[Criminal Minds] years before love

The result of his over-demanding was that Hotch could almost feel the exhaustion from his body when he stood at Harry Payne's funeral the next day.

"Aaron?" Rossi whispered worriedly, "I told you you don't have to come."

Hotch glanced at him and wanted to complain, but just opened his mouth and felt that he, who was constantly craving for more, had no position to blame the other party, so he just pursed his lips, "I'm fine."

"Wait for me, I'll have a word with Jimmy." Rossi patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm not a child, don't worry." Hotch signaled him to be casual, and found a place outside the crowd to watch from a distance.

Rossi is talking to Payne, of course he can see that the two people probably had something in the past, at least not just friends, he also admitted that when he first came here, he didn't care about it, but now it's not important at all .He's always trying to find a balance in his relationship with Rossi, and Rossi keeps throwing him off his sanity time and time again.

"You look tired." A female voice suddenly rang in my ears.

Hotch stiffened and turned his head, still unable to conceal the sadness of Caroline Payne watching him behind him.

"I apologize for my previous attitude." He didn't answer, but just took the water she handed and said softly.

"I should apologize. At that time, I kind of... lost control." Mrs. Payne shook her head and sighed. "I just can't accept it. I want to thank you and D□□id, at least Jimmy is still there."

"That's what we should do." Hotch comforted, "No one can accept such a thing right away, but no matter what, the living still have to work hard to make themselves live well."

"Jimmy said the same thing. Either way, it will pass." Caroline paused. "When I was looking for D□□id, I didn't expect him to come by himself. Thank you...do you like him?"

"What?" Hotch was almost too surprised to hide his expression.

"Relax, Agent." Caroline looked at her husband and Rossi not far away, "I can tell that D□□id likes you very much."

Hotch pulled himself together, "I appreciate Agent Rossi's appreciation."

"Relax." Caroline repeated, she didn't turn her head, still staring at the two people who were talking, "I at least once knew D□□id, I know what he looks like when he likes someone."

"Ma'am, it depends on what you mean by liking." Hotch also followed her gaze, and the two seemed to be talking about him, walking towards this side, he hesitated whether to defend Rossi at least for now Nothing wrong with Payne.

"But Agent Hotchner, please don't fall in love with him." Caroline looked at the two people getting closer, turned her head suddenly, and said firmly to Hotch, "I am very grateful for what you have done for us, the only thing I can do is to repay you All I have is advice, don't take D□□id seriously."

"You're thinking too much ma'am." Hotch pursed his lips, "Agent Rossi is just my mentor."

"D□□id hates teaching students." Caroline shook her head, "If he didn't do something, don't forget what I said when he does in the future."

Hotch reluctantly wants to deny again, Rossi and Payne have come to the side.

"Caroline, what are you talking about with Aaron?" Rossi leaned forward and gave her a hug.

"Just thank him." Caroline gave Hotch a meaningful look, "Thank you too, thank you very much."

"We should do it." Rossi patted her, "Come on."

Caroline sighed, and took her husband's arm, "It will pass."

"It will." Payne hugged her tightly and thanked her, "Thank you, not only for the case, but also for being able to come to the funeral."

"Don't be so polite." Rossi patted him too, "Leave us alone, let's go."

Payne didn't refuse, and walked towards the crowd with her arms around Caroline.

Hotch sighed softly and sat down on a bench, while Rossi followed and stood beside him.

"Are you worried about her?"

"She'll be fine." Hotch shook his head, "I'm just... a little curious about what you did to her."

Rossi frowned, "So she's not thanking you."

"Not just. I can understand that Gideon doesn't want our relationship to cross the line, but Mrs. Payne seems to have only met me once, and I don't think we have done anything inappropriate in front of her?" Hotch looked at the front of the Grassland, "I'm surprised how much she knows about you."

Rossi smiled wryly, "Did she see it?"

"No." Hotch looked up into the crowd, "It's more like a warning than a doubt. It just sounds like you really hurt her back then, I don't understand, you left."

Rossi was silent for a moment, then sat down next to him, "That's probably one of the reasons she warned you. I left... because I met Jason."

Hotch immediately frowned, some unfamiliar but uncomfortable emotions suddenly occupied his mind, he stood up abruptly, "I kind of regret my curiosity."

But Rossi reached out and grabbed him, "Aaron, since you want to know, then listen to me."