Criminal Minds One-Shots

Their Boyfriend: Blissful Beginnings

Aaron Hotchner loved to take his son, Jack to the local 'Small Artisans Show' that was displayed in an Art's Council building. All the installments were available to enjoy until ten PM everyday. This evening, however, was going to be much more intreseting than normal. There would be an art sale/ meet and greet. Hotch was hoping to meet Y/N, the most often featured artist. They always seemed to be creating varied, fascinating new pieces. Their pieces ranged from complex cityscapes to different scenes from children's movies and TV shows. All of which were made in a variety of greys and blacks. Even with the limited colors, their works were the most popular of all those displayed. And Hotch hoped he could get his hands on a few to decorate his apartment. Maybe that would help make the small place feel more like home after Haley's death.

Aaron paid the cover charge, $20 for both him and Jack. This was much more expansive than the usual free admission. He assumed it was to ensure each artist walked away with some cash, whether or not their pieces sold. By the time Aaron arrived, the building was already starting to get crowded. He could see a few artists setting up their tables for the meet and greet. He could also see patrons slinking around to try to get a sneak peek at the available artworks. As soon as his Dad let go of his hand, jack ran towards the children's section, to look around in hopes of finding something for his bedroom. "Jack, mind your manners!" Aaron called to his young son as a warning. Jack waved behind himself in acknowledgment.

Aaron was busy admiring the many works of art that seemed to appear out of nowhere since his last visit. He barely had to look at any nameplates. He had been frequenting this art show for long enough that he could easily pick up on who was responsible for each piece. For the most part anyway. Among the bright paintings and neon pastel portraits, he was searching for the monochrome artistry of Y/N. He had yet to find any. That struck him as odd. 'I hope nothing bad has happened to them.' Aaron thinks to himself. He was taken aback by his own thoughts. By how easily he had begun to worry about someone who he was yet to meet. He was so busy looking for just one piece, he bumped into someone.

They dropped the large stack of canvasses in their arms. Only managing to catch about half of them. The others clattered onto the floor. "I'm so sorry." He replies as he bends down to help pick up the canvasses that now scattered the cold tile floor. When Aaron grabbed for the first canvas, A black charcoal portrait of an elderly woman with the most expressive eyes he had ever seen, he knew exactly who the artist was. Aaron was quick to pick the rest of the canvasses up.

Aaron handed them their artwork gently. "Thank you so much for the help." They whispers. "Are you just looking? Or waiting for the meet and greet?" The small, sweet voice continued. "A bit of both." Aaron responds. At this, Aaron actually managed to look at the person he had been conversating with. At first glance, he nearly froze. He found them very appealing. As he looked at them, his mind started to envision the way they could invade his life. Them cooking with him. Them playing with Jack. Them painting in his office while he goes over paperwork. All these flashes happened in the half second he was silently staring into their (E/C) eyes.

"You're Y/N right?" Aaron finally asked after regaining his grip on reality. Their face seemed to light up. "Yeah, that's me." They beamed. "How'd you know?" "I'm here with my boy quite often." Aaron shares simply. He is surprised by how easy it is to talk to them. "That's great. It's very honorable to expose children to art regularly." They praise. "I'm sorry. But, I really gotta get these hung up. I'm obviously running late." They say, Aaron could tell they didn't really want to walk away. "Or I might just be early." Aaron countered. "I mean, it doesn't even start for fifteen more minutes." "Let's hope that the case" Their voice is slowly getting more steady. Like they were getting a bit more comfortable. "Maybe I 'll see you around then?" They ask shyly. "I'm counting on it." With that Y/N was gone. Weaving in and out of the dividers, Fastening their artwork (and name plates) wherever there was space.