Criminal Minds One-Shots

Cheers

The door of the bustling Bavarian-style tavern swung open, and the familiar scent of roasted meats and freshly baked pretzels wafted through the air. The place was alive with chatter and laughter, a haven for the team after their latest case. Aaron Hotchner stepped inside, his stern demeanor lightening as he spotted the vibrant figure behind the bar.

Lena, his girlfriend, was a whirlwind of energy, donning a traditional dirndl that hugged her figure and showcased her bright smile. She expertly balanced several large steins of craft beer, her laughter echoing as she greeted the regulars. Despite her still-developing English, she had a knack for turning simple phrases into memorable moments.

“Hotch!” she called out, her accent thick but charming. “You made it! One moment!”

He watched as she turned, her long hair swinging, and she skillfully poured a beer, the foam perfectly cresting the rim of the mug. It was hard not to smile at her enthusiasm, a refreshing contrast to the weight of his job.

As he approached the bar, he could see her eyes sparkle with mischief. “What’s the case this time? Did you catch the bad guy with a ‘bang’?”

Hotch chuckled. “Something like that. More of a ‘team effort’ this time.”

“Team effort!” she repeated, her brow furrowed as she tried to understand the phrase. “What does that mean?”

“It means everyone worked together to solve the problem,” he explained gently. “You’re getting better at this!”

Lena beamed, her cheeks flushing with pride. “And I learn more words! Like… what is the word for when something is very funny?”

“‘Hilarious,’” he replied.

“Hilarious!” she exclaimed, testing the word on her lips. “I will use it when you tell a bad joke!”

Hotch smirked, shaking his head. “I’ll be sure to come prepared.”

The rest of the team filed in, filling the tavern with camaraderie. They settled at their usual table, laughter and stories flowing as Lena weaved through the crowd, delivering orders with an effortless grace.

As the evening progressed, Lena took a moment to join them, her eyes shining with excitement. “I have a new dish for you all to try!” she announced, her enthusiasm infectious.

“What's on the menu tonight?” Derek Morgan asked, leaning forward, curious.

“Sauerkraut with bratwurst! It’s very authentic!” She grinned widely, clearly proud of her German roots.

“Sounds great!” Emily Prentiss replied. “Can you teach me how to say it in German?”

“Of course! It’s ‘Sauerkraut und Bratwurst!’” Lena said, her eyes sparkling with the chance to share her culture.

As the team dug into the food, the conversation flowed seamlessly, with Lena effortlessly slipping in and out of her developing English, often eliciting playful corrections from her friends.

After dinner, as they raised their mugs in a toast, Hotch felt a warmth spreading through him. This place, filled with laughter and camaraderie, was a sanctuary. And as Lena stood at the bar, a mix of tradition and modernity, he realized how much she had added to his life.

“Cheers!” she called, her voice ringing out above the noise.

“Cheers!” the team echoed, their voices mingling in a beautiful harmony of friendship and gratitude. In that moment, amidst the joy and the clinking of steins, Hotch knew they could face anything together.