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If there was one thing Agent Aaron Hotchner was not, it was unprofessional. But, oh. If there was ever a time he wanted badly to be unprofessional, it was this moment right now. Y/N stood next to him, leaning in close to whisper in his ear as they stood in the kitchenette, looking out into the bullpen.
“You look exhausted. You need to go get sleep.”
He glanced down at her. His face was so close he could almost feel her breath on him. It was everything in him to not lean in and—
“Hotch, seriously. You can’t even focus for more than a minute at a time,” she laughed, shaking her head.
“I’ll be fine. It was just— a long case.” He finally managed.
She turned away, arms crossing. “You need rest. You beat yourself up more than anyone during this one.”
“I have a little boy at home to take care of before I can even think about sleep.”
She sighed, turning fully to face him. “Hotch.”
“Y/N.” He retorted.
“Fine. You know what?”
He turned towards her, arms crossing to mirror her.
“What?”
“I’m coming home with you.”
His heart stopped and face dropped. It took him a moment to process what she’d just said.
“Um,” he took a second to clear his throat, “I—Excuse me?”
She laughed, music to his ears. “That sounded so inappropriate. I’m sorry. I mean, I’m going to come watch Jack for you. You’re gonna get rest.”
“I’m your boss.” Hotch watched her face for a moment. “You don’t need to watch my son while I sleep.”
“You’re also my friend, and I’m offering my time, you’re not taking it. Besides, I’ve watched Jack a hundred times before.”
He only sighed, looking back over the bullpen, now nearly empty.
She turned again, leaning over. “You’re not gonna win this one.”
“Fine, but you need to get sleep at some point, too.” He looked back to her. “As soon as Jack is asleep, I want you to get rest yourself.”
“Will do, boss.” She smirked.
“Okay, go get your things, we’ll leave in a few minutes.” He said, watching her for a moment as she walked off.
She went to her desk, beginning to pack up what she needed, but not before Derek had to come over to stir things up.
“Hey, pretty girl.” He said, leaning against her desk on one arm. “Leaving so soon?”
“Soon?” She laughed. “We just had a hell of a case, I’m getting out of here.”
“Oh, man.” He shifted, crossing his arms over his chest and sat against the desk.
Hotch walked towards his office, trying not to watch the pair talking. He tried to not pay attention how she smiled at him as he spoke, and how he always seemed to have the right words to say to get her to laugh.
“Why, what’s up?” She slung her bag over her shoulder.
“I was thinking about going to the bar. Wanted to know if a pretty lady wanted to tag along.”
Hotch threw his things in his bag quickly, trying to not think about Y/N talking to someone much younger… Childless… Not a widow. Someone he knew she’d be with more easily.
“Oh, so you only wanted me around for my looks, huh?”
He laughed, throwing his head back a little. “You’re worth a lot more than just that, sweetheart.”
“Aww, such a sweet boy.” She said, griping his shoulder. “I got some other plans for the night, though.”
“Oh yeah? Doing what?” He straightened up with a smirk.
“Ready?” Hotch asked, walking up behind her at the desk.
“Yeah, let’s go.” She responded, turning towards him.
Morgan’s face was stuck in a state of shock.
“Whoa, now hold on—”
“I’m going to watch Jack.” She said, cutting him off with a chuckle. “Don’t get too riled up, now.”
He smiled, almost laughing. “Alright. I’ll see you two tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Morgan.” Hotch said with a curt wave. Y/N followed his lead, and then they were on their way out.
“So,” Hotch started as they stepped out of the elevator and walked outside. “You and Morgan?”
Y/N raised her eyebrows in shock. “What?”
They began walking to his car.
“Are you two… Because there are some forms you’d really need to sign if—”
“Hotch.” She stopped him, standing by the passenger side door as he waited by the drivers. “That is so not happening.”
“Okay, I just…” He trailed off with a shrug, opening the door as she did and getting in.
“He’s a flirt. There’s nothing going on between us.” She settled into the seat, buckling up. “Besides, I’m too busy trying to take care of you.”
She laughed and he couldn’t help himself but to join in. He pulled off, and started towards home.
“Thank you, by the way, for doing this.” He said, not daring to look at her with how nervous he suddenly felt about bringing her to his home.
“I just want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
“Jack is going to love this.” He chuckled, turning down his street. “He really looks up to you, you know? Thinks you’re hilarious.”
“Well, he’s not wrong. I am pretty funny.” She smiled. “I am, admittedly, a little sad I only get to hang out with him for a few hours, though.”
“Yeah?” He asked, pulling into the lot of the apartment complex.
“Yeah. He’s a great kid.”
As much as he didn’t want to admit it for how childish it felt, he got butterflies this time when he turned to look at her. Before he could think about it too much, he turned the key and opened the door. She followed suit, walking behind him until they reached his door. He opened it for her, and she looked around.
“His aunt should be dropping him off here in a few minutes.” He said, closing and locking the door behind him. “If you’re hungry or need a drink, you’re free to get anything from the kitchen.”
“Thank you.” She smirked, watching him. “Why don’t you go get ready for bed?”
“I will.” He chuckled, feeling like a little kid with the way she spoke to him. Then he paused, considering something for a moment.
Apparently the moment was longer than he realized.
“You got something on your mind?” She asked.
“Would you like to stay here for the night? I have a guest room, and this way you won’t need to catch a ride home. I could just take you to work tomorrow.”
“Oh,” she said, glancing down at her bag. “I don’t have anything to wear. I mean, I have my go bag at my desk that I could always use for an emergency, but for the night—”
“If you need something, I’m sure there’s something of mine you could…” He paused, realizing what he was saying. But before he could backtrack, she had to go and flash him a smile again.
“If that’s okay with you, it’s okay with me.”
“I’m sorry if that sounded inappropriate, I—”
“Did you not hear me agree?” She laughed. “You worry too much, boss. Now go get dressed.”
He nodded, turning for his room. She walked over the couch in the living room, sitting down and leaning her head back. It wasn’t long before she heard a bedroom door open, and there stood the great Aaron Hotchner in an old t-shirt and baggy pajama pants.
“That’s a good look on you.” She said, looking up at him from where he sat.
He felt a blush creep onto his skin, and tried really hard not to think about it. He walked a little closer as she stood up, handing her a nearly folded pile of clothes.
“I brought you these. The shirt is extra baggy and comfortable, and hopefully the pants will fit well enough. They’re adjustable.”
“Thank you so much, this’ll be great.” She smiled up at him. “Room is down the hall? I’d like to get dressed and set my bag in there before Jack gets here.”
“Yes, right across from his room.” He said with a slight nod.
“Okay, sounds great. Now, you go to bed. I’ll be here.”
He gave her a slight smile. “Right. Thank you, again.”
“You know it’s no problem. Now, goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” He said, walking off.
She grabbed her bag and the clothes, walking off towards the guest room. She set her bag down near the door, closing it to dress. She stripped out of her work clothes, slipping on his t-shirt first. She took in a deep breath and smiled: It smelled like him. She finished pulling on the pajama pants and made them comfortable as needed.
She grabbed a makeup wipe out of her bag and wiped her face, calling it good for an unexpected night out. Then, she heard a knock at the door. She walked out, looking through the peephole to see Hotchner’s sister-in-law Jessica standing outside with Jack. Y/N opened the door.
“Hey!”
“Y/N!” Jack squealed, throwing his arms around her. “What are you doing here?”
“Dad needed to get some rest, sweetheart. So, we get to hang out for the night.” She said, looking down at him with a hand rested on his back. “Thank you for bringing him.”
“Anything for my little man. It’s good to see you again.” She smiled, accepting a quick hug from Jack before he bolted off.
“You too, Jess. Have a great night.”
She waved a goodbye and was out the door. Y/N locked everything back up, and popped her head into Jack’s room.
“Hey, buddy.”
“Hi!” He said, turning around from where he stood at his dresser. “I’m gonna get dressed for bed. Then can we watch a movie? I already ate at aunt Jess’s house.”
“Yeah, of course, little man.” She nodded. “Do you want to go in the living room or…”
Jack paused, giggling. “Why are you wearing dad’s clothes?”
“I’m staying the night, bud. I needed pajamas.”
“You are?” He asked, eyes wide. “Can we go watch the movie in your room?”
“Yeah! Why don’t you finish getting dressed and brush your teeth, and then you can come in, okay?”
“Okay!” He said, quickly grabbing his clothes.
She turned, walking across to hall and into the guest room. She pulled the covers back, crawling underneath and switching on the T.V., finding her way to Jack’s Netflix profile, smiling at some of the shows he’d been watching. She picked an old movie she loved as a kid. It wasn’t long before she heard a door open, and little footsteps whipping around the other side of the bed. He crawled up under her arm, pulling blankets up to cover him.
Jack was watching intently, the movie only half over, when the creaking of another door piqued their interest. Hotch’s head popped into view a second later.
“What are you doing up?” Y/N asked.
“Couldn’t sleep.” He gave a shy smile, then turned to Jack. “How are you doing buddy?”
“Y/N said she’s staying over!”
“Yeah, she is.” He smiled, stepping inside the room. “How’s the movie?”
“I like it a lot. Come watch!” Jack said, patting the bed next to him.
“Buddy, I’m not sure that’s—”
“Please, dad?” He pleaded.
Hotch looked to Y/N, almost asking permission without saying a word. She nodded. He shuffled a little, hesitantly walking around the bed to Jack’s other side. He lowered himself on the bed, pulling the covers over his legs. Jack slipped out from under Y/N’s arm in favor of leaning on his dad’s shoulder. It wasn’t long before Jack was snoring, and as Y/N looked up to see if Hotch thought it was just as cute as she did, she noticed he’d fallen asleep, too. They looked so sweet sleeping there together that she couldn’t help but pull out her phone and take a picture. She set the phone on the nightstand, making herself more comfortable as she focused her attention back on the movie.
Early morning light filled the room when Hotch woke up. He glanced down to see his son cuddle up against him and smiled. He was still fast asleep. Then, he looked up. Y/N laid asleep, her body curled up on her side, facing him and effectively caging Jack between them. Her breath came soft and even, and he admired how she looked in his clothes as he saw her in the light for the first time. She was so close, and he longed to get closer, but couldn’t think on it long before her eyes started fluttering open.
“Hey.” She said, voice soft with sleep, and a tired smile gracing her face.
“Hey,” he said back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep in here.”
She chuckled, rubbing her eyes. “No, it’s fine. I think he was happy to have you here.”
Hotch smiled, looking down at his son. He was out like a light.
Y/N leaned over, gently kissing Jack’s forehead before slowly and quietly getting out of bed. Hotch watched her, heart aching at how much he wished all of his mornings could start this same way. He shifted out of the grip of his son as she stretched out at the end of the bed, leaving the room with her.
“It’s still early,” he said, walking to the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”
She trailed behind, taking a seat at the counter.
“That depends. Are you gonna make me breakfast if I am?”
“If you’d like.” He smirked at her, and she smiled back.
“Tell you what, you work on the food, I’ll get coffee started.” She said, getting up and walking towards the counter.
He wordlessly agreed, pulling out some boxed pancake mix and stovetop sausage links. She removed the old coffee filter from the machine and set in a new one, filling it up with grounds. Hotch mixed up the batter quickly, heating up a pan.
The coffee pot filled, and pancakes were formed. Y/N poured two cups, preparing one to her liking and one to Hotch’s. Then, footsteps came shuffling into the room.
“Morning, sunshine,” Y/N said to Jack, smiling at him. “You want some juice?”
He nodded sleepily and climbed up onto a chair at the counter. She poured him some orange juice and set the cup down in front of him. He took a sip, watching his dad finishing up breakfast.
“Is that pancakes?” He asked, trying to peek around to see the pans.
“Sure is.” Hotch replied, throwing some pancakes on a plate and pouring out a few more. Y/N set down the two coffee mugs on the counter, and took her place next to Hotch to move the sausage links around in the other pan.
“Almost done?” She asked him without looking up.
He moved the rest of the pancakes to the plate.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She said, glancing over and turning off both burners.
Hotch grabbed three plates, setting them down next to her so she could split up the sausage links. As soon as she was done, Hotch set to putting a few pancakes on each plate, and Y/N grabbed butter and syrup out of the fridge. He prepared Jack’s for him and set the plate in front of him with a fork. He then waited for Y/N to start the working on her own before he prepared his. She took a seat first, leaving a seat in the middle for Hotch. They ate quietly, sharing a few words when Jack wanted to talk about what he got to do at school the day before, and what he was looking forward to for the rest of the week.
“Hey,” Y/N, nudging Hotch’s arm as she pushed her plate away from her. “Could we get to the office a little early? I’m gonna have to get dressed there since my go bag is there and all.”
“Yeah.” He nodded, sipping at the last of his coffee. He then turned to Jack. “Can you go get dressed to go to school, please?”
“Yeah.” He said, hopping off the stool and running off towards his room.
“I think I’m gonna put on my stuff from yesterday till we get there,” Y/N said, sliding off of her stool. “Not sure walking into the office in your pajamas would be a great look.”
“Maybe not the most professional outfit.” He agreed, laughing a little as he walked around the counter, putting dishes in the sink for later. “For the record, I think you look beautiful.”
She paused, feeling heat rise to her cheeks and butterflies in her stomach.
“Thanks,” she said quietly, arms crossing over her chest. “Looks better on you, though.”
And with that, she left to go change. Hotch waited in the kitchen for a moment, almost in shock, before heading off to his room to get ready for the day.
It wasn’t long before they were both showered and ready to go, Jack practically running out the door when his aunt arrived to take him to school. Hotch and Y/N drove to work in a comfortable silence, only the sound of the radio playing low. They arrived at the BAU, and went straight inside. Hotch went to his office, and Y/N was reaching for her duffel bag when the glass doors opened.
She looked up, not expecting anyone else to be there so early.
“Hey, what are you doing here? We don’t start for another half hour.” She inquired.
“Just needed to get some work done early. But I could ask you the same thing.” Derek smiled at her, then glanced at what she was wearing. “Hold on, aren’t those your clothes from yesterday?”
He inched closer, a slight smirk on his face.
“Yeah, I was just about to go change.” She held up her go bag.
“Mhm.” He crossed his arms. “What happened to just looking after Jack for a while? You decide you were finally gonna get after—”
“Derek!” She interrupted, laughing. “No! I just stayed the night with Jack in the guest room.”
He raised a brow. “And that’s all? Baby girl I know you’ve had a little crush on Hotch since you walked your ass in here.”
She bit her cheek, looking away for a moment. “You’re nothing but trouble, Morgan.”
“You didn’t answer the question.” He stepped closer.
“Okay, fine.” She huffed out a sigh and lowered her voice. “We had breakfast this morning, with Jack.”
“And?”
She paused. “He also slept with me and Jack, but it was an accident. He didn’t mean to fall asleep there. We didn’t even touch one another, it was totally platonic.”
“Well, I am sure Hotch wouldn’t be sneaking into bed with me if I was watching his kid.”
“It wasn’t like that,” she said, shaking her head. “He’s totally not into me. You know how he is with work policy, and besides he is way out of my league.”
“You need to think a little higher of yourself.”
“Yeah, whatever.” She laughed again. “Now, out of my way so I can get dressed. I don’t need any more questions from the rest of the team.”
“Alright.” He stepped back holding up his hands.
“And Derek?”
“Yeah?”
“Do not tell anybody.” She pointed a finger, and he only chuckled, taking a seat at his desk.
She went to the bathroom, changing out of her old clothes and throwing on some new ones suitable for work at the office. She put on a little makeup, threw on some deodorant, and called it good. She stepped out to a slightly more full bullpen, only a couple more people had arrived. She shoved her go bag under her desk, and walked over to the kitchenette table where Derek, Hotch, and Emily were talking.
“How’s it going, guys?” She said, taking the seat next to Emily, across from Morgan and Hotch.
“Talking about yesterday’s case. The daughter of the last victim made it safely to her grandparents.” Emily said, sipping at a mug of coffee.
“That’s awesome. I’m glad she had them to go to.” She said, leaning forward on the table.
“You need coffee?” Emily asked, looking to Y/N.
“Oh, no thanks. I got my share this morning.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you did.” Derek said, holding back a smile.
“Morgan.” Y/N glared at him.
Hotch caught her eye for a moment afterwards, questioning. She slightly shook her head in amusement.
“What happened?” Emily asked, a curious smile on her face looking between Y/N and Derek.
“Nothing, he just doesn’t understand boundaries.” She said with a pointed finger. “Trying to blow things way out of proportion as always.”
This time she glanced at Hotch first, rolling her eyes a little. He smirked, looking down at his hands.
Emily watched the little interaction with interest.
“Does it have something to do with these two?” She inquired, looking back to Derek.
Y/N and Hotch spoke over each other.
“Nothing happened.” Y/N muttered.
“What?” Hotch questioned.
Derek looked to Hotch. “Can we go talk?”
Hotch furrowed his brow. “May I ask what about?”
“It’s nothing. It’ll just take a couple minutes.”
“Alright,” he said, standing up and nodding a quick goodbye to Emily and Y/N. Derek followed after, throwing a devious look Y/N’s way.
Emily leaned over, speaking more quietly. “Something I should know about you and Hotch?”
“No.” She chuckled. “Derek is just… Himself.”
“Something had to have happened.” Emily turned in her chair, and made Y/N face her. “Spill.”
“I went to watch Jack last night so Hotch could get some rest. We had breakfast this morning with Jack, and he accidentally fell asleep next to Jack and I while we were watching a movie.” She sighed. “I told Derek, and now he’s freaking out about it like something happened.”
“Y/N. You slept at his house.”
“To watch his kid.”
“Wait, you said he fell asleep next to you and Jack.” A smile crept on her face. “Was that on a couch or in a bed?”
“Emily.” She groaned.
“Y/N!” Her eyes went wide. “How can you still think he’s not interested in you?”
“He’s not.”
“You’re both blind.”
Hotch led Derek to his office, only leaving the door a little cracked.
“You wanted to talk?” He asked, leaning against his desk. Derek stood in front of him.
“Yeah. About you and Y/N.”
“Morgan.”
“Hotch, I know you don’t want to admit it, but I know you’re into that girl.” Derek crossed his arms over his chest. “She told me about last night and this morning.”
“She was watching Jack. Nothing more.” Hotch shook his head. “This isn’t an appropriate conversation for work.”
“Work doesn’t start for another ten minutes.”
Hotch only stared.
“Look, I just think you should ask her out.”
“I’m not going to do that.”
“Why not?” Derek let his arms drop to rest on his hips, tilting his head.
“I’m her boss.” He straightened up.
“But what is really the harm in trying?”
“She’s—” He started, and then paused, shaking his head.
“She’s what? Amazing? Gorgeous? Smart?”
“She wouldn’t be interested in someone like me. So, it doesn’t matter anyways.” Hotch said, glancing down. “We start the day in 5.”
“Great, that’s plenty of time.” Derek paused a second. “Why would you think she’s not into you?”
“I’m— I have a child, and I’m a widow. She doesn’t need all of that on her plate. Plus, she’s young. She’d be better off with somebody your age.” He said, looking up again to catch Derek’s eye.
“Man, you are so blind.” Derek chuckled, shaking his head.
The day started as usual. The team had a briefing, and then went to work at their desks for a while. Today was going to be a slower day, and everyone seemed to be thankful they could get home at the end of the day. At lunch, Y/N noticed Derek and Emily talking quietly: she thought it was awfully suspicious.
“Hey, you two.” She called out, walking over to Emily’s desk. “Why are you being so quiet, it’s weird.”
Derek glanced up. “Nothing.”
Y/N narrowed her eyes, turning to Emily in question.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s nothing.”
“You two are bad liars.” Then, she had an idea. “Hey, Reid.”
His head popped up, looking to her. “Yeah?”
“You’ve been sitting here next to them, what are they talking about?”
He looked lost, glancing around. “I—Uh… I have no clue.”
“Now, see, you I believe.” She laughed, ruffling his hair as she went past. He frowned, quickly smoothing it back out. She headed off towards Hotch’s office instead, trying to ignore the whispers that has started back up.
She knocked quietly on the open door.
“Hey, you busy?” She popped her head in to see him eating a sandwich at his desk.
He shook his head, swallowing a bite. “No, come in.”
She closed the door and went to sit at the chair by his desk. “Derek has been weird all day. What did you guys talk about earlier? I can’t get an answer to save my life.”
His eyes went wide.
“What?” She questioned, noticing Hotch going more on-edge.
“Uh, it was— It was nothing. Just a work thing.”
“You know, you’re a really bad liar, too.”
He chuckled, looking away. “I just don’t think this is the right time to talk.”
She furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
He glanced up at her, looking her in the eyes, searching for an easy answer.
“It was just— It was about last night. And this morning.”
She groaned. “Great. I knew I shouldn’t have told him anything.”
Hotch just sighed, looking at her.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t think he’d say anything.” She offered as an apology.
“No, it’s okay. It’s just that…” He let out a slow breath. “He brought up something that I think I want to talk to you about. I just didn’t know how to say it.”
“Okay, what is it?” She questioned, straightening up in her chair.
“He, uh, brought up everything from last night and this morning. And he brought up how that’s not something that I would normally do. Or something you would normally do.”
“Oh. I didn’t mean to make you uncomf—”
“No, it wasn’t that. It’s just,” he paused, watching her for a second. “I need to know if you feel the same way about me that I feel about you.”
Her heart was racing and heat rose to her face. She was breathless.
“W-what?”
“I’m so sorry, I know this is inappropriate, but…”
“What are you asking?”
“I just need to know how you feel. About me.” He looked at her, almost pleading for the answer he deeply wanted.
“I’m— I think you’re amazing. I think you’re a wonderful father, and I’ve never met someone who makes me feel the way you do.” She began in a ramble. “I didn’t want to say anything because I know you’re so out of my league, but after talking to Derek this morning, and Emily, I just… I don’t know. I want to hope.”
Hotch furrowed his brow, and Y/N took in a breath, ready for rejection.
“You think I’m out of your league?”
“I mean… Yeah?” She tilted her head. “You’re really incredible.”
He couldn’t help but smile.
“Y/N, for profilers I don’t think we’ve been very good at reading one another.” He said quietly. “I thought I was the last person you’d ever be interested in.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m a widow, I’m older than you, I have a son…”
“A son that I love. I’d do anything for that kid.”
“I know.” He smiled again, watching her.
She couldn’t help but to smile back.
“As for the other stuff, I couldn’t care less. You’re so much more than that.”
“Really?”
“Really.” She continued to smile at him. “We really are pretty dumb, huh?”
“Very, apparently.” He agreed with a nod.
She checked the time. “Lunch break is almost over. I better go.”
He nodded again. “Yeah. Talk more later?”
“Of course.”
She waved a goodbye, walking towards the door. With one hand on the handle, she felt something grip her arm and spin her around. She was met with Hotch’s lips on hers, a kiss that took her breath away. They broke apart after a minute, both smiling like giddy teenagers.
“When I tell you that’s all I could think about doing this morning…” She began.
“Me too.” He agreed, looking into her eyes as his hand stroked her cheek. “Especially when I got to wake up to you in my clothes. It was killing me.”
She giggled, leaning in for one more kiss. It was slower this time, more gentle. She backed away afterwards, just enough to be able to speak against his lips.
“I think maybe we should thank Derek and Emily.”
“And let them feel like they won?”
“Good point.” She chuckled, giving him one more quick peck.
He let her go to get back to the bullpen, but as she attempted to turn the handle of the door, she was knocked back into his chest. Of course.
“You’re welcome.” Derek said with a smile after assessing what must have just happened.
“You don’t get credit for this.” Y/N laughed.
“Mhm. But it’s totally on me.” He said, raising a brow. He started walking back out, but not before… “Don’t you two take too long in there.”