![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
innerslytherin posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
geekystudmuffinTitle: Looking With New Eyes (3/3)
Authors:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
innerslytherin and severity_softly
Pairing: Hotch/Rossi
Rating: NC-17
WARNINGS: SPOILERS for "To Hell...and Back"
WC: ~21,100
Part One, Part Two
The summary has spoilers for the Season Four finale, so it's behind the cut.
Summary: A coincidence brings Dave to Aaron's apartment in time to save his life. In the aftermath, Dave realizes he has to tell Aaron things he's been leaving unsaid.
They ended up compromising on the pizza and the movies; Aaron agreed to one action flick along with the Woody Allen movies, and Dave relinquished the onions. Aaron assumed it was in deference to his pain-killers when Dave drank Coke instead of beer with his pizza, and thought about telling Dave he didn't have to do that, but he had to admit that he appreciated the gesture. He dozed off at some point during one of the movies, but when he woke and groggily asked the time, Dave was reading.
"Two-twenty-five," Dave answered. "How are you feeling?"
"Mmm, feels like it should be later than that," Aaron mumbled. "I feel... sleepy," he added, then laughed quietly.
"That's better than utterly miserable," Dave replied. His gaze was warm. Aaron hadn't realized until last night just how often Dave looked at him like that. "I paused the movie for you."
"Didn't have to do that." Aaron lifted his arm and raked his fingers through his hair. "I've seen this one before. Used to pretend I only watched it because Haley liked it, but I don't have that excuse anymore," he said, and gave Dave a lazy grin.
Dave smiled back at him and shook his head. "Nope, no excuse at all. You need another Coke or anything?"
"No, I'm fine," Aaron said. It was ridiculous. He could easily go back to sleep right now, and he'd been sleepy most of the day. He had a tiny urge to lean against Dave's shoulder before closing his eyes again, but he stopped himself. He'd never been attracted to men before. Why was he even indulging the idea?
Dave reached out and touched his knee. "If you want to sleep some more, don't stay awake on my account."
Aaron laughed. "I've done nothing but all day."
"Then maybe that's what you need," Dave said. He was still smiling. "I really don't mind. Besides, when you're sleeping, we aren't arguing," he joked.
"You say that like we argue a lot," Aaron protested, and he covered Dave's hand with his. God, this was stupid. He was lonely, and this was so stupid. He meant it when he said he loved Dave, but he didn't even know if he could be with another man.
"It isn't so bad," Dave said. He expression had brightened, and Aaron couldn't miss the way Dave responded to his touch. "After all, you keep me on my toes like no one else does."
"You need it," Aaron said.
"Mm," Dave acknowledged. "You need someone to push you sometimes."
"Thought you said I push myself too much." Aaron closed his eyes again, then dropped his hand away from Dave. As long as he was confused, this was a tease.
"Yeah, but I think you and I are pushing in different directions," Dave said. He cleared his throat. "Anyway, you like it."
"I'm never bored," Aaron murmured, smiling.
Dave laughed and didn't say anything. After a while, Aaron felt himself drifting again, and tried to fight it. What finally made him struggle back to wakefulness was the feeling of Dave's fingers curling around his.
"Mmm," he hummed, trying to find his voice for a moment. "Dave..." he sucked in a breath and opened his eyes, then looked at Dave. "I don't know if I can..."
"I just want to make sure you know I'm here, Aaron," Dave said after a while. "I want to remind you I'm not going anywhere."
"I'm lonely," Aaron admitted. "And I don't want to tease you when I don't know..."
"This isn't teasing," Dave said quietly. "This is accepting my being here. That's all." He shifted a little closer and looked intently at Aaron. "I know not to read into this."
Aaron sighed. Somehow he didn't think Dave could not read into this. He knew how Dave was when he was in love. He jumped in feet first. Aaron didn't answer though. He just sighed again, and leaned over to rest his head against Dave's shoulder. It sent a surge of pain through his side, and he sat right back up, pressing his hand to his bandage.
Dave's reaction was predictable. "Are you okay? Can I get you something?" He leaned in, peering up at Aaron as a hand reached towards Aaron's side, without actually touching. "I'm sorry."
"What are you apologizing for?" Aaron asked, giving him a weak smile.
"Being so irresistible?" Dave suggested, smiling back at him. "Can I get you anything?"
Aaron laughed. "No. No, I'm still drugged, I just can't move certain ways easily."
"Huh." Dave studied him for a moment, then nodded and took Aaron's hand back in his. "Go ahead and sleep," he murmured. "I didn't invite you here just to entertain me."
A ridiculous surge of happiness accompanied Dave's hand on his this time, and Aaron stared at Dave for a moment before nodding. "That's lucky," he said, and closed his eyes. He was silent for a long moment, then said, "Why do you want me?"
Dave's answer was prompt, but thoughtful. "I thought I'd made that clear. You're my best friend. You're the person I trust most, and the person whose good opinion I crave most. You're handsome and intelligent and the best man I know. And you accept me for whom I am, faults and all, even when you make it clear you disagree with me." There was a pause, then Dave murmured, "I feel most like myself when I'm with you."
Aaron opened his eyes and met Dave's gaze. He wasn't sure what to say for a moment, but his chest felt tight. "That's mutual," he said finally, hoping Dave would know what he meant.
Dave squeezed his hand, smiling faintly. "Then we're all right," he said. His voice was quiet, his eyes on Aaron's. God, it was amazing that he could look at Aaron like that.
"Yeah," Aaron said, feeling breathless.
Dave's smile widened and he nodded. After a moment he shifted, glancing down at Aaron's side. "Come here," he murmured, looking at Aaron and holding his arms open. "I think if you lean like this, it won't pull at your stitches."
Aaron stared at him for a moment, unsure if it was really a good idea. But it had been a long time since he'd let someone hold him, and he trusted Dave more than anyone. He drew a long breath, and then shifted into Dave's arms. It hurt a little, but he ignored it as Dave wrapped his arms around him.
"Mmm, there you go," Dave murmured, brushing his fingers through Aaron's hair briefly, then exhaling quietly. "Just rest."
Aaron hummed, and it was weird, hard to relax at first. This felt strange resting against Dave's broad chest. Aaron had to make himself relax willfully, but then once he did, it also felt comforting. He closed his eyes, feeling the rise and fall of Dave's chest.
Dave made a contented noise and tightened his arms briefly around Aaron. It didn't taken long before Aaron had slipped into sleep.
He woke feeling warm and safe, but confused. Gentle fingers were stroking his hair slowly, and there was a solid shoulder under his cheek. It took Aaron a minute to remember that he'd fallen asleep in Dave's arms.
Aaron drew a slow breath, letting Dave wordlessly know he was awake, but Dave's fingers didn't stop moving.
"Hey," Dave murmured, his voice soft and intimate. "You slept for quite a while. How are you feeling?"
"Groggy," Aaron said. He was hurting again, too, but he didn't really want to move. "'m'I crushing you?"
"You're fine." Dave yawned and then chuckled. "I napped part of that time too. I'm getting a little hungry."
"So am I," Aaron said. "Probably need more medication too, so you can look forward to some very stimulating dinner conversation after it kicks in."
Dave laughed and Aaron felt what might have been the soft press of a kiss against his temple. Then Dave shifted him carefully away and got up. "I was going to make lasagna for dinner, but that'll take too long tonight. How about I do sandwiches instead. I've got a nice cheat for strombolis that don't take too long."
"Sounds good," Aaron said. "Anything, really. I'm not picky." He settled back against the cushions and draped an arm over himself.
"Oh, yeah, you're not hard to please at all," Dave teased, but he was grinning at Aaron as he headed into the kitchen.
Aaron thought about those words while he listened to cabinet doors clunk shut and cans clatter. Did Dave think he was hard to please? That wasn't what his reaction to the idea of Dave loving him had been about. Though it was true Aaron expected a lot from his team and even more from himself personally, he didn't think he was really hard to please. When Dave came back with trays of baked sandwiches, chips, and Coke, Aaron had almost decided to ask...but then Dave gave him that warm smile he seemed to reserve for Aaron, and it didn't seem to matter.
They finished one of the movies while they ate, and then Dave said he had a little bit of paperwork to do, so Aaron was left to entertain himself. That was all right. He could occasionally hear the clack of Dave's keyboard or the rustle of paper, and Aaron had a lot to think about, anyway.
***
Dave shook his newspaper out and leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes. It was warm, but not uncomfortably so, and he was feeling sleepy and content. He had driven Aaron to his doctor mostly because Aaron was still taking the pain pills that knocked him a little loopy. Now he was just waiting for Aaron to finish with for the removal of his stitches. Not that he minded at all. Aaron had healed up nicely, and was getting around a lot easier, generally speaking. Dave wasn't looking forward to the day Aaron decided he needed to go home, but he was glad to see the pain fading.
Aaron thanked the doctor as he walked out of the office, smiling, and took care of the paperwork at the front desk before walking over to Dave. "Good news. I didn't lose the baby."
Dave snickered and stood up, wrapping an arm around Aaron's waist. "Glad to hear it, sweetie," he teased, then let him go and held the door for Aaron to precede him out of the building.
Aaron glanced back as Dave caught up with him. "You don't have to keep doing that, you know."
Dave raised his eyebrows. "Doing what?"
"Holding doors for me. I'm feeling better," Aaron said.
"Maybe I do it as a sign of respect," Dave said. "Because Mama raised me to be polite."
Aaron laughed. "You never used to do that for me."
Dave shrugged. "I never wanted to be too obvious. It's not such a problem since you know how I feel these days." He pressed the button to unlock the car and looked over at Aaron. "Want to stop for ice cream somewhere? I could really go for a banana split."
"Sure," Aaron said as he got in the car. Then he frowned in thought. "I can't remember the last time I actually went out for ice cream."
"Then this is long overdue. I know a place where they make really good hand-dipped milkshakes." Dave glanced over at him and wondered if Aaron would realize this was a date.
Aaron smiled at him. "Let's go."
When they got to the ice cream shop, Dave made a point to hold the door for Aaron again, wearing a smirk that just dared Aaron to remark on it. He ordered his banana split, then gestured for Aaron to order and told the girl at the counter he'd pay for both of them.
Aaron looked over at him, lifting an eyebrow. "I realize I haven't been working, but I do have enough money to pay for ice cream."
Dave grinned at him. "My treat today. I'll let you pay for it next time."
Aaron rolled his eyes, but just shook his head and let Dave pay. Dave shooed Aaron to go sit down while the girl behind the counter made his split and Aaron's malt, and then Dave joined him. He gave Aaron a warm smile as he slid into the seat across from Aaron's and casually brushed his knee with Aaron's.
Aaron either didn't notice, or he was perfectly fine with it. Then again, Aaron had let Dave hold him a few more times after the first time, so it was definitely not much as far as touching went.
"Is the team still in Dallas?" Aaron asked after a moment, stirring his malt. "Morgan still refuses to tell me anything."
"It's amazing, I finally found a threat that works on him." Seeing Aaron's curious glance, Dave grinned. "Threatening to shoot him didn't work, so I finally resorted to having Garcia promise to email pictures of some of his 'hunnies' to his sisters."
"Hmm," Aaron hummed. "Wish I would have thought of that," he teased.
Dave snorted. "Sure, except Derek knows damn well you wouldn't do a nasty thing like that. Me, he believes."
Aaron smiled. "Fair enough." He took another bite of his malt. "This is really good."
"From now on I'll remind you every few weeks that you need to take an ice cream break," Dave teased. "Jack would probably like it too."
"It's really a good thing you don't see him often. You'd teach him bad habits. He'd be bouncing off the walls," Aaron said.
Dave chuckled. "My siblings say that about the nieces and nephews a lot, actually," he said, grinning at Aaron. "Can't help it. It's a lot of fun to spoil other people's kids, since I don't have any of my own."
Aaron laughed too, shaking his head. "Leave us parents with the misery of having to say no," he said. He took a few more bites, his expression going thoughtful. "I should probably plan to go back home soon," he said after a moment.
Dave's heart sank, though he couldn't claim to be too surprised. He'd known that sooner or later--sooner, since it was Aaron--this would come up. "Don't feel like you need to go on my account," he said. "It's been nice having someone around the place."
Aaron nodded. "It's been nice not being alone," he said. "But I don't pay rent for fun, you know."
Dave snorted. "There is that." He scooped up a spoonful of chocolate sauce and ice cream, then glanced up at Aaron. "You could always let the apartment go and pay your rent to me, if you were interested," he said, and then turned his attention back to his ice cream. It was an offer he'd thought about making back when Aaron first moved out of Haley's house, but he'd thought at the time that it might grate on Aaron's pride too much. Maybe it wouldn't now.
Aaron's eyebrows lifted. "I'm your unit chief and you're my landlord?" he teased.
"We've worked out more complicated relationships than that," Dave replied. "Considering I'm the one who did most of your training at the BAU, and I'm taking orders from you these days."
"True," Aaron said. "I do like my own space, even if it was getting tedious, and I like my apartment." He paused. "Or I did, anyway. We'll see."
Dave could understand why Aaron might have to prove to himself that he could go back to the apartment. He nodded, not willing to argue and make Aaron realize how badly he wanted to share his home, even in a businesslike arrangement, with the person he loved. He hadn't made the offer because of that, anyway. He genuinely liked having Aaron around, and he knew they would get on well enough if they shared living quarters.
"Well, obviously we'd have to set you up with a study. Maybe give you the whole west wing, if you wanted, instead of the room you're in now." He shrugged. "It was just a thought."
Aaron was watching Dave now, almost too carefully, but then he just nodded and went back to eating his malt.
"What did the doctor say about going back to light duty?" Dave asked, more to take the conversation away from the offer he'd just made than anything. Of course, he knew Aaron was dying to get back to work, so he thought it was a safe topic.
"He wants me to wait at least another week, make sure there's no problems with the stitches coming out. Then he said whenever I'm okay to stop taking the pain medicine," Aaron said. Then he huffed a small laugh. "I actually miss my desk. Another month and I might've started missing Strauss."
Dave snorted. "Trust me, it never gets so bad you start missing her," he assured him. He studied Aaron for a moment, then said, "Why don't you stick around at least for the rest of that week. See where you are with the pain meds. I'd rather have you around than get you stuck in your apartment and unable to drive because of the medication." He took a spoonful of ice cream. "Besides, it would just be me inconvenienced by having to drive all that way to get you if you needed something."
Aaron smiled. "Yeah, I'd hate to do that to you," he said, then seemed a little surprised when his spoon hit the bottom of the cup.
Dave felt his shoulders relax and only then realized he had tensed, waiting for Aaron's answer. He finished off his banana split, then leaned back in his seat. "So what else should we do today? We've got hours to kill, and you seem to be holding up all right to being out and about."
Aaron shrugged. "I can't remember the last time I went to a movie. With an adult, anyway, which is to say I can't remember the last time I saw something good in a theatre."
"Tired of animation and corny jokes?" Dave said, pleased. "All right, let's see what's playing. There's a cinema not too far from here." He held the door on the way out, wondering how much longer Aaron would let him get away with that.
Not much longer, as it turned out. They picked a movie, and Aaron got to the door first when they went inside. Dave was convinced that he'd done it on purpose, and he couldn't help but be amused.
They got tremendously expensive soda and popcorn to share, and spent the next two hours in a crowded theatre. Dave made sure their fingers brushed whenever they reached into the tub of popcorn at the same time. He wasn't sure if he was imagining it or not, but a few times, he could have sworn that Aaron was doing the same thing.
When the movie was over, Dave couldn't help wishing they could stop somewhere for drinks or something. Whether Aaron was aware of it or not, this had felt like a date...but somehow Dave didn't think he could get away with suggesting they park somewhere and make out.
"That had to be better than singing dogs or whatever they've got playing these days for Jack's age group," he said as they walked out to the car. He was moving slowly, his hands firmly in his pockets to keep from reaching for Aaron's hand.
"Chipmunks," Aaron said. "And much better, yes, though I am going to miss the made up stories about robots on the drive home."
"I could try, but I'm not sure I have the imagination for fiction," Dave said. He took a long breath, enjoying the way the evening had cooled a bit, then glanced over at Aaron. "I've enjoyed myself today."
Aaron nodded. "So did I. When did we stop doing this?"
It had been shortly after the case in New York City, actually, but Dave wasn't going to point out how exactly he'd noticed. He shook his head. "Too long now," he said. "And a quick cup of tea after the case isn't really the same." He glanced over at Aaron. "Not that I don't enjoy those times too," he added quietly. "But we ought to do this more often."
"We should," Aaron agreed, and Dave mused that Aaron had been growing less depressed since he'd been staying with Dave. It had taken a while to start showing, but he was smiling more now.
Aaron gestured at the car. "Had enough excitement for the night?" he asked.
Dave laughed. "I don't know, maybe we ought to pick up a couple of steaks on the way home and fire up the grill. We could stay up late drinking on the back deck to finish up the day."
Aaron laughed. "After ice cream and a tub of popcorn," he said, and got into the car.
"Eh, you might have a point," Dave said, starting the car. "Maybe we'll skip the steaks and go straight to drinking on the back deck."
They did end up on the back deck, though Aaron had hot tea instead of the scotch Dave was drinking. It was a nice night, and Dave lived far enough out from town that they could see the stars. Dave relaxed, enjoying how easy everything had been so far, though a part of his mind kept reminding him that he was reaching the point in the 'date' where he ought to make his move.
Aaron let out a contented sigh, putting his cup aside and stretching out in the chair. He was staring at the sky, and the glow was reflecting off his face. "This I miss. Not quite the same on my balcony."
Dave kept watching Aaron. "I imagine not." He knew Aaron said he liked his apartment, but it made Dave sad. He supposed because he knew everything Aaron used to have, and Aaron's apartment was really just a place where Aaron slept. "Your place is a little nicer than the one I got after my second divorce. You remember how tiny that place was?" He smiled faintly. It was easier to have fond memories of the place now that he wasn't living in it.
"Your shower was about the size of a postage stamp," Aaron said, turning to grin at Dave. "I liked it, though. It was... oddly comfortable."
Dave chuckled, liking the expression on Aaron's face. "Only because we weren't used to anything better, on what they paid us back then," he joked. But he knew what Aaron meant. It had been comfortable because they could relax together there, and without Haley telling them to keep their shoes off the coffee table. Not that Aaron had ever put his feet on the coffee table, but Dave had been known to do it a time or two.
"We've always been pretty happy together, haven't we?" he murmured, watching Aaron.
Aaron's smile didn't fade. "Yeah, we have. It's sort of amazing we haven't killed each other yet, but nice."
Dave grinned at him, letting his gaze fall deliberately to Aaron's smile, then lift back to his eyes. They were sitting close to each other, but he would have to move slowly if he didn't want to scare Aaron away. "Not likely," he said softly, lifting a hand to brush his fingers against Aaron's cheek.
Aaron sucked in a breath, and Dave saw his expression shift a little, taking on a hint of uncertainty. But Aaron didn't pull away. "You don't think so?"
"Not at all," Dave answered, meeting his gaze. "You're the only person I know who's stuck with me this long. Don't think I take that for granted." He leaned in, though not enough to scare Aaron, he hoped, and stroked his thumb over Aaron's skin.
Aaron let out a slightly shaky breath, his eyes falling to Dave's lips, then back up to his eyes. "I seem to have been blessed with an almost saintly patience where you're concerned," he breathed.
Dave couldn't help smiling a little wider, because he could tell Aaron wanted this more than it scared him. "I'll remember you in my prayers of gratitude, then," he said, which was entirely truthful. He shifted out of his chair entirely to kneel in front of Aaron; he didn't want to strain his still-healing side. "Stop me now if this isn't what you want," he whispered, leaning in close. But he only gave Aaron a moment to think before he closed the distance between them and brushed his lips against Aaron's.
It sent a delicious rush of heat through him, coupled with incredible desire, but he forced himself to wait and see how Aaron reacted.
Aaron lifted a hand to Dave's shoulder and didn't pull back, though his breath was a little tight. "Never done this before," he whispered, his breath ghosting over Dave's mouth.
"Does it matter?" Dave asked, matching Aaron's tone. He didn't care; what they had was better than anything he'd ever had, and at this point, nothing would keep Dave from pursuing it...except if Aaron said this wasn't what he wanted.
"Not for this part," Aaron murmured.
"Then we take it slow and see," Dave suggested, leaning in to kiss him again, slipping his fingers into Aaron's hair. He teased the tip of his tongue along Aaron's lip, wanting an invitation to deepen the kiss.
Aaron made a quiet noise that sent a thrill through Dave, and then let Dave in. God, it was amazing. He was actually kissing Aaron, and it was better than he could have fantasized about. Aaron's hand slid up to cup Dave's jaw, and he pulled back, breathless, his nose brushing Dave's. "Dave," he whispered, his thumb brushing Dave's skin.
Dave hummed, pleased, and smiled at him. He kissed Aaron again, softly, wanting just to get Aaron used to kissing another man. "You're so handsome, Aaron," he murmured, and brushed his lips against Aaron's once more.
"Mmm." When Aaron kissed Dave back again, it was less timid than before. Dave could almost feel the anxiety starting to drain out of Aaron. Aaron's fingers slid into Dave's hair as they kissed, Dave giving back what Aaron was putting into the kiss.
Dave moaned quietly at the feel of their tongues sliding together. This felt so good, to finally be showing Aaron clearly how Dave felt about him. Dave wanted to wrap his arms around Aaron and pull him close, but he had to be mindful both of Aaron's still-healing injuries and of his uncertainty about this relationship.
Aaron slid his hand out of Dave's hair and down his neck to brush over Dave's shoulders. He leaned forward to get close and let out another little noise that Dave was pretty sure was more pain than pleasure, but Aaron just kept kissing him.
Dave raised his hands to cup Aaron's face, liking the slight roughness of stubble against his palms. God, this was wonderful. Dave enjoyed kissing, and kissing Aaron was amazing, especially as Aaron grew more aggressive and sure of himself.
"Dave," Aaron whispered again, his lips brushing Dave's lips. His teeth scraped Dave's lower lip lightly, and it sent a thrill through Dave, his fingers curling into Aaron's hair again. His knees were starting to ache, but he ignored it and sucked lightly at Aaron's tongue. He loved this. He could lose himself entirely in just kissing Aaron.
Aaron let out a quiet moan--God, that was a sound he'd always wanted to hear from Aaron's lips. But then Aaron pulled back a little. "Mmm, this isn't all that comfortable," he murmured, and Dave realized his hand was against his side where he'd been bending over.
"We should take this somewhere that's easier on your injuries," Dave said, tracing Aaron's jaw with his fingers.
Aaron was looking down at Dave's wrist, watching Dave's hand as it stroked across his skin. "Okay."
"Okay," Dave breathed, and stood slowly, reaching for Aaron's hand.
Aaron took it and let Dave pull him up, then he leaned in and pressed his lips to Dave's.
Dave made a quiet noise and stroked his hand down Aaron's back, but he was afraid to pull him closer. "Inside," he murmured when the kiss ended. His lips still brushed Aaron's, sending little thrills through him. "We should lie down."
Aaron drew in a slow breath and nodded, then let Dave lead him inside and down the hallway. He paused outside the door and kissed Aaron softly, giving Aaron one last moment to decide if going to bed was really what he wanted. When Aaron didn't pull back, a thrill went through Dave, and he led Aaron inside.
Smiling, he kissed Aaron softly and rested a hand at the top of his shirt, toying with the top button and letting his fingers slip under the cloth to tease at Aaron's skin. "Can I take this off?" he murmured, pausing as they reached the side of the bed. "I don't want to hurt you."
Aaron laughed quietly. "Yes," he said. "You don't have to make excuses, either."
Dave grinned. "You mean you're not a blushing virgin I need to coax into bed with me?" he teased, and nipped gently at Aaron's lower lip. "It wasn't an excuse. I was trying to be practical before I stop thinking entirely because of how good this feels." He unbuttoned Aaron's shirt as they kissed, his lips hungry.
Aaron made a pleased noise into the kiss, and his hands slid just barely up under Dave's shirt. Not a blushing virgin, but Aaron was certainly a little nervous about this. Dave decided it was better not to mention it, though.
Besides, he kind of liked it. He'd never seen Aaron quite like this before, and it was charming, as if Dave really needed to be charmed any more than he already was. "So handsome," Dave whispered, and ran his lips along Aaron's jaw, the faint scratch of barely-there stubble roughening his lips and sending a frisson of arousal through him. "God, you're handsome."
"You said that out on the deck too," Aaron breathed, tilting his jaw to give Dave more room. He shrugged out of his shirt and let it fall to the floor.
"S'true," Dave murmured. "I've always thought so. I'm just allowed to say it now." Dave traced his fingers along Aaron's collarbone, then trailed kisses down Aaron's neck.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, one of his hands sliding into Dave's hair. Then, strangely, he started laughing quietly.
Dave didn't stop what he was doing, but he mumbled, "What?" as he licked at Aaron's neck.
"Sorry," Aaron murmured, sounding amused. "I was just... thinking that Haley would be so angry if she knew about this."
That did make Dave stop as he considered that, then he pulled back just enough to look up at Aaron, eyebrows raised. "Angry that you're making out with someone, or just that it's me?"
"That the first person I've been with since our divorce is a man," Aaron said. "And maybe a little bit because it's you." He gave Dave a crooked smile and slid his hand up Dave's shirt again, farther than before.
"She really never liked me much," Dave agreed cheerfully. It didn't bother him. He kissed Aaron slowly, stroking a hand down Aaron's chest to rest at his stomach. "I think you should take these off too," he murmured, slipping his fingers just inside Aaron's waistband.
Aaron sucked in a slow breath, his smile fading and a look of desire mixed with nerves replaced it. "This isn't fair," he said, and gave Dave's shirt a tug.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did you want this off?" Dave asked, giving him a teasing look. He pulled his shirt off obligingly and then slid an arm loosely around Aaron's waist, careful to avoid his injury. "You can have anything you want, Aaron," he murmured and kissed him.
"I don't know what I want," Aaron admitted. He kissed Dave again, then his lips trailed over Dave's cheek.
"That's okay too," Dave said, smiling. "What if we get a little more comfortable and lie down," he suggested. "And we'll just take things as they happen."
Aaron nodded and kissed along Dave's jaw, letting his hands trail up Dave's chest. God, it was amazing, having Aaron's hands caressing him like this. Even with his eyes closed, he didn't have any trouble finding Aaron's zipper and working it open. He wouldn't care if all Aaron wanted to do was lie in bed and kiss.
Aaron didn't protest, then he kicked out of his pants when they fell to the floor. His fingers were working to open Dave's pants as well, and Dave was pleased that Aaron was growing a little less hesitant. When they were both down to just their boxers, Dave let Aaron lie down first to make sure he was comfortable before joining him.
He took in Aaron's body for a moment first. Aaron was hard. God. Dave's cock pulsed with arousal at that sight, then his eyes traveled up and lingered on the line running up Aaron's side. Dave hadn't seen Aaron's injury so clearly yet, the jagged, red scar that was forming.
This had been the worst way in the world for this relationship to have started, but Dave couldn't help but be suddenly overwhelmed that not only was Aaron alive, but he knew how Dave felt and was reciprocating.
Dave traced one fingertip parallel to the healing cut, too lightly to hurt, then he leaned down to brush a kiss against Aaron's skin just above where Foyet's knife had caught him. "Thank God you made it through," he whispered, and then rested his palm on Aaron's chest, settling down next to him. He met Aaron's gaze for a moment and then kissed him softly.
Aaron hummed and kissed him back, lifting a hand to cup Dave's jaw. After a moment, he rolled to his uninjured side carefully and slid his hand down Dave's body to his hip. When Dave pressed closer, their erections met, and Aaron sucked in a breath. "God," he gasped, then kissed Dave again, letting it grow in intensity after a moment.
That prompted a quiet moan as Dave shifted against him, relishing the burn of arousal it sent through him. "Aaron," he breathed, stroking his hand along Aaron's skin. God, he'd wanted this so much for so long, he almost couldn't believe this was real.
"Yes," Aaron panted. His thumb stroked over Dave's hip bone, then he slid his hand back up and into Dave's hair.
Dave rolled his hips against Aaron's again, sliding his hand along Aaron's shoulder and then down his back, teasing just above the waist of his boxers. "Sexy," he whispered against Aaron's lips.
Aaron hummed an amused noise, but just slid his hand down to push at the top of Dave's boxers, just enough to wordlessly let Dave know it was okay to undress him. "Dave," he breathed, then lifted his hips to let Dave push his boxers down. He kicked out of them once they were low enough, then undressed Dave.
As soon as they were both naked, Dave pressed against Aaron with a moan. "God, Aaron," he breathed between kisses.
Aaron's leg snaked over Dave's knee, and Aaron rocked against him. "Was today a date, Dave?" he asked, a smile lacing through the need in his voice.
"Yes," Dave said breathlessly. He smiled and brushed his lips against Aaron's. "I'm glad you finally caught on."
"It's probably a good thing I didn't until just now," Aaron murmured, kissing Dave again.
"Would you have tried to change my mind?" Dave asked curiously. He stroked a hand along Aaron's leg, teasing at the back of his knee.
"Yes," Aaron whispered, sucking in a breath and sliding his leg up a little further.
"Mmm. Glad you didn't?" Dave whispered, ducking his head to nip at Aaron's jaw.
"No," Aaron said. "But this seemed like a good time killer."
Dave snorted in amusement and kissed him again. "One of the many things I love about you is your sense of humor," he said, grinning at Aaron.
"You think I'm kidding?" Aaron said, and then his grin matched Dave's.
"Very funny," Dave said, and slid his hand further up Aaron's thigh, rolling their hips together. He gasped at the jolt of pleasure that sent through him, then kissed Aaron slowly. "God, I want this. Wanted you for so long, Aaron. Let me taste you."
Aaron made a noise that clearly indicated that Dave's suggestion sounded like a good idea, but he panted, "Dave, I don't know what I'm comfortable reciprocating tonight."
"That's not important," Dave murmured. He pulled back to meet Aaron's gaze. "I want to bring you pleasure. And quite frankly, I want to suck your cock. Whether you do the same or don't do anything doesn't matter a damn to me. Trust me, I'll enjoy myself."
Aaron was flushed, staring at Dave, his breath shallow. "God," he managed after a moment. "I... okay," he said.
Dave gave him a slow smirk and kissed him very thoroughly, then pulled back and slid down along Aaron's body, holding his gaze.
Aaron sucked in a shaky breath, watching him. He rolled back onto his back and Dave followed, then slid his hands over the top of Dave's shoulders. "God."
Dave just grinned at him and settled between his legs. "Just relax," he said, sliding a soothing hand over Aaron's hip. Then he ducked his head and licked a slow line up Aaron's cock.
Aaron closed his eyes, shifting into the feel of Dave's mouth with a little moan. "Dave," he whispered, and then laughed quietly.
"What's funny this time?" Dave asked, though he suspected he knew. He grinned and swirled his tongue around the tip, then blew softly across the wet skin.
"Not funny. Strange." Aaron's fingers slid up into Dave's hair.
"Huh." Dave licked again, then closed his lips over the head of Aaron's cock, sucking lightly. He'd meant it when he said he didn't care if Aaron reciprocated; just doing this for Aaron was more than Dave had ever imagined he would get. It was intoxicating to get these reactions from him. He slid a hand along Aaron's skin, stroking softly.
"Oh, yes," Aaron murmured, licking his lips. "God, you really..." He stopped talking and bit his lip as Dave's lips slid lower.
Dave hummed briefly, then made a noise of amusement as Aaron's hips jerked involuntarily. God, it was such a turn-on to make Aaron's control slip like that. He slid his hand up to tease the skin behind Aaron's balls as he sucked.
"Can't believe you want this," Aaron murmured, fingers sifting through Dave's hair.
Sometimes it seemed impossible that Aaron didn't realize how desirable he was. Moments like this just reinforced Dave's desire to spend his time showing Aaron just how much he was loved. Dave took Aaron deep, moaning.
"Ungh," Aaron breathed, and arched off the mattress. His breath went ragged, and his fingers closed in Dave's hair. "Yes," he whispered. "Please."
Dave sucked harder, sliding his hand up to stroke the length he couldn't take. He loved the needy sound of Aaron's voice. Moaning again, Dave bobbed his head in time with his strokes.
Aaron swore, and it sent a thrill through Dave. He made another noise around Aaron's cock, and Aaron's fingers tightened. "Oh, God," he moaned, his hips jerking again as Dave gave him just a hint of teeth.
That reaction sent a jolt of pure lust through Dave, and he made a hungry noise and turned his attention to driving Aaron fast and hard to the edge of climax. Just when he was afraid he'd gone too far, Dave pulled back just enough to make Aaron groan in disappointment. He flicked a mischievous look up at Aaron's face, then took him deep and hummed around him, and Aaron shouted as he came.
Dave swallowed his release and sucked gently until Aaron had quit making those quiet whimpery noises. Then he pulled back and smiled at him. "God, that was fun," he said huskily.
Aaron was fighting for breath. "Mph..." was all he really managed when he tried to talk.
"Really fun," Dave added, his smile edging into a grin. He slid up and kissed Aaron slowly, daring him to taste himself.
Aaron let out a little noise as he returned the kiss, and slid his arms around Dave. "I certainly enjoyed it," he murmured.
"It was amazing seeing you like that," Dave said, stroking a hand down Aaron's shoulder.
Aaron laughed quietly. "You've seen the full spectrum now."
"Mmm." Dave kissed him again. "I want to see that more often," he breathed.
Aaron was still smiling, but he just hummed in reply and pulled Dave closer.
Dave was more than happy to shift closer. He pressed against Aaron, letting his erection rub against Aaron's hip. "I enjoyed that," he murmured in Aaron's ear. "Taking you in deep and sucking you. It was better than I've ever imagined it would be." He slid his palm down Aaron's shoulder to his chest, letting his fingertips circle idly around one nipple. "You're so fucking sexy, Aaron."
Aaron drew in a long breath and turned to watch Dave. "So strange to hear you say that," he whispered. "But I like it."
"You are," Dave said. He stretched to kiss Aaron slowly, shifting his hips enough to get friction against his cock as he explored Aaron's mouth.
Aaron made a little noise into the kiss. "Like that I can feel how much you want me," he whispered.
"So much," Dave gasped, rocking against him. "God, Aaron..." He gazed, heavy-lidded, into Aaron's eyes, wanting him to see Dave's hunger. "Will you touch me?" he breathed.
Aaron nodded, then drew a long breath before sliding his hand down Dave's body. Dave could tell he was a little nervous about it, but that was probably to be expected, given Aaron had never touched another man like this. Aaron didn't look as though he didn't want to do it, though, and cool fingers wrapped around Dave's cock a moment later.
Dave let out a shuddery breath and pressed his face against Aaron's neck. "Yes..." He scraped his teeth lightly against Aaron's skin, sucking just hard enough to hopefully raise a mark. He wanted to give Aaron a chance to explore and see what it felt like to touch him like this.
Aaron groaned at Dave's mouth, and stroked lightly. He brushed his fingers down to squeeze Dave's ball's lightly, then they stroked across Dave's thighs and back to his cock, his grip firmer as he stroked again.
"God, Aaron," Dave gasped, kissing Aaron's jaw. "Feels good." He ran his fingers over Aaron's skin, experiencing a rush of joy as he realized Aaron truly wanted this.
Aaron turned his head to kiss Dave again, his thumb moving through the slickness at the head of Dave's cock, and then he twisted his wrist a little, making Dave gasp. He hummed a little noise and deepened the kiss as his hand sped until Dave was breathless, then he trailed his lips down Dave's neck.
For his initial hesitance, Aaron's touch was sure and knowledgeable, and with what little brainpower Dave could spare, he decided Aaron must be touching him like he liked to be touched himself. It was nearly perfect, with just the right touch of firmness, and before Dave was really ready he felt his body tightening. He gasped out a warning, and half a minute later he came with a loud groan.
Aaron stroked until Dave was spent, kissing him as he did, then pulled his hand away. He was watching Dave, a half-smile playing on his lips.
Dave slumped, panting, and watched Aaron back. He swallowed against the dryness of his mouth and then licked his lips. "Aaron," he murmured, knowing his expression was warm.
"Dave," Aaron replied, smiling fully and kissing Dave slowly. He was holding his hand away from both of them, but Dave didn't really have the energy to get them a tissue just yet. He hummed and met Aaron's kiss happily, but didn't move otherwise for some time.
Finally he pulled away reluctantly, just enough to pull some tissues off the nightstand and hand them to Aaron. "Sleep with me tonight," he murmured in invitation, watching Aaron.
Aaron glanced up at Dave, then back down to where he was wiping at his hand. "Are you sure?" he asked, then wiped at Dave's stomach before handing the tissue back.
Dave's lips quirked. "Am I sure?" he repeated. "God, Aaron, all I've wanted to do since I shot Foyet has been to have you in my arms. I'm sure." He leaned in and brushed his lips against Aaron's cheek. "But if you're not ready for that, I won't be angry. I won't be hurt. I hope you know that."
Aarons smiled faintly and cupped Dave's jaw. "After what we just did, I can't see any reason not to," he murmured.
Dave smiled. "Thank you."
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, and he settled back against the bed. "You've worn me out today," he added, pulling Dave close.
"That's all right, I'll let you sleep in tomorrow," Dave teased. He settled down in Aaron's arms and kissed his shoulder, draping an arm carefully around him to keep from aggravating his injuries. "I love you, Aaron," he murmured after a while. "And I hope you'll let me keep showing you just how much."
***
Dave woke early the next day and made coffee, then sat in his study, wrapped in his bathrobe and just relaxing in the recliner. He wasn't sure if Aaron would need time to himself or not, after the way things had gone the night before, but he thought it would be better if Aaron had a choice whether to talk to him or not first thing this morning.
He didn't hear anything until at least an hour later, and he had to wonder how long Aaron had actually been awake. As expected, he heard Aaron shuffle to the kitchen first, probably for coffee, then he heard the scrape of the kitchen chair against the floor.
It was quiet for a while, then the chair scraped again, and Dave heard the clink of the coffee carafe against a mug as Aaron refilled his cup. Aaron wandered into the study not long after and settled in a chair. "Morning," he murmured, looking sleepy and tousled in just his undershirt and boxers.
Dave smiled. "Morning," he said, letting his gaze linger along Aaron's body. "Sleep all right?" he asked, and sipped at his coffee, which was tepid by now.
"Mmm, yes," Aaron said, though Dave knew that already. "Better than I have in a while, actually." Aaron smiled faintly and lifted his cup to his lips.
"Good." Dave stretched and shifted. "Have any plans for today?" he asked idly.
Aaron shook his head. "No. Not unless you do."
"Not really," Dave admitted. "Might try to get you more used to the idea of being loved." He grinned faintly. "Watch that other movie you picked out the other day, maybe go for a walk..." He shrugged.
Aaron watched Dave for a moment, seeming not to know what to say, though his expression was warm. After a moment, he breathed what might have been a laugh and shook his head. "This is insane." He didn't look bothered, though.
Dave shrugged. "As long as it works, who cares?" he asked calmly. Of course, he'd had a lot longer to get used to being the subject of gossip than Aaron had.
"I meant that... this is simple," Aaron replied, looking into his cup.
"What do you mean?" Dave asked, studying him.
Aaron shook his head, as if it were self-explanatory. "It makes sense."
Dave raised his eyebrows. "This is insane because it makes sense?" he said, grinning.
Aaron laughed. "Yes. I never considered it before, but..." He shrugged. "I don't know. I think those pills killed a few brain cells."
"Maybe relationships are supposed to be this easy, and we just never realized it before," Dave said. "I dunno, but I'm not going to question it too closely."
"Might be a good idea," Aaron said, sipping his coffee with a small smile.
"The one thing I know," Dave said slowly, "is that I've managed not to lose you as a friend through working together, my leaving the Bureau, my burning a hell of a lot of bridges behind me, and two marriages. Three, I guess, if we count yours." He gave Aaron a crooked smile. "If you could stick with me through all of that, I figure we have a good shot of making it the rest of our lives." He paused. "If you want that."
"You should know by now that I don't take these things casually," Aaron said. His lips pulled to the side. "I just hope I can be what you need me to be," he said, then took a sip, watching Dave over his mug.
Dave snorted. "You've always been that, Aaron. Why do you think I fell so hard the minute we were both single at the same time?"
"I'm not talking about our compatibility outside of the bedroom," Aaron said.
Dave gave that a moment of consideration, then nodded. "I'm not really concerned about that," he said. "We managed just fine last night." A tiny thread of doubt wormed through his thoughts. "You did enjoy yourself, right?"
Aaron didn't hesitate. "Yes," he said, then paused. "But I didn't really do anything I haven't done before."
Dave shrugged. "I'm fifty-three years old, Aaron. I like sex a lot, but it's not the sum total of my existence the way it was when I was twenty-three." He gave Aaron a slow smile. "And frankly, I'd rather do what we did last night for the rest of my life with you than get kinky sex every day from anyone else."
Aaron's lips quirked, then he laughed quietly. "That I can probably do," he said, nodding.
"I know a good thing when I've got it." Dave sipped his coffee and made a face. "This is stone cold. You need a refill?"
"As long as you're going that way," Aaron said. When Dave crossed the room to take Aaron's cup, Aaron caught his hand and pulled Dave down for a brief kiss. "I think I've grown a little accustomed to your pancakes, too," he teased.
Dave grinned. "Lucky for you I'm a morning person," he said, and stole another kiss before heading for the kitchen. He liked that Aaron seemed to be regaining a certain measure of the confidence that had been so badly shaken.
He had pancakes in record time, but instead of calling Aaron into the kitchen, he carried the meal to the study on a TV tray. "Here it is, as you commanded," he teased.
Aaron laughed quietly and took the tray and the coffee. "Thank you," he said. "You really didn't have to, but I won't complain."
"Of course I didn't have to. But you asked, so I wanted to." Dave settled down into his chair contentedly. He could definitely get used to this quiet domesticity, if Aaron decided to stay. He was trying not to fool himself, though; he knew Aaron might not want their relationship to be that obvious.
"Thank you," Aaron said again, and took a sip of his coffee. After a moment, he smiled. "I've never noticed that you knew how I took my coffee," he said, glancing at Dave, then starting in on his pancakes.
"They pay me to notice stuff," Dave said, pleased. He had always believed it was the little things that showed your true feelings more than the big, and he knew he'd been bad at that sometimes in his past relationships, but he intended to do better this time around.
The rest of breakfast was a fairly quiet affair, but it felt comfortable. Dave eventually stretched and said he could use a shower, then glanced at Aaron, wondering if he would want to join him.
Aaron looked back, then his eyebrows lifted. "You want me to join you?" he asked.
Dave grinned slowly. "You interested? I don't do shower sex. Threw my back out once, and that was it. But I don't mind having someone to wash my back."
"I like the water nearly scalding," Aaron said, watching Dave. "And you're standing in the cold spot."
Dave raised his eyebrows. "Bossy. I like that." His grin widened and he held out a hand in invitation.
Authors:
innerslytherin and severity_softlyPairing: Hotch/Rossi
Rating: NC-17
WARNINGS: SPOILERS for "To Hell...and Back"
WC: ~21,100
Part One, Part Two
The summary has spoilers for the Season Four finale, so it's behind the cut.
Summary: A coincidence brings Dave to Aaron's apartment in time to save his life. In the aftermath, Dave realizes he has to tell Aaron things he's been leaving unsaid.
They ended up compromising on the pizza and the movies; Aaron agreed to one action flick along with the Woody Allen movies, and Dave relinquished the onions. Aaron assumed it was in deference to his pain-killers when Dave drank Coke instead of beer with his pizza, and thought about telling Dave he didn't have to do that, but he had to admit that he appreciated the gesture. He dozed off at some point during one of the movies, but when he woke and groggily asked the time, Dave was reading.
"Two-twenty-five," Dave answered. "How are you feeling?"
"Mmm, feels like it should be later than that," Aaron mumbled. "I feel... sleepy," he added, then laughed quietly.
"That's better than utterly miserable," Dave replied. His gaze was warm. Aaron hadn't realized until last night just how often Dave looked at him like that. "I paused the movie for you."
"Didn't have to do that." Aaron lifted his arm and raked his fingers through his hair. "I've seen this one before. Used to pretend I only watched it because Haley liked it, but I don't have that excuse anymore," he said, and gave Dave a lazy grin.
Dave smiled back at him and shook his head. "Nope, no excuse at all. You need another Coke or anything?"
"No, I'm fine," Aaron said. It was ridiculous. He could easily go back to sleep right now, and he'd been sleepy most of the day. He had a tiny urge to lean against Dave's shoulder before closing his eyes again, but he stopped himself. He'd never been attracted to men before. Why was he even indulging the idea?
Dave reached out and touched his knee. "If you want to sleep some more, don't stay awake on my account."
Aaron laughed. "I've done nothing but all day."
"Then maybe that's what you need," Dave said. He was still smiling. "I really don't mind. Besides, when you're sleeping, we aren't arguing," he joked.
"You say that like we argue a lot," Aaron protested, and he covered Dave's hand with his. God, this was stupid. He was lonely, and this was so stupid. He meant it when he said he loved Dave, but he didn't even know if he could be with another man.
"It isn't so bad," Dave said. He expression had brightened, and Aaron couldn't miss the way Dave responded to his touch. "After all, you keep me on my toes like no one else does."
"You need it," Aaron said.
"Mm," Dave acknowledged. "You need someone to push you sometimes."
"Thought you said I push myself too much." Aaron closed his eyes again, then dropped his hand away from Dave. As long as he was confused, this was a tease.
"Yeah, but I think you and I are pushing in different directions," Dave said. He cleared his throat. "Anyway, you like it."
"I'm never bored," Aaron murmured, smiling.
Dave laughed and didn't say anything. After a while, Aaron felt himself drifting again, and tried to fight it. What finally made him struggle back to wakefulness was the feeling of Dave's fingers curling around his.
"Mmm," he hummed, trying to find his voice for a moment. "Dave..." he sucked in a breath and opened his eyes, then looked at Dave. "I don't know if I can..."
"I just want to make sure you know I'm here, Aaron," Dave said after a while. "I want to remind you I'm not going anywhere."
"I'm lonely," Aaron admitted. "And I don't want to tease you when I don't know..."
"This isn't teasing," Dave said quietly. "This is accepting my being here. That's all." He shifted a little closer and looked intently at Aaron. "I know not to read into this."
Aaron sighed. Somehow he didn't think Dave could not read into this. He knew how Dave was when he was in love. He jumped in feet first. Aaron didn't answer though. He just sighed again, and leaned over to rest his head against Dave's shoulder. It sent a surge of pain through his side, and he sat right back up, pressing his hand to his bandage.
Dave's reaction was predictable. "Are you okay? Can I get you something?" He leaned in, peering up at Aaron as a hand reached towards Aaron's side, without actually touching. "I'm sorry."
"What are you apologizing for?" Aaron asked, giving him a weak smile.
"Being so irresistible?" Dave suggested, smiling back at him. "Can I get you anything?"
Aaron laughed. "No. No, I'm still drugged, I just can't move certain ways easily."
"Huh." Dave studied him for a moment, then nodded and took Aaron's hand back in his. "Go ahead and sleep," he murmured. "I didn't invite you here just to entertain me."
A ridiculous surge of happiness accompanied Dave's hand on his this time, and Aaron stared at Dave for a moment before nodding. "That's lucky," he said, and closed his eyes. He was silent for a long moment, then said, "Why do you want me?"
Dave's answer was prompt, but thoughtful. "I thought I'd made that clear. You're my best friend. You're the person I trust most, and the person whose good opinion I crave most. You're handsome and intelligent and the best man I know. And you accept me for whom I am, faults and all, even when you make it clear you disagree with me." There was a pause, then Dave murmured, "I feel most like myself when I'm with you."
Aaron opened his eyes and met Dave's gaze. He wasn't sure what to say for a moment, but his chest felt tight. "That's mutual," he said finally, hoping Dave would know what he meant.
Dave squeezed his hand, smiling faintly. "Then we're all right," he said. His voice was quiet, his eyes on Aaron's. God, it was amazing that he could look at Aaron like that.
"Yeah," Aaron said, feeling breathless.
Dave's smile widened and he nodded. After a moment he shifted, glancing down at Aaron's side. "Come here," he murmured, looking at Aaron and holding his arms open. "I think if you lean like this, it won't pull at your stitches."
Aaron stared at him for a moment, unsure if it was really a good idea. But it had been a long time since he'd let someone hold him, and he trusted Dave more than anyone. He drew a long breath, and then shifted into Dave's arms. It hurt a little, but he ignored it as Dave wrapped his arms around him.
"Mmm, there you go," Dave murmured, brushing his fingers through Aaron's hair briefly, then exhaling quietly. "Just rest."
Aaron hummed, and it was weird, hard to relax at first. This felt strange resting against Dave's broad chest. Aaron had to make himself relax willfully, but then once he did, it also felt comforting. He closed his eyes, feeling the rise and fall of Dave's chest.
Dave made a contented noise and tightened his arms briefly around Aaron. It didn't taken long before Aaron had slipped into sleep.
He woke feeling warm and safe, but confused. Gentle fingers were stroking his hair slowly, and there was a solid shoulder under his cheek. It took Aaron a minute to remember that he'd fallen asleep in Dave's arms.
Aaron drew a slow breath, letting Dave wordlessly know he was awake, but Dave's fingers didn't stop moving.
"Hey," Dave murmured, his voice soft and intimate. "You slept for quite a while. How are you feeling?"
"Groggy," Aaron said. He was hurting again, too, but he didn't really want to move. "'m'I crushing you?"
"You're fine." Dave yawned and then chuckled. "I napped part of that time too. I'm getting a little hungry."
"So am I," Aaron said. "Probably need more medication too, so you can look forward to some very stimulating dinner conversation after it kicks in."
Dave laughed and Aaron felt what might have been the soft press of a kiss against his temple. Then Dave shifted him carefully away and got up. "I was going to make lasagna for dinner, but that'll take too long tonight. How about I do sandwiches instead. I've got a nice cheat for strombolis that don't take too long."
"Sounds good," Aaron said. "Anything, really. I'm not picky." He settled back against the cushions and draped an arm over himself.
"Oh, yeah, you're not hard to please at all," Dave teased, but he was grinning at Aaron as he headed into the kitchen.
Aaron thought about those words while he listened to cabinet doors clunk shut and cans clatter. Did Dave think he was hard to please? That wasn't what his reaction to the idea of Dave loving him had been about. Though it was true Aaron expected a lot from his team and even more from himself personally, he didn't think he was really hard to please. When Dave came back with trays of baked sandwiches, chips, and Coke, Aaron had almost decided to ask...but then Dave gave him that warm smile he seemed to reserve for Aaron, and it didn't seem to matter.
They finished one of the movies while they ate, and then Dave said he had a little bit of paperwork to do, so Aaron was left to entertain himself. That was all right. He could occasionally hear the clack of Dave's keyboard or the rustle of paper, and Aaron had a lot to think about, anyway.
***
Dave shook his newspaper out and leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes. It was warm, but not uncomfortably so, and he was feeling sleepy and content. He had driven Aaron to his doctor mostly because Aaron was still taking the pain pills that knocked him a little loopy. Now he was just waiting for Aaron to finish with for the removal of his stitches. Not that he minded at all. Aaron had healed up nicely, and was getting around a lot easier, generally speaking. Dave wasn't looking forward to the day Aaron decided he needed to go home, but he was glad to see the pain fading.
Aaron thanked the doctor as he walked out of the office, smiling, and took care of the paperwork at the front desk before walking over to Dave. "Good news. I didn't lose the baby."
Dave snickered and stood up, wrapping an arm around Aaron's waist. "Glad to hear it, sweetie," he teased, then let him go and held the door for Aaron to precede him out of the building.
Aaron glanced back as Dave caught up with him. "You don't have to keep doing that, you know."
Dave raised his eyebrows. "Doing what?"
"Holding doors for me. I'm feeling better," Aaron said.
"Maybe I do it as a sign of respect," Dave said. "Because Mama raised me to be polite."
Aaron laughed. "You never used to do that for me."
Dave shrugged. "I never wanted to be too obvious. It's not such a problem since you know how I feel these days." He pressed the button to unlock the car and looked over at Aaron. "Want to stop for ice cream somewhere? I could really go for a banana split."
"Sure," Aaron said as he got in the car. Then he frowned in thought. "I can't remember the last time I actually went out for ice cream."
"Then this is long overdue. I know a place where they make really good hand-dipped milkshakes." Dave glanced over at him and wondered if Aaron would realize this was a date.
Aaron smiled at him. "Let's go."
When they got to the ice cream shop, Dave made a point to hold the door for Aaron again, wearing a smirk that just dared Aaron to remark on it. He ordered his banana split, then gestured for Aaron to order and told the girl at the counter he'd pay for both of them.
Aaron looked over at him, lifting an eyebrow. "I realize I haven't been working, but I do have enough money to pay for ice cream."
Dave grinned at him. "My treat today. I'll let you pay for it next time."
Aaron rolled his eyes, but just shook his head and let Dave pay. Dave shooed Aaron to go sit down while the girl behind the counter made his split and Aaron's malt, and then Dave joined him. He gave Aaron a warm smile as he slid into the seat across from Aaron's and casually brushed his knee with Aaron's.
Aaron either didn't notice, or he was perfectly fine with it. Then again, Aaron had let Dave hold him a few more times after the first time, so it was definitely not much as far as touching went.
"Is the team still in Dallas?" Aaron asked after a moment, stirring his malt. "Morgan still refuses to tell me anything."
"It's amazing, I finally found a threat that works on him." Seeing Aaron's curious glance, Dave grinned. "Threatening to shoot him didn't work, so I finally resorted to having Garcia promise to email pictures of some of his 'hunnies' to his sisters."
"Hmm," Aaron hummed. "Wish I would have thought of that," he teased.
Dave snorted. "Sure, except Derek knows damn well you wouldn't do a nasty thing like that. Me, he believes."
Aaron smiled. "Fair enough." He took another bite of his malt. "This is really good."
"From now on I'll remind you every few weeks that you need to take an ice cream break," Dave teased. "Jack would probably like it too."
"It's really a good thing you don't see him often. You'd teach him bad habits. He'd be bouncing off the walls," Aaron said.
Dave chuckled. "My siblings say that about the nieces and nephews a lot, actually," he said, grinning at Aaron. "Can't help it. It's a lot of fun to spoil other people's kids, since I don't have any of my own."
Aaron laughed too, shaking his head. "Leave us parents with the misery of having to say no," he said. He took a few more bites, his expression going thoughtful. "I should probably plan to go back home soon," he said after a moment.
Dave's heart sank, though he couldn't claim to be too surprised. He'd known that sooner or later--sooner, since it was Aaron--this would come up. "Don't feel like you need to go on my account," he said. "It's been nice having someone around the place."
Aaron nodded. "It's been nice not being alone," he said. "But I don't pay rent for fun, you know."
Dave snorted. "There is that." He scooped up a spoonful of chocolate sauce and ice cream, then glanced up at Aaron. "You could always let the apartment go and pay your rent to me, if you were interested," he said, and then turned his attention back to his ice cream. It was an offer he'd thought about making back when Aaron first moved out of Haley's house, but he'd thought at the time that it might grate on Aaron's pride too much. Maybe it wouldn't now.
Aaron's eyebrows lifted. "I'm your unit chief and you're my landlord?" he teased.
"We've worked out more complicated relationships than that," Dave replied. "Considering I'm the one who did most of your training at the BAU, and I'm taking orders from you these days."
"True," Aaron said. "I do like my own space, even if it was getting tedious, and I like my apartment." He paused. "Or I did, anyway. We'll see."
Dave could understand why Aaron might have to prove to himself that he could go back to the apartment. He nodded, not willing to argue and make Aaron realize how badly he wanted to share his home, even in a businesslike arrangement, with the person he loved. He hadn't made the offer because of that, anyway. He genuinely liked having Aaron around, and he knew they would get on well enough if they shared living quarters.
"Well, obviously we'd have to set you up with a study. Maybe give you the whole west wing, if you wanted, instead of the room you're in now." He shrugged. "It was just a thought."
Aaron was watching Dave now, almost too carefully, but then he just nodded and went back to eating his malt.
"What did the doctor say about going back to light duty?" Dave asked, more to take the conversation away from the offer he'd just made than anything. Of course, he knew Aaron was dying to get back to work, so he thought it was a safe topic.
"He wants me to wait at least another week, make sure there's no problems with the stitches coming out. Then he said whenever I'm okay to stop taking the pain medicine," Aaron said. Then he huffed a small laugh. "I actually miss my desk. Another month and I might've started missing Strauss."
Dave snorted. "Trust me, it never gets so bad you start missing her," he assured him. He studied Aaron for a moment, then said, "Why don't you stick around at least for the rest of that week. See where you are with the pain meds. I'd rather have you around than get you stuck in your apartment and unable to drive because of the medication." He took a spoonful of ice cream. "Besides, it would just be me inconvenienced by having to drive all that way to get you if you needed something."
Aaron smiled. "Yeah, I'd hate to do that to you," he said, then seemed a little surprised when his spoon hit the bottom of the cup.
Dave felt his shoulders relax and only then realized he had tensed, waiting for Aaron's answer. He finished off his banana split, then leaned back in his seat. "So what else should we do today? We've got hours to kill, and you seem to be holding up all right to being out and about."
Aaron shrugged. "I can't remember the last time I went to a movie. With an adult, anyway, which is to say I can't remember the last time I saw something good in a theatre."
"Tired of animation and corny jokes?" Dave said, pleased. "All right, let's see what's playing. There's a cinema not too far from here." He held the door on the way out, wondering how much longer Aaron would let him get away with that.
Not much longer, as it turned out. They picked a movie, and Aaron got to the door first when they went inside. Dave was convinced that he'd done it on purpose, and he couldn't help but be amused.
They got tremendously expensive soda and popcorn to share, and spent the next two hours in a crowded theatre. Dave made sure their fingers brushed whenever they reached into the tub of popcorn at the same time. He wasn't sure if he was imagining it or not, but a few times, he could have sworn that Aaron was doing the same thing.
When the movie was over, Dave couldn't help wishing they could stop somewhere for drinks or something. Whether Aaron was aware of it or not, this had felt like a date...but somehow Dave didn't think he could get away with suggesting they park somewhere and make out.
"That had to be better than singing dogs or whatever they've got playing these days for Jack's age group," he said as they walked out to the car. He was moving slowly, his hands firmly in his pockets to keep from reaching for Aaron's hand.
"Chipmunks," Aaron said. "And much better, yes, though I am going to miss the made up stories about robots on the drive home."
"I could try, but I'm not sure I have the imagination for fiction," Dave said. He took a long breath, enjoying the way the evening had cooled a bit, then glanced over at Aaron. "I've enjoyed myself today."
Aaron nodded. "So did I. When did we stop doing this?"
It had been shortly after the case in New York City, actually, but Dave wasn't going to point out how exactly he'd noticed. He shook his head. "Too long now," he said. "And a quick cup of tea after the case isn't really the same." He glanced over at Aaron. "Not that I don't enjoy those times too," he added quietly. "But we ought to do this more often."
"We should," Aaron agreed, and Dave mused that Aaron had been growing less depressed since he'd been staying with Dave. It had taken a while to start showing, but he was smiling more now.
Aaron gestured at the car. "Had enough excitement for the night?" he asked.
Dave laughed. "I don't know, maybe we ought to pick up a couple of steaks on the way home and fire up the grill. We could stay up late drinking on the back deck to finish up the day."
Aaron laughed. "After ice cream and a tub of popcorn," he said, and got into the car.
"Eh, you might have a point," Dave said, starting the car. "Maybe we'll skip the steaks and go straight to drinking on the back deck."
They did end up on the back deck, though Aaron had hot tea instead of the scotch Dave was drinking. It was a nice night, and Dave lived far enough out from town that they could see the stars. Dave relaxed, enjoying how easy everything had been so far, though a part of his mind kept reminding him that he was reaching the point in the 'date' where he ought to make his move.
Aaron let out a contented sigh, putting his cup aside and stretching out in the chair. He was staring at the sky, and the glow was reflecting off his face. "This I miss. Not quite the same on my balcony."
Dave kept watching Aaron. "I imagine not." He knew Aaron said he liked his apartment, but it made Dave sad. He supposed because he knew everything Aaron used to have, and Aaron's apartment was really just a place where Aaron slept. "Your place is a little nicer than the one I got after my second divorce. You remember how tiny that place was?" He smiled faintly. It was easier to have fond memories of the place now that he wasn't living in it.
"Your shower was about the size of a postage stamp," Aaron said, turning to grin at Dave. "I liked it, though. It was... oddly comfortable."
Dave chuckled, liking the expression on Aaron's face. "Only because we weren't used to anything better, on what they paid us back then," he joked. But he knew what Aaron meant. It had been comfortable because they could relax together there, and without Haley telling them to keep their shoes off the coffee table. Not that Aaron had ever put his feet on the coffee table, but Dave had been known to do it a time or two.
"We've always been pretty happy together, haven't we?" he murmured, watching Aaron.
Aaron's smile didn't fade. "Yeah, we have. It's sort of amazing we haven't killed each other yet, but nice."
Dave grinned at him, letting his gaze fall deliberately to Aaron's smile, then lift back to his eyes. They were sitting close to each other, but he would have to move slowly if he didn't want to scare Aaron away. "Not likely," he said softly, lifting a hand to brush his fingers against Aaron's cheek.
Aaron sucked in a breath, and Dave saw his expression shift a little, taking on a hint of uncertainty. But Aaron didn't pull away. "You don't think so?"
"Not at all," Dave answered, meeting his gaze. "You're the only person I know who's stuck with me this long. Don't think I take that for granted." He leaned in, though not enough to scare Aaron, he hoped, and stroked his thumb over Aaron's skin.
Aaron let out a slightly shaky breath, his eyes falling to Dave's lips, then back up to his eyes. "I seem to have been blessed with an almost saintly patience where you're concerned," he breathed.
Dave couldn't help smiling a little wider, because he could tell Aaron wanted this more than it scared him. "I'll remember you in my prayers of gratitude, then," he said, which was entirely truthful. He shifted out of his chair entirely to kneel in front of Aaron; he didn't want to strain his still-healing side. "Stop me now if this isn't what you want," he whispered, leaning in close. But he only gave Aaron a moment to think before he closed the distance between them and brushed his lips against Aaron's.
It sent a delicious rush of heat through him, coupled with incredible desire, but he forced himself to wait and see how Aaron reacted.
Aaron lifted a hand to Dave's shoulder and didn't pull back, though his breath was a little tight. "Never done this before," he whispered, his breath ghosting over Dave's mouth.
"Does it matter?" Dave asked, matching Aaron's tone. He didn't care; what they had was better than anything he'd ever had, and at this point, nothing would keep Dave from pursuing it...except if Aaron said this wasn't what he wanted.
"Not for this part," Aaron murmured.
"Then we take it slow and see," Dave suggested, leaning in to kiss him again, slipping his fingers into Aaron's hair. He teased the tip of his tongue along Aaron's lip, wanting an invitation to deepen the kiss.
Aaron made a quiet noise that sent a thrill through Dave, and then let Dave in. God, it was amazing. He was actually kissing Aaron, and it was better than he could have fantasized about. Aaron's hand slid up to cup Dave's jaw, and he pulled back, breathless, his nose brushing Dave's. "Dave," he whispered, his thumb brushing Dave's skin.
Dave hummed, pleased, and smiled at him. He kissed Aaron again, softly, wanting just to get Aaron used to kissing another man. "You're so handsome, Aaron," he murmured, and brushed his lips against Aaron's once more.
"Mmm." When Aaron kissed Dave back again, it was less timid than before. Dave could almost feel the anxiety starting to drain out of Aaron. Aaron's fingers slid into Dave's hair as they kissed, Dave giving back what Aaron was putting into the kiss.
Dave moaned quietly at the feel of their tongues sliding together. This felt so good, to finally be showing Aaron clearly how Dave felt about him. Dave wanted to wrap his arms around Aaron and pull him close, but he had to be mindful both of Aaron's still-healing injuries and of his uncertainty about this relationship.
Aaron slid his hand out of Dave's hair and down his neck to brush over Dave's shoulders. He leaned forward to get close and let out another little noise that Dave was pretty sure was more pain than pleasure, but Aaron just kept kissing him.
Dave raised his hands to cup Aaron's face, liking the slight roughness of stubble against his palms. God, this was wonderful. Dave enjoyed kissing, and kissing Aaron was amazing, especially as Aaron grew more aggressive and sure of himself.
"Dave," Aaron whispered again, his lips brushing Dave's lips. His teeth scraped Dave's lower lip lightly, and it sent a thrill through Dave, his fingers curling into Aaron's hair again. His knees were starting to ache, but he ignored it and sucked lightly at Aaron's tongue. He loved this. He could lose himself entirely in just kissing Aaron.
Aaron let out a quiet moan--God, that was a sound he'd always wanted to hear from Aaron's lips. But then Aaron pulled back a little. "Mmm, this isn't all that comfortable," he murmured, and Dave realized his hand was against his side where he'd been bending over.
"We should take this somewhere that's easier on your injuries," Dave said, tracing Aaron's jaw with his fingers.
Aaron was looking down at Dave's wrist, watching Dave's hand as it stroked across his skin. "Okay."
"Okay," Dave breathed, and stood slowly, reaching for Aaron's hand.
Aaron took it and let Dave pull him up, then he leaned in and pressed his lips to Dave's.
Dave made a quiet noise and stroked his hand down Aaron's back, but he was afraid to pull him closer. "Inside," he murmured when the kiss ended. His lips still brushed Aaron's, sending little thrills through him. "We should lie down."
Aaron drew in a slow breath and nodded, then let Dave lead him inside and down the hallway. He paused outside the door and kissed Aaron softly, giving Aaron one last moment to decide if going to bed was really what he wanted. When Aaron didn't pull back, a thrill went through Dave, and he led Aaron inside.
Smiling, he kissed Aaron softly and rested a hand at the top of his shirt, toying with the top button and letting his fingers slip under the cloth to tease at Aaron's skin. "Can I take this off?" he murmured, pausing as they reached the side of the bed. "I don't want to hurt you."
Aaron laughed quietly. "Yes," he said. "You don't have to make excuses, either."
Dave grinned. "You mean you're not a blushing virgin I need to coax into bed with me?" he teased, and nipped gently at Aaron's lower lip. "It wasn't an excuse. I was trying to be practical before I stop thinking entirely because of how good this feels." He unbuttoned Aaron's shirt as they kissed, his lips hungry.
Aaron made a pleased noise into the kiss, and his hands slid just barely up under Dave's shirt. Not a blushing virgin, but Aaron was certainly a little nervous about this. Dave decided it was better not to mention it, though.
Besides, he kind of liked it. He'd never seen Aaron quite like this before, and it was charming, as if Dave really needed to be charmed any more than he already was. "So handsome," Dave whispered, and ran his lips along Aaron's jaw, the faint scratch of barely-there stubble roughening his lips and sending a frisson of arousal through him. "God, you're handsome."
"You said that out on the deck too," Aaron breathed, tilting his jaw to give Dave more room. He shrugged out of his shirt and let it fall to the floor.
"S'true," Dave murmured. "I've always thought so. I'm just allowed to say it now." Dave traced his fingers along Aaron's collarbone, then trailed kisses down Aaron's neck.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, one of his hands sliding into Dave's hair. Then, strangely, he started laughing quietly.
Dave didn't stop what he was doing, but he mumbled, "What?" as he licked at Aaron's neck.
"Sorry," Aaron murmured, sounding amused. "I was just... thinking that Haley would be so angry if she knew about this."
That did make Dave stop as he considered that, then he pulled back just enough to look up at Aaron, eyebrows raised. "Angry that you're making out with someone, or just that it's me?"
"That the first person I've been with since our divorce is a man," Aaron said. "And maybe a little bit because it's you." He gave Dave a crooked smile and slid his hand up Dave's shirt again, farther than before.
"She really never liked me much," Dave agreed cheerfully. It didn't bother him. He kissed Aaron slowly, stroking a hand down Aaron's chest to rest at his stomach. "I think you should take these off too," he murmured, slipping his fingers just inside Aaron's waistband.
Aaron sucked in a slow breath, his smile fading and a look of desire mixed with nerves replaced it. "This isn't fair," he said, and gave Dave's shirt a tug.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did you want this off?" Dave asked, giving him a teasing look. He pulled his shirt off obligingly and then slid an arm loosely around Aaron's waist, careful to avoid his injury. "You can have anything you want, Aaron," he murmured and kissed him.
"I don't know what I want," Aaron admitted. He kissed Dave again, then his lips trailed over Dave's cheek.
"That's okay too," Dave said, smiling. "What if we get a little more comfortable and lie down," he suggested. "And we'll just take things as they happen."
Aaron nodded and kissed along Dave's jaw, letting his hands trail up Dave's chest. God, it was amazing, having Aaron's hands caressing him like this. Even with his eyes closed, he didn't have any trouble finding Aaron's zipper and working it open. He wouldn't care if all Aaron wanted to do was lie in bed and kiss.
Aaron didn't protest, then he kicked out of his pants when they fell to the floor. His fingers were working to open Dave's pants as well, and Dave was pleased that Aaron was growing a little less hesitant. When they were both down to just their boxers, Dave let Aaron lie down first to make sure he was comfortable before joining him.
He took in Aaron's body for a moment first. Aaron was hard. God. Dave's cock pulsed with arousal at that sight, then his eyes traveled up and lingered on the line running up Aaron's side. Dave hadn't seen Aaron's injury so clearly yet, the jagged, red scar that was forming.
This had been the worst way in the world for this relationship to have started, but Dave couldn't help but be suddenly overwhelmed that not only was Aaron alive, but he knew how Dave felt and was reciprocating.
Dave traced one fingertip parallel to the healing cut, too lightly to hurt, then he leaned down to brush a kiss against Aaron's skin just above where Foyet's knife had caught him. "Thank God you made it through," he whispered, and then rested his palm on Aaron's chest, settling down next to him. He met Aaron's gaze for a moment and then kissed him softly.
Aaron hummed and kissed him back, lifting a hand to cup Dave's jaw. After a moment, he rolled to his uninjured side carefully and slid his hand down Dave's body to his hip. When Dave pressed closer, their erections met, and Aaron sucked in a breath. "God," he gasped, then kissed Dave again, letting it grow in intensity after a moment.
That prompted a quiet moan as Dave shifted against him, relishing the burn of arousal it sent through him. "Aaron," he breathed, stroking his hand along Aaron's skin. God, he'd wanted this so much for so long, he almost couldn't believe this was real.
"Yes," Aaron panted. His thumb stroked over Dave's hip bone, then he slid his hand back up and into Dave's hair.
Dave rolled his hips against Aaron's again, sliding his hand along Aaron's shoulder and then down his back, teasing just above the waist of his boxers. "Sexy," he whispered against Aaron's lips.
Aaron hummed an amused noise, but just slid his hand down to push at the top of Dave's boxers, just enough to wordlessly let Dave know it was okay to undress him. "Dave," he breathed, then lifted his hips to let Dave push his boxers down. He kicked out of them once they were low enough, then undressed Dave.
As soon as they were both naked, Dave pressed against Aaron with a moan. "God, Aaron," he breathed between kisses.
Aaron's leg snaked over Dave's knee, and Aaron rocked against him. "Was today a date, Dave?" he asked, a smile lacing through the need in his voice.
"Yes," Dave said breathlessly. He smiled and brushed his lips against Aaron's. "I'm glad you finally caught on."
"It's probably a good thing I didn't until just now," Aaron murmured, kissing Dave again.
"Would you have tried to change my mind?" Dave asked curiously. He stroked a hand along Aaron's leg, teasing at the back of his knee.
"Yes," Aaron whispered, sucking in a breath and sliding his leg up a little further.
"Mmm. Glad you didn't?" Dave whispered, ducking his head to nip at Aaron's jaw.
"No," Aaron said. "But this seemed like a good time killer."
Dave snorted in amusement and kissed him again. "One of the many things I love about you is your sense of humor," he said, grinning at Aaron.
"You think I'm kidding?" Aaron said, and then his grin matched Dave's.
"Very funny," Dave said, and slid his hand further up Aaron's thigh, rolling their hips together. He gasped at the jolt of pleasure that sent through him, then kissed Aaron slowly. "God, I want this. Wanted you for so long, Aaron. Let me taste you."
Aaron made a noise that clearly indicated that Dave's suggestion sounded like a good idea, but he panted, "Dave, I don't know what I'm comfortable reciprocating tonight."
"That's not important," Dave murmured. He pulled back to meet Aaron's gaze. "I want to bring you pleasure. And quite frankly, I want to suck your cock. Whether you do the same or don't do anything doesn't matter a damn to me. Trust me, I'll enjoy myself."
Aaron was flushed, staring at Dave, his breath shallow. "God," he managed after a moment. "I... okay," he said.
Dave gave him a slow smirk and kissed him very thoroughly, then pulled back and slid down along Aaron's body, holding his gaze.
Aaron sucked in a shaky breath, watching him. He rolled back onto his back and Dave followed, then slid his hands over the top of Dave's shoulders. "God."
Dave just grinned at him and settled between his legs. "Just relax," he said, sliding a soothing hand over Aaron's hip. Then he ducked his head and licked a slow line up Aaron's cock.
Aaron closed his eyes, shifting into the feel of Dave's mouth with a little moan. "Dave," he whispered, and then laughed quietly.
"What's funny this time?" Dave asked, though he suspected he knew. He grinned and swirled his tongue around the tip, then blew softly across the wet skin.
"Not funny. Strange." Aaron's fingers slid up into Dave's hair.
"Huh." Dave licked again, then closed his lips over the head of Aaron's cock, sucking lightly. He'd meant it when he said he didn't care if Aaron reciprocated; just doing this for Aaron was more than Dave had ever imagined he would get. It was intoxicating to get these reactions from him. He slid a hand along Aaron's skin, stroking softly.
"Oh, yes," Aaron murmured, licking his lips. "God, you really..." He stopped talking and bit his lip as Dave's lips slid lower.
Dave hummed briefly, then made a noise of amusement as Aaron's hips jerked involuntarily. God, it was such a turn-on to make Aaron's control slip like that. He slid his hand up to tease the skin behind Aaron's balls as he sucked.
"Can't believe you want this," Aaron murmured, fingers sifting through Dave's hair.
Sometimes it seemed impossible that Aaron didn't realize how desirable he was. Moments like this just reinforced Dave's desire to spend his time showing Aaron just how much he was loved. Dave took Aaron deep, moaning.
"Ungh," Aaron breathed, and arched off the mattress. His breath went ragged, and his fingers closed in Dave's hair. "Yes," he whispered. "Please."
Dave sucked harder, sliding his hand up to stroke the length he couldn't take. He loved the needy sound of Aaron's voice. Moaning again, Dave bobbed his head in time with his strokes.
Aaron swore, and it sent a thrill through Dave. He made another noise around Aaron's cock, and Aaron's fingers tightened. "Oh, God," he moaned, his hips jerking again as Dave gave him just a hint of teeth.
That reaction sent a jolt of pure lust through Dave, and he made a hungry noise and turned his attention to driving Aaron fast and hard to the edge of climax. Just when he was afraid he'd gone too far, Dave pulled back just enough to make Aaron groan in disappointment. He flicked a mischievous look up at Aaron's face, then took him deep and hummed around him, and Aaron shouted as he came.
Dave swallowed his release and sucked gently until Aaron had quit making those quiet whimpery noises. Then he pulled back and smiled at him. "God, that was fun," he said huskily.
Aaron was fighting for breath. "Mph..." was all he really managed when he tried to talk.
"Really fun," Dave added, his smile edging into a grin. He slid up and kissed Aaron slowly, daring him to taste himself.
Aaron let out a little noise as he returned the kiss, and slid his arms around Dave. "I certainly enjoyed it," he murmured.
"It was amazing seeing you like that," Dave said, stroking a hand down Aaron's shoulder.
Aaron laughed quietly. "You've seen the full spectrum now."
"Mmm." Dave kissed him again. "I want to see that more often," he breathed.
Aaron was still smiling, but he just hummed in reply and pulled Dave closer.
Dave was more than happy to shift closer. He pressed against Aaron, letting his erection rub against Aaron's hip. "I enjoyed that," he murmured in Aaron's ear. "Taking you in deep and sucking you. It was better than I've ever imagined it would be." He slid his palm down Aaron's shoulder to his chest, letting his fingertips circle idly around one nipple. "You're so fucking sexy, Aaron."
Aaron drew in a long breath and turned to watch Dave. "So strange to hear you say that," he whispered. "But I like it."
"You are," Dave said. He stretched to kiss Aaron slowly, shifting his hips enough to get friction against his cock as he explored Aaron's mouth.
Aaron made a little noise into the kiss. "Like that I can feel how much you want me," he whispered.
"So much," Dave gasped, rocking against him. "God, Aaron..." He gazed, heavy-lidded, into Aaron's eyes, wanting him to see Dave's hunger. "Will you touch me?" he breathed.
Aaron nodded, then drew a long breath before sliding his hand down Dave's body. Dave could tell he was a little nervous about it, but that was probably to be expected, given Aaron had never touched another man like this. Aaron didn't look as though he didn't want to do it, though, and cool fingers wrapped around Dave's cock a moment later.
Dave let out a shuddery breath and pressed his face against Aaron's neck. "Yes..." He scraped his teeth lightly against Aaron's skin, sucking just hard enough to hopefully raise a mark. He wanted to give Aaron a chance to explore and see what it felt like to touch him like this.
Aaron groaned at Dave's mouth, and stroked lightly. He brushed his fingers down to squeeze Dave's ball's lightly, then they stroked across Dave's thighs and back to his cock, his grip firmer as he stroked again.
"God, Aaron," Dave gasped, kissing Aaron's jaw. "Feels good." He ran his fingers over Aaron's skin, experiencing a rush of joy as he realized Aaron truly wanted this.
Aaron turned his head to kiss Dave again, his thumb moving through the slickness at the head of Dave's cock, and then he twisted his wrist a little, making Dave gasp. He hummed a little noise and deepened the kiss as his hand sped until Dave was breathless, then he trailed his lips down Dave's neck.
For his initial hesitance, Aaron's touch was sure and knowledgeable, and with what little brainpower Dave could spare, he decided Aaron must be touching him like he liked to be touched himself. It was nearly perfect, with just the right touch of firmness, and before Dave was really ready he felt his body tightening. He gasped out a warning, and half a minute later he came with a loud groan.
Aaron stroked until Dave was spent, kissing him as he did, then pulled his hand away. He was watching Dave, a half-smile playing on his lips.
Dave slumped, panting, and watched Aaron back. He swallowed against the dryness of his mouth and then licked his lips. "Aaron," he murmured, knowing his expression was warm.
"Dave," Aaron replied, smiling fully and kissing Dave slowly. He was holding his hand away from both of them, but Dave didn't really have the energy to get them a tissue just yet. He hummed and met Aaron's kiss happily, but didn't move otherwise for some time.
Finally he pulled away reluctantly, just enough to pull some tissues off the nightstand and hand them to Aaron. "Sleep with me tonight," he murmured in invitation, watching Aaron.
Aaron glanced up at Dave, then back down to where he was wiping at his hand. "Are you sure?" he asked, then wiped at Dave's stomach before handing the tissue back.
Dave's lips quirked. "Am I sure?" he repeated. "God, Aaron, all I've wanted to do since I shot Foyet has been to have you in my arms. I'm sure." He leaned in and brushed his lips against Aaron's cheek. "But if you're not ready for that, I won't be angry. I won't be hurt. I hope you know that."
Aarons smiled faintly and cupped Dave's jaw. "After what we just did, I can't see any reason not to," he murmured.
Dave smiled. "Thank you."
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, and he settled back against the bed. "You've worn me out today," he added, pulling Dave close.
"That's all right, I'll let you sleep in tomorrow," Dave teased. He settled down in Aaron's arms and kissed his shoulder, draping an arm carefully around him to keep from aggravating his injuries. "I love you, Aaron," he murmured after a while. "And I hope you'll let me keep showing you just how much."
***
Dave woke early the next day and made coffee, then sat in his study, wrapped in his bathrobe and just relaxing in the recliner. He wasn't sure if Aaron would need time to himself or not, after the way things had gone the night before, but he thought it would be better if Aaron had a choice whether to talk to him or not first thing this morning.
He didn't hear anything until at least an hour later, and he had to wonder how long Aaron had actually been awake. As expected, he heard Aaron shuffle to the kitchen first, probably for coffee, then he heard the scrape of the kitchen chair against the floor.
It was quiet for a while, then the chair scraped again, and Dave heard the clink of the coffee carafe against a mug as Aaron refilled his cup. Aaron wandered into the study not long after and settled in a chair. "Morning," he murmured, looking sleepy and tousled in just his undershirt and boxers.
Dave smiled. "Morning," he said, letting his gaze linger along Aaron's body. "Sleep all right?" he asked, and sipped at his coffee, which was tepid by now.
"Mmm, yes," Aaron said, though Dave knew that already. "Better than I have in a while, actually." Aaron smiled faintly and lifted his cup to his lips.
"Good." Dave stretched and shifted. "Have any plans for today?" he asked idly.
Aaron shook his head. "No. Not unless you do."
"Not really," Dave admitted. "Might try to get you more used to the idea of being loved." He grinned faintly. "Watch that other movie you picked out the other day, maybe go for a walk..." He shrugged.
Aaron watched Dave for a moment, seeming not to know what to say, though his expression was warm. After a moment, he breathed what might have been a laugh and shook his head. "This is insane." He didn't look bothered, though.
Dave shrugged. "As long as it works, who cares?" he asked calmly. Of course, he'd had a lot longer to get used to being the subject of gossip than Aaron had.
"I meant that... this is simple," Aaron replied, looking into his cup.
"What do you mean?" Dave asked, studying him.
Aaron shook his head, as if it were self-explanatory. "It makes sense."
Dave raised his eyebrows. "This is insane because it makes sense?" he said, grinning.
Aaron laughed. "Yes. I never considered it before, but..." He shrugged. "I don't know. I think those pills killed a few brain cells."
"Maybe relationships are supposed to be this easy, and we just never realized it before," Dave said. "I dunno, but I'm not going to question it too closely."
"Might be a good idea," Aaron said, sipping his coffee with a small smile.
"The one thing I know," Dave said slowly, "is that I've managed not to lose you as a friend through working together, my leaving the Bureau, my burning a hell of a lot of bridges behind me, and two marriages. Three, I guess, if we count yours." He gave Aaron a crooked smile. "If you could stick with me through all of that, I figure we have a good shot of making it the rest of our lives." He paused. "If you want that."
"You should know by now that I don't take these things casually," Aaron said. His lips pulled to the side. "I just hope I can be what you need me to be," he said, then took a sip, watching Dave over his mug.
Dave snorted. "You've always been that, Aaron. Why do you think I fell so hard the minute we were both single at the same time?"
"I'm not talking about our compatibility outside of the bedroom," Aaron said.
Dave gave that a moment of consideration, then nodded. "I'm not really concerned about that," he said. "We managed just fine last night." A tiny thread of doubt wormed through his thoughts. "You did enjoy yourself, right?"
Aaron didn't hesitate. "Yes," he said, then paused. "But I didn't really do anything I haven't done before."
Dave shrugged. "I'm fifty-three years old, Aaron. I like sex a lot, but it's not the sum total of my existence the way it was when I was twenty-three." He gave Aaron a slow smile. "And frankly, I'd rather do what we did last night for the rest of my life with you than get kinky sex every day from anyone else."
Aaron's lips quirked, then he laughed quietly. "That I can probably do," he said, nodding.
"I know a good thing when I've got it." Dave sipped his coffee and made a face. "This is stone cold. You need a refill?"
"As long as you're going that way," Aaron said. When Dave crossed the room to take Aaron's cup, Aaron caught his hand and pulled Dave down for a brief kiss. "I think I've grown a little accustomed to your pancakes, too," he teased.
Dave grinned. "Lucky for you I'm a morning person," he said, and stole another kiss before heading for the kitchen. He liked that Aaron seemed to be regaining a certain measure of the confidence that had been so badly shaken.
He had pancakes in record time, but instead of calling Aaron into the kitchen, he carried the meal to the study on a TV tray. "Here it is, as you commanded," he teased.
Aaron laughed quietly and took the tray and the coffee. "Thank you," he said. "You really didn't have to, but I won't complain."
"Of course I didn't have to. But you asked, so I wanted to." Dave settled down into his chair contentedly. He could definitely get used to this quiet domesticity, if Aaron decided to stay. He was trying not to fool himself, though; he knew Aaron might not want their relationship to be that obvious.
"Thank you," Aaron said again, and took a sip of his coffee. After a moment, he smiled. "I've never noticed that you knew how I took my coffee," he said, glancing at Dave, then starting in on his pancakes.
"They pay me to notice stuff," Dave said, pleased. He had always believed it was the little things that showed your true feelings more than the big, and he knew he'd been bad at that sometimes in his past relationships, but he intended to do better this time around.
The rest of breakfast was a fairly quiet affair, but it felt comfortable. Dave eventually stretched and said he could use a shower, then glanced at Aaron, wondering if he would want to join him.
Aaron looked back, then his eyebrows lifted. "You want me to join you?" he asked.
Dave grinned slowly. "You interested? I don't do shower sex. Threw my back out once, and that was it. But I don't mind having someone to wash my back."
"I like the water nearly scalding," Aaron said, watching Dave. "And you're standing in the cold spot."
Dave raised his eyebrows. "Bossy. I like that." His grin widened and he held out a hand in invitation.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 02:17 am (UTC)Nice fic guys. I don't think Hotch/Rossi will ever be my favoritest pairing EVAR but it is growing on me. ^_^ They are good together.
Mom and I watched the episode where Dave returns to the BAU and laughed when he and Hotch hug and then look at Strauss like, "GTFO beyotch. We are having a touching man moment". What makes the moment epic, is that she looks uncomfortable and then makes an excuse to leave.
Followed by Hotch being all pissy when Dave notices JJ.
Nevermind, they are one of my favorite pairings. You converted me. ^_^
no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:11 pm (UTC)*cough* Anyway, I'm so glad you liked it. :D
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 03:43 am (UTC)You guys sold it, though.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:12 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 04:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:12 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 05:31 am (UTC)One thing that I love about your fics is that, like Rossi at age 53, they don't have to be ZOMG ALL ABOUT THE SEX. The character studies that lead up to and follow from the sexing are just so wonderful, and I'm glad you two take the time to really delve into that and get into their heads TO SHOW HOW MUCH THEY LOVE EACH OTHER. :D
Seriously, I'm more and more about the domestic!porn that is two characters learning to live with each other, and this is spot-on. Dave's dislike of herbal tea. Them compromising on movies and pizza. The shower bossiness. Utter love. :D
no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:14 pm (UTC)Thanks!
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 05:38 am (UTC)And the end, taking it slowly and then fast.. (blushes) well written oral is my favorite thing.
Thank you so much. So, so much.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:15 pm (UTC)Thank you!
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 12:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:16 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 12:54 pm (UTC)And thank you for posting at SSA Hotchner - I do believe this is the first full-length fic we've had posted at the comm :)
no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:16 pm (UTC)Thank you!
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 01:59 pm (UTC)This made me grin: "I doubt I'm allowed to drink alcohol with pain medication" -- yes, smart choice, Aaron! LOL.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-08 02:16 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 03:52 pm (UTC)Your stories are the reason I love Rossi so much, you've totally got me hooked on Rossi/Prentiss and I'm not a big fan of het, but I'm loving your Vegas au.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-08 02:17 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-07 05:28 pm (UTC)P.S. I was amused by the nod to singing chipmunks knowing Matthew Gray Gubler voiced Simon in The Chipmunks movie.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-08 02:17 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-08 02:03 am (UTC)"I feel most like myself when I'm with you."
God, that really seems to sum up everything right there between them.
no subject
Date: 2009-06-08 02:18 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-08 01:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-09 01:49 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-09 01:40 am (UTC)Do you want to know about typos? There's one in part one when Prentiss confronts Rossi about his feelings. "She let go of him, brushing her hand over his shoulder, and then dropping her it completely." You probably want to remove the second "her."
no subject
Date: 2009-06-09 01:49 am (UTC)I'm so glad you enjoyed this, and I'm glad it worked for you. :)
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-10 01:50 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-10 08:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-11 12:22 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-11 02:29 pm (UTC)As always, your Hotch/Rossi is such a warm and comfortable pairing to read, and the dialogue is lovely. My favourite part though was Dave agonising over Aaron's mental state - so painful and just gorgeous. Thanks!
no subject
Date: 2009-06-11 11:43 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-12 01:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-12 01:26 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-14 04:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-18 05:44 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-06-21 12:59 am (UTC)*applaudes*
no subject
Date: 2009-06-21 01:22 am (UTC)As far as more fics with this pair, don't worry. Our jointly-written fic for
no subject
Date: 2009-07-02 05:29 pm (UTC)I love the idea of Rossi harboring this feeling for so long and never saying a word until circumstances and..well, Emily ;D, nudge him in that directon. Very nice concept, so easy to picture in my head, especially considering the characters.
Thank you both for sharing a great fic
no subject
Date: 2009-07-03 01:58 am (UTC)I'm glad this concept and pairing worked for you. :)
no subject
Date: 2009-07-05 11:42 pm (UTC)I'm worried to pieces about Hotch after the finale. A little angst is nice, but please let him be okay >_
no subject
Date: 2009-07-06 12:06 am (UTC)And I agree, a little angst is fine, but he'd better be okay!
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-07-31 12:37 am (UTC)I've been craving for some Rossi/Hotch fic and couldn't seem to find any new (and good) ones; so I decided that perhaps I might try my hands at writing one. I got an idea just now, and thought that it would incorporate well into your "Dave and Aaron go to ice cream shop" setting. Would it be okay that I steal that? *grabby hands* Of course, I will credit you :)
no subject
Date: 2009-07-31 01:05 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2009-10-18 12:42 am (UTC)This was fantastic. Not only just a beautiful, lovely piece of writing but I think it's the best story I've read in a very, very long time. Also a since of deja-vu that I've told you two fantastic peeps that before for another of your fics, but it's completely and absolutely true.
Your writing is just so seamless and well written. I always forget that there are two writers and it amazes me each time when it hits me.
A lot have said it but it's worth saying again... You focus on the characters and their thoughts and it makes it even better to read. The smex is like a cheery on top of the already super-deluxe hot fudge and caramel sundae (hehe, I may be still giggling over that scene in the ice cream shop!)
Keep up such beautiful work, it is always jaw-dropping amazing.
no subject
Date: 2009-10-18 02:50 am (UTC)I'm glad you liked this. It's always nice to see more people embracing them as a couple.
no subject
Date: 2010-06-09 08:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-06-09 09:40 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2010-06-24 11:18 pm (UTC)I'm sad to see this end, yet pleased with the way it did.
Thanks for sharing : )
no subject
Date: 2010-06-24 11:35 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From: