I DO NOT OWN CRIMINAL MINDS OR THE CHARACTERS.
Chapter Four:
I laid quietly and watched Aaron sleep. I felt out of sorts. Everything that was going on was throwing me out of my element.
When things started with Hotch in that hotel room, I never imagined that I would end up here. Being here, in Aaron's bed, after spending the evening with him and Jack… things just felt so real. We didn't have a label, but neither of us do anything by halves.
When he told me that what he wanted from me wasn't just physical, I didn't know how or what to feel. I feel so relieved, but confused. I had this gnawing feeling that despite not really being together, that things weren't casual… At least, they wouldn't stay casual for long. I don't know how to not get feelings.
This is the last thing I should try to be figuring out now. I'm a mess. My emotions are show. I can't remember the last time I felt this mentally drained.
I sighed, knowing that I was too deep in my own head. I need to sleep. Things will look better in the morning. They always do.
"Aunt Penelope, can I sleep with you?" A soft voice pulled me from my slumber. I opened my eyes to see Jack standing in front of me. I was suddenly grateful that Aaron and I both slept clothed last night.
"Of course you can, Jackers." I told him with a smile.
"Daddy left to get stuff to make breakfast, but I'm still sleepy." He explained.
"Then let's nap until your dad gets back." I suggested, as I helped him climb into bed. I tucked him under the covers and he snuggled into my side.
"You know, this is something that I could get used to seeing." Hotch mused. I stifled a yawn and gave Jack a little squeeze. Aaron smiled down at us, before touching his lips to mine.
I let myself enjoy it, before I ended it. I started at him, inquisitively.
"We shouldn't do this in front of Jack." I whispered. His eyebrows rose with unmasked surprise. Where is the stoic man that I've come to know and love?
"We shouldn't do what, Penelope?" He asked me, quietly.
"Kiss," I breathed. His eyes glittered with amusement, as his lips curved into a smile.
"Why shouldn't we? Have you changed your mind already?" He teased. I felt flushed and knew that I must be blushing something fierce.
"N-No… I just… I don't want to confuse him, Aaron." I struggled to explain.
"I want to be with you, Penelope. I don't want anyone else. We both needed a distraction that night. It's my fault that I called it that. I think both you and I know that we are incapable of keeping something like this casual or just physical. If you're willing to try, I think that we should do this. You know me better than most people, Penelope. This will work, if we both want it to." He confessed. I swore under my breath and wondered if he could actually read my mind.
"You want to be together and have an actual relationship?" I tried to clarify. He nodded.
"I do. I want you."
"Yes, okay. Let's do it. Just… we have to tell the team." I sighed, trying to imagine the nightmare that would be.
"There's no official rule that says that we can't fraternize. We just need be professional at the BAU and in the field… And keep the displays of affection to a minimum. Dave has been seeing Strauss for months." He explained.
"I – Wait, what?!"
