Criminal Minds One-Shots

Celebrating Victory

The bustling atmosphere of the BAU was punctuated by the usual chatter and the clatter of keyboards. Aaron Hotchner was at his desk, reviewing case files, when a familiar, exuberant voice echoed through the office.

"I win!!!! Cancer's gone!"

Hotch's heart raced at the sound of his 12-year-old daughter, Sophie, bursting through the heavy glass double doors. It was a declaration he had been waiting for since she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer months ago. The moment he heard her voice, he leaped to his feet, his heart swelling with joy.

He had never run so fast in his life.

As he raced down the hallway, he caught glimpses of his team looking up in surprise, their faces quickly shifting to expressions of delight as they realized what was happening. Hotch reached the lobby just in time to see Sophie, her face glowing with triumph, her frail frame somehow managing to exude an infectious energy.

"Daddy!" she called, her voice bright and free from the weight of illness.

"Fifi!" He scooped her up into his arms, lifting her off the ground. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and he buried his face in her hair, overwhelmed by relief and happiness.

"I beat it! I really did!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his shoulder.

He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, shining with a mixture of excitement and exhaustion. "I'm so proud of you. You're so strong, Sophie."

As he set her down, she swayed slightly, the effects of her treatment still lingering. Hotch noticed the slight pallor of her cheeks and the way she leaned against him for support. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, concern lacing his voice.

"Yeah, I'm just tired. But I can't believe I'm finally done! Can we celebrate?" she said, her enthusiasm still bubbling over.

"Of course! We can have a big celebration," he promised, glancing around at his team, who were now gathering to share in the moment. "Maybe a pizza party?"

"Pizza! Yes!" she cheered, clapping her hands. The sound was music to his ears.

"Hey, everyone!" Hotch called out, motioning for his team to come closer. "This is Sophie. She just finished her last chemo treatment, and she's officially cancer-free!"

The room erupted in applause and cheers, each team member approaching to congratulate her. They enveloped her in a warm welcome, each of them genuinely thrilled for her victory.

"Congratulations, Sophie!" said Penelope Garcia, her vibrant personality radiating through her cheerful smile. "You are a warrior!"

"Thank you!" Sophie beamed, her confidence returning as she spoke to each agent. "I'm really happy!"

As the team celebrated, Hotch pulled Sophie aside for a moment, crouching down to her level. "I want you to know how proud I am of you," he said, his voice sincere. "You fought so hard, and now you get to enjoy being a kid again."

"I couldn't have done it without you, Dad. You always believed in me," she replied, her eyes shining with admiration.

Just then, JJ walked over with a small gift bag. "This is for you, Sophie. A little something to celebrate your big win."

Sophie's eyes widened as she took the bag, pulling out a bright pink T-shirt that read "Cancer Survivor" in bold letters. "I love it!" she squealed, holding it up for everyone to see.

"Now you can wear it proudly," JJ said, smiling.

"Okay, now what's the plan for the celebration?" Derek Morgan asked, his playful grin infectious. "How about some ice cream on top of that pizza?"

"Yes! Ice cream!" Sophie cheered, her tiredness forgotten in the excitement of the moment.

As they all began discussing their celebration plans, Hotch stood back for a moment, watching Sophie light up the room. He felt a deep gratitude wash over him. After everything they had faced, this was the moment he had prayed for—a reminder that life could be beautiful, even amidst the darkness.

"Let's get that pizza and ice cream," he said, stepping forward to gather everyone. "And let's make this a celebration we'll never forget."

As laughter and chatter filled the BAU, Hotch knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter for Sophie. Together, they had fought through the storm, and now they were ready to embrace the sunshine.