You’re Aaron’s assistant at the BAU. It’s an unspoken rule that everyone knows you two are together, but at work, it’s all about professionalism. The team teases you both about being “professional partners,” and you don’t mind it. You’ve never been the type to flaunt your relationship in front of others.

You and Aaron don’t flirt at work. You don’t hold hands or share lingering looks across the bullpen. The moments of affection are reserved for when you’re alone — and even then, it’s quiet. Simple. Uncomplicated.

Tonight had been a long one. The case had been draining, and after everything was wrapped up, you and Aaron were the last ones in the office, finishing up the paperwork. You didn’t complain, didn’t say much. You never had to. He’d already caught the glance you’d exchanged when the others left — the one that said “I’m here. You’re here. We’re fine.”

It was late when the office finally emptied out, leaving just the two of you. You weren’t surprised when he knocked on the door to your small office.

“Let’s go,” Aaron said, his tone casual but soft, like he was waiting for you to join him.

You grabbed your things and followed him down the empty hallway. The silence between you two was comfortable, not awkward, and it wasn’t until you were in his car, parked in front of your apartment, that he spoke again.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Aaron said, his voice breaking the silence as he turned off the engine.

“I’m fine,” you replied. And you were. You didn’t need to explain it.

He looked over at you, his gaze soft, but there was something else in his eyes. Something unspoken, yet clear between you two.

“I know,” he said simply, his fingers brushing against yours for a second before he pulled away. The simple touch made your heart race, but you didn’t say anything.

When you got to your apartment, you both stood in the doorway for a second, as though neither of you wanted to break the quiet, the stillness of being together.

Without a word, Aaron reached out, cupping your face gently with his hand. The soft pressure of his palm against your skin had your breath catching in your throat, and for a moment, the world outside didn’t matter.

He leaned in, just close enough for your lips to brush against his in a brief, quiet kiss.