I'll be honest in saying that I'm not proud of this chapter. Still hope you enjoy.

Rossi gazed at the photo on Hotch's phone, an eyebrow raised. Hotch had sat quietly at his desk, paperwork that needed to be finished in front of him and a mug of coffee within arms reach. He had waken up earlier than expected, Hinata once again under his arm, and kept quiet as he gotten ready for his day. Hinata didn't have classes that day, so he had wanted her to sleep in for once. Hotch was flattered that she had wanted to spend time with him, anytime, but Hotch had wanted her to do something for herself, to be a little selfish. Besides, Hotch had planned a nice dinner for her when he arrived home, so maybe she would be okay with not watching him get dressed.

"She's...gorgeous," Rossi said before his tone changed to that of his usual playfullness, "How did you charm someone like her?"

Hotch rolled his eyes before reaching out for his phone. Rossi let out a chuckle as he handed it back, crossing his arms soon afterwards and giving off a smirk that meant he was expecting Hotch to explain. Shaking his head, Hotch gazed at the photo himself, fondness in his brown eyes. Hinata and Jack were in the lake Hotch and her had visited before. They were playing in the water, Jack squealing in delight as he splashed Hinata and Hinata splashed him back. He had tried to run away from her in a playful manner, only to slip on the wet ground and fall into the shallow water. Hotch had jolted up to check on his son, but Hinata was there before him, pulling Jack up and inspecting him for injuries. Surprisingly, Jack didn't cry, only laughed as he said it was fun. The shocked look on Hinata's face had made Hotch chuckle, but his heart soared as he then saw Hinata laugh himself as she smoothed Jack's damp dark hair and said that maybe it was time for lunch. He couldn't help but capturing that sweet moment on his phone.

Sure Hailey bitched at him for letting Jack get wet while the weather was chilling and even tried to go after Hinata- she didn't get far after Hotch grabbed her arm and gave her his glare- but Hotch would say he couldn't trade that moment for anything else. After pocketing his phone, Hotch gave Rossi his laugh-and-you're-dead glare before explaining.

"Her name's Hinata Hyuuga, a pre-law student at Georgetown who's in her last year. She plans to stay there for law school." Hotch took a deep breath as Rossi's smirk grew, "And yes, she's young. She'll be twenty-two this December."

Rossi only whistles, "Didn't think you were the type Aaron."

"I didn't think so either," Hotch rubbed his temple, "As I promised, I will be introducing her to you and the others soon."

"And you want me to help cool the heat if it happens," Rossi concluded before he let out a chuckle, "You know Aaron, you really know how to keep things interesting."

"You're one to talk."

"Comes with being Italian." Hotch once more rolled his eyes, "Humor me, how did you two meet? I doubt she was the type you would just walk up to in the grocery store."

"Lecture." Hotch answered simply.

"You meet girls all the time there, what makes her so special?"

"We talked personally and connected." Hotch specified.

"And when did this connection become something more involved," Rossi's tone went from playful to knew where he was leading to.

"Not until Hailey and I divorced," Hotch growled. Why did people always think the guy would cheat on his wife with his current girlfriend just because he was younger. Believe it or not, there were actual gentlemen out there, "A month afterwards to be exact."

The seriousness somewhat melted from Rossi's expression, and was replaced by consideration. Hotch knew that, again, Rossi couldn't talk. His Italian charm had captured the hearts of many a woman in the bureaus, young and old. Really, he shouldn't be judging Hotch on his new romantic interest. If that was the case then he dared not think what the others would think.

"You're probably thinking that I have no right to judge you, right Aaron?" Rossi said out of nowhere, his amusement returning. Hotch sent him a look, "And you're right, I shouldn't judge, especially since I did say how this girl was good for you."

"And why do I sense a but coming," Hotch added as he mentally prepared for the headache.

Rossi only shrugged, "But her age can a problem. Personally, I still don't care because from how she seemed so relaxed in the photo you just showed me, I don't think she has any ulterior motive like money. She genuinely reciprocates the feelings and I can probably guess that she's the one putting up with a lot of the baggage that came with your previous marriage. No, people would probably honestly judge your motive, especially considering the timeline of this all."

"You don't think I already know that," Hotch said as he closed his eyes in contemplation, "Hell, that's one hurdle we're just getting over."

"On her part or yours?"

"Mine," Hotch confessed and then pressed his lips together. The night he and Hinata had slept on her couch, Hotch crying over the possibility of inevitably hurting her and Hinata crying over the fact that the man she loved was giving up. Even now he still dealt with possible fact that maybe Hinata was only rebound, but he had constantly fought the thoughts back to the darkest parts of his mind. He had constantly reminded himself that he loved her. The spark Hotch had everytime he held her at night in bed, at breakfast, during movies, and on the lake front was something he had lost with Hailey a long time ago and- when honest with himself- wasn't as strong. Hotch was tucking her in before leaving for the morning, calling her every chance he had while on a case, and hardly letting her go when he comes home. Something he admits he should have done more with Hailey. In short terms, Hotch was actually trying, proving that he wanted this. And damn did he want this relationship as much as Hinata did.

"I don't believe you are the type to pursue a relationship out of spite or even, dare I say, a midlife crisis. Guilt could be a possibility, but I don't think this was the case." Rossi went on and Hotch swore this asshole was profiling him now, "In fact, she probably just happened to be your biggest confident during your darkest hour and turned into something more for you."

Yep, definitely profiling him. What was the point of having the rule if no one was ever going to actually follow it? Hotch shook his head. To be honest, he couldn't speak on this matter himself. Instead, he settled for giving his close friend a death glare, but hesitantly nodding. Rossi's shit-eating grin re-appears.

"Great, now that I know what I'm working with, I can play mediator." Hotch wondered if this was a good idea.

/

Hotch pulled into his usual place in the parking garage, his thoughts racing only slightly. He looks to the passsenger seat to see Hinata looking even more nervous as she's dressed in a light pink blouse and white dress pants, her hair tied in a loose ponytail. He had to admit that he's not use to her dressing so formally. Usually, Hinata would be a bit more casual with sweats and jeans- tanktop and shorts if Jack wasn't over. And he understood why. Hinata was rather developed. Still, Hotch figured he should be use to this if she was going into law.

"They'll like you," Hotch said reassuringly as he reached over and threaded his fingers through Hinata's bangs. Hinata fidgetted with her fingers as she gave off a stiff nod. And if they don't, Hotch thought as he unbuckled his seatbelt, they can all fuck off.

Hotch opened the trunk so Hinata could get her backpack- she would be staying in the office until lunchtime in which she had classes- and then wrapped her arm around her shoulders as he led her to the elevator. He swallowed the lump growing in his throat as he pushed the button, even placing a kiss on her cheek to help reassure them both.

"A-Anything I s-should know?" Hinata's voice was only above a whisperas she leaned more into his hold. Hotch had to hold back a chuckle.

"Only that Reid tends to ramble and Garcia's a bit flashy," Hotch explained, followed by the ding of the elevator.

The bullpen was still empty, so Hotch took advantage of the situation to place Hinata's bag in his office and then getting coffee for the two. He gave her another reassuring kiss on the cheek before footsteps were heard coming into the kitchen. Hotch took a large gulp of his coffee before looking over his shoulder to see Reid- early as always-stopping in mid-step and looking curiosly at Hinata before sputtering an awkward apology and then looking towards Hotch.

"Reid," Hotch began as he turned to face the youngest member of his team. His free hand gestured to Hinata who has holding her own mug of coffee and gazing at Reid with uncertainity, "This is Hinata Hyuuga. Hinata, this is SSA Dr. Spencer Reid."

Hinata's eyes went from uncertain to surprise. Hotch had taken the time to tell her about those he considered his family. She, like most, was caught off guard by the fact that Reid was a genius with a rather impressive background. Still, nothing compared to meeting him in person and actually seeing how young he appeared.

"Yes, nice to meet you, ma'am," Spencer said, his own face burning with slight embarassment and curiosity. Hotch could tell that he was profiling her. Only took Reid about a minute before his eyes had that sense of realization of who Hinata really was and then looked back towards Hotch with confirmation. Hotch gave a quick nod complimented by a smirk, "Umm...finally meet you ma'am."

The mug held tightly in Hinata's hand was held tighter as she gave Reid a small smile and said hello herself. Reid, appearing awkward as ever, gave off another stammer as he took a step towards the coffee machine.

"Reid, she's not going to bite," Hotch informed, causing both of the two rather uncomfortable occupants of the room to blush madly.

"Oh, right, uh...I apologize Miss," Reid stammered once more before rushing to the coffee machine and pouring himself a cup. He gave off an awkward excuse to leave before powerwalking out of there. Hinata, who's face was still red, gazed at Hotch with a twinge of confusion. Hotch could only shrug.

"Hey Pretty Boy, where are you going..."

"Not now Morgan," Reid said and Hotch had to roll his eyes.

"Ooookay," Morgan sung as he stepped into the room, "Hey Hotch and..."

"In order to avoid another awkward confrontation, have the team meet me in my office once everyone's here." Hotch advised as he shook his head, "And don't tell anyone why."

Derek gave off a suspicious look before giving Hinata an up and down. The same realization in Reid's eyes were soon shown in Derek's before turning into dark suspicion towards Hotch. Hotch returned it with a glare of his own before motioning for Hinata to follow him. She sent Morgan a small apology before following.

"Don't worry about him," Hotch informed after he closed the door to his office, "Morgan has always been protective."

"I-I see..." Hinata said hesitantly as she sat on the couch, her mug still in hand.

"Don't worry, they'll like you," Hotch said again before finishing off his own coffee. It was really himself he was worried about.

So-so? Bad?