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𝑹 𝑬 𝑴
❝ 𝚒'𝚍 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚘 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚢 ❞

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ㅤ𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 '𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄', even Alina I'm-not-good-with-emotions Narvaez picked up on Aaron's rather peculiar change of attitude. It wasn't like he was being withdrawn, or ignoring her, it was mostly noticeable by how he talked to her. His voice somehow seemed softer, his eyes were more open, he was more relaxed, yet at the same time, he spoke fewer words and developed a bit of a staring problem.

She wasn't sure what to make of it.

Of course, there's only one person who could help. Well, two, and that's Guinevere Chase and Helen Cho, which is why, two days later, she was sat in Gwen's penthouse.

Gwen and Spencer had recently decided on moving into the safe house, with Tony's blessing. She had just reached her second trimester, and was already thirteen weeks—a little over three months—pregnant. Her baby bump was already quite apparent, so the couple made the decision to move into a larger home that can fit all four of them.

Helen gave Alina a frown as she finished explaining her predicament. "Um, Lina, it's quite obvious why he's acting differently."

Alina frowned back. "If it was obvious, I would've noticed it, but I didn't. So, explain."

Gwen shared a look with Helen before saying, "It's just...Lina," she hesitated as she sat back on the couch. All three of them were lounging on it, with the snakes all laying in different places where the sun was directly shining; unlike Spencer's apartment, Gwen's penthouse was bright, and the snakes were very happy about it. "Babe, he likes you."

"Of course he does," Alina retorted. "We're friends, we like each other."

"What I mean is that he like likes you."

"...pardon?"

Helen sighed. "Alina, you're a genius. Come on, you can do it."

Alina only blinked at her while trying to understand what they were trying to convey. Between the three of them, she was the one with the lowest EQ; but of course, she doesn't see it as a disadvantage, only a slight inconvenience. She tilted her head, a habit she hadn't realized she developed, before nodding firmly.

"He's starting to see me in a more romantic light."

"Hallelujah!" Gwen exclaimed, lifting a hand up in triumph before placing it back down on her baby bump, exchanging a look of amusement with Helen. "There we go! Congratulations!"

But Alina only continued frowning. "This is not something to be congratulated about," she slightly scolded, "he knows we're not supposed to catch feelings."

"Well, your rules only said that neither was allowed to fall in love," Gwen pointed out. "It's not like he's in love with you."

Alina hummed. "You're right. He can still stop himself from falling in love. That's good."

Helen grimaced slightly, sharing another look with Gwen. The two have been doing it a lot throughout this conversation. "Lina, you can't exactly control your emotions."

"Well, I don't care much about that," Alina dismissed. "I only care about the rules. As long as he continues to follow them, I don't have a problem." She grinned. "I like rules, they keep everything orderly, and it's the only thing that's keeping our arrangement afloat."

This time the two other women exchanged an exasperated look. Helen took the initiative to speak up. "Alina, I--" She cut herself off, hesitantly glancing at Gwen again before continuing. "Just...be careful. I know we've been telling you this a lot, but you need the reminder."

"She does," Gwen agreed, before making eye contact with Alina who was staring at the two of them in contemplation and slight irritation. "Look, your arrangement isn't exactly the most conventional. And though you believe in your 'rules', it's not exactly gonna stick forever. It's either you guys just end up breaking it off, or one of you falls in love."

"Is there science to back that up?"

"Lina, I'm a psychologist. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about."

Alina's mouth twitched; she hated it when people are more knowledgeable about something than she is, and that usually happens whenever psychology was involved. Between Gwen and Vince, there was a pattern forming, and she didn't like it one bit.

Seeing her clear irritation, Helen cleared his throat, drawing the attention towards her. "Look, we know how much you hate being told what to do, but for once, just listen. You and Aaron are pretty close. You guys bond over Jack, and several other things despite the fact that you two are practically each other's opposites. You guys are good together, and honestly, this friends-with-benefits thing...it can be detrimental to your guys' friendship, Jack especially."

"Lina, I'm sure you know bits and pieces of what happened to Haley. I have been very open with you about their backgrounds when I first got assigned, but," Gwen pursed her lips, "you know how much that all affected Aaron and Jack. Just don't break their heart."

While the girls were all having their talk, Aaron was over at Rossi's, pretty much doing the same thing.

"You can say it," Aaron sighed. "You can say you told me so."

Rossi only gave him a pitiful smile before saying, "I'm not that cruel."

Aaron sighed again. "I'm not...angry at her for not wanting to be in a relationship, it's her choice. But it still...it hurts." Despite it still barely in the afternoon, he was already nursing his first glass of scotch, as was Rossi. He took a sip, letting the alcohol settle in his stomach, before placing the glass back down on the table, and lifted his hand up to rub at his temple. "Jack already pretty much loves her. And I'm afraid that if...this doesn't work out..." he trailed off.

Rossi clenched his jaw slightly. "Aaron, you know very well what could've happened the second you agreed to be her...you know."

"I know."

"So, don't act as if you didn't expect for something like this to happen. My advice is that..." Rossi frowned a little, "be aware. Be aware that you've developed feelings, be aware of Jack's feelings, and be aware of hers. Only when you've evaluated all sides of the equation can you get an answer. Don't come jumping to conclusion, or worse, jumping to make rash decisions. Just let the moment settle for now, and wait."

Aaron picked up his glass again, and instead of taking a sip, he took a large gulp, swallowing it rather harshly, before placing the glass back down and nodding. "Thanks, Dave."

"You deserve to be happy, Aaron."

The two continued on leisurely drinking for a few more hours, before Aaron decided to go back home. Because he was a little intoxicated, he decided to call Jess and asked if she can pick him up. The blonde was quick to agree, and took it as an opportunity to drop both Hotchner boys off at their home, as she was taking care of Jack while Aaron was out.

As soon as Aaron was strapped in and she was driving out of Rossi's driveway, Jess asked, "And why exactly are you drinking this early?"

Aaron huffed out a laugh. "Just needed to let loose for a while."

Jess hummed. "And why did you need to let loose?"

He turned to look at her, contemplating on whether he should be honest or not. He pursed his lips slightly, glancing back at Jack who was asleep in the backseat, taking his afternoon nap, and turned to face Jess again. He sighed. "It's about Alina."

"Figures," Jess shrugged as she maneuvered the car to turn right in an intersection. "You two aren't being very subtle."

"Us two?"

"Yeah. I mean, I think, okay—emphasis on think," she laughed a little, "she likes you more than a friend. Or at least, she eventually will. I can just tell. Or--I don't know--maybe she's in denial, but come on, you guys act like a family. You, her, and Jack. It's not just me who's noticed, you know."

Aaron looked at her with a frown, sobering slightly at her words. "We act like a family?"

Jess scoffed. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed how Jack's clinging to her like he used to do with Haley. Before you say anything about her replacing Haley," she quickly emphasized, seeing Aaron's face contort for a moment, "I'm telling you, if Haley were here, she'd be the one pushing you and Alina together; I know my sister."

He looked down. "I miss her."

"I do too," she replied, smiling slightly. It's not everyday Aaron Hotchner opens up, and though it's probably just the alcohol, Jess was happy that he was comfortable enough with her. "I'm telling you, Aaron. You and Alina would be great together. Jack's already smitten."

"She doesn't want to be in a relationship," he sighed. "Says it's a distraction. Thinks of it as a waste of time. And she's...she's stubborn. She really doesn't want one."

"Then...prove her wrong," Jess shrugged. "Prove it to her. Make her...change her mind about not wanting to be in a relationship. Obviously, don't force her or anything. Be mindful, and just...be someone she needs. Teach her how to love."

He licked his lips. "Yeah...yeah, I will."

Eventually, they got back to his apartment, and Aaron didn't hesitate to pick up his son, securing him in his arms while the boy slumbered. Jess walked behind them just to make sure they're both okay.

With one hand, Aaron unlocked his apartment door, allowed Jess to close it, while he walked into Jack's room and carefully set him down on his bed. He looked down at his son's sleeping face and carefully pushed his hair away from his face, before gently kissing the boy's forehead. He stood up and was about to leave the room when Jack unexpectedly spoke up.

"Dad?"

Aaron turned around. "Yeah?"

"Can Alina come over tomorrow after school? I miss her."

He smiled softly. "I'll try, buddy. She might be busy."

"Okay." And almost immediately, Jack was asleep again.

Much to Jack's delight, Alina was not as busy as she usually was, and was able to visit the Hotchner household the very next day—though she would never admit that the reason why she desperately wanted to leave the compound was because of Helen berating her for her life decisions.

Now, she was on the way to the apartment, carrying the necessary equipment needed—for an experiment Jack specifically requested—in her trunk.

She arrived at the apartment just in time to see Aaron walking out of his apartment with his go-bag in hand. She carefully parked her car and opened her window, pressing her right thumb and index finger together, placing them in her mouth, and letting out a forceful blow of air.

The loud whistle startled Aaron, and he quickly turned towards the source, only to find Alina waving at him from behind the wheel. "Hey," he greeted, waving a hand in her direction before jogging towards her window. "Jack's upstairs with Jess. I got an urgent call from Strauss and I have to rush to the airstrip. I don't really have time to--"

"Get in," she grinned.

"...what?"

"You're needed urgently," she said slowly as if talking to a child. "What better way to get to the airstrip faster than to hitch a ride in a sports car with a six-hundred and two horsepower."

Aaron stared at her as he thought over her suggestion, eyeing her R8 Spyder before finally nodding. He walked around to the passenger seat and opened the door, dropping down to the seat unceremoniously. Upon hearing Alina's snort, he defended himself by saying, "I'm used to SUVs, this car is very low on the ground."

Alina giggled. "Whatever you say."

With a slight scoff, he pulled placed his go-bag on his lap and closed the door, putting on his seatbelt. "You better not break any traffic laws."

"Just close your eyes then. If you don't see me breaking any..."

"Don't even try it." He shot her a look as she revved up the engine teasingly.

"Come on, Aaron, let's have some fun."

Before he can even say anything, Alina was zooming out of his complex. The only he could do was grab onto the grab handle, and pray for his life.

Laughing, Alina glanced at him. "Are you serious right now?"

"If the unsub doesn't kill me, your driving will," he deadpanned.

Alina rolled her eyes fondly, mouth still pulled in a grin as she replied, "You're a pussy."

"Well, you are what you eat."

She very nearly stepped on the brakes as she gaped. "Did you just...dude!"

Aaron couldn't help but laugh at her reaction despite his whole body being stiff with nerves as she recklessly swerved into another lane. "I'm sorry."

"Wow...wow." Alina gripped the steering wheel tighter.

He smirked when he noticed her squeezing her thighs together to relieve the tension in between them and said, "When I get back."

"You promise?"

"As long as you don't touch yourself while I'm away."

Alina groaned slightly, biting her lip before hesitantly nodding. "Okay...okay."

"Okay, what?"

She whined silently. "Okay, sir."

"Good girl."

The tension in the car became palpable, with Aaron silently sitting next to her, gauging her reactions as he purposefully traced circles in her inner thigh after making sure it was safe enough for him to make a move. She could only groan in frustration; the only positive thing she could think of was that by the time he got back, her period was over, all while fighting the urge to stop the car in the middle of the road.

They eventually reach the airstrip, where Aaron had to introduce himself and show his ID to the guard so Alina could drive the car in. He expected her to slow down, given that they were close to their destination, but the second she was let inside, she pressed her foot down onto the gas and race towards the plane, prompting him to hold on for dear life.

"What are you doing?" He breathlessly asked.

"No speeding limit in an airstrip," she shrugged, quickly drifting right before she reached the plane, catching the attention of all the other BAU members who were just about to walk into the plane.

"Jesus Christ." Aaron let out a huff of relief when the car finally stopped. "I am never letting you drive me anywhere again."

"You sure?" Alina teased, her earlier sexual frustration waning as she smirked at him. "'Cause you left your car back at your apartment. I'll need to pick you up again."

He sighed. "I'll get Dave to drive me home."

Immediately, she pouted. "Unfair!"

"I'd rather not die too early."

"Aaron," she whined. But before either of them could say anything, Rossi walked over and knocked on the driver's side window, which Alina quickly rolled down. "Hey loser," she greeted.

"For the last time--" Rossi cut himself off from arguing with Alina again for the nickname. He was dubbed as 'loser' when she proved his technique wrong during Jack's practice game, in which he ended up being the loser. He sighed, glaring at her slightly, before focusing on Aaron, who was heaving slightly. "You okay?"

"Absolutely not." Aaron quickly unbuckled himself and pushed open the door. "She drives like a maniac."

She shrugged. "Tony taught me how to drive."

Rossi scoffed. "That explains it."

Aaron closed the car door and walked over to his team, who all looked like they were about to burst into questions the second they saw Alina roll down her window. But a single look from him had them rushing into the plane.

He looked back down at Alina as he stood beside Rossi now. "You...drive safe, alright? You still need to do experiments with Jack."

"Sir, yes, sir!" She teased, saluting him. Before he could retort and scold her for calling him 'sir' outside of a sexual setting, she quickly poked her tongue out at him and rolled up her window, before zooming out of the airstrip.

As they watched her drive away, Rossi patted Aaron on the back. "You've got your work cut out for you."

He shook his head. "Tell me about it."

author's note: so this chapter tackled both alina and aaron's pov, which was surprisingly enjoyable to read. 

one thing that always annoyed me about criminal minds (and aaron hotchner in particular) was that they wrote him down as very stoic. like, i genuinely feel like, thomas gibson (and his acting) definitely brought emotion to an otherwise boring character, and i think that's what made us love hotch in the first place. so, i just wanted to sort of bring even more emotion to his character by writing more scenes of him interacting with his team outside of work, interacting with jess (and expounding on their relationship), and interacting with jack. 

of course, let's not forget his interactions with alina, who brings out the more childish side of him.

even though he's already catching feelings oop-

anyway, this is me basically making up for lost time because i haven't been updating regularly (trust me, i know that i still update a lot, but not updating daily makes me feel weird). so, here's this mess of a chapter that i hope you guys enjoyed. i'll see you all again sooooooooonnn.