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twstbookclub · 3 months

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Faded Away

SLIGHT SPOILERS FOR BOOK 7 INCLUDED; THIS IS AN AU. THIS IS SIDE A OF A TWO PART STORY. HERE IS SIDE B.

This is side A.

Inspired by Fade Away by Riley Baron Summary: Childhood friends with Malleus, you were even supposed to marry him. You'd call him your fiancé, but he'd shoot you down with a smile. One day, Maleficia would announce that you would no longer be engaged to Malleus, but you had already decided to renounce that before, so it was okay. For Malleus, after experiencing loss in his life, everything he adored before began to fade away. Pronouns: Gender Neutral POV: 2nd Admin/Writer: Kai⚔️ Tags: Malleus Draconia, Changed fate, Childhood friends to lovers, lovers to strangers, angst with a sad ending, hurt no comfort Word count: 3,961

A/N: … sigh. If someone had told me a year ago that I would write nearly 4,000 words for Malleus Draconia angst, I would've laughed in their face. Despite that, I wrote this for two days and edited it for another two. I fixated on this man for FOUR DAYS nonstop, listening to playlists about falling in love with your comfort character but then saying goodbye, and I am still not done. I am genuinely proud of this work. Out of the 7 years I have been writing fanfiction, I have never been so happy to say this is one of my best works. And I don't really like Malleus like that. Attack me all y'all want, I know book 7 spoilers, and I was his stan(not simp) until I found out the truth and had to take a step BACK. I don't know what I feel about him now, but as a Silver girlie, I need someone to take the pen away from Yana Toboso.

Regardless of my feelings, I am glad I could write this and that the story turned out amazing. As I said, I'm not done, and I have another fic posting as soon as this one drops, so don't stray too far.

On that note, thank you for waiting and reading this long, longer than I would like to admit story. Enjoy.

The horns of this child were small, but the eyes of another child were fascinated at the sight of such a mature boy. The boy’s name was Malleus Draconia, the future King of Briar Valley. You were told that you would become his fiance when you grew up. You could feel your heart instantly pound and become fond of this young royal. You had already known him prior, growing up around the same time, and your families were somewhat close. Still, you couldn’t have imagined being able to marry him later down the line. He was aloof and neutral as a child, speaking to you when you would talk to him and only if he had a response. You loved him that way, anyway.

“You’re my… fiance?”

“I am! Don’t worry; I won’t go anywhere if it’s not with you!”

“Hmm… Then I can accept that.”

Growing up as teenagers was slightly different. It took some years, but he would begin to warm up to you. He would smile occasionally and accept the way you would call him “my fiance”, but still turn you down for the time being. Witnessing him become stressed caused a pang of guilt in your heart. Still, you’d quickly dissipate the feeling by messing around and seeing him feel better with your company.

“My fiance should be calm the way he usually is. How can his kingdom stay calm if he is not?”

Malleus would usually stare at you after you said things like that, then respond with, “You’re right… Alright. I will do that, but I’m not your fiance.”

Then, like clockwork, you’d laugh at him before responding, “Okay, okay, Prince Malleus. Whatever you say.”

Now, Malleus finally returned from studying at Night Raven College and settled back into his past routine. It took some months, since now there were new things he needed to learn before he could become king. He would follow without a complaint, though.

He was standing in a throne room, checking on documents and plans for the kingdom. You would simply trot in with your hands behind your back as you would often do, admiring him as your shoes would click against the floor.

“My fiance is working so hard already?” You teased, being playful and wanting to catch his attention.

“I’m not your fiance.” Malleus would say with a concentrated tone, his gruff voice echoing through the large room as the sound of documents being flipped echoed.

“Right. King Malleus.” You stopped walking to give him a bow and then approached his side. You moved your hand to cling to his arm, but knowing your behavior, he already had an arm out for you.

“Not king either. I haven’t had my coronation yet. Queen Malecifia is planning that as we speak,” Malleus spoke again, then set down the documents and turned to you, his hair slightly swaying with his movement. His green eyes stared down at you, and then he captured a slight smile on his lips. “What is it that you need from me?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to see you and waste your time. I truly hope I am a bother,” you spoke playfully and took one of the loose documents into your hands to read through it. Malleus quickly took the paper before you could get too far into reading it. Right. Kingdom affairs.

Malleus gives you a look before sighing and pulling a chair out. “If I let you touch my horns, could you let me work?” He spoke, moving to sit down beside where you were standing. You grew excited at the opportunity to play with his horns and instantly went quiet to do so. You stood behind him and carefully adjusted his hair while examining every detail of the feature in front of you.

The atmosphere was quiet yet peaceful. Time felt like it was still, pen scratching paper occasionally sounds through the large room. Your hands gently held his horns, caressing them to remind yourself of its sharp and enticing structure.

Memories of childhood played through your mind as you watched him read these documents, soft breaths coming from him as his focus never broke. You did this exact thing all the time with him, especially during his study hours.

“Why do you like my horns so much?” Malleus spoke, suddenly breaking the silence and surprising you out of your trance. You thought about it momentarily, trying to find the right words to explain it, but you couldn't find a single word for how. Instead, you explained it the best you could.

“Hmm… I don’t know. There’s something about seeing these horns that gives me some reassurance. Relief that I can still be your future beloved.” you answered before fixing his hair again. Messing with him like this felt right. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, being his future partner was something of fate. There were others out there with royal status just like you. Queen Maleficia could’ve replaced or sent you away, but she hadn’t. You were thankful every time you saw his grandmother.

“I see… You’re an odd one,” Malleus spoke softly, a faint breath being heard from him as he felt your hands let go of him. “You let go. Is something the matter?”

Malleus noticed you stayed quiet but didn’t hear you move either. So, he turned around, his breath catching at what he saw. His eyes were met with your side profile, your lips curling into a grin. Your eyes reflected the light like glass, and your hands fell to his shoulders.

“It’s the first snow of the season,” you said, mesmerized by the view. Your quiet voice showed just how enchanted you were. Malleus had an idea of how others felt about the first snow. All he took in from when you explained the moment to him was how special it could be for lovers.

Every time the first snow would fall, he’d watch from the window of his study how you admired the snowflakes as if you’d never seen them before. He watched you do this for years as if it was routine. Hell, it would be weird if he didn’t see you out there.

Malleus took your wrist and made his way out towards the courtyard. He’s the one taking you out there this time? You could only follow and keep your excitement at bay from his behavior.

Arriving outside, Malleus fixed your winter cape, ensuring you wouldn’t feel too cold. He leaned against a wall as you played and tried to catch the snowflakes. Your smile was as bright as the white sky, and he would just stand there, watching you without a word, but more as if he was in thought.

You noticed this and took a moment to gather some snow from the ground, putting it behind your back before moving towards him. “Are you alright? You seem to be lost in thought,” you asked, making him snap out of his trance to look at you.

“I’m fine. I’m simply reminded of my time at the college from seeing all this snow. Why do you a—”

Crunch.

He sighed, keeping his eyes closed before saying one thing. “... Why?’

Malleus was cut off by the impact of a snowball hitting his face. The icy crystals caused his skin to feel colder than it already was. He wiped the snow off his face as he witnessed you begin to back away. Every step back from you was a step forward for him, and you noticed how he had a straight-faced expression. You laughed nervously and grabbed his wrists, trying to hold him back.

“I just wanted to get your attention, Malleus!” You tried to explain, yelping when he would tower over you, but you would only find it all amusing. Malleus would chuckle, grabbing and throwing snow at you, not aiming for your face like you had done to him.

This went on for a few minutes, enjoying the back-and-forth attacks, while the snow piled onto the ground through the mid-winter day. At one point, Malleus would grab you by the waist to keep you from straying too far away from him. The gesture felt nice, but also intimate as he’d only do this to stop you from being clumsy.

You held onto his arms and stepped back slowly, moving towards a stone pillar, while your eyes didn’t leave him. You glanced between his eyes, lips, and the horns you loved seeing. Even after he held you against the cold stone, there wasn’t anything to worry about, but him.

You felt nervous while giving his arms a light squeeze, and he carefully brushed his cold fingertips against your cheek, making you relax with your head leaning into his slight touch. Soon, his hand cupped your cheek to tilt your head, keeping you in place this time.

Finally, your eyes stayed on his lips. His green eyes admired your features to remember them down to the last detail. Your mingled breaths hit each other’s faces from the close proximity, then Malleus leaned close, his lips inching closer to yours.

It was cut short, though. You turned to the sound of someone clearing their throat, but your body would stop what it was doing and let go of Malleus, instantly bowing at the sight of a familiar lady.

Malleus would turn around next. His breathing was slightly uneven from getting caught in the act, but he’d still bow and greet the woman in the courtyard with them.

“Queen Maleficia, what brings you out here during this weather?” Malleus began first, slowly coming up with you to stand correctly.

“It is good to see you, Queen Maleficia.” You followed after, giving Malleus’s grandmother a warm smile.

“Not much, my dear. I’m glad to see you taking a break,” Maleficia returned the greeting and gave a smile as well. She’d soon drop that expression, though. “I need to speak to you about something important.”

Your body would tense up again, and you took that as a cue to leave them alone, so you bowed and took a step forward. “I’ll leave you be, then—”

“You aren’t going anywhere. You are part of this too.” Maleficia spoke earnestly, and she rarely had to speak in such a way to you. The last time you heard those words was when she scolded you and Malleus for disappearing to Lilia’s home.

Those words always made you nervous, especially since they usually meant something was wrong. You could only turn around and smile again.

“Right. I apologize for my assumption, Your Majesty,” you said carefully, instantly seeing Malleus turn to you with a look of curiosity.

Standing before Queen Maleficia, now in her study, you held your hands as Malleus stood near the high bookshelves. His grandmother stared out of her window briefly before taking a breath.

“Malleus.” Queen Maleficia began to speak, turning around to face you and Malleus somberly. “Your coronation is being planned, as you know, but something must be done before you can become king. You know what that is, correct?”

Malleus grew confused, but his eyes would widen slightly once he understood. “Marriage. What of it?”

As soon as Malleus answered, the woman would look towards you and smile lightly. “That’s correct. What do you plan to do about that?”

You stare at Malleus briefly before looking at Maleficia again, then smile softly. “I do want to marry the prince. That has not changed since we were children.”

Maleficia looked away from you, and then she made her way to stand in front of you. “That, my child, is what I can no longer allow. I am sorry.”

Your eyes widened, and you saw Malleus perk up at the corner of your eye. He was shocked as well. “What…?” Is that the only thing you could say?

“What are you talking about?” Malleus sounded off. You couldn’t look at him. Your eyes would stay on the Queen before you, still in disbelief.

“This is the best course of action. Forgive me, my child.”

“Queen M—No. Grandmother, what in the world are you referring to? Answer me!” Malleus began to demand, moving you back and getting ahead of Maleficia.

“Malleus, believe me, this was not easy.”

“I did not ask if it was easy. I did not ask if you’ve thought of this for weeks or months. I asked for an explanation, grandmother,” Malleus spoke sternly, going against Maleficia, which he had not done before. Maleficia was growing angry, but she remained calm regardless.

“I am doing this for you, for the kingdom of Briar Valley; to end a war before it could begin. You will do your duty as the future ruler of this kingdom.”

“You think the kingdom can decide who will be my partner in marriage for the rest of my life? You did that when I was a child! I went along with it and accepted it the first time as it was!” Malleus also grew angry at the way the events were unfolding. He had accepted everything without complaint, but he couldn’t keep his mouth shut this time. This isn’t what he wanted.

“Now, Queen Maleficia, you wish to choose someone new? Someone I haven’t known my entire life and someone I cannot trust?”

“You will understand that as the future king. You do not need them as your fiance, and that is final. You will be marrying someone from another kingdom to stop us from going to war.” Maleficia had grown strict, firm even. Anyone else wouldn’t dare argue, not even you. You could only stay quiet from the words you were hearing. Your heart began to feel heavy from guilt as if it were a burden.

“What good will that do!? I do not need someone to help me run my life or the kingdom that will be under my wing some time from now!”

“I did it for you! I do not wish to see you become like your parents! You are my only grandson, and I lost your mother to war and the son, your father, I never had just before that. I raised you! Lilia and I were the ones who kept you alive. So, as your grandmother, I want you to keep yourself safe. Do this for yourself.” Maleficia was like a pleading mother. She needed Malleus to understand.

It was all so confusing to you. Malleus was trying to fight, but was it for you or him? Was it for his freedom? Did he love you? No. That couldn’t be it. You had to do something before he would do something drastic. You had to stop him before he could argue more.

Silence.

Your hand wrapped around his own. Malleus froze from the sudden touch. “It’s okay,” you began softly, putting on a smile before looking up at Malleus.

The touch reminded you of when you snuck into his study as a teenager. You felt stressed once due to your studies and responsibilities becoming a large pile, and Malleus would hold your hand to put you at ease. He helped you with your studies by tutoring and keeping you focused, but concentrating was still difficult with your distant lover just inches away from you during that time.

That short-lived memory was enough to make you agree to this. You loved him, but it was confusing. He was distant, but sometimes not. You loved him, but it was time.

“Hey, Malleus?”

“Hmm?”

“What would it be like if I was only your friend, but never your fiance?”

A young Malleus had to think about that, but only one answer came to his mind.

“I would’ve figured out how to become your fiance again.”

Back to the decision before you, you smiled more before looking at Maleficia and squeezing Malleus’ hand lightly.

“I understand, Queen Maleficia. I apologize for no longer meeting your expectations,” you said respectfully. Malleus stared down at you with wide eyes, his hand starting to squeeze yours while it was still in his grasp.

“Don’t say that. You don’t need to do that—”

You shook your head and looked at him, clenching your free hand around his arm to cling to him. “I… wanted to talk to you, anyway. I’d call you my fiance, but you always turned me down. You said you simply accepted the necessity of my obligation as your lover. Now that we have to say our goodbyes, it worked out fine, did it not? I won’t fuss about this decision, as I have no say in the kingdom’s political matters. So, I will simply wish you happiness and good fortune in your marriage, Prince Malleus.”

“What are you talking about? You don’t know a thing.” Malleus whispered and took both of your hands into his, trying to keep himself calm in the midst of all of the mess. “I only rejected you because I wanted to properly propose to you. Only at the right moment between us and—”

“Hey… you don’t have to say any of that. You don’t need to. This is your kingdom. I am simply someone who had to be your lover.” Those words hurt for you to say, and Malleus looked… scared for once. In the time that you’d ever known him, he was the only person you loved. Malleus couldn’t let go of your hand or look away from you. You would disappear, he felt. Hearing those words come out of your mouth was painful enough as is.

You could only give him a bitter smile and force him to let go. “It’s okay. You’ll be okay,” you whisper and bow to Maleficia, then to Malleus. “Thank you. If you’ll excuse me.”

You smile once more before swiftly leaving before anything else could happen. The longer you walked, the more your legs felt like jelly. You didn’t know where you were going, but you just wanted to leave. You wanted nothing more but to go back and take back your words. To fight for Malleus. Yet, you would never go against the crown.

Malleus simply stood there in disbelief with his eyes glued to the door. Maleficia reached out to her grandson, but as soon as her hand landed on his shoulder, he slapped it off. He looked at his grandmother with a look of nothing. Agony. A heart-wrenching anguish clouded his mind and judgment once you had left the room.

He didn’t want the touch of anyone else but you. How could he lose you so easily? His whole life, he had always gotten what he wanted. Yet, the one time he asked, begged, and pleaded for something in his life, it was stripped away right before his fingertips. Malleus’ body was on auto-pilot from the harsh reality. Then, he moved out of the study, but when he looked up, his body froze at the sight of you running out of the castle.

It was all his fault. He didn’t fight hard enough. Now, he had lost you. How could the Seven betray him so? He never thought that it would be so easy to leave him. To abandon the memories just because someone else requested it.

Once you felt the harsh wind and snow, your eyes began to water. Soon, your heavy breaths turned into heaving sobs. Before you knew it, you found yourself in the forest. How did you even get here? How far did your tired legs get you? What torture could you endure in this state? Then…

Every memory with Malleus started to flash through your head.

Every dance.

Every laugh.

Every touch.

Every look.

Everything.

Your heaving sobs became screams of heartbreak. Agonized cries echoed throughout the quiet and dark forest of Briar Valley. You couldn’t feel the cold anymore. The cold didn’t matter when it felt like you left a piece of yourself in the castle.

Malleus leaned against the wall from the window that he watched you disappear from, closing his eyes when he could hear your cries despite how far you actually were. He couldn’t do anything to fix it this time, not when you were convinced.

Meeting his new fiance was unbearable for Malleus, but he tolerated it. He never remembered any interaction he had with the woman he was supposed to marry now. The wedding was memorable for everyone but him, and you weren’t there. He knew you wouldn’t be there, but he would still smile to himself when he remembered things.

But then it wasn’t too long, maybe a couple of years, until the kingdom celebrated Malleus and his coronation. Everyone with royal status and Malleus' close friends were invited to the after-party celebration. You went alone and stood on the balcony outside, listening to everyone enjoy their festivities. You hadn’t heard about Malleus since you last stepped foot here. It felt like forever ago.

“I didn’t think you would show up. Not after what happened the last time.”

The familiar voice made you perk up and turn around, seeing his tall figure standing at the curtain’s frame. You stood at the stone barricade and smiled slightly at Malleus, bowing to him.

“I didn’t think you would seek my company, King Malleus.”

“That title sounds… weird coming from you,” he admitted, making you both laugh. You look at the horizon to watch the setting sun, going quiet along with him. You had to break the silence.

“So, how are you and your queen?” You asked, causing Malleus to look at you.

“She is fine. She’s expecting, so she’s taking care of herself instead,” Malleus said, being careful with his words, but you wanted to hide behind your old, playful attitude.

“You were quite fast, weren’t you?” You responded with a laugh, but you could feel your heart breaking already.

“It’s been about two years since we last conversed. I don’t think that’s too fast,” Malleus spoke casually, but you would notice how he looked at you somberly, almost as if he didn’t like it as much as you did.

“I see. I wish the Queen and your child a safe and easy journey.” You said quietly, sounding a bit melancholic. You had to force those words out, and Malleus simply nodded to accept your wishes.

His look made you narrow your eyes towards the ground, not wanting to look at him as you knew it would only cause you more heartbreak.

“Malleus…” You called out quietly, sighing and leaning against the stone.

“Don’t say anything,” he whispered, looking out into the horizon just like you did moments ago.

After a few minutes of silence, the sun had finally set, turning the sky dark with the moon’s light shining down on you and Malleus.

“Thank you,” you broke the silence first amidst the faint clamor of festivities behind you, “for the chance to be with you for so long.”

Malleus looked at you, then you looked at him in return. These looks turned into stares. Stares felt like time froze. It was you and him again, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

You engraved the details of his face into your head, and he was doing the same for you. When he broke the silence, the bubble around you two still hadn’t popped.

“You were a wonderful experience,” he said sincerely, giving you a smile.

You smiled back, but before you could respond, others called Malleus over. He tried to stay there, but he was forced away. He was only able to take one more look at you before he disappeared. He faded away like a light swallowed by a deep darkness, which was so strange. It was only a change.

You still kept your smile after he left. Now, you could say what you wanted.

“You were… everything.”

#twst malleus #malleus draconia #twisted wonderland malleus #malleus x reader #twisted wonderland #twst #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst wonderland #disney #writing #romance #angst #twst angst #angst with a sad ending #hurt no comfort #im hurtin #hurt #no comfort

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leftduck9986 · 6 months

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Picture This (What's in the Cardboard Box? A Meta/Theory/Watsit Featuring Mary Poppins)

Happy New Year!

A fun theory for you, told with accompanying picture collages from the Good Omens series, spoilers for Disney's Mary Poppins and occasional quotes transcribed from the Good Omens audio book.

As unbelievably silly this theory is, please remember, DO NOT ASK OR TAG NEIL GAIMAN ON FAN THEORY, thank you kindly.

After Armageddon is averted at the airbase, Aziraphale and Crowley are worried about what will happen to them:

"Is is over do you think?" Crowley shrugged. "Not for us, I'm afraid."

"I don't think you need to go worrying. I know all about you two. Don't you worry."

Adam knows all about Aziraphale and Crowley, ooOOOOooo!

He ALSO knows:

that Crowley had seen Mary Poppins on television one Christmas (...) and while he toyed with the idea of a hurricane as an effective and incredibly stylish way of disposing of the queue of nannies (...) outside the Cultural Attaché's Regents Park residence, he opted for a tube strike instead. And when the day came, only one nanny turned up;

that Aziraphale is extremely intelligent - And it was an angelic intelligence, which, while not being particularly higher than human intelligence, is much broader and has the advantage of having thousands of years of practice. - and what took Agnes Nutter's descendants centuries to decipher, he did in next-to-no-time, and;

that Anathema Device received Agnes Nutter's Further Nice and Accurate Prophecies and chose not to continue her life as a descendant.

He stopped halfway across the field. Someone was burning something. He looked at the plume of white smoke above the chimney of Jasmine Cottage and he paused. And he listened. He could hear laughter. It wasn't a witch's cackle - it was the low and earthy guffaw of someone who knew a great deal more than could possibly be good for them.

The white smoke writhed and curled above the cottage chimney. For a fraction of an instant, Adam saw outlined in the smoke a handsome female face. A face that hadn't been seen on Earth for over three hundred years. Agnes Nutter winked at him.

And if Adam knows what Agnes knows, there's no need to go messing anybody about. No need to worry ...

In the 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins, Jane and Michael's letter advertising for a new nanny is torn up by their father Mr Banks and thrown into the fireplace. The shredded pieces of paper fly up and out of the chimney.

After a sudden and rather focused hurricane blows the queue of other nannies away, in blows the Practically-Perfect-in-Every-Way Mary Poppins. During her "interview" she reads from Jane and Michael's advertisement, MIRACULOUSLY intact.

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Musical interlude: when Aziraphale arrives in Edinburgh, the show music makes me want to sing "Chim Chim Cher-ee" (hmm, same style and minor in tonality, with the visual of all those chimney rooftops in-scene - that's gotta be on purpose, no?)

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The heavenly miracle sound - there are 2 parts to it. First, a descending bass, Vvvvvvmmm, second, a choral "ah" layered with shimmering. So, if attempting to sing it A Cappella: "Vvvvvvmmm-AH-shh"

At the end of Gabriel's trial: "I'll just need a-" He hears (edit, Sunday 7th Jan 2024: initiates the miracle with his eyes and we hear) the bass drop, Vvvvvvmmm, looks up in time to catch the cardboard box on the latter miracle sound, AH-shh, then looks inside the box and smiles in recognition. He now has a mission, and whomever has just sent him the box - and what's inside it (edit, Sunday 7th Jan 2024: the cardboard box) - is going to help.

At the very beginning of Heaven's overhead CCTV footage, the cardboard box can be seen with a very dark something inside (zooming in is required at this stage as the image begins small). Being able to see clearly to the bottom of the box's interior, in relatively natural light at the bookshop, one would think the intensely bright light in Heaven would also allow for a clear view, especially from above ...

While the Further Prophecies were only loose pages - Agnes would have known that they were going to be burnt anyway, so why go to the trouble of having them published and bound? - they could have been miracle-d into something modern and fancy, perhaps in the style of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?

Gabriel places the matchbox in with it (I know I'd be worried about the fly escaping, as well as it being jostled about with the matchbox once Gabriel turns the cardboard box up-side-down, but after seeing the fly crawl back into the cardboard box just before Aziraphale brings it inside the bookshop, I'm trusting in the fly's ability to be controlled by will of thought and that the fly knows to stay close to its master). He closes just 2 flaps of the box and then a bass whoosh sounds in the right speaker (not part of the soundtrack). The "book" has entered the fly! Has it stayed in the fly?

Then, on Earth, Gabriel approaches the bookshop. The only Whickber Street person seen to be using their phone AS A PHONE and not a camera, [placeholder name "Mary"] is listening intently. Perhaps the voice on the other end of the call says something like, "how goes operation Escort the Queen to the Hive?" and perhaps she answers, "we have the package safely surrounded, it has almost arrived, standby ..."

Then, she and hand-on-face-guy have front row 'seats' (standing room only) to the show, behind Gabriel; beginning to lift her phone when it looks like Gabriel has been rejected entry, before Aziraphale finally agrees to let him in. She is the very first to leave the scene when the mission is complete, signalling for everyone to resume their usual buzzing about, as if to say, "He's in. Aaaaaand we out!"

(These last two paragraphs were a summary of my first Tumblr post, The Whickber Street Bees and Their Queen.)

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When Jim explains that he feels like an empty house, he justifies remembering "how it all began" by looking where the furniture isn't (the gaps!) and it seems that every other instance - lavender eyes activated or not - is covered here with this statement, what with recalling more about where his memory is, as well as Metatron's "institutional problem" line from the trial. The only instance unaccounted for with his explanation, especially because of the trance-like state of delivery followed with Jim in distress (not quite the same as his first memory in episode 2) - the tempest prophecy from episode 3.

Perhaps Gabriel was in part control about what thoughts needed to remain in his head, or it's simply because they were the last ones in use, kept at the forefront by will and repetition, in order to get himself to the bookshop. Though, he was given an ineffable assist, which perhaps included re-configuring the 4 box flaps to collapse, interlocking pin-wheel style?

So, the Whickber Street "bees" have provided an escort for getting the Queen to the hive or if you prefer, the book delivered to the librarian/historian. However, if the book was the first thing to enter the fly and then say, was accidentally swapped into Gabriel for his memories, the Tempest prophecy came forth when Crowley accessed it, by means of a keyword. An INDEX!!!

Agnes has heard you Crowley, and Agnes says, "N-gotchya."

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According to a previous meta/theory, the event this prophecy is referring to has already happened, so it would make sense that, as Anathema's mother says in S1E2, "The answers are always in the book, it's just sometimes you don't see them 'til afterwards."

Or rather, as Anathema says to Newt in the book: "[Agnes] managed to come up with the kind of prediction that you can only understand after the thing has happened ... she just picked up one little fragment of information ... most of the time she comes up with such an oblique reference that you can't work it out until it's gone past and then it all slots into place."

It would have been only too obvious to hear Jim speak this prophecy in the English style of the 1600s! But if the echoed voice we're hearing is Anathema's - did she ever pronounce the extra "e"s and "a"s at the ends of words, in the show?

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When Gabriel has his memories returned to him, has the book re-entered the fly?

When he and Beelzebub are reprising Everyday, is Gabriel, with his left finger, releasing the fly into the room, for Crowley to capture shortly afterward once 'alone' (the chair facing the staircase)?

WITH. HIS. TONGUE???

Just after Aziraphale touches his fingers to his lips, is he repositioning the fly for safe-keeping, as with The Bullet Catch?

Finally, in the lift during the closing credits, Aziraphale is trying so hard NOT to smile before giving in. It's as if ...

As If ...

AS IF HE IS READING THE BOOK!!! Discovering and reading the book, turning the pages with his eyes right before the big smile!

AAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now Aziraphale knows what Agnes knows.

From experience, he can trust that any prediction made by Agnes Nutter will always be "on the money."

#good omens #good omens 2 #good omens meta #good omens theory #still haven't grasped the difference between meta and theory #really NOT liking how the Metatron's use of the phrase “Spit-spot” hit me just now with a pang

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shurislover · 1 year

Text

Private But Not A Secret

Letitia x Black Reader

a lil soft launch , been in my drafts forever

warnings : none just Tish talking bout her baby 🥺

“ Alright so now we have the Wakanda Forever questions out the way. Let’s talk about your personal life, what do you enjoy doing on your free time ?”- The interviewer questioned

“ Aw man I really enjoy being out with my friends , I used to be such a homebody and now i’m trying to go out and have some fun. “

“ A night out with friends is always fun. I recently seen you were out in Jamaica. How was that ?”

“ Jamaica is so nice , I absolutely love being there. I definitely will be making plans to go there again this year. Have you been to Jamaica? “ - Letitia questioned

“ I’m actually going in 2 weeks , i’ve never been so i’m very excited to go“

“ You’re going to absolutely love it, and make sure try the KFC there , it’s so much better “- Letitia smiled

“ Definitely will be trying that . Now you know you have some very nosy fans as soon as they heard they could leave me questions to ask you they blew up my comments. I’m gonna ask you the main three I kept seeing. Is Ms Letitia Wright in a relationship?”

Letitia laughed and shook her head

“ Y’all so nosy “ - She laughed. Letitia felt her cheeks get hot as she started thinking about you.

“ Hmm. Should I tell you guys ? You know what, I’m gonna spill the beans, it’s been long enough I’ve been with my beautiful girlfriend for 2 years and she’s my everything. Crazy because our anniversary is today “- Letitia nodded

“For starters happy anniversary you two. Could you tell us more about her? What is she like ? Will we get to see her any time soon ?”

“ She’s the love of my life. I honestly cant imagine life without her. That woman is everything to me. We actually were childhood best friends, I lost contact with her once I moved to the UK. Then at the first Black Panther Premiere we ran into each other and honestly the rest is history. Two years ago today I asked her to be my girlfriend. It was such a nice set up, took her to Paris and asked her to be my girlfriend under the Eiffel Tower. And to answer the last question I will be keeping my baby private.

“ How come ?”-

“ I’m a very private person when it comes to my personal life. I want my baby to have a normal life. I want to make sure she’s safe when she’s not around me. I don’t want my nosy fans in her DMs or making her comments all about me since she does her little thing with TikTok , Youtube & Instagram. It was a mutual decision to keep it private and honestly keeping it private has been so nice, nobody bothering us or tagging us in each others posts and what not. I really love it. “

“ I get that 100 % , sometimes fans take it too far and it just ruins everything. I’m so glad you found someone who truly makes you happy. Where do you guys see yourselves in 5 years ?”

“ Married for sure , I can’t wait to marry her . Everyday she gives me a reason why I need to put a ring on her finger now. Hmm in 5 years maybe a baby. I believe she’d be a good mom, she’s amazing with my little sister, everytime I see them interact my heart jumps. Besides that I would love more roles in movies “

“ So what i’m hearing is the next time I interview you , Ms. Letitia Wright will be married with a baby on the way ?”

“ Depends on when you interview me but yes married and a baby on the way. “

“ Cant wait to see that and I’m wishing you and your girlfriend the best. Next question , did you ever expect to blow up on tiktok ?”

“ Honestly no , it was a shock to me. The whole world is crushing on me, you got everyone calling me their girlfriend or wife I think it’s cute. I don’t mind them at all, i really appreciate them. So many fans take so much time making edits and things like that I love them “

“ These fans really love you , okay so last question , can we expect anything new for you after Wakanda Forever ?”

“ Yes of course I can’t really tell you guys much I have two movies dropping soon and I’m very excited for everyone to watch. One movie i filmed a while back and this new movie is something new and I think you’ll love it.”

“ Cant wait to see your new projects , thank you so much for being here today and sharing everything with us. Hope to see you soon and enjoy your anniversary.

“ Thank you and I will be seeing you soon showing you wedding pictures and sonograms” - Letitia laughed

—-

babyboo 💍

you did amazing in your interview baby, come home soon i got dinner planned. i love you and travel safely

mi amor 🤭

love u so much baby, i’m in the uber on the way home. I picked you up a surprise. see you when I get home

letitiawright posted a video !

liked by dominiquethorne and 18,765 others

letitiawright my first love 😮‍💨

dreyamac finally !! been waiting for this

ayrastarr happy for you tish , cant wait to meet her

im.angelabassett miss you both

lupitanyongo oh ? so this is who you were blushing about on facetime ?

michaelbjordan happy for you lil sis

view all 98 comments

#letitia wright #letitia x reader #shuri x reader #shuri x you #shuri imagine #vees recs #shuri udaku

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christopher067 · 2 years

Photo

CALLIOPE / NECKLACE + EARRINGS

hellooo :) Today I have for you a fun set of coin jewelry! This is a fierce pair of oval hoop earrings with a coin pendant + a long satellite chain coin pendant necklace and a short paperclip chain. I have had this necklace on my wip list since last year and just now finished it lol.. I really don’t know what took me so long buuut I am super happy with the result! Maybe I need to make more coin necklaces again.. hmm.. I hope you love it!! ✩

Necklace

21 Metal Tones

New Mesh by Me

Custom Thumbnail

HQ Mod Compatible

Does NOT have morphs

Earrings

8 Metal Tones

New Mesh by Me

Custom Thumbnail

HQ Mod Compatible

DOWNLOAD NECKLACE

DOWNLOAD EARRINGS

♡

If you use my content be sure to tag me, #christopher067 or @christopher067

If you want to edit my creations check my T.O.U. ♡

#s4 #s4cc #ts4 #ts4cc #ts4 jewelry #ts4 accessories #ts4 necklace #ts4 earrings #ts4mm #ts4mmcc #ts4mm cc #ts4 maxis mix #the sims #the sims 4 #the sims 4 custom content #download #christopher067 #♥#♥♥

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seangelfish · 3 months

Note

enstars AND hypmic??? how have i not followed earlier! anyways I loved the Mayoi valentines day so so much, I was thinking if you get inspiration for it, a sequel for what happens on white day would be so cute! Happy writing mwah mwah!

- 🍰 anon

A/N: Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked that one because I tried my hardest on writing his character! I hope you enjoy this sequel~ [Edit, 4th March 2024]: So sorry this took so long for me to write, but since White Day is this month, I finally had the inspiration to do it! This is a sequel to my Valentine’s Day Mayoi x Reader fic, so please read that one before you read this one, thank you!!

Mayoi Ayase x Reader Tags: Fluff, established relationship, romance, she/her pronouns, fem reader Word count: 1,109 Summary: Mayoi prepares you something special for White Day, anxiously hoping that you'll like it...

Mayoi enjoyed spending Valentine's Day with you. It was the first time in his life he ever got to experience it like normal people would. Although you insisted on doing everything that day which resulted in him collapsing in exhaustion, he truly loved spending every second with you. The memory of you two together holding hands as you walked around the streets, trying out all the new Valentine's Day activities has been burnt into his mind. Sometimes he would catch himself reminiscing the thought as a smile formed on his face.

"Mayoi-dono, what are you thinking about?" asked Shinobu curiously. "You've been spacing out."

"S-Sorry, Chief!" Mayoi cried. "I-It's nothing!"

"Hmm, okay, but if you need help, you can always count on me!"

And in that moment, in Mayoi's eyes, Shinobu was glowing. He admired how bright and upbeat Shinobu was, but he also felt like he didn't deserve to be in his presence. That was how he felt about you too. If he thought about it hard enough, you and Shinobu were similar in a way, sharing characteristics that made him feel fluffy when spoken to. He truly appreciated that, loving every moment with the people he loved.

"Ah, t-there might be something you can help me on..." Mayoi said slowly. "It's about (Y-Y/N)..."

"(Y/N)-dono?"

"Mm. A-After Valentine's Day is White Day, no? I-I want to do something special for her on White Day, b-but I'm not sure what... I-I-I haven't done this before!"

Shinobu beamed. "I understand! I haven't done anything like that before either, but I'll do my best to help you, Mayoi-dono!"

"T-Thank you, Shinobu-kyun!"

So the two of them started researching on what to do for you on White Day. Scribbling down notes on a whiteboard, the two of them finally came to a conclusion.

"And done!" Shinobu chirped. "That's what you're going to do with (Y/N) for White Day! It's a shame that (Y/N)'s working on that day; you wouldn't have that much time with her... but that's okay! All that matters is what you gift her!"

"R-Right!" exclaimed Mayoi. "T-Thank you for helping me out, Chief!"

"Of course, Mayoi-dono! Have a good day tomorrow!"

Mayoi waited outside the ES building for you. You had gotten off work a little bit later than usual, so when you finally met up with him, you flopped into his arms, exhausted.

"Argh, that was so tiresome!" you whined. "Mayoi, please carry me home!"

His face flushed on the immediate contact. "I-I would l-love to, (Y/N), but there's s-something that I w-want to show you...!"

"Huh...? What is it?"

Mayoi didn't answer. He took your hand and gently trailed you along. He was awfully quiet the whole journey, but that was because he was extremely nervous. What if you didn't like the date he had planned for you? And what about the gifts? They weren't anything expensive, so what if you hate them? All these thoughts flooded his mind, but when he heard your voice ask him what was wrong, he snapped back into reality.

"A-Ah, it's n-nothing...!" he said. "W-We're almost there."

"Oh! What a beautiful cafe!" you beamed as the two of you finally reached your destination. "I haven't been here before. I didn't even know such a pretty place was around here."

"Mm, it recently opened up," said Mayoi calmly. "Shall we go inside?"

Still holding onto his hand, you nodded excitedly as you followed your boyfriend inside. As you sat down, Mayoi ordered. This surprised you a little because you'd usually order with him, but when he returned to you, he looked calm and collected.

"What did you order?" you asked him curiously.

"S-Some of your favourites," he replied.

And he really did order your favourites. It was like he knew you like the back of his hand. It made you smile knowing that he paid attention to your likes and dislikes.

Whilst the two of you ate, he listened to you talk about your day, eyeing your expressions and how pretty you looked. However, he was so caught up on you that he forgot to give you the gift that he worked so hard on.

But to be frank, he was withholding it, too embarrassed to even gift it to you.

"The food was so good!" you exclaimed happily, swinging your hand with his. "Thank you for treating me, Mayoi!"

"Mhm..." he replied, forcefully smiling. "I'm glad you liked it, (Y/N)..."

"Oh, it's getting late. We should go back to the dorms now."

"W-Wait!"

You stopped in your tracks. The midnight sky was splattered with specks of sparkles which complimented your eyes. Mayoi thought you looked beautiful under the stars, something he didn't think he deserved to see, but at the same time, he was thankful for it.

"I want to give you something too," he said finally. "Uhm... it's n-not much... or is it anything s-special... but I made it for you..."

From his bag, he pulled out a miniature diorama of Sakura Park where the trees bloomed pink. He had painted the sky a light shade of blue which complimented the green terrain. Everything was textured accordingly that it looked like the real thing but smaller.

But what had you amazed was the tiny figurines of you and Mayoi sitting on the bench that the two of you would usually have lunch on. It was like he recreated your memories into reality, something solid that you could touch.

"Happy White Day, (Y/N)," he said slowly so he wouldn't stutter. "I truly am in love with you, you make me the happiest, and I am thankful every day that I can be with you..."

"M-Mayoi..."

"I'm s-sorry if it wasn't much!" he continued. "B-But I hope you enjoyed today..."

You smiled. "Of course I did. Thank you so much, Mayoi. I loved everything you did for me today! I don't mind what we do, even if it's something simple, but I can't believe you made something so beautiful!" you said, admiring the diorama. "I'm going to treasure this forever!"

You had to admit, you forgot it was White Day today. Work really was getting to you, but you were able to forget that all with the help of your boyfriend – your sweet yet awkward boyfriend.

"Hah... I-I'm glad!" he sighed. "O-Oh... do you still want me to c-carry you h-home, (Y/N)?"

"Ah, you'll do that?!" you burst. "Yes please!"

As Mayoi carried you swiftly home, he carefully put you down before you kissed him on the cheek. Instantly, his face turned red, but he waved you off with a smile on his face.

Intro page | Ensemble Stars masterlist | Rules

#ensemble stars x reader #enstars x reader #ensemble stars #enstars #fanfic #x reader #mayoi ayase x reader #mayoi ayase x reader fluff #enstars white day fanfic #enstars x y/n #alkaloid x reader #ayase mayoi x reader

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ray4hotchner · 10 months

Text

Fate's Gentle Nudge

Chapter 4: Tangled Hearts

<<previous chapter ❀ next chapter>>

❀ 𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: aaron hotchner x reader

❀ 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: :)

❀ 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥: 14.7k

❀ 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣’𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖: Hey my loves enjoy this new chapter. This one is not edited yet so if you find any mistakes let me know! Comment if you want to be tagged in the next part🤍

❀ 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕔𝕔: @iyv-ray24

┌─❀*̥˚─❀*̥˚─┐

On Ao3

└─❀*̥˚──❀*̥˚┘

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

With big steps, Aaron left the school building, his heart pounding in his chest. He was almost running to his car, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Forcefully, he closed the car door and gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. He leaned his head against the steering wheel, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm the storm of desire and frustration that raged within him.

His mind replayed the moment in her classroom, their faces mere millimeters apart, their lips nearly brushing. The intensity of their connection was undeniable, a magnetic pull he couldn't ignore. But he was angry with himself, furious that he had let it go so far. He knew he desperately wanted to kiss her, to feel the softness of her lips against his, to give in to the attraction that had been building between them. What was he thinking, allowing himself to get so close? They had almost crossed a line that could change everything. He needed to be better than this, stronger than his desires. He had Jack to think about, his responsibilities as a father taking precedence over anything else. With a frustrated exhale, he started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, determined to put distance between himself and the temptation that Y/N represented.

He took the long road home, the minutes ticking away as he drove, the rhythm of the road helping to soothe his racing thoughts. He needed this time to clear his mind, to distance himself from the near-miss with Y/N that had shaken him to his core. He replayed their close encounter over and over, each time feeling a mixture of longing and frustration.

As he pulled into the driveway, Jess's message about dinner being almost ready pulled him back to reality. Taking a deep breath, he turned off the engine and sat in the car for a moment, collecting himself. He was a father, a role model, and he couldn't let his personal turmoil affect his interactions with Jack or Jess.

With newfound determination, he stepped out of the car and walked into the house. The smell of dinner cooking in the air was comforting, a reminder of the stability he needed to provide for his family. Jack was in the living room, looking much better than the day before but still showing signs of fatigue.

"Hey, buddy," Aaron greeted him, crouching down to his level. "How are you feeling?"

Jack gave a small smile. "Better, Dad. My tummy doesn't hurt as much today."

"That's good to hear," Aaron replied, ruffling his son's hair gently. "You rest up, okay? Dinner will be ready soon.

Aaron stepped into the kitchen, where Jess was setting the table. He quickly washed his hands and went to fetch Jack so they could all sit down to dinner. The weight of the day's events still hung heavily on his mind.

While they were eating, Aaron found it hard to fully focus on the meal. His mind kept drifting back to the close encounter with Y/N, the nearness of her lips to his. He tried to shake off the distracting thoughts, but it wasn't easy.

"Hey, are you listening?" Jessica's voice broke through his reverie.

He blinked, looking up to meet her gaze. "Hmm, sorry, what is it?" he asked, trying to push aside his distraction.

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her concern evident. "You seem distracted. Is everything okay?"

"Just work," he replied with a halfhearted smile, hoping she would buy his explanation.

She nodded understandingly. "I was just asking about the meeting with Jack's teacher. How did it go?"

Aaron took a sip of his water, buying himself a moment to collect his thoughts. "It went well," he answered, his voice a little strained.

Jessica smiled, seemingly satisfied with his response. "That's good to hear. She's a very caring teacher. I met her a couple of times and she seems wonderful. It's important to have teachers who genuinely care about their students."

"Yeah, it is," Aaron agreed, though his gaze momentarily drifted away as he battled the inner turmoil of his conflicting emotions. He then looked back at Jessica. "How was your day?"

She launched into a detailed account of her day, and he listened attentively, grateful for the distraction. As they continued their conversation, Aaron made an effort to engage more fully, pushing aside the thoughts that had been preoccupying him. After all, he was at the dinner table with his family, and that was what truly mattered at that moment.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

After Aaron left Y/N's classroom, she was left in a state of emotional disarray. She sat back at her table, arms crossed, and her face buried in the back of her hands. Her feelings were a tumultuous mix of desire, confusion, and a hint of regret. She was dangerously close to tears, her heart heavy with the weight of what had just transpired.

Her mind raced with thoughts that they had crossed a line they shouldn't have, that things had become infinitely more complicated. But as much as she scolded herself for letting it happen, that wasn't the real reason she was on the verge of tears. What she wanted to cry about was the rush of emotions she had experienced when Aaron held her in his arms. The tenderness of his touch on her cheek, the nearness of his body—it had felt like a fleeting taste of something she craved, something she might never have again. She couldn't deny that being that close to him, feeling his warmth, had felt incredible. But the knowledge that it might have been a one-time occurrence weighed heavily on her heart, tearing at her from the inside. Her thoughts and emotions were a jumbled mess, her heart torn between longing and a growing sense of self-disappointment.

And so, as the minutes ticked by, Y/N sat alone in her classroom, wrestling with her emotions and the realization that she had let herself cross a boundary that she might never be able to come back from.

Feeling lost in her thoughts, Y/N hadn't noticed her phone vibrating in her bag, and therefore the calls from Lizzie trying to reach her. Lost in her internal turmoil, she was completely unaware of the world outside her classroom.

Just as Y/N's emotions threatened to overwhelm her, the door to her classroom creaked open. Lizzie's concerned voice filled the air, "Y/N? I've been looking everywhere for you. You promised me a ride did you forget?"

Y/N's head snapped up, her tear-stained face revealing the raw vulnerability she had been trying to hide. She blinked at Lizzie, her vision blurred, but the concern and kindness in her friend's eyes were unmistakable. Before Y/N could respond, Lizzie's eyes fell upon Y/N's tear-streaked face, and without a second thought, Lizzie rushed over to her side. She immediately wrapped her arms around Y/N in a tight and comforting hug, her heart full of concern and care.

"Honey, what happened?" Lizzie's voice was gentle, her words a soothing balm for Y/N's distressed heart.

Y/N sniffled, as she spoke, "I... I don't even know where to begin."

Lizzie's grip on Y/N's shoulder tightened gently. "It's ok, I'm here for you. Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone." Without a word, Lizzie wrapped her arms around Y/N, offering a comforting embrace. Y/N's shoulders shook as she allowed herself to finally release the emotions she had been holding back. The tears fell freely as she clung to her friend, grateful for the solace and understanding that Lizzie provided.

Lizzie's embrace tightened even more as Y/N opened up about what had been tormenting her. "Hey, hey, it's okay," Lizzie soothed, her voice a gentle reassurance. "Take a deep breath. It's going to be alright."

"We almost kissed, Liz," Y/N said, her voice quivering with a mix of sadness and frustration. "I almost kissed Aaron." Her tears flowed freely, each drop a testament to the weight of her feelings.

Lizzie's hand moved to Y/N's back, rubbing soothing circles as she listened attentively. "Okay, it sounds like there's a lot more to the story. Why don't you tell me what happened?"

Taking a shaky breath, Y/N began recounting the events of that afternoon. The closeness, the shared moment, the overwhelming emotions that had gripped them both. She wiped away the tears that had fallen, her voice trembling as she continued to confide in Liz. "I feel so unprofessional, Liz. I mean, what kind of teacher nearly kisses a student's father? And in school, no less. It's ridiculous, and I should have had more control over myself."

Liz's comforting hand remained on Y/N's shoulder, a silent gesture of support. "Hey, it's okay. These things happen, and feelings can be unpredictable."

"It's not just about the situation. It's about the pull I feel towards him. I've been trying so hard to focus on my job, to build a future for myself, and now all of that is at risk. If I lose this job, it would be devastating. I love my students, I love what I do."

Y/N let out a sigh, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her emotions. "And that's not all. I'm scared, Liz. Scared of how he sees me now, scared that he thinks less of me. I'm scared of losing this job, but I'm also scared of how I'm... how I'm falling for him."

"O sweetie...", Liz gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"He couldn't even face me Liz, he hates me" Y/N's voice wavered, her heartache evident. "I don't blame him. I just... I don't know what I was thinking."

Lizzie's voice was gentle but firm, "Y/N, listen to me. I've known you for a long time, and I know that you're kind, caring, and thoughtful. Whatever happened, I'm sure Aaron doesn't hate you." Y/N let out a sigh, her fingers wiping away another stray tear. "It's just... I've had my share of bad experiences in the past, Liz. You know that. I've been hurt before, and sometimes I feel like those insecurities still hang over me." Liz nodded in understanding, her voice gentle. "I know you've been through a lot, Y/N. But remember, not everyone is the same. Aaron is not your past, and you're not the same person you were back then." Y/N looked down, her hands twisting in her lap as she tried to gather her thoughts. "I just wish I could have controlled my feelings, kept things professional. This job means so much to me, Liz. It's not just about my students, but it's also about proving to myself that I can succeed." Liz's expression softened even more. "Y/N, you are succeeding. You're a wonderful teacher, and one moment doesn't define your entire career. And as for Aaron, I can't predict how he'll react, but I do know that you're a caring and genuine person. Emotions can get complicated, especially when there's a connection. But it doesn't mean you've messed up beyond repair. Maybe he left because he was overwhelmed too, not because he hates you."

Y/N wiped her tears with the back of her hand, her emotions still raw but Lizzie's words offered a glimmer of hope. "I love you, Lizzie. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Lizzie gave her a small smile. "You'd do just fine, but remember that I'm here to support you no matter what. And if Aaron is half as good as you think he is, he'll understand that emotions can be complicated."

With Lizzie's understanding presence, Y/N felt a bit lighter, a bit less burdened by her own thoughts. The tears were a release, and now she knew that she had a friend who would stand by her, even when emotions were tangled and complex.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Wrapped in an intimate embrace, her laughter filled the air, a sweet melody that warmed his heart. "You're holding me too tight," she playfully chided, her voice a gentle caress against his naked chest.

Drawing her even nearer, he shifted to face her, their noses touching as he peppered her cheeks, forehead, and lips with tender kisses. "I can't get enough of you," he murmured between each kiss, his words infused with affection.

They were tangled in the sheets, her soft skin pressed against his, sending waves of electricity through his veins. The scent of her hair surrounded him, intoxicating and familiar. Their laughter intertwined, a symphony of shared joy that echoed in his ears.

But then, from somewhere far away, a ringing began. At first distant, it grew progressively louder, a discordant intrusion into their private world. The sound pierced through the dream, shattering the illusion of their intimate cocoon.

Jolted awake, he blinked against the darkness, disoriented by the abrupt transition from the dream's warmth to the chill of reality. His heart raced, the remnants of the dream still clinging to his senses. Yet, the dream's allure slipped through his fingers like sand, leaving him alone in the chilly early morning air. With a sigh, he reached for his phone and saw JJ's name flash on the screen. The dream and its warmth dissolved as the cold realization of work settled in.

It was close to 5am when the team gathered in the office, their faces reflecting the seriousness of their profession. Papers scattered across the tables, photos of crime scenes pinned up on the board, and a palpable sense of focus hung in the air. JJ, Reid, Morgan, Rossi, Prentiss, and Garcia were all present, ready to dive into the details of the new case.

As Aaron walked in, his usually stern expression was even more severe, and his steps were heavy with an unspoken weight. No one commented on his mood; they knew better than to pry into his personal matters. They all had their moments of emotional turmoil, and the unwavering support they showed each other was a testament to their bond.

"Alright, everyone," JJ began, her tone authoritative yet tinged with empathy. "We've got a new case, and it's a serious one. There have been a series of kidnappings in a small town in Albuquerque. The victims are all children around the same age. The parents have reported strange symbols left at the abduction sites."

Reid chimed in, his fingers dancing over the keyboard as he displayed images of the symbols on the screen. "The symbols are a combination of archaic symbols and more recent graffiti. They don't seem to have any direct religious or cult-related significance. It could be the unsub's attempt to confuse us."

Morgan leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the images. "Any witnesses? Any commonalities between the victims?"

Garcia, fingers flying over her keyboard, answered, "Most of the abductions occurred in the evening when the kids were playing outside or walking home from school. No witnesses so far. The kids don't seem to know each other, and they come from different backgrounds. There's no apparent connection."

Rossi crossed his arms, a contemplative expression on his face. "We need to find out more about the symbols. Are they a message, a signature, or something else entirely?"

Prentiss added, "And let's not forget that the longer these kids are missing, the higher the risk of harm."

Aaron listened to the team as they discussed possible profiles, strategies, and leads. "Alright, everyone. We don't have a lot of time. Wheels up in thirty minutes. Let's get ready to head to Albuquerque."

As the team dispersed to prepare for the flight, Aaron stayed back for a moment, his gaze lingering on the board with the photos of the victims and symbols. He took a deep breath, his internal struggle evident in the way he clenched his jaw. He knew that his focus needed to be on the case, on the children who were in danger, but the complexity of his own emotions threatened to consume him.

With a determined shake of his head, Aaron forced his personal feelings to the background. He couldn't let his team down. He had a job to do, and the lives of innocent children were at stake. As he joined his team to get ready for the flight, his thoughts shifted entirely to the task ahead, leaving his own turmoil momentarily behind.

The jet's interior was dimly lit as the team settled into their seats. The low hum of the engines provided a soothing background noise, and the gentle vibrations of the aircraft were enough to lull some of the agents into sleep. The fatigue was palpable, etched into their expressions after being abruptly woken in the early hours of the morning. It was a routine they were all familiar with, yet it never became any easier. Yet, among them, Aaron seemed to embody a deeper sense of turmoil. His usually stoic demeanor was marked with a heaviness that went beyond the lack of sleep. The feeling of his dream still lingered beneath his skin, a phantom touch that tugged at his thoughts.

Upon their arrival, the team wasted no time diving into the case at hand. The briefing room buzzed with the hum of conversation as they went over the details, photographs, and evidence collected so far. However, the initial optimism of solving the case quickly began to wane as they encountered unexpected challenges.

The evidence was scattered and disjointed, seemingly leading them in conflicting directions. Clues that should have provided clear paths toward the unsub only seemed to complicate the investigation further. Frustration crept in as profiles were analyzed and discarded, theories formed and debunked. The team's collective expertise seemed to hit a roadblock as the case defied their attempts to decipher it.

Aaron Hotchner's usually sharp mind was also feeling the strain. His lack of sleep from the previous night combined with the emotional turmoil of the dream left him mentally fatigued. Despite his efforts to focus, his thoughts occasionally drifted, and he found himself grappling with inner conflicts that further hindered his concentration.

As the hours passed, the team's exhaustion became palpable. Dark circles formed under their eyes, and the atmosphere in the room grew heavy with the weight of their frustration. The realization that this case was far more complex than they had anticipated began to set in, and their initial optimism gave way to a sobering sense of determination.

With the clock ticking and the case slipping through their fingers, the team would need to rally their resources, harness their expertise, and uncover every possible lead to make sense of the puzzle before them. As the day turned into night, they worked tirelessly, pushing their limits to crack the intricate code that held the key to solving the case.

Friday marked the third day since their arrival in Albuquerque, and the mounting stress was taking its toll on Aaron. The emotional turmoil he had experienced earlier in the week seemed to have intensified his usual work-related stress. He found himself on edge, his patience thinning, and his temper fraying at the edges.

During a tense discussion with the team about their latest lead, Derek's suggestion inadvertently triggered Aaron's short fuse. "I don't think that's the right approach, Hotch," Derek said, his tone firm but well-intentioned.

Aaron's response was sharper than he had intended, particularly screaming "Morgan, we're running out of time. We need to think critically, not waste it on wild goose chases."

The room fell momentarily silent, the tension palpable. The team exchanged glances, taken aback by Aaron's uncharacteristic outburst. Even he realized he had crossed a line. He could feel their eyes on him, a mix of surprise and concern. Without a word, Aaron stood up and stormed out of the room, leaving behind a sense of unease. Derek, always attuned to the dynamics of the team, knew something else was at play here. He excused himself from the meeting and followed Aaron down the corridor.

As he caught up with Aaron, Derek placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Hotch, you mind telling me what's eating at you? I've never seen you snap like that before."

Aaron's shoulders tensed, but he knew he couldn't hide his emotions from someone as perceptive as Derek. He let out a sigh, his frustration mixing with a tinge of vulnerability. "It's... personal stuff, Morgan. Nothing that should affect the case."

Derek raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You and I both know that's not true. We're a team, Hotch. We've got each other's backs. If something's bothering you, it's better to talk it out."

Aaron hesitated, his gaze distant as he wrestled with his inner turmoil. "It's just been a rough week, Derek. Some personal issues got under my skin, and I let it affect my focus."

Derek leaned against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. "And keeping it bottled up isn't going to make it any better, my friend. We're here for you, whether it's about the case or something else. We're a family, man. So, what's eating at you?"

Aaron's voice was steady as he began to explain, his words carrying a mix of frustration and something deeper. "A couple of months ago, I met Y/N at a parent-teacher conference. She's Jack's teacher."

Derek nodded understandingly, showing Aaron he was listening.

"The night we met we talked and talked and I ran into her a couple of times while picking up Jack. All of these were brief interactions but last weekend, we ran into her again at the park. We spent the afternoon together and had lunch" Aaron's gaze turned distant, his thoughts fixated on the memory.

Derek's eyebrows lifted in curiosity. "And?"

Aaron let out a breath, his voice tinged with a hint of self-deprecation. "And I felt a pull towards her, Derek. A magnetic pull I couldn't ignore." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I haven't felt that way for someone since...", he didn't have to finish his sentence, Derek knew what he was about to say.

Derek's eyes widened slightly, and his surprise was evident. "Hotch, are you saying..."

Aaron continued, his voice lowering. "I spent more time with her, talked to her about Jack. And then, on Monday, she brought Jack to the office because he was sick. She took care of him and drove him personally to Penelope. I was grateful, more than I can express."

Derek nodded, encouraging Aaron to keep going.

"But then something happened," Aaron admitted, his tone heavy. "I met up with her at school to thank her personally but as I was leaving, there was a moment. A moment when it felt like... like we were both on the edge of something. Like we were about to cross a line."

Derek's gaze was steady on Aaron, his expression thoughtful. "And did you?"

"No," Aaron said firmly. "I stopped it. But it's been eating at me, Derek. I just... I can't stay away from her," Aaron admitted, his voice heavy with conflicting emotions. "But I know I need to. We can't be together, it's wrong. I'm a mess, and I let it affect the way I talked to you earlier."

Derek studied his friend for a moment before speaking, his tone gentle. "Aaron, I get it. But you can't control your feelings. And maybe there's a reason why you're drawn to her."

Derek's presence was a reassuring anchor for Aaron as they stood in the hallway, but his worries were far from over. "I just... I fear that I messed things up completely," Aaron admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "My actions created an awkward atmosphere and even though I know she would never do anything to upset Jack intentionally, I still worry that he might sense something is off."

Derek pushed off the wall, his voice firm. "Look, you can't control what you feel, but you can control how you act on it. Just be honest with yourself and her. And remember, sometimes taking a chance is worth it."

"I hope you're right," Aaron said, a mixture of hope and uncertainty in his voice.

Derek patted his shoulder reassuringly. "I've seen you handle tougher situations, Hotch. This might feel overwhelming now, but it's not the end of the world. Just remember, you're a good father, a good agent, and a good person. Just don't shut yourself off completely. Life's too short for that."

Aaron managed a faint smile, appreciating Derek's encouragement. "Thanks, Derek. I needed that."

"Just looking out for you," Derek said with a grin. "Now, let's get back to work."

He couldn't shake off the realization that these feelings for Y/N were the first he had experienced since his divorce. It was unexpected, a mix of vulnerability and longing that he thought he would never feel again after losing Hailey. The thought of opening his heart again had felt like an unconquerable challenge, yet here he was, facing it head-on. It was both terrifying and exhilarating, a testament to Y/N's impact on his life and he was willing to confront these emotions, even though they seemed to complicate his already complex life.

As they headed back to the rest of the team, Aaron felt a renewed determination. Talking things through with Derek had given him a sense of clarity and a reminder that he wasn't alone in his struggles. The case still demanded their attention, but Aaron knew that he could face it with the support of his team by his side.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

As the team delved deeper into the case, their collective determination and skill began to pay off. Clues led them to a remote location where the unsub was hiding with the abducted children. The tension was palpable as they approached the abandoned warehouse.

With a plan in place, the team moved swiftly, positioning themselves strategically around the area. Aaron, despite the weight of his struggles, was fully focused on the task at hand. As they breached the warehouse, chaos erupted. The unsub, desperate and cornered, held a knife to one of the children's throats, using her as a shield.

The room was filled with shouts and tension as the team tried to negotiate with the unsub and secure the children's safety. Aaron's heart pounded in his chest as he calculated his moves. He could see the fear in the children's eyes, and his determination to protect them surged.

In a split second, Aaron lunged forward, deflecting the knife away from the child with precision. A brief struggle ensued as he wrestled with the unsub, determined to subdue him. Adrenaline surged through his veins as he fought to overpower the desperate man.

During the struggle, a powerful blow landed on Aaron's eyebrow, and a searing pain radiated through his head. The world spun for a moment, but he shook off the dizziness and focused on restraining the unsub. With a final burst of strength, Aaron managed to pin the man down, disarming him.

Breathing heavily, Aaron looked around the room. The team had managed to neutralize the threat, and the children were safe. The relief that washed over him was immeasurable, knowing that their efforts had paid off and that they had successfully rescued the abducted kids.

As the authorities arrived to take the unsub into custody and tend to the rescued children, Aaron leaned against a wall, catching his breath. His eyebrow throbbed but it was a small price to pay for the successful operation and nothing a couple of stitches couldn’t fix. Despite his struggles, he had remained steadfast in his duty to protect the innocent.

In the aftermath of the mission, the team shared a moment of relief. Their collective effort had brought about a positive outcome, and Aaron felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that he was part of something bigger than himself.

As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the scene, he couldn't help but reflect on the events of the past days. While his emotions remained complex and tangled, the knowledge that he had made a difference, both as an agent and as a father, provided a sense of solace.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

The crunch of fallen leaves underfoot echoed through the quiet park as Aaron walked alongside Jack. The weekend was a rare oasis of calm in the whirlwind of their lives, and he intended to make the most of it. And after a week of back-to-back cases, he and the team deserved a quiet and peaceful weekend.

The vibrant hues of red and orange leaves created a picturesque backdrop, enveloping the surroundings in a warm autumn embrace. Despite the tranquility, Aaron couldn't help but find his gaze repeatedly drifting to the running trail. Each time someone passed by, his heart skipped a beat, a silent hope that perhaps Y/N would appear among them. He knew it was unlikely, a product of his own yearning more than anything else.

Jack's laughter brought his attention back to the present. His son was chasing after a fluttering leaf, his infectious joy filling the air. Aaron smiled, grateful for these simple moments of connection, moments where he could just be a father, shielding Jack from the darkness he faced in his job.

As they continued their walk, the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow that painted everything in hues of gold. The park was a sanctuary of sorts, a place where they could escape the demands of their responsibilities, even if only for a little while.

Aaron's thoughts drifted back to Y/N, like an unbidden refrain. He wondered what she was doing, whether she was also enjoying her weekend, and if the thought of him ever crossed her mind. The memories of their encounters replayed in his mind, each one sparking a mixture of emotions that he was still grappling to understand.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow across the landscape, Aaron found himself looking towards the running trail once more. Jack tugged at his hand, a question in his eyes. "Dad, can we go play on the swings?" Aaron nodded, his fingers brushing against his son's hair affectionately. They made their way towards the playground, laughter and the sound of children's voices filling the air.

The weekend was a brief respite, a chance for Aaron to find solace in the simplicity of fatherhood and the natural beauty around him.

After a quiet weekend spent together, Aaron helped Jack take a bath, pack his schoolbag for the next day, and get ready for his bedtime story. That's when he turned to his dad and asked, "Dad, are you sad?" Children are often more perceptive of their surroundings than most people realize. Aaron, however, didn't expect Jack to pose such a question while he was helping him get ready for bed on Sunday.

He paused, his fingers stilling as he helped Jack fasten the buttons of his pajama shirt. He looked down at his son, caught off guard by the question. Jack's eyes, so innocent and perceptive, gazed up at him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Sad?" Aaron repeated, his voice soft as he knelt to meet Jack's eye level. "Why would you think that, buddy?"

Jack furrowed his eyebrows dramatically, imitating what he had seen on his father's face. "You have this face," he explained with a serious expression, making Aaron chuckle.

"Well, I'm not sad," Aaron began, his voice calm and reassuring. "But sometimes, people can get a little stressed and overwhelmed. And you know, feeling sad is not a bad thing, right? We need all kinds of emotions. But it’s important to talk about them"

Jack considered this for a moment, his young mind processing the information. "So, you're not sad?"

A soft warmth spread through Aaron's chest at the question. "After such an amazing weekend, how could I be sad?" He ruffled Jack's hair playfully. "But you know, if I ever do feel sad, I promise I'll tell you. And you promise to tell me too if you ever feel that way." Jack's eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he eagerly extended his little finger. "Deal! Pinky promise!" Aaron chuckled, linking his pinky with Jack's. "Pinky promise." It was moments like these that reminded him of the simple beauty of his relationship with his son – an unbreakable bond built on trust, understanding, and the willingness to share both the joys and challenges of life.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Throughout the rest of the week, Y/N did her best to put the events with Aaron behind her. She channeled her energy into her work, finding solace in the routine and challenges of teaching. Every time she caught sight of Jack at school, a mixture of emotions washed over her. It pained her slightly to know that her actions might have created some tension, yet she couldn't help but feel a deep affection for the young boy. To keep her mind occupied, she filled her weekend with various activities. She explored new hiking trails, lost herself in the pages of a good book, and even indulged in baking some of her favorite treats. Amidst the distraction, though, her thoughts would occasionally drift back to Aaron. As she tried to put the pieces together, she realized that her heart was caught in a complicated dance between logic and emotion.

The next school week unfolded in a relatively ordinary manner, devoid of any special events or unexpected encounters. Y/N found herself navigating her routines with a sense of quiet determination. While a part of her missed Aaron's presence, she also felt a twinge of relief knowing that she wouldn't run into him on the schoolyard. Days passed, and the routine of classes, lesson planning, and interacting with her students continued as usual. There were moments when sadness washed over her and a of her wanted to believe that Aaron's silence wasn't a definitive rejection, that perhaps he would reach out and they could have an honest conversation about what had transpired. Days turned into a week, and the silence from Aaron remained unbroken. With each passing day, her hope began to waver, and a sinking feeling settled in her chest. The absence of any communication felt like a confirmation of her fears – that he wanted to distance himself, that he regretted whatever moment they had shared.

As Y/N walked towards the school entrance that Thursday morning. It was a routine she had followed countless times before, picking the kids up in the morning and wishing them goodbye in the afternoon.

What she hadn't anticipated was the sight of Aaron standing by the school gates, engaged in a seemingly serious conversation with Lizzie. Her steps faltered as her eyes fell on him, her breath catching in her throat. His presence sent a jolt of emotions coursing through her – surprise, and a trace of anxiety. She watched as he listened intently to Lizzie, his expression somber, and a lump formed in her throat.

Then, unexpectedly, his gaze lifted and met hers from across the schoolyard. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as their eyes locked, emotions unspoken but deeply felt passing between them. The distance felt both unbearable and sacred, the weight of their unspoken history heavy in the air. And then, with a barely perceptible nod towards Lizzie, Aaron turned and walked away, disappearing from her view.

As the schoolyard buzzed with activity around her, Y/N realized that she had been standing still, lost in her thoughts. Her attention shifted to her side, where Jack and his classmates were waiting patiently. She mustered a small smile for them, her heart still racing from the unexpected encounter.

Liz turned around, her expression mirroring the seriousness that had marked Aaron's face earlier, but as she approached the group of kids, her countenance transformed into a warm and welcoming smile. Y/N watched as Liz walked over to her, her heart pounding in her chest with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"What did you tell him?" Y/N whispered to Liz

Liz simply shook her head, her lips pursed in a tight line as she held Y/N's gaze. She didn't utter a word, but her eyes communicated volumes – the unspoken promise to keep whatever conversation she had with Aaron confidential.

"Liz," Y/N's voice carried a hint of urgency, a plea for honesty.

Liz's response was a simple locking of her lips with an invisible key, followed by a reassuring smile. With a quick glance at the children, she turned and began leading them into the school building, leaving Y/N standing there with a mixture of curiosity and worry.

Later in the day, the kids were working on a writing assignment as Jack approached Y/N "Hey, Jack," Y/N smiled warmly as he approached her. "What can I help you with?"

He held up his worksheet, his brows furrowing in concentration. "I don't know what to write for this part."

Y/N leaned down slightly to look at the assignment. "It looks like you're supposed to write about your favorite place. Do you have a favorite place?"

He nodded, his eyes lighting up. "Yeah, the park with my dad."

"That is a great favorite place," Y/N replied, encouraging him to continue.

Jack hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can you help me write it? I want it to be really good."

Y/N's heart swelled at his request. "Of course, Jack. I'd be happy to help." She pulled out a chair for him and motioned for him to sit down. "Tell me all about the park with your dad."

As Jack began to share his thoughts, Y/N couldn't help but smile. The way he described their outings, the laughter, and the games they played, painted a vivid picture of their special moments together. She helped him put his thoughts into words, guiding him gently through the writing process.

Once they finished, Y/N read over the assignment with him, her heart warming at his words. "You did a fantastic job, Jack. Your dad is going to love reading this."

Jack beamed with pride, his eyes shining. "Thanks, Miss Y/L/N. I'm really glad you're my teacher."

Jack watched Y/N's face for a couple of seconds, his young eyes taking in her expression with keen curiosity. Finally, he spoke up in his small, earnest voice, "You have the same face today."

Y/N's eyebrows lifted in surprise, her lips curling into a gentle smile. "Same face as who, Jack?"

"Same face like dad," Jack replied matter-of-factly, his little finger pointing towards his own forehead as if mimicking the frown he had seen on Aaron's face before. "He was making the same yesterday. I thought he looked sad, but he said he wasn't sad. He said people get stressed and being sad is okay."

Y/N's heart swelled at Jack's innocence and his attempt to make sense of the world around him. "You're absolutely right, Jack. Your dad is a wise man. Sometimes people do get stressed or overwhelmed, and feeling sad is a normal emotion."

Jack nodded, taking in her words with the earnestness of a child who was eager to learn. "Yeah, and he said we should talk about our feelings if we're sad."

"That's very true," Y/N agreed, her smile softening. "It's important to talk to someone we trust when we're feeling sad or overwhelmed. Sharing our feelings can make us feel better."

Jack's face lit up as if a light bulb had gone off in his head. "So, are you sad, Ms Y/L/N?"

Y/N chuckled lightly, touched by his concern. "A little, Jack. But just like your dad said, sometimes grown-ups feel sad too. It's all part of life."

He regarded her with wide eyes, absorbing her words. "But you'll be okay, right?"

Her heart warmed at his care for her well-being. She reached out to gently ruffle his hair. "Yes, honey. I'll be okay. Thank you for asking."

Jack beamed, his worries seemingly eased by her assurance, and returned to his seat, leaving Y/N to her thoughts. She watched him with a fond smile, grateful for the innocence he brought into her life. As the day went on, she found herself reflecting on the past week, particularly on how she had managed to control her emotions, especially in front of her young students. However, the encounter with Aaron and the conversation he had with Liz had thrown her off balance. She couldn't help but wonder if her emotions had been visible on her face and if her worries and curiosity were transparent to those around her.

As she organized some papers on her desk, her thoughts inevitably wandered to Aaron once again. She wondered if he was feeling the same way she did if he was affected by their last interaction. But her inner voice quickly intervened, scolding her for indulging in such thoughts. "Get over yourself," she chided herself silently, "he is a hardworking FBI agent with more important matters to worry about than you."

Y/N decided to redirect her thoughts and focus on her students. In an effort to create an engaging classroom environment, she initiated a spelling game that had the entire class cheering excitedly.

As the day progressed and the time for dismissal approached, Y/N noticed Jack approaching her again. She offered him a warm smile as he handed her a folded piece of paper. "What is this, Jack?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. Unfolding the paper, her heart warmed as she saw a series of stick-figure drawings depicting kids playing soccer. The drawings were accompanied by bold blue letters spelling out "Soccer Game on Saturday."

Her heart swelled with affection for Jack and his thoughtfulness. "Did you draw these, Jack?" she asked, a smile gracing her lips.

Jack nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! My team's having a soccer game on Saturday," he exclaimed, his voice full of enthusiasm. "And soccer always makes me happy. So if you ever feel sad, Ms. Y/L/N, you should come and watch us play."

Y/N's heart swelled at his innocent offer. She was touched by his kindness and the genuine concern he showed for her well-being. It was moments like these that reminded her why she loved her job as a teacher so much. The connections she formed with her students were truly special.

However, a small pang of uncertainty tugged at her. She hesitated, wondering if accepting Jack's invitation was the right thing to do. She glanced toward the school building, her mind wandering to thoughts of Aaron. Would he be uncomfortable if she attended the soccer game? As she gazed into Jack's big, sparkling eyes, a warmth spread through her chest. His unwavering trust and earnest invitation were impossible to resist. At that moment, she realized that she couldn't deny him anything, especially when his genuine desire to share his happiness with her was so evident.

A soft smile formed on her lips as she replied, "Thank you, Jack. You're so thoughtful. It sounds like a lot of fun and I'll be sure to keep your invitation in mind, okay?", she said not denying but also not confirming right away that she would attend to his soccer game.

Jack's eyes lit up with excitement, and he beamed at her. Jack beamed at her response, his excitement undiminished. "Yay! That would be awesome, Ms. Y/L/N. I can't wait for you to see us play!"

Later that day, Y/N found herself at home, her mind still preoccupied with the invitation Jack had extended to her earlier. Picking up her phone, she hesitated for a moment before setting it down again. It was the fifth time she had contemplated reaching out to Aaron, torn between the desire to attend the soccer game and her uncertainty about how he might feel with her there. She paced her living room, a nervous energy settling within her. Maybe it was the comfort of her own space that was enabling her to muster the courage she needed or perhaps it was the glass of wine she had indulged in that gave her that extra push. Either way, she finally decided to take action.

Sitting down on the couch, she composed an email to Aaron. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she began to type, explaining that Jack had invited her to his soccer game on Saturday. She kept it simple and straightforward, not wanting to overthink her words. Once the email was written, she hit send and then promptly threw her phone on the other end of the couch.

For the rest of the evening, Y/N deliberately avoided her phone, like it was the plaque, casting occasional glances toward it as if it was a ticking time bomb. The fear of his response weighed on her mind, and she second-guessed her decision to reach out. As the hours passed, her phone remained silent, and the lack of a response gnawed at her. It was a strange mixture of relief and disappointment—relief that she didn't have to confront his answer just yet, and disappointment that his silence left her in a state of limbo.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Sitting in a sheriff's station in North Carolina, Aaron's mind was preoccupied with the details of the new case they had just taken on. He had barely had a moment to catch his breath after dropping Jack off at school before the team was called in for another assignment. As he focused on the case at hand, his phone suddenly rang, and he recognized the familiar ringtone. Assuming it was Penelope sending over new leads or information, he reached for his phone with a sense of urgency. To his surprise, it wasn't a message from Penelope but an email from Y/N. His heart skipped a beat as he saw her name in his inbox, his curiosity piqued. He opened the email and read the simple yet heartfelt message. “Hi. Jack invited me to his soccer game on Saturday. I didn't accept as of now and wanted to ask beforehand if it would be okay for me to attend?” Aaron's brow furrowed as he read the words, his mind racing to process the meaning behind them. It was unexpected, to say the least. He hadn't anticipated her reaching out to him about something like this. His thoughts momentarily drifted from the case at hand to the decision he now had to make.

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the email for a moment before opening his voicemails, a habit he had formed over the past week. His finger hovered over the saved voicemails, and he clicked on one with a sense of anticipation. As Y/N's voice filled the room through the speakers, his heart skipped a beat. It was the voicemail she had left when Jack got sick at school and she couldn't reach him. He listened to her concerned yet caring words, a mixture of yearning and nostalgia washing over him. It had become somewhat of a ritual for him, replaying that voicemail each day. Hearing her voice brought a bittersweet comfort, reminding him of her presence even when she was physically distant. He missed her more than he had expected, her absence leaving an ache in his chest that he couldn't quite shake off. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to get lost in the sound of her voice. The warmth of it wrapped around him like a soft embrace, and he found himself yearning for the connection they had shared. It was both a soothing balm and a torturous reminder of what he couldn't have. He knew he needed to navigate these feelings carefully, for both their sakes and for Jacks.

He didn't want to forbid her from going, even though the conversation he had with her friend Elizabeth was still prominently etched in his mind. But he also didn't want to disappoint Jack, who clearly had a special place in his heart for Y/N

After a moment of contemplation, he decided to respond. He kept his message short and to the point, typing out that it would be fine if she wanted to come. He included the address and the time, ensuring that she had all the necessary details. As he hit send, he felt a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. The decision had been made, and now he could only wait to see how things would unfold.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Y/N took more time to get ready than she cared to admit. She stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her outfit and nervously fixing her hair. As she finally left her place and walked to the location of the soccer game, her heart started to race. The field wasn't too far away, and the brisk walk helped calm her nerves. But as she got closer, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.

From a distance, she spotted a group of little kids in red uniforms running around, their laughter echoing in the air. Among them, she saw parents gathered, cheering on their children. But what she hadn't anticipated was seeing Aaron there, a clipboard and whistle in hand, seemingly in charge of the young soccer players.

Her heart did a little flip as she watched him interact with the kids."God, why?" Y/N mumbled to herself, her thoughts becoming a quiet, introspective conversation. "Why is this man getting more perfect every time I find out something new about him? How does he manage to be a good dad, good at his job, and coach little kids in his free time?" She let out a soft sigh. She couldn't deny that seeing him in this setting only made him more endearing, and she found herself wondering how he managed to juggle so many responsibilities. Her heart skipped a beat, and she tried to shake off the nerves that were threatening to take over. After all, she was here for Jack and the soccer game. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and joined the gathering, ready to enjoy the afternoon and support the little soccer players.

She positioned herself beside a group of parents, her uncertainty evident in her body language. Unsure whether to approach Aaron or not, Y/N quietly observed as the kids began to warm up for the game. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the energy of excited children ready to play. Suddenly, her attention was captured by Jack's exuberant voice as he spotted her. He darted toward her with an infectious smile that tugged at her heart. Seeing him in his soccer uniform, all she wanted to do was pinch his adorable cheeks.

"Ms. Y/L/N! You came!" Jack's enthusiasm was genuine, and Y/N couldn't help but smile.

"Of course, buddy! Wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, her voice carrying warmth and affection.

As her eyes met Jack's, she noticed Aaron walking over. It was the first time they had spoken in over a week, and the air seemed charged with unspoken emotions. She noticed the now fading scar over his eyebrow, and the sight of it made her heart ache slightly. She wondered what had happened, but she pushed aside her curiosity.

"Hi," he greeted, his voice soft and sincere, his eyes holding a mixture of gratitude and something else that Y/N couldn't quite decipher.

"Hi," she responded, her own voice a blend of warmth and a hint of hesitation.

Behind Aaron, another man emerged. His presence exuded a sense of wisdom and experience, with salt-and-pepper hair and a welcoming smile. As he approached her, he extended his hand in a friendly gesture.

"Hi, I'm David Rossi," he introduced himself with a light-hearted tone and a chuckle. "Assistant coach."

Y/N shook his hand with a genuine smile. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Y/N Y/L/N."

The name seemed to register with Rossi, his eyes narrowing slightly as if connecting the dots. "Y/N? As in Y/N, Jack's teacher?" His gaze shifted between her and Aaron as if considering something intriguing.

Aaron's expression remained composed, as he answered, a slight warning in his tone Rossi immediately understood, "Yeah, Y/N's one of Jack's teachers."

Rossi's playful grin widened. "Well, Jack has been talking about you non-stop. Seems like you've made quite an impression on him."

Aaron cleared his throat, breaking the brief moment of interaction, and nodded toward the field. "Alright, it's time to start the game," he announced before walking away to fulfill his coaching responsibilities.

"Good luck, Jack!" Y/N called out with a supportive smile as Jack dashed off to join his team. She playfully made a crossing-fingers sign, her heart warming at the sight of the excited children.

As the game kicked off, a sweet and almost comical scene unfolded on the field. Aaron and Rossi, both fully immersed in their roles as coaches, seemed to be a picture of dedication. Their shared enthusiasm and camaraderie made them a dynamic duo. Y/N couldn't help but watch, admiring how their interactions reflected their genuine passion for the kids and the game.

With each cheer from Aaron and Rossi, Y/N found herself joining in, her voice blending with the chorus of encouraging words from the parents and spectators. As the game progressed, she became more and more invested, her heart swelling with pride for Jack and his team.

As the kids took a break and gathered around for snack time, Jack and Rossi made their way over to Y/N. She smiled at Jack, trying to push aside the uneasy feeling that had begun to gnaw at her when she noticed the woman by Aaron's side. Her laughter rang out, and the sight of her hand on his arm felt like a small sting in Y/N's gut.

She forced herself to focus on the conversation with Jack and Rossi but the woman's confidence and stunning appearance only seemed to amplify Y/N's own insecurities. She had never considered herself the jealous type, but seeing Aaron with someone else, even in an innocent scenario, stirred up emotions she hadn't expected. Y/N felt a pang of pettiness as she watched the woman continue to touch Aaron's arm and flirt with him. She knew it was irrational to feel this way, but she couldn't help the surge of jealousy that prickled at the back of her mind. The woman's boldness and the way she seemed to have Aaron's attention only added to Y/N's unease. Rossi, with his years of profiling experience, was perceptive enough to catch the shift in Y/N's demeanor. His knowing glance met hers, and for a brief moment, Y/N felt a sense of embarrassment wash over her. She cleared her throat, attempting to shake off the irrational feelings that had taken hold of her. As Jack continued to chatter away, unaware of the undercurrents swirling around them, Y/N forced herself to smile and engage in the conversation She stole a quick glance in Aaron's direction, feeling an unfamiliar sense of competition for his attention.

As Aaron approached with the woman trailing behind him, Y/N couldn't help but notice the way the woman seemed to cling to him, almost like a lost puppy seeking attention. Y/N's stomach twisted uncomfortably at the sight, but she refused to let her unease show. She was determined to maintain her composure.

Aaron turned to Rossi and asked if he could assist with carrying the snacks and drinks from the car. The woman beside him seemed poised to jump in and offer her help, but before she could utter a word, Y/N spoke up, her voice calm and composed.

"I'll help you," Y/N addressed Aaron directly, her eyes fixed on him as if daring him to object. The words were directed at him, but her gaze seemed to cut through to the woman beside him, a subtle challenge in her expression. Y/N's stance was one of quiet assertion, a declaration that she wasn't going to back down or let anyone else stake a claim. Aaron seemed momentarily surprised by Y/N's offer, and a hint of appreciation flickered in his eyes. With a nod, he accepted her help, and the woman's expression shifted from eagerness to something resembling disappointment.

As Aaron and Y/N walked away to gather the snacks, Rossi watched them with an amused smirk playing on his lips. His gaze shifted down to Jack, who was watching the scene unfold with a knowing glint in his eyes. A small smile curved on Rossi's lips as he leaned down and spoke to the young boy.

"You noticed too, huh?" Rossi chuckled, his amusement evident in his tone.

Jack's face lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically. "I invited her," he admitted, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

At that confession, Rossi couldn't contain his laughter. It bubbled up from deep within him, a hearty and genuine sound that filled the air. He ruffled Jack's hair affectionately.

"Well, it seems like your plan is working, buddy," Rossi said, his laughter still lingering in his voice. "And you know what they say about meddling in matters of the heart, right?"

Jack nodded, his smile widening. "That you need to be careful because it's tricky business?"

Rossi chuckled again. "Exactly. But hey, sometimes a little nudge in the right direction can't hurt."

Walking up to the car, a comfortable silence settled between Y/N and Aaron. He opened the trunk and efficiently retrieved a bag filled with fruits, sandwiches, and granola bars, passing it to Y/N before gathering juice boxes and water bottles for himself.

"I didn't know you coached his team," Y/N ventured, her voice breaking the silence.

Aaron glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm really new to it. I don't really know what I'm doing, to be honest," he admitted with a chuckle.

Y/N's lips quirked up in a smile of her own. "You seemed really professional to me," she replied, her tone teasing yet sincere.

Aaron chuckled, his eyes meeting hers. "Well, I'm glad I managed to fool you then," he said, his voice light and warm.

As they continued their conversation, Aaron found himself realizing even more how much he had missed her presence. Her laughter, their easy banter, and her smile

"You have a good assistant," Y/N chuckled, referring to Rossi.

Aaron nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "He is. He's not just a colleague, but a good friend as well."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, "Another FBI agent? The third one I met so far" she said, recalling her interaction with Penelope.

Aaron chuckled softly. "Yes, another one. We seem to be everywhere." Their conversation flowed easily, and Aaron found himself talking to her about his experiences coaching the soccer team, Y/N shared some anecdotes from her time in the classroom. It was a comfortable exchange, one that felt so easy and right. As the game continued, Y/N couldn't help but notice that Aaron seemed more relaxed. The weight that had seemed to hang on his shoulders was less prominent, and his smile reached his eyes more readily. It was a sight that made her heart skip a beat, and she silently reminded herself not to read too much into it. Y/N joined the parents in clapping and cheering, her eyes alternating between Jack and the other kids on the field. Even amidst the excitement, she couldn't shake off the niggling feeling that Rossi had sensed her jealousy earlier. As the game reached its conclusion and the kids gathered for high-fives and pats on the back, Y/N found herself standing beside Aaron again. She stole a quick glance at him and couldn't help but notice that he was looking at her too, a warmth in his eyes that sent a flutter through her chest. With a final cheer from the parents, the soccer game came to an end, leaving the kids with smiles of victory and accomplishment. Y/N's heart felt a little lighter, and she found herself genuinely grateful that she had decided to attend the game.

As the soccer game came to an end and parents began packing up, Y/N felt a mixture of relief and contentment. She was relieved that the woman who had been flirting with Aaron earlier was nowhere in sight. Her attention shifted when she noticed Aaron putting a large training bag over his shoulder, a clear sign that he was ready to leave. Seeing Aaron getting ready to go, Y/N takes it as her cue to say her goodbyes. She walks over to Jack, giving him a warm smile. "I had a great time today, Jack. Thanks for inviting me," she said genuinely, her eyes meeting his. Then she turns her attention to David Rossi, offering a friendly smile. "It was really nice to meet you, David," she says politely.

Rossi's grin was infectious. "Oh no, you're not leaving just yet, my dear," he said with a chuckle, his tone warm and inviting. "Soccer games always end with pasta and wine at my place."

Y/N's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shook her head. "Oh, no, really, I don't want to impose," she replied, feeling a bit uncertain about intruding on their plans.

Rossi waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense! It's not an imposition at all. We'd be delighted to have you."

Before Y/N could protest further, Jack spoke up, his voice excited. "Yes please Uncle Dave makes the best pasta!"

Caught between the warm invitation and the genuine smiles of both Rossi and Jack, Y/N found herself unable to resist. She let out a soft laugh. "All right, then. I'd be happy to join you."

Rossi's grin widened. "Excellent! You won't regret it, I promise."

As they walked toward Aaron's car, Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The day had taken an unexpected turn, and while she still had some reservations, there was a glimmer of excitement in her heart about the evening ahead.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

The four of them piled into the car and drove over to Rossi's house. Upon arrival, they found themselves in the kitchen, where Rossi immediately started cooking, chopping ingredients and humming a tune.

"Alright, my friends, now it’s time to witness the magic happen," Rossi declared with a grin, his chef's apron adding a touch of theatricality.

"Magic, huh?" Aaron quirked an eyebrow, exchanging amused glances with Y/N.

"Magic in the form of a delicious meal, my dear friend," Rossi replied dramatically, waving his knife with flair.

As Rossi continued to cook, Y/N, Aaron, and Jack took seats at the kitchen counter, their anticipation evident. Rossi was in his element, regaling them with stories of his adventures, embellishing each tale for comedic effect.

"Back in the day, when I was just a little Rossi, growing up in the heart of Italy, my nonna was the queen of the kitchen," Rossi began, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips.

Y/N and Jack leaned in with interest, captivated by Rossi's storytelling.

"Nonna had this way of making every dish feel like a warm embrace," Rossi continued, his voice tinged with fondness. "I remember one summer afternoon when she decided to teach me how to make her famous lasagna. Now, let me tell you, Nonna's lasagna was a work of art."

Jack's eyes widened with excitement. "Did it taste better than regular lasagna?"

"Oh, it was a league of its own, my boy," Rossi chuckled. Y/N couldn't help but smile, enchanted by Rossi's vivid description.

"And as we worked, Nonna shared stories from her own childhood, her voice filled with the wisdom of generations," Rossi continued. "She told me how cooking was more than just a skill; it was a way of passing down love, tradition, and a piece of ourselves to those we care about."

Rossi's gaze seemed to drift into the past, lost in his memories. "Nonna's lasagna was a labor of love, taking hours to prepare and cook. But when it finally emerged from the oven, bubbling and fragrant, it was like a taste of home."

"That sounds amazing," Y/N said softly, touched by the sentiment.

"It was, my dear," Rossi agreed, his eyes shining. "And to this day, whenever I cook, I can feel Nonna's presence in the kitchen. Her love and passion for food were passed down to me, just like her cherished lasagna recipe."

Jack looked at Rossi with wide eyes. "Do you still make her lasagna?"

"Every now and then, I do," Rossi replied with a smile. "And every time I take a bite, it's like sharing a meal with Nonna once more. And voila!" Rossi exclaimed, placing a beautifully plated dish in front of each of them. "A taste of my culinary wizardry."

Aaron, Y/N, and Jack exchanged impressed glances as they took in the beautifully presented dishes. Rossi's cooking was as delicious as it was visually appealing.

"Alright, my friends, let's not forget the most important ingredient of any good meal," Rossi announced with a flourish, producing a bottle of wine.

He poured the wine with a charming smile. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the conversations flowed effortlessly. Aaron and Y/N found themselves engaging in light banter, teasing each other in the process.

As the evening progressed, the camaraderie between the four of them grew stronger. They shared stories, traded jokes, and reveled in the simple joy of being in each other's company.

Eventually, the plates were cleared, the glasses refilled, and they settled into a comfortable rhythm of conversation. The night was a testament to the power of good food, great company, and a lighthearted atmosphere.

"Ah, my friends, it's nights like these that remind me why good food is meant to be shared," Rossi mused, raising his glass in a toast.

"To shared laughter, great company, and the magic of a well-cooked meal," Aaron added, his gaze locking with Y/N's for a moment. As their glasses clinked and laughter filled the air, the worries of the outside world seemed to fade away, even if it was just for that moment.

Jack's yawns became more frequent, and he began to rub his eyes. "I think someone's getting a bit sleepy," Rossi noted with a grin.

"Yeah, he had quite the active day," Aaron replied, ruffling Jack's hair affectionately.

Rossi turned to Aaron. "You know, you're welcome to let him crash in one of the guest rooms. We've got plenty."

Aaron considered the offer. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," Rossi confirmed with a wink. "It's not like I haven't had a house full of guests before."

Aaron looked down at Jack. "Hey, buddy, do you want to sleep here tonight?"

Jack's eyes blinked sleepily. "Can I, Dad?"

"Of course," Aaron said gently, sharing a soft smile with his son.

"But!" Jack's sudden energy surprised everyone. "Uncle Rossi has to read me my bedtime story."

Rossi chuckled. "Well, I'm honored, young man. I'll make sure you have the best bedtime story."

As Rossi and Jack made their way toward the guest room, they exchanged a sly fist bump and a wink. It was as if they had a silent agreement, a plan to set the stage for Aaron and Y/N to be alone and have a chance to talk, without realizing they were being nudged together.

As the sound of Rossi's voice reading Jack's bedtime story floated from the hallway, Aaron turned to Y/N, his expression a mixture of emotions. Y/N stood up and started carrying the empty plates and glasses over to the sink and Aaron immediately did the same.

"So... thanks for coming today. Jack was really happy to see you," he said cleaning off the plates.

Y/N smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in the relaxed atmosphere. "I'm glad I could make it. He's such a sweet kid."

"Yeah, he is," Aaron agreed, his gaze softening.

As the laughter from the other room continued, Aaron and Y/N started washing the dishes. The dim lighting and the comfortable ambiance of the kitchen seemed to encourage their conversation.

"I hope you know that I never meant to make things awkward," Aaron began, his eyes searching hers.

Y/N gave a small nod. "I know, Aaron. It's just... well, it's a complicated situation."

"Yeah," he agreed with a sigh. "And I want you to know that I value you as Jack's teacher, and I don't want anything to affect that."

Y/N appreciated his honesty. "I feel the same way. Jack is a wonderful kid, and I wouldn’t let anything jeopardize my relationship with him."

After a moment of silence, while his hands were still buried in the bubbles of the dishes, he said, "I just wished I could rewind and undo what happened." He seemed lost in his own thoughts, not noticing the impact his words had on Y/N.

As Aaron's words hung in the air, Y/N's heart seemed to shatter into a million pieces. The plate she was drying nearly slipped from her grasp as the weight of his statement hit her with full force. She set the plate down and wiped her hands hastily, fighting to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill.

Not daring to meet Aaron's eyes, she managed to say, without her voice trembling, "I should leave now, it’s getting really late." She felt an overwhelming urge to escape, to distance herself from the pain she felt welling up inside her. She couldn't bear the thought of him seeing the hurt in her eyes.

As she moved to grab her coat, her hands were shaking. "Thank Rossi for the great meal, everything was perfect." She needed to get out of there, to find a moment of solace where she could let her emotions out without anyone seeing.

Aaron was caught off guard by her sudden change in demeanor. "Wait, why the hurry?" he questioned, a mixture of confusion and concern in his voice. "Wait I’ll drive you home." He moved to follow her, not understanding what had shifted so abruptly.

"I’ll get a taxi," she replied, her voice distant as she left through the door. Without looking back, she left him standing in the entryway, a swirl of emotions racing through his mind. He watched the door for a moment, his heart heavy with a sense of longing and uncertainty, unaware of the depth of pain his unintended words had caused.

Jack was already sound asleep, but Rossi remained in the background, giving Aaron and Y/N some space to talk. When he heard the front door close, he quietly left the room and found Aaron standing in the entryway, a kitchen towel in his hands. "What happened?" Rossi asked with a concerned expression. "Did Y/N leave?" Aaron looked up, his face a mix of confusion and frustration. "I don't know. We were cleaning up, and we talked about what happened last week." Rossi's brows furrowed. "What did happen last week? Was that the reason you were so out of it the whole time?"

Aaron let out a sigh, briefly closing his eyes as he recounted the events. "We almost kissed," he admitted, the weight of the words heavy in the air. "And we’ve been avoiding each other ever since, and it has been awkward. And I told her that it wasn’t my intention.”

Rossi raised an eyebrow. "And what did she say?"

"Nothing," Aaron replied, his confusion evident. "She agreed. I just wanted her to know that I didn’t want things to go like this."

Rossi's expression turned incredulous. "Wait, Aaron, how did you phrase it?"

"I just told her I wished things went differently."

Rossi's frustration was palpable. "No, tell me word for word."

Aaron frowned, trying to recall the exact words. "I said, 'I just wished I could rewind and undo what happened.' "

Rossi practically facepalmed, his patience running thin. "Aaron, you are a complete idiot," he said, his frustration seeping into his words. "How did you become a unit chief for god's sake? Do you realize how bad that sounded?"

Aaron blinked, his brows furrowing in confusion. Rossi shook his head in disbelief. "You just made it sound like you regret what happened like you wish you could erase it. No wonder she left upset."

Realization dawned on Aaron's face, and his shoulders slumped. "God, I didn't even realize. That's not what I meant at all."

Rossi sighed, his exasperation softening into understanding. "Aaron, you need to have a serious conversation with her, and this time, make sure you're clear about your feelings. She's not a mind reader."

Aaron nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and regret. "You're right. I need to fix this right now," he grabs his keys and asks Rossi, "Can I leave Jack with you?"

“Go loverboy!”

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Y/N felt so stupid, so dumb. The tears welled up in her eyes almost immediately as she sat in the back of the taxi, the reality of the situation crashing down on her. How could she have believed that he felt the same way? The weight of disappointment and embarrassment was suffocating, and she didn't even realize she was crying until she felt the dampness on her cheeks.

Inside the safe walls of her apartment, she stumbled her way to her bedroom and collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow. The fabric absorbed her muffled sobs, providing a brief respite for the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. How could she have let herself get carried away with the idea that he might have had the same feelings? The pain of rejection felt like a physical ache in her chest, and she couldn't stop the tears from flowing freely.

Lost in the sea of her own despair, she didn't know how long she had been lying there, letting her tears soak the fabric of her pillow. But suddenly, the ringing of her doorbell and the persistent knocking on her door shattered her isolation, jolting her back to reality. When she opened the door, her heart clenched painfully at the sight of Aaron standing on the other side.

His normally composed expression was full of concern and worry as his eyes landed on her tear-streaked face and puffy red eyes. Without hesitation, he took a big step toward her, his instinct to comfort her overriding any sense of restraint. Embracing her in a tight hug, he held her as if trying to shield her from all the pain that seemed to surround her.

"Y/N," he said softly, his voice laced with genuine concern.

She felt a mix of emotions surging through her - the surprise of seeing him at her door, the lingering hurt from their earlier conversation, and the warmth of his embrace all colliding within her.

"Aaron, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice quivering as fresh tears welled up in her eyes. Part of her wanted to push him away, but another part wanted nothing more than to sink into his embrace.

He held her even tighter, his voice gentle as he spoke into her hair. "I'm so sorry. Please don't cry anymore, please."

His touch, his soothing words, and the overwhelming sincerity in his voice melted away the walls she had built around herself. She couldn't hold back her tears, her emotions spilling out uncontrollably. He continued to hold her, one hand caressing her hair while the other arm was slung around her body, providing a sense of security she desperately needed.

"I'm such an idiot, please," he murmured, his breath tickling her ear. "I didn't mean it like that, okay? I don't regret what happened between us."

Her fingers clung to the fabric of his shirt as she buried her face in his chest, her tears dampening the fabric. Her breath hitched, and she pulled back slightly to look up at him, her tear-filled eyes searching his face for any sign of deception. The sincerity she saw in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.

"Then why did you say… why did you say you wished you could rewind and undo it?" she asked, her voice trembling as she fought to make sense of it all.

He brushed his thumb gently over her cheek, wiping away a stray tear. His touch was so tender, a mixture of comfort and apology in the gesture.

“I meant that I wished I could change how I handled things," he said, his voice earnest and regretful. "I avoided you, didn’t apologize for what I did, and let things become awkward between us. I wished that I would’ve had more courage to stay that day, to kiss you, and to tell you how crazy I am about you. I let my own fears and concerns affect the way I handled things between us."

As his fingers lingered on her cheek, his touch seemed to caress her heart, and her eyes met his. There was so much unspoken between them, so many feelings that had been left unsaid. His hand moved from her cheek to cup her face tenderly, his touch gentle yet filled with a longing that she could sense. It was a touch that mirrored the night they had shared that almost kiss at the school.

"You don’t know how much I've wanted to kiss you since the first night we talked," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. The vulnerability in his words sent shivers down her spine, and she felt drawn closer to him.

Every word he spoke hung in the air like a promise, a confession of the emotions they had both been grappling with. She found herself inching closer to him, her heart pounding in rhythm with the raw honesty that he was offering. Her breath caught as her gaze flickered to his lips, the memory of that almost kiss flooding back.

"Then why didn't you?" she whispered, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and yearning.

He hesitated, his gaze locked with hers, his thumb tracing circles on her cheek. "I didn't want to rush into things, especially with Jack involved. And I let my own past experiences cloud my judgment. I'm sorry for how my words came across. I don't regret what almost happened between us. And I don't want to let my fears hold me back anymore."

As his gaze bore into hers, it was as if time stood still, and all that mattered were the emotions that hung between them. She reached up, her hand covering his on her cheek, and their fingers intertwined.

"Then show me," she whispered her voice a plea, her eyes searching his.

Without another word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a delicate, tender kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, a promise of things to come, and a reassurance of the feelings they shared.

Their kiss ignited with a fervent intensity that took them both by surprise, fueled by the desperation, longing, and desire that had been building between them. It was as if their pent-up emotions had found an outlet, and they surrendered to the magnetic pull drawing them together.

His fingers, once gentle against her cheek, now tightened with a mixture of urgency and possessiveness. The hand that had caressed her face found its way to the nape of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair. His touch was both a declaration and a plea, a silent admission of his longing and a desperate desire to bridge the distance that had kept them apart.

Their lips melded together, the initial softness giving way to a hunger that spoke of unspoken yearning. His lips moved against hers with a demanding fervor, a silent affirmation of the emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface. Their tongues danced in a dance of discovery, a symphony of passion and curiosity that left them both breathless.

Desperation lingered in the way they moved as if each touch was a lifeline they couldn't bear to let go of. Her fingers found the fabric of his shirt, clinging to him as though afraid he might slip away. Their bodies pressed closer, almost instinctively, their breaths mingling in the space between their lips.

His grip on her neck, while firm, was not forceful; it was a connection that radiated a sense of protectiveness, a silent vow to keep her close. As their kisses deepened, his hand slipped down to the curve of her waist, pulling her body flush against his. Her hands explored the contours of his back, fingers tracing the lines of his muscles as if memorizing his form. With each touch, their need grew, the intensity of their kiss mirroring the emotions that had been swirling within them for so long.

The air was charged with electricity, their connection intensifying with every stolen breath and every brush of skin against skin. It was as if they were in their world, a realm where the past held no sway, and the future was an open canvas waiting to be painted. And as they finally pulled away, their lips swollen and their breaths heavy, it was with a newfound clarity and an unspoken promise that their journey was just beginning.

As they looked at each other, their eyes held an unspoken promise of the affection and connection that had finally been acknowledged. Their laughter bubbled up from deep within, a release of the tension that had built up between them. It was the kind of laughter that resonated with the sheer happiness of the moment, the weight of their emotions suddenly feeling lighter.

His laughter turned into a chuckle as he buried his face in the curve of her neck, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine. She could feel the vibrations of his laughter against her skin, the sensation sending a rush of affection coursing through her veins. Her fingers gently brushed through his hair, a gesture of comfort and tenderness that mirrored the affection in their laughter.

He raised his head, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. It was as if he couldn't believe that he was finally holding her, that the distance and hesitations had evaporated into thin air.

As she gestured toward the couch, he followed her lead, his heart racing with a mixture of exhilaration and contentment. The soft cushions embraced them as they sat down, their bodies settling into a comfortable rhythm as if they had always been meant to fit together this way.

She positioned herself sideways, snuggling under his arm, her warmth seeping into his side. Her knees found a spot on his thigh, her head resting on his shoulder. The closeness felt natural, a seamless connection that they had both yearned for.

His arm wrapped around her waist, drawing her in even closer. His other hand on her arm, his fingers tracing soothing patterns. With every touch, every gentle caress, the barriers they had constructed around their emotions seemed to crumble further. The contentment that radiated from their beings seemed to fill the room, an atmosphere of ease and serenity.

Her scent, a subtle blend of warmth and comfort, surrounded him, wrapping him in a cocoon of familiarity and solace. He couldn't help but press a soft kiss to her hair, a gesture that held a promise of protection and affection.

At that moment, as they sat entwined on the couch, laughter still echoing in the air, they both felt like they were floating on a cloud of happiness. The weight of the past, and the uncertainties of the future, all seemed to fade into insignificance as they basked in the simple joy of being together. And as they remained wrapped in each other's arms, they knew that this was where they truly belonged.

With their bodies nestled together on the couch, and the gentle atmosphere surrounding them, it felt like the perfect moment for them to open up about their feelings. The sense of vulnerability was there, but it was coupled with an understanding that this was a safe space for their emotions.

Breaking the comfortable silence, Y/N softly spoke, her voice carrying a mixture of honesty and tenderness. "I missed you, Aaron. The past week... it felt like a void without your presence."

He tightened his hold on her just a bit, his fingers instinctively tracing patterns on her arm as he replied, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I missed you too, more than I imagined I could."

Aaron gave her a gentle squeeze, relishing the warmth of her presence beside him, and continued, "I was a mess last week. I snapped at Derek, my colleague at work, without any reason," he chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Basically, I was not fun to be around."

She giggled, pulling away slightly to look up at him. "Oh, I can relate. I annoyed the hell out of Liz the whole week with my bad mood. She's a saint for putting up with me."

Aaron smirked with a playful gleam in his eyes. "She is definitely something," he replied with a slight undertone, and at that moment, Y/N recalled Aaron and Liz talking at the school gate. Curiosity piqued, she asked, "What did you and Liz talk about at school the other day? She wouldn't tell me."

A hint of a mischievous smile tugged at the corner of Aaron's lips. "Well, your friend Liz told me not to play with your feelings. And she promised me that if I ever made you cry again, she would find me and make me regret ever even looking in your direction."

Y/N's eyes widened in shock for a moment, then she burst into laughter. "Oh my God, she threatened you!" She couldn't contain her amusement, and her laughter filled the air. Aaron joined in, his laughter a harmonious accompaniment to hers.

Once their laughter subsided, Y/N wiped a tear from her eye and playfully nudged Aaron's arm. "Well, I have to admit, I'm glad she's got my back." Aaron grinned, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and fondness. "Oh, you have no idea. I felt like I was facing off against a seasoned profiler during our conversation."

Y/N's laughter bubbled up again, and she shook her head. "Honestly, I never knew Liz had such a protective streak in her."

He reached over and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. "I think it's safe to say she cares about you a lot. You know I was gonna come talk to you eventually. Explain how I feel but I guess Jack’s invitation beat me to it”, he chuckles.

She leaned into his touch, her heart warming at his words. "And what were you going to tell me?"

He sighed softly, his gaze never leaving hers. "I was going to tell you that I realized that I couldn't keep away from you any longer. The emptiness I felt when you weren't around was too much to bear. And when I thought about the possibility of losing you, of not having you in my life... I couldn't let that happen."

Her fingers intertwined with his, their connection grounding them in the moment. "I'm glad you didn't let it happen," she said softly, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a gentle, affectionate kiss. "Me too," he whispered, his voice a soothing melody that resonated deep within her.

Amid the echoes of their laughter, Y/N's gaze softened as she turned to Aaron, a question forming in her mind. "Aaron," she began hesitantly, "what do you think we should do now? I mean, how do we navigate this? There are things like my job, and our situations, that might hold us back."

He met her gaze, his expression earnest. "I know we have a lot to talk about, and we will, but please, just for tonight, let's pretend that there are no obstacles in our way. Let's not think about the complications or challenges. I just want to hold you, kiss you, without constantly considering all of that… just for tonight."

His words held a mix of vulnerability and longing, a desire to capture the present moment without the weight of the future. Y/N felt her heart skip a beat, his sincerity resonating with her own desires. For a moment, she allowed herself to let go of her worries and fears, focusing solely on the connection between them.

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. "Just for tonight," she whispered softly, her voice carrying an unspoken promise. And as they sat there, holding each other, the weight of the world seemed to lift, leaving behind only the warmth of their connection and the hope that maybe, just maybe, the obstacles ahead could be overcome.

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𝕋𝕒𝕘 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥: @mrs-ssa-hotch @aaronhotchswife @aaronhotchner135 @lambsheepsheeping @teenagegoateecollectorposts @hmett20 @callm3c0nfus3d @superskittles @carolinelec @emobabeyy tags don’t work if your blog is private

#criminal minds #aaron hotchner #aaron hotch hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader #hotch x reader #criminal minds imagine #thomas gibson

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inevitably-johnlocked · 1 year

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hey i hope you had a nice day, do you have some parentlock fanfic recommendations? im currently running out of fanfictions regarding this trope and need some new stuff🙏🏼🙏🏼

Hey Nonny!

Ah, not much, I haven't been doing much new reading lately so all the lists I do have are about 6 months old the latest... Hmm. Let's make a new list and go through my MFL list, because I once again don't have a different list of stuff I've read ready, so let's give y'all a nice long list today :) These are all the fics that have been tagged with "Parentlock" based on the author descriptions.

Feel free to add more, friends!

EDIT: THIS HAD TO BE SPLIT UP, SO YAY I HAVE LISTS FOR THREE WEEKS!!! :D I had a lot more Parentlock MFLs than I thought, so I hope you enjoy Parentlock for the next three weeks, hahahha!

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PARENTLOCK Pt. 4A (MFL, 0-25K w.)