Chapter Text
It was one of those rare occasions where he had an evening free from the BAU. There was no better way to spend it than with an old friend and a dinner in an ostentatious restaurant where the wine flowed generously. It wouldn’t feel as generous when the bill eventually came and they find that the sommelier had recommended some of the most expensive bottles on their extensive wine list but hopefully they will be feeling the effects of said wine enough by the time they receive it that the sting will be softened.
Robert had at one time been Rossi’s closest friend, he had seen him through two of the three divorces with a level of understanding Dave had struggled to share with said wives. Now that he’s thinking about it that may have been half of the problem.
Robert was a fellow writer and had lived through two divorces of his own. They were unlucky in love but very lucky at almost all other aspects of their lives so they couldn’t complain too much. Dave loved their dinners together even though most were spent making fun of each other.
Robert was tearing into him about his lazy writing in his most recent novel when something caught his eye. Well someone caught his eye anyway.
Aaron Hotchner was being lead to another table not too far away with a man Dave didn’t recognize. His interest was piqued. The men were both dressed nicely but not in the way that one would dress for a work dinner. Aaron was wearing a dark blue button up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The sleeves were tight on his well defined arms and the shirt hugged his frame very nicely. He wore simple black trousers that fit tightly around his butt in a way that Dave found extremely distracting. He had never really noticed Aaron’s ass before and he was in shock that one so nice would escape his notice for so many years.
The man Hotch was with wore an expensive looking sports jacket with a tight black shirt underneath. He was slightly taller than Aaron with salt and pepper hair and a clean shaven face. His blue eyes were striking as was his smile. He looked…handsome, he seemed friendly. Dave watched them sit at their table before Robert’s hand was waving in front of his face.
“Earth to Dave! I asked you a question. You going senile on me old timer?”
Dave levelled a glare across the table at his friend.
“I’m three months younger than you…and it shows. When was the last time you trimmed your ear hair huh? Looks like a damn jungle.”
Robert just laughed at him as he signaled for the waiter that they wanted a refill of their wine.
“What the hell has gotten you so distracted?”
Robert asked, turning in his chair to look around the restaurant.
“Hey! Don’t turn around like that!”
Dave panicked at his friend’s obvious scanning of the crowded restaurant. He didn’t want Aaron to catch sight of them, he felt like he wasn’t supposed to see him out. The whole thing looked…romantic. The sight of them caused a weird pain in his stomach. He wanted some time to observe them, he didn’t know what for. Maybe he was just wanting a sign that this was a date. Or maybe he was hoping that it wasn’t.
That was a strange thought…he should be happy that his friend was dating again. It had been over a year since Haley’s passing and he was beginning to think that Hotch had become a nun. He never mentioned any interest in the dating world although would Aaron ever talk openly about that side of his life? He very much doubted that the team would find out about any love interest until the wedding invites arrived. He found himself picturing Aaron and the mystery man standing at an alter in front of a crowd and found the pain in his stomach increasing uncomfortably.
“Don’t make it so obvious that you’re looking!”
Robert looked at him incredulously.
“Dave…are you okay?”
No? He wasn’t feeling okay at all but why was this upsetting him so much?
“My friend just walked in with someone I don’t recognize.”
It was the simplest way he could think to state the whirlwind of emotions he was currently experiencing.
“So? You thinking your friend is gonna get murdered or something? I know profiling is legit but I don’t believe you could tell that from watching someone sit down at a table from across the room.”
Robert was good at being a voice of reason, Dave didn’t think the man Hotch was with looked dangerous although he was right in assuming that he wouldn’t be able to tell that from across the room and in such a small space of time. Was he just feeling protective of his former protégé turned boss?
He had worried about Aaron for many reasons over the years, it was usually a cold paralyzing fear that stemmed from the kid’s unfathomable ability to find trouble and run straight towards it. This felt like pain, burning pain in his stomach that felt like bile crawling up his throat.
He wanted to hate the man who sat across the table from Aaron. He wanted to glare at him from across the room until he burst into flame. But what was causing this hatred? Was it the fact that this man was out with Aaron? Someone who would always choose to spend his time off with his son unless the person was extremely important to him. Was it because this meant the man across the table from Aaron had probably been a part of his friend’s life for a reasonably long time without Dave ever knowing? Was it because Dave is watching his friend finding happiness and he is realizing that he missed his opportunity to be the man across the table from him?
Oh shit. It was all of those reasons but that last one burned him the most. How long had he liked Aaron? How long had he been lying to himself that he just loved Aaron as an old friend.
“I didn’t know he was dating again.”
Robert sat with his statement in silence for a while, perhaps watching the multitude of emotions Dave was spiraling between.
“Are you wanting to go and say hello?”
Robert was clearly at a loss. He knew something about this situation was upsetting Dave, but he had no idea what was going on inside his head.
“No, we should leave them be. It would be an intrusion.”
Robert followed his eyes to the table where Aaron and the mystery man were talking happily over their menus.
“Why don’t we get the bill?”
Dave just nodded as he watched Aaron giving the waiter his order and laughing as the man across the table joked about something. He hated the warmth he saw between them, there was a comfort there, a familiarity.
He had to get out of there. They paid the bill and were getting up to leave. Dave donned his jacket and tried to walk swiftly past Hotch’s table so he could reach the door.
“Dave?”
Aaron’s voice called out to him and he froze. He made sure to have a casual looking smile on his face before turning round.
“Aaron? Hey, enjoying your night off?”
He smiled at his friend who stood from his chair and pulled him into a hug that he tried not to melt into. Aaron turned to Robert and held out his hand.
“Hello I’m Aaron, me and Dave work together.”
Robert took Aaron’s hand and shook it with his own polite smile.
“Robert, an old friend of Dave’s…in fact three months older than him and he won’t let me forget it.”
Aaron Laughed at his friend’s joke before placing a hand on the mystery man’s shoulder who had turned in his chair to take in the exchange.
“Dave, Robert, this is Mark. I was actually hoping to introduce him to you soon so this is great.”
Mark stood from his chair and towered over Dave as he held out a hand. Dave noticed a flashy Rolex on his wrist and no wedding ring.
“You’re Dave? Aaron has told me so much about you. I feel a little starstruck honestly.”
His smile was warm and his handshake was strong and confident. Dave smiled back at him.
“Lovely to meet you, you and Aaron should come over for dinner sometime.”
He wanted to shoot himself in the foot. Why must his Italian upbringing betray him like this. The last thing he wanted was Hotch and Mark in his house together acting…couply. Would he be able to hide his distaste if he had to watch them?
“Aaron mentioned that you were an amazing cook, I might have to hold you to that!”
Damn it. He met Aaron’s eyes, he could tell that Aaron was looking for his approval. Everyone wants their best friend to like their boyfriend he thought bitterly.
“Well if you wanted to meet the team over dinner I’m always happy to host.”
Aaron smiled brightly at him. It was almost worth the thought of entertaining him and his boyfriend.
“Really Dave? That would be amazing, but are you sure it wouldn’t be putting you out?”
Aaron was never one to expect things from his friends. He hated having to rely on others, a product of his upbringing.
“I would love to Aaron.”
Aaron smiled widely at him.
“Well I think our car is waiting outside, lovely to meet the two of you.”
Robert said putting a hand on Dave’s arm.
“Oh of course, I’ll see you in the office Dave and Robert it was great meeting you.”
Aaron waved at them as he took his seat once more.
“So happy to meet you Dave, can’t wait for our dinner.”
Mark said clapping a hand on Dave’s shoulder before taking his seat once more.
“Can’t wait either, see you soon.”
Dave muttered before fleeing from that interaction. He got outside and turned around to find Robert doubled over laughing.
“What’s so funny?”
Dave asked, irritated.
“Man you haven’t changed. Can’t believe I just watched you arrange to cook a nice dinner for the man you’re in love with and his boyfriend.”
Robert had tears in his eyes as he slapped Dave on the back.
“I..I’m not in love with him.”
Robert gave him a knowing look.
“You poor bastard.”