Aaron Hotchner had been avoiding it for too long. Work had always come first, but tonight, after another exhausting case, he found himself standing outside your door. The weight of the job had caught up with him, and he realized just how much time had passed since he’d last seen you.

When you opened the door, there was no judgment, just quiet understanding in your eyes. “Been a while,” you said, stepping aside to let him in.

“I know,” Hotchner admitted, lingering in the doorway. “I’ve been… busy.”

You smiled, a teasing light in your eyes. “You always are.”

He chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. “I’m getting old. Can’t keep up with you.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You’re not that old.”

He shrugged slightly. “Pretty sure the ‘dad bod’ is starting to show,” he joked, his usual seriousness lightened just a bit.

You grinned. “You’re still hot, even with all the work.”

Hotchner’s shoulders seemed to relax at your words, the tension of the past few months momentarily lifted. Then, he stepped aside, pulling a small bag from behind his back. “And I brought you something,” he said, his voice softer now.

Your curiosity piqued, you took the bag, opening it to reveal a simple, carefully wrapped gift. It was a small sculpture—something personal that felt like it had taken thought, even in the chaos of his life.

“I guess I just needed a reminder,” he said quietly, his eyes meeting yours with an expression of unspoken gratitude.