Disclaimer: I don't own Hotch, Reid or any other character of Criminal Minds. I'm writing this purely for fun (mine and yours), so I hope you enjoy it enough to leave a comment since that's the only reward I get for this.

I want to thank Kathi1C for beta-reading this. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Understanding and going home

I was literally digging my own grave. When I saw the team coming towards us, I reacted. And then, I was in shock. But only for a few seconds. Strong arms pulled me up, away from any demon. When my eyes locked with his, it was like coming back to life. I forgot about everything and hugged him. And he embraced me too. Holding me tightly against him, keeping me safe.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a whisper.

"I knew you would understand," and then I hid my face in his neck, wanting to cry but not been able to do so.

"I love you," I was sure my heart had stopped. At least for a second. Not that it was the first time I've ever heard those words coming out of my supervisor's lips but we were surrounded by agents. "I can't lose you."

"Aaron," was all I could manage to reply. And he understood again.

Two weeks later.

It was late at night, around half past ten, when the bell rang.

"Aaron?" I said, a little surprised because he usually called before coming by. "Is everything alright?" I asked pulling the door open.

"I just, I need to be with you."

"Come inside," he went to the living room and sat on the sofa.

"Haley wants the divorce. She found out. About us," my face went pale as I sat beside him in the sofa. "She promised she won't tell a soul as long as I divorce her."

"I'm sorry."

"Shh. I know she's been cheating on me for a while and the only reason I was still holding on was because of Jack. If she wants to do it this way, okay then. I will always care about her but you are the one I'm in love with." And with no further discussion, he kissed me.

Two hours later, we were resting in the bed, in each others arms.

"Spence, can I stay tonight?"

"Sure, Aaron."

That was the first night I didn't have nightmares of Tobias. When I woke up, however, I was alone. And I kinda freaked out until I caught the smell of coffee coming from the kitchen.

"Morning."

"Morning." Aaron said, turning away from the toast to give me a good-morning kiss. "You sleep well?"

"Indeed." I answered with a big smile. "Did you?"

"Absolutely," he replied pulling me into his arms. "I love you." I couldn't help but chuckle. "And no, I will never get tired of saying it." My smile just went wider.

"I love you too, Aaron."

After breakfast, it was time to go back to work.

We changed our clothes (luckily, I had convinced him to bring some suits to my place about two months ago) and headed to the door. Just when I was unlocking it, he spun me around and pressed a hard kiss onto my lips.

"I love you. Be careful, Reid," he whispered.

"You too, Hotch." I replied, inhaling his fresh scent and printing it in my memory.

Then we went to work. And everyday, when we are done with the bad guys, we go back home. To our home.