A/N: Hey all. Here's the next chapter. It's a short one, but I still hope you'll enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.

Chapter 12: Mending:

Hotch sat back in a big leather armchair, uncomfortable, though, he was sure the chair was made to do just the opposite. He didn't feel right, sitting there. His arms crossed over his chest, he sat with his back stiff, unmoving, and not moved at all by the considering look on the psychologist's weathered face.

Dr. Rachel Carson had greeted him cordially enough, but he just couldn't get relaxed in the fifty-something years old office. It was a known fact that Aaron Hotchner and speaking about feelings just didn't mix, like oil and water. Aaron Hotchner and psychologists were even worse, magnesium-and-water-like, potentially explosive.

After five minutes of sitting silently, observing each other, he finally blurted out, "This is a mistake!"

"Why is it a mistake?" Dr. Carson replied levelly and calmly.

"Because," he began harshly, "talking about it isn't going to bring him back. It isn't going to change the fact that I should have spent more time with him when he was—"

He cut himself off abruptly. He did not want to discuss this.

"No," she said gently into the sudden quietness. "You're right, it won't. But talking about Jack's death—" He winced visibly. "—may make you feel better."

His response to that was more silence. What right did he have to 'feel better' when his son was gone? None, as far as he was concerned.

"Mr. Hotchner" the doctor started, after considering him with a shrewd eye. "Are you a danger to yourself?"

"No!" he said quickly, tone gruff. And then more softly, "No…"

The doctor remained quiet; Hotch tried to read her face but it was a blank. She was taking her cues from him and he had no idea where he was going.

"Look… I just… I don't know how to go on when everyone I love is gone…" he confessed, surprising himself.

Dr. Carson nodded, consulting the file in front of her. "I understand there's a woman in your life, a… Jennifer…"

JJ! His eyes widened in alarm; he'd been unaware that the doctor would know so many details about his personal life.

"… is she not someone you love?" she finished.

Did he love her? From what Rossi had said she, apparently, loved him. But was it real? Would they have come together if it wasn't for Jack's death? Did that even matter, considering the what if's?

His mind was racing a mile a minute from so simple a question.

"Here's what I want you to do," she suddenly interrupted his thoughts. "I want you to go home today, consider the question I've posed to you. But, also, think about anyone else you may care for and who care for you in return. Come back in a few days and let me know what you've found."

He gave the woman a dry look. "That's it?"

"Yes."

Hotch continued to stare at her incredulously.

"Mr. Hotchner," she continued. "You say you aren't a danger to yourself, I'm inclined to believe that as I see no evidence to discredit you. But, you need help. It's obvious from our brief chat that you believe yourself unworthy."

He opened his mouth to, well, he didn't know what. Protest? No, she was right on the button. He was so not worth it. But still, it was a bit disconcerting to hear it said out loud.

Dr. Carson put up her hand. "I assure you, you are worthy. And I'm sure Jennifer thinks so, as does David Rossi."

He shut his mouth, unsure of what to say. They sat in silence for a minute or two. "Is that all?" he blurted out.

She chuckled, good-naturedly, looking at her watch. "We've still got another forty-five minutes. So, shall we talk some more, or will we continue on in silence?"

Hotch studied the doctor carefully; she could wait him out, he could tell. He let out a resigned sigh.

"So what will it be, Aaron, I can call you Aaron, can't I?"

This was hell, he concluded.

"Mommy, where are we?"

JJ glanced in her rearview mirror at her little boy strapped into his seat. She looked back at the building unsurely, and then glanced over her shoulder.

Giving Henry a half smile, she answered, "We're waiting for Hotch."

Henry gave her a quizzical look. "And then we go home?"

She shook her head, realizing it'd been awhile since the two of them had set foot in their own home. She missed it. But she knew her place right now was at Aaron's side. "Sorry, sweetie, we're going to stay at Hotch's tonight."

Her little boy stared back at her solemnly, a look she knew a child his age shouldn't have known. But he did. Because Jack was his friend, too.

"Hotch still sad?"

How did she answer that question? Of course he was still sad. His heart was broken. But did she want to tell Henry that? Probably not.

"He misses Jack a lot," she settled on.

"Me too," Henry murmured.

The car was silent for a few minutes. A tap on the passenger side window startled her. She looked up to see Hotch standing there, a somewhat serene look on his face. That surprised her even more.

Quickly, she unlocked the door and he pulled it open. "Hey," he greeted, climbing in.

"Hotch!" Henry exclaimed excitedly, causing JJ to wince.

She watched him turn his head sharply to see Henry in the back seat. "Henry?" he said in surprise.

JJ glanced at her son who practically beamed at Hotch. Her son had always looked up to him. She held her breath waiting for Hotch's reaction.

"It's good to see you," he said flatly, turning back to face the front.

She let out a sigh of relief, starting the car. When she let her gaze settle back on Hotch, she was troubled to see the pained look on his face.

Well that's it for this one. Next chapter: JJ explains Henry's presence. Hotch shares a touching/heartbreaking scene with Henry. And Hotch discusses his apprehension concerning the little boy with Dr. Carson. And hopefully this chapter will be up soon.

Thanks to everyone who's taking the time to read this and to those who are taking the time to review: CMfandoodle (thanks! I'm trying to make it as realistic as possible); Guest (thx! I took chapter length cues from myself, ending them when I knew I was done for); whimsical-one-ga; jekkah (thx! I thought it was time to show how this is all affecting JJ's side of things); and smorgan (we'll be seeing more of Hotch's feelings towards Henry's presence next chapter; thx for the review!).

Thanks again! Comments and such are much appreciated.