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geekystudmuffinTitle: The Expansion of Two Natures, part four
Authors:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
innerslytherin and severity_softly
Pairing: Hotch/Rossi, and a little Hotch/Haley
Rating: PG-13 for this part, NC-17 overall
Summary: When Aaron Hotchner is new to the BAU, he finds himself working closely with SSA David Rossi--one of the original founders of the department. As their relationship progresses, they realize what they have together is more than friendship...but circumstances keep them from having all that they knew they could have together. Years later, Dave has a second chance, just when Aaron needs a friend the most...
Word count: ~12200 for this part, ~78,000 overall
Notes: RP format. Mild AU, as we played fast and loose with Hotch's already screwy back story (especially in regards to his work history and the timeline of his marriage to Haley).
Previous parts: Part One, Part Two, Part Three
"Love is the expansion of two natures in such fashion that each include the other, each is enriched by the other." - Felix Adler
Dave woke up happy. It was one thing to wake up in a good mood, but this was different. This was waking up warm and secure and with someone's--Aaron's--arms tight around him. This was a quiet content that was better, more permanent, than a good mood.
Eyes still closed, he smiled and shifted closer to Aaron. He knew they would have to get up soon and get started on the case. But for now he could listen to Aaron's breathing and revel in the fact that he would have this again. Aaron would be his. He'd grown so accustomed to knowing Aaron wasn't his and would never be that he hadn't realized how much that knowledge hurt, until the hurt was healed.
"Mmm," Aaron groaned, then turned his head to kiss Dave's forehead, the closest thing of Dave's he could reach. He pulled Dave closer. It was strange, the broad shoulders in his arms. He'd felt this before, but he hadn't been able to fully enjoy it last time--not that there wasn't a part of him that felt an undeniable sadness for the relationship he'd lost that had been such a huge part of his life for so long... but it was too early and he was too sated from sleep and last night's activities to think much on that now.
"Morning," Dave murmured, his voice hoarse from sleep. He lifted his face to kiss Aaron slowly. "Sleep all right?" He smiled at Aaron, feeling totally unguarded for once, and not minding at all. He lifted a hand to brush his thumb across Aaron's cheek.
Aaron met Dave's gaze and couldn't help but smile at the expression on Dave's face. In truth, once Dave had fallen asleep, Aaron had stayed awake for quite a while, unmoving, trying to sort the events that had so completely changed his life in just the few hours before. Eventually Dave's breathing soothed him to sleep, though, even if it had only been a few hours before now. "Yeah, I did," he murmured, and kissed Dave again.
"Good," Dave mumbled between kisses. He rolled so he was on top of Aaron, his kisses growing hungrier. "We have a big day ahead of us." His lips brushed Aaron's as he spoke. He wasn't ready to leave the bed and acknowledge the world outside yet.
Aaron's smile widened and he wrapped a leg around Dave's. "We should go," he whispered. Except he really didn't want to. That was clear enough in his kiss.
"Mmhmm," Dave agreed, and kissed him again. He ran a hand down Aaron's arm. "It's still early." Another kiss. "Come shower with me." Actual sex in the shower was awkward and dangerous, but there was plenty of touching and kissing for them to catch up on, and he frankly didn't want to tear himself away from Aaron just yet.
Aaron laughed softly, the sound lazily rolling out. "Someone's always got the cold spot."
"Yeah, whoever's slowest," Dave said, arching an eyebrow in challenge.
Aaron shifted under Dave's weight. "You have an unfair advantage."
Dave lowered his head and kissed Aaron slowly, then pulled back, smiling. "It's about time you chased me for a change," he said, and tried to roll away.
"Mmm, chasing me?" Aaron looped his arm around Dave's waist, keeping him where he was. "Wait, what happened to behaving yourself?" I happened, he thought suddenly. I started that. He pushed aside the flood of guilt, reminding himself that Haley was the one that effectively ended the relationship.
"I tried that," Dave said, pleased. "It stopped working about the time you ordered me to shut up and fuck you." He kissed Aaron again.
That startled a laugh out of Aaron, and he pulled Dave in for another kiss... and then shoved him off in the opposite direction of the bathroom and started for the shower.
Startled, Dave sprawled over on the bed and had to scramble not to actually fall off it. "Hey!" he cried as he watched Hotch steal a head start for the shower. "Cheater!" He was grinning as he followed.
*****
Dave had never had a relationship work quite like this before. For one thing, he'd never actually had more than casual involvement with another man, and for another, he'd never dated an agent he worked so closely with. He wasn't sure, going into it, if it would be easier or harder this way...but it turned out to be easy. Almost frighteningly easy, for his part. For Aaron...he wasn't sure.
Aaron had just come out of a relationship that had already lasted years, despite that it wasn't a marriage on paper. Dave had been through it once already. Besides, if Dave were honest with himself, he'd been in love with Aaron for months. So he didn't push Aaron on the emotional side of things, and directed his attention to giving Aaron as much physical pleasure as they had time for.
The case in Athens was a bad one, but it was at least quick. They spent a week and a half there and drove back to Quantico more slowly than they'd driven down. Dave let Aaron drive this time, stopping at some of his favorite places along the way, and didn't ask questions about how many times he'd been to them with Haley.
When they walked into the BAU, Gideon could probably tell something had changed, but he didn't ask Dave, and Dave wasn't about to volunteer. He could appreciate that Jason wanted his team to work well together, but there was no way in hell Dave wanted to be profiled himself. Aaron, of course, admired Gideon and, more to the point, liked him more than Dave did.
It wasn't a surprise, then, that Jason called to them late in the afternoon when they were getting ready to leave. "Hotch, could I have a minute before you go?"
Aaron glanced up from his desk, and ignored the way his stomach dropped out. He somehow had a feeling he knew what was coming. Sort of. And he really wasn't sure yet how to handle it. Jason Gideon was one of the best profilers there were, so he didn't think denying his relationship with Dave was such a good idea. "Sure," he said casually, and stood to make his way to the office, his mind going over what to say if Gideon told him to end the relationship.
Aaron liked Dave. He liked waking up with someone next to him. There was no doubt that Dave knew how make Aaron's body feel more than Haley ever had, and he liked the constancy of having someone who cared about him. He liked the routine of relationships. Aaron was used to that, and Dave had filled that void in his life, even when Aaron still felt utterly torn about the circumstances that had led to his relationship with Dave moving beyond friendship and into... whatever it was now.
He stepped in Gideon's office and didn't close the door, knowing Gideon would see that as an automatic silent admission of "guilt", then walked to his usual half-way point between the desk and door. He lifted his eyebrows to indicate he was waiting for Gideon to start.
"You did good work on this case," Gideon said, glancing past Aaron to the door, then back. "You and Rossi make a good team."
Aaron nodded. "Thank you. I think so," he said, not thinking for a moment that was all there was to this, especially not after where Gideon's eyes had darted.
Gideon smiled. "Did you have a chance to see Haley while you were in Georgia?"
Aaron drew a deep breath, hesitating for a moment, then gave Gideon a somewhat neutral answer, "No, I didn't."
"Really? That's too bad. But she'll probably be coming up to Virginia soon, won't she? The school year is nearly over." Gideon didn't look away from Aaron's face.
Aaron stood there for a moment, trying to ignore the way he felt like he couldn't breathe, like something was tightening around his chest. He didn't look away either, though. After a long moment, though, he looked away out the window. "It appears she's not moving, after all, sir," he said, emphasizing the last word in a way that implied--just barely--that this wasn't a topic he really wanted to discuss, which was only further emphasized by looking back at Gideon as soon as he said it.
"Really." Gideon's voice was quiet, inviting confidence. "That's a shame." He glanced beyond Aaron again, then down at his desk.
When Gideon looked away again, so did Aaron. He let his eyes travel Gideon's office walls and then the vertical blinds in the windows that faced the bullpen, but he kept silent.
Gideon sighed. "Are you happy here, Aaron?"
Aaron glanced back, and for some reason that question got under his skin more than Aaron had expected it should. He stared at Gideon for a moment, telling himself just to say 'yes' and be done with this. Instead, he moved back to the door and shut it, then walked right up to Gideon's desk and sat down, not looking away from Gideon's face. "I just had a thirteen year relationship with the only person I've ever loved end, so I think I have every right to be a little upset." He paused a moment, wondering if Gideon would stop him, but then continued when Gideon didn't say anything. "If you're asking whether I have any intention of leaving the BAU, however, I can tell you emphatically that the answer is no."
Gideon kept watching him, his expression giving away nothing. "I'm glad to hear that you aren't thinking of leaving," he said quietly. "You have an amazing amount of potential--potential you're already proving. This team is made up of some of the finest minds in the world, and I have no doubt that you belong here. I'm glad that you have no doubt of that, either." He folded his hands on the table and sighed. After a moment, he continued. "I also have no doubt that David belongs here. He has been doing this work for years, and he is one of the finest profilers I have ever worked with. He is also, of course, arrogant, bold to the point of brashness, and rather bad at relating to the press." He paused, obviously to give Aaron a chance to say something.
Aaron's expression was neutral, and for a moment he sat there, just watching Gideon, prepared not to say anything. Then he dropped his gaze, shook his head once, and glance back up. "I don't disagree."
"Your partnership is remarkable. You've achieved an extraordinary level of rapport and trust. I think you bring out the finer aspects of his personality. And I think he also brings out a great deal in you." Gideon tilted his head. "I hope you won't hurt him, Hotch." His voice was soft, his eyes on Aaron's, half in caution and half in appeal.
God. That was the last thing Aaron had expected to hear, and it sent a flash of cold through him. He looked down and stared at the edge of Gideon's desk and then froze momentarily. Fuck. All the guilt and fear he'd felt that first night in Athens about turning to Dave when he'd been upset returned so quickly it was nearly paralyzing. "He's... not unaware of my situation, Jason."
Gideon watched Aaron silently for what felt like a long time. "Just be careful, Hotch." He finally offered a small smile, but it looked sad. "This job can be hard on people, and it's hell on our relationships. I don't want to see either of you hurt."
Aaron sat there, not looking up for a moment, but then he finally managed to nod and glance up. "I really have no intention of hurting anyone."
"I know." Gideon's voice was quiet. "We rarely do." He looked at Aaron for another moment, then nodded at the door. Dave was leaning against the wall outside, arms folded, obviously waiting on Aaron.
Aaron felt like he was being scolded and dismissed, but Gideon had this way of saying things that made it nearly impossible to argue, which was part of the reason he was so damn good at his job. Not that Aaron really wanted to argue, but that was beside the point. After a moment, he nodded again and got up to leave.
When he got outside, he glanced at Dave and gave him a small nod before walking to their desk.
"I'm heading out," Dave told Aaron, though he didn't look away from Gideon yet. Their gazes held for a moment, and for some reason the defensive rebelliousness Dave was feeling faded. He glanced at Aaron. "You coming? We can get some dinner."
Aaron didn't look back. He just gathered his things at his desk. "Yeah, sure. I skipped lunch."
Dave nodded and ignored Gideon as he walked out. He was feeling a little sick as he stood by the elevator and waited for Aaron to catch up. Gideon had always ignored his flirtations and dalliances after Kay left...but of course this was more than that. He wondered what Gideon had said. And what Aaron had said back.
Aaron caught up to Dave and headed into the elevator once it opened. When it closed, he glanced at Dave, unsure whether to try to pretend everything was okay or not. It wasn't. Aaron felt like he ought to just call off the entire thing now. But he knew he wouldn't. He couldn't. He was enjoying his relationship with Dave as it was, even if he wasn't as invested as Dave was, if Gideon's warning held the truth. He knew over time that would change, though, even if he wasn't ready to let go of his reservations yet. He knew he cared a lot about Dave. That thought managed to put a smile on Aaron's face. "Hello," he murmured, his smile quirking slightly to the side.
"Closed-door conference with Gideon, huh?" Dave said, shoving his hands in his pockets. He knew Aaron could see right through his nonchalant tone, but he couldn't quite bring himself to ask outright what they'd talked about.
Aaron didn't look away, but he somehow doubted, regardless of Dave asking, that Dave would react very well to Aaron honestly telling Dave what had been discussed. Best case scenario, Dave would dismiss the idea of Aaron hurting him as ridiculous. I hope I don't hurt you, Aaron thought. "Yeah. Not really that bad, actually."
Dave raised his eyebrows, but he smiled. "You're not gonna tell me, are you?" The elevator dinged open and he headed for the parking lot, knowing Aaron would keep up with him.
"No. I'm not," Aaron said, his smile widening as he followed Dave out.
Laughing, Dave shook his head. "Fine. You can buy me dinner to make up for it."
"I didn't realize a little privacy was such a grave offense," Aaron said, grinning. He caught up of Dave and matched his stride. "But I'll buy dinner anyway, on the contingency that we share a bottle of wine at my house tonight."
Dave glanced over at him, liking the expression on Aaron's face. He pretended to think it over, then tilted his head. "Deal. White or red? I can pick some up on my way."
"I don't care. Surprise me," Aaron said, glancing behind them to see if anyone was there, and then giving Dave's upper arm a squeeze before turning towards his car.
Dave spent longer than he meant to trying to pick out a wine. Something quality, because Aaron Hotchner was a man used to quality. Something not too romantic or feminine, since they were both men. He wanted something robust and passionate. And even though he'd learned a lot about wine while he was with Kay, he wasn't sure he'd managed to find what he wanted when he left the store. All the same, he ended up at Aaron's with a bottle of white that he thought would work.
He told himself it was ridiculous to be nervous. They'd been partners for almost a year now, and they'd been sleeping together for a week and a half. But this was different. This was at home. This meant something.
He hoped. Oh, God, if this was going to blow up in his face, was it even worth it? Dave was still standing on the doorstep, unable even to ring the bell, when Aaron opened the door.
Aaron had decided to actually cook... which was something he hadn't really done in quite some time, though he didn't think he was too bad at it. He supposed it technically counted as "buying" dinner, and it was more personal. After his meeting with Gideon, Aaron felt like more personal was something he needed to aim for. He wasn't a man who'd ever taken sex casually, which was why he'd only ever been with Haley before now and why he hadn't been able to allow himself to do anything more than guiltily kiss Dave before. Aaron might not know how exactly he felt, but he'd decided on the drive home that he wasn't going to take sex casually with Dave either. So, yes. He'd decided he needed to give more.
He was just putting the chicken in the oven when he saw Dave's headlights, and he waited for a minute before he frowned, wondering why there hadn't been a knock, and headed to the door. Dave was standing on his doorstep, and Aaron smiled at him. "I saw your truck." He glanced at the driveway. "You all right?"
Dave took a deep breath and smiled. "Yeah. Sorry, I was just thinking." He glanced around. "Good to be home, isn't it?" He stepped inside and held out the bottle. "I hope this goes with dinner."
Aaron took it from him and read the label, then waited for the door to shut behind Dave. He leaned in to kiss him briefly, then headed for the kitchen. "It'll be fine, as long as I don't burn dinner," he said.
"You're cooking?" Dave's smile widened and he followed Aaron into the kitchen, intrigued. "Please tell me you have a flaw hiding somewhere, besides the fact that you hog the covers and don't laugh enough."
Aaron turned around and leaned against the counter a moment. "I laugh plenty." Of course, that was true in private matters. Mostly true. Aaron was well aware he had a tendency to be overly serious in other ways. "Anyway, you haven't tasted it yet." He turned to find a corkscrew.
Dave laughed and stepped up behind him to slide an arm around his stomach and pull him back against Dave's chest. It was strange, being in Aaron's home. He hoped he wasn't overstepping himself. "You laugh almost as rarely as Gideon," he murmured, and kissed Aaron's neck. "I always figure it's the highlight of my day if I can make you laugh." He was exaggerating a little, and honestly he wouldn't change that about Aaron even if he could. It made every laugh more valuable.
Aaron closed his eyes, fighting the momentary impulse to tense. It was strange; this was the house he'd meant to share with Haley. She's gone. She never even lived here. Not really. The things she left are still in boxes. He leaned back a bit into the embrace. "You make me laugh more than anyone," he replied, then turned in Dave's arms. "I'll never get the wine open and our dinner will be charcoal if you keep this up."
"I'll open the wine. You take care of dinner." Dave kissed Aaron, a slow, thorough kiss, then plucked the corkscrew out of his hand and gave him a nudge towards the oven. He opened the wine and opened cupboards until he found glasses.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, just leaning against the counter for a moment when Dave moved, and then going to work on their food. Dave poured him a glass of wine, and they talked for a while while Aaron cooked, in spite of Aaron having told Dave to go make himself comfortable.
The food was... mediocre. At least, it wasn't half as good as Aaron had hoped it would be. When he finished, he leaned back in his seat and took a long sip of his wine. "Flaw number one. You should start cataloging them. You'll have a laundry list before you even know it."
Dave grinned and took his notebook out of his shirt pocket. "Aaron's flaw, number one," he said aloud as he wrote. "Perfectionist." He glanced up teasingly at him.
Aaron rolled his eyes and feigned annoyance.
Dave kicked him gently under the table. "The chicken was good. You're just too hard on yourself. Not to mention the company made the food even better." He took a sip of his wine and relaxed back in his seat. "The wine helped, too," he said after a minute.
Aaron was about to say that the company had helped quite a bit, but his lips quirked to the side when Dave finished, and he trapped Dave's foot between his. "How many glasses have you had?"
"Hey, you've been here the whole time. I've only had one. And a half." Dave's gaze was warm. "I guess the company helped more than the wine."
"Oh, thank you," Aaron said, his tone amused. He held Dave's gaze for a moment. Gideon's words kept surfacing in Aaron's mind whenever the conversation broke and Dave looked at him like that. "I'll clean up while you decide how we should spend the rest of the night," he said finally, giving Dave a mildly suggestive look as he slipped out of his seat.
Dave raised his eyebrows, intrigued by that idea. "You know, I do know how to wash a plate."
"Well, I do have a dishwasher, and I know how to use it even without--" Haley's instructions. He stopped abruptly. "There's just two of us. Not much to clean up. I can do it."
Dave nodded and refilled both their wine glasses while Aaron cleaned up. He headed to the living room and sat on the couch, wondering again if this was going to work. He thought it was. Of course he had to keep reminding himself that Aaron was still mourning one relationship. Dave had to give as much time and space as Aaron needed. But they were good for each other, good companions, good partners. He smiled when Aaron came into the room, taking in the rolled up sleeves and relaxed expression.
Aaron was thankful Dave had given him space for a moment, and when he walked out into the living room, he was calm again. He settled next to Dave and leaned in for a lingering kiss. "Have you decided?"
"Mmm, some more of that might be a good start," Dave said, sliding an arm around Aaron's waist and pulling him close.
Aaron pulled Dave's wine glass out of his hand and put it on the coffee table near where Dave had put Aaron's glass, then shifted to face Dave a little more. "I can do more of this," he murmured, and kissed Dave again, his fingertips stroking Dave's jaw.
Dave let his eyes close for a moment, then leaned in for another kiss. "Gideon knows, doesn't he?" he whispered after another kiss.
Aaron froze for a second, then shifted back just barely enough to look at Dave, though their noses were still brushing. After a moment, he just nodded.
Dave lifted a hand to brush through Aaron's hair. "He's not going to stop us?" He kissed Aaron again. He didn't give a damn what Gideon wanted; it was what Aaron wanted that concerned him. If Aaron thought it would cause trouble at work...
Aaron slid his hand over Dave's stomach and shook his head, wishing he knew what to say.
"What did he say?" Dave asked, hoping Aaron wouldn't avoid the subject again. "Is it a problem?"
Aaron sighed and pulled back more, holding Dave's gaze. God, he couldn't tell Dave that Gideon thought Aaron would hurt him. And Aaron had meant it when he said he had no intention of hurting Dave. Even if he was protecting himself now, he could see this relationship lasting if he dared to let himself think about it. He swallowed. "He said he could see both the advantages and disadvantages of it."
Dave snorted. "Right." He kissed Aaron again. "If you don't want to tell me, you can just say so," he murmured, and tugged, trying to get Aaron in his lap. They'd probably talked too much tonight, anyway.
Aaron shifted so he was straddling Dave, but just looked down at him, arching a brow. "You think I'm lying to you?" he asked. He hadn't lied. Those may not have been Gideon's exact words, but that was the gist of it.
"I think you're avoiding the real answer," Dave said frankly. "But if you don't want to tell me, it's fine. I can respect that." He kissed Aaron again.
Aaron sat back and gave Dave a look when the kiss ended. "That is the real answer."
Dave just looked back at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Okay." He stroked his hands up Aaron's back, running his fingers into dark hair that was getting just a little long. He liked it that way, and he definitely liked messing it up, taking away a little of Aaron's control. He lifted his face for another kiss.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, leaning in and kissing Dave fully. This was still strange, the idea that he was sitting in another man's lap, but it was becoming more and more comfortable each time they did it. He slid his arms around Dave's shoulders, brushing one hand down the back of Dave's shirt.
Dave smiled and started unbuttoning Aaron's shirt. "Thanks for dinner," he murmured, since he couldn't say what he was really thinking--Thanks for not letting Gideon scare you off.
"Thanks for the wine," Aaron murmured back. He drew his hand over the planes of Dave's shoulder blades, and then realized he was probably choking Dave by pulling his shirt back to do it. He breathed a small laugh and opened the first few buttons of Dave's shirt.
Dave finished with Aaron's shirt and slid his hands inside, trailing them over his skin. He looked up at Aaron's face.
Aaron splayed his fingers over the top of Dave's chest, watching the way Dave was looking at him. He drew his hand up Dave's neck, brushing his knuckles over Dave's jaw and leaned in again to give Dave a slow, lingering kiss, then pulled away. "What?"
"Nothing." Dave shook his head slightly. "You're very handsome. I like looking at you." It felt suddenly like he was giving away too much, like this was something he shouldn't say.
Aaron smiled and kissed Dave again. "You're not so bad yourself," he teased, letting his hand drift further back along Dave's jaw until his fingers were in Dave's hair.
Dave snorted but didn't protest. He just slid his arms around Aaron and pulled him close for another, slower, kiss.
Aaron hummed a pleased noise and settled against Dave, liking the way Dave's hands felt against his skin. "Was this really your plan for the rest of the night?" he whispered and kissed Dave again. "Not that I mind..."
"Mmm, maybe for a little while," Dave murmured. He liked exploring Aaron's body like this, which they hadn't had a lot of time for yet. "Maybe in a while we'll go to bed." He stroked his palms over Aaron's back, taking in the play of muscles under his skin, as they kissed.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, deepening the kiss. He slid his hand back down to Dave's buttons and started to work them open the rest of the way down. "So those women in IAFIS were right; you really are only interested in one thing," he said, keeping as straight a face as possible and flicking a finger across one of Dave's nipples.
"Hey--ahh!" Dave gasped as the sensation distracted him from protesting, which Aaron had obviously intended. He grunted and pulled Aaron in for another kiss. "Been gossiping about me, Hotshot?" he whispered. "Not kosher, gossiping about your partner." He bit Aaron's lower lip gently.
"I wabn't--" Aaron pulled away from Dave's teeth. "I wasn't. I didn't have to say a word," he said, his resolve not to smile crumbling. He kissed Dave again with more hunger and turned his hand to pinch Dave, gently rolling Dave's nipple between his fingertips.
Dave laughed. "Bastard," he muttered, and kissed Aaron again. God, he was in over his head. It was too much. And he couldn't stop. "Fine, if you're not interested in sex, you decide what we're doing," he teased.
"The news is on in ten minutes... or so," Aaron suggested, trailing kisses over Dave's jaw.
Dave groaned. "Too much like work," he said, arching his neck so Aaron could continue. "Movie, not the news."
"I like work, and I like the news." Aaron didn't stop his lips, and sucked Dave's earlobe into his mouth. "Isn't dinner and a movie a little cliche?" he breathed in Dave's ear.
"Isn't fa--sleeping with your partner a little cliche?" Dave countered, and the thrill that ran down his spine had nothing to do with what Aaron was doing. God, had he really come that close to such a stupid slip? He knew he was ahead of Aaron in this, but he didn't have to blurt out that he was falling in love. He slid his hands down to cup Aaron's ass, praying that would distract him. "I don't watch the news. I'll hear enough about the atrocities in the world when my pager goes off."
Aaron sucked in a breath and told himself not to react, but his lips slowed on Dave's skin anyway. It struck Aaron suddenly that maybe Gideon had been wrong. Isn't fucking your partner a little cliche?! Aaron tried to ignore it, but it didn't work. He pulled back after a moment and smiled. "Not all news is bad," he said, then slid off Dave's lap. "Movie then," he said decisively. "And, yes, it is cliche sleeping with your partner."
Shit, Aaron had caught him. Dave forced a smile and kissed Aaron again. "Well, one more cliche won't matter, then," he reasoned, and leaned back on the couch, stretching his legs out. "You pick."
Aaron nodded and went to look for a movie. A few minutes later, Aaron was slouched down on the couch too close to Dave so that their arms were brushing. Dave was complaining that Aaron had picked a far too serious movie, but he didn't seem to really mind in spite of his words. Aaron slid his hand over Dave's knee.
Dave was complaining just for the sake of it, still feeling the chill of his mistake earlier. He still ended up doing an exaggerated yawn and stretch, just to make Aaron laugh when he slid an arm around his shoulders.
Aaron rolled his eyes, but settled against Dave's chest anyway and fell silent as the movie started. Dave chuckled and turned his attention to the movie, which turned out to be good. They'd finished off the bottle of wine by the time it ended. As the credits rolled, Dave found himself wondering if Aaron would ask him to stay, or if he would be going home. It wasn't about sex, whatever Aaron might think. Dave just liked being with Aaron. He didn't say anything, just turned his head to kiss Aaron's neck.
Aaron closed his eyes and tilted his head to give Dave more access, wondering if he should invite Dave to bed or not. He wanted Dave to stay. And he was sure Dave probably wanted that too. So what was the problem? Aaron shook himself mentally. There was no problem; he'd just let himself think Dave was farther ahead of this than Aaron was. "What was that you said about bed before?" he breathed.
"I wouldn't want you to think I'm just interested in one thing," Dave teased, his lips brushing Aaron's skin. "Maybe we should just sleep, so I can prove I'm not just after your body." He angled himself more towards Aaron, resting a hand on his stomach.
Aaron laced his fingers with Dave's. "You are after my body, though, right? At least a little?" he said, his tone light.
"Hmm, just a little," Dave murmured, pressing an open-mouthed kiss against Aaron's neck. "Part of the whole package." He smiled against Aaron's skin.
"I bet you say that to all the girls," Aaron said dryly, then got up and tugged Dave with him, pulling him toward the bedroom.
Dave laughed and followed willingly, pleased that Aaron had invited him. He hoped he wasn't taking this too quickly, even as he knew he was. "I've never dated a profiler before, though," he replied, pausing in the doorway to Aaron's bedroom. This was the bed he'd shared with Haley. Dave wondered if it would be awkward.
Aaron stopped when Dave did, and it took him a moment to follow what had caused the pause, but when it hit him, a wash of cold swept through his body. He stepped back towards Dave and kissed him, sliding an arm around Dave's waist. "Or we could go to your place," he said softly.
Dave's heart sank, but he wrapped his arms around Aaron. "It's up to you," he replied, matching Aaron's tone. He didn't want Haley to be an issue with them, but he could understand. Though... "We've both had quite a bit of wine."
Aaron nodded, then a completely irrational side of him almost suggested they take a cab. He hadn't considered this before now, and he really should have. His stomach was twisting. "You're right," he said. He'd have to get over this eventually. This was faster than he'd ever planned, but it wasn't Dave's fault.
Dave kissed Aaron softly. "I can go," he offered, trying not to let Aaron see how unhappy he was with that option.
"Sorry. No, it's fine," Aaron said, looking at Dave and wishing he could move from the doorway. He almost wished Dave would push him.
Dave nodded and kissed him again, more hungrily. "Then let's go to bed," he murmured, and nudged Aaron toward the bed.
Oh, good. Aaron let Dave guide him back into the room, which made it easier to actually do it, but didn't erase the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach when they settled in bed. And he hoped Dave really didn't want to have sex, because Aaron suddenly didn't think he could get in the mood. He wrapped his arms around Dave and pressed his face against Dave's neck.
Dave thought about sleeping alone for the first time after his divorce from Kay, and thought he knew a little bit about how Aaron felt. Of course, it had been several months after the divorce when he even thought first about dating, so he knew he didn't understand fully. Then again, he hadn't had temptation staring him in the face at the time. He stroked a hand over Aaron's hair and down his back. "I like sleeping next to you," he murmured, closing his eyes. "I've never trusted anyone like I trust you."
Aaron relaxed, drawing a deep breath and taking in Dave's scent. He stroked his thumb down Dave's side and kissed his neck. "I trust you too." God, this was weird. "I hope you meant it when you said you just wanted to sleep," he murmured.
"Yes," Dave said. He was fine with just sleeping. He was ridiculously grateful not to be sent home.
"Good," Aaron said, and lifted his head to kiss Dave softly.
Dave held Aaron there, drawing out the kiss. "Like I said," he murmured when they parted, "I'm not just interested in one thing." He smiled and closed his eyes.
*****
Another case finished, and this time with good results, a life saved. Dave let his arm brush Aaron's as they stood in the elevator, a subtle but real way of acknowledging their relationship. It was still early days, but he was settling in, thinking of Aaron the way he used to think about Kay, as someone who would always be part of his life, to be taken into account when making plans. It was easier than it had any right to be, and he was happy.
Which was why he felt as if he'd been punched in the chest when the elevator doors slid open and the first thing he saw was Haley.
She looked up at the chime and her entire face lit up when she saw Aaron. It made Dave's stomach jump unpleasantly.
"Aaron! Agent Gideon said he was expecting you back soon. He said I could wait." She glanced at Dave, but didn't say anything before looking back at Aaron.
Aaron hadn't really been paying any attention to his surroundings. He'd been focusing on the subtle warmth Dave's touch sent through him. But when Haley's voice cut through his thoughts, his head jerked up to her and all the warmth washed away, while at the same time, he couldn't deny that there was a very real part of himself happy to see her.
Still, he frowned deeply, and nearly let the elevator doors close again when he simply started at her too long. Luckily, he remembered where he was fast... and oh God, Gideon had spoken to her! Aaron darted a glance at Dave and then stepped out of the elevator. He had half a mind to grab her arm and drag her into a private corner of the hall, but he just walked up close enough that he could breathe, "What are you doing here?"
Haley's smile didn't fade much, but it was noticeable. She stepped forward and slid her arms around him, pressing her face to his chest. "Oh, Aaron, I made a terrible mistake. I came to tell you that."
Aaron hadn't meant to get close to her for this reason. He'd actually intended to stand "over" her a bit, but this... Aaron stood there frozen for a minute, then awkwardly lifted his hands and returned the hug stiffly. Because it was Haley. And he couldn't be so cold as to just stand there, no matter how much he was tempted, especially with Dave there. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to figure out what to say, but he couldn't find the breath to speak, and just opened his eyes to stare down at the top of her head. "Haley..."
Dave told himself to go into the BAU and pretend nothing was wrong. He told himself not to hyperventilate. He was taking neither piece of advice. Finally he closed his eyes, but he didn't move.
"I'm so sorry, Aaron. I've been wrong. I've been so wrong. And I've missed you. I thought I could do it without you, but...life is so miserable with you gone. I can't do this." Haley clung to him, her arms tight, her fingers clutching the back of his suit jacket.
Aaron didn't look at Dave. He couldn't, and after a moment he leaned back and gripped Haley's arms, trying to get her to let go without pushing her, trying not to look to see if Gideon, or anyone else in the bullpen, was watching. "'I'm sorry' doesn't put things back the way they were. You shouldn't have come here," he said under his breath
She stood back, staring up at him in surprise. "Aaron..." Her eyes were pleading. "I had to see you right away. I tried the house, but you were gone. You...you packed up my things." Her lower lip trembled.
Dave opened his eyes, wondering if there were anything of his at Aaron's house, anything that might tell her they had been sharing a relationship closer than that of work partners. He wondered if Haley knew he was in love with her ex-fiance.
Aaron stared at Haley a moment--and fuck, he wished she'd stop looking at him like that. He watched her lip, and then his voice softened in spite of his attempt not to let it; the last thing he needed was for her to cry. "You were gone. You left. I was going to ship them back." He hadn't been able to, but he wished he had now.
"I want to come back," she said, her voice quietly urgent. "I promise I'll give it a real try, Aaron. I love you. I want to be with you. Whatever's important to you is fine. Please." Her voice trembled.
Dave closed his eyes for a moment, then drew in a deep breath and opened them again. "You should talk to your fiancee, Aaron," he said, his voice gruff. "Take her out to lunch." He pushed past them, not letting himself touch Aaron at all. "I'll handle the paperwork." He glanced over his shoulder, hoping he didn't look as wrecked as he suddenly felt. "It's nice to see you again, Haley." Then he went inside the BAU office.
Aaron felt his heart sink. She's not my fiancee, and you know it, he thought angrily, but only watched Dave go. "Haley, you need to go," he said quietly.
"Why?" she demanded, staring at him. "Agent Gideon didn't have a problem with my being here. And your partner said you could take me to lunch." She touched his arm. "Aaron, we need to talk."
"I know we do," Aaron said. He still didn't want to leave. "This isn't--" He expelled a breath, not knowing what to do or say anymore. He didn't have any excuses not to leave. Dave had made sure of that.
"Aaron, I love you. Please, I know I've been awful." She looked down. "I tried to do what your mother suggested. She thought we could get you to come back. But I see now that this is what's important to you. And...and I shouldn't have made you choose. I was wrong."
"My mother?!" he asked, raising his voice just slightly from the hushed tone he'd been using. It didn't surprise him, really. He was convinced, at times, that Haley got along better with his mother than even Aaron did. He stared at her for another moment, then took her upper arm and pulled her gently towards the elevator.
"I just thought--Aaron, she could see I was unhappy about things. And she thought you'd change your mind. She thought you would see..." Haley shook her head. "She was wrong. And I was wrong. I'm sorry."
Aaron shook his head slowly. "This isn't the place to discuss this," he said, waiting until the elevator doors opened and pulling her inside.
Haley reached up and covered his hand with hers, pulling it down from her arm and wrapping both hands around it. "I'm sorry."
He looked down at her, thankful the elevator was empty. "I already told you, 'I'm sorry' doesn't make everything right." It didn't negate the fact that he'd been sleeping with Dave or that she had purposely manipulated him.
"I know. But we've been together for so long, Aaron. Can't you at least listen to me?"
"I'm listening," he said, knowing everything she said was just going to make this more and more complicated. It didn't matter what he did now, he was damned either way.
"I'll do anything I have to do, Aaron. Anything. I just want to prove that I'm committed to making it work. I really am. I know I shouldn't have tried to manipulate you. I shouldn't have even talked to your mother about our problems. I know you aren't that close to her, and I went behind your back." She looked down, her hands tightening on his. "Your work here frightens me. I don't want you to be like David Rossi, who never sits with his back to the door and always watches people like he doesn't trust them. I don't want you to be in danger. But I've realized this is important to you. You want to protect people instead of just getting justice for them when they're already dead."
Aaron watched her, his resolve crumbling by the minute. After a moment, he sighed and pulled her against him. God, what the hell was he doing? He didn't let her hand go, but wrapped his other arm around her. "Dave was in Waco last year, what do you expect? He's a brilliant profiler." All you can say is in defense of Dave? "I don't know," he finally said, sounding defeated. He settled his chin against the top of her head. God, this felt good. And familiar. And wrong at the same time now. "I don't know if this can work again."
Haley wrapped her arms tightly around him. "It can, Aaron. I'll earn your trust back. I'll stay. I've talked to the people at the school. They have a summer school session I can teach. I could move back next week. Please."
He shook his head. "I... I have to think about it." She probably thought he was just punishing her now. There was no way she could possibly understand what a mess she'd just made by walking into the BAU today.
She stared up at him, her eyes glassy with tears. "I don't understand. What is there to think about? Aaron, we're in love. We've been together since high school." Her breath was coming faster, a prelude to actual crying. "Please, I don't know who I am without you. I need you. I thought you needed me."
"Haley..." he started. His chest was aching. It felt like it was constricting. "You're right. You don't understand." He glanced up at the numbers lighting up inside the elevators, mentally trying to gauge how much time they had before the doors opened on them again. "Please don't cry."
"I can't help it," she whispered, turning her face so it pressed against his jacket. "I've ruined everything and I just want to fix it. I want to make it all right and you won't--you can't--" Her words dissolved into sobs.
Aaron sighed, not sure if he was more frustrated at her or if he just felt bad for the way this was all turning out. It wasn't her fault he'd had sex with Dave the very night Haley had ended things. She would never do the same thing to him. He pulled her close again and stroked a hand over her hair. "Shh," he whispered.
"I--love you--so much," she managed, holding on to him.
"I know," was all Aaron could manage at first, but he couldn't not return it after a moment's hesitation. He did love her. Even if that hurt more than he could imagine right now, and he still didn't know what he was going to do. "I love you too."
Part Four-b
Authors:
innerslytherin and severity_softlyPairing: Hotch/Rossi, and a little Hotch/Haley
Rating: PG-13 for this part, NC-17 overall
Summary: When Aaron Hotchner is new to the BAU, he finds himself working closely with SSA David Rossi--one of the original founders of the department. As their relationship progresses, they realize what they have together is more than friendship...but circumstances keep them from having all that they knew they could have together. Years later, Dave has a second chance, just when Aaron needs a friend the most...
Word count: ~12200 for this part, ~78,000 overall
Notes: RP format. Mild AU, as we played fast and loose with Hotch's already screwy back story (especially in regards to his work history and the timeline of his marriage to Haley).
Previous parts: Part One, Part Two, Part Three
"Love is the expansion of two natures in such fashion that each include the other, each is enriched by the other." - Felix Adler
Dave woke up happy. It was one thing to wake up in a good mood, but this was different. This was waking up warm and secure and with someone's--Aaron's--arms tight around him. This was a quiet content that was better, more permanent, than a good mood.
Eyes still closed, he smiled and shifted closer to Aaron. He knew they would have to get up soon and get started on the case. But for now he could listen to Aaron's breathing and revel in the fact that he would have this again. Aaron would be his. He'd grown so accustomed to knowing Aaron wasn't his and would never be that he hadn't realized how much that knowledge hurt, until the hurt was healed.
"Mmm," Aaron groaned, then turned his head to kiss Dave's forehead, the closest thing of Dave's he could reach. He pulled Dave closer. It was strange, the broad shoulders in his arms. He'd felt this before, but he hadn't been able to fully enjoy it last time--not that there wasn't a part of him that felt an undeniable sadness for the relationship he'd lost that had been such a huge part of his life for so long... but it was too early and he was too sated from sleep and last night's activities to think much on that now.
"Morning," Dave murmured, his voice hoarse from sleep. He lifted his face to kiss Aaron slowly. "Sleep all right?" He smiled at Aaron, feeling totally unguarded for once, and not minding at all. He lifted a hand to brush his thumb across Aaron's cheek.
Aaron met Dave's gaze and couldn't help but smile at the expression on Dave's face. In truth, once Dave had fallen asleep, Aaron had stayed awake for quite a while, unmoving, trying to sort the events that had so completely changed his life in just the few hours before. Eventually Dave's breathing soothed him to sleep, though, even if it had only been a few hours before now. "Yeah, I did," he murmured, and kissed Dave again.
"Good," Dave mumbled between kisses. He rolled so he was on top of Aaron, his kisses growing hungrier. "We have a big day ahead of us." His lips brushed Aaron's as he spoke. He wasn't ready to leave the bed and acknowledge the world outside yet.
Aaron's smile widened and he wrapped a leg around Dave's. "We should go," he whispered. Except he really didn't want to. That was clear enough in his kiss.
"Mmhmm," Dave agreed, and kissed him again. He ran a hand down Aaron's arm. "It's still early." Another kiss. "Come shower with me." Actual sex in the shower was awkward and dangerous, but there was plenty of touching and kissing for them to catch up on, and he frankly didn't want to tear himself away from Aaron just yet.
Aaron laughed softly, the sound lazily rolling out. "Someone's always got the cold spot."
"Yeah, whoever's slowest," Dave said, arching an eyebrow in challenge.
Aaron shifted under Dave's weight. "You have an unfair advantage."
Dave lowered his head and kissed Aaron slowly, then pulled back, smiling. "It's about time you chased me for a change," he said, and tried to roll away.
"Mmm, chasing me?" Aaron looped his arm around Dave's waist, keeping him where he was. "Wait, what happened to behaving yourself?" I happened, he thought suddenly. I started that. He pushed aside the flood of guilt, reminding himself that Haley was the one that effectively ended the relationship.
"I tried that," Dave said, pleased. "It stopped working about the time you ordered me to shut up and fuck you." He kissed Aaron again.
That startled a laugh out of Aaron, and he pulled Dave in for another kiss... and then shoved him off in the opposite direction of the bathroom and started for the shower.
Startled, Dave sprawled over on the bed and had to scramble not to actually fall off it. "Hey!" he cried as he watched Hotch steal a head start for the shower. "Cheater!" He was grinning as he followed.
*****
Dave had never had a relationship work quite like this before. For one thing, he'd never actually had more than casual involvement with another man, and for another, he'd never dated an agent he worked so closely with. He wasn't sure, going into it, if it would be easier or harder this way...but it turned out to be easy. Almost frighteningly easy, for his part. For Aaron...he wasn't sure.
Aaron had just come out of a relationship that had already lasted years, despite that it wasn't a marriage on paper. Dave had been through it once already. Besides, if Dave were honest with himself, he'd been in love with Aaron for months. So he didn't push Aaron on the emotional side of things, and directed his attention to giving Aaron as much physical pleasure as they had time for.
The case in Athens was a bad one, but it was at least quick. They spent a week and a half there and drove back to Quantico more slowly than they'd driven down. Dave let Aaron drive this time, stopping at some of his favorite places along the way, and didn't ask questions about how many times he'd been to them with Haley.
When they walked into the BAU, Gideon could probably tell something had changed, but he didn't ask Dave, and Dave wasn't about to volunteer. He could appreciate that Jason wanted his team to work well together, but there was no way in hell Dave wanted to be profiled himself. Aaron, of course, admired Gideon and, more to the point, liked him more than Dave did.
It wasn't a surprise, then, that Jason called to them late in the afternoon when they were getting ready to leave. "Hotch, could I have a minute before you go?"
Aaron glanced up from his desk, and ignored the way his stomach dropped out. He somehow had a feeling he knew what was coming. Sort of. And he really wasn't sure yet how to handle it. Jason Gideon was one of the best profilers there were, so he didn't think denying his relationship with Dave was such a good idea. "Sure," he said casually, and stood to make his way to the office, his mind going over what to say if Gideon told him to end the relationship.
Aaron liked Dave. He liked waking up with someone next to him. There was no doubt that Dave knew how make Aaron's body feel more than Haley ever had, and he liked the constancy of having someone who cared about him. He liked the routine of relationships. Aaron was used to that, and Dave had filled that void in his life, even when Aaron still felt utterly torn about the circumstances that had led to his relationship with Dave moving beyond friendship and into... whatever it was now.
He stepped in Gideon's office and didn't close the door, knowing Gideon would see that as an automatic silent admission of "guilt", then walked to his usual half-way point between the desk and door. He lifted his eyebrows to indicate he was waiting for Gideon to start.
"You did good work on this case," Gideon said, glancing past Aaron to the door, then back. "You and Rossi make a good team."
Aaron nodded. "Thank you. I think so," he said, not thinking for a moment that was all there was to this, especially not after where Gideon's eyes had darted.
Gideon smiled. "Did you have a chance to see Haley while you were in Georgia?"
Aaron drew a deep breath, hesitating for a moment, then gave Gideon a somewhat neutral answer, "No, I didn't."
"Really? That's too bad. But she'll probably be coming up to Virginia soon, won't she? The school year is nearly over." Gideon didn't look away from Aaron's face.
Aaron stood there for a moment, trying to ignore the way he felt like he couldn't breathe, like something was tightening around his chest. He didn't look away either, though. After a long moment, though, he looked away out the window. "It appears she's not moving, after all, sir," he said, emphasizing the last word in a way that implied--just barely--that this wasn't a topic he really wanted to discuss, which was only further emphasized by looking back at Gideon as soon as he said it.
"Really." Gideon's voice was quiet, inviting confidence. "That's a shame." He glanced beyond Aaron again, then down at his desk.
When Gideon looked away again, so did Aaron. He let his eyes travel Gideon's office walls and then the vertical blinds in the windows that faced the bullpen, but he kept silent.
Gideon sighed. "Are you happy here, Aaron?"
Aaron glanced back, and for some reason that question got under his skin more than Aaron had expected it should. He stared at Gideon for a moment, telling himself just to say 'yes' and be done with this. Instead, he moved back to the door and shut it, then walked right up to Gideon's desk and sat down, not looking away from Gideon's face. "I just had a thirteen year relationship with the only person I've ever loved end, so I think I have every right to be a little upset." He paused a moment, wondering if Gideon would stop him, but then continued when Gideon didn't say anything. "If you're asking whether I have any intention of leaving the BAU, however, I can tell you emphatically that the answer is no."
Gideon kept watching him, his expression giving away nothing. "I'm glad to hear that you aren't thinking of leaving," he said quietly. "You have an amazing amount of potential--potential you're already proving. This team is made up of some of the finest minds in the world, and I have no doubt that you belong here. I'm glad that you have no doubt of that, either." He folded his hands on the table and sighed. After a moment, he continued. "I also have no doubt that David belongs here. He has been doing this work for years, and he is one of the finest profilers I have ever worked with. He is also, of course, arrogant, bold to the point of brashness, and rather bad at relating to the press." He paused, obviously to give Aaron a chance to say something.
Aaron's expression was neutral, and for a moment he sat there, just watching Gideon, prepared not to say anything. Then he dropped his gaze, shook his head once, and glance back up. "I don't disagree."
"Your partnership is remarkable. You've achieved an extraordinary level of rapport and trust. I think you bring out the finer aspects of his personality. And I think he also brings out a great deal in you." Gideon tilted his head. "I hope you won't hurt him, Hotch." His voice was soft, his eyes on Aaron's, half in caution and half in appeal.
God. That was the last thing Aaron had expected to hear, and it sent a flash of cold through him. He looked down and stared at the edge of Gideon's desk and then froze momentarily. Fuck. All the guilt and fear he'd felt that first night in Athens about turning to Dave when he'd been upset returned so quickly it was nearly paralyzing. "He's... not unaware of my situation, Jason."
Gideon watched Aaron silently for what felt like a long time. "Just be careful, Hotch." He finally offered a small smile, but it looked sad. "This job can be hard on people, and it's hell on our relationships. I don't want to see either of you hurt."
Aaron sat there, not looking up for a moment, but then he finally managed to nod and glance up. "I really have no intention of hurting anyone."
"I know." Gideon's voice was quiet. "We rarely do." He looked at Aaron for another moment, then nodded at the door. Dave was leaning against the wall outside, arms folded, obviously waiting on Aaron.
Aaron felt like he was being scolded and dismissed, but Gideon had this way of saying things that made it nearly impossible to argue, which was part of the reason he was so damn good at his job. Not that Aaron really wanted to argue, but that was beside the point. After a moment, he nodded again and got up to leave.
When he got outside, he glanced at Dave and gave him a small nod before walking to their desk.
"I'm heading out," Dave told Aaron, though he didn't look away from Gideon yet. Their gazes held for a moment, and for some reason the defensive rebelliousness Dave was feeling faded. He glanced at Aaron. "You coming? We can get some dinner."
Aaron didn't look back. He just gathered his things at his desk. "Yeah, sure. I skipped lunch."
Dave nodded and ignored Gideon as he walked out. He was feeling a little sick as he stood by the elevator and waited for Aaron to catch up. Gideon had always ignored his flirtations and dalliances after Kay left...but of course this was more than that. He wondered what Gideon had said. And what Aaron had said back.
Aaron caught up to Dave and headed into the elevator once it opened. When it closed, he glanced at Dave, unsure whether to try to pretend everything was okay or not. It wasn't. Aaron felt like he ought to just call off the entire thing now. But he knew he wouldn't. He couldn't. He was enjoying his relationship with Dave as it was, even if he wasn't as invested as Dave was, if Gideon's warning held the truth. He knew over time that would change, though, even if he wasn't ready to let go of his reservations yet. He knew he cared a lot about Dave. That thought managed to put a smile on Aaron's face. "Hello," he murmured, his smile quirking slightly to the side.
"Closed-door conference with Gideon, huh?" Dave said, shoving his hands in his pockets. He knew Aaron could see right through his nonchalant tone, but he couldn't quite bring himself to ask outright what they'd talked about.
Aaron didn't look away, but he somehow doubted, regardless of Dave asking, that Dave would react very well to Aaron honestly telling Dave what had been discussed. Best case scenario, Dave would dismiss the idea of Aaron hurting him as ridiculous. I hope I don't hurt you, Aaron thought. "Yeah. Not really that bad, actually."
Dave raised his eyebrows, but he smiled. "You're not gonna tell me, are you?" The elevator dinged open and he headed for the parking lot, knowing Aaron would keep up with him.
"No. I'm not," Aaron said, his smile widening as he followed Dave out.
Laughing, Dave shook his head. "Fine. You can buy me dinner to make up for it."
"I didn't realize a little privacy was such a grave offense," Aaron said, grinning. He caught up of Dave and matched his stride. "But I'll buy dinner anyway, on the contingency that we share a bottle of wine at my house tonight."
Dave glanced over at him, liking the expression on Aaron's face. He pretended to think it over, then tilted his head. "Deal. White or red? I can pick some up on my way."
"I don't care. Surprise me," Aaron said, glancing behind them to see if anyone was there, and then giving Dave's upper arm a squeeze before turning towards his car.
Dave spent longer than he meant to trying to pick out a wine. Something quality, because Aaron Hotchner was a man used to quality. Something not too romantic or feminine, since they were both men. He wanted something robust and passionate. And even though he'd learned a lot about wine while he was with Kay, he wasn't sure he'd managed to find what he wanted when he left the store. All the same, he ended up at Aaron's with a bottle of white that he thought would work.
He told himself it was ridiculous to be nervous. They'd been partners for almost a year now, and they'd been sleeping together for a week and a half. But this was different. This was at home. This meant something.
He hoped. Oh, God, if this was going to blow up in his face, was it even worth it? Dave was still standing on the doorstep, unable even to ring the bell, when Aaron opened the door.
Aaron had decided to actually cook... which was something he hadn't really done in quite some time, though he didn't think he was too bad at it. He supposed it technically counted as "buying" dinner, and it was more personal. After his meeting with Gideon, Aaron felt like more personal was something he needed to aim for. He wasn't a man who'd ever taken sex casually, which was why he'd only ever been with Haley before now and why he hadn't been able to allow himself to do anything more than guiltily kiss Dave before. Aaron might not know how exactly he felt, but he'd decided on the drive home that he wasn't going to take sex casually with Dave either. So, yes. He'd decided he needed to give more.
He was just putting the chicken in the oven when he saw Dave's headlights, and he waited for a minute before he frowned, wondering why there hadn't been a knock, and headed to the door. Dave was standing on his doorstep, and Aaron smiled at him. "I saw your truck." He glanced at the driveway. "You all right?"
Dave took a deep breath and smiled. "Yeah. Sorry, I was just thinking." He glanced around. "Good to be home, isn't it?" He stepped inside and held out the bottle. "I hope this goes with dinner."
Aaron took it from him and read the label, then waited for the door to shut behind Dave. He leaned in to kiss him briefly, then headed for the kitchen. "It'll be fine, as long as I don't burn dinner," he said.
"You're cooking?" Dave's smile widened and he followed Aaron into the kitchen, intrigued. "Please tell me you have a flaw hiding somewhere, besides the fact that you hog the covers and don't laugh enough."
Aaron turned around and leaned against the counter a moment. "I laugh plenty." Of course, that was true in private matters. Mostly true. Aaron was well aware he had a tendency to be overly serious in other ways. "Anyway, you haven't tasted it yet." He turned to find a corkscrew.
Dave laughed and stepped up behind him to slide an arm around his stomach and pull him back against Dave's chest. It was strange, being in Aaron's home. He hoped he wasn't overstepping himself. "You laugh almost as rarely as Gideon," he murmured, and kissed Aaron's neck. "I always figure it's the highlight of my day if I can make you laugh." He was exaggerating a little, and honestly he wouldn't change that about Aaron even if he could. It made every laugh more valuable.
Aaron closed his eyes, fighting the momentary impulse to tense. It was strange; this was the house he'd meant to share with Haley. She's gone. She never even lived here. Not really. The things she left are still in boxes. He leaned back a bit into the embrace. "You make me laugh more than anyone," he replied, then turned in Dave's arms. "I'll never get the wine open and our dinner will be charcoal if you keep this up."
"I'll open the wine. You take care of dinner." Dave kissed Aaron, a slow, thorough kiss, then plucked the corkscrew out of his hand and gave him a nudge towards the oven. He opened the wine and opened cupboards until he found glasses.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, just leaning against the counter for a moment when Dave moved, and then going to work on their food. Dave poured him a glass of wine, and they talked for a while while Aaron cooked, in spite of Aaron having told Dave to go make himself comfortable.
The food was... mediocre. At least, it wasn't half as good as Aaron had hoped it would be. When he finished, he leaned back in his seat and took a long sip of his wine. "Flaw number one. You should start cataloging them. You'll have a laundry list before you even know it."
Dave grinned and took his notebook out of his shirt pocket. "Aaron's flaw, number one," he said aloud as he wrote. "Perfectionist." He glanced up teasingly at him.
Aaron rolled his eyes and feigned annoyance.
Dave kicked him gently under the table. "The chicken was good. You're just too hard on yourself. Not to mention the company made the food even better." He took a sip of his wine and relaxed back in his seat. "The wine helped, too," he said after a minute.
Aaron was about to say that the company had helped quite a bit, but his lips quirked to the side when Dave finished, and he trapped Dave's foot between his. "How many glasses have you had?"
"Hey, you've been here the whole time. I've only had one. And a half." Dave's gaze was warm. "I guess the company helped more than the wine."
"Oh, thank you," Aaron said, his tone amused. He held Dave's gaze for a moment. Gideon's words kept surfacing in Aaron's mind whenever the conversation broke and Dave looked at him like that. "I'll clean up while you decide how we should spend the rest of the night," he said finally, giving Dave a mildly suggestive look as he slipped out of his seat.
Dave raised his eyebrows, intrigued by that idea. "You know, I do know how to wash a plate."
"Well, I do have a dishwasher, and I know how to use it even without--" Haley's instructions. He stopped abruptly. "There's just two of us. Not much to clean up. I can do it."
Dave nodded and refilled both their wine glasses while Aaron cleaned up. He headed to the living room and sat on the couch, wondering again if this was going to work. He thought it was. Of course he had to keep reminding himself that Aaron was still mourning one relationship. Dave had to give as much time and space as Aaron needed. But they were good for each other, good companions, good partners. He smiled when Aaron came into the room, taking in the rolled up sleeves and relaxed expression.
Aaron was thankful Dave had given him space for a moment, and when he walked out into the living room, he was calm again. He settled next to Dave and leaned in for a lingering kiss. "Have you decided?"
"Mmm, some more of that might be a good start," Dave said, sliding an arm around Aaron's waist and pulling him close.
Aaron pulled Dave's wine glass out of his hand and put it on the coffee table near where Dave had put Aaron's glass, then shifted to face Dave a little more. "I can do more of this," he murmured, and kissed Dave again, his fingertips stroking Dave's jaw.
Dave let his eyes close for a moment, then leaned in for another kiss. "Gideon knows, doesn't he?" he whispered after another kiss.
Aaron froze for a second, then shifted back just barely enough to look at Dave, though their noses were still brushing. After a moment, he just nodded.
Dave lifted a hand to brush through Aaron's hair. "He's not going to stop us?" He kissed Aaron again. He didn't give a damn what Gideon wanted; it was what Aaron wanted that concerned him. If Aaron thought it would cause trouble at work...
Aaron slid his hand over Dave's stomach and shook his head, wishing he knew what to say.
"What did he say?" Dave asked, hoping Aaron wouldn't avoid the subject again. "Is it a problem?"
Aaron sighed and pulled back more, holding Dave's gaze. God, he couldn't tell Dave that Gideon thought Aaron would hurt him. And Aaron had meant it when he said he had no intention of hurting Dave. Even if he was protecting himself now, he could see this relationship lasting if he dared to let himself think about it. He swallowed. "He said he could see both the advantages and disadvantages of it."
Dave snorted. "Right." He kissed Aaron again. "If you don't want to tell me, you can just say so," he murmured, and tugged, trying to get Aaron in his lap. They'd probably talked too much tonight, anyway.
Aaron shifted so he was straddling Dave, but just looked down at him, arching a brow. "You think I'm lying to you?" he asked. He hadn't lied. Those may not have been Gideon's exact words, but that was the gist of it.
"I think you're avoiding the real answer," Dave said frankly. "But if you don't want to tell me, it's fine. I can respect that." He kissed Aaron again.
Aaron sat back and gave Dave a look when the kiss ended. "That is the real answer."
Dave just looked back at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Okay." He stroked his hands up Aaron's back, running his fingers into dark hair that was getting just a little long. He liked it that way, and he definitely liked messing it up, taking away a little of Aaron's control. He lifted his face for another kiss.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, leaning in and kissing Dave fully. This was still strange, the idea that he was sitting in another man's lap, but it was becoming more and more comfortable each time they did it. He slid his arms around Dave's shoulders, brushing one hand down the back of Dave's shirt.
Dave smiled and started unbuttoning Aaron's shirt. "Thanks for dinner," he murmured, since he couldn't say what he was really thinking--Thanks for not letting Gideon scare you off.
"Thanks for the wine," Aaron murmured back. He drew his hand over the planes of Dave's shoulder blades, and then realized he was probably choking Dave by pulling his shirt back to do it. He breathed a small laugh and opened the first few buttons of Dave's shirt.
Dave finished with Aaron's shirt and slid his hands inside, trailing them over his skin. He looked up at Aaron's face.
Aaron splayed his fingers over the top of Dave's chest, watching the way Dave was looking at him. He drew his hand up Dave's neck, brushing his knuckles over Dave's jaw and leaned in again to give Dave a slow, lingering kiss, then pulled away. "What?"
"Nothing." Dave shook his head slightly. "You're very handsome. I like looking at you." It felt suddenly like he was giving away too much, like this was something he shouldn't say.
Aaron smiled and kissed Dave again. "You're not so bad yourself," he teased, letting his hand drift further back along Dave's jaw until his fingers were in Dave's hair.
Dave snorted but didn't protest. He just slid his arms around Aaron and pulled him close for another, slower, kiss.
Aaron hummed a pleased noise and settled against Dave, liking the way Dave's hands felt against his skin. "Was this really your plan for the rest of the night?" he whispered and kissed Dave again. "Not that I mind..."
"Mmm, maybe for a little while," Dave murmured. He liked exploring Aaron's body like this, which they hadn't had a lot of time for yet. "Maybe in a while we'll go to bed." He stroked his palms over Aaron's back, taking in the play of muscles under his skin, as they kissed.
"Mmm," Aaron hummed, deepening the kiss. He slid his hand back down to Dave's buttons and started to work them open the rest of the way down. "So those women in IAFIS were right; you really are only interested in one thing," he said, keeping as straight a face as possible and flicking a finger across one of Dave's nipples.
"Hey--ahh!" Dave gasped as the sensation distracted him from protesting, which Aaron had obviously intended. He grunted and pulled Aaron in for another kiss. "Been gossiping about me, Hotshot?" he whispered. "Not kosher, gossiping about your partner." He bit Aaron's lower lip gently.
"I wabn't--" Aaron pulled away from Dave's teeth. "I wasn't. I didn't have to say a word," he said, his resolve not to smile crumbling. He kissed Dave again with more hunger and turned his hand to pinch Dave, gently rolling Dave's nipple between his fingertips.
Dave laughed. "Bastard," he muttered, and kissed Aaron again. God, he was in over his head. It was too much. And he couldn't stop. "Fine, if you're not interested in sex, you decide what we're doing," he teased.
"The news is on in ten minutes... or so," Aaron suggested, trailing kisses over Dave's jaw.
Dave groaned. "Too much like work," he said, arching his neck so Aaron could continue. "Movie, not the news."
"I like work, and I like the news." Aaron didn't stop his lips, and sucked Dave's earlobe into his mouth. "Isn't dinner and a movie a little cliche?" he breathed in Dave's ear.
"Isn't fa--sleeping with your partner a little cliche?" Dave countered, and the thrill that ran down his spine had nothing to do with what Aaron was doing. God, had he really come that close to such a stupid slip? He knew he was ahead of Aaron in this, but he didn't have to blurt out that he was falling in love. He slid his hands down to cup Aaron's ass, praying that would distract him. "I don't watch the news. I'll hear enough about the atrocities in the world when my pager goes off."
Aaron sucked in a breath and told himself not to react, but his lips slowed on Dave's skin anyway. It struck Aaron suddenly that maybe Gideon had been wrong. Isn't fucking your partner a little cliche?! Aaron tried to ignore it, but it didn't work. He pulled back after a moment and smiled. "Not all news is bad," he said, then slid off Dave's lap. "Movie then," he said decisively. "And, yes, it is cliche sleeping with your partner."
Shit, Aaron had caught him. Dave forced a smile and kissed Aaron again. "Well, one more cliche won't matter, then," he reasoned, and leaned back on the couch, stretching his legs out. "You pick."
Aaron nodded and went to look for a movie. A few minutes later, Aaron was slouched down on the couch too close to Dave so that their arms were brushing. Dave was complaining that Aaron had picked a far too serious movie, but he didn't seem to really mind in spite of his words. Aaron slid his hand over Dave's knee.
Dave was complaining just for the sake of it, still feeling the chill of his mistake earlier. He still ended up doing an exaggerated yawn and stretch, just to make Aaron laugh when he slid an arm around his shoulders.
Aaron rolled his eyes, but settled against Dave's chest anyway and fell silent as the movie started. Dave chuckled and turned his attention to the movie, which turned out to be good. They'd finished off the bottle of wine by the time it ended. As the credits rolled, Dave found himself wondering if Aaron would ask him to stay, or if he would be going home. It wasn't about sex, whatever Aaron might think. Dave just liked being with Aaron. He didn't say anything, just turned his head to kiss Aaron's neck.
Aaron closed his eyes and tilted his head to give Dave more access, wondering if he should invite Dave to bed or not. He wanted Dave to stay. And he was sure Dave probably wanted that too. So what was the problem? Aaron shook himself mentally. There was no problem; he'd just let himself think Dave was farther ahead of this than Aaron was. "What was that you said about bed before?" he breathed.
"I wouldn't want you to think I'm just interested in one thing," Dave teased, his lips brushing Aaron's skin. "Maybe we should just sleep, so I can prove I'm not just after your body." He angled himself more towards Aaron, resting a hand on his stomach.
Aaron laced his fingers with Dave's. "You are after my body, though, right? At least a little?" he said, his tone light.
"Hmm, just a little," Dave murmured, pressing an open-mouthed kiss against Aaron's neck. "Part of the whole package." He smiled against Aaron's skin.
"I bet you say that to all the girls," Aaron said dryly, then got up and tugged Dave with him, pulling him toward the bedroom.
Dave laughed and followed willingly, pleased that Aaron had invited him. He hoped he wasn't taking this too quickly, even as he knew he was. "I've never dated a profiler before, though," he replied, pausing in the doorway to Aaron's bedroom. This was the bed he'd shared with Haley. Dave wondered if it would be awkward.
Aaron stopped when Dave did, and it took him a moment to follow what had caused the pause, but when it hit him, a wash of cold swept through his body. He stepped back towards Dave and kissed him, sliding an arm around Dave's waist. "Or we could go to your place," he said softly.
Dave's heart sank, but he wrapped his arms around Aaron. "It's up to you," he replied, matching Aaron's tone. He didn't want Haley to be an issue with them, but he could understand. Though... "We've both had quite a bit of wine."
Aaron nodded, then a completely irrational side of him almost suggested they take a cab. He hadn't considered this before now, and he really should have. His stomach was twisting. "You're right," he said. He'd have to get over this eventually. This was faster than he'd ever planned, but it wasn't Dave's fault.
Dave kissed Aaron softly. "I can go," he offered, trying not to let Aaron see how unhappy he was with that option.
"Sorry. No, it's fine," Aaron said, looking at Dave and wishing he could move from the doorway. He almost wished Dave would push him.
Dave nodded and kissed him again, more hungrily. "Then let's go to bed," he murmured, and nudged Aaron toward the bed.
Oh, good. Aaron let Dave guide him back into the room, which made it easier to actually do it, but didn't erase the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach when they settled in bed. And he hoped Dave really didn't want to have sex, because Aaron suddenly didn't think he could get in the mood. He wrapped his arms around Dave and pressed his face against Dave's neck.
Dave thought about sleeping alone for the first time after his divorce from Kay, and thought he knew a little bit about how Aaron felt. Of course, it had been several months after the divorce when he even thought first about dating, so he knew he didn't understand fully. Then again, he hadn't had temptation staring him in the face at the time. He stroked a hand over Aaron's hair and down his back. "I like sleeping next to you," he murmured, closing his eyes. "I've never trusted anyone like I trust you."
Aaron relaxed, drawing a deep breath and taking in Dave's scent. He stroked his thumb down Dave's side and kissed his neck. "I trust you too." God, this was weird. "I hope you meant it when you said you just wanted to sleep," he murmured.
"Yes," Dave said. He was fine with just sleeping. He was ridiculously grateful not to be sent home.
"Good," Aaron said, and lifted his head to kiss Dave softly.
Dave held Aaron there, drawing out the kiss. "Like I said," he murmured when they parted, "I'm not just interested in one thing." He smiled and closed his eyes.
*****
Another case finished, and this time with good results, a life saved. Dave let his arm brush Aaron's as they stood in the elevator, a subtle but real way of acknowledging their relationship. It was still early days, but he was settling in, thinking of Aaron the way he used to think about Kay, as someone who would always be part of his life, to be taken into account when making plans. It was easier than it had any right to be, and he was happy.
Which was why he felt as if he'd been punched in the chest when the elevator doors slid open and the first thing he saw was Haley.
She looked up at the chime and her entire face lit up when she saw Aaron. It made Dave's stomach jump unpleasantly.
"Aaron! Agent Gideon said he was expecting you back soon. He said I could wait." She glanced at Dave, but didn't say anything before looking back at Aaron.
Aaron hadn't really been paying any attention to his surroundings. He'd been focusing on the subtle warmth Dave's touch sent through him. But when Haley's voice cut through his thoughts, his head jerked up to her and all the warmth washed away, while at the same time, he couldn't deny that there was a very real part of himself happy to see her.
Still, he frowned deeply, and nearly let the elevator doors close again when he simply started at her too long. Luckily, he remembered where he was fast... and oh God, Gideon had spoken to her! Aaron darted a glance at Dave and then stepped out of the elevator. He had half a mind to grab her arm and drag her into a private corner of the hall, but he just walked up close enough that he could breathe, "What are you doing here?"
Haley's smile didn't fade much, but it was noticeable. She stepped forward and slid her arms around him, pressing her face to his chest. "Oh, Aaron, I made a terrible mistake. I came to tell you that."
Aaron hadn't meant to get close to her for this reason. He'd actually intended to stand "over" her a bit, but this... Aaron stood there frozen for a minute, then awkwardly lifted his hands and returned the hug stiffly. Because it was Haley. And he couldn't be so cold as to just stand there, no matter how much he was tempted, especially with Dave there. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to figure out what to say, but he couldn't find the breath to speak, and just opened his eyes to stare down at the top of her head. "Haley..."
Dave told himself to go into the BAU and pretend nothing was wrong. He told himself not to hyperventilate. He was taking neither piece of advice. Finally he closed his eyes, but he didn't move.
"I'm so sorry, Aaron. I've been wrong. I've been so wrong. And I've missed you. I thought I could do it without you, but...life is so miserable with you gone. I can't do this." Haley clung to him, her arms tight, her fingers clutching the back of his suit jacket.
Aaron didn't look at Dave. He couldn't, and after a moment he leaned back and gripped Haley's arms, trying to get her to let go without pushing her, trying not to look to see if Gideon, or anyone else in the bullpen, was watching. "'I'm sorry' doesn't put things back the way they were. You shouldn't have come here," he said under his breath
She stood back, staring up at him in surprise. "Aaron..." Her eyes were pleading. "I had to see you right away. I tried the house, but you were gone. You...you packed up my things." Her lower lip trembled.
Dave opened his eyes, wondering if there were anything of his at Aaron's house, anything that might tell her they had been sharing a relationship closer than that of work partners. He wondered if Haley knew he was in love with her ex-fiance.
Aaron stared at Haley a moment--and fuck, he wished she'd stop looking at him like that. He watched her lip, and then his voice softened in spite of his attempt not to let it; the last thing he needed was for her to cry. "You were gone. You left. I was going to ship them back." He hadn't been able to, but he wished he had now.
"I want to come back," she said, her voice quietly urgent. "I promise I'll give it a real try, Aaron. I love you. I want to be with you. Whatever's important to you is fine. Please." Her voice trembled.
Dave closed his eyes for a moment, then drew in a deep breath and opened them again. "You should talk to your fiancee, Aaron," he said, his voice gruff. "Take her out to lunch." He pushed past them, not letting himself touch Aaron at all. "I'll handle the paperwork." He glanced over his shoulder, hoping he didn't look as wrecked as he suddenly felt. "It's nice to see you again, Haley." Then he went inside the BAU office.
Aaron felt his heart sink. She's not my fiancee, and you know it, he thought angrily, but only watched Dave go. "Haley, you need to go," he said quietly.
"Why?" she demanded, staring at him. "Agent Gideon didn't have a problem with my being here. And your partner said you could take me to lunch." She touched his arm. "Aaron, we need to talk."
"I know we do," Aaron said. He still didn't want to leave. "This isn't--" He expelled a breath, not knowing what to do or say anymore. He didn't have any excuses not to leave. Dave had made sure of that.
"Aaron, I love you. Please, I know I've been awful." She looked down. "I tried to do what your mother suggested. She thought we could get you to come back. But I see now that this is what's important to you. And...and I shouldn't have made you choose. I was wrong."
"My mother?!" he asked, raising his voice just slightly from the hushed tone he'd been using. It didn't surprise him, really. He was convinced, at times, that Haley got along better with his mother than even Aaron did. He stared at her for another moment, then took her upper arm and pulled her gently towards the elevator.
"I just thought--Aaron, she could see I was unhappy about things. And she thought you'd change your mind. She thought you would see..." Haley shook her head. "She was wrong. And I was wrong. I'm sorry."
Aaron shook his head slowly. "This isn't the place to discuss this," he said, waiting until the elevator doors opened and pulling her inside.
Haley reached up and covered his hand with hers, pulling it down from her arm and wrapping both hands around it. "I'm sorry."
He looked down at her, thankful the elevator was empty. "I already told you, 'I'm sorry' doesn't make everything right." It didn't negate the fact that he'd been sleeping with Dave or that she had purposely manipulated him.
"I know. But we've been together for so long, Aaron. Can't you at least listen to me?"
"I'm listening," he said, knowing everything she said was just going to make this more and more complicated. It didn't matter what he did now, he was damned either way.
"I'll do anything I have to do, Aaron. Anything. I just want to prove that I'm committed to making it work. I really am. I know I shouldn't have tried to manipulate you. I shouldn't have even talked to your mother about our problems. I know you aren't that close to her, and I went behind your back." She looked down, her hands tightening on his. "Your work here frightens me. I don't want you to be like David Rossi, who never sits with his back to the door and always watches people like he doesn't trust them. I don't want you to be in danger. But I've realized this is important to you. You want to protect people instead of just getting justice for them when they're already dead."
Aaron watched her, his resolve crumbling by the minute. After a moment, he sighed and pulled her against him. God, what the hell was he doing? He didn't let her hand go, but wrapped his other arm around her. "Dave was in Waco last year, what do you expect? He's a brilliant profiler." All you can say is in defense of Dave? "I don't know," he finally said, sounding defeated. He settled his chin against the top of her head. God, this felt good. And familiar. And wrong at the same time now. "I don't know if this can work again."
Haley wrapped her arms tightly around him. "It can, Aaron. I'll earn your trust back. I'll stay. I've talked to the people at the school. They have a summer school session I can teach. I could move back next week. Please."
He shook his head. "I... I have to think about it." She probably thought he was just punishing her now. There was no way she could possibly understand what a mess she'd just made by walking into the BAU today.
She stared up at him, her eyes glassy with tears. "I don't understand. What is there to think about? Aaron, we're in love. We've been together since high school." Her breath was coming faster, a prelude to actual crying. "Please, I don't know who I am without you. I need you. I thought you needed me."
"Haley..." he started. His chest was aching. It felt like it was constricting. "You're right. You don't understand." He glanced up at the numbers lighting up inside the elevators, mentally trying to gauge how much time they had before the doors opened on them again. "Please don't cry."
"I can't help it," she whispered, turning her face so it pressed against his jacket. "I've ruined everything and I just want to fix it. I want to make it all right and you won't--you can't--" Her words dissolved into sobs.
Aaron sighed, not sure if he was more frustrated at her or if he just felt bad for the way this was all turning out. It wasn't her fault he'd had sex with Dave the very night Haley had ended things. She would never do the same thing to him. He pulled her close again and stroked a hand over her hair. "Shh," he whispered.
"I--love you--so much," she managed, holding on to him.
"I know," was all Aaron could manage at first, but he couldn't not return it after a moment's hesitation. He did love her. Even if that hurt more than he could imagine right now, and he still didn't know what he was going to do. "I love you too."
Part Four-b
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 10:16 am (UTC)Poor guys. What will they do now? Will those miscommunications rear their ugly heads again and make them think that each others feelings are different to what they'd hoped?
Onto part b for a few answers...
Laura.
no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 04:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-07 01:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-04 07:23 am (UTC)Also, this: She would never do the same thing to him. OUCH. Oh the irony inherent in that statement, retrospectively....
*dashes off to part B*
no subject
Date: 2009-01-04 11:41 pm (UTC):D
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Date: 2009-01-05 12:13 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-16 04:31 am (UTC)That being said! "Your partnership is remarkable. You've achieved an extraordinary level of rapport and trust. I think you bring out the finer aspects of his personality. And I think he also brings out a great deal in you." Gideon tilted his head. "I hope you won't hurt him, Hotch." His voice was soft, his eyes on Aaron's, half in caution and half in appeal.
For. The. WIN!
Gideon is on my favorites list for that, as while I was expecting a warning about their relationship, that came from out of left field for me, and it made me respect him muchly.
Hmm, what else. I hate Haley and she needs to die. But I think I was also waiting throughout the chapter for her to make an appearance, because 'Happily Ever After' does not happen after four point five chapters, you know?
It is fascinating to me to watch both Aaron and David falling in love. Boys are such alien creatures to me that I don't particularly identify with where either one of them is coming from. Maybe it's not just boys in general so much as these boys in particular. They are so different from what I percieve them to be that I find myself both curious and puzzled over their actions and the reasoning behind said actions. Does that make sense?
*wanders off to the next part*
no subject
Date: 2009-01-16 04:52 am (UTC)I honestly hate Gideon, mostly for the way he left them. But I have to confess that even though he epic failed at the end, he had a lot of good moments before that, and this is one where I really felt like he should not fail.
no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 12:42 am (UTC)Shhh. Shut up. We are AMAZING, and beyond gender.
>.>
Or something. ;)
no subject
Date: 2009-01-19 12:43 am (UTC):D
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Date: 2010-12-10 02:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-11 02:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-11 04:28 am (UTC)