A/N: Thank you to Natzinoo for reading, editing, and collaborating.

Chapter 21

~~~~~CM~~~~~

What do most people do when a divorce becomes final? Drinking at a bar, drinking alone, having sex with a total stranger, splurging on a new car… No, that last one was midlife crisis. Anyway, Hotch thought, he did not expect to be shooting a long range rifle when the call came in from his attorney.

Hotch put the rifle down, and answered his phone. It was all done. The judge approved the divorce with the spousal and child support agreements. His attorney recommended that Hotch have the Human Resources department change his payroll to direct deposit those amounts into Haley's bank account each month. Hotch thanked him and hung up. He would deal with HR next week.

He stood, feeling the sun warm his skin, and he took a breath. How did he feel? He wasn't angry or happy. Resigned, he was feeling resigned, with a hint of sadness. Dear God, he was melancholy. Not a good sign.

"You ready to lose?" A voice called from behind him.

Hotch turned to see Seeley Booth, FBI Agent and liaison with the Jeffersonian, approaching.

The FBI Section Chiefs had attended a leadership retreat, and decided to encourage inter-departmental cooperation through team building activities. There was a new event each week; from a city wide scavenger hunt (essentially doing their daily jobs, tracking down clues), a fun run (three-legged race around campus), obstacle course (for non field agents) and coming up tomorrow, a marksman contest.

"Seeley," Hotch shook his hand, both of them using a firm grip, "I never lose."

Seeley smirked, "Neither do I, Hotch. Neither do I."

The agents sent up their rifles and aimed for the targets. After a few shots, they took a look at the targets.

"Damn, Hotch. You are good."

Hotch was pleased with his grouping, two to the forehead and two to the heart, "Let's hope there isn't any wind tomorrow."

They laughed and chatted about the competition. There were six agents that would be considered potential competitors, one of which was out on a case. Their conversation veered off into interesting cases, as they set up again.

~~~~~CM~~~~~

It was the day of the competition. The agents would be going up in groups of four, and then they would be moved into the next bracket, before the best two agents would go head to head.

"Oh no," exclaimed Hotch when he turned around from setting up his rifle.

His team was standing behind the barricade and Garcia was holding up a large sign with the words: "HOTch STUFF." The letters were bold and covered in glitter, with the C and the H in Hotch in lower case letters. Essentially, the sign said Hot Stuff.

"Well, I have to go to HR on Monday anyway, might as well get it all over at once," Hotch told himself.

Eighteen agents competed throughout the morning, Hotch made it into to the top four before losing. Sure enough, Seeley Booth won. Hotch smiled as he watched Seeley's team from the Jeffersonian cheering him on.

"Oh man, Booth has a whole team of Spencer's and Penelope's," Morgan leaned over, "Come over to my house after this. I'm having a BBQ."

"I didn't see his team make a sign that would put them in sexual harassment training," Hotch answered dryly, "Thanks for the invite but I have Jack this afternoon."

"Even better! Prentiss is bringing her kids."

~~~~~CM~~~~~

Hotch drove to Haley's new townhouse. It was located in an older neighborhood, mostly retirees. Their house had sold quickly, surprising both of them. He felt like he could breathe a little easier, two rents did end up being a little less than the mortgage and rent on his place. They took the proceeds of the sale and split them, giving each of them a healthy savings account.

"Aaron, perfect timing. Jack just woke up from his nap."

Jack walked sleepily over to his father, his baby fine hair standing on end, "Dada!"

"Hi Buddy!" Hotch crouched down and hugged the boy, "You are so good at walking."

Haley puttered around the living room, straightening the throw pillows and picture frames, "He forgets he can walk sometimes. Or if he's walking too slowly, he will drop into a crawl and race around."

Hotch smiled at his son, and stood up, "Haley, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Aaron," a tight smile and wet eyes told another story.

He wanted to ask her what was wrong, to help her fix it, but they were beyond that point. She wouldn't be asking him for help. Hotch played with Jack for a few moments, swinging their hands together. "Are you sure? I don't want to pry."

"It's hard to adjust . We are divorced, officially. We live in different houses, and we don't talk about anything but Jack. I know we had problems but I miss talking to you."

Sitting down on the couch, Hotch pulled Jack up, arms outstretched, and plopped him on his lap. "I know, I want to talk to you all time but I hold back."

Haley sat on the other side of the couch, Jack hopping on his bottom between them, "We've been friends since we were sixteen. I know it's cliche but can we be friends?"

Hotch smiled, a genuine smile with dimples flashing and white teeth gleaming, "I would like that. Honestly, Haley."

"So Aaron, what's new with you? What have you been up to?"

Jack climbed back onto Hotch, poking his father with his fingers, "I visited Sean in New York. He runs that kitchen like a tight ship. He's doing well."

"Jess told me." Hotch raised an eyebrow at her statement, and Haley continued, "Apparently, they text about us a whole lot. They are worried."

"How about you, Haley? What have you been up to?"

"Now that I am all moved in, I have a little free time. I just had a job interview." Haley smiled, "It's a copy editor position. It's about ten hours a week, and I get to work from home."

Jack poked Hotch in the face, and Hotch pretended to eat his fingers causing Jack to scream gleefully. They repeated this a few times before Jack demanded to be put down.

"That's great. You aren't doing it for the money are you? I will support you." Hotch told her.

"No, no! I know you will, but it won't be forever, Aaron. I will work and support myself when Jack is older. This job would allow me to keep my skills up; besides I enjoy working."

"Good, then I am happy for you. When will you hear?"

"Next week, they said towards the end of the week. Now, what do you and Jack have planned for this weekend."

Hotch filled her in on the BBQ later that day, and a simple Sunday just hanging out, as she walked Hotch and Jack to the door. They parted ways, both feeling a bit lighter than when he had first arrived.

~~~~~CM~~~~~

A/N: I couldn't resist throwing in some Bones there… Mmmm Seeley Booth… This is not a cross over fic - it's just a bit of fun.