Amalya's revelation about her family life seemed to have brought the team closer together. They'd always felt like there was a part of her she was not sharing, and now they understood why. Not many people would react well to that kind of backstory…not many people react well to where she's from, so it made sense to them that she wouldn't share something like that right off the bat.
They knew that they probably will never get the full story about her why she impressed the Director so much he'd been willing to create room in the BAU's budget just for her, since most of it was probably classified, but they were alright with that. She was a good addition to the team, and she was a force to be reckoned with. So, at least she was on their side.
The summer heat seemed to have awakened the most perverted of UNSUBS, and the team was jetting back and forth between cities, often even providing consultations to the cases they can't attend to in person. Weekends were hard to come by, and when they did, they were mostly for a day spent with families – for those who had them – or in bed, or running the odd errand for those who didn't.
This was the first weekend in many weeks where they had the entire weekend free. Hotch had decided to hold off on accepting any new cases, telling Strauss to only call for something that can only be handled by them.
"Since when do you turn down cases, Aaron?" Strauss wondered in amazement. It wasn't like him to give such a request.
"The team has been working almost non-stop for weeks, we haven't seen our families or spent time with them. We're not the only team out there, and some cases can be handled by them as opposed to us. The ones that require us, we won't turn down. But we deserve a break, I believe we've earned it." He pressed.
Strauss was quite for a few moments, studying him. He was different, he'd been different since Foyet almost killed Haley. And while it was better for Jack, it sometimes made her job harder. He was suddenly delegating; letting the team members do many of the paperwork he used to do for them, not rushing on any unnecessary reports, he assigned more cases for consults than he usually did, he didn't summarize their reports on consultations anymore; which meant she had to read through them all. She'd heard rumors that Amalya had a hand in it a bit, and the team was more than happy to help take some of the load off Hotch's shoulder, but this was the first time she had actually felt the change.
She'd eventually relented and given-in to his request, when it was obvious he wasn't backing down.
"Only when it can't be handled by anyone but us, Erin." He persisted.
And there he was, packing up the food he'd promised to bring, while Jack packed his pool stuff and swim-suit. Hotch was still trying to remember where his even was.
Rossi had invited the entire team – families included – to spend the day at his house, or mansion as he called it, and have pool day.
"Jack and Henry could make use of the pool, while we make use of my liquor cabinet, and my cooking skills." He'd listed the reasons why that weekend would be a good thing. Only to realize that none of the members were really protesting the idea.
"And dessert is on Amalya," Derek announced.
"And why is that exactly?" she questioned.
"Because you and Emily teased us all with mentions of delicious Egyptian treats, and I have yet to see any." He started, "unless you don't know how to make them." He baited.
She'd arched her eyebrow at him, clearly seeing through his attempt at baiting her.
"Please, Am, I haven't had them in years." Emily pleaded.
Of course, Amalya caved to their requests and promised she'd do her best to find the ingredients she needed to make them.
The first question out of Jack's mouth when Hotch told him they were spending the day at Rossi's pool was; 'is Amaya coming?'!
He'd already spent a fair amount of time trying to get his son to pronounce her name properly, and failed miserably at it. She didn't seem like she minded, so he dropped it.
And so, the energetic five-year-old was even more thrilled and hyper than usual now that he knew Amalya – who Hotch was sure was his son's most favorite person – was coming. He carefully picked his outfit for the day, made sure his favorite towel was washed, dried and ready to go. He'd asked a million questions when Hotch was preparing the food the night before; would she like it? Did Hotch ask if she can eat all of them? How about any allergies?
Hotch had answered all his questions patiently, enjoying the energy and enthusiasm radiating from the young boy. A small part of him was relishing the fact that his son liked her so much. He hadn't been able to get her out of his head since the Alaska case. She still haunted his dreams, but they weren't as lustful as that day; they were surprisingly domestic. She'd be lying next to him in bed, fully clothed – much to his chagrin -; or sitting next to him on the couch as they watched something; or even reliving a day they had at the office.
Haley had even commented about how much Jack liked her, and point blank asked Hotch if she had anything to do with him being home for Jack's bedtime. Hotch scoffed as he tried to deny it, but her amused humming was a clear sign she didn't buy it. He wasn't ready for anyone to question exactly what she meant to him.
He finally managed to wrangle the excited five-year-old into the car, and made the drive over to Rossi's house. Jack had become obsessed with the 'puppet song' that he listened to on Amalya's phone that very first day, and Garcia had extracted and cleared the audio for him. So now, whenever he was in the car with Hotch, they listened to it.
He pulled up to Rossi's house, and saw Derek pulling out his own stuff from the trunk of his car. He pulled up behind him, and before he'd been able to turn the engine off, he heard Jack's seatbelt buckle click open, as he practically jumped out of the car once it came to a complete stop.
He ran towards Derek, who smiled brightly at the boy, and held out his hand for a high-five. "Hey, kid." He greeted affectionately, as his palm clapped against the boy's smaller palm.
"Hi." The boy exclaimed excitedly, as he ran towards the double doors where Rossi was standing.
"Uncle Dave." He called happily, and Dave smiled. "Hey, kiddo. You remember where the bathroom by the pool was?" he asked, and Jack excitedly nodded. "Hurry up and change, Henry's already in the pool with Will and JJ." He instructed.
The boy didn't need to be told twice, he squealed with glee, and ran towards the bathroom, his backpack bouncing as he ran along.
Hotch walked in with Derek, both carrying whatever it was they promised they would bring. Rossi tipped his head in greeting. "Gentlemen."
"Where to Rossi?" Derek asked.
"Straight for the pool. Amalya and Penelope are setting up." He directed them. "Emily, is of course, late. And Reid, last I checked, was trying to calculate where to put the chairs so we don't get 'too much' sun." he quipped.
Derek smiled devilishly, and Rossi knew he was on his way to give Reid a hard time. His suspicions were confirmed when Derek's voice called on a laugh. "Pretty Ricky!"
"Jack didn't object to spending the day with us, I hope?" Rossi asked, the all-too-sweet tone wasn't lost on Aaron. He was alluding at something, and Hotch wasn't sure he would be able to hold off the veteran profiler much longer.
"The word 'pool' seemed to get him on board quickly enough," he replied.
"And what word got you on board?" Rossi tantalized.
"Your liquor cabinet." Hotch shot back, and Rossi chuckled, as he followed the man towards his backyard, where the pool was.
Hotch was infamous for his poker face; no matter how fazed he was, he could always steel his features. The times when something had been so out of left field for him that it showed on his face were very, very few. And a certain agent was responsible for one too many of them.
Rossi was smirking, he knew of his friend's ability to school his features, but he was also not blind to the effect Amalya had on him. He hadn't missed how his jaw almost dropped when she walked into the conference room in that figure-hugging dress for their briefing of the Alaska case. And he knew she would throw him off today too.
He'd barely walked through the open French doors, when he saw her. He faltered slightly in his step, thankful for the sunglasses he was wearing since he was sure his eyes betrayed him. He could feel Rossi's smirk from beside him, and the almost inaudible snort he released when his step faltered.
She was in a black one-piece, a sweetheart neckline teasing just enough flesh as the straps went around her neck. The fabric crisscrossed with sheer fabric around her stomach and back stopping just at her pelvic bone, where a sarong wrapped around her hips loosely and tied into a knot on the left.
"Amaya!" his son's delighted squeal snapped him from his trance, as the young boy buzzed by him, and straight for the brunette.
She smiled brightly at the boy, and leaned forward slightly just in time for Jack to barrel into her, wrapping his arms around her neck tightly. She planted a smacking kiss on his cheek, as she wrapped her arms around him, and stood back up. Jack wasted no time in wrapping his legs around her waist.
"Hey, bud." She welcomed softly.
"I missed you." The boy mumbled into her hair.
She was touched. "I missed you too, sweetheart." She said sincerely.
"Are you gonna swim with me?" he asked her, and she nodded.
"Of course I will, I just have to help your dad and the guys finish setting up first." She told him.
Just then, Henry finally noticed Jack, and called out to him. "Jack." The toddler squealed.
"Hey, buddy, why don't you join us and let them do all the boring work?" Will encouraged Jack.
Once again, Jack didn't need to be told twice. He immediately unwrapped himself from around Amalya, and made a beeline for the pool.
"You guys sure?" Hotch sought confirmation.
"Of course, this is the fun job." JJ teased.
The day proved to be exactly what the doctor ordered for the BAU team; once Emily had arrived, everything was set up, and they all found themselves in the pool in a game of water ball. He'd joined the first couple of rounds, but then tagged Garcia out to watch the two kids, and let her take part. She decided to take the opportunity to grab herself a drink to enjoy as she cheered on Derek, who had ended up on the same team as Amalya, along with Emily. Reid, JJ and Will were on the other team, and Rossi was cradling his own drink as he whispered conspiringly with Garcia.
The game seemed to have gotten rowdier somehow, he could no longer keep track of what was being said among the teams as they played. The kids got hungry, so he got them both out of the pool and all dried up, before he walked over to the table with the ready-made sandwiches. Once there, he realized he had no idea what Henry would be open to eating. He got a plate ready for Jack, before he turned around – Henry still perched on his hip, to make sure he doesn't run towards his parents – and was about to ask JJ or Will what to feed him, when the sight before him silenced the words before they left his mouth.
Will had thrown a ball that was too high to block, and apparently Amalya and Derek had developed a strategy to block such throws. In a split second, Derek went under the water, and Amalya quickly put her foot on his shoulder, before he stood up, pushing her into the air enough to block the ball. She jumped off his shoulder into the water in a snapping sound that Hotch was sure hurt.
As childish as it was, the scene reminded him of the little mermaid.
But apparently it was totally worth it, seeing as that was the 'sudden death' point that would've crowned the winner, and she just scored it.
He cleared his throat when Henry fussed a bit, no doubt in hunger. "JJ, is there something specific for Henry to eat or should I try my chances?" he asked loudly so the blonde could hear him over the ruckus.
"I think we'll all get a bite to eat." JJ responded, as they all made their way out of the water.
"Are you sure you're okay? Your back is all red." He heard Will speak to her.
"Yeah, it stung like crazy, but was totally worth it." She chuckled, as she knotted the sarong around her waist once more.
"Is it me or did you actually tan?" Garcia commented.
Amalya laughed. "Yeah, I tan stupid fast." She told her.
"Do you use a tanning spray or something?" Reid asked.
"Yep, Egyptian genes. Best spray tan out there." She quipped.
They all lounged about the pool as they ate, and drank some of the finest liquor Rossi had. Derek and Emily were both elbow-deep in the desserts Amalya brought over, both frequently producing various sounds of appreciation. The rest had all taken their share, and complimented the chef.
Jack had taken a spot next to Amalya on the chaise lounge, and had drifted off into an exhausted sleep. He'd taken one of her arms as a pillow, and she didn't seem to be bothered by it.
The day by the pool turned into an evening together as they ordered in dinner, and enjoyed the meal together. They'd stayed inside, let the kids play with some toys both parents had brought over, while they enjoyed the wine and laughs.
The drive back to his apartment was a contrast to the one he took that morning; Jack was fast asleep in the backseat, so the music wasn't on, and the usual chatter of the five-year-old was absent as well. And that gave his mind enough time to wander back to the day.
But not to the events of the entire day; only the events surrounding her. That jump she did off Derek's shoulder, the way she looked with Jack snuggled into her side, how she joked around with the team, especially when they sang her praises for the desserts she made. How she patiently answered Jack's million questions about the desserts, and anything the five-year old could think of. He'd wanted to interrupt to tell Jack to lay off of her a few times, but she apparently read his mind and subtly shook her head at him.
They were at Rossi's house, he'd gone to use the bathroom, and was washing his hands, when she walked in. He'd apparently forgotten to lock the door behind him, and good thing she didn't catch him in a more compromising position. She was glistening from the newly acquired tan she acquired, her sarong apparently forgotten in her haste to get to the bathroom. Her hair shimmered slightly from the pool water, as it draped around her shoulders and the front, drawing your eyes to the neckline and the perfectly accentuated cleavage underneath them.
That mesmerizing scent was everywhere, her eyes bore through him.
"It appears I forgot to lock the door." He spoke softly.
Her eyes suddenly had a gleam to them – enticing, seductive even – as she closed the door and locked it behind her. "Shame I wasn't a few seconds sooner." Her voice rumbled deep in her throat, and it was all the incentive he needed. One hand immediately cradled her neck and jaw, the other wrapping around her waist, as he crashed his lips against hers. The hand that wrapped around her waist wasted no time in roaming her body, as his tongue invaded her mouth, his fingers tangling in her hair as he swallowed her moans. He felt her raise one leg to wrap around his waist, perfectly centering herself over what was now a very uncomfortable bulge in his swimming trunks. He brought his hand round to the other hip as he slid it down towards her thigh and picked her up so both her legs were around his waist. He'd let go of her lips and trailed kisses down her neck, her pants and moans fueling him as he moved down.
"Daddy."
The small voice made him jump, jolting him out of the dream, and making him groan with frustration. He saw Jack's outline standing next to his bed in the darkness of the room, a small ray of light streaming through the open door provided by the nightlight he used when Jack spent the night with him.
"What is it, buddy?" he croaked out.
"I'm thirsty, and you didn't fill my cup." He replied sleepily, as he rubbed his eyes.
Hotch cursed under his breath. If only he'd filled that cup!
"Alright buddy, get back to bed and I'll bring it over." He instructed gently.
Jack wordlessly turned around and shuffled back to his room, while Hotch maneuvered himself so he didn't look too compromising, and made his way to the kitchen. He rubbed his face, as he waited for the cup to fill with water, numerous sighs of frustration leaving him, while a few choice words ran through his mind.
He placed the cup by Jack's side, and made his way back to his own room.
He groaned in frustration as he stared at the ceiling. What the hell was he thinking? How could he do this? Even in his own subconscious? How was he going to look her in the eye now? He had to get that image out of his head before work tomorrow.
He looked down at his own treacherous body, which seemed to be enjoying his subconscious thoughts.
"Traitor." He whispered, as he burrowed into his pillows and wished sleep would come to him without anymore adventures.
I hope you are all staying safe during those uncertain times, and that this chapter finds you all well. And I hope it provides some entertainment during those long nights.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody.