolutely perfect.” Morgan cooed. “Hello, Morgan. I’m your mom… I’m sorry that I’ve been away, but I promise that will never happen again. I will never leave you again…” Morgan began fussing. “Oh, no. Please don’t fuss.”

“Steve and I have been singing songs to calm her down,” Tony told her. “Why don’t you give it a try?”

“I-I don’t know—“

“Just try.”

Y/N took a deep breath before softly starting to sing. “A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you’re fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartaches. Whatever you wish for, you keep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.”

“You’re my dream,” Y/N whispered. “My little princess.”

Steve snapped a few pictures as Y/N sung. Tony was still keeping Y/N at his side, looking over her shoulder to see Morgan. A peaceful silence fell over them.

“Thank you,” Tony whispered. 

This caused Y/N to look up at him with furrowed brows. “What for?” She wondered.

“For coming back to us.”

“Always.” Y/N gave Tony a kiss before looking back down at Morgan. “I couldn’t leave—“

Y/N suddenly stopped talking. Her eyes rolling back and she began seizing. Steve swiftly grabbed Morgan from Y/N’s limp arms as Tony rolled Y/N onto her side.

“We need some help in here!” Steve shouted.

As Y/N continued to seize, foaming at the mouth, nurses and doctors rushed in. 

“What’s happening?” Tony asked. 

“Tony, you and Steve take Morgan and get out of here,” the doctor ordered. “Now!”

“Come on guys,” Rhodey urged, him and Natasha having rushed to the room with the doctor.

“I can’t leave her,” Tony stated. Rhodey grabbed Tony’s arm trying to yank him out of there. “No!” Tony pulled away.

“Tony. Let them do their jobs.” Rhodey tried again.

“No!” Tony weakly tried to pull away again, yet he failed. “Please, Y/N!”

A nurse shut the door once they were out and shut the blinds. Morgan cried in Steve’s arms as Tony collapsed onto his knees on the floor. He looked up at the ceiling.

“Just one break, damn it!” He yelled. “I just want one break!”

next chapter >

I promise that more fluff is coming! And that it will get easier! (Well, until the rest of Endgame comes.) Thanks for baring with me!

I leave for Disney World this week. It is the last big family vacation that I will be on for a while. Because of that, I will not be on tumblr March 19th through March 24th. I will actually be deleting the app so that it’s not a distraction.

Most likely, nothing will be posted during that time. If something is, it will have been queued up. Things that are posted while I’m out of town will not have tag lists attached. I will put this note in all the fic posts until then.

So do not come at me for spending time with my family instead of including the tag list. (I say that knowing that people won’t care and still come at me…. be respectful and get over yourself.)

Check out the 2 ending titles and possible banners here.

Also, I will be taking all of April off for job hunting and such. Please be kind and understanding. This is important to me.

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[babyjamiebarnes]

Build-A-Bear

Part Three

Featuring: Bucky x Stark!reader, dad!Tony, Pepper, Rhodey, Happy, Morgan, various characters in other chapters

Warnings: language, sexual innuendos and implications

Chapter Summary: Reader has dinner with her family and gets grilled even harder than her food. But she’s turned to a light simmer when Bucky takes her out for their first date.

Author’s Note: This chapter is fucking monstrous lol. I did not expect it to be this long so it might be a couple extra days before the next chapter so I can catch up! I’m also not sure if my Italian is accurate so I apologize in advance. I used to work for a man named Gennaro from Naples and he called me “bella” so hopefully I’m sort of right? If you like the story so far, feel free to buy me a coffee!

Part One • Part Two

Tags: @kennedywxlsh

Dinner that night was tense, to say the least. It was nice to have your dad, step-mom, sister, and uncles Happy and Rhodey over again, but your dad wasn’t quick to forget what he saw earlier.

“What was that with Barnes today?” Tony asked as you all sat around the dining room table in your midtown flat, poking away at the remnants of your meals.

“What do you mean?” you asked innocently.

Your dad just gave you an incredulous look. “You know what I mean.”

You sighed and avoided meeting his eyes. “I was just working on his arm, dad. I didn’t wanna make him lie down on a hard lab table while I poked around to do what you wanted and quiet his arm,” you explained.

“Wait, Barnes as in Bucky Barnes?” Uncle Rhodey clarified.

“Yeah,” your dad confirmed, not taking his eyes off of you. “I found her kneeling between his legs while he sat shirtless on the couch.”

“You’re sleeping with Bucky?!” Rhodey asked.

“I’m not sleeping with anyone!” you defended, dropping your fork onto your plate. “I’ve known him for a month.”

“That’s never stopped your father,” Pepper mumbled under her breath, making you huff out a laugh despite your current grilling.

“Listen, when I said ‘no fraternizing with coworkers,’ I meant it,” your dad said.

“Please stop saying ‘fraternizing.’ It’s weird.”

Tony sighed and crossed his arms. “No ‘slumber parties’ with coworkers,” he rephrased.

This made Morgan perk up in her seat, having spent the past couple minutes confusedly watching you and your dad bicker.

“Can we have a slumber party, [Y/N]?” she asked.

“Yes, honey, we can have a slumber party,” you responded.

“Tonight?” she continued.

At this, you pointedly looked at your dad and raised your eyebrows as a way of saying ‘are we done now?’ You could tell he didn’t want to end the conversation, but you were grateful for the sudden change of topic. Tony uncrossed his arms and leaned against the table as he replied to your sister.

“If your big sister says it’s okay, you can have a slumber party tonight.”

Morgan lit up like the Fourth of July, quickly listing off all the movies she wanted to watch even though you knew she’d fall asleep halfway through the first movie.

As your family packed up to leave, leaving Morgan since she had a drawer of clothes for the impromptu sleepovers you’ve had before, you calmed your racing heart before saying the words that would either make your father more suspicious or completely quash his suspicions.

“You’ll have to pick her up by four tomorrow. I have a date.”

All of the adults turned to face you. Pepper had a huge smile on her face, clearly excited for you, but your dad and Rhodey looked ready to fight. Happy looked curious, maybe even worried, but he played a big role in raising you so while Tony was the overprotective parent, Happy was the comforting parent (not that he’d ever let anyone know that).

“A date?” The tone of your dad’s voice made you roll your eyes at him.

“I’m a grown woman. I’m allowed to go on dates.”

Your dad let out a quiet harumph at that, but understood where you were coming from. “I know, sweetheart. Forgive me for being a bit overprotective of my little girl.”

“I get it. I appreciate your concern,” you said with a smile, “but this is good for me. You want grandkids eventually, right?”

“Oh god,” your dad groaned, pressing a hand to his chest. “I’m not old enough to be a grandpa but I’m old enough to have a heart attack at the mention of it.”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”

“So what’s this person’s name?” Pepper piped up. You visibly tensed and internally panicked. You couldn’t just admit it was Bucky after denying anything there. But his name was technically pretty common...

“His name is James.”

Rhodey snapped his fingers and pointed at you as he said, “I like him already.”

‘Yeah, sure you do,’ you thought. The sight of your dad narrowing his eyes at you and crossing his arms as he stood in the entryway of your apartment made you nervous. Maybe James wasn’t good enough to get him off your trail (probably because he was right).

“How did you meet this guy?” Tony asked.

If anyone else had asked, you would’ve said ‘work,’ but that’s the last place you could say to your dad — with whom you worked.

“Uhh, at the grocery store. We accidentally followed each other and got a lot of the same food so he jokingly accused me of stalking him and we just hit it off,” you rattled off. It’s a good thing he didn’t know how your friend Monique met her girlfriend or he’d know you were lying.

“That’s so cute,” Pepper cooed. She was definitely the more relaxed of your parents, possibly because she wasn’t your biological mom. She had been raising you since you were ten though, so she played a big part in your upbringing.

“Text me his last name so I can run a background check,” your dad said. You’d love to think he was joking, but you knew he was serious.

And as much as you knew you’d regret it, you had to make a joke…

“His last name is Barnes,” you said, keeping your face as serious as possible. “James Barnes. I actually know his middle name too: Buchanan.”

“[Y/N] [Y/M/N] [Y/L/N], you better be joking right now,” Tony said. He was already getting red in the face, clearly unenthused at the prospect of you dating the man who, admittedly, killed his parents — your grandparents. Yeah, understandable.

“I’m obviously kidding,” you said, forcing a laugh. “It’s just funny that they have the same first name and you’re so anti-Bucky.”

“You’re gonna send me to an early grave,” he muttered. “I’m going home before I actually have a heart attack.”

You said your goodbyes and ‘I love you’s before you and Morgan put on your pajamas and set up a pillow fort in the middle of your living room to watch her favorite sleepover movie: “Shrek.”

As the movie went on, you leaned back in the fort to take a photo of Morgan with the movie in the background. Well, the back of Morgan’s head as she was engrossed in the movie she’d seen a million times.

[Image attached] She’s got her teddy bear but where’s my Bucky Bear? 🥺

Across the city, Bucky’s phone buzzed from its spot on the kitchen counter as he made himself a late dinner. He didn’t recognize the number, but smiled when he saw the picture of who he assumed was your sister or niece.

I never got an invite. Looks like more fun than my night.

You smiled to yourself when you saw his reply, rolling your eyes at the lack of exclamation points and emojis. Typical man.

What does your night look like?

Eating a late dinner and talking to you.

Talking to me isn’t fun?! I’m hurt 😢

Not as fun as actually being with you.

Even though he wasn’t there and didn’t say it verbally, you could feel your cheeks get hot at his words.

There’s no way sweet talk like that didn’t get you in more than four beds.

You’re still on that? I swear doll, I have the same number as you.

Whatever you say! 🙄

There was a lull in conversation after that, giving you time to move your sister to lie on her back with pillows and blankets in the fort so she could sleep more comfortably.

Are we still going out tomorrow?

You let the next Shrek movie start automatically, but you didn’t pay any attention as you texted Bucky.

I’m still down if you are 👀

You sent him your address and let him know you’d wait on the front steps for him so he didn’t have to come all the way up. With the exchange of ‘good night’ messages, you drifted asleep to the sounds of Shrek 2.

•

The next morning, you somehow managed to wake up before your sister, then brought her back to the land of the living with the smell of French toast.

You spent your day watching another movie with Morgan before fixing lunch and taking her to a park down the road. Morgan’s childhood was definitely different from yours. Happy was the one who took you to parks and shopping, but Tony parented at home. Morgan would have the same early experiences, but the world knew Tony and Pepper had a daughter. They kept her identity hidden for now, waiting until she could decide if she wanted to reveal herself later in life. The world never knew about you.

And you had to be somewhat grateful for that. You still got all the perks of being a Stark — the money, the Tower, meeting the Avengers (and having James Rhodes as your godfather) — without the stress of fame. But part of you still wished you could talk about your father without keeping his occupation vague and referring to him as “Anthony” when telling stories instead of Tony.

Morgan also got to know her mom. You only spent the first seven years of your life with your mom before she was killed in a drive-by shooting. The police investigated it like crazy because everyone thought since it was Tony Stark’s wife, it had to be a targeted hit. But since she never took the same jogging route twice, all they came up with was an unplanned drive-by. You cherished the memories you had with her, but still openly welcomed Pepper when she came into the picture. She may not have played the same type of role in your life, but she helped shape your middle and high school years.

By the time you and Morgan got back to your place, she was exhausted, climbing back into the still-intact blanket fort to take a nap. When your dad and Pepper stopped by to pick her up, she was still knocked out.

“We’ll get out of your hair so you can get ready for your date,” your dad said with Morgan in his arms. “Send me this James guy’s last name. I still want to run a background check.”

“Dad,” you grumbled. “I already did my research. He’s clear.” Kind of. He technically has murdered hundreds of people, including your grandparents, but he’s reformed and fighting for the good guys now. Not that your dad would let it slide if you told him that.

“That’s my girl,” he grinned. “Let me know if you need to hide any bodies, okay?”

“You got it,” you said with a laugh as they headed out. You had two hours to get ready for Bucky, giving you plenty of time to look extra cute.

By the time six rolled around, you were all dolled up and ready to go. The autumn weather had you in a jacket and boots, but that just pulled your outfit together.

Your doorman Matt was standing inside the lobby when you ran downstairs, tossing him a small wave as you left.

“Have a good night, Miss [Y/L/N],” he said with a nod.

“See you later, Matt!”

You stood at the bottom of your building’s front steps, checking your phone and looking up and down the block for Bucky. It was six on the dot, so you figured he’d be there soon.

“Hey!” You looked up from your phone to see Bucky jogging toward you, a black leather jacket covering his arms and a black glove hiding his left hand. “Sorry I’m late. I couldn’t get away from Sam. Had to tell him I was gonna check out my old stomping grounds in Brooklyn.”

“You’re, like, 30 seconds late. I’m just glad you’re here,” you said with a smile. “So what are we doing tonight?”

Bucky’s smile faltered as he looked down at you. Your boots gave you a bit of a height bump, but Bucky still stood taller than you.

“I, uh, I kinda thought you had something planned,” he said softly.

“Oh, oops,” you laughed. “Well… what about those Brooklyn stomping grounds of yours? Care to show me around?”

Bucky lit up at the recommendation and started leading the way to the nearest subway stop. Before you started down the stairs, he paused and turned to you with a sour expression.

“I probably should’ve asked if you’d rather get a cab,” he said.

“Bucky, I take the subway to work every day. It’s fine.”

“Why do you take the train? You don’t live too far away.” You two made your way down the steps to the bustling station.

“It’s just easier. Less work for me,” you explained. “I didn’t take the train much as a kid so I like taking the opportunity now that I can.”

“Most people don’t willingly take the subway,” he laughed. “Steve and I always used to talk about how we’d be rich enough to have a car someday. But now that I could get any car I wanted, I don’t think I want one. I like the subway.”

“Even though it’s smelly and dirty?” you joked.

“Yeah,” he laughed. “It’s one of the things that still reminds me of home.”

The gentleness in his voice nearly brought you to tears. This man had been through so much and was still the sweetest soul you’d ever met. Forced into a war he didn’t want to join, experimented on, tortured and brainwashed, hunted by every government in the world, captured, frozen, and forced into another war and more battles he shouldn’t have to join. He just couldn’t catch a break.

“Well I’m excited to see what else reminds you of home,” you replied.

The trains to and through Brooklyn were relatively busy so you and Bucky couldn’t really talk much, but it was a Saturday night so you couldn’t blame people for getting out. It was tough to find seats, but Bucky was willing to stand to make sure you could have a seat. Ever the gentleman.

When you made it to Bucky’s Brooklyn stop of choice, he started telling you more stories from the ‘40s, like when Steve couldn’t get off the train in time and accidentally went down another stop so Bucky ran to the next stop and found Steve heading his way anyway. And how he and Steve followed his sister Rebecca on a date “to watch out for her,” he said, and her date thought they were stalking her and tried to beat them up. And all the fights he pulled Steve out of.

“Punk was a chihuahua who thought he was a Rottweiler.”

For a while, you two walked around the streets of Brooklyn just telling each other stories. You were careful about names you used, often just calling Happy “Uncle Harry” and Rhodey “Uncle James.”

Bucky showed you the movie theater he and Steve used to go to, which was surprisingly still in business. You walked past what used to be a diner Bucky frequented but was converted into a bridal shop.

“This used to be a magic store Steve loved,” he said, looking up at the bank on the corner of the street. “Things have changed a lot.”

You heard the nostalgia in his voice, clearly missing the New York he grew up to love. He had a soft smile on his lips as he reminisced, though.

“What about where you lived?” you asked. “Do you remember where that is?”

“Oh yeah,” he chuckled. “I could never forget that.”

Everything was within a fifteen minute walk of where you got off the subway so even though your feet were getting tired, you followed alongside Bucky as he led the way up and down the streets. Before too long, you strode up to a large brick building that had clearly been remodeled recently, if the fresh windows and front doors were any indication.

“It’s… a lot nicer than when I lived here,” Bucky said with a sigh. “But it’s been nearly 100 years so I can’t blame them for updating things.”

“Brooklyn is kind of booming now, too,” you added. “More people to appeal to, ya know?”

You stared up at him again, seeing that same lost look as before, like he wished to turn back time and show you the Brooklyn he knew. So you decided since he couldn’t do that, you’d show him the Brooklyn you knew.

“Come here. My turn to show you around,” you said, holding your hand out to him. He gave you a small smile before grabbing your hand in his and letting you pull him back to the subway.

Ten minutes later, you hopped off the train with Bucky in tow and headed to the little Italian restaurant you found while exploring the city a couple years before. It wasn’t anything elaborate; it was honestly more of a little hole-in-the-wall, but you liked the quiet atmosphere.

“Bella!” the owner shouted as you walked in.

“Hey Genny,” you smiled at him.

“Who’s this?” he asked as he approached you, raising his eyebrows when he saw Bucky.

“This is James,” you said. You opted against using his more common nickname to avoid any recognition.

“James, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Gennaro, but you can call me Genny. Welcome to my restaurant.” The two men shook hands before Genny ushered you two to a table and handed you menus. “Would you like to start with focaccia?”

“Yes please!”

“Con formaggi?”

“Si! Grazie!”

Gennaro left you and Bucky while he started your appetizer.

“You speak Italian?” Bucky asked.

“Definitely not,” you laughed. “I’ve just been coming here for a while and have picked up on some things Genny says. Like ‘bella’ means ‘beautiful,’ this pizza,” you pointed to your favorite pizza on the menu, “‘cinque formaggi’ means ‘five cheese.’ But I could never hold a conversation.”

“Un peccato,” Bucky sighed before flashing a smile at you.

“You speak Italian?!” you nearly shrieked. “No way! Don’t talk shit with Gennaro behind my back.” You pouted at Bucky, but knew he wouldn’t say anything bad about you. Maybe an embarrassing moment or two — like your dad walking in on you between his knees — but nothing negative.

“I picked it up pretty quickly back in the day,” Bucky explained. “Before I was sent to Germany, I was stationed in a small town in Italy for a while. The locals didn’t mind having us there because we kept the Nazis out, so they taught us some Italian when we were in town.”

“Maybe I should take Gennaro up on his offer to learn Italian,” you mused.

“Or you could learn from me,” Bucky was quick to offer. “I’ll teach you some stuff when you’re working on my arm.”

Your server arrived with the focaccia and water for both of you, before giving you more time to actually look at the menus instead of talking. You decided to split a bottle of red wine and two pizzas, one of your choice and one of Bucky’s. As the night went on, you and Bucky both opened up to each other even more than before. You could easily blame the buzz from a couple glasses of wine, but Bucky’s super soldier serum made you confused. His cheeks were flushed and he had more than half the bottle, so you wondered if maybe...

“Can you still get drunk?”

“Unlike Steve, yes. It takes more than this,” he said, lifting the nearly empty bottle of wine, “but since Steve and I received different serums, they work a little differently. I can definitely get drunk. Marijuana admittedly hits harder.”

You paused as you stared back at him, his elbows perched on the table and his clasped hands propped under his chin.

“Are you drunk now?”

“No,” he laughed quietly. “A little tipsy, sure, but not drunk by a long shot.”

You narrowed your eyes at him playfully, reluctantly accepting that he was just as buzzed as you but not quite drunk.

Before long, your server brought over your tab and you realized how empty the restaurant had gotten. Then you noticed the broom and mop the server had brought out to the floor, then the dark ‘open’ sign, and finally the clock on the wall.

“You closed 20 minutes ago and didn’t kick us out?” you shouted at Gennaro. “Genny, you can always kick me out! I feel bad!”

Gennaro walked over to your table as you scrambled for your wallet and handed the server your card to run.

“I can’t kick you out, bella. You and your moroso are welcome any time.”

“I think this poor girl would beg to differ,” you said as the server handed your card and signature slip back. She just laughed at your comment, agreeing without saying it outright.

You left a hefty tip and hugged Genny before you and Bucky, both still a bit tipsy, shuffled outside.

“Thanks for buying dinner,” Bucky said. “This means I get to pay next time, though.”

He said it so casually and you already planned on another date, but it still kind of caught you off guard.

“Next time?” You smiled up at him and took a step closer until you were almost toe-to-toe. “There’s gonna be a ‘next time’?”

“I sure hope there is,” he said quietly, his smirk sending a rush up your spine.

“If you insist,” you sighed. He knew better than to believe you weren’t excited for your future plans. “I’m cold. Care to get an Uber with me?”

He gently grabbed your shoulders and spun you around, pulling the loose opening of his jacket over your arms and wrapping his arms around you to help keep you warm.

“Well, yeah. I need to make sure you get home safe so ‘next time’ can happen,” Bucky said as he nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck.

“You know, I don’t usually let men spoon me on the first date,” you joked as you tapped away to order an Uber.

“I can stop, if you want,” he teased.

You gripped his arm as he started to pull away. “I never said that.”

Bucky rode back to your place with you, keeping conversation casual as you both avoided the controversy you were about to face: to kiss on the first date or not. You never really had any issues with it before, but you already really liked Bucky. You didn’t want to risk messing it up by moving too fast. But what grown man would think a kiss on a first date was too fast? Well… maybe one born in the early 1900s…

Before your thoughts could throw you into a downward spiral, the driver pulled up outside your apartment complex. Bucky stepped out first and held the door open for you to scoot out after him. As you stood at the bottom of the stairs to your building, you felt those nerves creeping up on you again. God, you hadn’t felt this nervous about a date since high school.

“I had fun tonight,” Bucky said first, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Me too,” you smiled back. “I’m excited for what you plan for next time.”

Bucky laughed at this, the crinkle of his nose making your own smile grow. God, you wanted to invite him inside already. In your defense, you’ve known him for a full month and spent even longer getting heart-eyes over him in college.

But you reined in your hormones and just took a step closer to him to rest your hands on his chest. His right hand came up to rest on your waist, but he kept the metal hand in his pocket. With your hand placement, you could feel the thrum of his heartbeat and judging by the pace, you knew you were both on the same page. As you were trying to shove your nerves aside, Bucky asked the one question you were hoping for.

“Can I kiss you?”

Knowing he wanted this as much as you did relieved some of your nerves, but also made the moment that much more real. You smiled up at him and nodded your head.

“Yes, please do.”

You perched up on your toes to meet him halfway, letting his lips mold to yours. His hold on your waist tightened as he pulled you closer; you gripped the lapel of his jacket in your fists. Suddenly the cold of the night no longer existed. All you could feel was the warmth radiating off of him as he held you close. He pulled back for a second before diving right back in, this time nipping at your bottom lip. You giggled against him, but didn’t stop him from taking the innocent kiss a step further. Your hands slid from his chest to the nape of his neck before tangling into his long hair. The vibration from his moan as you tugged on his hair ran straight down your spine, making it even harder to leave the date alone.

Reluctantly, you both pulled apart just enough for your noses to brush against each other, the stubble of his beard still tickling your nose. You opened your eyes enough to see the smile on his lips as he pulled back a bit more to see your face.

“I’ll see you Monday?” you said quietly, as if speaking any louder would break you two out of your bubble.

“See you Monday, [Y/N],” Bucky replied just as quietly. His hand slipped from your waist as you backed away, biting your lip at him before you turned and scurried up the steps. Bucky stood on the sidewalk until he could see the light in your apartment flick on, just to make sure you were safe.

[winterscaptain]

the pleasures of the elder.

Aaron Hotchner x Gender Neutral Reader

a/n: the people have spoken, and they all love sean hotchner. this fits after mean it in the joyful future universe, but no context is actually required to enjoy a little bit of sibling rivalry. title comes from jane austen’s quote: “the younger brother must help to pay for the pleasures of the elder.” 

words: 3k warnings: language, alcohol use, sex mention, jealous!aaron, perceptive!sean

summary: when he arrives for an impromptu visit, sean knows his brother too well to give him any moment’s peace - especially when it comes to you. 

masterlist | a joyful future masterlist | requests closed

A man, both very handsome and vaguely familiar, pushes through the glass doors and walks across the bullpen - a visitor's badge pinned proudly to his leather jacket. You try to place him, but come up short. 

You’re alone, for the time being. Almost everyone is off running some kind of last-minute errand around the federal building - making copies, finishing paperwork, or in a meeting (in Hotch’s case). It’s the last dregs of the day, the sun setting over the river. 

The man stops in front of your desk. “Hi. Are you part of the BAU, or am in the wrong place?” His eyes are bright, roaming over your face with a kind of curious, warm, knowing air. 

You smile at him, and before you can answer -

“Sean!” JJ’s fond tone carries across the bullpen, and she arrives with an armful of cases. 

Sean? 

Oh my god. 

Sean Hotchner. 

“Hey, JJ, right?”

She laughs, sounding a little younger than she is. You can’t blame her. Sean is exceedingly handsome in an entirely different direction than his older brother. And if your memory serves correctly, just a year older than you. “Yeah, that’s right. Good to see you.” He offers her a hand, and she shifts her files to take it. His handshake is firm, and lasts just a moment too long. 

You kick back in your chair, almost inviting him to lean against your desk. “Hotch is in a meeting, if you’re looking for him. He should be out in,” you check your watch, “about five minutes.”

Sean turns back to you, his shockingly blue eyes meeting yours. “Thanks.” He smiles at you again, and you’d be lying if you said your heart was doing normal things in your chest. “Sean Hotchner. I’m Aaron’s - sorry, Hotch’s - little brother.”

Those eyes are dangerous. 

Oh, poor Aaron. 

You shake his hand and introduce yourself. “Pleasure’s all mine, I’m sure.” 

Just as you suspected moments ago, he takes the initiative and leans against your desk. JJ hovers nearby, a little smile on her face. You watch as she sends a quick text, and puts her phone back on her belt. 

Gotta tell the girls...

“So,” he starts, brisk and businesslike, “you definitely weren’t here during my last visit. What’s your story?”

“Well, if you must know -“

“I must.” He flashes you another smile, and you can only imagine all the trouble he caused growing up. Or, rather, you can imagine all the trouble he would have caused if his brother wasn’t around to bail him out. Five years ago, you would have been drawn into his pretty eyes and wide smile. Now, you can only see a boyish, overt, almost-inelegant version of the understated warmth you love in Aaron. 

You give him a quick rundown of your history: hometown, alma mater, etc. “- I was an academy grad in 2007, and I’ve been here ever since.”

“Ah, so not a newbie anymore. And you’ve worked with my brother the whole time?” He almost looks impressed. His glance down to your ringless left hand doesn’t escape your notice.

Oh Sean, if only you knew. 

You nod. “Yeah, I’ve worked under Hotch for five years now.” 

And I’ve worked over him for about three months. Also under him, around him, on the couch, in the kitchen, etc.

Shut up. 

C’mon. It’s funny.

A low whistle leaves him as you bite back a smile. “Damn. I’m so sorry. He’s a real hardass.”

You lean in conspiratorially, and you’re almost cheek-to-cheek as he leans down to listen. “You know, that’s what I hear, but -” 

Penelope bursts through the doors and calls your name, carrying an armful of papers that have absolutely nothing to do with the work going on upstairs. Emily is close behind her, an amused grin on her face. 

Sean leans back so you can finally see her. “Yeah?”

“I have these for - Oh, hi Sean!” She says it like she hasn’t already decided her primary objective is to get his attention. 

“Hey!” He looks over at her, one finger up to stop her in her tracks. “Wait, don’t tell me. Garcia, right?”

“Penelope,” JJ supplies helpfully. 

“That’s right. It’s good to see you again.” He offers her his hand, and she takes it. You’re almost certain he winks at her, and she smiles through the blush rising on her cheeks. 

He really is a heartbreaker, huh?

Aaron must have had his work cut out for him.

Derek rounds the corner and immediately rolls his eyes at the scene before him. Sean has his body angled toward you (in your chair, completely open, with your chin in your hand) while he shakes Penelope’s hand. JJ pretends to do work off at her desk behind yours, but she’s completely tuned into the conversation. Emily’s sitting on her own desk off to the side, watching the whole thing with a certain degree of good humor. 

“Sean, good to see you, man.” Derek walks over and takes Penelope under his arm. It’s almost possessive, and you almost laugh. 

Sean releases Penelope’s hand and takes Derek’s. “Hey, Morgan. How’ve you been?”

Their bro-to-bro catch-up fades into the background as you see Hotch appear on the breezeway by his office. You look up at him before pointedly glancing at Sean beside you. He sighs, then calls, “Sean.”

The man in question turns, and a smile breaks out over his face when he sees his brother. There’s something cocky about it, and you don’t miss the way his body language remains keyed into you as he speaks. “That’s my name, don’t wear it out.”

Aaron takes another deep breath and walks down the stairs. “What are you doing here?”

“Can’t I just come see my big brother at work?”

Aaron’s eyebrow is dubious at best. “What do you need?”

Sean laughs, and it reminds you enough of Aaron’s that it draws a wide smile from you. You find yourself looking fondly up at Sean, seeing more of the resemblance now that they’re beside each other. Aaron’s jaw flexes. You notice. 

Oh, see, now this is fun. 

“I was just in town and figured I’d stop by to see if you were here or out on a case.” Sean glances down at you with another charming smile before looking back at his brother. “I guess I got lucky.” 

He’s just full of those smiles, isn’t he?

JJ jumps in. “We’re actually planning on going out to drinks once we wrap up in a couple of minutes. You’re more than welcome to come.”

While JJ pulls attention elsewhere, you glance up at Hotch and throw him a wink. Hey. Relax. 

His jaw relaxes just a touch, and his lips twitch. As usual, he covers it by crossing his arms over his chest. Don’t be a shit. 

You wet your lips and purse them a little. Nice try. 

He shifts, just a little, raising an eyebrow. You’re really gonna go there?”

Watch this. You toss him a quick smile. “That would be great!” You brush Sean’s sleeve as you unnecessarily reach over him for Penelope. “What do you think, Pen?”

“Oh, we’d love that!” Penelope takes your hand, squeezes it, and looks up at Derek. “Wouldn’t we?”

Derek nods. “We’d love to have you, man. It’ll be good to hear what you’ve been up to in New York.” 

Aaron does his best to suppress his eye roll. You’re lucky he loves you, childish antics and all. 

+++

When you split up into your respective cars, Sean elects to ride with you over his brother. You and Hotch play the role of designated drivers. You’ve fallen into the routine, finding it's much easier to sneak around your coworkers as they get more and more inebriated through the evening. 

Aaron doesn’t look too happy with the ride arrangements, but he lets it slide. Dave and Emily ride with him, while you have Derek, Penelope, and JJ in the car with you and Sean. 

It’s not that he doesn’t trust you. He doesn’t trust Sean. 

Logically, he doesn’t have anything to worry about. He woke up this morning to your patient, adoring eyes and your hands playing with his hair. You ate breakfast together (read: sat in his lap with a bowl of cereal while he read his emails), were (almost) late due to your showering arrangement, and only parted after a (very) good kiss in the driveway. 

Still though, he can’t quite shake the insecurities he always felt with his brother. Thirteen years his junior, Sean always seemed to excel in every social pursuit. Music, girls, friends - he was able to settle into things Aaron always struggled with. It was stupid. Aaron was well into his thirties when Sean was in undergrad, but that prickle of envy never seemed to fade. 

Their mother never put the pressure on Sean the way she did on Aaron, and in some ways it made sense. He was a teenager when their father passed, and Sean was hardly a child. More responsibility, more weight, less credit. 

Aaron might be his mom’s pride and joy, even to this day, but Sean will always be her baby. 

Thus, watching Sean easily weasel his way into one of your smiles wore on almost thirty years of tension. 

“Hey, what’s going on with you?” Emily asks, tapping Hotch’s shoulder with gentle fingers. Upon making contact, she snorts. “Wow, you’re really tense.” 

Hotch shakes his head and shrugs her off. “I’m alright.” 

It’s Dave’s turn to snort. “No you’re not. You’ve been scowling since Sean showed up.”

“He just has that effect on me. Always has.” 

“C’mon, Aaron.” Dave says. Aaron’s grip on the wheel tightens, but he doesn’t say anything. “He’s just a kid.” 

With a flat deadpan, Aaron replies, “He’s thirty.” 

Emily leans forward on the center console, inserting herself into the conversation. “Hotch, you don’t have anything to worry about. Sean doesn’t have anything on you.” She bumps his shoulder with hers. 

He sighs. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

Emily and Dave share a look and a little smile. 

+++

You hop out of the car, swinging your keys in your hand. Hotch is a couple of spots down from you in the parking lot, and your little groups meet up somewhere in the middle. Falling back, you let Derek and Emily lead the way. When they’re all in front of you, Sean included, you press your shoulder to Aaron’s for just a moment. 

“Are you going to be childish?” he says, quietly. 

You suppress a smile. “You’re fun when you’re jealous.” 

“I’m not jealous.” 

“Alright.” Your hand snags his for just a moment, before you jog forward to catch up to the rest of the group. 

“There you are!” Sean’s voice rings out, and you let him tuck you under his arm. You wrap an arm around Sean’s waist and chance a look back to grin at Aaron. 

Gotcha, babe. 

Aaron rolls his eyes so loudly you can see it from twenty feet away. Ridiculous. 

I love you. 

I know. 

+++

You’ve all managed to secure a table. While not incredibly crowded, there are plenty of people around. You planted yourself next to Aaron, and Sean planted himself next to you. The music is just loud enough to encourage dancing without requiring a shout to communicate. 

Derek downed his first drink and led Penelope on the floor within ten minutes of your arrival. 

The round table is crowded, and your pinkie locked in Aaron’s belt loop goes unnoticed. He stretches his arm out behind you to clap Sean’s shoulder, and his fingers quickly trace across your shoulders as he pulls it back. 

“So what have you been up to, Sean?”

“Oh, you know. This and that.” He pulls from the drink in front of him and you’re almost certain it’s just a Coke. 

Sober? Getting there? 

Remind me to get the skinny on that later. 

10-4.

Aaron chuckles darkly. “You’re gonna have to do better than that.” 

Sean shrugs, and leans back, checking out the dance floor. You pull your pinkie from Aaron and put both of your hands on the table. Emily’s looking a little too watchful tonight, and you’d hate to lose your bet. 

Your money is on making it more than six months without alerting the team you’ve been sleeping together. Aaron, always of little faith, took the alternative. 

“Dance with me?” Sean offers you a hand, and you take it. Before you get too far, you lean across Aaron to take another sip of your drink. When you lose your balance (on purpose), Aaron steadies you with a hand around your waist, making sure you’re settled on your feet before you jet off with Sean. 

“Thanks, Hotch!”

He takes a long pull from his beer - his only drink for the evening. Hotch. Gimme a break. 

“Looks like they’re hitting it off great,” JJ says with a laugh. “That works out. I mean, Sean’s about our age, right?”

Don’t remind me. 

“Yep. Turned thirty last month.” Aaron does his best to not sound too bitter. 

JJ smirks at Emily, who turns to smirk at Dave. They don’t know what they don’t know, but they certainly know enough to keep an eye on Aaron for the rest of the evening. 

“That’s in-flight entertainment, baby.” Emily whispers to JJ. “I can’t wait to tell Will. He’s going to die laughing.” 

JJ lets out a peal of laughter. “Absolutely.”

Out on the floor, you’re having way too much fun, sandwiched between Derek and Sean. You pull Penelope between you and Derek, and loop an arm over Sean’s shoulders. 

“So,” he says, his lips close to your ear and his voice barely audible over the music, “how long have you been sleeping with my brother?”

You freeze for just a moment, but it’s a moment too long to recover. “What?”

“Oh, come on. Question in response to a question? That’s like profiling 101.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sean rolls his eyes. “He’s halfway in love with you, if not completely fucked, in case he’s failed to tell you.” He spins you out, and back in so your back is against his chest. 

“We’ve got that covered, yeah.” You twist in his arms. “You gonna do anything about it?”

He shrugs. “I dunno. I think it’s pretty funny to get him all worked up, though, don’t you think?” Another bright smile crosses his face and his blue eyes seem to glow in the dim light. 

“Oh, Sean. I think we’re going to get along just fine.” You laugh and reach for him again, but a finger appears in your belt loop. Derek pulls you back toward him by the hip. He’s stupid strong, and you can only tumble back into him with another laugh. 

You’re sweaty, sober, and having way too much fun.  

“Careful, kid. I think Hotchner has a crush.” Derek’s playful jab is warm against your ear as you fall in with him, cheek-to-cheek. 

“What can I say?” You ask. “I’m irresistible.” 

Derek throws you under his arm in a spin and you land back at his chest with the wind knocked out of you. “He’s gotta get in line though.”

“Oh?”

“I think his big brother’s gonna give him a run for his money?” 

That’s enough for you. “Gimme a break, Morgan.” With a laugh, you shove at Derek’s chest and leave the floor. Returning to the table, you sidle up to Aaron again. “Hey, Hotch. Having fun?”

He gives you a weak glare out of the corner of his eye and takes a sip of his beer. “A blast.” 

“Couple more hours, if that, then we’ll be home.” You drop your voice, almost whispering into your glass as you take another sip.

Aaron nods. “Can’t come soon enough.” 

The rest of the team gets more and more sloshed as the evening progresses, and you can get away with a lot more. That said, Sean’s eyes are playful, sober, and more than a little amused. 

“What did my brother say to you?” Hotch murmurs, under his breath. The girls went to the bathroom (and to call Spencer a cab home) while Derek and Sean posted up at the bar, itching for an excuse to give some asshole the what-for. 

You bump his shoulder. “Just that you’re half in love with me, if not already completely fucked.” 

He heaves a sigh. “Can’t catch a break.” You link your pinkie through his belt loop again. “He’s right, though.” 

“How’s that?” You look up at him and you know he can see how much you love him. 

“I’m completely fucked.” 

If any of your team members wonder what’s so fucking funny, they don’t ask. It’s just good to see Hotch smiling again. 

+++

At the end of the night, you drop Sean back off at the hotel on your way home. He’s the last in your car, so he can speak his mind with a certain degree of freedom. You idle in front of the building for a moment, just enjoying the silence.

“Hey.” 

You look over at him. “Yeah?”

“You’d make a great in-law. Just wanted you to know that I’m here for it.” He offers you a hand. You shake it and it almost feels like you’re making some kind of gentleman’s agreement. “Take care of him. He needs it.” 

“Oh, don't worry. I know.”

The smile you share is that of a pair of co-conspirators, of siblings, of friends. 

We’ll do just fine, you and I. 

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