A/N: So technically this wasn't a prompt for this story, but a scene ahowell1993 thought would be in 'Partners' that I hadn't actually thought of. Since I hadn't posted in this story for awhile I decided to put this addition here instead of in the chapter connected to it. Hope you enjoy.
"Support"
December 2015/Post-Entropy in Season 11/~Chapter 101/102 of 'Partners'
Featuring: Hotch and Reid
Hotch smiled as he watched Henry and Jack run around the Reids living room after watching The Force Awakens. The Hotchner clan had decided to head back to the younger couple's residence for a bit so Hotch could see his godson and the boys could play a little more. He had just put said godson down in his crib, the infant tiring out after the excitement of visitors after awhile. The profiler in him couldn't help but notice how much happier Henry and the rest of the Reid kids were with their father home.
That also reminded him of why the younger man had been away for a month and he sighed.
He turned away from that portion of the house to find Reid with his girlfriend. As he walked closer, he picked up the tale end of their conversation. "…I've got some research friends that work in the neuro area already looking at trials or any emerging research to help."
Hotch smiled, not surprised. After revealing that they had wrapped up the hitman case and that Garcia was safe, he had confided in her what Reid had revealed during the case. He had felt quite guilty for having not checked in on the younger man while he was away. In hindsight, he should have seen something like this coming given JJ's behavior too. He could see she was holding back when asked about her mother-in-law, trying to respect her husband's wishes while he processed everything, but that she was having a hard time processing it herself. He knew he couldn't do anything about the past, however, but that didn't mean he wouldn't try with the present or in the future. Apparently his girlfriend had the same thought.
"Thank you Robin, I appreciate it. Maeve already found some information about nutritional supplements. I know the data is limited, but I've already talked with her doctor about Omega-3 fatty acids as well as checking her B12 and D3 levels."
The redhead nodded, noticing her boyfriend approaching. "Sounds reasonable." She squeezed Reid's arm. "Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you."
"I will," Reid answered as Robin slipped away, allowing Hotch to take her place. "Hi."
Hotch smiled softly. "Hey." He nodded towards the library and Reid nodded, following him into the other room, away from the others. "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay." Hotch narrowed his eyes just a little and Reid sighed, looking away. "Well, as okay as I can be. It…it wasn't easy when we first figured out what was wrong." He swallowed and met his friend's gaze again. "That first day…she didn't remember I was married to JJ or that we had two kids together along with Henry."
Hotch frowned. "That must have been heartbreaking to hear."
Reid nodded, wiping away a lone tear that started to fall. He hadn't even told JJ that. "It was terrifying. So was thinking about how that could be me in thirty years."
"But it won't be, that's why you had the genetic testing done, right?" Hotch countered.
Reid nodded. "Partly. It was actually more so to complete her medical chart so it could be used for clinical trials. Learning my risk wasn't as increased as initially thought was just a pleasant side effect. It just…"
Hotch studied Reid for a moment, thinking about all their time together, much like he had months earlier while holding Andrew. That's when it hit him. "It just felt like you'd gone back to waiting to see if you'd have a schizophrenic break?" Reid nodded and Hotch reached over, squeezing his shoulder. "I know those years weren't easy for you. Do you think…" Reid turned and met his eyes. "Do you think that's what held you back from JJ for so long? Fear?"
Reid blinked, surprised that Hotch brought that up. He knew that it was why JJ had held back, but was it his reason? He had always assumed that if JJ had been willing, he would have been too, but was that really true? Why hadn't he tried to pursue a second date harder if he had really been ready? He suddenly went back to that moment in the bullpen, talking to Garcia about why he wrote his mom letters.
"Possibly." They were silent for a moment. "But I'm not anymore. I'm not afraid to live my life, even if there is something unpleasant at the end."
Hotch smiled. "Good to hear." He paused, reflecting on how he had some of his own fears that held - hold? - him back some. Maybe he needed to start to live more like Reid. But this conversation wasn't about helping him. "You didn't really answer my first question, Reid. Now that you're past the shock and she's moved and settled, how are you doing?"
Reid leaned forward, his elbows on his thighs. "Honestly, I'm a little angry. My mother is such as remarkable, brilliant woman that it hurts ever time I see her having an episode of her schizophrenia. To now have the faculties she does have being disrupted even more is just cruel." He turned and met Hotch's eyes. "Henry asked me why this was happening. It was the first time, no matter how difficult his question was, that I couldn't answer him."
Hotch sighed. "That is the hardest. Jessica and I had a difficult time explaining to Jack why his grandpa might act differently from time to time."
Reid sat back. "What?"
That's when the older man had realized how close to the vest he had - has - been. He had told the team that there was a family emergency last year, but had never elaborated with them other than Rossi and Robin. "That family issue I had to deal with last year?" Reid nodded, remembering. "My father-in-law had gotten confused and lost. I had to pick him up from the local precinct and stay with him until Jessica could get home. He's got Alzheimer's as well."
"What did you guys do?"
"Currently, he's living with Jessica instead of alone like he had been. I think as it progresses, she may have to send him somewhere he can get more around the clock care. But for now, they are managing with some in-home care to help her out." Reid nodded, thinking that over. "Did you think about bringing her home with you?"
"For a very brief second, yes. But she's too unpredictable and I don't want the kids to ever see her angry or confused sides. If possible, I want them to only have memories of her when she's sharp, happy and full of love."
Hotch nodded, understanding. He then cleared his throat a little. "Something else that's helped Jessica out is attending support groups run by the Alzheimer's Association." Reid didn't react at first. "I know that going to…movies…has helped you in the past so whether it's the same films or something different, I think that could beneficial."
The younger man smiled a little. "Thanks. I saw one while in Vegas, which helped." He held Hotch's gaze. "I appreciate the advice, I'll consider it."
Hotch nodded and squeezed his shoulder again. "And if you ever want to just talk with me about it, that's fine too. I'm here for you, Spencer. I hope you know that."
Reid smiled and surprised Hotch when he pulled him in for a hug. "I do. I hope you know I'm here for you too. JJ too."
They pulled apart so Hotch could nod. "I do. Thank you."
Reid opened his mouth to say something when two young boys appeared. "Dad, can we have a snowball fight?" There had been a small storm the night before.
The adults both smiled and met each other's eyes. Reid answered first. "Rematch?"
Hotch smirked, relieved to see happiness in the eyes staring back at his. He knew Reid would be able to get though this due to the love and support from his family. Just like he would as well. But for now...
"Bring it on."
