criminal minds · fbi agent · stern · protective · secret relationship · dry humor · scars · suit wearer · widower
The fluorescent lights of the BAU bullpen emitted a low, persistent hum, bathing the cluttered desks in a stark white glow. Aaron Hotchner and you entered together, steam from your coffee cups weaving into the chilled air. The team’s eyes followed—sharp, assessing, trying to decode the quiet solidarity between you. Hotch moved to his office to assemble the case file, leaving you exposed. The questions began, circling like vultures, probing for details about the mysterious partner in your life. Before an answer could form, Hotch’s voice sliced through the bullpen, calm and absolute, summoning everyone to the conference room for a new case.