heaven in a wildflower [criminal minds]

chapter three - caffeine, small talk

*a few weeks later*

I hadn't slept much; the coffee was keeping me awake. The anniversary date was looming, there was nothing I could do. It feels like the days are moving so slowly, but too fast at the same time.

Paperwork day in the office is never anyone's favourite, "you should go home kid"

Rossi said from behind me, noticing how tired I was. "yeah well, so should you" I smiled.

"I'll walk you out".

"Esme", we turned to see Hotch standing in the doorway of his office,

"can I talk to you before you go?"

"what did you do this time?" Rossi said quietly laughing.

"oh shit, nothing I hope," I said anxiously.

"Good luck",

"yeah, thanks goodnight," I said smiling, I walked up the steps to Hotch's office, turning to wave at Rossi.

Turning back, I saw Hotch, but he looked different, more sincere

"come in" he smiled.

"What's up Hotch, Is everything okay?" I said as I stood in the doorway, "take a seat"

"I want you to take some time off," he said, his voice soft and gentle.

"I'm fine, I don't need any time off" I protested.

"This isn't a request Esme, take as long as you need, at least until the anniversary." His voice was firm, but laced with care.

"fine" I replied simply. He paused looking up from the desk at me, confused with the unusual aggression of my words.

"Sorry," I said, "um, yeah, I'll take some time off".

"Morgan needs his PPV vaccination on Monday" I paused thinking "oh, and after we do a takedown, someone always needs to call Garcia, she worries, I normally do it, but you need to do it whilst I'm gone."

"And the reason Reid is sometimes late on Tuesdays is because he visits his mom in the morning, so don't get mad at him if he isn't in on time."

Hotch just smiled, "look after yourself, please".

"I will, goodnight"