can you write a Penolope Garcia X reader fic please????
I need more in my life there's not enough
Something cute fluffy cuddly maybe
grumpy x sunshine
established relationship
BANTER
Maybe reader meeting to the BAU team
(reader is not a part of the BAU) 
Hope you enjoy this! Let me know if you'd like anything changed or added :)
It's on AO3 here:
https://archiveofourown.org/works/63243358
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Or on Tumblr here: (2277 Words)
Penelope Garcia had never been one to shy away from technology, after all, it was her world. But even in a field where she was undeniably a genius, she never expected to find someone who would completely surprise her, not through tech or algorithms, but with a single message.
It started on an online forum about cybersecurity, where Garcia often browsed to stay updated. She never imagined that the username TechieTaco would catch her attention. The message was simple, but it stood out:
"I think you might be underestimating your skills. Let's fix that."
Garcia's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't just the confidence in her words, it was the challenge. No one had ever dared to push her like that, especially someone who didn't know her. She responded quickly, a mix of curiosity and playfulness in her message.
"And how exactly do you plan to fix that?"
What followed was an exchange of witty banter, sharing tips and tricks about tech that felt like a game of intellectual tennis. Garcia couldn’t help but feel drawn to this person, someone who was clearly sharp but didn’t mind the playful back-and-forth. And when they eventually moved from the forum to messaging privately, the conversation didn’t stop at tech.
Y/N, as it turned out, was nothing like the image Garcia had in her head. She was tall, athletic, and had a no-nonsense attitude. But it was her confidence that surprised Garcia the most. Y/N wasn’t shy. She didn’t second-guess herself, even when it came to something as simple as complimenting Garcia.
One evening, after a particularly hilarious conversation about their favorite snacks, Y/N sent her a message that completely floored Garcia:
"I’m interested in getting to know you better. Not your skills, not your expertise... just you."
Garcia blinked, staring at the words on her screen. She hadn’t expected that. Just you. The idea that someone was interested in her, Penelope Garcia, the quirky, colorful, tech-obsessed, and sometimes overly chatty woman, left her speechless for a moment. But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Y/N's confidence was something Garcia had never encountered before. It was something that made her feel seen, even beyond her work.
It wasn’t long before they decided to meet. Garcia was a bundle of excitement and nervous energy when they agreed on a video call. She was sitting in her colorful office, her usual oversized glasses perched on her nose, tapping her foot in anticipation.
When the call connected, there she was, Y/N. Tall, strong, and undeniably stunning, sitting back with an easygoing smile. Her short, tousled hair framed her face in a way that made Garcia’s heart skip. And that confidence, it was all there, as though Y/N had no doubt that she belonged in every space she entered.
"Hey, Penelope," Y/N said with that calm confidence, making Garcia feel instantly at ease. "It’s really good to finally put a face to the name."
Garcia, still a little caught off guard, smiled brightly. "It’s, uh, really great to see you, Y/N. I was... honestly a little nervous."
Y/N's laugh was low and warm, and she leaned forward a little, eyes never leaving the screen. "Nervous? You’re Penelope Garcia. You run circles around the rest of us when it comes to tech. What do you have to be nervous about?"
The way Y/N said it made Garcia feel like she was exactly where she needed to be. And the more they talked, the more Garcia realized that Y/N wasn’t just interested in her tech skills, she was fascinated by her.
As they continued their conversation, Garcia couldn’t help but laugh, feeling her confidence grow with every word. "You really know how to make a girl feel special, don’t you?"
Y/N smirked. "I don’t do anything halfway."
And from that moment on, Garcia knew Y/N wasn’t like anyone else. She was confident, strong, and had a way of making Penelope feel like the most important person in the world. And despite Garcia’s initial surprise, she couldn’t help but be glad that Y/N had taken that chance, that she’d seen something in Garcia that she couldn’t ignore.
It was the start of something special, something unexpected, an unexpected love story that neither of them had anticipated, but both were willing to embrace wholeheartedly.
Penelope Garcia never thought she'd end up in a place like this. No, seriously. As she stood in the middle of Y/N's sleek, modern, very expensive-looking apartment, she still felt like she had somehow stumbled into a movie rather than her own home. She had officially moved in two weeks ago, and while she had made sure to sprinkle in some of her signature colour and flair, Y/N's impeccable taste still shined through. Dark wood, soft lighting, a kitchen that looked like it belonged to a Michelin-star chef.
How did I end up living like a tech billionaire's pampered cat?
She sighed dramatically, flopping onto the couch as Y/N walked in from the home office. "What's the sigh for this time, oh dramatic one?" Garcia peeked up at her. "Just revelling in the fact that I somehow got a hot, smart girlfriend and a penthouse. I must have been a saint in my past life." Y/N smirked, crossing her arms.
"Oh, definitely. Probably a warrior princess, too." Garcia grinned.
"Obviously."
Her phone buzzed on the coffee table. She glanced at it, eyes widening before she sat up quickly. "Oh! It’s JJ. The team is going on a weekend cabin trip and want me to come. And they said to bring my ‘mystery girlfriend’ so the team can finally meet you." Y/N raised a brow. "Mystery girlfriend, huh?" Garcia wiggled her brows. "You are a mystery to them. I keep you all to myself, like a dragon hoarding its treasure." Y/N chuckled, shaking her head.
"So, do you want me to meet them?"
Garcia practically leapt off the couch, wrapping her arms around Y/N's waist. "Of course, I do! They’re my family, and you’re you, which means they’re going to love you." Y/N, always calm and composed, smiled. "Then let’s do it."
The next night, after a chaotic packing session where Garcia made sure to pack at least three separate pairs of fuzzy socks (priorities), the two loaded up Y/N's sleek black SUV and hit the road. Y/N, ever the confident driver, navigated the winding roads with ease while Garcia played DJ, switching between classic rock, guilty pleasure pop songs, and dramatic Broadway numbers.
"Did you seriously just go from AC/DC to Mamma Mia?" Y/N asked, amused. "Yes," Garcia said proudly. "It’s called range."
When they pulled up to the cabin, Garcia was practically vibrating with excitement. She spotted the team outside by the fire pit and hopped out of the car before Y/N even had the chance to cut the engine.
"Hello, my beautiful crime-fighting loves!" she called, arms outstretched.
"Garcia!" JJ grinned, walking over for a hug. "And… this must be Y/N?"
The rest of the team had turned their attention to Y/N as she stepped out of the car, standing tall with her usual composed confidence. The firelight cast a warm glow over her, highlighting her strong, athletic frame and effortless androgynous style, loose-fit black jeans, a plain gray henley rolled at the sleeves, and her signature understated gold jewelry.
There was a pause. A moment of processing. "Wait this is Y/N?" Derek finally blurted, eyes flicking between Garcia and Y/N. Emily smirked, nudging JJ. "You were expecting a nerd in glasses, weren’t you?"
"I—No! Okay, maybe a little!" JJ admitted, laughing. Garcia, completely unbothered, beamed and wrapped her arms around Y/N's waist. "She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?"
"Ridiculously so," Tara agreed, tilting her head. "How did you meet her again?" Garcia grinned mischievously. "Oh, we met online. She wooed me with her tech knowledge and her very impressive muscles." Y/N, taking it all in stride, extended her hand. "Nice to finally meet you all. I’ve heard a lot."
Rossi, who had been watching with his signature knowing smirk, shook her hand firmly. "Welcome to the family, kid. You drink whiskey?" Y/N chuckled. "I wouldn’t say no to a glass."
"Good answer," Rossi said, leading her toward the cabin. Garcia turned back to the team, wiggling her eyebrows. "Told you you’d love her."
The evening passed in a warm blur of food, drinks, and laughter. The team had set up a huge dinner spread, steak, roasted vegetables, pasta, the works.
Y/N fit in shockingly well. She listened intently as the team swapped stories, chiming in with occasional sharp-witted remarks that had even Emily raising an eyebrow in approval. When it came to drinking games, she handled her whiskey like a pro, earning instant points from Rossi.
But what really melted Garcia’s heart was how effortlessly affectionate Y/N was. There was never a moment where she wasn’t touching Garcia in some small way, a hand on her thigh, an arm draped over the couch behind her, or the occasional kiss to her temple when she got particularly animated telling a story.
At one point, Luke shook his head, smiling. "I’ve never seen Garcia like this. So… cuddly."
"She's always like this," Y/N replied, a teasing smirk on her lips. "I’ve learned to accept my fate." Garcia beamed. "Yes. She is my designated cuddle victim." Y/N simply pulled Garcia closer, whispering, "Worst fate ever," into her hair, making Garcia giggle.
Eventually, the drinks slowed, yawns took over, and the team started heading to their rooms. As Garcia and Y/N made their way to their shared room, Garcia sighed happily, stretching her arms. "An entire uninterrupted weekend with my girlfriend and my best friends? I am living the dream." Y/N chuckled, tugging off her sweater before climbing into bed. "Happy to be of service, angel."
Garcia slipped under the covers and immediately curled into Y/N's side, resting her head on her chest.
"Okay, but seriously," she murmured, "I’m so glad you came. They adore you." Y/N pressed a kiss to Garcia’s forehead, arms wrapped securely around her. "I adore you. And if your team comes with the package, I’m happy to be in it." Garcia hummed, already half-asleep. "Best. Girlfriend. Ever." And with that, she dozed off, wrapped up in the warmth of her perfectly unexpected love.
The next morning, Garcia woke up feeling ridiculously well-rested. No nightmares, no early morning cases pulling her away, just the soft, steady warmth of Y/N holding her close. She peeked up at her girlfriend, who was still half-asleep, one arm draped lazily over Garcia’s waist.
"Y/N," Garcia whispered, poking her side. A sleepy groan. "Mmm?"
"Morning, gorgeous." One eye cracked open, a slow, lazy smile forming on Y/N's lips. "Morning, angel." Garcia stretched, making a content noise. "I slept so well. You’re still officially my favorite pillow." Y/N chuckled, voice still rough with sleep. "Happy to be of service." After a few more minutes of Garcia refusing to move (because cuddles were essential), they finally peeled themselves out of bed, freshened up, and made their way toward the kitchen, hand in hand.
The smell of coffee and sizzling bacon filled the cabin as they stepped into the open living space. The BAU team was already up, working together to make breakfast. "Well, well, look who’s finally awake," Emily teased, flipping a pancake. Derek, who was standing by the counter, leaned back with a smirk. "Man, I gotta know your workout routine, Y/N. Seriously... how do you do it?" Y/N, ever the picture of calm confidence, just smirked.
"It’s a trade secret."
Derek grinned. "C’mon, let a man in on it. You lift? Run? Fight crime on the side?" Garcia, leaning into Y/N's side, sighed dramatically. "She just exists like this. It’s unfair, really." Y/N chuckled. "Genetics, mostly. And, you know, carrying Garcia to bed when she falls asleep on the couch." Garcia gasped, placing a hand on her chest. "How dare you expose me."
Y/N grinned and, without missing a beat, pulled Garcia into a tight hug from behind, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You love it." The team collectively made a noise of amusement, and JJ shook her head.
"Okay, I love them together."
While everyone continued their friendly banter, Y/N slipped away toward the coffee station. She eyed the setup, scanning for the right ingredients before effortlessly crafting Garcia’s insanely complicated coffee order.
The first time she had made it, she’d taken detailed mental notes, half-and-half, a splash of vanilla, a specific amount of caramel drizzle (not too much but not too little), and an exact temperature that Garcia swore tasted different. With practiced ease, she set Garcia’s mug down in front of her before grabbing her own, just simple black coffee.
Garcia gasped as if Y/N had just brought her the Holy Grail. "This is why I fell in love with you."
Y/N smirked, taking a sip of her own coffee before leaning over to kiss Garcia’s cheek. "I thought it was the muscles?"
Garcia sighed dreamily. "That too."
Emily leaned in toward JJ. "They’re disgustingly adorable." JJ nodded, grinning. "I know. I love it." As everyone sat down for breakfast, Garcia snuggled into Y/N's side, taking a happy sip of her coffee. A whole weekend with her team, her perfect girlfriend, and zero interruptions?
Life was so good.
The Confessions - Chapter 1 is out!
JJ and Y/N are kidnapped, Y/N insists on taking Askari's torture, refusing to give him the information he so truly desires. The BAU team finding the both of them in the knick of time, Y/N's unconsciousness bringing up feelings that both JJ and Y/N had buried months ago.
Under my request series!
okay so fic request
Emily and our future child decided that they want to make y/n breakfast in bed for their birthday
they tried making pancakes bacon toast eggs orange juice
somehow everything burnt y/n wakes up to the fire alarm blaring
y/n Goes downstairs to see Emily trying to fan smoke away from the smoke detector child is crying at burnt pancakes and bacon and eggs and ruined surprise
ihop was ordered after everything got cleaned up and everyone was calm
They made y/n pretend to be asleep to serve them the ihop in bed
had a great birthday at home with ur fav ppl
(tease Emily about this in the future)
As soon as I got your request, I got to working! Never in my life have I been so excited to write a quick fic! Hope you enjoy!
Summary: Y/N celebrates her birthday with breakfast, kisses, a fire alarm, and iHop!
You wake to the smell first. Unmistakable. Sharp. A scent that slams into your senses like a brick wall, burnt something.
Not just toast. Not just bacon. This is everything-is-on-fire kind of burnt. You blink hard, already halfway sitting up when the shrill screen of the fire alarm blares.
You don’t even bother with slippers. You bolt down the hallway, heart pounding, and when you round the corner into the kitchen, the sight makes you stop short.
Emily, your brilliant, expertly calm, terrifyingly sexy wife, is standing on a chair, frantically waving a flattened Princess doll cardboard box under the fire alarm.
Smoke curls from the stovetop behind her. A scorched pan rests in the sink, billowing what’s left of its dreams. But it’s your daughter, your sweet, earnest Lily, who breaks your heart wide open.
She’s crouched beside the kitchen island, her apron stained, her little face flushed with tears. Her lower lip quivering as she cries, fists clenched tightly at her sides.
“I ruined it!” She screams, voice breaking, “I ruined Mama’s birthday!” You rush to her instantly, dropping to your knees and pulling her into your arms.
She practically collapses against you, small and trembling and sticky with syrup.
“No… baby,” you whisper into her hair, “Hey, hey… look at me. You didn’t ruin anything.” Lily shakes her head, furiously, “I wanted to make you breakfast!”
Lily’s voice bordering on wail, “Eggs, a-and pancakes… and bacon and ju-juice and… coffee, and I-I dropped an egg on the cat… and the bacon caught on fire… and Mommy lied and said it w-was fine… but it wasn’t fine!”
You glance up. Emily looks like she’s aged and greyed ten years in the last ten chaotic minutes, still fanning the air like the fire department might show up.
“I didn’t lie,” Emily whines, climbing off the chair, “I said we could order pancakes if we needed to!” You give her a look, then kiss Lily’s curls.
“Sweetheart. You tried to make me breakfast. That’s the best birthday present in the world!” You confess, your hands gently holding her, “But it’s burnt!” She argues.
You pull her tighter, “So… we pivot. You know what Mama wants more than anything?”
Lily lifts her blotchy face, “What, Mama?”
“Pancakes. That don’t taste like smoke. Which is why… we’re ordering iHop. Right now…” Emily exhales dramatically, as if those two syllables, iHop, were her salvation. “Thank… god!”
You hand her your phone, “You order, I’ll calm our Michelin star chef down.” While Emily taps away on the screen, you rock Lily gently in your lap, her tears slowing, sniffling turning to quiet sighs.
You hum softly, rubbing her back, and she burrows into your neck with a whisper, “I just wanted to make you happy.”
“You don’t think this adorable face makes me happy everyday?” Your hand moves to gently pinch her red cheeks.
- - -
Fifteen minutes later, you’ve wiped down the counters, aired out the kitchen, lit a candle, and even managed to get Emily to laugh at her own morning misfortunes.
Lily sits at the table now, sipping on a plastic cup of apple juice with her head resting on her folded arms, still tired from the emotional whiplash of the morning.
You stretch and kiss Emily’s cheek. “Alright… I’m going back to bed.” Emily raises an eyebrow, “What?”
“I’m going to pretend none of this happened, so you two can try again. Bring me iHop. Act surprised. Got it?” You ask her with a smile.
Emily grins, “You’re such a little drama queen.” You nod, like it was common knowledge, “And you love me for it.”
“Every burnt piece of you.” You add.
- - -
You hear their footsteps before the door creaks slowly open. “Mama?” Lily whispers, careful, tiptoeing. You crack an eye, just enough to see her trying to balance a tray while Emily steadies it behind her.
You sit up, playing along, “Oh wow! Breakfast in bed? For me?!” Lily giggles, proudly setting the tray in your lap. “Happy birthday, Mama! We made this one better!”
You glance down, three golden pancakes, crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a little container of syrup. Everything you love, warm and perfect and not burnt.
Emily perches on the bed beside you, grinning, “You deserve it, hun.” You take a bite of pancake and groan happily, “This might be the best breakfast I’ve ever had.”
Lily beams. “It’s from iHop!” You laugh, mouth full, reaching to cup her cheek. “Still counts.”
She leans in and kisses your cheek, sticky, syrupy, and full of unconditional love. “Best Mama ever!” You sigh contentedly and wrap an arm around her, pulling Emily closer with your other hand.
“Best family ever!”
- - -
Months later…
You’re at the roundtable in the BAU bullpen. The case was hell. Everyone’s tired, weary and needing major sleep catchup.
Someone, probably Morgan, starts a round of “worst parenting fails,” and Hotch is halfway through telling a story about Jack and super glue when JJ turns to Emily.
“Didn’t you almost set your kitchen on fire trying to cook once?” The blonde questioned, Emily groaning as she sank into her chair, “It was a minor amount of smoke.”
You raise a brow. “Minor? The fire alarm woke the cat, and me. Lily cried. We had to order iHop to save my birthday.” Spencer’s eyes widen. “You ordered food and then pretended to be asleep so they could surprise you again?”
“Of course I did,” you say proudly, “I’m not going to miss a syrupy kiss from my daughter or my wife waving bacon in my face.”
Garcia practically squeals, “That is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard!” Emily squeezes your knee beneath the table, “She’s high maintenance, but she’s worth it.”
You grin. “You set off a fire alarm for me. That’s real love.”
Rossi chuckles, “You know it’s love when iHop saves the day!
New chapter of Emily's Anger out now! Let me know what you think!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/61419313/chapters/157001194#workskin
It's like you were in my brain
again amazing fic thank you so much
No worries! Glad you enjoyed it!! 😊
It’s getting juicy…
Chapter 1 of The Big Question, out now!
Thank you readers for the love on my last fic, I’m glad you both cried to it and loved it!
Can you write Alex Blake x Reader fic (age gap)
where they are in an established relationship but they have a disagreement where something very hurtful was said and they took some time apart
but like with a happy ending please 
(also her son is alive)
Summary: When Alex Blake says something to hurt her girlfriend, Y/N, of a year, her world falls apart and has to grovel her way back to coupledom.
Words: 6200
AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64083289
The BAU had always been a tightly knit team, but Y/N and Alex had taken “close” to a whole new level. At first, their relationship had been secret, hushed whispers in the breakroom, lingering glances across the bullpen, stolen kisses behind closed doors. It had been thrilling, something just for them.
And then Penelope Garcia, in all her tech-genius glory, had ruined it.
It wasn’t intentional. She’d been fixing something on Alex’s phone when she’d stumbled upon a very, not safe for work, photo of Y/N. A shriek, a scandalised gasp, and an immediate “Oh my god, I did not just see that” later, the entire team knew.
The teasing had been relentless, but no one was actually surprised. If anything, it made sense. Alex Blake, brilliant and meticulous, had fallen for Y/N, young and fiery, who met her sharp edges with unwavering softness. Their age gap had never mattered, not to them, not to the team.
Until it did.
Until Alex, stressed from an impossible case and her son Ethan ignoring her calls, had thrown it like a knife.
“You wouldn’t understand, Y/N. You’re ten years younger... you don’t have a kid, you don’t have my responsibilities. This is just easier for you.”
The words had landed harder than any unsub’s attack. Y/N had stood there, frozen, the air sucked out of her lungs.
Easier?
Like she hadn’t spent the last few years proving herself, clawing her way up in a field full of people who underestimated her. Like she hadn’t been patient, loving, understanding every time Alex got overwhelmed. Like she was just some… phase.
Y/N had packed a bag and left without a word.
JJ hadn’t asked questions when Y/N showed up at her door, eyes red and voice shaking. She’d just pulled her into a hug and let her stay.
Days passed. Y/N didn’t move much from the guest room. She barely ate. She ignored her phone, ignored the knocks at the door when Alex inevitably came looking. JJ didn’t tell her. Alex had called, more times than Y/N could count, but JJ had been firm. She’s safe. That’s all you need to know.
It was on the fourth day that JJ sat on the edge of the bed, nudging Y/N’s arm.
“You can’t hide forever,” she murmured. “Come back to work. You don’t have to talk to her, just… be there. Start with paperwork, something easy.”
Y/N had hesitated but eventually agreed.
And so, she returned. The bullpen was the same. The cases, the stress, the team. The only thing different was Y/N. She was quiet. Reserved. She kept her head down, her hands busy, avoiding Alex’s gaze at all costs. Alex had tried, soft greetings, lingering pauses near her desk, but Y/N didn’t bite.
She couldn’t.
Not when it still hurt. Not when Alex had finally worked up the courage to approach her in the file room, eyes pleading, voice soft. “Y/N… please.” Y/N didn’t look at her. Just kept her eyes on the papers in front of her, gripping them like a lifeline.
“I can’t, Alex,” she whispered. “We’ve talked about this… and yet, it’s the first thing you bring up in an argument.”
Alex exhaled sharply. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
“But you still meant it.”
Silence. Y/N shook her head, gathering the files in her arms. “I need to get back to work.” She walked past Alex, leaving her standing there, alone, the weight of her own words crushing down on her.
And for the first time, Alex wondered if she had just lost the best thing in her life.
She had never been good at apologies. She was good at analysing, at solving, at making sense of chaos. But fixing something she had broken? That was different. And she had broken this.
Y/N hadn’t spoken to her beyond the necessities of the job. She worked her cases, did her paperwork, laughed with the team, but never with Alex. Never near Alex. And Alex hated it.
She had tried, in small ways. Leaving coffee on Y/N’s desk in the mornings. Taking some of her paperwork when the pile got too high. Even offering little glances, silent pleads that Y/N never acknowledged.
JJ wasn’t making it any easier.
“She’s not ready,” JJ had told her when Alex had cornered her in the hallway. “And you don’t get to push her into being ready just because you are.”
That stung. But it was true. So Alex waited.
- - -
It was late on a Wednesday, when Alex finally had her chance. Most of the team had gone home, the bullpen empty except for one desk still glowing under the fluorescent lights. Y/N was still there. Alex hesitated before walking over, her heart beating a little too fast.
“You should go home.”
Y/N didn’t look up. “I have work to do.”
Alex sighed. “It’s late, Y/N.” Y/N let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Yeah, well, it’s not like I have anywhere else to be.” That was a jab. Alex swallowed. “Y/N…”
Y/N finally looked at her, and Alex hated what she saw, tired eyes, hurt still lingering beneath the surface. “You don’t get to do this, Alex,” Y/N said, voice quiet but firm. “You don’t get to act like you care after what you said.”
“I do care,” Alex insisted. “I always have.” Y/N shook her head. “Then why was it so easy for you to throw the age thing in my face? Why was that the first thing you went for?”
Alex had no answer.
Because it had been easy. Because she had been frustrated and overwhelmed and had taken it out on the one person who least deserved it. “I was wrong,” Alex admitted. “I was frustrated and stressed, but that doesn’t excuse what I said.” She hesitated, then softened.
“I love you, Y/N. And I hate that I made you feel like… like I don’t see you as my equal.”
Y/N blinked at her, caught off guard. “Is that what you think this is about?” Alex frowned. “Isn’t it?”
Y/N sighed, rubbing a hand down her face. “It’s not about equality, Alex. It’s about trust.” She shook her head. “We both knew there was an age gap. We talked about it. But then the moment things got tough, you used it against me. How am I supposed to trust that you won’t do it again?”
Alex felt her throat tighten.
She didn’t have an answer for that. So instead, she did the only thing she could, she reached out, hesitating before her fingers gently brushed Y/N’s hand.
“I don’t deserve another chance,” Alex admitted. “But if you ever decide you’re willing to give me one… I swear, I’ll never make you question this again.” Y/N stared at her for a long moment, something unreadable in her expression.
Then, slowly, she pulled her hand away.
“I need time.” Alex nodded, even though it hurt, “Take all the time you need.”
And with that, she walked away, leaving Y/N alone at her desk, staring down at the spot where Alex’s hand had been, wondering if she’d ever be ready to reach back.
- - -
Y/N hadn’t planned on drinking. But the moment she left the office, the idea of going back to that empty guest room at JJ’s, alone, with nothing but her thoughts, was unbearable. So she stopped at a liquor store on the way.
The whiskey burned on the way down, but at least it was something. Something to drown out the ache in her chest, the way Alex’s voice had lingered in her head. I love you, Y/N. Take all the time you need.
Did Alex really mean that? Or was it just another empty promise?
Y/N didn’t know anymore. By the time she stumbled back into JJ’s house, the bottle was half-empty. She barely made it to the guest room before she collapsed onto the bed, tears already burning in her eyes.
It hurt.
It really fucking hurt.
She loved Alex. Of course, she did. But love wasn’t supposed to feel like this, like a constant battle between wanting to stay and needing to protect herself.
Somewhere between the alcohol and the exhaustion, the emotions crashed over her like a tidal wave. She couldn’t breathe. Her chest tightened, her hands shaking as she tried to gulp in air that just wouldn’t come. Panic.
She was panicking, but she couldn’t stop. She barely heard the door creak open before JJ’s voice cut through the haze.
“Y/N?”
A pause. Then, suddenly, JJ was at her side, kneeling next to the bed.
“Oh, sweetheart…”
JJ’s hands were warm as they gripped Y/N’s shoulders, steadying her. “Hey, hey, look at me. Breathe, okay? Just breathe.”
“I-I can’t,” Y/N choked out, her vision swimming.
“Yes, you can,” JJ said firmly. “Follow my voice. In for four, okay? One, two, three, four... good, now out.” Y/N tried. She really did. But her body wasn’t listening, her breaths coming in sharp, ragged gasps.
JJ’s hands cupped her face, grounding her. “I’ve got you, Y/N. You’re safe. Just focus on me.”
Y/N squeezed her eyes shut, her whole body shaking. JJ kept whispering to her, kept counting, her voice steady, unwavering. And slowly, so slowly, Y/N’s breaths started to even out. Her body sagged, exhaustion taking over.
JJ exhaled, rubbing soothing circles on Y/N’s back. “Jesus, Y/N… you scared me.” Y/N let out a weak, watery laugh. “Join the club.” JJ sighed, glancing at the whiskey bottle on the nightstand. “This isn’t helping, you know.”
“I know,” Y/N admitted, voice hoarse.
JJ hesitated before softening. “You don’t have to go through this alone.” Y/N blinked up at her, her throat tight. “I don’t know how to stop hurting.” JJ gave her a sad smile, brushing damp hair from Y/N’s forehead.
“You don’t,” she said. “Not all at once. But you let the people who love you help you through it.” Y/N swallowed hard. JJ didn’t say Alex’s name. Didn’t push her to talk about it. JJ just stayed. She didn’t leave Y/N.
Even after Y/N’s breathing steadied, after the shaking subsided, after the quiet sobs turned into exhausted silence, JJ stayed. She sat on the floor next to the bed, rubbing slow circles into Y/N’s back, waiting for the storm to pass.
It didn’t. Not completely. But Y/N was too drained to cry anymore, too heavy with exhaustion and whiskey to do anything but lie there, staring at the ceiling. JJ finally sighed, brushing a hand through Y/N’s hair.
“Come on,” she murmured. “You need water. And food. And about ten hours of sleep.”
Y/N didn’t move. “I’m fine.” JJ let out a humorless laugh. “Yeah. Sure. That’s why I found you hyperventilating in the dark, halfway through a bottle of whiskey.” Y/N winced. JJ had a way of cutting through her bullshit.
Still, she shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about it.” JJ stood, stretching before fixing her with a look. “You don’t have to. But you do have to get up.” Y/N groaned but let JJ pull her up. The world tilted slightly, and she caught herself against the nightstand.
JJ was already in full mom mode, handing her a bottle of water. “Drink. Small sips.” Y/N obeyed. The water was cold, soothing against her raw throat. JJ nodded approvingly. “Good. Now come on. Kitchen.”
Y/N frowned. “It’s late.” JJ just rolled her eyes. “And? You think I’m letting you go back to sleep like this? No chance.” Y/N sighed but followed her anyway.
JJ made grilled cheese.
It was simple, easy, but warm. Y/N sat at the kitchen table, watching as JJ moved around with practiced ease, flipping sandwiches like it was a skill she was born with. JJ slid a plate in front of her, crossing her arms. “Eat.”
Y/N stared at it, suddenly aware of how empty her stomach felt. She took a bite. Then another. JJ smirked.
“See? Food is good.”
Y/N rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. For a while, they ate in silence. Then JJ spoke, her voice softer. “Alex came looking for you again today.” Y/N stiffened. JJ held up a hand. “Relax. I didn’t tell her you were here.” Y/N exhaled slowly.
“Thank you.”
JJ hesitated before sitting across from her. “You know, she’s miserable.” Y/N scoffed, looking away. “Yeah, well. So am I.” JJ nodded, like she expected that. “I’m not saying you have to forgive her. I just think… you two need to talk. For real.”
Y/N swallowed hard. “JJ…”
“I know,” JJ said quickly. “I know she hurt you. And you have every right to be mad. But I also know Alex, and she doesn’t say things she doesn’t mean. She loves you, Y/N.” Y/N stared at her plate, picking at the crust of her sandwich.
JJ leaned forward, her voice gentle. “Just think about it, okay?” Y/N didn’t answer. But later that night, lying awake in JJ’s guest room, she found herself thinking about nothing else.
- - -
Y/N didn’t go to work the next day. JJ had tried to nudge her in that direction, but one look at her exhausted face and she backed off.
“Fine,” JJ had sighed. “One more day. But tomorrow, you are getting your ass out of bed.”
Y/N had muttered something resembling agreement and rolled over.
She wasn’t ready to face Alex.
Not yet.
So she spent the day in JJ’s guest room, staring at the ceiling, replaying everything over and over in her mind. The way Alex had looked at her. The way she had sounded, so genuine when she said she loved her. When she told her to take all the time she needed.
But Y/N knew better than to trust words alone.
Because when Alex had been stressed, when the weight of the job and Ethan and life had pressed too hard, the first thing she grabbed to throw was their age. It was easy for her to go there. And that meant it would always be there, waiting beneath the surface.
Right?
Y/N sighed, rolling onto her stomach, burying her face in the pillow. She didn’t hear the front door open. Didn’t hear JJ let out an exasperated sigh.
Didn’t hear JJ say, “You have five minutes. If she tells me to kick you out, I’m doing it.”
What she did hear was the hesitant knock against the doorframe.
And the voice that followed.
“Y/N?”
Y/N’s body tensed.
Alex.
She knew she should get up, should say something, but her body felt like lead, her heart already beating too fast.
Silence.
Then the sound of Alex stepping further inside, quiet, cautious. “I, um…” Alex cleared her throat. “I know you don’t want to see me. And I don’t blame you. But I needed to come here and say something. Just once.”
Y/N squeezed her eyes shut. JJ, you traitor. Alex exhaled slowly. “I was wrong.” That made Y/N open her eyes.
Alex’s voice was steadier now, more sure. “I was wrong for saying what I did. For making you feel like, like I see you as less. Because I don’t, Y/N. I never have.”
Y/N sat up slowly, pressing the heels of her hands against her eyes before finally looking at Alex. She looked awful. Dark circles under her eyes, her posture rigid like she was bracing for a blow.
Y/N swallowed. “Then why did you say it?”
Alex sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Because I was angry. And I panicked. And instead of dealing with it like an adult, I lashed out.” She shook her head. “It was cruel. And unfair. And I hate that I hurt you.”
Y/N let that sink in.
It was real.
Not an excuse. Not a deflection. Just Alex standing there, admitting she had fucked up. Still…
“I don’t know if I can trust you not to do it again,” Y/N admitted. Alex nodded, like she had expected that. “I get that. And I won’t try to convince you otherwise.” She hesitated. “But I can show you.”
Y/N’s throat felt tight.
Alex took a slow step forward. “I love you, Y/N. And I don’t care how long it takes... you’re worth the wait.” Silence.
Then, Y/N let out a shaky breath.
“Okay.” Alex’s brows furrowed. “Okay?”
Y/N nodded. “I don’t know if I can trust you yet… but I think I want to try.” Relief flooded Alex’s face, her shoulders sagging like the weight of the world had finally been lifted.
Y/N swallowed. “But if you ever say something like that again—”
“I won’t,” Alex said immediately.
Y/N studied her for a long moment. Then, finally, she patted the empty space beside her. Alex sat beside her, tense but patient, waiting. Y/N wasn’t sure where to start. She stared at their hands, fingers so close but not quite touching.
It would be so easy to reach out, to take what was familiar, to fall back into something safe.
But she wasn’t safe. Not yet.
She swallowed hard. “I, um… I drank too much last night.” Alex’s gaze sharpened, her body going still. “What?” Y/N let out a humorless laugh. “Whiskey. Half a bottle, give or take.” She looked away, her voice quieter.
“Had a panic attack. JJ found me.”
Alex inhaled sharply. “Jesus, Y/N…”
“I don’t—” Y/N exhaled, gripping her own hands. Alex’s fingers twitched like she wanted to reach out but was holding herself back. Y/N squeezed her hands into fists.
“I didn’t know what else to do. I kept hearing you in my head. Over and over.”
Alex’s jaw tightened. “I did that to you.” Y/N nodded. “Yeah. Y-you did.”
The words sat heavy between them.
Alex swallowed, her voice thick. “I hate that I hurt you like that.” Y/N finally looked at her. “I know you do.”
Silence.
Y/N let out a shaky breath. “I don’t forgive you.” Alex flinched, but she nodded. “Okay.” Y/N hesitated. Then, slowly, hesitantly, she reached out, fingers brushing against Alex’s.
Alex froze, eyes flickering down to where their hands touched.
It wasn’t forgiveness.
It wasn’t a fix.
But it was something.
Y/N took a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly in Alex’s.
“I’m scared,” she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to lose you, but I also don’t want to keep feeling like this. Like I’m just waiting for you to throw it in my face again.”
Alex’s grip tightened, grounding. “You won’t.”
Y/N’s throat felt tight. “I want to believe that.”
Alex turned slightly, looking her in the eye. “Then let me prove it to you.”
Y/N exhaled, leaning into the touch of Alex’s hand.
Alex didn't move. Like she was afraid if she so much as breathed wrong, Y/N would pull away. She didn’t. But when Alex finally found her voice, it was tight, careful. “You had a panic attack?”
Y/N stiffened slightly, then exhaled, “Y-yeah.” Alex’s grip on her hand tightened, “How bad?” Y/N swallowed.
“Bad.”
Alex shut her eyes for a moment, composing herself before speaking. “What happened?” Y/N hesitated, then shook her head, “Alex—”
“I need to know,” Alex said softly, squeezing Y/N’s hand. “Please.”
Y/N sighed, staring at their joined hands. “I drank too much, and it just… hit me all at once. I couldn’t breathe, I-I was shaking, I felt like my chest was caving in. JJ found me. She helped me through it.”
Alex’s other hand came up, hesitating before lightly brushing against Y/N’s wrist. “Jesus, Y/N…”
Y/N shifted, uneasy under the weight of Alex’s concern. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Alex swallowed. “I know. But… I hate that I wasn’t there.” Y/N let out a small, tired laugh. “Wouldn’t have mattered.”
Alex’s expression tightened. “It matters to me.” Y/N didn’t know how to respond to that. So she didn’t. Instead, she let out a long breath and, without thinking too much about it, leaned against Alex’s shoulder.
Alex went completely still. For a second, Y/N thought she might pull away, or tense, or say something that would ruin the moment. But then, ever so slowly, Alex shifted, adjusting so Y/N could settle against her more comfortably.
It felt… good.
Familiar. Like muscle memory, like something that hadn’t been completely broken yet. Y/N let her eyes flutter shut, exhaustion pressing heavy against her.
Alex hesitated before speaking, her voice quiet, cautious. “Are you okay?” Y/N exhaled against her shoulder. “Not really.” Alex swallowed. “What do you need?”
Y/N barely had the energy to respond, her voice drowsy. “Just… stay.”
Alex’s fingers flexed slightly against her own, then steadied. “Okay,” she murmured. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Y/N didn’t say anything.
Alex stayed. She didn’t move, didn’t shift away, didn’t try to force a conversation. She just sat there, letting Y/N rest against her. For a while, neither of them spoke. Alex wasn’t sure if Y/N had drifted off or if she was just too exhausted to say anything else.
Either way, she didn’t push.
She only let herself move once, to reach for the blanket at the end of the bed and drape it gently over Y/N’s shoulders. Y/N let out a quiet sigh, shifting just slightly, but she didn’t pull away. Alex exhaled, her thumb unconsciously running over the back of Y/N’s hand.
Sleep pulling Y/N under.
Alex stayed awake long after she did.
- - -
JJ hesitated at the doorway, taking in the scene in front of her. Y/N, finally asleep, curled up against Alex’s shoulder, the exhaustion still etched into her face even in rest. And Alex, stiff but unmoving, like she was afraid any sudden movement might shatter the fragile peace between them. JJ sighed, stepping inside.
Alex barely glanced at her as she lowered herself onto Y/N’s other side, sitting on the bed with a quiet exhale. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, JJ broke the silence, her voice soft but weighted.
“She hasn’t had one in at least a year, Alex.”
Alex’s jaw clenched. JJ’s eyes stayed on Y/N, concern evident. “Not since she started seeing you.” Alex swallowed hard, guilt settling deep in her chest. She should’ve known. Should’ve realised that Y/N’s silence, her withdrawal, the way she unraveled so quickly, it wasn’t just about the fight.
It was about everything underneath it. Alex exhaled shakily. “I didn’t know.” JJ gave her a look, one that wasn’t angry, just tired. “Well, now you do.” Alex ran a hand over her face, suddenly feeling the weight of everything all at once. “I never wanted this.”
JJ softened slightly. “I know.” They sat in silence for a long time, Y/N breathing steadily between them. JJ sighed, glancing down at Y/N, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “I was worried about her.”
Alex’s throat felt tight. “Me too.” JJ nodded, quiet for a moment before looking at Alex again. “Don’t screw this up.” Alex met her gaze, something steady in her voice when she answered.
“I won’t.”
JJ stayed for a while. She didn’t say anything else, didn’t press, didn’t lecture, just sat there beside Y/N, occasionally glancing down at her with the same quiet worry Alex felt deep in her bones.
Y/N shifted slightly, unconsciously tucking herself closer against Alex’s shoulder. Alex barely breathed. JJ watched the movement, exhaling through her nose. “She trusts you.” Alex closed her eyes for a second, guilt pressing heavy. “I know.”
JJ shook her head slightly. “No, Alex. I mean... even now. After everything.” She glanced at Alex, voice softer but still firm. “That’s not something you just throw away.” Alex’s throat felt tight, “I don’t want to.” JJ studied her, then nodded, “Then don’t.”
Alex looked down at Y/N, the way her fingers were still loosely curled against her own. She squeezed them lightly. Y/N barely stirred, just sighed in her sleep. JJ stood, stretching before sneaking out of the room.
Alex sat there in the quiet, Y/N’s soft breaths the only sound in the space.
She exhaled slowly, adjusting just enough to rest her cheek lightly against the top of Y/N’s head. “I won’t,” she whispered.
- - -
Y/N slept soundly for hours, her body finally surrendering to the exhaustion of the night before. The rise and fall of her breathing became steady, calming, as Alex stayed by her side, barely moving except to adjust the blanket around them.
When Y/N finally stirred, her eyes opening groggily, it was already late afternoon. She blinked, disoriented for a moment, before her gaze landed on Alex, who hadn’t left her side. “You’re still here,” Y/N murmured, her voice rough from sleep.
Alex smiled softly. “Where else would I be?” Y/N swallowed, the events of the past few days flooding back, but she didn’t let them overtake her. She just let the comfort of Alex’s presence wash over her.
After a long moment, Y/N shifted, starting to sit up, but Alex gently pressed a hand to her shoulder. “Hey, take it easy,” Alex said quietly, her tone warm but firm. “How about you let me help you get home?”
Y/N flinched at the mention of “home.”
“I… I don’t know if I’m ready to go back yet,” Y/N admitted, her voice quiet. “Not sure if I can handle it, Alex.” Alex’s eyes softened, and she gently cupped Y/N’s face in her palm. “I get it. But you don’t have to go alone. I’ll be right there, okay? We’ll take it slow. One step at a time.”
Y/N didn’t say anything for a moment, her eyes searching Alex’s. She could see the sincerity there, the patience, the understanding. Finally, Y/N nodded, a small but grateful smile tugging at her lips. “Okay. But…” She hesitated, shifting on her feet.
JJ stepped in quietly from the hallway, offering a soft smile. “The door’s always open, Y/N,” she said gently, her voice steady. “Whenever you need it.” Y/N smiled at her, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you, JJ.”
JJ nodded. “Take care of her.”
“I will,” Alex promised, her voice low and full of meaning. After a final glance at JJ, Alex helped Y/N to her feet, her hand firm at her back, guiding her out of the guest room. Y/N moved slowly, but with Alex’s support, it was a little easier.
Alex led her down the stairs, toward her SUV parked in the driveway, and helped her into the passenger seat. The quiet hum of the engine as Alex drove through the city felt calming. The rhythmic motion of the car almost made Y/N feel like she could breathe a little easier, but her mind was still clouded with everything that had happened.
They reached their apartment a short while later. Alex parked, taking a deep breath before turning off the engine. Y/N didn’t move right away, her hands tightly gripping the seat.
Alex glanced over at her, sensing the hesitation. “It’s okay. We’ll go inside together.” Y/N nodded silently, and Alex gently reached over to squeeze her hand, guiding her out of the car and up to the front door.
Once inside, Alex made sure to keep the atmosphere soft and quiet, not pushing too hard, just giving Y/N space. She helped her to the bedroom, pulling back the covers before sitting with her on the edge of the bed.
“Do you need anything?” Alex asked softly, brushing a loose strand of hair away from Y/N’s face.
Y/N shook her head, looking down at her hands. “Just… stay with me for a while.”
Alex nodded, settling beside her. She didn’t try to fill the silence with words. She just stayed.
And Y/N let the quiet wash over her, staring at the floor. But Y/N shifted in Alex’s arms, her voice quiet but clear. “I haven’t forgiven you yet, Alex.”
Alex’s chest tightened at the words, but she didn’t pull away. She didn’t flinch or try to defend herself. She simply nodded, her fingers tracing small patterns on Y/N’s arm as she waited for her to continue.
Y/N’s eyes rose, her breath shaky as she spoke, her words coming slowly, as though they weighed heavily on her. “I can’t just forget what you said, but…” She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I still need you here. I need your comfort, your presence. Even if it’s not all better yet.”
Alex’s heart ached, but she didn’t move, didn’t break the contact between them. She only tightened her arms around Y/N, letting her feel the warmth and steadiness of her embrace.
Y/N leaned her head against Alex’s shoulder, her words almost a whisper. “I need you. But… you need to get rid of that thing in your head, the age gap thing. It’s there, Alex. I can feel it every time we fight, every time you pull away like you think it matters.”
Alex swallowed hard, her fingers gently threading through Y/N’s hair. “I don’t—”
Y/N interrupted her, her voice firm but tired. “You do. You’ve got this insecurity about it, like it’s going to change something between us. Like I’m too young for you, like I’m going to leave when I realise how much older you are.”
Alex closed her eyes, guilt flooding her chest. “I never meant to make you feel that way.”
“I know,” Y/N said softly. “But you do. And I need you to clear it out of your head. It’s nothing. It doesn’t matter. I’m not here because of your age, Alex. I’m here because of you.” Alex’s breath hitched. “I don’t want to mess this up.”
Y/N shifted, turning slightly so she could look at Alex, her tired eyes meeting hers. “Then stop seeing it as a problem. We’re two people. That’s it. The rest doesn’t matter.” Alex looked down at her, the weight of Y/N’s words sinking in.
Slowly, she nodded. “I’m trying. I swear.”
Y/N let out a soft sigh, resting her head back against Alex’s shoulder, her eyelids growing heavy. “I know. But you have to really believe it, Alex. I don’t want to keep carrying that for you.” The room was quiet, only the soft sound of their breathing filling the space as Y/N’s eyes fluttered closed.
Alex stayed there, not moving, her fingers continuing to gently stroke Y/N’s hair, her mind replaying everything Y/N had said. She needed to believe it, to clear out the doubts and insecurities that had crept in over the months.
But for now, all she could do was hold her.
And slowly, as the warmth of Alex’s embrace and the comfort of her words enveloped her, Y/N drifted off to sleep once more.
- - -
Y/N stayed asleep through the afternoon, her breathing slow and steady. Alex didn’t want to disturb her, so she stayed close, occasionally brushing a strand of hair from Y/N’s face as she gently shifted to make herself more comfortable.
By the time dinner rolled around, Alex quietly slipped out of bed, moving softly so she wouldn’t wake Y/N. She padded into the kitchen, making a light meal, a simple pasta dish that she knew they both liked. As she cooked, the silence of the apartment was calming, but Alex found herself looking back to the bedroom, checking on Y/N every few minutes.
When dinner was ready, Alex plated their food and returned to the bedroom, finding Y/N still sound asleep. She set the plates on the nightstand, then gently woke her up with a soft touch.
“Hey,” Alex whispered, brushing a strand of hair away from Y/N’s forehead. “Dinner’s ready.” Y/N blinked sleepily, her voice rough from sleep. “You made food?”
Alex smiled. “I did. I figured we could just eat in here, if you’re okay with that.”
Y/N nodded, sitting up slowly. “Sounds perfect.”
Alex handed her a plate, climbing into bed beside her, settling down with her own. The two of them ate in peaceful silence, the soft hum of the TV filling the space as they casually flipped through reality shows. It was a quiet kind of happiness, the kind that came from just being together.
But the moment was interrupted when Alex’s phone buzzed on the nightstand, startling them both. Alex glanced at the screen and stopped. The caller ID read “Ethan.”
Y/N noticed the shift in her expression, the subtle tension in her posture. “Ethan?” she asked softly.
Alex hesitated before answering it, a mix of emotions crossing her face as she swiped to accept the call. “Hey, Ethan,” Alex said, her voice steady but laced with surprise.
“Mom!” Ethan’s voice came through the speaker, full of warmth and energy. “I’ve been trying to reach you all day! Where have you been? You’re never home at this time.”
Alex let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “I know, I know. It’s been… a long day.” Y/N sat quietly, watching the exchange, her expression soft. Alex seemed so at ease with her son, but Y/N could see the underlying hesitation, as if something bigger was about to come out.
“Everything okay?” Ethan’s voice cut through the quiet, his tone more serious now.
Alex hesitated for a moment. This was it, the conversation she’d been putting off. “Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, Ethan.”
Y/N shifted slightly, her gaze meeting Alex’s for a brief second. She offered her a small, comforting smile, silently telling her she was there.
“I’ve been seeing someone,” Alex continued, her heart pounding a little faster. “Her name is Y/N.”
On the other end of the line, Ethan was quiet for a moment, the pause stretching longer than Alex had expected. Then, his voice cracked with genuine excitement.
“Wait—Y/N?” he repeated, his voice full of curiosity. “As in, Y/N from work? Oh my god, that’s awesome!” Alex’s breath hitched at the mention of Y/N’s name. She looked over at her, seeing her sitting quietly, her eyes soft with understanding as she let Alex have this moment with Ethan.
“Yeah, that Y/N,” Alex said, the corner of her lips twitching upward. “We’ve been seeing each other for a while now. I guess I’m just a little late in telling you.”
Ethan laughed lightly, his excitement palpable. “I’m so happy for you, Mom! Seriously, I’ve heard so much about her from work. She’s awesome, right? When do I get to meet her?” Alex’s heart softened at his words. She glanced at Y/N, her eyes lingering on her with affection. “Soon, I hope. She’s right here, actually.”
Y/N smiled faintly, her eyes locking with Alex’s. She could feel the warmth in Alex’s gaze, the sincerity, and the promise of something deeper. “Hi, Ethan,” Y/N said softly into the phone, her voice gentle but sincere. “It’s really nice to finally meet you, even if it’s over the phone.”
Ethan’s voice came back, enthusiastic and genuine. “No way! I can’t wait to actually meet you in person. My mom talks about you all the time. You’re a big deal, you know?” Y/N let out a soft laugh, feeling her nerves ease. “I don’t know about that. But I’m looking forward to meeting you, too.”
As the conversation continued, Alex sat back against the headboard, watching Y/N interact with her son, a deep sense of peace washing over her. She had waited so long for this moment, to be able to share her life, her real life, with Ethan. And now, with Y/N, it felt like everything was finally falling into place.
When the call ended, Alex looked at Y/N, her expression soft and full of gratitude. “Thank you for being so… understanding.”
Y/N smiled, her eyes still warm. “Of course. He seems like a really great kid.”
Alex’s gaze lingered on her, a gentle warmth flooding her chest. “He is. And I think… I think he’s going to love you.”
Y/N leaned back against the pillows, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. “I hope so.”
And for the first time in a long time, Alex felt like the pieces were falling into place, like she was on the right path. And no matter the bumps along the way, with Y/N by her side, maybe everything would be okay after all.
i like the fics where reader is a member of the BAU's siblings/child
could you maybe write one like that
i'm giving you the choice of who/what relationship
Something angsty though reader gets injured or kidnapped or something
Happy ending obviously
Hurt comfort types stuff please 🙏
Summary: Y/N Hotchner (Aaron Hotchner’s younger sibling) joined the team six months ago, after Aaron's retirement, Y/N found interest in the team when they got their hands on an old case file. Signing up for training, Y/N underestimated the responsibility of being on the BAU team.
Work on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/64296616
The warehouse smelled of oil and rust, the air thick with dust that settled on their skin like a second layer. JJ, Tara, and Y/N Hotchner had been searching for an escape route when the unsub, an unhinged, paranoid survivalist, had slammed a metal door shut behind them, locking them inside.
"Shit," JJ hissed, immediately reaching for her radio, but all they got was static. The unsub must’ve jammed the signal.
"We need to find another way out," Tara said, scanning the room. The only exit was the locked door and a boarded-up window near the ceiling. "If we stay put, he might come back, but if we make noise, he might just—" Before she could finish, Y/N spotted movement from the shadows. The unsub lunged.
Instinct took over. Y/N moved fast, trying to dodge his attack, but he was bigger, stronger, and caught them by the arm, yanking them off balance. She twisted in his grip, but the force sent them crashing to the ground, their left shoulder slamming against the concrete at a terrible angle.
A sharp, white-hot pain shot through their body. Y/N let out a rough, broken scream, their breath catching as agony swallowed them whole.
"Y/N!" JJ and Tara’s voices overlapped, their footsteps rushing toward them.
The unsub took a step back, breathing heavily, but instead of running, he sneered down at Y/N. "Should've stayed down, girl." JJ didn’t hesitate.
One shot.
The crack of the gunshot echoed in the warehouse as the bullet tore into the unsub’s chest. He staggered, eyes widening in shock before crumpling to the ground. JJ kept her gun raised, breathing heavy, her jaw tight. "You okay?" she asked Tara without looking away from the unmoving body.
Tara was already at Y/N’s side, pressing a steadying hand against their uninjured shoulder. "Y/N, talk to me," she urged, voice calm but firm. Y/N panted through the pain, their body curling in on itself. "Shoulder—" she rasped. "It’s—"
"Dislocated," Tara finished for them, carefully running a hand over the injury. Y/N flinched violently, a strangled noise escaping their throat.
JJ slowly approached the unsub, toeing his gun away before kneeling down to check his pulse. Two fingers pressed against his neck, waiting, nothing. She exhaled sharply, eyes dark. "He's dead." Without another glance, she turned back to Y/N. Y/N groaned, their body shifting slightly, sending a fresh wave of pain searing through their shoulder. "Fuck—"
"I know," JJ murmured, immediately kneeling beside them. She reached out, brushing damp strands of hair from Y/N’s forehead. "I know, sweetheart. Just breathe for me, okay?"
Tara stood, scanning the dimly lit warehouse. "We can’t just leave them like this. I need to find something to splint their shoulder, keep it stabilized." JJ nodded, her focus on Y/N as Tara moved through the space, rummaging through rusted shelves and discarded crates.
"J… hurts," Y/N whimpered, their breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. JJ’s fingers curled around Y/N’s good hand. "I know, honey. I know. But I’m right here. We’re gonna get you through this." JJ shifted slightly, allowing Y/N to lean against her chest.
She could feel the unsteady rise and fall of Y/N’s breathing, the tremors wracking their body. "Just focus on me, okay? What’s the first thing you’re gonna do when we get out of here?" Y/N exhaled shakily, their forehead pressing into JJ’s shoulder. "Shower… maybe s-sleep forever," she mumbled weakly.
JJ huffed a soft laugh. "Yeah? Sounds like a plan. I’ll even make you coffee in the morning."
"C-coffee…" Y/N breathed, the thought almost too far away to care about, but it still brought a small, appreciative smile to their lips. Tara returned a minute later, a wooden plank and some torn fabric in her hands. "This'll have to do until we can get them out of here."
JJ helped shift Y/N slightly, but even the smallest movement sent a sharp jolt of pain through their body. Y/N moaned low in their throat, eyes squeezing shut as their head fell back against JJ’s shoulder.
"You’re doing so good," JJ whispered, pressing her lips to Y/N’s temple. "Just a little longer, okay?" Tara worked quickly, binding Y/N’s arm as gently as she could. "It’s not perfect, but it’ll keep it stable." She met Y/N’s pain-glazed eyes. "You hanging in there?"
Y/N gave a small, tired nod. "Barely." JJ adjusted her hold on Y/N, wrapping an arm around their back to support them. "I’ve got you," she murmured. The minutes stretched into an eternity. JJ and Tara kept talking to them, keeping them awake.
JJ rubbed slow, comforting circles into their back, whispering soft reassurances. Tara kept checking their pulse, making sure she wasn’t slipping too far into the pain. "You’re a tough one, Hotchner," Tara mused, her tone light despite the tension. Y/N huffed a weak chuckle. "Runs in the family."
"Yeah, I know." Tara kept a careful eye on Y/N as her voice softened. "You’re gonna be okay. We just gotta keep you talking, all right? Let’s take your mind off the pain." Y/N nodded, their throat tight. "I don’t know if I can."
"Yes, you can," JJ insisted, brushing her hand over Y/N’s damp forehead. "You’ve got this, just talk to us. Tara, make them talk. Anything." Tara raised her brows, a playful glint in her eyes. "Okay, okay. Fine, let’s see… You ever think about going skydiving, Hotchner?" Y/N let out a weak breath. "Skydiving? Are you crazy?"
Tara grinned. "Well, you’ve gotta die somehow, right? Might as well be in a way that makes people say, ‘Man, they were brave.’" Y/N laughed weakly, but it was enough to draw out another strained but genuine smile. "I’m more of a stay-on-the-ground kind of person."
JJ smiled, continuing her gentle ministrations. "You and me both." The sound of approaching sirens finally broke the silence. JJ exhaled in relief, her grip tightening around Y/N.
"They’re here," she whispered. Y/N let out a shaky breath, their body trembling against JJ. "You did good, kid," JJ murmured, pressing a soft kiss to their hair. "You did real good."
The warehouse door was kicked open, a burst of voices flooding inside. "FBI! Hands where we can see them!" Emily’s voice. Tara stood immediately, signaling to the team. "We’re clear! Unsub’s down... Y/N’s hurt!"
Boots pounded against the concrete floor as their team rushed in, led by Emily, Luke, and Rossi. Emily’s eyes swept the room, landing on JJ and Y/N, her expression shifting from hardened focus to sharp concern.
JJ barely looked up. "She needs a medic... now." Emily knelt beside them, her hand grazing Y/N’s uninjured arm. "Hey, kid," she said gently. Y/N groaned in response, their head rolling weakly against JJ’s shoulder.
"She needs help Em," JJ murmured. "She’s exhausted." The paramedics arrived next, their med bags already unzipped. "What are we looking at?"
"Left shoulder dislocation," Tara answered, stepping back to give them space. "She took a hard fall." One of the medics knelt, assessing Y/N’s arm with careful hands. "We’ll get them on a stretcher, stabilize the joint, and give them something for the pain."
Y/N whimpered when they moved them. JJ ran a soothing hand over their hair. "I got you," she whispered. "Just breathe, sweetheart." Emily’s gaze flicked to JJ, catching the rare softness in her eyes. She knew JJ cared about Y/N, hell, they all did, but this? This was different.
JJ had spent an hour holding Y/N together, keeping them from breaking under the pain. That kind of care wasn’t just professional. It was personal. The medics got Y/N secured, an oxygen mask over their nose, an IV slipping into their arm to deliver pain relief. The tension in their body finally started to ease.
JJ stood, hesitating for only a second before squeezing Y/N’s fingers once more. "I’ll be right behind you, okay?" Y/N’s eyelids fluttered, a ghost of a nod. As the stretcher rolled out, Emily turned to JJ. "You okay?" JJ let out a breath, her eyes trailing after Y/N. "I will be."
Emily studied her for a beat before nodding. "Let’s get them to the hospital."
- - -
The hospital room was bright, too bright, the overhead lights casting a sterile glow over the pale blue walls. Y/N lay on the exam table, their body finally beginning to relax as the drugs coursed through their system.
JJ stood beside them, one hand wrapped around Y/N’s as the doctors and nurses moved efficiently around them, preparing to reset their shoulder. "You’re doing great, kid," JJ murmured, her thumb tracing small circles against Y/N’s skin. "Just a little longer."
Y/N blinked slowly, their pupils dilated, their lips parting as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t quite find the words. "Alright," the doctor announced, positioning himself at Y/N’s side. "We’re gonna get that shoulder back in place. You might feel some pressure."
Y/N let out a breath, their gaze flicking up to JJ, "Stay?" JJ’s heart clenched. "I’m not going anywhere," she promised. The doctor nodded at the nurse, who adjusted the IV drip, pumping more painkillers into Y/N’s system.
JJ could see the drugs taking hold, the tension in Y/N’s muscles easing, their expression softening, their blinks growing slower. The doctor gave JJ a small look of warning before he took hold of Y/N’s arm, rotating it gently. Y/N whimpered, a small, pained sound escaping their lips, their fingers weakly squeezing JJ’s hand.
JJ leaned closer. "I know, sweetheart. Almost done."
A swift movement, a deep pop...
And then it was over.
Y/N let out a slow exhale, blinking up at JJ with glassy eyes. "Did you see that?" she mumbled, voice slurring. "My arm just—boom—" she wiggled their fingers lazily, "back in place." JJ bit back a smile, brushing her thumb across Y/N’s knuckles. "Yeah, I saw."
Y/N grinned, slow and sleepy, "I feel great. I love drugs. I should dislocate stuff more often." JJ snorted, "Let’s not make a habit of that, okay?" Y/N just giggled, their head lolling slightly to the side. "You're so pretty."
JJ huffed a quiet laugh. "You’re definitely high."
"Maybe," Y/N mumbled, their voice barely above a whisper. "But you’re still pretty." JJ shook her head, smiling as she brushed a damp strand of hair from Y/N’s forehead.
The door burst open seconds later, and the rest of the team rushed in. Rossi, Tara, Luke, and Emily all crowded around the bed, their faces a mix of concern and relief. "How’s she doing?" Emily asked, her sharp eyes immediately scanning Y/N’s face.
JJ smirked. "She’s high as hell." Y/N blinked sluggishly at the new arrivals, their face lighting up when she spotted Emily. "Boss lady!" she greeted with a bright, dopey grin. Emily arched an eyebrow. "That’s me." Y/N nodded sagely, squeezing JJ’s hand. "Did you know… that JJ is so pretty?"
JJ sighed. "Oh god, we’re back to this." Luke grinned. "I like high Y/N. She’s affectionate." Y/N’s head lolled toward him. "Luuuuke," she drawled. "You’re so... so... tall." He chuckled. "Can’t argue with that." Rossi stepped closer, his hands tucked into his pockets. "How’s the shoulder, kid?"
Y/N stared at him for a long moment before whispering, as if revealing a great secret, "Attached." The whole team laughed. Even Rossi let out an amused chuckle, shaking his head. "That’s good," Tara said, amused. "Let’s keep it that way."
Y/N nodded solemnly before their eyes drifted down to where JJ’s hand was still in theirs. She patted it clumsily. "This... is my emotional support JJ." JJ groaned, but the team lost it, laughter echoing through the small hospital room.
"You’re not wrong," Emily said, shooting JJ a teasing glance. Y/N sighed dramatically, leaning their head back against the pillows. "I love you guys." Tara chuckled. "You’re gonna regret saying that when you sober up." Y/N’s face scrunched up.
"Nope. I mean it. You’re all my bestest friends." She turned to Emily, their eyes shining with exaggerated sincerity. "Even you, boss lady. Even though you’re scary sometimes." Emily smirked. "That’s fair." Luke shook his head, grinning. "I should record this."
Y/N gasped. "Nooo." She clutched JJ’s hand dramatically. "JJ, protect me!" JJ rolled her eyes but gave Y/N’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "Alright, alright. No recordings." Y/N exhaled in relief before their gaze landed on Tara. "Taraaa," she drawled. "You were so cool back there. Like a doctor. You should be a doctor."
Tara laughed. "I’ll consider it." Y/N nodded. "Good. You’d be great." Rossi smirked. "I think the painkillers are wearing off." Y/N pouted. "Nooo. I like being floaty." Emily shook her head, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "You’re gonna hate yourself in the morning."
Y/N groaned, already feeling the first hints of exhaustion creeping in. "Ugh. Future me’s problem." JJ smiled softly, brushing her thumb over Y/N’s knuckles. "Alright, enough excitement. You need to rest."
Y/N sighed but nodded, their eyelids already drooping. "Okay. But only 'cause you said so, emotional support JJ."
The team chuckled again, the weight of the day finally beginning to ease as Y/N drifted off to sleep, still holding onto JJ’s hand.
ok but can you write jj x reader (not apart of the bau)
cheating
breakup
angst
no happy ending
please and thank you 😊
Sorry for the late response! Enjoy!
Summary: JJ cheats on Y/N, and Y/N could never forgive her.
It had been two years. Two years of Sunday morning coffees in bed. Two years of glances across crowded rooms that made Y/N feel like the only one in JJ’s world. Two years of loyalty, of faith.
And it had taken JJ one night to destroy it.
One night. One mistake. One betrayal.
Y/N sat curled into the far corner of her couch, her body numb and rigid under an old throw blanket. The TV hummed low in the background, some sitcom laugh track playing distantly, a hollow noise filling the silence Penelope Garcia had left behind when she went to grab more ice cream.
Penelope had been there the second Y/N called, voice shaking so hard she could barely get the words out.
JJ. Will. Caught. In bed.
And Penelope, beautiful, fierce, loyal Penelope, hadn't even hesitated. She left work in the middle of a database sweep to be there. She’d burst into the apartment, arms wide open, outrage bleeding into her every movement.
"I swear to the Goddess above," Penelope had hissed earlier that night, kneeling in front of Y/N on the carpet, "if you even think about forgiving her, I'll personally knock some sense into you, my love bug."
Her mascara had run with angry tears. "You are-“ she shook Y/N lightly by the shoulders, “-the best, most loyal partner. You deserved better. You still deserve better."
Y/N had barely been able to nod, her voice crushed to ash in her throat. Now, it was nearing 11pm, and she hadn’t moved. Not when Penelope left to pick up more snacks. Not when her phone buzzed over and over with JJ’s name. Not when the soft knock echoed against her front door. She barely even blinked when the knock turned into frantic pounding.
Not until the door clicked open. Y/N turned her head slowly, heart stuttering painfully. There JJ stood. Disheveled, desperate. Her face wet with tears, her hands trembling, clutching the hem of her sweater like it was the only thing grounding her.
"Y/N, please," JJ gasped, stepping inside despite the lack of invitation. Her voice cracked , broke open , like something rotten finally spilling out.
Y/N didn’t say a word. She just watched. Watched this woman, this stranger, try to piece together a shattered thing like it hadn’t been deliberate. JJ dropped to her knees in front of her. "I'll do anything," she whispered brokenly. "Let me make it up to you."
Her hands, those traitorous hands, reached up, smoothing along Y/N’s thighs over the blanket. Soft. Familiar. Unwelcome. Y/N flinched back before she could stop herself, a full-body shudder crawling up her spine.
But JJ leaned closer anyway, desperate. Her hands slipped beneath the blanket, skin on skin, and she kissed Y/N's knee, slowly trailing her mouth up, up…
And all Y/N could think about…
was Will.
JJ’s mouth, the same mouth that kissed Will's body. JJ’s hands, the same hands that roamed Will’s chest, tangled in his hair. JJ’s body, the same body that let someone else claim it. The same body that cried out for someone else. Nausea clawed at Y/N's stomach. Tears blurred her vision.
"No," Y/N rasped, her voice finally breaking through the dam of hurt. She shoved JJ back, hard enough that JJ stumbled onto her heels. JJ’s face crumpled, devastated. But Y/N wasn’t moved. Not this time.
"You don't get to touch me," Y/N whispered, her voice shaking but strong. "Not after you let him." JJ’s mouth opened and closed, speechless. Tears streaked her cheeks. She looked so small, so pathetic, sitting there on the floor. "I loved you," Y/N said, chest heaving.
"You were my everything, Jennifer. And you threw it away for… for what? A cheap fuck in a bar bathroom?"
JJ winced, the words hitting like gunfire. "I can’t un-see it," Y/N whispered. "I can’t un-feel it."
The door banged open again, Penelope, standing there with two tubs of Ben & Jerry’s in her arms. She took one look at the scene, JJ on her knees, Y/N trembling with rage and heartbreak, and her face hardened. "You need to leave," Penelope said coldly to JJ, stepping protectively in front of Y/N.
"I mean it, Jayje. Leave her alone. You’ve done enough."
JJ's body sagged under the weight of it. For the first time, she realised no apology could erase what she’d done. Without another word, she dragged herself to her feet, avoiding both their gazes, and stumbled out the door. Penelope dropped the ice cream on the coffee table and collapsed beside Y/N, pulling her into her arms.
And for the first time since the betrayal, Y/N sobbed.
Full-bodied, aching, gut-wrenching sobs. Penelope just held her, rocking her gently, whispering promises against her hair. "You’re going to survive this, sweet girl," Penelope swore fiercely. "You are going to find someone who would never, never, make you question how goddamn worthy you are."
And Y/N clung to her best friend, the only thing steady in a world that had fallen completely apart.
- - -
JJ didn’t stop. Not even after Penelope slammed the door in her face that night. Not after the dozens of ignored texts, the countless unanswered calls. Every few days, she showed up.
At the apartment.
At work.
At the gym Y/N used to drag her to.
Once, once, she even showed up at Y/N’s sister's house two towns over. Always with the same expression: broken. Pleading. Always with the same words: Please. Please forgive me. But Y/N didn’t have it in her. Not anymore.
Instead, she buried herself in work. She picked up extra classes, took on after-school programs, volunteered for committee meetings she normally despised. Her planner was a battlefield of appointments and deadlines , anything to keep the memories from clawing at her in the quiet.
Because in the quiet?
She could still hear JJ’s voice, gasping, moaning, but not for her. In the quiet? She could still see JJ’s flushed face, turned towards Will, mouth parted in pleasure. A snapshot burned behind her eyelids. It made her want to scream until her throat bled. So she didn’t let herself have quiet anymore.
When she wasn’t teaching, she was out.
Late-night drinks with Garcia, both of them clinging to each other like they could stop the bleeding.
They laughed, too loud, too fake, at shitty bars, sipping watered-down margaritas until the sharpest edges dulled just a little.
They went dancing sometimes, Garcia dragging her onto the floor, spinning her around until Y/N could almost, almost, forget the shape of JJ's mouth around someone else's name.
She stopped going to places they used to share.
No more Saturday market.
No more little café on 5th.
No more late-night drives past the lake where they used to park and talk for hours.
Y/N erased JJ like scrubbing blood from white fabric, violently, desperately, but the stains were still there.
Faint, but permanent.
With an influx in requests, in which I'm happy to fulfill and write up, bear with me as I slowly roll them out! Thank you for all your requests and ideas, I'm not saying to stop sending them in :) , I'm just making sure people know it'll take a little while for each of them! 😁
how have you been lately??
Good! I’ve now, 100%, moved in! It’s been a wild ride, and I apologise to the readers for both Wylix and M_Wylix for the delays on chapters and fics!
Thank you!
How have you been? 😊