A/N: This chapter is really short, but it's the best I could do for today. I hope I can update soon.

Thanks to everyone who has read, reviewed, favorited or followed this story!

Special thanks to jenny crum, samcarter1980 and guest!

I don't own criminal minds!


Chapter 2: Family

They were already on their way back to Hotch's house. JJ quickly grabbed her suitcase from her room and checked out before she went back with Hotch. She didn't feel really comfortable that he knew where she stayed. She didn't want to leave a trace around. Any trace could destroy her safety. She needed to stay on the down low.

''I'm sure your parents are proud of you.'' JJ said to break the long silence in the car. She saw Hotch glancing at her for a moment.

Her voice was soft whenever she spoke. It made Hotch feel comfortable. Normally he was stoic and he would keep his distance, but he didn't feel like he needed to with JJ. ''I hope so.''

''You don't know?''

''My father died when I was sixteen and my mother died three years later.''

''I'm so sorry!''

''I learned to live with it. I had to. It was the only way to move on with my life.'' he started. ''Are your parents proud of you?''

''I think so. My parents always encouraged me to live my own life and make my dreams come true.'' JJ answered.

''They sound like smart people.''

''Yes, they are.'' JJ agreed, smiling when she thought about her parents. ''My parents still live in Brentwood and they're still happy after thirty years.''

As she talked, Hotch got the feeling she was someone who never talked bad about anyone. Her look on life and other people struck him as mature and fresh. But somehow it didn't surprise him at all. It was something he had sensed since the moment he met her. It was an undeniable quality that made her likable and approachable.

''What's life like in the FBI?'' JJ wondered aloud. When she was younger she thought about a career in law enforcement, but certain events derailed her dreams. And now those dreams had vanished entirely.

''It's hard and exhausting work. It keeps you from your family.'' he replied. ''I feel like a bad father most of the time when I am across the country. I just miss Jack a lot because I know he doesn't have someone he can really count on.'' Hotch explained sadly. Jack didn't have a mother figure in his life and that broke his heart. He wished Haley could still be there for him. ''But I think it will chance now that you're here.'' he said with hope.

''He looks like you, you know.'' JJ commented.

''I know. But his hair is all from his mother.'' Hotch said, knowing his answer would lead to questions about Haley. But to his surprise JJ didn't even ask anything about it.

''What's Jack like?''

Hotch laughed. ''He's a good kid. He's really shy and overall he is easy to be around.'' he told her proudly. ''But he can be stubborn.''

''Aren't all kids?''

''I guess you're right.'' he said. ''Are you hungry?''

''Yeah, I am actually starved. I haven't eaten all day.'' JJ confessed.

''Let's do something about that.'' he said as he pulled up into his driveway. He immediately saw that Jack was playing soccer in the front yard of the neighbors. Lilly was watching him from her porch.

JJ and Hotch stepped from the car. JJ stayed next to the car while Hotch approached Lilly.

''Thank you for watching him.'' he thanked her.

''I don't mind, Aaron. You know that.'' Lilly reassured. ''I love that boy and I want to help you out wherever I can. But I see you already have a nanny.''

Hotch looked at JJ who was kneeled down in front of Jack. She was holding the soccer ball in her hands while Jack was laughing. It gave Hotch even more reassurance about the younger woman. ''Yeah.''

''She seems great. I met her earlier. People like her are rare, Aaron. Be nice to her.'' Lilly ordered, knowing Hotch could be both a bully and a hard ass.

''I will.'' he promised. ''Have a nice evening.''

''You to.'' Lilly said before she went back into her home.

Hotch suddenly saw Jack running towards him. He had the biggest smile on his face. It had been months since Hotch had seen his son so happy. ''Do you like JJ, buddy?''

''She's awesome, dad!'' he exclaimed. ''She promised me that she's going to help me with soccer.''

JJ overheard the conversation and the surprise on his face was brilliant. He looked at her in disbelief. ''You played soccer?''

''Yeah, in high school actually. It was a big part of my life.''

''That's great. Jack likes soccer a lot.'' Hotch explained.

Jack suddenly decided to step in between Hotch and JJ. He looked at his father. ''Dad, I don't like soccer.'' he began. ''I love soccer!''

JJ giggled when Jack ran back inside. He was a sweet and energetic boy and she knew she was going to love to spent time with him. For the first time in months she could actually see the good in her life again, and everything seemed to be moving so fast all at once.

''We should go inside and I'll make us something to eat.'' Hotch said as he walked towards the car to get JJ's suitcase.

''Oh, let me help.'' JJ offered.

Hotch shook his head. ''It's fine.''

JJ followed Hotch inside the house. She closed the door behind them, realizing this could really be a new start for her.