Disclaimer: I Dow'n everything mentioned in this small story. Except a bottle of wine. And I don't even like wine!

Author's note: … Wow... Finished... Sequel's coming up – it's called Chance Meetings. It will be all humor. And Romance. And now: Let's finish this muhfukka (Totally doesn't mean that!).

It was their second/third date and Hotch just sat and looked at the beautiful woman in front of him. Her hands was trailing intricate patterns in the air as she talked her face was alive with feelings. He watched her and realized that he hadn't felt this happy and relaxed for a long time. She smiled at him and took a sip of her wine.

"I'm falling in love with you."

Annie choked on her wine when Hotch spoke. Her eyes grew wide with surprise when she took in his serious face and demeanor.

"In love with me?"

"I think so yes. I've talked with a friend of mine who asked me a very good question. Did I like you because of who you are or because I wanted someone to be there for Jack when I couldn't be. Someone other than Jessica. Or maybe because I was lonely and justed wanted someone to be there for me." Annie felt a little scared at the intense look in Hotch's eyes but it also made her feel all warm and treasured that she was what inspired the look.

"So... What conclusions did you come to?"

"I think it's a mixture. I feel completely at ease when I leave Jack in your care whenever I have to leave for a case. I realized that I had been feeling very lonely at times and then I realized that I don't feel like that anymore." Hotch reached over the table and gently caressed Annie's fingertips on the hand still holding her wineglass. He looked into her eyes almost frowning. "I feel happy with you. You once told me I couldn't carry the entire world on my shoulder's. Now I know that when I'm with you I feel like I could carry the entire universe – if I wanted to." He let his fingers linger for a moment and then slowly pulled them back. "I know this must seem sudden and I'm sorry if my confession has startled you but I felt that you had to know." He looked at Annie expectantly waiting for her to answer.

"I was told that saving you was going to be hard work," she started looking down on her wine glass. "Then I was asked I was with you to save your son. I was told to figure out my feelings before I got in too deep. Then I was asked if I seriously was dating a strong handsome FBI-agent to get a better relationship with a child. I realized that I wanted to save you and I wanted to save your son. But that's not why I'm here. I'm here because when I'm with you I feel treasured, protected, appreciated. I adore Jack but I would still be here even if he was a brat and I loathed him or if he didn't exist. I'm here for you – Jack's a bonus." Annie raised her eyes and found Hotch's looking at her. "And even though you think you're falling in love with me I know I'm in love with you." Hotch smiled.

"You want to heal me?" Annie smiled shyly and looked away.

"You see some serious shit everyday at work. You been through stuff I wouldn't come up with in the most vicious nightmare. It's some sort of female primal instinct or something but my entire body's itching to save you from your demons. Kind of like the prince on the white horse" She shrugged. "But I know I can't heal you." She looked into his eyes. "You have to do that yourself." She reached over and took his hand and gave him a quirky smile. "But if you want to, I can try to kiss it better?"

And that's the way I would like it to be in real life.

Hopeless romantic I am indeed. Wouldn't change it for the world xD

Remember to look out for the sequel! Chance Meetings – first update tomorrow perhaps – either that or Monday!