Follow Up
Disclaimer: I wish, but no, don't own the characters/show.
Author's Note: Yes, probably every Hotly shipper and their dog is writing fanfic for this ep, this is just my stab at it. Because, c'mon, that episode just begged for fanfic. Spoilers for Season Seven's "Painless"
His phone lights up right after tucking Jack in, indicating a new text message, a message from Prentiss.
Take my advice?
P.
His reply was quick and to the point.
Yes.
H.
And he expected her to leave it at that, leaving his phone on the coffee table in order to locate a nightcap. He really should have known better.
An incoming message ringtone interrupted his pour nearly making him spill, and definitely making him curse. Glass in hand he returned to the phone, realizing that she would just keep texting him until he answered. Persistence thy name is Prentiss.
This reasoning in mind Hotch opened her message.
Did it help?
P.
Yes.
H.
Will you continue to answer monosyllabically until I stop texting you?
P.
Probably.
H.
Alright, good night Hotch.
P.
Good night. And thanks.
H.
You're welcome. Finish your drink and get some sleep.
P.
He glanced at the near empty glass in his hand, amused.
Profiling me, Prentiss?
H.
Nope. Just know you.
P.
Should I be concerned?
H.
Sleep well, Hotch.
P.
His amusement emerged for a moment in the form of a smirk before he drank the last of the amber liquid down, feeling the burn and then the warmth settle in his stomach as he leaned back against the cushion.
The next thing he knew his cell phone, not his usual alarm clock, was waking him up. Groggily reaching for the offending item, a weary hand ran through his hair as he opened the waiting message.
Good morning! Figured I'd wake you before Jack does and demands breakfast. Hope the couch was comfortable.
P.
Hotch shook his head at the last of her text, smiling as he rose to go prepare himself and Jack for the day ahead.
He knows he should probably be concerned by just how well she knows him, but then he'd have to ignore Jack's extra enthusiasm at the mention of school, ignore the possibility that their candle time might have done some measure of good, and that was not going to happen.
Prentiss hadn't expected a reply to her last text so when her phone indicated that a picture accompanied the new message to say she was surprised would be an understatement.
Surprise turned to shock and shock to tenderness, however, when she opened said message.
By the odd angle and the top of Hotch's head being cut off she knew Jack had taken the picture, but their smiles and the text accompanying it had her grinning all the way to the office.
Thanks from both of us.
H. & J.