The tension between Hotch and you wasn't making the job easier. The secret glances, subtle touches and small acts of worry were only fueling the feelings that started growing inside of you

You even called each other by your first names, which barely anyone did. Most people called him Sir, or Hotch if come to friendship but calling him Aaron meant a deeper connection. But calling him Aaron felt so right you couldn't change it.

The way his eyes lit up even in the darkest of times, when it came to talking to you or the hint of protectiveness during cases, it was clear yet impossible.

The rules of the FBI were clear. Nothing was allowed to happen between two agents, a rule Strauss had put on. No relationship beyond friendship was tolerated.

The days you had taken care of Jack, his son, after the divorce with Haley, because he had so much to do with the paperwork were silent acts of love, silent pleadings for attention and love even tho you barely interacted in that time.

Now the whole team was on a case near London, working with the UK unit of the FBI you couldn't help but feel a strong jealousy. Kate, the leading FBI chief of the unit definetly had her eyes on Aaron, subtle flirting clear in her act. She actually managed to make her laugh with a stupid british joke which only worsened the sting in your heart. She looked almost perfect and she was way too similar to Haley for you to not feel pushed away. The small hint of a smile in Aaron's eyes whenever they talked seemed to make everything worse, the whole focus that should be on the case, now on his every move.

Finally you got pulled out of your pain when one of the officers came in, explaining that they'd found another victim and the stinging pain subsided as your focus went back to the case.