A/N: Anchor is now reaching its end. I have to say that I had moments where I thought I wouldn't finish this story, but now I have and even have a good basis for a sequel. Hope you enjoy the season finale.
Hotch drove home to shower, relishing in the feel of the hot water on his tired muscles and on-edge nerves. He clung to his moment with Jack earlier, and what was waiting for him. In the back of his mind, Hotch wondered why Hinata didn't just wait for him at his apartment- especially since she's spending more and more days there- but he was also a bit relieved that she wasn't here. When he passed by the mirror earlier, he still saw how on edge he was; and Hotch didn't trust himself not say something that would had drove the girl away. Besides, Hotch enjoyed the suspense that was coming up with his surprise.
After drying himself off, Hotch did a quick shave; brushed his teeth; and got dressed. Instead of the usual suit, Hotch went for a comfortable white polo and jeans. He decided to pack an overnight bag just in case, packing his gun and credentials in there as well. Giving the time a quick check, Hotch walked out the door and into his car. Thinking himself a nervous teenager while re-checking himself in the rearview mirror- and trying not to think that he was a nervous teenager when he did this last and for a date with Hailey- Hotch gave himself a passing grade and started his car.
On his way, Hotch had thought about how he wasn't going to let his own frustration over what happened in Boston ruin this night. Was he still angry at the fact that piece of waste was loose; yes, and Hotch had made it his mission to drag that man kicking and screaming back into a cage where he belonged. But tonight, Hotch wasn't going to let himself stew in his anger and self-pity. He had done that not too long ago, and he had hurt Hinata more than he wanted to admit. Rossi was right; Hinata didn't deserve seeing him beating himself up.
Pulling into a parking space outside of Hinata's apartment, Hotch took in a deep breath. Tonight was for him to have fun and relax. To spend time with the woman he loved. Just like with Hailey, he would leave the person that was SSA Aaron Hotchner at the door and just become Aaron.
Hotch stepped out, grabbed his overnight bag- inwardly chuckling at how this was one of the few times he had to pack one when coming here- and walked briskly up to Hinata's front door. He saw the light on from the window and wondered if Hinata was perhaps waiting for him on her couch, maybe studying for an up and coming test.
Chuckling softly, Hotch raised his hand and gave a few firm knocks on the door. He counted the seconds until Hinata answered the door, not dressed in a baggy shirt and pajama pants like Hotch remembered the last time, but a violet spaghetti strap and black shorts that were perhaps a bit too short. Hinata's face was a few shades of red while her eyes were looking everywhere besides him and her fingers playing with each other in front of her.
Hotch himself didn't say a word, only stood there with his mouth slightly opened and his own cheeks feeling warm. Sure, Hinata had worn these whenever she slept over his house; but that took a while for the two to reach that level, and Hotch understood why Hinata probably wouldn't dress as such in her own apartment with a very loose lip gossip for a roommate. If she was dressed like this now, Hotch could instantly assume the roommate was out at the moment and that this was perhaps a part of his surprise.
"I...ah..." Hinata stammered out before putting on a sheepish smile, "M-My roommate is o-out for the n-next few days, s-so I..."
"I understand," Hotch said, his opened mouth now forming into what he knew had was a cross between a smile and a smirk. His hand reached up and touched Hinata's heated cheek, his thumb doing slow strokes. Hinata's face was still bright red, but she leaned more into his touch, "Let me inside before someone sees you like this."
He enjoyed watching Hinata's eyes snap open at his words before quickly stepping back- Hotch not liking how her cheek was no longer in his hand. Hotch was quick to follow her, closing the door behind him, and then pulling Hinata flushed against his body. Hinata let out a small squeak when her face buried in his chest before looking up and looking at him with bashful eyes.
"You know how I really enjoy you wearing something like this," Hotch said suggestively into her hair, his arms tightening ever so slightly around her waist, "So was this the surprise?"
"Eh...uh," Hinata cleared her throat before she placed her hand over its favorite place. She reburied her face into his chest, and Hotch couldn't help but smile, "I-It's part of it."
"Oh," Hotch said as one of his hands reached up and threaded into her hair, "Remember what I said, you have to be one hundred and ten percent sure that you want to."
Hinata's face reappeared and her small but genuine, "I know," she whispered before her , "And I am."
Hotch raised an eyebrow at the lack of stammering before diving in for a passionate kiss. Warm as always, and loving. The type of kiss Hotch had always looked forward to after a rough case, and Hotch believed what happened in Boston qualified as rough. When Hotch pulled back for air, his breathing was a bit off; and so was Hinata's as her breaths came out as warm puffs, fanning his lips. Without warning, he dove in for another kiss and even started pushing her towards the couch.
"I love you," Hotch whispered after separating again. The back of Hinata's knees hit the couch and two fall on the cushions.
Hinata's arms circled around his neck and a quick kiss on his lips, "I love you too."
Hotch laid a kiss on Hinata's forehead before traveling lower. Each kiss he had tried to convey how much he loved her. How much she had kept him grounded. Hinata was his heart, his spark, his anchor. And he would be damned if he made the mistake of hurting her again; and driving her away.
This time he was trying, and he was not letting up.
A/N: Not as long as I wanted, but I think I got the point across. Tell me what you all think, and thanks for reading.