Series 10 One-shots: A Thousand Suns

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas

Please let me start with a huge apology. My whole family have taken it in turn to be ill. Many sleepless nights has lead to me leaving a Zombie life involving work, being Mummy and then trying to get some sleep. Writing was not an option. Sorry, I will try to catch up.

So I'm biting the bullet early on this one and going for a Kate Callaghan story for this chapter!

Please excuse me if it's not true to character yet, just wanting to start to get a feel for her as I think she is the sort of character I could get into writing.

. . .

Prompt

Kate: You don't need to worry about me.

. . .

Kate sat alongside JJ on the flight home. The cold mug of coffee on the table in front of her testimony to the fact that though she was physically in the jet her mind was anywhere but. Staring out of the side window at the light fluffy clouds her mind was fogged with the impact of the last few days.

It wasn't that she was struggling in any way; she wasn't that sort of person. She didn't do all weepy and soft, she hadn't been brought up that way. However she couldn't pretend that the scene hadn't brought back memories that she tried her best to suppress. As she had long ago realised it was best not to linger on these sorts of things.

Meg was the future and person that she needed to focus on, there was no point in over analysing the past. 'What if?' didn't have any answer.

Sighing deeply Kate reached for the mug, pulling a face when she tasted the cold drink. Blurgh, she really did need to pull herself together. Excusing herself, Kate made her way through to the kitchen to make another mug of coffee.

Standing by the freshly brewing pot, Kate was startled by Dave's sudden appearance. He held his hands up in a 'Don't shoot me' pose. Kate's eyes narrowed.

"I know I have already asked this once, but I'm an old man, I get confused and forget things. So excuse me asking again. Are you ok?"

Kate shrugged and turned away, you didn't need to know David Rossi for long to know he was more than good at his game. She knew right now he was reading her like a book.

"That good, hey," he muttered behind her. Leaning against the counter he made himself comfy.

She heard the words from over her shoulder and inwardly cursed. She had managed to fool enough people over the years in undercover work. However she knew that was not an option here. Right now she really hated working with profilers.

"You know we've all heard the rumours, but honestly those of us in the BAU are human. We do have emotions and we are allowed to show them. You set out to be superhuman and you will fall flat on your face. So I ask again, are you ok?"

Slowly Kate turned to face Dave, fighting the urge to bite her lip.

"Honestly right now, it's . . . a little overwhelming. Like I don't quite know how I should feel."

"Ok that's a start."

"Coffee," Kate held up the pot before pouring one for herself.

"Nice diversion technique, and yes I would love a coffee. Thank you."

Kate poured her colleague a drink, nervously waiting for his next question or comment. She wasn't use to being under scrutiny like this. Sure she had been through her fair share of debriefs and psych evaluations, but they were different. With those you learnt to play the system fairly quickly. You soon knew the right answers to give. Letting them have enough so they didn't think you were bottling it up but not so much that they felt you were about to crack. David Rossi was different.

Kate passed him the mug of coffee, meeting his eyes for the first time.

"You know when I first started the BAU we all worked independently. Sure we knew the others were there and we had each other's back. But a lot of the time we were out on our own. Coming back to this whole 'team' scenario a few years back, well . . . it was difficult for me to say the least. I was use to sorting things out in my head in my own time. Not having ours watching out for me and analyses my reactions. I found it hard to adjust but I'm glad I did."

Kate cocked her head as her eyes narrowed, "I take it you are trying to make a point here."

"Yep, you got me," Dave smiled, "The point being that this isn't just a team. They are not like anyone you have worked with before. Welcome to your new family." Dave held his arms out wide as he spoke.

Tentively Kate stepped forward, she wasn't usually the hug it out sort but somehow, right now, it seemed right. The feeling of Dave's arms round her wasn't invasive, it was truly comforting.

"Trust me from an Italian who has been part of a huge family there is nothing that comes close to these guys. Just like any family there are times that we get on each other's nerves, yet when you need it they are there. They won't let you fall and if you do stumble, someone will be sure to catch you on the way down. Give it a chance and see how it goes. You never know; you might end up like me and learn to love it."

Kate pulled back, gaining a space between them.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Dave picked up his coffee and turned to make his way back to his seat.

"Hey Dave!"

He spun back to face Kate, "Yes."

"In this big happy family what is your role?"

"I like to think of myself as the caring Uncle . . . but I think Hotch might use the word mischievous!"

Kate had to smile as he winked and left. Maybe, one day, she would find her role in this new family.

. . .

My friends and family are my support system. They tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear and they are there for me in the good and bad times.

Kelly Clarkson