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"Ellie! You either get your your ass out of bed or I'm going to drag you out!" Melissa screamed toward her little sisters bedroom. Nothing was more annoying than getting a nine year old to leave her bed. Mel didn't wanna think about how much worse it would get with age. Was she the same back then? Finally the nine year old left her bedroom and started getting ready, leaving the twenty-nine year old to finish up her breakfast. After fifteen minutes they were finally on the subway, hurrying to get Ellie to school. "Please be nice today." Melissa said, kissing her sisters forehead and waving her off. If it wasn't so controversial to let her go alone she would, but then some overprotective mother would tell the principal again and Melissa didn't need that. It was a morning like always, nothing really changed about it... ever. And it was good like that. Ellie didn't need change and neither did Mel. Days came and went, it was good, the sisters got along just fine, of course there was bickering and arguing but it was normal.
Except one day something out of the ordinary happened. Melissa got called into school, it hadn't happened in months. Angrily she excused herself from her job, knowing it was probably over something dumb. Maybe she should make Ellie change schools. Grumbling she got on the way to her sisters school, swiping on her phone. The halls were familiar, when they first moved here it was hard to find your way but now she knew. "Mrs. Sherwood." Melissa nodded at the woman and sat down beside her sister. "Ellie." She smiled, scanning the girl and noticing that she wore a different shirt. "Ms. Jamison. We uh... have two things to talk about." The headmaster revealed, making Melissa raise her eyebrow. "Which would be? Are you gonna tell me or do I have to guess and waste my time?" "Well... your sister got dress coded today. But I see where she gets her style from." Melissa swallowed, scanning the older woman in front of her. "And, what's the other reason?" The woman with the tight bun continued, "And she hit a few boys today." "They were bullying me and Jack!" Ellie shouted, frowning and huffing. "What? What did they bully you for?" Melissa focused on her sister, seeing that tears had formed in her eyes. "Jack's mom is dead and then they made fun of me for having no parents!" Tears started streaming down the girls face, making her sisters heart ache. "What?!" The blonde was furious, whipping her head around at the headmaster. "What are you gonna do about that? Huh?!" "We are a violence free school, the others will get their fair punishment but Ellie will be suspended for the rest of the week." Melissa was red from all her anger, taking a deep breath und putting on a fake smile. "Sure. Sure. It's all fair to suspend a kid whose parents are dead for defending herself against bullies!" Melissa slammed her hands on the table, glaring at the woman. "And yes, she got her fashion sense from me. At least I don't look like some villain out of a bad movie." The rage in her was so hot she needed to take it out on somebody. Was it a grown thing to do that? No. But she really couldn't care less. "Come, Ellie. We're going home." Fuming she took her sisters hand, pulling her up from the chair before taking the ugly shirt off. "I got dress coded." Melissa read and threw the shirt onto the desk. Without another word they stormed out, Melissa promptly running into somebody. "Can't you watch where you're going?!" She looked up and swallowed hard. A man in a suit. A handsome man at that. "Jack!" Ellie rushed past her and the man, hugging another boy with a black eye. The kids held each other tight. So this was the boy without a mum. "Uh.. sorry." Melissa mumbled, looking up at the man. "No problem, guess it was in the heat of the moment." He cleared his throat and Mel took a step back, getting a proper look at him. "I uh... I'm Melissa, Ellie's legal guardian." She extended her hand, shaking his and giving him a tight smile. "I'm Aaron Hotchner. Jack's father. I guess we're here for the same reason." "Unfortunately." Melissa looked at her sister, the kids talked animated, smiling and discussing something. "Hey, Ellie. Let's go, we'll get some ice cream." Mr. Hotchner raised an eyebrow. He probably thought she was stupid for rewarding bad behaviour but she couldn't care less. "You and Jack wanna come? His eye looks pretty nasty." "Please dad?" Jack was immediately by his side, making the stoic man smile. "Only because your eye does look pretty bad." Ellie and Jack squealed, running down the hallway towards the parking lot. "Can they drive with us?!" Jack shouted at his father, leaving him no other choice than to say yes.
The car was... fancy to say the least. It seemed too big and new. At least then it was properly tested. Nothing Melissa wanted to afford to be honest, she rather had her vacation once a year, besides a car would be of little use to her with all the traffic jams and stuff. Once at the ice cream palor they all sat down. "At least it was towards the end of the day." Ellie said, eating a spoonful of ice cream. Mr. Hotchner cleared his throat. "It's unbelievable what they did. I will talk to the school administration about the teacher and headmaster." He decided, making Melissa raise an eyebrow. One could do that? "Well, I was just gonna show up and give her a taste of her own medicine." Mel shrugged, making him raise an eyebrow. "My sister can be pretty nasty. She is like... a professional bully." Ellie giggled, receiving a slap from said sister. "You little... I just wanted to give her a cover shirt for this hideous outfit she wore today. And a few strong words." Jack and Ellie giggled, now talking amongst themselves and getting up to get another waffle. "Sister? You look... I mean you could be her mother." Aaron said, looking her up and down. "Fortunately not. Half-sister to be honest, my mum died when I was little and once I was nineteen my dad got with another woman and two years later, little Ellie was born." She said with a smile, remembering how happy she had been for her dad. Mr. Hotchner wanted to respond something but they were interrupted by some shouting. "Jack?!" Mr. Hotchner got up and sped over to the queue which was now turning into a circle of young kids. Melissa did the same, already fuming again, if it were those bullies. Unfortunately she was right, Mr. Hotchner had already pulled Jack and Ellie away, not engaging with the kids but Melissa wasn't about to let them get away this easily. "Mel!" Ellie tried to reach her but there was no holding her, she pushed her sisters hand away and grabbed one of the girls and boys by their shoulders. "Are you little shits bullying them?!" She asked, her brows furrowing. They looked so smug. "Yeah? So?" The blonde girl asked, not faced by the adult that was in her face. "So you admit it? That's great! You know, little shits like the two of you won't make it very far in life. Most of the time they have their prime in high-school and don't really grow from there." Melissa started, careful not to hold them too tight. "But you won't even make that, because bullies are the worst. And you couldn't even take what they are dealing with. Think about your parents dying once and I know you would cry, so don't ever bully my sister or Jack ever again. Or I'm making sure you will have some really tough times." She pushed the two away, making them stumble and almost fall. But just almost. "Let's go." Melissa grabbed her sister, receiving a surpsied look from Mr. Hotchner. "What?" "Oh nothing, just surprised you would threaten a nine year old like that. Not afraid of their parents?" He asked, clearly fighting back a small smile. "No. She's probably also a bully and I'm not afraid to pull on some horrible extension." She grabbed her purse and scanned him. "You are probably right. Most kids are like their parents, especially those with a big ego." Mr. Hotchner smiled at Jack, pulling him to his side. "Could you keep me updated with this administration thing? I'd really like to talk to them." Melissa wrote her number down on a napkin, handing it to him. To be honest, it wasn't the only thing she wanted to stay updated on, the man himself was also pretty interesting.
For a week there was nothing, no text, no call. Then, one Saturday morning she got woken up by her phone ringing. It was 10 a.m. what could anybody want from her?! "Hello?" She grumbled into the phone, voice hoarse from going out the night before. "Uhm... am I talking to Melissa?" A deep voice asked on the other end and she shot straight up. "Yes!" She cleared her throat, hastily getting up to check on herself. "Oh good, I hope I'm not interrupting something." Only my sleep, Mel thought to herself. "Jack asked if Ellie wanted to meet up for a play date." "Uh.. sure, when?" They agreed on time and place, then everything had to go fast. Three hours. She had three hours to get herself ready (with a major hangover) and her sister, who was currently watching TV. Jack beamed at his father, zooming around the living room, making the man smile. Aaron didn't smile a lot anymore, not since Haley had died, everything was pretty dull since then. Except when he had met Melissa. She was interesting to say the least. Strong headed and definitely something else. He didn't want to admit it yet, but she had sparked something in him. "Are you and Melissa gonna do something while Ellie and I play?" Jack asked innocently, eyeing his father whilst they were getting to the park. It was a nice and sunny day, all kids were running around in summer gear, just like the watchful parents. Hotch himself stuck to some shorts and the only pair of sneakers he owned. They waited for ten minutes before the two of them showed up, Ellie wore her usual outdoor clothes and Melissa. She wore some shorts and a tank top with sunglasses and a baseball cap. "Hello." She greeted, coffees in hand. "Sorry we're late, somebody took my sunglasses and couldn't find them anymore." Melissa explained, glaring at her sister before scanning Mr. Hotchner. He had done the same to her, but with her current hangover she hadn't noticed. Nor did she want to notice. In her eyes she looked terrible.
He looked good. The suit looked better but he wasn't bad to look at, at all. The kids had already run off and Melissa handed him the second cup of coffee. "I thought I'd get you one as well. Excuse for coming late." She smiled and they sat down in the shadow. Aaron took the cup and raised his eyebrow. "I just guessed what you'd like. You seem like a black coffee kinda guy and not some sugar laced coffein bomb." "You are right about that. For a moment I thought one of these is for Ellie." He laughed a little and they got chatting. Talking about the school administration, how hard it was for Jack and Ellie, but also how glad they were that they had found each other. Then a call. Aaron answered it quickly sighing. "Jack!" He called out, making the boy turn around with a frown. "You gotta go to your aunts!" Mr. Hotchner called out, making Melissa frown. They had just gotten here. "I got a call from work. Urgent." He explained, making her roll her eyes. A workaholic. "Well. I can stay here with Jack and Ellie and you just pick him up once you are done." Melissa offered, making him shake his head. "It's not easy like that." He explained. "Why not? He can also stay overnight." She offered, smiling warmly. "I barely know you." Mr. Hotchner deadpanned. "I'm offended, Mr. Hotchner. I mean, it's true but they are playing so nicely." After a moment of hesitation he nodded. "Okay, Jack is gonna stay and his aunt is going to pick him up later. Call me if something happens." He said, kissing his son on the forehead before heading off.
Jessica picked Jack up after a few hours, surprised to see such a young 'mother'. Melissa and her chatted for a bit, revealing she wasn't Ellies mum and earning a relieved sigh from Jessica. "Aaron said he was meeting up with another parent from school, I thought you'd be more in his age range." Jessica admitted, making the younger woman laugh. "We only met up for the kids. They are good friends and he is pretty interesting." Jessica grinned, Aaron had said the same about her. He didn't swoon over her but he sounded interested.
Jessica picked Jack up. Hope you can come back soon. XX Melissa
While reading the case files in the plane his phone went off, making him look down without shielding off his phone screen. "Oh? Who is sending you hugs, Hotch?" Emily asked, making his head snap up and look at her. "Hugs?" "Yeah, hugs. The X'es mean hugs." Emily laughed, making the others look at him as well. "She's a legal guardian of one of Jack's friends. She was with him when the call came." He explained calmly, texting a quick 'OK' back. There wasn't more of an explanation needed, everybody focused back on the case. Though there was a little voice in his head which wondered why she had sent him 'hugs'. The case was closed fairly quickly, only three days gone but he had received another text while they were on their way home.
Jack stayed with us, because of an emergency. Jessica will pick him up later today. XX Melissa
Attached was a picture of the two kids doing homework in an unfamiliar setting. At least unfamiliar to him. It was probably her kitchen, a cozy little space with just enough room for two people and a little table with two chairs. He couldn't help but analyse every little aspect of the picture. Jack was relaxed, concentrating on his homework, soda beside him and fruit on a plate.
Once the plane had landed he texted Melissa back.
I will pick Jack up. Tell me your address, please. -AH
"Dad!" Jack greeted him with a hug, after Melissa had opened the door. "Hey, buddy!" He laughed, ruffling his hair. "Is everything okay with Jessica?" Mr. Hotchner asked Melissa, concern in his eyes. "Oh, yes! A pipe burst in the apartment above her. Should be all good now." She smiled, he only now noticed. She had a tooth gem. "Thanks for looking after Jack. I will make it up to you." He promised, not letting her protest when she opened her mouth.
Eventually after another case and another two weeks he finally fulfilled his promise. Melissa got invited by him to go out together. She really wasn't sure what to wear, after all she usually only saw him in a suit. Or what it meant to go out with him. Was it a date or really just a thank you? She would see tonight, but still it was pretty interesting to think about. And she couldn't deny it, he made her heart beat a little faster. It was a simple Italian restaurant, they met in front of it and went inside together. He, once again, wore a suit. It almost seemed like he didn't have anything else. Melissa wore a nice summer dress and followed him to their table. "I gotta ask, Mr. Hotchner. Do you only own suits?" She laughed, pushing her hair back. "You can call me Aaron, didn't I offer that already? And I do own a lot of suits, for work." He didn't wear a tie to seem less formal, obviously it hadn't worked like he wanted it to. "Aaron then." She smiled, having said that name at home a few times already. He was more on her mind than she was ready to admit. "So... what do you do for work?" The waiter came and they ordered a glass of wine each. "I work for the FBI, I'm the head of the Behavioural Analysis Unit." Melissa whistled low. "Seems much more stressful than what I'm doing." They chatted a bit before ordering food, finding some stuff out about each other. When Aaron talked about his job she clung to his lips, listening intently. "The only criminal I had to do with is myself. I was a shoplifter around fourteen." She laughed, blushing a bit when he said he would have guessed. "Well, then analyse me, Aaron." She grinned, taking a sip of her cocktail. She had jumped from wine to a cocktail, she really didn't like wine. "No. I.. that would be rude." He tried to get out of it, shaking his head. "Oh come on. Please." She touched his hand, giving him doe eyes. Nobody could resist them, or was he the first that could?
"Okay." He finally gave in. "You were a troubled kid, your mum died when you were young, said so yourself. You had lots of struggles, probably a depression when you were a teen. The shoplifting gave you a boost of serotonin, your father put you into therapy and it succeeded. You went to a good college, probably made a few stupid decisions but came to one clear decision. You don't like wine, I can tell because you made a face when you took your first sip. Your father met your step-mother and quickly married her before Ellie arrived. They got killed, probably in a car accident. You aren't comfortable in those, I noticed the first day we met but didn't wanna say anything. You fought Ellie's grandparents from her mothers side, knowing you wouldn't get to see her otherwise. Now you are a stable adult, who still likes to party. Coffee keeps you alive and your tone with Ellie is rough but loving. You aren't attached or seeing someone, because of Ellie." He took a sip of his wine, a grin playing on his lips. "That's right." She was taken aback, a bit breathless. This man surely knew she was interested, right?
"Do you always do that to your kids friends parents?" She laughed, leaning forward again and smiling. He was enticing. "And another question, am I that huge of an open book?" Melissa played with one of her locks, simply amazed. "No, I don't do that. Usually I keep my job private and also don't analyse. And no, you aren't but it's my job, I do this everyday so it's easy for me." Aaron insisted on paying, so Melissa insisted next time she would take him out. And thus, it began.
They met up at least once a month, the kids spent those evenings together and Melissa and Aaron got closer, texting more and more. Jessica didn't take Jack every time Aaron was gone. Sometimes he was allowed to stay with Ellie and Melissa.
Jack says he misses you. He and Ellie are watching a movie. XX Melissa
Melissa was int he kitchen with her a friend of hers. Tara. "So. Are you gonna invite him?" The other woman asked her friend while they prepared some snacks for the nine year olds. Arielle was playing, the two of them not paying any attention to the adults. "Who? Aaron? I uh... don't think so. We are only friends because of the two." She pointed at the children, engrossed in their Disney movie. "And? You said he's hot. You text more and meet at least once a week with the kids and once a month sometimes even twice a month without them." Tara reminded her friend who only shook her head. "I doubt he would fancy going out with some early thirty year old. He's happy when he's home with Jack." She would turn thirty in one week, she doubted he would even be here. The case was hard he had said, they talked a lot more about his work now. He confided in her and even asked for her opinions. It was nice, knowing he trusted her somewhat. "You could try. Maybe he needs something young and fun." The brunette giggled into her wine glass while Melissa rolled her eyes.
Aaron had come back Wednesday, exhausted and tired. He had thanked her with a tired hug, knowing Jessica was on a trip and Melissa had spent her time looking after two kids. He didn't fully get why she did it, he would do the same, no questions asked but still. It must have been exhausting for her as well. Saturday was Melissa's birthday, she hadn't bothered telling Aaron, guessing he was probably just happy to be home safe. Ellie and her sister had gone out for breakfast and to a bookshop and a little shopping for the night. Jessica would look after Ellie, the three of them had also gotten pretty close and Jessica was happy to help out. "Looks good?" Mel laughed as she twirled for her little sister, showing off her pant suit. Black pants, a white blouse on which the first two buttons were undone and showed off her crop top and the few tattoos she had on her sternum. Five flowers, birth flowers to be exact. Representing each of her loved ones. Mum, dad, Ellie and her step-mother Veronica. "You look so pretty!" Ellie squealed and hugged her sister tight, Jessica whistled low, winking at her friend. "Have fun tonight!" Melissa kissed them both on their cheeks and stepped out of the door. The chaos in her room was left behind. That was a problem for tomorrow, she had decided. Her friends picked her up, basically dragging her into their favourite bar. It was a fun night, even though it wasn't late yet all of them were pretty tipsy. Then suddenly Tara's arm made contact with Melissa's ribs. "Ow! Are you stupid?!" The blonde hissed, before she followed Tara's pointed finger. "Isn't that the hot dad?!" All women of their group turned around, looking exactly where Tara pointed at Aaron. Like some cult or deer when they spotted headlights. What was he doing here?! Without hesitation Melissa got pushed by her entire friend group towards him. And with a stumble she almost crashed into him. Just like the first time they met. Except then she was sober.
"Hotch, who's that?" An older man asked, after Hotch had stumbled a bit when somebody crashed into the agent. A group of giggling women behind them. Morgan was eyeing them all up, as well as the woman who were accompanying him. "Aaron, hi." The blonde said, leaving bewildered looks on the other peoples faces. "Mel, hi." Hotch smiled a bit. Mel? All of the table looked a bit confused. "What are you doing here?" They both asked, almost at the exact same time, coaxing a laughter out of both of them. Embarrassed Melissa fixed the little crown on her head, a bold 30 in the middle of it. "I'm celebrating, finally old enought to really be mistaken for a mum." She laughed, blushing a bit. "And you?" She peeked past him, smiling shyly at the group. "Celebrating as well, done with the case and paper work." He needed a moment before realising. "Happy birthday then!" They hugged, the small woman almost disappearing when he wrapped his arms around her. "Want a drink? For your birthday that's the least I can do." He was fully ignoring his colleagues, still leaving them wondering who this woman was.
"Oh. Guys, this is Melissa, her sister and Jack are friends. She's been helping me out." He finally introduced her, also introducing everyone to her. "Nice to meet you." Her mouth felt so dry, then Aaron had left her side, her friends once again giggling. "So you have been texting the boss." A woman in bright clothing said, she was Garcia if Melissa had it right in her mind. "Uh... yes, because of Jack. He's a great kid." So many profilers she wasn't sure what to do. "And he knows your order without asking. Is there a chance you two might be... you know." Emily asked, wriggling her eyebrows, making Melissa blush instantly. "What? No! We are good friends who like to go out and drink from time to time!" She said hastily, flinching when Aaron was back and put a hand on her lower back, placing her drink in front of her. Cuba Libre, with a slice of lemon, just how she liked it. "Thanks." "I hope they didn't bother you too much." He smiled, letting her heart melt. "No, no. I was just afraid of being an open book again." She laughed, touching his arm before taking a huge sip. They spent a good ten minutes talking, all while his hand rested on her lower back. Eventually Melissa went back to her own friends, instantly downing two shots. What the hell was that?
"So that's the woman who keeps sending hugs." Emily grinned, seeing how a tiny blush appeared on Hotches cheeks. He would blame it on the alcohol. "She seems nice. You didn't talk about meeting somebody." Rossi said with a knowing smirk. "She's a friend. We go out from time to time and." "And know each others favourite drinks. Probably also each others other favourites." Derek guessed. This really wasn't a situation he wanted to be in, Aaron realised. He quickly downed his beer and got another round. Soon the topic changed again. The remainder of the evening was quiet, each of them staying on their respective sides of the bar. It was around 1 a.m. when he noticed something. A guy who seemed to get closer to Mel, then he heard her angry voice. "Touch me again you fuckin creep and I swear I'm gonna cut yer dick off!" She was standing at the bar, clearly waiting to pay her check, a man beside her. She was clearly shouting at him. "Oh come on, pretty. Ya like it." The douch tried to grope her again, but he hadn't calculated that somebody else was watching. "I think you heard what the lady said." Hotch had grabbed him by the wrist. "Leave her alone and go home." He pushed him away, giving him a glare before focusing his attention on Melissa. "I could have handled that." The thirty year old mumbled, looking up at him through her lashes. "I know, but then I would have to arrest you for cutting off his penis." Aaron grinned, pushing her hair behind her ear. "It would have been self defense." "No. That's not how that works." He kept playing with her hair, smiling, not realising Emily was still there, just like Derek and Garcia. They couldn't believe it. Aaron Hotchner, stone cold man, was smiling at a woman and playing with her hair. It was like a fever dream to be honest.
"I'm paying and going home, Aaron." She played with his tie, smiling to herself. This was the closest they had been until now, except for when they hugged. "I will bring you home, okay?" He was almost whispering, having her lean up a little, his hand steadying her waist. "Sure, Agent." She giggled, turning around quickly and paying. Hotch went back to his table, grabbing his suit jacket and avoiding his friends eyes. "I uh.. gotta go. Mel, is tired and I don't want her taking the subway." He explained before leaving his friends with a lot more questions than answers.
They took a taxi, Melissa wearing his jacket and leaning against him. She was tired and would probably have a major hangover tomorrow. "Hey. Thanks." She smiled, as she stood in the door to her apartment. "You uh... do you wanna come inside?" Once again she was playing with his tie, giving it a slight tug and he complied. "Why didn't you tell me it's your birthday?" Aaron asked, willingly following her, making her sit down to take off her shoes. She was another one of these heels wearing women. "I didn't wanna bother you." She admitted, a blush still on her cheeks, before pulling him onto the couch to sit beside her. "I don't have a present." He stated, making her roll her eyes. "You are here and safe. That's the best present." She cuddled against his side, smiling. Melissa's heart beat hard, almost like it was trying to break out. That really wasn't good, and she was drunk enough to do something stupid. "Mel?" "Hm?" "Go to bed." He helped her up again, walking her to her bedroom and laying her down. Aaron ignored the mess which was her bedroom and put the blanket over her, brushing her hair out of her face. "Aaron?" She took his hand again, tugging at it and pulling him closer. "Thanks for bringing me home." He smiled and debated with himself for a moment, then he kissed her cheek. "Goodnight, Mel." He murmured before leaving her alone in her apartment.
Back at work on Monday, Hotch had to ignore the stares from his colleagues. He closed the door to his office, starting to defend another pile of files before somebody knocked on his door. "Yes, come in!" Dave entered the room. "I heard you brought her home." A heavy roll of his eyes followed. "Yes, I did. She was drunk and I didn't want anything happening to her." Hotch explained. "Why didn't you mention her? You like her, I can see that. We all could." Rossi reminded him, making Hotch sigh. "She's nice, but too young. And I really wouldn't wanna risk Jack's friendship with Ellie." "Or you are scared." "Can we just drop it? I really wanna focus on work." He snapped, making Rossi leave. Could he do that? Like someone, potentially even love someone new? She was good for Jack, even if she had a rough approach to the whole parenting thing. He looked at his phone, her last text was on Sunday.
Thanks for getting me home safe. XO Mel
He didn't ask Emily nor Garcia what the "O" meant, he simply googled and he had to admit, his heart did jump at that. A kiss, surely it was meant in a platonic way, but still. A sigh left his lips, unsure of what to do next. He couldn't deny it, he liked her, more than he wanted. They had bonded over a lot of things and even with their age gap they still got along. Maybe he should give it a shot. The rest of the day was spent with work and a short break to get coffee, smiling as he remembered what she had made him try last time they were out with the kids. A caramel cappuccino with extra whipped cream and some vanilla. It was much too sugary but Melissa liked it just fine. "After all I'm a sweet one.", she had said to him, grinning like a little kid before shoving her sister and making her walk faster.
What are you doing tonight? AH
Hello, Agent. Nothing much, looking through some folders for my next opening. XO Mel
Another kiss, would she keep doing that? If so, Hotch wasn't really ready for that or at least, he hadn't expected it.
Dinner at your favourite place? Same time as always? I will pay. AH
Of course! I will ask Jess if she can keep an eye on Jack and Ellie. XO Mel
It's a date then. AH
He couldn't believe he really texted that. A date. Would she notice the meaning behind it or maybe it was just another typical meet up for her. "I gotta go!" Hotch announced, being the first one to leave that day. "Hotch! Is everything okay?" JJ asked, concern written all over her face. "Yes! Just... I have a meeting!" He called out, before the elevator doors closed.
At home he greeted Jack with a huge hug and kiss, smiling. "Auntie Jess is gonna watch me and Ellie here tonight. Are you going out with her sister?" The boy asked, almost with a knowing smile. "Are you gonna tell her, you think she is pretty?" The nine year old sprinted away, laughing when his father went after him. They spent time together until 6 p.m. then Aaron started to get ready for his date. This time he opted for a more regular look, dark jeans with a nice button down and no tie. Maybe he would leave the top two buttons undone.
Melissa had a slight crisis about what she wanted to wear. "He texted it's a date then!" She spoke into her phone while trying on another shirt. Tara on the other end of the line giggled. "And he didn't do that before? Isn't that a saying?" She asked, making her friend groan. "Yes! But Aaron does everything with an intention. He doesn't just use some sayings. He does everything precisely." The blonde explained, throwing another shirt away. "What do you think about a skirt and an off shoulder pullover?" "Pullover sounds great but I would team it with a dark jeans.", Tara advised, brushing her hair. The whole process of getting ready was spent talking with her best friend, it calmed her nerves to know her friend would like the outfit. She was brutally honest. "I'm heading out. Bye, love you." She gave a smack into her phone before hanging up and brushing through her sisters hair when Jessica ringed to let them know she was here. "Thanks again. Aaron and I will make it up to you." Melissa promised before rushing away, leaving her beloved sister with Jessica who was driving to Aaron's.
"Hey." She smiled at him, realising something looked different. "Hey." He replied, handing her a small bouquet. "Oh. Thank you. What did I do to get those?" Giggling she took the flowers, smelling them. "Well, it's a belated birthday present." Hotch had a faint blush on his cheeks, then he offered her his arm and led her inside. "Gentleman, thank you." Once again she giggled, a nervous habit of hers. "You look different, no tie and no proper suit. Are you that comfortable with me?" She joked, noticing the open buttons on his shirt. He looked good like that, his chest hair was peeking out and fueled her fantasy for later. "Yes, I am. You always say I should dress more casual." He reminded her, placing his hand on the table, stroking over the back of her hand. Lots of moves for him, this was pretty daring. Her tooth gem sparkled when she smiled at him. As the evening went on Aaron convinced her to try different wines with him and to no surprise she liked the most sweet white wine in the whole restaurant. "Are you trying to get me drunk, sir?" She joked, grabbing his hand with a happy smile. Melissa was definitely tipsy, but so was Aaron. "Wasn't my intention but what happens happens." He was smiling as well, also very tipsy. "Let me profile you. You are a workaholic, you love your son and you definitely didn't know what XO meant." "Well, yeah that's all true. But now I know." He grinned. "It means hugs and kisses." Aaron told her, smiling proudly. "Great, for such effort you might even earn one." Mel giggled, the blush in his cheeks got a little more deep.
Eventually they paid and for some reason she grabbed his hand almost immediately. It felt right, they fit right together and it was good. Definitely good. The fresh air sobered them up pretty quickly and they took a walk through the city. At night everything seemed a bit less stressful. "I meant it, you know?" Her smile was small, even a little unsure because what if he didn't want that? What if she got it all wrong and he only wanted to stay friends? They stopped next to a park, Aaron pulled her closer, his other hand slipping around her waist. "That's good." His heart was beating like a drum and he leaned down a little. Mel reacted almost immediately, reaching for his collar and pulling herself up to meet his lips. They felt perfect, soft and just perfect. It was a slow and careful kiss, both of them seemed to test the waters. Aaron cupped her face with one of his hands, tilting her head up a little more and a sigh left her lips. Carefully she let her tongue dart out, the kiss got deeper, a little more heated before they pulled apart. "Your lipstick is ruined." He stated, swiping his thumb over her bottom lip. "I don't care." Melissa smiled, seeing a light stain of red on his lips. "Bring me home?" His hand slipped back into hers and they walked home. It was a quiet walk, both probably still thinking about that kiss but soon they reached her apartment. "We're here." Hotch stated, watching her unlock the door and getting pulled inside. For once it was rather clean with some space on the couch. "Stay a moment?" Mel was almost whispering, afraid something could ruin the moment they were having. "Sure." They sat beside each other, fingers still intertwined before she took all her courage and faced him directly. "I'd like to kiss you again." His eyebrows rose surprised before he nodded, then their lips crashed together again. The kiss was more heated, they were hidden in her apartment, properly alone for the first time. They kept kissing, getting messier with every second that passed. Tongues tangling, teeth clacking and lips smacking. For a moment Melissa pulled away, dizzy. She had barely taken a breath before Aaron pulled her onto his lap, hands cupping her behind as he kissed her again. Desperation was evident in this kiss, they had waited for such a long time before addressing everything. "Aaron." She moaned after he had squeezed her ass, blushing red like a fire truck. "Oh?" He grinned at her, her moan definitely woke something up in him. "Shut up." She smacked his chest, still embarrassed by how needy that sounded. "I didn't say anything. Unlike you." He teased, receiving another slap against his chest. "Okay, I'm sorry." Hotch kissed each tip of her fingers before pulling her closer once again, kissing her carefully as he shifted, painfully aware of his own situation. "I hope that isn't a gun." She teased back, shifting her weight on top of him to brush against his erection. "We can go to my bedroom." Her voice wasn't more than a whisper. For a moment neither of them moved, then it went fast. Melissa jumped off his lap and ran in direction of her bedroom, unclasping her bra on the way there. Hotch needed a moment before he ran after her, shutting the door behind him and smiling. She looked gorgeous he realised once again and he would take his sweet time getting her naked. Mel stepped up to him, reaching up to undo a few more buttons on his shirt, revealing his chest and she smiled. He was a sight for sore eyes. Aaron didn't waste another second once his shirt was open and pushed his hands underneath her sweater, pushing it over her head and revealing her tattooed chest. "You keep surprising me." He murmured, kissing her neck carefully as his hands explored her top half. Realising she must have been more than a little wild ten years ago. She had piercings, which felt strange against his hands as he cupped her breast. Her hands traveled to his trousers, struggling to get them open with how nervous she was. "Aar-" She got cut off by a kiss, melting into it as he helped her. All while they kissed he pushed her backwards, leaving his jeans on the floor before the backs of her knees hit the bed and she fell back onto it. Breathless Melissa got her own jeans off, stretching to show off her lean body. "So pretty." Aaron gasped, not being able to help himself but palm against his erection while looking at her. Naked as she was he could spot more tattoos, she was hiding a few things from his eyes and he couldn't wait to find everything on her body. He got on his knees, kissing her legs and past her panties, over her belly and breasts. "Please." She groaned, wrapping her legs around his waist. "I'm clean and I'm on birth control." Somehow that turned him on more, making him discard his underpants as well before pulling her (almost) soaked panties down her legs. "Can I?" He asked, teasing the tip of his cock against her slick entrance. "Sure." She pushed her hips down, inviting him in before she pulled on his hair to get him to kiss her again. There was still some hesitation, but Mel bit his bottom lip with a needy whine and he finally pushed in. Slow at first, then he started to move his hips faster and faster. "Aaron!" She moaned, throwing her head back. How often had she fantasised about him doing that to her? It felt so much better than she could have ever imagined. His cock filled her up perfectly, making her moan with every thrust. His face was buried against her shoulder before she pulled him away by his hair and she heard him. It made her clench around him as he got louder, god she loved a man who wasn't afraid to show what he liked. "Mel.. I.." He reached his hand down between them, starting to massage her clit while fucking her faster and faster. It was amazing. "Aaron!" She almost screamed, her walls clenching as he pushed her over the edge with his hand and cock. He wanted to hold on, last longer and enjoy the view beneath him. But that really wasn't going to happen. Her walls clenched so tight he couldn't hold on and released into her with a loud moan, thrusting hard while he came and almost collapsing on top of her. "Mhm, hi.." She mumbled, brushing a few drops of sweat off his brow. Slowly he pulled out of her, getting up to get her a towel and help her clean herself up. "You look.." "Fucked? I hope I do." Laughter erupted out of the two of them and they laid down, holding each other close as they fell asleep.
The next weeks were spent texting and calling each other. They were definitely dating now. Everyone could tell. Hotch was gone on a case again, taking a peek at his phone while they were all out for dinner. "So any news about Melissa?" Rossi asked, knowing the whole team was itching to get something out of Hotch. "Uh well. We've started dating, have been for a few weeks and it's all good. Jack loves spending time with her and her sister. So it's pretty good." He admitted, thinking about his son and girlfriend. Ding. His phone went off and he received a few curious looks.
Miss you. Stay safe and tell the team I say hi. XO Mel
"She says hi." He announced, earning smiles and nods of approval. After this evening everything went by so fast, the unsub got identified and eventually captured. Of course not without a few risky stunts from the team.
"Daddy!" Jack ran into his father's office without a care, smiling like the sunshine he was. Ellie and Melissa followed slowly, holding each others hand. "Uh hi." She grinned at Aaron, approaching him slowly in his office. "Hey." He kissed her cheek, ruffling Ellies hair. "We made a little treat for you and the team." Melissa pulled out a box filled to the brim with cookies. "Jack, will you and Ellie hand them out?" Hotch asked, sending the kids their merry way to bother the other agents. "So.. Agent Hotchner. Are you gonna be home tonight for some cuddle action on the sofa?" She asked, playing with his tie, making him blush. They were official, but it still felt weird to show affection with somebody again. Especially in the office.
Everything seemed to go smooth, Hotch and Melissa's relationship was great, the kids were great but after high rise there had to come a deep fall. And it was pretty deep. Aaron was away on a case, leaving Jack with Jessica when he received a call from his girlfriend. Confused he excused himself from the team. "Hey, baby." He answered the call, getting greeted by a sob. "She's such a little shit." Melissa cried into the phone, leaving him stunned. Usually she didn't speak about her sister that way, they must have argued. He had noticed the tension between them in the last few weeks, but didn't dare asking. "What? Mel, what's going on, tell me." "We had an argument his morning, she went to school and still hasn't come home. She isn't with Jess and Jack. I don't know where she is!" He heard a muffled scream, she was probably abusing a poor pillow to get her anger out. "Her phone is off and I could throw something!" There was definitely worry mixed into that anger, he knew her pretty good nowadays. "Calm down." Hotch said calmly, receiving a angered shout. "Aaron! When did the sentence calm down, ever do something?!" There was a moment of silence, she had never yelled like that. "Sorry.. I just- Ellie. I don't know what to do. Help me." She sobbed, listening intently to what he told her. "Go to the nearest police station, report her as missing. Have a current picture of her with you and I will tell Penelope to check the schools cameras or something." "I... Okay, I can do that. And sorry again. It never happened here before." She explained. "Sorry. Go back to your case. I will keep you posted." Then she hung up, leaving Hotch more than a little stunned. "All good?" Rossi asked as he came back. "Ellie ran away." Hotch answered shortly before focusing back on the case as good as he possibly could. Ellie and Mel were still in the back of his mind, but he couldn't just leave. This unsub had already killed five women, he couldn't let it happen again. Fortunately Reid had a new lead, which they followed. They could have captured the unsub but he killed himself before anybody could come closer. The last woman was locked away, not dead yet but if they had come any later her wounds would have killed her.
She's back home. XO Mel
He read on the plane, immediately informing Garcia who had helped a great deal. She had spotted the child on a few cameras near a park. A police patrol had also spotted her after being informed through a anonymous caller. Ellie was back home in her room, she had locked herself away but at least now Melissa would notice if she left. "Hey." She answered the call of her boyfriend, her voice was tired. The siblings had a screaming match. "Hey, to you too." A smile played on his lips, worry in his voice. "Do you know why she ran off?" Jack had never done that, but still, kids would and could do anything. "We had an argument. About dad and her mom." Sighing she took a sip of her glass. "They died like three years ago. She wants to visit their graves. But I can't drive up there." Another small sob left her lips. "Veronica's parents live there, Ellie's grandparents. When they see us. They will try to take her away!" Tears started to roll again, the thought alone killed her. Those people weren't good for Ellie. They were so backwards and old school. They thought Melissa was a party animal, not capable of taking care of a child. The whole town saw her being horrible, but she was just a child back then. Grieving her mother, hating life and simply being a moody teenager. "I moved here with her so she could have a peaceful life without being judged right away. She shouldn't be the orphan of town." She explained, running a hand through her hair. "We'll think of something, okay? But you have to let her grieve." Aaron reminded. "Maybe it wouldn't be bad for you either." He suggested softly, while driving to Jessica's house. A plan was already forming in his mind. Maybe he could convince Mel to let him and Jack join them. It would be like a family trip and he would finally know where exactly she came from. This was one of the few things she didn't really talk about. "I'm picking up Jack. Let's cook together in a few days, okay? Then we'll build a plan." He told her. "Okay. Bye, Aaron." She mumbled, already sleepy from all the stress she had had on that day.
They met up three days later, the siblings still treating each other coldly. "Hey!" He smiled, pulling Melissa into his arms for a kiss before ruffling Ellie's hair. "Let's cook." He called out, giving the kids some vegetables to cut before twirling Melissa towards the stove. Jack and him had already started on some things. "So I know the two of you had an argument. But I think I might have a solution." Melissa raised an eyebrow, not saying anything. She wasn't ready for this, she didn't wanna start that again. "Okay?" Ellie looked at him curiously, stopping in her actions as her sisters boyfriend continued talking. "Jack and I will come with you. It's gonna be like a vacation. We'll get out of DC and spend some time together." "No." Melissa replied, earning an annoyed groan from her little sister. "I can see it, we are down there and then you get called away for a case and we are stuck!" "No! Those will be my two weeks off, the team knows to only contact me if it's a huge emergency." Then he shot Jack a look, winking at him before the boy hugged Melissa's legs. "Please, Mel!" He whined, her sister joining in, as well as Aaron. They were really determined to change her mind. And with two whining kids and a handsome man also clinging to her she couldn't say no again. "Okay! Fine!" "Yes!" Both children screamed before running off to find Jack's suitcase. "But you can't leave my side." "I won't. Promise." He kissed her tenderly before turning back around to their dinner, finishing it together with her.
A month later they started their journey to Sully in Iowa. The kids were asleep the whole flight. Then they took a connection to Sully and after one day of travelling they were there. "It still looks like shit." Mel mumbled, watching as the buildings flew by. They didn't even have a hotel, she had contacted an old friend of her mum, who let them stay in her basement. It was built into a second flat. "Mel, my darling!" She got greeted by the woman, hugged tightly while Aaron got out and let the kids out. "Cassandra!" She smiled, hugging her back eagerly. "And little Ellie! You've grown!" The red headed woman spun the little girl around before focusing her attention on Hotch and his son. "And a very nice looking man. And boy of course." She smiled warmly, extending her hand. "Cassandra Cromb. An old friend." "Aaron Hotchner and my son Jack, nice to meet you." He shook her hand before getting their luggage, following the woman inside. "Thanks for letting us stay here, Cassandra." Melissa thanked, while Ellie and Jack ran downstairs to explore their living situation. "Oh no, don't thank me. I'm just glad you are visiting, I would always help you out, darlin'." Hotch also headed downstairs, leaving the two women alone to catch up and talk. "He's handsome." Cassandra whispered while getting some mugs to prepare a tray with tea. "I know. He... he's great. I think mum and dad would have liked him. Even if dad would be surprised by his age." She giggled, taking the tray from Cassandra and carrying it downstairs. Together they all sat down, drinking tea and eating the sandwiches they got. After their short dinner all of them started to get ready for bed, brushing their teeth and laying down.
The basement was just one big room, a small nook built the kitchen, then there was a wall to separate it into sleeping and living. Their bed was pushed into a corner and the kids got to sleep on a pull out couch. The perfect adventure for them. "Thanks." Mel whispered into the dark, playing with Aaron's hair before kissing him, careful to not make too much noise. "All good." He whispered back, taking her face into his hands, kissing her back before laying down. "Now keep those hands to yourself. Kids are present." He joked, making her giggle a little before being hushed by an angry Ellie. "Shhh!" The kid hissed before also laying back down. The adults giggled a little before finally falling asleep. Cassandra lived in the 11th Ave, her neighbours had already noticed the day before that somebody had arrived. The next day their suspicions were confirmed.
Melissa Jamison was back. The information spread quickly, everybody knew already once they entered the Coffee Cup Cafe. There were only a few people there but all eyes were on them. Melissa entered with a tight smile, nodding at the familiar faces while grabbing her boyfriends hand. She couldn't do this alone. "Hi. Uh, two coffees please. One black the other with sugar and cream. And two hot chocolates." The cashier looked her up and down. "Mel? Drum drug Mel?" The woman asked while preparing their orders. "Just Mel. The drug thing was never true." She looked uncomfortable, removing her hand from Aaron's and running it through her hair. "Oh right. You always said that. Who's that guy?" The young woman nodded at Hotch. "Her boyfriend, hi." He introduced himself, making her heart beat faster. Boyfriend. It still seemed unreal.
After getting their drinks they left, going back to the car to get to the cemetery. "Drum drug Mel?" He asked with a little laugh. "I used to play the drums in school and the rumour spread I took drugs. Which isn't true because drugs are bad!" She pointed at the kids in the back which were nodding quietly. "Are we going to mum and dad?" Ellie asked, eyes wide. "Yeah." So Aaron took off, holding Melissa's hand as they drove. Once there they quietly approached the headstones, Mel still remembering clear as day when she had first walked here. She was five. It was horrible. The coffin got carried by her father and his friends. She walked behind it, crying quietly. It had been horrible.
"There we are." She smiled, kneeling down to brush over all the headstones. To the left her mum, then her dad and then Ellie's mum. Everybody got quiet for a moment before she cleared her throat. "Mum, dad. Veronica." She needed to do this. "This is my boyfriend Aaron and his son Jack. They are very dear to both, Ellie and me." "Jack is my best friend and Aaron and Mel kiss a lot. They are sooo disgusting!" The girl giggled, while sitting down between the headstones of her parents, Jack joining her without a second thought. "I wish you guys were here to see us..", she choked on her tears, burying her face in Aaron's shirt, crying quietly. Hotch on the other hand was paying attention to something or rather somebody else. Two people were watching them, then they started approaching the group. "Mel, baby." He murmured, squeezing her before pointing towards the people. A man and a woman, he could see them now. "No." She breathed before wiping her eyes. "Melissa." The woman said, grey curls framing her face. "Evelyn." She nodded at them. "Grandma! Grandpa!" Ellie hugged them tight, the sight hurting her older sister. "Hugo." Melissa nodded at the man, who hadn't said a word yet. "Not better than us anymore?" He asked, looking her and Aaron up and down. "Who is that? Some city guy?" The old man wasn't hiding his disgust, not even in front of the kids. "He's my boyfriend. He convinced me to come here and visit." Aaron nodded, trying to seem friendly. He got it now why she didn't want to visit. "Divorced father, huh?" Hugo spat, looking shocked when Aaron corrected him. "Actually widowed." He winced a little. It still hurt. "Maybe you shouldn't make assumptions before knowing someone." He pointed out, Hugo cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Maybe we should catch up. Ellie sure would like to go to ours, right?" Grandma Evelyn offered, not leaving them much choice but to say yes. All of them drove to their house, Melissa holding onto Hotch.
"They are gonna say a lot of shit. They are no good." She murmured, while holding his and Jack's hand. Ellie was walking with her grandparents telling them eagerly about how life in Washington was. "So. Ellie says you organise events. Is that where you met?" Aaron immediacy chimed in, he was trained to deal with hostage situations, this was no different for him. "No. We met at school, the kids are friends and we got to know each other. Mel-" He looked at her lovingly. "She watched Jack for me when my sister-in-law didn't have time." Aaron kissed her cheek. "I'm still very grateful for that." "Me too! Ellie and I played a lot and Melissa always cooked!" He grinned, while Ellie smiled, nodding along. "What do you do for work then?" Evelyn was clearly snooping around, trying to find out if Ellie had a good life with her sister or if she had a reason to go to family court. "I'm team leader at the FBI." Then there was silence. "Yeah." Melissa smiled, brushing his dark hair out of his face. "Is there anything else you wanna know? Seeing as you are interrogating Mel." Aaron continued, making Evelyn and Hugo blush a bit. Calling them out was always a good way to go about this. "No." Hugo cleared his throat, patting Ellie on the head before going outside to smoke. Evelyn also got up from the table to tend to something in the kitchen, leaving the couple and kids alone for a moment. "Thanks." Melissa kissed him quickly, making sure it wasn't too long, or else they would start complaining about that as well. "So, what do you do out here for fun?" After being done with the visit to Ellie's grandparents house they drove around town a little, Mel and Ellie showing the Hotchner's some things they used to do in their old hometown. To Ellie it was an old home at least, her sister just felt dread when looking around, seeing her parents everywhere. At the Sully Ballpark the kids could go onto a swing set and played, joining other kids without hesitation. Aaron and Mel kept to themselves. "I need a date night after this." She groaned, resting her head against his shoulder. "Just us, some drinks and lots of food." Hotch laughed, nodding along. "Maybe Jess can watch the kids." He murmured into her ear, kissing her earlobe carefully. "Maybe. That would be nice." Her head turned, kissing him carefully on the lips. "Maybe we could stay at yours. I feel so much better in your bed." With a roll of his eyes he kissed her again, just a little longer. Melissa could feel it too when he pulled away. Somebody was watching them, probably another parent. "What?! Got a problem?!" She shouted at a mother who looked disapproving at them, quickly the woman turned away, giving them their privacy back. "Well, that mouth of yours is starting to come back." "Shut it, Hotch." She teased, using the nickname his friends used on him.
Their week in Sully flew by, Cassandra and them spent every evening together. Even Hugo and Evelyn came over once to talk again. Normally this time. They asked if they could at least visit them once or twice a year, promising to stay in line. And Melissa agreed. Maybe it would mend the relationship between them. At the end of the week they flew home again, the kids going back to school and them going back to their respective jobs.
Their lives were back on track together. And hopefully it would stay like that for a long time.