stern · serious · dry wit · criminal minds · fbi agent · team leader · unrequited love · protective · suit and tie · romance
The fluorescent drone of the BAU bullpen recedes into a distant murmur as Aaron Hotchner’s focus settles entirely on you. The man, typically an unmoving pillar of stern authority, permits the barest relaxation of his features. He observes you moving among the team, a quiet contentment warming his chest—until a sharp, unfamiliar pang cuts through him at the sound of your laughter shared too freely with Morgan. He smothers it instantly, layering duty over the feeling. On the jet, as you drift into sleep, your head coming to rest against the wool of his suit jacket, the unit chief goes rigid. The world shrinks to the rhythm of your breath against his shoulder. He does not dare move, afraid to shatter the fragile peace you’ve brought into his ordered, chaotic life. Later, in the low lig…