A/N: Hey all! Here's a new Jotch story from me. The premise for this story was given to me by Jekkah. Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.

Prologue:


~ March 2003 ~

"What?" Hotch exclaimed sharply, his head practically snapping as it turned to shoot his wife an incredulous look.

Her lips virtually disappeared as she gave him a grimace. "You heard what I said, Aaron," Hailey replied, voice too calm. "I think we should consider seeing other people."

"You want a divorce?" he asked tentatively, not comprehending what she was asking.

It was true that more often of late any conversation they'd have would turn into a shouting match. But he had promised himself that he'd try harder. He'd do everything he could to make Hailey happy. Now, here she was, asking for a divorce?

She shook her head furiously. "No, not a divorce."

He would laugh at the ridiculousness of the current situation if it wasn't for the fact that it was his life. He let out a suffering-sigh instead. "Hailey, I'm lost. What exactly do you want?"

She held her hands out in front of her, palms up, asking for him to wait. "Once a year, just once, we're free to do whatever we like…"

He stared at her blankly. He should have been surprised. He should have been wondering where the hell she'd gotten an idea like that from. But before this conversation, he had been sure she was cheating on him. So, nothing surprised him, not anymore.

What could he say? This was a last ditch attempt to save their rocky marriage. If he said no, would she then ask for that divorce?

"Fine," he agreed, voice monotone.

Her face lit up momentarily. He pretended he wasn't sickened by that, by the eagerness he saw on her face.

She began to ponder dates, make a list of rules—He'd just agreed to share his wife once a year, how could you come up with rules that could make that sound the least bit ok?

He sat there pondering what had just occurred in the past five minutes. Hotch couldn't figure out how asking if they had any milk left had gotten them to this point in time. It just didn't fit.


Well I hope you're intrigued by the prologue. It's a short little set up piece for what's to come. I hope you'll let me know what you think of this chapter. Thanks!