Some children are simply born with tragedy in their blood.

- Donnie Darko, 2001

⌕

They say, brace yourself for a lifetime of aching. To that, Vivian Hong would say, "Fuck it," and slam the door shut. Why should anyone endure the relentless turmoil that leaves their existence hollow? She was born a fighter, and adulthood has only sharpened her edge. To death and tragedy, Vivian has left a message: Not today, bitch.

Cheap happiness or noble suffering-a question mere mortals struggle with. Which is truly better? Some might call it selfish to choose fleeting happiness, but is noble suffering worth the cost? Aaron Hotchner often weighed this dilemma. He sacrificed his time for the world, and it rewarded him with searing anguish. To selfless cynics, Aaron leaves a warning: Look around and find a coffin.

⌕

Han So Hee // Vivian Hong (Hong Hee-ra)

Thomas Gibson // Aaron Hotchner

&&

Matthew Gray Gubler // Spencer Reid
Shemar Moore // Derek Morgan
Paget Brewster // Emily Prentiss
Joe Mantegna // David Rossi
Kirsten Vangsness // Penelope Garcia
A.J. Cook // Jennifer Jareau

Kim Tae Woo // Hong Sung-Hoon
Song Yoon-ah // Nam Eun Ae
Lee Je Hoon // Hong Chung-Hee

⌕

"aches"

1. Through To You, Glades
2. I Like Me Better, Lauv
3. Look After You, The Fray
4. Godlight, Noah Kahan
5. To Be Loved, Adele

6. champagne problems, Taylor Swift
7. Never Be Me, Miley Cyrus
8. Keep Driving, Harry Styles
9. Getting Older, Billie Eilish
10. Where do we go now?, Gracie Abrams

11. Ghost Town, Benson Boone
12. Loving Is A Losing Game, Amy Winehouse
13. Breathe Me, Sia
14. I Bet on Losing Dogs, Mitski
15. Mother, Pink Floyd

16. God Must Hate Me, Catie Turner
17. Nightingale, Demi Lovato
18. Garden Song, Phoebe Bridgers
19. lacy, Olivia Rodrigo
20. The End, Halsey

⌕

🗨️... Note

Hi, y'all! I've been thinking of writing a Criminal Minds fic for a really long time, and it's finally here!

At first, I was really torn on deciding whether to write for Aaron or Spencer (both of my pookies and hubbies). After a long contemplation, I've decided my character will suit Aaron better, and here we are.

Layout is inspired by katsukist & darthvvderr.

This book is dedicated for everyone with raging family issues, because we all deserve some love too. And, of course, the Criminal Minds fandom: riotsuns kugimakis seventeeths esote_rika supergircls mydearladydisdain16 untoldhauntings dearlorelai.

I wanted to thank tiishas for the awesome cover. She really brought my idea to life, and I can't get over it hehe. I'd also like to thank minzynari and katsukist for listening to all my ideas and helping me build this story. Huge thanks to redwaterlakes for the awesome character drawing she made of Vivian. I love y'all and am really grateful for your existence!

To everyone, know that you're loved, no matter what. Stay strong and safe xx.