Aaron Hotchner X Male Reader

Tittle: Park Run

The early morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the park's winding paths. The air was crisp but pleasant, carrying the faint scent of dew-covered grass. You adjusted your shoelaces one last time, glancing around the park. It was your favorite time to run—peaceful, quiet, and undisturbed by the hustle of the day.

You’d barely started your warm-up when you noticed him. Aaron Hotchner, dressed in a simple black running outfit, his FBI jacket tied around his waist. Even in the casual setting, he carried the same air of focus and discipline that defined him. You had known him for a while now, but seeing him outside the context of his demanding job always felt a little surreal.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here,” Aaron said, a rare but warm smile tugging at his lips as he approached.

“Didn’t think you’d be up this early, Hotch,” you teased lightly, stretching your arms.

He chuckled softly, his gaze steady but warm. “I like to get a run in before the day starts. Clears my head.”

“Same here,” you replied, falling into step beside him as he started jogging. The rhythmic sound of your shoes against the pavement quickly found a syncopated rhythm, your strides aligning with his.

The two of you ran in companionable silence for a while, the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves filling the gaps. Aaron had always been a man of few words, but his presence alone carried a kind of reassurance that was hard to describe.

“You’ve been running for a while?” he asked after a while, his voice even despite the pace.

“Yeah, it’s my go-to for stress relief. Helps me think. What about you? You seem like a natural.”

He nodded slightly, his expression thoughtful. “Started back in the academy. It’s one of the few constants I’ve kept. Life can get… unpredictable, but running always feels steady.”

You glanced at him, catching the flicker of something deeper in his tone. It wasn’t surprising, given what he dealt with every day. Still, he carried it well, even if you knew the weight of his responsibilities never truly left him.

“Makes sense,” you said. “Though I’d argue that having someone to run with makes it even better.”

Aaron’s lips quirked into another small smile. “I’ll admit, it’s not bad having company.”

The two of you continued, pushing each other with playful challenges. When he sped up, you matched him, and when you surged ahead, he didn’t hesitate to catch up. By the time you reached the park’s loop’s end, both of you were breathing harder, but the shared effort left a satisfying ache in your muscles.

You slowed to a walk, cooling down as you circled back toward the parking area. Aaron pulled a water bottle from a small pouch he carried and handed it to you without a word. You took it with a grateful nod, your fingers brushing briefly against his.

“Thanks,” you said, taking a sip before handing it back. “Not bad for a morning run.”

“Not bad at all,” he agreed, his dark eyes meeting yours. There was something unspoken in his gaze, a quiet appreciation that made your chest tighten in the best way.

“We should do this again,” you suggested, breaking the silence.

Aaron’s smile softened, but it reached his eyes, making them crinkle at the edges. “I’d like that.”

As the sun climbed higher, painting the park in golden hues, you couldn’t help but feel like this run had been more than just exercise. It was a moment of connection, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there were pockets of peace to be found—and sometimes, the best company to share them with.