Title: The Ripple Effect
By: realityaskew
Pairing: Hotch/Prentiss
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing from CM.
Summary: Hotch's perspective on how his and Prentiss's relationship grew.

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It all started off with little things like when you drop a pebble into a pond and it makes ripples that start off small and grow bigger and bigger.

We would unknowingly always sit next to each other during case briefings and when we both caught on we would consciously make the decision to sit next to one another as close as we could.

Then it grew.

I would always choose her to come with me when we had to question someone or split off into groups.

Then it grew.

We would accidentally bump into each other or reach for the same thing brushing hands as we did so. Or we would knowingly stand shoulder to shoulder when things were getting bad on a case.

Then it grew.

We were both working in the office late one night after a particularly heinous case. I kissed her out of pure frustration and she kissed me back.

Then it grew.

I would go over to her apartment or she would come over to mine. What I had with Haley was lost and we were separated. We would only hold each other and kiss and we both had an extreme affection for one another.

Then it grew.

One night we took it a bit further and I ended up staying the night at her place. I left before she woke up.

Then it grew.

One night she knocked on my door angry and frustrated over a case and she ended up staying the night. I asked her to stay.

Then it grew.

Like I mentioned we had an extreme affection for one another but it became distorted and I became confused. I felt something more but I wasn't sure.

Then it grew.

When I found out that she would rather quit her job than rat me out I knew it was love. I knew that she was the one.

Then it grew.

We are together now and I've finally told her that I love her. For once in my life I know where I' am going and for once in my life I can say that I' am truly happy.

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