HotchReid
Aaron Hotchner/Spencer Reid
Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner and genius profiler Spencer Reid, whose professional mentorship masks deeper emotional understanding.
What is HotchReid?
HotchReid is the fan-given name for the romantic pairing of Aaron Hotchner and Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. With over 25,000 works on Archive of Our Own, it's one of the most popular ships in the fandom.
Why fans love HotchReid
The age gap, authority dynamic, and Hotch's protective instincts toward Reid create compelling tension and power dynamics to explore.
Most Popular HotchReid Fanfics
The highest-rated HotchReid stories on AO3, ranked by kudos.
Evidently Unaware
Completeby travelinthedark
“So,” Reid says, eyeing Hotch warily, “I’m going to leave you here to freak out as you slowly realize that we’ve been dating for a while and you just didn’t know it.” Featuring oblivious!Hotch and aggressive!Reid.
Chain Reaction
Completeby EloquentDossier
"(Mon 12:20 pm)Which is why you text the stranger instead of talk to coworkers. (Mon 12:20 pm)Yes.(Mon 12:28 pm)Is that weird?"xxxA dialogue-only AU in which Hotch texts what he thinks is Rossi's new number but is actually the slightly eccentric stranger whom Hotch knows only as "Spencer." What fol
Roommates
Completeby Tifer14
When Spencer Reid finds out his boss is living at the Holiday Inn, he offers him a place to stay. He didn't know it would be a long term thing.
Bright
Completeby EloquentDossier
"There were several things in Aaron Hotchner's life that had never made sense to him. He didn't understand why nearly everyone in his family (minus his son Jack) couldn't quite fathom why he felt drawn to the BAU. He didn't get how so many people in the world had such depraved mindsets. And he wa
The Secret Marriage
Completeby blythechild
Hotch has a new ring, Reid has a new tattoo, and everyone is wondering about everyone else's secrets. This is a work of fanfiction and as such I do not claim ownership over any of the characters herein. It was created as a personal amusement. This story is suitable for all audiences.
Correspondence
Completeby KatyTheInspiredWorkaholic
An AU where Reid never joined the FBI, but got roped into consulting for the LA field office while working and teaching at Caltech. Hotch gets his email referred from a fellow agent, and they start to work on cases together -- until they start talking on a regular basis.Regular becomes frequent, fre
The Secret Omega
Completeby Tifer14
“Confess!” Raphael compelled him but Spencer kept his mouth shut. He could feel the suppressant wearing off. The dilaudid also seemed to be having an interesting reaction either with the drug or his biology and he had the distinctive feeling that he was about to go into heat. “Choose one of your tea
FMK Gone Wrong
Completeby howshouldipresume
Panicking, Reid went on. “I was just speculating, a hypothesis, unconfirmed, like you all. Wasn’t that the point of the game? I’m pretty sure that was the point of the game.” He adamantly ignored the flush rising on his cheeks.Emily’s eyes narrowed. “You said ‘he’s actually more talkative than you’d
5 Mandatory Events at the FBI Regional Training Seminar
Completeby travelinthedark
“Hey guys!” Jeff’s voice is just as upbeat as it was when he was telling the entire conference room about the wonders of community stewardship and his volunteer work as a ‘Big Brother.’ It’s also just as loud, and Hotch wonders if the guy realizes he doesn’t have to shout at people who are less than
A Thousand Natural Shocks
by sifshadowheart
When the BAU team needed an in to meet the owner of an exclusive set of nightclubs that were the possible hunting grounds of a serial killer, they find him less than helpful in someways - and more than helpful in others. After all, Harry Potter-Black takes the sanctity of his clubs very seriously.
Five Times He Ignored It and the One Time He Didn't
Completeby RebaK1tten
From a prompt on LJ's Comment Fic from blythechildFive times Aaron ignores the flirting and one time he can't.
Behavioural Analysis
Completeby wereleopard58
Tony is tired of people assuming he has no brains, because of his Phys Ed Degree. He decides to do long distance learning. He sees a seminar run by Dr Spencer Reid, the two become friends. The BAU comes up with a case that could eventually include naval personnel, Spencer knows who to contact.
The Art of Distraction
Completeby scarletmanuka
Morgan has finally convinced Spencer to meet his team. Instead of turning into the awkward, boring affair he thought it would be, Spencer is pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoys himself - mostly because of his instant attraction to Hotch.
Catalyst
Completeby Dhae
Jack has a secret and he tells Reid. How will Reid handle said secret? And how will it impact Hotch's relationship with his girlfriend?
the closer you are the less you'll see
Completeby coupe_de_foudre
“You should sleep.” Hotch is saying suddenly, voice deep and soothing as he runs a hand up Reid’s back to rest at the nape of his neck. And, now that he says that, Emily takes notice of the dark circles under Reid’s eyes, his hair falling over his face and doing a good job of hiding them.“’m not tir
In the Aisles and Between the Pages
Completeby writing2death
In which Reid is a used bookshop owner and not quite content. Hotch kind of knocks him right off kilter.
Texts from Last Night
Completeby Tifer14
What happens when you accidentally text your boss? You keep texting him.
It Sounds Uncommon Nonsense
Completeby sumokoala (travelinthedark)
The BAU is called out to Santa Barbara on a case where Spencer Reid meets Shawn Spencer. Shawn helps put some things in perspective.
Just When You Least Expect It, Just What You Least Expect
Completeby blythechild
Hotch has been Reid's boss for ten years, and his friend for almost as long. He thinks he knows him pretty well, but a random event during a random case has the chance to change all of that. It's just a matter of whether Hotch can accept it or not. This is a work of fanfiction and as such I do not c
The Bet
Completeby DegrassiFanatic
“Fifty bucks says Hotch writes you up and sends you to sexual harassment sensitivity training.” she declares as she stares him down. Without looking away from her, Reid takes out his own wallet and flips it open to pull out a fifty dollar before placing it down right next to Prentiss’s own money. “F
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does HotchReid mean?
HotchReid is the ship name (portmanteau or nickname) for the pairing of Aaron Hotchner and Spencer Reid. It's used by fans to tag and search for fanfiction featuring this relationship.
How many HotchReid fics are on AO3?
There are over 25,000 HotchReid fanfiction works on Archive of Our Own.
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