› a/n: since this was suggested … hehehe ty enjoy <3
suggested by @craftyglitterluvr so tyysmm
reader isn’t part of the team in this one!
» | - When Spencer is out on a case, he leaves you alone in his dark but cozy apartment filled with his books and displays of his trophies on the wall. You often wait up at night until he calls, and he always does. Even if he’s barely got his eyes open and his body is sore from moving around all day, he still makes sure to ask how your day was, if you got enough food to eat in his fridge which he left stocked up and if you finished a book he left for you on his shelf.
» | - Once a case is closed, Spencer loves knowing he’s on his way back home to you. He also enjoys visiting a gift shop at a small, hidden-away place in whatever city or town he’s in. He picks out a souvenir for you every time, and yet you’re always surprised when he hands it to you. It’s his way of gifting you something when he’s away for a weekend or a week.
» | - Spencer Reid is often known as the innocent baby or, mostly being called, the pretty boy of the team. What they don’t realize is that even though he may be younger than them he’s still older than you. He always makes sure to care for you when needed, like your days off when he’s not there to support you. He sends you message after message to let you know he’s there even if he can’t be physically present. His texts can be as innocent as “Hi darling, wishing I was there to have coffee with you this morning,” or as down bad as “I know you’re probably sleeping, baby, after your night out, but I’m so needy for you. You turn me into a pathetic excuse of a man from just one simple photo. You looked so pretty in that white dress tonight. Make sure it’s on you when I land back home tomorrow night.”
» | - Sometimes your older boyfriend doesn’t even know how to operate his phone. And if he’s Spencer Reid, he might not know how to work it at all. During a quick walk on a break while he’s out on a case, he notices how beautiful the sunset is and smiles, knowing you’d love it. He fumbles with his newer upgraded phone in his hand, trying to remember which button is for FaceTime. After texting you to ask for help, he finally manages to see your pretty face on his screen and watches your bright smile as you see the golden sky. That might even become his wallpaper. If he can remember how to screenshot.
» | - The team knows about his younger girlfriend. If anything, they tease him constantly about being so much older than you. The main teasing comes from Derek. “Hey, old man, why don’t you leave your girl back at her little college? I’m sure she’ll be falling for those young football guys as soon as you leave,” he jokes, patting Spencer on the back. Spencer usually doesn’t take it to heart .. most of the time, he just rolls his eyes. But when you’re lying in bed in his apartment, he softly asks if the age difference is an issue. You always tell him you chose him. No one else. And he smiles to himself, knowing you only want him.
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just wanted to add i do not use ai in any way to write anything i post. i use a grammer checker which is attached to docs on google.
› a/n: you guys liked the first one so here’s the second one hehe
reader IS a part of the team in this one!
» | - When Spencer knew you hadn't eaten all day, vending machine snacks were your weakness, especially the chocolate-covered pretzels that probably went stale inside the bag over time. It's the best he could do when it's two in the morning and nothing's open. "I'll get you real food in the morning. Sorry, angel."
» | - Hitting coffee shops at night in different cities when you can’t sleep is a tradition by now. Sometimes you two just walk around and find a small spot still open or even a gas station with poor-quality coffee. It does the job. So sitting down in a small booth, or outside at night at a small round table across from each other. It’s intimate and it’s really your only alone time together.
» | - Sleeping together in hotel rooms and your routine as you get ready for bed. He would be so gentle with you after a long day of interviewing eyewitnesses or family members of victims. He makes sure to get you out of your professional clothing and into one of his tops or something comfortable. You two go straight to bed, and he checks the room and under the bed. Once he's satisfied you're both safe, he pulls you into his arms.
» | - Sometimes staying up together at work on over binders of case notes is your form of comfortable silence. It works out perfectly when in the morning you both have something to share with the team, like Spencer’s maps or your hint skills on a specific topic of the unsub’s life.
» | - Watching Spencer be so intelligent turns you on. You could watch him talk about formulas or how many planes there are in the world. Your favorite thing is seeing him prove people wrong, especially when Derek asks questions Spencer already has answers to.
» | - Older men have been your thing since you were young. Daddy issues and problems within your home growing up showed through your thinking and communication skills. Spencer, of course, caught on fast. Before you even told him about your childhood experiences or trauma, he brought it up. "I’m not here to be your dad, you know that, right? I’m here to be someone you can lean on and love. I want you to know I’m not him, and I never will be.”
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just wanted to add i do not use ai in any way to write anything i post. i use a grammer checker which is attached to docs on google.
summary: spencer plans a lunch date with reader during a rainy day at the bau as their first official date.
pairing: - spencer reid x fem!reader
warnings/info: cursing | marking / hickies | reader is in her twenties | older Spencer (thirties) | she / her pronouns used | no use of y/n | reader is a baddie | kissing | no actual smut but a steamy makeout | mentions of size difference I bossy / protective Spencer | hint of possessiveness | fluff | sexual themes (brief) |
a/n: hey everyone, i know part two was a bit light but i didn’t expect to write another part to this but i’m glad i did. i’m still technically new to writing so of course it won’t be perfect, or maybe there will be short writing. i want writing to stay as something for me to go when it’s there, i don’t want it to feel like it’s a job so i’m writing when i’m in the mood to or when i’m inspired.
What’s happened since then has surely been a whirlwind of feelings, long briefings sat next to each other, and of course, dates.
I’m a man of my word, and I can’t help but always want to get you alone somehow.
Sometimes it’s a quick kiss in a storage room, getting you coffee and writing your name on the cup with a heart, or in quiet moments while we’re all tired from working on files and reports, reading to you quietly with your head on my lap.
Oh yeah, I finally found out you like cold brew. Surely it’s different from my usual hot black coffee, but I’ve tried it and I approve.
This morning, I had an idea and I fully intended to make it happen. I finally got some time to take you on an official date.
Sure, it’s not .. a fancy night out, not yet, but since we don’t have the time with work this week, I decided to do something better.
Everyone says that having a workplace relationship will be destructive in many ways for both of us, that we’re brave for even trying, or stupid because it will backfire and be like working with an ex.
Yet, I couldn’t care less what anyone says.
When were in my car parked in the large, dimly lit garage of the BAU, and we’re in the back seats, cuddling, sharing soft slow touches and kisses, our secret rendezvous has become something more.
Has anyone found out yet?
They have their suspicions.
And yes, of course it’s Derek and Penelope.
Feelings are involved, and there’s definitely a line of obsession on my end.
How could I not be?
We agreed to start “seeing” each other after that day on the jet.
Over this past week, though, it’s turned into having dinners together in the conference room, spending one or two nights at my place, and making time for lunch. In such a short time, it’s become something I don’t think I can give up on.
Since you joined the team, I knew I wouldn’t be able to act normal around you. Even if we didn’t like each other at first.
That smile was what first caught my eye when you walked in.
And those eyes? I’m a fool for you.
Since it’s raining today, and we wanted to go out for a proper lunch, we decided to hit a drive-through and eat in the parking garage.
Is it the best location for a first date? No.
But you told me it was perfect.
It was like a picnic in my backseat, a blanket and a pillow, food on our laps, my laptop playing a movie, the heater on pow, sitting side by side.
The rain outside made it even cozier. I even brought some books I could read to you.
My eyes were on you as always, watching you laugh at a scene in the movie. I just can’t help but watch you all the time.
You’re slowly becoming my favorite show.
“Stop staring at me and eat, pretty boy,” your voice broke my gaze, making me roll my eyes and pick up a French fry. I tossed it in my mouth and raised an eyebrow at you.
“Sorry for appreciating how beautiful you are.” I huffed dramatically and smiled as you playfully shoved my shoulder.
"Well aren't you a sweetheart." You responded sarcastically. Which made me roll my eyes but smirk nonetheless.
I watched as you took the milkshake in your hand and sipped from the straw. You make everything look so good. I caught your eyes again as you watched me which made you laugh.
“You’re like a puppy you know that?” You said first as you put the milkshake cup back in the car holder in front of us.
“A puppy?” I furrowed my eyebrows at the sudden realization.
“Yeah it’s like you don’t take your eyes off whatever I’m doing.” You teased.
“Shut up.” I smiled blushing slightly at you calling me out.
“Hm, make me.” You smirked as you bit into a fry, eyes on me. They had a spark in them that made me want to cut this little movie date short.
But I’m a gentleman and simply tilted my head to the side a little.
“Hm, maybe later. I want to enjoy our date properly.” I said, grabbing my burger from the takeaway box and taking a bite.
“Boring.” You whined back playfully but went back to the movie.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get what you want later, sweet girl.” I hummed and sipped from my own shake as I met your eyes.
I knew what my words could do to you, and I was right because your face is flushed red.
After that, we both slipped back into soft silence; the movie played, but we were really just talking or looking at each other the whole time telling silly stories, me rambling about facts, of course.
It felt comfortable.
Soon, the movie ended, and we had fifteen minutes left of our break. I left the car briefly to throw out our trash and then returned to the seat next to you.
As soon as I closed the door, you were in my lap. Straddling me with your hands on my tie.
“Just couldn’t wait, could you? Hm?” I teased as my hands wrapped around both of your thighs, squeezing them as I looked at you.
“Not with you looking like this and being so thoughtful for our first date.” You chuckled and placed your hand on my cheek, rubbing your thumb across the small hairs on my skin.
“Makes me wanna stay in this car all day.”
You leaned in, peppering kisses on my chin, making my breath hitch.
My hands ran up from your thighs to your waist as I pulled you closer on my lap.
“Don’t think we can. But I wouldn’t mind that either,”
I whispered, turning my head to connect our lips in a kiss that makes me melt instantly.
Once our lips touched, I felt you hum against mine as your hands traveled to my hair, slightly pulling on the roots as the kiss turned heated quickly.
I couldn’t help but want to give you anything you wanted from me right now.
“You’re impossible," I said against your lips as I dragged my tongue across yours.
Once you opened up for me, I already knew I wouldn’t be able to stop.
My tongue fought yours as my hands moved to slip under your blouse, cupping one of your breasts.
You gasped into my mouth, gripping on my hair harder making a groan slip past my lips.
At this point, I didn’t care that we were in a bright parking lot and that anyone could see us through my car windows.
That’s none of my concern right now. You on my lap, my tongue tasting yours. That’s all I can think about.
But I knew we’d have to cut it short soon.
"Spencer," you muttered against my lips as your hand tightened in my hair. I felt your hips start to slowly grind on top of my slacks.
"Mhm, so needy. You can’t help yourself, can you?” I pulled back to look at you. My thumb reached down to your bottom.
Your face was flushed, lips red and swollen from where I may have bitten, and your hair was now a mess.
Your eyes were dark and full of need.
I leaned back, kissing down your jaw to your neck.
I knew your favorite spot that made you make those pretty noises I loved.
I unbuttoned a few buttons of your blouse, leaving marks each time I lowered my lips down your soft skin.
You smelled heavenly.
I stopped right above your breasts and gazed at the bra you were wearing today.
Fuck me.
Pretty black lace fanning at the top of it, leaving my mouth watering.
I knew you were waiting and eager, but I instead buttoned your top back up, not before glancing at the marks I made.
I can’t help but love knowing they’re under there and that I’m the only one who knows who made that mess.
"We can’t, you know that. Not here, at least," I told you as my hands moved to your cheeks cupping them in my large hands.
"I promise, when we’re back at my place or yours later, I’ll give you whatever you want. How many times you want. Does that sound good to you, baby?"
You swallowed and nodded, but not before leaning in for a slower kiss.
"Not fair. But I can wait," you responded quietly as you pulled back.
"Good girl. Now c’mon, we’ve got five minutes to head back inside.” I tapped your thighs and fixed your top, which was a bit wrinkled.
I made sure you couldn’t see the new deep red bruises from where it was open at your neck, then gently helped you off my lap.
Once we got out of my car, I placed my hand on your lower back as we walked inside the building.
Our first date may not have been traditional, but it was perfect for us.
And that’s what counts.
Maybe I can get us a table at a Italian restaurant this weekend, I know you loved pasta.
About two hours after our lunch date, I was walking past the conference room after taking a phone call when I overheard Derek asking what happened to your neck.
You responded in a flustered stutter which made me smirk to myself as I walked back to my desk.
“My hair curler fell from my hand. That’s all.”
No one believed it, which made me smirk even more as I scribbled something on a notepad.
I walked over to your desk, slipping the paper under a folder in your stack, and sat back down at my desk.
Gino’s restaurant. Reservation for Saturday at 7:00 pm.
summary: spencer tries to talk to reader about the night before, causing feelings they both didn’t know they had to come out.
pairing: - spencer reid x fem!reader
warnings/info: cursing | mentions of alcohol consumption and being drunk | heavy flirting | reader is in her twenties | older Spencer (thirties) | she / her pronouns used | no use of y/n | reader is a baddie | mentions of kissing | mentions of height difference I bossy / protective Spencer | hint of possessiveness | yearner spencer!
a/n: here is part two, i hope you guys liked the first one because it’s back! if you guys want a part three i would love to add another part. lmk!
I had woken up around four thirty a.m., the hotel sheets wrinkled around me as I mentally cursed the early hour.
Four hours of sleep. Great.
Once I was really awake, I walked into the small but luxurious bathroom.
White tiles and marble, way brighter than my bathroom back at my apartment.
I stepped into the shower, sighing as the warm water ran over my skin.
Thoughts of last night came back to play in my head. I don’t know what I was thinking.
It felt like all my brainpower left once I sat down next to you in that booth.
From there, it was like everything went up and down.
The kiss.
Fuck, that kiss.
It was good. Too good.
Maybe the best kiss I’ve ever had.
But I’m glad I stopped it, even though I now know how much I might want to do it again.
I would never take advantage of someone like that.
After I got out of prison, you were the new agent everyone was talking about. I never leaned into liking you.
So from the moment I met you, we never saw eye to eye on anything. You were my age when you joined, and I had too much baggage to care about getting to know you.
We’d debate whatever small thing came up. The team obviously intervened every time, and even Hotch gave us a warning a few times.
Though last night wasn’t supposed to happen.
My fingers twitch, remembering how your hair felt against my palms. Your lips on mine. The way we danced, the way you were in my lap.
I should feel like a weight has been lifted between us, right? Like the tension is gone.
No. I feel worse, but this time it’s not anger.
It’s need.
Whatever you did to me last night has now exploded into something unfamiliar and new.
I don’t hate you. In fact, I believe I’ve always had feelings for you in some weird way.
Now that I’ve had a taste of you, I’m addicted in ways I’ve never known. You’re the first girl to ever make me feel angry, then turn me into a needy idiot.
Now I don’t know what I’ll even say when we see each other.
For now, I get out of the shower and prepare to get back on the jet to Virginia.
I already know it’ll be a long flight.
About two hours later, everyone is dressed and packed up.
We’re all sitting on the jet, briefing on the case we wrapped up yesterday. Penelope’s voice echoes through the computer with the last round of information.
But my eyes stay on you.
I haven’t stopped watching you since we stepped on board this morning.
Black blouse that was unbuttoned at the top revealing skin and cleavage, black dress pants, some flats. Hair pulled into a messy bun, faint chapstick on your lips. Tired eyes from last night. You were definitely hungover.
You haven’t looked at me once this morning.
Safe to say I’m struggling. My hands haven’t stopped gripping the file in my lap to keep me from touching you.
“Alright, everyone catch up on some rest for the rest of the flight. I know some of you had a long night.” Hotch says glancing around as he stands up and walks to the back to get a glass of whatever he’s in the mood for.
I see you get up and walk to the back seats next to a window, and I simply follow after you. I sit down right next to you, facing my body toward you.
“Reid, what are you doing?” you ask, like you didn’t know. But you knew. You just didn’t want to admit it.
“You know, I told you not to run from me. Ignoring me isn’t going to make me or you forget. In fact, it makes it worse.”
I pause, taking a breath. My hand moves to brush hair behind your ear as I continue.
“So stop it. Talk to me. Do something, because now I can’t form a single thought about anything scientific to rant about this time,” I say in a rasp, whispering.
You swallowed and looked over my face.
“Okay. We’ll talk.” You whispered back.
“You start since you have so much to say.”
I rolled my eyes at your comment but decided not to respond to it. Of course you tell me to go first.
I took my hand off your cheek and placed both in my lap as I tried to gather my thoughts.
"I am attracted to you, something that's not just physical. The way you talk, the way your brain works during cases, the way you are never one to back down from anything or anyone that says anything negative to you."
I took a second before continuing. Usually I’d feel nervous opening up and telling my feelings out loud to someone.
But right now all I want to do is make you understand.
"That kiss last night made me realize I don't want to argue or bicker; I want to get to know you. On a deeper level. I mean, I don't even know if you like cold or hot coffee, and you've been on the team for almost four months."
That made you smile and look down at your hands.
“So, If you’d let me. I want to get to know you.” I end it there before I say anything that would make you want to run away.
What can I say. I’m an obsessive person. In a good way.
You just stared at me, with a look of surprise and something else.
“You really feel all that, pretty boy?” You smirked.
All smug and smiles.
I rolled my eyes amused and nodded.
“I think it’s your turn.”
You let out a small laugh and hummed.
“Okay. Well I do feel the same way. Even though I was a bit of a brat last night. I apologize if I was too much.”
I nodded back waiting for you to continue but my heart picked up a beat.
“And I did also love the kiss. Fucked me up bad to be honest. I would love to do it again. And some more.”
You were such a tease right now.
“Well I accept the fact that you know how difficult you were being. And I think we can arrange for more kisses once we land. I think we could use the privacy.” I hummed tracing my fingers that somehow made their way to rest on your thigh.
Then I saw it. Blush appears on your cheeks.
You’re flustered.
I feel like that should be an award if anything.
“That can certainly be arranged.” You responded.
From then we sat close together in the back of the jet.
Talking with our hands intertwined or placed on each other in some way while we just talked.
It was like we finally got past whatever barrier was in between us.
And now I can’t wait to see what happens when we get off this jet.
summary: in which aaron and the team have to go to a local library do to their work and aaron may or may have not met the love of his life.
pairing: - Aaron Hotchner x Evelyn Pierce (o.c)
warnings/info: age gap! (Aaron is in his late 30’s. Evie is in her mid twenties.) | she/her pronouns | no use of y/n | cursing | Evie is a sweetheart | Aaron being flirty #need that | teasing | established character | mentions of height / size difference | mentions of crime | talks of profiling | lmk if i missed anything!
a/n: hey everyone, i decided to make a real character for this one shot, and her name is Evie. i know its way different than using no names or just using x reader but i wanted to try something new.
also you can use anyone you want as the inspo for this since i didnt pick any specific fc!
also, thanks for all the support on all my one shots & projects recently, it means a lot <3
There were two words to describe work this morning.
Chaos and shit.
There had been a power outage at the nearby police station, so there were a lot more people at the BAU than usual.
Officers were taking up desks to hold meetings, work on files, and honestly just talking or walking around like they own the place, which was the first thing pissing me off.
The second issue was the heat.
We're approaching summer, and it’s randomly eighty-seven degrees today.
In the middle of May.
And I’m in a fucking suit.
So instead of making the team deal with the chaos on our usually quiet floor, I was going to send everyone home or somewhere else to finish their reports for the day.
Spencer, being Spencer, had a better idea than just letting everyone go home.
"So Hotch, I go to this library around here, and the owner has these quiet lounges you can rent to work or read in groups. We can all go there.”
"Does pretty boy have a crush on the owner?” Derek teased, making Spencer roll his eyes in response.
"No, I don’t. She’s pretty, yeah, but... Anyway, she'll let us use the big room on the second floor, which has enough space for all of us."
Derek gave me an eye roll that basically said, “Here he goes again,” then looked at Spencer.
"Hey, pretty boy. I don't know if you noticed, but I'm not a library or book guy. I’ve got better things to do with my time."
Spencer looked around at the team and shrugged.
"You mean go to clubs and meet girls you never call back?"
Everyone started laughing, and I might have cracked a small smirk.
Got him there.
"Alright, enough. We’ll all go to the library instead. That'll be our work spot for now until our space clears up."
I sighed, standing up from the chair that was probably imprinted with sweat from my thighs.
"Derek, you take a car, and I'll take the other. Let's go.” My voice was firm and authoritative as I grabbed my work bag and headed toward the elevator to get out of this building.
I swear these two are going to give me all my grey hairs.
We split between the two black cars, me driving one, Derek the other.
When we arrived, I got out first, followed by Spencer, since he knew more about this place than I did.
The library wasn’t large, it was a perfect-sized place, with brown brick walls and black windows, giving it an old vintage shop vibe.
As we walked through the door, the small bell over our heads jingled.
Spencer walked beside me, with the others following behind.
They pulled out their badges as they looked around and saw only a few people reading books or typing away on laptops.
"Everyone, this is Evelyn Pierce," Spencer introduced her as I looked behind the front desk.
Wow. She was beautiful.
She offered a friendly smile and a small wave upon seeing Spencer and looked around at all of us.
"Hey, Dr. Reid, and everyone. You can call me Evie by the way. Spencer just likes to be formal.” She joked, earning a small laugh from everyone.
“What brings you here? Oh, and I saved you some of those new philosophical books that just came in.”
Her finger tapped lightly against the desk as she spoke.
Her voice was sweet, it took me by surprise, but it made sense that she's a librarian.
She seems so sweet.
I glanced at Spencer then back at her.
Guess they're close friends. Hm, Interesting.
I took a moment to profile her while they talked, I can't help it.
Medium-length dark brown hair, light eyes, a few birthmarks on her skin, some small tattoos, and long eyelashes.
Probably in her late twenties.
Her attitude seemed kind, no red flags.
Good.
I wouldn't really appreciate walking into a beautiful woman's library if she turned out to be a murderer.
I blinked out my thoughts when Spencer cleared his throat, gaining my attention.
"Thank you, Evie. We’re in a bit of a situation, though." He looked behind him at the team.
"Erm, this is SSA Aaron Hotchner and the rest of my team. Emily, Jennifer, Derek, David, and Penelope." He waved his hand toward everyone then looked back at her.
I gave my most friendly smile and a short nod as a hello.
"Our building is a bit too busy for us to work today. So we were wondering if we could stay here for a couple of hours?” Spencer explained with his usual small awkward smile.
"Yeah, it's no problem. No one's using the big room, so you're all free to use it," she nodded, pointing toward the stairs leading to the room.
Everyone nodded as Spencer showed them all upstairs leaving me downstairs alone with her.
I stepped forward and pulled out my card to rent the room, not even caring to ask about the price.
"Oh, no need. It's on the house since you’re in a predicament," she shook her head, waving off my card.
"I insist. I don't want to disturb your service by walking around for free," I said with a small, polite smile, tilting my head.
“No, no it’s okay. I swear-“
Her words were cut off by my hand, which placed a fifty-dollar bill on the countertop anyway.
“Keep the change, sweetheart.” I nodded towards the bill encouraging her just to take it.
Light hazel eyes met mine as a pink blush appeared on her skin.
Why did I feel a sudden need to touch her cheek to feel how warm it was under my skin?
Instead, I watched her slide the bill in the register as I put my wallet back in my pocket.
“Thank you Mr. Hotchner.” She said, looking down shyly.
“Please call me Aaron,” I corrected softly, keeping my eyes fixed on her.
Every move she made or each time our eyes briefly met.
What is wrong with me? I feel like a creep.
“Thank you, Aaron. If you have any issues or questions, let me know. I’ll be down here mostly.”
“Thank you, Evie.” My voice sounded charming as my eyes stayed locked on hers, as if under a spell.
I cleared my throat and gave a final small smile before turning to walk up the stairs to join the rest of the team.
———
It’s been a while since we all started working quietly. I occasionally commented on a couple of things breaking the comfortable silence.
I've been checking for any news from the BAU every hour.
So far, none of it has been good.
I lifted my arm and looked at my watch, checking the time.
Three p.m. No wonder I feel drained.
“Alright. I think we all could use a break,” I announced.
“And some food,” Emily added, making everyone agree.
“I could eat,” Derek said, checking the time on his phone.
“Alright, someone go get food. Put it on the department card,” I muttered, standing up and removing my blazer, now in a white button-down shirt and tie.
“We’ll go. Could use some fresh air,” JJ said, looking around at everyone as they also stood up to head towards the stairs.
“I’ll be here then. Call if anything,” I said, glancing at my phone for updates.
Nothing.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair, probably a mess from all the stress and tousling.
Now, here I was, alone in a medium-sized lounge in a library.
I really should stretch my legs.
I got up and looked around, then saw Evie downstairs, putting books back on a shelf as she stood on a ladder.
The cart she positioned near the foot of it looked full of books she probably had to put away alone.
Well, we can’t have that.
I walked down the short steps and approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her.
“Are you alright up there?” I asked quietly, since others nearby were still reading or working.
“Oh, hey. Yeah. I’m alright. Did you and your team need anything?” she asked, holding onto the ladder with one hand and a book in the other, gazing down at me.
“No we’re okay, don't worry. They stepped out to get food. So I'm alone walking around.” I explained and gave a small smile.
“You know. I’m usually the tall one in these situations. Never really had to look up at someone to make eye contact.” I joked which made her laugh.
Her eyes crinkled as she made a soft giggle.
It’s like time slowed down just now for me as I kept my eyes on her.
“Well, I would be down there but I've got some books to put away.” Her smile still on her lips as she slotted another book on the shelf that was labeled “mystery”.
“I'm on a break right now, I could take some of these off your hands for you.” I looked over at the three plastic bins that were full of stacked books from different genres.
“Oh, no that's okay, I know you're only here to do your own work which is way harder than just organizing books. Plus this is a light batch compared to how it usually is around here.” I watched her shake her head politely as she declined my help yet again.
Stubborn.
I thought adding that to her profiling file, I started in my mind already.
“Please, I’m pretty good at sorting, you know. I'd say I'm the best in my department.” I shrugged playfully.
“Is that right? Better than Spencer then?” She teased back as she slotted the book on the shelf and stepped down one step on the ladder to grab another.
“Eh, you're right, maybe not the best. But I'm sure I can handle a few books. Let me help you.” I said softly as I rolled up the sleeves of my button-up.
I caught her eyes traveling down to my arms then back to my eyes.
“Okay. If you're sure, you can take the first case.” She pointed to the yellow case and grabbed another from the case she was working on slotting it in another shelf.
I grabbed the yellow case and looked as she came off the ladder slowly and stood next to me.
She was definitely between five feet four/ five in height compared to me.
Her head was not even reaching my shoulder but just under it making her seem even smaller.
“Alright then, Aaron, let me give you some strict librarian training.” She announced making me focus back on the conversation as she pushed the cart ahead of me.
That just sounds like fun.
For the next half hour, she leads me around the library showing me each aisle, storage room, and how the books get borrowed or returned.
I never knew there was more to working with books.
The past thirty minutes felt easy. Like maybe we were already friends before, kind of easy.
We laughed, made jokes, and even told her some things about being a profiler which was a big step for me.
I never talk about work much with strangers. Or at all really.
Let alone with someone I only met today.
Which was right now, as we sat in her small office tucked away in a back room.
Maybe I was being too flirty, but I couldn't help it. Everything she mentions I also happened to like or have an interest in.
We were now sitting on a small sofa, I sat next to her not too close but enough, so that she sat across from me with her legs crossed.
“Tell me how you can tell what someone's thinking.” She asked with a small smile and a tilt of her head.
“Well, for one. Eye contact. So think of something right now, don't say it out loud though.” I sat upright and faced her, placing my hands on my lap.
“Okay.” She nodded and kept her eyes on me.
I could see her thoughts running as she tried to think of anything.
“Hey, focus on me.” I soothed quietly and placed my hand on her knee to bring her attention back to me.
I saw her keep her eyes on mine watching as they went wide for a second from my touch and watched her give me a short nod in response.
“Good. So now, I look for anything that stands out.” I continued.
“Eye twitches, hand movement or fidgeting, blinking rapidly. Those are all signs of nervousness or a tell that you're not being truthful or hiding something.”
“Even nail biting, stuttering, the little things can give away if you're lying, you know something, or just uncomfortable,” I explained further.
“So all that helps tell if someone's guilty?” She pursed her lips as she understood more.
Curiosity in those light eyes, and now an understanding of something new.
I shouldn't feel this way about a stranger. Like I want to tell her everything and see her break down my words in her own way.
“Exactly. But we don't use those details alone because some people turn out to be innocent or have nothing to do with what we're asking about.”
“So that would be counted as just anxiety?”
“Pretty much,” I muttered.
“Thats so cool.” She hummed in return as she looked over my eyes like she was analyzing them.
“You hiding something, Aaron?” She asked playfully.
I felt a pang in my stomach that was either my hunger or butterflies at her words.
For a moment it was quiet as we stared at each other.
But before I could comment back I felt my phone vibrating in my pants. I almost let out a groan as I grabbed it and checked the caller ID.
Derek Morgan.
Fucks sake.
“Excuse me one moment” I held up a hand with an apologetic look and walked outside the room towards a quiet hallway.
Of course, the call was Derek telling me they were on their way back with takeout.
I hung up and walked back inside the office finding her back on her sofa.
“Sorry about that, they're on their way back with the food.”
“It's been almost an hour, where did they go?” She chuckled standing up and walking over.
“No idea but it seems like they spent a lot of money,” I added with a dramatic sigh.
“Well, good thing it's not your money. If I remember correctly Spencer told me Derek has a bottomless pit of an appetite.”
I let out a laugh and nodded back in agreement.
“He isn't wrong.”
As if on cue we hear the bell chime above the door. We walked out and saw the rest of the team walking back upstairs with bags of food.
“Guess you've gotta go back.” She whispered and faced me with a smile.
“Yeah. Have you had lunch?” I asked not wanting to end whatever this was.
“Uh, no actually. I haven't had a break yet.”
No break and it's almost four pm?
“You are now, c'mon.” I nodded towards the stairs for her to walk ahead of me.
“I still have customers downstairs-”
“I'll take care of it, go wait upstairs,” I commanded softly as I started walking towards the front area where only four people were sitting still typing or reading.
“Hello everyone, I'm FBI SSA Aaron Hotchner. My team and I will need to use this space for a case for the rest of the day. So if you all don't mind leaving that would be appreciated.”
My voice was authoritative, not leaving any room for disagreements or comments.
“No problem sir.” A person from the group said as everyone else grabbed their things and headed out the door.
Job well done. Now food.
I walked towards the door and turned the sign to close, turned around, and walked upstairs to the lounge where everyone was already placing food on the table.
“There he is. We got you fried rice and that teriyaki chicken you like, Hotch.” Emily says placing the food in front of where I was sitting before.
“Thanks, Morgan.” I walked to sit down and glanced around not seeing Evie.
“Where's Evelyn?” I asked and grabbed a fork trying not to seem too interested before I started getting teased.
“Restroom,” Spencer spoke up as he started eating.
I hummed back and gripped my fork waiting till I saw her walking back.
A few minutes later there she was walking up the stairs looking around and smiling.
“Hey everyone, hope you don't mind. Aaron invited me to have my lunch break with you all.”
“That's alright with me shortcake. This is your place anyway.” Derek smirked as he winked at her.
I gripped my fork even harder, making the plastic snap between my fingers.
Dave who was sitting next to me glanced at me and the fork already seeing the
Shit.
I cleared my throat and gave Derek a look telling him to stop his flirtations.
“Can I have another fork please. Mine is broken.” I asked quietly, not wanting to gain attention.
“Never took you as the jealous type, Aaron.” He smirked as he handed me the fork, making me grumble back in response.
I looked up and saw no one noticed thankfully.
But I did see Evie walking over..
“Do you mind if I sit here?” She asked quietly standing in front of the chair.
“Dont mind at all. Have a seat and grab some food. Don't want you being the only one not eating.” I nodded towards the multiple trays and containers of food.
“Thanks.” She smiled, grabbed a small plate, and placed food on it.
I watched as she scooped food onto the paper plate, then grabbed a water bottle.
“Thanks for the food guys.” She said gratefully looking around.
“Least we could do since we kinda barged in here taking over your place,” Jennifer said with a soft smile.
“You didn't. If anything, it made my day better.” Evelyn said honestly and glanced at me for a brief moment, meeting my eyes then looking down to scoop up food with her fork.
I smiled to myself and looked down at my plate.
Today may have started chaotic and stressful.
But in the end, as I sit here with people I count as family and someone I only just met today.
