Takes place from the beginning of Route 66 and ends just before In The Blood.

Jessica Brooks had only just gotten off the phone to Aaron when he told her he wouldn't be able to pick up Jack and that he'd call her later when she had been shocked when David Rossi, Aaron's best friend and BAU colleague had phoned to tell her about Aaron collapsing at the BAU and how he had been rushed to hospital. She had listened as he told her how they had done an ultrasound and found he had a lot of internal bleeding which the doctors thought was due to all the scar tissue that had been left from his attack by George Foyet, the serial killer who had killed Haley, her sister, Aaron's wife and her beloved nephew's mom. David had told her how he was being rushed into emergency surgery to try and stop the bleeding and repair any damage. He had told her how he was having to go join his team in Milwalkee to find a kidnapped teenaged girl but that Penelope Garcia would be staying in the hospital with Aaron to keep everyone updated. He gave her Garcia's number so that she could keep in touch with her but he also told her how she could call him or any of the team at any time until they knew Aaron would be okay.

After hanging up the phone, she had realised Jack was staring at her with sad eyes, knowing something was wrong.

"Jack, honey, come and sit down, I need to tell you something."

They sat down together on the settee.

"Jack that was your uncle Dave from your dad's BAU team. Apparently during the briefing he collapsed. They managed to rush him to the hospital where they found he was bleeding internally. Do you remember when your dad got hurt by George Foyet just before you and your mom went away for a few months?"

"Yeah, was it something to do with what happened to him then?"

"Yes. Apparently all the injuries your dad got at that time caused scar tissue to form and they think that all that scar tissue broke and started bleeding. They rushed him into surgery and the doctors are working to fix him up now. Your aunt Penny is staying with your dad at the hospital to wait on the good news that they fixed him up. As soon as they've fixed him, she'll let us know and we can go and see him."

"Aunt Jess please don't let daddy die like mommy died!"

Jack was sobbing now and Jessica held him close to her and did her best to comfort him. Surely Aaron would pull through. Whoever it was that controlled the universe could never first take this poor boy's mom and then suddenly take his dad from him as well.

"Your dad is so strong buddy. He'll pull through, don't you worry. I am so sorry you've had to endure so much in such a short time buddy."

Jacks sobbing lessened slightly.

"Daddy's the strongest bestest superhero I know. He has to be okay!"

"Not only is Aunt Penny at the hospital but, even though the rest of the team are away on a case to find a missing girl, Uncle Dave has said we can call any of them at any time if we need to talk."

She sat there consoling a sobbing Jack until, after 10 minutes, he fell asleep, exhausted from crying. Although she was also tearful, she knew that she had to be strong for Jack in his time of need. She had already decided that, when he was strong enough to leave the hospital, he would come and stay with her and Jack until he had completely recovered. She knew that, to Aaron, Jack was the best medicine he could have and he want to do everything he could to help his dad get better again.

She lay him on the sofa and covered him with a blanket as she went to make Jack's favourite mac and cheese for dinner, hoping that he would want to eat.

Half an hour later, a sleepy tear faced looking Jack came into the kitchen.

"Aunt Jess, is there any news on daddy yet?"

"Sorry. Not yet buddy but its only been 40 minutes. Dinner is almost ready so why don't you go and wash up. I've made your favourite, mac and cheese."

Even though he was too sad to eat, Jack felt his empty stomach rumbling and he went upstairs to wash his hands and face. Jessica didn't feel like eating but knew that if Jack saw her eating, he would at least eat some dinner."

They sat down eating mac and cheese in almost silence. Jack was clearly really worried about his dad.

"Aunt Jess, I know I'm getting a big boy now I'm 8, and I know its not the same as sleeping in my dad's bed but would it be okay if I slept in your bed with you tonight?"

"Sure buddy. I don't think I could sleep alone anyway. And my double bed is still plenty big enough for the both of us."

"Thanks Aunt Jess. When mommy died, daddy let me sleep in his bed with him and it really helped me feel better."

"You know that, no matter what happens to your dad, I'll always be here for you Jack?"

"Yeah I know. I just really want my dad to get better."

"Jack I was thinking that, when your dad comes out of the hospital, he should come and stay here with us. Then you can help me take care of him and make him better. How does that sound?"

"You'd really do that for my dad?"

"Of course. You and him are my family. I love you both so much. I'd do anything to help you both. I'll even take a few days off work to be able to be around here for him and you."

"Thank you Aunt Jess, that would mean the world to me if I could help him get better!"

Jack was cheered up enough to finish his plate of food.

"Why don't you help me clear up then we can phone your Aunt Penny for an update….?"

"Sure."

Jack helped her clear the table and wash the dishes. Then he stood by the phone as Jess dialled Garcia's number. Being Hotch and Jack's family, Garcia already had Jessica's number stored on her cell phone and, as soon as she saw it said 'Jack's Aunt Jess' she picked up.

"Hi Jessica."

"Hi, Jack was just wondering if there was any news on Aaron yet?"

"Not yet. He's still in surgery. Tell him his dad won't be alone for one second cos I'll be here waiting until he comes out of surgery."

"Oh right. It must be bad if they are still struggling to stop the bleeding."

"Have you told Jackstar yet what has happened?"

"Yeah I explained it all to him and he spent over 10 minutes sobbing his heart out. He understands everything that's happening though. But all he wants is for his dad to get better and come home."

"Aww. Tell him to hang on in there. Hotch is strong and I'm sure he'll be just fine. I promise I'll call as soon as I hear anything though."

"Okay thanks for staying with him Penelope."

"No we all need to say it more but thank YOU for always being there for Hotch and Jack. If it wasn't for you, he would have had to retire from the job he loves."

"He and Jack are, and always will be, my family. I've always told him I'll be there for both of them for however much he wants."

"Tell Jack I love him and that I'll call the second I have any news."

"Okay, bye!"

"Sorry Jack, he's still in surgery but Aunt Penny said to say he won't be alone for one second as she's gonna stay at the hospital. She's promised to call the second there is any news."

"How come he's still in surgery Aunt Jess?"

"I think the doctors are just making sure they do everything they can to stop the bleeding and make sure he never gets any problems from the same problem again."

"He'll get better though, won't he?"

"I can't promise anything but if I know your dad, I know he will get through this Jack, don't worry. Now how about I go run you a bath then maybe we can watch a movie or something before bed?"

"Okay."

Later on Jessica and Jack, who was now in his Captain America pyjamas, were sitting cuddled up on the sofa watching Toy Story 3. Halfway through Jack began to nod off. Jessica shook him awake. "Hey buddy, I think its time for bed before you fall asleep down here. Go on upstairs and get in my bed and I'm just gonna lock up and shower and I'll be in real soon."

"Okay. Night Aunt Jess."

"Night buddy. I love you!"

"I love you too Aunt Jess!"

Jack sleepily went upstairs and climbed into his Aunt Jessica's bed. He was so exhausted he couldn't stay awake. Jessica locked up and turned off all the lights and then slipped into her room, grabbed some clean underwear and a nightgown and went and took a shower. Then she climbed into bed with her nephew but lay awake for a while, worried about Aaron and what would happen if he didn't make it…..