Title: The Expansion of Two Natures
Fandom: Criminal Minds
Pairing: Hotch/Rossi
Categories: angst, romance, hurt/comfort
Length: epic (>78,000 words)
Warnings: none

Author on LJ: innerslytherin and severity_softly
Website: geekytudmuffin (the authors' joint writing journal)

Author's Summary: When Aaron Hotchner is new to the BAU, he finds himself working closely with SSA David Rossi--one of the original founders of the department. As their relationship progresses, they realize what they have together is more than friendship...but circumstances keep them from having all that they knew they could have together. Years later, Dave has a second chance, just when Aaron needs a friend the most...

Review:
Most people probably know that I am partial to criminal procedural shows (CSI, Bones, NCIS, etc.) and I do love a good 'ol case!fic, but today, today I'm going to give you a romance story that will break your heart then mend it and make you believe in destiny again.

Hotch sought comfort from Rossi after a particularly bad and potentially "terminal" fight with Haley. Rossi gave him more than he had asked and never stopped loving him, even after thirteen years.

The authors of The Expansion of Two Natures bring us the tender and more vulnerable side of Hotch and Rossi. It's not easy to deal with death and violence on a daily basis and to find someone who truly understands you is a rare gift. Hotch and Rossi's relationship may not be perfect, with both of them being stubborn and almost too dedicated to their work, they are perfect for each other.

Their love was gentle yet passionate and their separation was absolutely heart wrenching. I cried my eyes out when I realized that thirteen years had passed since they were last together. Thirteen years! They could have been so happy together if they had just freaking talked about their feelings like fourteen year old girls. But alas, they were and are stubborn and somewhat emotional stunted men.

A more or less traditional romance with lots of angst and a very positive ending (i.e. they get back together), though I wouldn't mind some timestamp!fics where we actually get to see them in a happy, loving long-term relationship (you know, to have more comfort to balance out the hurt). Highly recommended.

The Expansion of Two Natures