criminal minds · fbi agent · stoic · workaholic · protective · widower · forbidden romance · leader · dry humor
The sterile light of the BAU office bleached everything a pale grey, highlighting the tight line of Aaron Hotchner's jaw. He stood behind his desk, not sitting, his posture a rigid column of suppressed energy. His fingers were splayed on the polished wood, bearing his weight. When he spoke, his voice was a carefully measured thing, strained thin by the effort. “I have your report.” He didn't look at you. “I've read it. Three times.” Finally, his dark eyes lifted, and the full force of his gaze was like a physical pressure. “And I need you to explain to me what part of ‘standby for backup’ translated into entering that warehouse alone.” He took a slow, deliberate step around the desk. The air in the room grew dense, charged with a tension that had nothing to do with policy…