Against Protocol (Aaron Hotchner X Reader)

chapter twenty one: make up your mind

"I can't believe you guys get to go undercover to a gala while I stay in my tiny, dark room watching you guys live my literal dream through surveillance cameras," Garcia playfully whines, sifting through racks of dresses trying to find one for you and JJ. "A gala!"

In an effort to blend in with the powerful, high profile figures of American politics and news tonight, the four of you decided it would be in the team's best interest to dress accordingly, as to not arouse suspicion amongst the crowd.

Emily, content with the obsidian jumpsuit she picked out for herself, remained reserved in the corner. Her eyes danced across the thin baby-blue straps that framed JJ's slender back.

"It's not going to be much fun when we're tracking down a maniacal teenage serial killer," Emily rationalized, shrugging her shoulders as her cherry-stained lips curved into a warm smile.

"Who knows, maybe some really charming, billionaire bachelor will want to dance with you guys," Garcia fantasized, checking some of the price tags with shock as she continued to ramble on. "Like a distant relative of a Greek prince or something."

You rolled your eyes, turning to them with a dark, scarlet dress pressed up against your body as you visually tried it on in the mirror. "How is this?" you ask, waiting on their opinions before finalizing your decision.

"Absolutely stunning," JJ answers, looking over at you as her gaze runs down to the hem in admiration. Emily nods along in agreement.

Giddily, Garcia inspects you, tracing the fine detailed lace and rich sanguine colors draped across your body with her eyes. "Y/N, please, you need to get this dress."

Noticing their enthusiasm, you answer, "Hm, I guess I will."

"How is everything with Hotch going, by the way?" Garcia questions politely, trying to avoid being intrusive. "Is it still awkward with him after everything that happened between the two of you?"

They didn't know you had kept seeing Hotch even after Vera's threats, kept seeing him even after every atom in your body had reminded you not to. It was over now anyways, so it wasn't that much of a lie.

"No," you answer, dishonesty scarring your tone. "It's not awkward at all. We're just coworkers now, and that's really it."

That was the furthest thing from the truth. You hadn't been able to sit in the same room alone with Hotch without some intoxicating thought taking control. He hadn't been able to meet your line of vision without turning away rashly. Nothing was back to normal.

"Good, then maybe I'll hook you up with one of my friends," Garcia suggested, delight taking over her visage.

"I think I'll pass," you answer humorously, but you knew it was because there was really only one person you wanted.

Later that night, you got ready, strapping your gun up against your outer thigh. The cool metal of the weapon feels brash and open against your skin, but the fabric of your dress hides it behind the slit that ran across your leg.

Across from the gala stood a small, run-down warehouse where the team met up. It was tiny and suffocating, but it held enough space for Garcia to set up her equipment and for you guys to group together and discuss the plan without drawing attention.

The team filters in, one by one. In a tweed coat and a characteristically argyle sweater to pair with it, Reid arrives like an outdated photograph come to life. Following behind him, Derek comes along, tugging at the cuffs of his grey suit, with Rossi following suite.

JJ and Emily came minutes later, hands intertwined as Prentiss rummaged through her clutch trying to find her lipstick. It was fun to play dress-up for a while, but it only served as a daunting reminder of why you were really here: to catch a killer.