A/N: Tag to 6x06 "Devil's Night". And in case you're interested, I am almost finished with the final chapter of Memories You Share, so it should be posted relatively soon.
Rossi couldn't deny that the fear he'd felt when Hotch entered the house had been quite enough for him to reconsider his decision not to be too pissed at the younger man for entering the house before that. The burning house before that. But to be entirely honest, he would have done the same himself and it had probably been the best option. They knew fairly well what made Kaman tick and Hotch would have had time to get out, having being careful to place himself in the doorway. And the fact that there had been a kid involved made up for a lot of danger.
Still, they needed to talk about it and Hotch had probably figured that much out for himself, as he showed no surprise when Rossi took a seat opposite him; only neatly closing the folder in his hands and looking up at Rossi.
"So… a burning house, huh?" Rossi began. Hotch nodded, looking very composed.
"Yes," he said, "and before you start yelling, let me explain. The man in there quite possibly had information that could stop a spree killing. I made the call that I could get in and out without any substantial danger."
Not quite able to decide whether Hotch was being flippant or not, Rossi raised an eyebrow. "'Without substantial danger'? Aaron, the building exploded."
"When we were twenty feet away," Hotch replied calmly, "I made a call, Dave."
That was what it really came down to, Rossi supposed. He normally didn't second-guess Hotch and if the younger man really thought his decision had been the right one, Rossi was inclined to agree. He had trained him, after all.
"You'd do it again?" Rossi asked, carefully keeping his expression blank. Hotch nodded.
"I would."
"All right, then" Rossi said and he had to admit that the brief look of confusion on Hotch's face was rather satisfying.
"That's it? You're not… angry?"
Rossi shrugged. "Like you said; you made a call. You didn't rush headfirst into danger because of some self-destructive urge. You're a good agent, Hotch, and I trust your judgment. Most of the time."
Hotch frowned briefly, thoughtfully, before he gave Rossi an evaluating look.
"That's good," he said, "Because I did make the right decision."
"I believe you," Rossi replied, spreading his arms, "You're the boss, after all."
"I'm glad you approve of my position," Hotch drawled teasingly, smiling wryly. He was probably glad, although it couldn't exactly be news to him that Rossi was proud of the job he did.
"I'll still yell if you mess up, though."
With a soft chuckle, Hotch nodded. "Got it," he confirmed and for a moment they were both silent, Hotch looking out the window and Rossi watching Hotch look out the window. Even with JJ's recent departure Hotch was looking better than he had for a long time; more relaxed and considerably happier. Most of it could probably be attributed to the time spent with his son.
"You doing anything particular tonight?" Hotch asked after a while, turning to look at Rossi again.
"Actually ," Rossi began, throwing a look behind him at Reid's outstretched from on the couch, "I think I'm going to a Phantasmagoria show."
