#aaron hotchner x original female character

[natashasfilms]

REVELATIONS - A CRIMINAL MINDS SERIES

Summary: Leila Kade is a skilled FBI profiler, respected by her colleagues and committed to protecting the innocent from the darkest elements of society. But as she navigates the complexities of her cases, Leila must confront buried emotions and past traumas that threaten to derail her personal and professional life.

Pairing: BAU!Fem!OC x Male!OC , EVENTUAL Aaron Hotchner x BAU!Fem!OC (Like much later)

Warnings: This story contains mature themes such as sexual content, strong language, violence, mentions of alcohol and drugs, blood, gore, and death. All the usual Criminal Minds stuff. And there is NO CHEATING.

Note 1: I imagine Leila Kade as South Asian but I have decided to let you, the reader, imagine her appearance, hence the reason why I have not given her a face claim. However, her race does not affect the story, whatsoever. You, as the reader, are free to imagine her however you want. If you don’t see her as South Asian, then that’s fine. It won’t affect the storyline. I also imagine the OC!Male as South Asian, but again, it won’t affect the storyline.

Note 2: The team will consist of the main cast (Emily, Derek, JJ, Spencer, Penelope, Aaron, and Rossi) but will also include Elle Greenaway and Jason Gideon because they were some of my favorite characters and I wanted to include them with the rest of the team. Basically, Elle and Gideon never leave when Emily and Rossi join.

Note 3: There will be multiple time skips throughout this series. For example, the first chapter will begin on the first season and episode of the show but then there will be a time skip to later episodes (because there are obviously way too many episodes to write this series on and I wanted to include specific episodes that would help the plot of this story). This means that this series will be a slow burn romance (no cheating is involved) but I believe it to be better this way. This will also stray from the actual show a lot, so don’t expect it to follow the plot precisely.

•• Season One

•• Season Two (COMING SOON)

•• Season Three

•• Season Four

•• Season Five

•• Season Six

•• Season Seven

[alicewonderao3]

She didn't have time

Title: She didn't have time

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x original female character

Characters: Spencer, Emily, Rossi, Derek, Penelope, JJ, Aaron, Original female character.

Warnings: none, just fluff.

Summary: Aaron's bringing his new girlfriend over to dinner at Rossi's with the team, but she's anxious about meeting his coworkers and friends. Will she be able to charm them as she has him?

Author note: So I had this idea come to me while I was listening to a song. I know, I was inspired by music. So this is singlemom!original character, Alice. I wondered what that might look like, while I was listening to Terri Clark's She didn't have time. Its been a while since I've posted anything, life hasn't been kind to me, and I feel like I'm just struggling lately. I'm hoping things change, it being the new year and all, but I don't have much hope for that. I don't own anything, and I have no beta, so all spelling and grammar mistakes are mine. Let me know what you think, and as always enjoy!

Word count: 796

I was nervous at the thought of meeting his coworkers. Aaron reassured me that they'd love me, but I couldn't help but clutch his hand in mine as we walked into the large home of his friend and co-worker David Rossi. I smiled warmly at everyone, even if they seemed surprised to see him arriving with someone.

Everyone's eyes landed on me as Aaron helped me from my coat, my pink dress a stark contrast to his black polo and jeans. Aaron had reassured me I looked fine, but the way they eyed me, I wasn't sure. He squeezed my hand and leaned down to whisper, "You look fine, Alice." I met his gaze, nodding as he dropped a soft kiss on my lips briefly as he led me over to meet them.

Aaron kept his large, warm hand on the small of my back, as he pointed to each person, who waved at me as he introduced them. "This is David Rossi and Emily Prentiss," The two waved at me, and then he said, "That's Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia, and that is Spencer Reid and JJ." I waved at everyone, and as he went to speak to everyone and give David the bottle of wine we brought, the girls surrounded me.

They all seemed nice, and after a few moments, they asked about me. Emily leveled me with a look, "Alright Alice, tell us about yourself." I smiled, "Well I'm a preschool teacher." I said, as Penelope waved her hand and said, "What I want to know, is how you met and caught the eye of our famously stern unit chief."

The giggles from the rest said they wanted to know the same and I said, "Okay, well, I was shopping, my daughter was with my mama, when I met him. I had a flat tire and the parking lot was so crowded and I had no idea what I was going to do, and then he sort of appeared, like my knight in shining armor. Aaron was so nice, he got all my tools out and helped me change the tire." I said a warm smile on my lips.

JJ leaned in, "Oh, that sounds like Hotch, what happened next?" I smiled, "Well, he asked me if I wanted to go out for coffee, and I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. We were having coffee together and laughing when he asked me about my daughter. I said, she's five. He asked me if she had my eyes." I said, which made all the women let out the same collective sound, their eyes moving to Aaron where he stood talking with Derek, Spencer, and David.

"I know, it was so sweet. My daughter Ellie and Jack are around the same age, so we set them up on a playdate and they loved playing with each other. He asked me out on a real date and the rest, as they say, is history. Ellie loves Aaron. And he's so good with her." I said, softly.

I pulled my phone out and showed them photos of Aaron and Ellie that I'd snapped over the weekend. "She insisted on having a tea party and he was delighted to attend," I said, as I showed them pictures of Aaron seated in Ellie's room, surrounded by her stuffed animals, with a pink crown on her dark curls, as she gave him a cookie on a flower plate.

JJ smiled, "Oh, she looks just like you," She said, smiling down at the picture of Aaron and Ellie, who had the same honey-brown eyes and dark curls as I do. "yeah, she looks like me. But she adores Aaron and Jack. She and Jack get along so well." I said as we wandered to the dinner table to eat.

The girls brought up his tea party with Ellie and I saw Aaron's cheeks flush as they good-naturedly teased him. "Yes. I couldn't turn down her offer. She was quite persuasive." He says as he wraps his arm around my shoulders. We've finished eating, and he grins at me. "She's like her mama, I can't say no to her."

The girls ooh and ahh over his comment, and on our way out, after promising to visit during the work week one day with Ellie in tow, I lean against Aaron as we walk to his car. He nudges me playfully. "What did I tell you, darling? They loved you." He says, dropping a soft kiss on my head as he opens my door.

I lean up and press a kiss to his lips. "And I love you, Aaron," I murmured, as his eyes held mine, with love and desire in his gorgeous brown eyes. "I love you too, Alice."

[thatgirlstrawberry]

See this?

That’s the look of pure horror, when his girlfriend’s father aka Aaron Hotchner storms into the working space the chief landed them (just imagine they are on a case somewhere far away) and LITERALLY seething and *angry vocalising* his disagreement with theirs relationship, because Spencer’s 5-10 (just age gap idc) older (reader’s over 18 for dear life) and she just started working there (7months). Derek has to physically restrain him from hurting his not so soon son in law. He calms down soon enough to get to work, but they’ll have a big talk about it, including Rossi. Cuz this man can’t hold a secret for dear life. I can imagine the ANGRY FACE Hotch does 🤬🤯 when he finds out about it. Also can you make it a lil bit longer with spice? Like after the big disapproving talk with Hotch, that they freely have a long hot makeout sesh, not worried about her dad finding out about them. In their apartment, where he’s sitting with his back to the headboard, hands tightly squeezing her hips while she’s whining on his lap.

I Hope this text above was coherent enough for you to consider making something with it. I hope that both sides of your pillow are cold. Ily<3

YESSS OMG

Not-so-happy Hotch

In which Hotch finds out that Spencer and Y/N have been seeing each other and is not happy about it

Warnings: angst, angry angry Hotch, spoilers from season 5, age gap (9 years), reader is 18+, heavy making out near the end + grinding kinda, sadness a lil bit, fluff, lmk if I missed anything!

Spencer Reid x fem!hotch!reader

Y/N sat on her bed alone, in the hotel room. The team were in Massachusetts investigating the murders of a variety of women. It was her third case. She’d only been there for about 7 months.

She’d been dating Spencer for 4.

The day she walked into the BAU in her little white blouse and tight black jeans, Spencer had his eyes on her. Not just because of her body but because of her bright personality. He couldn’t believe how wonderful she was even after what she went through.

He obviously knew her before she started on the job, she was Hotch’s daughter. She first fell for him when she was 18. The day Haley died. She was with Jack and her in the house. Foyet had tied her to a chair and had her watch him kill Haley.

It messed her up. It made her want to stop people who did the same to other people and their families. She had originally wanted to be a teacher but everything she saw that day changed her entire life.

Spencer was the one to untie her because her father moved right past her, putting a finger to his lips with his gun raised in the other direction.

Y/N felt her mother’s blood splatter all over her face and clothes as Foyet shot her in the head. She squeezed her eyes shut and let a muffled scream out over the gag he had tied around her head. The sound of Haley’s body hitting the floor made her flinch.

She didn’t dare open her eyes but she could tell Foyet moved closer to her. “I’m gonna go find that little brother of yours and you can watch me kill him too.”

And he moved her mother’s body.

Y/N cried and didn’t open her eyes until she knew he was out of the room. She tried so desperately to get the cloth out of her mouth but nothing worked.

Moments later, her dad appeared. She widened her eyes and whined. He let a tear slip from his eye and pressed his finger against his lips.

He moved past her and looked forward, making sure that his gun was pointed forward. Then all the noises from fighting and gunshots were heard.

She let out more screams hearing her father fight for his life. It was almost like she couldn’t breathe., she was screaming so hard.

Then she heard them tumbling down the stairs. Punch after punch.

“Reid, get her out of here!” She heard the voice of her uncle Derek Morgan behind her.

Suddenly, Spencer Reid appeared in front of her, making sure not scare her. “You’re okay. You’re okay, look at me, Y/N.” Spencer rushed as his hands tore at the knots around her hands and feet.

She looked into his eyes trying to stop the tears. When her hands were untied she reached up and tore the cloth from her mouth. When her feet were untied, Spencer wrapped his arms around and pulled her up from the chair.

She buried her head into his shoulder trying to contain her sobs as he carried her out of the house. “Is my Dad okay!?” She asked when he set her down on the ground. “Is he dead too— what about Jack— where is Jack!?”

Spencer shook his head and watched her eyes dart around. Her chest heaved but she was barely taking in any air. “Y/N, stop. Look at me, please.” Truth was, he didn’t know if Hotch was dead or alive.

The woman stopped looking everywhere else and settled on his eyes. “Take a deep breath in.” He held her hands tightly in his. He watched her body shake as she did what she was told. “Now let it out.” She nodded and squeezed his hands a let her deep breath out through her rounded lips. “Good. Keep breathing just like that.”

Y/N had always had a little girl crush on her father’s coworker. He was cute and awkward and had a nice smile. So, when she started working there, she was able to get to know him better.

“Everyone, meet our new liaison, Y/N Hotchner.” Garcia squealed and clapped, Morgan smiled and went in for a hug and Spencer stood back with his hands in his pockets with a small smile on his face.

Hotch turned to the rest of the team. “She’ll start out as a liaison but we’re working to get up to profiling level. She is a part of this team just like all of you.”

Days after that, past her mother’s funeral, she left town. She went to college, pretty much reset her entire life. One day, after all her classes she went to get coffee. All by herself. She didn’t have many friends anyway.

While she sat by the window with a book and her coffee, someone familiar walked in. She didn’t see him at first but when she heard his voice across the shop, she looked up. “Spencer?” She called.

He turned around and was pleasantly surprised. “Y/N!” He raised his brows. “What— how—“ he paused. “Hi, how are you?”

She pressed her lips together. He had the same look on his face that everyone did when they asked her that question. Pity. “Y’know, I’m okay.” She shrugged.

Spencer nodded. “G-good.” Y/N took the pause to look at him. His hair was longer, stubble was grown out, he was really fucking pretty.

She inhaled deeply, a wave of confidence washing over her. “Can I… buy you a coffee?”

Spencer tilted his head with a smile. “No.” He shook his head. Y/N visibly deflated. “I-I already bought one.” He leaned in a bit closer. “You can buy me a chocolate donut with sprinkles though.”

She scoffed jokingly. “Wow. Begging a broke college student for food.” She rolled her eyes with a teasing smile, pulling her wallet from her back pocket and walking up to the counter. Spencer blew a raspberry and followed behind her.

In her hotel room, Y/N pulled her knees up to her chest waiting for his knock at her hotel door. Her heart always raced when she realized that they could be caught by her father. But she loved Spencer and she fully believed that nothing could stop her from seeing him. She knew her dad would probably have a big problem with it. Y/N was now 24 and Spencer was almost 33. She knew also that he didn’t want her dating anyone for that matter.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

She smiled and bit her lip, climbing out of the bed. She walked to the door and opened it. “Yes?” She raised her eyebrows, trying to keep her composure as Spencer stood there with a small smirk and a small pink box in his hands.

“I have a delivery for a Ms. Y/N? Is she here?” Spencer asked, his eyes gliding down her body.

She shrugged and leaned against the doorframe. “Depends. What’s in the box and what do I owe my amazing delivery man?”

Spencer stepped forward a bit. “There’s a donut in the box. And you owe me a few kisses as the delivery fee.” He smiled, his eyes were soft— puppy dog like.

She bit her lip. “Well in that case…” She pulled him into to room by his tie and shut the door quietly.

Unbeknownst to both of them, Hotch was standing at the end of the hall watching this.

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

Y/N was outside talking to a few news reporters who were asking questions. Her dad and Derek went to check out the latest crime scene. When she saw the SUV roll back into the parking lot of the station where base of operations was set up.

She nodded at a man with a microphone who had asked her a question. “Everyone should stay inside, lock all doors and windows. Don’t answer the door after 7. Be safe and if you know anything, call the number on the screen.”

She walked away towards the SUB and furrowed her eyebrows when Hotch got out of the car hurriedly.

“Hotch— wait! Hotch, you gotta cool down!” She heard Derek’s voice from the other side.

She furrowed her brows and tilted her head to the side. “Dad, what’s wrong-“ He pushed past her and walked towards doors of the station.

Derek rushed past her too. “What the hell?” She whispered, following them.

“Hotch, just give the kid a damn second!” Derek called after him.

Their voice disappeared as they entered the station. Y/N’s eyes widened when she realized “the kid” was Spencer.

Inside, Spencer was drawing lines across the map of Massachusetts where the murders happened when he heard Derek yelling. Luckily, the place was clear of cops because they were in a small town and all eight cops were assigned to keep watch of a few people.

“Spencer Reid, get your ass here right now!” His voice boomed and all of the blood seemed to drain from his face. He whipped his head around in shock and turned away from the board nervously. “Mind telling me why I saw you go into my daughter’s room last night?” He asked, his hands placed on his hips.

Y/N walked up beside Morgan who had the bridge of his nose pinched between his fingers. Her eyes desperately tried to connect to her boyfriend’s but the poor man was so scared he didn’t look anywhere but at Hotch. “I-I…uh…”

Hotch walked forward closer to him a little too quickly for Derek, Spencer and Y/N’s comfort. “You better give me a real good excuse and o don’t wanna hear what I’m thinking.” He shook his head, his voice low and intimidating.

Spencer didn’t say anything so Hotch all but lunged forward and Derek reached and grabbed his arms, pulling him back.

“Dad, stop!” Y/N cried.

Derek pulled him back more. “Come on, Hotch. Take a breath.”

“Let me go, Morgan.” He shook his head and shut his eyes.

The man shook his head too. “Not unless you can truthfully promise me that you won’t hit the kid.” He paused for a moment and when he didn’t get an answer, nodded. “Guess I’m not lettin’ you go then.”

Rossi walked into the building with JJ and Prentiss behind him, all of their faces contorting in confusion. “What the hell is this?” The man asked, holding his hands out.

Hotch didn’t spare a glance at them. “Reid’s messing around with my daughter.” He said.

Spencer shook his head. “I-I’m not messing around with her, I love her!” He blurted. The room was silent and it seemed to make Hotch even more mad.

He turned, ripping himself away from Morgan, pointing at his daughter. “Outside. Now.” He walked past her and towards the doors, pushing Rossi’s hand away when he tried to reach for his shoulder.

Y/N looked around at everyone, holding eye contact a little longer with Spencer before sighing and turning to leave the station.

When she got outside, her father was there with his arms crossed and a stone angry look on his face.

“Dad—“

“You are not to see him in a romantic way ever. Or I will fire you from this job.” He saw how her eyes softened and tears filled them.

She shook her head. “Do you think— I mea do you think I’m just messing around, dad?”

“Yes, I do. Y/N, It’s wreckless and unprofessional.” He nodded.

Y/N squinted. “You think so little of me? That I would let him play me like some game?”

“You are a child, Y/N—“

“I am a grown ass woman and I’ll see whoever I want to see.” She stopped him.

“He’s almost 10 years older than you!” Hotch scoffed.

She groaned and covered her face. “We are both mature adults. I don’t think it’s that much of a problem, dad.”

He stopped moving and looked at her. “I mean It, Y/N. Stop seeing him or I will fire you.”

Y/N have him a challenging look. “Do you want my badge now, then?” She raised her eyebrows and stuck her hand on her hip.

Hotch seethed. His daughter was just like him and it sucked.

“Get back to work for now but it’s mine when we get back to Quantico, understand?”

She shook her head with a roll of her eyes and pushed past him.

“And I don’t want you near him either!”

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

Case closed. And now they were on the way back. The entire jet was uncomfortably silent.

Y/N didn’t show it on the way back but she didn’t think that her father was bluffing anymore. They landed on the air strip and when everyone was off, her eyes filled with tears.

It was only her and her father left. She pulled her badge from her coat pocket and walked up to him, holding it out.

He looked at the badge for a moment and then at her. He sighed heavily and turned away from her, exiting the jet.

She raced after him. “So, what— you’re not firing me?” She called. He stopped and turned to her.

“Get Spencer and meet me in my office.”

He left her there, a billion possibilities racing through her head. Would he fire Spencer instead? Would he fire both of them?

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

“Spence!” Y/N whisper shouted as she walked behind him.

He flinched and turned. “H-hi.” He nodded. He hadn’t spoken to her since the day Hotch almost beat him up.

“Uh… my dad wants us in his office.” She nodded.

He nodded and visibly grew nervous. “I- okay.”

Y/N stopped him from walking and tilted her head. “Spencer, wait.” He looked down at her. “Don’t be… scared. I won’t let him do anything. And he won’t fire you. You’re too good at this.” She smiled, placing her hand in his.

He opened his mouth but then closed it before deciding that he was going to say something. “I-is there any way we can hold hands until we get to Hotch’s office?”

She tilted her head to the side and didn’t respond, she only squeezed his hand tighter.

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

Y/N, for Spencer’s safety not for her comfort, net go of him when they reached her father’s office. And she walked in first. Spencer followed behind her, his nervous stare causing him to move quicker and knock over a file that was on the little table near the door.

Y/N saw Rossi standing in the corner. She furrowed her brows and tilted her head.

She looked back at Spencer before looking at her dad who still looked very angry. They stood side by side and in silence until Hotch spoke.

“Sit.” He pointed at the two chairs in front of the desk. Spencer almost immediately fell into the chair, Y/N slowly sat down in the other one.

They were enveloped in silence once again. Hotch sighed and looked down at his desk. “Listen,” He started. Y/N bit her lip. “I do not approve of your… relationship in any way.” He shook his head. “But, I can’t afford to lose either of you. This job needs you.”

Rossi shook his head. “This team needs you.” He crossed his arms.

Spencer and Y/N looked at each other. “I think your relationship is premature, unprofessional. I expect you to at least think about a break up for the good of the team.” He nodded. Y/N looked down at her lap. “Y/N, you may go.”

“But-“

“Now, Y/N.”

She looked at Rossi who nodded his head comfortingly, telling her silently that Reid would be okay.

She got up from the chair and took one last look at her boyfriend before leaving.

She decided she would go home because there was no way her father’s little talk wouldn’t take more than and hour.

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

Y/N paced in her kitchen, worried for her boyfriend’s well being. She hadn’t heard from him in two hours.

She had changed from her work clothes into a shirt that belonged to Spencer and a pair of pajama pants. She had also cooked because she knew Spencer would not have eaten between the time he left the BAU and when he got to her apartment.

She heard the familiar knocks at her door and rushed to it. She flung it open and there stood her boyfriend who looked sad. Y/N pulled him inside and wrapped her arms around him wordlessly. He leaned down to bury his head in the crook of her neck.

“Are you hungry?” She whispered, her nails lightly gliding over his upper back. He shook his head. “Do you want to go talk?”

He nodded and she pulled away from him, keeping her hand in his. She walked with him to her bedroom.

He climbed up on the bed first, his back pressing against the headboard. Y/N began to sit down next to him but he pulled her over his lap, hands settling on her thighs. “Spence…” She brushed a piece of hair out of his face.

“He Uh…” He cleared his throat. “He told me that he wanted me to break up with you. And then when I told him that I couldn’t do that, he told me not to hurt you or he would ruin my life.”

Y/N tilted her head to the side and rubbed his cheek bones with her thumbs. “I know you’d never hurt me Spence.” She shook her head.

He smiled and leaned in a bit. She kissed his lips slowly. “I don’t care that he doesn’t want us to be together.” She shook her head.

“Me either.” He nodded, trying to catch her lips again. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, his hands found her hips.

Their kiss deepened and his hands guided her body back and forth over his lap. A little noise came up from her throat and she accidentally bit his lip. She pulled away when he hissed and giggled quietly. “I’m sorry, baby.”

He let out a deep chuckle, squeezing her hips. “Bite me as much as you want. You know I love your mouth.” He whispered in her ear seductively. Y/N’s eyes all but rolled into the back of her head.

She whined and leaned back in, his tongue entering her mouth almost immediately. She absolutely loved his kisses. He always tasted like peppermints and chocolate.

His hands moved her back and forth again, she tried to ignore the feeling of his hardness underneath her. She moaned into his mouth, her fingers tugging at the hair on the nape of his neck.

Desperation to just be close to each other enveloped them. When they broke away for just a second, his name left her mouth breathlessly. It wasn’t to get his attention, it was to tell him that she was scared. She had been scared of losing him.

They felt closer than ever before, both of them on fire for the other. They had no care I. The world of who approved of them or not.

.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.

Helloooooo i hope you enjoyed this! If it’s not how you expected I will happily rewrite it to the best of my ability!

I tried to add some flashback scenes to make it longer. Also, I made Hotch really mean bc I didn’t know how else to write him but I love him so much!!

Thank you for requesting @thbidkbutok !!! Luv you babes!

Also, feel free to request anything you want! In my ask box or private message!

Oop i forgot the Taglist lol

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[mccdreamys-writes]

smiles for miles – 6. ain't like home

burn the bridges in our town till the point where we drown, as it all comes down. - Dotan, Home

S E P T E M B E R   1 7 T H   2 0 1 1

Coming back to Kansas City stirred up a storm of feelings inside me, pulling memories from the depths where they'd been hiding for so long. Walking down those streets again, it felt like a tug-of-war between wanting to be here and wishing I were anywhere else.

It had been ages since I'd been in this city, and part of me questioned if I even wanted to be back. But duty called, reminding me why I'd returned—Maile needed me, and that was reason enough.

"Alex."

The sound of my name, spoken with such gravity, cut through the air, snapping me back to reality. I turned to see my brother coming towards me, a reminder of the family ties that bind us, whether we liked it or not.

Inhaling deeply to steady my nerves, I acknowledged him with a nod, my greeting carrying a mix of composure and underlying tension. "Scott," I said, my tone carefully neutral, though hints of apprehension lingered beneath the surface.

Despite the warmth of the sun casting its golden glow over the city streets, an intangible chill seemed to permeate the air, casting a shadow over our interaction.

His question hung between us, weighted with skepticism and perhaps a touch of judgment. "What brings you back here?" he queried, his voice betraying a hint of doubt.

Meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve, I made my intentions clear. "I'm here for Maile," I asserted firmly, my words leaving no room for misinterpretation.

An incredulous scoff escaped him, accompanied by a dismissive roll of his eyes. "You're kidding, right?" he retorted, frustration lacing his voice. "I thought you were done with all of that, you finally moved on."

Though his words stung, I refused to let them shake my determination. "Maile's gone missing, Scott," I explained, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily in my tone. "I couldn't just ignore that."

His uncertainty was clear, etched in the lines of his face and the cautious tone in his voice. "I thought you and her weren't on speaking terms," he remarked, his curiosity evident.

I met his gaze squarely, my determination unwavering despite the skepticism in his eyes. "There's more to it than that," I replied, my voice steady.

His skepticism persisted as he leaned forward, pressing for more information. "How can you be so sure she's missing?" he probed further.

In response, I reached across the table, laying out the collection of poems in front of him. His brow furrowed as he examined the pages, his skepticism growing. "What's the deal with these?" he questioned, his tone tinged with suspicion.

"Poems," I stated plainly, my voice calm but resolute. Despite his doubts, I knew these verses held the key to understanding Maile's disappearance, and I was determined to make him understand their significance. "She wrote them."

He delicately lifted the first poem from the table, his fingers moving with a mix of caution and curiosity, as though each line held a hidden message waiting to be deciphered. With furrowed brows, he scanned the verses, his gaze lingering on certain words, perhaps searching for clues that eluded even the most discerning eye.

After a moment, he set the first poem down and reached for the second, his demeanor shifting to one of deeper concentration. His eyes darted across the page, absorbing each word with intent scrutiny, as if trying to unravel the secrets woven within the lines. Finally, with a thoughtful exhale, he placed the second poem beside the first, his expression a blend of contemplation and skepticism.

Turning his attention back to me, he voiced his doubts, his tone tinged with uncertainty. "What makes you so certain she wrote these?" he questioned, his skepticism challenging the notion that these poems were Maile's handiwork.

I felt a pang of frustration at my inability to provide concrete evidence, my conviction resting solely on intuition and the haunting familiarity of Maile's writing style. How could I convey the depth of my certainty when I lacked tangible proof?

Sensing my inner turmoil, Hotch interjected with a calm authority, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Let me point something out," he began, his tone measured yet authoritative. "In the first poem, the word 'Smiles' is capitalized and circled in what we believe to be her blood. And as you might know, your sister used to call her-"

My brother's expression softened slightly as Hotch's words sank in, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. "Smiles," he echoed, the word carrying a weight of memories and shared experiences. Yet, despite this moment of recognition, skepticism still lingered as he voiced his doubts. "You know, Alex, this is a stretch to say the least. We need more than just circumstantial evidence to make such claims."

With determination in my voice, I faced him squarely, my patience wearing thin like an old rug. "You don't need to help us, Scott," I shot back, frustration seeping into my tone. "We've been given a place on your turf. If you want to join our investigation, feel free to do so. If you don't, stay the hell out of my way."

Turning sharply on my heel, I exited the room, leaving behind a lingering cloud of tension thicker than molasses. Despite my departure, the echo of conversation between my brother and my team members still reached my ears.

Morgan's words hung in the air like a gentle breeze, a reminder of the seriousness of the situation. "This means a great deal to her," his voice carried, tinged with concern. "You might want to take it seriously."

But my brother's response sliced through the atmosphere like a sharp knife, his tone rigid and unwavering. "I can't," he snapped back tersely. "I can't take anything seriously that has to do with that Crane girl. Alex's always been crazy about that girl, something I never understood. That girl is insane, and makes Alex look like a pedophile. I... Alex can't think straight when it comes to that girl."

As his words sank into my thoughts, a mix of frustration and disbelief bubbled up within me. How could he casually dismiss the seriousness of our situation, shrugging off the urgency of our investigation like it was nothing? But it was clear that changing his mind wouldn't be easy.

"Is it really that hard to ease her mind?" Hotch's question hung in the air like a heavy fog, casting a palpable tension over the room as everyone waited for my brother's response. When he stayed quiet, Hotch pushed forward, his voice steady but firm.

"If you don't trust Blake," Hotch started, his words deliberate, "that's okay. But then help us by proving that Maile Crane has nothing to do with this. We need to know everything about her. And everything about her connection with your sister."

As I observed him from behind the partially open blinds of the office, I could sense the weight of his frustration in the way his hands grasped at his hair. His voice, tinged with a mix of nostalgia and unease, filled the room as he began to recount memories from our past.

"We used to live right across from the Crane family," he started, his voice taking on a reflective tone. "There was Everett Crane, Josephine, and Maile. They were always a bit peculiar." His words hung in the air, carrying a mix of uncertainty and intrigue.

"He was a friendly guy, everyone in the neighborhood loved him," he continued, a hint of fondness creeping into his voice. "Josephine kept to herself mostly, didn't socialize much. Alex, though, she really took a shine to her. I think Alex was probably the only person Josephine ever really talked to around here."

Listening to his memories, I couldn't help but reflect on my own experiences with our former neighbors. Josephine held a special place in my heart; she was like a second mother to me. Despite the description, I remembered her as gentle and nurturing, always there with a kind word or a story to share. She had taught me how to read, passing on a gift that I later shared with her daughter, Maile.

As he delved further into his memories, each word seemed to stir up a whirlwind of emotions inside me. His voice, lacking any emotion, cut through the air, yet his words sparked a fiery anger within me.

"I guess I never really got to know her," he continued, his tone distant. "But she... she was always just wandering around, observing everything. And whenever someone tried to talk to her, she'd bolt and run away." His words painted a picture of Maile, but it clashed with the lively, spirited girl I remembered.

"Nobody really got close to her, except for Alex," he added. At the mention of my name, a flood of memories rushed back—times spent with Maile, secrets shared under the moonlight.

"My sister was crazy about that girl, more than she was about her own family," he admitted, bitterness dripping from his words. "She'd make decisions, big ones, based on what would be good for Maile." His revelation filled the room, highlighting the sacrifices made for love.

"People in the neighborhood thought she was obsessed with that girl. They wondered if she'd had a 'thing' for Maile," he continued, his tone heavy with resentment. "They started to keep a distance. It really put a strain on our family." The weight of his confession lingered, casting a shadow over our past.

Leaving the building, weighed down by my brother's revelations, I sought refuge in the calmness of the precinct's benches outside. The breeze offered a soothing touch against my skin, a brief respite from the storm raging within.

Soon, my team joined me, their presence a welcome distraction from the turmoil in my mind. Morgan's question broke the silence, delving straight to the heart of the matter.

"Did Maile always have to watch out for people?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I nodded, memories of the Crane household flooding back vividly. "Yeah, he beat that into her. Same with Josephine," I confessed, the gravity of my words hanging in the air. "They lived in constant fear of everyone."

Anxiety gripped me tightly as I spoke, a sense of urgency pushing my words forward. "I want to make something clear. I wasn't in love with Maile. I loved- still love her, but I promise..."

Hotch's hand gently rested on my shoulder, offering a momentary sense of reassurance. His eyes conveyed understanding as he spoke softly. "We know, Blake," he reassured me, his voice a comforting presence in the midst of my turmoil. "But we also recognize that circumstances change."

I turned to him, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. "What do you mean?" I inquired, my voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of fear.

His expression softened, a mixture of sympathy and resolve evident in his gaze. "What I mean is, Maile holds a special place in your heart," he explained gently but firmly. "No matter how much time passes or how hard you try to deny it, she's deeply ingrained in your soul. The way you talk about her, the way you care for her—you have given her your heart and you're not gonna get it back. Blake. And that's something you can't change. She is the love of your life."

His words struck a chord deep inside me, reminding me of something I had tried to ignore. Thinking back on my life, I couldn't deny the strong feelings I always had for Maile. No matter what, she was the most important person to me.

I tried to find happiness with other people, getting into relationships and even getting married. But nothing compared to what I felt for Maile. Even when she wasn't around, I couldn't forget about her. She was always on my mind, guiding me like a bright light in the dark.

In my life story, Maile was like the string that held everything together. Even though I tried to move on, she was always there, shaping my decisions and influencing my path.

With a heavy heart, I accepted the undeniable truth: Maile was more than just a friend; she was the love of my life, the one who held the key to my heart, even when she was absent from it.

"So where are we going next?" Morgan asked.

Raising my gaze to meet Morgan's inquisitive eyes, I felt a surge of determination coursing through me, mingling with the memories that flooded my mind. "We're going to 'the house across the street'."

[icarusignite]

The Darkest Hour Before Dawn | Ch.2

Pairing: Spencer Reid x OC! Althea Devereaux  

A/N: Reblogs and comments are appreciated, hope you enjoy <3

Word Count: 3.6k

Chapter Song: Paranoia by Liza Anne (Spotify Playlist Link)

Series Masterlist

AO3    | Wattpad  

"Nicholas Darcy has been missing for 19 hours now and it is vital that we locate him in the first 24," Agent Gideon stood in front of the room filled with members of local law enforcement as the BAU team delivered the profile.

"The unknown subject appears to be a methodical and organized individual who carefully selects his victims. His victimology suggests a preference for distinguished children, potentially those who have been given recognition for some task recently. He also demonstrates a high level of control during abductions, leaving little to no evidence behind and striking during times when he knows there won't be many people around," Agent Hotchner added.

"He is likely a white male, between the ages of 30 and 45. He drives a black van, and uses a ruse of some sort to lure his victims and gain their trust. He may ask them for their assistance and that's how he gets them in the van. He possesses above-average intelligence, as evidenced by his calculated methods and ability to avoid detection thus far. He has a menial job or he may be unemployed, allowing him plenty of time to observe the victims' routines and figure out when to strike when they're most vulnerable," Morgan outlined more key aspects of the profile.

Althea straightened from where she was slouching in the back of the room, trying her best to keep her eyes open. Most of the profile was similar to what she and Rebecca had predicted. The age of the unsub, his work habits, and his psychological motivations, but the mention of the van jolted her awake.

"Wait black van? You've identified his vehicle?" Rebecca blurted, shocked as well.

"Yes, Agent Fittes. We have a witness that places it on the crime scene around the time of Nicholas's abduction," Agent Hotchner's voice was firm.

Once his attention had returned to the profile, Rebecca looked at Althea with wide eyes.

"Has the van made an appearance at the other abduction sites?" Althea asked.

"Well, we did revisit some of the other witnesses in your files, and asked them if they recalled a black van," Elle nodded at her.

"And did they?"

"A few of them. A couple walking their dog near where Alicia Ramirez was taken, said they saw a dark vehicle of some sort. It was growing dark so it was hard to see properly but a few other's recalled similar things."

"I see."

"This is not his first abduction and we know that experienced predators don't hunt close to home so he may not live or keep his victims in the same vicinity as the locations of the abductions," Elle continued.

Agent Hotchner jumped back in, "He may have had a recent stressor, a loss of a job or a loved one, and this would have happened around the time of the first abduction. He is a socially marginalized individual who relates better to kids than adults and he may have a history of criminal behaviour."

One member of the audience, an Officer Siggins, raised his hand, "Would this type of perpetrator have come into contact with us? Don't they like to involve themselves with the investigation, find out what we know?"

Spencer shook his head, "No, not him. He will not inject himself into the investigation. He has not contacted law enforcement during any of his past abductions and he will not do so this time either."

"Yes, he has tried his best to ensure he had no witnesses, based on the timings of the abductions, but he doesn't know if there's any information about him out there. He doesn't know about our witnesses. But he will be watching the news and if he feels like we're closing in on him, he might kill Nicholas to avoid detection," Morgan clarified.

Another member of the audience raised a question, "Since the bodies of the previous children have not been found yet, do you think there's any possibility that they're still alive?'

The entire room went silent for the next few moments, the grim reality of the case apparent on everyone's faces.

"Our main focus right now is finding Nicholas," Agent Gideon managed solemnly.

"And have you figured out the significance of the black balloons found at each abduction site?"

"It's part of his signature and ruse. He likely uses them to attract the children," Morgan answered.

"It's crucial to focus on identifying any individuals who exhibit behaviours or traits that align with the profile, paying close attention to those with access to or a history of interacting with the targeted demographic. We will continue canvassing relevant neighbourhoods and all parents have been warned to keep their children under constant supervision until this unsub is apprehended," Agent Hotchner concluded. "Good luck."

As the BAU team finished delivering their profile, the room slowly cleared out, everyone rushing to continue the investigation, leaving Althea feeling a mix of anticipation and exhaustion. She couldn't help but yawn as she looked around the room, taking in the empty chairs and scattered papers. The tension that had filled the air during the briefing seemed to dissipate, replaced by an eerie calmness.

Just as she was gathering her belongings and leaving the room, a knock echoed through the doorway. Startled, she turned her attention to the entrance, where a delivery boy stood holding a small package.

"Package for Agent Althea Devereaux," the young man announced.

Althea's brows furrowed in confusion as she approached him.

"That's me," she confirmed.

The delivery boy handed over the package, a small rectangular box wrapped in brown paper. Althea carefully took it, studying the handwritten label with her name on it. There was no return address on it and it was quite a hefty thing for something that small. She frowned. She wasn't expecting any packages.

"Thanks," she murmured. "Do you know who it's from?"

The delivery boy shrugged, "No idea. It just showed up in the mailroom with the rest of the mail."

Althea nodded, intrigue and caution swirling within her. She thanked the delivery boy once more, watching him leave the room before turning her attention back to the mysterious package. She hefted her files in one hand before carrying the package back to the conference room that she had set up, looking for something to open it with. After some hunting around, she spotted a pair of scissors which she used to slice through the several layers of clear tape that bound the package. The flaps fell away, revealing a white box. Althea eyed it suspiciously. Anonymous mail was a dangerous thing, especially one sent to a federal agent. She held it up to her ear and shook it, hearing several objects roll around inside with a dull thud.

Well, at least it wasn't anthrax.

She lifted the lid and immediately inhaled sharply, coughing right after as her senses were assaulted by the sickening scent of decay. The odour of death and decomposition clouded the air as Althea's lip curled in horror at the grotesque nature of the contents. Eight severed fingers lay in the box. Their stature was small, their owners unmistakably young. Despite her earlier shaking, they lay neatly in a row, each bearing the unmistakable signs of violence and separation from their owners. Discoloration had set in, the skin mottled with shades of sickly pallor and bruised hues. They all appeared to be in different stages of decay. Some showed signs of recent amputation, the flesh still retaining a touch of moisture and elasticity, while others had undergone a more advanced decomposition, their skin sagging and discoloured.

There was a note as well, written on lined paper in a messy scrawl.

Hurry up!

Her eyes widened as she read the words, each letter carrying an unnerving weight

"Everything alright Agent Devereaux, you look a little spooked?" Morgan's voice echoed in her ears as she blinked rapidly to refocus.

Althea waved the note in the air with a grimace, "What's that you said about the unsub not involving himself with the investigation?"

"Did he contact the tip line?"

"Nope, looks like he's decided to get real up close and personal this time."

"What's in the box?" Agent Hotchner had entered too, along with the rest of the team.

Althea's voice wavered as she managed to speak, her eyes fixed on the severed fingers, "It's... uh... fingers of the missing children I think. Eight fingers... one for each child."

Elle gasped, a mix of horror and disbelief etched on her face and Morgan's eyes hardened, anger seeping into his voice.

"This sicko is toying with us," he muttered furiously.

"The unsub is sending us a message. He wants us to know that he has the power," Spencer chimed in.

"The package was addressed to me," Althea mumbled. "It has my name on it."

Agent Hotchner raised an eyebrow, "The message is intended for you then. Go back and look through your canvass records. It is almost certain that you were the one who came into contact with him during your initial investigations."

"Yes, sir."

"May I?" Spencer reached for the box in Althea's hand and she wordlessly handed it to him. "We should send this in for DNA. See, the unsub has meticulously cleaned under each fingernail but there still might be some sort of evidence he left behind."

He grabbed a tissue and carefully lifted one of the fingers, showing it to the room.

"Look at how the nail on this one is partially ripped out," he pointed out.

"I'd rather not?" Althea shuddered.

Elle hummed thoughtfully, "Couldn't that just have fallen off because of the decay?"

"It is unlikely. It is a sign of a struggle. The rest of the appendages also have similar defensive wounds. Their presence indicates that the fingers were amputated post-mortem."

Sure enough, the bruises and abrasions hinted at a struggle, the remnants of a desperate attempt to cling to life. Althea felt sick.

"I'll send them out and see what we get."

"Althea, Mrs. Darcy is here to see you," Rebecca popped her head in at the door, her gaze curious as she watched everyone's grim expressions.

"Mrs. Darcy? The missing kid's mother, we just spoke to her this morning. Are you going to tell her about..." Morgan gestured to the macabre contents of the box.

Agent Hotchner shook his head immediately, "Absolutely not."

"Tell her about what?" Rebecca interjected.

"No, of course not, sir. And besides, Nicholas's finger isn't in the box so perhaps we might hope that he is still alive," Althea responded quickly.

"Well, we actually don't know who any of the fingers belong to yet. One of them could very well be Nicholas's," Spencer interrupted and Althea stifled the urge to scowl at him, reminding herself that he was only speaking the truth. She just didn't want it to be the truth.

"What does the note say?" Elle asked.

Althea's lips twisted as she handed it to her, "He said to hurry up. Why would he say that unless Nicholas is alive...and we're running out of time to save him. He's taunting us."

Elle nodded, "I don't get why he's taunting you specifically though. What was he thinking, addressing it to you? Does this unsub want to get caught?"

"Or maybe he thinks he won't with the amount of information he has given us," Agent Gideon wondered aloud. "This new development suggests that the unsub is showing signs of narcissistic behaviour."

Spencer gave the box back to Althea, which she then handed off to Rebecca after it had been passed around to the other team members for a closer look.

"Could you give this to the M.E, please? Say it's urgent."

"This is..." Rebecca paled as she followed Althea down to the main lobby. "Don't tell me..."

Althea's shoulders slumped, "Two years of working this job and you'd think it'd get any easier, but nope. Every time, despite all the statistics and facts, you think there is a chance. That we'll find them alive. That the world isn't as cruel as it appears to be. Then a bastard like this proves you wrong and there is nothing you can do about it."

"No more grim thoughts, love. We'll find him, count on it. And blaming yourself isn't going to change anything. You did the best you could."

"But I could have done more. We should've called the BAU in earlier. Agent Hotchner was right. It shouldn't have taken us 9 kids, when it was clear that we weren't making any progress with the first few abductions!"

"Maybe. But there's no reason for you to beat yourself up over it. That was Agent Reynolds's call to make and there was nothing you could have done about it."

Althea pressed her fingers to her temple where she could feel a headache building, "Yeah, but I could've tried harder to convince him."

"You're the one who convinced him this time. Let it go Althea and focus."

Rebecca pointed toward a frazzled-looking woman, who was pacing the lobby anxiously, her face etched with worry and desperation. Althea nodded to her friend in farewell and hurried toward Nicholas's mother, heart aching for her, knowing that every passing moment without answers only intensified her anguish. Mrs. Darcy's hands trembled as she clutched several tissues, her tear-stained eyes scanning the room with a mixture of hope and frustration.

Gently, Althea approached the distraught woman, her voice filled with empathy, "Mrs. Darcy, I'm Agent Althea Devereaux. You were asking for me."

Mrs. Darcy clutched at Althea's hands fervently, "You. Yes, you. You're leading the investigation, aren't you? You were investigating the previous kidnappings too?"

"Yes, please rest assured that our entire team is doing our absolute best to find your son. I understand how difficult this must be for you."

"Please, Agent, you have to find my son. He's just a little boy. I can't bear not knowing where he is or if he's safe," the woman's voice cracked as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.

Althea nodded, her voice resolute, "I promise you, we're doing everything we can to find him. We won't rest until we know what happened to him."

"If you're really doing everything, then why haven't you found him yet?" her voice rose shrilly. "And what about the other kids? Why weren't you able to find them."

"I understand your concerns, but we have another team working with us this time and they are very skilled at dealing with cases like this. With their help, I am certain we will be able to give you some concrete answers."

"But... but what if it's too late? What if he's... gone?" her hand tightened in Althea's as she hiccuped, her sobs growing more hysterical.

Althea guided Mrs. Anderson to a nearby seating area, offering her a glass of water to help calm her nerves, "Please have hope, and know that we're here for you every step of the way."

"You...you'll find him, won't you? Promise me that you'll find him. He's all I have. Please, please, please."

"I promise that we'll do everything we possibly can."

As they sat together, Althea made inquiries and listened intently, gathering any additional details that could aid in the search for Nicholas. She assured Mrs. Darcy that every lead would be pursued diligently, every avenue explored in their tireless pursuit of answers.

"He's a good boy. He knows not to talk to strangers. I cannot imagine who he would speak to or go with on his way home," his mother explained tearfully.

"I understand, but if there is anyone you can think of who fits the profile I've just given you, who Nicholas may trust enough to go off with. A family member, a teacher, an instructor, anyone?"

"No. Not like this. He's supposed to call me if he gets a ride with someone else. He was walking home yesterday. He even called me to say that he was almost home. Who would take my baby?"

"I'm sorry you have to go through this, and thank you for being brave enough to answer our questions. Can I get you anything else, a drink or something?"

Mrs. Darcy shook her head balefully, "Just find my boy. Please, please find my boy for me."

Suddenly, Rebecca rushed in, breathless. Her eyes flickered to the desolate mother and she beckoned Althea with a jerk of her head.

"Agent Devereaux, there's a message on the tipline. You're needed upstairs."

Mrs. Darcy's eyes widened, "Have they found him? Have they found my son? Oh, tell me he's alive!"

"We're doing our best Ma'am, but for now it's just a lead," Rebecca responded.

Althea squeezed Mrs. Darcy's hand reassuringly one last time before following Rebecca back to the BAU.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"So the profile said that the unsub wouldn't involve himself with the investigation right?"

"Right?"

"And he hasn't so far..."

"With the exception of the fingers? Rebecca, I'm not sure I follow..."

"Let's just forget about the fingers for a second," Rebecca's lip curled with revulsion at the horrific act.

"I'm not sure we should be ignoring them, they seem pretty vital."

"No see, so after they released the profile to the press, we received a call, a David Grimes from one of the neighbourhoods we've already canvassed. He says he has a neighbour who fits the description."

"He does?"

"Yep, creepy black van and all. And what's more, I checked against our canvass records and said neighbour didn't answer the door when we first visited that street."

"Huh? Interesting, I assume we're going to go speak to this caller and his neighbour then?"

"Agents Greenaway and Morgan are there right now, we're to join them immediately."

The atmosphere was thick with tension when they arrived, everyone wearing identical frowns.

"Apologies if we caused any delay Agents," Rebecca mumbled.

Elle shot her a reassuring look, "Not to worry Agent Fittes, we only just got here ourselves."

"So...uh what's the matter?"

"We knocked on the door and no one's answering," Morgan grumbled.

"Mr. Grimes, the tipline caller, lives on the other end of the street, and he says that the unsub should definitely be home. His car's in the driveway too," Elle added.

"His car...the black van?" Althea questioned.

Elle nodded.

Althea frowned, "Do we have a name for the possible unsub?"

"His house is registered under Albert Simons," Morgan replied.

"Break down the door," Agent Gideon declared.

Rebecca gaped at him, "We...we don't have probable cause, sir. We'd need a warrant."

"He fits the profile," Morgan pointed out. "He's got the car, he recently lost his job, which could be the stressor, and it allows him plenty of free time. He frequented parks and he's avoiding law enforcement."

"None of that is evidence though."

"It is a witness testimony, Agent Fittes. Are you willing to sacrifice the kid's life for this?" Agent Gideon snapped.

"But, sir..."

"The longer we stand around her and wait, the longer he has to get rid of Nicholas and any other evidence."

Rebecca sighed and pulled out her phone, "I'll call a judge. The evidence won't be admissible if we go in without a warrant."

"What else are we supposed to do, Agent Fittes, we don't have much choice here," Agent Hotchner tapped his foot impatiently.

Althea's eyes wandered down the street where she spotted a balding middle-aged man on the opposite end, leaning against his fence, watching them with keen interest. No one else seemed to notice him, everyone too busy debating on the best way to apprehend the unsub, Albert Simons.

She nudged Spencer who had been standing there silently the whole time, "Hey, is that our caller, Mr. Grimes?"

Spencer looked at her, startled, "Yeah...why?"

Althea shook her head, "I think I'm going to go speak to him. Figure out if there's anything else he can tell us."

"Sure...uh...do you need me to go with you, Agent Devereaux?"

"Nah, you're probably needed here, Dr. Reid. And besides, I think I can handle questioning one guy," Althea patted the holstered gun at her waist. "Just let Rebecca—Agent Fittes, know when she's done with her phone call. And anyone else, in case they wonder where I've gone. Shouldn't take too long though."

Althea made her way toward David Grimes's house, jogging slightly to cover the distance faster. When he saw her coming, he moved toward the back of the house, slipping down one of the side lanes that presumably led to his backyard. Althea followed him, her footsteps slow and careful.

"Sir, I'm Agent Althea Devereaux from the FBI. I was wondering if you'd have a minute to answer a few questions," she called out.

"The FBI was already here to ask questions," a man's voice grumbled back.

"Right, I apologize for the inconvenience sir, but it'd really helpful."

"You said you were Agent Devereaux weren't you."

"Yes."

"Alright then, I'm back here, you can come on around. I won't have your questions interrupt my yard work."

Althea frowned. He didn't seem to be this busy moments ago when he was watching them from afar like a hawk. She threw a look down the street toward the others. Rebecca was arguing with someone on the phone and the BAU team was chasing Agent Gideon down the driveway as he ran toward Albert Simons's home. The hairs at the back of her neck stood on end, a primal warning that sent a shiver down her spine. Something was amiss, but she couldn't afford to hesitate, not when a child's life was at stake and she had already failed so many others. With one hand hovering over her gun, she stepped into the backyard, the main street disappearing from view as she did so, hidden by shrubbery and vegetation.

"Mr. Grimes," she called out again, but there was no response.

Her gaze darted around, scanning the area for the man, but he was nowhere to be seen. Althea's pulse quickened, a gnawing sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach.

Suddenly, a sharp impact struck the back of her head, causing her to stumble forward. Pain seared through her skull, and then everything went black.

Taglist: @haee-elia​

[spacecowboyhotch]

aaron hotchner x zira williams (black!fem!oc!) in the moon river collection🌙

tagging: @laurensprentiss, @sadgirlml, @angelfxllcm, @honeybrowne, @jaspxr, @hotchs-bitch, @chelseyjoyce, @rousethemouse, @lostinthefandoms11, @fightingdragonswithwho, @ashhotchner, @hotch-girl (just cuz i know you loved them)

[anotherpassiongirl]

I made this little photo montage of my OC's life. I will update, somewhat, soon with the details but I wanted to give you a preview of what it will be about.

For the photo credits, I am sorry but I don't know all of the authors, they are from Pinterest. The music is from YouTube and is free for creative use. Basically, my only part in this is finding the photos and music, putting it together and publishing it. In that idea, I encourage you to put your own story on it if you'd like. I will post an updated version of it with text like I see on social media.

[tessatales]

The Ressurection of Love: Chapter Four (Spencer Reid x Original Female Character)

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Original Female Character

Themes: Mention of therapy! Mention of trauma but not much Warnings: Alcohol is consumed. Apart from that no other warnings

A/N: Hey, so this chapters a longer one, but my creative juices are finally flowing properly so that a good thing really. please leave a comment if you enjoy and remember i do post this fic on AO3 too if you prefer that format! it's all under the same name on there! Enjoy! Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 5 - - - - - - - - - 9:50am Dr Daniel Whiting: Video call in ten minutes.

The text was always the same and never a minute late. These factors made Spencer often wondered if it was an automatic text.

9:52am Reid:Okay

Texting a quick reply, Spencer got out of bed, swapping out his baggy T-shirt and sweatpants for his usual work pants, shirt and cardigan. He was just about to throw on his tie when he remembered he was off duty and quickly discarded it.

The coffee maker had just finished it loud rumbling when the beeping started on Spencer's laptop. Reaching for it he placed the wretched device on his kitchen counter and pressed enter, accepting the call.

"One of these days you'll answer the call with a happier expression Dr Reid." Dr Whiting said, his face appearing on the screen.

Dr Whiting was around 60, with thick black rimmed glasses and pure white hair combed into a neat almost Grease Lightning style. Although he gave off a very strict aura; Spencer had learned in his 4 year of him being his therapist that the old man did enjoy a joke.

Spencer has thought several times over the years that if they weren't therapist and patient, theys of made good friends.

"I'm sorry, Dr Whiting. I just don't like this stupid computer" Spencer replied, remembering the day he was given the devil contraption.

"I'm aware. This is how we start every session Spencer. But we can tackle your supposed technophobia another day. How are you?" Dr whiting continued, a small smile sitting on his wrinkled lips.

"I'm alright." Spencer replied automatically then cursed under his breath as Dr Whiting wrote something down.

"Strike one to me Dr Reid" Whiting continued, looking expectantly through the screen.

"I am okay. Its been 2 months since my last serious panic attack and i am 4 years and 237 days still sober." Spencer corrected, scolding himself for forgetting how he's meant to answer as he poured himself a coffee.

When Spencer has first started therapy, he'd been in a mess. Struggling with the craving to relapse along with the crushing grief over the loss of his girlfriend Maeve, Aaron had put him on leave with strict instructions to go to Dr Whiting. After a few weeks of therapy, Whiting had implemented this routine. During their sessions, he'd ask Spencer how he was. Spencer was then to reply with how long he had been sober and how long since his last mental health dip as a way to remind him how far he'd come. For the most part it worked, even if he tended to forget the routine.

"Good to hear. Now, anything to report?"

Spencer nodded, placing his mug down and reaching for his notebook.

"I have a new teammate, her names Alyssa" Spencer said, reading the first part of the note he'd left for himself. Dr Whiting knew Spencer didn't need the notebook to remember, but he'd insisted writing things down were good for his mental wellbeing as well as his memory.

"I see, and why do you think you need to bring this up today?" Whiting asked, scribbling something down.

"Two reasons actually. Reason one is she is also my new neighbour. So I wanted to run past you the home/work life dynamic that may affect. The second thing is actually something she said" Spencer replied, shutting the book in his hand and replacing it with his coffee.

"What was it she said?" Whiting asked matter of factly, cocking his head to one side as he listened intently.

"Well she asked me if we could meet up outside of work today if her plans fell through. I agreed but it made me realised that this is the first time I've been invited out by a team member that's not on my therapy plan"

"I see. So Emily is still your designated 'buddy'?" Dr Whiting asked, referring to the buddy system they'd put in place to help Spencer leave his apartment during his grief management.

"Yeah she is, and Derek is still my Sobriety sponsor" Spencer added, watching as his therapist seemed to ponder that information.

"And how does that make you feel Spencer? The fact they're still rather tangled in your recovery?" Dr Whiting asked finally, putting down his pen and clasping his hands together.

"I'm fine with them being there for me. Really I am. It's just when Alyssa asked me to go out with her today it made me realise that that was the first time someone who isn't part of my recovery has asked."

"And how did that realisation make you feel?"

"Like they were only asking me because they have too. As if its a chore they need to complete. Penelope and JJ will ask me to come for a drink after work, sure, but I've never had them text me on our days off asking to do anything." Spencer admitted, feeling the words slice at him. Dr Whiting picked up his pen again.

"Thank you for you honesty Spencer, because of this new development, I'll be informing your team leader that I'll be cancelling your buddy system. Derek will still be your Sponsor as that's nothing to do with me. But I can tell from these feeling that the buddy tactic has served its purpose and if carried on may actually begin to work against you." Dr Whiting said, writing rapidly as he spoke.

"May I ask how you got to that conclusion?" Spencer wondered aloud, watching the laptop screen as his therapist finished writing.

"Putting it plainly you think they're only spending time with you outside of work because I've told them too. Therefore taking away the command will help you recognise that they are spending time with you because they want to. Not because of any orders." Whiting continued, looking so directly into the camera Spencer could almost feel the eye contact.

"Do you think that will help?" Spencer asked, tightening the grip on his coffee mug.

"if we've caught these intrusive thoughts early enough, yes it should."

"And what about Alyssa?" Spencer asked, bringing the conversation back to the first topic. Dr Whiting steepled his fingers in front of his face as he thought.

"You've began to have intrusive thoughts about your friends and teammates and their motives behind spending time with you outside of work. Therefore Miss Alyssa may be your saving grace here Spencer. As she has no idea of your past, you'll be able to build a tauma free friendship with her that cannot be tainted by your thoughts" Dr Whiting said with an air of authority only therapists seem to possess.

Spencer took a moment to process this, allowing himself to take in all the variables before speaking.

"I understand. I can't assumes she's hanging out with me out of pity if she doesn't think I need to be pitied" Spencer said, watching as his therapist nodded enthusiastically on the screen.

"Exactly. Anyway, I see you're clock watching so I shall let you go. I shall text you with our next scheduled call time. And I'll be expecting a run down of you time out with Alyssa." Dr Whiting concluded, shaking his finger at the camera again as if to say 'Or else!" before abruptly ending the call.

Spencer had just placed the laptop back in its place on the table when her heard the doorbell go, the gothic ringing sounding through his apartment.

"One second!" Spencer shouted, throwing the remains of his now half drunk coffee before grabbing his keys and coat and racing towards the door.

[eddies-puppet]

Lost In The Fire | Spencer Reid

Chapter 27: Epilogue

Warnings: Fluff, fluff, and a bit more fluff 💕

Word count: 965

Chapter 26 | Chapter 27 | THE END

——————————————————

"It's a good job this wedding is happening today and not in a weeks time, or you'd have had to find another dress," Gemma laughed as she fastened the last button on the back of Becca's dress. "You need to tell this baby to stop growing!"

"Oh, come on," Penelope grinned. "Chubby babies are the cutest! I'm going to feed you cake every day until baby Reid enters the world."

Becca laughed, running her hands down the front of her dress, her fingers smoothing gently over the delicate white lace that covered her stomach. Gemma was right, her bump had really started to pop now, and with five months left to go it wasn't going to stop anytime soon.

Pretty much the minute she'd joined the BAU on a permanent basis, Emily had made it clear that she could travel with the team, but under no circumstances was she allowed to go out on arrests. That suited her fine, as she certainly wasn't in any shape to be chasing after unsubs!

There was a soft knock on the door, and she turned just in time to see Emily's head pop around it.

"Is it safe to bring you some visitors?" She asked, Becca nodding excitedly in response. "Dave will be up to get you any minute, but these guys wanted to come say hi before you take your final walk," Emily laughed.

"You make it sound like I'm going to my death," Gemma laughed as Derek, Luke and Hotch filed into the room. "Hey!"

"Wow," Derek muttered as he took a step towards her. "I think for the first time ever, we might be about to see pretty boy speechless! You look beautiful," he told her, kissing her gently on the cheek.

"Thank you," Becca smiled shyly. "Is he ok?" Derek nodded.

"Much calmer than I was at my wedding," he laughed. "How about you?"

"I'm good," she nodded. "Thank you, all of you, for all of your help the last few weeks, turns out growing a human being really takes it out of you," she laughed.

"Can I come in?" She heard from the doorway, turning to see Dave.

"I mean, it is your house," Luke chuckled.

"That's enough out of you chuckles," he smiled. "Time for you lot to get your walking shoes on, the minister's ready. Gentlemen, grab your ladies!"

Becca took a few deep breaths, smiling excitedly as each groomsman offered their arms to the bridesmaids, Derek to Gemma going first as best man and maid of honour, followed by Luke and Penelope, and Hotch and Emily, and they filed out of the room, each blowing kisses and wishing her luck on their way past.

"You ready to do this kiddo?" She grinned up at him.

"So ready." As Becca picked up her flower bouquet and linked her arm with Dave, he grinned.

"Your Prince Charming awaits."

————————————————————————————-

"So you're telling us that you've known about Emily and Hotch for months, and said nothing?" Derek exclaimed.

Becca had gone to the bar to get herself a drink and had been accosted by Derek, Savannah, Matt, Kristy and Tara.

"What can I tell you, I guess she only told those who could keep a secret," Becca laughed, raising a glass of juice to her lips.

"Hey, woah," Derek chuckled. "I can keep a secret!" Savannah laughed beside him, gently squeezing his arm.

"Baby, you cannot keep a secret," she shook her head as the rest of the group laughed.

"May I cut in, Mrs Reid?" Spencer appeared beside her, holding his hand out towards her. She grinned back at him, placing her glass down on the table beside her before gently laying her hand in his.

"I'll catch up with you all in a bit," she said to the group before turning back to Spencer. "After you, Mr Reid. Dr Reid? What do we call you now?" She laughed as she followed him to the dance floor.

He pulled her softly to an empty spot on the dance floor, nestled somewhere between Penelope and Luke, and Emily and Hotch, and pulled her towards him, enveloping her within his embrace. She gazed up at him, smiling softly.

"You can call me whatever you want," he told her softly. "Although you know how much I love when you call me doctor," he added, his eyes glinting cheekily.

"Oh, is that so?" She giggled as he lowered his head, gently kissing her lips as he nodded. "I'll bear that in mind, Dr Reid," she said quietly, tightening her arms around his waist. She smiled up at him. "I can't believe we're married."

"I can," he said simply. She looked at him, her eyebrows raised expectantly. "I knew from the moment we met that I was going to marry you."

"No, you didn't," she giggled.

"Alright, well I hoped I would," he chuckled. "And here we are."

"Here we are," she nodded, removing her arms from his waist and slipping them around his shoulders, burying her fingers in his soft hair. "I love you," she sighed. "So, so much."

"I love you too," he smiled, his arms tightening around her waist. "You," he paused. "And this little one," he nodded his head downwards. "I wish my mom had met you," he whispered, his eyes glazing over with unshed tears. "She'd have loved you."

Becca placed a hand gently against his cheek.

"Spence, as long as you remember her, she's still with you," she reassured him. "And we'll make sure the baby knows everything about her, and how amazing she was, and all the things she overcame." Spencer nodded slowly, breathing deeply.

"It's all gonna be ok baby. It's you and me," she whispered. He looked deep into her eyes, a smile creeping slowly across his lips.

"Always."

THE END 💕

[decieve-ineigle-obfuscate]

Hunter: Chapter 3

Summary: Strauss decides the BAU team needs a new field agent. An extra set of hands, an additional skillset, and a reduction of their stress. Hotch isn't pleased with the new addition to their team. Emily was hard enough to accept, but she was part of the family now. Things become even harder when Hotch realises it's someone he knows. Intimately.

Warnings: Language, innuendo.

1.2K Words

I watched across the table. She was emersed in the case file already, brows drawn in and mouth in a thin line. So different from how relaxed and open she was last night.

Sure, alcohol removes inhibitions, but she seemed to have a mask on.

"So we're looking at a serial rapist who keeps the kids for 2 weeks before killing them and dumping them? They're all found within an hour of being dumped. They're dumped in open areas with lots of witnesses. No one sees them, though. That's odd. Either they know how to keep a low profile or…"

"Or they know how to avoid attracting attention even if they are doing something that usually…" I trailed off, attempting to avoid repeating myself.

"Induces rubbernecking?"

I glanced up at Mika.

"In my old field, the people who were best at staying under the radar or avoiding attention were people who already had something to hide. I'm guessing they may either have a prior record that will make them an easy suspect were they to get involved, may already be a suspect, or may already have someone looking for them. Any of those things would make them extra cautious."

"That's basic profiling, fun-size," Morgan announced.

Her eyes hardened, and she glared at him beside me. "Does he call you names too?" she asked, looking to Reid across the aisle.

"Sometimes." He admitted.

"How about this? How about you find some way to feel secure other than putting down those you feel intellectually threatened by?" She snapped.

Reid smirked narrowly as she looked back down to the file.

Morgan scoffed and sputtered momentarily. "I feel intellectually threatened? You…"

"Enough," I said firmly. "Back to the case."

I won't be having them work together.

"Reid, anything?" I asked.

"I concur with Agent Leeds…"

"Mika."

"Mika's lead. I think he's got a record or something similar. He's probably in his late 30's, or early 40's. They've likely been in the system for a while, have a history of violence, or are on a registry. People who are attracted to children don't go unnoticed."

She nodded. "Exactly."

She immediately found someone similarly alienated and allied herself with Reid to make it harder to criticise her. 

"Likely a white male. Lower class."

Mika nodded.

I leaned back and sighed.

"We likely won't know much more until we can go over the paper material at the station. They have less than half their files accessible online by their own report."

"Guess Pretty Boy is gonna have some reading to do," Morgan said, leaning back.

Reid sighed. "Mika, what's your reading speed and comprehension?" 

"1,400 words at 95% comprehension. Not great, but," She shrugged.

"You'll do fine," Reid said, nodding slightly.

"How fast do you read?" She said, leaning over to face him.

He pursed his lips. "20,000 words per minute."

She blinked a few times. "Shit. And you think my measly 1,400 isn't gonna slow you down?"

Reid sighed slightly. "It isn't just about the speed. It's about your comprehension. You have 95% comprehension at 1,400 words. You could read faster and still maintain the majority of your comprehension rate. You'll keep up fine. Don't worry."

Mika smiled.

"Alright. Reid and Leeds will get a start on the paper trail, and the rest of us will go to the most recent scene."

Mika and Reid nodded.

Rossi stared at me from across the table.

His eyes read one thing. What aren't you telling me?

"Later." I mouthed.

He hesitantly nodded before looking over her shoulder. 

"Why is yours so small?"

"I have 20/20 vision. Do you?"

He gently flicked her upper arm, and I frowned.

"No, and you know that."

You know her.

"I keep telling you to get glasses, but no. You'll only wear them in photos to look smarter."

"Is she your kid?" Emily asked.

"Niece."

I felt the colour drain from my face abruptly.

"Likes poking fun at me like her mom did when we were young."

She smirked. "Hard job, someone's gotta do it."

I checked my watch. "We should be there in about 3 hours. Everyone, get some rest. Unless Garcia manages to forward us more documents, we've hit a wall."

Mike brushed her foot against my ankle as she stood, and I had to resist watching her go.

What happened last night cannot affect work. How ironic that you should lecture her on that when you're letting affect you.

I stood up, walked back into the coffee bar, and refilled my thermos.

"Is Dave gonna kill me with he finds out?" I asked lowly as she worked on a Redbull.

"Dunno. He's kind of like a brotherly uncle. Like he and I bicker like kids. He's pretty protective of me, though. I won't let him bite your head off, though." She said, rolling her neck.

"Mmm. He was around a lot when you were young?"

She nodded. "My dad dipped out when I was a kid, and Uncle Dave was just there most of the time. Mom never complained, especially when my dad abruptly promised to pay for college and then dropped off the earth again. Uncle Dave put me through college as long as I had good grades."

I nodded and sipped at my coffee. "How are you."

"Solidly un-hungover now."

I sighed lowly and looked into my coffee. "Not that."

I glanced at her smirk in the corner of my eye. 

"Good. Sore, but good. You?"

"Good."

"Eating your earlier words?" She teased, chucking the can in the trash.

"Go sit down," I said, softly.

"Aye, aye, Heffe." She teased, walking past me.

I nursed my coffee for quite a while before slipping into the bathroom. I glanced into the mirror, observing the dark circles under my eyes. I turned the faucet, splashed some water on my face, and pat dried my face. I turned the faucet off before stepping out.

And bumping into Dave.

"It's later."

"Later, later, Dave."

"Nope." He said. "How do you know my niece?"

I sighed and leaned against the door.

He slid the curtain closed. "Not getting out of this one. You're not even half-assing trying to hide how you feel. You're doing a shit job."

"We spent last night together." I whisper-blurted.

He stood, staring at me. "All this for one night?"

"She's the first person I've been with since Haley died."

Dave nodded. "Got it."

"I do like her, Dave."

Another nod. "I can tell." He said, humour in his voice.

Mika popped her head in. "If you two gossiping hens are done, the seatbelt light is on."

Dave ushered her to her seat and quickly sat as well before the jet jerked.

I slid the back of Derek's seat and Reid's seat. "Shit." I hissed under my breath.

Derek grabbed my arm and pulled me back past him. "Careful boss. No bumping around."

Dave chuckled as I sat and buckled in. "You good?"

I huffed and leaned my head back.

My phone buzzed, and I checked it.

-We can talk more later. - Mika

I breathed a sigh of relief.

-Looking forward to it. Get some rest. - Aaron.

She smiled and leaned her head against the rest before closing her eyes.

My chest ached with the same affection as last night. I saved her number on my phone and forced myself to close my eyes as well.

Previous / Next

[natashasfilms]

Chapter Seven - A Real Rain

Summary: FBI agent Leila faces a profound life change after giving birth to a baby girl, supported by her loving husband. Despite the challenges of motherhood, Leila returns to her role as a dedicated agent a few months later, ready to confront gruesome and haunting cases with the BAU team.

Pairing: BAU!Fem!OC x Male!OC , EVENTUAL Aaron Hotchner x BAU!Fem!OC (Like much later)

Warnings: This story contains mature themes such as sexual content, strong language, violence, mentions of alcohol and drugs, blood, gore, and death. All the usual Criminal Minds stuff. And there is NO CHEATING.

Note 1: I imagine Leila Kade as South Asian but I have decided to let you, the reader, imagine her appearance, hence the reason why I have not given her a face claim. However, her race does not affect the story, whatsoever. You, as the reader, are free to imagine her however you want. If you don't see her as South Asian, then that's fine. It won't affect the storyline. I also imagine the OC!Male as South Asian, but again, it won't affect the storyline.

Note 2: The team will consist of the main cast (Emily, Derek, JJ, Spencer, Penelope, Aaron, and Rossi) but will also include Elle Greenaway and Jason Gideon because they were some of my favorite characters and I wanted to include them with the rest of the team. Basically, Elle and Gideon never leave when Emily and Rossi join.

Note 3: There will be multiple time skips throughout this series. For example, the first chapter will begin on the first season and episode of the show but then there will be a time skip to later episodes (because there are obviously way too many episodes to write this series on and I wanted to include specific episodes that would help the plot of this story). This means that this series will be a slow burn romance but I believe it to be better this way. This will also stray from the actual show a lot, so don't expect it to follow the plot precisely.

Series Masterlist

Season 1, Episode 17

Jasmine's joyful giggles filled the room as Zaid continued to play with her, bouncing her gently on his stomach. Leila lay on her pillow, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, but her heart warmed by the sight of her husband and daughter bonding.

"I don't want to go to work." Leila mumbled, her voice barely audible as she fought the urge to stay in bed.

Zaid turned his attention from their daughter to Leila, his expression softening with understanding. Still holding Jasmine securely, he offered her a gentle smile. "I know, honey." He said. His gaze briefly returned to Jasmine, pride and love evident in his eyes, before he turned back to Leila. "Why don't you take a day off today? Just one day to relax and recharge. It won't hurt, right?"

Leila paused, considering Zaid's suggestion. The thought of a break sounded enticing. The last extended break she'd taken was during her maternity leave, which felt like ages ago. However, all the thoughts washed away when her phone started ringing.

“Never mind.” Zaid sighed.

Leaving her family was the most challenging part. She had deep respect for her job, knowing that catching those sick criminals meant one less murderer on the streets. However, she couldn't help but despise being away from her family for days on end.

Being a mom while also being an FBI agent wasn't the easiest job. Although she had her husband, Jasmine sometimes wouldn't even go to her dad, wanting to be with her mom all the time. Balancing the demands of working tough cases for days straight and then being back at home to take care of her daughter and spend time with her family as a whole took a toll on her mental health. But at least she had Zaid, who helped her in any way he could.

As she prepared to say goodbye, Zaid wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer to his chest. "You're overworking yourself. You should take a break soon."

She sighed, resting her head on his chest. "I know. I will soon. Maybe after this case."

"Okay, good." He replied, planting a kiss on the top of her head. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Leila said, glancing over his shoulder to see Jasmine lying on the bed. She walked over and sat on the edge, giving her daughter a quick kiss on her forehead. "I love you, Jasmine."

Jasmine squealed with delight, kicking her legs in response to her mom's affection. Zaid joined the baby on the bed, knowing how fussy their daughter could get when her mom had to leave.

On the jet, Leila sat next to Elle, who was playing cards with JJ and Spencer. They were en route to their new case, which involved a serial killer who stabbed knives into the victims' ears, then broke off the handles. Leila put on her glasses and delved into the case file.

“This is not how I planned to spend a few days home in New York.” Elle said, looking carefully at her cards.

“I'd kill for an afternoon at Barneys and dinner at Il Cantinori.” JJ responded.

“I'm looking forward to seeing New York.” Spencer chimed in, shocking everyone on the plane with his response.

Derek raised an eyebrow. “You've never been to New York?”

Spencer shook his head. “We've never had an unsub there.”

Aaron turned to Gideon, overhearing their conversation. “I thought you were going to talk to Reid about taking some vacation time.”

“What's vacation time?” Gideon sarcastically questioned.

“Reid, it's a one-hour flight.” Derek exasperated, still shocked.

“Well, if we have some time, I'll show you around.” JJ smiled reassuringly at Spencer.

“It's a three-hour train ride, man.” Everyone, except Leila, laughed, while Spencer looked flustered.

Leila rubbed her temples, sensing a headache coming on. Zaid was right, she really was overworking herself. She was afraid she might become sick soon.

Elle looked over at her and furrowed her eyebrows. “Hey, you okay?” She whispered, as not to gain attention from the members on the plane. “Do you need anything?”

Leila shook her head, laying her back onto the seat. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

“It’s kind of my job to worry about you, Leila.” Elle retorted. “I’m here if you need anything.”

Leila looked at her from the corner of her eyes, giving her a tight-lipped smile. “Thanks, Elle.”

Situating herself at the station in New York, her raging headache did not subside even after they landed. Leila took some painkillers in hopes that the headache would go away, but it had yet to kick in.

Someone placed a glass of water in front of her, causing Leila to look up. Aaron sat down in the chair next to her, keeping his usual stoic face present. “Drink it.”

Leila rolled her eyes but complied, bringing the glass to her lips and taking a few sips. “Thanks.” She mumbled, placing it back down and closing her eyes.

“You’re overworking yourself.” Aaron stated, narrowing his eyes at her. “If you need a few days off, just tell me.”

She scoffed, rubbing her eyes. “Aaron, if I needed a day off, I would’ve told you. And I don’t want to leave you guys.”

Locking eyes with her, his stern face didn’t falter. “You’re a vital member of this team but if you need some time away, I understand. You’re an agent who is also a mother to a little girl, so you have priorities outside of work.”

Her face softened at the mention of Jasmine. She put the glass of water down onto the desk, then clasped her hands together to tuck under her chin. “I guess I do need a break.” Aaron was about to speak before she cut him off. “After this case, though. I’m taking a break after we’re done with this case.”

Aaron nodded his head before standing up. He gently offered a comforting touch on her shoulders before walking away.

The team decided to get dinner at a nearby restaurant, not having found any new leads in the case after a long day. Leila’s headache had finally simmered down, allowing her to feel comfortable with working once again.

“So you know there was a big hole in the profile you presented back there.” Aaron told Gideon, as they all began to eat. Leila smelled the delicious food and immediately dove in, feeling starved from the entire day.

JJ looked confused, looking between Aaron and Gideon. “What's the hole?”

“I left out the possibility our UnSub might be a cop.” Gideon answered. Leila looked up at them, her eyes going from one person to the next as she continued to chew her food.

Derek chimed in. “Well, they do know the system. They're definitely overworked and underpaid.”

Aaron nodded his head but his eyes were set on his plate. “They see so much injustice every day they can easily take matters into their own hands.”

Leila swallowed before inputting her own comment. “It would certainly make sense.”

Spencer added his own facts, all while struggling to use the chopsticks. “When someone like our victim is killed, police refer to the murder as a public service murder.”

“You know how many rapists I saw walk during my Sex Crime days?” Elle shook her head, sighing. “And either the victims, they didn't want to press charges, or the juries, they said that she was asking for it. It was enough to make you explode.”

Leila took a napkin to wipe the corner of her mouth, holding it in her hand as she continued to eat. “The system is messed up. It doesn’t make sense how these people can just get away.”

“Well, it's a long way from feeling like that and actually committing murder.” JJ stated. “Don't you think?”

“Oh, not really.” Aaron responded to JJ’s question. At the same time, Spencer asked the waiter for a fork, causing everyone to snicker. Leila grinned, shaking her head at the boy’s actions.

“Did you know that experts credit Confucius with the advent of the chopstick?” Spencer began again with his facts. “He equated knives with acts of aggression.”

Derek laughed, holding the chopsticks up. “You don't know how to use them, do you?”

“It's like trying to forage for dinner with a pair of number two pencils.” Spencer answered and the table burst out laughing.

“Okay, here let me help you.” JJ said, taking Spencer’s chopsticks out of his hands to wrap a rubber band around it.

“Oh, the rubber band trick.” Derek smirked.

“Yeah, the rubber band trick.” JJ smiled.

Derek went back to the initial conversation.“Well, New York City cops do have a lot of pressure on them. Every move they make gets scrutinized.”

“One of the first cases of criminal profiling happened when a New York City cop asked a criminal psychiatrist friend to help with the Mad Bomber case.” Gideon stated.

“The Mad Bomber was a major inspiration for the Unabomber. He eluded cops in New York for 16 years, starting in 1940, but he kept his promise and never set off a single bomb during the Second World War.” Spencer said.

Gideon continued. “Psychiatrist James Brussels, he developed a profile so accurate, he predicted that when they caught the Bomber, he'd be wearing a double-breasted suit and it would be buttoned.”

Elle chuckled, looking around. “You guys, we're here in New York and even when we're not talking about our case, we end up talking about another profiler.” They all mumbled in agreement, while Aaron spoke up.

“You're right.” He turned to look at her. “So, Elle, are you seeing anyone?”

Derek laughed, almost choking on his food. Leila smirked, sipping on her glass of water before she caught Elle’s eye, winking at her. Elle’s face grew red and she looked away, her eyes set on the food on her plate. Derek continued to chuckle even as Elle changed the topic. “Uh, Gideon, why didn't you tell the cops that it might be one of their own?”

“If we're gonna catch the guy, we need all the help the cops can give us.” Gideon answered honestly. “Last thing I wanna do is accuse one of them of murder.” Suddenly, his phone began to ring, which he picked up a second later. “Gideon.”

“How's it going there?” JJ nodded her head towards Spencer, who still seemed to be struggling.

“Awesome.” Spencer said sarcastically. “It's absolutely incredible, 1.3 billion people stay nourished using these things.”

Leila clapped to tease him, grinning. “Yay, Spencer! You’re doing it!” Spencer rolled his eyes but smiled, anyway.

Gideon mumbled something back into the phone before ending the call, his face rid of all the joy that was there only thirty seconds ago. “He just took out a cop-killer.” He said, causing everyone to look up and their smiles to fade.

Leila’s mouth opened before she shut it back closed. She let out a deep breath, losing her appetite altogether. The team quickly finished what they could and paid the bill, leaving the restaurant, and headed back to the PD.

After lots of new information, they were able to locate the unsub who was currently inside the most recent victim’s apartment. Gideon had called them to ensure they were safe, but as soon as he heard a gunshot over the phone, the team quickly rushed to the apartment.

Leila geared up, wearing her bulletproof vest as she, Aaron, and Gideon were ready to enter the building. There were police cars and ambulances surrounding the complex, sirens blazing into the air.

The three held their guns up in front of them as they made it to the door, hearing the unsub screaming at the victim’s wife to shut up. Gideon was the first one to walk inside, with Leila and Aaron following. Leila slowly put a hand in front of the wife, backing her away from the unsub and her husband on the floor.

Gideon tried to calm the unsub down, speaking to him to try and get him to release the gun in his hands. Leila’s gun was still pointed at him. “You’re hearing voices, right?” She asked him, trying to get through to him.

“They always lie.” The unsub, Marvin, said. “If he dies, they'll go away.”

Aaron spoke with his fierce gaze set on him. “What do you think, they won't come back? Waverly, Iowa, 1999. A man kills two boys, only to walk away free and kill another one.”

“Stop.” Marvin mumbled.

Gideon continued. “Haskins, Georgia, last year. Three white guys. Three white guys kill a black teenager, just because. Four witnesses see it, the jury finds them not guilty, just because.”

“The first two boys were 14 years old.” Leila added, noticing that it was working. “The third was only 12.”

“Shut up!”

“It doesn't stop.” Leila kept going. “Diallo, Blake, Simpson, T. Cullen Davis.”

“You can't kill fast enough to keep up.” Gideon finished.

Marvin started to cry. “They killed my parents.”

“I know.” Gideon responded.

“I'm so tired.”

“Marvin, listen to me.” Gideon put his hands up, his gun already on the ground long before. “Why don't you just give me the gun, and I promise you, I will get you a place to rest.”

It was only a few seconds but Marvin put the victim onto the ground, beginning to rise up from the floor to give the gun to Gideon. However, at the last second, Aaron shot him.

Leila silently huffed out a breath, looking at Aaron who slowly lowered his gun. He didn’t look at her but called for the ambulance to come up. They heard the medics rushing inside and began to take away both the victim and the unsub, with the wife by the former’s side.

Leila, Aaron, and Gideon walked out of the building, watching as the ambulance took them away. She pursed her lips as she walked towards Elle, Derek, and Spencer. Aaron walked behind her, but he was extremely quiet.

She didn’t have any words to say. She felt her headache return and she silently winced, rubbing her temples. The loud noises of people conversing and the sirens blasting only made it worse.

She turned around to see Aaron’s gaze on the apartment. She tapped him on the shoulder, making him look at her. “I’m ready for that break.” She declared, crossing her arms. Aaron only nodded, but no words seemed to form.

Returning home, her headache seemed to increase. She grabbed her bag and shoved all of her files inside. Though she was taking a break, she knew that the paperwork would have to get done, somehow.

She exited her office and walked over to Aaron’s, who was sitting at his desk filling out more paperwork. She knocked on his door and he muttered a quiet, “come in.” She walked inside, waiting for him to look up.

“Take a week off.” He told her, knowing how difficult it was for her to balance between work and her personal life. “I don’t want to see you here until next Monday. No offense.”

She shrugged, laughing. “None taken. I don’t think I have the energy to see any of you for the time being, anyway.” She turned around to leave, but stopped. “I think you should take a break soon.”

He furrowed his eyebrows. “I can’t.”

“Why? Just because you’re the Unit Chief?” Leila asked, shaking her head. “Bullshit, Aaron. You tell me that I’m overworking myself? Look at you.”

“I…” Aaron sighed. “It’s not that easy. There’s too much to be done and I feel selfish for taking a break when I know there’s no actual emergency.”

Leila raised an eyebrow. “So, what? Unit Chief’s don’t deserve breaks unless they have an emergency? That is the stupidest thing I’ve heard.” Aaron stayed quiet but his eyes were still on her. “You deserve to be at home with Haley and Jack. Just because you don’t have an emergency doesn’t mean you can’t take a break.”

When he still didn’t say anything, Leila sighed. Her eyes landed on the photo on his desk, a picture with him, Haley, and Jack.

“I’ll see you in a week, Aaron. Think about it.” She said, before leaving his office and closing the door behind her.

[criminalskies]

The Aaron Hotchner Mega-masterlist. Part 1/?

Hi!! I wanted to make a sort of recommendation list for some Aaron Hotchner writers in this gorgeous community and what makes their work so special in my eyes. Please note this list is not exhaustive by any means. If you would like me to add you or your work to this list, please just fire me a message and I'll run through your masterlist or fics to see what you're all about <3

please note, this is a way to support writers on here. So play nice.

@honeypiehotchner - (K) an extensive masterlist, mixing fluff, smut and angst or hurt/comfort, they use the most stunning imagery and descriptions to really make you understand how reader's feeling in each moment. She never writes hotch out-of-character, able to make him sound exactly like himself, no matter how far off-canon the story takes place. The dialogue always feels like real chemistry between real people. I also adore how they write hotch x autistic!reader. Such a beautiful understanding and patience and love between them. I really enjoy K's ability to show how thoughtful & considerate he is of his lover's needs. mostly fem!reader fics, some gn!reader. K's masterlist.

@show-your-fangs - (A) does an amazing job of writing Aaron's mental battles with himself as he moves outside of his comfort zones. She can orchestrate such a sea of emotions in every scene I read, and I can never pick out even one word in the entire fic that seems out of place. Not only can she beautifully capture every shift in emotion or thought process throughout these fics, but jesus christ can she make Aaron Hotchner the sexiest motherfucker on earth. The scenes feel so natural and just ooze raw sex appeal. Marvellous work, not every piece is linked in this masterlist but i highly recommend giving her blog a good old search.

@hotchs-big-hands - (A) doesn't have many works currently released, but oh boy do we get quality over quantity. Her three part series 'what did you call me?' is stunning. She takes her time to really make me feel what the reader is feeling and it's so easy to step into reader's shoes. Not to mention that she manages to infuse suave and sexy into every hair on Aaron's head. Every step this man takes seems to leave me breathless because he is just so smooth and sure of himself, but simultaneously we get a glimpse of the war going on in his head. Most works are plus!size!reader (female reader) but some gn!reader works as well. A's masterlist.

@greg-montgomery - (Fay) can make a splinter in your thumb feel like a warm cozy blanket, every domestic or blissful or lovestruck situation you can dream of with Hotch has been written, and made to feel like hot cocoa on a rainy day. She does a gorgeous job of writing a brief, fleeting moment with him like it's something you'll remember forever. Fay's masterlist.

@ssahotchnerr - (Katie) has a beautiful way of melting readers hearts with the softest little moments that can be shared between two people. Whether Aaron's changing your tyre or building your a bookshelf, the tiny little details can make it feel like the most heartwarming thing a man can do. She really captures that certain unplaceable Hotch quality in every single scenario Katie's masterlists.

@reidersspencer - (Miso) is always a breath of fresh air, her fic ideas are creative and fun, she is very active, always working on several hotch fics/blurbs at once. Miso responds to every request within days, having produced something sweet enough to make you prediabetic, she does a fantastic job of keeping hotch, well, hotch, with just that extra sparkle in his eye as he looks at reader. Miso's masterlist.

@slutforsilverfoxes - (she/her), I truly think sf2 could find inspiration in a glass of water. Her fics are so original, and she has a way of making sure the dialogue never feels forced or unnatural, and the chemistry is thick in the air between her characters. You can always see just how reader and aaron became drawn to one another, she's always able to make me envy just how much our star-crossed-lovers have in common. She's able to make every character's actions seem deliberate and measured, and the imagery adds so much depth to her scenes. slutforsilverfoxes' masterlist.

@canuck-eh - (she/her), wrote some of the most beautiful, delicate, authentic, raw hotch fics I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Some of her works are as long as 20k words, but not even one of those words is wasted. The most beautiful characterisations and imagery. Hotch never feels out-of-character and these fics deconstruct him so well, giving you a beautiful look inside his mind. Please note, this account no longer writes for hotch, as of right now. So please do not run to her inbox asking for more. But I promise you, her masterlist is enough to sustain you for a lifetime. Canuck’s masterlist.

@montyfandomlove - (Mon) does a gorgeous job of making your wildest fantasies come true. Her response to every request will both melt your heart and make your pussy throb. Mon writes Aaron as both smooth and sure of himself, but also sensitive and self-conscious. She can use any situation to bring that old man to life, making him feel younger and more carefree in the process. Mon's version of Hotch feels so true to himself, and don't we all love him that way? Mon's masterlist.

@hotchs-bitch - (T) does such a beautiful job of breaking my heart. She has a real talent for building angst until my eyes well up. She writes so realistically about Hotch's struggles and triumphs with love, but also the happy little moments in his life with you that make it worth living. Lovely characterisation of the man himself. T's masterlist.

@chateauhotchner - (Andi) also loves to break my heart and make me cry. But, the angst is so beautifully tragic. Wonderful imagery and she's even been capable of making me want to smack my favourite man in the world. Andi's masterlist.

@hotchs-babygirl - (Zeina) can always capture the thoughtfulness and gentleness of our Aaron Hotchner. Makes me want to squish his silly little cheeks and stare into his big shiny doe eyes forever. Zeina's masterlist.

@alluring-andrayav - (Andraya) this girl likes to not only have Hotch break my heart but also stomp it into smithereens and spit on it in the process. Levels of angst I can never quite recover from but it's done so well I can't bring myself to hate her for it. Andraya's masterlist.

@whiskey-bumblebee - (Hannah) loves to give me cavities by making our man so sweet and beautifully himself. Hotch-in-love is a different beast, and one that Hannah captures really well. Also, some sweat-inducing smut here and there that I cannot fail to mention. Hannah's masterlist

@honeybrowne - (she/her) manages to write the very best and worst parts of dating aaron hotchner, having the most attentive, thoughtful, considerate boyfriend is of course a pleasure greater than words can say, but at the same time, he can only ever give you half his time and he tends to eat away at himself for it. A great cross-section of this man. honeybrowne's masterlist.

@hotchscvm - (Neens) writes some of the most carefree, caution-to-the-wind, sexy aaron we all need sometimes. But she also doesn't miss when she writes the soft moments between you two, the little things that make you fall in love with him (and get butterflies). Neens' masterlist.

@dudeitiskarev - (Cat) does such a fantastic job of creating whole worlds in each of her stories. She paints the most beautiful pictures of her scenes with each word, I never have trouble getting a crystal clear mental image of what's taking place. That's not to even mention how well she sees right through the many layers of Aaron. note that I believe cat is retiring from writing for Aaron but please cherish all of her works, they are gorgeous. Cat's Masterlist.

@masterwords - (Angela) has written hundreds of thousands of words about our Hotch, although most of her works are for hotchgan (hotch x derek morgan). In the years she's spent writing for these two, it is clear she knows both of their minds even better than her own. Every single romantic situation/scenario I can cook up in my imagination has already been written in completion by Ang and it is just amazing. Even if she breaks your heart, she'll usually put it back together even better than before. Angela's masterlist. (this is the hotch-only masterlist, the hotchgan list is here)

@ssahoodrathotchner - (Andi) writes the most feel-good fluff, if you just want to hold aaron in your arms or have him look at you oh-so-longingly, snuggle up nice and warm and read some of Andi's work. Mostly gn!reader <;3 Andi's masterlist.

@angelhotchner - (Marl) I do NOT see enough people freaking out on the daily about these works. An awesome range of gn!reader & fem!reader both sfw & nsfw. Like, reading the titles of these fics alone should clue you into just how stunning most of these works are to read. I highly highly recommend a deep dive. Marl's masterlist.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Again. There is definitely still two hundred blogs I want to add to this list, and I will as time goes on add to this because the talent and love and passion being poured into loving on this man is so staggering to me. I hope you've found at least one blog on this list that you maybe didn't know of before, or that it's a reminder for you to check out some writers you already know of.

If your name made it on this list, please know I adore you. If your name didn't make it on this list, please know I probably still adore you, and I will almost certainly get there in time. <3 I really just want an excuse to tell a bunch of writers why I fell in love with their work, so! if you have another writer in mind, please just drop their username or info in my inbox and I will get to work.

[mccdreamys-writes]

smiles for miles – 26. silence is never silent

take me back to understand, we deep inside our hearts know, we don't make the wind blow. - The Common Linnets, We Don't Make The Wind Blow

N O V E M B E R   1 8 T H   2 0 1 1

Last week, I found myself back in the lecture hall, a place I hadn't visited in a while. I had skipped teaching last semester because work had consumed all my time. With cases piling up, there was no room for academic pursuits. But now, with things settling down a bit, I felt drawn back to the world of academia.

Work felt strangely quiet this week, an eerie calm hanging over everything. It was the kind of silence that made you feel like something big was about to happen. In law enforcement, calm moments like these often signaled that a storm was brewing, something significant waiting just around the corner.

It reminded me of a superstition in emergency rooms—the belief that saying "It's a quiet night" could jinx things and bring chaos. It was as if acknowledging the peace invited trouble. Similarly, the quietness at work hinted at trouble ahead, a reminder that in our line of work, calm moments were often followed by chaos.

As I neared the end of my lecture, ready to dive into the details of next week's lesson, my phone buzzed on the desk, snapping me out of my academic focus. A message from JJ popped up, short and ominous: "We have a case and it's a bad one."

Letting out a sigh, I wrapped up the class, hastily ending my presentation as I headed for the door. The weight of responsibility settled over me like a thick blanket as I hurried to my car. The urgency of the situation pushed me forward, a grim determination driving me towards the office.

As we gathered in the conference room, there was a palpable sense of shock and determination hanging in the air. The images on the screen painted a horrifying picture: three bodies hanging from tree branches, their mutilated torsos, hearts torn from their chests, and their dignity stripped away with their genitals exposed for all to see. The chilling inscription above the macabre images simply read, 'Washington D.C.'

Garcia's voice broke through the solemn silence, her tone tinged with a sense of urgency and concern. "We're staying home today," she announced firmly, her words carrying a weight that left no room for doubt.

With a solemn expression, Garcia introduced each victim: Elijah Benedict, Alan Damon, and Philip DeJong. Their names echoed in the room, a reminder of the lives lost in this brutal act of violence. Ranging in age from forty-three to fifty, they were now reduced to mere statistics in a tragic tableau.

Morgan's words broke the tension, voicing what everyone was thinking. "Someone's got a grudge," he stated firmly, the seriousness of the situation evident in his tone. "This feels personal."

Rossi cut through the silence with a question that hung heavily in the air. "When did these attacks happen?" he inquired urgently, his concern palpable.

Hotch, as authoritative as ever, provided a grim timeline. "The first victim, a week ago," he began, each word weighed down by the severity of the situation, "the second, three days ago, and the last one, this morning." His words lingered in the room, a stark reminder of the swift and methodical nature of the assaults.

Garcia, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she accessed the chilling details, added to the grim narrative. "They were all held captive for at least a day," she concluded, her voice trembling slightly as she relayed the extent of the victims' suffering. "But no more than two, because in all three cases we have colleagues who can confirm they were at work at least two days prior."

"Do we have any connections between them?" JJ's question drew everyone's attention to Garcia, the team's digital expert.

"They all had more than just a thing for women," Garcia replied, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she dug deeper into the digital archives. "I'm still combing through their backgrounds for more connections or useful info. I'll keep you posted if I find anything important."

Despite the heaviness of the case weighing on us, the day wore on without any major breakthroughs. We'd spoken with the victims' families and colleagues, but hadn't uncovered much. Still, the urgency of the situation hung in the air, reminding us that time was ticking and another abduction could happen at any moment.

As I stepped into the familiar embrace of our home, weariness clung to my every step, burdening my shoulders with its weight. But the sight that greeted me at the table instantly lifted my spirits—a home-cooked meal, lovingly prepared by Maile, awaited me. It was a silent testament to her thoughtfulness and understanding, a gesture made all the more special by the fact that I had given her a heads-up about my return time.

The delicious aroma that filled the air hinted that Maile hadn't been the chef behind tonight's dinner—a fact that both amused and touched me deeply. Cooking wasn't her forte, something she freely admitted and often joked about. Despite her occasional forays into the kitchen, she knew her limitations well.

I couldn't suppress a chuckle at the thought of her valiant attempts, knowing the likely outcome. There had been times when I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of her creations while her back was turned. Yet, the results always reaffirmed her self-awareness; her dishes consistently fell short of culinary excellence, sparing me from any further taste-testing adventures.

But even in her culinary missteps, there was a certain charm—a willingness to try, despite knowing the odds were against her. It was just another endearing aspect of her personality, one that I cherished dearly and wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

"Hey," she greeted me with a radiant smile as I trudged wearily through the doorway, my exhaustion palpable in every step. Without a moment's hesitation, she gracefully relieved me of my burdens, gently setting aside my bag, and enveloping me in a comforting embrace. In the sanctuary of her arms, I felt the weight of the day slowly lift, soothed by the rhythmic beat of her heart that seemed to echo my own.

"Thank you," I whispered gratefully, my voice a mere breath as I leaned into her embrace. "I needed that."

Her response was simple yet profound, spoken with genuine sincerity. "Anytime."

With a gentle nudge, she guided me toward the table, her touch a comforting caress against my weary frame. "Now, let's eat," she urged softly, her voice carrying a warmth that seeped into my bones. "Tell me all about your day, and then let's just relax together tonight. No agenda, no worries—just us, unwinding and being together."

Her words, infused with a sense of tranquility, promised an evening of solace away from the chaos of the outside world. As I settled into my seat, the enticing aroma of the meal she had prepared enveloped me, coaxing forth a sense of contentment and gratitude. It was in these simple moments, shared within the comforting embrace of our home, that I found sanctuary and peace amidst life's trials.

She made every hardship of the day worthwhile.

As evening draped its comforting embrace around us, we settled snugly onto the couch, cocooned in its warmth. My fingers wove delicate patterns through her hair, offering a gentle caress that sought to soothe her troubled mind. In the hush of the moment, I broached a question, my voice a mix of curiosity and care.

"Are you starting to remember things?" I asked softly, my words hanging in the air, stirring up a sense of unease within her.

"It's coming back in flashes," she confessed in a quiet voice, the weight of her inner conflict heavy in her words. "But I don't want to, Alex." Tears welled up in her eyes, reflecting the turmoil raging inside her, a silent testament to the overwhelming emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

With gentle care, I wiped away the tears from her cheeks, hoping for my touch to bring comfort to her raw emotions. Pulling her closer, I wrapped her in my embrace, our legs intertwined, my chest against her back, and my chin nestled in the curve of her neck.

My words flowed softly, like a soothing breeze in the night. "It's a good thing, Smiles," I murmured, my voice a gentle caress against her ear. "You need to process, and why not now? You're not alone. I am here."

"I am scared," she admitted, feeling the weight of her vulnerability in her words. "I don't want to be. I mean, I don't even have the right to. Look at what you're facing at work every day-"

Before she could finish her self-deprecating thoughts, I interrupted, my voice firm but kind. "Don't go there. Don't belittle your pain because you feel like someone else's is worse," I urged, my gaze locking with hers, unwavering in its intensity. "You can't feel their pain, and they can't feel yours. You have every right to be in pain."

I planted a gentle kiss on the back of her neck, my touch offering solace to the swirling turmoil in her mind. With a deep breath, she found the courage to open up about the memories that had started to come back to her.

"I remember hearing more voices," she admitted softly, squeezing her eyes shut as if trying to transport herself back to that time. "Not just James and Ira. Other voices, but I can't place them. At first, I thought they might be part of your team, but they're not. I can't remember how many there were, or if I even saw them. I just knew they were there."

I held her close, my warmth surrounding her like a shield, as I pressed another kiss to her temple, offering comfort and reassurance. Feeling my support, she continued, "There were at least two other men," her voice trembling with uncertainty and unease. Each word dredged up memories she'd buried deep down.

"That's good", I said with genuine admiration, a soft smile gracing my lips as I gazed at her. "You did good, baby."

N O V E M B E R 1 9 T H 2 0 1 1

As I stepped into the bustling bullpen, the familiar symphony of activity surrounded me—the rhythmic tapping of keyboards, the rustle of papers, and the murmur of voices blending into a harmonious cacophony. In the midst of this organized chaos, Hotch emerged like a captain navigating through turbulent waters, his purposeful stride signaling an imminent discussion. "Alex," he called out, his voice authoritative yet welcoming. "Can I have a word?"

His unexpected request sent a shiver of apprehension down my spine as I followed him to his office, my mind swirling with questions about the nature of our impending conversation. Despite my uncertainty, I complied, trailing behind him as we entered the sanctum of his private workspace. The soft click of the door closing behind us added a weight of seriousness to the atmosphere, intensifying the gravity of what was to come.

Seated across from each other, Hotch's usually composed demeanor was tinged with an unusual solemnity as he retrieved a file from his desk. A sense of foreboding settled over me, a knot tightening in the pit of my stomach. "We've identified the DNA found at the crime scene," he began, his words hanging heavy in the air like a dark cloud.

My exhaustion seemed to deepen as I struggled to comprehend the significance of his revelation. "And why are we discussing this privately?" I inquired cautiously, my mind racing to grasp the implications. "Why just you and me?"

Hotch's expression remained unreadable as he delivered the bombshell that left me reeling. "Because," he began, his voice steady, "it matches Maile's DNA."

A wave of disbelief washed over me, threatening to drown out all rational thought. Panic surged through me as the weight of his words settled in. "I should never have uttered those words," I berated myself silently, the casual remark I made earlier now haunting me with its unforeseen consequences.

[squadmuse]

Just realised that my inbox was closed… requests are now properly open! Also up for random ramblings and chats about our fave blorbos

Taking requests for: x female reader / original female character - for the following characters 🔽

REY CURTIS - MIKE LOGAN - RAFAEL BARBA - MIKE DODDS - SONNY CARISI - PETER STONE - SPENCER REID - LUKE ALVEZ - AARON HOTCHNER - JAVIER PEÑA - FOX MULDER

[spacecowboyhotch]

Moon River: Glistening🌙

summary: Aaron makes his intentions and expectations clear.

pairing: Zira (black!fem!oc) x Aaron Hotchner

content: 18+/nsfw, kissing, angst, fluff, mentions of cliff diving

AN: ahaha heyyyyy, long time no see to anyone who’s still invested in this story. i’m sorry for the break and i’ll apologize for the next one. im trying to find my passion for writing hotch again, and this is where im starting. it’s so good to see these two together again. sorry it’s so short, but it’s what i could manage for our two love birds. sorry if there’s typos, not proofread/betad!

word count: 1015

series masterlist | cm masterlist

Once breakfast is cleaned up, the two of them take turns getting ready. Zira notices that Aaron seems to have moved on. Admittedly, he does feel better after the methodical cleaning and organizing. Getting dressed is a sweet and shy kind of exchange of roaming eyes and soft smiles while they slip into swimwear and coverups. His eyes linger, trying to trace every curve of her body, to memorize her.

She turns away from him, lifting her hair off her neck with one hand and holding her bikini straps in the other. “Can you tie me up?”

“Of course,” He moves closer to her, making quick work of the knot before he binds to kiss where her neck and shoulder meet. She leans back into him, sighing from the warmth of his lips. “Ready?”

“Yeah, ready,” She turns to look at him, nuzzling into his cheek.

With all of their belongings in the tent she locks it up, sliding a padlock through the zipper before they head towards a trail. They walk slowly and steadily, the silence comfortable as their hands swing side by side.

Zira wants nothing more to reach out and hold his hand but it feels like a loaded gesture. She’s frustrated with herself, now that they’ve slept together she thought she’d be over her cautiousness, but it’s still there. It’s because she can see this turning into something real. Aaron is genuine and sweet and so patient, and she sees their potential together already. It’s scary, something she’s never seen or wanted with anybody so she keeps her hands and thoughts to herself.

He can sense her tension, wondering if she’s regretting anything that they’ve done. He knows he doesn’t, he’s never been more sure of his actions than when he’s with her. This is dangerous and terrifying, letting himself feel so unapologetically for her but it feels right. He knows the consequences are worth it, she’s worth it regardless of the outcome. Even with anxieties and doubts swirling through his chest, being with her is easy because he doesn’t have a choice. Without even knowing it, he gives her what she needs when he reaches for her, threading his fingers through hers. “You okay?”

She stares down at her hand in his for a few seconds before composing herself. “Yeah, yeah. Thinking.”

“What about?”

She hesitates for a moment, looking up at the sky, counting the clouds to lower her anxiety,“Just this.”

“Are you okay with everything we’ve done?”

“More than okay, it’s not that. I just-“

He finishes her sentence for her, “You don’t do this. I know.”

“You gonna ask me questions and then answer them for me?” She asks playfully.

His answer comes in a series of short kisses, and then he tucks her into his side as they continue walking, trying to piece together his words.

The pair are almost to the watering hole, the sight of a few other campers laying on the grassy patches dotted with rocks and foliage around it. He stops her, wanting to have some semblance of privacy.

“Listen to me, I know that this is difficult for you. It’s difficult for me too, but I meant what I said. There aren’t any expectations surrounding this, I just want to spend time with you before I go. I want you, in any way I can get you. So get out of that head of yours and just be with me, alright?”

“Alright,” She breathes, her eyes slightly widened with shock.

Slowly, he gets closer to her, bumping his nose against hers in a tease. He runs his hands and down her arms once before threading his fingers through hers and pulling her closer. “You’re sure?”

“Mhmm,” It almost comes out of Zira as a whimper, his scent and proximity making her forget that she’s in public, not that she truly cares.

“You okay?” His voice is soft, teasing.

“Perfect,” She grins against him but rolls her eyes, knowing he’s toying with her. Deep in her heart she loves how comfortable he is, treating her like she’s his.

Maybe she already is.

“Ready to jump off a cliff?”

He looks skeptically at the cliffs, nodding, “Ready for something.”

Finally, he closes the gap between them, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that she deepens, locking their fingers together. He kisses her eagerly, he can’t imagine a world where that isn’t his reaction to her lips on his. When she pulls away her eyes are the brightest he’s ever seen them, glittering with happiness and a mischief he’s grown used to. While he loves seeing her like this, he can’t help but feel guilty because some of the things he said to reassure her aren’t true anymore.

Yes, this is difficult for him but it gets easier with every second he spends with her. His expectations are unfair. He’s never been one for fairy tales and happy endings, not even when he was in love with Haley, but being with her feels like he’s woken up in some ancient storytelling book, one with big gold letters and embroidery that shines with the promise of nothing but happiness. He wants her for the rest of his life, there’s not a doubt in his mind that its true. He’s never wanted something so disgustingly perfect and romantic in his life, and he can’t even feel ashamed about it.

His mind doesn’t stay there for long because soon she’s dragging him to the top of a cliff, listing off all the times she’s done this to soothe the anxious look on his face. And when they get to the peak, he looks over the edge, then back over at her.

“You can always say no, Aaron.”

“But this is what you want isn’t it?”

“Mhmm,” She hums, looking down at the crystal clear water.

“Then we’ll do it.”

With his hand in hers, standing on the edge he’s never felt safer. It doesn’t make sense, how something so terrifying could feel easy, but not many things have made sense since he met her.

tagging: @laurensprentiss, @sadgirlml, @angelfxllcm, @honeybrowne, @jaspxr, @hotchs-bitch, @chelseyjoyce, @rousethemouse, @lostinthefandoms11, @fightingdragonswithwho, @ashhotchner, @hotch-girl (just cuz i know you loved them)

[sterek-ao3feed-archive]

Name of Love Teen Wolf/Criminal Minds

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55088425 by Fantastic_writer06 Ruby Martin, Stiles Stilinski and Derek Hale move to Washington D.C. After a robbery gone wrong, the pack decides Ruby and Stiles need a change of scenery and contacted Ben Greenwood, director of the FBI to accept the spots he offered. Ready to find out how it goes when Ruby and Stiles become the new co-heads of the new Supernatural Crimes Division, relationships are made and ended, new friends and maybe some old ones popping up Ruby Martin x Aaron Hotchner Derek Hale x Stiles Stilisnki Words: 9637, Chapters: 7/?, Language: English Fandoms: Teen Wolf (TV), Criminal Minds (US TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Major Character Death Categories: F/M Characters: Ruby Martin, Stiles Stilisnki, Aaron Hotchner, Derek Hale, Scott McCall, Original Hale Character(s) (Teen Wolf) Relationships: Aaron Hotchner & Stiles Stilinski, Aaron Hotchner/Original Female Character(s), Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski Additional Tags: Lydia Martin Bashing, The BAU Team as Family (Criminal Minds), Good Friend Scott McCall (Teen Wolf) read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/55088425