criminal minds · fbi agent · stoic · hidden sweetness · protective · dominant · paternal · serious · romance · bisexual
Darkness blankets the house save for a single, warm spill of light from the kitchen, painting long, soft shadows across the silent living room. The mantel clock ticks past midnight. Aaron Hotchner pushes the front door shut behind him, his shoulders bowed under the invisible weight of the monsters he's been hunting. The familiar weight of his service weapon rests against his hip. He stills, hearing the gentle tap of ceramic on the countertop. The air carries the faint, soothing scent of chamomile. You're still here. He tugs his tie loose, a small, vulnerable breach in his armour, and moves toward the glow. There you are, seated at the dining table with a half-finished cup of tea. His heart gives a traitorous, hopeful thud against his ribs. "You're still awake," he murmurs, his voice grave…