And If I Fall, Let Me Part I: At Your Service - A. Hotchner x OC & Jemily

BONUS CHAPTER: After Dark

Alex hummed, and he knew she had just shrugged off his apology.

"Don't even think about it. We have leftover dinner as well if he's still hungry. Just drop him off, and all will be fine."

He breathed out his relief and ruffled Jack's hair. His son wore a big grin and ran off to stuff his favourite book and everything important he could find into his rucksack.

"You're a saint."

Alex chuckled through the phone and he felt warmth spread through him.

"I'm always happy to spend any time with my favourite Hotchner. See you in a bit."

Hotch grinned and hung up. The prospect of seeing Alex, even if only briefly, also had its perks. He was not going to lie.

♥♥♥

When her bell rang, Alex was in the middle of fighting over the unreadable notes her niece had made in history class, rendering both of them completely clueless.

"This conversation is not over," she said, trying for stern. Katie's lip quivered in suppressed laughter and she quickly slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Far from over," it slipped out and Alex couldn't help her own laughter.

"Impossible teenager," the blonde muttered to herself. Opening the door, she gave the two people in front of it a quick smile.

"If it isn't my favourite dog trainer," she said in Jack's direction. The boy beamed up at her and she stepped back to let him into the hallway.

"Katie's in the kitchen, and Brutus is somewhere asleep on the couch. You have to be a little careful with him today, okay? He had an exhausting day."

Jack, who had slipped out of his shoes in record time, nodded diligently before he left the two adults behind. Alex turned back to Hotch, who looked downright miserable. When he didn't move, she stepped out into the mild air and softly closed her own door behind her.

"You have to hurry, I'm assuming?" she asked. When he nodded, the lines on his face harsh against her small door light, Alex couldn't help herself but reach up to softly cup his cheek. Hotch closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.

"Oh Aaron," she heard herself sigh. They moved at the same time, both slowly melting into each other's embrace. When he buried his face in her neck, she ran a hand over his head and felt him breathe in even deeper.

"Take my key," she whispered, "If it's too late to drive back to yours, or you're too tired, stay on the couch. Jack will be fine. I have a late morning tomorrow anyway, you don't need to worry about anything but whatever they need you for, okay?"

Hotch pulled away and wanted to protest, but Alex only shook his head.

"This is not a discussion, those are the terms of me watching Jack," she smirked and could see how he gave up. A small smile spread over his lips.

"Have I told you how thankful I am?" he whispered, his arm still around her waist. Alex had to fight the urge to get on her toes and kiss him.

"I think you called me a saint before," she gave back, letting her eyes slip from his gaze before she would actually do it, "I think you need to go before Strauss shows up here. We don't need her to hate me more than she does."

Slowly, Hotch pulled back, looking downright dissatisfied about it. "She hates everyone."

Alex rolled her eyes. Handing him her keys, she grew serious for a second. "Take care, Aaron. I'm expecting you back here in a few hours in one piece, alright?"