Return to Work

On Monday he woke up and got ready for his first day back at work. Emily smiled sadly from her bed as she saw him change into his suit and tie. This was the man she'd fallen for and he was going back to work after a month off to try and sort his life out. A month off to recover from the last two years and recover from his injuries.

He went over and kissed her on the lips quickly. She draped her arms over his shoulders and kissed him back pulling him towards her.

"Emily, if I don't leave now I'm going to be late," he said trying to pull away.

"I know," she answered sadly.

"I'll be home tonight and if there's a case out of state I'll call you."

"I know. I'm just being selfish. Go save the world."

"You just love me, Em, and we lost a lot of time together. I will make up for it."

"You already have," she smiled getting out of bed. "We had three fantastic weeks in Italy. Go make me proud and be the best god damn Unit Chief I know you are."

"Love you too, darling."

"Have a great day at work, handsome."

"I will," he smiled back at her then left.

He headed off to the office and went straight to his office. He sunk back in his chair and felt like he was home. He smiled at the photo on his desk of his wife, two boys and himself. He'd probably have to update the family picture soon but he'd never take this one off his desk.

He smiled at it remembering the good times he'd had with his youngest son. He always wanted a reminder of Toby on his desk. He was gone but not forgotten.

He heard a knock on his door and looked up to see JJ. She smiled to see him back finally. It felt strange without him. It just hadn't been the same.

"Welcome back, Aaron. Nice to see you back. You look great," she smiled.

"Thanks JJ," he smiled back. "Nice to be back. I feel great."

"How was Italy?"

"Great."

She gave him the case files and he called the team into the conference room. He couldn't stop smiling inwardly as he headed there himself. It felt so good to be back. It was where he belonged as well as by Emily's side and with Jack.

He brought in the files and the books he'd picked up from his desk. The team filed in and all welcomed him back. He smiled back thanking them.

"Now there's a face I recognise," Dave smiled. "Glad to see Florence did you good."

"Thanks for booking it for us," he answered.

"Anytime. You both deserved it."

They all sat the table apart from Hotch who proceeded to hand out the case files and books. They were all a little puzzled when they were given a book by Vanessa Nicholls from their boss. They all took a look inside and saw they were signed. Did he know her somehow and never told them?

"How do you know Vanessa Nicholls?" JJ asked.

"I bumped into her on holiday," he smiled slightly.

"And she just gave you signed books?" Morgan asked raising an eyebrow.

"Guys, it's Emily's handwriting," Reid exclaimed.

Hotch just smiled back at him. He couldn't stop being so proud his wife was such a popular children's author. He was proud she'd used her time with their son and made something of it.

"Vanessa Nicholls is Emily?" Garcia asked.

"Yes she is," he smiled proudly. "She told me when he reached her Florentine villa."

"Good for her," Rossi smiled.

Hotch smiled back then looked down at the files. It was time to get back to work. He'd seen the case files and it was urgent. Two children had been taken from their school six hours ago. They all knew how time sensitive these cases were.

"Let's get to work," he ordered.

They all got to work and managed to find the children before the day was over much to his relief. It had affected him greatly. It reminded him of when Toby went missing. He only wished it had had a better outcome for him and his wife. He knew what had happened was always going to be a part of the man he was today. In some ways he could use it to help other parents.