#how did he miss that Elle who has been coming over to his house for *six years* now was the younger sister of a person of interest?

[spacedace]

@proshipper-on-ship​ thank you for the Dick & Dan idea you added to my other post, please enjoy some of the fall out your comment resulted in haha

“So,” Bruce tried, looking hesitantly pleased at the surprisingly light atmosphere around the table. “Anything new and exciting going on with anyone?”

There was a smattering of answers from around the table. Jason didn’t offer anything - which wasn’t surprising, that he was even there and largely not starting a fight was more than enough as far as Dick was concerned - but with some ribbing from Steph, Tim eventually admitted to finally asking that boy he’d been interested in out. Dick joined in on teasing his little brother - and even Jay gave, for him, some gentle ribbing over finally getting the balls to do something, eh Timberland? - while very carefully avoiding mentioning his own sorta-kinda thing with Dan in Bludhaven. He’d deal with his siblings making him miserable and embarrassed over it all when he actually scored a date with him thanks very much.

Things were going good.

And then Damian cleared his throat, looking imperious and uninterested at the same time as he waited for everyone to turn to look at him.

“I have an announcement on an alteration to my personal life.” He declared, chin up and looking like he was already over this whole family-bonding-time thing, which was fair. Damian had gotten better over the years, but he was still not exactly the cute and cuddly little brother. Dick still had the scar from the last time he tried to hug Dami without warning a year ago and got stabbed for the effort. Still, he was sharing, willingly even! That’s progress!

At the head of the table Bruce tilted his head, looking as cautiously hopeful as Dick felt over the youngest Wayne actually offering to share something personal. “Have you decided on what college you want to go to then?”

“No.” Dami dismissed easily, without more than a glance in Bruce’s direction. “Night and I have decided to take some time to travel before continuing any further schooling.”

Huh, honestly, Dick was kinda surprised. With how much of a perfectionist Dami was, he’d thought he’d throw himself into college with the same ferocious, competitive drive he did everything else. But then again, if Elle Nightingale was going to be taking a gap year or two, it wasn’t as if it was that much of a surprise that Dami would go and join her.

The two gremlins had been practically inseparable since they were twelve and discovered a shared love of stabbing people and adopting every animal they see. If Dami’s best friend was going to go gallivanting across the world like she always dreamed of doing, Dick couldn’t actually be that  surprised that Dami would be going with her.

Dick took a sip of his drink as Dami opened his mouth to continue with what was probably going to be to most people the world’s most harrowing game of “how many incredibly dangerous animals can we see before we end up dead on our gap year” that the two demons were undoubtedly planning.

He regretted taking that sip almost immediately as Damian said, “Night and I took our marital vows yesterday. She sends her regrets that she was unable to join us for family dinner tonight.”

Predictably, the room broke out into utter chaos.

Dick choked on his drink, spraying across the table and splattering Babs with a shower of wine. She didn’t even seem to notice, dropping her own glass as she snapped her head over to stare at Damian, the sound of breaking glass and a deep red stain pooling across the table following as she did. At the end of the table, Jay made a noise like a dying goose as the samosa he’d just popped in his mouth threatened to kill him. Cass, perhaps the most outwardly calm at the proclamation, only stared with wide eyes at her younger brother as she hit Jason on the back in an attempt to make sure he didn’t die.

Dick could practically hear the old shrieking AOL dial up noise that was Tim’s brain attempting to process what his little brother had just said, while sitting next to him Steph gave a small shriek of you what? Duke’s head was on a swivel, eyes darting from Damian, to another family member, to Damian and back again as if unsure who to even look at in the moment.

Bruce just…stared, frozen in place, face caught in the most open look of shock Dick thinks the man has ever shown in his life.

---

Damian sniffed and cast a caustic look towards - of all people - Jason, “Unlike some people, I share my good news with the family in a timely manner.”

Jay sputtered, “You know what, fuck you! Fine, you want me to share the news?” Jay snapped his head towards the rest of them. “Jazz is pregnant, baby is due next month on the sixth. Baby shower’s next weekend at Robinson Park, show up or don’t, I really don’t give a fuck.”

Or maybe he was just going to try to kill them with a heart attack.

“What the fuck?!”

“Language!”

“Who the fuck is Jazz?!”

“Language!”

“Night’s elder sister and guardian, Drake, keep up. You should know this, you’re dating her brother.”

“I’m what?”

“And Grayson is having flirtations with her other brother.”

“Dan is Elle’s older brother? Wait - how do you know about that?”

“Todd and I are in the Nightingale family group chat. We have endured far too much waxing poet about your posterior over the past months.”

“Why do they all have variations of the same name? Who gives all their children the same name?”

“He likes my ass?”

“Oh my god, bigger picture Dick, focus.”

“Seriously, do they all have the same name outside of the older sister? I feel like we need to acknowledge they all have the same name.”

“Can we go back to the fact that Damian got married? To Elle? Yesterday? How did you even do that without anyone knowing?

“Dr. Nightingale is a notary.”

“...Dr. Nightingale as in the woman Bruce is investigating Dr. Nightingale?”

“Okay but the name thing? Please tell me you’re not naming the baby some variation of the name Daniel.”

“If the gremlins get their way it will be. Do you know how many lists we’ve made that they keep sabotaging?”

“So you have Dan’s number? Could you give it to me?”

“Jesus Christ, Dick I’m begging you.”

“Why did you guys even get married?”

“For the diplomatic immunity.”

“You don’t have diplomatic immunity.”

“I do now.”

“What does that mean?”

[roo-bastmoon]

LOCK IT DOWN, Y'ALL

Puppykitties, I do not mean this harshly, but distractions, drama, and sabotage happen with every comeback and never more so than with Jimin.

We are in the fight of our lives for placement on the charts and awards on music programs. We need fewer filtered streams and much higher sales.

WE HAVE MONEY TO SPEND FOR JIMIN AND VERY FEW TO STEP UP AND MAKE AN ACCOUNT TO BUY:

We absolutely cannot focus on trash talk and ship discourse right now.

Yes, I know today there was a lot of excitement. Joon, Yoongi, Tae, JK, and others (many others in the industry) went to Harry Styles' concert today and it very much appears that Jimin and J-Hope did not. How do I know? Because there's photos of the Tannies on their personal time all over my timeline when there should be screenshots of streaming and voting.

It's disappointing because Jungkook just got done saying he was human too and asking us not to stalk him during his private time. I know some folks feel like if you're out in public, you are "fair game." But that's my point: they aren't game, they aren't prey--they are people and they deserve to be able to hang out with their friends and not have it scrutinized and weaponized. So just know it's always best to let THEM be the ones to share such info, like Joon and Tae did on their insta.

You best believe, the more we pressure them like this, the less we'll get of them.

The last time we saw Jikook together off-schedule, just the two of them alone, they got in a car to leave from the airport in April of 2022. A few days later, the gossip rags sabotaged Jimin's first OST With You with a bullshit scandal about missing insurance premium payments and his apartment "seizure" (on paper).

And ever since that day, we have not seen Jikook hang out in any personal capacity, unless you count the arcade in DC with Hobi and Her. Not once have we seen them alone. POINTEDLY.

There's been blurry CCTV photos of two people in a mini mart and whispers from K forums of folks seeing them around the neighborhood, but nothing concrete; they don't even mention each other in TMIs any more.

We KNOW they have hung out, as per inferences from their family, tattoo artist, and boxing coach, but no solid evidence from the primary source, even when directly asked. Again, POINTEDLY.

And yet when they are together for a work thing or online, they get along like a house on fire. They slap butts and tap hands and do cute things for each other's birthdays and get into giggle fits and compliment each other and flirt like crazy on WeVerse. Jungkook has issued several emphatic invitations for Jimin to come to him and told us to look forward to his teaser at midnight.

But they aren't sharing their relationship with us like they used to, so we honestly do not know if they hang out in person much these days.

P.O.I.N.T.E.D.L.Y.

Not because there's any indication of bad blood or a whiff of a breakup. Our little perfectionist is booked and busy, and our golden maknae was taking time to recharge.

You need to remember that since solo era was mentioned, Jimin has been writing, composing, and recording his own songs.

He's traveled abroad multiple times--Chicago, LA, NYC, Paris--to name a few.

He's hosted people who have traveled to Korea to work with him.

The producers admonished him for not taking breaks to eat or shower and in fact sleeping in the studio for many nights.

He's had to rehearse for music shows, concerts, his collab, and his own music videos.

He's been training so hard on new choreo that he was in too much pain to join Jin for his birthday and you KNOW how our boy feels about his members' birthdays.

He's filmed RUN content and commercials and a documentary and all sorts of stuff for his own album.

He's had work as brand ambassador for Dior and Tiffany's beyond just Fashion Week, which was huge.

I've lost count of the number of high-end photoshoots he's done for Vogue, W, Elle, and I don't know what all else.

The man JUST got off a plane the day before from traveling half-way around the world to interview with and perform for Fallon for TWO NIGHTS.

If I were him, I wouldn't dash over to a packed concert less than 24 hours later, either. Doesn't mean I don't love my members, or my partner, or Styles. It means I'm TIRED and I'm protecting my health and energy.

Especially considering there are appearances on television coming up and god knows what else to promote FACE.

AND FACE IS WHAT WE SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON.

I love you all, but I swear to God, if you give your time and energy to the assholes on the timeline attacking Jikook, you are robbing Jimin of the time and energy you should be giving to voting, streaming, buying, and hyping FACE. Which is what they want. They want to siphon that energy from you. Please don't be stupid.

We are grasping for every INCH of space on the charts up against absolute giants this and next week. It would be different if all of ARMY got behind Jimin 24/7 but you know how many little 7s actually behave when push comes to shove. To say nothing of the antis, mantis, multis, and cult working against him with purpose.

Please don't let this kind of crap sabotage Jimin's hard work. Celebrate the fact that some BTS members got to hang out at a concert, and honor the fact that some BTS members had other things to do.

PLEASE snap out of it and stick to our goals. We can debate Jikook all day long after FACE is safely to bed. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS.

We are in lockdown.

SO LOCK THAT SHIT DOWN.

Love, Roo

[firstdraft]

— FIRST DRAFT writeblr reintroduction

ABOUT ME Hello! I'm Evan, also known as firstdraft or evancetera. As it's been over two years since my last introduction, and my pinned post is woefully out of date, I thought I'd write a new one. I'm also coming off a writeblr hiatus of sorts, and I'm very glad to be back!

So, about me! I'm 32 years old, non-binary, bi & aro/acespec, and my pronouns are they/them or he/him. I'm currently a part-time undergrad student, tentatively majoring in computer science, and I live in Michigan with my family and my cat. I have adhd, depression, and social anxiety, and I get chronic migraines.

LINKS twitter // wattpad // instagram

WORKS IN PROGRESS under the cut

CINDERWITCH Elisabeth Pryce is a witch, a dangerous thing in the kingdom of Vendyer, where magic users are conscripted to join the King’s army. Ell, however, is determined to keep her magic a secret, like her mother did before her untimely death. But when her father remarries, her new stepmother is quick to discover her secret.

The new lady of the house gives Elisabeth a choice. Use her magic for the benefit of her and her daughters, or be turned into the authorities. With her stepmother’s threat hanging over her head, Ell has no choice but to obey. After all, witches who ignore the king’s edict have burned — or worse.

When king holds a masquerade, intending to find a suitable wife for his only son, Ella’s instructions are simple. Attend the ball, dance with the prince, and cast a spell so powerful that he’ll fall in lover one of her stepsisters, making her his bride.

Do this, and Elspeth will be free of her stepmother forever.

All is not well in Llendyr, however, and Elspeth’s task will send her deep into a rebellious conspiracy, where romance is the last thing on her mind. Finally, her powers might be used for good — but at what cost?

BEAUTY'S THORN (working title) It’s been years since Belle managed to escape the monstrous Beast and his enchanted castle, sneaking off into the forest and finding her way home. She’s returned to her sisters and father, but the nightmares have remained, despite doing all she can to make sure that her and her family are now safe.

But when she hears that another girl from her village has gone missing, taken by the Beast, she knows that she has no choice but to save her, returning to stage a daring rescue. But how will she succeed, when the missing girl doesn’t wish to be rescued? Has Belle been wrong about the Beast and his castle the whole time? Or Is there something more sinister than even she imagined, tying them all to the cursed castle?

ICHORBORN One of many apprentice engineers in Londonium, Thaddeus Elliston spends his days elbow deep in engines and gears, and goes home to the boarding house at night too exhausted to enjoy the many pleasures of the city. Unlike his fellow students, Thaddeus has no family or sponsor to pay for his education. If he falls behind, he will be cast out, and his chance at a better life will be gone. Fortunately, he is at the top of his cohort, and one of the most brilliant gearworkers the headmistress has ever seen.

But skill means nothing when compared to wealth. And so, when his jealous classmates start a fight, it is Thaddeus who is expelled.

He believes his life is over until he receives a letter from Dr. Bartholomew Hughes, a reclusive alchemist responsible for the invention of Ichor, the new fuel that runs most modern machinery. With no other options, he agrees to meet Dr. Hughes at his country estate.

What he finds there will change his life forever. 

ARTEMIS RISING Captain Artemis Holt has been in charge of the U.N.I.S. Icarus for the past five years. In orbit over Mars, she’s overseen the transport of scientists and engineers to and from her home planet, and leads the first line of defense for Earth. Not that there are any aliens, or at least, living ones. But the evidence discovered on Mars is irrefutable — alien lifeforms exist. Or at least, they did. All that humanity has found are dead bodies and an untranslatable archive.

But, as the Daedalus Project is about to be shelved, the knowledge there too advanced for humanity to understand, the impossible happens. Millennia-old computers suddenly power up, and the archives are accessible once more.

And ships appear in the sky.

What they discover will shake the galaxy to its core. Someone has been hiding the Earth’s civilization from the rest of the universe, thus ensuring that Earth remained separate. But who is behind it? After all, the Vraekel have been dead for over a millennia.

[criminalmindsgonewrong]

assigning midnights songs to the bau and ships

characters

emily;

anti-hero; did you hear my covert narcissism idisguise as altruism like some kind of congressman, tale as old as time, i wake up screaming from dreaming one day i'll watch as you're leaving and life will lose all its meaning for the last time

would've, could've, should've; all i used to do was pray // i would've stayed on my knees and i damn sure never would've danced with the devil (at fifteen)// if you never touched me, i would've gone along with the righteous // you're a crisis of my faith, would've, could've, should've, if I'd only played it safe // god rest my soul, i miss who i used to be, the tomb won't close, stained glass windows in my mind, i regret you all the time

dear reader; dear reader, get out your map, pick somewhere and just run, dear reader, burn all the files, desert all your past lives, and if you don't recognize yourself, that means you did it right // never take advice from someone who's falling apart // dear reader when you aim at the devil make sure you don't miss // you wouldn't take my word for it if you knew who was talking, if you knew where i was walking, to a house, not a home, all alone

penelope, bejeweled; best believe I'm still bejeweled when I walk in the room, I can still make the whole place shimmer // baby boy, I think I've been too good of a girl, did all the extra credit, then got graded on a curve // what's a girl gonna do? A diamond's gotta shine

jj (about ros or maggie), bigger than the whole sky; ive got a lot to pine about, ive got a lot to live without, im never gonna meet what could've been, would've been, what should've been you // did some force take you because I didn't pray? every single thing to come has turned into ashes // it's all over, it's not meant to be so ill say words I don't believe, goodbye

elle, vigilante shit; and she looks so pretty, driving in your Benz. lately she's been dressing for revenge. she don't start shit, but she can tell you how it ends, don't get sad, get even // someone sweet and kind and fun the lady simply had enough

morgan, karma; i keep my side of the street clean, you wouldn't know what I mean // karma is a god // me and karma vibe like that // don't you know that cash ain't the only price? it's coming back around // ask me what i learned from all those years, ask me what i earned from all those tears // im still here // karma's gonna track you down step by step, town to town

spencer, you're on your own kid; cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned, everything you lose is a step you take, so make the friendship bracelets take the moment and taste it, you've got no reason to be afraid // you're on your own, kid, you always have been

haley, high infidelity; high infidelity, put on your records, and regret me // do you really want to know where I was april 29th? do I really have to chart the constellations in his eyes? // storm coming, good husband, bad omen // at the house lonely, good money // you know there's many different ways that you can kill the one you love, the slowest way is never loving them enough, do you really want to know where i was april 29th? do i really have to tell you how he brought me back to life?

hotchniss;

the great war; all that blood shed, crimson clover, uh-huh, sweet dream was over, my hand was the one you reached for, all throughout the great war // your finger on my hair pin triggers, hold you down on that icy ground, looked up at me with honor and truth, broken and blue, so I called off the troops. that was the night I nearly lost you

labyrinth; it only hurts this much right now was what I was thinking the whole time, breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out, ill be getting over you my whole life// you would break your back to make me break a smile, you know how much I hate that everybody just expects me to bounce back, just like that

mastermind; what if i told you none of it was accidental? and the first night that you saw me, nothing was gonna stop me, i laid the groundwork and then, just like clockwork, the dominoes cascaded in a line // no one wanted to play with me as a little kid so I've been scheming like a criminal ever since to make them love me and make it seem effortless is this the first time I feel the need to confess? and i swear, im only cryptic and machiavellian 'cause i care

jemily:

maroon (emilys perspective); and I chose you, the one I was dancin' with in new york // the burgundy on my tshirt when you splashed your wine onto me and how the blood rushed into my cheeks, so scarlet, it was maroon //sobbin' with your head in your hands ain't that the way shit always ends? // and I wake with your memory over me, that's a real fucking legacy to leave

paris; privacy sign on the door and on my page and on the whole world, romance is not dead if you keep it just yours // i wanna transport you to somewhere the culture's clever confess my truth in swooping sloping cursive letters

snow on the beach (jjs perspective); and it's like snow at the beach, weird but it was beautiful, flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful, you wanting me tonight feels impossible, but it's comin' down, no sound, it's all around // i can't speak, afraid to jinx it. i don't even dare to wish it

glitch; we were supposed to be just friends // i think there's been a glitch, five seconds later, i'm fastening myself to you with a stitch and I'm not even sorry // a  brief interruption, a slight malfunction, id go back to wanting dudes who give nothing, ihought we had no chance and that's romance, let's dance

other ships

willifer, lavendar haze; all they keep asking me is if i'm gonna be your bride the only kinda girl they see is a one night or a wife // im damned if I do give a damn what people say, no deal, the 1950s shit they want from me

hotchniss/willifer/jemily, midnight rain; he was sunshine, i was midnight rain he wanted it comfortable, i wanted that pain, he wanted a bride, i was making my own name, chasing that fame, he stayed the same, all of me changed like midnight // i broke his heart 'cause he was nice // Picture perfect, shiny family, holiday, peppermint candy but for him it's every day // i guess sometimes we all get some kind of haunted

garvez, sweet nothing; they said the end is coming, everyone's up to something, i find myself running home to your sweet nothings, outside they're push and shoving, you're in the kitchen humming, all that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing // to you i can admit that im just too soft for all of it

jeid, question...?;  one thing after another fucking situation, circumstances, miscommunications and I have to say, by the way, i just may like some explanations// did you leave her house in the middle of the night? did you wish you'd put up more of a fight, when she said it was too much? do you wish you could still touch her? it's just a question // half-moon eyes, bad surprise, did you realize, out of time, she was on your mind with some dickhead guy that you saw that night but you were on something

[leahblackk]

New Year’s Day

(not my gif. thanks to whoever made it)

Summary: Spencer is cleaning bottles on new year’s day with his lover.

Warnings: crying and a little bit of anxiety.

Couple: Spencer Reid x fem!reader

Taglist: (it’s been a while since i’ve written so if you wanna be off this list please let me know, and if you wanna join here is the link) @hey-dw, @reidselle, @demigirl2007, @matthew-gray-gubler-lover, @nomajdetective, @doctorspenceryeet, @cance1medaddy

it’s been months since i’ve published a fic and there are so many reasons on why that has happened. but i just needed to write and share this with you. i think this song it’s absolutely beautiful and i just had this thought and had to share it. i hope you like it!! it’s based on New Year’s day by Taylor Swift <3

thanks to @reidselle for being my beta and helping me with errors!!! you’re the best <3

There is glitter on the floor and Spencer looks at his friends with a smile while most of them, - to not say all of them-, are drunk, some are chill drunks, and some of them just sit there and stare at the void, like Luke Alvez who has been staring at his own shoes for the last twenty minutes, and some others are crazy drunk, like Morgan who is trying to strip and dance to Savannah while their child is running off with the other kids.

Spencer seems content with himself, he never knew a new year's day would be full of fun. He recalled the last few days, where he and his wife had been cooking the meal the team devoured in half an hour. They hosted the party at their house this time, and Spencer was looking forward to the next time. It was the first time he hosted a party, and the first time he had someone whom he so lovingly called his wife there to help him.

He looks around the room. His family, complete and whole, is there. Of course, there are some faces he missed, such as Gideon and Elle. He went and visited his mum a few days earlier, he went with his wife and he was happy to see how well they got along. His mom was talking about some stories she unknowingly already told Y/n yet she still had that surprised and excited face to hear it all over again. That's one of the things he loved about her most.

His cheeks still blushed when his mom told the embarrassing stories about his childhood, and Y/n still laughed at him while her nose slightly scrunched from laughing. He loved that little nose scrunch. He really loved all of her.

Then, they went grocery shopping for things they were gonna need for dinner, the dinner they were gonna serve to a room full of FBI agents. He didn't think he'd be as domestic as he is now. He laughed at her when she was buying snacks for them.

One day before new years day, they found themselves in the kitchen, cooking with soft music in the background while he followed her rules. Bring this, bring that, mix this, put this. He kinda liked how bossy his wife got when it came to cooking. He just bit his lip, nodded, and followed her around like a lost puppy.

“So I mix it like that?” he asked. He knew he was doing it wrong, but he just wanted her to correct him.

She sighed and chuckled a little, “No, love. You have to do it a little bit faster. Come here, I'll show you,” she said, making a motion with her hands.

She didn't know what he was doing, and Spencer just couldn't stop smiling while she explained and moved his hands around to show him, “Oh okay, I think I got it,” he lied. She nodded and watched him. This time, he did it correctly. And while he was mixing, she was watching. She took the time to appreciate how his beautiful curls went in front of his face, his little blushed cheeks from all the movement he was doing, and his sleeves on his arms. He looked hot.

She also watched the little spark his ring made when it made contact with the light. She couldn't believe he got to marry that beautiful man beside her.

He noticed her staring, and he smiled softly at her. The warmth on her face rose up, feeling hot suddenly. She was caught by her husband, and she felt like a schoolgirl again.

On New Year’s Night, they put some decorations around the house, some glittery ones that they would regret later because it will be difficult to remove from the floor. They received their friends with welcoming hugs into their household, and they looked around and sat. He helped her to get some drinks for them, he in fact told her to sit down, he didn't want her moving around too much but she was stubborn and he liked it.

“No more drinks for Derek,” she said strolling inside the kitchen. He chuckled lightly while he took the glasses out of her hands.

“How are you feeling?” he checked on her.

“Good, these heels are killing me though,” she looked down at her, a movement Spencer also followed. He chuckled again.

“You should take them off then, angel,” he said. Even though he knew she wasn't gonna do it.

“Nah it's fine I just-” she tried to explain, but a loud noise coming from the living room made them turn around.

“Sorry!” Derek said in the background. She shook her head while Spencer smiled and rubbed her back.

“I'll clean it up,” he whispered, kissing her head and rubbing her back lightly to then walk to where the mess was. Just some glass on the floor.

“Sorry man I just… they didn't let me walk past,” he drunkenly explained.

Spencer shook his head, “Oh, I'm sure they did,” he smiled, “No more drinks for you however.”

“No man that's not fair. It was their fault, not me!” He tried to explain.

“No more drinks,” Spencer repeated.

Sadly there were more drinks for Morgan that night.

The girls carried their shoes as they couldn't bear to wear them anymore. Y/n was there with them, the only one with her shoes still on her feet. She listened to how they were telling her how beautiful she looked. Y/n just shook her head and chuckled, then scanned with her eyes looking for husband. It was almost midnight and she was expecting to be there with him.

“Oh, Y/n I think you and Spencer should have baby geniuses already,” drunk Emily said. She shook her head and chuckled.

“You, my friend, are very drunk.”

“Yes I know! But that doesnt mean I don't know what I'm talking about,” she explained. All the other girls nodded.

“Okay, when Spencer and I have babies, you'll be the first one to know,” she joked.

“As it should be,” Penelope said.

Savannah and Y/n shared a look and laughed lightly, them two being the only ones not drunk.

Spencer came behind his wife, she, just feeling his scent looked back at him, she smiled, “Almost midnight,” he smiled. She nodded and grabbed his hand, she said goodbye to the girls and they stared at both of them.

“Damn, they look good together,” Pen mentioned. All of them agreed.

They knew Spencer wasn't gonna end up alone as he so well thought, but they never knew he would find his missing puzzle piece, until they met her. He fits with her perfectly and he has never been happier.

Spencer and Y/n walked to the little balcony they had, she trembled a little as she was sleeveless in the cold. Spencer pushed her closer to him, opening his cardigan and making her wrap her arms around him, covering her up with his cardigan. She chuckled a little.

They were waiting patiently for the countdown and fireworks to start. Truth to be told, neither of them liked fireworks. Spencer was annoyed at the noise they made and her as well, but she knew that animals and people were gonna get scared at the loud sound they made, yet, she wanted a kiss like in the movies, and so did he. They wanted to kiss at midnight with the fireworks, it was one of the things they both saw in romantic comedies and wanted to try.

He rubbed her back feeling her anxious heart beating, “It's okay love. We don't have to do it if you don't want to,” he whispered, kissing her head.

“No, I want to,” she said, “It's just that to think-” she shook her head.

“I know. It's gonna be okay,” he promised.

She nodded because she believed him. She always did.

10

Spencer continued to rub her back and kiss her head softly and sweetly whispering encouragement.

9

Y/n wrapped her arms around him tightly.

8

Spencer looked down at the love of his life feeling grateful to have her in his arms.

7

They think of all those people who couldn't be there with them for one reason or another.

6

They thanked the universe for being together that year.

5

They asked for more years to be together.

4

They wished well for all the other people in the world.

3

She looked up at Spencer with a smile. Feeling complete to have him there. To have them there.

2

She opened her mouth to speak.

1

“I'm pregnant,” she said with a smile.

The fireworks started, alluding to how Spencer felt inside. She said it, didn't she? He heard correctly?

He couldn't even hear the fireworks, he could see the lights in the sky. They didn't even kiss, they didn't kiss at the countdown. Spencer leaned his head down then, cupping her face and kissing her with all the love he had in his heart. He didn't care about the fireworks, or the strong sound or their friends inside hugging each other. He was complete in her arms right there, right then.

“Did I hear correctly? Is it true?” he spoke. She nodded, and Spencer felt like crying.

Some tears, came down his eyes. He was… He… He didn't have words.

She hugged him as he buried his face in her neck and cried, they both cried.

He felt complete, she felt complete. They were complete.

Their little moment was interrupted by their friends opening the balcony door and going to hug their friends, laughing and saying stuff neither of them understood.

Spencer pulled away, he didn't want to share the news yet. He wanted it to be all to themselves for a little moment. So they made an agreement with their eyes, and went and hugged their friends.

A few hours later, they were hugging their friends again but saying their goodbyes. Closing the door as Morgan didn't want to leave, Spencer turned around and dropped to his knees.

“What are you doing?” She chuckled a little, running her hands through his hair.

“I… I want to talk to them, can i?” he asked, She nodded and he pulled her closer by her waist. He started softly kissing her belly, and she was playing with his hair, “Hello… hello there baby. It's your daddy,” Spencer said with a huge smile and a few tears, “That was your family, I really want you to meet them soon. I bet they will love you as much as we do,” he said looking up. He stands up and cups her face once more, kissing her, kissing her with all the love he felt, “Thank you for giving me a family. There is no better way to start this new year than with this,” he said, caressing her belly.

“Thank you for sharing it with me,” she said and looked around their house, “We have to clean up this mess though,” she chuckled.

Spencer looked around, glitter on the floor after the party, bottles to clean up, and mess to pick up, he shook his head, “I'll do it, you need to rest,” he said.

She shook her head, there it was. her stubbornness again, “No, I wanna help.”

He nodded knowing there was no way he would win that fight. They cleaned up, Y/n picking up the trash and the bottles and putting them in the kitchen, while Spencer moved the furniture around to clean up the glitter.

After that, they both moved to the kitchen, washing dishes and cleaning up bottles. There was a soft piano song in the background, as they were listening to soft music before the team left. Spencer hummed softly as he moved around. He looked at her, she was humming along.

“Would you like to dance with me?” he asked, stretching his hand for hers. She put the cloth on the counter and took his hand. He made her spin, and she laughed. He smiled, he liked that sound.

He pulled her closer by the waist and hugged her, burying his face in her neck. He couldn't believe he was dancing at midnight on new years day with his wife, who was pregnant. It felt like a dream and he feared he might just wake.

He hugged her tighter, burying his face deeper and deeper. She rubbed his back, and felt a few warm tears on her shoulder followed by fainted sobs. She frowned and tried to pull away to see him, to see what was wrong but Spencer only held her tighter, “Please don't ever become a stranger whose laugh I could recognize anywhere,” he whispered. His voice breaks and sobs out.

She felt her heart squeeze, “What's wrong?” she whispered, concerned.

“I just…,” he sighed, “ This is too good to be true. I'm too happy, I feel complete and I don't want it to end. I don't want it to become just a memory. I fear that- that everything will end or it's not real. What if I'm dreaming and I have to wake up alone again? In my bed, without you by my side,” he sobbed again.

She felt the tears coming down her eyes, “I promise you this is real. I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere. I will stay if it's hard, or wrong, or we're making mistakes,” she promised.

“What if you wake up one day and I am not the person you fell in love with?” he said, “What if I forget you, or our baby one day?” he feared. Pulling away slightly, she saw his face, red, his eyes full of tears and with fear in them.

She cupped his face just like he did moments ago, “No, that's not gonna happen. You are always gonna be the person I fell in love with, the person I married. And if one day you forget us, we have the memories for you to hold onto. I'll make you remember us again,” she said.

He nodded, “I'm sorry for ruining our-” she stopped him.

“You haven't ruined anything,” she reassured, wiping his tears away, “I promise you, you haven't ruined anything. Fear is a common thing my love, anxiety is. Stop blaming or apologizing for being human.”

He nodded again, and pressed his nose against hers, with their forehead together, “I love you,” he whispered, closing his eyes.

“You and me forevermore.”

[astaroth1357]

Demigod MC Series: Dionysus

Hey y’all, sorry for going dark! I’m alright, almost completely recovered in fact! I just got so sleepy while my body was fighting stuff off and couldn’t really work up the energy to write... Still going to be spotty for a short time, but I’m glad to have gotten this done. See ya soon!

Demigod MC Series: Intro, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hades, Dionysus

Lucifer

Well, this mortal stumbled out of the portal covered in glitter, body paint, and carrying a red solo cup… which they proceeded to stare at like, "'ell sshhit… Thiz iz sum stron s'uff…"

First impressions were not on their side here.

He spent a depressingly long amount of time more or less assuming that the MC was a drunken f-up and spent the first few months trying to make them more… presentable.

But like… How do you stop someone from acting like a drunk fool when they can turn any drink they touch alcoholic???

For months they would show up to meetings buzzed or stumbling, all smiles and all giggles but HORRIBLY unprofessional, and he just couldn't stand it!

But then he found out their little secret…

Assassination threats befall the exchange students all the time. Most of them are dealt with quickly but some (through skill or dumb luck) manage to slip through...

He had been walking with the MC through their new vineyard in the House's courtyard, yet again trying to lecture them about their drunken behavior, when suddenly the two were ambushed!

Ten or so heavily armored demons dropped down from the sky to attack them! Lucifer was so preoccupied that he got cornered by three of them and it took him a hot minute to destroy them.

When he looked back at the mortal (who had been fighting a 1-on-7) he was certain they'd have been kidnapped or worse…

But he saw that they had already cut down two attackers with their weapon with ease. The other five were rolling in the dirt, babbling about inexplicable terrors and imaginary pain as their minds succumbed to madness…

Meanwhile, the MC just stood in the middle of it all with the icy glare of someone who’s just revealed how stone-cold sober they've always been under the surface...

When they turned back to him, they put their usual ditzy smile back on over the tormented wails of the demons around them...

MC: Whoopsie… Gotta little mad there. 🙂

He uh… took a big ol'step off their back after that. Surprisingly, they're more pleasant (and less dangerous) "drunk" than they are sober…

Mammon

Oh HELL yeah!! Lucifer actually gave him a mortal that knows how to party!!

Admittedly, they looked like utter trash when they first met, like, "Hey, I've been at this party since DAWN" trash, but they gave him one good look and pulled together a surprisingly hot smile.

MC: "-ey yer cute… Ya like strip poker?"

Spoken like someone else who also makes shit decisions… They were going to get along just fine!

And they did. The MC to him was that one friend that's always down for anything. Just anything. Whenever. Wherever.

He wants to try sneaking into Lucifer's room to steal stuff? Sure, what time?

He wants to take a mattress and see if he can ride it down the grand staircase of the palace? Alright, we bringin' pillows too?

He needs to set up another scheme that's gotta involve live rats and box of tiny hats and monocles?? That's oddly specific but count them in!!

Sometimes he honestly can't tell if they're laid back or just crave chaos... but it works out fine for him either way so who cares? 🤷‍♀️

And if you think normal Mammon is a pain in the ass for Lucifer? Check out drunk Mammon. All the same urges but literally none of the (marginal) competence!!

At one point, the eldest ended up stringing both Mammon and the MC from the ceiling after they both barged into his office looking for Goldie… while he was still in there… watching them wander around aimlessly calling out for a piece of plastic like it was a missing puppy…

They end up together on the ceiling a lot come to think of it, but hey, at least now he has some company. 😌

Leviathan

Thinks they're the most normal normie to have ever normed on this normie planet!!!

No, seriously. They're a billion times worse than Asmo!! All they want to do is go to parties and drink all the time! What kind of use is he to someone like that??

… That being said they ARE pretty fun to be around… And their sake is WAY better than anything he could get off Akuzon!!

They also like karaoke too! So at least he has someone else to go with (even if they get so drunk they can’t remember any lyrics and just belt barely coherent discount Mariah Carey vocals behind him...)

Of course, the real fun between these two is everybody else getting to watch a couple of the Devildom's sloppiest drunks attempt to communicate with each other…

Levi: MMM-*hic*-MCCC…!!! *throws himself at them from across the bar*

MC: What Leviachan??? 😨 Did the chair kick you off?!

Levi: Nooo! *pokes their cheek* I wanna-I wanna tell you sometin'...! *tries pulling them closer*

MC: Whaa? Secrets?? *leans in eagerly*

Levi: Mammon used all ma money on’a pyramid scheme a thou-zand years ago… AND HE STILL WON'T PAY ME BAAA-!!! 😭😭 *starts shaking them violently*

MC: *getting flung around like a limp noodle* Waaaat?! Nooo!!! I'm so sowwy!! 😢

Mammon: *watching it all go down right next to him* 😑 Ya guys need some water… I'm cuttin' ya off, got it?

MC: 😱 Shut yer whore mouth, criminal!! *starts pelting him with pretzel bites*

Levi: 😤 Yah!! *joins in*

Good thing he's a shut-in, because the hangovers he gets after those escapades are unreal…

Satan

A little concerned for their liver, honestly… How much damage have they already done to the poor thing...?

But at the same time, he'll be damned if they don't make some utterly fantastic wine!

Alcokinesis wasn't a power he would have pegged a demigod to have but apparently the great art of making drinks comes from their godly DNA.

When they first met, he was trying to get the MC to act less slovenly but made the mistake of agreeing to a wager: he'd let them dress however they pleased if they could give him the BEST drink he'd ever tasted.

Now, Satan isn't a huge drinker (thank you terrible alcohol tolerance), but he's still a man of fine tastes. Plus, he's sampled Demonus from Diavolo royal stock before. They should not have won…

But on that day, he had to let them go to RAD in a pink blanket toga... 😑 Their wine is just THAT good.

He hates to admit it, but they've gotten him drunk more times than he could probably count too… He's not a huge fan of clubbing with them and the others, but if they bring over a bottle from their vineyard he just can't resist. They're a master of their craft, truly.

And it's a good thing he likes their drinks so much, because if they called him, "Kitty-boy," when he's sober, he may have just become a sour grape himself…

They also may or may not have copious amounts of blackmail material of him either meowing between sentences, sobbing over some fictional character he likes, pole dancing on dares….

Yeah, he's been trying to destroy their phone for months now. If Lucifer were to see ANY of that, he's done for… 😣

He has also been meaning to ask them about other aspects of their abilities, their father is also the God of Madness after all, but anytime he tries to bring it up they shove another glass in his hand and tell him not to kill the mood...

Eh. What's the harm in having another drink, right? 🤷‍♀️

Asmodeus 

Honey. He's MET Dionysus. He's been to a Dio-party or two and they're INSANE. He could not be more thrilled by this!!!

He practically scooped them up on the first night that they were in the House and it’s practically been a nonstop rave between these two ever since. They’re like the party twin he never knew he needed!!

He absolutely abuses their ability to turn pretty much any drink they touch into alcohol at clubs. It makes the nights so much easier on the wallet PLUS it makes an excellent little party trick to impress the succubi! Who doesn’t want a free drink? 😏

And can he just say that their drinks are better? Just flat out amazing! If it weren’t so unhealthy he’d consider drinking nothing but their booze and wine for the rest of his days, Satan’s certainly getting close to it.

But little does Satan know, he’s not even getting the GOOD stuff...

There’s the normal wine: grapes picked from the vineyard, hand squeezed, then magically helped through the fermenting process. But their real good stuff? They were given enchanted oak barrels from their father and anything that comes out of those is worth starting a WAR over. 😩

He knows, because he gifted an extra bottle to Diavolo once and Barbs came to him the very next day demanding to know what vineyard had produced it with the look of man willing to annex a small nation...

Asmo had to beg Lucifer to talk to Diavolo after the butler more or less kidnapped the MC back to the Castle… Devil knows even Barbs wouldn’t ever be able to reproduce their wine, so they could have been locked there for eternity!!

Thankfully, he got his party-buddy back and their debauchery continued! (Just now with Barbatos following them around sometimes like he’s trying to gather state secrets... It’s an impossible task but he hasn’t given up yet, bless his black heart.)

Beelzebub

He isn't much bothered by their carefree nature, at least they seem to be having fun with his family which he appreciates. 🙂

To be honest, though, he nearly ate them when they first met because they smell like freshly peeled grapes… and for good reason.

By their third day at the House they had (somehow) planted and cultivated a full on vineyard in the courtyard. Hell, the wall growing to their bedroom balcony was covered in grapevines!! Always ripe and completely healthy in defiance of the lack of sun... Whatever magic they used was strong.

And, of course, their grapes were also delicious! Easily among the best fruits he's ever tasted! Every cluster is ridiculously plump, juicy, and sweet like little droplets of pure Heaven… 🤤

When their fruit first ripened, the MC came out with a basket to collect some only to find Beel had gouged himself on over half of their crop!!!

… which may have been why he got snared up on one of the courtyard walls by pissed off grapevines... Even with all his strength, he couldn't break through them and had to wait for Lucifer to cut him down… 😔 

From then on, Beel was pretty much the pesky rabbit to the MC's harvest. They had to set up traps and magical barriers to keep him from their precious grapes…!! Which inevitably meant one of his brothers had to come rescue him from their furious vines at least once a week... 🙄

SOMETIMES, the MC will bring him along to help harvest with them with the deal that he can have an extra basket for however many he helps them pick. But the second he takes a bite he shouldn't, it’s back on the wall!

Out of the vineyard, they're nice enough. But put some grapes between these two and they're mortal enemies… STOP messing with their plants, Beel!! 😤

Belphegor 

So… this drunken fool is supposed to get him out of the attic? Never mind, this is never going to work…

He was SEVERELY underwhelmed when the "human" finally made it up the steps. This was who they decided to bring for their exchange program? They seemed like they could barely stand!

Naturally, he figured all the better for him. They probably wouldn't even last that long! 

Some poor, incompetent human falling victim to a demon out there? Diavolo's reputation would in tatters and he wouldn't even have to lift a finger! (His favorite way of doing things really 😌).

But… they just kept coming back? Like. Nothing was killing them….! How guarded were they keeping this moron?? 

Or… maybe it was something else?

Sure, the MC seemed like a drunken idiot but there were times when he'd swear that they were just… too aware to be sloshed…

MC: *suddenly stops smiling at him mid-conversation and looks him in the eye* You tilt your head when you lie. You know that?

How can someone so cheerful ALSO be so unnerving…?

So really, he should have seen their sudden heel-turn after they opened the door coming. There he was, fully intending to take them by surprise and choke them after a hug…

...and they knocked him down, climbed onto his back like a spider monkey, and rode him around like a bucking bull using his horns like handlebars!!

It wouldn’t have been AS humiliating if they didn’t also keep shouting things like "Giddiyap!" And "Yee-haw!!"

It took him a whole month to be sure that any and all footage of that nightmare was erased and he STILL hates the MC quite a bit for it…. But he's too scared to attack them now, so…

The lesson here? It's not a fair fight when one side’s crazy... 😔😒

[gryffindors-weasley]

It’s Always Been You

Young!Sirius Black x Reader

Summary: Your first kiss with Sirius.

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: fluff, mentions of smoking, kissing

Prompt: “I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

A/N: This is my fic for bestie elle’s @sunrisefairy 2k writing challenge. Ilysm congratulations bestie you deserve the world <3

That moment. It was that moment that you knew something was missing, rather someone. Things didn’t feel quite so bright or quite so full of energy, the room didn’t feel quite the same. It was void of the liveliness only one person in particular could bring. Maybe it’s just because he’s your best friend and you’re his, maybe it’s just because you can’t be found more than a few feet from each other almost all the time. Maybe, you weren’t quite sure. But it wasn’t hard to figure out that Sirius had wandered off elsewhere.

It was a small get-together, close family and closer friends, all joined together in celebration for James and Lily’s wedding a few days out. The small Potter residence had bustled with jovial energy, one radiating the kind of love that keeps a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart. The record player had been sounding in the background to the lighthearted conversation, leaving open the opportunity for James to get people up and dancing. But you knew better than to believe James even needed music to be able to do that. He was captivating and chaotic, the kind of energy that lit up any room.

But it wasn’t hard to realize the very absence of the one you’d spent the entire evening thinking about, the one who’d had you on his mind just as much as you did.

It wasn’t long before you excused yourself and wandered through the kitchen, knowing just where he’d be without second thought. You twisted the brass knob to the door, the metal cool to the touch as you pulled it open. The music carried, loud enough to filter outside, muffled and upbeat in contrast to the quiet of the evening.

What had grabbed your attention first was the ever distinct smell of smoke, most telling to who it was you’d been looking for. It brought your gaze to the mess of raven hair you longed to see since the moment you saw he’d gone missing, Sirius sat comfortably on the hood of Mr. Potter’s car as a cigarette rested loosely between his lips. A pair of brightly colored sunglasses pushed his hair back as they sat atop his head, his knee bent as his foot rested pressed to the very edge of the car’s hood.

The softest of smiles pulled at your lips at the sight of him, head tilted as you made your way over.

His hair is a mess from what you can see, without a doubt from the amount of times he runs his hands through it. But the moment you suggested a haircut as a mere joke, he was adamant that that was never going to happen much to your delight.

“I knew you’d run off to be broody by yourself,” you jest, your words having him turn his head as a smile pulls at his lips. “And you left me to fend for myself.”

“Or maybe I just knew you’d come find me,” he says, flashing you a smile before he takes another puff of his cigarette, dropping it to the ground and stomping on it with the tip of his tattered old converse.

“Is that so?” You inquire, watching as his lips quirk up in a smile.

“Yeah, it is.” You roll your eyes, earning yourself a nudge with his shoe. “Did you miss me?”

You shake your head then, nudging him back as you purse your lips to stifle back your grin. You did. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I believe that’s all I know how to be,” he says, smiling as he tips his head back and closes his eyes, the shoulder length tresses of his hair falling back and dangling freely as the breeze sifts through it.

“That just might be the truest thing you’ve ever said,” you tease, and he peeks an eye open at you as his smile disappears in favor of a frown that was nothing but for show.

“Harsh coming from the most ridiculous person I know,” he counters, his smile returning as he braces himself for the feel of your swat on his shoulder.

“Maybe I’ll just go back inside,” you say with a teasing smile, one he sees immediately when he opens his eyes to meet your gaze. “From the sounds of it James is bound to start dancing any minute now.”

It was true. The moment any ABBA song comes on, any place and any time, that is more than an open invitation for James Potter to take full advantage. Anyone and everyone in the vicinity will bear witness to just any kind of dance he’s got up his sleeve, lighting the room up with his presence.

But you didn’t want to go back inside, not really. Straying too far from him meant you were only bound to wander back—it’s just how the two of you were. Even if the party and the source of entertainment had been just feet away in a sweet little home full of people that’d become important in your life, you felt you had what you needed right here.

In a backyard of slightly overgrown grass with sprouts of wildflowers and the heat of the summer evening that was less than desirable, it didn’t matter. He had what he needed too.

“Dance with me?” He asks, simple as his brow raised and the corner of his mouth quirks up.

The question had you frozen in place for a moment, but only just that. You spin around once to hide the giddiness of your smile, a small bit awkward as you try your hardest to stave off the happiness bursting within you in that moment. But it didn’t matter. You could be as stoic as ever and Sirius could read you like a book, that much was certain. But still, you put the effort in anyway.

“Why do I feel like you’ve been dying to ask me that?” You say, trying desperately to take the attention off of you as you grabbed his outstretched hand.

“Maybe I have,” he shrugs, tugging you closer as your laughter rings out, cheerful and sweet.

He can’t help but chuckle to himself when you stumble and step on his toes, because every time you’ve ever danced with him, you’d do that very thing without fail. He can’t bring himself to mind it, not with the way it has you grinning the way you do and it’s all because of him.

He doesn’t know how that’s quite possible, to be the source of your happiness. You’re wonderful and warm, the embodiment of sunshine and all the good the world has to offer. He feels he’s forever the opposite of that, like the sun and the moon, yet somehow it’s him that has you seemingly at your happiest, and he can’t help the confused bliss that sweeps over him at that knowledge. He’s an open book with you, but he finds himself keeping that one little thing he cherishes to himself.

“Just why is it that you came out here?” You ask, tugging at the ends of his hair in lighthearted fun as your arms wrapped around his neck.

You watch the smile on his lips widen, beaming and bright as he looks away for a moment. He was dangerously close to making a fool out of himself and he knew it, but it didn’t seem to matter. He was a fool, but he wanted to be your fool. To be in love, to feel so certain about something, to feel so strongly was something utterly terrifying and thrilling all the same. To be so sure that you were the very person he was in love with was something he knew with all the certainty in the world even if he knew there was a chance things could go wrong.

But in that moment, he didn’t care for most anything else other than the way you were looking at him like he was the best thing in the strange little world you share.

“I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

Your lips parted and your eyes widened a fraction, something followed shortly by a smile and then a laugh, soft and sweet and something that sent a whirlwind of emotions to spin around in his mind.

“I reveal this kind of top secret information, and you laugh at me?” He scoffs in faux offense, the corner of his mouth quirking upwards as he rolls his eyes with a grin reserved just for you.

“Because, Sirius Black, do you wish to know why I am laughing?” You ask, snagging the shades from the top of his head and sitting them on the bridge of your nose.

“Yes, Y/n. Do enlighten me, love,” he says, amused curiosity in his every word.

You could feel your cheeks burn in that moment under the fondness of his gaze, the tips of his fingers tracing across your skin and over the curve of your ear. A million and one thoughts are racing through your mind faster than your heart has been beating in your chest, the opportunity having presented itself for you to say just how you feel for him. He was all ears to the words that would tumble from your lips, whatever they may be. You just have to say them.

His hand fell to slide down your arm and settle within your own hand, his grip calloused and warm as you stand seemingly frozen in time. Your heart had been doing somersaults and your stomach twisted with excitement and nervousness from the words sitting heavy on your tongue. The bout of cheery laughter streaming outside from the house bought you a few seconds time to stand there just a little bit longer, but it was just that, a few seconds.

“Because, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

His smile brightens, his own laugh falling from his lips as he pushes the obnoxiously orange sunglasses up from your eyes to rest on the top of your head, his forehead resting on yours.

“Sirius, I pour my heart out to you, and you laugh at me?” You jest softly, mimicking his earlier reaction.

The quiet of his laughter fans warmly across your lips, your nose bumping his with the sheer closeness of the proximity you shared. Relief settled over your heart and your stomach ran wild with butterflies, your lips mere centimeters apart as your smiles remained as tender as they’d always been towards one another, as sweet as they’d always been.

Your lips brushed over his, electrifying and faint all in one, the simplest of touches with the most profound of meanings nonetheless.

“Does this mean you love me?” He whispers, softer than soft as traces of his vulnerability seep in, his eyes fluttering closed.

“Yeah,” you whisper, feeling his smile brush against your lips. “It does.”

You tip your head back lightly and lean on your toes, closing the remaining bit of space that was left as you kissed him. His lips tasted of smoke and the cherry cola he’d been drinking on, his hand was warm as it pressed lightly to your cheek, and you were positive he felt the heat radiating from your skin but he hadn’t said anything of it. Too caught up in the bliss soaring through him.

The arm that rested around your waist had tightened its hold, his hand dropping from your face to accompany it as he kissed you just a few moments longer. The squeeze of his arms around you had you stumbling back some, the shades falling from your head and your laughter pressing into his lips.

In that moment he feels he’s come to a certain realization. It’s always been you.

—

Tags: @nancybycrs @amourtentiaa @snitches-at-dawn @dracosathenaeum @harrysweasleys @awritingtree @writeroutoftime @medalloway-blog @vicouscirce @mon4907

[yikesharringrove]

“Salutatorian.”

Nancy slammed her backpack down onto the floor, moving to slide her way onto the counter.

“I’m, sorry?” Jonathan just shook his head at Steve.

They both had been coming to hang out with him and Robin at Family Video most days after school, shooting the shit until Keith showed up and found something to ell at Steve about.

“I got class salutatorian.”

“Is that like, Spanish for something?” She rolled her eyes at Steve.

“It means, that I’m not the valedictorian. Somebody else has a higher academic ranking than I do.”

“Oh.” Steve had barely graduated, just about scraped by. “So, the saluda-the one you are, that’s like, the second smartest person in the school?”

“I just want to know who it is,” she kept plowing on, ignoring Steve.

Robin pushed her way out of the back, holding a box of tapes for shelving. Nancy’s eyes lit up.

“Is it you?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Are you valedictorian?”

“Oh, I got myself into the top 10% and stayed put.” Steve took the box from her arms.

He didn’t really wanna talk about this.

Everyone in his life is way smarter than he is.

It’s not like, hard to see, Billy makes the same clever references as the little genius kids do, Jonathan gets high and goes off for hours about philosophy and ethics of anarchy, but Nancy coming in here, all mad about only being ranked number 2 in their class, well, Steve’s class rank still haunts him.

He whacked the tapes back into their spots, trying to tune out all the noise around him.

So he didn’t hear when the bell above the door jingled the sound of a new customer.

There were just thick arms around him, and a nose buried in his neck.

“You smell good.” He relaxed into Billy’s arms, turning his head to awkwardly press a kiss to his temple.

“Thanks, I took a shower today.”

“Yeah? Tell me about it.” Steve rolled his eyes as Billy pulled back, leaning against the shelf. “What’s got Little Miss Perfect all riled up? Usually she just kinda ignores me, but she like, actually glared at me when I came in.”

Nancy was not Billy’s biggest fan.

He thought it was hilarious and would flirt with her mom right in front of her.

“She’s pissed ‘cause she’s only the second smartest person in the whole world. She was informed today that she’s the salutationarian. Or whatever the fuck it is.”

A sharp grin spread slowly over Billy’s face.

“She’s salutatorian?”

“Yeah, and apparently she’s been banking on being, the other one. She’s trying to figure out who beat her to it.” Billy followed Steve back to the counter when he had finished restocking the tapes.

“You got any plans tonight, Stever?” Steve just looked blankly at Billy where he was leaning over the counter, his elbows propped up and his fingers laced together, his chin resting on top. Friday night was their night, they always did something. “I’m thinkin’ you and me go to the city. Celebrate a little.”

“Oh, yeah? What are we celebrating?”

“Well, I had a nice chat with the principle today.” He spread his arms, pushing out his chest. “You’re looking at the Hawkins Highs class of ‘86 valedictorian.”

Nancy looked like she’d swallowed a lemon.

“You’re valedictorian?” He winked at her. “No way. There’s no way.”

“Yeah? Why not?”

“You can’t have better grades than I do.”

“Six out of eight of my classes are advanced placement. And I’m a straight-A student. Have been since the sixth grade.” Nancy’s face was steadily going red. “Plus, they take into account extracurriculars and shit. I’m on two teams and the poli-sci club.”

The “political science club” was started by a few theater kids Steve’s sophomore year. Robin and Billy were both in it, and apparently it was a thinly veiled queer club.

“We have a political science club?”

“It’s not what you think it is,” Robin added quickly. Nancy wasn’t paying attention, just looked like she was gonna explode.

“I can’t believe this. I work my whole life for this, and you-”

“You think I didn’t work hard? You think this was a fluke?”

“Frankly, yes, I do.”

“Say that to my near-perfect S.A.T. scores, then. The ones I got without a tutor or a fucking class.” Nancy slid off the counter, grabbing her backpack from the floor.

“Well, I got into Yale.”

“And I got into Harvard.”

She snarled. Billy had only applied on a whim, told Steve I wanted to see if I could get in. And then he did. It made Steve equal parts proud of Billy and ashamed of himself.

But Billy had always had his heart set on Cal Poly, and had gotten a full-ride.

He had asked Steve to come with him.

They were leaving in August.

Steve still hadn’t figured out how to tell everyone.

“You’re a douchebag,” Nancy said through gritted teeth.

“Doesn’t make me any less smarter than you.”

Steve opened his mouth, ready to de-escalate whatever was about to happen next. He wouldn’t put it past Nancy to throw a punch or two.

But it didn’t matter, because Nancy was grumbling under her breath, muttering the words meathead asshole and piece of shit jock and valedictorian? More like valeDICK under her breath. 

She slammed open the door on her way out, Jonathan trailing after her.

Billy smiled brightly at Steve.

“You know, I was planning on not accepting. They’ll make me speak at graduation and I wasn’t even gonna go to that. But now, I gotta.”

“Honestly, it’d make her more mad if you refused it, because then she would probably be given the role, but she’d hate it because she’d know she only got it because you refused.”

“Harrington, you devious little fucker.” Billy smiled at him for a moment, his face slipping a bit. “Just, you know, fuck her for thinking I don’t work hard. You know how difficult it is to study while you’re trying to distract me?”

Whenever Billy was studying at his house, Steve usually got bored real quick of not having Billy’s attention.

So typically, he would get naked and wait until Billy did something about it.

“You get to look at me naked almost daily. People would kill for that privilege.”

“Don’t tempt me, Harrington. I’d absolutely slaughter for that ass a’ yours.” Billy grinned deviously at Steve. Steve winked back.

Robin had her lips pursed as Billy leaned back over the counter, getting as close as he could to Steve without just climbing right on it.

“Whadaya say, Harrington? We celebratin’?”

Steve leaned in as well, nearly pressing nose to nose with Billy.

“Oh, I’ve got some ideas. After all, gotta really treat my super smart boyfriend.” He pecked Billy once on the cheek, swooping back up to standing. “Be back at eight?”

“That when you get off?”

“You too, if you’re lucky.”

Robin wretched while Billy’s eyes went bright. He knocked once on the counter, beginning to walk backwards out the door.

“See you then, Sugar.”

“See you then, Valedictorian.”

[leossmoonn]

Baby’s First White Christmas [Spencer Reid]

masterlist 

pairing - spencer reid x fem!reader

type - fluff

note - because its the holidays, i have decided to get back to writing our favorite pretty boy, spencer reid. enjoy!

summary - you and spencer’s baby of 9 months get to experience their first christmas at a party with your friends

warnings - mild language 

————

*gif isn't mine*  (also like pretty unrelated to the story but hes cute so)

“Are we ready, baby and baby?” Spencer asked, looking at you and your child. 

“Yep!” You smiled excitedly. You looked to the baby in your arms and bounced. “This is your first Christmas, baby!”

The little baby boy gurgled, giving you a big smile. You couldn't help but giggle at the little joy of life in your arms. 

A knock on the door sounded, which forced you to tear your eyes away from the baby. You went to open the door, but Spencer cut you off. 

“Let me do it, honey,” Spencer said. You smiled at him. Even though it was 9 months since you’ve given birth, Spencer still didn’t let you do the littlest of things. It was the sweetest thing, but sometimes it got a little excessive. You knew he meant well, though. 

As he opened the door, Penelope Garcia and Derek Morgan came into view. 

“Hi!” Penelope was the first out to talk. She smiled big and went inside immediately, hugging Spencer, then turning her attention to you. 

“Is that? Oh?” Penelope stared at the baby, awe-struck. 

“Yep! This is baby Jason,” you smiled. Jason reached out for Penelope and started to babble. 

“Hi,” Jason spoke. 

Penelope and Derek awed. 

“He is adorable,” Derek smiled. “Thank you. Spencer takes all the credit for the amazing genes,” you smiled at your husband. 

Spencer rolled his eyes with a smile. “Technically it’s, uh, half of us, but it's all you, babe.”

“So, he can talk?” Penelope asked. “Not like, full sentences. He knows “momma”, “daddy”, “hi”, “no”, and “bye”,” you explained. 

“Wow, a true genius like his dad,” Derek clapped Spencer on the back. 

“Thanks, Derek,” Spencer said sheepishly. 

“Oh, he can crawl a little, too!” You exclaimed. 

“Oh! Can we see?” Penelope asked. She was putting her fingers in front of the baby, babbling with him. 

“Let’s wait until everyone gets here, yeah?” You suggested. “Sure, no problem,” Derek smiled.

Penelope looked at you and your husband. “Oh, you two look amazing! You still have that after-birth glow.”

You blushed, “Thank you, Pen. You two look fabulous, as well!”

Penelope giggled, “We have gifts!”

Spencer sighed, “You guys shouldn’t have. We got you guys gifts, too, anyways.”

Penelope snickered. She got out her purse and handed you a small red box, and Spencer a medium-sized gift bag. Derek had his gifts behind his back. He had a big Christmas bag that shared both your gifts. 

“Oh, thank you so much!” You smiled, side-hugging the two guests.

“It's not issue,” Derek smiled. “Here, I’ll put them by the tree. You guys come in, make yourselves at home!” Spencer said while taking the gifts from your hands. 

You backed away, making room for Derek and Penelope to take off their shoes and coats. As they hung their coats up, more people started to arrive. You saw Hotch with Jack, Alex Blake, and JJ with Will and Henry.

“Hi, guys!” You exclaimed. 

“Hey!” JJ and Alex smiled. You all did a group hug.  “Come in, come in! Get comfy,” you said. 

“Hi, boys,” you smiled at Hotch and Will. 

“Hey, Y/n,” Hotch smiled. You gave him a side-hug, and did the same with Will. 

“How have you been?” You asked. 

“Good. Busy,” Hotch smiled. “We’ve been good. Henry has kept us busy,” Will smiled, patting his kid’s shoulder. 

“Oh, same for Jason. Hi, Henry, Jack!” You smiled and the little kids. 

“Hi, Aunt Y/n!” They smiled up at you. “We have some cookies and hot cocoa if you want them,” you said. 

“Dad, can I go?” Henry looked up at Will. “Yeah, go ahead. Don’t make a mess!”

Henry giggled and ran over to the kitchen. Jack looked up to Hotch, to which he replied with a smile and a nod. Jack followed Henry into the kitchen.

“Is this Jason?” Hotch asked, looking at the babbling baby in your arms. 

“Yep! Say “hi”, Jace!” You said. 

Jason looked at Will and Hotch with wide eyes. He smiled at them, which earned a chuckle from the men. 

“Adorable,” Will smiled. “Oh, we know,” you chuckled. 

Alex and JJ came back over. 

“Sorry! We were putting our presents by the tree,” JJ smiled. “Guys! Don’t spend money on us! Unless it's for Jason, of course,” you smiled.

“Pretty sure most of them are for Jason,” Alex shrugged and smiled. 

You chuckled. “Ah, I'm so glad all of you us are here.”

“Um, no! I’m here!”

You all looked to the door and gasped. There, was Emily Prentiss.

“Emily!” You exclaimed. 

You went over to her, giving her a big, tight side-hug. 

“Hey, Y/n!” Emily smiled and hugged you back. 

Emily pulled back and hugged everyone else, a big smile on her face. 

“H-How? What?” You asked, beyond confused and surprised. 

“Spencer called,” Emily said, smiling to your husband who was walking over. 

“Yep. I knew you missed her. We all have,” Spencer smiled and planted a kiss on your cheek. 

You never worked with Spencer, but you had always been close with his co-works. When Elle left, Emily quickly came. You were heartbroken that Elle left. You two had had an amazing friendship, but she had to leave for personal reason. Then, Emily came and you two quickly formed a bond. Emily had a leave a year or two ago, leaving you sad and missing your best friend. Thanks to your amazing husband, she was able to stay for the weekend for Christmas. 

“You are a God sent,” you smiled and leaned over to kiss your husband’s lips. Spencer kissed you back sweetly before pulling away. 

“I missed you, but I definitely haven’t missed the PDA,” Emily snorted.  “I second that,” Alex smirked. 

You rolled your eyes. “Ha-ha. Oh! Meet baby Jason!”

You presented your baby to them. 

“Hi,” Jason spoke, smiling at everyone. 

“Oh! He’s darling!” Alex exclaimed. 

“Reminds me of Henry,” JJ pouted. 

“So adorable. You guys did it!” Emily smiled. 

You thanked everyone. “Yep, we did! Where’s Pen and Derek?”

“Over here!”  You turned around, seeing that Penelope made holiday drinks. 

“We have alcoholic eggnog for the adults and apple cider and virgin eggnog for the other adults and children!” Penelope exclaimed. 

“Thank you, Pen,” you chuckled and went over. You took a glass of virgin eggnog for you and Spencer. 

“Aw, you guys aren’t gonna drink?” Penelope said. 

“I have a baby!” You said, bouncing Jason up and down. 

“Hm, your loss,” Penelope chuckled. 

“Do you guys want to see Jason crawl?” “Yes!” Everyone answered. 

“Thank God, my arm is getting tired,” you chuckled. 

You and Spencer went to the living room, everyone following. You set Jason down on the blankets you always had laid out for him. You got on your knees, ready to get Jason if anything were to happen. 

Jason looked around and spotted his toy elephant, to which he started to crawl to. Everyone awed loudly.

“He’s 9 months, right?” Emily asked. 

“Yep,” you smiled proudly. 

“Wow, and he can already crawl?” Alex asked.

“Well, by this time they are usually excepted to crawl. Enjoy this time, Y/n. Soon they’ll be running around and you’ll be trying to catch them,” JJ said. 

“Oh, don’t remind me about him getting older!” You exclaimed, crawling over to Jason who had his elephant in his mouth. 

“Wanna go in your playpen, bubs?” You asked the baby. Spencer came over and scooped him up, planting a kiss on the baby's head. You watched with a love-filled look as Spencer played airplane with the baby, setting Jason in his playpen. Spencer put pillows on the corners of the pen, giving Jason few toys to plan with. 

“Alright, you should be set for a while, buddy,” Spencer said, patting his son’s head. 

“Well, anyone ready for dinner?” You asked. 

“Yes!”

You smiled and went over to the kitchen, pulling out the casseroles, turkey, and rolls that were being kept in the oven to stay warm. Spencer and Penelope helped you set everything out. Soon, you all were sitting on the couch or dining table, eating and conversing. 

“Your house looks amazing, guys,” JJ said, taking a sip of her alcoholic eggnog. 

“Yes! You guys are couple goals!” Penelope sang out. 

You chuckled, leaning against Spencer. “Thank you, it means a lot. It’s taken a while to get here.”

You smiled at Spencer, who gave you a kiss on the cheek. “Yep.”

“Gah! Okay, I need to take a group picture!” Penelope exclaimed. “Guys, get over here!”

Hotch, Derek, and Will came over with their kids. Spencer went over and got Jason out of his crib. He left to go change his diaper, quickly returning back. You had located the tripod, Penelope putting her camera in it. 

“Ready!” Penelope exclaimed. You went in-between Spencer and Emily, putting your arm around both of them. You all smiled as the camera flashed a couple times. 

“Great! I will send these all to you,” Penelope said, taking her camera and putting it in her purse. 

“Yay!” You giggled. You looked to the window, your eyes widening. Even though it was dark outside, you could see the snow that was falling from the sky.

“Spence! Spence! It’s snowing! Jace, do you see that! It’s snowing!” You cooed at your baby. 

“Woah!” Spencer exclaimed and walked over to the window. 

“Can we go out so Jason can see the snow?” You asked.  “Sure,” Spencer nodded. You all got your coats on, dressing Jason up in layers. You all went outside of your house, stepping in the already snow-filled ground. 

“This is snow, baby! This is your first white Christmas!” You smiled at Jason, ticking his chin with your finger. 

“Let me get a picture of the happy family!” Penelope said. 

You stood next to Spencer, holding Jason close and smiling. Penelope took the picture, walking away to review her work. 

You and Spencer looked up at the star-filled sky. You looked at Spencer and Jason, smiling contently. 

“We did it, baby,” you said to Spencer. 

Spencer looked to you and smiled, giving you a sweet kiss on the lips. “Yeah, we did.”

————

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[katytheinspiredworkaholic]

I’ve been rewatching CM and god, what I wouldn’t give for them to bring TG back for this revival. I haven’t even watched seasons 12-15 yet because I’m in denial about him being gone 😭😭😩

omg I haven't watched it either xD I've been holding off watching s11e22, The Storm, for like a month I swear. Which, I know is going to be amazing but I also have heard it's the beginning of the end and I'm not readyyyyyyy.

I would give anything for TG to come back. A n y t h i n g. But idk what CBS feels is the appropriate amount of time to be blacklisted or whatever the hell they did 🤷‍♀️ despite how it would be so easy to write him back in, and the missed opportunities is already making my skin crawl.

Okay. This was going to be a quick answer, but I've been THINKING about this way more than I should lately, without ever having watched 12-15 but I feel like I know enough, and with all the projects I'm going to be finishing/starting soon I know I won’t have time to do anything with my ideas. So I'm just going to type this little beginning I have plotted out and maybe one day I'll make it into the fic I want it to be:

(I know you didn't ask for a hc/blurb thing but surprise you get one xD)

CW: Spoilers for season 11-15 that are probably inaccurate af, fighting, violence, bit of blood and injuries talk, some profanity. 

-

((I legit have this all plotted out like a full season, and picture everything as shots and scenes and I know exactly how I would want to bring Hotch back.))

-

It would start in a small suburban town in Indiana, legit white-picket fence, middle of nowhere, off the grid town. With the most pedestrian name ever, we might as well call it Mayberry. Typical weekend morning, bright green grass and trees and summer sunshine lighting it all up, they still get papers delivered it’s that picturesque. And it’ll pan to all sorts of people on this street of nice, two-story houses, and finally zero in on not the man picking up his paper from his front porch, but the jogger slowing down that the man calls to next door, calling him a name we’ve never heard before -- but the jogger answers with that dark eyed squint and a nod... and it is Aaron Hotchner. Or the man who used to be Aaron Hotchner. He hasn’t gone by that name in years, WITSEC provided him and Jack with new ones.

His house isn’t even really decorated like a home, he’s been in enough over the years to know tell-tale signs of what a happy home should entail. Photographs, memorabilia, nostalgia tucked away in corners -- they don’t have that. He has a couple of photographs he keeps in his office, the only two in inconspicuous view being a photo of Haley and Jack when he was two years old, and a photo of his team the day he completed the FBI triathlon and they all showed up to support him. Everything else of their old life is in boxes in a storage facility in downtown D.C., under another false name that can never be linked back to them. 

Mr. Scratch was a poor excuse for why he and Jack were still under WITSEC, but he hopes near daily that it was enough of a reason that no one would question why he didn’t return once that monster was dead. That no one smart enough to read between the lines would go digging for more reasons, or worse -- try to find him -- and they pictured him living a happy retirement very similar to the charade he is living now. 

But Aaron Hotchner was never meant for retirement. No matter how easy and simple his days have been the past few years. It was only a matter of time. 

He walks through his home that looks more like the insides of a Home Living magazine, to his kitchen which is bright and spacious and tiled white that he knows Haley would have loved, getting a glass of water from the sink and chugging it all in one go. It isn’t until he’s getting a second glass that he hears it. The faucet was supposed to have masked any disturbance, they were careful in when they moved, how they placed their feet, the slowness of the their approach -- but not enough.

Hotch keeps his shoulders relaxed, his spine still ram-rod straight but that’s just how he stands and it keeps tension ready at a moment’s notice. Keeps him on alert, which he needs as he takes slower sips of water and lets all his other sense shift to a heightened awareness. Knows this house like the back of his hand, even if he’s never allowed himself to consider it home, so he knows which floorboards creak and where all the furniture is strategically placed. Always prepared for something like this to happen, even if he never imagined someone would be so bold. 

Their mistake.

With a careful tick of his head, peripherals his only guidance, he strikes before the intruder gets to. An iron grip and momentum that propels their face into the metal of the sink basin, shocking them that what their file was so misleading about their target. Retired FBI agent, almost 60 years old, living in Pleasantville with a picket fence and a vegetable garden. This should have been easy. The intruder is stunned by the blow, attempts a quick recovery where they lash out and get a few good body shots into the older man -- but he’s built like a brick wall, can take a blow and give it back twice as hard -- a few more precise hits and another crack of their face to the sink that shatters the bridge of their nose leaves the attacker slumping to the floor. 

“You didn’t do your research,” Hotch tells them, breathing a little heavy, opening up a drawer usually deemed for junk and pulls out zipties and an ancient looking cell phone buried deep at the back. “Sloppy. I expected more from him.” 

The attacker kicks out Hotch’s knees in a fit of rage (at having his skill set insulted so), leaving them both crashing to the floor. They grapple and fight a bit more, knocking dishes from the counters and pots and pans to the floor from the grill top island, but Hotch is so well-trained in take downs he gets the slighter man pinned with only a split lip and a single hitch in breath. He barely broke a sweat. Knocks the guy out clean, two solid punches to his face, and he stops because he knows better. Has been there before, and they need to question whoever was sent to his house to kill him. 

He’s barely off the floor, the intruder binded and stuck in a corner when Jack walks in from early morning soccer practice. Takes one look at the kitchen, his dad with blood in the corner of his mouth, and the guy all in black bound by zipties and already knows what happened. Sixteen, nearly as tall as his father now, he looks only mildly worried for all of two seconds until he sees that his dad has an old flip cell phone held up to his good ear, awaiting a connection with their handler in Indianapolis. 

“... Does this mean we get to go home?” 

The shot would pan back to Hotch, and he wouldn’t answer him, just tells the person on the phone to ‘patch him through, they have a situation’, and there would be no very obvious look in answer to Jack’s question. But all of us who know him, know the subtle changes in expression and the slight softening to that stern frown, knows what his reply would have been.

-

The very next scene would be the BAU. JJ and Emily walking at a brisk pace covering a debrief, since they basically run the department now. Everyone has been called in, everyone, retired and moved away and even the ones who cut all ties have been contacted. JJ has just gotten off the phone with Elle, who is working as a liaison in Rome and assured her that if anyone showed up in her home to attack her that they would be leaving in a body bag. But she appreciated the heads up. 

In the bullpen it’s more like a family reunion than anything. Garcia has just gotten off the elevators, a flurry of color and blonde curls and bright as ever, Morgan and Savannah are trying to corral Hank and the twins (both girls and pure chaos now that they can walk) while still making introductions with the new team and their families, and asking if Reid or Rossi know anything about what’s going on as JJ gets there and asks for everyone’s attention. 

“Not everyone is here yet, Kate and her family are on their way from upstate, Will’s getting the boys from school, and Alex and her husband are on a plane, but we need to get started as soon as possible.”

“What’s is going on, JJ?” Morgan asks, passing off one of the twins to Penelope who is in full baby fever mode despite what is obviously a very bad circumstance that has brought them all together. It’s a juxtaposition that has put everyone on edge. It doesn’t help when JJ and Emily look at each other as if in confirmation, trying to decide who is going to tell them.

“Okay, that doesn’t inspire confidence,” Rossi points out. “What happened?”

Emily sighs and makes a gesture for JJ to take the floor, since she has been on point for most of this.

The bull pen is silent in anticipation.

“Earlier this morning, Hotch was attacked in his home in Indiana,” she says, and whatever anyone thought was going on -- that wasn’t it. The shock across the room is like a bomb has detonated.

Rossi curses something out in Italian, looking down, and JJ immediately realizes how this all sounds. But doesn’t even get to backtrack as Reid looks completely devastated and Garcia like she’s about to cry and everyone else starts shouting questions at her. 

“What happened to Jack?”

“How did they even find him? What the fuck is wrong with WITSEC?!”

“Is he okay?” asks Tara, the only intellectual who can see the panic now blooming on JJ’s face.

“Yes, yes! He’s okay, sorry, no -- Hotch is fine. The guy who tried to kill him... not so much, but he should be conscious soon so they can question him.” 

“Jesus Christ, JJ,” Morgan says looking like he just aged ten years in the past 30 seconds. “Lead with that.”

“Sorry, I’m sorry. He’s okay, Jack is okay, they’ve been picked up. But... there’s a lot we need to be filled in on,” she admits, which quiets the room once more. “Apparently, the WITSEC had nothing to do with Mr. Scratch. There’s something much bigger and more dangerous going on, and he went under to keep us all safe. As well as himself, and Jack.” 

“What is it?”

JJ makes a gesture with her hands splayed as she looks a little lost. “I only know bare bones, we have to wait to hear the specifics and get everyone somewhere safe.” 

“You think we’re going to trust WICSEC after this?!”

Emily intervenes this time, “We have a plan, or... Hotch has a plan, I think. We’re just learning about everything as we go, he’s really the one that knows the most about it.”

“Then where is he?” Morgan speaks up again. “If he’s been pulled out, and we’re all in danger, why isn’t he here explaining this to us himself?” 

It’s a good question, and everyone looks expectantly at the two women leading the informal briefing. 

“Will he come back at all?” Reid asks, speaking up for the first time. It’s been years, that’s a long time to rethink a life like the BAU, and everything it entails.

JJ takes a deep breath. “He’s... in--”

“Out-processing.” 

Hotch is at the back of the room. Everyone turns to him, even JJ and Emily look surprised to see him so soon.  ((But we all know the CM cinematography love that kind of return shot, so I’m catering to it. For situational parallels if nothing else. Imagine the gif sets.))

“I pushed it as fast as they could go, but WITSEC always drags their feet.” The familiar drone, dry barely-there-humor, breaks whatever spell that had been over the room at the sight of the old Unit Chief. Disbelief and relief and stunned surprise litter every expression, and although Penelope looks like the first to say something, her words change course just as she opens her mouth. Because  Hotch is still in civilian clothes, a duffle-bag over his shoulder he used as a go-bag for decades, and beside him with a bag of his own with messy dirty blonde hair is--

“Oh my God, is that Jack!?” she near sobs, the teenager smiling at her in a way that looks so much like Haley, and she goes to hug him first with the boy meeting her halfway. “You’re so tall! And so grown up, look at you!” There’s definitely tears and the team converges on the Hotchners all at once. Reid hugs Hotch first, as tight and bone-crushing as that night in Atlanta all those years ago, followed soon after by Rossi who looks like he might shake the man but just hugs him tight and plants an absurdly embarrassing kiss on his cheek that finally cracks Hotch’s expression into something like a smile. Everyone hugs, everyone, Savannah calls him Aaron instead of Hotch because that was how he’d introduced himself all those years ago, the twins wave shyly and he shakes hands with the newer members that never got to meet him but have heard very tall tales about him for years and years. 

(And y’all, it would be the best damn scene and I would sob like a baby watching it.)

Morgan would be the one that would hold back and let the others go first, but it would also be the most profound when Hotch goes to shake his hand and the other man uses that to pull him into a tight hug of his own. 

“I’m glad you can still hold your own,” he’ll tease with nearly no heat behind it. Hotch hears it for the caring that it is.

“Like hell I would let that happen twice in my own home,” he assures him. 

Everyone settles down, and Emily leads some finer points of what’s going to happen with everyone in the next few hours. Days. Weeks, even, because there’s no knowing what is going to happen next. Hotch observes her, and there HAS to be a shot where she glances over to him and they share a look of understanding -- because she is Unit Chief now, and he approves of what he sees. 

But she turns the floor over to him, and Hotch explains what’s going on.

((I’m going to leave the finer points out about the case and the unsub, mostly because I haven’t finished ironing them out yet and I hope once I watch the remaining season I will be able to much more easily))

But at SOME POINT in the briefing, when Hotch is explaining what happened with the assassin in his home and how he apprehended him, and Emily maybe interjects with the injuries sustained and that they are still waiting for the man to regain consciousness. Penelope will 100% lean over to where Jack is sitting beside her and say without flinching, “Your dad is such a bad ass.”

((I also plan on bringing up Reid was in prison in this scene but it will be more humorous than anything because of Hotch’s reaction, stay tuned on that one. Again I’m not there yet))

((and where I’m taking them is also a secret because I need to do research and it will be so damn cool, but Hotch has everything completely planned out -- like he does. Goes as far as asking the few who question him “Secure enough for you?” when he drops where they will be staying and the protection they will have. Full blown mic drop moment.))

“So gather all of your belongings that you have here. Secure pets and homes, call the kid’s schools, whatever you need to do,” Hotch informs them, stepping back into his old shoes as team leader without even meaning to. But no one tells him to stop. “We need to be in the air ASAP, the jet is being prepped as we speak so we need to move on this.”

He leaves it at that, and everyone doesn’t move. Watching, waiting, smirking a little bit (Penelope, maybe even Reid), until he gives in.

“Wheels up in 30.”

Garcia giggles so much she near cackles with it. “Oh, I just got goosebumps!” And by Emily’s smirk and Morgan’s shared grin with Reid, a million watts between them, everyone is up and moving and pulling out cell phones to get their affairs in order.

Rossi sidles up to Hotch at that point, also openly smirking that they got him to say those four time-honored words. “Welcome back, Aaron.”

And Hotch, well -- he looks around the room at the family he had to leave behind without any hope of seeing them again, and feels every hardened edge in his face and demeanor soften. Before he looks to Dave and tells him what’s been going through his head ever since he walked back through the doors of the BAU.

“It’s good to be home.”

((END SCENE))

[guardianofrivendell]

Stranger Danger

Modern!Kíli x reader

Requested: Yes! @roosliefje asked "Can you maybe write a modern Kíli story, with you being friends but there might be something more?”

Warnings: nothing much, miscommunication maybe and oh yeah... an unwanted guest! I feel like this trope has been used a lot but who cares :)

A/N: Oh my God, @roosliefje I am SO SORRY! You requested this months ago and I seriously thought I posted it, I had this written for you and everything. It was when I was editing my masterlist that a little voice in my head asked where the ‘unwanted guest’ fic was... So here you go! I didn’t check it - might do that later - and it’s probably not as well written as my current work (oh look at me being modest) because I wrote this in september (I like to think I grew a lot as a writer since then)

Kíli sighed while wiping the sweat of his forehead with the hem of his shirt. 

He really needed to clean his apartment more often, so he wouldn’t have this much work when he finally did it. He groaned, realizing he sounded just like his brother. And no, that wasn’t a good thing.  

Of course, he hadn’t done this just because he felt like cleaning. No, Kíli wasn’t that responsible. If he did something, it was because he had a good reason. And that reason happened to be you, the friend he might have had a little crush on. A tiny little, barely existing one.  

You had made countless remarks about the state of his apartment and how messy he was. But what can he say? Kíli just wasn’t the domestic type. He could live perfectly fine and content between piles of laundry and dirty dishes. Why wash a shirt or clean a plate when you still had other shirts and plates left to use?  

But since you were that type of person that had everything in its place and cleaned almost every day, he was willing to do a little more effort. Maybe that way you would visit him more often... 

He tossed his dirty shirt into the laundry basket - See? He could do this! - and walked to his bathroom to take a well-deserved shower. 

When he turned on the water, he heard his phone ping. Realizing he had left it on the dinner table, he shrugged his shoulders and stepped into the shower. It probably was his brother Fíli. It could wait until after his shower.  

When he walked into the living room ten minutes later, rubbing his wet hair with a towel and wearing nothing but a pair of grey sweatpants, he heard his phone ping again. 

He unlocked the screen and saw 4 messages and one missed call from you, the tone of every message growing more desperate. 

9:23 pm – Kee, are you home?

9:24 pm – Could you come over?

9:27 pm – PLEASE COME OVER

9:30 pm – You have 1 missed call from Y/N

9:32 pm – HELP! 

He immediately dialed your number. 

Please be okay, please be okay, he thought while hearing the familiar beeping. He cursed heavily when it turned on voicemail.  

He dialed your number again and sprinted to his bedroom to get dressed. He put his phone on speaker and tossed it on his bed, so he could dig through his drawers in search of a clean shirt.

To his relief, you answered this time. Great, he thought, at least you weren’t dead. But what he heard, didn’t put his mind at ease. On the contrary… 

“Kíli?”

“Y/N? Oh thank God, are you okay? What’s wrong?” he asked while pulling his shirt over his head.

“Shhh! Stop yelling, he might hear you,” you whispered.  

He? He grabbed his phone and held it to his ear. 

“Is there someone with you? Is it your ex?” he whispered, the color slowly draining from his face at the thought of you being alone with your aggressive ex. 

“He came out of nowhere! I thought I knocked him out with my frying pan but a couple of minutes later he was gone. He’s somewhere here, but I don’t know where. I’m scared, Kee!”

Your voice broke in the last sentence and so did Kíli.  

“I’m on my way,” he said, determined to end whoever had the guts to break into your apartment and scare you to death. 

Sure, it would’ve been smart if he had alerted the police or even his brother Fíli instead, but that thought didn’t even cross Kíli’s mind.

Kíli halted mid-step when it hit him. You called him. 

You were in danger and the first one you called was him. His chest swelled at the thought.   You called him for help and he was going to be your knight in shining armor. 

He ran through the streets and reached your building in record time. Taking the stairs two at a time he bolted to the second floor.

He stood in front of your door, panting like crazy.  From inside the apartment he could hear shouting and the clattering of kitchenware being thrown around.  He took the plate with the house number and turned it sideways, so he could take the spare key out of the hole in the wall.  He’d made fun of you when you had shown him your hiding spot, but now he praised whoever was in charge up there that you had.

When he entered the apartment, he closed the door and quickly scanned the hallway and living room.  You were in your kitchen, he could hear your yelling. 

“Take this!”

The sound of a plate being thrown to the ground echoed through the apartment. 

“GET AWAY FROM ME!” 

A chair fell over, and Kíli could hear you whimpering in fear. He looked around for something he could use as a weapon. Grabbing a small bronze statue, he silently walked towards the open kitchen door. 

“Get away from her!” he yelled, raising the statue above his head, ready to throw it at whoever was threatening you. 

He widened his eyes at the sight before him.  

Several chairs were toppled over, there were shards scattered over the floor together with some various kitchen items you’d clearly used as ammo. And then there was you, crouched down on your kitchen table.

But to his surprise you were alone.  

“Kíli? Oh thank God you’re here,” you sighed in relief.

He lowered the statue, slowly walking towards the table.  

“Where did he go?” he asked you, still clutching the statue. You pointed towards your stove.

“There!”

He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Come again?” 

At that moment, a huge wolf spider crawled from underneath the stove and made his way to the kitchen door.

You screamed. “Kill it! KILL IT!” 

When Kíli realized you were talking about a spider all along, he roared with laughter. 

“Don’t you dare laugh at me, Kíli! Please just kill the damn thi-aaaaaah!”  

You screamed again when the wolf spider decided to go in the direction of the kitchen table. Kíli took a glass out of the cupboard and used it to catch the spider. He went to the living room and took a magazine, shoved it under the glass and took the spider outside to set it free.  

When he returned to the kitchen, he took your hand and helped you get off the table, his signature grin still plastered on his face. 

“It’s gone now, you’re safe,” he smirked. 

“Don’t look at me like that. You’ve seen it yourself, he was huge!”

“First of all, it’s an ‘it’, not a ‘he’-”

“You don’t know that,” you interrupted him. 

“Let me finish,” he continued, picking up the chairs and he pushed at your shoulders to make you sit down. “Secondly, don’t you ever scare me like that again okay?”

“Scare you? I thought I was the one being scared?”

“I thought your ex or some other criminal had broken into your home. You really made it sound like that, Y/N…” Kíli rubbed his face with his hands. “God, I was so worried.”

“You were worried about me?” you repeated, eyes wide. 

“Of course I was, you’re my friend aren’t you?” Kíli noticed your cheeks flush. You looked adorable.

“Yeah… friends. Of course!” you murmured softly. 

“Friends come to each other’s rescue,” he smiled, flexing his muscles. 

“Ah yes, my knight in shining armor… but without the armor.” You rolled your eyes. “So, since you came all the way here and acted all heroic, I need to thank you with… pizza?”

“Only if we’re watching a movie. My choice!”

“Deal!” You got up from your chair and ordered two pizzas.

When you sat together on the couch half an hour later, with your pizza between you, you leaned towards Kíli and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. 

Kíli immediately went red, his hand brushing over the spot where you kissed him.  

“What was that for?” 

Not that he complained, but he didn’t want to read too much into it. 

“Saving me,” you answered, eyes locked on the tv screen.

“Anytime Y/N…” He rubbed his cheek softly, the place where you kissed him still tingling. “Anytime…”

Kíli taglist: @elles-writing 

Permanent taglist: @roosliefje @kata1803 @entishramblings @artsywaterlily @sleepy-daydream-in-a-rose @marvelschriss @kumqu4t @myrin1234 @dark-angel-is-back @the-fandoms-georgie @lathalea @xxbyimm​ @sokkasdarling​ @katethewriter​

[nickjunesource]

Full article below.

Max Minghella is sitting in his backyard in the LA sunshine, his t-shirt an homage to the French filmmaker Mia Hansen-Løve, his adopted shepherd mix, Rhye, excited by the approach of a package courier.

“You okay, sweetheart?” he asks — the dog, not me — tenderly.

Minghella, who at 35 has dozens of screen credits to his name, is best known as The Handmaid’s Tale’s cunning chauffeur Nick Blaine, a character who it’s difficult to imagine saying sweetheart. In airless Gilead, of course, a cautious hand graze with Elisabeth Moss’ June can pass for a big romantic gesture. In a Season 1 episode featuring child separation and hospital infant abduction, Nick’s major contribution is to trade stolen glances with a sex slave while “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” pumps discordantly along. I ask Minghella about playing the series’ closest approximation to a dreamy male lead against the show’s dark narrative of female subjugation.

“I know this is not the answer you want to hear,” Minghella says with none of Nick’s hesitation. “But I like that stuff, right? In the pilot, I think Nick only had a handful of lines. It wasn't clear that this is what the character would turn into. And it's quite fortunate for me personally, because I'm not a massively sort of intellectual person in my real life. I love Fifty Shades of Grey. That's like my Star Wars. It suits me to play a character like him.”

Minghella surmises that this enduring romanticism is an outcome of nurture. His father, the late British director Anthony Minghella, made grand romantic dramas like Cold Mountain and The English Patient. And there was the young, cinema-mad Max sitting on the living room sofa, absorbing everything. “It’s taken me a long time to understand this,” he says of his prolonged childhood exposure to love stories. “My dad made The English Patient when I was 10. So it was two years of watching the dailies to that movie and then watching 50 cuts of it. And then [The Talented Mr.] Ripley he made when I was 13, and it was the same thing.” These were an adolescent Max Minghella’s alternative to reruns. “I think they did shape my perspective on the world in a lot of ways, specifically The English Patient. That was a complicated love story, and I wonder sometimes how much it's affected my psychology.”

Some sons rebel; others resemble. Minghella’s co-star O-T Fagbenle, who plays June’s other lover from before the time of Gilead, got his first job acting in Anthony Minghella’s romantic crime film Breaking and Entering. “Anthony is one the kindest, most beautiful men that I've ever had the privilege of working with before,” Fagbenle says. “And Max has his gorgeous, sensitive, open-minded soul.”

Though Minghella spent his childhood on the set of The Talented Mr. Ripley, playing an uncredited Confederate soldier role in Cold Mountain, and tooling around with a Super-8 camera Matt Damon gave him, he insists his upbringing was normal. He grew up in South Hill Park overlooking Hampstead Heath in London with his father and mother, the choreographer Carolyn Choa. (Minghella also has a half-sister, Hannah Minghella, who is now a film executive.) Yes, technically, it was London, but that’s not how it seemed. “I feel like I grew up in a very small town. Every school I went to was in Hampstead. I was born in Hampstead,” Minghella says of the small map dot of his life before university. “When I went to New York, I felt I was going to the big city.”

Despite his illustrious surname, movie-watching was far from restricted to the classics. “Beverly Hills Cop is definitely the movie I remember having an unhealthy obsession with. I think I saw it when I was 5 for the first time, and I'd watch it just two or three times a day for years. I'm just obsessed with it.”

Plenty of actors can trace their love of movies back to a love of stories, but for Minghella the relationship seems to flow in reverse. When he left for Columbia University, Minghella opted to study history for its connection, through storytelling, to film. It was during the summers between his years of college that he started taking acting more seriously. Before his graduation, he’d already appeared in Syriana, starring Damon and George Clooney. Soon, he’d make a splash as Divya Narendra in The Social Network in 2010 and be cast in Clooney’s Ides of March. As all young actors eventually must, Minghella moved to Los Angeles.

It’s been over a decade since he last lived on the Heath, but, perhaps unusually for a person who’s chosen his profession, Minghella is adamantly not a “shapeshifter,” in his words. Home for Christmas this year, he started sifting through old journals stored at his mother’s house, “just like scraps of writing from when I was extremely young up through my teenage years,” before coming to America. “It was hilarious to me,” Minghella says of staring at his childhood reflection. “My review of a movie at 7 years old is pretty much what my review of a movie at 35 will be. My taste hasn't changed much. And when I sort of love something, I do tend to continue to love it.”

Which brings us back to his enduring love of romance, born of his bloodline, which is all over Minghella’s own 2018 directorial debut. Teen Spirit is a hazily lit film about a teenage girl from the Isle of Wight — the remote British island where Max’s father Anthony was born — who enters a local X-Factor-style singing competition. (It stars Minghella’s rumored girlfriend of several years, Elle Fanning.) The story is small, but its crescendos are epic.

Minghella calls the movie — an ode to the power of the pop anthem — “embarrassingly Max.” Max loves a good music-driven movie trailer — he’s watched the one for Top Gun: Maverick “many” times. And Max loves the rhythmic beats of sports movies like Friday Night Lights. Max loves movies with excesses of female energy, like Spring Breakers. He likens Teen Spirit to an experiment, his answer to the question, “Can I take all these things that I love and find a structure that can hold them?” The result is a touching “hodgepodge” of Minghella’s fascinations, inspired by the songs from another thing he loves: Robyn’s 2010 album Body Talk (itself a dance-pop meditation on love).

Minghella hasn’t directed any films since, but he sees now how making movies fits his personality — organized, impatient — more organically than starring in them does. Directing also helped him to appreciate that acting is “much harder than I was giving it credit for,” which, in turn, has made him like it more. Besides The Handmaid’s Tale currently airing on Hulu, Minghella appears in Spiral, the ninth installment in the Saw horror franchise and, from where I’m sitting, at least, a departure.

“I do like horror movies, but the thing that was really kind of magical is that I was feeling so nostalgic, right? We talked about Beverly Hills Cop earlier. I was just missing a certain kind of movie,” Minghella explains of his new role as Chris Rock’s detective partner. He was yearning for simple story-telling, like in the buddy cop movies of his youth, especially 48 Hours. It almost goes without saying that a buddy cop movie is another kind of love story. “And then I read the script and it was very much in that vein.” He clarifies: “I mean, it's also extremely Saw. It's very much a horror movie.”

His renewed excitement for acting translated onto The Handmaid’s Tale set, too. Veteran Hollywood producer Warren Littlefield describes casting Minghella in the role of Nick as an effortless choice: “Sometimes you agonize over things. [Casting Minghella] was instantly clear to me, and everyone agreed.” Now in its fourth season, the tone of the Hulu hit is graver than ever. Gilead is more desperate to maintain its rule, and so more audacious in its violence. Perhaps it’s fitting that the show’s romantic gestures finally match that scale.

In one particularly soaring moment, Elisabeth Moss’ June and Minghella’s Nick meet at the center of a bridge and crush into a long kiss. It’s been two seasons since they held their newborn daughter together, and it’s hard to see how this isn’t their last goodbye. Littlefield, like Minghella, is here for the romance among the rubble. “It's spectacular when they come together. In the middle of all of the trauma is this epic love story,” he says. “Max is just magnificent in the role.”

For Minghella, the satisfaction is more personal. He works with good people, he likes his scenes, and he thinks Nick is a complex character. Minghella read The Handmaid’s Tale for the first time in college in 2005. Like all the things Minghella has ever liked, he still likes it. He’s as proud of this most recent season as he is the show’s first. And he watched Nick and June race recklessly back to each other across the expanse of the screen exactly how you might expect. “I watched it like a fan girl.”

[hd-cluefest]

H/D Clue Fest Masterlist

Cluefest Headquarters are finally unveiling the investigators of our cases. But before we do that, we want to thank each and every one of you that contributed to making this fest such a huge success, be it as a writer, podficcer, reader, listener, or reblogger and reccer. You wrote the most amazing fics, brought fics to life with your voice, and gave our creators lots of love with kudos, comments etc.  Fair warning: This post will be very long because we couldn’t control ourselves and made reveal banners. We would say we’re sorry, but we must not tell lies.

0430, T, 8.7k

Author: daughter_of_nemesis/@daughter-of-nemesis 

Harry disappears at exactly 04:30 in the morning. Hermione and Ron intend to figure out why. And Pansy's certain has something to do with Draco.

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A Hogwarts Detective Mystery, E, 19.3k

Author: ActorPotter/@actorpotter 

Harry returns to Hogwarts for his Eighth Year with Ron and Hermione after defending Draco Malfoy at his trial over the summer. Malfoy has returned too...but he's acting incredibly suspicious. So, naturally, Harry decides to stalk-er-follow him when he leaves the Eighth Year Common Room after hours one evening. It turns out that Malfoy has noticed something is amiss at Hogwarts, and he and Harry must work together to solve a mystery of disappearing portraits, randomly changing house colours on uniforms, and the Gryffindor Common Room suddenly appearing in the dungeons. What is happening to the castle? Will self-appointed detectives Harry and Draco discover what secrets are lying within the walls of Hogwarts...and their hearts?

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A House on Fire, E, 8.4k

Author: p1013/@p1013

For the last five years, Auror Draco Malfoy has walked into his office with hardly a glance at the illusioned window taking up the back wall. It looks out over an imagined London, a perfectly bright and brilliant view of the city that hides the smog and rain and dirt that clings to the city like a patina of time that can never be worn away. It's always a perfect summer's day with soft, white clouds that float through the painfully bright blue sky like a dream. He likes to imagine the gentle breeze that ripples the surface of the Thames brushing across his skin, since he'll never be able to actually feel it. After all, his office is located on the second floor and is, therefore, underground.

Or at least that's what he did before the seventh of October, 2009.

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A Little Bird Told Me, M, 18.6k

Author: Cibee/@cibeewastaken

Harry and his partner are called to investigate a murder that occurred at an exclusive getaway hosted by Muggle patrician Robert Morton in his own house. The surviving six people are now both witnesses and suspects. There is just one problem for Harry: Draco Malfoy is one of them.

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a meeting of minds, M, 8.2k

Author: saltwatergarden

When Harry Potter starts hearing someone else's thoughts for several minutes a day, at first he chalks it up to his own bad luck and he tries to ignore it. But the longer it goes on, the less Harry can ignore it. Whoever it is, the person whose thoughts he's hearing needs help. Harry finds himself indignant at the mistreatment of the man taking up space in his head, and feels a sense of closeness to him that he cannot explain.

How can he find out whose thoughts he's hearing? And what exactly will he do when he finds him?

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Cruel River, T, 67.7k 

Author: eleventy7/@tinyhistory

Draco inherits a castle deep in the Scottish highlands, and discovers it’s haunted by more than just ghosts.

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Dear Stranger, T, 22.7k

Author: iero0/@iero0

The one thing more pointless than falling in love with an anonymous wizard over a correspondence is falling in love with Harry Potter when you’re Draco Malfoy. 

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Draco Malfoy and the Case of the Smuggled Gossip, T, 6.9k

Author: A_Professional_Protagonist/@aprofessionalprotagonist

It's eighth year and someone is selling gossip about Harry Potter and his friends to the new trashy wizarding tabloid. Can Draco discover how the gossip is getting smuggled out of the castle? Will he and Harry grow closer in the process? Will there be kissing? (Spoilers: yes.)  

  -----

For Now, 6.7k, T

Author: Samunderthelights/@samunderthelights

At first when Harry gets sent a mysterious notebook, he thinks it's a gift. But when he starts to write in it, he finds that someone can see what he writes, and the stranger is writing back to him.

Over time he finds himself opening up to the mysterious stranger, but how is he supposed to fully trust him if the stranger won't even tell him his name?

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He makes saints out of sinners, M, 32.8k

Author: miafancies/@miafancies

Harry grows with the turn of the tide. Draco contends with his ghosts.

This is a chronicle of inevitability.

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It might take an army, it might just be me, M, 15.5k

Author: slytherinnbitch/@slytherinnbitch

Five years after the war, Auror Potter goes out on a seemingly routine mission to check up on some pardoned criminals. He doesn’t come back. Immediate suspicions are cast on Draco Malfoy, one of the charges he was to be visiting. But unbeknownst to everyone, the two of them have been in a secret relationship for over six months, and Draco is beside himself with worry and so is Hermione and Ron. Together they try to get their best friend back. But there are surprises on their ways which none of them even expects of.

Can they get their best friend back or is he gone forever?

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Long story short, G, 4.6k

Author: time_streams/@time-streams

Someone's written about Harry's secret raspberry jam recipe. Also, they write fanfiction about him. Obviously, he using his investigative prowess to find them.

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Love's Sake, Evermore, E, 9.6k

Author: wanderingeyre

Someone is doing nice things for Draco and that someone seems to know an awful lot about his habits and favorite things. Draco can't imagine why anyone would do these things for him because he still thinks he has something to prove. Some days he thinks he’s going to spend his entire life spackling over the mistakes of his youth and the sins of his family.

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Memory Lane, T, 9.7k

Author: mortenavida/@mortenavida

Draco Malfoy has been happily living in the Muggle world for nearly a decade, far away from any Wizarding responsibilities they might try to enforce on him. He planned on leaving that world forever, save for making sure his son received a proper education, but things didn’t exactly go to plan. On his doorstep, one night, Harry Potter showed up. Except Harry Potter was supposed to be dead for the last seven years.

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Mine O'Clock, T, 1.2k

Author: PhenomenalAsterisk/@phenomenalasterisk 

Harry Potter is missing and Ron and Hermione are going spare.

How can Draco enjoy his lazy weekend with their nonsense cluttering up his front steps?

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[podfic] Potterotica, E, 20min

Podficcer: EvAEleanor/@eva-eleanore

original fic: Potterotica by Elle Gray/@diligent-thunder

The first story, and you could barely call it that, had appeared in the communal bathroom overnight. It was stuck to the mirror, one above each sink, like it was expected people might casually read it while brushing their teeth.

Except, there was nothing casual about reading explicit erotica in a communal bathroom while shoving a lubricated brush in and out of your mouth.Blaise had been the first to find it, or rather, to gleefully admit that he had. He’d burst into the common room in his pants to declare, 'There’s fucking porn in the bathroom!' Someone's writing smut and signing it with Harry's name. Hermione isn't buying it, and she has a plan to expose the true author. She also has her hand in her pants in a wardrobe.

A (ridiculous) response to AO3s (valid) new co-creator rules.

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Repairing his world, M, 34.8k

Author: AhaMarimbas/@mars-bar81

15 years after his father was arrested, Scorpius uncovers his case file at work. Desperate for answers on why his family was torn apart all those years ago, Scorpius looks into what happened. But is he ready for how the new evidence will change his life all over again?

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Reverie in Green, T, 51.7k

Author: dynazty/@dynazty

Draco just wants to get away; Harry just wants his dog back.

There's a small wooden bridge in the middle, somewhere, curved over a stream that never stops flowing. All they have to do is cross it.

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Secret Admirer, E, 12.3k

Author: Cassiopeias_shadow

Fresh out of training, Harry discovers that life as an Auror isn’t at all what he’d imagined - it’s much better actually, and there are stickers. As he settles into the team, a case lands quite literally on his doorstep... who keeps sending the Knight Bus to his house?

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Sleight of Hand, E, 15k

Author: TheStarryKnight/@the-starryknight

It’s another one of these horrid Ministry affairs, and the only interesting thing is twinkling from Draco Malfoy’s finger. Can you really blame Harry for being fascinated by the gorgeous emerald ring and those long, elegant hands, especially when he’s certain Malfoy is up to something?

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[podfic] The Lion, The Dragon, and the Broom Cupboard, E, 1h45min

Podficcer: laughingd0g/@jovialobservationanchor

original fic: The Lion, The Dragon, and the Broom Cupboard by tasteofshapes/@tasteofshapes

Draco thinks he’s hallucinating the first time when he opens the door to the office pantry and finds Potter there instead, looming out of the shadows of what appears to be a cupboard like some deformed gargoyle. Things don’t go much better after that.

Or, three broom cupboards, two times they get it on, and one love story.

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The Mysterious Case of the Missing Yoghurt, E, 24.5k

Author: manixzen/@manixzen

Newly-hired Flying Professor Harry Potter is happy to return to Hogwarts for a fresh start after several failed careers, but nothing is going as planned. His classes are a mess, he has to find a way to work with Draco Malfoy (annoying git extraordinaire) and now, in an act of villainy and depravity, someone keeps stealing his yoghurt.

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Through the Blur, E, 27.7k

Author: anachronic_mai/@danbrokethesoundbarrier

Sleep doesn't come easy to Harry. Despite taking regular doses of Dreamless Sleep for years, he hasn't managed to get rid of the nightmares. Things can't get any worse for him when Potions Master Draco Malfoy comes to him for help after mysterious attacks to his apothecary.

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[podfic] to heal a fracture (to bind a life), M, 33min

Podficcer: bluedreaming/@porcelainsalt

original fic: to heal a fracture (to bind a life) by glittering_git/ @glittering-git; meandminniemcg/@meandminniemcg

Who you gonna call? Harry has become one of the foremost Spiritual Exterminators in Britain. Draco has a spirit that needs extermination. But what seems like a simple problem ends up becoming far more complicated when the spirit is identified. The secrets that are exposed and the history that is uncovered leads both Harry and Draco into uncharted territory.

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To Live & Die in LA, E, 28.8k

Author: fwooshy/@fw00shy

Someone is blackmailing Pansy Parkinson. Pansy's father hires Harry Potter, P.I., to get to the bottom of the scam. But how is Harry's errant ex-boyfriend, Draco Malfoy, involved? And why did Draco run to Los Angeles in the first place?

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Two Hearts Divided, T, 18.6k

Author: iero0/@iero0​; Ladderofyears/@ladderofyears

Draco Malfoy, the celebrated Ghost Clearance Expert is in Germany, trying to solve the tricky little matter of a stubborn ghost called Clara von Kellern. Exasperated after trying every spell he knows, Draco sends an owl to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in London, requesting their urgent help.

Little does Draco know that the clerk who willingly grasps his letter is Harry Potter.

Injured in action, Harry enjoys a quiet, deskbound existence and sees Draco’s letters as a bit of excitement to brighten up his dull days. Harry has no idea that investigating Clara’s life, and that of her beau (and potential murderer) Ernst Wernet will lead to the beginnings of a love affair all of his own.

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Violent Delights, E, 20.4k

Author: primaveracerezos/@primavera-cerezos 

Draco Malfoy's life should be going very well. He's engaged to a wonderful man and in line for the Head Auror job. He's been made lead investigator on a serial murder case, trying to figure out who is killing off the scum of the wizarding world, one by one. So what if he's kind of miserable? Things always get better.

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Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?, E, 15.4k

Author: alittlewicked/@undersummerstars 

As sad as it was for a family to come to this point: no one would put it past the others to be able to raise their hand and wand against a cousin, an aunt or even a son.

Merlin knows, it had been happening often enough in the House of Black.

So that left the attendees with one question.

Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?

*

Harry & Draco are Walburga Black's guests at Number 12 Grimmauld Place to find the one, true heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. What had the potential to go terribly wrong, went one step further and culminated in a dead body and twelve suspects.

-----

[aubreyprc]

burn for you

Hotchniss 1800 AU - loosely based on Bridgerton

Two - The Ruse

<-

word count - 10.3k lol oops again

Read on AO3 or continue below

Aaron spots her the next day during his stroll with Dave, half listening to the mans chatter about a meeting he must attend in the evening. She and Clyde are talking among themselves as their parents discuss what he can only imagine to be town gossip as they cast their eyes across the park. He silences Dave with a swift one moment and heads over that way, not noticing the older man shaking his head at the side of him, a small laugh on his lips. The group silence as he walks over, Emily's playful smirk causing his stomach to flutter as he smirks back, ignoring the way her mother stares at the two of them.

“Care to take a walk, Miss Prentiss?” he asks, holding his arm out and her smirk turns to a smile as she bites her bottom lip, lifting herself up from leaning against the rail.

“Of course, Your Grace.” she answers, a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she loops her arm through his, and he can't help but chuckle at her eye roll at her Mother's mutters of questions as two begin walking away.

“Since when was Em and The Duke courting?” Clyde asks as he watches the two walk away.

“The engagement party last night.” Elizabeth says with a pleased smile.

“It is a lot better than Prince Ian.” Erin says to Elizabeth, who nods before turning to Rossi who has made his way over to them.

“Mr Rossi.” Elizabeth greets with a nod.

“Lady Prentiss. Good to see you again.”

“And you,” she smiles, casting her eyes on her daughter again as she heads further into the park.

“I see my nephew has once again found himself in the company of your daughter.”

“Yes,” Elizabeth says, “They seem to somehow always be around each other. Have you been told of their stroll yesterday?”

“I have indeed.” Dave nods, “The Duke seemed in good spirits upon his return.”

“As did Emily.”

The two look at the couple a few yards ahead.

“He's laughing..” Dave announces.

“She has a great sense of humour.” Elizabeth informs him.

“She will need it. Not only will she be in society she will be leading it…”

“I've prepared her quite well.”

Clyde buts in, “They are merely courting, let's not rush them along with a wedding so soon.”

Elizabeth laughs, “Do not mind my nephew... he and my daughter grew up in close quarters. He is quite protective.”

“I see.” Dave nods, “Fear not, The Duke is a great man.” He smiles, Clyde looks over at the two of them as they walk, squinting as he watches Emily smiles as Aaron talks, his eyes on her with his head turned in her direction.

“It is not him I worry about.” Clyde mumbles and all Elizabeth can do is laugh as she shakes her head as if he were joking, but sending daggers his way.

As the pair walk arm in arm, Aaron turns to her and smiles as she looks around at the views, the wind coming in their direction blowing her hair away from her face, exposing her neck; He looks away quickly as he imagines trailing his lips down them and clears his throat before looking to be again as she speaks.

“We will be telling our friends the details of your elaborate plan?” she asks him as she turns to face him, he chuckles.

“Would that not defeat the purpose?”

“I suppose..” she ponders, and he grins as she looks at him, “What?” She laughs.

“My elaborate plan?” he questions, she shrugs and looks away.

“You did come up with it, it’s only fair to give credit where it is due.” she tells him, he nods with a small laugh.

“I guess I should thank you then, for giving me my credit.” he grins, she smiles back as she looks to him, humming in response with a tilt of her head. He looks round to notice all eyes are on her.

"It seems we have an audience.” he tells her and she looks around before back at him.

“Yes well... have you seen me?” she jokes and he laughs, nodding his head.

“Indeed I have.” He tells her, catching her eye; she looks down, biting her lip and his heart flutters at the sigh and he swallows, forcing himself to look away.

“You need to buy me flowers, expensive ones.” Emily announces after a few moments of comfortable silence.

“I do?” he questions with a raised eyebrow.

“If my mother is to believe you are courting me you should get me flowers, just like you would if you actually were.”

He stops walking them and looks her up and down.

“If I were courting you I would not need flowers, only five minutes alone in the drawing room.” he meets her eyes as he says it, holding back a grin as she swallows, taking a deep breath, flustered as they walk again.

“How is your hand this morning?” he asks, changing the subject, only for his heart to skip when she laughs.

“I’m fine.”

“You must know you did nothing wrong.” Aaron tells her and she nods, before tilting her head to the side to look at him.

“Yes well, if word gets to my mother that I was even alone with him, never mind punching him, I’ll be shipped off to Ireland within a week.”

“I have no intention of causing a scandal, Miss Prentiss.” The Duke smirks. She hums in response.

“With you I just assumed it came naturally.” Emily tells him with a cheeky grin and he chuckles, before taking them across the bridge, the sound of their laughter catching the attention of everyone they passed. Neither one noticed.

-

Aaron is boxing with Derek later that day, the old friends taking time to catch up, fall back into normal routines upon Aaron's return.

“Are you really sure courting someone this close to the royals is a good idea?” Morgan asks him as he stands, the two catching their breath.

“I do not know what you mean.” Aaron tells him, dismissing the conversation topic.

“Hotch, if the two of you do not work out, are you aware of how awkward your future will be?” Derek questions, “Her cousin, who would protect her with his life, is to be king in a few years, do you really think he’s going to work respectfully alongside someone who hurt his family?" Morgan questions, before sighing, "Especially her? Have you seen how protective he is? They are more siblings than they are cousins.”

“Who said I would hurt her?” Aaron asks him, displeased with his friends accusation.

“You have said many times you do not want to marry nor bare a child..” Derek says, “Emily has no choice, are you really going to string her along like this? Think of both of your futures.”

“It is fine.” Aaron tells him and Derek scoffs.

“It better be, Your Grace, because if you hurt her it won't just be Prince Clyde you will have to worry about, that woman is like a sister to me and I wont have her hurt.” he threatens.

“It's under control. She’s a big girl.” Aaron smirks and Derek looks at him as he stands straight.

“Just don't be another thing she has to recover from, she’s been through enough." he sighs and his words make Aaron frown, but he’s unable to question his words, the man already walking off.

Three days later, Aaron is walking around the Greenaway Ball, smiling as he watches Spencer and Elle flirt in their own corner. As the couple look in his direction he nods his head at them as they smile back, heading towards the rest of the small group, smiling at Jennifer as she beams at her ring.

“Congratulations.” The Duke smiles as JJ flashes him her ring, the couple smile.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“I can not believe how long it took you.” Derek jokes towards Will, who laughs.

“Me neither.” Jennifer teases, wrapping her arm around his.

“Have you two thought about a date?”

“Not really, we are just enjoying the engagement.” Will tells the group.

The five look up as Penelope and Luke walk over, followed soon by Spencer and Elle, and Aaron can’t help but notice the absence of the woman he has been looking for all night.

“Has anyone seen Emily tonight?” he asks them, JJ and Penelope look at one another, he frowns.

“She won't be here tonight, we assumed you’d know..” Jennifer tells him softly.

“Know what?”

“It's the anniversary of her fathers death..” Elle tells him with a sad smile and the pain he feels in his chest on her behalf is one that catches him off guard.

“Have either of you seen her today?” he asks the group.

“My family and I went to see her family today, her mother told us she was up in her room, I did not see her.” JJ tells him and he nods, but before he can speak is summoned by his Uncle.

“If you’ll excuse me.” he smiles, they smile in response and he heads towards him.

Once at Dave’s side, he silences the older man's words before he can even form them.

“I have to go…” Aaron announces and Dave snaps his head to him with confusion, “To see Emily…”

Dave frowns as he looks around the room before finding the room void of any Prentiss or any Royal.

“Her father died three years ago today.” The Duke explains, and Dave nods as he remembers the date, “I should be there, go and see if she or her family need anything… do you not think?”

“Of course.” Dave tells him, “Go. I shall explain your absence.”

“Thank you.” He says, before fleeing the room unnoticed.

He arrives at the Prentiss house, smiling at the woman who opens the door and allows him through and into the house.

“Your Grace, what are you doing here?” Elizabeth says as he walks into the living room.

“I heard today was the anniversary of Antony’s death, I thought best to send my regards to you family." He tells them.

“Thank you, Your Grace." Elizabeth says with a sad smile.

Erin looks at him, “I assume you are here to see Miss Prentiss are you not?”

Clyde stands, walks over, stopping as his mother holds out her arm.

“She’s upstairs. Clyde, do go and collect the girl, tell her she has a visitor.” Erin tells her him.

“Of course,”

He stares at Aaron as he passes, clenching his jaw, before heading up the long staircase.

Emily is sitting on her window seat, clutching the necklace as she allows the tears to fall freely as she stares out the window, pulled from her thoughts by the knock on the door. She turns to find Clyde stood leaning against the wall, a sad smile on his face.

“You have a visitor.” he tells her softly as he walks through the room, the woman frowns, “The Duke.”

Emily’s eyes widen, before she wipes her tears.

“Did he say why?”

“For you, I assume.”

“Oh..” she stands, he grabs her hand and she looks at him.

“I can get rid of him if you'd like.” he tells her, she smiles but shakes her head.

“Thank you, though.” Emily squeezes his hand and he smiles.

“He’d be proud of you,” Clyde tells her, “Do not listen to your mother when she tells you otherwise, she did not know him if that is what she believes.”

Emily smiles sadly, a small thank you leaving her lips as she heads past him, a small smile growing on her face as she hears Aaron speaking with her mother, catching his eye as she glides down the steps.

“Would you care for a walk, Miss Prentiss?” The Duke asks as she walks towards him.

“I'd love to.” She says softly, a small smile growing on her face.

“Clyde, do chaperone.” Erin tells him.

“That won't be necessary, Your Majesty.” Aaron tries, but it is useless.

“No, I insist,” Clyde says, and passes Emily her coat, “ We wouldn't want any trouble.”

Emily stares at Clyde, who smirks in her direction and she looks away with an eye roll.

“Let's go shall we?” Aaron asks, holding out his arm and she places a hand on it with a small smirk and they head out.

“Do watch her, Clyde, especially today, she doesn't do grief very well.” Elizabeth says once the couple are out of earshot.

“Of course." he nods, before following the couple out, remaining a few steps behind them, close enough to watch them, but further away to not hear their conversations.

“Where are we going?” Emily asks.

“I take it you haven't been today? To the grave?”

“No…” Emily answers quietly,  “My mother doesn't like to go.”

“Then we shall go now.” he tells her, and pulls out a rose from his coat.

“For you….For your father.” she looks at him as she takes it, a small smile on her face.

“Thank you.” she whispers, the sentiment causing him to worm his way further into her heart, a feeling she is weary off, but unable to stop.

Clyde stands a few feet away from them as they stand at her father's grave. Emily resting her head on Aarons shoulder as they both stare forward.

“He would be so disappointed in me…” she whispers, lifting her head to wipe her tears.

“Why do you say that?” he asks her in the same tone and she takes a breath while she places the rose down.

“Because it is true.” she tells him sadly.

“I doubt that, what would he have to be disappointed in?”

Emily laughs sadly, he looks at her.

“Your father loved you.” she looks at him, “From the stories I have heard of the man you were his pride and joy. I don’t think it possible for that man to be disappointed in you.” Aaron tells her, she smiles sadly at him before looking back at her father’s grave.

“You would think the same if you knew of the thing I have done.” Emily tells him softly, her voice breaking at the end of her sentence.

“Tell me.” he whispers, she looks at him and finds nothing but trusting eyes looking back at her, she looks away.

“I cannot,” she tells him, “Not now.” She whispers, looking backwards at Clyde. He can only nod in understanding as she turns around.

“I am really sorry you lost him so young.” he tells her quietly.

“Thank you,” she replies, “And you your mother.”

“Yes..” he nods, “We make quite the team.” He says, and the laugh that leaves her makes his heart quicken, unable to stop himself smiling at the sound.

“Yes, I guess so.” she smiles.

He loosely leaves his hand hanging next to hers, can feel her fingers next to his, the way they slowly graze across his and he slowly places his fingers through hers only for Clyde to walk over, the sound of his footsteps having her pull her hand away quickly.

“Time to go, Emily.” he announces to them.

Emily turns and nods, as she steps towards him she turns to face Aaron.

“Thank you for this,” she smiles “You did not have to.”

“It was no problem.” he smiles back, “I hope to see you soon, Miss Prentiss.”

Emily looks to the ground as she bites her lip, before looking up again as she walks backwards.

“I am sure you will.” she declares, before smiling and turning around.

Aaron watches her and Clyde walk away, and clenches his fist as the ghost of her touch lingers on the side of his hand.

-

He does see her soon, a mere two days later at the bridge near the park.

“Are you thinking of proposing?” Dave asks him and he laughs, shaking his head in shock.

“I am just getting to know her. It is far too soon for any of that nonsense.”

“You left a ball to go to her, Aaron, and took her to her father's grave.” Dave laughs as he informs him, “I think you are in deeper than you would like to think.”

Aaron doesn't answer, simply smiles as they stop in front of Emily and her family.

“Miss Prentiss, Prince Clyde.” Aaron nods, trying to stop himself from smiling as he looks at her.

“Your Grace,” they all reply.

“Lady Prentiss, it's nice to see you again.”

“And you, Your Grace.”

Emily smiles softly at Aaron when he looks back at her, he tilts his head as a cue for her to walk with him; she leans her back off the bridge and steps towards him.

“I hear you are maid of honour for Jennifer, at her wedding this coming Saturday.” Aaron says to her as the families begin to walk.

“Yes, I imagine it will be hard for her without Roselyn, so I was quite shocked when she asked.”

“I’m sure you will look beautiful in the dress.”

“Yes I’m sure I will.” she declares casually, he laughs.

“Quite confident aren't we.” he says, she looks at him with a shameless smile.

“Do I have a reason not to be?” She teases, he shakes his head.

“No, not at all.” he tells her, and the smiles that grows on her face as she looks to the floor has him grinning.

“Why, Your Grace, was that a compliment?” she plays shocked as she looks back up and he chuckles.

“I think it was.” he laughs and she grins.

“I'm honoured.” she teases.

"Yes, you should be. I'm not known for being the compliment type." he jokes back and her laugh has him in a trance, the want to be the reason for it having him doubt everything he had vowed, and as she smiles, biting her bottom lip as she looks to the floor he's unable to ignore the effect it has on him.

Rossi and Elizabeth are talking as they watch Emily and Aaron walk ahead of them.

“They get on.”

“They do.” Elizabeth nods.

“I am sure they will make each other very happy.” Dave tells her, Elizabeth looks at him.

“Has he spoken about a proposal?”

“I’m working on it.”

“Prince Ian is very keen on courting her when he arrives in a few months time.” Elizabeth tells the man.

“I’m sure he is...She is a beautiful woman.”

“Yes.” Elizabeth nods with pride, “I do hope The Duke has made a proposal by then, it would be a shame for them to lose this bond they have created.”

“Yes, it would.” he agrees, already working on a plan to change Aaron's mind on his declaration, but as he watches the way he looks at her, he starts to wonder if he will have to.

Jennifer, Penelope and Emily are all being readied for JJ’s wedding when the topic turns to Emily and Aarons newly formed bond.

“He left the ball for you, Emily.” Penelope laughs, “And then took you to your fathers grave. Do not sit there and tell us that you are just friends.”

“We are.” Emily tells them with a laugh.

“Fine.” Penelope says, “But I do not believe you.”

“Nor do I.” Jennifer tells her, “I have seen the smiles the two of you share when you are together.”

Emily laughs as she shakes her head, forcing herself not to react.

“Friends do not look at each other the way you two do.” JJ tells her.

“Yes well… I can assure you there is nothing going on.” Emily informs her friends, “And if we were, it would seem a bit pointless would it not? The man has declared he shall not marry.”

“Maybe it is you who is to change that.” JJ tells her with a raised eyebrow before she is led to the other room to have her dress put on.

“I think the two of you could be really happy.” Penelope tells her with a soft smile. Emily looks and her friend and smiles back, “This could keep you here…”

“Pen,” Emily says, taking the girls hand, “I am not going anywhere, I promise.”

Penelope nods, smiling, “Okay.” She says softly.

Jennifer walks back into the room and the woman gasps.

“JJ, you look beautiful.” Emily tells her, JJ smiles.

“Will is going to lose his mind when he sees you.” Penelope grins.

JJ looks to the floor and laughs, shaking her head. “Roselyn was supposed to be the one is Mother’s dress…”

“Jen..” Emily says, heading towards her, “I bet she’s so happy for you, you know how much she wanted you to have this dress.”

“Yes… I know.” JJ says, “She always said she should not be the one who is in white as she was not the pure one.” the blonde laughs.

“I know how hard it must be to not have her here, but…she would want you to enjoy this day, not be sad.”

“You are right.” JJ says as she wipes her tears, “Are you both ready? We are running late” She laughs. Her friends nod and the blonde smiles.

“I’m getting married.” JJ smiles

“You won't be if you don't make haste.” Emily laughs, and the three women head out, their laughter echoing through the house.

-

Emily walks down the aisle first and as she's walking she meets Aarons eye, he sends her a wink, a playful smirk on his face and she forces herself to look away, clearing her throat to stop the laughter that bubbles in her chest.

Throughout the wedding, Emily can feel Aarons eye’s on her, she turns to face him after a few moments, her stomach fluttering when he smirks at her again, she pierces her lips together and turns away, trying not to grin herself.

As Jennifer and Will share a kiss, the room cheers for the two of them, Aaron can't help but stare at Emily as she laughs with Will’s brother, he frowns when the man places a hand on her back, whispering something in her ear that makes her laugh and he hates that he can’t help the jealousy that rises in him. He swallows, looking away from them as he reminds himself that he has no right to her, that this whole ruse is for her benefit, he should not be jealous. He looks again in the corner of his eye and the relief that floods him when he catches sight of the man's wedding ring, tells him he's in far too deep than he should be.

The ball to celebrate the marriage is outside and Aaron can help but watch as Emily walks outside, taking a drink with a smile, and he heads her way.

“It seems as well as The Duke I am also a fortune teller.” he says as he comes up next to her, she laughs as she looks his way.

“What?” she questions, laughing.

“I did say you would look beautiful, it seems I was right.” he tells her, and she blushes.

“Thank you.” she smiles, “It seems you clean up well yourself.”

“Yes, but only once a month, do not expect to see this for awhile.” he jokes.

As they talk, Emily catches Elle’s eyes, who is summoning her over.

"I think they want our attention." Emily says pointing towards the group.

"It would seem that way yes." He says, letting her lead the way.

As they reach the group, Elle pulls a bottle from her dress and leads the way to the back of the house with a laugh, her hand finding Spencer's as the group following behind. Emily shivers as they reach the middle of the garden, jumping slightly when something is dropped onto her shoulders before turning to face Aaron, a smile on her face as she wraps herself into his overcoat.

“Thank you.” she whispers, he nods, his own smile on his face.

The group must have been there for over an hour when Elle and Spencer take their leave, soon followed by Luke and Penelope. Derek and Savannah take their leave soon after, as the two stand, Derek looks at the couple remaining.

“Do behave.” He teases, he points a finger at Emily, “Especially you, Miss Prentiss, we have no room for more scandals.”

“I shall do my best.” she plays, he nods, before almost falling backwards over a hedge. Savannah’s laugh carries back to them as they walk away and the two chuckle.

“Do you want to head back?” Aaron asks her, Emily shakes her head.

“Big scenes are not my thing.” She tells him, “Also I think John is here and I am in no mood for him. Not today.” She says sadly, before bringing the bottle to her lips and drinking some. Aaron can’t help but smirk as she doesn’t even flinch at the burn.

“Then we shall stay here.”

“Unchaperoned.” she gasps playfully, “Whatever will people say.” she says as she passes him the bottle.

“Care for a stroll around the garden?” he asks, standing.

“Of course.” she nods, stepping in time beside him.

The walk until they find a bench a few yards from the party.

“It’s nice out here.” she says as they sit, her eyes casting over the gardens.

“Yes, I used to come here as a child to get away from my father. This is where I first met Roselyn years ago.” he smiles.

“Is your father the reason why you left as soon as you could?

“Yes, that and I had no reason to stay.”

“Did you and your father not get on?

“You could say that.” he tells her, he looks in her direction and swallows,  “He was cruel, it wasn't a nice environment.”

“I’m sorry.” she says, she takes his hand, he looks down and smiles, squeezing it.

“Yeah, me too.”

“I wish I could leave, you know?” Emily sighs, “Start over somewhere where no one knows me.”

“How come?” he wonders.

“Many reasons, family, mostly,” she laughs, “The expectations..”

“You have that option, with Prince Ian,”

She laughs, “And be a princess? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of no one knowing me?”

“I guess so, along with him being a war criminal, he's not an ideal match.” Aaron teases, she laughs with a nod of her head while she gulps another drink down before passing it over, he takes it with a smile, not missing the way his skin burns as their fingers glide past each other.  “Clyde.. He seems to be very protective of you. I’m surprised he's not hunted you down yet.” Aaron tells her before taking his turn of the bottle.

Emily laughs, “He means well, he worries about me, especially because of..” She stops, he looks at her, she shakes her head.

“Sometimes I think my mothers right…” she says, he looks at her, “That I’m just a string of mistakes pulled together.”

“That's not true.” Aaron tells her, she looks to the floor.

“You don't even know me, not really.” Emily tells him with a sad smile and a sigh.

“I’d like to. I think you’re pretty great.” he smiles at her.

“You wouldn't if you knew me.”

“… Try me.” he tells her after a pause.

She looks up, before laughing, shaking her head and bringing the drink to her lips, she passes it to him, he does the same.

“Not even Spencer knows about half of the thing I have been through and I’ve known him my entire life.”

“Is this about your illness? The one your mother took you away for?”

She nods, pulling her hair down and running her hand through it and as he watches her he finds himself wanting to do the same, he imagines its soft and thick, he imagines if he tugged it just right she would- he stops himself and turns away.

“After my father died I—” she pauses, looking at her hands “Shut down, I guess.” she explains, he looks back up at her, leaning his back against the wall as he listens to her, “My mother wasn't around, too busy pulling strings to take over from my father’s position in the courts...so it was just me.. And then I met John and…” Emily says, she sighs before laughing, “Looking back now I know he took advantage but back then I just wanted to feel something that wasn't pain, or grief..”

“You had sex with him?” he asks, she looked away from him and stared in front of her, wiping the tears falling, she nodded.

“Stupid, I know.” she laughs, shaking her head. “I was fifteen and I was hurting and it made me feel better, anything was better.” she tells him, “I..” she says, smiling when she looks at him, his eyes understanding and trusting, she looks in them for a few moments before she nods, “I got pregnant…” she whispers, he looks at her, his only reaction a wide eyed look, but he remain still, silent, ready to listen. “That's why I was gone for two months…” her voice is small and his heart breaks for her, “My mother made me get a termination and my Aunt Erin hid it all, that's why Clyde is the way he is...he doesn't want to see me go through that again.”

“I'm sorry that happened to you.” he whispers,

“It didn't happen to me, it's just.. Something that happened...a string of mistakes..” she laughs, she wipes her eyes and shakes her head

“So, that's me, you can run for the hills, I wont judge.” she laughs, looking away from him.

“I think I'll stay,” he smiles, “After all who else am I going to discuss my antics with foreign beauties with?” He jokes, she laughs and relaxes, a weight off her shoulder that she had finally shared something she’d been forbidden to speak about.

“Ah yes, what did you get up to these last few years?”

Aaron tells her about his travels, laughing with her when he talks about hungover mornings and late night rendezvous.

“I think Paris was my favourite.” he tells her, she nods in agreement.

“My father took me there a few months before he passed, when he was still healthy enough.” Emily tells him, “I am glad I had those few months with him before his illness took over. My mother thinks it was the reason why I behaved the way I did after his passing but, I am glad I was there when he died, that he wasn’t alone.”

“I am sorry.” He tells her, she looks at him and grins while she laughs.

“You’ve said that.”

He grins at her before tilting his head, “I am sorry nonetheless. The loss of a loved parent hurts more than anything I know of.” He tells her, Emily hums in agreement.

“He passed at the end of January and then after that the whole year did not get any better.”

“When did you meet John?”

“In the April..” she informs me, “I fell with child in the October.”

“Did you want it?” He asks her, she shrugs,

“I don't know, I wasn't given a choice.” she explains, “I told my Aunt, who told my mother and I was taken to the farm two weeks later.”

“Does John know?”

“Yes, he says he wanted to marry me,” she laughs, “claims he loved me and that we could have been a family but..” Her sentence dies down, her mind reliving the worst year of her life.

“But you were fifteen…” he says, “Your birthday is in October, I know it couldn't have been an easy month.”

“You know when my birthday is?” she asks with a smile, he nods.

“Of course…” he grins, she laughs happily and turns away from him.

“Is there a reason your mother was against John's plan?” He questions, “It was a good one, people would accept your pregnancy…”

“John is your age, Your Grace.” she laughs. Aaron stares at her taken aback by her announcement, his smile gone, “he was nineteen at the time, My Aunt, she set a law when she became Queen that woman is not to marry until she is 18, so.. It wasn't allowed. I got the termination and he has never really treated me the same since. He actually hated me up until Matthew's death.”

“He never loved you” The Duke tells her with anger on her behalf.

“I know.” she smiled, “He's a rake, Your Grace, I’m well aware.”

“He should not have taken you the way he did. Not at his age.” he says and she takes his hand, smiling when he looks at her.

“I know.” she says again, “But I consented and until October…. he and I had fun... in secret of course,” she grins, “But he is the reason I met Matthew and for that I could never regret what me and John had. Ever since Matthew died he's been trying to get me back, but... I don't know, he's not a good guy, I know that now.”

Aaron stands, bringing her with him by their entwined hands and pulls her close, their faces mere inches from one another, her breath hitches as she holds it, staring at him. The feel of his hand on her lower back send a shiver up her spine, has her heart hammering against her ribs and the feel of her hand rested in his, the feel of her chest pressed up against his own has him entranced, glancing his eyes to her lips before back to her own.

A shout of her name pulls them from their trance. She drops his hand as he drops his from her back and she turns with wide eyes.

“What are you doing out here?” Clyde says casually, until he spots the whiskey bottle and marches over, grabbing her hand and pulling her from Aaron. He stares daggers at the other man, fury taking over.

“Is this what you do?” He directs at the Duke,  “Get girls drunk and take them in the garden?”

“Clyde-”

“Sush, Emily, everyone has been worried about you.” he bites, his eye's not leaving Aaron.

“You are lucky it was me that has found the two of you and not someone else, her alone in the garden with a man that could ruin her. As you are well aware, Your Grace.” the man spits.

“We were just talking…” Aaron tells him.

Clyde looks at him, taking in their appearances, her in his coat, her hair falling down her shoulder, him with an untucked shirt and he can only laugh.

“Is that all?” he throws at him.

“Clyde enough, we were just talking.” Emily tells him.

“We’re leaving, Emily. Say goodbye.”

She takes off the jacket and walks to him, a smile on her lips as she hands it to him,

“I’ll see you around, Your Grace, thank you for a good night.”

“You are great company, Miss Prentiss. I look forward to seeing you again.” he says with a grin. She nods, biting her lip, and turns around. Clyde then grabs her arm and pulls her gently, muttering words to her as he all but marches her back to the main garden. As he follows behind a few moments later, he catches her scent in his jacket and smiles.

“That was stupid, Emily. What if someone were to see you?”

"We are courting, are we not?” she lies, “We were just having a conversation.”

“Unchaperoned?”

“He's the duke.” Emily laughs, "What—”

“And you're the niece of The Queen, who, by the way, is on thin ice as is after your ordeal three years prior.”

“Do not dare use that against me.” Emily spits at him, pulling her arm from his hold.

“We are leaving, say your farewell to the bride while I get your mother.”

Emily storms away, putting on a smile when JJ comes up to the side of her.

“Where have you been?” Jennifer laughs.

“Around.” Emily laughs, Jennifer pulls her friend close and drags her to the floor.

“Have you had a good night?” Emily asks her.

“Yes.” she smiles, “I have.”

“Good, I am glad.” Emily tells her friend as JJ pulls her in for a hug.

“Thank you, for this morning. I could not have done that without you.”

“You are welcome.” Emily whispers, they pull away and JJ laughs as Emily twirls her.

The girls are still laughing when Clyde walks over.

“We are leaving.” he tells her, JJ frowns.

“May I ask why?”

“Her mother is feeling unwell, I am sorry for the early departure, Miss… I do guess it's Lamontagne now.” Clyde smiles, Emily laughs and turns to her friend as the woman’s face drops.

“I did not think of that…” JJ says, “Jennifer Lamontagne… Can I not keep Jareau?” She whispers, Emily laughs.

“That is a conversation for you and Will.”

“Come, Emily, make haste.” Clyde says as he looks around for Aaron. Emily rolls her eyes before pulling her friend in for a hug.

“Have a good night..” Emily tells her with a wink, JJ blushes. “Enjoy your week away.”

“I am sure I will.” JJ tells her, “If your words are anything to go by I am sure I-”

“On that note.” Clyde interrupts and drags Emily away as she laughs. JJ chuckles to herself, watching as Emily laughs as she is pulled away. They walk past Aaron on their way out and the two smile at each other, Aaron turning to watch her go, before frowning, worry settling in his stomach when her mother grabs her arm, all but dragging her out of view.

Elizabeth slams the door behind her as Emily walks ahead, jumping at the loud sound the door makes.

“Even after everything you've done you still find more ways to cause trouble.”

“We were just talking, mother...” Emily sighs as she turns to face her in the hall.

“I do not think you know how to do just talking, Emily.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I am saying that you seem to not know any better. You will drop your garments for anyone who pays you just the littlest bit of attention!” Elizabeth shouts. Emily stares at her with shock before laughing and shaking her head.

“I have done nothing wrong.” Emily tells her mother, “It is not my fault you are choosing not to believe me.”

“Have you ever given me a reason to believe you?”

Elizabeth walks up to her daughter, standing face to face with her and all Emily can do is holds her head high and raise an eyebrow.

“You are the biggest burden of my life and I can no longer pretend that you and your reputation are not something that follows this family name like a dark cloud.” Elizabeth tells her daughter, “You are used goods, and you are silly if you think The Duke wants anything more from you than what you have probably already given him. Girls like you always get the powerful men just before they are ready to settle down, you will never be the one he chooses, and you are naïve if you think differently.” she hisses, before knocking her shoulder as she walks past, the slam of the office door making her jump as she lets out a shaky breath, grabbing the stair rail as she leans back, closing her eyes as she forces herself not to cry before rushing up the stairs. She closes her door with her back and falls down as a cry leaves her body. She grabs the necklace around her neck as she cries, wondering is maybe her mother right.

-

In the Duke’s mansion, Aaron is listening to his Uncle’s rant.

“You cannot take a lady into the garden unchaperoned, and especially not the Royal Niece.”

“We were just talking.” Aaron explains.

“I know of your behaviour, Aaron. I know of your relations with women before you even left for your travels and I am not stupid enough to believe that you did not continue those...activities while you were away. And I am sure you are aware of her past relationship with John.. can you see where I may have issues with believing the two of you were just talking?” Dave questions, but he stays silent.

“I do not think you really understand how much trouble this could have caused.” Dave tells him, “Elizabeth is… she is not a nice woman, not to her daughter or anyone really… but to Emily she is especially cruel, maybe not in the way your father was but in her way of words.” Dave tells him, “I have heard Clyde comfort her many a time when her mother has spat evil things at her, and after tonight's events…” Dave looks Aaron in the eyes, before speaking, “Her mother will force that young girl to marry Prince Ian, he is just a few years older than you Aaron, and I have met him and he is very charming, if not dangerously so. She is young, impressionable. She will be forced to marry and she will be sent to Ireland. You are in a position to change that." Dave tells him, "So change it."

-

Aaron spots her for the first time in two days at the Garcia Ball, celebrating the Lord’s birthday. He walks to her, she smiles in his direction, he smiles back and once he arrives at her side, he notices that Clyde will not leave it.

“Upon request of my mother I am to stand still and look pretty.” she explains as his eyes move from hers to Clyde.

“So I guess a dance is out of the question?” he questions, Emily chuckles as Clyde stares at him. She turns to look at him, the word please being playfully spoken and the man rolls his eyes before nodding.

“Thank you.” she smiles, Clyde nods, watching them with a small grin as they walk off.

“I am sorry if our antics got you into trouble with your mother.” he says as he takes her hand.

“Do not worry, it is fine.” she smiles, “My Mother did not even notice, it was my Aunt who sent Clyde to search for me. I feel she is more mad about that.” Emily tells him, “And if Clyde hadn't caused such a big scene we could have snuck back in undetected so I am blaming him, that much he is aware of.” she laughs. “I hope you were not in trouble with your Uncle?”

He shakes his head, “he wants what's best for me really, he knows I would never disrespect you.”

Emily smiles, “He seems nice.”

“He is. I know he wishes he could respect mine, but unfortunately he cannot, I am the last Hotchner, and he knows I should carry on the name.” he explains

“You still don't want to?”

“I do not, I told my father I wouldn't. I will not give him what he wants.”

“Your grace—"

“Call me Aaron, if people are to believe we are courting you should call me by name,”. zhe smirks,

“Aaron, your father is dead, he has no power over you anymore.”

“Yes, and it will remain that way,”

“And if your mind changes and it's too late?”

“I will be happy in knowing my father never got what he wanted." he tells her and she looks at him with sad eyes.

“I am sorry that the man was that cruel you feel you cannot live the life you want...”

“I am.”

“Are you?”

He looks at her and she sighs.

“You never wanted to marry? Have a family? Not ever?”

“I—” he begins, but there is a tap on his shoulder, they both turn and Derek smiles at them.

“Miss Prentiss," he smirks, “May I have this dance? We have a matter we must discuss, urgently.”

She frowns, before taking his hand, nodding her head to Aaron before being lead away by Derek. Aaron watches them go, stepping backwards, turning with an apology when he bumps into someone. Penelope simply shakes her head, playfully holding out her hand and laughing when he takes it.

“You and Em look really happy, I am glad you're both working on something, you deserve it.”

“Thank you Miss Garcia, how is your father?” he asks her, watching Derek and Emily in the corner of his eyes.

“I heard that you and him were in the garden, alone yesterday,”

“You did?”

“Yes, it seems that someone over heard the conversation yesterday.

“I see.” she nods.

“This could ruin you.” Derek warns, she simply rolls her eyes.

“Its fine." she tells him.

“So the two of you are courting? “

Emily looks at him and nods. “Yes.” she lies.

“And you are aware of the declaration that he will not marry?”

“I am.” Emily confirms.

“And so what is your plan? You have to marry, Emily, I know you don't want to but you do not have a choice.”

“I’m aware.” Emily groans.

“And so what?”

“Do not worry, Derek, everything is under control.”

“If you do not have a marriage proposal in three months your mother will make you marry Prince Ian.”

“Actually as long as I am courting with Aaron she has backed off, she believes he will propose soon.” she smirks.

“But he will not…” he tells her.

“No, but, as long as I do not have to marry a war criminal, I find that I do not care."

“So you're leading him on in hopes of getting out of marrying Prince Ian…”

“Everything is under control, Derek, please, do not worry.”

“I'm afraid I do, and I will. Always.” Derek tells her and she smiles.

“I know, and I thank you for that, but right now there is no need.” Emily assures him.

“If you say so, Miss Prentiss.” he accepts with a nod.

Emily rolls her eyes, “will you drop the Miss Prentiss already?”

Derek laughs and twirls her, before pulling her back into him, “Never.” he whispers and she laughs.

She makes eye contact with Aaron over Derek's shoulder and he smiles at her, she smiles back as her heart flutters at the grin on his face, she looks away with a small smile of her own.

-

Aaron spots John across the room sometime later, and with a frown notices he is staring at Emily with an angered eye and a whiskey in his hand. Emily is standing on the other side of the room talking to Viscount Andrew Mendoza, as he watches her smile at something he says, he feels a pool of jealousy erupt in him, one that is getting harder to ignore. Taking a deep breath he heads out of the room and into the gardens for some fresh air, only for him name to be called a few seconds later.

“If it isn’t the man who stole my woman…” John slurs, Aaron just stares plainly at him. “Do you know about her and I?” John asks, stepping  step closer to The Duke. “That we love each other? That it is I who should be marrying her? That the two of us have a past you can not compete with?” He starts to yell as he steps closer to him, the man laughing as he gets no reaction, “Is she giving you what you want, Your Grace?” He smiles smugly, “She is good isn’t she…” He smiles, “Very bendy.” He whispers, “God the things I used to be able to make her do..” John tells him, and Aaron loses it, grabbing the man by his shirt and pulling him behind the building before he drops him and throws a punch. John stumbles onto the floor and Aaron leans over him, picking him up by his shirt, and stares into his eyes with fury.

“If you ever speak of or too, Emily Prentiss ever again, I can and I will have you taken care of faster than you think, and I'd make it so that no one knew you were missing.” Aaron spits in a harsh quiet tone, “Do you understand?” Aaron asks him, and the man simply nods, dropping the the floor with a grunt as Aaron lets him go, looking at the man with a look of disgust before walking off.

Aaron walks through the door at the entrance of the house just as Emily and her family are heading towards the exit. He can hear Elizabeth talking to her daughter about Viscount Mendoza and he forces himself not to roll his eyes, reminding himself that this was the whole point, to give her time to find someone. When he hears Emily laugh he swears he feels his heart ache, but flutter at the same time.

“He is nice, yes.” Emily agrees with a hum of content.

“His father is also very powerful, he would leave a lot of money and power to Andrew in the wake of his death.”

“Mother—” Emily frowns, but Elizabeth just shrugs her shoulders.

“Just something to think about.” she tells her daughter.

Aaron appears in front of them, almost bumping right into Emily as he has his head turned in the opposite direction after hearing footsteps outside.

Emily laughs at the collision, smiling when he looks at her but the smile soon drops when his face looks back at her with anger, not directed at her. She stares at him with a frown before catching sight of his hand and grabbing it, looking back at him.

“What happened?” Emily asks softly, the tone of worry in her voice makes his anger fade and turn into something… he didn’t quite know how to describe.

“Nothing,” he tells her, “It’s fine.”

Emily stares at him, dropping his hand when she feels eyes of them.

“Your hand is bleeding, Your Grace…” Erin says, Aaron looks at her with a soft smile.

“Yes,” He says, “I must get it seen to, if you'll excuse me…” he nods his head in a bow at her and goes to walk away when he sees his Uncle walking towards him, he curses under his breath and goes to turn and faces Emily, who is looking at him with confusion.

“What is going on?” She asks him in a quiet voice, he shakes his head.

“Nothing,” He smiles, “Lady Prentiss..” Aaron says, Elizabeth turns and smiles.

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Do you mind if I steal your daughter for a moment?”

“Of course not,” Elizabeth tells him with a smile, he smiles back at her and nods, before grabbing Emily’s hand and quickly rushing from the scene, the speed causes her to almost trip as she is pulled by him.

“What are you doing?” Emily asks as he tries to keep her balance as he pulls her, not giving her enough time to get her feet at the same speed.

Her family are still staring when he drags her behind the wall and into another hallway.

“That was strange..” Elizabeth says.

“Yes, yes it was.” The other woman agrees.

“Shall I follow?” Clyde suggest to them.

“I think that would be smart.” they tell him and Clyde nods, heading in their direction.

“Did I just see my dear Nephew run off with your Niece, Your Majesty?” Dave says as he comes up behind them and the woman turn.

“You did.”

“Did he give a reason?”

“He did not.” Elizabeth tells him “His hand was bloody though, Mr Rossi. Is there something we should know about?”

“No of course not.” Rossi smiles, “The Duke is very polite.”

“If he lays a hand on my Niece I will ruin him, you do know that, yes?”

“Yes, I am aware, but he would never, he’s his mothers son, not his fathers.”

“You better be right in that. My daughter is not one to mess with…”

“Of course, if you don't mind I think I shall go after them…” Rossi says, before talking of in a fast walk down the hall.

-

Aaron pulls her along, stopping them when they're in an empty room, closing the door behind him.

“What is going on?” She asks. Aaron just looks at his sore hand as he shakes it.

“Sit.” Emily tells him, pointing to a chair, he stares at her but she raises an eyebrow and he sighs, sitting. Emily walks over to a cabinet and pulls out a few wipes before heading back to him and sitting on the chair next to his. She holds her hand out and he rolls his eyes before placing his injured one in it.

“What happened?” Emily asks, he looks away.

“Nothing.” he mumbles.

“Yes it looks like nothing to me.”

“It's fine.”

“Did you get into a fight?” she asks.

“Something like that..”

“With whom?”

Aaron sighs, “Emily, I do not see how that is your business.”

“You are the one that dragged me here.” she reminds him, “For what if not to talk?”

“I like your company.” he smiles and Emily holds back a smirk, piercing her lips and looks back his hand.

“It is a small cut, you'll be fine.”

“Thank you.” Aaron grins, she nods with a small smile of her own, his hand remaining in hers.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Emily asks him quietly. He looks at her with a small smile and the shake of his head.

“There is no need, it's over now.”

“You are okay?”

“Yes, I am now.” he smiles at her and she smiles back, laughing as she bites her lip and looks away when his grin gets wider at the sound of her small laugh.

“What is going on in here?” Clyde says as he walks through the door, both their heads snap up to the door.

“Nothing, everything is fine.” Aaron tells him.

“You drag my cousin out by her arm in front of her family…”

“I asked her mother,” He tells him, Emily holds back a laugh and looks back to the floor.

“Yes for a moment not to drag her away.” Clyde snaps, “You should know The Queen is quite displeased with the display, considering the blood on your hand. “ Clyde informs them, “Which I see now is being treated.” He says and Emily drops his hand and places her own in her lap.

Aaron looks at him, “Everything is fine, Your Highness, I just needed a moment.”

“With my cousin?” Clyde questions, Aaron smiles,

“Who else?” he throws back.

Clyde doesn't have a chance to respond before Dave is barging into the room.

“What in the world is wrong with you?” The man hisses and Aaron rolls his eyes.

“You drag the Niece of The Queen away and into an empty room all while your hand bleeds? The Queen is not happy, neither is her mother.”

“Like I just told the prince everything is fin-”

“It is not fine my boy.” Dave interrupts, “ You forget your father was friends with The King, as well as the late Lord Prentiss. The whole family is aware of his temper. You dragging away Miss Prentiss with no explanation…” Rossi shakes his head and stares at him. “And I have seen the state you have left John in, the young man is stumbling down the road, his face covered in blood.”

“You fought John?” Emily questions, looking at Aaron, he goes to turn and face her when Rossi continues.

“Do you want them to believe you are your fathers son?” Rossi questions, Aaron stares at him.

“I am nothing like him.” Aaron tells him, his voice hard and serious, the tone causes Emily to look at him and Clyde walks over to her.

“I know that but how are they too? You come into the room with a bloody hand and pull a woman away? Not to mentio-”

Aaron stands and steps towards him “Compare to me that man again and I will have you taken care of faster than you can blink.” Aaron hisses, “Remember your status, you are not a Hotchner, you are where you are because I allow you to be.” Aaron spits, his voice low and venomous. Rossi stares at him, and nods.

“The way you act now.. you look just like him.” Rossi says and Aaron steps back and collects himself, his temper back under control. He looks at Emily quickly and hates that that he is the reason there is a hint of fear in her eyes as she grabs onto Clyde's arm

“I think I should like to go…” Emily tells Clyde softly.

“Of course.” Clyde nods.

“Emil-” Aaron tries,

“I will see you around, Your Grace.” She says with a nod, and allows Clyde to walk her away.

As they round the corner, Emily looks at her cousin.

“He's.. got a temper…” Emily whispers, Clyde nods.

“Yes it would seem that way.”

“I have never seen that side to him before.”

“Good.”

“I find I did not like it.”

“I doubt he would ever be like that with you,” Clyde tells her. “I have known the man for years, he is more like his mother than his father.”

Emily nods and Clyde stops them, she looks at him as he stands in front of her.

“If I felt him dangerous, he would not be anywhere near you, you know that.”

“Yes I do.” She smiles, he nods.

“Good, let's get you home. It has been a long night.”

Emily hums in agreement, turning back around and finding Aaron staring at her as he and David walk out of the room, she turns when his eyes find her and follows Clyde round the corner.

Aaron goes to the Prentiss house the next day to find her, needing to apologize for the night before, unable to rest with the pang of guilt that lingers in his stomach.

“Your Grace, how unexpected. " Clyde says when he opens the door "I'm afraid Emily is unavailable today…” He tells her.

Aaron frowns, “Is she okay?”

“She is fine.” Clyde nods.

“Then… Can I see her?” Aaron questions with confusion.

“I'm afraid not, You Grace, she is not up for visitors.” Clyde tells him, Aaron looks back at him.

“So she isn't okay? Will you please just tell me what is wrong?” Aaron asks.

“Miss Prentiss is ill, Your Grace, and her mother has made the decision to not allow visitors until she is seen by a doctor, I am sure you understand.” Clyde tells him.

“How ill?” Aaron asks, worry in his face, Clyde sighs.

“Aaron,” he sighs, and steps forward, shutting the door, before  facing him with a deep breath, “Emily is unwell. She woke today with a high fever and a cough.” he explains, before swallowing and looking Aaron in the face, “The last time we saw this was her father." He whispers and Aarons heart drops.

“Lady Prentiss and my Mother are inside, she is being well cared for but until she is seen by a doctor there are no visitors allowed.”

Aaron looks at him and Clyde can see the worry on his face. “I think she will be fine, I believe it to just be a slight flu but to be cautious she is being seen by a doctor today.”

“She.. she was fine yesterday…” Aaron stutters as he tries to calm the worry that grows in him.

“Indeed she was, which is why I am not worried. Her father was ill before these symptoms, but our family is worried, Emily is never ill."

“Do you..do you think it could be something dangerous? Late onset of what her father had…” Aaron asks.

“I am not sure, but as soon as I know anymore I will have someone inform you.” Clyde tells the worried man. “I will tell her you called, Aaron, but I must get back inside.

“Of course. Do let me know.”

“I shall, good day.”

“Yes, good day, Clyde.”

The man walks in the house and Aaron heads away from the door, his mind reeling, worried right to the pit of his stomach.

Clyde walks back in, into the room with his mother and aunty.

“Was that The Duke?"

“Yes, I told him of Emily's condition, he seemed quite worried.” Clyde tells her.

“Yes, the two of them are quite close." Erin smiles. "Maybe he should call over in a few days.."

“He is not to be anywhere near my daughter while she is like this, anything could happen.” Elizabeth scolds as she paces the door awaiting the doctor.

“Dear sister, do calm down, I merely meant she may like to see him, he will not be alone with her.”

“I am not sure, what do we really know of this man anyway?”

“He’s The Duke, not a War Criminal like the man you have lined up.”

“I just want my daughter to be able to have a fresh start.”

“I’m sure you do, however she does not, she and The Duke are getting on and when the doctor gives the green light, he shall come over and that's final.”

The doctor then heads down the stairs, interrupting the argument.

“How is she?” Elizabeth asks.

“She has quite a high fever and that cough is definitely something to keep watch on, but her chest and lungs seem to be clear, I heard no sign for concern when listening to her breathing, I think it to be a rough flu, lots of rest and some hot liquids and she should be fine a in a few days.” He tells the family.

“So we do not need to be concerned that the symptoms mirror that of what her father died from?” Elizabeth questions.

“No, I do not believe so. Antony had lots of fluid in his lungs from the start, I would have heard the first stages of it during my visit today.”

“Thank you, doctor, I shall have a hot tea sent to her straight away.” Elizabeth says, the doctor nods and sees himself out.

"I will go and inform her of The Duke's visit."

Clyde goes into Emily’s room after a tap on her door, he looks as her and she is wrapped in bed, half asleep, he sits on the chair next to her, and she smiles

“Hey…” she crocks.  

“Hey.” he says back, “The Duke called for you.”

“He did?” Emily questions as she opens her eyes slightly more.

“Yes. I imagine he wants to apologize for his behaviour last night.”

“Hm.."

“I told him of your condition and he seemed quite worried,” Clyde tells her, “The Duke cares a lot for you.”

Emily smiles as her eyes drop closed.

“Rest, I shall let The Duke know you will be fine, I'm sure he would like to see you at some point over the next few days, once you're able to get out of bed, that is.” he jokes.

“Thank you," she smiles and he nods, closing the door behind him.

-

Three days later he calls around again, flowers in his hand, he walks through the house, thanking the woman he leads him to the living room and Clyde turns at the sound of footsteps.

“Are those for Emily?” he asks.

“Would you rather them be for you?” Aaron teases, Clyde laughs.

“She is the second room to the right, I trust you to behave.” he says with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course.” Aaron tells him with a wink and Clyde points a finger at him.

“There are three maids up there, I have asked them to watch out for the both of you.”

Aaron laughs, “Trust me, I will not be misbehaving, the woman is unwell... I do not wish to catch it.”

“You are a funny man I see.” Clyde notes and Aaron smirks before he heads up the stairs.

He taps on Emily's door and opens it at her small come in. She is sitting on her window seat, clutching her necklace that he has noticed before. She looks at him and smiles, standing up.

“Are those for me?” she teases, a smile on her face.

“No, I'm afraid I'm courting the maid next door... these are for her.” He tells her.

“Ahh,” she nods, “found true love I see.”

“Of course, she is quite the woman.”

“Yes,” Emily smirks, he smiles back as he passes her the flowers.

“Thank you, they're beautiful.” she puts them in a vase on her vanity and faces him

“Join me,” she says, before heading towards her window, “The city is busy today, I like to watch people.” He sits across from her, watching her as she looks outside, she finds him starting, she laughs,

“What?”

“Nothing, just good to see you’re feeling better.”

“Yes, my cough is still quite heavy but my fever is gone as well as the aches”

“I’m glad, the balls are a lot less fun without someone whose company I like..” He grins as she looks at him with a smile.

“Is that you telling me you missed me?” she questions.

“Hmm maybe it is..” he says to her.

“Hmm, I guess I could say I missed you too.” she replies, he laughs.

“You guess?

“Yes.” she tells him before looking out the window, but he can’t help but stare at the smile on her lips long enough to look away.

“Spencer and Elle seem pretty happy these days.” she says, watching them as they stroll down the city.

“Yes, I think he will propose soon.”

“They make a nice couple.”

“Indeed.” he agrees and she smiles, looking at him from the side.

“That is a nice necklace.” he tells her as she looks at it, she smiles.

“My father got it for me from Paris a few months before he passed for my birthday.” she opens it and passes it to him.

“It's beautiful."

"Thank you." she says quietly.

“He sounds like a great man.”

“He was.” she says softly as he passes the necklace back to her. After a few moments of peaceful, comfortable silence he speaks.

“I wanted to apologise for the other night. The way I acted.”

“It’s okay.” she smiles.

“It is not.” he tells her, she looks at him, “My father was cruel and… being compared to him made me see red, but I should not have reacted in the way I did in front of you and for that I am sorry.”

“I am sorry for how I reacted.” she tells him, “ I am not scared of you.”

Aaron smiles, “Good. I would never hurt you.” he tells her, “I promise.” he smiles.

“I know,” She smiles back, “But thank you… for promising.”

He looks at her, nodding.

As they look out the window blissfully, enjoying easy conversation, it hits him like a wave that the thought of her doing this with someone else makes his blood boil, and that he cannot see himself ever doing this with anyone else.

Emily finds herself stuck between wanting to ask him what this was now and not wanting to know, because if she falls by herself… she doesn't know if she’ll be able to get back up again. Not this time.

-

After that he doesn't see her for a few days, his work as Duke taking over, he is taking a walk with Dave, discussing work when he spots her with their friends, as well as Viscount Andrew Mendoza.

“It seems Miss Prentiss has company.” Rossi tells him.

“Yes, I see that.”

“If you don't propose soon you will lose her.”

“I have told you before, I do not intend to marry. How many more times shall I tell you this?”

“So, are you going to allow yourself to lose Miss Prentiss just to spite your late father? Does he still remain that powerful to you?”

Hotch doesn't answer, just watches Emily as they pass the group, all seven nod their head, Emily gives him a smile and a small wave, he nods back with a smile and carries on his walk.

“You and The Duke are good friends, yes?” Andrew asks her.

“Yes, you could say that.” Emily agrees.

“Hmm, I heard rumors the two of you were courting…” he says, she nods.

“You did?”

“Indeed.”

Emily just nods at him, a smile on her lips, "Just a rumour." she tells him, and forces herself not to turn to watch Aaron walk away.

“You are staring.” Derek tells him that night as they all stand in the middle of the room, Aaron rolls his eyes.

“No.” he says, “I am just simply observing.”

Derek laughs, “You’ve fallen for her.” Aaron looks at him , “Maybe that vow to never marry wasn't very well planned.

“We are just friends.” Aaron tells him, “And she has had a few day’s out with Mendoza.”

Derek just laughs once again, “You are being stupid. Mendoza is trying but I have been there when they are talking and she is somewhere else, Aaron. She likes you.”

He tries to ignore the hope that flutters in his chest.

Andrew smiles at her, "I gather you and The Duke are just friends?"

“We are…” she tells him.

“Do I save myself the embarrassment of assuming you will be available when I am back?”

She smiles, “I don’t know.”

“Is that so?” the man asks her with a raised eyebrow.

“I have no idea what things will be like in three months.” she tells him, he looks at her.

“I guess we wait and see then.”

Emily grins, “I guess we do.”

As the dance changes she is twirled from him and lands in Aaron embrace, she smiles.

“I have not seen you tonight.” She says, he nods.

“I have been mingling upon request.” He complains, Emily grins.

“You don’t seem to like many people do you?” she asks.

“I do not.” he agrees, before smiling at her and pulling her closer to him, “You are the rare exception.” He whispers, she smiles at him, before laughing as he pushes her back and then into him again.”

“Andrew Mendoza seems to think you are going to propose to me.” She tells him, he looks at her, “He is leaving for business for a few months and is under the impression will be on our way to marriage by then.” She’s laughing, shaking her head.

“My mind has not changed..” he tells her, she looks at him and nods.

“I know,” she says softly, “And this isn't real anyway, right?” She points out, meeting his eyes, hating that there's a hope in her chest that he might change his mind.

“Right…” he agrees softly, a pain in his chest catching him off guard.

They separate, each heading in different direction of the room.

Both of them far too scared to admit its a lot more than a ruse anymore.

->

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[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Extreme Aggressor: Final Part

Pairing: Eventual Spencer Reid x Reader

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill, and angst

Summary: Jason Gideon is called back from a six-month leave from the Behavioral Analysis Unit to profile a killer. Meanwhile, the team flies across the country to Seattle when another young woman goes missing at the hands of "The Seattle Strangler," another serial killer.

Author’s Note: Here is it finally! After hard work, it is finally ready for your viewing pleasure! Please, feedback is always appreciated so let me know what you like about it and what you didn’t!

I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there is any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them. If you’ve seen the show, then it’s the same level of angst unless otherwise stated.

So without further ado, please enjoy!

After the shocking news that Gideon presented, you were able to get a list and pictures of the people the police have interviewed. Gideon wanted you to look at them since you might be able to tell who the suspect in question was. The only name that stood out to you was Richard Slessman, and you couldn’t tell them how you knew this, but there was something about those eyes that just told you what you needed to know.

“You sure about this?” Gideon asked.

No matter how long he knew you, he always had doubts about the things you could do—even if those doubts were small.

“Are you really asking me that question?” you whispered, holding your gun close to your body as you hid while another agent went to lure Richard into this house. “The minute I passed his house, I could tell he was the one. His house reeks of spiritual energy.”

The woman known as Elle Greenaway, a woman who wants the other opening in the BAU, was bringing Richard to the abandoned house across the street from his own in order for the FBI to take him down. As soon as she entered the house, she began leading him into the room where everyone was. As soon as she gave the green light, the swat team in head-to-toe uniforms appeared and trained their guns on him. Elle took him down and began to read him his rights.

“Richard Slessman, FBI,” Elle said as she began to handcuff him. “You are under arrest for the murder of…”

Her voice trailed off as you and Gideon stepped into the light. Richard stared at you two for such a long time as if he knew something you two didn’t. As soon as they got him in handcuffs, you headed over to his house where the rest of the team was waiting. As soon as you entered the house, you could feel the energies of spirits that they left behind. While none of the victims died here, they did want you to know what something happened here.

“There's no sign of the girl here,” Spencer noted when Gideon walked in behind you. “We can arrest him with probable cause, but we won't be able to hold him.”

“Slessman's been at the top of the suspect list. Is that the mother?” Gideon asked when he saw an older woman sitting at the table with a distressed look on her face.

“Grandmother. The mother died in a fire when he was 13,” Elle informed.

“I’m going to check upstairs,” you told Gideon before going off on your own.

There was something calling you upstairs, but you didn’t exactly know what. The more steps you walked, the stronger the energy got. Derek was stationed inside of Richard’s room, but that’s not where you wanted to be. There was a door right next to his bed, and when you opened it, there was a staircase behind it. Climbing it, you saw Elle, Spencer, Gideon, and Hotch standing inside the attack.

“Oh, my God,” you whispered once you had both feet on the floor.

“What is it?” Hotch asked.

“Richard’s standing right next to you,” you muttered.

Hotch looked around him, but Richard was nowhere to be found.

“He’s downstairs.”

“Let her finish,” Gideon defended you.

Richard was on the phone, and although you couldn’t hear what he was saying, you could guess due to the stressed look on his face. He wasn’t getting anywhere with the person on the phone, so he hung up and turned on his TV. Gasping, your eyes widened at what you saw on the TV.

“He just got off the phone with someone, and he turned on the TV. There’s a woman on the TV, but she’s tied and gagged. Oh no, there’s a man with her, and he’s—oh God. Richard is sitting by the game that Spencer is looking at and starts to play himself. I can’t,” you whispered, looking away in pain.

“What kind of game is it?” Elle asked.

Richard misted away so that you were brought back to reality.

“In China, it's called wei-chi. Here we call it ‘go’. It's considered to be the most difficult board game ever conceived,” Spencer answered.

“Chairman Mao required his generals to learn it,” Gideon added.

“This might provide an advantage, actually. Go is considered to be a particularly psychologically revealing game. There are profiles for every player—the conservative point counter, the aggressor, the finesser, and more.”

“What kind of player is Slessman?” Hotch asked, looking at you to make sure you were okay.

“Extreme aggressor.”

“Well, we’re not going to find answers up here. We need to talk to Richard,” you said, crossing your arms.

Spencer, Elle, and Gideon nodded in agreement and left the attic. Hotch walked past you, but instead of leaving, he stopped by your side.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I don’t get to choose what I see. Sometimes, I don’t prepare for it. I mean, I see things like murder and rape, but I can’t ever prepare myself for it. I promise, I’ll be better at it.”

“You’re doing fine,” he said calmly.

He let you go down the stairs first, and you watched as Elle and Derek tried to figure out how to get into the computer that was apparently locked.

“Do you think you can break in? In 6 tries?” Elle asked.

“Try again. Fail again. Fail better,” Gideon said.

“Samuel Beckett,” you and Spencer said at the exact same time.

He looked at you, but you blushed and quickly looked away.

“Try not. Do or do not,” Derek argued.

“Yoda,” Spencer whispered to Gideon.

The fearless leader took one look at Richard’s shelf and noticed something familiar. He grabbed a book, but it wasn’t that he was interested in. Inside contained something far more personal to Gideon.

“I wanna talk to him. Y/N, will you come with? I want you to get a read on him.”

“Sure,” you nodded, walking past Spencer to follow Gideon to the kitchen where Richard was silently stewing.

The criminal looked at you two as you took a seat, and you crossed your arms as you just stared at him. Gideon was doing all the talking here, you were just here to see if you could get anything on him.

“You read my paper. Learn anything?”

“Heirens said a man living inside of his head was the one who committed the murders. You said he was lying, that there'd never been an actual case of multiple personalities.”

“You have an academic interest in dissociative identity disorder, or you just planning your defense?” Gideon asked. Since Richard didn’t say anything else, he opened the book he grabbed and pulled out the article that was stored inside. “You a fan of Adrian Baal's work?”

“No. I'm a fan of yours,” Richard smiled.

He leaned in to try and get under Gideon’s skin, and as soon as you got a whiff of his cologne, your vision got blurry. Richard, Gideon, the table, the article, and even the policeman who was standing behind Richard were getting darker, only for a new picture to replace them. It was Heather inside of a cage, but Richard wasn’t with her. It was a much larger man who approached the cage. His back was turned to you so you couldn’t see his face.

The only name you could see around the room was Timothy.

“Why don't you tell us where Heather Woodland is?” Gideon asked, bringing you back to reality.

“Woodland… Isn't she the girl that went missing a couple days ago?” Richard smile. Gideon had enough of him and motioned to the officer.

“Get him out of here,” Gideon said, getting up.

Staying where you are, you watched Richard get taken away, but his gaze was on you’re the entire time. Ever since entering this house, you’ve gotten two visions. Putting those together—Richard talking on the phone, his stressed look, the woman on the TV, the woman in the cage, the large man, and the name Timothy—there was another unsub.

There was another killer.

Getting up, you rushed out of the house to try and find where Gideon might have gone to. Once outside, you heard two men talking to one another and noticed it was the two superior men.

“Gideon! Hotch!” you exclaimed, rushing over to him. “There’s two unsubs. Richard didn’t kill those girls, someone else did. All I’m getting is the name Timothy. Does that help?”

“It does. Stay here with Morgan and Reid. Call me if you get anything else.”

“Okay,” you said, walking back into the house only to find Spencer inside Richard’s room sitting crossed-leg on the bed with every single CD this guy owned—opened and laying everywhere.

“What is all this?”

“Morgan thinks that the CDs might help us with the password.”

“Will it?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Can I help?”

“Be my guest,” he offered.

Looking at all of the CDs in the room, you tried to get a feel for the energies surrounding them—the more energy a CD has, the more that Richard used it. Looking at the CD shelf, you froze when you saw Richard standing there, looking through the different kinds of CDs.

“What is it?” Spencer asked, seeing as there was nothing by the CD shelf. “Is he here?”

“Yeah.”

“What is he doing?”

“Looking for a CD. There’s hundreds of them, but there is only one that he wants,” you noticed, walking closer to him.

He picked out a Metallica with a smile before heading up to the attic. As soon as Richard disappeared, you looked through each and every one of the CD cases until you found the one you wanted.

“What are you doing? Did you find something?”

“He chose this one,” you held up the Metallica CD.

“It’s empty.”

“Doesn’t the laptop have a CD port?”

“You’re right,” he whispered, grabbing something off the bedside table.

He walked upstairs with you trailing behind to find Derek almost on edge.

“We’ve been thinking about the CD's,” Spencer began.

“Oh, Reid, come on. We tried the CD's. We searched, sifted, and sorted through every one of this guy's head-banging heavy metal collection. We gotta find something, or this girl is dead.”

“Think you may have missed the obvious,” you said.

Spencer used the tiny pin in his hand to forcefully open the CD port on the side of the laptop. Inside was the missing CD case.

“What are you doing? Reid, what made you think of this?”

“It was the only empty case,” you shrugged, tossing the case to Derek.

“Alright. I'm an insomniac who listens to Metallica to go to sleep at night. What song could possibly speak to me?” Derek thought out loud.

Spencer eyed the back of the case before looking at his friend.

“Enter Sandman.”

“You sure?” Derek asked.

Once Spencer nodded, he typed the password into the computer, and low and behold, it unlocked. The only thing on the home screen was a video file, but it wasn’t just any kind of video…

It was a live one.

“Call Gideon,” you gasped once the video file was opened.

It was the same thing you have been seeing—Heather tired and gagged inside of a cage. Derek grabbed his phone and dialed the superior agent.

“Gideon, Heather's alive… 'Cause we're watching her right now.”

“I feel her pain and fear,” you whispered with wide eyes.

The swat team was called up to examine the video, and then they began searching the attic to see if they could find evidence of where this girl might be.

“Morgan, can you show me the last 12 images lined up next to each other?” Spencer asked.

“Yeah,” Derek muttered, doing as he was told.

“You see that? The light bulb hanging from the wire?”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“It's shifting positions like it's swaying, like the earth is tilting.”

“Not the earth, doc,” you commented, “the ocean. That girl is on a boat.”

“Hotch, Heather is on a boat,” Derek said once he called Hotch. “It’s a pier or a dock. He wouldn't be able to transmit the webcam image from the middle of the ocean… It's the best we got, Hotch. Even if we're right, getting the exact location's on you, my friend… To work me a little magic.”

Just to be updated on Heather’s situation, you kept watching the video to see what might happen or if the second unsub, which was Timothy Vogel, went to get her. Apparently, when Richard was in jail, Timothy was the guard who befriended him and looked out for him. That was the man you’d been seeing in your visions when you saw Heather in the cage. The video was transmitting shot by shot, and in one shot, she was alone.

The second shot, Timothy was approaching her.

“Guys, he’s inside,” you panicked.

The panic you were feeling was mostly coming from her since her energy was strong enough to come through the camera.

“Get Elle on the phone,” Derek ordered as Spencer did what he asked.

Once the female agent was on the phone, Derek took the phone from her and started speaking, but you weren’t paying attention to them. Heather started fighting back and kicked Timothy in the face. She escaped the room, and once he did as well, you couldn’t get anything else.

“He’s gone. They’re gone. I can’t see them anymore,” you panicked.

“Elle and Gideon can handle this. Come on, we have to go,” Spencer urged.

This woman’s life was in danger, and you couldn’t be responsible for another dead body.

You wouldn’t allow that to happen.

“You thinking about doing this full time?” Gideon asked after Heather was rescued and Timothy was taken away.

Hugging yourself tightly, you looked at the other agents on the other side of the dock. Spencer, Derek, and Hotch were talking to one another, and Elle was talking with one of the officers.

“I am. I was trained to help people. It’s what my dad taught me to do.”

“I’ll put in a good word for you then,” he said, leaving your side.

“Thank you, Jason.”

The plane was silent since most of the agents were sleeping. Derek and Elle were comfortable on the couches, Gideon and Hotch were talking quietly in the middle of the plane, and you were sitting all by yourself in the corner, giving everyone their spaces since you have yet to feel like one of them.

“Nice job you did back there,” Spencer complimented you, taking a seat next to you with a coffee in his hands.

“Thanks, you too.”

“I’m having trouble understanding the things you can do.”

“What do you want to know?” you asked, closing the file in your hands.

“How long have you been able to do this?”

“All my life, I guess. I was born with it. I just have incredible sensitivity to people’s emotions. You know how some people know when they’re being watched? That feeling of eyes on you? Or when your gut is telling you something is bad or wrong? Well, this is my sixth sense.”

“Can you hear things?”

“No. Back at Richard’s house when I saw him talking on the phone, I couldn’t hear what he was saying. However, based on his looks and his emotional state, I had a clue. I’m kind of lucky I don’t hear what I see because if I did, I don’t think I could ever leave my house. I can close my eyes if it gets too much, but I can’t turn off my hearing.”

“So, you can get a read on me?”

“Yes, I can. Do you want me to try?” you chuckled.

Spending time with Spencer the whole ride home was something you can get on board with. You just met him, but there was something about him that just drew you in.

"When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

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