Love like you

Chapter 4: Alaskan Nights: Part 2

After a long 7 hour flight filled with stolen glances and idle chatter, you had finally arrived in Alaska. However, you had to take another smaller plane to reach the docks of the tiny town. You first headed to the lodge to set your bags down and set up Garcia's work station, before gathering around awaiting Hotch's instructions.

"Reid, JJ head to the medical examiners, Rossi, head to the latest crime scene. The three of them nodded as one of the officers offered to drive them wherever they needed. It was down to you and Derek now.

"Derek, can you stay with Garcia and help her out?" Derek smirked over his shoulder at Garcia.

"Of course." He then looked back at you, smiling and giving your shoulder a light squeeze. Garcia didn't miss the way Hotch's eyes narrowed a little more at the sight. You smiled back at Derek before looking back to Hotch, his eyes already on you.

"Y/l/n, you're with me, we'll be heading to the police station." You nodded as he began walking out the door, stopping just as he was about to open it. "Oh- and I suggest bringing a jacket, I'll be outside."

You nodded once more before heading over to your go-bag. You unzipped it quickly, shuffling some items around before it hit you. 'I forgot to bring my damn jacket.'

"Shit." You muttered before shaking your head. You looked up when you heard the door open once more.

"Y/l/n? Are you alright?" He gave you a once over, noticing the lack of jacket, before meeting your eyes once more, his eyebrows raised.

"Oh- yes I'm alright I just, I realized that I left my jacket back on the jet." Your face heated and you couldn't help but look at the floor in shame. 'Come on y/n! This is your first ever case with your new team and of all things you forget your jacket?!'

You looked back up to find him give you a quick once over, a shiver going through your body. He then nodded in understanding before walking over to his own go bag, he rustled through it a little before pulling out, another jacket. Your face caught on fire once more as he approached you, towering over you as he handed you the soft jacket. "Here, use my spare, I don't want you getting sick." You nodded and muttered a quiet 'thank you' before following him out the door. But not before you looked back to find Derek and Garcia watching you, smug smirks plastered on their faces.

As you stepped outside into the cold you quickly threw on the black quarter zip, a small smile coming to your lips. Unbeknownst to you, Hotch had turned around just in time to catch your smile, which made his heart swell. Knowing that his small act of kindness brought even the smallest of smiles to your face made him want to do it again and again. And as he continued to stare as you played with the zipper of the jacket he felt a sudden urge to protect you, the sight in front of him so soft that he wanted you to stay like this forever.

He quickly snapped out of it as you approached him, his usual frown returning.

Just then, the sheriff walked up. "Y'all ready to head down to the station and get to work?"

You checked the time and it read 10pm. You sighed before rubbing your tired eyes. Although it wasn't that late, it was for you, your mental health was pretty low at the moment which meant restless nights with little sleep. You took a quick peek at the others; Reid, Rossi, and JJ had all joined you at the sheriff's office, each and every one of you chugging away. As tired as you were, you wanted to prove yourself so you put your head down once more and got back to work. Hotch , however, had heard you sigh and turned away from the whiteboard to look at you. He took in your current state; your tired eyes and slouched form made his heart ache. Weird. He had known you for 3 days and yet he had already become so fond of you.

Because of this he found himself talking without even thinking. "Okay everyone, it's getting late, let's head back to the lodge and get some sleep." You looked up at him, making direct eye contact. You could tell that by the way he was looking at you made you realize why he called it quits. You smiled at him and nodded before getting you to grab your things. When you weren't looking he then let a smile shine through, your relieved smile making his decision that much better.

You all arrived back at the lodge where you were deciding the sleeping arrangements. "Alright everyone, the owner has informed us that the lodge is almost at full capacity so we're going to have to bunk up."

"Well," Rossi stood up, grabbing a key from Hotch's hand. "Seeing as I'm the oldest, I deserve to have my own room." He smirked at everyone before winking at Hotch and heading upstairs.

Derek spoke next. "Well, I ain't sleeping with pretty boy over there, he likes to snore."

JJ laughed. "I'll bunk with Spence." She grabbed the key while Spencer grabbed their bags before heading upstairs.

You looked between the remaining 4 of you, too afraid to speak up.

Just then, Derek stood up from his place on his couch, casually approaching you and slinging his arm over your shoulder. "What do you say, sweetheart, wanna share a room?" Your face heated at the obvious flirting, looking over to make eye contact with Hotch, his face set in a frown.

"I- I don't know about that I-" You stumbled over your words, Derek's cute smile making you extremely flustered.

"She'll room with me." Hotch spoke, his voice firm.

Derek raised an eyebrow at you, to which you nodded slowly. He understood, taking his arm away before turning to face Hotch, once again raising his brow. "I want you to keep Garcia company while she works down here. I'd also like to keep an eye on our newest member."

Derek chuckled, "Sure thing Bossman."

You took a quick peek at Garcia who was obviously trying to hold back her mischievous smile.

Just then you let out a yawn. You really needed to rest. "Y/n?" You turned around to find Hotch carrying both of your bags. "Shall we?"