Criminal Minds One-Shots

Stand-Up and Stand Tall

Setting: Quantico, Virginia

Caliope "Callie" Hart had been Aaron Hotchner's closest friend since they were kids. From their first days in nursery school to the present, their bond had weathered life’s storms. Now, as an adult with proportional dwarfism, Callie faced a world that often underestimated her. But she refused to let it define her.

At the FBI, Callie worked in the legal department, where her sharp mind and quick wit often caught colleagues off guard. However, the perception of her stature led to condescending comments and constant assumptions about her capabilities. She’d spent countless hours pouring over legal documents, but the attention often went to her height instead of her intellect.

One afternoon, she met Aaron after work at a local bar. As they settled into a booth, the bartender walked over, looking her up and down. “Can I see your ID?”

Callie chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Of course! I still get carded like I’m twenty-one.” She handed over her ID, and the bartender hesitated before handing it back, looking sheepish.

Aaron smirked, shaking his head. “You’d think they’d know by now.”

“Maybe I should start carrying around a sign that says, ‘I’m an adult!’” she joked, a lightness in her voice that belied the annoyance she sometimes felt.

They settled into their drinks, the familiar banter flowing easily between them. “So, how’s the comedy going?” Aaron asked, genuinely interested.

“It’s going great! I had a show last weekend, and the crowd loved it,” Callie replied, her eyes sparkling. “I just use all the ridiculous stuff people say to me as material. It’s like therapy on stage.”

Aaron laughed. “You’ve always had a way of turning adversity into something funny.”

“Gotta find the humor in it, right?” she said, raising her glass. “To surviving and thriving!”

As they chatted, Callie’s mind wandered back to the way things had changed since her childhood. She remembered weekends spent with Aaron and his late wife, Haley, sharing mimosas and brunch. Those moments felt both comforting and bittersweet now. With Haley gone, Aaron had become her rock, and she had stepped into the role of supporting him, too.

Later that week, Callie found herself backstage at a small comedy club, pacing nervously. Tonight was a big night; a few agents from the BAU were coming to watch her perform. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of all the laughter she had shared with Aaron and Haley.

When she stepped onto the stage, the spotlight hit her, and the audience went quiet. “Hey, everyone! I’m Callie, and I promise I’m not here for a kid’s birthday party!” The room erupted in laughter, and Callie felt her nerves melt away.

She launched into her routine, mixing observations about her experiences with her height and the absurdity of societal expectations. “You ever try to get into a club and get asked where your adult is? Yeah, that’s me. And here I thought I was a grown-up because I pay my taxes and have my own Netflix account!”

The audience roared, and she thrived on their energy. Each punchline was a reminder of her resilience and her refusal to be defined by her size.

After the show, Callie stepped outside to find Aaron waiting, a proud smile on his face. “You were amazing, Callie! You really know how to work a crowd.”

“Thanks! It’s so liberating to be up there,” she said, her heart still racing. “And I love that I can make people laugh about things they often don’t understand.”

As they walked back to the car, Aaron looked serious for a moment. “You know, you’re inspiring. You take everything life throws at you and turn it into something beautiful. Not everyone can do that.”

Callie shrugged, a grin on her face. “What can I say? I’ve got to keep up with my best friend, right? You set the bar pretty high as an FBI agent.”

He chuckled, and for a moment, they both felt the weight of the world lift. They were friends, allies, and each other’s support system in a life that often felt daunting.

As they drove home, Callie thought about the future. She wanted to keep pushing boundaries, not just for herself but for everyone who felt overlooked or underestimated. With Aaron by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

~~~~~~~

Callie Hart stepped into the BAU, the atmosphere thick with tension. Aaron Hotchner was in the middle of a difficult situation following the allegations regarding the George Floyd case, and she had been called in to help navigate the storm.

“Callie, thanks for coming,” Hotch said, running a hand through his hair. His usually composed demeanor was shaken, and she could see the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“Let’s get to work,” she replied, her tone steady. “We need to craft a response that shows you’re taking this seriously.”

Hotch nodded, appreciating her directness. “What do you suggest?”

“First, you need to express genuine remorse. It’s crucial that your superior sees you understand the gravity of the situation. Even if you feel justified in your actions, we have to acknowledge the pain this has caused.”

“Got it,” he said, his brow furrowing. “What should I say?”

Callie thought for a moment. “Start with acknowledging the loss and the impact of the events. Something like, ‘I recognize the pain caused by this situation, and I take full responsibility for my actions.’ It’s about showing that you understand the broader implications.”

Hotch nodded, writing notes as she spoke. “And if they push back?”

“Stay calm. Reinforce that you’re committed to improving the department’s response to such incidents in the future. Emphasize that you’re open to constructive criticism and willing to learn.”

She could see him absorbing the advice, but she knew this wasn’t easy for him. Hotch had always been a protector, and admitting fault felt like a betrayal of his instincts.

“Remember, it’s not about losing face; it’s about doing what’s right,” she encouraged. “You’re a leader, and part of that is owning up to your mistakes.”

“Thanks, Callie,” he said, gratitude evident in his voice. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Just doing my job,” she replied with a wink, feeling a surge of pride. She cared deeply for Hotch, and supporting him was as natural as breathing.

Later that day, as Hotch prepared for his meeting with his superior, Callie sat quietly, offering silent support. When he returned, his expression was a mix of relief and uncertainty.

“They listened,” he said, a weight lifting off his shoulders. “I think it went better than I expected.”

“Good,” Callie said, smiling. “You showed them you’re not just a badge. You’re a person who understands the consequences of your actions.”

“Thanks for your help, Callie,” he replied sincerely. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

As they wrapped up the day, Callie felt a sense of purpose. She had navigated the complexities of the situation with Hotch, using her unique perspective to guide him through. For her, it was a reminder that even in the darkest moments, standing up for what was right was a powerful thing—whether on stage or in the trenches of the BAU.