oneshot : late
Title: Prompt #2: L for Late
Rating: PG / FRT
Pairing: Hotch/Reid, Jack ; established relationship
Word Count: 2,110
Summary: It only made sense why Spencer was downright upset with him.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters used in my story. They belong to CBS. And one tiny spoiler from 5x9.
A/N:
First, I'd like to thank freddlerabbit for betaing because I don't have the patience to edit my own stories, haha. Secondly, this is a start of a new series - The Domestic Moments universe. However, each part that I post can be read as a standalone. And for some of the parts, I might still use some of the prompts I have written down. Kill two birds with one stone, eh? /lame Canadian reference
-----------------
It wasn’t the first time Aaron Hotchner stayed a few hours too late at work; however, it was the first time Spencer had gotten upset with Aaron for being late. Because when Aaron arrived home past ten, all the lights were off except for the kitchen light - which was always left on and was an unspoken rule between the couple, as was Spencer’s always staying up and waiting for him to come home whenever Aaron stayed late at the office and Spencer came home earlier to pick Jack up from his Aunt’s house - and supper was still left on the table. Only a small portion of the food was eaten. And when Aaron took a closer look at the food laid out, he noticed that it was his favourites: roast beef, scalloped potatoes, and tortellini soup.
Aaron blinked several times and stood still as he racked his brain to think if he had forgotten a special event or date but couldn’t come up with anything. With a deep, exhausted sigh, he strolled down the hallway of his quiet home. He stopped in front of Jack’s room - which was halfway open since he never liked the idea of being completely alone in his room. Shuffling his bag and brief case around, he entered the room and bent down to give his son a gentle kiss on the forehead. Jack stirred in his slumber but didn’t waken.
With one final glance at his sleeping son, Aaron left Jack’s room quietly and headed to the room he shared with Spencer. When he entered the room, he tossed his go-bag and brief case beside Spencer’s work bags, and then went directly toward the bathroom. They had just gotten back from the case that same afternoon and Aaron hadn’t gotten the chance to freshen up. He had planned to go home early along with the rest of the team but he was needed for a consult which had taken more time than he expected. However, he called Spencer to let him know that he might be late getting home, so why on earth was there supper left on the table? Normally, when he arrived late, leftovers would be neatly stored in the fridge in a plate with perfectly sealed saran wrap.
That was all Aaron could think about as he took his hot, refreshing shower. Several minutes later, he entered the master bedroom in only his pyjama bottoms and a towel around his neck. He sat on the edge of the bed and finished drying his hair, and while he did, his eyes fell on his sleeping lover. Spencer had his back turned to him and was wearing his red and black plaid pyjamas. A frown tugged on his lips because Spencer didn’t wait up for him. The only time he didn’t stay up for him was when Spencer was upset or when they had a bitter argument.
Before slinking into bed, Aaron quickly checked his work phone and PDA. Once satisfied, he lay flat on the bed, and then shuffled closer to his lover. Gently, Aaron placed his face against Spencer’s neck and breathed in his light scent. His large arms snaked around Spencer’s skinny frame. But as he began to settle in comfortably, Aaron noticed how Spencer’s breathing was shallow and uneven and how his tense his body became after Aaron wrapped his arms around him. Aaron’s eyebrows shot up as he realized this. It didn’t take a profiler to know that he was awake. And finally, Aaron breathed out quietly, “Spence?”
The younger man didn’t respond; but the way he shifted his head ever so slightly to the side indicated that he was wide awake. So, Aaron tried again with more urgency in his voice, “Spencer, I know you’re awake.”
Aaron was shocked when Spencer snapped, “Is that so? You just seem to know everything, don’t you?”
The older man lay in bed, horror-stricken, and his arms that were wrapped around his lover’s thin body began to retreat. Even though they’d had several fights as a couple before, he was still not used to Spencer’s harsh tone - and he doubts that he ever will be.
As calmly as he could muster, he slowly asked, “Spence, what are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about, Hotch.” His voice was cold and heartless, and it sent a chill down Aaron’s spine.
Aaron’s eyebrows scrunched together as he attempted to recall any events that happened that day which may have triggered Spencer’s cold attitude toward him. But his mind couldn’t come up with anything significant. Frustration set in hard when he couldn’t figure it out. Aaron then turned the lamp on and sat up with his back leaning against the black furbished headboard. He turned to his lover, but Spencer was clearly not ready to deal with him since his back was still facing Aaron.
“I honestly don’t know what you’re-”
“Think about it, Hotch.” Spencer interjected apathetically before Aaron could finish his sentence. Aaron flinched when Spencer used his work name, and when Spencer shot him a hard glare.
“I’m sorry for whatev-”
“No, don’t you dare so sorry to me, say sorry to Jack.”
Jack? Jack. Shit.
Aaron let out an exasperated sigh when he finally realized his fault. Earlier that day was Jack’s first soccer game and he promised to be there. Spencer, of course, didn’t forget - thanks to his eidetic memory. And Spencer might’ve even reminded him of the soccer game sometime during the day. Right at that very moment, Aaron felt like the worst father ever. Especially since Jack expressed how excited he was and how much he wanted his dad to show up. It only made sense why Spencer was downright upset with him.
Spencer turned away, his back facing Aaron once more. Then, ever so slightly, his lover moved an inch further away form him. And that single inch felt like a mile away.
Finally, Aaron regained his composure and placed his hand on Reid’s bony shoulder. Aaron urged Spencer to face him once more, and he remained silent as their eyes met. Eventually, after getting lost in each other’s eyes, Spencer’s eyes lost the sharp edge, and Aaron worked up the courage to shift forward closer to his partner. Their foreheads touched and their lips were mere millimetres away from each other, but Aaron didn’t want to be the one to initiate the kiss. In fact, he had no right to after forgetting about his promise to Jack.
Moments ticked by and Spencer’s hands cupped Aaron’s prominent cheek bones. “Just…promise me you’ll make it up to him. He was really disappointed when you weren’t there.”
Aaron nodded as Spencer finally brushed their lips together. The kiss was soft and delicate as if Spencer was showing Aaron that he was forgiven. A few minutes into the kiss, Aaron pulled back just enough to talk yet slightly muffled since their upper lips still grazed each other. “Spencer…I - I, god, first of all, I love you so much. You have no idea how much it means to me that you love Jack - our son - so much and care deeply about him. I’m just - I’m really sorry. The consult took longer than expected and -”
Spencer shushed him with another kiss. The younger man realized how flustered Aaron was and how genuinely sorry he was, and any anger that he once held was slowly dissolving.
“Aaron, it’s alright. I’m not upset anymore. Like I said before, Jack was really disappointed when you didn’t show up. So, to cheer him up, I suggested we cook supper together for you, and he was delighted to do that. His mood marginally brightened. But then you called saying that you were going to be even later than expected and there was nothing I could do to cheer him up. Not even my magic tricks worked on him.”
A sigh escaped Spencer’s lips as he paused for a moment. He placed another kiss on Aaron’s fine lips before continuing, “Aaron, he’s growing up now, and he’s at the age where disappointment isn’t something easily fixed. Listen, I’m not trying to guilt you or anything because I know what your - our - job is like. But I just hate seeing him crestfallen. He’s…Jack’s a good kid, and I love him. I just…I don’t want him to be disappointed. No child deserves that.”
Aaron just nodded weakly and forced a smile on his face. It was true, no child did deserve that. And he knew that both he and Spencer had their fair share of disappointments from their parents when they were younger. And Aaron had always known that Spencer treated Jack as if he were his own, but that very night just proved exactly how much Jack meant to him. And Aaron found himself falling more in love with Spencer.
“God Spence, the consult just took longer than expected and his soccer game completely slipped my mind. I just…I’m so sorry. But thank you for doing all this for Jack, thank you for taking such great care for of him; I love you, Spencer Reid.”
Spencer caressed Aaron’s cheek and smiled genuinely. He murmured quietly before placing another breathtaking kiss on the older man’s lips, “I love you, too, Aaron.”
***
The next morning, Aaron kept his promise. He slipped out of bed earlier than usual on a weekend when they had no case, and cooked breakfast for his two favourite people. When he finished cooking the breakfast - pancakes with chocolate chips, scrambled eggs, and French toast - he snuck back into the room he shared with Spencer and slipped back into bed. Spencer eyes fluttered open when Aaron pressed butterfly kisses on his cheek.
“Good morning,” Aaron murmured as he covered Spencer’s lips with his own. A soft moan escaped the younger man’s mouth as he wrapped his slender arms around Aaron.
The couple stayed in bed for several minutes, kissing lazily. With their jobs always keeping them on the go, it seemed as if moments like these were hard to come by. But their intimacy was interrupted when someone burst through the bedroom door and jumped onto the bed. Jack climbed into bed between Aaron and Spencer and had the widest grin. “Daddy!”
Aaron couldn’t help but return his son’s smile. “Hey, buddy, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your game last night. But Spencer and I don’t have work today. So, why don’t we go to the park and bring your soccer ball. You can show me some of the moves you learned and you can tell me all about your game yesterday.”
Jack’s eyes lit up and nodded enthusiastically. “Only if Spencer comes, though. Because he saw some of the plays I did yesterday.”
Spencer’s cheeks reddened when he heard those words. He then abruptly changed the topic and suggested, “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m hungry. Why don’t we go have breakfast?”
Giddily, Jack turned to his father with a playful glint in his eyes. “Race ya, Daddy!”
***
“We beat you, Daddy!” Jack announced proudly as he picked up the ball. The three of them had just finished playing soccer. Spencer and Jack on one team while Aaron went solo.
Aaron just smiled as he wiped the sweat on his brow. His son was a better athlete than he ever was and he was only six. He could just imagine how much Jack’s skills would develop. And as those thoughts entered his mind, a quiet sigh escaped his lips. If only Haley was here to see how their son was growing up to be.
Suddenly, Aaron felt a warm hand tread through his fingers. When he looked down, he saw that the hand belonged to Spencer who offered a kind smile as if he knew what was going through his mind. Aaron returned the smile and gently squeezed Spencer’s hand, and all tension that emitted between the two of them the night before was completely gone - as if it never happened. Normally, they didn’t show much physical affection out in public, but at that moment, neither of them really cared. In fact, Aaron pulled Spencer closer to him and placed a light kiss on his cheek. Spencer blushed heavily as his eyes gazed out to see if anyone saw but was relieved when he realized it was only them in the park.
“Let’s go home,” Aaron said, the smile on his face still lingering on his face. And for the first time in months, Aaron Hotchner felt content and ease because he knew he had Jack and Spencer and that was all he really needed.
-------------------
Thanks for reading. Comments are appreciated.
Rating: PG / FRT
Pairing: Hotch/Reid, Jack ; established relationship
Word Count: 2,110
Summary: It only made sense why Spencer was downright upset with him.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters used in my story. They belong to CBS. And one tiny spoiler from 5x9.
A/N:
First, I'd like to thank freddlerabbit for betaing because I don't have the patience to edit my own stories, haha. Secondly, this is a start of a new series - The Domestic Moments universe. However, each part that I post can be read as a standalone. And for some of the parts, I might still use some of the prompts I have written down. Kill two birds with one stone, eh? /lame Canadian reference
-----------------
It wasn’t the first time Aaron Hotchner stayed a few hours too late at work; however, it was the first time Spencer had gotten upset with Aaron for being late. Because when Aaron arrived home past ten, all the lights were off except for the kitchen light - which was always left on and was an unspoken rule between the couple, as was Spencer’s always staying up and waiting for him to come home whenever Aaron stayed late at the office and Spencer came home earlier to pick Jack up from his Aunt’s house - and supper was still left on the table. Only a small portion of the food was eaten. And when Aaron took a closer look at the food laid out, he noticed that it was his favourites: roast beef, scalloped potatoes, and tortellini soup.
Aaron blinked several times and stood still as he racked his brain to think if he had forgotten a special event or date but couldn’t come up with anything. With a deep, exhausted sigh, he strolled down the hallway of his quiet home. He stopped in front of Jack’s room - which was halfway open since he never liked the idea of being completely alone in his room. Shuffling his bag and brief case around, he entered the room and bent down to give his son a gentle kiss on the forehead. Jack stirred in his slumber but didn’t waken.
With one final glance at his sleeping son, Aaron left Jack’s room quietly and headed to the room he shared with Spencer. When he entered the room, he tossed his go-bag and brief case beside Spencer’s work bags, and then went directly toward the bathroom. They had just gotten back from the case that same afternoon and Aaron hadn’t gotten the chance to freshen up. He had planned to go home early along with the rest of the team but he was needed for a consult which had taken more time than he expected. However, he called Spencer to let him know that he might be late getting home, so why on earth was there supper left on the table? Normally, when he arrived late, leftovers would be neatly stored in the fridge in a plate with perfectly sealed saran wrap.
That was all Aaron could think about as he took his hot, refreshing shower. Several minutes later, he entered the master bedroom in only his pyjama bottoms and a towel around his neck. He sat on the edge of the bed and finished drying his hair, and while he did, his eyes fell on his sleeping lover. Spencer had his back turned to him and was wearing his red and black plaid pyjamas. A frown tugged on his lips because Spencer didn’t wait up for him. The only time he didn’t stay up for him was when Spencer was upset or when they had a bitter argument.
Before slinking into bed, Aaron quickly checked his work phone and PDA. Once satisfied, he lay flat on the bed, and then shuffled closer to his lover. Gently, Aaron placed his face against Spencer’s neck and breathed in his light scent. His large arms snaked around Spencer’s skinny frame. But as he began to settle in comfortably, Aaron noticed how Spencer’s breathing was shallow and uneven and how his tense his body became after Aaron wrapped his arms around him. Aaron’s eyebrows shot up as he realized this. It didn’t take a profiler to know that he was awake. And finally, Aaron breathed out quietly, “Spence?”
The younger man didn’t respond; but the way he shifted his head ever so slightly to the side indicated that he was wide awake. So, Aaron tried again with more urgency in his voice, “Spencer, I know you’re awake.”
Aaron was shocked when Spencer snapped, “Is that so? You just seem to know everything, don’t you?”
The older man lay in bed, horror-stricken, and his arms that were wrapped around his lover’s thin body began to retreat. Even though they’d had several fights as a couple before, he was still not used to Spencer’s harsh tone - and he doubts that he ever will be.
As calmly as he could muster, he slowly asked, “Spence, what are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about, Hotch.” His voice was cold and heartless, and it sent a chill down Aaron’s spine.
Aaron’s eyebrows scrunched together as he attempted to recall any events that happened that day which may have triggered Spencer’s cold attitude toward him. But his mind couldn’t come up with anything significant. Frustration set in hard when he couldn’t figure it out. Aaron then turned the lamp on and sat up with his back leaning against the black furbished headboard. He turned to his lover, but Spencer was clearly not ready to deal with him since his back was still facing Aaron.
“I honestly don’t know what you’re-”
“Think about it, Hotch.” Spencer interjected apathetically before Aaron could finish his sentence. Aaron flinched when Spencer used his work name, and when Spencer shot him a hard glare.
“I’m sorry for whatev-”
“No, don’t you dare so sorry to me, say sorry to Jack.”
Jack? Jack. Shit.
Aaron let out an exasperated sigh when he finally realized his fault. Earlier that day was Jack’s first soccer game and he promised to be there. Spencer, of course, didn’t forget - thanks to his eidetic memory. And Spencer might’ve even reminded him of the soccer game sometime during the day. Right at that very moment, Aaron felt like the worst father ever. Especially since Jack expressed how excited he was and how much he wanted his dad to show up. It only made sense why Spencer was downright upset with him.
Spencer turned away, his back facing Aaron once more. Then, ever so slightly, his lover moved an inch further away form him. And that single inch felt like a mile away.
Finally, Aaron regained his composure and placed his hand on Reid’s bony shoulder. Aaron urged Spencer to face him once more, and he remained silent as their eyes met. Eventually, after getting lost in each other’s eyes, Spencer’s eyes lost the sharp edge, and Aaron worked up the courage to shift forward closer to his partner. Their foreheads touched and their lips were mere millimetres away from each other, but Aaron didn’t want to be the one to initiate the kiss. In fact, he had no right to after forgetting about his promise to Jack.
Moments ticked by and Spencer’s hands cupped Aaron’s prominent cheek bones. “Just…promise me you’ll make it up to him. He was really disappointed when you weren’t there.”
Aaron nodded as Spencer finally brushed their lips together. The kiss was soft and delicate as if Spencer was showing Aaron that he was forgiven. A few minutes into the kiss, Aaron pulled back just enough to talk yet slightly muffled since their upper lips still grazed each other. “Spencer…I - I, god, first of all, I love you so much. You have no idea how much it means to me that you love Jack - our son - so much and care deeply about him. I’m just - I’m really sorry. The consult took longer than expected and -”
Spencer shushed him with another kiss. The younger man realized how flustered Aaron was and how genuinely sorry he was, and any anger that he once held was slowly dissolving.
“Aaron, it’s alright. I’m not upset anymore. Like I said before, Jack was really disappointed when you didn’t show up. So, to cheer him up, I suggested we cook supper together for you, and he was delighted to do that. His mood marginally brightened. But then you called saying that you were going to be even later than expected and there was nothing I could do to cheer him up. Not even my magic tricks worked on him.”
A sigh escaped Spencer’s lips as he paused for a moment. He placed another kiss on Aaron’s fine lips before continuing, “Aaron, he’s growing up now, and he’s at the age where disappointment isn’t something easily fixed. Listen, I’m not trying to guilt you or anything because I know what your - our - job is like. But I just hate seeing him crestfallen. He’s…Jack’s a good kid, and I love him. I just…I don’t want him to be disappointed. No child deserves that.”
Aaron just nodded weakly and forced a smile on his face. It was true, no child did deserve that. And he knew that both he and Spencer had their fair share of disappointments from their parents when they were younger. And Aaron had always known that Spencer treated Jack as if he were his own, but that very night just proved exactly how much Jack meant to him. And Aaron found himself falling more in love with Spencer.
“God Spence, the consult just took longer than expected and his soccer game completely slipped my mind. I just…I’m so sorry. But thank you for doing all this for Jack, thank you for taking such great care for of him; I love you, Spencer Reid.”
Spencer caressed Aaron’s cheek and smiled genuinely. He murmured quietly before placing another breathtaking kiss on the older man’s lips, “I love you, too, Aaron.”
***
The next morning, Aaron kept his promise. He slipped out of bed earlier than usual on a weekend when they had no case, and cooked breakfast for his two favourite people. When he finished cooking the breakfast - pancakes with chocolate chips, scrambled eggs, and French toast - he snuck back into the room he shared with Spencer and slipped back into bed. Spencer eyes fluttered open when Aaron pressed butterfly kisses on his cheek.
“Good morning,” Aaron murmured as he covered Spencer’s lips with his own. A soft moan escaped the younger man’s mouth as he wrapped his slender arms around Aaron.
The couple stayed in bed for several minutes, kissing lazily. With their jobs always keeping them on the go, it seemed as if moments like these were hard to come by. But their intimacy was interrupted when someone burst through the bedroom door and jumped onto the bed. Jack climbed into bed between Aaron and Spencer and had the widest grin. “Daddy!”
Aaron couldn’t help but return his son’s smile. “Hey, buddy, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your game last night. But Spencer and I don’t have work today. So, why don’t we go to the park and bring your soccer ball. You can show me some of the moves you learned and you can tell me all about your game yesterday.”
Jack’s eyes lit up and nodded enthusiastically. “Only if Spencer comes, though. Because he saw some of the plays I did yesterday.”
Spencer’s cheeks reddened when he heard those words. He then abruptly changed the topic and suggested, “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m hungry. Why don’t we go have breakfast?”
Giddily, Jack turned to his father with a playful glint in his eyes. “Race ya, Daddy!”
***
“We beat you, Daddy!” Jack announced proudly as he picked up the ball. The three of them had just finished playing soccer. Spencer and Jack on one team while Aaron went solo.
Aaron just smiled as he wiped the sweat on his brow. His son was a better athlete than he ever was and he was only six. He could just imagine how much Jack’s skills would develop. And as those thoughts entered his mind, a quiet sigh escaped his lips. If only Haley was here to see how their son was growing up to be.
Suddenly, Aaron felt a warm hand tread through his fingers. When he looked down, he saw that the hand belonged to Spencer who offered a kind smile as if he knew what was going through his mind. Aaron returned the smile and gently squeezed Spencer’s hand, and all tension that emitted between the two of them the night before was completely gone - as if it never happened. Normally, they didn’t show much physical affection out in public, but at that moment, neither of them really cared. In fact, Aaron pulled Spencer closer to him and placed a light kiss on his cheek. Spencer blushed heavily as his eyes gazed out to see if anyone saw but was relieved when he realized it was only them in the park.
“Let’s go home,” Aaron said, the smile on his face still lingering on his face. And for the first time in months, Aaron Hotchner felt content and ease because he knew he had Jack and Spencer and that was all he really needed.
-------------------
Thanks for reading. Comments are appreciated.