A Blasian Mess

cuz she organized now.

Aaron Hotchner - C.M

dbf!hotch x femcollege!reader: part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Jayden Shiba - PR Samurai

Pairings: dbf!hotch x fem!reader

WC: 2.5k

Summary: Impromptu office visit, you and Aaron spend the whole day together. 

Warnings: Kind of cute filler part, possible out of character BAU team convos. 

a/n: i wanted to build their connection a little more before anything got too serious. also what are some thoughts on maybe possibly a different story. could be cool. anyways happy reading, and likes, reblogs, comments, requests, etc. are all welcomed. as well as any requests to be added to my taglist. lets ignore the massive gap in between parts.

part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Aaron had just dropped off Jack at school and was running a little behind –in his mind, which was on time to everyone else– to the office. It wasn’t like he was going to miss much time, he was only going to be subjected to mountains of paperwork and files for the rest of his day. An awaiting headache, one could say. 

He was still one of the first people there. He immediately went into the office kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee. The activity was tranquil. The quiet before the storm that was awaiting in his office. The mindless activity of just stirring his coffee served as a hypnotic melody to ground him. The liquid spinning clockwise satisfied something in him. He was disrupted from this melody when footsteps entered behind him. He didn’t have to turn or look at the person to know who it was. Aaron stopped aside from the coffee bar so Rossi could pour his own cup.

“I think this is the first time I have seen you here early.” Aaron smirked behind his coffee. 

“Well I left something here last night, so I thought to myself, ‘why wait’.” Rossi, finally satisfied with his cup, took a sip before turning to Aaron. “I also had to let a certain surprise into your office before you could say no.” 

Aaron looked away from his cup to Rossi. “What did you do?”

“Nothing.” Rossi smirked as he watched the unit chief walk to his office skeptically, not before Aaron made sure to give Rossi a warning look.

~

The door to his office practically flew open as Aaron looked around his office. His eyes scanned his desk first, the papers were all there (unfortunately), his chair was empty and waiting for him. Everything seemed normal. 

“What took you so long? I thought bosses were supposed to be here before their employees.” 

His eyes immediately snap to the corner of his office where you lay across the small couch, your bag to your side. 

“Why?” He sounded exhausted. 

“You want the short or long version?” Your taunting smile matches the one on your visitor’s badge. 

“Spare me.” Aaron entered his office like he was talking to any other person. Setting down his bag, hanging up his coat, and sitting at his desk. He was already rubbing his forehead, despite a small smile forming. 

“I thought this would be a fun place instead of a library to study for the CPA.” You shrug and speak quietly. 

He can’t help but look at you in disbelief after your explanation. You both held each other’s gaze for a soft moment. A small smile forming on both of your faces. 

“Fine. But I want you quiet and if you hear anything confidential it cannot leave this room. Understood?” Aaron spoke sternly. 

“Good thing I brought my headphones. Just say the word boss.” You flash him one more quick smile before you reach into your bag and take out your study materials, with headphones at the ready. “Aren’t you excited we get to work side by side?” Your enthusiasm fills the room.

“We’ll talk about this later.” He looked down at his papers and started to work, hiding a soft smile, if you squint. 

~

The door opened slightly, with a smug Rossi standing in the threshold. “Do you like your surprise?” 

Aaron just glared at the man. You look to Aaron and then back to Rossi. 

“That’s Aaron-speak for yes.” You say teasingly. “Thank you, Rossi.”

“Anytime, kid. Or should I say ‘nothing’.” Aaron didn’t have to look up to know how much Rossi was enjoying this. 

“Thank you, David Rossi.” He was already exhaustted despite it being only 8:02 a.m. 

~ 

As the rest of the team slowly filed into the office and took their respective desks, they all seemed to notice the drawn curtains blocking view into Hotch’s office. Reid was the first to point it out though.

“Something’s wrong, Hotch didn’t have a meeting scheduled this morning.” 

Emily glanced over to Reid and then to Hotch’s office. “You know his schedule?” 

“I know everybody’s weekly schedule.” Reid spoke softly, despite slightly freaking out everyone else. 

“The kid is right though, Hotch never has his windows blocked unless its an important meeting.” Morgan chimes in. 

“It’s been like that since we got in.” JJ adds. 

Rossi looks over at them and smirks before going back to his work. “He is fine. Just a visitor.” 

The team exchanged glances, each wondering who could be such a significant visitor that Hotch wanted his privacy. 

~

You and Aaron worked in a comfortable silence. It was a quiet assurance to Aaron, though he wouldn’t admit it. Every single eye strain or a well needed mental break was treated with a glance towards you. Sometimes it was a stare and transporting his mind into what they would do should they not have to work. They would be taking a stroll at the park, practicing soccer with Jack, cooking in his kitchen, sitting in a coffee shop, or even grocery shopping. Each idea brought a new motivation for Aaron to finish his paperwork. He wanted to spend his time with you. Doing anything and everything with you. Though he hated paperwork, he preferred doing it with you rather than sitting isolated in his office driving his stress levels immensely. 

“Do you want to get lunch?” Your voice cut through his daydream, snapping him to attention.

He glanced at his watch not believing the need for food so early. To his surprise it was already 1:27 p.m. They had been working in tandem for 5 hours and the need for food or a break crossed his mind –not that it usually does, he likes to work himself to the bone.

“I suppose I could go for a meal break right now.” He sets down his pen and leans back in his chair, looking at you. “What would you like to eat?” 

“Honestly, anything.” You take off your glass and close your notebooks in your lap. 

“Very helpful.” He stands from his desk and heads towards the door. “Stay here.” 

Aaron looks around the Bullpen in search of a certain Italian. He finds Rossi and the rest of the team collectively conspiring in the break room. The conversation dying down when Hotch approaches isn’t lost on him. 

“We’re thinking about heading out for lunch, did you wanna join us?” Morgan offers Hotch.

“Not today, but thank you. Rossi, can I speak with you for a moment.” Hotch’s voice was calm yet stoic, and he wasn’t asking.

Hotch and Rossi walk back to Aaron’s office.

“Hey Rossi.” You smiled and waved at him. 

“Hey Kid, how are you?” He answered back.

“Enough with the pleasantries, how long will you and the team be gone? We are going to head out for lunch.” Aaron’s voice, annoyed but amused, cut through you two. 

“Bossy, right?” You joked with Rossi. 

“He sure is.” Rossi agreed as Aaron rolled his eyes. “I can get you two an hour or so.” 

“Perfect, thank you.” Aaron relaxes. 

“I think he is embarrassed to be seen with you.” Rossi smirks as he looks to you, teasingly. 

“I know, right? Way to make a girl feel special.” You join in teasing Aaron. 

“Thank you David Rossi.” Aaron breaks the moment again, slightly humored though feigning annoyance. 

With that Rossi flashes you a sly smile before rejoining the team. Aaron watches them through his curtains, examining Rossi herding the team out of the building. 

“You are actually scared to be seen with me.” Your voice disrupts the silence. 

“Not scared, nor embarrassed. They don’t need to know about you just yet.” Once the team was gone, he moved back over to his desk.

“Waiting for them to leave the parking lot?” Already knowing his answer as you stand and stretch. 

Aaron subtly looks you over as you stretch before checking his watch. “We’ll leave in 3 minutes.” 

“Yes, sir.” You settle back on your feet. “So what are we getting to eat anyways?”

“A diner. You would like it. There are plenty of things on the menu so I assure you, you can find something you like.” He ensures he has his wallet and keys before holding the door open for you. “We will be getting the food and taking it to go, so we can eat here.” 

“Got it.” You step out of his office and wait as he locks the door. 

~

On your way back from the diner, you both sat in silence during the afternoon traffic. 

“So… how is work going?” You ask, trying to break the silence.

He gives you a sideway glance. “Interesting to say the least.” He relaxes in his seat. “You’re still wearing the bracelet I got you.”

“Yeah, it was the best gift I got that day.” You play with the charm on your bracelet. “Thank you for coming, really. I don’t think I could ever forget that day.” 

“You had a whole party full of rich people giving you expensive gifts.” He combats. “I am sure at least one other person there got you something good too.”

“You severely overestimate people.” You smile as you look at the bracelet. 

He smirks to himself. 

“I never want to forget that day. Not because I graduated or anything.” You turn to him. “More so, what happened after.”

“And who you spent it with.” Aaron adds. “I like to remember that day as well. It was a good day– rather evening.” 

“Yeah it was. I wouldn’t mind if we got to do something like that again.” 

“Like showing up at my office unannounced to sit and do work with me?” He asks smugly.

“I can leave at any time if you just tell me to.” You counter playfully. “I am sorry about that by the way. Working with you is more appealing than staying at home while my parents bug me about the CPA exam.”

“Well, I am happy I can bring you some solace.” 

“Yeah me too.” 

A soft beat fills the car. 

“You kissed me.” Your cheeky statement breaks the comfortable silence and causes Aaron to turn away hiding the smile and soft flush filling his face. 

“Forehead. I kissed your forehead.” He sternly corrects, though you could see right through him. “Nothing scandalous with that.” 

“It’s intimate. And romantic.” You continue to tease him.

“Then I won’t do it again.” Aaron feigns defensiveness as he tries to keep his composure.

“No, no, no, I didn’t say that. I am just saying I wouldn’t mind doing that again.” You raise your hands in mock surrender.

He looks at you for a moment, a soft smirk tugging at his lips, before he turns back to the road. “Okay.”

~

You both eat in his office, talking and laughing with each other. The paradise as Aaron would describe this moment was exactly what he needed. Enjoying being locked in his office, ironically. At the end of the work day, you and Aaron were far content with the work both of you achieved and just began discussing plans for the rest of the night and week. 

“What are you doing next Friday night?” You asked him, trying to soften your hopeful tone. 

“Nothing, as of the moment.” Aaron couldn’t help but smirk at you. “Why?” 

“Do you want to hang out?” You shrug.

Before he could answer, Rossi knocking and entering the office interrupted them. 

“Sorry to bother you two love-birds, but the team is coming over for dinner at my place and will be heading out soon.” Rossi looks between the both of them. “I interrupted something didn’t I?”

You slightly nod your head but still flash Rossi an amused smile. 

“I will see both you and the rest of the team later. Thank you, Rossi.” Aaron sends Rossi a soft glare.

“Right.” Rossi then turns to you. “Come back anytime kid.” 

“Of course, Rossi. Have a good night.” You smile at the Italian before he leaves the office. 

“So… where were we?” You turn back to Aaron. 

“You were going to ask me out on a date.” Aaron states as a matter of factly. 

“Do you not want to?” 

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t say yes either.” 

“I will respond when I am ready.” He teases.

“You wound me, you know.” 

“Why would I ever let you ask me out on a date?” Aaron clears his desk and stands. Starting to gather all of his things, he speaks to you over his shoulder. “Simply ungentleman-like.” 

“Soooooo?” You try to hide your anticipation. 

“So, once I bring you home, I will head over to Rossi’s house.” 

“You’re really going to make me wait for it, aren’t you?” You asked, feigning annoyance. 

“Are you ready to go?” He asks, deliberately messing with you. 

“You’re evil.” You grab your bag and jacket. 

~

Once he drives you home and opens the door for you. 

“Don’t walk me to the door. I mapped it out and this is the farthest we can go before my parents can see us from the window or the cameras.” You stop him. 

“Alright then.”

“Thanks for driving me home.”

“Of course.” He pauses for a moment. “Next Friday night, if you aren’t doing anything, would you like to accompany me for dinner?” 

“I feel like I should keep you waiting for my answer.” You tease. “But I am not as cruel as some people. So, yes I would love to.”

“Beuatiful, I will pick you up at 8, dress comfortably but slightly upscale.”

“‘Slightly upscale’? Aaron where are we going?” 

“That is for you to find out. If anything changes I will be sure to reschedule and inform you.” 

“Why thank you. Drive safe.”

He nods. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.” 

“You as well, Aaron.” 

He waits for you to enter your house before driving off. You watch him from the door. 

~

“So who was the guest that occupied all of your time today?” Morgan asked Hotch.

The team gathered around Rossi’s countertop. 

“It was nothing. Just personal matters.” Hotch takes a sip of his drink.

“They were with you the entire day. It was definitely not nothing.” Emily chimes in over her glass of wine. 

“Yeah, was everything okay?” JJ adds. 

“Everything is perfectly fine. She was just visiting me.”

“‘She’?” Reid pointed out.

Penelope gasped and smiled brightly. “Oh my goodness, you had a secret girlfriend with you all day? Naughty boy.”

The team smiled and laughed amused at Garcia.

“She isn’t my girlfriend.” Hotch clears the air.

“Yet.” Rossi adds earning a look from Hotch.

“It’s nothing serious. And I would appreciate us not talking about my love life.” Hotch address his team. 

They all nod and look around in silence.

“So what’s she like?” Emily breaks the tension, playfully. 

“Really Prentiss?” Hotch asks amused

“She’s full of surprises.” Rossi answers. 

“You know her?” Morgan asks.

“Who do you think let her in?” Hotch asks.

“I got to the office first.” Rossi sips his wine.

The whole team look to him in shock.

“How is that the most shocking thing you guys heard tonight?” Rossi looks around.

a/n: heyyyyyyyyyyy. it's been a minute. or several. anyways, um life is good and everything. im sorry this took so long, truthfully couldn't think of anything. but this was just based on the fact that i still have a lot of work to do with no motivation to do it, hence using aaron to work alongside with. i have been reading more fics tho, even if i am not posting on here, so i do still check this daily should any of you message me or something. but like always um likes, reposts, reblogs, questions, comments, concerns, criticisms, blah blahh blahhh are all appreciated.

Pairings: jaydenshibaxfem!reader

Warnings: monster attack, not proofread, cute ending. 

WC: 1.5k

Summary: The rest of the rangers, and Ji, become aware of your existence and give Jayden a choice.

a/n: This was literally written and completed back in March… it’s April. I have just been a little busy with school and work. Anyways, enjoy. Like always, comments, concerns, questions, likes, reblogs, etc., are all appreciated. 

part 1, 2

Jayden would love to say that it has been a couple of weeks since he last visited you with some of the other rangers, but that would be a lie. Nighlock attacks have become more frequent this season, that he needed frequent visits to your store. So much so in fact that it was now a daily occurrence to see him come in and buy some random small thing just to talk to you. Somedays he just wanted some company, to feel the warmth of your presence. He figured since he was the red ranger, and trained his whole life, that him being a little absent during downtime wasn’t a big deal. 

Oh how wrong he was.

One morning, instead of Jayden coming in to visit you, it was someone else— an older gentleman. You looked up at him and smiled that practiced customer service smile.

“Morning, what can I do for you today?”

For a moment the man studied you, like he was confused about your existence. “Erm… good morning. You know the boy that comes in everyday, what does he do when he is here?” 

You look puzzled by his question, and albeit a little concerned for Jayden’s safety. “Can I ask why?”

He seems to register how insane he looks. “Oh! I am Jayden’s guardian, Ji, and I’ve noticed him rarely being at home.” 

You nod slowly, a soft smirk playing on your lips. “Jayden just comes in, buys like a candy bar, and then we just talk.”

“You talk?” 

“Yeah, about life, goals, ambitions, our favorite things. Stuff like that.” You shrug. 

“He told you about his life?” 

“Well yeah, it came up.”

“And… what do you think about his life?”

“I mean I feel sorry that his father passed away while at work. And I appreciate the effort he puts into his martial arts training and care-taking.”

“Martial arts and care-taking?” He blinks at you before realizing how much Jayden has stretched the truth. “Jayden told you about all of that?” 

“Yeah, he basically said that any time throughout the day he isn’t here is because he is either training or taking care of people. Kind guy.” 

Ji nods. “So you two seem pretty close?”

“I mean I guess so. But it feels weird talking about this to his parental figure.” You laugh nervously. 

“Right. Well thank you for the talk.” Ji looks around, thinking, before returning back to you.

“Of course. Tell Jayden I say hi whenever you see him.” 

Ji leaves the store. 

After the rangers defeat another Nighlock and head back to the Shiba house. The celebration among the rangers evident but short-lived as Ji interrupts them, calling Jayden over.

“Jayden, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Jayden walks over. “What’s going on, Ji?”

“Martial arts and care-taking.” Ji speaks sarcastically.

Jayden’s face hardens. “I was going to tell you—”

“You are the red ranger- the leader of this team. You spending time with her not only hurts your team but also puts her life in danger.” He scolds.

“I understand.” Jayden's face drops.

“You know better than to let your personal life interfere with your responsibilities.” Ji warns.

Jayden nods and looks down as he walks away. 

~ 

Over the next week, you began to wonder what happened to Jayden. He never came by your store anymore. You wondered if he was okay, whether your conversation with Ji had changed anything. 

You weren’t working at the moment so you decided to go shopping for some new clothes and to keep your mind off Jayden. As you were walking to your car, you noticed a crowd of people running in all different directions. You set your things down in your trunk, and began to look around. That’s when you noticed a sort of monster and six colorful masked figures. 

“What in the actual f-”

Just then a blast from the monster almost came your way, it being stopped only because the red masked figure stopped it from reaching you. 

“Get as far away as you can!” The figure yelled behind him to you. 

You froze in place. “Jayden?”

The masked man went rigid. Suddenly, another blast captivated both of your attention as you both dived behind a vehicle for cover. 

“What is that? Where have you been? What are you doing? AND WHAT IS HAPPENING?” You launch into your questions. 

“Long story for everything but right now we need to stay calm and get you out of here.” He rationalizes. 

“ARE YOU INSANE?” 

“Shh. I need you to focus right now.” 

“Fine. But you will be answering my questions later.” 

You quickly and stealthily move from behind the vehicle and rush towards your car with Jayden covering you. 

“I need you to go home, I’ll be fine.” 

“Yeah I would but there are little monster men creatures that are seeping out through the ground.” 

“I’ll clear a path okay?”

“Okay.” You nod at him before muttering under your breath. “This is the wildest day ever.” 

You made your way through the group and headed back home. 

~

The next day at work, you are anxiously waiting at the counter, looking out for the boy in red. Once spotted, you sprang up. 

“What? Why? and How? Right now.” 

Jayden sighs as he begins to speak. “Those were Nighlock monsters, they want to take over our world. I am the red samurai power ranger leading the team of samurai rangers to make sure they don’t take over the world and win.” 

“You told me you did martial arts, and were a caretaker. You lied to me.” 

“Halfway true, right?” He shrugs as he smiles haphazardly trying to lighten the mood. 

You glare at him in return. 

“I’m sorry I lied to you, but telling you the truth could put you in danger.”

“Not telling me put me in danger.”

The rest of the rangers come out from behind him. 

“He is right, even spending time with you could make you a target for the Nighlock.” Emily softly admits.

“So what? You aren’t gonna see me again?” You maintain looking at Jayden.

“Did you not understand what he just said?” One of the boys chimes in softly.

“You must be Kevin.” You turn to him.

“How’d you know?” Kevin asks. 

“Stickler for the rules and codes.” You turn back to Jayden. “I want you to look me in my face and tell me that you don’t think we should see each other again.”

“I could put you in danger–”

“That’s not what I asked. And you saw yesterday that even not telling me and walking about the town could put me in danger. So I want you to say it to my face, that you don’t want to see me again.” 

You and Jayden look at each other, in tense silence. 

“I don’t know Jay, I like this girl.” Mike breaks the moment. 

This earns Mike a soft scolding from Mia. 

“Jayden, you know our duty as samurai.” Kevin softly speaks. 

“Just… Give us a minute.” Jayden says to his team. 

They all look at Jayden before nodding and leaving the store. You raise an eyebrow as you watch him watch them leave.  

Once they leave, he returns his gaze back to you, and your gaze softens. 

“Say it.” You dare him, a soft smirk on your lips.

“Okay, at least try to look like I’m going to do the justful thing.” He smiles.

“Say it, Jayden.”

“This is the most reckless, selfish thing I have ever done. But, I can’t live with myself if I let you go like this.”

“Say it.” Your teasing smile sending his heart into a frenzy.

“I’m getting to it, woman, relax.” He laughs softly. “Will you be my girlfriend? And deal with all of these monsters that may come after you because you are with me?”

“Hmm.. Let me think about it.” You smirk. 

“Oh come on.” He playfully rolls his eyes

“Yes.” You feign neutrality.

“Yeah? You’re my girlfriend now?” Jayden tries, and fails, to hide his excitement.

“Yes, and you’re my boyfriend now.” You smile softly and nod. 

“I should warn you, I have never been in a relationship before.” Jayden admits.

“I can tell, you never gave me your number.”

“Right! I should probably do that.” He takes out his morpher.

“God, what is that?” 

“It’s my morpher, I can receive calls on this.”

You take out your phone and exchange numbers. 

“I should probably go out there now.” He looks down at your number.

“Yeah, before they start to catch on.”

“Call you tonight?”

“I will be waiting.”

~

Jayden joins his team outside, glancing one more time at your contact before putting away his morpher. 

“So how’d she take it?” Mike asked, earning a nudge from Kevin.

“It was a tough conversation, but I am sure she will be okay.” 

“You did the right thing Jayden, we as samurai have a duty to protect her and the rest of the world. So ending things with her is the best way to keep her safe.” Kevin supports.

“Yeah, but Jayden always seemed so calm and happy after coming back from seeing her.” Emil says.

“And it would be nice to have another girl around.” Mia adds.

“What is done is done.” Jayden says. 

“I’m sorry man, she seemed really into you.” Mike pats his shoulder. 

“Yeah, me too. Jayden agrees.

~

Pairings: dbf!hotch x reader

WC: 2.2k

Summary: You invite Aaron to your graduation party. 

Warnings: very cutesy fluff, a confused hotch, age gap obviously. There is a forehead kiss. was a little rushed.

part 1, 2, 3, 4

a/n: I am ngl this was finished a lot sooner, however, I procrastinated making it all cutesy for tumblr. Also, this was planned out the second I finished the last part but again procrastination and I are besties. Genuinely no clue where to go from here. So the next part will take forever as well. I am sorry in advance. Hope you all enjoy, and any requests for other characters either in CM or any other verse is appreciated, as well as comments, questions, concerns, complaints. And I have a taglist so let me know if you want to be added. 

Aaron Hotcher, serious solemn BAU Chief and no nonsense drill sergeant personality, with very little softening. Always the first to arrive and the last to leave. And tonight was no exception. It was late, around 11pm in the empty, almost dark bullpen. Everyone had gone home by now. Except one. The lights in his office serve as the only real source of life in the vicinity. He was working late. As always. Jack was at a family sleepover and because of that Aaron gave himself the green light to finish as much paper work as possible, lessening his and the rest of the team’s load for the coming days. 

It got too late into the night and his body was slowly running low on motivation to finish the mountain of papers left. He did make a considerably large dent in them, but he couldn’t power through like this. So he cleaned up his office, filing away papers and organizing soon to be completed files. He checked his email last. Just as he was about to shut down his computer, a new email arrived in his inbox. 

It was late. Who would even email him at this hour. 

“Subject: The End of My Suffering <3”

The email was short, and extremely informal. No need to wonder who it was from. 

“My graduation is next Saturday morning. My family is throwing a party back at the house. Like a close family and friends thing. You should come. You and Jack, if you want. There will be other kids there. No pressure. No serial killers this time either.

It would mean a lot to me if you came. But I understand if it is too much too soon.

Love, your favorite (soon) graduate.” 

Aaron couldn’t help but smile and silently chuckle amused at the email. Though he thought about your request on his attendance. It was intriguing he couldn’t lie to himself. And he had no doubt that your father would call him to break the news to him as well. It made him really think about it. He would get to see and spend time with the girl who has plagued the back of his mind since he met her, and he would get to spend time with his friend. 

He had a week to decide. And he was going to use every day of that week to weigh all outcomes. 

~

Day 1: 

It was a Sunday, Jack had a soccer game today. Aaron and Rossi stood on the sidelines, coach's playbook in hand and shouting formation and instructions at the team. It was during half-time break, the kids got water and snacks from one of the moms there while Rossi went over the game plan with the kids briefly, keeping their spirits up and motivated. Aaron steps aside to check his phone, glancing back over at the email you sent him before shoving his phone back in his pocket to walk back over to his team. The half-time break is over and the kids hurry back onto the field. Aaron focused back on the resumed game. 

“Was that a case or?” Rossi breaks his concentration.

“Wha- Oh no, that was a personal matter… it was nothing.” Aaron deflects.

Rossi nods. “I’m sure a girl like her wouldn’t appreciate you calling her nothing.” He smirks as he looks toward the field looking at nothing in particular. 

This gains Aaron’s attention. “How do you even know about her? Regardless, it is none of your concern.” 

“The girl ran straight toward an unsub with a bat in hand like it was nothing.” Rossi looked to Aaron. “And I thought to myself, isn’t it a coincidence that you keep saying the word ‘nothing’ when referring to a person and that was the first word I thought of when it came to her.”

Aaron turns back to the game, his expression neutral. 

“Listen, Aaron. I don’t blame you. Hell, if I was 15 years younger, I would take my chance too.” Rossi defends.

“It’s not that. Trust me. We agreed to figure everything out after she graduates.” Aaron admits.

“And the issue is?”

“She graduates this Saturday, and her parents are throwing her a party. She invited me to come.” 

“And you don’t know if you should go.”

“Exactly.”

“Well aren’t you buddy buddy with her dad.” 

“University friends.”

“Then just go under the guise of hanging out with an old friend.” 

Aaron is silent for a moment. “It’s disingenuous.”

“Who cares? A nice girl wants you there.”

“It’s still under consideration.” 

The soccer game soon comes to an end and the two men congratulate the team on their win. Aaron took Jack out for celebratory ice cream and spent the remaining day spending time with his son and weighing the pros and cons of his awaiting decision.

~

Day 2: 

Aaron couldn’t help but think about you as he made his morning coffee. He took his son to school and then drove himself to the office. He resumed his paperwork, went to meetings. And headed towards the conference room where a new case was being presented. 

“Still under consideration?” Rossi nudged him quietly, ensuring no one else could hear.

“Stop it. And yes.”Aaron warns softly.

Rossi raises his hand in acknowledgment before both gentlemen turned their attention to case being presented.

The case obviously was their job, and Aaron hardly ever had a hard time putting his job first. These victims needed him and his team, as soon as possible. But this case was motivated by something else. 

See Aaron had already loosely mapped out the timeline that would be spent on this case, and should all go smoothly and efficiently, it would still be cutting it close to your party. And for some reason, it struck a little disappointment in him.

Needless to say him and his team headed off to their jet. As the rest of the team were preoccupied with each other, Aaron reread your email once more. 

~

Day 3:

Aaron was in the middle of talking to one of the victim’s family members before he excused himself for a phone call. It was your father.

After the two exchanged pleasantries, your dad proceeded to tell Aaron about your upcoming graduation. Aaron, obviously, played it off as though he had no knowledge of the upcoming event and congratulated your father on your achievement. And then the moment that Aaron had anticipated but was still surprised regardless. 

“We are hosting a small gathering for her, you know to congratulate her and give her some good advice for the career world.” Your father started. “I’ve invited some of my colleagues and friends, as well as family. And I wanted to extend the invite to you.”

Aaron hesitated on the phone. And your father could sense it.

“Listen, it’s just going to be something small, and you don’t have to stay for the full thing. And sue me for wanting to spend time with my best friend.” 

Aaron let out an amused sigh before speaking. “I am out of town right now for a case, so I make no promises for showing up. But, I will see what I can do.”

“And worst comes to worst, we can always reschedule.”

As the college best friends say their farewells, Aaron is left with an underlying decision with added motivation. And should he even decide to go, what would he bring? All conversations for after his case. 

~

Days 4-6:

As always he gave his all and then some into this case. From following leads, interrogations, strategizing, and of course profiling. Aaron was working efficiently, and so was his team. But it was during down time that Rossi may have caught Aaron looking up graduation gifts. Rossi made a metal note to tease him later, and mentally promised himself to have Aaron home before Saturday.

~ 

Day 7:

The unsub was finally in close quarters of the team, with time running out on his plans. Aaron took the initiative and outsmarted the guy in order to basically tackle him to the ground and disarm him. Rather rash decision if you ask Rossi or any of the BAU, but nonetheless they knew exactly what Aaron was capable of and followed under his leadership closely. Hell, they have all seen him get physical with an unsub before. 

The case was closed, the day was saved, and the team wanted to go out for a celebratory meal. Well all except Aaron. Again nothing out of the ordinary, he rarely joined them for these outings. Except this time he was thinking about something else rather than get ahead on paperwork.

In his head, these were the facts: It was already mid-day on Saturday, day of graduation; The flight back to Virginia would take around 5 hours, and including the time difference would place him at around 8pm; He’d still had to head home and change out of his work clothes, pushing back to around 9:30pm; And lastly, he had no gift.

It was a lost cause.

~ 

You glance at the clock on your phone as you continue getting ready for your graduation party your parents were throwing. Few of your friends were at your apartment celebrating small with you now as opposed to the party due to their own parties. It was understandable given that you all graduated in New York yet the party was being held in D.C.

Your friends leave as you finish getting ready. Your dad was the one picking you up so you waited for him downstairs. Throughout the car ride (and the entire week up until this point), you constantly check your email and messages for any update on Aaron’s arrival. No answer.

This party, for lack of better words, sucked. Your father’s friends were giving you advice and creepy job offers at various accounting firms that felt like being preyed on. Nepotism mixed with a little harassment, how festive. Your mother and people she invited were asking you about your dating life and saying that sooner or later you're going to settle down and make the most beautiful and smart babies ever. You wanted to puke. 

You took pictures with everybody, forced smiles, cheerful and happy tones, and cut and served cake. 

It was only during the middle of the painstakingly boring party that you received a text.

“Congratulations.” 

A faint smile crept on your lips.

“Thanks.” You responded promptly. At least you knew he knew that you graduated. And even though it was a one word text, it was the best thing you have received all night. 

The party had become so overwhelming and took on a life of its own— aka your parents and their friends acted as though it was their party and served to talk about their own children and jobs, and whatever else parents talk about. You became a legend at your own party yet no one cared to speak to you anymore. So you did what any sane person would do.

You were now sitting outside your house, on the steps, looking out on the street. You were still in your dress, makeup starting to wear off (really it was your faux happiness). You could hear the faint muffle of simple music and chatter in the background. You close your eyes and just try to relax before you force yourself to go back in when someone starts to wonder where you went. 

“Must be some party.” A voice snaps you from your tranquil state. Let’s be real, we all know who it is by now.

“You came?” You look up at the unit chief.

He nods. “I’m sorry for being late, we had a case.”

“I figured.” You watch him as he takes a seat next to you.

“You look really beautiful.” Aaron reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box, he hands it to you. 

You smile at his compliment before you glance down at the box and take it, looking up at him. “You know, you didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I can happily take it back.” He jokes as he reaches for the box. 

“No. No. No. It’s mine now.” You smile and softly laugh as you pull the box away. You slowly open the box. 

“Listen, it’s not much, but—“

“It’s perfect.” You cut him off.

Inside the box was a small bracelet. It had a small charm of a cat hanging from it, and on the back an engraving. 

“‘Patience’? How corny.” You smiled softly as you inspect the jewelry.

“I can always take it back.” 

“You will have to pry this from my cold dead body.” You immediately try to clip it onto yourself.

“Well, I’m glad you like it.” Aaron’s fingers brush against your wrist as he helps fasten the clasp. 

“I love it.” You correct and look down at the sparkling piece of jewelry on your wrist.

You both remain outside the party, recapping each of your weeks since the last you saw each other. He inquires about your plans now in the career world. You ask about his and if he would ever retire. Soon enough your resting your head on his shoulder, both of you enjoying the soft moment.

“Thank you for coming.” You softly turned to look up at him.

Aaron smiles softly. Before he can even think about it, he presses a soft kiss to your forehead, it’s over faster than it began. “Congratulations.” 

a/n: I have a boyfriend now, which is weird and kind of gives me more to think about writing. I like such big ideas with low morale and motivation, is a little death of creativity but I digress. I also have so much work and school stuff to do. I am in school to be a teacher so my homework is literally to design lessons for hypothetical kids. All kind of fun in a way but still so much and I am so broke so everytime they ask me to pick up a shift or stay longer, I am completely on board. Anyways hope you all enjoyed. Thank you so much for reading, and please any comments, questions, concerns, complaints are all appreciated. 

Pairings: dbf!hotch x fem!reader

WC: 3.4k

Warnings: age gap (obvs), fluff, maybe angst, a bit of swearing. 

Summary: Aaron drives to NYC to check up on you. (Extremely conversation heavy pls let me know if it is confusing to read)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

a/n: let’s all pretend that the weeks in between parts doesn’t exist. Quite literally had no ideas, and I might have redownloaded chai. I know i know crucify me please so I can delete it again. I also started watching Dharma and Greg, Thomas’s show right before CM. Also I have literally been on the verge of sickness. Like just a sinus infection that has lasted like 2 weeks. Insanity. Anyways, likes, comments, concerns, complaints, requests are all welcome, and I have a taglist.

masterlist

After the exciting spring break you had, it was time to go back to New York and finish off your final semester. As any college student graduating soon with projects, papers, and several graduation meetings on the horizon, you were stressed. Extremely. You not only had to finish all your assignments, you also needed to start studying for the CPA exam which you promised yourself you would attempt at least one part in the summer post graduation. Everything was moving fast at you and yet you were still thinking about things 10 steps ahead. 

It was a vicious cycle. It was insanity. You barely spent time with your friends. Hardly talked to your family–granted that was half on purpose. You were currently in your apartment swarmed with papers, notebooks, textbooks, sticky notes, take-out boxes, energy drinks, and many mugs with half drunken heavily caffeinated tea (some grown a little moldy). But you couldn’t stop now, you had a project due tomorrow, a presentation due in two days, and even more classes to attend. Deciding to take a “study break,” as it was just you getting up to make sure your cat had water and food, you hear a knock on your door. At first you thought you hallucinated it. Any mental figment possible with the high amounts of caffeine streaming through your veins. Except when you heard it again, your cat was already at the door. Cautiously, you open the door. 

“Your parents’ are worried about you.” Aaron speaks, his hands firmly in his pockets.

“What are you–?” 

“Wellness check.” he says matter of factly.

“Lovely.” You step aside, allowing him to enter. 

He steps in and immediately starts looking around.

“Did my parents put you up to this?” You ask semi-annoyed yet amused by the situation.

“No, but your father did say he was concerned given your spring break and your mother said you haven’t called her in weeks.” He says searching your apartment.

“It’s been two weeks since I have called her, and I am fine. It’s final season and I have stuff to do.” You practically whine as you close the door and get back to feeding your cat. 

“Your under eye bags tell a different story.”  

“Okay, rude. I haven’t had the time for my skin care routine.” You call to him from your kitchen.

“When was the last time you cleaned… anything?” He examines the pile of mess covering every surface.

“I have finals. I have papers. I have projects. I have a job. I have graduation payments. I have stuff going on.” You leave your cat’s bowl on the table as your cat hops on the table. 

“You do realize that a person and a cat live here.” He tease lightly. 

“You do realize I have shit to do.” You snap, as you move to make your next latte. 

“How much caffeine have you had today?” Aaron studies you.

“Not enough. Why?” You don’t even glance up at him.

“You’re shaking.” 

“I have been awake since 4pm yesterday.” You shrug.

“What day was yesterday?” He asks, testing your awareness in your highly caffeinated state.

“Wednesday.” You shrug.

“It’s 7pm on a Friday.” He states frankly. 

“What do you want from me? I told you I have stuff to do.” You excuse.

“To take care of yourself.” Concern and annoyance dripping from his tone.

“How long do you stay awake working on cases and paper work?” You deflect.

“That’s entirely different, and I do not stay awake for days at a time.” He brushes off.

“Coward.” 

“You really need to take a break and take care of yourself.” His voice is softer yet still poignant.

“I will once I finish.” You say exasperated.

“And when will that be?” 

“Thursday.” You state as a matter of factly. 

“You are not waiting 6 days to take care of yourself.” He states in disbelief.

“Don’t you have a child? Why are you so concerned about me right now? I haven’t graduated yet.” You spit back at him.

He looks visibly taken back, if you ever did look up from your mug to see.

“Jack is fine, he is with his mother’s side of the family right now. And I am concerned because the last I saw you, you and your family were being hunted by a serial killer.” The serious profiler unsubs usually see slipping into his tone.

“Do you check up on all your victims?” 

“That’s not fair.” Aaron cuts you off before you can say anything else.

“Then why are you here? One call would have sufficed.” You speak finally moving towards your room to return to your desk. 

“Tell me to leave and I will.” He crosses his arms as he leans in your doorway.

“Why do you want to be here?”

His expression falters. Both of you remain quiet for a beat.

You sigh. “I am going to finish what I need to do tonight. You can feel free to stay or leave. Okay?”

“After you finish, you need to take care of yourself. A real meal and adequate sleep.” He puts his foot down.

“Fine.”

“And that means enough caffeine.” He takes your mug.

You groan as you pout. “Fine. I’m gonna put on some music though.”

“Fine. But no caffeine.”

“Alright dad.” 

He softly cracks a smile as he watches you return to work as music plays from your laptop. He stays there for a bit before leaving the doorway. You spend the next three hours completing your project, occasionally asking out loud to no one in particular how to spell common words before figuring it out for yourself. He smiled amused in the other room as he secretly cleaned up your apartment. Once finished you come out of your room, triumphant with your hands up. 

“I did it!--” You glance around the clean apartment before noting a rolled up sleeved Aaron washing your dishes. “What are you doing?”

“Cleaning.” Aaron calls over his shoulder.

“Yeah, but why? You didn’t have to do it, it’s my mess.” 

“You could use the extra hands.” He excuses.

“Aaron.” You approach him at the sink, turning off the water. “Stop.”

“I don’t understand you sometimes.” He takes a step to the side to look at you.

“What do you mean?”

“You can be this very confident and responsible person, yet you can be so naive and careless.”

“Aaron, I am 21. I have to take care of myself, I know that. I live by myself and have to make sure I am fed, my cat is fed, and all my bills are paid. But I don’t wanna look back on my life and regret not being reckless and spontaneous when I had the chance.” You take the dish from his hands. “I have been thinking about this, recently. About us.”

You finish cleaning the dish before setting it up to dry. You turn to him. “You don’t even know me. And I don’t even know you.”

He leans against the counter. “What’s your conclusion?”

“Be honest with me right now, after I graduate what would we do? Go on dates? Meet each other’s friends and family?” 

“We would figure it out.”

“Exactly. You haven’t thought about it yet, or you are just trying to ignore how ridiculous this all sounds.” You start to make some rice. “You said it yourself, you are too old to be a boyfriend.”

“So what? You suddenly think I am too old for you?” He sounds almost defensive. 

“No. I don’t, honestly.” You move around your kitchen. “It’s just, how would I fit in your life? Because I can go off and tell my friends about you, but how would you explain to your friends and coworkers, and even my dad, that you are in a relationship with me?” 

He falters. “I am sure they would respect–”

“They would look at you differently and you know it.”

“Do you think I would be embarrassed to be seen with you? Is that what this is about?”

You lock eyes with him with a haphazard look on your face and a shrug.

“You took a bat to an unsub’s head because you were scared that I would get hurt.” He begins to approach you step by step, caging you against the countertop. “You took a train all the way from the city across the state to the middle of nowhere just to see me. And you practically begged me to give you my number.”

“Okay well I didn’t beg.”

He smirks. “You are impossible. But my point is, why would any of that sound embarrassing for me?” His expression turned a soft serious. “Only an idiot would be embarrassed to tell his friends and family about a woman like you.” 

“I don’t like this game anymore.” You deflect from the building butterflies in your chest. “You’re really close.” 

“I thought you liked me.” He says smugly. 

“I have never said anything like that.” Playful sarcasm edging in your tone. 

“Of course you didn’t.” He smirks.

The moment turned serious as both of your faces softened. 

“How would this work? Dating wise.” You gesture between yourselves. 

“Over dinner. Maybe a movie. Getting to know each other as you so bluntly put it. And then from there, we’ll see what happens. Is that alright with you?” He proposes.

You nod. 

“And I hate to say it, but you are right. It would be an awkward conversation to explain our age gap.” He takes a step back, as he puts his hands in his pockets.

“Hah! I knew you thought about it.”

“How can I not? You’re in your 20s and I’m in my 40s. Frankly, I’m surprised you would even want to date someone my age.”

“Have you seen yourself?” You step around him and open your fridge, about to start cooking.

“What are you doing?” He notices you pulling out food.

“It’s late, I haven’t eaten since this morning, and you could use a quick bite to eat as reward for cleaning.”

“Since when can you cook?” He jokes. 

“Hey!”

“Your place was covered with takeout boxes and you are telling me you can cook?” He crosses his arms.

“I was busy. Plus, it’s just a fried egg with rice and some pan fried meat.” 

“You don’t have to.” 

“Shut up. You are staying, you are eating. End of discussion. So sit.” You point at your couch.

He nods, heading to take a seat on your sofa. “Yes ma’am.”

~

You both sat in your living room, eating and talking. Getting to know each other and telling stories about your friends, family, even some stories about yourself. A comfortable silence washes over the both of you. 

“You know what’s funny?” You set down your bowl.

Your cat jumps onto the couch and rests in Aaron’s lap.

“What?” He sets down his.

“I would consider this our first date.” You look at him.

“Mmm, more like our second.” He corrects.

“How is this our second?” You ask with a soft smile. 

“Did taking a train all the way to Syracuse and going out for dinner not count as a date?” He asks smugly. 

“Well… I have done way worse, but I can see how that could be classified as a first date.” You look up as you think about it.

“What is way worse?” He leans back against the couch as he looks at you amused. 

You smile as you get comfortable on the couch as you begin to tell the story. “I once flew to Scotland, took a picture of a goat, went to a pub in Glasgow, and danced with a guy. All for a dare.” 

“A dare? You know you didn’t have to go through with it?”

“Momma ain’t raise no bitch.” You laugh as you lean further into the couch. “Plus it was fun. And it was only a weekend.” 

“When was this?” 

“Like three months before we met.” You shrug.

He leans his head back and lets out a laugh. You smile at him. He looks at you confused.

“I have never heard you laugh like that before. I didn’t know that was possible from you. I like it.” 

A soft smile plays on his lips. 

“So then this would make two dates for us. And I haven’t even graduated yet. Somebody is breaking his own rules.” You lightly tease.

“You are a terrible influence.” He says softly. 

You scoot closer to him on the couch, petting the small animal laying in his lap. 

“You still like me?” You ask him, not yet looking up from the cat.

“Yeah. What about you?” He asks as his arm rests on the back of the couch.

“Yeah, I still like you.” You finally meet his gaze. 

“What else do you have to do for school?”

“I have a presentation in two days, and then my final exams and papers are in two weeks.” You shrug. “So not much.”

“You should have joined the FBI, if you think paper work isn’t a lot.” 

“So we could be coworkers? You be my boss? That’s a lot of HR violations.” You tease lightly. 

“I am interested in my friend’s daughter, that’s way worse than an HR violation.” He shakes his head. 

“Touché.” You smile, before taking a moment to think. “Hypothetically, if we went to college together, do you think we would have even been friends?”

“No.” He cuts you off in the middle of your fake gasp, “Only because I would have been way too focused on my course work and other things.”

“Wow. You wound me. But I agree.” You laugh.

“Oh but you were just gasping like I shot your cat five seconds ago.” He scoffs amused.

“Yeah well I am dramatic at times. But I think we would have at least studied together because I take that seriously. And I would have probably convinced you to drink before classes or exams with me.” 

“Hold on, you get a drink before classes and exams?” He looks at you surprised. 

“On some occasions, yes. I just turned 21 and I wanted my first sip of alcohol.” You laugh softly. 

“I find that so unbelievable that you never drank before you turned 21.” He shakes his head.

“Sue me, I was a good cookie. Never did anything illegal in my life.” You raise your arms in mock surrender.

“Never had a fake ID or anything?” He tests. 

“Nope, no fake, no stealing sips from parents, no smoking, no drugs. Only the two drinks of alcohol I had after I turned 21.” You shake your head. 

“The college kid in me is calling bullshit.” 

“So what I’m getting is that you were a wild college kid?” You raise an eyebrow.

“I wouldn’t say wild, but definitely more experimental than you.” He takes a sip of his water.

“I am shocked, but it explains so much.” 

“And what does it explain?”

“That you got all your fun out when you were younger.” You smirk.

“I am still fun.” He defends.

“Yeah, said literally no one ever. What’s the last fun, spontaneous thing you did?” You laugh. 

“Drive from Quantico to New York to see this insane college girl.” He says as he sets his water down.

“I am not insane, but fine. You aren’t completely lacking in the fun department.” You relent.

“I am glad you agree.” 

A soft beat passes both pairs of eyes flicking across and studying the other. 

“Thank you for the food.” His gaze now turned to the cat.

“Thank you for cleaning.” You retort. 

“You should call your parents, tell them you are alive.” He half jokes.

You smile softly and nod. “And you should get back to your son. I am sure he misses his fun dad.” 

“It is getting late, I suppose I should get going.” He moves your cat over before standing. 

“Although, you do seem a little tired, and a person should only drive long distances when they are at full energy.” You look up at him from the couch, trying to deflect. 

“Are you asking me to spend the night right now?” He asks amused.

“I’m trying to, yes. Plus you said it yourself that Jack is with his maternal side. And I am just soooo concerned with your driving.” You smirk. 

“Of course you are.” He smiles as he turns to look at the cat laying in his lap. “Alright. I will take the couch.”

“Yay.” Your face lights up.

“Cute.” The word falls quickly from his lips. 

“Ew. Shut up. Stop. I’m gonna go get blankets and pillows.” You hurry from the couch.

“You’re so easy to fluster!” He teases from the living room.

“I am very aware!” You shout from your room. 

You return with a blanket and some pillows.

“You have a blanket with… puppies on it?” He glances at the fabric in your hands.

“God forbid a girl has a bit of whimsy.” You hand him the blanket and pillows. 

“Thank you.”

“You gonna be okay for the night?” You ask as he sets up the couch to his liking. 

“I have had worse, so this is actually lovely.” He lays down.

“‘Actually?’ Ouch. Kidding. But okay. I’m gonna clean up then head to sleep.” You look down at him.

“Of course.” 

You clean up the dishes quickly and about to head off to bed. 

“Alright, I’m gonna get in bed now. So…” You walk over to the couch.

“Out of curiosity have you ever had a guy over?” He smirks up at you.

“No. How obvious is it?”

“Very. But it’s adorable, so it’s fine.” He rests a hand behind his head.

“Now you are just doing this on purpose!” You flush as you cross your arms.

“Entirely. Goodnight.” Aaron adds smugly. 

“Goodnight.” You turn around and head off to your room. “Sweet dreams!”

He smiles to himself as he makes himself comfortable on your couch.

~

When Aaron woke up, he was confronted with a cat jumping on his chest and the smell of coffee. You walk over with two mugs, one all black and one white with little hearts. 

“Good morning.” You hand him the black mug. “You seem like the type to like black coffee.”

“Morning.” He takes the mug with a soft thank you. “You don’t though.”

“I’m not, I have tea. Obviously.” You take a sip as you sit down next to him. 

“Full transparency, I have work in about 2 hours. So you can leave whenever, but I would prefer you not use up the 2 hours I have to get to work.” You smile at him.

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.” He nods.

“Oh, you aren’t an inconvenience at all. It’s just I feel kind of weird leaving you alone in my apartment while I go to work because that means I would have to leave you a key should you leave and I feel like that makes things a little too forward between us.” You ramble. 

“Yeah you really have never done this before.” He smirks over his coffee.

“Oh whatever.” You hide your smile with your mug. 

“I mean I haven’t in a long time either so I get it.”

“I’m gonna go finish up breakfast though.” You get up and head to the kitchen. Making plates for both you and Aaron, and a little bowl for your cat.

Aaron smiles to himself, enjoying the domestic scene.

~

As you both stand outside you apartment building, the city slowly waking up around them.

“I’m headed to the subway now.” You gesture off down the street. 

“I’m aware.” He nods.

“Yeah, I have no experience with this kind of stuff.” You crack a soft smile as you shake your head.

“I had no idea.” His sarcasm adds light to the air.

“So…um, drive home safe.” You say rocking on your shoes.

“Have a good day at work. Take care of yourself.” He smiles as he leans against his car. 

“I will.” You look down at your shoes before back up at him. “Okay… Bye.”

“Bye.” He flashes you a small wave as you begin to walk away.

~

Once he arrives back at his apartment, he showers and changes into different clothes before he goes to pick up Jack. He receives a text while he gets ready. It’s a photo of him, asleep on your couch, wrapped in the puppy blanket.

“Literally the cutest thing I have ever seen.” 

“Delete it.” He texts back quickly.

“We both know that’s gonna be your contact photo.”

He smiles at the thought. He finally heads out the door. 

a/n: Thank you all for reading. I had therapy earlier today and for some reason that was my motivation to write this. Also, shout out to my manager for keeping up with this story. It still amazes me that you actually read ts. Every time that man sees me he keeps going “When’s the next part?” well here it is. I have been really into sewing lately, my hyper fixations are coming back to me. In google docs this is literally 12 pages long, and for that I apologize. See you in the next one. Hopefully a lot sooner than last time. If i sneeze one more time, im gonna end it all. And I have a picture of the actual puppy blanket simply because I have the blanket in my car, lmk if you wanna see it.

taglist: @fertilise-me @kaileashiftz @el-de-phi @bernelflo @whyamihere1106

Edit: this was the blanket, you can find it at walmart for like $5 USD

Pairings: dbf!hotch x college!reader

WC: 3.8k

Warnings: age gap (r is 21 and hotch is 46), angsty i think, fem reader.

Summary: A serial killer is hunting your family.

a/n: this took me forever because I couldn’t figure out the plot at first and then got lost writing it and then scared myself towards the end of it because I was in fact home alone in the dark writing this. Sorry it took long to complete, and thank you all for waiting. Also was watching Aaron and Beth tiktok vids, and I wish I was her because they were so friggin cute together. Anyways, enjoy. 

Part 1 Part 2

masterlist

Three months into your final semester, you have made it to your spring break. And it was well worth the wait. Living in New York had its perks, sure. It was busy and full of life. However, your parents’ place in D.C. had its brightside too. It was a big house for starters. Gotta thank your mother for always wanting to show off. You knew how lavish and modern everything in the house was, and how you had a hot tub and large pool in the backyard. So when packing for your nice getaway from NYC, you expected nothing less of relaxation and poolside tanning. And you were ready to try out the new smoothie blender your mom raved about over one of your weekly (annoying) calls when she would worry about you. You were finally ready to see your new room and sleep in this big comfy bed your parents had picked out for you whenever you decided to come home. Your Uber to the house was filled with headphones playing cliche vacation music, sunglasses covering your eyes from the sun, and mentally going over your itinerary for the day. 

If you weren’t so caught up in your day dream you would have paid closer attention to the vehicles in your parents driveway, but you brushed it off as some prestigious company they most likely had over. As you enter the house, already on autopilot to head to your room before going out to the pool, you turn the knob and enter. You take one step in, barely getting the door closed as you take out one earbud. You set your cat carrier down as you slip off your shoes by the door and announce your arrival.

“I’m home. I thought I could spend break–” 

“Oh my goodness! Honey,  are you safe? Are you hurt? Were you followed?” Your mother rushes to your side. Causing you to finally look up and be ripped from your daydream of your ideal break. 

You finally notice all the federal agents and tech equipment that were scattered in your parents’ house. Your spring break is now becoming anything but a break. 

“What’s going on?” You ask, now taking out your other earbud, looking every bit confused. 

Your father quickly joins you and your mother, with a familiar unit chief behind him.

“There have been a series of homicides targeted against lawyers that took on a particular case, and we have suspicion to believe your father is next.” Aaron speaks. 

“A case? Really? Then go find and arrest the guy?” You brush off.

“It’s not that simple. The client that was represented in the case had passed away two years ago.” A tall dark man came out, Derek.

“Then that means it’s either a relative or someone who worked on the case or near it. It cannot be that hard. I just came here to enjoy my break. And I do not anticipate nor want FBI agents crashing my vacation.” You protest. 

“Sweetheart, you can be in danger. It’s best that Aaron and his team take their time making sure they arrest the right guy before he hurts anyone else. Which includes you. So your mother and I are happy you are home and safe but it’s important that you stay here where we know you are safe.” Your dad steps in.

You roll your eyes before heading up to your room. “Fine. But I’m still having the vacation I planned.” 

~

You finally are unpacked and settled in for the week when you head downstairs to grab some food. Slipping past all the detectives to rummage through the fridge. You hear the oh so familiar chief profiler again. 

“Come on, let me introduce you to my team.” Aaron calls to you.

“Your team? Things are getting serious between us?” You keep your voice low and teasing.

“Your family is being hunted and you are flirting with me now?” He tries to scowl as he crosses his arms but the faint tugging at the corner of his lips gives him away easily. 

“I can’t help it, you look nice in suits.” You smile up at him as you close the fridge. “Now to officially meet the team. Lead the way, Mr. Chief Profiler.” 

“If you’re gonna tease and flirt with me all day, I am just going to ignore you.” He rolls his eyes, though with no malice, as he begins walking you to where the team and your father are in the living room. 

“This is Agent Emily Prentiss, Agent Jennifer Jareu, Agent David Rossi, Agent Derek Morgan, and Dr. Spencer Reid.” 

You nod to all of them, flashing a small shy wave, before your eyes settle on Reid. “Guy from the party.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“No, no, not like that. I just saw you at my family’s party a couple months ago, as well as Aar- Agent Hotchner here.” You caught yourself letting slip the simple and casual persona that comes with whatever is going on between you two. “Anyways, nice to know my life is in all of your hands. Bye.” 

You waltz off to your room again. This time followed by Emily and JJ.

“How may I be of service to you?” 

“Would you know of any enemies your father has? Any golfing buddy with jealousy?” Emily asks.

“No. I try to stay as far away from their snobby lawyer world. Like it’s nice because of the money he brings home and all the luxury stuff I get to go to, but besides that I don’t want anything to do with that.” 

“Have you been reached out to by anyone strange? Anyone claiming to know your dad or something similar?”

“Honestly, no clue. I rarely answer my phone and emails. But you’re free to check.” You hand the two your phone and laptop. “Please be careful, I have a final project and a bunch of notes I am working on in that laptop and I would not like to start from scratch again.” 

They smile at you before leaving. 

Sometime later you decide that no amount of federal agents, or attractive friends’ of your dad, were going to stop you from getting into that pool. You slip into your bathing suit as well as a flannel to wrap around yourself. You tiptoe down the stairs and weave through the federal campgrounds that have become your house and head into the backyard. Setting all of your swim wraps and towels down on a lounge chair, you finally climb into the pool. The sound of water splashing was enough to notify two of the agents out to the pool deck.

“You do know someone could snipe you from out here right?” Morgan says as he and Rossi look at you now floating on your back in the water. 

“Then you guys would have a clue on where the guy is and put out a perimeter.” You close your eyes as you relax. 

“Hey, I get the whole rebellious teen thing, I have been there with my own daughter. But the last thing any parent wants to see is their child’s lifeless body floating in their pool.” Rossi speaks. 

“But it’s my vacation.” You whine. 

“Pool for ten more minutes and then inside.” Aaron’s voice cuts through the conversation. 

“Seriously, where do you always come from?” You open your eyes and look up, smirking at the three agents, well one more than the others. “Bossy. Alright fine you win.”

You can barely make out what Aaron says to Morgan and Rossi before the three head inside, with Rossi trailing behind as his eyes bounce between you and Aaron. Your comment seems way too casual and comfortable compared to your conversations with the others. 

Once out of the pool and dried off, you head back in to change and lounge in the little space in your living room. Your parents were still freaking out, granted all of your lives were on the line, while your nonchalance graced their presence. Your mom anxiously baking and making food for all the agents and your dad pacing and trying to rack his brain around who would do this or if he missed anything in his day to day life that could reveal itself to be useful. You, on the other hand, had grabbed a handful of cookies that your mother had made before turning on your favorite show, trying to ignore the silently growing fear in your chest as the threat became real the longer you stayed inside. You're curled on the couch with your cat in your lap as you blankly stare at the colors on the TV. 

“Nice cat.” Morgan’s voice cuts through.

“Thanks.” You say not even glancing at him. “Any leads?” 

“Yes, we know the suspect is a mid 30s to 40s–” 

“I truly don’t care as long as you catch him.” You interrupt him. “How is Hotchner as a boss?”

“He… can be a bit much at times but he always looks out for his team and cares deeply about every case.” Morgan sits down on the other end of the couch. “Your dad and him long time friends?” 

“You have no idea. I don’t know much about him though, until recently I thought he was just some myth.” You finally glance over at the guy. “Hypothetically, if I wanted to leave the house, could I?”

“That wouldn’t be wise given the circumstances, let alone your parents would be against it.” He smirks. 

“This feels just like high school.” You sigh. 

“I’m sure you will be fine.” Morgan says before standing up and heading over to Hotch. 

If you cared enough about the police and federal agent work and jargon you would have listened to what was said, but you didn’t. (a/n: I don’t know any so let’s go with this.) So you hear your front door open and close before Aaron comes over. 

“We have leads, we are going to head to the local police department tomorrow to share our profile and findings. There will be agents posted outside of the house for you and your parents’ protection. If anything occurs, call me. We will be heading back to our hotel for the night.” He speaks the ever so rehearsed professional spiel as he hands you a business card. 

You smile up at him amused. “Of course because I don’t have your number prior to this. Thanks.” You take his card, not even bothering to glance at it. 

He nods before walking away. You pull out your phone and immediately texting him. 

“Very professional. Must have looked great to my father and your team.” 

Aaron leaves your house before entering his vehicle, already knowing who is texting him. Rossi, ever his passenger princess, notices the buzzing.

“Gonna get that?” Rossi asks.

“Nope.” 

Rossi smirks and nods. “Let me guess, it’s ‘nothing’?” 

“We are not doing this.” Aaron shakes his head as he drives back to the hotel. 

~

The following day you were seated on your living room floor, in front of the TV playing video games. Shouting back a “Yo” anytime an Agent came in. When that got boring, you rummaged through old bedsheets that your mom insisted on keeping for no reason and began using the dusty old sewing machine to make dresses you were never going to wear out. And when that got boring, you started to do your nails. It was now barely dusk. You weren’t allowed to go outside, even if it was just your backyard. And you were so bored of staying inside all day. So as any good daughter would do when her and her family are being hunted, you head down to the police station, stealing car keys and all. 

You waltz into the station and Aaron spots you immediately, heading over to you.

“What are you doing here? There is a serial killer on the loose who is after your family and you decide to leave your protected house for what exactly?” Aaron practically scolds you, his tone leading onto his growing need of protection of you. Only because you were his friend’s daughter of course…no other reason. 

“I was bored.” You shrug at him. “At least tell me you are close to finding the guy.”

“We are close, we have a name, a face, and a vehicle. Now go back home, there will be an escort, while we figure out best course of action to lure him out.” Aaron crosses his arms over his chest as he looks down at you. It would be intimidating, in fact it usually is to many people, but this particular stance and look in his eye were far from business. 

“Fine. Just wanted to see my… “platonic” older friend who I want to spend time with.” You smirk as you turn away.

“We are not starting this now, we agreed to graduation first.” Aaron scoffs amused. 

“I said platonic.” You raise your hands in mock surrender.

You leave the police station with an officer trailing behind you. 

~

The BAU decided that the best course of action was to hold a televised event where your father and mother would ask for any witnesses or leads on the investigation, hoping the killer would want to taunt your father further. And that he did. During the live event, a call to the police station came through with a cynic raspy voice that made even the strongest of men’s stomach curl. 

“I want to take everything away from you. Just like you took everything from me.” Then the call clicked. 

It was short, not enough to get a precise location, but enough to gather clues behind the motive. The unsub was a relative of a man your father had prosecuted back in his early cases that had blamed himself for letting his friend go down in jail for him. The man never made it out. So as his way to avenge his best friend, the unsub took it upon himself to single handley target every lawyer that he deemed lead to his friend’s demise. Your father was saved for last as he was the one who put him away. 

You were left at home. You didn’t feel like dressing up for some stupid bait and wait trap. You felt safe in your parent’s house, as there were agents out front. You had nothing to worry about. At least that’s what you told yourself. For some reason, as you were seated in your living room reading some romance novel, something in you felt off. You were unsettled and had this fear inside you that was unexplainable. No one had entered the house, you would have heard them thanks to the alarm system your father had put in place the second your parents moved here. Yet you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. You quickly set down your book and grab your cat, heading to a safe place to hide in your house. You couldn’t afford to look out the window, just in case your suspicion was right. 

You placed your cat in a closet in the basement, hoping that should it make any noise it won’t be heard. You bundle yourself in a thick hoodie and sweatpants in case the unsub had a knife. You then scour your house quickly for anything you can use as a weapon. Your dad wasn’t big on guns, so no second amendment right to protect you at this moment. So you take the next best thing. You hurry into the garage to grab a baseball bat before running back into the house, making sure to keep all the lights off and to stay low as you run to another hiding spot. Once hidden, you take out your phone and frantically text Aaron. 

“I think someone is coming.”

“Something is wrong.” 

“Are you guys still at the police station?”

Back at the station, Aaron excuses himself to check the series of messages that was flooding his inbox. Each one drives fear into his body. He texts back calmly. 

“We are still here.”

“Leaving now.”

He grabs Emily with him as they race towards your house. Emily took the time to call the supposed agents that were guarding your house, but no one answered. Now panic was starting to consume the two agents. Emily quickly called for backup in case things went sideways. You begin to call Aaron as everything began to be too quiet in your house. It was eerily silent. He picked up on the first ring. 

“Hello?” Your voice barely above a whisper. 

“Yeah, we are 6 minutes away. Is there some place you can hide?” Aaron’s voice cuts through the phone, a sense of urgency in his tone. 

“Yeah, I’m in the basement, there is an exit door down here too. I have a bat as well.” Your whisper wavering with fear. “Aaron, I’m scared.”

“It’s going to be okay. Prentiss and I are almost at your location. Just stay on the line.” 

“Okay.” You wait in silence on your end as you clutch the phone up to your ear in one hand and the bat with the other. Just then your heart drops at the sound of the alarm announcing the front door at been opened. “Aaron, someone just entered the house.” Your voice is even quieter now. 

Aaron and Emily turn to look at each other, sharing the same face of anxious mixed with determined. 

“3 minutes away. Just stay quiet.” Emily’s voice cuts through. 

You know you can’t leave without the alarm announcing your location throughout the entire house. So unfortunately, your best option is to stay put and be quiet. 

“Can you hear where he is?” Emily asks again. 

It is silent on your end for a second before you ease at least some pressure off of the agents. “Second floor. Upstairs. Bedrooms.”

“Rounding the corner now.” Hearing Aaron’s voice somehow comforted you a fraction, you know because your life was still in danger. 

You figured the unsub had seen the flashing red and blue lights leading to his footsteps picking up in pace from upstairs. You can hear him race downstairs only to be caught in a standoff with Aaron sending Emily off to find you. 

Once located by Emily, she leads you back upstairs and through the house as Aaron and the unsub hold onto their standoff.

“Drop your weapon. Now.” Aaron’s voice is sharp and poignant. “Drop the gun now.”

The unsub slowly places the gun on the floor as Aaron approaches him ready to cuff him. Now that Aaron is in range, the unsub starts to attack Aaron, trying to leverage the gun out of his hand. This causes a gunshot to be heard from outside where you and Emily are now residing. At the sound of the gunshot, your heart stops and before anyone knows it you’re racing back into the house, bat in hand. 

Inside Aaron and the unsub are for control over a gun, the unsub going as far to use a knife to his advantage. You waste zero time putting to use everything you learned from all the childhood years you spent in the backyard with your dad, and swing the bat directly onto the unsubs head, narrowly missing Aaron’s. The unsub collapsing to the floor unconscious, maybe. Aaron sitting up, checking the unsub for a pulse. Sensing a faint one, he cuffs the guy and calls for an ambulance. 

“You couldn’t have warned me first? You almost took my head off.” Aaron huffs out. 

You smile faintly, shaking your head. “I’m too good for that.” 

“Running in here was reckless and dangerous.” Aaron says. 

“I thought you got shot.” You shrug, lowering the bat. “I like my men whole thank you very much.”

“Still not a good excuse. You could have gotten seriously hurt.” Aaron practically scolds. “Never try to save my life again.”

“Whatever.” You look around your house before remembering something. “My cat!” You rush over to the coat closet and rummage under the coats you used for soundproofing and pick up your cat. Aaron smiles at you faintly as he sees your excitement and concern for your cat. The EMTs enter the house and take the cuffed man out on a stretcher and handcuffing him to it. Your parents rush in immediately and hug you tighter than anything you have felt before. Your dad glances back over to Aaron. 

“Thank you.” Your father says.

Aaron now approaching, “She actually held her own. Hid her cat, got a weapon to defend herself with and hid while she called us.”

“Yeah, I hit him over the head with my bat.” You chime in, extremely pleased with yourself.

“You raised a smart and highly capable girl.” Aaron pats his friend on the shoulder. 

“She is quite the independent woman.” Your father adds. “Thank you again so much Aaron.” 

“I’m just doing my job.” Aaron nods before walking away. 

~

“I’ve never seen someone willingly run into danger like that.” Reid says to the team as they all walk back to their vehicles. 

“Eh, you saw how nonchalant she was when she was just lounging openly in a pool. Girl has no fear.” Morgan chimes in. 

“Even when Emily and I talked to her, she just seemed so unimpressed with everything. Like running straight into a burning building wouldn’t phase her.” JJ adds. 

“I mean her dad is a lawyer and her mom used to be a surgeon, so the girl probably has seen and heard it all.” Morgan points out. 

“Didn’t her father say that she lives in New York alone?” Emily remembers.

“So she really has seen it all.” Reid nods.

“To her, this whole week was nothing.” Rossi adds. But just then something clicks in his head, nothing. Oh he was going to tease Aaron on this soon. 

~

Once back in the safety of his home, and after checking in on a sleeping Jack, Aaron pulls out his phone to text you. 

“Do not ever put your life before mine.”

You text back immediately. “I was just trying to help.” And then another text. “I promise I will be careful from here on out.”

“Even over text you are lying to me.” Aaron replies. “I do not want to explain to your father how I let his daughter die on my watch.”

Though that was a valid reason Aaron had in why he was so against you helping him in that fight earlier, a larger part was due to the fact he couldn’t stomach the idea of someone he cared about –even if it was a little– dying for him. Not again. 

“Well I care about you Aaron.” Your response comes in to disrupt his thoughts. “But fine, as long as I know you’re okay, I won’t do that again.” 

“Good. Now goodnight.” Aaron texts back before lying down in bed and shutting off his lamp.

“Goodnight.” Your text caused his phone to buzz on the bedside table. And then again. “Hypothetically, if I wanted to hang out with a certain unit chief tomorrow, would he be available?”

He can’t help the soft tug on the corner of his lips as he reads your message. As much as he wants to say yes, he responds promptly. “Goodnight.”

“It was worth a shot. :)”

a/n: Thoughts? Thoughts? I kind of wanted this to be a filler chapter as I want to build that relationship between op and Hotch. I love a good slow burn, but not one that takes forever. Also, Jaime Campbell Bower is popping off on TikTok with edits and such, and I’m here for it. I have been smitten with that kid since I saw him in Sweeney Todd way back when. I say as though he isn’t 10+ years older than me. Back to the fic, after seeing Rossi tease Aaron in the elevator when it came to Beth with his little “Race day is approaching, gotta find a way to see her,” you know damn well I had to make sure this guy would do it over this. Any requests or questions or reblogs or likes would be greatly appreciated as I continue to vaguely tell my friends and family what I write that a lot of you like, my go to is “short stories.” Mkay byeeee. :)

Pairing: Jayden Shiba x fem!reader

WC: 1k

Warnings: Fluff, kind of love sick puppy Jayden?, he is for sure a secret yearner.

Summary: Jayden loves to visit you any chance he gets, even accidentally bringing some of the other rangers along too. 

a/n: I have been writing a lot of hotch x reader stuff and I like it, don’t get me wrong, but I have free will and write what I want. And I wanted a part 2 to my Jayden fic. I love how all the episodes are on YouTube, so I just have them on in the background. I lowkey would have loved for the samurai rangers to have had that kind of balanced life more kind of like how the rangers in MegaForce did, like them interacting with the outside world more. Anyways, I digress. Enjoy.

Part 1

masterlist

Over the course of two weeks, Jayden had visited your store roughly 8 times. After training sessions, walks to clear his head, any and all errands that needed to be done, he would always show up at your job, buy one thing and then leave. All just to talk to you. It was adorable to say the least. And like clock work, you would always await his visit, always think of more things to say to him, and always find an excuse to be close to him; whether it be showing him where something is in the store or brushing his hand as you handed him his change. 

It became so frequent that Ji had begun to notice all of his absences. Ji thought it was helpful that Jayden always volunteered to go pick up something from a store, how he would jump at the opportunity to run out and get something at the mere sound of “Do we have anymore–.” The others didn’t notice. They were so consumed with training and trying to better themselves that seeing their leader be so “considerate” and “dedicated” to going out of his way to get whatever they needed or go on a run wasn’t out of the ordinary. 

One day though, Jayden slipped up. It was late after a Nighlock attack and Mia insisted on cooking everyone a meal. She said the magic words, asking if the team still had any tomatoes. Jayden sprang up and said, “I can go get some” and immediately started heading to the door. What he forgot to calculate was that Mia couldn’t cook to save her life, so when he sprang up to the door, Emily, Mike, and Kevin ran with him, shouting back some nonsense about helping him get even more ingredients for meals to come. The team followed close behind Jayden, Mike even clapping him on the shoulder for the quick thinking in getting them out of there before any food had been served. However, Kevin noticed something off.

“Hey, isn’t the grocery store the other way?”

Jayden froze at that moment. It was like his body was on autopilot that he had just started walking towards your store instinctively that he forgot to account for his team behind him. He stopped turned towards Kevin and the others.

“You’re right. The Nighlock battle really took a toll on me mentally, I’m sorry.” Jayden lied to his team.

Mike quick to his defense, “Hey, anything that delays us getting back to that cooking is nothing to apologize for. Plus the mall is this way, a little pit stop never hurt anybody.” 

With that Emily agreed, and Mike and Emily took off towards the mall. Leaving Kevin and Jayden smiling and shaking their head at the two fleeting rangers. Kevin took off after them first and then Jayden quickly behind. It was almost comical that Emily wanted to go into the party store you worked at. She assured the team that this would be the last stop before they actually went to get groceries. Jayden of course had no objections. Entering the store, you were at the counter as always, cleaning up. You watched as the 4 trickled into your store, with Emily making a b-line towards your props and accessories section, as Mike left towards the toys. Kevin, the ever earnest one, began trailing around the entire store, starting first at the candy aisle. Jayden had taken this opportunity to pick up some chocolate bar at the register. Handing it to you as a faint smile plays across his face. 

“Just this today?” You smile at him as you scan the chocolate.

“Unfortunately, but who knows what they are going to pick out.” He sighs back as he pays. 

You hand him his change and chocolate with your hands brushing again, way beyond accidental at this point. 

“Friends? This is the first time you brought friends with you.” You smirk at him.

“Well, it’s complicated. It wasn’t the original plan.” Jayden smiles. 

Just then Emily calls out to Jayden, gaining both of your attention, as her, Mike, and Kevin proceed to show off all the various props and accessories they have tried on. Receiving a smile from the both of you. 

“Jayden? That’s a nice name. Your friends seem fun.” You smile at each other and you can almost see the faintest traces of red come to his cheeks. 

“You have no idea.” He shakes his head as he smiles. 

“How long have you guys known each other?” 

Jayden pauses, how is he supposed to explain that these friends were a result of living and fighting Nighlock monsters together over the course of a couple months? 

“A couple of months.” 

“That’s cute, you guys seem close for only being friends for a couple of months.”

He nods and smiles, looking back at his team. Soon the three come trailing up to the counter with a collection of props, candy, and toys. You smile as you ring them up and hand them all their bags. Jayden follows behind them and waves bye to you. You wave back, letting slip a small “Bye Jayden,” as they walk out the door.

Outside, Mike smiles back at the door before smiling at Jayden, slinging an arm around his neck. 

“They totally have a crush on you, dude.” Mike proclaims to the group.

“No she doesn’t.” Jayden protests.

“I have to say I am with Mike on this. Plus she is cute, what’s the harm?” Emily encourages.

“It doesn’t matter, I’m a samurai ranger. I don’t have time for relationships.” Jayden argues. 

“Exactly, we don’t have time for distractions. The Nighlock never lighten up. We must stay focused.” Kevin quick to Jayden’s side. 

“All I am saying is a cute girl is a cute girl. And she definitely has a thing for the guy in red over here.” Mike raises his hands in mock defense. 

The group head over to the grocery store quickly forgetting about their encounter with you. Jayden’s own words rang through his mind like a motto, convincing himself that he doesn’t have time for relationship even if he allowed himself to get one. He was a samurai ranger and that always came first, protecting the world from the Nighlock. Which included you. He successfully managed to convince himself that not acting on his feelings was way better than being around you and putting you at risk. Though, periodically going by your store to make sure you were okay, wasn’t out of the cards just yet for him.

Pairing: dbf!hotch x college!reader

WC: 2.4k

Warnings: fluff, angst, age gap (reader is 21 and hotch is 46).

Summary: immediately takes place after/during the end of s6 ep15 Today I Do (brief mentions of the end of the episode at the start). You and hotch go out for dinner. 

a/n: hi here is the long awaited part 2. i was busy working as well as watching Criminal Minds. also the extent of research I did to make this all seem plausible is hilarious as this is literally a work of fiction in an au. im sorry in advance. again any likes and comments are greatly appreciated + requests as I have grown to like writing. also I have a taglist now, yay, so let me know if you want to be added.

Part 1

masterlist

Once Rossi had gotten the call that Jane would be heading to Lake Onondaga, Aaron wasted no time closing in on the distance. The BAU team had found Molly Grandin alive and arrested Jane Gould. As the local authorities come to join the team, Aaron receives a text message. He excuses himself away from the party. He opens the text inside the SUV.

“Heard the BAU was in New York”

“How long are you in town?”

He texts you back quickly. “Upstate New York, far from you.”

His phone pings quickly again.

“How long?”

“We leave late tonight.”

Rossi enters the car as Aaron types back his response. Quickly putting his phone away, Hotch buckles his seatbelt and starts the car. Rossi now buckled in, glanced at him.

“Who was that?”

“It’s nothing.” Hotch assures before setting off to the hotel the team resided in for the case. 

Rossi smirks at this before nodding and turning straight and muttering an “Atta boy,” under his breath. Hotch shakes him off and continues to drive. 

Shortly after reaching their hotel, Hotch gets another text from you.

“What are you doing tonight?”

He types back quickly as he enters his room. “I told you we are leaving tonight.”

His phone chimes immediately as he sets his phone down. And then another. 

“You aren’t leaving right now, right?”

“It would only be an hour or two.”

Once changed out of his suit, he responds. “You live in the city, hours from here.”

You respond quickly. “I just got off the train.”

“One coffee or dinner even.”

“On me.”

You wait anxiously for his response. He doesn’t help either with how long he waits to reply. Aaron weighs his options. He was always a serious responsible leader, always work first then everything else. If he didn’t go with you, he would have the night in, packing for their flight back home. However, ever since that night you met -for the second time- he was intrigued by you. He couldn’t deny he found you enticing and himself shallowly eager to see you again. As much relaxing and easy it would be to stay in and prepare for his flight, the rest of the team did just go out for their own night on the town after the case. Adding to his mental list of reasons on why he should go. Against his better judgement, he picks up his phone. 

“You get an hour and a half.”

You smile to yourself before sending him the address to some restaurant in downtown Syracuse. 

Once inside the restaurant, slightly more upscale than either of you dressed for, the hostess greets him and walks him to your table, where you are already reading the menu. You set down the menu and smile up at him.

“How did I beat you here? I live in NYC.”

“Well some of us have jobs to do.” He tries to fight back the smile that tugs at the corner of his lips.

“Ouch. Bossman has jokes today.” You smirk at him.

“Don’t you have school?” He asks as he sits down at the table and begins to look over the menu. The restaurant is nearly empty as it nears closing.

“Not until tomorrow afternoon. No need to stress.” You assure him. “Any idea of what to get? Because I can feel that they might want us to hurry.”

“No. Way.” He says in a quiet sarcastic tone, enough to make you both crack a smile as you lock eyes over your menus. He clears his throat. “I’m leaning towards a pasta.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” 

You both quickly flag down the waitress for two orders of pasta. She hurries off towards the kitchen leaving both you and Aaron alone. Awkward silence lingers over the both of you. You glance around the restaurant before settling back on Aaron, you notice faint traces of the professional BAU chief who has seen the worst of humanity. 

“How do you feel? You know, after the case?” You ask him, sympathy slipping into your voice.

He takes a sip of his water and looks down at the table before meeting your eyes. “These girls needed help, and it pains me that their own parents tried to hide their struggles out of appearance. They needed help and it is a shame the person they trusted took advantage of their vulnerability.” 

“Is that what you are afraid of?” 

“What?”

“That maybe your son, Jack, would be struggling with something and you downplay it which could lead to something like this happening? You know, him putting his trust in the wrong hands unknowingly?” You look down at the table as you finish before grabbing your water. 

Aaron was stunned into silence. “Look who’s the profiler now?” He let out a breath before slightly hunching over. “I hate that I am hardly there for him. I love my son but—”

“Your job is important. And your son has a great dad, who would fight for him. While others aren’t so lucky.” You interrupt him. “Sure you could be around more but you working is the reason why he has everything he could ever need. And that is something you should be proud of.” 

“I just never know if it’s enough.” 

“It is.” You hold his gaze. “You are doing great.”

He nods softly. Both of you taking a sip of your waters as the serious moment settles. Another awkward silence fills the air. 

Aaron clears his throat. “So, do your parents know that their daughter takes impromptu trips across the state or is this just between us?”

“We both know the answer to that, Aaron Hotchner.” A smile tugs on the corner of your lips.

He smiles softly, as much as Aaron would. “What made you come all the way here then?”

The waitress finally brings over your pastas. Both you and Aaron exchange gratitude to the waitress before returning to each other. Conversation now mixed with breaks for pasta.

“I told you.” You fork a noodle. “The BAU is in Syracuse.” You begin to eat.

At your words, Hotch’s fork freezes halfway to his mouth. “So you came all the way here? Just to see me?” 

You tilt your head before smirking. “Who’s to say I just came for you?” 

He can’t help but let a small amused breath/chuckle escape his lips. “Funny.” He begins to eat as well. 

“Who else on your team would I even know? Let alone practically beg to have dinner with?” You smile at him.

He nods. “You like me.”

“I never said that.” You try to deny it but the big smile on your face gives you away. 

“I believe your exact words were, ‘Don’t back track now.’” He teases you.

“Oh whatever. You already knew that, Mr. Profiler.” You smile as you point your fork at him.

“It’s Mr. Chief Profiler to you.” He says in a jokingly exasperated tone of voice. 

A soft comforting beat passes as you both finish your plates. 

“I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since that night.” You speak, avoiding his gaze.

“You figured a spontaneous date in Syracuse would justify your thoughts?” 

You nod still not looking at him. “If I should have a reason to.”

“And now you know.”  It wasn’t a question. You knew him better than that. And he knew you better than that. You finally lock eyes with him over two empty plates.

“Why did you agree to this date?” You ask softly.

“What do you want from me?” He deflects.

“You like me and you know it. I like you and we both know it. What’s this game?” You quickly put an end to the back and forth.

The waitress breaks the tense moment as she clears the plates and promises to return with the check. The restaurant is now just the two of you.

“I’m too old for you. I’m in the FBI, a unit chief at that. This is inappropriate and you know it.”

“Yet you came here.” 

“You came all the way to Syracuse to go on a date and ask me to, what? Be your boyfriend? I’m 46, I’m a father.” 

“Well I want to be something in your life.” 

A tense silence passes over the table. The waitress soon breaks it by placing down the check before leaving. You both reach for the check.

“Let me get this.” He speaks low, almost commanding.

“I asked you here, and told you I would pay. Let me get it.” You protest.

“I’ll pay and be done with this.” 

You can’t hide the hurt in your chest as he says that. 

“I-.. I didn’t mean it like that.” He softens.

“Yeah you did,” You mutter under your breath. “Whatever, just pay for it.”

He places his card into the checkbook and walks over to the host. Your mind swirling with thoughts as he heads back over to the table. When he rejoins you at the table, you both quietly gather your things and leave the restaurant. Once outside Aaron stops you.

“How are you getting home?” 

“Train.” You respond shortly, knowing if you said anything else your voice would betray you faux nonchalantness. 

“I’ll drive you to the station.” 

It wasn’t a suggestion or an offer. Almost like he was testing you to protest. And you wanted to fight him. You wanted to save yourself the awkward car ride, but it was late and you weren’t in any familiar town. You both start walking towards his car. The short drive was filled with tense silence, neither of you spoke nor did the radio play. Silence. Painful silence. 

Once you reached the train station, you both sat for a few seconds. Unsure of what to say. You unbuckled your seatbelt before looking down at your shoes. 

“Thanks for the ride.”

Just as you were about to leave the car, Aaron’s voice stops you. 

“I can’t give you what you want.”

You shake your head. “You can’t let yourself.” You turn to look at him. “I only want you, just you.”

“I don’t have the time or the capabilities for a relationship right now. You need someone who you can show off to your friends and family. Someone who understands you–”

“But you do. You just don’t want it to be you. Why?”

He lets out a sigh. His mind flashing to Hailey (may she rest in peace), Jack, and your father– his friend. “My job is dangerous, it can put you at risk. And no amount of fun late night pasta dates is going to justify me potentially jeopardizing your life.”

“I am a woman alone in New York, everything I do is putting my life at risk. So you do not get to make those calls for me. I told you. I told you I wouldn’t tell anyone if it meant I can see you. I’d only go as far into your life as you would allow me.”

He looks away frustrated yet mixed with something he refuses to name, as naming it would only make his feelings become more real. 

“Don’t deny yourself something that could be good, because you are constantly worrying about what could go wrong, Aaron.” 

A beat passes.

“I’m too old to be a boyfriend.” He says softly, as though he is considering your offer. 

You let out an amused sigh. “We’ll figure out the labeling.”

A soft smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. 

“The train is coming. You better get going.” He nods towards the growing beams of light.

You nod, getting out of the car. “Thanks for driving.”

You close the door and walk over to the building to grab a ticket before stepping up to the platform. You hear the sound of his door opening. He calls out to you. You turn to look as your hair gets blown from the air surrounding the oncoming train. And at that moment, Aaron couldn’t believe you could ever look more beautiful. 

“Finish school first and then we can finish this conversation!” He yells to you over the train.

You smile at him, shouting back. “You have my number, use it sometime!”

He can’t help but smile. Once the train comes to a stop, you hold your hands in your pocket to keep them warm as you get on. You grab a seat close to a window and look out at Aaron, standing there watching you off. Ever the gentleman. You flash him a small wave as the train begins to move. He sends one back with a closed mouth smile. 

He gets back into his car as you slowly fade out of view. Pulling out his phone immediately to text you. 

“Text me when you get home.”

You glance down at the phone in your lap, smiling at the message. You respond promptly. 

“You got it, Mr. Chief Profiler.” 

He smiles to himself before setting his phone down and driving back to his hotel. He passes Rossi on his way back to his room. Rossi catches him. 

“How was ‘nothing’?” Rossi asks with a smirk.

“Don’t start.” Aaron huffs out amused before entering his room. 

Hours later the BAU team finally reaches down in Virginia. Aaron disappears into his office to get a head start on paperwork for the night, and to get a certain lawyer’s daughter out of his head. After about an hour into his filings, his phone buzzes on the table. There lying on his phone screen is a photo of you and your cat, happily stationed in your apartment. 

He smiled to himself at the image, saving the photo as your contact profile. He spent a couple more hours completing paper work before finally calling it a night to get home. His mind occupied with thoughts of his son, obviously (we love Jack), and with the upcoming conversation between you and him that would occur post graduation. 

You text him a follow up text.

“Wait so you admit you had a good time on our date?”

“I believe your exact words were ‘fun late night pasta dates.”

He responds back quickly. “Don’t push it.”

His phone buzzes again. 

“I know, I know. Finish school.”

And then again. 

“So talk to you in six months.”

Six months. One last semester was all that kept the two of you from figuring everything out. Six months. Until then, the two of you, and your feelings for the other, would remain complicated and raw. What a painfully slow six months this was going to be. 

a/n:  Let’s all be real Hotch would never get with someone that quickly, especially someone younger than him. did think about making them kiss once but that's dumb and boring. I like the build up, coming from a reader stand point. But you all are the audience so really I do value your input and ideas. Like stated at the top, even more so since you made it this far, any comments/questions/concerns/criticism would be appreciated. Also s/o to my girl Sofi for reading this first and being happily tortured with the ending. This entire thing was written while (shamelessly) listening to Andrew in Drag by The Magnetic Fields, s/o TikTok for that.

Pairing: dbf!hotch x college!reader

WC: 2.7k

Warnings: Fluff, slight self-deprication for reader, age gap, 

Summary: You meet your dad’s long time friend at a dinner party. 

a/n: hi all, this is my first Hotchner fic, and second fic overall. I have read a lot of others and I just started watching the show, and I love my senior citizen. Anyways any feedback or likes are greatly appreciated. 

masterlist

Your dad and Aaron Hotchner have known each other since law school, before the stern BAU Chief was ever created. Your dad had been an award winning prosecutor while Agent Hotchner was solving FBI Cases with his team and working up the ranks. They were close when they spent their time in the George Washington University library studying old cases and legal jargon. Aaron went to your parents’ wedding. Your parents went to his. 

Your dad was the fun loving guy, always able to turn off his professionalism the second he was not in the office. Hotch, not so much. But that was what made them balanced. Nice lawyer and serious lawyer. 

You met Aaron one time. You were 3, he was 28. You were busy running around the house, driving your parents insane, refusing to eat something that wasn’t candy. You screamed and laughed out in joy as you ran from your overstimulated mother, looking over your shoulder for her. Until you hit something. Or rather someone. You fell down before tracing the leg upwards to see a tall strange yet mesmerizing man. Everything is mesmerizing to a child. Like you were in shock that this person came out of nowhere. Your father scooped you up, breaking your fascination before introducing Aaron to you. You did not remember his name, you were three for goodness sake. But you always remembered his face. He smiled at you and you offered him your candy, bringing a smile to your face now. 

Sometime later, it was nearing your bedtime. You ran. Again. Avoiding the scary bath tub you were sure had a shark in it–your dad let you watch Jaws with him after your mom said no, she held that victory over your dad’s head for a week. Your dad and Aaron were sitting on the couch when you ran in, screaming. Quick thinking for a 3 year old, you hid behind Aaron’s legs that hung off the couch. Your parents and Aaron thought it was cute. Still do years later. But after being dragged away by your mom towards the bathroom, he waved as you pouted away with your mother. And that was the last time you saw him. 

He became a vague memory in your brain, a legend that your parents would talk about. Aaron only heard about you through your dad, hearing about your little accomplishments and challenges you gave your parents, until he moved to Quantico when he became more busy and conversations started to die out. 

Every once in a while did your father and him talk, but they still hold each other in high regards. Aaron called your father when he had his son. Your dad called Aaron when you graduated high school. Aaron called when he and Haley were going through a divorce. You dad called when Haley passed. Your dad got a job offer in D.C. in the Office of Legal Counsel that he couldn’t pass, so your dad called Aaron again. 

Months pass and suddenly your childhood home was sold and your family moved across the country to D.C. You were currently attending NYU and assured your father you would be just fine taking a train down to visit. You were 21 at this point and perfectly stubborn as though you were still 3. Your mom had called about the party your family was hosting to celebrate the move and new job. You assured her you would be in attendance.

At the dinner you walk in looking every bit elegant and proper, as your mom begged you to be. Your father quickly found you and began introducing you to his colleagues new and old, and reintroducing you to Aaron Hotchner recalling the first time you two met almost two decades prior. Needless to say you did not remember him. And he pretended to remember you, years of trauma and brutal cases can do that to a guy. Your dad was promptly called off somewhere as he excused himself from the two of you, leaving the awkward silence. You looked around the room, silently wishing to be put out of your misery. Your mind spacing out into the possibilities of what else you could be doing at this point in time, watching a movie, shopping, going out partying with friends, taking a guy home–

“I’m sure once your family brings out the dinner and wine, they won’t notice you’re gone.” A voice snaps you from your day dream. 

“Sorry?” You turn to look at Aaron as though it was the first time you saw him all over again.

“You would rather be anywhere but here, correct?” He says so calmly, like what he was stating wasn’t abandoning your family on their special day. 

“Huh… I guess you are a pretty good profiler.” You smugly smile at him, causing him to smirk and look away. You take this opportunity to check him out. “Not bad for a 46 year old man.” You think to yourself. 

“I was made unit chief for a reason I presume. Your father tells me you are attending NYU, very impressive.” He turns back to look at you, back to the calm stoicism. 

“In a way. It’s just accounting, with a minor in math. The only thing impressive about me is the math portion– and even then, not very impressive.” You shrug. You knew it was impressive, but you just didn’t care about that stuff, your parents did. 

“Regardless, I’m sure your family is proud.” He says not really caring about the words falling from his lips.

“Well they still have hope I will change my mind and become a doctor so, I’m not too sure about that. So working in the FBI, that’s like dangerously cool. Do you get to be a secret agent and go undercover in foreign countries and stuff?” You ask not really wanting to think of your family right now, despite the environment. 

A soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he answers your questions. “The country, yes. But my unit’s job is time consuming and a lot of it goes into understanding the unsub and trying to anticipate what their next move is so—” 

“That sounds kind of fun yet boring. I mean how hard can it be to read people?” You interrupt him. 

He smirks at the challenge. “Alright, if you think my job is so easy, then profile that man over there. You see the one with his hands in his pockets and the khaki pants with the striped button done shirt? Profile him, Hotshot.” 

“So you think I’m hot? I’m kidding.” You say matching his smirk before turning to look at the guy he singled out. 

He rolls his eyes at the comment lightheartedly as he watches you study the man. Shamelessly taking the opportunity to look over your body. 

You see the man: slightly tall, very lanky, hands in pockets, minimally hunched over, bags under his eyes, talks with his hands as he either looks at the people around him or the floor, seems off put by physical contact, he seems overstimulated yet dissociative. 

“Profiled him yet?” 

“He has to be a government worker, he doesn’t scream confidence and arrogance like a lawyer. He also doesn’t want to be here and he seems almost like– in pain, maybe?” You speak, eyes lingering on the guy for a moment longer before turning to look at Aaron.

“Dr. Spencer Reid, an FBI agent, slight germaphobe, smartest guy in any room, and potentially introverted. Satisfactory profiling skills I would say.” He nods as he looks at you. 

“See? Not so hard. I deserve a drink as my reward.” You smile at him before waltzing off to find the nearest alcoholic beverage. 

He smiles to himself before heading off to find the rest of his team. 

Around 3 hours into your arrival, you are already planning your escape. You slowly make your final rounds to everyone, leading yourself to the door. 

“Leaving so soon?” 

“Jesus Christ, where do you always come from?” You turn and look at the BAU Chief.

He smirks before looking away. 

“I have a cat, leftover pizza, and a movie marathon waiting for me, if you must know.” You cross your arms as you playfully challenge him.

Aaron nods. “Well, how are you getting home? I didn’t see you drive a car in.”

“The train will be more than fine on my way back.” 

“Unacceptable, it’s late. I can drive you. The least I can do for my friend is to make sure his daughter gets home safe.” He says sternly. 

“I can manage myself, thank you very much. And isn’t it out of your way? You live in the opposite direction, and New York traffic is no joke.” 

“I can use the time to mentally go over cases or even relax.”

“You have a kid.”

“Jack is with a sitter tonight. Nothing you say is going to make me let you go alone. I see cases that start like this all the time. And it would not only make me feel better but your parents as well to know you got home safely. End of discussion.” He ended pointedly. 

You were stunned into silence. “Yes sir.” You say exasperatedly. 

“Stay here, I am going to let your parents know.” Aaron says before walking off.

You stay by the door as you wait for him to return. Once he does he leads you out to his car and holds the passenger door open for you. The drive back to New York was quiet, for a third of the ride. Then you turned on the radio, and soon girly pop hits filled the car. You sang along, obviously. Then brought Aaron into your car concerts by “passing the mic” to him. He didn’t sing of course but he did crack a smile which he quickly dissolved. Almost at your apartment building, you turned down the volume before turning to him.

“Are you always this serious and cold or is it just because you worship my dad or something?” You ask him bluntly.

“Why do you think I worship your dad?” 

“You drove from Virginia to D.C. granted it’s not a far drive but still. ‘The great study buddy lawyers that were an unstoppable pair’, and blah blahh blahh. I figured you looked up to my dad the same way he looks up to you.”

“I don’t worship your dad. We are long time friends. And I am not always serious nor do I think I am cold.”

“Could have fooled me. So what is it then? You don’t like me? You think I am a disappointment like my parents, don’t you? All you snobby lawyers and government workers do.” 

“You aren’t a disappointment.”

“Then what is it? Tell me. This conversation stays between us. Why are you so serious and cold around me?”

“I wasn't back at the party. Why do you ask so many questions?”

“Curiosity. So what do you think of me? If I am not a disappointment nor the reason you are currently serious and cold.”

“I don’t have to answer that.”

“I bet you just see me as your precious friend’s mini me. Don’t you? Some untouchable, spoiled, sad excuse of a lawyer’s daughter–”

“You constantly put yourself down, almost like you are getting in front of a punch that doesn’t come. I think you are insecure and that you feel as though you equate following your own passions with letting down your parents. You seem to have the most enjoyment when you demonstrate that you are highly capable of many tasks and challenges, in your own way to prove that you live up to your parents’ legacy. You understood the adults around you were waiting for you to be this great upstanding prodigy of your father and hardly contained their dismay when you became your own person.” He says precisely. Picking you apart. 

“And given how deeply you feel that you are a disappointment, you must have been exposed to their emotions at an early age. For that I am truly sorry because in the short amount of time I have been around you– both one-on-one and watching you interact with these ‘snobby lawyers’ and government officials– I like you better when you aren’t performing for people. When you are blunt and openly yourself, rather than someone who dresses and pretends for the pleasure of others. You put on a great show but your eyes let on to how tired of the whole charade you are. Leading to the reason you slowly estrange yourself from your family, because you know you don’t fit in their picture perfect proper little world, and it bothers you more than you let on.” His profile is complete.

You are stunned by his words. You turn to look out the windshield. There is a heavy pause that takes over the car, only the faint sounds of some dumb pop song playing over the car speakers. 

“You like me?” You finally turn to him with a soft smirk.

“That’s what you got from that.” He can’t help but smile faintly.

“Well everything you said is true, so nothing to get from it. Maybe that you’re good at your job but that is a given as you are the unit chief of the BAU. Really only caring about the ‘you like me’ part.” You smile at him.

“I tolerate you.”

“Oh don’t backtrack now. You like me.”

He rolls his eyes, though there is no malice behind it, before pulling up outside your apartment. 

“Too bad you are so serious. You’re really attractive.”

“Let me guess, for a guy my age?”

“No. Just in general. Unfortunately, my dad met you first. And from what I can tell, you wouldn’t do that to a close friend.” You get out of the car and head to the door of your building. 

You hear the car turn off, and the car door open and shut. You don’t even have to turn to know he is behind you. 

“What are you doing?” You say not even having to turn around.

“Making sure you get inside okay.” He says frankly. 

With that you lead him up to your apartment door. 

“This is me.” You gesture back to the door awkwardly. 

“Open the door. Just gotta make sure everything is alright in there.” He nods.

“Mr. Hotchner–” You start.

“Call me Aaron.”

“Okay…Aaron, I can handle myself.” You assure yourself more than him. 

He nods and stands firm. “Open the door.” 

“Okay, okay. So bossy.” You turn around hiding your soft smile. 

You unlock your door and you are greeted by your cat immediately. Your apartment is cozy, vastly different from your harsh around the edges defensive demeanor. A quiet space away from the world outside. Aaron enters your apartment behind you, letting you close the door after him. You walk him through the apartment.

“See? All fine.” You assure him.

“I suppose. Well goodnight, enjoy your leftover pizza and movie marathon.” He nods and starts towards the door. 

“Wait. What should I do if there is something wrong?” You slightly panic before picking up your cat. 

“Call the proper authorities.” He says coldly.

You roll your eyes. “What if it is an FBI personal issue, type thing?”

“Just ask me what you want. Enough with the games.” He crosses his arms.

Bossy, you say to yourself again. “Can… can I get your number? Please?”

Aaron starts walking back over to you. “I’m too old for you, and I have a son. What would your parents think?” 

“I don’t care what they think. Clearly, you profiled me yourself. Just, please. You aren’t too old for me and I won’t overstep into your life or tell anyone.” You set down your cat and fiddle with your fingers.

He pulls out his phone, handing it to you. And you do the same, handing it to him. You exchange numbers. Once you return each other’s phones, you can’t hold back your smile. 

“That’s cute. You always get this excited when you get someone’s number?” He gestures to your smile.

You shake your head. “I usually don’t ask. I think it’s just you.”

He smiles back at you, before looking down and returning to his calm neutral expression. “I have a long drive waiting for me back to Virginia. I better get going. If you need anything, you have my number.”

You nod. “Goodnight Aaron. Drive safe.”

“Goodnight.”

You walk him to the door, and proceed to watch him from your apartment window as he drives off. Smiling like an idiot to yourself.  

I just got off of work from my basic retail job and came home. And I was talking about my day and stuff to my dad but then my mom loves to chime in and kind of in her words "playfully tease" me which I have just grown to either ignore or fire back at her, depending on how I am feeling in the moment.

During this my mom basically says that I am just projecting my frustration on everybody in the house (I wasn't, quite literally was doing what she was doing). And so I went, "Just like you were projecting being fat onto me for what 10-11 years?" And she was like "Well you were a fat baby."

And then I was trying to explain to her what I said even though she just kept talking over me and ignoring what I was saying. So I cut her off by saying "Didn't you used to tell me when I was eating a lot when I was younger that 'if you keep eating like that you are going to get diabetes'?" And she immediately gets upset and says "I ain't never say no shit like that. Now you are lying."

But I know for a fact she used to say this to me when I was a kid. That and that my thighs were so fat, and any other thing that criticized me physically in weight. And the kicker is she owned up to projecting on it when I was in high school. But you know being told you were fat or going to get diabetes as a kid through your teen years for a decade, you begin to internalize these things. And for me I developed an eating disorder.

I am 21 currently and I still have yet to break my eating disorder. I can eat at most one meal a day and like 2 breaks for snacks but that is really all I eat. My appetite has changed to this routine, and I have just grown accustomed to the iron deficiencies, the low blood sugar, and etc. Like I genuinely started fainting a lot this year because of all these things.

And so I told her, "Just because you don't remember it, doesn't mean it didn't happen." And my dad was in the kitchen listening and basically telling me to just cut it out because I was never going to win with her.

He was right of course, but it's just the fact that this has been a pattern with her. Any memory I have of her from my childhood that paints her in a bad light, she denies ever happening and it drives me crazy. Because it was real. It happened. My very first bully was my mother and she just tells me I am a liar or that I am not remembering it correctly.

Like I am left with all these scars and bruises that she denies she ever inflicted, both metaphorically and physically (but thats for another time). And I hate when people say that I am too harsh on my mother or whatever, but I just can't get behind forgiving someone who denies ever hurting you. Like why do I, the daughter, have to be the bigger person?

She is such a child sometimes, and it honestly feels like I am her parent.

Pairing: Jayden Shiba x reader

Wc: 548

Warnings: fluff, very cutesy and cheesy.

Summary: Jayden develops a crush on you.

a/n: hi, this is my first fic. Literally writing this because there were hardly any on Jayden and I stopped using generative Ai because I was addicted it was hurting the planet.

masterlist

Jayden Shiba was always the stoic Red Ranger he trained his whole life to be. Easily taking on Nighlock Moogers with ease before putting together the team of Samurai Rangers. Never spent time “having fun” as Mike had teased him about. Never seeing past his identity as the Red Ranger, leader of the Samurai rangers. 

Except when he saw you. 

It started with a simple request from Mia to grab some balloons for Emily’s birthday party. Kevin and Mike originally offered to go instead but he volunteered, “a walk would be good for the headache” he said. The walk to the party store was quick, filled with Jayden in deep thought about Nighlock strategies and new moves he and the team could try. 

He was pulled from his thoughts when he entered the near deserted store and his eyes landed on you, behind the counter. This wasn’t the first time he saw you, but this was the first time he noticed you. The first time was a brief glance when a Nighlock attack happened just 3 blocks from here where you were fleeing from the scene among the crowd of civilians. You lingered in his mind 5 seconds before he turned his focus back to the fight at hand. But that had been weeks ago, surely he would have forgotten about you by now. You didn’t even notice him. 

But this time was different, he was standing right in front of you, about to have a conversation of a girl his gaze lingered on for some unknown reason. 

You smiled at him of course, you always smiled at customers, it was part of your job for goodness sake. But this time, your smile felt different, it felt real– genuine. You greeted him like you did every customer, the whole customer service script memorized. But the tone was authentic and hopeful, like you were saying the words for the first time, as though he was your first ever customer and his impression of you was important. 

You both couldn’t hold back your smiles, the way looking into each others’ eyes felt electric, making your hearts flutter. The way you both stood in front of each other like two awkward teens trying to get through a conversation with their crush. The conversation lasted all of 3 minutes but in those three minutes you somehow captivated one small part of his brain and his entire heart. His stoic, confident, leader persona was nowhere to be seen; he stumbled over his words, avoided eye contact when the tension became too much, he fidgetted with his fingers. He was nervous for the first time in his life. And it had nothing to do with a Nighlock.  

His fingers brushed against yours as you handed him his balloons. The brief touch sending sparks through both of your bodies. You sent him a small wave with your signature “Have a nice one” sent-off. Silently hoping to see him again. 

He smiled as he waved back before turning out the door, now only smiling to himself. Jayden knew that you were going to be on his mind for weeks to come, and thanks to your name tag, he finally had a name tied to a face. Now to only find an excuse to see you again.