Aaron couldn't believe how fast Jack was growing up. He only wished Haley could have been here for the moment their son bought a girl flowers and asked her to be his Valentine.
Jack asked his father if he could surprise his Valentine and deliver the flowers to where she lived. He couldn't say no, not when he knew how much this meant to his little boy. So the night before Valentine's Day they stopped by the florist near their house.
He had been so excited all week, having made her a special valentine at school. His son refused to show it to him, saying it was a secret, but he knew she would like it because it had glitter and the colour red. He explained to his father he didn't know if it was her favorite colour but she always looked extra pretty when she wore red.
Aaron thought it was beyond adorable seeing this puppy love, that seemed like magic and made Jack light up. He tried to figure out which little girl had caught his son's eye. Jack only let him ask one question a day to try and figure it out.
So far he knew she was taller than Jack, has dark hair, a pet cat, her name started with an 'M', and she wasn't in his class. Jack had also said she had brown eyes and looked like a princess, even if he couldn't remember seeing her ever wear a dress.
Aaron could wait to find out more about the mystery girl who had his son so besotted. It had been his favourite part of the last week, seeing how excited his son got anytime he talked about her, the way his smile reached his eyes.
Hearing the way Jack talked and felt, Aaron never thought he would see his son this happy since he had lost his mom. Usually Jack was a bit shy and hesitant to make friends, he couldn't wait to meet the young lady his son had bought flowers for.
His son had been so polite and grown up when he marched in the flower shop and went up to the counter to ask the woman if they carried daffodils.
Aaron wanted Jack to feel independent and like he had bought the flowers with his own money, so before they left he made sure to slip an extra $20 bill in his son's wallet so he wouldn't be embarassed if he didn't have enough to pay.
His son had deployed his Hotchner dimples charming the employee assisting him. He specifically asked her for gold tissue paper and red ribbon to wrap the daffodils up for him.
Aaron was so proud of his son's manners and maturity as he dealt with the situation. He couldn't believe Jack was would be turning seven later in the year. It felt like just yesterday he had been born, and now he was this fearless, well-adjusted little man.
Jack had been elated when he found out he had enough for his purchase with money to spare. Once they got outside, he pleaded with his father to take him to get another gift that would last longer than the flowers. Aaron was more than happy to do this for him.
They stopped by the SUV to drop off his flowers so they wouldn't get crushed or have to carry them around. Jack grabbed his father's hand as he pressed the lock button, excitedly tugging his father forward. They found a sizeable toy store half a block up, that Jack was certain would have something perfect.
Jack decided to get the girl he liked a stuffed animal to go with her flowers. He wanted to find the perfect one, he had dug through three bins so far. There was only one bin left and Aaron was worried they didn't have any left in stock. He hoped Jack wouldn't be too disappointed if he didn't find it.
Aaron heard a loud excited squeal uncharacteristic of his son, if anything it reminded him of Garcia. The boy emerged from the bin he had all but climbed into, triumphedly holding the plushie as if it was a trophy he earned.
Aaron couldn't help tearing up a little at the effort Jack was going through. He knew the little guy would have been heartbroken had he not found what he came in for. He was glad he snuck the extra money into Jack's little wallet, he had just enough with a few dollars change to spare.
The teller offered him a complimentary gift bag, so Jack picked out a red bag with gold handles and gold tissue paper to match the wrapping he chose for the flowers.
When the Hotchner boys got back their vehicle Aaron was surprised at how carefully he handled both items, refusing to let them get squished or ruined. After double checking everything was secure he shut the door, before stepping back from the vehicle.
He wasn't sure what was going on until Jack launched himself at his father, gripping his legs and waist into the tightest hug his little arms could muster.
He pried Jack's hands off his waist to crouch down and get a proper hug. The moment Aaron's head was next to his son's, Jack whispered thank you, you're the best dad ever. She's gonna love it. I can't wait to see her.
Aaron would never forget this moment knowing how much it meant to Jack. He knew it was quickly becoming a core memory, he himself would always treasure. He couldn't wait to see Jack with his crush.
Aaron dropped Jack off at school promising he would be by to get him from Jessica's later so they could make his special delivery on the way home.
Aaron wasn't big on holidays but he always tried to make an effort for Jack's sake. He had bought his son a small box of Spiderman themed chocolates, knowing his little guy would be touched no matter what.
Garcia had dropped off a small Tupperware of heart shaped sugar cookies, with two cupcakes, one for both Hotch and Jack. JJ brought him a cute little puppy themed valentine's day card with a pack of toy cars Henry picked out for Jack.
Emily also had a a present and card for Jack. The card had a cat on it saying 'You're the puuurfect friend, Happy Valentine's Day'. Aaron knew Jack would love it based on his current affinity of cats. Emily told him she had included vouchers for the museum Jack had been hoping to visit, and showed him a peek of heart shaped picture frame she got his son.
As soon as he saw it Aaron knew Jack would love it. He thanked Emily profusely, knowing she had really been a godsend to him and Jack since Haley's passing. When he had some time, he planned on trying to think of a way to thank her for all her help.
After she left, Aaron couldn't help himself from sneaking casual glances of her from time to time. His office gave him the perfect vantage point of her desk. Aaron wished he could be as brave as Jack when it came to love, Valentine's day would have been a perfect or like the card said 'puuurfect' time to tell Emily he loved her. Or at the very least, ask her out on a date.
The day passes quicker than he realised. It had been a surprising light day at work and Aaron couldn't stop himself from smiling thinking about Jack's plans for later. He planned to leave by five thirty, six at the latest so he would have plenty of time to get Jack and take him to see his girl.
The rest of the team got to leave at 5, to quote Garcia "Thankful the BAU gods were shining on them so none of them would have to cancel any of their special plans for Valentine's Day."
Unfortunately for Aaron ten minutes before he was set to leave, Erin Strauss showed up at his office door. The moment he saw her, he knew his plans for the night were screwed.
Aaron felt like a horrible father knowing he had been called into a last minute meeting and would be missing this special milestone in his son's life. Thankfully he had a chance to call Jessica, who told him not to worry about it, Jack would understand.
Jessica tried to reassure Aaron knowing he was truly disappointed in himself. She promised to take secret pictures to commemorate the special moment, without embarrassing her nephew.
Jessica knew Jack was a tad upset Aaron couldn't make it, but he refused to let it damper his excitement. He handed Jessica the paper with the address and scampered off to get changed before they went.
Jessica wanted to cry seeing Jack come back in his little blue suit and red tie that made him look so much more grown up and the spitting image of his father. She wiped the single tear that escaped, knowing Haley would have been proud.
She convinced Jack to let her take a photo of him holding his gifts to send his father to cheer him up. Jessica didn't want to interrupt his meeting, but she knew he would appreciate the gesture when he got a chance to look at his messages. She didn't even send a message with it knowing no words were necessary.
Jessica drove to a building about ten minutes away from Aaron's apartment. After she parked the car, she grabbed the presents, waiting for Jack to safely depart from the vehicle. She carefully handed him his surprises, knowing he would want to carry them.
Jack lead the way, seeming to know exactly where he was going. When the got to the front door, because his hands were full, he asked Jessica to type in 309 and he would do the talking. A few seconds later later a female voice saying "hello" was heard. Jack immediately responded with "Hi, it's me Jack."
No sooner had he announced his name when the doors buzzer went off, drowning out the feminine laugh that could be heard, announcing it was unlocked and the call disconnected. Jack marched forward politely asking his aunt to hold the door open for him.
He went straight over to the elevator, Jessica followed right behind, pushing the up button knowing from the call they were headed for the third floor. When the elevator doors closed behind them, Jessica quickly crouched down, fixing Jack's tie, brushing his hair back and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek for good luck.
As soon as the elevator doors dinged and opened, Jack hurriedly raced off in the direction of his destination. Jessica allowed him some leeway, knowing from his familiarity to the building that he had been here before and was likely safe.
Aaron grew frustrated when the last minute meeting had drone for over two hours. Thankfully it wrapped up by a few minutes after 8. Aaron quickly headed to his office, ready to collect his belonging, excited to get home to Jack and hear about his day.
He checked his phone, while he waited for his computer to log off and power down. He had two messages, the first was a single picture of Jack holding up his gifts.
The second was more surprising it was from Emily and said 'Hey Hotch, I was hoping you could stop by on your way home, I have one more Valentine's Day gift I forgot to give you.'
Aaron was torn equally wanting to get home to Jack, but to also get another chance to see Emily. He nervously decided to quickly pop by, knowing he could still make it home before nine.
Thankfully the traffic was fairly light for once and he was able to make it to her apartment in under twenty minutes.
He punched in her buzzer code, immediately being let in, without having to wait for her voice prompt. Aaron shook his head wondering if he should scold her for no checking who it was first. He decided to take the three 2 flights of stairs that would lead him to her apartment, not wanting to stand still waiting for an elevator.
As he approached her door he couldn't help smirking remembering the first time he had been here, compared to all the times since. Aaron heard his signature knock ring out loud and clear in the quiet hallway.
Emily could be heard saying "Just a minute, I'll be right there." Aaron heard two sets of foot prints race towards the door. He could hear whispering and giggling before the lock began to disengage.
Aaron took a small step back, feeling a tad uneasy, knowing something felt off about this situation. He was starting to regret his decision to show up, he didn't expect her to have company. He didn't want to see her on a date with another man. He wished he could turn around and run before she opened the door.
But alas, it was too late, before him stood Emily Prentiss, still looking radiant in the red tank top she had worn under her jacket for work. He was surprised she hadn't changed or dressed up for the man she was entertaining.
Aaron didn't think he could be more surprised when half a second later a familiar mop of hair peeked from behind her and proceed to slip beside her, standing underneath the arm she was holding the door open with, clinging to her side.
Emily could help smirking at the flabbergasted expression on Aaron's face. "You just gonna stand there or are you going to come in and join us"?
She had to refrain from laughing not wanting to embarrass the elder Hotchner. His face was priceless as she saw him slowly looking around putting the pieces together.
He saw the red paper with gold glitter hanging on her refrigerator first, then a vase containing a douzen bright canary yellow flowers. As he scanned the room one last time he could see the long tail of the black stuffed cat Jack had painstakingly searched for peaking out from under a throw pillow.
He couldn't stop himself from quietly muttering out loud "How did my son manage to steal the one person I could want to be my Valentine." Thankfully for Aaron Jack had scampered off to the kitchen, unable to hear what he had said.
Before anything else could happen, Jack raced back to hand his father a box with a handmade valentine on a flat sheet of paper. He pushed the card on top into his father's hands silently urging him to read it.
Aaron was touched by the card and the three stick people drawn inside. Centered above them it said 'I love you'. Underneath that was 'Happy Valentine's Day'. But it was the names underneath the stick figures that made him chuckle.
The first one drawn in blue said 'Daddy', holding the hands of the shorter, red and blue one labelled 'Jack'. The last stick figure drawn soley in red crayon with long black hair and brown eyes. She was holding Jack's other hand, with a black cat drawn in her left hand, and the name underneath the last figure read 'Milee'.
"Do you like it daddy"? Jack asked, worried when his father hadn't said anything.
"I love it Jack. My favourite part is the drawing of me, you, and Emily. Seriously this is amazing buddy. You even remembered to draw Sergio." Aaron was choked up with emotions, beyond happy to be with his two favourite people.
Jack excitedly exclaimed "Open your present next Dad".
Aaron carefully set the drawing down on the coffee table before bringing his attention back to what was in Jack's outstretched hands. Aaron immediately knew what the thin square shaped box contained.
His growling stomach obviously gave away how greatly his present would be appreciated. It was perfect, he hadn't had a chance to eat supper yet because of his meeting. He quickly opened the box wanting to see what toppings they had chosen for him.
Aaron was excepting to open the box to find a heart shaped pizza. There were all his favourite toppings on it, but it was the Pepperoni that stole the show. It was deliberately cut into smaller strips/pieces and intricately layed out to say "We ❤️ Daddy".
Jack saved him from having to say anything, hurriedly explaining his gift. "Emily got us pizza for Valentine's Day. She didn't want you to miss out so she ordered your favourite and asked the pizza man for extra pepperonis on the side. When it got here she let me help spell out we love daddy on the pizza. Isn't it the best, most awesome thing ever dad"?
Aaron was flabbergasted at the amount of work and effort they put into this gesture for him. "Your right Jack it's the bestestest pizza I have ever seen. I can't wait to eat it. I bet it will be the most tasty pizza I have ever eaten."
Emily decided to step in knowing Aaron was hungry and it was already past Jack's bed time. "I know you want to stay up with you dad, but it's way past your bedtime kiddo. How about we let your dad eat, and you guys can both sleep over tonight. I have extra clean clothes for you both here. Jack attack, you remember from the time we got all dirty at the park and came back here to wash up and play games. So how about we get you changed, and you boys can sleep over here tonight."
Emily knew she was rambling and she should have checked with Aaron first, but she didn't want to give him the option to leave. She was done waiting around for him to realise how she felt. She already had the most amazing Valentine's Day of her life, but she hoped it might get even better still.
Jack turned to his father ready to ask for permission. Aaron beat him to the punch knowing he couldn't deny his son this. "Emily's right bud, we can stay over. So how about you come over here and give your old man a hug. Then Emily can help you get changed and tuck you in tonight. I'll stop by in abit and kiss you goodnight."
Jack wanted to jump up and down, he couldn't believe how perfect the day had been. He ran over to his dad, letting him set his pizza down before he excitedly hugged him. "Thank you dad, today was perfect".
Aaron waited until they were out of sight to let out the tears he was holding back. He loved the pizza and he couldn't lie to himself anymore. He was utterly and hopelessly head over heels in love with Emily. Like father, like son.
Aaron quickly calmed himself, not wanting to look like a blubbering fool when Emily returned. He decided to do as she asked and eat his supper to stave off at least one of his hungers.
Before he devoured his dinner, Aaron couldn't help slipping his cellphone out to capture a picture of his most favourite Valentine's Day gift he had ever received. He wanted to have something to remember today.
Aaron carefully extracted the black stuffed animal from underneath the pillow so he wouldn't squish it when he sat down to eat. He had just finished his meal, when his phone went off alerting him to a new text message.
He opened his phone to a new text from Jessica. In it included the most adorable pictures of Emily and Jack. His favourite, was the last one she sent, of the two of them cuddled up together on the couch with the cat plushed smushed between them.
He was interrupted by the next text she sent it said 'I was beyond shocked when I discovered who he wanted to be his Valentine. It was precious, Emily makes Jack happier than I ever remember seeing him. I know Haley was looking down proudly, knowing you found someone to help you teach Jack about love.'
Aaron was touched by her words, knowing Jessica was completely right. He quickly replied knowing Emily would be back soon and he wanted to give her his undivided attention. 'Thank you for today Jess and your words. I honestly had no idea it was Emily he wanted to be his Valentine. But he's definitely smarter and braver than me when it comes to love. He definitely got that from Haley. I love you Jess, talk more tomorrow. Goodnight.'
No sooner had he sent his text and silenced his messages, that Emily appeared in front of him. She handed him a heart frame matching the one she got Jack. "I know Jack obviously didn't get to open his Valentine's Day gifts from me, JJ, and Garcia, I told him he could before he went to school tomorrow".
Emily didn't know how to bring up what he said earlier, so she decided to break or thaw out the ice between them for now. "Anyway I had an extra one and I thought you could cut around the picture Jack drew you for Valentine's Day and put it in here, so you can keep it and it won't get ruined."
Aaron set the frame down knowing Emily was right it would fit perfect and look amazing. "I think it's safe to say, I didn't have a clue he was talking about you all week. He was so secretive about you, he refused to tell me your name. He would only give me one hint about you everyday. He was so excited and I know this meant everything to him."
Aaron kept speaking even if he was repeating himself. He didn't want to let his nerves stop him and chicken out from saying the things he wanted to. He was hesitant to look at her, afraid that his feelings could still be one sided.
Emily decided to be straight with him and put them both out of their misery. "So Aaron, did you mean what you said earlier, about your son stealing the one woman you could ever want to be your Valentine"?
As soon as his brain heard her angelic voice speak his name he looked up into her eyes, hanging on her every word. He couldn't help blushing knowing she had managed to overhear his mutterings to himself. He hesitated replying, not sure how much he needed to reveal. He wanted to blurt out I love you, but even he knew it was probably too soon for that.
"You overheard that embarassing thought process earlier. I was hoping you hadn't. But seeing as you did and I can't make any bigger a fool of myself now, then yes. Yes Emily, I meant it. I was just too afraid to say something in case you didn't"..."
Emily didn't want to give him a chance to finish responding or doubt her feelings towards him any longer. She cut off his rambling the only way she could think to end it.
The second he realised her lips were touching his, he knew she felt the same way. But more importantly he now knew for certain that Emily was going to help him keep his promise to the only other woman he had ever loved.
Aaron's last thought before he was too distracted to think, was how Jack was right about everything. Today was absolutely perfect.