Criminal Minds x Reader

Choices [A.H]

They say not to make homes out of people. You didn't listen. Instead, you created a home out of Aaron, out of the two of you. And whenever you stopped and thought about where it got you, your heart halted for a moment. Every time he walked out of the room, it was as if he was walking out of your life. You would become a homeless restless person, always anxiously waiting for his return, and always fearing that he would never come back.

How do I know if it's over? you often asked yourself. And as you stood in front of the mirror, face soaked with tears, the same old solution rumbled in your head. When you began to wonder, my love, it most likely already is.

It started when he was distracted around you, lost in his own mind. You asked him what was wrong, but within that question, there were many others. And as you stood next to him, he shut down and never replied.

He started to kiss you like it was his duty. On autopilot, not really caring, dazed. Even more questions were on your lips, trying to taste the answers on his. His phone buzzed, and suddenly his work, your work, needed him. He told you he would be home soon, to stop worrying, that he loved you as much as he did the day you two met. You smiled and still believed him.

Later on, you walked around the house, phone to your ear. You had left the office the hour before, but his paperwork was too much for him to come with you. You asked him if he was ready for your date, conceding that you just couldn't wait. You could tell by the faraway tone in his voice. He told you 'yes', but he never made it home in time to hang out.

You got to bed that night, but before you could fall asleep the sound of keys filled the apartment. He came into the bedroom, saying sorry and that he loved you, who would make it up to you. You said goodnight and fell asleep.

At 2 am, you woke up, knowing something was wrong. You rolled over, and all that was left of him were rumpled bedsheets that smelled like his cologne. You got out of bed and walked on the cold pavement into his office, his head down on the desk.

They say not to make homes out of people. You didn't listen. Instead, you kept fighting for you and Aaron. But at some point without realizing it, it was no longer you and him against the world, but him and the world against you.

"You knew my work was important" he told you, his eyes everywhere but on you.

You looked at him, head-heavy and heart empty. "So am I" you whispered.

Again you lay in the hollow bed, surrounded by echoes of memories you had shared, the weight of his choice bearing down on you. And soon, your pillow was covered in mascara, tears, and pain.