Crying Lighting (Hotch x Reader)// ✔

27. Epilogue

Summary:

Years along, you've made yourself a family with Hotch, Jack, and the rest of your friends and his team.

Notes:

Hey all ! we are here ! the end of it all !
And my (lousy - though i hope not) attempt at writing fluff, just v cute interactions with everyone!
and yes Jack's first appearance lmao!

Today's theme: love is in the air (as are hormones! Lmao)

Hope you enjoy!

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The bells over the door ringing signals the arrival of new clients, even though you're closed – but it doesn't stop as they pour in one by one, in the only way they know how: raucous and talking over one another. You smile to yourself, finishing up the books over the counter. The entire BAU team, sans Hotch, take their usual booth in the corner, not caring to stop at the reception for an order or to ask about a free table. It's become a habit that even the new waiters now have learned to ignore and welcome.

"You can head home. Have a great weekend" You nod at Larissa and take her notebook to get their order as soon as you see them all sitting down.

Dave looks up, granting you a smile as you approach.

"Hey all"

Derek and Spencer stop bickering long enough to greet you as well.

"How was Alaska?"

Penelope hugs her arms around herself. "Cold as an icicle. I've never been happier to leave a place in my life."

You chuckle and throw her an amused look. "Was it all bad though? I heard something about room-sharing...?"

She peers at you over her eyeglasses. "Okay. Maybe not all bad" she says glancing quickly at Derek, who in turn circles an arm around her shoulders.

"But still, would not recommend"

Emily and JJ nod in agreement.

Dave takes the small notebook from your hands, already knowing what everyone's going to order and scribbling it down neatly.

You shoot him a smile as Penelope starts describing the small town and hotel they'd been at. You're half paying attention – Hotch had already relayed you details over the phone – and you also try subtly to roam your eyes around and out the window, trying to gather where he's at.

"I want a large plate of fries, Rossi" Derek says, straightening up and looking over the other man's shoulder.

"Yes. I know" Dave says flatly, "I've heard you talk about fries for 4 hours, remember?"

"Cheese sticks too?"

At his serious face, Derek grins, "please?"

Dave huffs, "okay fine. But for once, I'd want to see you eat actual food and not this junk. The whole wheat pasta with mushroom sauce they make is delicious"

Derek doesn't budge, just continues looking at his notes to make sure he's not changing anything.

"Or the lasagna?" Dave continues, "Chicken tetrazzini?"

"I want a large cheeseburger, man. Why do you want to deprive me of my cheeseburger?"

Dave turns to look at you, pleading with his eyes for you to jump in.