Monday Blues chapter 14

AN – Jack's chapter this time, Emily to come next.

With his tongue poking out slightly and concentration plastered all over his face Jack Hotchner lay on the floor of his dads hospital room carefully drawing a picture to brighten up a room that he'd decided was boring and needed something nice to cheer his dad up. Emily had to agree with him. That hospital rooms were very very boring, and she had to admire his determination to draw enough to colour the room. Quite a task to fill all the walls but judging by the mess he had on the floor, one that he was determined to achieve.

"Jack do you want some juice?"

"Sh." Was all she got back, and all she had heard from him for the last 45 minutes. Clearly he took after his dad for his level of concentration and determination to complete a task. She put her coffee down and got down on the floor pushing his juice towards him.

"Drink something please." She asked trying to distract him.

"I'm too busy." He retaliated quickly not stopping his colouring in of something that looked like a family portrait.

"Your dad would want you to keep drinking and eating even though you are working hard on pictures for him." Okay so it was a low blow bringing his dad into it but she was willing to try anything just to get him to stop for a bit to eat and drink.

"Yes. He would." A low slightly pained voice came from the bed causing Jack to drop his pencil and look up.

"DAD!" He was on his feet in seconds clambering on the chair Emily had been sat on, the grin he wore on his face was so wide it almost didn't fit. His eyes shone with tears of happiness as for the first time in days he looked his dad in the eyes.

"Hey buddy." Hotch smiled, no matter how bad he felt or how much of a headache he had, seeing his son made it all feel better.

"Dad I missed you so much. I thought.." He paused leaning down to rest his head on his dad's chest. "That you'd be... like mom."

"I'd never leave you buddy, never." Hotch assured quickly resting his hand on his sons back; the shake he felt was unmistakable and he knew his son was crying. "Come here..."

Jack didn't need a second invite, with a little help from Emily to avoid the wires and his dads injuries he clambered up and wrapped his arms around his dads chest sobbing into his hospital gown.

"I'm sorry dad, I'm so sorry... it was my fault that the man got you."

"It's not your fault buddy, I promise. I'm so proud of you for being brave for me."

A small face looked up at him his cheeks stained red with tears, confusion showing in his eyes as he contemplated his dad's words.

"But... You only came in to get me?"

"I know buddy. But I saw how brave you were for Aunty Jess, and for me, and how quick you got out when I asked you to. That makes you the bravest person in that bank."

"Really?" He sniffed sitting up stroking his hand over his dads arm, it was a comforting gesture, one he'd done since he was a baby. Aaron was fairly sure he wasn't aware of doing it, but when he was upset or needed his father's comfort he would stoke his hand across his arm gently.

"Of course. Braver than some FBI agents." Hotch smiled wiping a thumb under his son's eyes to wipe his tears away. "In fact, I think that makes you an honorary FBI agent. The youngest member of the BAU."

Jack's eyes lit up, the smile was instant and he audibly gasped at the idea, clearly that was a great thought for him that he was now an FBI agent... Just like his dad.

"We can't both be Agent Hotchner though can we cos that'd be confusing?"

"Well... since everyone calls me Hotch why don't you be Agent Hotchner and I'll be Agent Hotch."

"YEAH!" Jack shouted, the idea hit home and there was no stopping him now. "Agents Hotch and Hotchner fighting bad guys and helping everyone that needs it and no one can beat us ever. Right dad?"

"Sounds good to me buddy."

"I can't wait! Can I have a desk like you?"

"You can have Uncle Dave's desk?" Hotch promised.

"Oh wow I can't wait to tell Uncle Dave. He'll have to move all his boring man stuff off it though cos i need room for my toys as well."

Hotch chuckled hiding the wince of pain flashing over him, seeing his son happy and excited was the best medicine any father could hope for.

"Think you made his day Hotch." Emily stepped forward after enjoying a rare glimpse at the bond that father and son shared. It was wonderful to see that side of Hotch; he was such an amazing father despite any insecurities over his role he may keep below the surface.

"Emily?" Hotch tilted his head to look at her. It was his turn to show shock now, he hadn't really been aware of whom Jack was talking to. His half asleep, aching head had hidden that information, and only focused on his son's voice.

"Yeah." She smiled slightly embarrassed that he hadn't realised she was there. Mentally kicking herself for not thinking of his head injury and that he might now be fully focused just yet. "Rossi told me what happened and... I had to come."

TBC.