[Voice testing AU Hotch]

[putthemaway]

So you've finally moved me in. Took you a while, but it's understandable. Moves aren't always the easiest.

I should know.

Comments

[dr_pretty_boy]

[Have a little wave, Hotch]

It's true that moves are often overly complicated and exhausting, but the end result is usually worth the effort put into it.

[putthemaway]

--And you're... Reid. Right? That's what my mun's told me.

[He returned the wave, friendly enough.]

[dr_pretty_boy]

[Oh...so then, not the Hotch he was expecting, then. He arched a brow, but didn't seem too bothered by it.]

I am. Spencer, though. If you're not my boss, then there's no need to be as formal. At least, not here. Though, I find myself at a loss as to who you are, now.

[putthemaway]

Aaron Hotchner. [He offered his hand for a handshake.]

[dr_pretty_boy]

[Now, he wasn't normally all that big on shaking hands and touch in general-which was why he generally stood in the back and waved-, but this was Hotch. He even smiled as he stepped forward and took that offer.]

Just not the Aaron Hotchner I know, then. Interesting. This place really does have every possibility, doesn't it? Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hotch. Ner. Hotchner.

[putthemaway]

[Maybe he wasn't a profiler, but he still noticed things. Like how he didn't quite seem used to shaking hands.] From what I understand, you're used to calling me Hotch. I'm more used to Aaron, but you can call me Hotch. I'll try to remember to react.

[Overall, he was generally pleasant. Generally happy. Though there wasn't a ring on his left hand.]

[dr_pretty_boy]

[Then he should also notice how he still shook Aaron's hand, even though it wasn't something he was entirely comfortable doing.] I am more used to Hotch, but I've had more then a few occasions where I've called him Aaron, so I'm not as opposed to it as some other versions of myself might be.

[The lack of ring was slightly startling, but he hid it well enough.]

[putthemaway]

It's still a little strange to think of... other... versions, I guess, of myself. It sounds like a Star Trek episode. [And it was unsettling when he thought about it. Versions of himself who... what. Were still married to Haley? Who had switched jobs instead of doing what she'd wanted and sticking with it, only to end up divorced anyway?] It's something to think about.

[dr_pretty_boy]

[His grin was bright and knowing, even as he tucked his hands back into the safety of his pockets.]

It gets easier, trust me. I've met several different versions of myself (All of which were better then how my mun plays me). It takes getting used to, but it's startlingly easy to accept if you let yourself. Of course, you have the advantage in that there's only one other you that I've met here.

[putthemaway]

...Only one? That's a little more comforting than it should've been. [Odd how that could be comforting at all.]

[dr_pretty_boy]

Only the one. And trust me, I'm well aware of how comforting it is. It's a little troubling to see so many better versions of myself out there..

[putthemaway]

Weird science-fiction existence, all of this. [He sighed, arms crossing. It was better than pushing his hair back or fiddling with his tie.]

[dr_pretty_boy]

[Oh, Reid, you fail at little comforts. Why do you think reaching out and patting Aaron on the shoulder would be any different? Awkward geek is awkward.]

Just keep your own timeline in mind and you should be fine.


...and stay away from people with 'magic'. They can and will randomly turn you into a girl just to satisfy their own boredom. [Yes, he's speaking from experience.]

[putthemaway]

Well.

That'd give Haley a great reason to sue for sole custody.

[And it tied a knot in the pit of Hotch's stomach. Not being able to see his daughter...]

[dr_pretty_boy]

Just tread lightly and you should be fine. My mun seems to enjoy putting me through random things like that, so she aims to throw me at it, I think. Yours, with luck, has a better head on their shoulders.

[Wait, daughter? New Hotch, new life, new daughter....]

I..should probably leave now. Before my mun does something particularly stupid.

[putthemaway]

Do I want to know just what particularly stupid thing is being considered? Being an attorney, I've certainly heard my share of stupid things, though they usually take place during witness examination, to the detriment of the defense.

[Which was actually surprisingly satisfying sometimes.]

[dr_pretty_boy]

[Wince.]

Probably not. My mun is something of an 'odd duck', so to speak. She has a fondness for you that usually means I end up acting even more awkward around you then I usually do. And she seems fond of this...version? of you.

[putthemaway]

There are worse things than fond, Reid. --Spencer.

[He corrected himself, remembering the request for less formality.]

Unless you mean more than fond.

[dr_pretty_boy]

I mean she's a shameless 'shipper' and I'm not to be blamed for my actions.

I'm also fully aware that she's insane, yes.

[putthemaway]

[There's a visible pause before-] Aha. I understand, now. My mun isn't against it, apparently, even if I've not been on the dating circuit for a few years now.

[dr_pretty_boy]

Well, that went better then she thought it was going to. And now I can maybe stop being so awkward because of her.

Though, I have my doubts. She's grinning like an idiot that that never bodes well for anybody.

[putthemaway]

Yeah, I've already learned that the maniacal grins are usually to be avoided. They get kind of terrifying, don't they? [Of course, he's still new enough that he has no idea about his mun. He just knows about violent criminals thinking they'll get away with whatever they did.]

[dr_pretty_boy]

You have no idea.

[Yes, he just shuddered.]

Of course, I will admit, sometimes it can turn out pretty nice.

[putthemaway]

Guess this is my learning experience. [Good thing he learns quickly, he thought, wondering just what he was going to go through now.]