Mastermind || Aaron Hotchner

Epilogue

"Agent Hotchner" Anderson enters my office, "This came in for you" he leaves an envelope on my desk

"Thank you".

I put down the last report and pick up the envelope. I rip it open and take out the one single postcard it contained. Sydney? I turn it around to read the text in the back.

~

Hi, Aaron.

Long time no see.

I've been thinking about reaching out for a long time now and I finally decided to go through with it. So I hope my letter finds you well.

It's been 3 years since we last saw each other and I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about you every day since then. I miss you. I miss your face, your adorable dimples, your scent, your big strong hands, your clean suits, your dick. I fucking miss you.

When I first woke up alone in a hospital in Spain, I was a bit angry with you because you promised you'd be there. But I understand why you thought this was the best way for me to be safe -everyone had to believe I died. Thank you for making this hard decision for me and giving me another chance.

It was difficult getting used to being alone again, but I managed well. I followed the doctor's order to a tee and never argued -even during physical therapy.

When I got back on my feet -literally because one of the bullets was stuck in my spine so I had to re-learn to walk- I took some time to think what I want to do with my life from then on. And I decided that I actually liked my job as a make-up artist. I stayed and worked in Spain for a bit, but eventually I had to move to an English-speaking place because I'm not good at learning new languages -my one and only flaw; Alright, I'm just kidding.

Well, that brought me to Sydney. It took me just a few months to adjust but I think I did good. I met people and have a pretty big clientele already. I started showcasing my work on social media and that brings even more people in. Don't worry, I never show my face for obvious reasons. And I'm blonde now!

Also, I started seeing a therapist. I am not planning on tell her about the 27, but she's helping me through my past family trauma. I won't slip back to my old routines and patterns.

Anyway, as much as I want to go into detail about what I've been up to the last 3 years, I'll end up writing pages and pages of useless information. I just want you to know I'm doing good, and that's thanks to you. I'll always be grateful to you.

I know we aren't supposed to be in contact due to the risk of someone discovering I'm alive, but I can't hold back anymore. I'd love to know how you've been, and I'd really love to see you. If you want too, of course. I am not going to hold it against you if you want nothing to do with me or you've moved on; I understand.

I am aware that by sending you this could lead into my arrest -either by you or someone else who sees this- and I'm willing to take the gamble. I'm not going to put a return address, but I'm sure you will locate me ASAP. It's easy for you to find out where I live now that I've given you the city.

That means you have three choices:

A. You can ignore this letter, pretend you never saw it and I'll never disturb you again.

B. You can come, arrest me for my crimes, and put me to jail like you wanted.

C. You can come and give us another chance. I love you and I want nothing more than to be with you again.

The ball is in your court now. I'll be waiting.

I love you. I miss you.

Your angel 🖤

~

I knock on the door of the apartment 4D. My heart is beating like crazy as I wait. Until she opens the door...

"Aaron?" she almost gasps

"Hi, angel" I smile.

Without wasting another second, Sofia jumps in my arms. And I hold her like my life depends on it. For the first time in 3 years, I feel alive again. I breathe her in like she's the oxygen that keeps me alive. And I don't plan on leaving her ever again.

We come to love not
by finding a perfect person,
but by learning to see
an imperfect person perfectly
~ Unknown

The end.