it’s late, well past midnight, and the soft hum of the city is the only sound cutting through the quiet of your shared bedroom. aaron stirs beside you as his phone buzzes on the nightstand. you roll over, watching as he rubs his eyes, already in work mode as he checks the screen.

he sighs, the sound heavy and resigned, before sitting up and answering. "hotchner."

you watch as his jaw tightens with every word, already knowing what it means. when he hangs up, he turns to you, eyes apologetic.

“they need me. i have to go in.”

you sit up, the sheets pooling around your waist as you reach out, gently taking his hand. "aaron, can’t they send someone else? you’ve barely slept. can’t it wait until morning?"

aaron gives you a small, tired smile, brushing your hand with his thumb. "you know i wish it could. but we have a lead, and if i don’t go now, it could slip away."

you shake your head, frustration rising as you grip his hand a little tighter. "i just... i hate it when you leave like this. in the middle of the night. i never know when you’ll be back, or if you’ll be safe." your voice cracks, the exhaustion and worry catching up with you.

hotch leans in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, his hand cupping the side of your face. "i know it’s hard. i wish it were different. but i’ll be okay. i always come back."