Criminal Minds x Reader

Give Love to Your Body [A.H]

The BAU office hummed softly with the sound of ringing phones, distant conversations, and the occasional shuffle of papers. You'd grown accustomed to the rhythm of the place, the controlled chaos of working alongside the best minds in the FBI. But today, you couldn't help but feel the weight of something else — a nagging insecurity that had begun to creep into your otherwise steady life.

You adjusted your blazer, glancing briefly at the reflection in the darkened computer screen. Across the bullpen, Aaron Hotchner stood by the coffee machine, engaged in a conversation with Emily and JJ. The way they smiled, the easy laughter that passed between them, was a sight you'd seen countless times. But today, it struck a different chord. They were both beautiful, confident, and carried themselves with an effortless poise that left you feeling like a shadow in their light.

You weren't jealous. You could never be. Aaron loved you; he'd told you as much in the quiet moments when the world seemed to stop just for the two of you. But your mind couldn't help but wander, picking apart every perceived flaw in your reflection and every interaction you witnessed.

When he returned to his office, he paused by your desk, his hand brushing yours briefly. The gesture sent a jolt through you, as it always did.

"Lunch in my office in ten?" he asked, his voice low and warm.

You nodded, offering him a small smile. "Sure. I'll bring my salad"

He frowned almost imperceptibly, but you didn't catch it. You were too focused on arranging your desk and trying to push away the thoughts that whispered cruel comparisons into your mind.

Ten minutes later, you knocked lightly on his office door before stepping inside. Aaron sat behind his desk, his tie slightly loosened, and his sleeves rolled up. The sight of him like this — relaxed but still in control, was one of your favorites. He looked up as you entered, his lips curving into a small smile that was just for you.

"Close the door" he said softly, and you did, setting your container of salad on the desk before sitting across from him.

He had a sandwich — turkey on rye, if you guessed correctly, and a bag of chips. The scent of it made your stomach grumble, but you'd ignored it, focusing instead on the colorful but lackluster greens in front of you.

"How's your morning been?" he asked, opening the bag of chips and offering it to you.

You shook your head. "It's been fine. Nothing I can't handle"

Aaron tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied you. "You've been quiet today"

"I've been focused" you replied quickly, spearing a piece of lettuce with your fork. "You know how it gets"

"Mmm." He hummed noncommittally, taking a bite of his sandwich but never taking his eyes off you.

You avoided his gaze, instead picking at your salad and forcing yourself to eat. It wasn't that you didn't like salads; it was just that you'd chosen this one out of obligation, not desire. It was healthy, and healthy meant better. Right?

Aaron's voice broke the silence. "Y/N"

You looked up, startled. His tone was gentle but firm, and you knew that look. He'd seen something, noticed something you hadn't intended to reveal.

"Yes?"

He set his sandwich down and leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. "Talk to me"

"There's nothing to talk about" you said, your voice lighter than you felt. You even managed a small smile. "Why?"

He sighed, his gaze softening. "Because I know you, and I can see that something's bothering you"

Your stomach twisted, and for a moment, you considered deflecting. But the sincerity in his eyes made it impossible. You set your fork down and exhaled.

"It's stupid" you muttered.

"Let me be the judge of that"

You hesitated, but the weight of his gaze and the safety it offered pulled the truth from you. "It's just... I see how amazing everyone here is. JJ, Emily... They're so put together, and I feel like I'm... not"

Aaron frowned, his brow furrowing in concern. "Y/N-"

"I know it's ridiculous," you cut in quickly, trying to downplay it, "You love me, and I know that. But sometimes, it's hard not to compare. And then I think, maybe if I just ate better or looked more like them..."

"Stop" Aaron said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. He rose from his chair and walked around the desk to stand in front of you. Gently, he crouched so you were eye level, his hands resting lightly on your knees.

"You are incredible," he said, his voice softer now, "And nothing about you needs to change for me to love you. Do you hear me?"

You nodded, your throat tight.

He reached for your salad and pushed it aside before tearing his sandwich in half. "We're sharing this," he said, placing half on your plate, "And the chips too"

You blinked at him, surprised. "Aaron, you don't have to-"

"I want to," he interrupted, "Because I want you to enjoy this time with me. And I want you to know that you're more than enough exactly as you are"

Tears stung your eyes, but you blinked them back, a small smile tugging at your lips. "You're too good to me"

He smiled back, his thumb brushing over your knee. "I'm exactly as good as you deserve"

That night, Aaron proved his words in ways that left no room for doubt. At home, the atmosphere was warm and intimate, the soft glow of the lamps casting a golden hue over the living room. After dinner, he pulled you into his arms, pressing a kiss to your temple before leading you to the bedroom.

There, he took his time, his touch reverent as he traced every curve of your body. He kissed you slowly, deeply, whispering words of love and admiration against your skin. Every insecurity you'd harbored seemed to melt away under the weight of his affection.

"You're beautiful" he murmured, his lips brushing against your collarbone. "Every inch of you"

You believed him. In that moment, with his hands and lips worshipping you, it was impossible not to. Aaron didn't just love you, he cherished you, flaws and all.

As you lay tangled together afterward, your head resting on his chest, he spoke again, his fingers running through your hair.

"Promise me something" he said.

"What's that?"

"Promise me you'll be kinder to yourself. That you'll see yourself the way I see you"

You looked up at him, your heart swelling. "I promise"

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. Because you deserve to love yourself as much as I love you"

And as you drifted to sleep in his arms, you felt lighter than you had in weeks. Aaron's love was steady, unwavering, and for the first time in a long time, you felt like maybe, just maybe, you could see yourself through his eyes.