Work

It had been three months now. Three months since they'd found him. Three months since he'd left the hospital and come home. Now he was getting ready to go back to work and get the last thing back on track to live his life the way he had before. It was time to return to his job.

He was nervous but he knew he had to do this. He wanted his job back and this was the last piece in reclaiming his life back. He was Aaron Hotchner, Unit Chief of the BAU and today he'd finally be that man again. It was about time too. Everyone was thankful he was finally coming back and had been cleared for both duty and the field.

He'd finished seeing his therapist only a couple of weeks ago though she wanted a few more sessions to see how he was settling back in. He'd rolled his eyes at that but agreed he'd call her if he felt he needed to speak to her again. He didn't believe he would though he was thankful for all the help she'd given him. He felt a lot like himself again and she'd contributed to that.

Abby was developing really well which always made him smile. Every day he went to wake her up he would often find Jack sitting on the floor cross-legged just smiling at her. Jack absolutely adored being a big brother and Abby couldn't get enough of him. She always smiled at each member of her family but definitely had a special smile for her brother and her father. The way Jack was so gentle with her lifted Aaron's heart every time .

When Spencer informed him the team had had a tough case he'd usually try and bring the kids in to cheer them up remembering just how baby Henry then much later baby Michael had always managed to help them. Spencer still lived with them even though they hadn't yet made a step forward in their relationship. It was still currently at a standstill. Aaron was trying to work up the courage to be ready for a new relationship and was so grateful Spencer was waiting for that moment.

He stood in front of the mirror in his bedroom adjusting his tie nervously. He was back in one of his old suits and though he felt the most like him than he had recently he was incredibly nervous. He hadn't worked in just over a year. Had there been any developments in the job since then? Had there been any changes he had to reacquaint himself to? What about all the cases that had taken place in his absence? There was so much he had to make himself aware of.

Suddenly he heard a knock on the door and tore himself away from his thoughts to see Spencer in the doorway. He smiled slightly though the nerves were still apparent on his face. Spencer stepped in and placed his hand on Aaron's arm assuring him everything was going to be alright and that everyone was just as anxious to have him back. He just nodded and smiled back at him thankful for his support.

"Jessica's already downstairs," Spencer informed him. Aaron just smiled so thankful that Jessica had agreed to care for Abby during the day. With her now working at home she was able to keep an eye on his daughter while he was at work. "Ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," he replied actually looking at him for the first time rather than in through the mirror.

They both headed downstairs to see Jack already prepared for school and Jessica holding his three month old sister. Jack, much to Aaron's relief, had become a lot easier to get ready for school in the past three months and even eager. All he had left to do was put his shoes and coat on. Even his lunch-box was already in his bag along with his school books.

Jack ran up to him immediately while Jessica smiled at them. "Good luck, dad," he beamed up at him. "You're doing to do just as great as always. You're the best there is."

"Thanks buddy," he smiled back down at him kissing the top of his head.

"Love you, dad."

"Love you too,buddy."

Jessica then handed Abby over to her father who held her gently in his arms. He stroked two fingers over the hairs on the top of her head smiling down at her while she looked back up at him with her beautiful, brown eyes. She moved closer to his fingers as the stroking calmed her.

"I love you, princess," he smiled down at her kissing her forehead. "Daddy's got to go to work today but will hopefully be home soon. Until then Auntie Jessica and Jack will be looking after you. Remember to be a good girl for them and that daddy loves you."

She smiled up at him and then he handed her back to her aunt picking up his briefcase. Leaving with Spencer and locking the door he heard the sound that pierced right through his heart and almost broke through the armour he'd put back on that morning. He was about to go back in when Spencer laid his hand on his arm.

"Aaron, she's safe..." he assured him.

"But she's crying," he answered concerned.

Spencer placed his hands on Aaron's arms and repeated, "Aaron, she's safe. She's with Jessica and you know she'll take just as good care of her as she has Jack."

Aaron nodded hearing her tears stop but looked up at him vulnerably. "I know, it's just..."

"Aaron, I understand. I know it's hard..." Spencer looked down and added, "I know they're not my kids but it was hard for me too when I went back to work."

Aaron placed his hands on Spencer's face and answered, "They will be."

Spencer just smiled slightly but knew Aaron still wasn't ready. He hoped he would be soon though. "Let's get to work."

He just nodded and they got in the car heading to the BAU. Once they got there they showed their badges and rode the elevator up to the bullpen. Though he was nervous he felt, taking a deep breath, it was so good to be back.

Suddenly he heard someone say, "Welcome back, trannie."