For the longest time, I haven't had the energy or desire to write even though I have certain people pushing me to do so, but hopefully now that I have started writing again, I will stay in the swing of it and crank out loads of stories that are floating around in my head. Anyways, I have been toying with the idea for this story for a while now and finally it came together. And just so you all know I haven't neglected my other stories, I'm gonna try to get a lot written before I go back to school in the fall and probably won't have time.

And you all can skip the mushy part that follows, if you want. But I have to say thanks to my Mom who kept pushing me to write and who wouldn't let me give up on this story and for being the best Beta a person could ever have! So this story is for you and for Becky, cause without you guys, I would be insane plus you guys told me that I better post this story.

So here it is, just a short prologue to short things off.

Taking a deep breath, Aaron Hotchner glanced down at his foot that was currently holding down a tripwire. Letting out the breath, Hotch closed his eyes as Morgan notified the agents in the area, that they had reached the five minute mark. Opening his eyes, Hotch glanced over at Morgan who with sweat beading on his forehead was trying his best to diffuse the bomb.

"Morgan, just forget it.", Hotch said sternly trying his best to hide his fear. "You won't be able to get to safety if you don't get out soon."

"Hotch, I'm not gonna leave you man. I'm gonna diffuse this, and we are gonna walk out of here together." Morgan said as he continued to work on the bomb.

4:00 minutes…
Hotch frowned as Morgan let out a frustrated breath. Time was slowly drawing to a close and Hotch was going to die while all of his friends stood safely and watched. Glancing at the clock, Hotch watched the as little red numbers got smaller and smaller, inching him closer to his undeniable death.

3:50 minutes…

Not only had his son lost his mother but now his father. Closing his eyes, Hotch thought about how he had failed his son, his ex-wife, his team. He had let them all down. Nothing could change what fate had planned for him.

3:40 minutes…

Only ten seconds had passed once Hotch opened his eyes again. Hotch stood quietly as he watched quite a few agents slip out of the room towards safety. He couldn't help but glance over at Morgan- just waiting on him to walk away and leave him alone to die.

3:30 minutes…

"Morgan, please, just go. You need to get out of here. You tried; it's okay," Hotch said, keeping his emotions deeply under wraps.

"I'm not gonna let you die, Hotch," Morgan growled, glancing over at his boss.

"Morgan, there isn't much time left; someone needs to lead the team once I'm gone."

3:20 minutes…

"Get to safety, Morgan, before it's too late." Hotch said in a stern voice.

"I'm not doing it Hotch," Morgan replied sharply.

"Do I need to make it an order?" Hotch said as Morgan shook his head.

3:10 minutes…

Neither of the two men said anything as time continued to countdown in little red numbers before both of their eyes. Time was barely moving as Hotch started to think about his team. He had failed them; he put them all in trouble while he selfishly searched for George Foyet. He had failed as a leader.

3:00 minutes…

His mind focused on her: Penelope Garcia, the woman who deserved so much more than a broken, damaged man. But for some reason, unknown to him, she wanted him. Besides his son, Garcia was the only light that shone in his life. And he had let her down as a man.

2:50 minutes…

He failed as a leader, as a man and as a father. If he couldn't even protect himself, how could he protect any of them? After Foyet's attack, he found himself seeking comfort from one Penelope Garcia. He knew that he shouldn't have let himself get in deep with her, but something about her drew him in.

2:40 minutes...

Reaching into his pocket, Hotch pulled out his cell phone. He knew that making a call could set off the bomb, but he needed to tell her something. He couldn't let himself die with telling her.

"Derek?" Hotch asked as the expression on Morgan's face softened at Hotch's vulnerability. "Is it possible for me to talk to Garcia?" Without question, Morgan tossed his radio over to Hotch.

2:30 minutes…

This isn't how he wanted to tell her. She deserves so much better than this, but Hotch needed for her to know. Feeling the weight of the radio in his hand, Hotch gave Derek a sad look as he lifted the radio to his lips.

"Garcia?" Hotch said with a harsh voice thick with emotion.

"Yes sir."

"There's something I need to tell you."

2:20 minutes…

"With all due respect boss man, I think you should just tell me when you get back to the office," Garcia said softly.

"Garcia, you know that I'm not gonna make it."

"But you will! Morgan will diffuse the bomb and both of my babies will come home safely to me."

2:10 minutes…

"Penelope, I need to tell you…"

"Save it Aaron."

"Let me speak…"

"Tell me when you get back."

2:00 minutes…

"2 minutes. Derek, get out of here. That's a direct order," Hotch said through clenched teeth. He tried not to watch as his life was reduced to a clock.

"I think I got it this time. Oh shit!" Morgan said as he held two wires in his hands. Hotch sent a look of panic in Morgan's direction as the small red numbers started to countdown twice as fast.

"Morgan! Get out now!" Hotch yelled. The memory of the New York explosion raced through his mind. It had hurt, but he wasn't expecting it, but this was going to be different; there was going to be pain. He just hoped it was over before he could feel it.

"No, I almost got it!" Morgan's fingers fumbled for the wires. Twice he tried to grab hold. On the third attempt he made it. Now if he could only remember what the purple wire meant. Think Derek. Think. Red is you're dead, blue is you're cool. Yellow is mellow. Purple is…That's it!

"Aaron! What's happening?" Penelope voice screamed through the radio. "Someone say something!"

The sound of an explosion was her only answer.

Then silence.