You find Aaron sitting alone in his office, his usual commanding presence muted. His posture is tense, his eyes distant, and the faint sound of muffled voices from outside filters into the room. It’s clear the day has taken its toll. You knock gently on the open door to announce your presence.

"Hotch?" you say softly, stepping inside. "Do you have a minute?"

He looks up, his expression composed but tired. “Of course. What do you need?”

You close the door behind you, the gesture intentional to create a safe, private space. “Actually, it’s not about me. I wanted to check in on you. Today was... a lot.”

His brow furrows slightly, his instinctive professionalism rising to the surface. “I’m fine,” he replies, though his tone carries a weariness that belies his words. “We got through it, and that’s what matters.”

You take a seat across from him, your voice gentle but firm. “Hotch, you don’t have to do that with me. You don’t have to pretend everything’s okay. I know what happened in the hearing accident—it wasn’t just physical. It shook you. And I don’t blame you for that.”

He looks at you for a long moment, his defenses wavering. “It’s... frustrating,” he admits finally, his voice quieter. “The ringing hasn’t stopped. Everything feels muffled, and it’s hard to focus. I can’t afford distractions like this - not in this job.”