Crying Lighting (Hotch x Reader)// ✔

9.Pink in the Night

Summary:

You surprise the team with a wild idea - successfully so.

Notes:

YES! THEY YEARN! 💖

also this is that long-ish chapter i had to cut - and im giving u this bcs i have to disappear as i have another fukin presentation

Title from the song by our lord and savior, the queen herself - Mitski

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You all call it a night not too late this time – almost 8.30 - 9ish, because Penelope manages to link all the victims to a few locations that they frequented. But you will go back to work with them tomorrow, searching for Clover. You drive back with Rossi and JJ and it's not until you're inside the house that you realize how relieved you'd been away from it. The rotten aroma of the house engulfs you at once but seeing them trickle into the living room one by one helps dissipate that feeling. You hadn't particularly told anyone your idea yet – but you'd caught Dr. Reid alone before leaving the offices and asked him quickly and in a hushed voice:

"Does anyone have any dietary restrictions?"

He'd looked at you strange, nose scrunching up and eyebrows furrowing. But he doesn't take your vague question to mean anything particular so he answers in honesty that no, nobody has.

So, you decide to finally use the groceries you'd had delivered to your house. You watch them talk amongst each other for a moment, all spread out in the couches and sofas. Even Agent Hotchner who'd been taciturn the rest of the day, seems lighter after finding the connection between the victims. It's written in their easy smiles and the way they joke around now – how important their job is to them. You walk to Rossi, and stand still, spine ramrod straight, waiting for them to quieten down before voicing your idea.

"So, uh" you start, looking at Rossi, "I know we skipped dinner - I was there, of course – so I was going to suggest to cook something for you guys." You don't let your eyes wander to what their reactions are, because it does feel cheesy to say this, especially smack in the middle of the living room like you're standing now.

"I was going to ask for your help, Agent Rossi, so you know that I'm not" you shoot a look at Agent Hotchner, sitting quiet between agents Prentiss and Morgan, "- poisoning you." JJ stifles a laugh at that.

Agent Rossi slaps his hands over his thighs before standing up,

"It would be my honor to be your sous chef, and see those cooking skills you've acquired "

That's all the answer you need.

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Hotch watches you disappear into the kitchen with Dave – a weird feeling rising in his gut.

Prentiss and Morgan share a look once you're both out, door shut behind you.

"Rossi is smitten" Prentiss says with a smile, causing the others to laugh. Hotch stares at them in wonder – not quite catching the little inside joke they all seem to be on.

"I mean -" Morgan continues with a grin, standing up, walking towards the chimney, admiring the plush furniture and the luxury of the interior design of the room, "she is a rich young widower. It wouldn't be too far-fetched if he was actually smitten. They have gotten pretty close in the span of the time we've been here" He circles back to the coffee table, picking up a small golden ornament resembling a bitten apple.