NOTE: This is the sequel to "Defender of the People"! Just as a reminder, this takes place two years after the end of "Defender". And the rest of the recap, you'll read below. This is just a prequel, so it'll be a little shorter than I'd like it to be, but after this, the chapters will get longer. Enjoy~
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"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable." -Helen Keller
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Hotch sat down in his study and opened his journal that he had kept since his return to the BAU after the Reaper returned. The journal had at first been a recommendation, but when Strauss had said whether or not he could come back, she'd made it a requirement. Hotch didn't like it at first, but as he began to do it more often, he could see the benefits and look past his initial dislike, be had begun to enjoy it.
It's been a year and a half since Julia and I got married. I'm supremely grateful to the team for setting me up in the first place. It had been an awkward situation at first, but now I see why they did what they did.
Hotch paused for a moment, remembering the day.
It was a Monday, specifically, the Monday after his "meeting". Hotch called the team into the conference room a little earlier than usual. And to the great surprise of his team, did not yell at them.
"How many of you were involved in Friday's scheme?" He crossed his arms. When the whole team, including Reid, Morgan and Rossi raised their hands, Hotch was shocked. "All of you?" He looked into each of their eyes. "Contrary to what you all must be thinking, I am not mad. Maybe a little annoyed, but not mad."
"You're not?" asked Garcia.
"We thought for sure you'd be angry," said Morgan.
"But we did it for your own happiness," said JJ. "You've been so serious ever since Hayley died and we all thought you needed a bit of light in the dark."
"You needed something other than Jack that is pure and good," said Garcia.
"Well, I just wanted to say one thing: thank you," said Hotch.
And at our wedding, they were so happy for the two of us; well, the three of us, counting Jack. During the six months we dated, Jack took a liking to Julia. And it was at her 38th birthday party that I proposed.
"Wait, there's one more present!" Hotch exclaimed as he jumped out of his seat. He picked up a huge box and set it on the table. "Go ahead; open it!"
Julia opened the box and inside was another box. She opened the box and inside was another box. She opened eight more boxes and as she opened each one, she set each box aside. Finally, she got to the last one. Just as she opened it, Hotch got on one knee.
And now, with her help, I was able to fully recover from all the emotional scars that I've accumulated over the years, what with Foyet, Gideon and Elle leaving, Emily's "death" (which still haunts the team), Sandra's abduction,and everything else that's happened. Sure, the team helped me through, but it was Julia who sealed the deal. I can finally laugh and be happy again! And it feels great. Who would have thought an FBI agent in the Counter Terrorism division would have been able to do it?
Hotch's phone rang. JJ sent him a text. We have a case. Can you get down here as soon as you can?
I will. See you there.
Hotch got up and put his journal in his brief case. He got up, grabbed his brief case and left his study. He went downstairs to Julia and Jack eating breakfast. "I have to go in to work early, ok?"
"Ok, Daddy..." said Jack a little disappointedly.
"I promise, when I get home, the three us us will go out and see a movie. What about Captain America?" asked Hotch.
"Yay! I want to see that! Keith from class said it was a great movie!" said Jack excitedly.
"Well then, I'm sure we'll all enjoy it," said Hotch, kissing Jack on the head. He stood up and went into the kitchen. Julia kissed him. "You sure? You don't need to be in until eight. It's only seven thirty."
"I do, hun," said Hotch.
"At least take a bit of toast for the road," said Julia, handing him a piece. "And some orange juice." She handed him a glass. Hotch downed it quickly and kissed Julia and Jack once more before he headed out the door.
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"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress." -Bruce Barton
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NOTE: I know it's a very short chapter, but the next ones will naturally get longer. The team's first case in this one will be huge, so stay tuned~
