That neighbor was awesomely written! I was so irritated by her, as we should be, and then so amused by her when she called them out on the sexual tension.

The boys and the album were a nice touch. One I wouldn't have thought about. Great chapter!

I love the way Hotch got around any potential surveillance to talk to her - up against her, whispering in her ear? Made me a little weak in the knees!

I've missed this story, so the update was great :) can't wait for the next chapter :))

I really wonder whether there is more to Julia than just being a neighbour. After all, if Hotch is going to stay home after what happened, that seems like a very strange time to launch into a review of the wedding album, and continue a long conversation in the process. I can almost imagine her writing up a report on his abrupt reaction.

Had to laugh at the whole discussion of sexual tension. Obviously Julia is not to know that it's because it's completely unresolved at this point, which is likely why it's so strong!

It's nice to see that Hotch's more mischievous side is coming out, what with the little play at the door. It's always there, but almost completely suppressed at work, so I like the way you handle JJ trying to deal with that.

Also liked the little detail on the crime scene techs scraping something off the tree trunk. Hopefully that really doesn't connect Derek to anything!

I wonder if Hotch knows what flavour of ice cream is JJ's favourite? Look forward to that. :)

BTW, think you're missing a word in the phrase "spied on long range or not", in the third last paragraph - maybe a "from" before the "long"?

I'm really enjoying the suspense. Who's good? Who's bad? When are Hotch & JJ gonna do the deed? Also anxious to see some of the rest of the team. This is a REALLY good story!

I'm glad the "suspicious person" was only Morgan. Good chapter, if a little short.

Sorry I haven't commented to date. Figured I should remedy that as I am reading. :)

I am definitely enjoying the story.

Being undercover in an unknown situation, and then having to worry about whether you're being observed would have to be terribly nerve wracking. No wonder JJ had dreams about someone standing at the window. You'd imagine it would be almost impossible to sleep at night.

At least Hotch is inventive when it comes to communicating - even if it does leave both of them feeling somewhat frustrated. ;) C

The thought of Hotch whistling as he walks to work is a most amusing one. Perhaps the Hotch of seasons 1 and 2, when he seemed almost boyish at times, but not the Hotch of season 7. More than anyone of the team, he seems to have aged the most over the last few years - visibly anyway. It's actually nice to imagine him looking more relaxed (in some ways), without the apparent weight of the world on his shoulders.

I guessed before Hotch that the suspicious person was probably Morgan. At least he didn't end up having to drag him in - and have Morgan try and come up with an explanation for being there.

Looking forward to more. :)

This is still great. I'm glad Hotch and JJ are being forced to be more intimate. It's time.

Wonderful as always! I love little moments between hotch and JJ, and in hoping that eventually we'll even get some big moments between the two of them ;)

Update when you get the chance!

Lexa

I am loving this story! Anxiously waiting on updates!

Great Story! Thoroughly enjoying it and find my self anxiously awaiting the next one. Thanks!

Another great chapter - keep up the good work and please update soon ;))

This was a great chapter.

I was wondering how you would have JJ speak with Hotch, and the shoulder massage was perfect!

It was great how well you write their feelings.

I always hate to pick, but I think when you wrote about morgan "despite the levity of the situation could not refrain from a joke about whether he could take pictures for blackmail." Did you mean "despite the gravity of the situation..."?

Maybe I read it wrong.

Regardless, this was GREAT! I can't wait to read more!

oh i love LOVE this... it is just soo great how well the 2 of them are working! cant wait for more!

I truly love the way you're writing Hotch's & JJ's characters! :)