Criminal Minds x Reader

Hair [A.H]

You stared at your reflection in the bathroom mirror, the morning light filtering through the blinds and casting a soft glow on the sink. Your eyes and your skin didn't seem yours anymore. Your hair, once vibrant and full of life, now hung limply around your shoulders. It felt like a symbol of how you felt inside — tired, weighed down, and in desperate need of change. You sighed, running a hand through the strands, and wondered when you had started feeling that way.

The apartment was quiet, the only sound was the distant hum of traffic outside. Aaron was in the kitchen, making breakfast. You could hear him cooking, whisking pancake ingredients into the bowl. The smell of coffee wafted through the air, a comforting reminder of your routine. But even the familiar aroma couldn't shake the feeling that had settled in your chest.

"Aaron?" you called out, stepping into the hallway.

He looked up from the stove, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Morning, honey. How did you sleep?"

You shrugged, leaning against the doorframe.

His brows furrowed as he poured coffee into two mugs. "What's on that pretty mind of yours? Is everything okay?"

"I just- I've been thinking a lot"

He looked at you and sat on a chair, then tilted his head silently inviting you to do the same. He didn't speak, rather, he waited until you felt comfortable enough to say what you wanted. He always did that.

You took a deep breath, feeling the words form before you could stop them. "I don't feel like this place is mine anymore. The city, our job... It all feels so suffocating. I need a change, something different"

Aaron handed you a mug, his eyes searching yours. "So what do you want to do? Travel? Visit family? Maybe take some time off to figure things out?"

You sipped the coffee, the warmth spreading through you. "I don't know. Maybe visit my family. Maybe... Cut my hair?"

The thought tumbled out before you could stop it, and you immediately felt silly. "I shouldn't make decisions so suddenly without thinking"

His face softened, a reassuring smile spreading across his lips. "Why not? If you're bored with your hair, cut it. Maybe you'll feel something new. Change what you want, when you want, if you want it. I'll still feel the same about you"

You looked at him, the love and support in his eyes giving you strength. "But what if I regret it? What if I make all these changes and it feels like the end of everything?"

Aaron took your hand, squeezing it gently. "Sure, there's a chance that one day you'll regret it, I can't deny it. But honey, your hair will grow back. Don't you forget it, I'll love you now till when it's long again. You don't have to stay in one place just because I am. Go your way, explore, and find what makes you happy. I'll always be here, waiting for you."

Tears welled up in your eyes, not from sadness, but from the overwhelming love you felt for Aaron.

If you left, would everything really have stayed the same as it was at that moment between the two of you? Would he slowly have loathed you?

You lowered your gaze to your hands. "I don't want to become one of the things you hate" you whispered.

He shook his head, got up, and pulled you into a hug. "You could never be. I just want you to be happy, to feel like yourself again. And if that means traveling, cutting your hair, or finding a new place to call home, then that's what you should do"

You buried your face in his shoulder, feeling the weight lift slightly. "Thank you, Aaron. For understanding"

He kissed the top of your head, his voice soft and soothing. "Always. Now, let's finish breakfast, and then maybe we can start planning your adventure. Wherever you go, I'll be with you in spirit, cheering you on. I love you for you"

As you sat down to eat, you felt a glimmer of excitement for the first time in weeks. Change was scary, but with Aaron's support, you felt ready to face it. And maybe, just maybe, cutting your hair would be the first step towards finding yourself again.