Criminal Minds One-Shots

Faith and Family

Aaron Hotchner leaned back in his chair, the soft hum of the office filling the air as he reviewed the latest case files. The glow of his phone lit up, breaking the monotony. It was a message from Y/N.

*"Just finished my class! Can't wait to see you and the kids. ❤️"*

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Y/N had a way of brightening his day, no matter how dark the cases got. As he typed a quick reply, thoughts of her filled his mind—her kindness, her unwavering faith, and the way she effortlessly juggled her Bible college studies with being a loving mother to Jack and her own children, Emma and Noah.

The door creaked open, pulling Aaron from his thoughts. It was Derek, leaning against the doorframe with a knowing grin.

"Still thinking about her?" Derek teased, arms crossed.

Aaron chuckled softly, his heart warming at the thought of Y/N reading bedtime stories to the kids, her voice soothing and melodic. "She's amazing, Derek. Balancing everything with grace."

"Just make sure you don't lose sight of yourself in the process, man. You need to be there for her too."

"I know." Aaron's expression turned serious. "But with everything she's been through... her faith is what keeps her strong. It inspires me."

As the day wore on, Aaron's thoughts drifted back to Y/N. She was a widow, her late husband a brave army ranger who had made the ultimate sacrifice. He admired her resilience and how she spoke of her faith, a guiding light through her grief.

That evening, he returned home to the warm, inviting scent of dinner. Y/N was in the kitchen, her laughter mingling with Jack's as they prepared a meal together. Emma and Noah were sprawled on the floor, coloring books scattered around them.

"Daddy!" Jack exclaimed, rushing over. "Can we have pizza tonight?"

Aaron knelt down, pulling Jack into a hug. "Let's see what your mom says."

Y/N turned, her smile radiant. "How about a homemade pizza night? We can all help!"

As they gathered around the kitchen island, the warmth of family enveloped them. They rolled dough, spread sauce, and loaded toppings, laughter echoing off the walls. Aaron watched Y/N interact with the children, her patience and love evident in every action.

After dinner, as the kids played in the living room, Y/N and Aaron slipped outside for a moment of quiet.

"I love how you bring everyone together," Aaron said, leaning against the porch railing, the sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Y/N turned to him, her eyes reflecting the fading light. "Family is everything, Aaron. It's what God wants for us. And I believe we're meant to support each other."

"Even with our pasts?" he asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

"Especially with our pasts. They shape us, but they don't define us. We can find healing together."

The sincerity in her voice wrapped around him like a warm embrace. In that moment, Aaron felt the weight of his past lift, replaced by a sense of hope. He reached for her hand, entwining their fingers.

"Thank you for being patient with me," he said softly. "I know I can be closed off."

Y/N smiled, squeezing his hand. "It's okay. We're a team. We can face anything together."

As night fell, they returned inside, where the children were winding down. After tucking them into bed, Aaron and Y/N settled on the couch, the soft glow of the TV illuminating the room.

"Do you ever doubt?" Y/N asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Sometimes," he admitted. "But I see how strong you are in your faith. It gives me strength."

Y/N smiled, leaning against him. "And I see how you protect and love your family. That's faith in action."

In the comforting silence that followed, Aaron knew that with Y/N by his side, he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they would build a life rooted in love, faith, and family, proving that even in the darkest times, light could always shine through.