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typicalopposite · 11 months ago

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2023 Fanfic Wrapped

Thank you @onthewaytosomewhere for the tag! :)

Sooo this year has been a wild ride fandomly for me... to say the least.

(we're gonna go ahead and add a cut cause she's gonna get long)

It started with a few prompt fics in January

Feel The Rain On Your Skin Destiel(SPN)663 words Tumblr Prompt Game “We’re in the middle of a thunderstorm, and you want to stop and feel the rain?” overtime - Steddie(Stranger Things)1305 words Fic prompt game “we’re you ever going to tell me?”

I worked on some WIPs I wont include because they were started in 2022 through February . Then in March I started three new fics (because I am insane) that are all still on going WIPs as well, but the first two that I share were left on a good stopping point; so you're not left with that bitterness once you see they haven't been updated in a long time. The last one... we won't talk about her(I swear it's not abandoned I just have been hyperfixated elsewhere and life has been messy)

It Takes Two - Starsky & Hutch 8746 words Nothing more than a box that had fallen over. He laughed at himself and relaxed for a brief moment — since at least there was no rat — but it was short-lived as he turned the box to reveal the writing on the side. Give to Dave It was written in big red letters in Terry’s handwriting; Starsky felt like he might be sick. Her parents had brought it after… said it was in her apartment. He didn’t even know about it, and he had not yet found the strength to open it. So it was hidden away in his closet where he could forget about it, and he had. Go figure, he thought. Interdit - Portamis(The Three Musketeers)8241 words It happens while Aramis is hunched over Porthos, stitching — or rather trying to stitch, as Porthos repeatedly flails and hisses and snatches away from Aramis’ needle — the slash across his left eye. just a little while - Gallavich(Shameless)12,725 words Mickey will be a shit dad. He will. He knows he will. It’s fucking encoded in his DNA… or some shit. Except, how come every time he’s stuck with one the Gallagher kids, it feels like the exact opposite…

Which brings us to August, when everything changed... drastically. I was introduced to RWRB and although I started getting ideas for fics and even started writing one I still haven't finished prior to seeing the movie, just a few days after it released I went on a spiral of writing i have NEVER gone on before... and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

August - December every fic I wrote has been FirstPrince

August

Zahra Deserves A Raise 5091 words or Five times Zahra has to put up with Alex and Henry's shit... and definitely didn't get paid enough for it... plus one time she was happy to. A Summer Scandal 6123 words It’s next summer and they made it back to the lake house… but let’s make it angstier than last time. :) we're gonna need some pizza 1017 words Missing scene from when Alex comes out to Ellen. or What happens between Ellen ordering the pizza and her asking Alex what he identifies as. Home 2675 words Just my take on Movie Henry getting into the brownstone :)

September

Sometimes 2638 words Alex helps Henry through a difficult time regarding his father. what's not to like 1096 words It’s been four days since Oscar looked at his son and said, “Sometimes you just gotta jump… and hope you’re not standing on a cliff.” Or... Missing scenes after Henry leaves from Oscar’s POV What If 5817 words Alex called all day, everyday, for a week after Henry left the lake house. Each time Henry wished it would be the last; that Alex would take the hint, and let it go. Each time there was another call. Until there wasn’t. or... What if Alex never stormed the castle to win Henry back?! tell me more, tell me more 2981 words What are best friends for if not to go gush about the person you are secretly in love with after each (totally not but totally IS) date. or... The missing scenes of Nora and Percy finding out the story behind each time Alex and Henry get together. The Royal American Wedding Planner 9371 words It’s going to be the wedding of the century! But more importantly it’s going to be the wedding of their dreams. Zahra is going to make sure of it. ORRR 5 weeks of problems with the FirstPrince wedding and 1 perfect day!

October

Three Days 29,542 words He looks down at Henry’s body, steps closer. He’s right beside the bed and lays a hand on the top of Henry’s head. “Say you could go back three days; back to before all the missed plans, before all of the arguments, before the promotion… before the accident. Would you?” “Of course I would…” ooorrr I decided to write an angsty little Christmas fic in October based off an equally angsty movie I use to love back in the day one thousand four hundred and sixty four hours 926 words Alex has always made a habit of obsessively remembering certain days. Important days, of course. Ones that leave a special mark on his memory. Ones that he never wants to forget. eight legged freaks 895 words henry pulls a prank on alex based on a picture of a spider earring i saw on facebook cake-gate, baby gates, and a mess Henry could have avoided 1655 words Henry and Alex agree on a lot when it comes to parenting. They also disagree on a lot; that's just par the course with parenting, though… right? One thing they both sway on the fence about is baby restraints… or whatever the technical terms for them are. and so the story goes 2068 words Henry suggested Alex try his routine on the days he would have been putting her to sleep, to keep her nights as close to normal as possible. But Alex’s eyes went crossed trying to understand which concoctions (and the correct amounts) Henry uses for bath time. He knew he wouldn’t be able to sit still long enough to brush through her hair more than just the amount of times it took to detangle it. Most importantly though, he absolutely sucks at bedtime stories… which have always been her favorite part of Henry’s routine. let me hear you SCREAM 2789 words Then Henry looks up from his writing desk, through the front window of the Brownstone, and sees a ghost face mask staring back at him from across the street. He certainly didn’t expect Alex’s idea of getting him back to involve… well that. The cloaked figure doesn’t move, save for a slow rise of his hand to give Henry a slight wave. It’s extremely creepy and Henry has to push back from his desk and get away from the window.

November

proud to be yours 4086 words “Made me very proud to be your boyfriend,” Henry had said. And Alex replied; “I’m always proud to be your boyfriend.” Henry made his little snide upperclass joke and Alex grinned and laughed as if he had just heard the most hilarious thing in the world. Then the moment was interrupted and quickly forgotten as they readied themselves to meet with the King. And it probably should have been the end of the topic — for Alex, perhaps it truly was. But for Henry, who tends to overthink things for the worse, he just can’t forget about it. or... Five times Alex was introduced as Henry's boyfriend, and one time he was introduced as his husband. ten seconds 'til 3544 words Five New Years showing the reasons that brought Henry to hate the holiday… and the one that changes his mind so says social media 606 words Alex shrugs and turns his phone off, sliding it into his pocket to resume watching TV. “Who knows, people just love to stir up drama.” Or... I have watched people micro analyze TZP and (especially) NG on social media so much I wrote a FirstPrince fic about it.

December (I have only posted one this month, because I was feeling the pressure of giving myself a timeline on a fic, and also joining the gift exchange... that being said I am going to add the gift fic to this list on the first.)

i saw papa kissing santa claus 3483 words “O- Oh, hello there young lady,” Henry says, swapping back to the deep American accent he’s been using as Santa, and Alex looks past him. There is a little girl storming towards the cottage; their little girl.

There you have it! My insane list of fics I've published in 2023, totalling up to 118,000+ words!

I honestly don't know anyone to tag who hasn't probably already been tagged, so I will leave it open to anyone who wants to join it! It's really fun to go back and actually see what you have accomplished in a year. Here's to 2024! :)

#fanfic wrapped #my writing #fanfic writer #spn fic #destiel fic #steddie fic #starsky and hutch #the musketeers #portamis #gallavich fic #red white and royal blue #rwrb movie #rwrb fic #firstprince fic #this year has been a lot #but i hope yall enjoy these

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the-acid-pear · 5 months ago

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so fun fact: i kinda have an au (and ask blog) for if Henry's wife Martha and son David had survived (the blog is ask-the-miller-family if you wanna send some asks).

long story short: neither of them really like him too much, but especially not Martha.

like, listen. i personally get it if people think that if Martha and David lived, then things would be better. i get it!! because them dying is technically what led to Henry learning about souls and thus getting kind of obsessed with learning about death and how to cheat it.

but...who's to say that he wouldn't have gotten fascinated another way? what if them living only delays the inevitable?

so...yeah.

Martha kinda knows what Henry's done, but like. That Was Back Before No Fault Divorce Was A Thing. she knows damn well what Henry's capable of doing and getting away with. and she doesn't want to potentially put David in danger as well.

David views Dave (our beloved purple man) as an older brother of sorts. so take that as you will.

Martha is an alcoholic and has issues with smoking (My Alcoholic Friends by the Dresden Dolls fits her pretty well), and uh. Henry's Bullshit doesn't help.

so now you're probably wondering: does Dave still go by...y'know, Dave since David's still alive?

and i have the funniest possible response to this:

so. Henry's son kinda eventually found out he was agender (he/they) later on in the timeline and started going by Dallas/Dally (based off that one Outsiders character, a book they were really into)

Dave started expressing how he would do anything to become Henry's son. Dally already views him like an older brother.

you see where this is going.

look, Dallas knew this was going to piss Henry off, but they honestly think it's fucking hilarious and also inherited the "Little Shit" gene in the family.

so long story short: Dally just kinda "handed over" the name to Dave. :)

- dogboyjackkennedy

OBSESSED OVER THE NAME PASSING THAT'S GENUINELY SO CUTE..... Though no shade on Dally but if someone told me they wanted to be my shitty parent's kid I'd have gone insane though no bullets enter Dave babygirl stubborn and blind when emotions are on the table so I get it.

Also I feel so bad for Martha fr what a dogshit life to live like even the weight of technically being complicit too bc she'd TRY stopping it but the cost of failure would be so high... Just sooo sad though that's also one of my fave songs so . hashtag girlboss? /silly

I'll def be checking out the blog tho let's hope I can fire enough neurons to send an ask too smfbgntb ^_^

#luly talks #asks #anon #dogboyjackkennedy #dsaf #i THINK I might've seen it in the passing once? but I'm not sure at all #and tbh also. i agree on this take of henry. like even as a guy that goes I'd Fix Him #... i know that man was a ticking time bomb like idk if he'd Directly hurt his family but like #crosses arms i just cant trust a veteran y'know? :/ /J #but like his switch for what dd wrote did happen back then sure he probably was doing Normal w his family but like you said it #who fucking knows if not else would've been what did it for him?

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butchdykekondraki · 1 year ago

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OMG TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT WAAA

WHOLE DOCUMENTS??? THATS AMAZING OMG /GEN/POS

Oh and I can't handle body horror either tbh, I had to cover my eyes during the surgery scene TwT. I've yet to finish the second one (it's so unnerving god help me)/lh

OH BOY OH BOY. OKAY IM ABOUT TO GO FUCKING INSANE HODL ON. IM JUST GONNA COPY AND PASTE IT I CANT TYPE IT ALL OUT BUT. OH BOY. ITS A LOT. LIKE A LOT !! SO SO MUCH !!! (THIS IS ALSO GOING OVR LIKE THREE GAMES SO IT MIGHT GET A BIT CONVOLUTED IM SORRY !!) THERE'S ALSO LIKE SUM TRIGGERING TOPICS ? THERE WILL BE TWS 4 THEM ALL THO DWDW !!!

tw for implied grooming (nothing sexual just generally since its known dave was a "young man" when he meets henry and henry used it to his advantage canonically), manipulation, stalking, murder, child death, general sexual themes at points (its just mentioned a couple times), medical talk, forced lobotomy and suicidal idealization

radical/aubergine/gnarly/bad ending timeline

>dr henry miller starts fredbears family diner with william afton

>unnamed guy starts freddy fazbears pepperonerie (a play on fredbears family diner) and it INFURIATES henry (and william because henrys angry)

>henry does fucked up experiments on william (lobotomizes him to some degree, takes out his organs, etc etc etc)

>henry manipulates william into killing children because it would "let them live out their happiest days forever"

>henry tells william about his dead son, david, and william imprints on this and renames himself to dave miller (he takes henrys last name after he passes but for now im just going to call him dave miller)

>dave works at ffp and kills children there while henry kills children at ffd

>henry fucking DIES and ffd forecloses, leading dave to work at ffp

>dave meets jack kennedy (the protag and the person you play as) at ffp

>dave negotiates with jack that since hes a "clean slate" he should help him murder five children, jack agrees and they Do That

(small note here; dave becomes obsessed with jack after this and its just a whole ordeal with jack and dave being ?? freaks and in love ?? normal behavior/sar)

>phoney (named steven as a person but the phone guys are a Whole 'Nother Thing that i CANNOT GET INTO RIGHT NOW) becomes suspicious and dave and jack frame him

>dave and jack scurry off to vegas

>rinse and repeat this cycle in dsaf2

>in dsaf 3 dave is found rotting away in a building (in a springlock rabbt suit and now he goes by davetrap btw) by jack and goes on a monologue of how he "knew he wouldnt leave him alone" and jack takes him back to his new restaurant that jack now owns (im just. gonna call it uncle jacks family diner because its funny to think he named it after fredbears)

>davetrap and jack kill children, phoney (harry) flips and im pretty sure they kill him? i cant remember

>davetrap springlocks jack to give him "immortality" and they go to vegas

>davetrap goes on a brief rant about how he realized he was never happy because jack never knew who he "really was" and confesses to being william afton

>davetrap takes jack to his "fazbunker" (note this is just the same place as we see in fnaf sister location) and shows him a chest containing a red scarf

>jack has a realization that this is his dead sister dee's scarf and comes to the correct conclusion that dave/william killed his younger sister and framed him back during the ffd days

>henrys ghost "controls" jacks mind kind of ?? and jack kills dave

(note there is a tiny little voice clip of dave telling jack he loves him as he dies i just think its very interesting that the last thing dave chose to do was tell him he loved him . agony and peril)

(also i didnt know where to put this but in dsaf 2 theres a scene where jack wakes up to dave standing at the foot of his bed and they prankcall phoney (peter) together. jack tells dave to shower and dave says it is "not the first time he has been in his house"

(also also dave has a long rambling file in dsaf 2 on the computer which includes the words "old sport", a nickname he gave jack, 5000 times)

good end/saved end

>everything is the same as before but this time you decline everytime dave asks you to kill kids

(fun fact you can see daves diary in dsaf 2 and his diary entry after the day you reject him is nothing but nonsense ramblings about how he is going to kill jack and how he cant believe he would "betray him like this")

>jack finds davetrap rotting and declines taking him back to uncle jacks family diner and davetrap sobs and cries and yells about how he shouldve known he would do this to him and begins begging jack not to leave him alone

>davetrap then stalks jack home

(fun fact you can look at davetrap and jack will say "he followed me home again" implying that this isnt the first time hes noticed dave or davetrap doing this so. what the fuck. i dont know if he just did nothing about this or if he said something and dave continued but either way What The Fuck ???)

>jack goes into "the flipside" and sees dave just kind of. chilling. jack is reasonably caught off guard and they have a neat little meet-cute where dave explains the flipside is where souls come to chill because of course theres a fucking place for that god damnit

(note you can get small dave commentaries by interacting with objects like posters or things on the wall or pizzas in the kitchen and i just think its cute)

>dave makes a portal because of fucking course thats a thing you can do in the flipside i hate the flipside why can he fucking DO THAT and fuck off to the second floor

>jack and dave find dees ghost here and it revealed shes the puppet

>dee engages jack and dave in battle because she doesnt believe dave is "truly sorry" and thinks jack is making some sick joke at her expense

(note if you fail to escape from this battle dee says that you cant run from your problems forever)

>if you succeed in escaping the battle, jack explains to dave that this is his sister and dave has A Moment where he explains how henry told him he was helping the kids by killing them (its also implied that dave was groomed by henry since he states he was a "young man" when they officially met and started working together)

>dee decides hes just kind of. pathetic honestly. and decides she can live with this if it means she can save the dead ghosts

>jack fucks off back to the reality and does reality shenanigans like running his business

>he comes back and they go into a portal to the second floor

>on the third floor we meet steven whos been just kind of. there. the entire time. and he INSTANTLY assumes theyre there to kill him and makes them battle foxy robotss until they find him huddled in a corner

>he instantly starts rambling about how he cant be saved and how thhey should just leave him (its implied that by this he means hes going to?? die if they leave him?? as if he isnt already dead??) because he was a terrible person to jack, peter, and dave

>jack says thats in the past or whatever and he joins their team

>dave makes another portal and this time steven goes nuts and is fucking furious about hating the flipside (me too man. me fucking too)

>jack fucks off to go do business stuff again. the health inspector is here. hes french. you can bribe him. either way you dont get shut down unless you do a REALLY bad job so. eh.

>jack comes back to the flipside and they scurry around until they find peter (jack and dee remark about how "this is peters house" (i forgot to mention the floors are all designed around memories and this one is based off peters house that jack lived in after he was killed))

>they find peter and he remarks about how hes just a trap and everyone is confused

>JACKS FUCKING SOUL APPEARS. THATS RIGHT BABY. HE WAS SOULLESS THATS WHY HE DIDNT DIE. AND ITS IN THE FORM OF HIS DEAD DOG SPARKY. also he speaks in a cesaer cipher and dave asks him to get rid of his "accent"

>jack and blackjack (thats his souls name. haha. very funny. because hes a shadow. very funny. haha. i hate it here) talk and ouugh ouugh it pains me it hurts me its peril and agony and i love it augh. that isnt really related but it DESTROYS ME

>they fight henry (during this henry doesnt hit anyone, instead choosing to use his words which i think is interesting)

>they fucking win yippee yahoo

>everyone leaves except for dave and jack. they talk. dave cries because jack tells him he cant go with them since hes soulless. dave says he "wont leave without him" and that he cant lose henry AND him. jack gives dave blackjacks collar and says that blackjack wont leave him. anyway yeah jack literally gave dave his soul. bawling my eyes out i hate these two so so much (affectionate)>jack burns down his diner with him and every freddys animatronic inside and the plot of land is turned into a gravesite for william/dave, jack, dee, peter, and steven

#[ren]#THIS ISNT EVEN HALF MY KNOWLEDGE BTW...#I KNOW A SILLY AMOUNT #LIKE #LIKE I COULD LITERALLY JUST. GIVE OUT A GOOD PARAGRAPHS WORTH OF SILLY RAMBLINGS ABT JACK AND HENRY AND DAVE AND EVERYONE #OGFDGUFODFIU IM SOO.. I LOVE THESE GAMES #also oough the curse of loving the human centipede franchise but also being so so scared of body horror D-:#truly a awful fate :-(

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fnaf-stories-and-posts · 2 months ago

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Five Nights at Freddy: A Decade of Terror (10 year anniversary story) [Part One]

Sequel fic to Christmas With A Freddy by ShadowBelle23 (Me) on AO3.

Had to fix the story since Evan is now being called Dave. I know that some people think that Cassidy is the crying child and Afton’s son while Dave is the fifth victim of Afton. No, it’s vice versa because of Princess Quest.

Also I had to run through this story through Grammarly for fixes as well in many sentences I wrote.

Word Count: 6,424

Character Count: 36,275

Reading Time: 23 minutes 22 seconds

Speaking Time: 35 minutes 41 seconds

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*Early January 2024.*

They found out what happened to Sarah. And it was disturbing. Eleanor used remnant to do surgery on Sarah while she was sleeping to perfect her body to her wishes, and as long as she wore the necklace, Sarah’s new look would stay. Sadly they found Sarah’s “new” form now as a pile of trash heap in a garage. Including plastic bags of her rotting organs. There was police tape at the house too, her mom must have found out what happened and believes that she is dead.

So, one night, Isabel took Sarah’s lingering soul from the trash heap body and took it to the pizzaplex. Using Onesie’s body as a model and the remnant necklace Isabel found in the garage, Charlie and Goldie got to work making Sarah a newer body. And with some Life, Tech, and Undead magic from Skylands, it was ready.

Sarah was functional again as a person and thanked Isabel for imprisoning Eleanor so she couldn’t harm anyone anymore. She may not be a real human, but at least she has her life back.

“Your sensory test shows that you’re capable of passing as a human,” Isabel tells her. “Deep down, I know that you know that you’re not,” This time with more sympathy. “But at least you have your life again.”

“It’s better than being stuck as a trash heap or dead,” Sarah admits sadly. “I just don’t know how to face my mother. She must be devastated thinking I was murdered or something.”

“I know it’s scary, but we’ll tell your mother everything,” Isabel comforts her.

It was a strange truth to tell a mother about what happened to their daughter. Her mom and her brother, thankfully, were still living in the same city in the house at the scene of the crime. Sarah’s mom couldn’t believe it at first, but she was happy to have her daughter back even though she may be different now. Her brother was even happy that she was back.

Then Isabel met Detective Everett Larson. He has been working on the Stitchwraith police case for some time now and knows about Eleanor.

“Have you met the Stitchwraith yet?” Larson asks Isabel curiously as he was in the house when she returned Sarah home. They were sitting in the kitchen of Sarah’s home, letting the family reunite in peace.

“No, sadly I have not,” Isabel confessed honestly. “But I am on a mission to collect every animatronic that was ever created for the Fazbear entertainment. And to lock them away so that they can’t harm or kill another living creature ever again. William Afton has done enough damage to humanity, it’s time that his legacy lies in the grave for good.”

“You know about William Afton?” The detective asks her in surprise.

“I know him, and I’ve met him,” Isabel continues. “Afton is not completely deceased like some may believe.”

“I know that,” Larson confessed as he understood. “Months ago, I had fought him as this thing called “The Agony”. Alongside the Stitchwraith and a tall puppet animatronic thing. The Agony is destroyed and I thought he was through, I guess I was wrong.” He says sadly.

“Seems like we’re gonna have to find this Stitchwraith for answers,” Isabel admits, comforting the detective. “But I can assure you, just like Eleanor, Afton in his true body is locked up as well. But as for the puppet, it is possessed by Charlotte “Charlie” Emily. Henry Emily’s daughter. A victim to Afton. She’s been my guide in helping me with finding the others.”

“I’m familiar as to who she is, I saw it in the news of her death when I was a child,” the detective says. “And what about the other victims?”

“They also possess animatronics,” Isabel continues. “They live underground in the pizzaplex with other unpossessed animatronics too. They’re all quite friendly and with the same goal in mind: keeping Afton contained.”

“It seems like this investigation I have gotten myself into has a story that’s deeper rooted than I originally thought,” the detective says in exasperation which Isabel chuckles.

“It’s a lot deeper than you think,” she laughs in amusement. “You’re just barely scratching the surface.”

“How long does this story go back to?” He asks curiously.

“Way back in the 80’s,” she then says nervously which got him to groan even more. “It’s okay, I can give you a crash course in the history later.”

Larson sighs. “I still can’t believe this is real. Real ghosts possessing animatronics. And to think, I was once a non-believer,” he confesses.

“I understand what you must be going through. Humanity has its ways when it comes to belief. The belief of something that some may or may not be deemed real because we don’t see it, or experience it, for ourselves,” Isabel tells him. “But I believe spirits can be real, I’ve watched Casper enough as a child, and I believe that ghosts can live amongst humans. Either because they don’t want to part from their loved ones or they’re trying to find their way to the afterlife. Seeking to find their “unfinished business” that sets them free.”

Honestly, Larson had never thought about it that way before. “And because you still believe because your powers are attuned with the Undead, correct?” He asks to which Isabel nods.

“More than just ghosts; vampires, witches, warlocks, werewolves, etc. Even wraiths,” Isabel lists. “But yeah, I have connections to ghosts, just call me Norman Babcock.” She says jokingly and receives a confused look from the detective, making her expression flatten. “Oy vey, ParaNorman! A Laika film from 2012?!” He shakes her head which resulted her to sigh. “Your sense of humor is equal to a mosaic.”

“Art?” He asks, still confused. “Decorative? Colorful?”

“Lifeless,” she corrects him which resulted in her having an exasperated sigh from him now laughing at that joke instead.

A week later, Eleanor finally coughed up another confession, Sarah isn’t her only victim as there were now many. Revealing that she had kept her victims’ souls in a ball pit. Thankfully Larson knew where it was after Isabel dialed up the detective; Jeff’s Pizza.

“Yeah, after the battle I had with Afton. I had severe injuries. The Stitchwraith healed them by burning the infected skin, but it left a side effect; visions. I looked high and low for that ball pit,” Larson says over the phone. Currently, Isabel was in the Pizzaplex’s hidden underground tunnels during the closing hours of the evening, having the detective on speaker to let Charlie hear.

“Side note: I found blood samples and the DNA I had collected was from the same person for thirty years. I don’t know who though but the timeline of the blood corresponds with the dates that teenagers went missing. I gave the research to a co-worker to continue investigating.” In the last sentence, he made it sound like bad news.

“So we can’t come to collect the balls?” Isabel asks curiously.

“Unless you’re okay with me telling my co-worker about this. It’s illegal to steal or tamper police evidence from a case,” Larson continued. Isabel looks at Charlie who nods in response

“Yes, you can tell them,” she tells the cop assuringly. “It would be nice to have an alibi on this to confirm this for your chief so the police force doesn’t think you’re going nuts. The last thing you want is yourself in a Psychiatric Hospital.”

“That is true, what time do you want to meet up?” Larson asks curiously.

“Give me an hour, I’ll meet you at Jeff’s,” she says. “I’m bringing alibis of my own.”

“10-4, thank you for the confirmation, I’ll meet you there,” he says and hangs up.

Isabel and Charlie look at each other. “I’m assuming you want me to come with you?” The puppet asks Isabel.

“Yes, you, Lefty, and Goldie. We’re gonna need a lot of help getting the balls out of the pit and I don’t think the detectives want to be there all night,” Isabel tells the puppet. “And depending on how deep it is, I don’t want to either.”

“Then I will go let them know and I’ll put Funtime Foxy on guard duty over Afton and Eleanor,” Charlie addressed. “But you do know that with our power combined, the job would be done in less than five minutes?”

Isabel gently facepalms herself from Charlie’s fact, sometimes she forgets she’s no ordinary human herself. Her reaction got a chuckle out of the puppet. “Just go tell the others,” Isabel politely dismisses her. “I’ll be in the main lobby area by the exit door.” Then leaves to go to said area. Charlie knows Isabel isn’t upset, she knows that sometimes the line separating between her double life of ordinary and Portal Master tends to blur in her mind. Becoming used to one side for some time that the other can become temporarily forgettable.

The puppet then hovers a few inches off the ground and goes to find her friends.

Later, Isabel is walking through alleyways and behind buildings with the animatronics close behind her. She is completely dressed in black clothes to camouflage herself in the darkness with a hoodie on top of her head. Charlie insists they remain in the shadows as they walk together, remaining incognito as they travel to Jeff’s.

Isabel was glad she made them come with her, she didn’t fear the dark or the night. She feared the unpredictability of whoever was out, strange people could walk through the streets at this time and could harm her. Wearing black was the only way to conceal her identity as a person and a woman to protect herself.

Eventually, they made it to Jeff’s and saw a cop car parked in the empty parking lot. Headlights off as the streetlights illuminated above the vehicle. Then the two front doors opened, and Larson got out with another man. He has dark skin and black hair down to a buzz cut. Both were dressed in uniform, but the second cop brought a donut.

“Hello, Larson,” Isabel greeted the man as she took down her hoodie. “I have brought my friends to help.” Larson was comfortable with the ordeal but his friend seemed wary.

“Is that one… hovering?” The other cop asks, pointing the donut at Charlie. Sounding skeptical towards the puppet animatronic.

“I-I’m assuming, you t-t-told him everything,” Cassidy asks Larson through Golden Freddy.

“I didn’t have much of a choice,” Larson says as they watch Charlie assure the other cop that her hovering is indeed caused by her possessing the animatronic which only freaked him out more. “Everyone, this is my friend and former college roommate: Samuel Bennet.”

The man nods as he starts eating the donut like it’s the last one in existence. “Sup,” the man says, sounding a bit shaken. “Lady and ghouls.” Then he reproaches his friend. “You are so lucky that the chief believed your lie about what happened to you after battling Afton.”

“I had to, Bennet, I didn’t have a choice!” Larson defended himself. “Yes I got hurt but I am grateful that the Stitchwraith was there, including Charlie, or else I could have died. If I told the chief the truth of what happened, he could have pulled me out for endangering myself and ended my investigation before I could finish it. So I had to lie and act ignorant to keep my case, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have discovered them.” Directing towards Isabel and the animatronics.

“I am grateful that you didn’t die too,” Bennet admits, sounding calmer now, and turns to Isabel. “Nice to meet you guys.”

“Nice to meet you too, I’m Isabel,” the female human introduces herself, then the others. “Charlie is the puppet you were talking to. Lefty is the purple bear and the other bear is Golden Freddy, they are possessed by two spirits; Cassidy and Dave.”

Bennett nods in understanding. “I don’t know how you two can be so calm about this,” directed to the other two humans. “Because this is freaky, possessed animatronics by ghost children.”

Isabel modestly shrugs. “I’ve been dealing with this sort of thing since I was twelve, and your friend here had seen a lot during his investigation that there’s a lot to believe to the point there is no way it can’t be true,” which Larson nods in agreement. “Alright, enough chatter. Lowrey and Burnett, take us inside please.”

The cops silently agreed and led them in. As Isabel, Bennet, Goldie, and Lefty went on ahead. Larson and Charlie stayed behind.

“I want to thank you for saving me,” Larson says gratefully to Charlie. “When I saw you drown in the lake, I thought you were a goner and I felt guilty for not thanking you prior. You took a heavy risk by destroying the Agony from within.”

“I couldn’t see another innocent die to Afton,” Charlie admitted. “He has taken too many lives by his own hands and by his creations. I didn’t want you to be another number added to his count.” Then she shuffled a bit. “But I do appreciate the sentiment, Detective Larson. Besides, it takes a lot more than that to take me down, especially by Afton.”

They looked at the entryway of the pizzeria to see Lefty keeping the door open, waiting for them. “We should go,” Charlie says and hovers towards her animatronic friend, the detective following behind her.

Inside, the hard tiles were dusted in dirt. The furniture was neatly together but lightly coated in dust. And the aroma of the room smelled like stale pizza crust, dirt, and aged marinara.

Both Larson and Bennett led them to the ball pit room, but when they opened the door, the smell of something dead wafted out of the room. Immediately the detectives went In with their flashlights on while Isabel held the door open with his foot.

“Jeff is dead,” Larson announced. “Body massacred with sharp teeth bites and long cuts. Heavy bleeding.”

“Two rows of teeth?” Charlie then asks as the animatronics stand with Isabel.

“Yeah,” Larson confirms.

“T-t-then most likely an a-a-animatronic did this,” Cassidy confirms.

“I’ll go look, I don’t want Dave to see this,” Charlie insisted and entered the room. Then Bennett decides to leave it, still holding his donut while trying to not look sick.

“I’m gonna go find a tablecloth or something to cover up the body,” he informed the group.

“Take Goldie with you,” Isabel tells him. “It might not be safe here.” Bennett looks at Goldie unsurely, wanting to be sure if it’s okay.

“I’ll p-protect you,” Cassidy assured the man and followed him.

Lefty gently holds Isabel close for protection. Inside the ball pit room, it was equally as dusty and disgusting as the rest of the entire building. But in a corner of the room, Jeff lies dead in a pool of his blood. With his neck chomped into. And deep cuts that look like it’s from a knife.

Charlie is pained to see Jeff dead, and out of frustration, she punches a wall. Making Bennett flinch alongside Lefty and Isabel.

“Charlie, I know how you feel,” Bennett says. “I know it must be hard on yourself, to want to save everyone from Afton’s creations. But you shouldn’t pressure yourself so much to save everyone, you can’t control what happens to people that you’re unaware of the dangers upon them. You just have to accept what happens and save those that are still living.”

Charlie looks over and sees Lefty holding Isabel close. Charlie swore she could hear her crying as Lefty comforts her.

“I know,” Charlie says with awareness. “I just wish it didn’t end this way. To be this way. Afton’s creations could endanger humanity before we know it.”

“Charlie, Earth has eight billion people. There’s no way a small group of killer animatronics are capable of such a thing,” Larson insists while assuring her.

“Outnumbered, yes, but they are also strong, fast, and smart,” Charlie countered. “Each death of a human soul is like a dose of steroids to a human’s body. A rush of energy to keep them going, and in return, increase knowledge of how to kill humanity faster. They thrive off of Remnant and agony, they won’t stop until they have been captured. And I have to make sure humanity doesn’t fall into extinction.”

“Will they soon gain enough intelligence to make more of themselves?” Larson asks her.

“Too slow,” Charlie continues. “They could duplicate themselves but it’s a slow process. Requiring resources and materials to make more of themselves. They choose to hunt instead because if they go too long without killing someone, they start to slow down and become weak. Slowly depleting their remnant source.”

Then Goldie comes back with Bennett, holding some white tablecloths. “We got something to cover the body,” Bennett says. Charlie and Larson take the tablecloths and cover Jeff. Now Isabel can come in without grossing out.

Lefty enters the room alongside Isabel. She summons tall pop-up empty laundry baskets and before they started emptying the ball pit, they heard shuffling from within it.

“Draw your tasers,” Charlie informed the detectives and they listened. More balls shuffled, and then silence came over the room before an animatronic popped out; a yellow rabbit with blue optics and sharp rows of teeth. Looking identical to the Spring Bonnie suit.

“It’s Pittrap!” Lefty exclaimed in horror. The cops fired their tasers but it didn’t do anything against Pittrap.

“That thing has a name?!” Bennet exclaims in fear. Pittrap nearly grabbed Larson if it wasn’t for Goldie stopping it by grabbing the creature telepathically and throwing it into the net.

“Y-y-yes it d-does,” Goldie says.

“They are all named and this one is an Afton creation,” Charlie continues the story as Pittrap accidentally tangles itself into the net, screeching and flailing as it tries to free itself, Charlie watching it like a hawk. “I think it is, or it’s something else. Either way, it’s an agony recreation of Afton’s crime; murdering the five children that possess the animatronics.”

The thing finally tore itself free from the net, but before anyone acted, a swift figure sprinted past them and lunged at Pittrap. The tazer strings snap off the guns the figure “drowning” Pittrap under the balls as it sinks with it.

“Is that Stitchwraith?!” Bennett asks Larson.

“Probably, there’s no one else that I can think of that would show up at a time like this,” Larson admits, everyone was watching the ball pit for a sign of either one coming back up.

“I-I’ll get them,” Goldie says before diving in.

“Cassidy no!” Charlie exclaims but it is too late, so she turns to Isabel. “If Pittrap comes up, use Spider Rope against it.” Then Charlie changes into her Nightmare form just in case. “That thing is coming with us, like it or not.”

Then the balls shuffled again. Out came Goldie with Stitchwraith over their shoulders as they had a firm grip on Pittrap. Immediately Isabel cast Spider Rope to restrain and constrict around the rabbit. Goldie pulls it out and lays it on the ground before gently setting Stitchwraith on the ground too.

“Are you okay?” Larson asks the Stitchwraith in concern as he kneels before it.

“Yeah, thanks detective,” the Stitchwraith says assuringly to Larson, and the detective helps it up on its feet. Then it turns to Goldie. “Thanks for coming in to help.” Which Goldie nods in assurance. “But who are the rest of you guys? I only know Larson and the puppet.”

“I’m Detective Samuel Bennett, Larson’s ride or die,” the man says with confidence.

“I’m Isabel, a close friend to the puppet, also known as Charlie,” she says calmly.

“I’m Lefty, Charlie’s animatronic friend,” the bear also says calmly.

“A-a-and I’m Goldie. But you can c-call us that, or Cassidy and Dave,” the dirty gold bear says.

“I’m known as Stitchwraith, but my real name is Jake. And I also speak for Andrew,” the Stitchwraith introduced itself. “He says hi.”

“Are you a victim of Afton?” Charlie asks Jake curiously as she gets closer to him. Jake shook his head.

“No, but Andrew is,” Jake informs Charlie. “I died in a hospital. Brain tumor.” The last bit he says sadly and Charlie hugs him, to which they hug back. “Thank you,” he says and they part from the hug. “So, what is everyone here for?”

“We’re taking the balls out of the ball pit, but we also got to let our Chief know what’s going on,” Larson tells him. “Jeff was killed by Pittrap most likely and there are traces of the same blood of someone bleeding out into the ball pit for years.”

“Do you know who?” Jake asks him.

“No clue, it could have been Afton or someone else. We don’t know,” Larson confessed. “But this place is a crime scene. And I know that everyone here is innocent. So if everyone can be honest here, things can go smoothly.”

They all agreed. As Larson and Bennett contacted their chief to inform them of what happened at Jeff’s, Isabel and the animatronics emptied the ball pit. By the time the police and the chief arrived, Larson explained everything.

“So the owner was killed by an animatronic that wasn’t the Stitchwraith?” Chief Monahan asks Larson for clarification. He, Bennett, Isabel, the animatronics, and Stitchwraith were outside with Pittrap still restrained. Jeff’s corpse was then carried away on a stretcher. “It was this thing?” referring to the rabbit.

The evidence was clear on Jeff’s body that it was Pittrap. What else could have mauled the body that badly?

“Yes sir,” Larson nods to confirm that statement.

“And what about the blood samples in the ball pit?” Monahan then asks.

“It was Eleanor’s,” Charlie, now back to her normal puppet form, chimed into the conversation. “I don’t know why she let herself bleed onto the plastic balls after killing each victim. But at least the case has been solved now.”

“Eleanor who?!” The chief asks Charlie a little rudely.

“Just Eleanor,” she continues. “She’s an evil animatronic made by William Afton using remnant and agony. And she has killed so many to gain power by making remnant.”

“Animatronics can bleed?�� Monahan then asks in disbelief, to which Charlie nods. “Yes, in a way,” she confesses. “But don’t worry, Eleanor is locked up and so is her maker.”

“Where are they kept? Also, I thought William was dead,” the chief continues.

“He is, somewhat. His soul is trapped in a human/animatronic amalgamation that wants to feed off of agony and create Remnant to survive,” Charlie continues before fumbling with her puppet hands. “As for where they are kept, currently their bodies are locked away in the basement of the Pizzaplex. Where we plan on keeping all of Afton’s monstrosities.”

“The Pizzaplex that was built on top of the old location?” Monahan asks in disbelief which Charlie nods. “What exactly do you plan on doing with Afton and the other creations once they’re locked up?”

“We’re keeping Afton alive because he doesn’t deserve death after what he did to me and countless other children he has victimized,” Charlie reassures the policeman. “And once we have all of his creations if they’re no longer needed for information, we take their bodies apart piece by piece and destroy them. For now, we have only Afton and Eleanor. Now Pittrap included.”

The chief nods in understanding and places his hands on his hips. “Well, jail is for humans, not animatronics, so I can’t exactly cuff this Pittrap nor do I want him in jail so he can kill people if he wishes. And I don’t think the government would even believe our story or even let animatronics into jail,” he says, looking at Pittrap on the ground. “Alright, I’ll let you take this thing and the balls. But at least now I know where to find you in case a crime report with an animatronic has been spotted.”

“Yes sir,” Charlie confirms. “We’ll make sure to help and keep the creations locked away. I don’t want anyone else to suffer too.”

“And what’s your name?” The chief then asks.

“I’m Charlotte. Charlotte “Charlie” Emily. The daughter of Henry Emily,” she says, leaving the policeman speechless.

Since that night, Monahan had become a believer in ghosts. He even inspected the underground of the Pizzaplex, sure enough, he saw more animatronics from Freddy’s past living down there. But since the animatronics were turning the basement into a prison, the manager of the establishment also had to know now since this was a big ordeal that couldn’t be hidden so easily.

Although it did shake him a bit, the manager was okay as well as long as none of the evil animatronics escaped. Pittrap was now imprisoned with the others in a broken Glamrock charging chamber just like Afton and Eleanor. Stitchwraith then decided to stay with the animatronics in the Pizzaplex as they had nowhere else to go but the streets.

The others were indeed welcoming towards Jake and Andrew into their “home”.

But time soon ticked and it wasn’t January anymore. March was here and there was no sign of another animatronic showing up, but hey, they at least have their own phone line that the police can contact them with.

“Relax Charlie, I’m sure an animatronic might slip up one day,” Isabel reassured the puppet. “But for now, just take it easy. You’ve been dealing with Afton’s messes for quite some time.”

They were in the basement of the Pizzaplex, at night, of course, and Isabel was gently petting The Blob’s, which they have now called Tangle, head. It makes a mechanical “purring” sound as she does.

“I know it’s frustrating for you because you don’t want people to die, but believe me, I know being a hero isn’t easy and you can’t save those that you don’t know are in danger. The only thing we can do is wait for our time to strike and keep the situation from getting worse,” Isabel continues.

“Isabel is right, you know,” Lefty agrees as he sees Charlie “looking sad” as the puppet is cross-armed and looking at the ground.

“It’s not that, I just miss my dad,” Charlie confesses as she looks up at the animatronic bear. “I wish he was here to help us.” They all look at her sympathetically, and Lefty opens his arms to let Charlie hug him which she does. Letting them wrap their arms around each other, then they heard The Grandfather Clock music box playing from him.

Just then, Isabel felt her phone buzz and saw she was getting a call from the daycare as Sun was calling her. “Hey Izzy, thanks for letting one of your animatronic friends hang out with me in the Daycare and help clean up. It’s been easy closing here for the past few weeks,” he tells her gratefully.

Isabel was puzzled. The animatronics have been staying in the basement most of the time and rarely do they go to the daycare.

“Um, exactly who is it that has been helping you?” Isabel then asks in concern.

“A yellow rabbit,” Sun says casually like the rabbit is a friend, which makes Isabel panic a bit and she quickly walks into the room where Spring Bonnie is held… and he is gone as his capsule is open wide. Thankfully Afton and Eleanor are still in theirs which Isabel sighs in relief as she hears Sun rambling through the phone. “…he doesn’t talk but he’s been very nice in helping out around the Daycare. I have never seen it so clean before, usually, it takes me half the night sometimes just by myself.”

Isabel then rejoins her animatronic friends. “Sun, can you please stay where you are? I’m on my way,” she says before hanging up.

“What’s the problem?” Charlie asks since they saw Isabel walk away swiftly before she came back.

“Spring Bonnie somehow got out,” she tells them before raising her arms from her sides. “Tangle, if you don’t mind, take us to the Daycare please. This is an emergency.”

Tangle was also a form of transportation around the Pizzaplex if no one wanted to take the stairs, and since they also had a common goal against Afton, he was their ally. They’re quite fast for being a massive mesh of coils and wires.

Tangle swiftly yet gently wrapped tendrils around Isabel’s waist, including Charlie and Lefty. Protecting them inside their body of coils. It was dark inside but they trusted them. Sure enough, they could hear Tangle swiftly move through the establishment, it was quite noisy but it was not obnoxious. Sure enough, they felt him stop before lowering them down inside on the other side of the gate doors.

“Thanks, Tangle,” Isabel says politely to them. The gate doors were open and they ran inside. Sure enough, they saw Spring Bonnie in the distance cleaning the ball pit. He and Sun have managed to empty the Daycare’s ball pit, with the balls in large baskets, and were cleaning the shallow pit for dirt, loose socks, or anything else. It was strange seeing something so violent act so normal such as cleaning.

“What do we do?” Isabel asks unsurely as they watch the rabbit in the distance. “Cause if we approach, it’s going to attack us.”

“I mean, Tangle can restrain it,” Charlie points out which Tangle nods as its head lowers from the ceiling.

“Alright, I’ll approach him,” Isabel concluded while being reassuring. “I’ll be calm and hope he doesn’t attack me. If he does, I trust Tangle.”

So, Isabel then casually walked up to Spring Bonnie who was sweeping inside the shallow pit. He looks up and sees her, his blue optics glowing brighter as he lets out a soft aggressive snarl, stopping his work.

Isabel stops walking and stays a good distance away from him.

“Hey buddy,” she says as she holds her hands up in a reassuring placating expression. “It’s okay, I come in peace and I know you’re mad at me. But I see that you have made friends with Sun.” She saw his optics more from away from her a bit before refocusing himself on her. He saw who was behind her but he remained in his spot and continued sweeping.

“Do you like Sun?” Isabel asks curiously as she gets closer to him, talking to him like she’s having a conversation with a child. “Do you like the ball pit here?” He stops sweeping again, his ears lower, his optics dim and he looks sad. “Do you miss the old ball pit?” Spring Bonnie nods in response.

“Then I apologize for taking your old ball pit away,” Isabel says as she talks soothingly to Pittrap. “But those balls contained souls that Eleanor killed. And we have them downstairs for safekeeping. At least the ball pit here is bigger and you’re in a cleaner place compared to Jeff’s.”

Spring Bonnie made a head motion that he confirmed what Isabel said was true. Then Sun shows up and Spring Bonnie presents its work on the ball pit’s condition.

“Good job, buddy,” Sun says proudly. “I got done mopping and sanitizing the little kids' bathrooms.” And Isabel can tell as she can smell toilet cleaner and bleach on him. “When you’re done, we can clean the kids' playground together.”

“Sun,” Isabel says, and the animatronic looks at her. “You said that you two have been doing this for weeks?”

“Yes we have,” Sun says happily. “He’s been such help, he’s very nice and a lot better than any employee here that helps around. Except for Vanessa, I don’t include her since she only works the nights on guard duty. But I like her. Me and buddy here always talk and-”

“Wait,” Isabel then interrupted Sun. “You said he doesn’t talk.”

“Verbally like us, he can’t, but he can sign,” Sun says, Isabel looks at Spring Bonnie and he signs her ‘hi’ before continuing to sweep. “And what did he say?”

“Oh, nothing much. When we first met, he told me he came from downstairs and I thought he was one of your friends,” Sun continues. “But he’s really fun and he loves playing in the ball pit. And he’s been so helpful around here too, always helping me clean at the end of every night. Honestly, I think I should talk to the manager here to convince him to work the day with me.”

That immediately made Isabel jump in concern as she looked at Sun with wide eyes. Blood, murder, death, hell no!

“No!” She exclaimed while sounding frantic which made Sun flinch. So Isabel fixed her tone. “I mean, no,” this time more calmly. “Let me discuss with your buddy about this before we talk to the manager, okay?”

“Okay,” Sun says while sounding a little unsure and turns to Spring Bonnie. “I’m gonna go do restock and inventory before we clean the playground, see you later, buddy.” Then Sun walks away. Spring Bonnie looks at Isabel, holding the broom like he’s listening while his optics are now glowing brightly.

“Okay, so, I’m sure you now know that we haven’t told Sun about your past and I’m assuming neither have you,” Isabel tells him. “But I can tell that you like Sun and you want to stay friends with him, correct?”

Spring Bonnie then nods in confirmation. “Okay,” Isabel continues as she speaks calmly. “I’m going to let the others know about this and we’ll discuss as you work. When you’re done, come downstairs and we’ll talk some more, okay?”

Spring Bonnie nods again. His optics dim and continues his work and Isabel makes her way back to Charlie.

“What happened?” Lefty asks curiously. “He could have attacked you at any time but chose not to.”

“He seems happy with Sun,” Isabel tells them. “Less murdery and aggressive. I think Sun is his balance to his agony.”

“That’s a possibility,” Charlie murmurs. “Agony is the yin to joy. So, it’s normal for Spring Bonnie to latch onto something that makes the agony go away. That comfort is what he wants.”

“Still, I think Spring Bonnie wants to be better than what Afton wanted him to be,” Isabel agrees with Charlie. “Maybe he also carries the good from William Afton before he became a psychotic child murderer.”

“I believe in second chances,” Charlie says and looks at Lefty who smiles back at her. “I think this is what Spring Bonnie wants.”

So they went to discuss this with Goldie. “A-are you i-insane?!” Goldie stutters as they sit on the ground. “H-h-he’s a killer a-animatronic. A replica o-o-of his greatest crime.” Then they heard an exasperated sigh before seeing a ball of light exit from one of Goldie’s eye sockets and create a form as it got bigger; a ghost of a child.

The child was Cassidy. She has long raven hair pulled into ponytails with yellow hair ties with plastic balls on them. She wore a yellow turtleneck with thin orange stripes going across the turtleneck horizontally. Over it was black overalls with a half-circle pocket on the chest. Her skin is a pale white with her lips being the same color. Her scleras are black with white pupils. From her bottom eye sockets down past her cheeks to her jawline were thick black tear marks. Representing her sadness when she passed away. But as her ghostly form floated, her legs were merged in a genie tail.

“Much better, I couldn’t deal with that suit stuttering,” Cassidy says in annoyance, crossing her arms as she looks at the Golden Freddy suit that now has one glowing light in the eye socket.

The suit then shrugs as the other light leaves Golden Freddy to form the spirit of Dave Afton. His hair is brownish black and a little messy as his bangs almost cover up his eyes. Probably represents his shy behavior. Just like Cassidy, he also has the same eyes and tear marks but he wears a dark grey shirt with a few light grey stripes going across the torso.

Surprisingly he was able to shrink the animatronic husk down to the size of a plush and hold it in his arms as he listened to the conversation.

“Anyways, Pittrap is a mimic of Afton. It is cunning, ruthless, and murderous,” Cassidy continues. “We should not trust it and just lock it away.”

Isabel, Charlie, and Lefty look at each other. Trying to think of a way to proceed with this without creating an argument, and angering Cassidy in the process. They want to give Pit a chance but know that Cassidy might be unhappy with whatever decision they make without her approval.

“Cassidy, we understand how you feel towards Pit because of Afton. But, I am an animatronic who isn’t possessed. And I’m the same as Pittrap-,” Lefty says before being interrupted by Cassidy.

“That you know of, Pittrap could be possessed,” Cassidy blurts.

“But wouldn’t it be the right thing to at least try with him?” Lefty continues while having a stare-down with Cassidy. “Because if he has been seeing Sun numerous amounts of times without trying to escape, destroying the security bots, or killing Vanessa and Gregory. Then I believe there’s some good in him. Remember, you gave the circus animatronics knowing well that they were made by Afton. How is Pittrap any different?”

Lefty then saw Cassidy’s stern look melt away into remorse. “Alright,” she says as her facial expression hardens again. “He can have his chance. But the moment he steps out of line, he goes back to imprisonment in a reinforced pod. Understood?”

“Understood,” Lefty says with a nod, and the two shake on it.

————————————————————

To be continued…

#fnaf #five nights at freddy's #fnaf fandom #fnaf fanfic

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floraltypes · 3 years ago

Text

Old Beginning Pt. 2

pairings - aaron hotchner x reader, jethro gibbs x reader

chapters - one

summary - the news of a dinner party arrises, but there are some little challenges before the actually night

wc - 3k

an - sorry this took awhile, my summer is over and my writing schedule will be a little wonky now. i’m taking a break from answering requests, so I apologize if I haven’t answered yours, but i eventually will

Penelope and you both looked back at Aaron, taken back by his repeating of the word ‘boyfriend’. You didn’t plan on telling people so soon, considering he was your boss from your old line of work.

“I want to know everything about him, you have to invite him!” Penelope quickly went back into her loud chatting, attracting other faces at her comment. “I also may have mentioned to some of the team that you do have a boyfriend, it just slipped! You know I can’t keep secrets!”

“It’s okay, Pene,” You smiled softly. “I can’t invite him though, you know, since I’m not the one holding the dinner event.”

“You can invite your partner, everyone else can as well, considering it is a catch up,” Dave walked over, a cup of coffee in his own hand as he used the other to scratch at his stubble. “I’ll even invite the woman I’ve been seeing. Feel free to all bring a plus one, I have enough room and everyone deserves a taste of my Italian dishes, will change their lives.”

“Thank you, Rossi, but I simply can’t. It’s so soon, and he’s such a busy man,” You laughed, waving your hand. “It was a kind gesture though.”

“L/n, don’t tell us you’re embarrassed to show your new boyfriend to us?” Derek walked back over, poking your shoulder. “Penelope told all of us down here, just wanted to wait and see when you would tell us.”

“I’m not embarrassed, that’s absurd. He’s truly busy.”

“Invite him, I’ll make sure Will comes and hire a babysitter for Henry, so that we can truly have a adult night,” JJ chuckled. “Everyone is bringing a date, so it would be odd if you didn’t.”

“Actually, I don’t have a partner at the moment due to how invested I am in my studies and the factors of that many young woman my age only focus on the factor of conventional attractiveness rather then the complexity of brains and deep-”

“Don’t worry, Spencer, if you don’t have a date, then I’ll just bring two,” Emily joked. “You don’t need a date, I’m not bringing one either, but Y/n is for sure.”

“I’ll be like the tw-”

“You are dating someone, we aren’t, so you’ll bring that someone. Come on, L/n,” Emily continued on, grabbing your hand and pulling you away. “I’ll walk you out,” She turned back to wink at her coworkers, leading you to the elevator and soon the parking lot.

“Aaron,” Rossi looked towards his friend, a man who had his glare fixated on your exiting figure. “Will you bring Beth, the more the merrier.”

“Yeah, I suppose I will,” He answered, retrieving his cellphone from his pocket, pulling up her contact picture, thumb hovering over the call button. “Let’s finish up this work, so we call all get home.” He shoved it back in his pocket, commanding everyone else while moving back up the stairs to his office.

Meanwhile, you were outside of your car, looking at Emily still was right by your side.

“Bring your boyfriend,” She commented, watching as you fished for your keys and unlocked your car. “I want to meet him, I haven’t really talked to you in a long time.”

“We’re both so busy. Him as well.”

“Seriously, Y/n, I’m not gonna ease up on you. I’ve noticed the new tint in your eye, new considering the last time it was severely dulled. It’s amazing to see your real smile again, you closer to your old self despite the past losses. He really has helped you, so I want to meet the man who helped my dear friend so much.”

You contemplated her kind words, getting down to the point that everyone probably was happy to see you again, yourself physically and mentally.

“I’ll call him, see if he can come. Can’t promise anything, his work is very important to him, so if it needs him he’s there.”

Emily smiled widely, leaning over to kiss your cheek before you moved to open the front door and start your car.

“Great, I’m actually bringing someone. Poor Spencer might be the only one.”

“Aaron is as well?”

“Hotch, yeah,” She laughed. “Meet her at some track meet he had, Jack really likes her.”

“That’s good, I’ll see you soon then,” You smiled, shutting the door as Emily watched you back out, waving a small goodbye.

Leaving the facility, while at a stop light, you found your flip phone, finding the contact of Jethro and quickly dialing the number.

“Gibbs,” He answered.

“Hey, are you on a case?”

“No, are you driving?”

“Yes, safely. What are you doing? Building a boat,” You chuckled, imagining him in the basement with the tool and sweaty shirt.

“Yeah. Did you meet up with your old team today?”

“Mhm, all surprised to see me today. It was humorous in a sense. But, Rossi invited me and everyone to a dinner, telling us to bring a partner.”

“Who are you planning on bringing?”

“You.”

“So, we’re being more public with our relationship?”

“Just with the old team, my old team, they don’t have contact with anyone apart of NCIS, or at least not personal only professional.”

“I thought you were going to come and see me, instead of making me drive,” You could almost sense his smile on the other line, a mocking one.

Gibbs would obviously accept the offer, the man truly holding a strong affection for you, a soft spot personally for you, so he would agree to drive the hour or two.

But just because he would, it doesn’t mean he didn’t have to mess around a bit, act like he wouldn’t.

“I know, but then you can see my new apartment. And after this weekend, who knows when we’ll be able to see each other again. Both of our jobs involved sporadic cases that start and end at no specific time, hard to plan around. And, everyone is pressuring me to meet you.”

“I’m already popular, huh?”

“I suppose,” You huffed, rubbing your temple, exhaustion starting to take over you, wanting to get some rest, a calming bath to combat earlier feelings that seemed as if they were creeping up once again.

“I’ll come, don’t worry. Get home safe, call me when you have the address and date.”

“Okay, bye.” You hung up, tossing the phone onto the empty seat as you continued to drive, playing the music from the CD already inserted in your car.

Time leading up to the dinner seemed to fly by, especially considering that it wasn’t much time and you weren’t having to work. You decided to take the free time to get fully settled in, figure out your nerves, make a phone call to your therapist, and even read. Trying to get prepared for all the days that are to come.

Your hair was now being changed from its normal du to a new one, fancier in a sense. Applying a nice coat of makeup, new lip color, trying a new pallet and the old eyelash curler that hasn’t been used in a while, you finished ‘upgrading’ your face. A outfit was simple, considering you didn’t have many fancy ones, so with not much to choose, it was a quick decision.

Sliding that on and fixing the straps to be a bit tighter, messing with the bra to fit correctly, and pulling it down a bit, you grabbed your go to purse, shoving needed materials a into it as you moved to the kitchen.

Within the kitchen, there was a certain door within the wall of the pantry with a password. Quickly typing in the combination the door swung open, choosing between a small but handy knife, you put in the pocket of your bag.

You weren’t too worried about dangers at the dinner, but with years of catching/fighting murders, specific people after you, and even very powerful assassins, you carried certain weapons for safety.

Hearing the sturdy knock of someone’s knuckles on your front door, you rushed to shut the the secret door in the pantry, heading to your front door where someone was waiting.

A quick peak through the hole, your eyes widened in surprise and opened the door, allowing the man to walk in.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you, till uh, later tonight,” You mentioned, looking him up and down to see him more dressed up. “Are you not able to attend anymore?”

“No, I’m still going,” Hotch denied, sliding off his shoes and following you to the couch. “I just wanted to chat before than, a chance for just the two of us.”

“Is something wrong?” You walked over to your teapot, filling it with water, and placing it on your stove, heating up the water. “This is very unexpected.”

“Nothing is wrong. I just want to talk to you, see the apartment, hear what’s new with you.”

“Things,” You shrugged. “Obviously I’ve had a new job experience, similar in ways and also not. Grew closer with a new group of teammates, people, lost a few. Yeah, lost a few,” You repeated, remembering Jenny Shepard, even Kate, both amazing women, who did amazing things.

“That’s always hard, I guess my most recent loss was Haley,” Aaron hummed, soon the kettle making a high pitched noise, you rushing to take it off and grab some tea bags.

“She was also a amazing woman. Wonderful mother, cared so much for that little boy.”

“She really was.”

“Did you come to chat about her, it’s been a while since we had. Last time we really talked was five months after she passed, after the funeral.”

“It really has been that long?” Aaron questioned, taking the tea that you time handed him. “But it’s not the reason I came. I should have made more of a effort to keep in touch, after your transfer, after your loss.”

“You stayed with me for three months, allowing to lose some time with your son so you could change my dirty sheets and pick up all my snotty tissues,” You laughed, sitting down across from him with your own cup. “You had to get back to your family, make up for loss time.”

“You still helped me with my divorce during that time, and I still saw Jack,” He reminded you.

“I could’ve moved in with my father, but you allowed me not to do that.”

“Your father is a good man, but might not be the best to live with,” He laughed, a deep chuckle, something you didn’t see much. “You look nice.”

“Now you just notice,” You chuckle, taking another sip. “Thank you, you look nice as well. I was actually just going to call Jethro and tell him to meet me there, a bit of a drive and he isn’t happy about having to find a new team,” You spoke freely, feeling comfortable with the old friend, one you used to spill everything to years ago, him ranting to you too.

“Jethro? He has his own team? Sounds like a boss of some type.”

“Uh, technically. It’s complicated. I need to get going, to make it to the dinner on time and, finish, um, cleaning up my room before leaving.”

“I could take you there.”

“No thanks, I’ll see you there, bye.” You helped guide him to the door, a curt wave before he exited and shut it, locking it in a rush and moving back to the dining room table to clean the mugs.

You didn’t want to tell him all that, always insecure due to Gibbs being the prior boss of you and how people looked at that. Rumors were always spread about your and Aaron’s relationship, mostly about it being romantic.

Joining the team, you two easily hit it off due to your personalities. Always being filled with determination and stubbornness, refusing to give up till everything was done and right, even with files. Eventually you joined together, talked, spent most days with each other due to cases, and truly gained a very close friendship.

When rumors were getting around, glares were thrown your way, comments, left out by members who weren’t your immediate teams. People thought you were the cause of Haley and Aaron’s divorce, somehow word got around quickly, drama always does.

It was frustrating, already dealing with many different things at home, and even being in a relationship, it put so much unneeded stress and anxiety onto you.

So, getting into a relationship with Gibbs was a very reluctant thing on your part, he expressed his feelings first, but it was hard to accept them, despite the nerves he faced to do it.

Locking up the apartment, having all of your items with you, you made your way out the door and too your car, starting the drive to David’s house.

Upon arriving, you could hear light chatter in the home, lights on, and soothing music playing in the background. It sounded like everyone was having their fun, you couldn’t make out all the shadows of everyone indoors, just waiting outside for Jethro to arrive.

“Y/n?” You turned around at the sound of his voice, keys jingling in his hands as he walked up to you with a sly smile, shoving them in his pockets to place his arms around your waist. “What’s wrong, love?” Be snaked them around, a kiss to your somewhat clothed shoulder.

“Nothing, just a bit nervous to introduce you to everyone,” You smiled back at him, he squeezed a little tighter, catching your lips in a quick kiss. “Looking at your team, yet?”

“Nevermind that,” He grumbled, removing his hands to now interlace your left one with his right. “We should go in, right?”

“Maybe we could head back, to my place, say you are sick or something?” You looked back at him with a pleading look, to which he just chuckled at, starting to move to the front door, pressing the doorbell as you groaned a little.

“You’ll be fine,” He looked back at you as Rossi answered the door, cheerful smile on his lips, glass of scotch in hand as he moved out of the way to let you in.

“Ah! Y/n!” He cheered, leaning over to kiss your cheek and then pulled back. “Glad you made it! This must be…”

“Y/n! Oh where is the man?” Penelope rushed in, coming right by you with her own fruity drink, then leaning to whisper in your ear. “Is this him, oo!”

“Uh, Jethro that’s David,” You pointed to the man who first greeted you, him and Jethro shaking hands. “This is Penelope, the one kind of like Abby,” You smiled, as she gave you a little look, turning back and enveloping him in a little hug. She quickly turned back to you.

“He looks a little intimidating,” She whispered as you just laughed.

“For sure,” You nodded.

“Can I offer you a drink?” David turned to you two, gesturing to the one in his hand. “Something like Garcia for you Y/n, and what about you Jethro?”

“Just call me Gibbs, and yeah that’s fine,” He corrected Rossi, taking your hand as the two of you walked more inside of the magnificent house.

It truly was so well designed, very expensive, and the appetizers adorning the oak wood table looked very delicious. You wanted to go and grab a bite, before you were actually led to the living room where everyone was currently sitting.

“L/n, finally made it,” Derek laughed, beer in his hand as he pointed at you with a little chuckle. “You always know how to be a bit late.”

“Fashionably late, I believe that’s what it’s called,” JJ corrected them with her own wine glass in hand, Will sat right besides her on one of the couch as most of them in that room joined in laughter.

“What can I say?” You laughed, walking over, feeling less nervous with the factor of introducing your boyfriend, taking a seat on another couch in the large room, Jethro automatically sitting right besides you.

“So, introduce us,” Emily motioned over to Jethro, sly smile playing on her lips.

“This is Jethro, but he goes by Gibbs, and, uh, this is the team,” You started to name everyone off while pointing to them, leaving off a few names due to your members introducing their own partners to you.

Emily, Derek, and JJ had all brought partners. Spencer and Penelope decided to ‘go together’ as if they were partners, and Hotch hadn’t arrived yet. Rossi also had his girlfriend helping him cook in the kitchen, making drinks for you and Gibbs now.

“So, you work at NCIS, right?” Spencer questioned. “The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, very interesting considering the type of crimes you investigate. I would love to hear more about some of your cases and how you went about it,” Spencer smiled, a small notebook being pulled out of his pocket with a pen.

“Yeah,” Gibbs just nodded, looking at you a little questioning, which you just chuckled at.

“Why should we talk so much about work, it’s something we all do too much of,” You joked, everyone laughing, as Dave came back out, handing some drinks.

“Fine, fine, what do you do for fun Mr. Gibbs?” Derek asked, putting a arm over the couch and pulling his girl closer to his side, the woman just on her phone.

“I like to build boats, a type of hobbie I’ve been doing for years.”

“Building boats? Where?” Will wondered, intertwining his fingers with JJ.

“My basement, a private workspace.”

“How do you get it out then?” Penelope inquired, now back by Spencer and her face in her hand, leaning closer to show her interest in Gibbs statement.

“I’d be no fun if you knew that,” He shrugged, taking a drink with a small smile as Penelope gasped, Emily mouthing how ‘I like him’. It was sweet how everything was going well.

They all continued to converse with Gibbs, easily accepting him apart of the conversation, it was sweet and you were now on your second drink, practically all nerves gone.

“Sorry we’re late,” A voice mentioned in the hallway, dressed in a fine suit with a beautiful woman standing besides him. He shrugged off the last of his coat as he hung it up, taking her hand and walking into the hallway a little.

“This is such a nice place, Aaron. Oh! Your friend, wow, so grand,” The woman admired, now truly getting in your line of sight.

“Yeah,” He mumbled, eyes interlocking with yours before falling onto Gibbs. “I’m Aaron, call me Hotch.”

“I’m Gibbs,” Your boyfriend stood up, moving over to the other man with his hand stuck out. “Call me that.”

You had a feeling this evening wouldn’t be as smooth as you hoped.

——————

taglist - @wolviesbabes @hotch-meeeeeuppppp

(comment to be added, or a tag list for all my gibbs post)

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eminems-skittles · 3 years ago

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fireworks [aaron hotchner x reader]

aaron hotchner x fem!reader warnings: fear of fireworks, mentions of nightmares word count: 2.9k

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

The sun shone down on the small stretch of beach the BAU team was currently situated on. Since it was Fourth of July and they didn't have a case, the team decided to rent out a mansion, Rossi's idea not theirs, in a small beach town they once visited on a case. Surprisingly they found a house that could accommodate everyone, including everyone's spouses and children. No one was quite sure where Rossi found the house and everyone shared the same theory. It was actually his but he didn't want anyone to know. All the adults were able to have their own rooms, while the kids all shared a room that was filled with bunk beds. The house itself was a beautiful Cape Cod-style three floor mansion with a pool, large yard, guest house and access to the beach.

Everyone was currently either sitting on the beach or playing in the water. Hotch, Rossi, Spencer, Emily and Y/N were currently sitting on the beach. Hotch and Rossi were getting snacks set up at the picnic table. Spencer and Y/N were lounging on the sand, Spencer opting to read a book while Y/N and Emily watched the kids splash around in the water. Penelope and Derek were chasing around Jack and Henry while JJ and Will took a walk up the beach.

"So I was thinking we do some fireworks tonight?" Rossi said, his voice raising so Spencer, Emily and Y/N could hear him. Y/N froze when she heard him, her body stiffening subconsciously. No one seemed to notice her small change in demeanor. No one except Hotch. When he caught her eye, he sent a look as if to say, 'everything okay?' Y/N shook her slightly before looking over at Rossi and telling him that was a great idea. Emily and Spencer followed suit, chatting excitedly about the small fireworks show they were going to have.

"Y/N! Y/N!" Jack shouted, running up the beach and launching himself into Y/N's arms. Henry, Derek and Penelope were following closely behind.

"Oh!" Y/N groaned when he landed in her lap, with his arms around her neck. Her arms immediately wrapped around him to hold him up before she looked down at the little boy."What's up buddy?"

"Do you want to go swimming with us?" Jack asked, his eyes lighting up. Y/N almost melted on site, her heart warming at the fact he wanted to spend time with her. She quickly glanced at Hotch, who was smiling back at her.

It was no secret that Hotch and Y/N were a couple. If Y/N wasn't at the BAU or on a case, she was at Hotch's house, spending time with him and Jack. They are constantly touching when they think no one is paying attention, sneaking kisses and holding hands. What they fail to notice is that everyone, is in fact, paying attention. Everyone's hearts melted the first time they saw Y/N with Jack. The team knew Y/N wanted kids, she'd been talking about it before her and Hotch even thought about getting together. And after seeing her with Jack, the team had all decided she'd make a great mom someday. In Hotch's eyes, she was already the perfect mom for Jack. Not that he was replacing Haley, but he knew Jack needed a motherly figure in his life. However, Y/N still felt out of place in Jack's life. She knew she wasn't his mom but she felt like she was more to him than his dad's girlfriend. Logically, the next step for her would be his step mom, but her and Hotch weren't anywhere close to getting married.

"Of course, bud," Y/N smiled at the little boy. "Give me a second, okay? And then we can head down there together."

Jack nodded excitedly, clinging onto Y/N as she stood up. Y/N laughed and moved him so he was balancing on her hip. Jack decided to keep himself busy by playing with her hair and poking her face every few seconds. Y/N walked over to Hotch, who was setting out paper plates.

"Hey buddy," Hotch said when he saw his son, his heart almost stopped when he saw the two most important people to in his life. He leaned over to Y/N and kissed her on the cheek. "Hey you."

"Hi," Y/N whispered, leaning against him slightly. "We're going in the water if you want to come with us."

"Please dad! Come swimming with mom and I!!" Jack exclaimed, wiggling in Y/N's arms. Just like that, Hotch and Y/N froze. Y/N looked at Hotch with confusion and a small trace of happiness in her eyes and Hotch just looked back at her, his expression mirroring hers. Everyone around them froze as well, carefully watching the situation.

"Okay, buddy, I will. Let me just finish helping Uncle Dave set lunch out and I'll be there in a few minutes, okay?" Hotch asked, a small smile appearing on his face. Jack nodded and put his head on Y/N's shoulder. Hotch leaned moved to kiss Y/N's temple before whispering,"You okay?"

Y/N didn't know how to respond so she just nodded before heading down to the water. Jack giggled when Y/N dropped him in the water without warning. When Jack stood up again, he splashed Y/N and tried to chase her.

"So, that was new," Rossi said, looking at Hotch. Hotch was facing the water, a giant smile on his face while he watched Y/N and Jack chase each other.

"Yeah, it was," Hotch said, unable to wipe the smile off his face.

"Do you think she liked being called mom?" Emily chimed in, her head resting on her hand.

"I do. You know her, she's always talking about being a mom and having kids of her own someday," Hotch replied.

"So you guys have discussed having kids, then?" Rossi asked, studying Hotch's face.

"We have," Hotch said giddily. "Not anytime soon, but we have talked about it before."

Without saying anything else, Hotch jogged down to the water. He wrapped his arms around Y/N before falling into the water. Jack just stood there giggling.

"Aaron Hotchner!" Y/N gasped, wiping water away from her face. "You're lucky I love you or else you'd be sleeping on the beach tonight."

Hotch just laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissing her. Jack groaned in disgust and splashed them both. The two shared a look before they started chasing Jack around. The small family continued to play in the water for ten more minutes before Rossi was calling everyone back to the picnic table for lunch.

"Hey buddy, why don't you head up there? Y/N and I are going to just talk for a few minutes," Hotch told Jack. Jack nodded before running back over to Henry. Once they were alone, Hotch grabbed Y/N's hand and the two started walking along the sand. "Is everything okay? I noticed you tense up when the fireworks were mentioned."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. Just don't like fireworks, that's all." Y/N said, leaning into Hotch's shoulder.

"If you say so....mom," Hotch laughed, nudging her with his shoulder. "How did you feel about him calling you mom?"

�� "I kind of liked it. I know that technically he shouldn't call me mom and I'm not trying to replace Hayley, believe me," Y/N rambled. "Is it okay that he called me mom?"

"Of course it is, Y/N. We both know that you aren't replacing Hayley. Jack knows that also. There's nothing to worry about," Hotch said calmly. He pulled Y/N into a small hug and kissed her forehead. The two made their way back to the picnic table, Y/N opting to sit next to JJ, Emily, and Penelope. Jack was sitting on Y/N's left, occasionally bumping into her arm.

"So, what did you and Hotch go talk about?" Emily said, shoving a piece of watermelon into her mouth. JJ and Penelope both leaning in to hear the conversation.

"Just about what the little one called me," Y/N said vaguely so she wouldn't catch Jack's attention.

"What did he call you?" JJ asked confused. She had been walking with Will when the whole 'ordeal' occurred.

"He called her M-O-M," Penelope whispered.

"Oh my god, no way! Is that a good thing?" JJ asked, very excited for Y/N.

"Yeah, yeah it is." Y/N said smiling. "Aaron and I talked about it, and we basically just decided that if Jack wants to call me M-O-M, then he can."

"That's really great, Y/N," JJ said, patting Y/N on the shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm really happy," Y/N said, smiling at her friends.

The rest of the group fell into a conversation, laughing and joking. Sometime during the conversation, Jack climbed into Y/N's lap, laying against her. Y/N held him closely, rubbing his back gently. When she checked on him, he was fast asleep. She adjusted him so she could carry him into the house before walking over to Hotch.

"Hi, love," Hotch said. "Is he asleep?"

"Yeah, I'm just going to take him up to the house so he can sleep. I might take a nap also, didn't sleep well last night," Y/N said quietly.

"I know, hon. I felt you tossing and turning all night, and I meant to ask you about it this morning," Hotch said concerned. "What was keeping you up?"

Y/N looked around at their friends before shaking her head. "I'll tell you later, okay?" She said quietly. Hotch nodded, watching as she took Jack to the house.

"Okay Jack here we go," Y/N said quietly, walking into Jack's room. She woke him up long enough for him to change into his PJs. While he was changing into his pajamas, she went to her room and changed into comfier clothes as well. She went back to Jack a few minutes later and knocked on the door. Jack opened the door, and lifted his arms for Y/N to pick him up. Y/N lifted him and carried him to his bed Y/N tucked him in before kissing his forehead. "Sleep well, sweetie."

"'Night mom," Jack mumbled before falling back asleep. Y/N smiled before leaving the room. She made her way to the room she was sharing with Hotch and climbed into bed, falling asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

An hour or two later, Hotch went to go check on both Jack and Y/N. After checking on Jack, who was still sleeping soundly, he went to his and Y/N's room. He stopped just outside the door, listening. He heard cries and muffled screams coming from inside the room. Without hesitation, Hotch threw the door open, quickly scanning his surroundings. Nothing in the room was out of the ordinary, except Y/N tossing and turning in the bed, cries leaving her.

Hotch hurried over to the bed, immediately pulling Y/N into his arms. She didn't have nightmares often, but when she did, Hotch always held her until she calmed down and woke up. He brushed the hair out of her face and kissed her forehead.

"Y/N, my love, please wake up," Hotch whispered. "It's just a dream, it won't hurt you."

Y/N woke up almost immediately, and cuddled closer into her boyfriend's chest. She whimpered when she felt him hold her tightly. They sat there in silence for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry," Y/N whispered, tears falling down her face.

"You have nothing to be sorry about, Y/N," Hotch said quietly. "How long have the nightmare's been happening?"

"Uh, about a week or two, I'm not sure. I don't remember what they're about. I always forget as soon as I wake up. The only thing I remember is extremely loud booming sound that won't go away," Y/N said, hiding her face in Hotch's chest.

"Like fireworks?" Hotch asked, and Y/N nodded. "Is that why you tensed up when Rossi brought it up?"

"Yeah, I guess. I didn't make the connection earlier, though," Y/N said, leaning her head on Hotch's shoulder.

"Do fireworks normally cause you to panic like this?" Hotch asked her.

"I think so. They just sound so much like gunshots, you know?" Y/N whispers. "The sound just sends me back to rough cases."

"I get it, Y/N. Trust me, I do," Hotch started. "Why'd you keep it from me?"

"I don't know. I didn't want to bother you," Y/N said, looking down at her hands.

"You can never bother me, Y/N. We can figure out an alternative to fireworks, if you want to," Hotch said quietly.

"No, no, I don't want to ruin everyone else's fun. It's only for a little bit, I can suck it up," Y/N said, laughing lightly.

"Okay, but if this happens again please don't hesitate to tell me. I don't like the idea of you struggling with something by yourself." Hotch said, kissing her temple.

"You'll be the first to know," Y/N smiled at him. "What's everyone up to?"

"Rossi, Will, Derek, and I were sitting on the porch, drinking some of that fancy stuff Rossi always has. Emily, JJ, and Penelope went to explore the town. Spencer is reading or sleeping, I'm not sure. And Henry and Jack are both taking naps." Hotch said. "And now, you and I are going to cuddle or go for a walk on the beach, it's your choice."

"Can we go downstairs and just hangout with everyone?" Y/N asked, beginning to get out of bed.

"Of course," Hotch said climbing out of the bed and leading her down stairs. They went outside and sat with Rossi and Will. Soon after they sat down, Spencer came down from his room and joined in the conversation. Eventually, Emily, JJ, and Penelope returned from their trip and settled down on the outdoor sofa with everyone else. Jack and Henry opted to stay inside and play video games instead of hanging out with the adults.

The group shared stories and had a light conversation while Rossi began to cook dinner for everyone. Dinner was ready fairly quickly and everyone decided to go eat on the beach and watch the sunset. After dinner, Rossi and Derek decide to start setting up the fireworks while everyone else grabbed blankets and beach chairs from the house.

As soon as it was dark and everything was set up, it was time for the fireworks. Jack and Henry were hanging out on a blanket in front of all of the adults. Will and JJ sat the closest to the kids, with Emily and Spencer sitting in chairs next to JJ and Will. Penelope sat in between JJ and Emily, the three excitedly talking about the show they were currently binging. Hotch and Y/N sat next to Will, the group of adults forming a semi-circle around the blanket.

"Are you okay?" Hotch whispered in Y/N's ear when he noticed how tense she was.

"Yeah, just nervous, is all," Y/N said, grabbing Hotch's hand.

"Okay, guys! Are you ready?" Derek shouted from the spot of the beach they had the fireworks set up. Everyone cheered and chatted happily, waiting for the fireworks to start. Jack ran over to Hotch and Y/N and laid across both Hotch and Y/N's laps.

Soon the sky was filled with blasts of colors and their ears were filled with loud booms. Everyone 'oohed' and 'awed' at the bright fireworks against the dark blue sky. Y/N leaned her head against Hotch's shoulder, watching the night sky light up. She flinched with every boom and Hotch held her closely against his side.

"You're okay," Hotch whispered in her ear after a particularly loud round of fireworks caused her to whimper and jump. With every reassurance, her panic melted away. "I've got you, you're okay."

The fireworks lit up the night sky for about thirty minutes before everyone grabbed their chairs and blankets getting ready to go inside.

"He's asleep," Hotch whispered, motioning to his sleeping son.

"You take the chairs and I'll carry him in okay," Y/N said, picking Jack up and balancing him on her hip and his head immediately fell onto Y/N's shoulder. Once Hotch grabbed the chairs, Y/N and him went back into the house, wishing everyone goodnight.

"Let's tuck him in," Y/N said, walking up the stairs to Jack and Henry's room.

"I can carry him, Y/N," Hotch said, worried he was too big for her to carry.

"Love, I got this. I carried him up here earlier today, remember?" Y/N laughed. Once they got to the room, Y/N set Jack on the bed and both her and Hotch tucked him in. Y/N smiled before gently kissing the sleeping boy's forehead and whispering, "Goodnight, bud."

Hotch said goodnight to Jack before he and Y/N left the room. They went back to their room and changed into their pajamas before falling into bed. Hotch pulled Y/N against his chest and kissed her forehead.

"You're really good with him," Hotch said after a few moments of silence. "It makes me really happy to see you guys get along so well."

"He's a really good kid, Aaron," Y/N said, smiling up at her boyfriend. She paused for a second before continuing. "Thank you for today. You helped me more than you'll ever know."

"You're welcome, love. I'd do anything for you," Hotch whispered before kissing her lips gently. "Now come on, let's try and get a full night's sleep, yeah?"

Y/N nodded before snuggling into his chest. "I love you, Aaron Hotchner."

Hotch beamed at her before kissing her forehead. "And I love you, Y/N Y/L/N."

#cassie's masterlist #{ writing }#masterlist #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x female reader #aaron hotch hotchner #aaron hotchner #aaron hotch fanfiction #Criminal Minds #Criminal Minds Fanfiction #criminal minds x reader #{ criminal minds }#{ tv shows }

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ssa-babygirl · 4 years ago

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Out of my League [Part 6]

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Single mom!Reader

Word count: 3.3k

Summary: JJ gives you some bad news and Spencer feels like he’s only making matters worse. For both of you.

Warning(s): Angst, mentions of grief and death, allusions to relapse, swearing, mentions of drinking, this is lowkey a mess so i may have missed a couple of warnings

Author’s Note: IT’S HERE!!!! YAY!!! that’s the happiest you’re gonna be all chapter. The next one may take a bit of time and i am SORRY for that because this may or may not have a sorta cliffhanger you should just read it to find out!! also heads up there are a lot of perspective changes later on please just imagine how it would be cut together in a movie that’s how i wrote it OK ENJOY DON’T BE MAD JUST TRUST ME OK??

[Previous Part] [Series Masterlist]

Washington, D.C., 2011

(Reader POV)

You’d gone to three different funerals since moving to D.C. Three more than you would have liked, obviously, no one ever really wants to go to a funeral.

The first had been your father’s. You had Jamie and your mom, but you needed Spencer. He was out on a case and you couldn’t blame him for not being there, but he made up for it a million times over. Your dad’s death wasn’t unexpected, and while it hurt to say goodbye, it was relatively easy to move on.

The second had been for Aaron’s ex-wife, Haley. You didn’t really know her, but Aaron was your friend and you wanted to support him. That and Jamie got along very well with Jack, acting almost as an older cousin, and you know how important family is when you lose a parent.

The third and most recent funeral was the worst one: Emily’s. She was there one day, raring to go and take on the world, gone the next.

The day you found out was just terrible. JJ had called you herself to tell you. You managed to stay calm until you hung up, when you practically threw your phone onto the kitchen table and collapsed into a chair, tears pouring down your face as silent sobs wracked your body.

Jamie ran in at the sound of you crying, “Mom? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

You shook your head, unable to speak. Jamie wordlessly wrapped his arms around your shoulders and held you as you struggled to regain your voice. When you could finally breathe and relay the news you just received, you choked out, “Aunt Emily died last night.”

Then Jamie started crying too. He curled up into your shoulder and sobbed into your shirt, soaking you to the skin, almost like he was little again. You crumbled at the sound of his whines and cries. Every part of your chest ached with the weight of your grief.

“What happened to her?” He finally whimpered.

“She has a dangerous job,” You didn’t even notice the tense you used, “A bad man was after her.”

“Well, is everyone else okay? What about Uncle Derek? What about Doc—”

“Everyone else is fine, baby, no one else was hurt. Doc’s fine.”

You sat still for God knows how long, silent, clutching each other like a lifeline, praying this was all just a dream and that you’d get a call from Emily telling you it was all some sick joke. Of course, you’d be furious with JJ, but at least there wouldn’t be a hole in your family where Emily had once been.

Your mother came over to help you cook, the same role you had taken years prior while your father was sick. She consoled you and Jamie for the next two days and then drove you to the funeral. You got out of the car and walked in silence to the church, clutching Jamie’s hand as you entered.

Aaron was the first at the door. He wasn’t one for hugs, but when he saw you, exhausted and barely standing, he pulled you and Jamie in tight. The hug was brief, but it helped, God, did it help. Dave was just behind him, and he didn’t hesitate. He ruffled Jamie’s hair and gave you a kiss on both cheeks. JJ was holding Henry in the corner, and Will gave you a weak smile. Derek and Penelope were holding one another, both shaking as they cried. Your grip on Jamie’s hand grew tighter, tighter, tighter until you saw him.

You then dropped Jamie’s hand as you ran over, arms open wide as your son followed close behind, “Spence--”

He returned your hug instantly, burying his face in your hair, “I’m sorry I didn’t call--”

You felt Jamie join the hug, but you kept your head buried in Spencer’s chest, “No, I’m sorry too, I didn’t know what to do.”

“Me neither.” He pulled away, wiping away some tears and sniffling, “I’ve just been holed up in my room reading Vonnegut all for the past three days.”

Of course, “What books?”

“Mostly Slaughterhouse-Five, it was her--”

“Her favorite,” You nodded as you spoke the last part in unison with him.

“Yeah. I read it out loud just…” His voice cracked and the words looked painful to get out, “Just in case she could hear me.”

Your heart broke imagining him wrapped in blankets, eyes rimmed red as they glazed over the worn-out pages. You ached at the thought of his voice cracking just as it did before as he read for hours and hours, begging the universe to let Emily hear him, “She did. And she loved it.”

“I just hope she didn’t realize I was crying,” he muttered, and it shattered you, “She wouldn’t want us to cry for her.”

“You’re right, but I know she’d be unbelievably offended if we didn’t cry just a little bit,” Spencer’s tearful smile was enough to make you feel slightly better. There was still hope.

Your mom took Jamie home after the wake, knowing that you needed time with the team to feel like a person again. You went home with Spencer. He shouldn’t have to be alone anymore.

“You’re really good at taking care of me,” he smiled weakly, sipping the tea you made for him.

“Yeah, I had a good teacher.” Your mother was always there when you lost someone. You had your ups and downs, but she was a good mom.

“Does it get easier? Losing someone?”

“No. It always hurts just as bad,” you sigh, “But moving on used to be a lot harder.”

“Do you still miss him?”

“Of course I do, but less than I used to.” You still talked to your dad sometimes, something you did as a kid when he wasn’t home, just telling him about your day or narrating what you were doing. Even after all these years, you still found yourself explaining to no one that you had to run to store and buy bread to make Jamie’s lunch.

“I see little pieces of him everywhere I go. Jamie has the same exact smile. His favorite book when he was little was the same one my dad read to me. No one ever really leaves. Family, friends, they stick with us.”

“I’ve never lost a friend before. When Gideon left, I knew he was out there. Same with Elle. I could have Garcia find them right now and call them up to see how they’re doing, but Emily--” his voice cracked too much for him to want to continue, so he dropped it altogether.

“Did I ever tell you about my college roommate, Juliet?”

“No.”

“We were best friends. We did everything together: Movie nights, parties, all that. The night of our last final senior year, we decided to go clubbing to celebrate.”

You told him the whole story. The drinking, the dancing, the guy. You don’t remember his name, but you remember trusting him. He was sweet and Juliet liked him, so when she came to you at the bar after dancing with him telling you she was going home with him, you let her.

“I was happy for her! She had just gone through a breakup a few months before, so it was nice to see her getting some,” you let out a weak laugh, “I remember the last thing I said before she left was ‘Okay, have fun, call me in the morning, we’ll get brunch. I love you.’” Spencer winced, almost as if he knew where this story was going. Given his line of work, he was expecting far worse, but he at least knew that we didn’t get lunch the next morning.

“I went home a little bit later, I got bored, so I got a taxi home.”

You close your eyes and sigh deeply, “I’m in the back seat when I get a call. It was Juliet’s phone.”

“She wasn’t calling you, was she?”

“No, it was the police. Juliet didn’t have a good relationship with her parents, so I was her emergency contact.” You had to plan the funeral, invite her parents, look them in the eye and lie to them that Juliet wanted to make amends with them. The horrified guilt on their faces almost made it worth it, “The car she was in got t-boned when the guy ran a red light. He wasn’t as sober as we thought he was.”

“She didn’t make it.” Spencer guessed for you.

“No. She was dead before they got her out of the ambulance.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. If Juliet hadn’t…” You still couldn’t bring yourself to actually say it, “I wouldn’t have moved home, I wouldn’t have gotten back with Kyle, and I wouldn’t have Jamie. I don’t wanna tell you that something good will come out of this, because that’s a horrible thing to hear, but looking for an opportunity to find something good can’t hurt.”

“I can’t just look for something new when all i can think about is how I should have been able to help!”

“You really think I didn’t blame myself for what happened to Juliet? That every night for years after I thought I could have done something differently, and sure, I could have, but it’s not like I knew what was going to happen, and I couldn’t keep blaming myself.”

“It’s not the same, you don’t get it.” His fingers ghosted over old scars on his forearms, scars you didn’t want to think about where they came from.

“I do, Spencer. Emily was my friend too. And because she was my friend, I know she would never let you blame yourself for it. She knows you can’t save them all. All we can do is save ourselves,” you took his hand in yours, he still tensed up, “‘cuz that’s all the people we lose want us to do.”

He turned his head up from the floor and met your eyes. Once you gazed into those deep hazel irises, the tension in his hand melted away. His shoulders slumped, and he let out a deep breath, squeezing your hand like a lifeline, “Thank you.”

“Of course, Spence.”

“I’m sorry for snapping.”

“You apologize too much.” You had nearly forgotten exactly what he said to you that night in the hotel bar in Vegas all those years ago, but clearly, he hadn’t, he couldn’t, and he didn’t, because after a few moments of staring into your eyes and slowly drifting towards you in peaceful silence, he closed the gap between you both and kissed you.

Spencer Reid was kissing you.

This was happening.

Nearly two decades of being friends--

Years of being totally, ridiculously, and most importantly, cluelessly in love with each other, Spencer Reid was kissing you. You were almost so overjoyed at that moment as you started to kiss him back that you nearly forgot that your friend was dead and you were supposed to be comforting him. This wasn’t comfort, this was what Kyle did to you all those years ago.

You broke the kiss before he did something he’d regret, “Spence…”

“Oh my god,” he removed his hands from your face and shifted his entire body away from you, “I’m so sorry.”

“No, don’t-”

“Oh my god, I’m an idiot!” He ran his fingers through his hair, pulling at the strands as his hands landed at the back of his neck, forcing his head to stare in his lap.

“No you’re not! Hey. Genius. Look at me.” He didn’t. “You’re not. You’re just in a bad place, I get it.”

“No you don’t. This time, you don’t.”

“What do you m—”

“Look, I don’t wanna kick you out but I really think you should leave.”

“Oh… yeah… sure… okay.” You slowly rose from the couch on weak knees. Whether it was from adrenaline or anxiety, you couldn’t tell.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be! Just… please, take care of yourself?” You glance around the room for your belongings, “Shower, eat something, get some rest, please. And call me if you need anything--”

“Y/N, please, just go.”

You felt tears sting your eyes as you reached for the doorknob. You turned your head just enough to look over your shoulder to say, “Goodnight, pretty boy,” before you left. You closed the door behind you and leaned against it, breathing heavily.

(Spencer’s POV)

Why was I kicking her out?

Why was I telling her to leave?

Why was I pushing her away?

Why did I kiss her?

Why did she push me away?

Why did she call me “pretty boy?” She never--

The pieces fell into place as they often do, all at once with the force of a car slamming into a pole at fifty miles per hour.

“Goodnight, Pretty Boy.”

“Goodnight, Princess.”

She remembered that night.

She remembered that night when I drove her home and put her to bed and--

And I told her I had a crush on her in high school.

And I almost said I loved her.

And I almost kissed her then.

God, I wish I had. Any time would have been better than now.

(Reader POV)

You didn’t know you could miss someone so much while they were behind just one door. You could’ve turned around right then and knocked and waited for him to be ready to talk about what just happened. About him kissing you. About you kissing back. About you stopping him. About that drunken night when you let it slip how pretty you thought he was.

You should’ve just waited.

But you couldn’t stand to be that close to him while he wanted to be as far away from you as possible.

So you ran.

You practically sprinted down the stairs and out of his building as quickly as you could, getting in your car and pulling out of the parking lot and getting the fuck away before you hurt anyone else, including yourself.

(Spencer POV)

I couldn’t just let her walk out like that.

I had to say something.

I had to go after her.

I had to get her back.

I needed her.

But when I opened the door, it was like she had never been there.

I leaned on my door frame staring at the staircase down the hall, wishing I had the energy to run after her, to catch her before she reached her car, to stop her from driving away, to tell her I was sorry, to beg her to please, please, come back upstairs and talk to me, but my feet were fixed to the floor and my legs were weak. I just closed my door with my back and slid down to the floor, unable to bring myself to cry anymore. I sat there for god knows how long until I found the energy to crawl over to the coffee table where I had left my phone, picked it up, and dialed a number.

(Reader POV)

You jumped slightly at the sound of your phone ringing, you shuffled through your bag in the passenger seat, desperately trying to find it before the light turned green. Some foolish part of your mind told you it was Spencer, you wished it was Spencer, you wanted nothing more than to turn your car around and talk it all out with him, tell him you were sorry, that you loved him, that you needed him, but your heart sank when you looked at the screen and saw the number.

It was a just fucking spam call.

You threw your phone back in your seat and beat your fists against the steering wheel, groaning and wishing the fucking light would just turn green already. When it finally did, you slammed on the gas a bit too quickly, sending the car jolting forward. You barely stopped the entire rest of the ride home, the universe must have sensed your impatience. As you finally pulled into your driveway, your skull felt as though it was packed with cotton, your tear tracks drying on your cheeks.

You raced up the steps to your door, fussing with the keys and trying to unlock the door as quickly and quietly as possible. You inevitably made noise as you entered, prompting a light to turn on in the living room. Your mom rose from the couch she had been sleeping on, her face dropping from annoyed to concerned.

“Toots, you’re home already? I thought you wouldn’t be back until morning.”

You had thought that you were fresh out of tears, but apparently, you still had more to spare, seeing as you broke the second the words left her mouth.

“Oh my, what happened?” She raced towards you, wrapping you in a hug, “Is Spencer okay? Did something happen?”

As confused and sad as you were, you couldn’t stop the smile that had suddenly appeared on your face, “He kissed me.”

“He what?” She broke the hug, holding your face in her hands and wiping tears off of your cheeks, “Then honey, why on Earth are you here?”

(Spencer POV)

“You kicked her out? Why?”

“Why do you think I called you, Jennifer? What do I do? How do I fix this?”

“Well, what exactly happened?”

“I freaked out, she came over, we talked, I,” I took a deep breath and braced myself for her reaction, “I kissed her—”

She almost choked on her coffee, “And you didn’t lead with that? Don’t you think that’s a little important?”

“I was trying to avoid reliving it for as long as possible.”

“You’ve wanted this since high school, why wouldn’t you want to relive it?”

“She pulled away.” There was no anger or sadness behind my words. I don’t sound hurt as I recount the scene, “She took my hand, I kissed her, she stopped me.”

JJ’s hand brushed over my shoulder and I flinched away slightly.

“I apologized immediately, she wasn't mad or anything, I just…” I trailed off, unable to admit that I just couldn’t look at her anymore. I never thought I’d get tired of seeing her face, but I had needed her to leave. When she pulled away, all I could think about was the sound of Alexa Lisbon sneering at me as Kyle and his goons tied me to that goal post.

“She wanted to help me, and I know she did, but…”

“She couldn’t.” JJ finished my sentence.

I shook my head, “Not this time.”

“But now you want her to come back?”

“And I don’t know how to tell her that because I fucked up.”

“What did she say after you told her to leave? Did she just go?”

(Reader POV)

“I told him not to feel bad and to take care of himself.” You hadn’t had time to tell him how much you wanted to kiss him but neither one of you was in the right state of mind for that.

“Right, yeah, and did he say anything else?”

You winced at the memory of how his voice sounded. “He kept telling me to leave, so I just went for the door and said--”

(Spencer POV)

“‘Goodnight, pretty boy,’” I grumbled, “That was the last thing she said.”

“Okay?”

“She never calls me Pretty Boy.” I told her the whole story. When I was done, her eyebrows were drawn together and lips were pressed together in a thin, worried line uttering, “Spence…”

“What?”

She sighed, saying nothing and smirking slightly to herself, but saying nothing.

“Jennifer.”

“She loves you, genius.”

“Then why’d she leave?”

“Because you told her to. And…” she hesitated, almost scared to say anything else. I was scared to hear it. JJ took my coffee away and dumped it down the sink, a silent indicator that I had enough and needed to go to bed.

She turned back to me and leaned over the table again, making sure I'd look her in the eyes, “She’d do anything for you.”

I just stared down on my hands on the table, unable to say another word, unable to defend myself, unable to fight anymore.

Because I knew she was right.

Taglist~~~

Lmk if you wanna be added! Some names didn’t work so if you don’t see your name as a tag just dm me a url and I’ll try to fix it

@lawnmoa @ellvswriting @baby-pogue @purelyprentiss @confused-and-really-hungry @thatsonezesty13 @deni-gonzalez @irjuejjsaa @randomfandomshitposts @bisoner @moonstarrnghtsky @smurfflynn @eldahae @t0xicllama @undeniablyyou @staplernpaper @theweirdobella @sammypotato67 @k-k0129 @helloniallslovelies @dazzlingnights @uhuhuh @booksarekindaneat @crimeshowtrash @carlgrxmes @collectiveuniverses @annesauriol

#spencer reid #Criminal Minds Reid #spencer reid smut #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid x reader #Criminal Minds #Criminal Minds Fanfiction #criminal minds imagine #CM #cm fan fiction #cm imagine #mgg fanfiction #mgg imagine #mgg x reader #mgg smut #mgg #mgg angst #spencer reid angst

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winterscaptain · 4 years ago

Text

immovable object.

Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Reader a joyful future fic

a/n: happy birthday aaron hotchner!! here’s a little something i cooked up, just for y’all who wanted to see something from aaron’s point of view. i figured a birthday would be as good a time as any to share a little bit of aaron’s head, even if it’s not his (actual) age this year. as always, i love to hear what you think! takes place au!november 2018

words: 2.3k warnings: language, implication of sex, light drinking/alcohol use

summary: “the years between fifty and seventy are the hardest. you are always being asked to do things, and yet you are not decrepit enough to turn them down.” - t.s. elliot

masterlist | a joyful future masterlist | ajf faq | requests closed!

Fifty.

Aaron wasn’t sure where he’d be by fifty. He’d only had loose examples over the course of his life, as his father kicked it before he got to that point. But then again…

His father never appreciated what he had. Two sons, different to the point of extremity, a wife who loved him even through all his (many) shortcomings, and a big house in northern Virginia that he could afford with his very plush salary working on The Hill as a prosecutor. Nevertheless, he drank himself to death at forty-seven.

So…

Where am I at fifty?

He looks down into his lap, finding Caroline tucked into the crook of his elbow with a hand in her mouth while they sit in his armchair. She’s teething now, but she isn’t half as unbearable about it as Isaac.

Isaac.

Aaron scans the room, finding his son with Spencer and Hank at the formal dining room table. Spence has them both in his lap and reads aloud from whatever Russian novel he’s flying through. As Aaron listens closer, he realizes Spencer is translating as he goes, reading the book in English.

Tolstoy should be fine for toddlers...right?

Another scan sends him to you, sitting on the floor with a bottle and a spit-up rag, Sophia snarfing down her afternoon snack like it’s her job.

You find his eyes, double-taking a little. What?

Nothing. Aaron’s mouth presses into an amused little line.

With a fond roll of your eyes, you turn back into the conversation with Sean and Derek.

And that’s another thing.

Aaron never expected to really have his brother in his life as an adult. To his surprise, it's a rather pleasant change of circumstance. Once he moved out of New York and back to Virginia, Sean really got his act together. The arrival of his second nephew didn’t hurt. At your behest, Aaron called him in Isaac’s first weeks, inviting him over to meet the new addition. He feels silly now, for starting a spat with you about it in the moment. It’s not easy, but it’s good.

He’s the first one to admit that you did most of the heavy lifting, leveraging your similar age and propensity to draw flocks of the struggling and confused.

Your Honor, I’d like to present Exhibit A in regard to struggling and confused - Aaron Benjamin Hotchner - before the court.

He laughs down his nose at his own train of thought. Caroline fusses, but once she’s sitting up in his lap, one of his hands across the entirety of her chest and little belly, she’s happy.

Will she continue to insist on seeing everything? Will she always be so quiet?

There’s something about Caroline’s eyes, even as they continue to settle into their permanent color, that is inherently wise. He knows, logically, that Caroline and Sophia are near-identical, but neither of you have ever had any trouble telling them apart.

If someone asked, he wouldn’t be able to articulate the differences. He just knows.

Aaron almost startles when you appear at his side, Sophia freshly burped and smooshed against your shoulder.

“You look pensive.” It’s a gentle accusation.

Aaron snorts. “It’s my birthday. I’m allowed to be pensive.” He holds Caroline up for a minute and you accept the invitation, planting yourself in his lap. Sophia’s still in your arms, so it’s a bit crowded, but nevertheless, you swing your legs over the arm of the chair and melt against Aaron’s chest.

The girls, of course, are delighted to see each other and make a happy, babbling pair sitting on your abdomen and thighs, watching all the action in the living room.

Aaron presses a kiss to your head and just for another second wonders how he got so lucky.

“Hey. Quit.”

He looks down, meeting your eyes. “What?”

You look at him, soft and affectionate. “You’ll never stop, will you?”

“Probably not.” He adjusts again so he can cradle you in his arm while he keeps the girls stable with his free hand. “But that’s why I’ve got you.”

“Unstoppable force meets immovable object?”

Aaron squints, making play at thinking. “Wasn’t that on our wedding announcements?”

You huff a laugh and pat his chest twice. “Maybe it should have been.”��

Realistically, he knows he should be out socializing with everyone there to celebrate him and the fifty years he’s lived (only a couple of them in dog years), but he can’t bring himself to care. His cheek rests against your head, his fingers tracing patterns on your arm. Caroline has the other one of his hands, playing with his fingers (and putting those in her mouth, too) while Sophia sits back against him, threatening sleep.

But really, nobody minds. They’re all having too much fun off the clock, with children of their own. Derek and Savannah lounge in the rec room, watching Tara, Sean, Will, Jack, and Henry play Mario Kart. Not far off is Kristy, wiping illicit frosting off her oldest son’s cheek before he rejoins the boys on the makeshift tournament arena.

Matt, Dave, and Emily are gathered around the kitchen island, their wine glasses never far from their hands. JJ flits between the groups, her puttering instincts inescapable even outside of her domain.

Luke and Penelope pretend they aren’t following each other from room to room, activity to activity. They are horrible actors, and Aaron wonders if the kid will ever pluck up the guts to do something about it.

You didn’t.

That doesn’t count.

Yes, it does.

JJ finally comes to rest beside Emily, propping herself up by her elbows as she sits backward on one of the barstools. “I’d never thought I’d see Hotch so happy.”

Emily looks over her shoulder. What does she see?

She sees a man she’s known her entire career at the bureau, a man who hand-picked her to replace him when it was time for him to leave his post as unit chief, a man who lost almost everything and somehow found it again.

She watches as Aaron says something to you, a wicked kind of humorous glint in his eye. She watches as you let out a loud laugh, accidentally startling your daughters in your lap. She watches as the girls process and pick up on their mother’s joy and start to shriek and clap.

She watches Aaron live.

“I dunno,” Emily says, finally. “I always thought those two might make it if they faced themselves.”

JJ humphs in the irony of it. “That’s a lot to ask.”

“And yet -”

“- Somehow, they’ve managed.” JJ looks to her own family just in time to see Will taking advantage of the high ceiling, throwing Michael into the air and catching him. “It’s kind of funny, how things work out.”

“I can’t believe he’s fifty.” Emily’s non-sequitur drops into JJ’s thoughts, which were rapidly devolving into the abstract. “It doesn’t seem right.”

Dave taps Emily on the shoulder, reminding her he’s been there the whole time. “You’re in your late forties, I might remind you.”

A kind of dissatisfied noise leaves her throat. “Thanks.” She turns, looking at him with a glare that could cut glass, but all in play. “Thanks for that.”

“Just doing my civic duty.”

Emily rolls her eyes and stands, wandering farther into the kitchen to pilfer a bag of animal crackers from the snack drawer.

“Alright!” Penelope calls from the kitchen archway. “It’s time for cake!”

That gets the attention of all the children in the vicinity who have experienced the unadulterated joy of Aunt Penelope’s buttercream frosting.

Aaron tolerates the attention as you and the girls get shuffled (or in your case, shuffle yourself) off his lap. Emily takes Caroline while Savannah has Sophia. A quick glance finds Isaac on Dave's hip. With a little bit of a start, he realizes just how big his family is. They’re all here.

For each other.

For him.

Soon enough, Penelope brings the cake - candles all lit (and no, there are not fifty of them - that was a hard no from the birthday boy) and places it in front of Aaron at the head of the dining room table.

You kiss him on the cheek, distracting him while you put a ridiculous party hat on his head. You can almost feel his eye roll and you hear a few phone cameras click. Of course, shortly after, everyone starts singing at him - horrifically out of pace and key, but it’s perfect.

He’s confronted with the back of a few more phones as parents and friends snap pictures out of habit. He reaches out to snag you around the waist and you end up half-sitting on the arm of his chair.

You loop your arms around his neck, leaning into his side. “Make a wish.”

After one slow blink and a deep breath, he blows out the candles to whoops and hollers and baby shrieks.

Your eyes snap up out of instinct, finding Isaac covering his ears and looking more and more alarmed by the minute. You toss another kiss onto Aaron’s forehead and quickly take Isaac from Dave, traveling down the hall with practiced haste.

If he’s honest, Aaron forgot. He should have grabbed Isaac’s headphones from your office, but he didn’t. He should have warned his son about the loud noises and all the people before they overwhelmed him, but he didn’t. He should have remembered that his son needed more thought and attention than the others, but he didn’t.

He hides his self-directed frustration well, but it doesn’t take long for him to make a quick and subtle escape. He knows the girls are just fine. Emily has Caro well in-hand and Savannah is always looking for an excuse to practice with the girls. She’s due in February, looking radiant and lovely.

In a near-whisper, he calls for you and Isaac as he tracks down the hall on light feet. He hears you murmur, then Isaac’s voice: “Here, Dad,” guides him into your office, where you’re stationed on the floor under your desk.

Isaac’s playing with the soft carpet chosen especially for him, his little fingers getting lost in the plush fabric. Aaron kneels down and rests his forearms on the ground, searching for Isaac’s eyes.

“Hey, little man.”

He hums.

That’s a good thing.

Aaron puts his hand on the carpet, about three inches away from Isaac’s. He can see it, but it’s not touching him, communicating his presence without sensation.

You meet Aaron’s eyes over Isaac’s head. Not your fault.

He shoots you a withering look.

I’m serious, Aaron. You raise your eyebrows and shake your head. Not your fault. We’re okay. Your eyes flicker to Isaac before returning to Aaron. He’s okay.

Aaron watches as you arc your body around him, getting close but not too close, running your fingers through the carpet on either side of him. Aaron wiggles his own fingers, sinking deeper into the blue shag. To his surprise, it calms him a little.

Little Man might be onto something here.

Eventually, Isaac leans back into you, and you slowly bring your hands to his hair, massaging his scalp with the tips of your fingers. You look at Aaron and nod once.

He takes his cue. As always, he’s in awe of your command over Isaac’s needs. With a breath, and very quietly, he asks. “Are you feeling better, little man?”

His eyes still on the carpet, he nods. “Just loud.”

“Yeah. It was pretty loud.” He looks up to the bookshelf, spotting his headphones on their charger. “Do you want to go back to the living room, maybe with your ears on? Or do you want to stay in here?”

The boy stills, thinking. In the two years he’s known his son, the turning of gears in Isaac’s little head enamors and amazes him. He can almost see their spokes behind his eyes. After a minute or so -

“Living room, but only for a little while.”

You kiss him lightly on the top of his head, where the band of the headphones rests. “Do you want your ears?”

He nods and Aaron rises, bringing the headphones back down. Isaac puts them on and wiggles a little where he sits. Aaron likes to imagine it’s his way of settling back into his body.

Much to the surprise of everyone present, Isaac reaches out to Aaron. With soft eyes, he takes his son in his arms, letting him wrap like a koala around his neck and chest.

The three of you return, finding everyone still milling about, eating cake, and sharing space together. Jack, catching sight of you, jogs over. “Is Isaac okay?”

You nod, brushing the hair off Jack’s forehead. “Yeah, bud. It just got a little overwhelming for a minute.”

It’s been eleven years of you and Jack, but it never gets old for Aaron. The way you are with each other - somehow balancing a parent-child relationship with a steadfast best-friendship - constantly surprises and warms him.

Jack nods, circling around so he can get into Isaac’s eye line. He waves a little, and Isaac waves back, lifting his hand briefly from Aaron’s collar. Jack offers a fist, and Isaac reaches out to tap it with three of his fingers.

Aaron closes his eyes, taking it in.

+++

“So,” you say, tucking into bed beside him. “Fifty.”

“So,” He doesn’t pull his eyes from his book. “Thirty-six.” He throws you a side-eye, immediately noticing the playful glint in your eye. “Don’t start.”

You raise your eyebrows, the picture of innocence. “Start what? I’m just appreciating my loving and handsome and thoughtful and distinguished husband on his birthday.” You scoot and shift, straddling him. “Are you gonna let me?”

That gets his attention. Keeping his eyes on you, he markes his place and sets the book on his bedside table. “I might.”

You lean down, pressing your lips to his, speaking quietly against his mouth, like a secret. “Happy Birthday, my love.”

If anyone asked, Aaron loved his present.

+++

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#aaron hotchner x reader #hotch x reader #aaron hotchner imagine #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds fanfiction #aaron hotchner #criminal minds #hotch #tali writes fanfiction #tali talks cm #a joyful future #a joyful future fanfic

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whump-town · 4 years ago

Text

A Dull Aching Pain

Warning for a suicide attempt, abuse, talk about suicide, ideations, and death

Takes place after Haley's funeral when the team leaves early.

His mother was forty-three when she killed herself. He’d known that she wouldn’t make it very long after his father died. The town talked about it, her passing, like it was some testament to love - to kill oneself because life was not worth living without your soulmate. It wasn’t truly that easy, not nearly that sweet. His father had spent twenty-six years isolating his mother from her friends and her family. They weren’t soulmates, his mother was a victim so entirely alone in a world absent of the man who had made sure he was her only lifeline that she knew only one solution.

He’d found her.

The skin of her wrists like parted lips, gasping. She was dead by the time that he got home. He didn’t even want to come back - college was his chance to be someone else absolved of his parents and his past. He’d only come because she said Sean needed him and though he’d doubted that, he wouldn’t leave his baby brother alone in that house. She’d kill herself as soon as their conversation was over, once she knew he would beat Sean home. She’d left them both notes but he burned Sean’s. They were both these overly specific retellings of tragedy and in the span of a week Sean had become an orphan and Hotch wouldn’t allow this too. He wouldn’t let Sean read about the things their father did to their mother, the ways they were conceived. It wasn’t fair.

Drifting in and out of the service, Hotch sees those gasping lips everywhere he looks. He’s not stupid or gullible or maybe even just as gone as they think he is - he knows there was an extra pill in the handful Emily brought him. It was an Ativan or Xanax, something that’s making him feel hazy and he wonders if its magical appearance is a favor Dave called in or if Reid really does have friends outside them. He is a doctor three times over, it only makes sense he’d have eventually made friends with a real medical doctor. Who is he to criticize the number of friends that Reid has? He has no one. No friends. No family. Just the team. His own brother couldn’t even be counted on to show up to the funeral.

“Come on,” JJ takes his hand and he realizes he’s been just standing here looking at Haley’s casket unmoving. He doesn’t know how long, it’s all blank, and warm. She wraps one of her arms around his back, under his suit jacket so that she can feel the heat of his body. So that he can feel her, that she’s really there and he is too. “You okay?” JJ had seen when the Ativan kicked in, just enough into Haley’s service that the sedative easing him under its control went unnoticed. If anyone bothered to look, they’d be able to tell he’d been given something but… Hotch was no better than a ghost. Haley’s family avoids him and if they do look at him, it is behind pinched scowling eyes. No one but the team seems to be bothered noticing him. With the exception of Jack and Jessica, of course. They’re all he has.

It takes Jessica a moment to notice he’s missing but when she does, it makes her so nervous she gets nauseous. None of them will say it, not even his team, but she’s just waiting for him to fall off the wagon. To get a second to himself and…

“There you are,” Jessica sighs with relief when she finds JJ crouched down in front of Hotch. His body leaning heavily to the side, empty eyes blinking sluggishly as the younger woman talks to him. JJ stands when she sees Jessica, the two sharing an all-knowing nod. “I swear,” Jessica whispers, shaking her head as she bends down to press a kiss to Hotch’s head. “You and your son are going to be the death of me.” Her throat tightens but she doesn't take it back. Instead, her hand slips down his back, rubbing along his tense spine. “The two of you are always running off. I’m going to put trackers in your underwear.”

Hotch doesn’t say anything but at the mention of his son he perks up, lifting his head and parting his dry lips. The words are stuck as if there’s a dam built between his brain and his mouth not allowing a thing to come out. But they understand his unasked question.

“He’s eating,” Jessica promises because she wouldn’t leave until he’d picked a sandwich and promised he’d eat the whole thing before he ventured off. He’s too much like his father and she knows he’ll manage a bite maybe two before growing distracted and wandering off. He’s got other aunts and uncles out there in the crowd and as Jessica was walking she’d heard Derek pulling up a chair beside the little boy. Asking him how he was hanging in there and being immediately interrupted by Jack asking when they’d be able to ride in the car with the lights and the sirens again.

JJ squeezes his arm, waiting for his lazy gaze to find her. “I’ll go check on him,” she offers, smiling sadly as she parts from the pair. She stops just a moment to take advantage of his stupor, of his overwhelmed stillness to kiss his temple. Knowing she’ll likely never get another chance to have him this close. To show him that she loves him.

“You should eat too,” Jessica reminds him as JJ steps out. “Superhero or not,” she says with a sad smile. “Gotta eat.”

He cringes, recoiling as if slapped.

“Aaron--”

He shakes his head, “ s’okay.” He draws his aching left hand over his battered ribs, trying to sink in and ease the flare-up he feels taking over his bones. Derek had taped off his hand this morning as the doctor instructed, keeping his fractured fingers pressed together. They could do nothing for his ribs. The break and fractures are all stable.

Jessica tries not to look at him like she’s expecting him to fall apart but it’s so hard not to. His wounds haven’t healed, there are cuts all over his face and bruises on his hands. All the damning evidence needed to know exactly what he did. No hiding it though Garcia had tried. She’d spent nearly an hour trying to hide as much as she could but it was futile, she’d never been able to hide it all.

“You need to eat something,” Jessica informs him. Shifting now from her grief to the big sister, someone he listens to. “You can’t take your pain meds on an empty stomach.” She’s nearly surprised that he takes the hand she offers out to him. Maybe it would have been better if he hadn’t taken her hand. If he pushed back now and told her to leave him alone. That he didn’t need the medicine.

Hotch follows her. Her pace is relaxed, she’s got nowhere to be in a rush, and there’s something about the nasty scowls Haley’s family shoots him that he gets caught in. That he has to slow down for so that he can feel each one. She ends up getting away from him and Hotch lingers in one of the halls, looking over that main entrance.

Sean is standing in the doorway. He’s wearing a suit which is certainly something but Hotch used to wear shitty suits too when he was just a broke twenty-something and he knows the suits Sean wears now aren’t even his own. He had to have borrowed it or bought it someplace cheap. Sean has good suits… or had, Hotch supposes.

He’s frozen, they both are, trying to figure out what to do now. Hotch is surprised he showed at all. When JJ and Garcia were working out the details of the funeral they’d asked Derek about Sean and Derek had told them to not invite him. If Hotch found out he was invited but didn’t come, he’d be crushed, and if he was invited and did show up it would only upset Hotch more. It was better to place the blame on them, Hotch could get over Sean not coming because he wasn’t invited. To be honest, Hotch hadn’t even thought of his brother until now. He hasn’t really been thinking about a lot lately. Just empty.

Derek gets to Sean first. Places himself, physically, between Sean and the room full of guests. From this distance, Hotch can’t make out what they’re saying but he can see their body language. His mind takes it all in so slowly that it never occurs to him that he should step in as well. Derek’s clearly struggling to remain in control of the situation, Sean’s belligerent high or drunk… He’s not himself is the conclusion Hotch comes to.

“Hotch?” Will catches him standing there, Henry babbling on his shoulder chewing on some of the access material of the lapel. “You alright?” It takes him a moment, Hotch’s silence not something entirely new but still strange. He follows Hotch’s gaze over his shoulder until he sees Derek and Sean and Will doesn’t know Sean but he’s not oblivious. He sees that look in Hotch’s far away eyes, hidden by the drugs but still there.

Will squats down, ignoring Henry’s whine at being placed on his feet. He guides Henry’s hand to Hotch’s pants. Holding the sides of his son’s head, he makes sure Henry’s paying attention. “Stay here with Hotch, okay? I’ll be right back.” Will stands and glances at Hotch before shaking his head and realizing talking to the man is futile. Wherever he is, it isn’t here.

Henry whines as Will jogs off, joining the tangling argument only growing louder as Derek fails to subdue Sean. Hotch looks down at Henry, feels Henry bump his head against Hotch’s thigh whining and tugging at his pants. It’s mechanical - born of something that requires not a single thought. Hotch picks the boy up despite the pain shooting through his hand but Henry stops whining and goes straight into his hold. Pushing his head into Hotch’s shoulder and yawning. It distracts him from the other commotion. Henry looking at him, a curious chubby finger poking his cheek. Poking a cut and frowning when he realizes that Hotch is hurt. His soft babble the only reason Hotch doesn’t watch Will and Derek forcefully remove his brother.

Sean still tried. Haley would appreciate the gesture. She always believed in the pair of them. That there was something salvageable in the ruins left behind by their parents. Seeing Sean like that - yelling and fighting with Derek, who always preferred to Hotch - Hotch knows she was wrong about Sean and if she was wrong about Sean...

Jessica finds them and she steps right into Hotch’s view of what’s happening with Sean. “Who’s this?” she asks, smiling at Henry. He’s a sociable enough baby but the day’s been thick with feelings and a baby he might be but he still feels the logged pain of everyone around him. And this new woman does happen to seem a little bit like his mother but he gives a soft whimper, holding Hotch a little tighter and pressing his face into his shoulder. He still prefers Hotch, the safety of someone he knows. Jessica smiles at Hotch, taking his hand. She shakes her head pulling him away from the ruckus the three men are making - Sean’s voice carrying after them but the damage was done.

Sean is the last straw. Everything just keeps adding up and it’s seeing Sean like that, realizing that there was never anything worth saving at all between the two of them that leads him to his lonely Tuesday night. He’s out of his mind, alone in his apartment while Jessica takes Jack for a physical he needs in order to sign him up for Kindergarten in August. The teams on a case… Garcia texts him infrequently. He thinks she might suspect his headspace, they all do.

Men represent 79% of successful suicides reported in the United States. It makes sense, Hotch supposes running his thumb over the muzzle of his service weapon. Men use guns, there’s a lot less room for error there. He’s seen too many suicides to know that blowing his brains out of the back of his head will not solve anything. It’ll leave one hell of a mess for someone to call in and if he doesn’t time this perfectly that someone could be Jessica or Jack. He doesn’t want that. He’s put them through enough. Besides, there’s something… twisted about using his service weapons. His reputation is really all he has anymore and he’ll be damned if that’s what the cadets go around telling each other this fall. About Aaron Hotchner, so obsessed with the job he killed himself with this service pistol.

As if he needs to put any words in their mouths this year, give the news another story to run. He’s had enough.

It’s silly, he knows, but he wears a shirt and his boxers. Even if it’s Derek or Dave or Emily who finds him, he just can’t help but think about being naked. Subjecting them to the mess of his chest. He made a note in his letter not to bother with an autopsy. Sean had been so up and bothered about their mother he’d fought for one and Hotch had seen her chest after that. The Y incision. No point in that. He did this.

His own violation. No gun to his head.

The water is hot. It stings as he sinks down.

His phone rings and he looks over, feeling the drugs forcing his breathing to labor. He’s not messing this up. If the oxycontin doesn’t do it then the water will. Eventually, he won't be able to keep his head above the water. If all else fails - if his body betrays him and forces him to start throwing up the medicine then he’ll…

His eyes flick to the razor sitting on the bathtub’s edge. He remembers what his mother looked like and that isn’t what he wants but he can’t do this. He can’t be unsuccessful. 79%. Did you know children of parents who kill themselves are at an elevated risk of suicide? The risk grows higher when there’s a shared correlation of sex between child and parent.

Jack will be okay, won't he?

Dave sends another text and Hotch feels bad for betraying him like this.

“You good, kid? Need anything? I’m on my way, I’ve got lunch.”

He sends back “Ok”.

Dave will beat Jessica and Jack here. They still have at least an hour out and then Jessica promised McDonald's if Jack behaved for her so they’ll be fine.

What he doesn’t know is that Reid’s eyes will bounce around like a pinball in the E.R. His lower lip trembles as he anxiously works through what Dave is telling him. He’ll ask if Hotch meant it and Dave will just stare at him - too angry to shield Reid. As those angry words try to bubble out of his mouth Dave will cry as he remembers the amount of times Hotch has gone out of his way to remind him that Reid just needs a little help sometimes. And instead of saying what Dave wants to, he’ll shake his head and he’ll tell Reid that Hotch always loved him so much. That this isn’t about them. Reid will still be confused because if Hotch loved him then why would he do this? Did they not say it back? Should Reid have done something differently?

Hotch doesn't know that it isn’t Dave that will find him.

Emily will throw his apartment door open expecting to find him on the couch, her mouth spread by an overly jovial smile she hopes to infect him with. She bought oreos and these gummies she saw he keeps for Jack. Fully expecting to spend her evening squished with her friend on the couch. To grumpily flick through the channels until they find something mindless and boring. Just like old times. Until Jack gets home and the world is eaten by his joy and his child-like enthusiasm.

She screams his name when she finds him, startling Dave outside. The bags in his hand hit the ground as he tears off for the house.

Jessica will see the groceries Dave spilled, his car doors still open, and know what happened.

Jack will ask for him and cry himself to sleep when Jessica tells him daddy isn’t coming home.

JJ will be standing over Henry’s nursery, watching him sleep. Will picks up the phone. She cries so loud she wakes Henry.

Garcia won’t believe Derek when he tells her. She’ll hit him, hard. The dam breaks and Derek’s chest shutters as the full effect of what’s happening takes hold. Garcia will see the tears falling down his face, watch as Derek sinks down to the floor, and covers his face with his hands as sobs. She’ll know he’s not lying.

But everything stops hurting for just a moment. It can’t be about them. This one thing, this thing he needs so desperately. It’s about him and what he wants and what he needs.

He closes his eyes, sinking down into the warmth.

He’s tired.

He’d worked his ass off in Seattle to get into the BAU, wanted it so bad he dreamed about it. When David Rossi came along with his fancy loafers and took a special interest in him, Hotch knew this was his shot. And he’d done it. Come home straight to Haley when Dave gave him that card and told him to email him if he was interested. Haley had been so proud. “I knew you could do it,” she whispered, rocking up on toes and kissing him. “There’s nothing Aaron Hotchner can’t do.”

God, he hopes she’s right.

#tw suicice #tw mention of death #aaron hotchner #criminal minds #criminal minds fanfiction #tw abuse #tw suicide

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hotchley · 4 years ago

Text

when death finally comes

Surprise lovelies!!

I had the sudden urge to kill Hotch, so here we are. I killed him. It’s not happy at all and there is no comfort and I kinda hate it and I’m not sure most of it makes sense, but I wrote it and I am proud of it, so now I’m subjecting all of you to it :)

A special thank you to @whump-town for encouraging my writing and saying that killing Hotch kinda cleans your palate. I will hold onto that information.

Trigger Warnings: major character death, blood, child abuse, implied suicidal thoughts

read on ao3!

In the end, it is not merciful.

It is not expected or beautiful.

It is not poetic. Nor is it peaceful.

It is not what he deserved.

Because what he deserved was old age.

A hospital, where the lights would convince him of a better future. Where he knew what was coming and could prepare his final words and one last smile, if only to comfort the family that would definitely be stood until the last possible moment.

He deserved a care home, so Jack would not ever have to associate the apartment with the feeling of death. He deserved a care home, because it would imply that Jack was older and had his own family. It would mean that Haley's life could be celebrated with a smile that was more accepting than sad.

He deserved Virginia, the only home he had ever known. Because when Haley exploded into his life in a flurry of costumes and dances that he could never quite master, that place became his home. Her embrace felt like the love he had never received.

And even when her embrace morphed into avoidance and hesitance, she had been home. The only person that could see him human. When she died at the hands of a serial killer, he thought that was it. He thought he would never recover. But he did, and Virginia started to warm again as the team started to find reasons to see him and Jack.

He deserved love, safety. He deserved a long life that he would be proud of. He deserved to see Jack's college graduation, Henry's highschool graduation, Penelope's daughter, Spencer's wedding. He deserved to witness everything that just wouldn't be the same without him before he was laid down to rest one final time.

He deserved to be held.

He deserved so much more. He always had. But happy endings were not made for people like him.

They were not made for heroes that could save everyone but themselves because nobody ever taught them how to. They were not made for men that could look everyone but themselves in the eye. They were not made for fathers that wished for their son to be better, without ever realising that they themselves had been better.

They were not made for the terrified little boy that had grown into the scared man. Because that little boy had never been taught what it meant to be happy. That scared man had never understood the difference between safety and joy.

Mercy did not come for those that had scars that would never quite heal, no matter how much surgery was carried out. It did not come for those that believed the blood of so many innocent people still stained their hands.

It did not come for people that had been forgiven by everyone but themselves.

What Aaron Michael Hotchner- and god, he still hated his middle name, forever tainted by the memory of his father and all the pain he inflicted on those he was supposed to protect- deserved was peace.

What he got was as far away from that as the universe could manage.

He was still a few years shy of his sixtieth birthday when it happened.

It was a basement in Seattle. Seattle, which he had always loved, with everything he was, until David Rossi came to find a serial killer that would get away and only cause more and more pain after he was found.

It was a basement in Seattle because even after all these years, he was a hero. He had never learnt how to walk away from anyone or anything. He had never stopped believing that good would trump bad, even when the villains and the unsubs just kept winning.

It was dark. Because he hadn't seen the mans' face before he was taken, and they certainly would not risk him seeing it now. Not now they had worked out who it was. The former Agent Aaron Hotchner, who had beaten a man to death with his bare hands. Who had come back from everything the killers he fought had thrown at him.

Who had stared into the abyss and not even flinched.

It is slow. And painful. And he is aware the whole time that the life is leaving his body, and no matter how hard he tries to fight it, he can't. He is frozen in place, terrified as the scars he tried so hard to never look at are reopened. The blood drips onto the floor beneath him and he feels his eyes flutter shut behind the blindfold.

He was so tired. It would be so easy to give in. But it would've been easy to give in as Foyet plunged the knife in. Too easy to stop fighting as he fell down the stairs after finding Haley. Even easier to resign after Peter Lewis made him watch the family he had always vowed he would die for be murdered right before his eyes.

So he tries not to give in, but eventually, it becomes too difficult and he is forced to let go.

When Aaron Hotchner dies- is brutally murdered for trying to protect a young woman from being mugged- he is alone. He is alone and he's not old enough to get his state pension. The EMTs can't even try and attempt to revive him. His son is unreachable because his phone died whilst out at a party, even though he told his dad he was studying.

Jack never recovers from the guilt that the last thing he said to his dad had been a lie. The team had been on a case. Jack couldn't make the phone call. He hadn't processed it himself. He kept expecting his dad to walk into the apartment and offer to make pancakes or complain about his knees, even though he refused to use the cane.

Jessica lost her brother, and wondered when it would finally be her turn. The only family she had left was her nephew. Everyone else- her mother, her father, her baby sister and her little brother- was gone.

The team couldn't even pretend that his death had been swift and painless. They had seen enough murders and studied enough signatures to know what caused immediate death and what dragged things out. Derek identified the body. It had taken him longer than he cared to admit. Because the body on the ground was not the Aaron he had known.

And they never caught the culprits. Even with their sloppiness and poor skills, the team never managed to find them. It was like they had just vanished into thin air. But none of them ever stopped searching. Their newest profiler- a woman already hardened by life and its horrors- worried that they would all eventually become Jason Gideon.

Haunted by the one person they should have been there for but failed to save until every victim with soft brown eyes, or messy black hair, or a broken son, or so many different things, started to look like him.

Dave's eulogy was beautiful. Derek's was a testament to the Aaron that had existed before everything fell apart. Jennifer's reminded everyone that he had always been a father, even before Jack was born. Penelope spoke of the side he was so careful with- the one that held onto her presents like they meant everything to him, and in some ways they did. Emily's poked fun at him the way only she could, even though tears were falling onto the paper. Spencer spoke of the trust Aaron had placed in him, and the man he had taught him to be.

Jack couldn't read his. He was so angry. At his father for always needing to be a hero, instead of being a father. At the team for not finding the killers. At the world for leaving him an orphan, even if he was close to college graduation. At George Foyet for not killing them all that fateful day, if only so he would not have to live without his parents.

Aaron Hotchner died, a hero, a father and a friend, without ever realising just how much he was cherished and adored.

It is not what he deserved.

It is nonsense. It is chaos.

It is unexpected and destructive.

In the end, it is cruel.

It always is.

#major character death #tw blood #tw child abuse #tw suicidal thoughts #criminal minds #criminal minds fanfic #aaron hotchner #hurt aaron hotchner #hotch whump #sumayyah writes cm

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leo-gold-hotchner · 4 years ago

Text

Le Bal Masqué

Aussie doesn’t really celebrate Halloween, unless uni party etc. I don’t really know unless how media depicts it. SAD :(

I’ve been keep wondering, do Americans use pants or trousers? We say pants, I know English use trousers...

Aaron Hotchner X Male Reader

I kissed a boy Au

Word: 1.5k

As soon as Hotch exited his office he could hear his agents’ conversations. They were talking about what they’d do tonight. JJ told her fellow friends she’d go out and have trick or treat with Will and Henry, and she invited them over to go with her family. Although the others politely refused as they already set their own plans tonight. He didn’t hear more of the conversation as he said his good-bye and left hurriedly.

-Hotch-

Aaron looked at his young son with a surprised look on his face. His brows shot up as he observed his son. Jack was wearing one of his shirt and suit jacket, his dark blue tie loosely hung around the boy’s neck. Obviously, the long sleeves were dragging behind Jack. At least he wasn’t wearing Aaron’s suit trousers to be dragged along the carpet.

“That’s not Spiderman, is it?”

“No,” Jack gave his father a faint baby smile.

“Not Superman too.”

“No!” Jack giggled.

“I really don’t know, I give up.” The father held his hands up, gesturing surrender.

“Silly Daddy, it’s you!”

Aaron’s chest swelled in happiness and relief knowing Jack loves him to be Aaron despite he’s always not there for his son. He lifted his young son and Jack leaned on his shoulder.

“Before we go Trick or Treat, is it okay for Daddy’s friend to join us?”

“Not Uncle Dave?”

“Oh, he’s busy,” he was sure his mentor was busy, “he’s Daddy’s other best friend and I want you to meet him.”

“Okay.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jack returned the grin.

-Hotch-

It was Halloween night, but to you it was just another usual day. You didn’t decorate your house at all, just plain all light off where you just stuck in your room. You could hear laughter and some music from outside, but you were absentmindedly thinking what should you watch for the night. Finally, you could get some sleep this morning and unlike other days you felt rather refreshing and You were humming ‘This is Halloween’ from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ as you dragged your finger on your phone screen. You missed Aaron, but you decided to not call him tonight. You remembered he saying he always stays with his son on Halloween, so you wanted him to spend time with his son. Suddenly, your phone screen changed, and Aaron’s photo popped up as your phone rang.

“Hi,” you replied rather shyly.

Aaron’s low voice greeted you back. “Do you have any plan for tonight?”

“No, why?” You could hear some voices and from the call, he must be outside with his son for Trick or Treat. Suddenly, your house bell rang, and you excused yourself from Aaron. “Give me a sec, I think some children are here.”

You groaned inwardly as you contemplate what to say to the poor children who came to you. You didn’t have any candies to give them. As soon as you opened the door wide, a grinning man greeted you with a boy grabbing his hand.

“Trick or treat, Mr. L/N!” Jack giggled at your surprised face.

“I, I, wow.” You didn’t know what to say to the boy, or to his father.

“I already told Jack you didn’t prepare any candies, so you don’t have to look so worried.” Aaron slightly smirked at you. “But as you don’t have any candies to spare us, you could accompany us? What do you say, Jack?”

“Let’s go!” The small boy laughed as he held his treat basket high. His long sleeves were hiding his hands, but he was tightly holding the empty basket efficiently.

-Hotch-

As you walked along next to your boyfriend and his son, for the first time in years you observed the surroundings. You’ve been busy with your study and work before, it’s been sometimes you actually had a day off on Halloween. You saw various characters from fairy tales, comics, movies, books, and legends. You could even recognise some historical and cultural outfits. It was very exciting night for everyone as they masked themselves as certain characters, and to you it was fascinating to see everyone was mingled together happily. Toddlers to teenagers, even young adults were having good time under their disguise. Though almost every adult was not wearing any masks on their face even if they were wearing costumes. Jack being an outgoing boy, already made friends from a group of children in his age, ran along with them to get candies. Aaron’s eyes never left his son’s back as Jack walked along with other kids, though his hand was firmly grabbing yours.

“He’s a good boy.”

“That’s why I’m more worried,” Aaron sighed as his eyes lock into his son’s excited smile.

“He must love you so much, wearing your suits.” You laughed as Jack ran back to you two.

“Look how much I got!” Jack showed you and Aaron his nearly overflowing basket.

“Wow, that’s so many! Are you going to eat tonight?”

“I want to, but it’s gonna hurt my tummy.” The boy pouted and you couldn’t help but smile at that.

“You can have a few tonight, and take some to school tomorrow.” Aaron smiled, then his ears perked up as he heard some music.

“I think there’s some dance floor, it’s been like a music festival since a week ago.” You rolled your eyes, thinking back how you’ve been sleep deprived because of that. You had to sleep in the afternoon for the past days in order to work your schedule, but the music always managed to wake you up.

“Can we go there?” Jack asked you two with his puppy look. And you couldn’t just say ‘no’ to that look. You held your hand to the boy and grabbed your hand with his smaller hand.

“Let’s go.” Aaron gave you a raised eyebrow, but you pointedly ignored him.

-Hotch-

Well, you finally found out why you couldn’t sleep. There were so many people on the dance floor, whether you were young or old, everyone was together and danced along. The music kept changed, sometimes it became rock, sometimes it became romantic, sometimes it became just exciting rhythm. Aaron looked as if he wasn’t sure to let his son on the dance floor where he could easily lose the sight of Jack.

“There, the dance floor for children.” You were surprised to see another dance floor for cheery children, further it was guarded with police officers. You were relieved to see the children were protected, but in the other hand you were sad to see the world was dangerous to children. The officers were wearing something like animal ears on their heads, or even colourful costumes, but you could easily spot their badges on their waist.

“Can I, can I? Please Daddy?” Jack jumped up and down with his huge eyes looking at his father.

“Alright, but you shouldn’t follow anyone okay?”

“I know, Daddy.” Jack beamed and scrambled to the dance floor and joined other children.

“Shall we?”

“Huh?” You replied unintelligently and he just dragged you to the dance floor.

Unlike others, you two didn’t wear anything like Halloween. But from Jack, Aaron could say he wanted to match with his son, but you? You were just wearing daily outfit, jacket and sport trousers.

“Wait, give me a second.” Soon he disappeared, leaving you in the middle of people.

Without Aaron it felt like you were in the ocean, the swarm of people were like waves hitting you from every direction. Maybe you could just leave the dance floor and see how Jack was doing.

“Now it was very very bad of me to leave you here, wasn’t I?” Aaron’s voice startled you, as his arms wrapped around you. “Were you scared?”

“Are you stupid? I wasn’t scared!” You huffed like a primary school student as if someone read your thoughts.

“Sorry,” he, but didn’t look like sorry at all, only grinning widely at you. His arms shot up, and put something on your head. “I felt like you’d look cute on this.”

“Mr. Hotchner, are you drunk?” You guffawed as your hand touched some fluffy thing on your head.

The song soon changed to a romantic music and people soon shifted their positions and moves. Following them, Aaron’s large hands grabbed yours. You looked at him, and noticed he also wore the fluffy animal ears like you.

“Perhaps, I’m drunk by your presence.” his whisper sent a jolt to you.

“Who’re you, and what have you done to my boyfriend.” You laughed at the rare sappy Aaron Hotchner.

“I wanted to thank you.” He gave you a luminous smile under the moon light. “You’re good with Jack, and Jack really likes you.”

“Well, he IS cute little Hotchner unlike usual indifferent big Hotchner. I’m glad you and Jack brought me out here, you know. And the ears.” As you two danced slowly in silence, soon the song ended in much to your disappointment. “You and Jack can sleep at my home, I have night shift tomorrow.”

“If you’re okay?”

“I’d love to.” You smiled broadly. “Let’s go find Jack.”

“Let’s.” Aaron reciprocated your smile, yours and his hands tightly locked to each other.

#Criminal Minds #criminal minds fanfic #aaron hotchner x reader #male reader #bau #aaron hotchner #jack hotchner

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imaginesandinserts · 4 years ago

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Irreverent Pt. 16 - Comfort

Title: Irreverent Pt. 16 - Comfort Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Reader Rating: T (Teen) Words: 1293

Irreverent Series Masterlist

The team had rallied around Hotch and Jack. Rossi had been over a lot and Jack had started calling him Uncle Dave from what you'd heard. Morgan and Reid had helped Hotch install his new high tech security system and the three of them had spent a whole day at the new place - is what you were told at least. Emily, JJ, and Penelope had gone over laden with food, chocolates, and toys for Jack. They'd invited you along but you'd bailed last minute.

You hadn't talked to Hotch since Haley died. Not really. Sure you'd been there for all of the team stuff when everyone was there. But you hadn't spoken to him directly about it - about Haley. Since he hadn't returned to work yet, you were able to get away with it. You knew it was selfish to not say something - anything really - but you found yourself at a loss. Nothing you said would be different from what anyone else said. It wouldn't matter. So, you spent most of your time with Jack, keeping him entertained and making sure he was doing alright.

It had been about a month that Hotch was away from work, in which dinners at his place with everyone - Will and Henry included - became more of a regular thing. The team had just got back from a case that had shockingly ended alright, having saved the victim and apprehending the Unsub successfully. You'd all descended on Hotch's apartment, even though all you'd wanted to do was go home and curl into your bed and forget.

You sat on the couch beside Morgan, hoping his larger than life presence would be enough to cloak you. The team had noticed of course how quiet you'd been. Emily and JJ had told the rest of them - not Hotch - how you'd reacted when Haley died. That, paired with your inability to look Hotch in the eye, had them all concerned.

Rossi had tried to talk to you about it - how grief was a part of life and it was natural to deal with it in your own time. Derek had told you that you couldn't just cut Hotch off - that it wasn't fair for him to lose Haley and lose you too. They were all very valid points, but you didn't know how to tell them that you saw her dead every night when you slept. You couldn't talk to Hotch with everyone else around and ask him how he was. You were terrified you would burst into tears and then he would be in the awkward position of comforting you when it was really he who needed the comfort.

"Y/N," you saw Jack approaching you from the playroom.

"Yeah buddy, what's up?" You stood to go meet him halfway. He'd been playing alone for the past 20 minutes or so since JJ and Will had left with Henry.

"I'm tired," he said, his little baby face turned towards you, looking completely worn out.

You turned and indicated to Hotch that you were going to take him to bed and he nodded in agreement. He'd been letting you hang out and do things with Jack as much as you could while you were around. At first you'd thought he would be more protective and want to do everything for his son, but it seemed like whenever Jack asked for you, Hotch made sure to let you handle it by yourself.

You led Jack by the hand to his room so the two of you could pick out his pajamas, leaving the others to continue talking in the living room. You helped him take a quick bath and then climb into bed to read a story that the two of you had started last time you'd been over. You'd thought Hotch would continue it, but apparently he'd started a different one, leaving you and Jack to finish yours together.

As you sat next to Jack in his twin sized bed, you noticed that he seemed less excited for a story than usual.

"You okay, Jack?" you turned to see him looking as lost in thought as a child possibly could.

"I miss Mama." His small voice saying those words caused your heart to ache for the sweet little boy next to you.

"Oh baby, I know." You moved so that Jack was sat in your lap and you could look at him properly. "It's okay to miss her. We'll always miss the people we love when they aren't there anymore."

"Daddy gets sad when I ask about her."

Your eyes were welling up even as you were determined not to cry in front of Jack. "Your daddy loved your mama, so so much. He misses her a lot too."

You sighed, trying to think of what to say next, terrified you would say the wrong thing.

"But, Jack, if you want to ask about your Mama, you should always do that. Talking about the people we love is how we can still hold on to them when they're gone."

"I don't want to make Daddy sad." You took Jack's little hand in yours, touching his fingers to your lips. This little child had gone through so much and yet his heart was still so kind. He was definitely Hotch's son.

"He'll be a little sad, yeah. But he'll also be happy to talk to you about her."

"You're sure?"

"I promise."

"Okay, Y/N," Jack said, climbing off of your lap, reassured. "We can read the story now."

You tried to smile as you opened the book where the two of you had last left off, your voice catching just slightly as you began to read.

*------------*

By the time Jack had fallen asleep, it appeared everyone else had helped Hotch clean up and said their goodbyes, as the living room was dark when you exited. Not wanting to just leave without saying goodbye, you went to go find Hotch. The plan was to find him, say good night, and be on your way. As you walked down the hallway, you saw a dim light on from his bedroom, so you quickly approached and knocked.

"Come in."

"Hey," you whispered, slowly opening the door slightly. You walked just into the doorway and saw Hotch sitting on the side of his bed, fully dressed. He seemed completely worn out, and before you knew it you found yourself walking up to him.

He looked up in surprise. Your avoidance hadn't gone unnoticed, so he wasn't expecting you to come in and check on him.

"Jack's asleep," you told him. It had been so long since you'd allowed yourself to be alone with him, that you felt awkward.

He noticed your hands were fidgeting and tugging on the hem of your sweater. Heaving a deep sigh, he moved as if to stand up, but you found yourself preventing him, with your hands on his shoulders. He looked up at you curiously as you'd moved to stand right in front him, standing between his legs.

You weren't sure what compelled you to move closer to him, but as you found yourself looking down into his warm brown eyes, your resolve strengthened. "I'm sorry."

Before you knew it his hands wound around your waist pulling you unbelievably closer as you brought yours to hold his head against your chest. You could feel him trembling underneath your fingertips as you held him.

He was enveloped by you. Your presence that had been kept away from him for so long was suddenly within his grasp and he felt himself break the dam he'd built within.

You weren't sure how long you stood there, clutching one another in the dark.

#criminal minds #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds reader insert #aaron hotchner #hotch x reader #hotch x you #hotchner x reader #hotchner x you #irreverentseries #aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner x y/n #hotchner imagine #hotch x y/n

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winterscaptain · 4 years ago

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three’s company.

Aaron Hotchner x Gender Neutral Reader

a/n: and here we are! the final installment of the ajf 100 arc. this takes place right after mosley lane in season five, and from here on i promise we’ll see some happier days :) i can’t thank you all enough for coming on this adventure with me, as hard and fraught as it was.

words: 1.6k warnings: none!

summary: “let us not burden our remembrances with a heaviness that's gone.” - william shakespeare, the tempest

masterlist | a joyful future masterlist | requests closed!

“You’d never believe it, Hales. The sass on your kid these days is unreal.” A laugh leaves you as you lean forward, resting your elbows on your knees. “He pulled one right out of your book the other day with Aaron when he told him it was time to come in out of the snow...”

It’s just one of those Saturdays where you needed to talk to her. Not for any particular reason, but just knowing that if this was any other timeline, the two of you would sit out in the breakfast nook in the big house, watching the snow fall and the sun set as the February evening wore on.

There’s a crunch of snow under day-off boots behind you, but you ignore him and continue talking, just as you would if she were here.

“We miss you. I think the weirdest thing so far was skipping your Christmas present. Had it all wrapped and everything and then I remembered you wouldn’t be there.” You look up, taking a little breath. “Had a good cry about that one.”

“It is getting better though, all things considered…” You trail off, not sure what to say. Sharing silence with a headstone is a little less companionable than the alternative.

It wasn’t a lie, though. The grief didn’t overwhelm you now like it did those first weeks. It sometimes clocked you at the oddest of times, drawing a few tears (or more than a few) or a little smile.

Sometimes, both.

You huff a little laugh to yourself. “We had a really good case outcome last week. Found three kids who’d been missing, got them all back to their parents. It was just one of those that reminded us why we do it, you know?”

Aaron sits beside you without a word.

“And you’d be proud of Aaron, Haley. He’s saddling the rest of us with the paperwork and going home early, most nights. It’s kind of impressive. Though, I know it’ll wear off and he’ll be back on his bullshit soon enough.”

There’s a snort from beside you, and you finally acknowledge him.

“Tell me it isn’t true and I’ll take it back,” you say, looking over at him.

He shrugs. “Can’t. But then again, you’d never lie to Haley and you’d never lie to the dead, so we’re two for two, there.”

You smile at him for a moment, gesturing vaguely to the headstone. “We were just catching up.”

“Of course. I thought it would be one of those days.”

“Where’s the kiddo?” You look over your shoulder, halfway expecting Jack to be playing somewhere in the snow.

“Helping Jess with dinner.” He addresses Haley’s headstone. “Hear that, Hales? Your son is helping with dinner, now.”

You both pause, acknowledging the laughter you know you’d get if she were here.

Looking over at him, you wryly note, “Yeah, see, Jack might be helping with dinner, but you still aren’t. What’s your excuse?”

“I have been sent to bring you to the apartment for dinner by request of my son and my sister.”

You tut at him with a little smile “Nice to see Jess has been promoted.”

He rolls his eyes.

+++

The first time the entire team gathers at Dave’s after the New Year is a refreshing return to something that feels halfway normal.

You’ve got Henry in your lap so JJ can actually eat something. He’s messing around with one of the rubik’s-cube-like toys Spencer got him for Christmas. To everyone’s delight, the novelty of them has yet to wear off and they’ve saved the entire Jareau-La Montagne household a couple of meltdowns.

“How’s he holding up?” JJ asks between bites.

You glance over at Hotch, on the floor with one leg outstretched and the other tucked underneath him. Jack’s holding his attention, explaining some advanced maneuver with his army men. “He’s doing alright. Better every day, I think, but there will always be bad days.”

She hums. “And Jack?”

You shrug, catching Henry’s toy before it can fall from your lap. “He’s still adjusting, of course, but Jess is doing a great job at keeping up with his routines.”

“Actually, that’s really all kids need at Jack’s age, other than socialization and physical affection,” Spencer says. “The retention of a consistent routine is key to development after the toddler stages of childhood.”

You toss a grin over your shoulder. “Thanks, Spence.”

He shrugs. “It’s just true.”

JJ huffs a laugh and puts her napkin on the table. You pass Henry back to her, and he’s more than happy to tuck back against her chest.

Dave, a kitchen towel thrown over his shoulder, takes your plate. You follow him back into the kitchen, turning the water on and starting on the silverware while he tackles the glasses.

“Everything okay?” He asks.

Your brow furrows. “Yeah. Why?”

He glances over his shoulder. “Just not used to seeing you so far from Aaron, is all. Fifty feet is quite a far distance for a shadow to cover, don’t you think?”

With an eye roll: “Give me a break, Rossi.”

He raises his soapy hands as if to surrender, but you know he’s not even close to done. “I’m just sayin.’” He relents after a moment. “There’s only so much the rest of us can do for him.”

“What do you mean?” You direct your question at the dishes, remaining studiously focused on your task.

Unlike you, he pauses, turning square to face you. “For a pair of profilers...You know what? It’s not worth it.”

+++

Aaron stamps the snow off his boots and hangs his coat and scarf on the hook by the door, fresh from an afternoon of errands and paperwork at the office.

Belatedly, he realizes he missed the fort in the living room when he first came through the door. The couch cushions and dining chairs have all been arranged in an elaborate configuration, supporting the duvet stolen from Aaron’s bed and a fair few flat sheets from the hall closet. All the linens are secured with carefully knotted neckties, or pinned together with some spare clothespins you found God-knows-where.

Creeping forward, he picks up the corner of what he imagines is a door flap by design.

In the dark of the fort, he finds you and Jack curled together on your sides around the portable DVD player. Jack’s out like a light - his little hand pressed against his cheek where it rests on your arm. You’re awake, waiting for him.

Aaron finds your eyes. You smile a little and keep your voice at a whisper. “He’s only been sleeping about twenty minutes or so. He wore himself out playing architect, so I figured a quick nap wouldn’t keep him up too late.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Aaron assures you in a whisper with an equally small smile. “I’m just glad he had fun today.”

“Yeah.” You arc an arm over Jack’s shoulders and brush at the feathered hair on his forehead. Returning your gaze to Aaron, you playfully (and quietly) ask, “Want to join us for another movie, or are you too old for stuff like this?”

He shakes his head, a real, genuine smile on his face. It’s the first one you’ve seen in a while and it warms you beyond measure.

When he stoops inside, he rests his head on your calf and his hand on his son. You gingerly stretch for another DVD, and Aaron takes over the logistics after you hand it over - replacing the disk, lowering the volume, and starting the next movie.

In the quiet darkness, you think of Haley. A few tears slip out of the corners of your eyes, landing between your temple and your arm. You don’t dare move for fear of waking Jack, but it’s as if Aaron can read your mind. He lifts his head just so, finding your lashes inexplicably wet in the light from the screen.

Your eyes flicker down to his and your close-lipped smile is shaky.

His eyes narrow. What’s wrong?

Nothing. You shake your head just a little. I just miss her.

You watch the inside of his lip pinch between his teeth as his mouth presses into a thin line.

A trembling breath leaves you as you refocus on the screen, your fingers playing with the hem of Jack’s sleeve as he sleeps.

Aaron watches you for a moment. He thinks perhaps you are the only person alive who understood what was between him and Haley - the love, the tiffs, the history. Somehow, you managed to see right through them, right through him, right through her, to the heart of it.

He’s sure you love his son like your own. He remembers the desperate way you held his son when you found him in that trunk. It was that day - when he saw the panic flash across your face when you realized you hadn’t seen Jack, hadn’t found him - he realized that you’d kill, risk life and limb, drop everything, for Jack.

That day tested you as well. If you thought too long about it, you could still taste the metallic tang of anger in the back of your mouth when you thought about Foyet getting his hands on Jack. It was that overwhelming flood of emotion that brought you to the same conclusion.

Now, the secure weight of Jack in your arms lulls you into a kind of bone-deep peace.

You let your eyes close, falling into the sheer comfort of the moment. After a few minutes, Aaron follows suit.

+++

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