I was glad to be taking care of Jack for Hotch. I only did it though on the nights when Hotch worked late. What time I started spending with Jack led me to learn more about Hotch and what he was like outside of work. During cases though; he still stayed with his biological mother. This coming case though would expose my true feelings for Hotch.
We had been called by Special Agent Kate Joyner up in New York to investigate a series of killings in subway stops. Everyone including Penelope was going. Correction; everyone except Laura and Tim as they were still in Miami so that Laura could spend time with her brother and be with Tim while the trial was wrapping up. The plane finally took off to New York and we were ready to take on this case. When we landed; we started investigating right away after getting our tasks.
Hotch's P.O.V
This case had taken a lot and we had now figured out this was targeted more toward first responders in some way. Madeline and I were heading back toward the SUV Agent Joyner had lent us but just as I was about to start the car, there was a huge explosion. Both Madeline and I were thrown from the car and onto the pavement. I got up but I couldn't find Madeline and my ears were ringing. I ignored the pain and focused on finding Madeline. "Madeline! Madeline, where are you" I called.
"Hotch; over here" her weak voice answered from under the SUV. I saw a medic rush over and he told me he could help. We finally got Madeline out and had to clamp a vein in her leg to stop blood loss and I saw how injured she really was. I was worried about her and the medic finally got her loaded onto the gurney and into the ambulance. He would tend to her while I took the wheel. With that; I took off at once, knowing I was racing the clock but for Madeline; I knew I had to. Along the way; I heard Madeline's voice call "Aaron." "Is your name Aaron" the medic asked.
"Yes" I replied, relieved that Madeline was somewhat awake. I suddenly realized that I was really still in love with her even though she had turned me down. Maybe I could finally have the chance to be her hero. We came to the hospital but a guard said "All emergencies are being rerouted to Lennox Hill." "My partner isn't going to make it there" I told the guard. "Her vitals are dropping" the medic called. The guard let us in and Madeline was rushed to the operating room while a nurse tended to me.
I was finally able to contact my team and told them the location of the hospital. We soon figured out that the unsub was actually the paramedic who had helped me rescue Madeline and the bomb was in the same ambulance I had driven. Derek took the ambulance to an open field after Penelope had jammed the signals so that the killer couldn't make the call to trigger the ambulance. After Derek returned to us; our unsub killed himself but it was finally all over and I told everyone about Madeline's condition. Emily called Penelope and she joined us at the hospital and we waited for any further word on Madeline.
All of us were worried but I think I was more on edge. A doctor finally came and said "We were lucky. Madeline made it but she did lose a lot of blood and both legs were broken, six cracked ribs, and we did have to reset her spine. We did put her in a drug induced coma to help her or she'd be in extensive pain. We'll have to keep her here until further notice." "Will she be able to be airlifted back to Quantico" I asked.
"Maybe after a few weeks; I'd say three" the doctor answered. I turned to the others and said "I'm staying here with Madeline. Contact Hailey and have her get Jack up here to stay with me." "Will do Hotch" Rossi answered. I saw JJ look at me as I looked in the window of Madeline's room. "Hotch; we're all wondering about you and Madeline. Do you have feelings for her" JJ asked. "Yes I do JJ. It's just that she's afraid to fall in love again after she was hurt" I replied. "I think maybe she'll find her way to you" Morgan commented. I could only hope that maybe that would be true and I promised to myself at that moment I wouldn't leave Madeline's side until she opened her eyes once more.