Haley Hotchner - Tumblr Posts
Bridges to Belonging
Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven
Summary: Y/n needed a new gig to bring in a little extra cash while she finished her PhD research at the hospital. The Hotchners are looking for a nanny for their infant son, Jack.
Spencer is not in this part, just introducing Y/n to the team!
Pairing: Spencer Reid x fem!reader
Category: Backstory
Warnings/Includes: none!
Word count: 1.3k
a/n: hi!! i am so back in my spencer reid shit it is insane. here goes me writing a self indulgent fanfic because i can't get this idea out of my head. let me know what you think!!
main masterlist
Washington, D.C. - Spring 2005
The small conference room at the hospital was dimly lit, the faint hum of fluorescent lights overhead. Y/n L/n sat at the long table, reviewing her notes for her dissertation on child psychology. The hospital had been her second home for the past few years, a place where she could immerse herself in her research while pursuing her passion for helping children.
As she packed up her things, her phone buzzed with a text message from a friend, forwarding a job listing.
*Nanny needed for newborn. Reliable, experienced, and patient. Contact Haley Hotchner at [xxx-xxx-xxxx].*
Y/n considered the opportunity, her mind calculating the benefits of having some extra income while she completed her PhD. Besides, she loved working with children. After a moment’s thought, she dialed the number.
“Hello, this is Haley Hotchner,” a warm voice answered.
“Hi, Haley, my name is Y/n L/n. I’m calling about the nanny position. I’m currently finishing my PhD in psychology and have experience working with children,” Y/n explained, her voice steady but hopeful.
“Wonderful! We’re looking for someone who can become part of our family, especially with Aaron’s demanding job. Can we meet for an interview?” Haley asked, her tone inviting and sincere.
“Of course, I’d love to,” Y/n replied, feeling a flutter of excitement at the prospect.
---
Y/n arrived at the Hotchner residence a week later, it was a quaint home in a quiet neighborhood. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door, smoothing her hair as she waited. The door opened to reveal a smiling Haley Hotchner, holding a sleeping baby in her arms.
“You must be Y/n! Come in, please,” Haley greeted her warmly.
As Y/n stepped inside, she felt an immediate sense of comfort and belonging. The home was cozy, filled with family photos and the soft scent of baby powder.
Haley led Y/n to the living room, where Aaron Hotchner sat, looking relaxed in casual clothes, a stark contrast to his usual suits. He stood to shake her hand, his demeanor polite and welcoming.
“It’s nice to meet you, Y/n,” Aaron said, his handshake firm but friendly. “Haley has told me good things about you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hotchner. It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Y/n replied, smiling as she sat down.
“Please, call me Aaron,” he insisted, exchanging a glance with Haley.
The interview was less formal than Y/n had anticipated. Aaron and Haley asked her about her studies, her experience with children, and her aspirations. She, in turn, learned about their lives, Aaron’s work with the FBI, and their hopes for raising Jack in a loving environment.
“We’re really looking for someone who can be a part of Jack’s life as he grows,” Haley explained, gently rocking Jack in her arms. “Someone we can trust.”
Y/n nodded, feeling a connection with the couple. “I’d love to be that person. Working with children is my passion, and I think I could learn a lot from Jack, too.”
Aaron smiled, looking at Haley before turning back to Y/n. “We’d like to offer you the position, Y/n. If you will take it, we want to welcome you to the family.”
Y/n beamed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Thank you, Aaron, Haley. I promise to do my best for Jack and your family.”
---
Over the next two years, Y/n became an integral part of the Hotchner household. She cared for Jack with a dedication that went beyond her job description, forming a bond with the infant that was almost maternal. She found herself spending evenings with Haley, talking about life, love, and dreams. Aaron, despite his demanding job, always made time to catch up with Y/n, appreciating her insight into Jack’s development and her ability to connect with people. As Jack neared his second birthday, Y/n knew her time as his nanny was coming to an end. He was ready to start preschool, and she had secured a position at the hospital as a child psychologist. Yet, leaving the Hotchners felt like leaving a part of her own family.
On her last day as Jack’s nanny, Y/n sat in the backyard with Haley, watching Jack play in the autumn leaves.
“We’re going to miss you, Y/n,” Haley said, her voice tinged with sadness. “You’re like a sister to us.”
Y/n smiled, touched by Haley’s words. “I’m going to miss you all too. You’ve been my family here.”
Haley nodded, tears in her eyes. “Promise you’ll visit? Jack will need his Aunt Y/n around.”
“Always,” Y/n promised, her heart full. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
---
Life moved on, but Y/n never lost touch with the Hotchners. She visited often, spending time with Jack as he grew into a lively toddler. Her work at the hospital kept her busy, but she cherished the moments she could steal away to see them.
One evening, as she was leaving the hospital, her phone buzzed with a text from Aaron.
We’re going out for drinks to celebrate a closed case. Care to join us?
Y/n smiled at the invitation, feeling a warmth at the thought of seeing Aaron and meeting his team. She quickly replied.
I’d love to! Where should I meet you?
---
Y/n walked into the bar, scanning the room for a familiar face. She spotted Aaron standing with a group of people, all engaged in animated conversation.
As she approached, Aaron waved her over, a rare smile on his usually serious face.
“Y/n! Glad you could make it,” Aaron greeted, introducing her to the team. “Everyone, this is Y/n L/n. She used to be Jack’s nanny and is basically family.”
Y/n smiled and waved, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. “Hi, everyone! It’s great to meet you all.”
Penelope Garcia, the team’s tech-savvy and flamboyant analyst, immediately stepped forward, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Oh my gosh, I love your outfit! Finally, someone who appreciates the art of pink as much as I do!”
Y/n laughed, relieved by Penelope’s enthusiasm and excited to have her brand new top appreciated. “Thank you! I knew I’d find a kindred spirit.”
Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, the team’s communications liaison, offered a warm handshake. “Aaron’s told us a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet the woman who kept him sane during those early days.”
“Glad to be here,” Y/n replied, feeling welcomed.
Emily Prentiss, with her confident and approachable demeanor, chimed in. “So, you survived being a Hotchner family member? You deserve a medal.”
Y/n grinned, appreciating the camaraderie. “It wasn’t so bad. I’m just glad I didn’t have to deal with any of Aaron’s work stress.”
Derek Morgan, the charming and confident agent, leaned back with a smirk. “If you ever want to switch from psychology to profiling, we could use someone with your skills.”
Y/n laughed, shaking her head. “I’ll leave the profiling to you guys. I’m happy helping kids find their way.”
David Rossi, the seasoned agent with a love for fine wine and stories, raised his glass in a toast. “To new friends and old family.”
Y/n joined in the toast, feeling a sense of belonging with this eclectic group. As the night wore on, she found herself bonding with each team member, sharing stories and laughter. They talked about everything from childhood dreams to favorite music, forming connections that would last beyond this night.
As the evening wound down, Derek leaned over with a grin. “You’ll have to meet our boy wonder next time. Spencer’s a little shy, but I have a feeling you two would get along.”
Y/n nodded, intrigued by the prospect of another lively team member to add to her seemingly growing list of friends. “I’d like that. I’ve heard a lot about him.”
Emily chimed in, a playful glint in her eyes. “Spencer’s one of a kind. You’ll see what we mean.”
I’m not even at half of the series but when this mf grows up dad lore is gonna go crazy omfg
I’m planning to watch criminal minds for the first time, all seasons in two weeks, let’s see how long I survive before I lose my mind
the conversation around haley and hotch’s relationship is too much ‘he/she was a bad spouse’ and not enough ‘they were two people who loved each other very much but grew to be two different people who wanted different things’
we all know their marriage didn’t end well but the story of how aaron and haley met is honestly so sweet. I mean aaron accidentally walked into a theater club, saw haley, and instantly knew he was going to marry her. he even joined the club to spend more time with her even though he couldn’t act to save his life🥹💗
Criminal Minds 1.22 'The Fisher King: Part 1'
‘I worked the case daddy just like you said’
Nobody talk to me I can’t