Authors Note: I do not own Criminal Minds, I simply bring them out to play. Thank you for the reviews, favourites and follows. I'm really touched that those who've left reviews have gotten so involved in the plot.
The noise that echoed around the hospital seemed to fade into the background, the busy corridors suddenly feeling lonely and dark. People that once smiled as they passed seemed to vanish from sight as Rossi followed the doctor to the intensive care room. His mouth was dry and he felt sick, the doctor trying to tell him things which he didn't hear, the words vanishing along with everything else as Rossi focused on the door before them. Inside lay his best friend, a man he'd mentored and watch grow into the finest Unit Chief he'd known. He'd never met any so loyal and dedicated. The door was pushed open letting him step in and his breath caught in his throat.
Hotch lay on the bed, hooked up to a ventilator, cardiac monitors covering his chest, IV's pushing god knows what into his body. Rossi and Jess had spoken quietly after the Doctor had updated them moments earlier, and they'd agreed it best not to let Jack see his dad like this. To wait til he was better. If he got better. He felt the doctor rest a gentle hand on his shoulder and guide him to a chair seeing his obviously shocked state. He took the offered seat not even realising it was damned uncomfortable, his eyes never left the man on the bed. The usual scowl had gone, and if not for the wires and tubes he looked almost peaceful.
"Hey son" Rossi found his voice as he greated his friend. He never spoke of his affection for Hotch, to anyone, not even Hotch. But as soppy and sentimental as it may seem to some he did view the man as the son he never had. They'd grown close and been to hell and back together. Formed a bond that still grew stronger even now, as he often helped Hotch with child care, or went round for some adult comanpy. Joining in the soccer coaching had been a blessing in disguise. Yes he'd jokingly objected to early mornings on a weekend but truth be told he enjoyed it. He and Aaron had formed quite a team and the kids definitely responded to them. Almost always it was followed by taking Jack some where for lunch, usually Macdonalds. Rossi always joked with Jack that one day he'd take him some place for proper food. Though he could see why this particular food chain, while not his usual choice, would appeal to the youngster.
"Now i know i'd never get away with that normally" he tried to lighten his tone. "The doctor spoke to us, said the cardiac arrest in surgery may lead to permament brain damage. Anoxic brain injury or something. I wasn't really listening to be honest, i'm sure if Reid was here he could give us all sorts of facts. You have to wake up Aaron, and come back to us. That boy out there needs his daddy." He choked back some emotion that threatened to bubble over. Reaching out he gently took Hotch's hand mindful of the IV in his hand.
"I know you don't want to here an old man rambling but guess what, until you wake up and prove to these doctors your okay i'm not going to shut up. The teams still working, there close to breaking the case. Morgans running the team and they've all stepped up to cover so I can stay. with you. The doctors are doing a great job, Jess is sat with Jack, the boys exhausted. He fell asleep on me, felt quite proud that he likes Uncle Dave enough to do that." Rossi chuckled a little. The boy had every right to be wary of some people after everything he'd been though so he did feel proud.
"Now onto the serious things. The coffee in this place is awful, i mean it's worse than Police Station coffee. So you need to get your stubbon backside well enough that I can make us both some decent stuff. Throw in the inevtible treats that Garcia is going to make you and we'll have quite the feast when your well. You will get well Aaron, because as well as that little boy out there.. we can't lose you. I can't lose you."
He squeezed the hand that he held, it was a small gesture but one that he knew had Hotch been awake he wouldn't have enjoyed. It was a personality trait that always puzzled Rossi, his one time prodige had one of the finest minds, and was loyal and dedicated to evey side of his job and his Family almost always at the expense of himself. He'd seen the man sort out any number of issues without a moments hesitation while carrying the burden of his own problems in private. Rossi himself often helped where he could, even if it was just a few scotchs after work, but Hotch never changed. He worked himself hard and its just the sort of guy he was, admittedly it seemed to work for this team. The family dynamic seemed to grow stronger every year.
"Oh one more thing, if you think i'm covering your paperwork so you can laze around at home you got another thing coming Mr. I'm going to bring it round after work every single day if i have to. You are not getting off that easy, so i suggest you pull yourself together sooner rather than later. Or there will be a nice big pile of work waiting at home for you"
The hand that he held suddenly twitched under neath his grip. It wasn't much at first but it was definite movement. Rossi was on his feet in seconds, he squeezed back hoping that it would get some sort of reaction. "Atta boy. Come on" He tried to encourage his friend offering another squeeze of the injured man's hand.
Seconds later the slight hand movement had increased, suddenly his whole body was convulsing on the bed. Arms and legs writhing and contorting, shaking on the bed under Rossi's grip. Wires threatening to break free, the tube in his throat tugging dangerously at the equipment it was attatched to as the convulsion wracked Hotch's body.
"No No no.. Don't you dare Aaron. I need some help in here!" Rossi screamed and hit the panic button instantly, allowing mere seconds to pass before the doors opened and the medical team came rushing in. He tried desperalty to hold onto Hotchs hand, some bizzare hope deep down that maybe the contact would help keep the injured man grounded, to keep him fighting. It didn't last though and as the team began treatment of the convulsion Rossi found himself being guided into the corridor and the door closed in his face.
As the curtain was pulled around the bed Rossi felt lost, alone. He stared blankly at the closed curtain as the tears ran down his cheeks, he made no effort to wipe them simply allowing them to drop to the floor. His phone buzzed in his pocket but it went unanswered, right now he knew he couldn't speak. He'd seen some horrific sights in his career but nothing would never prepare him for the sight of his best friend, his son, convulsing like that. He felt the bile rising and turned quickly dashing to the nearest mens room, wretching into a toilet and the countless cups of bad coffee came up into the bowl.
He forced himself shakily to his feet and almost had to grab the sink behind him to stop from falling over. His knuckles turning white as he gripped the sink and he looked up into the mirror his eyes red, and face stained with tears. Turning on the tap he splashed cold water on his face watching it drip down his face, he closed his eyes looking down at the running water.
Over the course of his career his training, his skills, everything he'd done had made him a wise confident man. But right now, he felt like his whole world was ending and his head dropped as the quiet sob escaped, tears joining the water running down his face.
TBC..