Chapter 12

Maria and Hotch soon found themselves at Sweet Cece's with the kids in tow. After the bird incident, they really needed some good frozen yogurt.

"Mmm, strawberry shortcake," Maria moaned as she took a bite out of her yogurt, "this is the best. Peter got this every time we came."

"May I?" Hotch asked. He took a bite of it with his spoon.

"And I can see why," he quipped, "it's delicious."

"What did you get, Aaron?" Maria asked.

"Blueberry," Hotch answered.

The kids were eating their treats and playing in the kids area right across from the couple. They were the only ones in the store.

"The new Princess Theater is open," Maria said, absentmindedly.

"Do you and the kids wanna go see a movie?" Hotch asked.

"Maybe tommorow," she answered quickly.

"Last time we went to the theater-"

"I know," Hotch said, "but life goes on. Time passes. You're doing so well, Maria. You completed your sessions. You can do this. Besides, they're showing The Lion King in 3-D. You don't wanna deprive your kids of a great Disney movie, do you?" Hotch joked.

"But-"

Hotch put a finger to her lips.

"I will be right there the whole time. And we're going to sing "Hakuna Matata" like there's no tommorow. And after that, we will go for Mexican food. Capiche?"

"Capiche," Maria said.

Then, slowly, Hotch leaned in and kissed her. He pecked her on the face.

"I'd never thought I'd see the day," Maria snarked, "SSA Aaron Hotchner cracks a joke and kisses me—in the same day!"

The five of them walked slowly into the theater. The kids were squabbling over seats. Jack was trying to be the negoiator.

"Hey, I'll sit on the end so you two can sit together," Jack said.

"But then you'll block the view," Jackie argued.

"Jackie, listen to Jack," Maria sighed, "he's the son of an FBI agent. He knows what he's talking about.

Maria was grabbing onto Hotch's hand as they walked to their seats.

Then, the lights went down. Maria grabbed onto Hotch's arm.

"It's alright, I'm here," he assured.

"It's so dark," she whispered.

"I know. Shh. The movie's starting," he whispered.

The kids sang every song. Pretty soon, the whole theater was singing I Just Can't Wait to Be King. Well, everyone except Jack. He'd never seen the movie.

"You have sheltered Jack so much!" Maria laughed.

"That's one of the things Haley and I regret," Hotch remarked, "he was more into superheroes."

"I'm right here," Jack whispered, "and it ain't my fault I don't know the songs!"

"That was amazing!" Jack exclaimed.

"I knew you'd like it," Zane answered.

Maria was bawling.

"The Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight get me everytime," she wailed.

Hotch pulled her into a hug. They both knew that was only part of the reason why she was crying.

"You're alive!" she exclaimed to all three children, "we made it!"

They ran and hugged her. Hotch was amazed that Jack had taken to Maria so well.

"And Aaron-" she ran over and kissed him.

"GROSS!" all three kids exclaimed at the same time.

Hotch laughed and said, "I think this calls for a little celebration at Los Pinos.

"Me too," Maria sighed, "I need a burrito."