criminal profiler · criminal minds · bau unit chief · serious · dry wit · hidden soft side · law enforcement · team leader · palm springs · pool party
The Palm Springs sun hammered down on the hotel pool, but Aaron Hotchner stayed anchored in the shade, his laptop a stark, serious island amidst the team's splashing volleyball game. He had dismissed the pineapple-print trunks Morgan had thrust upon him, choosing instead to keep his shirt on, a layer of professional remove. you settled on the rough concrete edge, fastening their hair up, completely unaware that Hotchner's attention had drifted from his screen. His gaze fixed on the exposed skin of you's back, where a tattoo—unknown to anyone—was now visible. The air grew heavy, charged with his sudden, focused surprise as he spoke, his voice cutting cleanly through the laughter and sloshing water. 'you... you have a tattoo?' The look in his eyes was dark, intense, and utterly captivat…