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lilacgaby · 2 days ago

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‧₊˚ to kiss or kill.. a vampire?‧₊˚

you've been a vampire for as long as you can remember. you were going through your day, or night, routine as normal when a noise startles you. a man, katsuki bakugo to be exact, was standing at your door. though, he can't seem to remember whether he's supposed to kill or kiss you...

★pair. knight(?)katsuki x vampire!reader. tags. fem!reader, fantasy!au, vampire!au, amnesia trope, memories, kissing, hugging, dates kinda, blood, daggers, stakes. wc. 2k.

noteღ. i love the memory loss trope but its hard to write it in a way that doesn't seem like lazy(???) idk how to say it, also happy halloween to all who celebrate!

embedded deep in the forest, vines growing over the bark of the trees, the sun not visible from the impressive manor you called home.

a lake so deep you couldn't see the bottom, the moonlight the only thing reflecting off the darkness of the water.

it was quiet, quaint. only the animals as company for such a faraway place.

you roamed freely around your garden, tending to the black rose bushes and cutting the thorns to an appropriate length. feeding carrots you only grew for the deer and bunnies that had grown used to your presence, seeing the generations of them rest and birth, a consequence of being immortal.

your outfit was dark, camouflaging you against the night sky, the only time you were able to go out. you'd grown used to it, comforted by the night sky and sleeping critters around you.

but a crunch of grass snapped you out of your relaxation. the tuft of blond hair you'd spotted alarming you.

your pot of water was now splashed onto the floor, your red eyes were widened and pupils like a cat as you moved out of vision. vision of whoever was trampling into your long uncivilized manor.

it was a man, donning expensive yet ripped up fabrics and cloths, a beaten up satchel, and bright hair that stood out against the night sky.

you couldn't help but notice though, that he had red eyes just like yours.

he must be a vampire, you reasoned, moving closer to investigate the man who was unmoving at your door. you popped out from behind him. “who are you and why are you here?”

he jumped, seemingly not expecting you to be behind him. “i'm.. lost. i can't seem to find my way. or.. remember what i was doing here.” he turned to face you, his figure towering over yours, his eyes on you. “you don't remember anything? is it possible that you've been hit with a strong spell?”

you kept talking while looking over at his complete attire now, noting the royal emblem on his chest.

“it's possible.. i don't remember what i do exactly.” his red eyes kept boring into you, striking you with a sense of familiarity, though you couldn't place from where. “well, you can stay here for the night. i have spare rooms.”

his eyes widened slightly, his eyebrows raising. “really, you're inviting me in? what if i was a vampire?”

“well, no need to fear one of my own.”

his mouth went agape when he realized. “you're a vampire.”

“yes. does that change anything?”

“i.. guess not.” a hand went to the back of his neck, his eyes averting as he looked up in thought. “it's just surprising. i think.. i feel a connection to the word. to its meaning. i must have been- sorry be- a vampire. don't you agree?”

“let's talk more inside. if you are a vampire as you believe, we'll die if we're outside another hour...” you left it open ended as to ask for his name.

“katsuki. call me katsuki.”

“well katsuki. welcome in, don't suck my blood or something.” you joked.

as he followed you inside, he awed internally at the extravagance of your mansion. it definitely was the home of a vampire, as all the windows were closed and barricaded.

“i haven't had many guests over for a while.. so. excuse the mess.” he followed you as you showed him the different parts of your home. he passed by the kitchen, so gorgeous that he felt upset when you noted how you only used it to make food for the animals outside. you showed him your bedroom, which only housed a single, heavily padded coffin.

you went upstairs finally, your mansion was huge so he began to notice the ache in his feet. when you arrived in your lounge area though, he felt a pang in his head as he eyed a dagger. a silver one.

memories flooded into his head at once, making him hold his head in discomfort.

words. so many replayed in his mind though they were incoherent. sights of blood, of one of those very daggers in his hand, a stake in the other.

“ėřīdɯǎʌ ħ ʇ ľļ ʞ”

he couldn't understand it at all, the visions in his mind were playing and flashing right after another.

training, studying vitals, the word vampire. why did it seem so familiar?

“katsuki. are you okay?” your hands were on his shoulders now, your face of concern went unnoticed by him, his eyes were only laser focused on the sharp fangs of your mouth.

“i–. i– um. i don't know what the fuck happened to me.” he admitted, he still felt weak from the confusion revelations that had unfolded in his mind.

“maybe.. you should head to bed for the day. i have a bed for you in here.”

you took his hand, he almost pulled away, he didn't know why it still felt so bloody. why it felt like he was holding an unseen weapon in his palm. but he let you comfort him slightly anyways.

you laid a towel onto his forehead, closing the door with a, “goodnight.”

you left him resting with his thoughts as you continued your chores outside.

it was obvious he wasn't a vampire like he thought. he wasn't nocturnal like you. the sight of the blood bags you had left cooling in a safe him feel queasy, and he could touch metal just fine. he found himself tracing the details of the dagger in your living room mindlessly, enthralled with it. it felt just as familiar as your eyes did. he was sure it would feel just as right in his hand, he moved to pick it up when-

“what are you doing?” you asked sleepily. your attire from yesterday was gone, replaced with casual clothes that didn't seem to fit you. “..i just got curious.”

he stared at you. the crimson of his eyes confusing you to no end, but you let it go with a sigh. “well, stop messing with that stuff. like seriously.”

he took your warning. but the strange memories never went away. though, he noticed that they'd only really pop up around you.

he'd gotten to know you in the couple hours of the first day he spent with you. your favorite color, food before you turned, your true age, your favorite flower.

and you'd gotten to know the vague things he remembered about himself in exchange. how he grew up in a village, how he remembers training hard everyday to become a knight, how he grew up with the next in line for the throne.

you'd traveled around the forest with him, showing him some of your favorite spots. pointing to nearby towns and taverns, warning him to stay away from spots where werewolves would roam frequently.

you'd gotten him a new wardrobe of clothing that happened to match yours. black button downs and slacks with red accents, something that suited him perfectly, was what you had gifted him.

he tried to gift you things as well. it was unfortunate that his gift for cuisine went wasted on you, who couldn't eat food. he picked you flowers from different regions of the forest you wouldn't venture to. dandelions that he insisted you'd blow out together, red roses that paired perfectly with your black ones, and baby’s breath sprinkled tastefully in between.

the words grew less scrambled over the days of which he spent with you. it'd been a month of living with him at this point, and your life together had become routine. the pangs where he'd keel over for seconds in real time, but hours in his mind happened more frequently too. the same visions of blood on his hands, a dagger identical to the one displayed in your home would always be there. but additions of a torch in his hand and a dagger would change. the memory would change, which confused him.

he'd be lying if he said he didn't like the calm nature of your life together. the tranquil feeling of feeding the bunnies and deers alongside you, the rushing sound of the lake as you sat side by side admiring it.

the feeling of your skin, cold to the touch, on his body that seemed to run too hot.

your open-minded nature, the lingering loss of your presence he'd feel when you were gone.

though, he now could hear some parts of the sentence quite clearly.

“k– the vampire.”

as he laid around on one of the many couches of your manor, petting a black cat, he pondered on what the last word could be. he knew it could only be one of two words, he wasn't dumb.

to kiss or to kill. but what reason was he given to kill you? you'd been nothing but amazing to him, welcome and open when he was vulnerable. the only thing you'd been strange about– the only thing he felt he wanted.

was to hold the dagger in his hand.

he laid the cat onto the side of the couch before standing up. it was like an invisible force was leading him away, taking him right to his object of interest that he had been so hyper aware of since the day he arrived.

every step he took was like a piece of the puzzle being put into place.

he was hit by a memory loss potion while he was out on patrol.

patrol for the kingdom, where he served as a knight. however, after many vampire hunters had gone missing in this part of the forest..

he had been sent out here.

he opened his satchel that he'd thrown into the corner. affirming his thoughts, a dagger, identical to the one on the stand was in it.

next to it was a stake, and a torch with an ignition next to that.

he stood up, the final words given to him. but it didn't feel as good as he thought it would.

“kill the vampire.”

because the order was to hurt someone who'd grown so dear to him.

…

was it wrong for him to continue acting like nothing was wrong? maybe. but he couldn't help but still continue to be enamored by you, even if it was wrong.

the stereotypes, the horror stories he'd been fed of vampires. as he held you close to him in the comfort of your coffin, he didn't know what to do anymore.

as he guided you to the lake, he wasn't sure of what he would do. he had his satchel with him now, yet he still held your hand in his.

“are you leaving?” you asked, unknowing of the war taking place in his mind.

“no. i just, wanted to bring it along.”

“oh. okay.” you'd shrugged, unfazed by his words. he felt his heart bleed, bleed because you trusted him so much, but also tugged towards his sense of duty.

you'd sat together again, his body facing the same lake that had guided him to you. he felt your gaze on his face, he squeezed his palm into a fist.

“what's wrong?” you asked, your voice low, you held the long sleeves of your black outfit as your eyebrows scrunched in concern. “you've been acting weird.”

“i.. my memory. it came back.”

your eyes shot up, before a small smile came over your face. “really, that's great katsuki. so,

what were you doing out here?”

the words lingered in the air, his eye painstakingly moving to look at you. his mouth was held open for a second, seemingly speechless as he tried to tell you. he finally, just let it slip. “i was supposed to kill you, [name].”

you stilled, he continued to explain. “it all happened once i saw the dagger. it eyed me, and i eyed it. it seemed so familiar, your eyes did too. until it all came back.” he took a sharp breath and continued.

“men, vampire hunters of the kingdom specifically, went missing around these parts. i was sent here to find the vampire and kill them. but i was ambushed along the way by a witch who hit me with a spell.” his hand moved to his satchel, you stayed unmoving as you absorbed his words.

he held the stake and dagger in his hands respectively, the materials that would kill you if pierced glistening ominously in the moonlight. the same moonlight that encapsulated you two.

“i thought it over. a lot. thought about what i wanted, no. what i thought was right.” he gripped them tightly, holding them up.

you closed your eyes, as you heard the words, “goodbye.”

but death, the feeling of wood piercing your heart never came. the splash of the water was the only sound heart by you, who had tearfully looked to face him.

“what?” was all you could helplessly utter, as he kneeled to sit in front of you:

“..i don't want to kill you [name].” he moved to hold your hand, cold as ever, against the beating heart of his chest. “but i'd like to kiss you, honestly.”

you let out a shaky laugh, a tear falling down your face as you sighed in relief. “i think i'd like that too.”

as the last bubbles burst at the surface of the lake, he tilted your head forward, holding your chin in between his fingertips as he gently kissed you. only the grass between your bodies bore witness to the newly born relationship forged by trust ignited.

the full moon now faced you two. he held your hand tightly, encaging you with the broad of his body.

he saw the moon start to slip away and picked you up, taking you to the bedroom you'd gifted him and laying you by his side.

he'd turned practically nocturnal too from these past weeks, the desire to be by your side fueling him.

so as he laid with his eyes half lidded, looking at you in the dim candlelight of the room, he held you impossibly closer.

he wanted to spend an eternity with you. maybe he'd truly cast his old life aside and become a vampire alongside you.

that thought rocked him to sleep that night, your body like a puzzle piece next to his.

who knew all you'd have to do to kiss a vampire is cast your old life aside?

tags. @k0z3me @darhinadadragon @maddietries @exoticrasin @lavendarstarz @hisonlyobsession @i-the-fluffo @uy242c @cookielovesbook-akie @frosted-flakes @irenne-stans @kemziicore

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kiwriteswords · 13 hours ago

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I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you

Part V in the Wicked Game Universe (Can be read on its own, though!)

Masterlist || Ao3

AN: This story can be read solo or as a companion piece in this universe! I am continuing to plan future installments of this story and some possible ‘flashback’ one-shots–all of which could be read individually. Would love to chat with anyone open about future installments!

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Female Reader

Word Count: 15k

Tags/Warnings: soft smut, sexual themes, suggestive dialogue, mentions of trauma, canon-typical themes, canon-typical violence, fluff, romance, confession of love, angst, comedy, team bonding, mentions of sexual harassment. Part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

Sypnosis: Returning to the BAU after years as a professor, you’re back on familiar ground—but nothing’s quite as it was, especially with Aaron Hotchner. As his former partner, you were known for your bold, flirtatious banter and your knack for pushing his buttons, and it turns out that some things never change. Now, with a relationship between you finally taking shape, the two of you find yourselves not only dodging dangerous criminals but also a mandatory sexual harassment seminar for “workplace conduct.”

When a high-stakes case hits too close to home, Hotch’s patience and your guarded heart are put to the test. As you grow closer to his son, Jack, and face new fears of letting someone in, Hotch is there, helping you break down your walls. Amid the chaos of both the field and your feelings, you both begin to realize that sometimes, true trust is the most dangerous—and the most rewarding—risk of all.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

You stormed up to Hotch’s office, your shoes tapping against the floor in rapid irritation. Clutching the printed email in your hand, you didn’t bother knocking before entering, tossing the paper dramatically onto Hotch’s desk.

“Seriously, a sexual harassment seminar?” you said, “Do they think I need a reminder on what’s appropriate in the workplace?”

Hotch barely glanced up from his computer, his fingers still tapping away at the keyboard. “It’s routine,” he said dismissively. “They send these out all the time.”

You folded your arms, leaning against the edge of his desk, trying to catch his eye. “Routine? Please. Why me? I haven’t done anything.”

“Everyone gets them,” Hotch muttered, still focused on whatever he was reading on his screen. “It’s standard protocol.”

You rolled your eyes, but your irritation didn’t subside. “Oh, come on, Hotch. You don’t think there’s something a little suspicious about this?”

Still not looking up, Hotch clicked open his inbox, scanning a few emails. “No. You’re overthinking it.”

You huffed, watching him work in silence for a moment, but when you saw the slight furrow of his brow as he read something on the screen, you felt a shift.

He paused, fingers hovering over the keys, and then slowly, his expression changed. Hotch clicked open an email, and you saw his jaw tighten just slightly.

“What?” you asked, sensing the tension. “You got it too, didn’t you?”

Hotch leaned back in his chair, eyes still on the screen, now clearly giving the situation more thought than before. “Yes,” he said slowly. “It seems I’m required to attend as well.”

You grinned, leaning in a little closer. “See? We’re both being targeted. I told you—there’s something more going on here.”

Hotch’s expression remained neutral, but you could see the gears turning in his mind. “It’s probably because we filed paperwork with Strauss recently,” he said, still processing the situation. “The relationship disclosure. These seminars could be mandatory when... certain dynamics change.”

You tilted your head, eyes gleaming with playful defiance. “Certain dynamics, huh? You mean the fact that I flirt with you all the time?”

He finally looked up at you, his face unreadable but his eyes slightly narrowed. “It’s possible they want to ensure there are no... misunderstandings.”

You laughed, stepping closer, your voice dropping into that familiar, teasing tone. “Hotch, you and I both know exactly why they’re sending us. I mean, I can’t help it if I make things a little more... fun around here.”

Hotch's gaze met yours, and for a brief second, you could see the internal struggle. He was too composed to let you rattle him, but it was clear that the situation had taken on a different weight now. The flirtation, the tension—it all felt a little more significant in this moment.

He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “You might need to tone it down,” he said quietly, his tone serious but not harsh.

You blinked, surprised by the sudden shift. “Tone it down? What, no more keeping you on your toes?”

“Not at work,” Hotch replied, his voice firm but still calm. “Strauss is watching everything right now. We need to be careful.”

You raised an eyebrow, your grin never fading. “So, what, you’re saying I’m distracting you?”

Hotch gave you a long, measured look, his eyes betraying just a hint of amusement. “You’re pushing the limits,” he said evenly, but there was an unmistakable edge of affection in his tone.

You smirked, leaning back from his desk with a shrug. “Fine, fine. I’ll try to be good. For now.”

He nodded, his expression softening just a little. “That would be appreciated.”

As you turned to leave, you couldn’t resist a final, cheeky wink. “Well, if you’re going to be there, guess the seminar won’t be as boring as I thought.”

Hotch shook his head, finally allowing himself the faintest smile. “Let’s hope not.”

Just as you were about to head back to your desk, you heard the unmistakable sound of heels clicking against the floor outside the office. You paused, and before you could make your exit, Erin Strauss appeared in the doorway.

“Agent Y/L/N,” Strauss said smoothly, her eyes sharp as ever. “Would you mind following me to Agent Hotchner’s office?”

Your stomach dropped, and for a split second, panic surged through you. The ink was barely dry on the employee relationship paperwork you and Hotch had filed, and while you’d been together for months, it had only just become public knowledge—first to the team, and then, more recently, to Strauss herself.

You shot a quick glance at Hotch, who, despite his usual calm demeanor, seemed a bit more alert. His eyes flicked between you and Strauss, but he gave a subtle nod.

Strauss didn’t wait for your response as she strode past you into Hotch’s office, the sharp click of her heels marking every step. You turned back inside, your heart beating faster, though outwardly, you maintained your usual cool composure. Hotch stood up, giving Strauss a polite but wary look as she closed the door behind you, sealing the three of you inside.

The atmosphere shifted immediately. Strauss didn’t waste time as she sat down, looking directly at you and Hotch with a pointed expression.

“As you’re both aware, personal relationships between agents—particularly those in leadership roles—are taken very seriously by the bureau.”

You nodded, keeping your expression neutral. Hotch remained silent, his posture straight and professional as always.

“Given your... relationship,” Strauss continued, her gaze settling on you for a moment before shifting back to Hotch, “it’s important that we discuss the potential implications of this situation. Especially if, Agent Y/L/N, you ever intended to move up the chain of command or pursue a more... senior role within the bureau.”

You blinked but quickly covered your reaction. You hadn’t expected this line of questioning, though you could sense Hotch’s surprise as well, even if he wasn’t showing it outwardly.

Strauss’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Personal relationships like this can create complications. It’s important that you understand the professional ramifications, particularly if you have ambitions beyond your current position.”

You tilted your head, giving Strauss a small, knowing smile. “With all due respect, Erin, I’ve had my time to move up the ranks. I did the professor thing; I wrote the books, and I moved up within the bureau and outside of it. But I’m back here at the BAU for a reason. I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Hotch’s eyes shifted toward you, clearly processing this new information. You could feel the weight of his gaze, but you kept your focus on Strauss, who raised an eyebrow at your response.

Strauss didn’t seem phased, though. “So, you’re saying you’re content in your current role? You have no intention of seeking advancement?”

You shrugged lightly, the tension starting to ease as you leaned back slightly in your chair. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. I’m not here for the next big promotion or to climb the ladder. I’m here because this is where I do my best work. And I’m not interested in getting tangled up in the politics of it all.”

Hotch, though usually unreadable, seemed quietly surprised. He had always known you were brilliant and capable, but hearing you say it so plainly, with no desire to rise further up the chain, caught him off guard. He remained silent, but you could feel the shift in the room.

Strauss nodded slowly, her eyes studying you for a moment before turning back to Hotch. “And you, Agent Hotchner? Do you understand what this relationship means for your position as unit chief?”

Hotch’s voice was steady as ever, but there was a hint of protectiveness in his tone. “I’m fully aware of the implications, ma’am. And we’ve been careful to maintain professional boundaries where it matters.”

Strauss gave a tight-lipped smile. “I’m sure you have. But I must remind you that this relationship will be closely monitored. Any sign of favoritism or conflicts of interest--it could affect both of your positions. That’s non-negotiable.”

You raised an eyebrow, your witty side itching to make an appearance. “Well, I’m glad we filed the paperwork, then. Wouldn’t want to make things too interesting.”

Strauss’s gaze hardened slightly, but she didn’t take the bait. “This isn’t a joke, Agent Y/L/N. The bureau takes these matters seriously.”

You straightened up, meeting her stare without flinching. “I’m well aware of that. And so is Hotch. We both know what we’re doing.”

Strauss paused for a moment, her eyes flicking between the two of you before she stood up, smoothing down her jacket. “Good. Because I will be watching.”

She turned to Hotch, her voice crisp. “Agent Hotchner, I trust you’ll ensure this situation doesn’t interfere with the team’s work. Or your leadership.”

Hotch nodded. “Of course.”

Strauss nodded once more, glancing at you again before heading to the door. “I’ll see you both at the seminar.”

Once the door closed behind her, you exhaled a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. Hotch remained standing, his eyes still on you, though softer now.

“Well,” you said with a small smile, “that could’ve gone worse.”

Hotch gave you a look, his tone dry but fond. “You didn’t make it any easier.”

You shrugged, standing up from your chair. “Hey, I’ve known Strauss for years. I’m not afraid of her.”

Hotch’s lips quirked in the faintest smile, but his eyes were serious. “You really don’t want to move up the chain?”

You gave him a soft, reassuring look. “No, Hotch. I’m right where I want to be.”

For a moment, neither of you said anything, but the understanding between you was clear. You had made your choice, and there was no going back. And that choice included him.

The door clicked shut behind Strauss, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. You could still feel the tension in the room, but now that it was just you and Hotch, it felt more manageable. You leaned back against his desk, crossing your arms with a sly smile playing on your lips.

“Well,” you began, teasingly, “I guess I’ll have to stick around here. Hard to pass up having a boss who’s great to look at. And that hot ass doesn’t hurt either.”

Hotch gave you a flat look, though the faintest glimmer of amusement flickered in his eyes. “You’re impossible.”

You shrugged, letting the flirtation hang in the air for a moment before your expression softened. “But seriously, Aaron. I don’t want to be the one making decisions, the one everyone’s looking to. I’ve been there, done that. I’ve had my face plastered on the front of books, been the name on university advertisements. Right now... I just want to be here.”

Hotch let out a quiet sigh, sitting down behind his desk and folding his hands. He looked at you for a long moment, as though weighing what he was about to say.

“Are you sure that’s what you want? The bureau would be lucky to have you move up the ranks. You’ve already proven yourself more than capable.”

You appreciated his concern, but you could also see that familiar intensity in his eyes—the one that always wanted to make sure everything was right, that everything was in order. It was why he was so good at what he did.

You gave him a soft smile. “Aaron, half of the rookie agents that come through the bureau were my students. I’ve already shaped the future of the academy. I don’t need to climb any more ladders or chase any more titles. I’m done with that part of my life.”

He leaned back slightly, processing what you were saying, the weight of it settling in. Hotch’s jaw tightened for a moment, but not out of frustration. He was thinking it over carefully, as he always did.

“You’re sure?” he asked quietly, his voice gentler now.

“I’m sure,” you replied without hesitation. “This... this is where I belong. Doing the work, being part of this team. Not leading it, not sitting in some office making decisions. Just being here. With you.”

For a moment, the room fell quiet, the gravity of your words sinking in. Hotch’s expression softened, his brow furrowing slightly as he considered your choice. He’d always seen you as someone who could easily rise through the ranks, who could do anything you set your mind to. And while it surprised him to hear that you were content staying in your current role, he couldn’t help but respect it.

“You’ve done more for this place than most agents ever will,” Hotch finally said, his voice low but sincere. “If you’re sure about this... then I understand. I just didn’t want you to feel like you were giving up on something.”

You smiled, shaking your head. “I’m not giving up anything, Aaron. I’ve already made my mark. Now, I just want to be part of the team. I want to be... well, your pain in the ass.”

Hotch chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. “Of course you do.”

He glanced down at his desk for a moment, his hands resting on top of a pile of paperwork. His thoughts seemed to drift, and for a moment, you saw something else pass across his face—a mixture of exhaustion and quiet acceptance.

“I couldn’t see myself anywhere else either,” he admitted quietly. “I know it’s not perfect—chasing down criminals, missing out on time with Jack, losing years off my life from stress... But I don’t think I could do anything else.”

You tilted your head, watching him closely. There was a vulnerability in his voice that he rarely let show, and it made your heart ache a little.

“You’re not a bad father,” you said softly, stepping closer. “You’re doing what you need to do. And Jack knows that.”

Hotch looked up at you, his gaze steady but grateful. “I hope so. But sometimes it feels like I’m stretched so thin... between work, the team, Jack. And now with Strauss breathing down my neck—” He stopped, shaking his head. “It’s hard not to feel like I’m failing somewhere.”

You leaned down, resting your hand gently on his shoulder. “You’re not failing. You’re holding it all together. And trust me, you’re not alone in this. You’ve got me. You’ve got the team. And Jack? He knows you’re doing this for him.”

Hotch’s eyes softened as he looked at you, the weight of everything he carried easing just a little in your presence. He reached up, placing his hand over yours, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I don’t know how I did this for so long without you,” he said quietly.

You smiled, leaning in slightly. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me.”

For a moment, the two of you stayed like that, a quiet understanding passing between you. No words needed to be said. You both knew where you stood—with each other, with the team, with everything that mattered.

And in the end, that was all that really counted.

Later, as the evening grew quieter, that same sense of comfort lingered in the air. After your conversation, Hotch returned to his work, but the warmth between you both remained steady, unspoken but present.

Jack, who had always been a light in his father’s life, was the perfect bridge between the seriousness of your roles at the BAU and the softer, more personal moments like this one. The apartment was filled with a kind of peaceful routine, a rhythm that you had seamlessly become a part of.

The low hum of Hotch’s fingers tapping against his laptop filled the quiet of the apartment. He was seated at the kitchen table, finishing up some paperwork for a case, while you and Jack played a game on the living room floor. You had always been good with Jack—playful, patient, and light-hearted. You could make him laugh, something that always seemed to light up the room, and Hotch, though focused on his work, would occasionally glance over, a small, contented smile playing on his lips.

Jack giggled as you helped him arrange some action figures for a mini battle scene on the floor. His enthusiasm was infectious, and you couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

“You’re good at this,” Jack said, smiling up at you.

You grinned. “Well, I’ve had a lot of practice fighting bad guys with your dad.”

Jack’s face grew thoughtful for a moment, and you noticed the shift. His next words caught you completely off guard.

“I’m really happy you’re here,” Jack said earnestly, his small voice sounding far too mature for his age. “It’s nice having you around. It makes me feel like... like we’re a family again.”

Your breath hitched in your throat. The weight of Jack’s words hit you like a ton of bricks. You weren’t expecting that—not at all. Panic flickered in your chest, your heart racing as you tried to process what he’d just said.

Family. The word hung in the air, heavy with implications. You glanced quickly over at Hotch, but he was still focused on his laptop, or so you thought.

Unbeknownst to you, Hotch had heard Jack’s words too, and though his expression remained neutral, his attention was now fully on you and Jack.

You smiled tightly, but your mind was racing. Family. You never wanted to overstep, never wanted to take the place of Jack’s mother. The thought of being too much, of Jack growing attached to you only to feel let down later—it scared you. And worse, what if, in trying to be part of their lives, you messed it up? What if they resented you for it?

Without responding to Jack, you quickly stood up, your heart pounding in your chest.

“I’ll be right back, Jack,” you said softly, your voice wavering slightly. You needed space, needed to breathe and process what he’d said.

You headed toward the bathroom, desperate for a moment to collect yourself. You didn’t want Jack to see how flustered you were, and more importantly, you didn’t want him to feel like you didn’t care. But right now, the panic was winning.

Just as you reached the door, you felt a hand gently catch your arm. You turned to see Hotch standing there, his expression calm but filled with understanding.

“Hey,” he said quietly, his voice gentle but firm. “Don’t run.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but the look in Hotch’s eyes stopped you. He had heard everything. Your heart sank a little, the familiar weight of uncertainty creeping in, though you kept your voice steady.

“Aaron, I... I don’t want to hurt him,” you began quietly, choosing your words carefully. “I’m not trying to replace Haley, and I know he’s been through so much. I just... I don’t want to overstep.”

Hotch’s grip on your arm remained gentle but grounding. “You’re not overstepping,” he said calmly. “Jack likes having you here. I like having you here.“

You paused, exhaling slowly as you collected your thoughts. You weren’t panicking, but the gravity of what Jack had said still lingered.

“He said I make it feel like a family again,” you said softly, not quite able to meet Hotch’s gaze. “That’s... a lot to take in. I care about him; I really do. But I’m just... I’m afraid I won’t be enough. Not for that.”

“You don’t have to be more than you are. Jack feels safe with you. That’s all that matters.” Hotch’s eyes softened, and he let out a small sigh, his hands gently resting on your arms now. “Jack feels safe with you. He trusts you. And that’s not something I take lightly.”

You felt the lump in your throat grow as he continued, his voice steady and reassuring.

“He’s talked about you before, you know. How much he likes having you around. He’s never said it outright, but I can see how much it means to him to have someone who cares about him like you do.”

You swallowed hard, trying to fight back the overwhelming surge of emotions. You hadn’t realized how much Jack had talked about you, how much he truly cared. It was one thing to spend time with him, to make him laugh, but hearing that you were becoming part of his sense of family... it was terrifying and comforting all at once.

“I didn’t realize how much this mattered to him,” you admitted, your tone thoughtful. “I just don’t want to let either of you down,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I just want to do right by him. And by you.”

Hotch’s hands moved to gently cup your face, his touch warm and grounding. His eyes, full of understanding, met yours. “You won’t let him down,” he said firmly. “You’re not letting him down. You’re giving him something he hasn’t had in a long time—stability and fun. He’s a kid, and he’s already lost so much. Having you in his life is a good thing for both of us.”

You blinked, your breath shaky as you tried to absorb his words. But the fear still gnawed at you, your insecurities creeping back. “What if... what if it’s too much for him? What if something happens? I don’t want him to feel like I’m replacing Haley.”

Hotch’s gaze softened even more, and he lowered his voice, speaking with that calm, measured tone that always made you feel safe. “You’re not replacing her. No one could. But Jack’s allowed to love people beyond his mom. He’s allowed to have people in his life who care about him. And right now, that’s you.”

Your heart thudded in your chest as you met his gaze, feeling the weight of the conversation. You hadn’t realized how much this mattered to him, how much it mattered to both of them. And Hotch, always steady and thoughtful, knew exactly what to say to calm your fears.

“I’m scared,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

Hotch nodded, his thumbs gently brushing your cheeks. “I know. But you don’t need to be. You’re doing everything right.”

His words hit you like a soft, comforting wave. The weight of your fears, your doubts, all seemed to ease with every word he spoke. You were more to them than just a visitor in their lives. You were becoming part of something—something real, something important.

You leaned into his touch, letting out a shaky breath. “I just... I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect him to say that.”

Hotch gave a small smile, his voice filled with warmth. “He’s a smart kid. He knows what he feels, and he’s not afraid to say it.”

You let out a soft laugh, feeling the tension in your chest start to unravel. “Well, he’s braver than me, that’s for sure.”

Hotch’s hands slipped from your face to your waist, pulling you gently into a warm embrace. “You’re brave, too,” he murmured against your hair.

For a moment, you let yourself sink into the comfort of his arms, the steady beat of his heart calming your own. You weren’t alone in this. Hotch was here, Jack was here, and you were part of this family—whether you had planned it or not.

Hotch pulled back slightly, his eyes meeting yours with a soft smile. “And for the record,” he added quietly, “Jack’s right. It does feel like family when you’re here.”

Your breath hitched again, but this time it wasn’t from fear—it was from the warmth spreading through your chest. The panic had faded, replaced by something stronger, something that felt like home.

You smiled up at him, your voice softer now. “Guess I’m not going anywhere, then.”

Hotch chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “Good. Because we don’t want you to.”

With that, he took your hand and led you back toward the living room, where Jack was still engrossed in his game. Hotch squeezed your hand before releasing it, nodding for you to sit back down with Jack.

As you settled next to him again, Jack looked up at you, his innocent smile still bright. “You okay?” he asked.

You smiled, your heart lighter than it had been all night. “Yeah, I’m okay,” you said, ruffling his hair gently. “I’m really happy to be here with you.”

And as Jack returned to his game, the weight of his earlier words still lingering in the air, you felt Hotch’s eyes on you—silent, steady, and filled with gratitude. You weren’t alone in this anymore. You were exactly where you needed to be.

The evening settled into a comfortable rhythm. After some time spent playing games, it was clear Jack was starting to get tired. Hotch closed his laptop and glanced over at the two of you on the floor, where Jack was now resting his head against your leg, his eyelids growing heavy. The sight stirred something deep inside Hotch—something warm, something he hadn’t let himself feel in a long time.

Jack had always been slow to open up to people, especially after Haley’s death, but with you, things had been different. He had taken to you almost immediately, and as the months passed, Hotch watched with quiet amazement as Jack’s bond with you grew. The way you made Jack laugh, the way you seemed to know how to comfort him without overstepping—it was as if you knew exactly what both of them needed.

Hotch wasn’t surprised that Jack had come to care for you so deeply, but he hadn’t expected how much it would affect him, watching the two of you together. It was more than just gratitude or affection. It was something else, something that stirred in him every time he saw you with Jack. A sense of wholeness.

"Alright, Jack," Hotch said softly, standing up and stretching as he walked over to where you were sitting. "Time for bed, buddy."

Jack yawned and nodded sleepily, clearly too tired to argue. He gave you a sleepy smile before Hotch helped him up and led him to his room. As Hotch tucked him in, Jack’s small voice broke through the quiet.

“Dad,” Jack murmured, his eyes half-closed. “Y/N... she’s staying, right?”

Hotch paused, his heart skipping slightly at the question. He looked down at Jack, brushing a hand over his son’s hair. “Yeah, she’s staying,” he said gently. “For as long as she wants.”

Jack smiled, his eyes fluttering shut. “Good.”

Hotch stayed there for a moment, watching Jack drift off to sleep, feeling that familiar sense of peace settle in. When he walked back out into the living room, he found you already tidying up the game you and Jack had been playing.

You glanced up and smiled softly. “Is he out?”

Hotch nodded, leaning against the doorframe, watching you. “Yeah. He was out before I finished tucking him in.”

You chuckled softly, standing up and walking over to him. “He’s a good kid.”

“He is,” Hotch agreed, his voice quiet but filled with warmth. He hesitated for a moment, then added, “He really likes having you here, you know.”

You smiled, leaning slightly against him, your tone teasing. “Oh, does he now? Is he looking for a roommate?”

Hotch chuckled softly, his arm slipping around your waist. “He’d have you move in tomorrow if he could.”

You laughed, and the sound was light and comfortable. But Hotch’s expression softened, and you caught the more serious look in his eyes. “You’ve made a difference for him,” he said quietly. “For both of us.”

For a moment, you just looked at each other, the weight of his words hanging in the air, unspoken but deeply felt. You knew how much this meant to him, and in return, it meant just as much to you.

You were going to suppress the thoughts and feelings that came up with the idea of living here--making this your everyday norm. That was a thought for later.

“Well,” you said softly, trying to lighten the mood as you glanced at the clock. “We should probably get some rest, too. Big day tomorrow.”

Hotch raised an eyebrow. “You mean the sexual harassment seminar?”

You grinned, your eyes twinkling mischievously. “Oh, come on, you’re not even a little curious about it? Think they’ll call us out?”

Hotch shook his head, but there was a faint smirk on his lips. “I’m pretty sure the seminar will be as routine as they come.”

“Right,” you teased, nudging him lightly. “Because us flirting shamelessly in front of Strauss didn’t put us on her radar at all.”

Hotch let out a low, quiet laugh, his arm still comfortably around your waist. “Us? I’d like to think I keep it pretty professional on my side,” He smirked, “And I don’t think Strauss has a sense of humor, so I’d be careful with the jokes tomorrow.”

You leaned into him, your smile widening. “I can behave. But you have to admit, it’s kind of funny. I mean, look at us—we’ve been in the field longer than most of the team combined, and now we’re going to a sexual harassment seminar.”

“Yes. Hilarious.” Hotch raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to something between amused and incredulous. “In all my years at the bureau, I’ve never had to attend one of these.”

You grinned, nudging him playfully. “Well, there’s a first time for everything, right? Think of it as an opportunity for personal growth.”

Hotch let out a quiet, dry chuckle. “Yes, because we clearly need that.”

You grinned up at him, enjoying the rare sight of his relaxed smile. “You should try and loosen up tomorrow. Maybe you’ll learn something.”

Hotch shook his head, though his smirk remained. “I think you’re the one who needs to learn something about professionalism.”

“Oh, come on, Aaron,” you said playfully, stepping back with a teasing look. “You know you secretly love it when I push your buttons.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression composed, but the glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement. “You’re lucky we’re not in the office right now.”

You grinned, stepping closer again, your tone dropping to a whisper. “What would you do if we were?”

Hotch’s lips twitched in the faintest smile as he looked down at you. “That’s exactly why we’re going to that seminar.”

You laughed, pressing a light kiss to his cheek before stepping back. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave.”

Hotch shook his head, watching you with that small, affectionate smile that always seemed to sneak through when you were around. “I’ll hold you to that.”

But you raised an eyebrow, your grin turning mischievous. “We’re not in the office right now, Aaron. Maybe we don’t have to behave. Who says we can’t break a few rules while we’re off the clock?”

Hotch’s smile deepened, though his expression remained composed like he was weighing the idea. “You think that’s a good idea, considering what seminar we’re attending tomorrow?”

You stepped closer, your voice dropping into a playful whisper. “Maybe. But the night’s still young, and we’re definitely not in the office.”

Hotch chuckled softly, clearly enjoying your teasing. “You make a compelling case,” he said dryly, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “But don’t think I’m going to let you use this as an excuse tomorrow.”

You smirked, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Hotch’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, that faint smirk still playing on his lips as you wrapped your arms around his neck. The tension between you both shifted—still playful, but undeniably charged now.

“You’re dangerously close to proving why we need that seminar,” Hotch said, his voice low, though there was no mistaking the heat behind his words.

You tilted your head, your fingers brushing the back of his neck. “Maybe you just need a little reminder of how fun breaking the rules can be.”

Hotch’s gaze darkened slightly, his hands slipping around your waist, pulling you flush against him. “You’re trouble,” he murmured, his voice a mix of amusement and desire. “You know that, right?”

You grinned, leaning in closer, your lips just barely brushing against his. “You like trouble, though.”

He didn’t respond with words, but the way his grip tightened on your waist told you everything you needed to know. You could feel his restraint slipping, the tension building as the space between you vanished.

In a swift motion, Hotch pulled you into a deep kiss, one hand sliding up to cup the back of your head, the other still holding you firmly against him. The kiss was slow at first, controlled, but it quickly turned heated as the weight of the day faded, replaced by something more urgent.

You responded eagerly, your fingers threading through his hair as you pressed yourself against him. The usually composed and controlled Aaron Hotchner was giving in, and it sent a thrill down your spine. His lips moved against yours with a fervor that made your pulse race, and you could feel the heat rising between you both.

Breaking the kiss just long enough to catch your breath, you smirked, your voice breathless. “And here I thought you were the rule-follower.”

Hotch chuckled, but his eyes were dark with desire as he lowered his head to brush his lips along your jawline, trailing kisses down your neck. “Not tonight,” he murmured against your skin, his breath warm and sending shivers down your spine.

Your hands roamed over his chest, feeling the muscles tense beneath your touch as his lips continued their path. He pressed you gently back against the wall, his body leaning into yours, and for a moment, the only thing that existed was the heat between you both.

The usual careful restraint Hotch always carried was gone, replaced by a hunger that matched your own. His hands slid up your sides, his touch firm but teasing as his lips returned to yours, capturing them in another searing kiss.

You responded eagerly, letting yourself melt into the moment, every touch, every kiss fanning the flames between you. There was no room for second-guessing, no holding back. Not tonight.

Hotch’s hands slid under your shirt, his touch setting your skin on fire as he deepened the kiss. You moaned softly against his lips, your body arching into his, wanting more, needing more. And from the way his grip tightened, and the heat in his kiss intensified, you knew he felt the same.

His lips broke away from yours, his breath ragged as he pressed his forehead against yours, both of you momentarily breathless. “I don’t think I can stop,” he admitted, his voice husky.

You smiled, your fingers still tangled in his hair. “Then don’t.”

Hotch’s eyes darkened at your words, the invitation in your voice sending a shiver through him. He didn’t need any more encouragement. In one swift motion, his hands slid down to your hips, and before you knew it, he was lifting you effortlessly, your legs wrapping instinctively around his waist.

The heat between you both was palpable as Hotch’s lips crashed into yours again, more intense now, as he carried you toward his bedroom. Every step felt heavy with anticipation, the air around you charged with electricity. You could feel the firm strength of his body beneath yours, and the way his grip tightened on you made your pulse race even faster.

He pushed open the door to his bedroom without breaking the kiss, his focus entirely on you. As he moved inside, he pressed you against the nearest wall, your back meeting the cool surface as his body pressed into yours, the heat between you growing hotter by the second.

His lips broke from yours for just a moment, trailing heated kisses down your neck, making you gasp softly. “You’re driving me crazy,” he murmured against your skin, his breath sending chills down your spine.

You grinned, your fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as you whispered teasingly, “Good.”

Hotch pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto yours with a mix of desire and intensity. He didn’t waste another second. With one fluid motion, he carried you over to the bed, laying you down gently, though there was nothing gentle about the fire in his gaze.

He hovered over you for a moment, his hands moving to your shirt, slowly sliding it up your torso. The brush of his fingers against your skin made your breath hitch, and as you lifted your arms to help him, he pulled the fabric off and tossed it aside.

His hands roamed over your skin, the intensity of his touch making your body arch beneath him. His lips followed the trail his fingers made, kissing every inch of exposed skin as he made his way back up to your mouth.

You tugged at his shirt in return, your need for him growing with every passing second. Hotch quickly obliged, pulling his shirt off and discarding it, revealing the toned muscles you had felt beneath your hands so many times before. You didn’t waste time running your fingers over his chest, feeling the heat of his skin under your touch.

Hotch’s mouth found yours again, the kiss deeper and more urgent this time, as though all the months of pent-up tension between you both were finally being released. His hands moved lower, sliding over your waist, and you could feel the restraint he was barely holding onto slipping away.

You tugged him closer, your lips parting to catch your breath. “No more holding back,” you whispered breathlessly, your hands slipping down his back, feeling every inch of him.

Hotch’s eyes met yours, his voice low and husky. “I wasn’t planning to.”

He leaned down, capturing your mouth in another heated kiss as his hands moved to the waistband of your pants, tugging them down with a sense of urgency. Every touch, every kiss was sending fire through your veins, and as he pressed his body against yours, you felt the last of your restraint melt away completely.

As the night deepened, Hotch’s kisses grew more insistent, the two of you lost in each other, in the heat, in the undeniable connection that had been simmering beneath the surface for months. Every moment between you was filled with the passion and intensity you had both been holding back for so long.

In that quiet, intimate space, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of you lost in the heat of the moment, fully embracing everything that had been building between you.

The room felt electric, every movement charged with the intensity that had been building between you and Hotch for so long. As your clothes disappeared, piece by piece, the heat between you deepened, filling the space with an almost palpable tension. Hotch’s hands traced every curve of your body with a sense of urgency, his lips never straying far from yours, as if afraid to break the connection for even a moment.

His body pressed against yours as he hovered above you, his breath hot against your skin. You could feel the tension in him—the desire he was barely holding back—and it sent a thrill through you, knowing that this man, who was always so composed and in control, was unraveling with you.

Your hands roamed over his back, pulling him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him against you. Hotch’s mouth trailed down your neck, his kisses leaving a heated path along your skin. You gasped softly, your head tilting back as you gave in to the sensation, your heart racing in your chest.

“You have no idea what you do to me,” he murmured against your skin, his voice low and rough, his control slipping with every second that passed.

A teasing smile played on your lips as your fingers tangled in his hair, tugging him back to you for another heated kiss. “I look forward to finding out.”

Hotch’s response was a deep, throaty chuckle, but it quickly faded into a groan as you pressed your hips against him, the contact sending a jolt through both of you. He captured your mouth again, the kiss hot and desperate, his hands sliding down your body with a need that matched your own.

There was nothing tentative or slow about the way he touched you now—every movement was fueled by the months of built-up tension, the simmering attraction that neither of you had fully acted on until tonight. It was as if all the barriers had come down, and now there was nothing stopping the flood of emotions and desire that had been kept at bay for so long.

Your hands explored his body, reveling in the feel of his muscles tensing beneath your touch, in the way his breath hitched every time you touched a sensitive spot. You could feel the weight of his gaze on you, dark and filled with want, and it made your heart race even faster.

“Tell me if it’s too much,” he whispered, his lips brushing against your ear, but you could hear the strain in his voice—he was already lost in you.

You smiled up at him, your voice breathless but confident. “It’s never too much.”

That was all the permission Hotch needed. He pulled you closer, his lips finding yours again as he gave in to the heat between you, the two of you losing yourselves in each other. The tension that had once hung between you like a taut wire finally snapped, and the flood of desire overtook everything else.

The room was filled with nothing but the sound of your heavy breathing, the feel of Hotch’s hands on your body, and the heat that seemed to wrap around both of you, pulling you deeper into the moment. It was overwhelming, intense, and exactly what you both needed.

As the night wore on, the connection between you only grew stronger, each kiss, each touch, bringing you closer until there was no more space between you—physically or emotionally. Hotch’s control, usually so ironclad, had completely slipped, and now, here with you, he wasn’t Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner. He was simply Aaron, and he was completely yours.

When you finally collapsed together, both of you breathless and spent, Hotch’s arms wrapped around you tightly, pulling you close to his chest. The warmth of his body against yours was comforting, and you rested your head against his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek.

For a long time, neither of you spoke, content to just exist in the quiet, intimate space you had created together. His fingers traced gentle patterns on your back, his breath warm against your hair as you lay there in the afterglow, your bodies tangled together under the sheets.

Eventually, Hotch broke the silence, his voice soft and low. “You know, we’re probably going to need to be extra professional at that seminar tomorrow.”

You chuckled, your head still resting against him. “Oh, definitely. But I’m not making any promises.”

He smiled against your hair, his arms tightening around you just a little. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

You tilted your head to look up at him, a playful glint in your eyes. “Who knows, maybe we’ll get sent to a second seminar just for being this unprofessional.”

Hotch chuckled, shaking his head. “If anyone’s getting us sent to another seminar, it’ll be you.”

You laughed softly, pressing a kiss to his chest. “Hey, I like to keep things interesting.”

He sighed contentedly, his hand brushing over your hair. “You definitely do.”

You smiled to yourself, feeling the warmth of his chest beneath your cheek, the steady rise and fall of his breathing lulling you into a peaceful state. The intimacy of the moment wrapped around you like a comforting blanket, and for a while, neither of you felt the need to fill the silence.

Eventually, you glanced up at him again, a playful grin tugging at your lips. “You know, I’m kind of curious how you’ll handle yourself tomorrow, Hotchner. All that professionalism in the face of temptation.”

He raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking slightly. “Temptation?”

You leaned in closer, your lips brushing the edge of his jaw as you whispered teasingly, “Me.”

Hotch chuckled again, but this time, there was a deeper tone to his laugh. “I’ve handled worse.”

You scoffed, pulling back just enough to look at him fully, your eyes twinkling with mischief. “Worse? So I’m not the worst distraction you’ve had?”

He smirked, his hand sliding up to cup your face gently, his thumb brushing over your cheek. “Oh, you’re definitely the most dangerous distraction I’ve ever had.”

You grinned, pleased with that answer, and leaned in to kiss him softly. The kiss lingered for a moment before you pulled away, resting your head back against his chest with a contented sigh.

“You know,” you began, your voice playful but softer now, “I don’t mind being your distraction... as long as you don’t mind breaking a few rules every now and then.”

Hotch’s hand continued to move slowly through your hair, his tone affectionate yet teasing. “Breaking rules with you seems to be a habit.”

You smiled against his chest, closing your eyes. “Good. Let’s keep it that way.”

He chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Just don’t get us into too much trouble.”

You grinned sleepily, your voice fading into a content whisper. “No promises, Hotch.”

With that, the two of you settled into a comfortable silence again, the warmth of his embrace and the steady rhythm of his heart beneath your ear lulling you into a peaceful rest. And for now, in this quiet moment, the rest of the world could wait.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows as you and Hotch moved through your usual morning routine, but the looming seminar was clearly on both of your minds. As you finished getting ready, you leaned against the doorframe, watching Hotch button up his shirt with far too much composure.

“You know,” you said with a playful smirk, “for someone who’s about to sit through a sexual harassment seminar, you seem awfully calm.”

Hotch glanced up at you, his expression dry. “It’s a routine seminar. Nothing to be nervous about.”

You raised an eyebrow, walking over to him slowly, your fingers lightly trailing over his shirt as you helped straighten the collar. “Routine for me maybe, but you? This is uncharted territory, Aaron.”

Hotch shot you a look, clearly unimpressed. “You’re going to behave, right?”

You shrugged, giving him a teasing grin. “We’ll see. I mean, we’re not in the office yet, so technically, this is my free time.”

He sighed, his lips pressing into a thin line as he finished buttoning up. “Just try not to get us kicked out.”

You stepped closer, standing on your toes to press a kiss to his cheek, your voice a playful whisper. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Hotch shook his head, but you could see the slight twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth. “You’re going to be trouble.”

You grinned, leaning back. “Good. Keeps things interesting.”

You both made your way downstairs to find Jack already seated at the kitchen table, finishing his breakfast. He looked up at you with a bright smile. “Are you going to the office with Dad today?”

You chuckled, ruffling his hair. “Sort of. I have to go to a... special meeting.”

Hotch gave you a pointed look as he grabbed his keys. “It’s more of a seminar.”

Jack shrugged, seemingly uninterested in the details. “Okay, but I bet your meeting won’t be as fun as school.”

You and Hotch exchanged a glance, and you had to bite back a laugh. “I think you’re probably right, Jack.”

A few minutes later, you and Hotch piled into the car, Jack in tow, as you made your way to his school. The ride was filled with light conversation; Jack was excited about the day ahead. When you dropped him off, you waved him goodbye with a warm smile, but as soon as the car door closed, your playful demeanor returned.

“So,” you began, looking over at Hotch, “any last-minute nerves about our big seminar? I’m sure they’re going to love hearing all about our professional relationship.”

Hotch shot you a sideways glance. “You’re enjoying this far too much.”

You grinned, leaning back in your seat. “Come on, admit it. You think it’s kind of funny that we have to attend this seminar.”

He sighed, keeping his eyes on the road. “I think it’s going to be a long day if you keep this up.”

“Oh, Aaron,” you teased, your voice lilting with fake innocence. “What’s the fun in behaving when we’re not even at the office yet?”

Hotch’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, his jaw clenching slightly. “I’m not sure what I’m more worried about—the seminar or your behavior in it.”

You smirked, thoroughly enjoying yourself. “You should be worried about both.”

By the time you arrived at the building, Hotch was clearly bracing himself for whatever you had planned. But as soon as you stepped into the lobby, you spotted Morgan and Garcia waiting for you both, and from the look on Morgan’s face, he wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass without getting his jabs in.

“Well, well, well,” Morgan said, his grin wide and far too pleased. “Look who finally showed up. Hotch, man, I thought you were the last person who’d end up here.”

Hotch sighed deeply, but you could see the slight twitch of a smile. “Not a word, Morgan.”

Morgan ignored Hotch entirely, his eyes flashing with amusement as he crossed his arms. “Nah, this is too good to pass up. We all knew she needed the seminar,” he said, nodding toward you. “But you, Hotch? After all the years of watching her give you hell at work, I never thought Strauss would finally put you on the list.”

Garcia leaned in with a gleeful smile. “Oh, we’ve all seen the sexual tension you two bring into every room, but I never thought Strauss would step in like this.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, nudging Hotch playfully. “See? It’s not just me. They’ve noticed.”

Morgan shook his head, grinning even wider. “Man, Strauss must’ve been waiting for this opportunity. After all the paperwork you two filed, she probably couldn’t resist. She finally had a reason to call you out.”

Hotch shot Morgan a pointed look, though you could see the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Let’s just get through this without commentary.”

But you leaned closer, your voice teasing as you shot him a mischievous grin. “Oh, come on, Aaron. Don’t be so serious. You might actually learn something today.”

Morgan chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the back-and-forth. “Oh, I don’t know, Hotch. If anyone’s going to get us kicked out of this thing, it’s definitely going to be her.”

You grinned, clearly reveling in the teasing. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m the picture of professionalism.”

Garcia giggled, shaking her head. “Please. If you two make it through this seminar without being personally called out, I’ll be shocked.”

Hotch sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’m already regretting this.”

Morgan clapped a hand on Hotch’s shoulder, still grinning. “Hey, man, you signed up for this the second you started dating her. No turning back now.”

You leaned in closer, lowering your voice just enough for Hotch to hear, a smirk playing on your lips. “I’m not planning on turning back. But I am planning on having some fun.”

Before Hotch could respond, Garcia chimed in with a grin. “Let’s be real, if anyone’s getting us sent to a second seminar, it’s definitely going to be you.”

You laughed, leaning into Hotch. “She’s not wrong.”

Hotch let out a resigned sigh, though the faint smile on his lips gave him away. “We’re definitely going to need another seminar after this if you keep this up.”

Morgan grinned, clearly loving the whole thing. “Good luck, Hotch. You’re definitely going to need it.”

Hotch shot Morgan a dry look. “I seem to remember you and Penelope getting called out in one of these seminars before.”

Garcia’s eyes widened in mock innocence. “Us? Never.”

Hotch raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but pointed. “Right. Because ‘baby girl’ and ‘chocolate thunder’ are completely professional.”

Morgan chuckled, shaking his head, unfazed. “Hey, man, those nicknames have stood the test of time.”

Garcia giggled, nudging Morgan. “It’s called having a dynamic work relationship, thank you very much.”

Hotch simply exhaled through his nose, the faintest smirk playing on his lips. “If you two survived a seminar with those nicknames, we should be just fine.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, leaning closer to Hotch and whispering, “Maybe we’ll break the record for most inappropriate comments in a single seminar.”

Hotch’s eyes flicked to you, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly. “Let’s not make that a goal.”

The playful banter continued as you all made your way into the seminar room. Despite the teasing, you could sense that Hotch was secretly enjoying the camaraderie, even if he tried to keep a stoic front. As the team settled in, Hotch’s subtle smiles, shared only with you, made the otherwise mundane day feel a little more fun.

Just as the seminar was about to start, Hotch’s phone buzzed. He glanced down at it, his face instantly growing serious. Without a word, he stood up, and the rest of the team followed suit, knowing something had shifted. You exchanged a glance with Garcia and Morgan, who were mid-laugh, but the lightheartedness evaporated as Hotch led the way out of the room.

Strauss was waiting just outside the seminar hall, her expression grim. “You’ve got an emergency. It’s bad. I’m giving you permission to leave the seminar for now, but don’t think you’re off the hook entirely. The paperwork will still be waiting.”

Hotch gave a short nod to Strauss, his posture immediately shifting as the gravity of the situation set in. “Understood.”

“Local kidnappings turned into murders,” Strauss shared, “They’re targeting government base daycares,” Strauss swallowed; even with her years of experience, this was hard to tolerate. “Agent Jareau and the rest of the team are waiting for you all with the case files,” Strauss dismissed.

Without another word, Hotch motioned for you and the rest of the team to follow him. As you hurried back to the BAU, the usual teasing and banter between you and Hotch dissolved instantly, the playful edge that had filled the air just moments ago vanishing into thin air.

Penelope, who had been chuckling along with Morgan earlier, now glanced over at him, her voice low with concern. “Did you see that? It’s like they flipped a switch.”

Morgan nodded, his own playful demeanor replaced with a grim seriousness. “That’s how they work. They can go from flirting to full-on power couple mode in the blink of an eye. When it’s time to get down to business, they don’t mess around.”

He wasn’t wrong. The moment Strauss had given the team the green light, Hotch’s usual light touches on your arm and stolen glances were gone. Now, his strides were long and purposeful, his focus sharp as he barked orders into his phone, arranging for the team’s immediate mobilization. You were walking beside him, the easy banter and flirty comments replaced by an air of determination and control, your face set in a mask of calm.

Even as you moved quickly through the hallways, the energy between you and Hotch shifted. It wasn’t about playful teasing anymore; it was about synergy—an unspoken understanding of what needed to happen next. As if a silent agreement had passed between the two of you, you fell into step, moving with a precision that only came from years of working together.

As the team gathered for the briefing, it was even more obvious to the others. Where there had been light laughter just an hour ago, now there was only quiet efficiency.

“Look at them,” Penelope whispered to Morgan, her voice hushed. “They’re completely in sync.”

Morgan nodded, crossing his arms as he leaned in. “That’s the thing. They’re always in sync—whether they’re at each other’s throats in a fun way or whether they’re running point on a case. It’s seamless.” Morgan looked at Penelope, “And this one--I don’t know, it seems bad.”

Hotch issued his final instructions to the team, his voice clipped and firm. “We need to move fast. This unsub is escalating, and we’re running out of time.”

You stood beside him, nodding as he spoke, already moving into action. The teasing glances and flirtatious remarks had vanished, but the energy between the two of you was stronger than ever, charged with the urgency of the case. Your hand hovered over your gun holster, ready to go as soon as he gave the word.

Hotch stood at the head of the table, directing everyone with precision. “JJ, Reid—go through the victimology again. Prentiss and Rossi, you’re with me. We’ll take the south side of the search grid.” He glanced at you, and something flickered in his eyes, something unreadable. “Y/N, I need you to go with Morgan to the crime scene.”

You blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Wait—why? I should be with you. It makes more sense—”

In the past, when you were paired together, you had the advantage of working off each other’s strengths—your quick thinking and Hotch’s methodical strategy, a blend that made the two of you nearly unstoppable in the field.

Besides, the urgency of the case only solidified your argument in your mind. This unsub was escalating quickly, and the stakes were higher than usual. You needed to cover as much ground as possible, but splitting up didn’t feel like the most strategic move.

Hotch cut you off, his voice tight. “No, it doesn’t. I need you with Morgan.”

Your brow furrowed. “Hotch, logistically, I’m better off with you. You know that.”

Before you could press further, Rossi, who had been quietly observing, gave a subtle nod to the others. Without a word, Morgan, Garcia, and JJ began to step away, respecting the moment.

Rossi lingered for a second, catching Hotch’s eye as if to say, Take a moment. Hotch’s jaw clenched, but he gave a short nod back, appreciating the silent gesture.

As the others drifted away to give you some privacy, the air between you and Hotch felt heavier. The urgency of the case pressed down on you both, but so did something deeper. You weren’t used to him shutting you out like this.

The pressure of the case was bearing down on both of you, and you could see the cracks starting to form in Hotch’s usually calm demeanor. He was good at compartmentalizing, but something about this was different. You pressed again. “Why are you sending me with Morgan?”

He clenched his jaw, the tension in his shoulders visible as he glanced away for a moment, his composure slipping just slightly. “Because... I can’t concentrate when you’re there.”

You froze, your heart skipping a beat as the words hung between you.

Hotch finally met your eyes, his voice quiet but raw with emotion. “If you’re with me, I’m going to be worried about you—worried about your life more than mine, more than anyone else’s.” He paused, his gaze softening for just a moment. “I can’t afford that right now. I need you to go with Morgan because he’s the closest thing to myself that I trust with your life.”

The weight of his words hit you hard, and for once, you found yourself speechless. You had known Hotch for years, had seen him in every kind of crisis imaginable, but you had never seen him so vulnerable, so honest in the heat of the moment.

He took a step closer, lowering his voice. “Please. Do this for me.”

You swallowed hard, your chest tightening at the intensity of his words. For a moment, you considered pushing back, but the look in his eyes stopped you. Quietly, for the first time in a long time, you nodded. “Okay.”

Hotch exhaled, relief flickering across his face. But just as he turned to leave, he hesitated, his eyes searching yours as if he wanted to say more.

“I—” Hotch hesitated, the words hanging in the air between you. He looked at you with an intensity that took your breath away, and you could see the unspoken weight of his emotions pressing down on him. His voice was rough, betraying the carefully controlled demeanor he usually wore like armor. “I need you to be safe. That’s all that matters.”

But it wasn’t all he wanted to say. You could see it in his eyes—the way they softened, the way his gaze lingered on you as if he was grappling with more than just the fear of losing you in the field. He wanted to tell you more. You could feel it. He wanted to say something bigger, something heavier. And even though the words hadn’t left his mouth, you knew exactly what he was about to say.

He wants to tell me he loves me.

The realization hit you like a shock to the system, and in that moment, it wasn’t the case or the danger that filled you with dread—it was this. His love. His feelings. The very thing you had been avoiding for weeks, maybe longer.

You had known how deeply Hotch felt for you, and you felt it too, but saying it out loud? Admitting it in the middle of a crisis? It made everything feel too real, too immediate. You weren’t ready for that. Not now. Not when the stakes were already so high, not when the panic of both the case and the depth of your emotions were bearing down on you.

The thought of it—its vulnerability—was almost too much to bear. Your heart started racing, and it wasn’t because of the case. It was because you couldn’t handle the weight of that admission. You had spent years building walls, protecting yourself from getting too close, from being hurt. Intimacy, the idea of being that close to someone—it terrified you. If Hotch said it now, in the midst of this chaos, how could you even begin to process it?

Before he could say anything more, you shook your head, your voice coming out shakier than you intended. “Don’t. Not now. Not like this.”

Hotch’s jaw tightened, and you could see the flash of hurt in his eyes, but he nodded. He understood. He always did. He didn’t push, even though you could feel the words lingering on the tip of his tongue. He was never one to force things, especially not with you. But that didn’t stop the pain of his unsaid confession from hanging between you, heavy and unresolved.

For a moment, the two of you stood there, the intensity of the moment swirling around you. The case loomed over you both, the danger imminent, but there was something even more frightening between you—this unspoken love, this connection that you both felt but couldn’t quite articulate. Not now. Not like this.

You could feel the gravity of everything that had been left unsaid pulling at you, but you couldn’t face it, not with the weight of the mission ahead. Not with the stakes so high.

And yet, even as the panic over your feelings surged, you couldn’t tear your eyes away from Hotch. You knew that, for him, saying those words now wasn’t about timing. It was about fear. Fear of losing you. Fear of what could happen in this case. And the fear of not saying it in time. That’s what weighed on him—what he was trying to protect you from.

But for you, it was different. It wasn’t just the danger of the case that scared you; it was the danger of being loved. The fear of opening yourself up to someone so completely that it could all crumble if something went wrong. And deep down, you feared you weren’t capable of giving him what he deserved—because of everything that had happened before, because of the walls you had spent years building to keep yourself safe.

The silence between you stretched thick and heavy with everything that hadn’t been said. But there wasn’t time to dwell on it now.

You straightened, forcing yourself to push past the lump in your throat. “We need to move,” you said, your voice steadier than before, but only just.

Hotch nodded, the look in his eyes saying everything he wasn’t speaking. He was letting it go for now. But you knew—this wasn’t the end of it.

You joined Morgan, who gave you a knowing look but didn’t say a word. The tension between you and Hotch hadn’t gone unnoticed, but in the middle of a crisis, there was no room for personal questions.

As the team geared up and headed out, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. But despite everything, you knew you had to push your emotions aside, focus on the job, and trust that when this was over, you and Hotch would find a way to finish the conversation you’d both left hanging.

You and Morgan arrived at the base’s daycare, the atmosphere thick with grief and confusion. Officers and military personnel were bustling around, securing the perimeter and trying to make sense of the chaos. The scene was grim—lives lost in an instant, a father and his young son gunned down during what should have been a simple drop-off.

As you stepped out of the car, your eyes landed on a woman just beyond the police tape. She was in complete hysterics, pacing and sobbing uncontrollably. Her face was twisted in anguish, hands trembling as she clutched at her coat. You immediately knew who she was—the wife of the father, the mother of the son. The victims.

Morgan glanced at her, then back at you, his voice low. “She shouldn’t be here. It’s a crime scene.”

You nodded, your throat tightening at the sight of her. “She’s not in any state to understand that right now.”

Morgan sighed, glancing back at the crime scene with hardened eyes. “You talk to her. I’ll go check out the scene.”

You nodded, already walking toward the grieving mother, your heart pounding in your chest. As you approached, her sobs grew louder, her breaths ragged as she struggled to keep herself upright. She had lost so much.

“Ma’am?” you said gently, your voice soft but steady. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Can we step away from the scene for a moment?”

The woman looked at you through tear-filled eyes, barely registering your words, but after a moment, she nodded shakily. You led her a few feet away, just far enough to give her some space from the horror that had unfolded.

For a few moments, you just stood there, letting her cry, comforting her the best you could--but what could you say to make this better?

The silence between you felt heavy, but you knew she needed to speak when she was ready. And soon enough, she did.

“He was just dropping him off,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “They were running late, and I—God, I didn’t even get to say goodbye properly. I was rushing them out the door.”

You stayed quiet, listening to her as she began to unravel the details of her morning. Her voice was shaky, but she continued, her words pouring out faster than she could control. You heard her speak of her son--her baby. She kept calling him her baby and your hear, oh, how it broke.

You’d never experienced the love of a child, but you were beginning to think you had each time she spoke of her young son. The way the tears were flowing so heavily. You thought of Jack and how much he had become a part of your world. How much and what you would give to protect him from the world you knew to be so cruel and unkind.

In some ways, it was easier to love Jack and admit that you loved him, verus admitting you loved Hotch. WIth Jack, the love was a pure, unconditional love that doesn't come with the same intensity or pressure as loving Hotch. With Jack, your bond doesn’t hinge on the kind of emotional vulnerability or fear of rejection that you deeply associate with romantic relationships. Loving Jack may feel safer--easier to digest, because it doesn’t threaten your independence or expose you to the same potential for heartache.

You were taken out of your own thoughts and honestly, self profiling, by the woman beginning to tell you about her husband she just lost too. Both of them, you thought.

“He always makes sure we have coffee ready in the morning,” she began, her voice trembling as she tried to hold back tears. “Even if he has an early shift, he sets the coffee machine the night before, so I wake up to the smell of it. He’ll leave little notes by the pot just to tell me to have a good day. It’s such a small thing, but it means the world to me.” The woman shuttered, “I don’t even think he realizes how much it means to me…I never say it enough.”

Your heart tightened at her words. Hotch did the same—leaving your favorite tea or coffee ready, even if he was rushing out the door himself. And those little notes? He’d never leave without some small gesture, something just for you.

“He’s always so patient,” the woman continued, wiping her eyes. “God, I can be so stubborn. I nag him about leaving the socks on the floor or tease him when he forgot something, and he just smiles and lets it roll off his back. He never gets mad, never pushes back. He just lets me be… me.”

The words hit you harder than you expected, a familiar pang in your chest. You’d been pushing Hotch’s buttons since the day you rejoined the team, hell, even back when you both worked together years before—teasing him, testing his limits, seeing how far you could push before he’d break. But he never did.

Even in moments where you were sure you’d crossed the line, he’d respond with that small, amused smile or an exasperated shake of his head. He’d put up with you in a way that no one else ever had, never once trying to change you.

“He could snap at me a hundred times, but he never does,” she continued, her voice growing softer. “He just laughs or says something under his breath that would make me laugh, and I stop. He loves me for exactly who I am—even when I am difficult.” The woman

You felt your chest tighten even more. Hotch had done the same for you, taking your sass, your defiance, your flirting in stride. Where others might have been irritated, he seemed to welcome it. He never once asked you to be different, never once complained about the teasing or the occasional inappropriate remark. Instead, he’d matched you with that dry wit of his, his subtle humor that always seemed to catch you off guard. He’d let you poke at him, push him, and in some ways, you knew it had become part of your dynamic—an unspoken game that you both enjoyed.

“He never got mad,” the woman added, her voice cracking again. “He’d just let me do my thing, and when I’d get worked up over something silly, he’d be the calm one. He kept me grounded, even when I didn’t want to be.”

You could feel a lump forming in your throat. That calm presence, that unwavering patience—it was Hotch through and through. No matter how much you pushed, how much you tested him, he’d always been there, steady and calm, letting you be you. He never pushed back when you teased him in front of the team or poked at him when you both needed a break from the tension of a case. If anything, it was like he enjoyed it. Like he loved that part of you—the part that didn’t know when to quit.

“And when I’d apologize, thinking I’d pushed too far,” the woman said, her voice barely above a whisper, “he’d just smile and say, ‘I wouldn’t have you any other way.’”

The words shattered something inside you. The way Hotch had always looked at you when you’d teased him too much or flirted a little too brazenly—he’d never gotten mad. He’d never once made you feel like you were too much or too difficult to deal with. He always just took it in stride, that small smile on his face, the one that said, I wouldn’t change a thing.

You suddenly realized how deeply he cared for you. Not just despite your personality but because of it. He loved the parts of you that others might have found difficult, the parts you were afraid to show anyone else. And now, as you stood there listening to this woman mourn her husband, you realized that Hotch had been showing you the same love all along.

“And now…” the woman choked out, her tears spilling over, “I didn’t even get to say I love you before he left this morning. I forgot to say it. I always told myself never to forget, but this morning… I didn’t.”

Her words struck you like a punch to the gut. I didn’t say it either, you thought. You’d been so scared, so afraid of admitting your feelings to Hotch. Afraid of what it would mean, of how it would change things between you. But standing here now, hearing this woman talk about all the small, meaningful things her husband had done for her—things that mirrored everything Hotch had done for you—it was like the walls you’d built around your heart were crumbling.

You loved him. You loved Hotch. And you loved Jack too.

And you couldn’t keep holding back. You couldn’t keep letting fear stop you from saying the things that mattered most.

After calming the woman down and leading her to where support staff could help, you found yourself standing alone just outside the perimeter of the crime scene. The chaos of the base was still swirling around you, but you were miles away in your mind—reeling from everything that had just hit you.

I love him. The thought kept playing over and over, rattling you more than anything else today.

You had never felt this shaken before, not even in the worst of cases. You were usually so together, so in control. But right now, all you could think about was Hotch—about how much he meant to you, about Jack, and about how you’d been so afraid to say it out loud.

A voice broke through your thoughts, and you glanced up to see Morgan walking toward you, his brow furrowed in concern. “Hey, you okay?”

You forced a smile, but it was shaky at best. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Morgan didn’t buy it for a second. He stopped in front of you, studying your face. “You don’t look fine. You look... rattled. I’ve never seen you like this.”

You opened your mouth to brush it off, to say something sarcastic or deflect with a joke, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, your gaze dropped to the ground, your stomach still in knots.

“Hey,” Morgan said more gently, his voice softening. “What’s going on?”

Before you could answer, Morgan’s phone rang, and he held up a finger, pulling it out of his pocket. “Yeah, Hotch? What’s going on?”

His face instantly tensed, and you could see it in his posture—the situation had escalated. He turned his back slightly, listening intently to Hotch’s voice on the other end. You could hear the urgency in his tone, the clipped words giving you a pit in your stomach.

Morgan’s eyes darted back to you as he spoke into the phone. “Wait—what do you mean he went rogue?”

Your breath caught at that. You stepped closer to Morgan, trying to make out Hotch’s voice through the phone, but all you could hear were snippets of words. The situation was clearly bad—worse than any of you had anticipated.

Morgan turned his head, holding the phone tighter as he listened. “Okay, we’ll head over now. Just don’t—”

You couldn’t take it anymore. Your chest tightened, and before you could stop yourself, you reached out and grabbed the phone from Morgan’s hand. His eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t stop you. “Y/N, what—?”

Ignoring him, you pressed the phone to your ear, heart racing. “Hotch?”

There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Hotch’s voice came through, sounding as calm as ever, but you could hear the edge of tension beneath it. “Y/N? What are you—?”

“Don’t you dare do anything stupid, Hotch,” you blurted out, your voice cracking with a mix of panic and frustration. “I swear to God, if you do something reckless, I’ll—”

You stopped yourself, realizing that your voice was shaking more than you intended. Hotch went silent for a moment, clearly caught off guard.

Morgan was staring at you, eyes wide in disbelief. You didn’t care.

Taking a deep breath, you continued, this time softer but more vulnerable than you’d ever allowed yourself to be. “I love you, Aaron. Okay? I love you, and I can’t lose you, so don’t do anything reckless out there.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, you thought maybe he hadn’t heard you. But then, his voice came through, softer now, full of something you couldn’t quite place.

“Y/N…” His voice was low, steady, but there was a warmth there that made your heart skip. “I heard you.”

A breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding escaped from your chest, and for the first time since this nightmare of a case started, you felt a tiny bit of relief. But it was short-lived.

“I need you to focus right now,” Hotch continued, his tone shifting back to his usual commanding self. “I’m fine, but we’re still in pursuit. Stay with Morgan, and we’ll regroup soon.”

“I’m serious, Hotchner,” you pressed, a little breathless but determined to make your point. “Don’t do anything stupid. Don’t—don’t make me regret saying that.”

You heard a soft exhale from the other end, almost like a small chuckle. “I won’t.”

“Promise me.”

There was another pause, and then his voice came through, firmer now. “I promise.”

You handed the phone back to Morgan, who was still looking at you like you’d grown a second head. He blinked, then let out a low whistle. “Wow. You really just said that, huh?”

You shot him a look, still feeling the adrenaline pumping through your veins. “I couldn’t help it.”

Morgan chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief but with a soft grin on his face. “Well, about damn time. You two were driving us crazy with the tension.”

You rolled your eyes, the corners of your lips tugging into a reluctant smile. But the truth was, a huge weight had been lifted off your chest. The fear was still there, but now that you had said the words out loud, it felt less overwhelming. You had finally let go of the thing you’d been holding back for so long, and though the timing wasn’t perfect, it was real.

Morgan put his hand on your shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll get him, Y/N. And Hotch is too smart to do anything stupid.”

You nodded, trying to calm your racing heart. “I know.”

But even as you said it, you couldn’t help but hold onto the fear, the worry that something could still go wrong. And that, for the first time, you had everything to lose.

The case had been grueling. Every second had felt like an eternity, and though you and Morgan had done everything by the book, the weight of it all—the danger, the stakes, and the emotions swirling inside you—had pressed down hard. But now, as you watched the unsub being taken into custody, you finally allowed yourself a moment to breathe.

It wasn’t without stress—there had been close calls, tense moments, and the constant gnawing worry about Hotch’s safety. But you had done it. The team had done it. And everyone was still standing.

As you glanced across the scene, through the chaos of agents wrapping up, paramedics tending to civilians, and the last of the forensic teams collecting evidence, your eyes found Hotch. He was standing by one of the patrol cars, his arms crossed over his chest, talking to Rossi and JJ. His face was stern, as always, focused on wrapping up the details of the case. But then, as if he could sense you looking at him, his eyes lifted to meet yours.

For a moment, everything else fell away.

Hotch’s expression softened, and a small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It was a look that said so much without a single word—relief, affection, understanding. He knew. He knew what you had said, knew what it had meant for you to say it. And now, in this quiet moment, he was telling you that he felt it too.

You felt your breath catch as you returned the smile, your heart swelling in your chest. There was no need for words, no need for anything more than the silent exchange between you. The case was over, and everything that had been left unsaid was now clear. He was okay. You were okay. And for once, everything felt right.

As they drove back to Quantico, Rossi noticed the rare quiet on Hotch’s end. Normally, he’d expect a post-case debrief, some observation or plan for the next steps, but instead, Hotch seemed lost in thought, his gaze steady on the road.

After a few minutes, Rossi broke the silence with his usual casual tone. “Alright, Aaron. You’ve had that look on your face for the last half-hour. Care to share?”

“Just thinking,” Hotch’s lips pressed into a faint line, as though he was debating whether to answer. “Nothing urgent,” he replied, still a bit too focused on the road.

JJ leaned forward from the back seat, her eyes sharp. “Nothing urgent? Come on, Hotch. I’ve never seen you this distracted after a case.”

Hotch gave a slight nod but stayed quiet. Sensing they wouldn’t let it go, he finally spoke, keeping his tone even. “Let’s just say… things took an unexpected turn today.”

Rossi’s eyebrows raised, a small smile creeping onto his face. “Unexpected, huh? Would this turn have anything to do with a certain teammate of ours?”

Hotch let out a slow exhale, a rare, almost self-conscious smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “She… said something. Something I wasn’t expecting.” Hotch’s jaw clenched then relaxed, weighing on the option of telling them exactly what you had told him, “Told me she loves me.”

JJ’s eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. “Really? That’s amazing!”

Rossi chuckled, shaking his head. “Didn’t think she’d be the one to go first, huh?”

Hotch shrugged, his face thoughtful. “If anything, I figured I’d be the one sharing it with her first. She’s usually pretty guarded when it comes to… well, this.”

Rossi shot him a sideways glance. “So, it threw you off. And I take it this wasn’t exactly over a candle-lit dinner?”

Hotch’s lips twitched with amusement. “No. She picked Morgan’s phone, mid-take down of the unsub.”

JJ laughed, shaking her head. “Now that sounds about right. We may not have heard what she said, but we sure saw the look on your face.”

Hotch allowed himself a quiet chuckle. “It wasn’t exactly the timing I’d have chosen, but… she got her point across.”

Rossi grinned, crossing his arms. “It’s a big deal, Hotch. Doesn’t matter how she said it.”

Hotch nodded, his face softening a little, though he tried to keep his tone neutral. “I just… don’t want her to regret it. She’s been hesitant, and I don’t want her to feel cornered.”

JJ tilted her head, giving him a reassuring smile. “Hotch, let’s remember who we’re talking about here,” JJ raised an eyebrow, “if she said it, she meant it. She’s not the type to do something unless she’s ready for it.”

Rossi nodded in agreement. “Besides, you’re not exactly Mr. Risk-Taker when it comes to relationships. She’s lucky to have someone willing to take it slow. The two of you have always been good for each other.”

JJ glanced over from the back seat, her curiosity not quite satisfied. “So… did you say it back?”

Hotch’s grip on the wheel tightened slightly, his gaze still steady on the road. “No,” he said, his voice low. “It wasn’t the right time.”

Rossi’s eyebrow lifted, intrigued. “Not the right time?”

Hotch nodded, his tone thoughtful. “She said it in the middle of a take down. And I… I’ve known how I feel for a while now, but that wasn’t the moment to throw it back at her. I want to be able to tell her face-to-face, to make sure she knows I mean it. It’s not just about saying it—I need to be there, see how she reacts.”

JJ’s face softened, and she gave him a knowing look. “You want her to know it’s real.”

Hotch nodded, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror to meet JJ’s gaze. “Exactly. I don’t want her to feel like she just blurted something out and I felt obligated to respond. She’s… not easy to read sometimes, and I want her to know she doesn’t need to run.”

Rossi grinned, chuckling to himself. “You’ve got it bad, Aaron.”

Hotch huffed softly, shaking his head. “Maybe. But it’s not something I’m taking lightly.”

JJ smiled, her tone warm. “Well, knowing you, I’m sure she’ll get the message loud and clear.”

They drove the rest of the way with a comfortable quiet, the rare moments of light banter between them settling into an understanding silence.

As they neared Quantico, Rossi glanced over, an amused look on his face. “She’s always given you a run for your money, hasn’t she?”

Hotch allowed a rare, faint smile. “Constantly. And she’s not planning on stopping anytime soon.”

Rossi chuckled, shaking his head. “Somehow, I don’t think you’d have it any other way.”

Hotch’s gaze softened as he thought of you, and he nodded, the hint of a smirk lingering as he replied, “Not for a second.”

And as they neared Quantico, Hotch’s mind was still on you, on finding the right words when the moment was finally his to speak.

The team slowly began to split up, heading back to the office to file their reports and wrap up the case. You gathered your things, prepared to head to your desk, when you felt a gentle hand on your arm. You turned to see Hotch standing beside you, his expression softer than usual, his eyes filled with something unspoken.

“Come to my office when you’re done,” he said quietly, his voice low, almost a whisper. “I want to talk.”

You nodded, your heart skipping a beat. “Okay.”

The rest of the team headed back to start the endless pile of paperwork, but your mind was already elsewhere, thinking about the conversation you were about to have with Hotch. There was a nervous energy in your chest, but it wasn’t fear. It was something closer to anticipation, a feeling that had been building for a long time.

Once the reports were finished, you made your way up to Hotch’s office. The door was slightly ajar, and you knocked softly before stepping inside. Hotch was sitting behind his desk, but the moment he saw you, he stood, his expression warm and inviting.

“Close the door,” he said gently.

You did as he asked, and when you turned back to face him, he had already moved around the desk, standing just a few feet away. When you faced him, there was a softness in his eyes now, something tender that you weren’t used to seeing from him in the office.

“Y/N…” He started, then paused, gathering his thoughts. His hand reached out, gently taking yours, and for a moment, the two of you just stood there, letting the weight of the moment settle between you. “I heard you,” he said softly, his voice laced with meaning. “Back on the phone. And I just want you to know—you never have to say anything you’re not ready to. I just want you to feel comfortable with… everything.”

You nodded, your heart settling as you felt the warmth in his words. “I was just… I guess I’ve been trying to keep myself at a distance for so long that I didn’t realize it’d been right there. I love you. And Jack.” You exhaled, almost laughing at yourself. “I just couldn’t pretend I didn’t anymore.”

Hotch’s gaze softened, his free hand gently cradling the side of your face. “Well, I’ve known I love you for a while now,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “I didn’t want to rush anything, especially with you. I’m not going anywhere. You mean a lot to me, and knowing how you feel…that means a lot to me too.”

You leaned into his touch, allowing the relief and warmth of the moment to wash over you. There it was—simple, clear, and honest. He loved you, and he wasn’t planning on letting go.

“I love you too,” you said, your voice just above a whisper. “And as scary as that is…it is even scarier if I never got the chance to tell you.”

For a moment, the two of you stood there in that quiet, shared space, letting the reality settle in. No words were needed beyond that—the comfort, the certainty, and the unspoken promise were all there.

Then Hotch leaned down, his forehead resting against yours as his hand gently tangled in your hair. “You’ve made me happier than I ever could have expected,” he said softly, his lips brushing against yours in a tender, lingering kiss.

When you finally pulled back, he met your gaze, that small, unmistakable smile playing at his lips.

You grinned up at him, your eyes sparkling. “Guess that means you’re officially stuck with me now, Hotchner.”

Hotch’s mouth curved into that rare, understated smile you loved. “Is that so?”

You leaned in, your voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Oh, yeah. And just think—you get all of this attitude on a daily basis.”

Hotch chuckled, shaking his head with a look of amused surrender. “Something tells me I’ll be managing just fine.”

You arched a brow, challenging. “Good, because I don’t do refunds.”

Hotch laughed, pulling you even closer. “I never wanted one.”

With that, he brought his lips to yours in another heated kiss that said everything words couldn’t, sealing the promise between you in a way only the two of you could.

As you both caught your breath, you grinned up at him. “Think we’ll get another invite to that seminar we missed?”

Hotch raised an eyebrow, his voice dry. “I think Strauss is preparing our seats as we speak.”

You laughed, nudging him playfully. “Well, we’ll just have to make sure it’s worth it.”

With a smirk, Hotch leaned in again, his voice a low murmur against your lips. “Challenge accepted.”

And with that, you let yourselves savor the moment, knowing a little rule-breaking had always been part of what made you… you.

Tag List:

@zaddyhotch

@estragos

@todorokishoe24

@looking1016

@khxna

@rousethemouse

@averyhotchner

@reidfile

@bernelflo

#aaron hotchner #criminal minds #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x female reader #aaron hotchner x y/n #aaron hotchner fanfiction #aaron hotchner imagine #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotch hotchner #hotch x you #hotch x reader #hotch #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds imagine #kiwriteswords #wicked game

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writerastray · 18 hours ago

Text

Should we?

General Masterlist - Read this before interacting

Disclaimer:

⚠︎ My works are all protected. I do not permit any form of copying, translation, or reposting. Please reblog if you want to share my work.

⚠︎ My work is only appropriate for adults over the age of 18. Ageless/blank blogs will be blocked.

-> Relationships: Seo Changbin/f!Reader

-> Word count: 4.3k

-> Rating: 18+→ Mature/Explicit

->Genre/Tropes: Halloween Romance, One-shot, Fluff, Fun, (a sprinkle of angst), Smut. Other Additional Tags to Be Added. (Spoiler tags: Friends to Lovers.)

-> Warning tags: Explicit Sexual Content. Other Additional Tags to Be Added.

-> Synopsis: On Halloween night, the city buzzed with costumed chaos, but Changbin’s focus was elsewhere—specifically, on a coffee shop offering free drinks for couples. The thought of cozying up in a warm, pumpkin-scented space, sipping hot drinks, was too tempting to resist. The only catch? He needed a date. And that’s where you came in.

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You lounged in your dorm, scrolling aimlessly through your phone when Changbin appeared in the doorway, his black leather jacket fitting perfectly. The last rays of sunset caught his brown eyes, making them brighter than usual.

Earlier, he had barged in, complaining about how bored he was now that most of his childhood friends were back in his hometown while he was stuck here, finishing up midterm exams. You wondered how long it would be before he found something to occupy himself so you could get back to your peace and finish the book resting on your lap, waiting to be read.

“Hey, did you hear? There’s a coffee shop offering free drinks to couples on Halloween,” he said, trying to sound casual, though you could hear the challenge in his voice.

You glanced up, eyebrows furrowed. “On Halloween?”

“Yep, the one Minho always talks about,” he replied, pushing himself off the door frame with a grin. “Wanna go?”

A smile tugged at your lips as excitement bubbled up inside you. “So, you’re asking me to be your fake date for free coffee? How romantic.”

He shrugged playfully. “Come on, who can resist free caffeinated drinks and the chance to call themselves my girlfriend for a night?”

“Why don’t you take your next one-night stand there?” you teased.

“Because I want to go with you,” he said, licking his lips in that effortlessly charming way before adding, “why? Afraid you'll catch feelings, Y/N?”

You stared at him. “You wish,” you replied, tossing your book on the couch. “Let’s go.”

You weren’t sure if it was the promise of the night ahead or the way Changbin smiled at you, but you slipped into your jacket, shaking your head as you tried to hide your grin. “What I wouldn’t do for a pumpkin latte.”

The humid and chilly air nipped at your face as you walked the already crowded streets, where there were decorations at every store. Some people were in costumes with excited smiles, while others looked just tired from the workday.

You glanced sideways at Changbin, noting how the streetlights cast shadows across his face. He wore his glasses, looking heartbreakingly handsome in them.

“What?” he asked, catching you staring.

“Nothing,” you replied quickly. “I was just thinking... wasn’t one of your friends working at that coffee shop?”

Changbin smirked. “Hyunjin. I bet it was his idea—the discount for couples on fucking Halloween.”

You stopped, glaring at him. “Changbin.”

“What?” he asked, looking clueless.

“He’s not going to believe us! When was the last time you even dated anyone seriously?”

His eyes sparked with a hint of hurt. “You’re different,” he replied softly.

“How am I different?” you asked, already mourning the possibility of free lattes slipping away.

“We slept together once, and we’ve stayed friends since then. Who’s to say it couldn’t happen?”

Your heart pounded as his words hung in the air. Memories of a shared summer night came flooding back, and you felt warmth creeping up your neck.

The first time you met Changbin was on the last day of summer at a party in the countryside house of one of Chris’s childhood friends, Hyunjin.

You were in the kitchen, drinking with Chris and a few of his friends when he said, “Ask Changbin out already. Your crush on him is painfully obvious, and he can’t stop looking at you.”

“I don’t even know him. It’s not a crush; he’s just... really hot.”

You’d been eyeing Changbin since you arrived. He was one of the most attractive guys you’d ever met, and the way he naturally drew attention captivated you. He was just your type.

Once you finally gave in to Chris’s nudges and approached Changbin, everything fell into place. You greeted him, and the way he whispered his name in your ear left you breathless. The conversation was just an excuse for you to say, “Want to go outside for some air?”

It didn’t take long before you were making out with him, his kisses somehow feeling like both an eternity and a heartbeat, leaving you craving more. He fucked you against Hyunjin’s wine cellar door like his life depended on it.

You thought that would be the first and last time you’d see him. You never kept track of the names of guys you hooked up with; however, Changbin’s name, face, voice, and taste didn’t leave your mind.

It was a pleasant surprise when you found out, on your first day of classes, that he would be your calculus tutor for the semester.

Even better, you knew you were terrible at calculus, which is how you became friends

He recognized you immediately, but he never mentioned that summer night, and you pretended nothing had happened. You told yourself it was better that way.

“What do you mean by that?” you asked.

He moved closer, wrapping an arm around your waist, his face just inches from yours. “I mean we have good chemistry. We just need to pretend. He’ll believe it.”

Whatever was blossoming in your chest vanished just as quickly.

“You’re impossible,” you muttered.

He grinned, his voice low and teasing. “Think of pumpkin spice lattes. I know you love them.”

Your resolve wavered as you met his gaze. “Fine. But if he doesn’t buy it, you’re paying for the drinks.”

He chuckled, pulling you close and saying, “That’s my girl.” His tone was playful, but the way he said it made your heart skip a beat.

The coffee shop was warm, decorated with autumn leaves, grinning jack-o'-lanterns, and twinkling fairy lights casting a cozy, golden glow over everything. The scent of freshly brewed coffee, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice filled the air as you stepped inside.

Hyunjin stood behind the counter, surrounded by a small group of giggling girls. When the doorbell chimed, he looked up, his eyes landing on the two of you.

“Well, well, what brings you two here?” Hyunjin asked, a sly grin spreading across his face.

“Free pumpkin spice lattes and two cinnamon rolls,” you replied confidently, looping your arm through Changbin’s.

“And a slice of cheesecake,” Changbin added with a smirk, fully leaning into the act.

Hyunjin’s eyebrows lifted slightly. "Drinks are only free for couples."

You smiled, leaning into Changbin and resting your head on his shoulder. “We are a couple,” you said in a sweet tone.

Changbin wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you closer. “See?”

Hyunjin’s eyes narrowed, but his grin didn’t fade. "You two? A couple? Please. We all know neither of you do relationships.”

Changbin sighed, though there was a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, there’s a first time for everything."

"Uh-huh." Hyunjin folded his arms. "If you were really dating, you’d have told me ages ago. I’m not buying it."

When your stomach grumbled, you got tired of the banter.

Changbin didn’t have a chance to respond before you grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into a kiss. For a second, he froze, but then he melted into it, his hand finding your waist as he pulled you close. His lips moved against yours, warm and soft, his tongue teasing yours just enough to send a shiver down your spine. When you finally pulled back, you glared at Hyunjin.

“Are you done, or should we keep going?” you challenged.

Hyunjin’s cheeks flushed, and he cleared his throat. “Drinks on the house.”

You chuckled, glancing up at Changbin’s wide-eyed expression. “Told you he’d buy it,” you whispered as you moved to find a seat.

But as you settled into a booth, you couldn’t help but scream internally, What the hell did I just do?

You snuck glances at Changbin, who was still processing what had happened, his eyes fixed on you. It made you wonder what he was thinking.

The coffee shop filled up quickly. You and Changbin settled into a corner booth, the pumpkin spice latte warming your hands, the cinnamon rolls long gone, and a slice of cheesecake placed between you. You took turns, sharing bites.

You couldn’t stop stealing glances at his lips. The ones I’d just kissed.

“So, girlfriend,” Changbin said with a teasing smirk, “was the kiss worth it?”

Your breath almost hitched. Had he noticed you staring?

You rolled your eyes, pretending to be nonchalant, but couldn’t hide your smile, especially when you remembered the sweet taste of it. “Worth it. We should do this more often.”

“Kissing?”

“Of course not,” you shot back, clicking your tongue. “Getting free drinks, I mean.”

“Are you admitting we have good chemistry?” he asked, leaning closer, his voice dropping an octave.

“I never said we didn’t,” you replied, leaning in. “Besides, I think we’re really good at pretending.”

His eyes locked onto yours. “Oh, and are we still pretending?”

You stuffed a piece of cheesecake into your mouth to avoid his gaze, looking at anything but him. The golden writing on the walls that read “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul…”, a little boy with a whipped-cream mustache laughing as his dad took a photo, two older women sharing a kiss in the opposite corner, and a girl dressed as a witch slipping her number into Hyunjin’s apron pocket. Hyunjin caught your eye, raising an eyebrow.

You leaned closer to Changbin and whispered, “Hyunjin’s watching.” Changbin glanced around and then leaned in closer.

His arm settled around your seat, his hand gently brushing your shoulder. Your eyes met, and you were so close, you could smell his cologne. His fingers traced up to your ear, grazing it softly, sending goosebumps down your arms.

That slight, turned-down smile appeared on his lips—the one you loved seeing—and your stomach flipped.

“Want to kiss me again, Y/N?”

“I think that’s enough PDA for one day.”

He leaned in with a teasing pout and whispered close to your ear, 'No fun,' and you swore you melted right there. Before things could escalate further, you turned to see Hyunjin, who was busy taking an order from a group of students.

“I would like my girlfriend’s eyes on me.”

You looked back, amused. “What are you doing?”

“Just playing along.”

But it didn’t feel like that at all. Not with the way he was looking at you, his voice a low rasp that made it harder to breathe. The air between you crackled with tension, and your heart raced. You could feel the warmth radiating from him, with the scent of coffee and cinnamon mixing in the air. His gaze was so intense, and you wondered if he could sense the shift between you—how every moment felt charged with something neither of you dared to name, yet.

“So, is this where we say we’re in love, or what?” you joked, attempting to lighten the mood, but your voice wavered slightly.

He only chuckled, pulling back and finishing the last bite of cheesecake; you noticed his ears had turned red.

When you finally headed outside, the sun had set, and the streets were bustling. The time had flown by; you wished you’d lingered over your food, stretching out the evening. You’d gone out with Changbin countless times for tutoring sessions at coffee shops, libraries, and parks, but none had ever felt quite like this. Maybe it was the kiss. You couldn’t shake the feel of his lips from your mind. It had been so long since you last kissed him; you hadn’t realized how much you craved it until today.

“So… do you want to head back?” he asked softly, curious.

You paused, wanting to keep this, whatever it was, going just a bit longer. A smile tugged at your lips. “I heard they’re doing an outdoor movie screening in the park.”

Changbin grinned, extending his arm in a mock-gentlemanly gesture. “Lead the way, sweetheart.”

You couldn’t help but laugh as you looped your arm through his.

The outdoor screening of a classic Halloween movie was right in the heart of the park. The place was softly lit with lanterns, scattered decorations, and couples wrapped in blankets dotted the lawn. You found a spot in the crowd, and Changbin spread out a blanket that the staff were giving as the movie started.

You didn’t even know which movie was playing; you weren’t a fan of horror movies, but it was always fun to watch with someone else, especially if they were easily scared, like Changbin.

As the movie went on, you felt the tension grow between you two. You couldn’t stop glancing at him, wanting to hear his voice and his laugh.

When you shivered—more from nerves than the cold—he draped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer.

“You know you don’t need to pretend here, right?” You said.

He smirked, coming close enough that his nose nearly touched the part of your neck that always made you shiver. His lips brushed your ear as he whispered, “I know.”

You turned to look at him.

Everything felt different. You’d never felt like this before. You could barely look him in the eyes without turning into a complete mess; your heart raced, heat spread through your entire body, and it felt as if the words wouldn’t come out of your mouth.

Would it be so wrong to lean in? To give in to the pull?

There was an understanding between the two of you without words. You were just friends. Neither of you was ready for a relationship. Changbin had told you before that he had a lot on his mind with his internship and university. He was always conscious of boundaries and never crossed that line with you. He was always conscious of boundaries and never crossed that line with you. Meanwhile, you had to study harder than anyone else just to get an average score on exams and assignments. There was simply no time for relationships, even if you wanted one.

So why was he acting differently now? Too flirty, too touchy, too caring. And why were you falling for it?

You tried to mask the heat in your gaze with a smirk.

“You’re not scared, are you?”

He chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Of a classic horror movie? Please.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Changbin. You seem like the type to jump at—”

A loud jump-scare blared from the screen, and you yelped, instinctively grabbing his arm. He laughed, pulling you even closer, your faces now just inches apart. For a moment, time stood still, and the world around you faded away. His eyes darkened, and you wondered if he might close the gap between you. Your breath caught in your throat, your lips parting as you waited. But then he pulled back slightly, the tension heavy between you.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

“Yeah,” you whispered, though your heart pounded against your chest. “I’m fine.”

His eyes flicked down to your lips, then back up to meet your gaze. “You sure?”

No, actually. I’d feel better if I could feel your lips on mine again.

You wanted to shake him and demand to know why he was holding back if he felt the same way. Instead, you swallowed the urge and forced a smile.

“Positive.”

But the way he held your gaze, the slight tightening of his fingers on your shoulder—it was as if he knew exactly what he was doing to you.

As the movie ended, you both walked back toward your apartment. The night had grown colder, but you didn’t mind—it made you even more aware of how close Changbin was. You found yourself dragging your feet, not quite ready for the night to end. You only realized you’d stopped walking when he glanced over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised.

“What’s wrong?”

You hesitated. What could you possibly say?

Today had left you confused. For months, he’d acted like nothing would ever happen between you two, but tonight... Did you read it all wrong? You weren’t sure how to tell him you didn’t want the night to end—that maybe you wanted more than just tonight. But what would he think if you said that? What if it made things awkward and ended your friendship? You swallowed the thought.

You couldn’t say that.

“Nothing.”

But his expression shifted, a knowing look crossing his face as if he could read the unsaid words hanging between you. You recognized that look in his eyes. He’d looked at you like that more than once—especially the night he fucked you. Did he want more as well? And if he wanted it, should you spend the night with him, just one more time? Be one more of each other's one-night stands?

“Right,” he said teasingly, though there was a warmth in his tone that felt different. “You sure? Because it looks like you’ve got something on your mind.”

Was it a mistake to try again? Tonight was perfect. You didn’t want to ruin it by acting on something you might regret tomorrow. Part of you knew that if you indulged in whatever was happening between you two, it would only be for tonight. By morning, he might let you go, and you weren’t sure you were ready to face those feelings again.

You opened your mouth, but no words came out.

The moment stretched, and he stepped closer; you could feel his breath brushing against your skin, intoxicating and warm.

“I just—” But before you could finish, he reached out, tucking a stray hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering a moment too long.

“You just…?”

“Don’t want to go home yet," you said.

“Oh.” He paused, studying you for a moment. His gaze lingered on your lips before meeting your eyes. “Wanna crash at my place instead?”

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Should you go? See where things led? What was the worst that could happen? Catching unrequited feelings.

Were you willing to risk it?

“If you don’t want to, it’s cool—”

“I do,” you interrupted, the words rushing out before you could stop them. “Let’s go.”

The warmth of Changbin's place enveloped you instantly as you stepped inside, filling the air with the familiar scent of laundry. It was enough for two and cozy, thanks to his roommate.

“Seungmin’s not here,” he said, his voice low.

You wandered over to the window showing the city nightscape. You’d always loved the view from Changbin’s apartment. You remembered the night before finals, the two of you cramming by that very window, papers scattered everywhere on the floor as you studied together.

You smiled, arching a brow as you turned back to him. “So that’s why you invited me, huh? Don’t want to be lonely tonight?”

He snorted, walking over to wrap his arms around you. Changbin wasn’t shy about showing affection, but this time, it felt different, and you felt your whole body tingle under his embrace. “Maybe I just wanted my girlfriend around a little longer.”

“Are you sure? What if things change?”

His hands guided you to face him, one hand resting on your waist. “It’s a risk, for better or worse.”

“And you’re willing to take it?” you asked softly.

He lifted your chin, meeting your gaze. “Only if you are.”

A rush of adrenaline surged through you. You didn’t stand a chance; there was no way you could say no to him. It was a pull that always kept you gravitating toward him until you collided. Fear of the unknown, of getting attached to something that might not last—all of it faded when you locked eyes with Changbin. The need for him was stronger than any fear.

Fuck it.

You leaned up and captured his lips, fingers tangling in his hair as he pulled you closer, deepening the kiss, molding his lips to yours with a quiet urgency that made your stomach drop as if you were riding a rollercoaster. It was all you could think about. His strong arms locked around your body, and you melted in his embrace.

It felt like everything you’d wanted and more—exhilarating, and undeniably worth it.

You let a moan escape at the feeling of his tongue on your lips before he kissed you again. He groaned, his palm tightening at the back of your neck, while his other hand slid down your side.

“Why haven't we done this before?” he asked, his hand reaching the outer part of your thigh, giving your ass a firm squeeze through your jeans, making you wish you had worn a dress.

You couldn't even answer with the way his lips found your throat. His lips trailed down to your collarbone, fingers sneaking under your shirt. His hands were cold, and you shivered as they moved higher until they slipped beneath your bra. He gave your breast a gentle squeeze, and your hands clenched against his shoulders when he pinched your nipples.

Your fingers locked in his hair, pulling him closer as you kissed him harder. He pressed you against the wall, bruising your lips, and your hands flew to his neck. You gasped when his hips pressed harder against you, and you felt the thick length of his cock gliding along your skin.

You pushed away from him enough to say, “Are you sure? Because once I start, I don’t think I can stop.”

“There’s no reason to stop, sweetheart,” he replied in a low voice that made your heart race and your underwear wet.

Without breaking eye contact, your hand slipped down from his neck to his waist, pausing at the waistband of his underwear. You could feel his hardness trapped behind the fabric, and he exhaled sharply as your fingers closed around him. Pre-cum already glistened on the head of his cock, and when you dragged your thumb over it, he let out a soft groan.

Changbin kissed you slowly and gently at first, then deepened the kiss into a frantic, desperate swirl of tongues.

You pulled down his pants, freeing his cock, and quickened your strokes, feeling him swell beneath your grip as his hips moved in rhythm with your hands. He kissed you messily, hungrily, along your jawline, biting at your neck with every movement of your hand, hardening further under your touch, until he couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Couch, Y/n.” He scooted back and grabbed your hand.

He led you to the couch, gently pushing you onto it, his eyes devouring the sight of your body sprawled out before him as he knelt between your legs. His lips found yours, Changbin’s hand moving along your inner thighs, higher and higher.

He helped you take off your shirt, and you silently thanked yourself for wearing decent new underwear and a matching bra. He unclasped your jeans and yanked them down along with your underwear.

Spreading your legs, he muttered, “Fuck, sweetheart.” He gently parted your pussy, drawing slow, deliberate circles on your clit, letting you soak by the second.

“Changbin, please,” you begged, your body burning beneath his touch, his gaze glazed with desire.

“I missed you being this needy for me,” he said, making your core clench at his words.

Your back arched as Changbin lowered his mouth, kissing the skin of your inner thigh and then moving upward, inch by inch, drawing a sharp breath once his lips found your pussy.. He brushed it lightly before taunting you with languid kisses that left you trembling. You curled your fingers into his hair, your hips shifting at each stroke.

You bit back a cry when his tongue slid across your slit. He licked and teased your clit; his kisses lingering whenever he drew a moan from you, but never for too long. You tightened your grip in his hair as the pressure coiled inside you, begging for release. It came when his eyes met yours, drunk with lust, sending you over the edge. You arched into him as pleasure crashed into you, waves leaving you breathless. But you didn’t want it to end—you needed more of him..

“Binnie, please, fuck me,” you whispered, your hands finding his cheeks as you looked at him. “I need you.”

His eyes widened before he gave that smirk that made your heart race.

He crashed his lips to yours, wrapping a fist around his cock and angling it down to drag the head over your clit, wetting himself with your arousal.

“Hands above your head,” he instructed, shifting forward and pressing you against the couch.

You gasped as he moved his hips, rubbing the full length of his cock against your clit. Your desperation grew with each slow thrust of his length against you.

As if sensing your pleading, he hooked one arm under your thigh, spreading you wider as he angled himself. Your hips sank lower as the head of his cock nudged your entrance. Then he seized your hips and thrust inside you.

You could only whimper in response, your pussy making a squelching sound around his length. He thrust into you shamelessly, noisily, moans bursting from your lips with every movement of his hips, until you couldn’t hold back anymore and came.

Butterflies stormed in your belly as Changbin’s hips bucked compulsively, and he came, gasping and groaning.

You felt your body grow heavy as Changbin withdrew and kissed you softly. He disappeared into the bathroom, then returned wearing shorts, holding a clean shirt for you and a towel to help you clean up.

After everything, you lay with your head on his lap, exhaustion and euphoria filling you. His hand gently caressed your arm, and you looked up at him with a soft smile.

“We should really keep doing this couple discount thing,” you teased.

He smirked, a glint in his eyes. “Like me being your boyfriend?”

You met his gaze, and the words rushed out, “What if I like it?”

His fingers brushed your cheek as he whispered, “Then maybe we should stop pretending.”

Hope bloomed in your chest, and you couldn’t help but smile. “Should we?”

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Author's note: Hi! I hope you liked this story. English is my second language, so please excuse my errors. Constructive feedback is always appreciated! I do not permit any form of copying, translation, or reposting of my work.

Did you enjoy this? If so, please reblog it. Thank you for reading! Sending love 💕

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