#hotchreid fluff

[jareaulover]

Oatmeal and Orange Juice

Summary: Aaron Surprises Spencer over a breakfast of Oatmeal and Orange Juice

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid

AO3 link or full story below the cut

Sunlight streamed in through the slightly open blinds. The striped shadows laid on Spencer’s face and Aaron’s first thought was that he looked angelic. Aaron also thought that he could lay in this space forever, just looking at the doctor beside him. Spencer’s eyes were still closed and he looked so peaceful. 

“I can practically feel your eye burning into my skin, Aaron.” Spencer said, a soft smile on his lips. Spencer opened his eyes and looked at Aaron, who had his head propped up on his hand. 

“How can I not stare at you?” Aaron said, happiness evident in his voice. Spencer laughed a bit and pulled the older man down into a kiss. Aaron kissed him back and soon began kissing down his jaw.

“Mm, Aaron?” He murmured, “Don’t you think we should be getting up?” Spencer said, “Jessica will be dropping Jack off soon.” Aaron paused his kissing to look at the alarm clock that sat on the nightstand.

“You’re right.” Aaron groaned a bit. They had gotten home late after a tough case. It was a case involving kids and that always put him more on edge. Since they had gotten home so late, Jessica had offered to drop Jack off in the morning and Aaron had agreed.

“I’m gonna get in the shower, you could get breakfast started.” Spencer suggested, sitting up and stretching. Aaron watched the muscles on his back as he stretched, the light was still illuminating Spencer’s skin and he just looked so beautiful. 

“Anything certain that you want for breakfast?” Aaron asked as Spencer stood up and started getting some clothes together for his shower. Aaron stood up and pulled on some pajama pants and a gray T-shirt. 

“Whatever’s easiest for you, love.” Spencer said before disappearing into the bathroom. Aaron entered the bathroom as Spencer was stepping into the shower. He was quick to pee and brush his teeth and he had a distant thought of how domestic this was. Aaron opened one of the drawers under the sink and dug around until he found the velvet ring box that he had been saving for a while. He dropped it into the pocket of his pajama pants and headed to the kitchen. Todays the day he thought.

Once in the kitchen, Aaron began getting together the things he needed. He filled a pot with milk and put it on the stove to boil. While he waited, he grabbed the oats and prepared three bowls. He set the table for the three of them and then added the oats to the pot. He stirred until they softened a bit. There was a soft knock on the door and Aaron set the pot on a potholder before going to open. As soon as he did, he picked up Jack in a tight hug.

“Hey, buddy, how’s it going?” Aaron smiled at Jessica as Jack went into a detailed recount of everything he had done while Aaron was gone. Jessica gave Aaron a smile and waved goodbye. Aaron thanked her and shut the door, “It sounds like you had a great time.” Aaron said, setting Jack down.

“Yeah, daddy, I did!” Jack smiled. 

“I’m getting breakfast done now, do you want to go play or help me out?” Aaron asked. Jack thought for a moment before excitedly running to the kitchen, Aaron not far behind him.

Aaron scooped some oatmeal into each bowl and Jack put two spoonfuls of brown sugar into each, then mixed them in.

“Great job, Jack.” Aaron said. Spencer came out of the bedroom, also dressed in pajamas.

“Goodmorning, Jack.” Spencer said, taking a seat next to the young boy.

“Mornin’, Spencer.” Jack said, “I missed you guys.” Jack climbed into Spencer’s lap. Aaron grabbed three cups from the cupboard and filled them each with orange juice.

“We missed you too, buddy.” Spencer said. Aaron sat down in his seat and then Jack moved back to his own seat.

“Well, dig in guys.” Aaron said. All three began eating their food and they ate mostly in silence.

“It's yummy, daddy!” Jack said, his face covered in the food. Aaron chuckled and wiped the boy's face, “I’m all done, can I go play now?” 

“Of course, bud.” Aaron said. Jack ran off to his room. 

“He’s such a good kid.” Spencer smiled, “You’ve done a great job with him.” Aaron looked at him.

“I’ve had a lot of help between Jessica and you.” He said. Spencer smiled and leaned over to kiss Aaron’s cheek. 

“Well, I love him just like he’s my own.” Spencer said. Aaron bit his lips.

“About that…” Aaron said. Spencer narrowed his eyes and watched Aaron get down on his knee and pull a ring box out of his pocket. Spencer’s eyes widened and his hand went over his mouth.

“Spencer, I know this isn’t a romantic dinner or some grand gesture… But I’ve been trying to figure out the exact perfect moment to do this and today just seems… I love you, Spence. You’ve been such an amazing caretaker to Jack and you’ve just been such an amazing boyfriend.” Aaron said, “So will you do me the honor of marrying me?” He asked.

“Yes, oh my god, yes!” Spencer said, tears spilling over. He hugged Aaron tight and cried into his shoulder. Aaron held him and felt tears well up in his own eyes.

“Daddy?” a small voice asked, the two men turned to see Jack standing behind them, “Are you okay?” 

“Yes, Jack, we’re great.” Aaron said, motioning for Jack to come over there, “Spencer and I are going to get married.” Jack’s look of confusion turned to one of excitement.

“Are you gonna be my dad now?” Jack asked. Spencer smiled.

“If that’s alright with you.” Spencer said, Jack hugged Spencer and smiled. Aaron slipped the ring on Spencer’s finger and hugged both of them.

“I love you two.” Aaron said with a big smile. Spencer and Jack both smiled and hugged him.

Aaron knew this was going to be the beginning of a beautiful life.

[fishbrain-glubglub]

She's Not Here

If anyone were to ask the BAU who the epitome of masculinity was, they would all immediately point towards their Unit Chief: SSA Aaron Hotchner.

The man effortlessly oozed masculinity. His solid 6’2” stature framed perfectly in his tailored suits made many mouths water at the sight, daydreaming about the body that lay in waiting underneath. Not a day went by where at least one person hadn't drooled over his stubble-peppered jawline, claiming it was sharp enough to effortlessly cut glass. His signature stoic aura only emphasized his classic alpha male status to any passersby familiar or not to the man. There was no doubt to anyone's mind that Aaron Hotchner was what every man dreamed to be.

But standing in only his boxer briefs in front of his bedroom mirror, all Aaron could see was everything he deemed wasn't manly. His hips were too wide despite being surrounded by well-toned muscle after decades of running and UnSub chasing. His jawline, while covered in stubble not yet shaven, wasn't as sharp as many of his admirers claimed it was. His shoulders, while looking wide and commanding in a sharp suit, felt narrow and small bared for his room to see. His chest bulged in all the wrong ways despite the faint twin scars bordering the bottom of each toned pectoral. Despite the decades of time Aaron had worked to achieve his current form, he could still see her poking through every insecurity he kept hidden, taunting him with the same dark chocolate eyes that sent even the most hardened UnSubs cowering.

A scowl glared back at him in the mirror as he crossed his arms defensively across his chest. The phantom ache of utter wrongness seeping from every inch of his skin began to rapidly bubble to the surface. No matter how hard he tried to quell her from resurfacing, she always managed to seep through the cracks, blasting a neon sign to reveal all of his obvious flaws to the world and to himself. He couldn't seem to shake the ghost of her presence no matter how hard he tried. It was days like this that he wondered why he even tried so hard to be himself, to be comfortable in his own skin.

A tiny flash of silver caught his eye in the mirror before two familiar lanky arms enveloped him from behind, pulling Aaron out from his mental spiral. A calming warmth spread against his backside before the caress of soft lips peppered his shoulders.

“Keep glaring at the mirror like that and it might just confess.”

A soft huff of laughter escaped from Aaron's lips as his gaze left his own and settled on bright amber hues eyeing him lovingly from behind. His arms never left their tight embrace over his chest, but his stance softened significantly. He let his shoulders sag and gently leaned back into the comforting embrace of his husband.

Spencer gave Aaron's torso a soft squeeze, beginning a gentle sway of their body's to a tune unheard by Aaron but calming nonetheless.

They stayed tangled in front of the mirror until Aaron's arm finally fell from their tense state across his chest, turning his back to the mirror and nuzzling his face into the crook of his partner's neck. His hands settled on Spencer's hips as Spencer snaked his hands up his husband's torso before settling around Aaron's neck. They continued to sway to an unknown tune in the comfort of their room hidden safely away from the rest of the world. Aaron was so lost in Spencer's embrace that he hadn't realized he had begun to tremble until he heard his husband begin to gently soothe him.

“Shh, sweetheart. It's okay. I'm right here.” Aaron felt one of Spencer's hands begin to caress the hairs on his neck, causing his already shaky resolve to fracture further. His arms tightened around his husband briefly, desperately trying to cling to any semblance of his hardened stoic mask as he could.

“Aaron.” Spencer's hand left his hair to cup his face, pulling Aaron from the safety of his partner's neck. He kept his gaze down and away from the growing concern in his husband's eyes and tried desperately to reign in his emotions.

Spencer was having none of it. “Aaron,” he repeated, rubbing gentle circles on his husband's trembling cheek. “Honey, please. Talk to me.”

Aaron instinctively shook his head, not wanting to voice his thoughts. If he said them out loud, it meant admitting they were true. He desperately clung to the silence, wanting to cling to his masculinity as long as he could.

Aaron felt his husband sigh. He closed his eyes, mentally preparing for the worst: Spencer telling him he couldn't be with someone so unmanly as Aaron. Spencer withdrawing and leaving him to deal with his internal turmoil on his own. Spencer telling him to suck it up and deal with it like a real man. 

Deep down, Aaron knew these scenarios would never happen. Spencer had seen Aaron at his lowest many times over, had known his deepest secret longer than the rest of the team - save for Rossi who had known since Aaron had originally joined the FBI. They wouldn't have gotten married if Spencer hadn't been confident in their commitment to each other for the rest of their lives.

That still didn't stop Aaron's mind from jumping to the worst at every moment it could.

A gentle hand under his chin snapped Aaron's gaze to his husband's, finding nothing but concern and worry in the comforting amber eyes. Spencer's frown pulled his brow down in a way Aaron wanted to kiss away, instantly hating himself for putting that look on his face.

“Why don't you finish getting ready, okay?” Spencer's hand returned to his cheek, rubbing soothing patterns against the peaking stubble. “I'll be right here when you're ready.”

With a small nod, they untangled themselves from each other before Aaron walked over to his dresser, ignoring the mirror as much as he could. It only took a moment for him to slip on the thin shirt before turning back to their bed.

Spencer had already settled on his side of the bed, watching his partner with caring eyes. Aaron crossed the room quickly, turning off his bedside lamp before slipping under the covers and settling against his husband, holding him as close as he could without suffocating the man.

Aaron was grateful for the few moments Spencer allowed them to stay tightly embraced. He knew he would have to talk about it soon, but for a moment, he could lose himself in the embrace of the man he trusted everything to. He siphoned as much love and comfort he could before Spencer shifted, squirming his way out of Aaron's close embrace and forced their eyes to meet.

No words were spoken at first. Spencer had resumed the comforting patterns on Aaron’s cheek, providing a grounding presence to his inner turmoil. After a few more silent moments, Aaron closed his eyes and braced himself.

“She won’t leave me alone.”

Arms immediately wrapped around his shoulders, pulling Aaron close to the warmth of his husband’s chest. Tears he wasn’t previously aware of began to stream down his face as he took in a ragged breath, all of his pent up emotions flooding to the surface. It was as if the dam holding back all of his frustration broke at the contact. Silent sobs wracked his body as he felt the soothing hum of Spencer’s voice against the man’s chest.

“Shh, sweetheart. It’s okay. I’ve got you,” Spencer resumed carding gentle fingers through Aaron’s short locks. “She’s not here anymore, remember? She hasn’t been here in a long time. All I see is my amazing, strong, handsome, sexy husband.” A weak wet laugh cut through the quiet sobs. “I’m serious!” Spencer added with a smile in his voice. “Do you know how many men and women I catch eyeing you at the office? Hell, the amount of times I’ve caught Morgan eyeing you out of jealousy in the past two weeks and three days alone should be enough proof. That’s not even mentioning how many whispered conversations I overhear in the bullpen from JJ and Emily on what you look like underneath your suit on a weekly basis. JJ, who is perfectly happy in her marriage to Will, and Emily, who hungrily stares at every woman in a short skirt who walks past her desk. Rossi might seem like a neutral party, but anyone can see the smirk he hides in his morning cup of coffee when you open the door for a poor intern as they practically trip over themselves to follow. Garcia doesn’t even need an explanation. And don’t even get me started on the amount of LEOs I’ve caught eyeing you in your vest. It should be downright sinful to look as rugged as you do with your sleeves rolled up, gun in hand, commanding the scene with only a glare.” Spencer chuckled softly, scratching Aaron’s scalp. “That’s not even touching the amount of glazed over faces I spot when you talk. I’m sure you could get almost an entire room of highly decorated officers to do whatever you wanted with a single command. Any deity knows I would comply to your sultry voice in an instant.”

Laughter had rapidly replaced the sobs shaking Aaron’s body. He hid himself against his husband’s chest, covering his blushing cheeks from Spencer’s generous observations. “Spence,” he whined.

“I swear, Aaron, it’s a good thing you're married. Otherwise, you’d have people throwing themselves left and right at you. You’re the perfect male specimen. Hell, even I’m jealous of you, and I’m the one that married you!”

Aaron couldn’t hold back the eyeroll as he peaked out from his hiding spot. He felt his face split into a wide grin before replaying Spencer’s words in his head, his smile faltering. He glanced away, muttering softly under his breath, feeling himself tense all over again.

“Hey, hey. Don’t do that.” Spencer cupped his face with one hand and forced their eyes to meet. “What’s wrong, love?”

A sigh escaped Aaron’s lips before he whispered, “I’m not the perfect male specimen.”

Spencer’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

Aaron let out a dejected huff. “I’m not the perfect male specimen,” he repeated a little louder. “I can’t even-” His voice cracked. “I don’t have… I couldn’t…” Tears blurred his vision. “Haley had to… Jack isn't even-”

“I’m going to stop you right there, Aaron.” Spencer propped himself up on one elbow, still cradling Aaron’s tear-stricken face with the other. “Whatever you’re thinking about stops right now. You, Aaron Thomas Hotchner-Reid, are that boy’s father. No amount of DNA tests or medical insemination procedures with sperm donors can tell you otherwise. You have raised Jack from the very beginning, and you have done it wonderfully. He is growing into such a bright and confident young man because you are showing him how. You are an amazing father, and I know for a fact that Jack wants to grow up to be just like you.”

Whatever argument Aaron had to counter died on his tongue as Spencer leaned down for a soft kiss. There was no heat or alternative motive behind the gesture. It stayed soft and gentle, soothing Aaron’s inner turmoil. Reaching up, he wrapped Spencer in his arms and pulled the man down to his chest, soaking in the love and care from the contact. They laid together, wrapped in each other’s arms and sharing gentle kisses until the last bit of tension left Aaron’s body. After one more press of their lips, Spencer scooted down his body, snuggling into his chest and resting his ear right over Aaron’s now calm heart.

“Now sleep,” Spencer muttered, already half asleep. “You need your energy to ward off all your admirers at the office and to take your husband on an extra long lunch break tomorrow.”

Aaron frowned. “What are we doing that requires a long lunch break?”

He felt Spencer’s sleepy mischievous smile against his chest “You’re going to prove to me just how manly you are.”

“Oh really?” Aaron couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. “And how am I going to do that?”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with a few ideas.”

As Aaron kissed the top of his husband’s head and settled in for the night, he couldn’t help but think of all the ways he would prove Spencer right.

[cryptid420]

New fic!

The AO3 curse is real folks! Sorry I've been MIA for like a year- life went absolutely insane and every single part of my life changed, I've only just recently had the bandwidth to be creative again. This one is a little tiny bit angsty but mostly I wanted something nice for my boys. This one is quite a bit longer than normal, I've done a ton of reading and text analysis in the last year and I think it reflects in my writing. I hope you enjoy. As always please feel free to reach out with any feedback ♥️

Complete work

•

Reid surprises Hotch with a gift out of the blue. Their relationship isn’t the kind where they just bring each other things. Sure, birthdays and Christmas with the team; but never out of the blue for no apparent reason. This sparks a chain of gift exchanges and Hotch has to face his growing feelings for Reid and come to terms with his sexuality.

•

Slow burn full of fluff, self discovery, (eventual) smut, and some case work weaved in. (Triggers for cases in tags ♥️)

[sylix-royalty]

Here have this little piece while I plan my next letter, ‘O’, not sure when it’ll come out since I don’t have a schedule, heh!

Type: Fluff

Warnings: None

Spencer’s a cold boi

Enjoy under the cut!

“It feels like you’re scared of me,” Aaron mumbled, thankfully not causing Spencer to jump.

The genius was curled up on the very edge of the bed, facing Aaron, body curled around one pillow like it was a shield and his second pillow under his head like normal. His eye’s perked open when he heard Aaron’s voice.

“Hm? Oh, no. I’m just… very naturally cold. My hands and my feet are always freezing, and I didn’t want to reset your heart by accidentally touching you, so…” Spencer explained.

“Are you cold? Like… is it just your hands and feet or are you cold all over?” Aaron asked.

“It’s kinda chilly in here. You insisted on having the side closest to the door, though, leaving me with the AC side,” Spencer said, though clearly teasing. “Classic Alpha Male behavior, even though in case of I break in I think we’d both risk dying since I don’t really have a way out.”

“Could hide in the bathroom,” Aaron reasoned, and Spencer chuckled softly. “C’mere. Haley always complained I was a furnace.”

“I seriously think you’ll regret that,” Spencer whispered.

“Try me,” Aaron argued, and Spencer hummed, before slowly inching closer to Aaron. His hand slowly pressed against Aaron’s side, and while Spencer could feel the skin flush and raise in goosebumps, Aaron himself didn’t flinch.

“I won’t bite you,” Aaron chuckled, carefully moving Spencer closer, letting him rest right against him. As if this were completely fucking normal.

“I’m not too certain about that,” Spencer whispered, but he relax against his boss, accepting the heat fighting against the natural chill of his body.

“Have you looked into getting you body heat checked out? I don’t think this is normal,” Aaron asked, lifting Spencer’s freezing hand gently up, as if to inspect it.

“Mmm, since I don’t turn any shade of blue or purple I’m fine, just more susceptible to cooler temperatures,” Spencer mumbled, letting Aaron’s finger’s dance over his own, head resting comfortably against his shoulder. “Too cold for you?” He teased.

“Hardly, though I would be more concerned,” Aaron chuckled, letting Spencer’s hand rest atop of his bare chest. Curse him for not wearing a shirt.

“As long as I don’t turn purple, I should be okay,” Spencer whispered.

“I’ll make sure you don’t.”

[tobias-hankel]

What do you think a lazy morning looks like for Hotch and Spencer?

I'm taking Hotchreid drabble requests in honor of the Hotchreid Zine release.

For more information about our Hotchreid Zine, make sure to check out Tumblr - all proceeds go to SharedHope, a charity to combat sex trafficking.

--

Hotch blinked awake, checking the digital clock on his nightstand before rolling over to face his sleeping husband. It was already 9 am, late for him. Normally he was up by 7 am – showered, shaved, back from his run, and making breakfast and coffee but he didn’t bother setting his alarm last night. It felt like all he was doing was work lately and he wanted to spend some extra time with Spencer.

He watched Spencer sleep for a moment before reaching forward and moving a loose strand of hair out of his face. He loved how long and soft his hair was, so he spent an extra few seconds running his hand through it.

“Aaron?” Spencer mumbled, having woken up by Hotch’s loving touch.

“I’m sorry—” Hotch started but was cut off by Spencer moving the blanket out of the way to lay on Hotch’s bare chest, unfazed by the scars that littered his torso. Something Hotch always appreciated. Spencer accepted him as is, never commenting on any of his scars or flaws. He loved him for everything he was. Hotch let go of a sigh and sunk into Spencer, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. Mornings like this always reminded him just how much he loved Spencer. “Good morning, love.”

“Good morning,” Spencer mumbled sleepily. “Don’t make me get up.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, but I do think I hear someone down the hall,” Hotch said as he heard Jack’s door open. Jack loved sleeping in, so he was surprised he was up already but as Jack’s little face peaked around the corner of Hotch and Spencer’s doorway, he didn’t question it. “Good morning, Jack.”

“Can I join you?” Jack asked while rubbing his eye.

Spencer didn’t even open his eyes as he moved over some and lifted up his blanket, “Come on, Jack.”

Jack all but ran to their bed, squeezing himself between his two dads and letting his eyes close again. Only a few minutes passed and both Spencer and Jack were back asleep, cuddling each other – and Hotch – tightly. Hotch could only smile as his life laid beside him.

He decided right then and there to have lazy Saturday mornings more often.

[sirmatthew1972]

House With the Sycamore Tree

At last! Here is Chapter 1 of the sequel to Room on the Third Floor, the final part of the Tooth and Claw universe. In which Aaron Hotchner is a wildcat shifter, and Spencer Reid is his human lover. Yes, you'll have to read part 1 for this story to make sense. *shrugs* Summary Injured wildcat shifter Aaron has clawed his way out of the hunters' cage as Orion the leopard, but his fight to be free isn't over yet. Far from it. Since the hunters have subdued his ability to return to human form and stand tall again as the BAU Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner. Worse, the metal collar invented by his captor Ben Stein is pushing ever harder onto his DNA, forcing back his humanity behind the fur and claws of the leopard deemed feral by some. Traumatised and weakened, yet too stubborn to let his captor win, he puts his fate and trust into the one person who's stood by him since they first kissed. Can Spencer undo what's been done to him? Hell knows, Aaron aches to be human so he can hold Spencer again and propose to him with the ring he'd bought the day he got snatched from the street. But as the days veer off towards winter not even the rain and snow can conceal his reputation… and now another draws to why he stands out amongst his kind. Why a leopard like him can hide, but never change his spots, with good reason. Note Go read House With the Sycamore Tree on AO3, and beware of the tags, 'cause there's all sorts of fun to be had... from hurt to angst to comfort and back around again.

[everythingisgayandnothinghurts]

Any writing prompts? Just let me know if you want something short written

[levis-reading-recs]

Summary: Spencer has a migraine and Aaron helps him finally relax.

[reasonablerodents]

Just in case it breaks your writing dry spell, there's been a terrible lack of NYE hotchreid fics, and I'm here to humbly request that you fix this with a short nye bau party/night out and everyone paired up for their nye kiss except hotch and spencer…

This is very true!!!! And somehow this DID break my writing dry spell bc I’m somehow actually happy with how this turned out???? (And okay….It’s not short)

Thank you!!!

Good Fortune (G)

Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid, Fluff, New Year’s Kisses

They’re all partnered up these days. Penelope has Kevin, Emily and JJ have been together for God knows how long, Derek’s in the early days with a woman named Savannah, and Dave? Well, he may not be officially dating anyone, but he met a woman at the bar a few hours earlier, and the two seem to be getting on very well.

That just leaves him and Spencer.

If Aaron was a braver man, he would have asked Spencer out years ago. But his head is too full of regulations and boss/employee power dynamics and- okay, the main reason he hasn’t done anything after all this time is because he’s scared. Rejection always hurt, but being rejected by Spencer would surely feel far worse than if it was from anyone else. Besides, they already had a perfectly good- albeit platonic- relationship; there was no reason to ruin it by acting inappropriately.

Aaron sneaks a glance to the left, where Spencer is stood next to him and staring into the crowded bar, one hand idly gripping a half-finished drink. He seems to be people-watching, and Aaron can’t get over how beautiful he is like this; unknowingly poised like a painting, the dim light softly illuminating the curve of his lips and angular planes of his face. Spencer’s eyes are wide and glittering, drinking in the revelry instead of his cocktail.

“Not long until midnight, pretty boy,” Derek laughs as he and Savannah pass by on their way back to the bar, playfully tapping Spencer on the shoulder to get his attention. “You’ll have to be quick if you wanna sort out a New Year’s kiss!”

Spencer makes a move as if to splutter an indignant reply, but Derek’s already turning to Aaron with a trademark smile. “You too, man. Even you’ve got to let loose a little on New Years. I’d offer my services to you both, but I’m really hoping Savannah will give me the honour tonight.”

Savannah giggles, wrapping an arm around Derek’s waist. “Well, we’ll just have to see what happens come midnight- your chances might be better if you get me the drink you promised me, though.”

“Anything for you,” Derek replies, gently lifting her free hand and pressing a chaste kiss to it like a Victorian gentleman. “Forget a glass of wine, I’ll get you the whole bottle.”

“I’m holding you to that.”

With that, they depart. Aaron watches them a little wistfully as they squeeze their way through the crowd, always keeping a hand on one another. He’s nothing but happy for Derek’s budding romance, of course, but he can’t help but wish that he could have something like that as well.

“I’ve never had a New Year’s kiss.”

Spencer’s soft voice from his left makes him turn back around.

“No?” Aaron says, trying and failing not to think too deeply about Spencer’s lips.

“No. Relationships haven’t historically been my strong point, so there’s never been anyone around to offer me one. I suppose I could find a random person, but if someone’s going to be orally swapping bacteria with me, even for a few seconds, I’d prefer to know them a little first.”

Aaron takes a sip of his whisky. “I haven’t in a long time, so you’re not alone.”

“I know. I’ve spent the last four New Years with you,” Spencer replies matter-of-factly, before darting off on a tangent. “Did you know, kissing at midnight is actually an old Scottish tradition? Hogmanay was introduced when the Vikings invaded, and one part of the celebrations involves welcoming friends and strangers alike, which apparently involves kissing them.”

“No, I didn’t. I guess I’ve never thought about where it came from.”

“Another tradition is First-Footing, although it’s definitely not as commonly practiced around here. The first person to enter the house should be a dark-haired man to ensure good luck. He’s supposed to bring gifts with him, such as coins, coal, or whisky, it can vary slightly regionally, I think. You’d be a good first-footer, I reckon- I mean, you’ve already got the whisky.”

“And the hair, I guess.”

“Mmm. Tall, dark, and handsome.”

Aaron’s glad he hadn’t just taken another sip of his drink, because after hearing Spencer use those words to describe him, he certainly would have spat it out in shock. He can feel his cheeks growing warm, and is incredibly glad of how dark it is in the bar. Spencer's very observant though, so it’s almost certain he’s already noticed Aaron’s flustered reaction however much he tries to hide it.

Before he can work out how to reply to that, a deafening shout ripples across the room.

“Ten!”

Spencer’s not just looking at Aaron in general any more, he’s looking into his eyes. His gaze flickers downwards as the countdown continues- oh God, is Spencer looking at his lips? Aaron finds himself setting his glass down as he unconsciously inches closer, barely daring to breathe.

“Six!”

Is this going to- surely not? But Spencer’s own lips are slightly parted now, his glass abandoned as well.

“Four!”

It’s only seconds, but each one feels like eons. The countdown fades slightly as Aaron’s heartbeat fills his ears.

“One!”

Aaron takes a deep breath, and before he can even make a move, the clock strikes midnight and Spencer leans in and kisses him.

It feels exactly like the fireworks that are going off outside.

[artcake]

hotchreid fluff as a break between commission work

[katytheinspiredworkaholic]

Dual Correspondence

Pairing: HotchReid

Summary: Sequel to Correspondence, picking up where we left off. Spencer has moved in with Aaron and Jack, and everything is perfect. Until it’s not. But then it is again. And up and down they go, on a rollercoaster filled with every twist and turn that life can throw at them. Navigating such obstacles isn’t easy, or fair, with difficult foes and situations that test everything they are and dream to be together. But the thing about trying to be with someone you love through it all, is that sooner or later you realize the hard times don’t have to be conquered alone. 

Important Tags: established relationship, timeframe around season 8-9, self beta'd, shameless use of ‘The Five Love Languages’ as a theme, relationship problems and solutions, exploration of family dynamics, angst, fluff, sex, peril, swoon-worthy life events. (Do I have to say it? You all knew it was coming.)

CW: prominent age difference, probably some cursing let’s be honest, show-typical violence and psychopathology, sharps and guns at some point, discussions of relationships that get pretty deep and personal, talks of PTSD, mental illness (specifically Spencer’s mom), death (Haley’s) and mourning, personal boundaries (physical, emotional, and sexual), some miscommunication in places. But also mentions of marriage, adoption, families and all the shapes and sizes they come in. Finally, sexy times: explicit sexual content in certain chapters. More/specific CW/TW will be added as the story is written.

Posting Date: 04/01/2023 (updates every 1st of the month)

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Snippet Previews

Part 01 (Found Family vibes)

Chapters Links!

Chapter 01, 

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[jareaulover]

Hotch/Reid request - they tell Jack and Haley about them and Hotch is super worried

Another one written on my phone. I'm gonna look tonight for my charger.

Warnings: none really. It's pretty fluffy.

Read on AO3

or

full story under cut

Aaron glanced down at his watch. It was getting closer and closer to 5:45 pm. Which was the time that he was supposed to be introducing his boyfriend to his ex-wife and son.

Aaron knew that Hayley and Jack both already knew and loved Spencer, but he was still terrified. He had come out to Hayley as bisexual pretty soon into their marriage, and she was very accepting of it. He'd never actually had a serious relationship with a man before, though, since he and Hayley had been high-school sweethearts. He didn't do much dating then and he certainly hadn't since they'd been together.

But then everything happened, and work became Aaron's main priority. Hayley really did love him, but she realized that for her son and for her own mental health, it would be better if they were apart. Aaron was still a big part of Jack's life, and it honestly worked well for them.

Aaron didn't tell Hayley when he and Spencer's relationship first started... Mostly because they were strictly coworkers/friends with benefits, but once things began getting more serious, Aaron informed her of the relationship. Though he didn't tell her who he was seeing...

Aaron stood in front of the bathroom mirror, getting himself ready for dinner at Hayley's house with Spencer. He was so nervous, what if Hayley didn't approve of the relationship. He was a lot older than Spencer... And not to mention Spencer's boss... But he and Spencer had had many lengthy conversations about all of this and had set man healthy boundaries. They didn't let their relationship get in the way of anything to do with work, and both of them saw their job as their top priority, so it didn't really get in the way of the relationship.

"Are you almost ready to go? It's getting close to that time." Spencer said, coming to stand in the doorway of the bathroom. He looked great. They had both decided to kind of dress up for the occasion, and their matching ties were a really nice touch.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's go." Aaron said, turning towards the younger man and planting a soft kiss to his lips. Spencer kissed back for a second before grabbing Aaron's hand and pulling him out the door of Aaron's apartment and to the car.

♡

Hayley clipped Jack's tie on his shirt, Aaron had sent it over, saying it matched with his and his boyfriend's tie. Hayley thought it was cute that Aaron was including Jack on that. She was excited to meet Aaron's boyfriend. Aaron hadn't told her much about him. He hadn't even provided a name, but from the way Aaron just seemed so happy when he did mention the mystery man, Hayley knew it was true love.

"When's daddy comin'?" Jack asked, looking at his mom. Hayley glanced at the clock,

"He should be here with his friend in 15 minutes." She said.

"Can I go play?" He asked, Hayley gave him a nod, and he ran off to his playroom. Hayley went to check on the chicken in the oven and then started the green beans. She hummed to herself for a little while until the doorbell rang. She quickly made her way to the door and opened it.

♡

Aaron nervously tapped on the steering wheel the entire drive over to his old home. Spencer watched him,

"Are you sure that you want to do this?" He asked. Aaron stopped his tapping and glanced at Spencer,

"I mean, we can't keep it from her forever. And I want to be able to spend time with you and Jack together. I hate that it feels like we're sneaking around." Aaron said, Spencer hummed.

"What are you afraid is going to happen?" Spencer asked, Aaron chewed his lip for a moment before responding,

"What if she says something about our age difference... or about the fact that I'm your direct superior at work? Or what if she doesn't want you to be around Jack?" Aaron said, speaking faster than what was normal for him, Spencer noticed this.

"Well, we're both consenting adults. You may be 10 years older than me, but you weren't interested in me until I was in my late twenties, so I don't think she'll see a problem with it. We've both discussed our jobs and the way that this relationship works with our job, and we can explain our boundaries to her if need be. And I've been in Jack's life since he was born. I don't think that she's going to have an issue with that." Spencer said, hoping to calm Aaron with his logic. Aaron seemed to relax a little, and soon they were parking in the driveway. Spencer gave Aaron a quick squeeze on his hand before they both approached the door and rang the bell.

Hayley was there pretty quickly, opening the door. Her face turned to one of shock, and then quickly to one of happiness as she saw Spencer. She pulled him into a hug,

"Oh I'm so glad it's you!" She said, Spencer hugged her back and shot Aaron a smile. Hayley gave Aaron a hug, albeit a less enthusiastic hug than Soencer.

"See, Aaron. I told you there wasn't anything to worry about." Spencer said, just as Jack was running down the stairs and into his daddy's arms. Aaron smiled and looked at his family. He wouldn't have it any other way.

[sasarahsunshine]

Alpha Hotch courting Omega Reid by bringing an extra go-bag filled with packed dinners, a thermos of good coffee, and an Omega-brand spare blanket. He purposefully leaves it alongside Reid’s bag so Reid grabs it when they all go to their motel rooms (whether he’s roomed with Reid or not).

Reid, late on their first night of the new case, accidentally opens the extra bag instead of his own, and is confused as to who it must belong to.

He’s so tired, he doesn’t put much more thought into it once he pulls out the blanket and smells Hotch on it, an unconscious purr escaping him as he bundles up with it on the bed, falling asleep in seconds surrounded by the safe scent of comfort and warmth.

In the morning, he’s a little mortified, thinking he must have accidentally taken Hotch’s bag and slept with Hotch’s spare blanket—but then he sees the letter in Hotch’s handwriting:

“I know I’m not the best cook, but I hope this is better than what you find in the vending machine. Sleep well. -Aaron”

Then he registers the food and the coffee, warming it all up in the motel rooms microwave (once he snaps himself out of his daze).

It’s delicious. He’s purring again, wrapped up in the blanket and eating food an Alpha made for him. Not just any Alpha, Hotch. Aaron. Aaron is taking care of him. Providing for him. Courting him.

He notices how Aaron glances at him when they meet up at the station, a small smile on the Alpha’s face when he notes that Spencer looks well rested and fed—and that he’s still carrying the thermos with whatever coffee is left.

They don’t say anything to each other about it yet, they’re at work, but Spencer knows that it’s only a matter of time before Aaron approaches him and asks properly to begin courting.

He’s sure he’ll say yes.

(Tagging under the cut)

Tagging: @tobias-hankel @finitegrayfics @merpancake @bau-gremlin @kuolonsyoja @physics-magic @brillianthijinx @sparklinspence @kittykatspence @thesilverqueenlady @mintphoenix @heart-strong @marvel-ous-m @aaron-hotchner187 @hothotchner @zoeschnauzi1 @opheliaaurora @astoriaandromeda @sweettoothlolol @perseus-jackass @m-mhotchner @castielryan

[cryptid420]

New fic!

Complete Work

•

Reid gets shot and Hotch responds by kissing him. The team joins forces to take care of him and as Spencer builds his friendship with Hotch he is left wondering- does Hotch feel as romantically close as he does?

This fic explores Reid's relationships with the whole team as they take care of him. Some pining, angst, hurt/comfort, and eventual smut and romance.

•

[sylix-royalty]

love your heid/hotchreid fics on ao3!

Thank you!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them!

Have a gif of Spencer as a treat 💜

[writer-in-theory]

happy fathers' day, spencer reid (HotchReid)

summary: or, how spencer goes from being aaron’s boyfriend to papa. pairing: spencer reid x aaron hotchner category: fluff, angst if you squint content warnings: mentions of foyet, mentions of haley’s death, mild language word count: 2.1k

masterlist want to join my taglist?

The first time it happens, Hotch is sure it’s an accident.

Jack is home sick from school at the time, already running a fever of 100 and puking more often than anything else. Hotch is just considering taking him to a hospital when the kid says it.

It’s a quiet thing, more of a whimper than anything else, but it’s enough to stun Hotch into complete silence the way no adult has ever been able to do before.

“Can you ask Papa to come over?”

It’s through a sheer miracle that Hotch is able to process the sentence enough to guess who Jack meant. Though Spencer had always been in Jack’s life, he’d certainly been around more now that he became Hotch’s boyfriend. In truth, Hotch would likely have him over more often if it weren’t for Spencer’s careful request that they move slowly so as to not worry Jack. It was the younger man’s deepest insecurity about their relationship—that somehow, somewhere along the way, Jack would resent him for trying to replace Haley.

Of course, it was complete and utter bullshit. If anything, Jack was overjoyed at having the genius around more often if only so there was more time for him to interrogate Spencer about all things dinosaurs and superheroes.

Still, despite wanting to go slow, the second Hotch called and told him Jack was asking for him, Spencer dropped everything. It was a twenty-minute drive between their homes, but Spencer was letting himself into the house after fifteen.

Spencer hardly even said hello to Hotch, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before taking off in the direction of Jack’s room. The man was a germophobe, but that night he held the puke bowl for Jack and held the boy when he cried over the uncomfortable feeling. He performed magic tricks and told wild tales of brilliant superheroes (of whom Hotch was sure were actually distant scientists Jack would learn about in school someday), and never once would he leave the boy’s side until he was fast asleep in bed, the fever finally broken.

And when all was said and done, Hotch never once told Spencer about what Jack had called him. It was said in a near-delirious state, and surely Jack wouldn’t even remember it if asked. So, the man swallowed up the word like a dark secret, keeping it close to his heart with no intention of ever letting it go.

The second time, it’s harder to call it a slip of the tongue.

It’s Christmas morning, a time when Hotch was sure his son would be preoccupied with the presents sitting waiting for him to open. Instead, Jack stood beside the tree, hands picking at each other in front of his middle and a peculiar expression for a young kid.

“What is it, Jack?” Hotch asked, concern lacing through every word of the question. While it had been a few years since the loss of Haley, holidays were still tough for both of the Hotchner boys. Christmas was the worst—it had always been Haley’s favorite holiday, so they’d had plenty of traditions that Hotch ached not to cry through every year.

Every year, Jack told him he wished his Momma could be there. And every year, Hotch would sigh and hug his son a little closer, reminding him that she was there with them, always and forever.

This year was different, because now Jack was eyeing the presents but not once moving toward them. This year was different, because he was looking at Hotch with such a mature expression for his age and saying, “We can’t open presents until Papa gets here.”

“What do you mean?” Hotch asked, dark eyes widening. Though he was sure Jack would have no problems having Spencer around more, they hadn’t once discussed the possibility of spending holidays together. It was too soon, too new, and much too complicated.

“You always say Christmas is about being with family,” Jack stated simply, shrugging his shoulders, “our whole family should be here.”

And God, did that break Hotch’s heart and build it from scratch all at once.

“Buddy, Spencer is spending Christmas with his mom in Las Vegas,” Hotch had to tell him, wishing not for the first time during this work break that Spencer wasn’t a five-hour flight away. Though Jack tried to put up a strong face, it was impossible not to notice the flash of disappointment in his eyes. And suddenly, Hotch was pulling out his phone and dialing the number he’d long since unnecessarily memorized.

“Aaron? Is everything okay?” Spencer’s voice always sounded a little lighter while visiting his mom. Whether it was because of the time away from the horrors they saw at work, or because the guilt of not regularly visiting her was eased momentarily, Spencer was happier while in Las Vegas. Now, though, the edges of fear seeped into his voice, a sharpness that sliced at Hotch’s chest if he thought about it for too long.

“Everything is perfect, Sweetheart. Someone here wanted to talk to you.”

“Really?”

“Really,” Hotch chuckled, putting the phone on speaker and holding it out. Almost immediately, Jack was rushing over to crowd the phone, leaning in close as if he could see Spencer through the screen. “Guess who it is, Jack?”

“Spencer!” the little boy cheered, laughing so brightly that Hotch had to join in too. What no one had ever told him before having a kid was that their emotions were infectious—when Jack cried, Hotch was sure he’d never be happy again, but when Jack laughed, Hotch was just as sure that the world hadn’t completely lost its magic.

“Merry Christmas, Jack,” Spencer spoke, and Hotch could practically hear that smile through the phone. It wouldn’t be the small one, the kind with the slightly pursed lips as he fought against it. No, this would be a wide grin, showing off his dimples and laugh lines in their entirety and brightening up his whole face until Hotch could no longer imagine his face without that smile present.

“Merry Christmas, Spencer!” Hotch’s son answered back happily, and the older man winced for Spencer considering how close the boy’s mouth was to the microphone. “What’d you get for Christmas?”

“Well, your dad got me a book.”

“What kind of book?”

“It’s a book of the original Grimm fairy tales. If your dad says it’s okay, I’ll read some to you when I get back.”

“Are you coming home soon? Daddy and I miss you.”

Home. Not back, not to his own separate home then coming here, but is Spencer coming home? Home to them, to their little broken family that had found how to exist without Haley. Home, to Hotch and to Jack.

“I miss you too, Buddy. I’ll be home tomorrow night, I promise,” Spencer promised. And then Hotch would turn off speaker so he could give a proper farewell to his boyfriend, and he would immerse himself in celebrating Christmas with his son.

But when he went to bed that night, he pictured Spencer coming home to their little family each and every night.

The third time, it’s most certainly not an accident.

When Jess brought Jack back from summer camp, tears shining in her eyes, Hotch expected the worst.

Had Jack gotten hurt at camp? No, he was standing there looking perfectly okay. He was safe, the man had to remind himself. Foyet is dead, Jack is safe, Spencer is safe, he is safe.

“Jack made something at camp today,” Jess explained, and when the boy shyly handed over the card Hotch had to fight back tears too.

Spencer was already on his way from the half-day he had at the office. He’d bashfully told Hotch that he’d gotten him something for Fathers’ Day, and the pair decided that maybe this was the perfect holiday to ease Jack into the idea of celebrating together. It was even more perfect now, Hotch thought, seeing the way Jack was practically buzzing with excited energy.

“When’s he getting here, Dad?” Jack asked for about the fourth time in as many minutes, pulling an amused laugh from the man.

“Any second now, Bud,” he answered.

Sure enough, it was forty-seven seconds later that Spencer knocked on the door (even though he’d practically moved in two months prior). “Happy Fathers’ Day, Aaron,” Spencer told him, holding out the little bag in his hand. “You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want, I just thought it might be, you know, kind of fitting becau–”

“Spencer?”

“Yes?”

“I haven’t opened it yet.” Though all of Spencer’s expressive faces were wonderful, Hotch loved the way he blushed red now, teeth pulling on his lower lip and honeyed eyes staring at him with such unexpected intensity that Hotch fought not to look away.

“Oh, right,” Spencer laughed then, eyes glancing down to stare at the bag in Hotch’s hands, practically willing the older man to open. “Will you open it? The anticipation is killing me more than the anthrax was.”

“Spencer,” Hotch admonished, knowing the younger man tended to downplay his many (many) near-death experiences but still wishing he wouldn’t anyway. It had nearly crushed the man each and every time, wondering if he would lose the genius before he ever really had him at all.

Still, Spencer is stunningly unapologetic and Hotch loves him all the more for it. So the older man focuses instead on the gift, pulling the grey tie out of the bag. He was unable to stop the smile from pulling at his lips then, eyes taking in the little pink conversation hearts patterned across the tie.

“They’re sweethearts,” Spencer clarified, “you know, because you call me Swe–”

“Spencer!” Jack’s shriek of delight ended whatever moment the two men were having as the little boy ran up and practically tried to tackle Spencer to the ground with the force of his hug.

“Woah, hi, Jack,” the man laughed, shaking his curly hair out of his face and giving the boy a bright smile. “How was summer camp?”

“So good! I made you something.” And oh, Hotch wasn’t sure he could take it. Still, he watched with bated breath as his son pulled out the purple card he’d spent hours on (“because Dad, you said purple was his favorite color”). He knew it would take a second tops for Spencer to read the card but as a minute passed, and then two, Spencer’s eyes still hadn’t left the inside of the card.

And when they finally did, Hotch could see tears fully streaming from them, wetting his cheeks and making his eyes a little swollen. The younger man’s lips parted then closed, once, twice, three times before he engulfed Jack into a hug. He wouldn’t let go for a long while, holding onto the little kid who was now beaming over his shoulder at Hotch. If Hotch could see Spencer’s face now, he’d see his lower lip quivering and his eyes full of love. Love, because Spencer had admitted more than once that he always assumed he’d never have a family of his own. Love, because he’d found the person he wanted to spend forever with and was still holding back to make sure someone else was okay.

Love, because this was Spencer now, fully and completely accepted into their family.

Eventually, Hotch would join in too, crouching down to wrap the two most important boys in his life up in his arms. He’d tuck his face into Spencer’s neck to hide his own tears, because he’d wondered if Jack would ever be able to really call another person a parent after how he’d lost his mother.

“Happy Fathers’ Day, Papa,” Jack told Spencer, eliciting a tearful laugh from the man.

“Thank you, Jack,” Spencer told him in return, squeezing just a little tighter.

It was unclear how long they stayed like that—the three of them wrapped up in each other on the floor of the house’s entryway. Eventually, Jack would get up and wander off to go play outside while the sun was still up. Spencer and Hotch would be given a moment alone, a special moment when the two men could properly discuss what this all meant for their relationship.

For now, though, Hotch clung to his family, never more thankful for them. And when he was sure he could speak without giving away the tears he’d once shed, Hotch lifted his head just enough to find Spencer’s gaze and say, delightedly,

“Happy Father’s Day, Spencer Reid.”

i don't have a taglist for hotchreid yet, but um hi you asked me to tag you in this @will-on-the-internet