7/X01 It takes a village 7X02 Proof
Katie heard the front door open. She was surprised her dad was already home and before 7. She hoped he was ok. She knew how emotionally draining those cases could be. She ran downstairs to see him removing his suit jacket. He glanced up to look at her in the mirror. That's when she saw a very nasty looking black eye. "OH my God, are you all, right? "She asked." What happened? Who hit you?"
"Morgan."
"Morgan? Why would he do that?"
"I lied to him to all of them," he replied not giving her eye contact.
Katie was shocked to hear those words spoken by her father. "Why would you do that?" Look at me dad, what's going on?"
"Emily is alive."
"What? She is? You had to fake her death to keep her safe, didn't you?" At his nod, Katie gave him a hug. "Oh dad, I forgive you. After all, Emily is alive. Do you know what that means? You have a second chance to let her know how you feel."
"I do?"
Yes, dad I've known it for a long time now. Her 'death' proved it. I saw how much you missed her. I saw how much you cared for her. In the way you spoke about her and when you were together. And I'm sure she missed you. I saw how she loved you too. Remember you had all of us, but she had no one wherever she was,"
"You're right, Katie, which is why I invited over for dinner tomorrow."
"Good," she said with a smile? Any requests? Uncle Dave taught me how to make veal scallopini. He said it's amazing."
"Sounds good. Now, I need an icepack."
He just didn't really seem all that enthusiastic about any of this. Maybe he thought Derek would be more understanding about this. She decided he need to have that looked at. It was really swollen and shed seen him with black eyes before, but this was worse. Did Derek hit him hard enough to break a bone? Katie called Dave to have him look. Maybe she was wrong.
Hotch was in his room looking in the mirror when there was a knock at the door. "Come in, Katie."
But it wasn't Kattie. "Dave, what brings you here?"
"A concerned daughter."
"Why did she call you?"
"Aaron, you're looking at the reason in the mirror. You should have gone to the infirmary. Morgan can pack quite a punch."
"I'll be okay. It doesn't hurt to bad."
"Right. Come on, lets go to the ER. If not for me, go for Katie. You're going to give that girl ulcers before she's 30.
"What's wrong, Em? You're going to have dinner with Hotch, right?
"Of course, I am but I need to share something important,"
"of course!"
I don't think I love him anymore. The absence makes the heart grow fonder thing didn't happen for me. I met someone. He was one of the Marshals assigned to my case.
Katie waited in the ER waiting room. Dave finally came out 45 minutes later. "The doctor was amazed your dad was able to drive home. He's in much more pain than he let on."
"Of course, he is, why does he have to act so macho all the time? And where's Derek, I want to talk to him, I have the urge to kick something."
"Stay out of it. This happened at work, so I'll handle it there."
No way was she going to listen, not when someone she cared about was hurt. She would let him speak and try to be understanding but that didn't mean there wasn't a possibility of surgery for the injury. Katie arrived at the office at her dads appointed time. She saw the team in the bullpen.
"Katie, Emily said, where's your dad and shouldn't you be in school.?"
"Dad is at home after spending all night at the ER due to being punched in the face," she added, glaring at Derek. His orbital bone is broken and its so bad that if it doesn't heal within the week, he's looking at surgery. I get why you were angry, I do, but that was uncalled for."
Penelope entered the bullpen. The others didn't know how protective Katie had become of Hotch since Emily's Supposed death. Apparently, they were in love, but she became distant in the wake of Doyle.
Penelope placed a hand on the teenagers shoulder. She wanted to get her home. "Come on Katie, let's go."
Everyone was silent after Katie left, finally Emily spoke up. "You hit hotch?"
"Yeah. I didn't think I hit him that hard though."
"You were mad that he said I died."
"I was."
"It was my choice, not his. Don't be mad at him, please."
They all saw the look in Emily's eyes, , and this was hard on both him, Katie too."
Emily watched as Katie served them dinner. She refused to let either do anything. "Water dad?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Emily, what would you like?
Water is fine."
"You can have wine," hotch told her.
I feel bad."
"Don't, I'm on painkillers its ok."
"There you go, "Katie told them. I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything."
"Thanks, Katie Kat."
Emily watched as he cut the veal into tiny pieces. She didn't know how to bring up the conversation they needed to have.
"Em, are you ok?"
"I have something important to tell you."
He wiped his mouth and set the fork down. "Go ahead."
Taking a breath, "Aaron, I don't think this is going to work out."
"Why do you say that?"
"You're my direct supervisor and I do not want to ruin your career."
"I don't care about that, I care about, you, Emily."
"You would have a rough time adjusting to a temp assignment at a desk but if you were fired because I married you, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."
"Its no longer against policy," he said, "the rules have become a little mor relaxed due to the stress of the job."
"Well, that makes this a bit harder then. Aaron, I fell in love in Paris with Marshall Mark Simpson. I didn't mean for it to happen, it just did. I was lonely and he was there. I'm sorry."
"No don't apologize, I understand. That doesn't change my feeling for you. I'm still your friend."
7X14 Closing Time 8x10 Bittersweet Science
A few months later Katie was concentrating on her college applications. She was not going to go too far from home, but she needed to determine her major. She finally decided on prelaw at Mary Baldwin university, where her dad went. She looked at the clock and realized she was going to be late for school if she didn't hurry and get her things together. She put her application in an envelope just as her dad came home dripping with sweat, he gave her a hug.
"Ew, take a shower first! How was your run?" she asked. He was silent as he drank water then gave her a smirk. "What?'
"Nothing."
"Riiight. You seem bouncy this morning. I haven't seen you like that in a long time. You met someone!"
"I hope your not going to try to join the BAU"
"Oh, come on dad. Tell me!"
"No when I say something Dave ends up knowing before I can actually accomplish anything,"
"Interesting. What's her name?"
"Stop it and go to school."
"So… Beth?"
"Dave?"
"She sounds like a lovely woman. I heard you're 'training' together for the triathlon."
"And where did you hear that?
"A little bird told me."
"Don't you mean a Kat?" Aaron asked. Knowing full well it was Katie."
"Something like that, don't be so serious, she's happy for you. I am too. Its like riding a bike they say."
8X03 through the looking glass 8X04 God Complex 8X06 the apprenticeship
Hotch and Rossi cheered as Katie went up to bat. It was the last softball tournament of her high school career. He team was up by five points, and she was their star player.
"You know, "Morgan said. It sucks that family can't play on the FBI team. We could clean up the CIA with little Hotch."
Rossi nodded, crossing his arms, and looked at Hotch. "One wonders how she got so good. God knows you aren't a ballplayer."
"Haley used to play, and Katie learned by watching old instructional videos she made years ago for the schools incoming freshmen."
Derek looked up when the familiar red car pulled into a parking spot. "Come on, Reid, your coach is here."
He turned to see Katie coming down the hill with her bat and glove. "Morning!" she said with a smile.
Reid stared at her a few minutes. He hadn't talked to her much lately because he'd been focusing on the other her lately. He felt bad but he just didn't feel the same about Katie as he used to. She was bright, yes, but not as bright as her.
He stepped towards the plate and then he felt Katie come up right behind him. "Okay position your feet like this at the plate. Good. Now hold the bat like this. Your hands should remain in this position, its called choking the bat. Then you swing, turning your hips."
Reid felt slight embarrassment as Katie held onto him, showing him how to swing the bat. Okay, now watch me. Ready Derek." Katie swung and hit the ball easily. "You try, Spence." He missed "That's ok, I didn't hit it my first time either." She heard him try to rationalize with physics.
"No, babe, don't think too much. You gotta feel it," she said, wrapping her arms around him again.
"Ok, I got it."
She let go and he hit the next ball that was sent his way.
"Awesome!" Katie cheered. "Keep at it, I have to go. Beth is coming over for dinner before she leaves town."
"Thanks, Katie, "Reid said
She gave him a swat on his butt "You're welcome babe!"
Derek just laughed at his shocked expression. "That girl has it bad for you. Don't mess it up, kid. Not only will she kick your ass, but Hotch will too."
8X13 Zugzwang
"What did you say, Penelope?" Katie didn't want to believe what she was hearing. He's been talking to someone. As in a girl? Maybe that's why he's been so distant. I tried to ask him if his headaches were getting any better. He just yelled at me and said he was fine.
"Well, according to Morgan, he had found this girl to talk to about how he was feeling. She didn't want to admit how disappointed she was. He found someone just when she turned 18, her magic number to date him. Katie tried not to let it bother her, but she had to admit that maybe she wasn't smart enough for Spence no matter how much knowledge she accrued. They never had long conversations about philosophers oy mythologies, not like she hoped. Does he talk to this girl about that? Maybe it was better this way. She would have more time to make friends her own age. Who was she kidding? Her last friend, Tanya framed her for drug possession. It was almost her high school graduation, would there be anyone in her class even remotely interested in being her friend? Its been four years and still nothing! Katie thought back to Gina. She met her in first grade, and they became inseparable but ever since she died no one even wanted to give Katie a chance, after all it was her fault Gina was killed.
"Well, this is pathetic, my only friends are my dad and his coworkers. What is my life even?"
Katie was about to head down to get a snack when she heard her dad on the phone. "I realize that Dave, but he lied to her. Its going to break Katies heart when she hears they've been talking for so long. No, I'm not going to tell her, he is."
Well, it sounds like it was all true. She told him all her insecurities and he just ignored it. Guess it was ok because he got what he wanted from the other girl. She wasn't going to be angry with him, after all he lost someone, he cared deeply for. She knew how that felt.
Reid sat in his apartment. He was sure no one would talk to him after how he treated Katie and lied about Maeve. There was a knock at the door. JJ and Penelope. He wasn't surprised it was them. He hoped Katie would show up. Maybe he could explain his actions to her if she even wanted to listen. She was the only one had open the door for.
That knock came. "Spence, its Katie, please let me in."
He got up to open the door. Once he did, Katie pulled him into a hug. "Oh, Spence, I'm so sorry about Maeve." To say he was surprised about her reaction was an understatement. Katie got angry easily when she was hurting but now, she was comforting him He placed a kiss on her forehead, "I'm the one who should be sorry I betrayed your trust and cheated on you."
"How can you say that you never even met her until yesterday. Besides we weren't officially together."
'Maybe not but that doesn't negate the fact that I stopped talking to you and relied on her. That wasn't fair to you, Katie, and I just want to apologize. You've been nothing but amazing to me and I appreciate all you've done."
"Oof course I accept your apology. Now answer Derek's phone calls before he gets Derek-like. Understand?"
Spence chuckled. "I do," he said, giving her a hug. "Thank you, Kit Kat."
That was the first time he ever called her by her nickname. She felt much better about their relationship when she left. They would get through this bump.
9X02 Fatal
Katie still didn't understand a career day for seniors most have already made their choices and sent in their applications. Well today was the day they would meet her dad and decide she wasn't worth being friends with. She sat quietly in her seat while the teacher introduced the first parent, Franklin Bonart, he was a corporate lawyer. This lawyer was full of crap. Blaming the police for his obvious incompetence. And now he started to pick on the FBI. Just wait until miss Landry introduces her dad.
"Ok class, our last parent is Kathryn's father Supervisory special Agent Aaron Hotchner as usual he was dressed in a blue suit with matching tie. He always seemed to look very handsome, but she never said that out loud because it sounds weird coming from his daughter.
She happened to notice all the girls in her class were staring at him and drooling. How embarrassing!
9X05 Route 66
So Hotch I heard a rumor that an entire class of senior girls were drooling over your presentation of the FBI. I wonder how many want to join us now.
"Katie said half the class," Penelope chimed in. "Looks like we have a new recruitment tool."
Hotch ignored the conversation and continued to talk, but he felt really dizzy and there was a sharp, burning pain in his abdomen. Before he could catch himself, he was falling to the floor
Katie was heading to lunch when the school secretary stopped her. "Kathryn, dear, your uncle called."
"Oh no, what happened?"
"Your father passed out at work, and he was taken to Quantico General."
She ran to her locker to get her purse, then rushed outside. Her hands shook as she reached into her purse to grab her ringing phone. "Uncle Dave, what's going on?"
"Still waiting to talk to the doctor. Can you drive or should I have someone pick you up?" By the way we have a case, but Penelope will be here waiting."
"Ok, you all be safe."
"I'm okay. See you soon. "Katie took a pit stop at Starbucks and got drinks for her and Penelope. She checked her phone before getting out to look at the text she got with his room number. Katie arrived to see Pen coming down the hall.
"How is he?"
"he's in recovery but they'll bring him up soon. Apparently, the scar tissue can cause pain and tightness in the nerve endings as well as inflammation. So basically, dad can't catch a damn break.
10X05 Boxed in
"Dad, Spence and I are going to a Halloween party tonight."
"Ok, just be home by midnight."
"You're giving me a later curfew?"
"Well, you'll be with an FBI agent."
"But I thought…"
"I can change my mind."
"Fine, midnight it is!"
"So, everyone has Halloween plans? Derek asked
Spencer was the only one to raise his hand "What are you doing, kid?
"I was invited to a costume party."
"What's your costume?"
"Clark Kent. Katie is going as Wonder Woman."
"Ooh The mild-mannered reporter is going to get it on this Friday!"
"What?" Reid asked nervously. No way! Don't talk about her like that!"
Derek turned to see why Reid's face was bright red. Hotch was standing behind him, arms crossed."
Hotch arrived home around 8, in time to see Katie in her costume. After Morgan's comment to Reid, he was paranoid about letting her go out in that costume.
"No."
"No?"
"You need to put on a different costume. Now."
"But dad, I don't have time or money to get a new one."
"I'm sure you have old costumes in the basement you can wear."
"Those will not fit me anymore, as you can tell I've grown up too. I'm not going to wear a Pokémon costume."
"Fine, you can go, but be safe."
"Thank you, I need to go. I'll see you later!"
Reid pulled up in front of the Hotchner home and Katie was outside. She looked amazing but he had to admit he didn't have a clue as to what wonder woman wore. He didn't even look it up. "Spence are you wearing the Superman t shirt under your dress shirt?"
"Yes, but I wasn't sure how to show it."
"Like this." Katie unbuttoned his shirt to the fourth button and opened it enough to see the S. she also loosened his tie. "There you go. They will be taking photos too. Come on!"
"Do you know the people who are having the party?"
"Of course, I do I'm not going to crash a random party. Let's go."
Spencer was a bit uncomfortable with this crowd, but he decided to stick it out because he couldn't leave Katie alone with them even if they were her friends. Katie was having a good time, but she felt bad because Spence didn't look like he was. "I have to go, Molly. I should really catch up with my date. "She went back towards the front of the house where she saw him heading. Then two guys shoved him out the front door. She pulled out her phone and went outside. There was no sign of him or the guys.
"Spence?" she called but no answer.
She really started to freak out when she heard fighting, fists hitting flesh. She walked around a huge bush to see the guys beating up Spencer. "What are you guys doing?" she exclaimed.
"I knew this guy was weak, he has a little girl to protect him. A little HOT girl," the guy said, getting up and moving towards Katie.
"Leave her alone! "Reid exclaimed "he wants to protect her now. How sweet." They picked him up and dragged him to a car. "Don't worry, sweetheart, well take real good care of him."
Katie ran to them, but they threw something at her. There was a flash and loud bang. She fell back to the ground and couldn't move. She heard muffled shouting and a ringing in her ears. Katie tried to sit up but had a hard time moving. "Spence!" she cried but knew it was useless. He was gone. The main questions were who were those kids and how did they get a flashbang? Katie couldn't take the dizziness anymore and lost consciousness.
"How does next weekend sound?"
"Sounds great, Aaron." Beth replied. Do you think Katie would be interested?"
"I'm sure, I'll ask her." That reminded him and he glanced at his watch "But it looks like she isn't going to make it home by curfew."
"Aw come on, dad. Cut her some slack. Its Halloween and she's on a date with someone you trust, right?"
Call waiting on his phone beeped, it was Reid. "Gotta, go I think I'm getting the 'sorry I'm late' call."
"Ok, don't be too hard on them. Talk to you soon."
"Hotchner. Reid, where are you two?"
"Sorry he's unavailable right now, so is she."
"Who is this? You do know you have the phone of an FBI agent, right?
"I do? Awesome. Was that girl his partner? She was pretty hot, but probably in the hospital."
"I'm the agent's supervisor and that girl is my daughter."
"Oops. Sorry she's been flash banged."
Aaron disconnected the call and called JJ to have everyone to meet at the office. He knew he should have said no to the party He loved his daughter and wanted her to have fun but damn if they weren't cursed or something. And now Reid was abducted again.
Hotch arrived feeling like he aged a hundred years. Penelope went up to him, handing him some coffee. "Sir, Katie is at the Virginia medical center. They said a flash bang went off. She was unconscious."
Penelope was in the conference room when they arrived. "What's going on?" Emily asked. "Where's Hotch?"
JJ entered "He's at the hospital with Katie. She found some kids beating up on Spence. When she tried to stop them, they tossed a flash bang at her."
"Oh my God," Emily said.
"Where's Reid?" Morgan wanted to know.
"She doesn't know."
"So that's it? He's taken down by high school students Katie knows. I'm sorry but she's as guilty as that Tanya girl who tried to frame her years ago."
Rossi went up to Morgan. "This girl has been through a lot. Sometimes I'm amazed at how sweet she can be. You already pissed her off by punching Hotch. You're going to blame her for this too? What could she have done to prevent this? She's still a child and not trained to deal with these kinds of people!"
Hotch moved to Katie's side when she stirred. "Dad?"
"I'm here, honey."
"Where's Spencer? Did you find him?"
"Not yet but Penelope is working on it."
Tears formed in her eyes ""I'm sorry, I couldn't help him. I'm useless, He's going to hate me forever."
"There is no way whatsoever that he'll hate you."
Jessica arrived with Aarons mom. "How's she doing?
"Physically the doctor said the ringing will subside soon, but she'll probably have headaches for a few weeks. She's worried about Spencer now."
"Of course, "Mary Hotchner said," She cares for that boy. I'm sure you'll find him."
"Thank you both for sitting with her, we have a lead on where he was taken."
"Good, just be careful, Aaron."
"I will mom."
The thing about her new boyfriend that Emily found annoying was how controlling he was. This did not happen in Paris, but only when she said she needed to work or visit with someone from her team. She went to sit with Katie for an hour and he swore she had been making out with Aaron. The more he acted like that the more she wanted to make out with Aaron just to prove to the bastard who was the better man. This was her fault she left Aaron for this jerk. Coming back here seemed to be his trigger to be an ass.
She decided that she needed and wanted to be there for the man she loved and his daughter.
"Where are you going, Emily?"
"None of your business."
"Going to visit Hotchner and his unhinged offspring? She probably got Dr Reid killed. She's lucky they didn't take her."
"That's a horrible thing to say, Mark"
"Fine, you leave this house, don't come back!"
She needed no further urging. Emily grabbed her car keys and drove off.
Mark growled when Emily left. How was she still fawning over him? She wont when she finds out that bratty teenager set up the good doctor's death. After all she was most likely distraught when she found out he cheated on her. Mark picked up his phone. "Tanya, tell Micah to set everything in motion."
"Okay dad!"
Reid woke up in a tremendous amount of pain. He saw someone coming towards him with a syringe in his hand. "What's going on? Where's Katie?"
"Probably in the hospital now. That happens sometimes when a flashbang goes of two feet away from you. Why worry about her? She's the one who set you up. Remember? She was having a good time and left you all alone."
