Criminal Minds One-Shots

Flames of Love

The fire raged mercilessly, engulfing the abandoned building in New Jersey. Aaron Hotchner's heart pounded in his chest as he watched the flames dance against the night sky. His team, the elite agents of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, stood beside him, tension thick in the air. But for Aaron, one thought consumed him entirely—the safety of someone he loved more than life itself.

Y/N, a member of their team, was trapped inside the inferno, risking his life to save the innocent children held captive by the merciless unsub. Aaron's mind raced with fear and desperation, knowing that every passing second decreased the chances of Y/N making it out unscathed.

"Hotch, we have to wait for the firefighters," Rossi insisted, his voice strained with concern as he gripped Aaron's arm firmly.

But Aaron couldn't heed his colleague's words. His heart screamed for him to rush into the building, to find Y/N and bring them back to safety. They had been secretly dating for over six months, hidden away from prying eyes and the scrutiny of their team. But now, with Y/N's life hanging in the balance, Aaron couldn't hide his love any longer.

With a determined resolve, Aaron shook off Rossi's grasp and made a beeline for the burning structure. Panic surged through the team as they watched their stoic leader defy all reason, his singular focus on the person he cherished above all else.

"Hotch, wait!" Emily called out, but Aaron was already disappearing into the billowing smoke, his figure a silhouette against the fiery backdrop.

Inside, the heat was suffocating, the smoke thick and disorienting. Aaron coughed and stumbled, his eyes stinging as he pushed forward, driven by the overwhelming need to find Y/N.

Meanwhile, Y/N fought against the flames, his lungs burning with exertion as they searched desperately for the trapped children. Each step forward was a battle against the encroaching fire, but their determination never wavered.

And then, amidst the chaos and the crackling flames, Aaron spotted them—Y/N, emerging from the smoke like a guardian angel, a child cradled in their arms. Relief flooded Aaron's veins as he rushed forward, his heart soaring at the sight of Y/N's bravery.

Outside, the rest of the team watched in awe as Aaron emerged from the inferno, Y/N safe in his arms. It was a moment of raw emotion, the truth of their love laid bare for all to see.

"Hotch..." Garcia breathed, tears welling in her eyes as she witnessed the depth of Aaron's devotion.

Rossi clapped a hand on Emily's shoulder, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. They had all suspected something between Aaron and Y/N, but it was in this moment, amidst the flames and the chaos, that the undeniable truth was revealed.

As Aaron emerged from the inferno, his gaze locked with Y/N's, a silent exchange passing between them—a love unspoken yet understood. And in that moment, surrounded by the flickering flames of danger, they knew that nothing could ever extinguish the flames of their love.