A/N: I decided to write a Christmas fic about my favorite pairing. I've been in Christmas spirit for days now and I wanted to put in into writing. I don't if this is good, but I still hope everyone enjoys this. This chapter won't be longer than three chapters. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I don't own criminal minds

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another.
The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

-Emily Matthews-

~ My Christmas Secret ~

Hotch put another finished report on the stack of files that was taking over his desk. The team was put on stand down for Christmas much to his dislike. Christmas was a time to be with family and somehow it always reminded him of what he had lost. He loved to spent Christmas with Jack. Sometimes he just felt lonely because there was no one else around. He ached for some adult company every now and then.

His gaze landed on the blonde who was decorating the bullpen with Christmas decorations. Normally Garcia was the one who went crazy around Christmas, but this time JJ seemed to have the fever inside her. She had been overly excited for weeks since Christmas was nearing. The excitement she felt was ignored by the team as much as possible. Hotch on the other hand just talked along with her. He didn't want to take away her bliss. He could see JJ making a happy dance in the empty bullpen and he realized she probably didn't realize he was still there. He couldn't help but laugh. He put down the file and rose from his chair. He quietly opened the door and walked down the stairs. JJ was playing loud music, so he could barely be heard. He walked up from behind her and his eyes fell on her body. Her moves made the temperature rise and he definitely had to swallow.

''JJ!'' he said loudly.

She froze immediately when she heard the voice from her boss coming up from behind her. She turned off the music. She turned around to face him with blushed cheeks. The amusement on his face made her feel embarrassed. ''Sorry,'' she began. ''I thought everyone went home. I wanted the decorations to be a surprise once everyone got here tomorrow.''

''Why are you so happy?''

Her gaze was unblinking as she stared at him. ''Because my life is pretty damn good these days. Will is finally talking to me again and Henry doesn't hate me anymore.'' she beamed, putting the music back on. ''Plus, there's this guy I like a lot. Don't tell anyone! It's my Christmas secret.'' she whispered in his ear.

Jealousy was the first thing that went through his head. He never was the type of guy to be jealous. He wanted JJ to be happy. She deserved it, but something inside of him wanted him to be the guy she liked. Before he knew it JJ pulled him with her and she started dancing on All I want for Christmas is you.

''Come on, Hotch! You can do better than that.'' JJ yelled as she took one of his hands in hers.

Hotch quickly grabbed the remote from her hold and he turned off the radio. ''Your reflexes are lacking, JJ.'' he mocked.

''Thank you.'' she said happily.

''Would like to go to my apartment for a drink?'' he asked boldly.

She gasped in surprise. ''Sure, but where's Jack tonight?''

''Jack is staying with Jessica because she wanted to spent some time with him before she left to visit her family. Besides, I could use the company.''

''I have all the time in the world, Hotch.'' She turned towards the glass doors. ''Lead the way, sir!''

By one o'clock, they were hanging on the couch in his apartment. JJ's head rested on his shoulder as they were just talking to one another. For both of them it felt like the most normal thing in life. It actually surprised Hotch how comfortable he was around JJ. He didn't have to pretend to be someone he wasn't.

''Have you ever been in love?'' he asked, sitting up suddenly.

His question took her by surprise. ''Of course.'' she answered. ''I was in love with Will once. But I think I'm only realizing now that it wasn't real love.'' she tried to explain. ''At least that's what I think. When I look at people around me my love for him never compared to that.''

Hotch realized by the pain in her voice that he hit a painful spot with her. ''I'm sorry, JJ.'' he apologized. ''That question was inappropriate.''

''No Hotch! It's fine.'' she reassured. ''I guess I never had the kind of love I wanted and now I think I'm feeling it for the first time.''

''How do you know that?'' he asked, the disappointment present in his voice.

She hesitated, trying to think of what to say. She was planning on telling during him Christmas. She had been thinking about it for months. She finally planned it all out and she couldn't ruin her plan now. One thing was for sure. She loved Aaron Hotchner. ''He makes me feel better every time I see him. He's the one person who understands why I do this job. He gives me butterflies. I think I see things in him, no one else sees.'' she summed up as she looked at him intently.

Hotch took a deep breath. He felt defeated. He was nothing like the list JJ summed up. He thought he couldn't possibly be the guy JJ was falling for. ''You should go, JJ.'' he said, standing up from the couch. ''We're on stand down but we still have reports to finish before Christmas.''

''Yeah, you're right.'' she agreed. She slowly made her way towards the door but she stopped before opening it. She turned around and put a gentle kiss on his cheek.

The kiss took him by surprise and he froze instantly when he felt her soft lips on his skin. He had no words. He watched as she left and his hand went up to his cheek when she closed the door. Question marks suddenly took over his thoughts. What did that mean? Was she just being nice? Does she like me? Could she like me? Oh god, I'm freaking out.

He dropped himself to the couch and groaned out in frustration. JJ's signs were confusing him. He was slowly starting to go crazy because of her.