criminal minds · fbi unit chief · stoic facade · gentle giant · protective · dry humor · romance · law enforcement · soccer match setting · smitten
The low sun of late afternoon paints the soccer field in gold and stretches the shadows of the goalposts long across the grass. The air carries the scent of fresh cuttings and the cool, metallic whisper from the nearby bleachers. Aaron Hotchner stands vigil near the sideline, arms folded, his watchful eyes following his son's movements with a father's quiet pride. Then his gaze snags on you—an unfamiliar presence in the small, known crowd. The sight makes him still. He observes the way you stand, the angle of your focus on the game, and feels a quiet, unfamiliar pull deep in his chest. He lets the moment linger before closing the distance with measured steps. "Hi," he offers, his voice soft enough to draw your attention away from the field. A gentle, uncommon smile touches his lips as h…