Hotchniss One-Shots

the city that never sleeps: part one

bit of a criminal minds x SVU cross over... because who does love olivia benson? 

...................

The hum of the plane settled into a steady rhythm. Emily leaned back, letting herself exhale. After weeks on a particularly grueling case, she was grateful for this trip—a rare few days in New York, flying in with Aaron and Jack, their energetic five-year-old.

Jack tapped his fingers against the armrest. "Are we there yet?"

Aaron shook his head, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Not yet, champ. But you'll survive."

Jack groaned dramatically. "New York!"

Emily laughed. "Soon, Jack." She reached for Aaron's hand, letting her fingers brush against his. "Thanks for coming with us."

Aaron's eyes softened. "Of course. You deserve a break."

Jack bounced in his seat, eyes darting to the window. "Are there tall buildings? Really tall ones?"

Emily smiled, following his gaze. "The tallest. You're going to feel like a tiny ant in the middle of the city."

Aaron chuckled. "And maybe meet some pigeons that think they own the place."

Jack made a face. "Gross!" but he laughed anyway.

The plane touched down smoothly, and outside, Olivia Benson was waiting, Noah at her side. She waved, her calm energy radiating, and Noah ran forward, little legs pumping.

"Jack!" Noah shouted.

Jack squealed, leaping forward. "Noah!"

The two boys collided in a tight hug, giggling uncontrollably.

Emily moved forward to hug Olivia. "Liv! It's so good to see you."

Olivia smiled warmly, pulling her into a quick squeeze. "Good to see you too, Em. And hey, little man," she said, crouching to ruffle Noah's hair. "You've grown."

Noah grinned. "Jack's fast!"

Aaron knelt beside the boys. "Don't go too far remember"

Jack and Noah were off again, racing in circles. "Tag! You're it!"

"No fair! You're too fast!" Noah yelled, laughing.

Emily exchanged a glance with Olivia, both grinning. "They don't stop, do they?"

Olivia chuckled, brushing a stray strand of Noah's hair behind his ear. "Not for a second. Makes me appreciate quiet nights even more."

Aaron leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Emily's lips. She smiled into it, and Olivia gave her a knowing wink.

Emily crouched to scoop up Jack mid-spin. "Careful, superhero. Don't take out the city on your way by."

Jack giggled, hugging her neck. "I'll be careful!"

Olivia laughed, shaking her head. "You two are going to wear me out before we even hit the apartment."

The crisp morning air of New York carried the scent of early autumn leaves and faint coffee. Emily, Aaron, and Olivia followed the boys as they barreled toward the park, Jack and Noah weaving in and out of pedestrians, little hands flailing wildly.

"Race you to the slide!" Jack shouted, already sprinting.

"No! I'm gonna win!" Noah yelled back, his small legs pumping like pistons.