A/N: Here's another chapter. I hope you all like it!

Special thanks to K8e1, jenny crum, Snowbeardolphin and Christiangirl!

I don't own criminal minds!

Chapter 6: The perfect date

JJ slowly walked back to the couch when the pizza was in the oven. It had taken her a while before it was ready, but she wanted to do something special for her date. Well, something remotely nice after she was so late for their date. She still felt ashamed about that fact. She wasn't the type to let anyone wait that long, so she still had a lot of making up to do.

She took a seat beside Hotch on the couch. She was close, but not close enough so they could touch. She leaned forward and took a sip of her own glass of soda. She put it back on the coffee table and made herself comfortable, turning to Hotch.

''What kind of work do you do?'' she asked, ignoring the fact that she already knew what he did. She didn't want him to think she was an actual stalker. But the news article warmed her heart and it still stuck with her, so she definitely wasn't going to forget it.

''I'm an Agent with the FBI.'' he said proudly, but not in a manner of bragging. Yes, he was proud of what had accomplished, but he had a lot more goals before he was where he wanted to be. ''BAU.''

''Oh, Behavioral Analysis Unit?'' she repeated. ''That's impressive. What is it like? Do you shoot guns very often?''

Hotch laughed at her last question. Shooting guns? He liked the question. ''It's a very hard job to do.'' he began. ''We're not home very often because we solve cases across the country, but it's a rewarding job for me. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.''

JJ understood what he was saying. Making the world a better place was exactly what she did. She had sacrificed her life for her country and she still did. But she wouldn't want to be anywhere else. ''I guess I can relate. Well, kind of.'' she said.

''Being a legal advisor can't be an easy job.'' he said. ''Why did you decide to go to Law School?''

That was a good question. She never knew what she wanted to be, or even do in her future. Studying law seemed like the right thing to do and when she ended up with the Agency it all turned out to be a big win. But she didn't actually have an answer. JJ drew a long breath before she answered the question. She wanted to be as honest as she could, but he would never truly know her. To him she was Jennifer Jane Allen and in reality she was Jennifer Caitlin Jareau. ''I guess it came forward out of knowing about unfairness. From a young age I wanted to fix the system I viewed as broken. In easier terms, I did it to make the world a better place.'' she said, knowing it was cliché. But dozens of people would give that explanation. She didn't know what other reason there could be.

''I get it. Believe me.'' he agreed. He knew like no one else what it was like to be faced with horror. His days at the DA's office were a tiny of fraction of what he was confronted with at the BAU daily. ''Some might say I am addicted to my job…'' he joked.

''Really? Do you want to be a hero so badly?''

''Oh yeah, I do it to impress all the girls.'' he said happily. ''Everyone is impressed by me. I mean, really impressed. I am a lucky guy, you know!''

''It's not working on me, Aaron.'' JJ said, shrugging her shoulder as she took another sip from her drink. She was having a great time. Conversation was flowing and she felt comfortable and that didn't happen to her very often.

''But seriously… What does a girl like you look for?'' he asked curiously.

''Honestly?'' she asked and he immediately nodded. She put her glass back down. ''I don't know. I haven't had a relationship in a long time and I haven't been looking for it either. I decided to focus on my job and put my love life on hold.'' she said truthfully. Her last relationship made her stay away from men. It ended badly and in an expected way. She should've seen it coming, yet her dreams and goals made her awfully blind to the truth. ''All I want is a guy who's honest, genuine and caring. I won't ask for more.''

Hotch felt his heart melt at her description. From her expression and voice he could tell she had definitely been hurt by someone in the past. He could relate, remotely. ''I couldn't agree more.''

JJ smiled widely, her memory going back to the moment Hotch mentioned that a girl like her wouldn't date a guy like him. She still wondered what he meant. ''What did you mean when you said you're not the kind of guy I would date?'' she asked boldly but curiously. What did he mean by that? Did I act like a bitch? Or did I look that way?''

''Well, girls or women like you usually wouldn't date a guys like me.''

''What do you mean by that? I really don't get it.''

''Oh god, you're really going to make me say it!'' he laughed out. ''I have never met anyone like you before, JJ.'' he began. It seemed a little to forward on the first date, but he just going to be open and honest about his feelings, and even his life. ''You seem smart, kind, sweet and amazing. Not to mention that you're incredibly beautiful.''

JJ blushed instantly and her hands went to her cheeks to cover it up. But she felt Hotch grab her hands and put them down. He cupped her cheek as he held one of her hands. ''That's what I mean!'' he pointed out. ''You're not like anyone I've ever met.''

She felt her body respond to his touch and the blushing didn't go away. No comment from any guy had ever made her respond that way. It was refreshing and life changing in a way. It felt amazing to know that she could still feel that way about someone.

''And you're not like anyone I've ever met!'' she whispered sweetly. ''I'm not a superficial person and I am definitely not the girl with the model boyfriend.''

''I know that. I shouldn't have second guessed you.''

''It's fine. We barely know each other so you had every right.'' JJ said as she pulled away from his touch. The loss of contact felt like a stab to her body. She was getting comfortable and now she had to check on a stupid pizza of all things. ''Just checking on the pizza.''

''Yeah, of course.''

JJ walked to the oven and was surprised that the pizza was already done. The time had passed by so quickly that she didn't even realize it but that was definitely a great thing. She hadn't been so happy in a long time and it was all because of one mystery guy.

As the rest of the evening wore on, Hotch and JJ stayed glued to the couch as they ate the pizza and watched the movie in silence. It wasn't awkward, but more comfortable than they imagined it could be.

When the screen went black, JJ rose from the couch and stretched her body. She still wasn't used to the constant lack of activity. She had been used to running around and being in action. But luckily she had enough time to go running or dancing if she felt like it. She bent down and was about to grab both plates when Hotch beat her to it. ''Aw, you're such a gentleman.'' she teased as she followed him into the kitchen.

Hotch put both plates in the sink and turned around to face the blonde. He leaned against the counter as JJ stood in front of him. He smiled as he just gazed at her. ''I had an amazing time.'' he began. He looked at the clock hanging on the wall. It was twelve o'clock and he knew it was time to go home. He had to be at the BAU around eight, so he needed the sleep. ''But I am afraid I have to go.''

JJ leaned against the counter and could hear he had trouble to let her know he had to go. ''I understand, Aaron. Don't worry about it!'' she assured as she walked to the chair. She took his jacket and handed it to him, their hands touching lightly during the exchange. ''It has been a while since I had this much fun. So thank you for everything.''

He slowly put on his coat. ''Don't thank me. I wouldn't change anything.'' he replied affectionately. He followed JJ to the door and he waited for a sign, or he was thinking about his next move. Should I kiss her? Or do I shake her hand?

''When can I see you again?'' he asked instead.

JJ was surprised, not by the question. The question was really simple, but she was surprised by the amount of excitement and desire in his voice. It flattered her and the blush returned to her cheeks. ''What about tomorrow?''

He was taken aback by her question, but it filled with happiness at the same time. ''I can't wait.'' he said as the confidence returned. He leaned down and put a gentle kiss on her cheek. He pulled back, letting go of her arm and he walked out the door, feeling like he was leaving a part of himself behind. It was the strangest thing he'd ever experienced.

As he walked to the car the night kept hitting the replay button in his head. He couldn't forget the gentle touches they had shared. But the kissing her cheek had been a highlight. Her skin was warm and soft, and he couldn't wait to really kiss her next time, if she wanted to of course. He wished he could go back and do it, but that would be pathetic. So he kept walking and wondered how he could fall for a girl he just met. It would be the question of a lifetime.