Pride and Punishment

Chapter 18

Author's Note- Bet y'all didn't see a new chapter coming already, huh? I've gone from once a week to three days in a row! Hope y'all enjoy it!

You wake up with you and Hotch facing each other, his fingers trailing up and down your arm. He smiles at you, looking uncertain.

"Don't ever speak to me that way again. You caught me last night when I was tired and emotional." You say quietly.

"I won't, ever. I swear it, Y/N."

"It's verbal abuse."

"I know."

"I'm sorry if you and Haley fought that way, but I won't do it. I may get an attitude with you sometimes but I would never speak to you like that."

"I was just mad, mostly at myself. I couldn't protect you, then I couldn't wake you up, and then I find you breaking rules yet again. However, it's no excuse for my behavior."

"I'm always going to do what I think is right, Aaron, even if it pisses you off or scares you. I admit the shower thing was stupid but I am not and will not apologize for trying to save Spencer. And if that's an issue for you, then we best end this now."

He hesitates and your heart sinks.

"Take some time and think about it, Aaron."

He opens his mouth, closes it, then nods.

"Did you mean what you said last night?" He finally asks.

"Which part?"

"The part where you're in love with me."

Oh. That part. Well, no turning back now.

"I meant it."

He looks relieved. "I meant it, too."

He loves me. Aaron Hotchner loves me.

His lips are on yours then, sweet and gentle. He presses a kiss to your forehead and chin.

"Forgive me." He whispers.

"I have. I know you were scared and mad last night."

He shakes his head. "Not just last night. Everything. The way this started. My attitude. Not protecting you. Not telling you how I felt as soon as I felt it. Wanting you to change because it would be easier for me."

"Aaron-"

"I don't need time to think. I don't care what you do." He declares. "Break the rules. Call me out on my bullshit. Be the girl that charges headfirst into a hostage situation. Just let me be the man behind you. I've tried so long to control this situation and to control you. I can swallow my pride and admit that I was wrong."

"Aaron-"

"Let me finish. I promise that I will love and accept you for what you are. Always."

"You went from "let me think about it" to "love you always" real quick." You tease.

"I didn't need to think about us. I just needed to sort out what I wanted to say."

"You're a regular wordsmith."

His eyes narrow. "Sass?"

"Always. Now, I want you to call and have an edible bouquet delivered to the nurses' station. It's not their fault I broke their rules."

"If they had checked on you-"

"Maybe flowers, too. Something pretty for them to look at."

"Y/N-"