"tu es mon passé, présent et futur, mon amour."
-aaron hotchner reinstate's one of the best agents the b.a.u had ever seen.
aaron hotchner. indestructible, emotionless, distant.
cascade moreau. flirty, reckless, impenetrable.
how can two individual...
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When the team reached the safety barrier of Virginia, the uneasiness and uncomfortableness decreased substantially. Each and every member of the BAU had a part of themselves stuck in a pile of guilt. Guilt for being unable to solve this case, guilt for being unable to protect one of their own, guilt for letting Cascade down.
The silence became too much to bear for one Spencer Reid, in which he acted by clearing his throat, and some words to warm the dull environment. "We're sorry Cas, we should've done more to help you solve this case. We understand you may never recover from this amount of trauma, but we want you to know we'll be there. Every step of the way."
"I'm not mad at you, nor am I sad or disappointed. I know if you were able to solve this case you would have, and it's one of the many reasons I love you. And believe me, this trauma is nothing, I wouldn't even consider trauma," Cascade replied, her gaze fixated on the world outside of the jet's window.
"When we get back, we all take a week off. Rebuild ourselves, regain our composure and we move on to solve the next case thrown our way. Deal?" Hotchner asked, his eyes barely moving from Cascade's fragile frame for more than a minute.
"Deal."
"Deal."
"Deal."
"Deal."
"Deal."
Each member had given their vote, a mutual agreement that time off was the only solution in their current situation. They all knew Aaron wasn't doing this for himself, or Cascade, but for everyone on the team. They each had taken on the mental and psychological strain with this case, a stupid amount of coffee had been consumed in hopes of fixing all sleep-deprived minds. And to no avail, there wasn't any improvement.
The last individual needed for the vote was the one most traumatised. Was the one most tired and irritated. Was the one who needed the most comfort, and they all knew only one person was able to provide her with that emotional comfort. Aaron Hotchner. "Deal," barely audible, but the silence which existed within the walls of the jet was deadly enough her words were as clear as day.
•••
"C'mon Cas, let's get you inside," Aaron Hotchner's warm, soft voice spoke in such a heavenly manner Cascade's heart skipped a beat. She had yet to discover what Hotchner's home looked like within its walls, and she was not disappointed.
It was home to such a beautiful family which Cascade loved dearly, a family she would allow to control her life if it meant being surrounded by their sweet natures. She adored them, just as she adored the house. As expected, it was clean and neat, as was Hotchner's office. Undoubtedly, the mess of a young child was obvious as the soccer equipment lay across the living area floor. A rummage of clothes and shoes are thrown into the cabinet beneath the stairs, suggesting a busy lifestyle, god her profiling was incredible.
Aaron shut the door behind her, once again deadly silence filled the air surrounding the two souls. His eyes fixated on her, he was aware her body would soon give out, her body would soon fall weak in the knees and he was ready. Because if being ready meant forever with her, then so be it. Forever was all he could ask for, and forever was certainly not enough time.
Cascade's eyes became heavy as she fought to regain control, she ensures her eyes would remain open until she was safely upstairs in the arms of the man she loved. But she was just not strong enough. Her eyes darted closed and her knees gave out, her fragile body fell at the speed of light as her knees came in contact with the floor. The bruises would be obvious tomorrow morning. And she was finally at temporary peace.
Aaron's strong arms wrapped around her torso in an effort to save her the fall but he was not quick enough. He gently placed an arm beneath her knees while the other was placed protectively around her torso as he lifted her weightless body. As he stood tall, a weak Cascade Moreau wrapped securely in his arms, he kissed her forehead with so much love and sincerity her whole body felt it. Her arms instinctively wrapped themselves around his neck in hopes of remaining showered by the warmth his body produced.
He began to move his legs closer to his lower stomach as he climbed each step. His weight— plus hers —challenged the floor beneath as the loud sound of floorboards cracking engulfed the whole house, Aaron was lucky Jack wasn't at home as it would surely have awoken him. He continued to hold on to the delicate frame in his arms with all the might he had, he wasn't ready to relieve himself from the responsibility of her just yet. He enjoyed it, taking care of her, and that scared him.
But not nearly as enough as she was. Her eyes were closed, her mind temporarily shut off from any incoming thoughts and yet she was nearly trembling. The feeling of safety and contentment she received from being in his arms was mortifying, and she hated herself for allowing the feeling to exist, and even more so when she relished every second of it. She knew it was wrong, allowing herself so much when she truly felt as though she wasn't deserving. Carrying the baggage of another when she was barely carrying her own.
The truth is, being loved by another terrified Cascade, not that it wasn't obvious. And as much guilt and shame she endured for allowing herself happiness, the feelings she received from him were far greater. So great she was willing to spend the rest of her life regretting the decision of letting him in if only it meant she had him. Forever. By her side. Fighting for her.
The butterflies which swam circles within her stomach were more than enough to confirm the love she had for that man. The safety he provided her with, the contentment he sprung upon her, the love she never knew she needed. Cascade cherished every second of it all, desperately holding on to it all, every feeling and every thought, the exact emotions she experienced at that moment because that was her happiness. That was her happy ending.
Upon the arrival of sweet, snug covers and a flexible mattress, Cascade was already passed out. She, for once, allowed the exhaustion to rule and remain in control of her body. And it had never felt better. The years of battling herself, the years she had spent leaving the guilt and shame and disgust eat at her soul finally ruined her. The inner hatred had finally won the battle, and Cascade was okay with it. She was entirely okay with it all.
Why?
Because the love and appreciation Aaron Hotchner held for her within his heart, was more than enough to ruin all negative thought she felt about herself. She wanted to be better for him, no matter how much it terrified her. She wanted it, and she was determined to become better for him and Jack. The overflowing look of tenderness and care in his eyes was the only reason she carried on.
No words had been shared between the two, and no words were needed. The two completely different souls, understood fully that together they became one. They were soulmates, even with destruction and disappointment appearing along the way. Along the way of their journey, and their love story.
