Author's Note: While this chapter continues with the darkness of our couple's situation, there is a glimmer of light. It is the light known as the bond of true friendship.

Chapter 12 – The Postman

Satisfied that Aaron was sleeping soundly, Cait left his room and talked briefly with Marissa about him. Cait knew her abilities and trusted her judgment. Cait thanked her and walked down the hallway to find Dave.

One look and Dave knew she was struggling. With everything Cait had been through in her adult life, she could be as tough as nails. But she was human; she had a heart and after finding love after all this time, her heart was breaking. Dave's was breaking for her and, for Aaron. He put his arm around her and they silently left the hospital. Dave followed her home, keeping a constant vigil on his rear view mirrors.

Cait kept it together while she drove the city streets. Yet, as soon as her SUV wheels hit the freeway, the tears began to flow. She cried for Aaron; not just the physical wounds, but for the losses he faced. She hurt for having to lie to her sons. It went against every grain of her parental skills. And she cried for herself. She had just got this wonderful man in her life and soon he would be gone. She wiped the tears as she drove.

Dave noticed what was happening in the vehicle in front of him and picked up his cell. "You OK?"

"I'm fine."

"Cait, I'm not blind and you're a lousy liar." Normally, a remark like that would get an immediate stinging barb in return from the spirited Caitlyn Barkley, but she said nothing. "Hey Cait, where's that 'I get my strength from my faith?' You've leaned on it before sweetheart. Goodness knows now would be the time to lean on it extra hard."

Cait remained quiet for a moment, and then took a deep breath. "Thanks Dave, I needed that. I've always thought if wasn't for your libido, you would have made a fine priest." He laughed and hung up.

Cait drove for a few more minutes, thinking at length about what Dave said. As she wheeled towards home, she prayed silently and then reached for her cell, calling Jamaal and Lisa. They were more than just neighbors; they were, like Dave, her closest and dearest friends. And they and Aaron had already begun to form that special bond. Cait filled them in on the entire situation. She knew they could be trusted. And they too, would notice unfamiliar vehicles in the area. Plus, Jamaal was the principal at Matt's school. She made arrangements for him to bring the boys home tomorrow so she could spend the day at the hospital.

After she got home and the boys in bed, Cait realized she was exhausted. Double-checking the doors, she set the alarm and headed to bed. But sleep was elusive; she was used to sleeping alone on weeknights, however this was different. As she rolled, she went to the other side of the bed. It smelled like Aaron. She took in a long scent and fell asleep.

The next morning as she drove them to school, she told the boys about a faculty meeting that had been called for that afternoon. She gave them the details of getting home with Jamaal. "Don't worry, mom. We'll be fine," Matt assured her.

Early that afternoon, it just happened the entire team was in the break area of the BAU. After the day they had yesterday, the coffee maker was getting a workout. "Has anyone heard how Hotch is doing?" Prentiss asked.

"I talked to him this morning," Rossi replied. "The doctor had been in. They were going to move him out of CCU and into a regular room this morning. This afternoon, they hoped to get him sitting up in a chair and on solid food."

"Oh good, I can go see him then," commented Garcia.

"I don't think that's such a good idea, kitten," Dave said. He knew Cait would be there and Aaron had asked him to not tell the team about the two of them when he first discovered their secret. And yet, Dave noticed the disappointed look on Garcia's face and the questions on the others. "You all know Hotch. He wouldn't want you to see him like that. Wait until he gets home. That's when he could really use the company. He's going to be off for a while and will be stir crazy in that apartment."

"That's the truth," Morgan agreed.

"Why don't you all go see Reid," Dave suggested.

"Spence would like that," JJ added.

Cait walked into Aaron's room after getting a little lunch and found him sitting in a chair. Having talked to Laura Zwerling at length that morning, she had gotten a complete update on his condition. "Well this is a good sign," she smiled as she walked over and gave him a kiss. "How do you feel?" she asked as she ran her hand through the side of his hair. The move from CCU to his private room had taken a toll and Aaron had slept most of the morning.

"I don't have a bunch of tubes running out of me, so I guess that's a good thing." he said as he grabbed her hand to hold it. "How are the boys?"

"They're fine. Mike aced his history test yesterday, so he's on Cloud Nine."

Aaron smiled. "That's good to hear." He turned serious. "Have you thought about what you're going to tell them about us?"

"Aaron, all I've thought about is you getting better and out of here. I'll worry about that when the times comes. And you just concentrate on getting your strength back."

He rolled his eyes. "Oh good, I have to deal with another 'medical professional'" he said sarcastically.

"Yes, you do," she laughed as she gave him another kiss. Cait was bound and determined to keep his spirits up. "But how many people get to say they played "doctor's office" with a real doctor?"

"Please don't make me laugh, Cait. I'm still pretty sore. And I really don't think getting a hard on would be a good idea either."

A nurse came in. "Agent Hotchner, it's time for you to lie back down, and I need to grab a round of vitals."

The rest of the afternoon they talked and Aaron napped a bit until there was a knock at the door. "Mind if I come in?"

"Hi Sam. This is Dr. Caitlyn Barkley."

"Oh, I'm sorry Doctor. Am I interrupting? Kassmeyer asked, shaking Cait's hand.

"No, I'm not here on a professional basis. Aaron and I are in a relationship."

"Cait, Sam is the US Marshall assigned to Jack and Haley. Do you have an update for me?"

"Yes. We've got them at a half-way house and should have them placed by the end of the week. They're safe Aaron and I will do everything to keep them that way."

"I appreciate that Sam."

"You get better. Haley has been asking for an update. I'll let her know. And I'll let you two be together. I'll keep you in the loop Aaron."

"Thanks Sam."

The days passed quickly and Cait spent as much of her free time as she could at the hospital. Between Dave's book and a "situation" with the faculty, she was able to keep the boys from knowing something was wrong. And Dave had been wonderful, taking them out for pizza one night. But she knew that soon she would have to break the news to them. The last night Aaron spent at the hospital was horrible for both of them.

As she got home that Friday night, she went upstairs to check on the boys. They were in the den outside of their bedrooms playing video games. "Hey mom, when is Aaron coming?" Matt asked.

"Boys, can you pause that please. I need to talk to you." Mike hit the pause button and both of them looked intently at her.

"Did something happen to Aaron?" Matt asked. Cait winced inside. Having turned 15 that March, Matt was maturing into a young man and had noticed her distress.

"No, Aaron is fine. It's just that," she struggled for the words of her lie. "Aaron and I are having some problems. He won't be coming this weekend."

"Mom, what happened?" Matt asked as Mike questioned, "When is he going to come back, mom?"

"Please boys, one at a time. What happened is between us and I don't know if he's coming back for a while. We have some things to work out. I know this is very hard for you to understand. And I know this hurts. I'm hurting too. I just need you two to understand and be patient and supportive." They both nodded and gave her a hug.

"We're here for you mom," Matt stated.

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

(TB)

Aaron was lying on his couch when his cell rang on the coffee table. "Hotchner," he simply said.

"How are you doing," Dave asked.

"They did a horseshit job of painting the ceiling in this place."

"At least your lying down and taking it easy. Listen, a neighbor of mine made a turkey hotdish last night. She gave me some. I'll bring it over tonight after work. You need anything?"

"Yeah, I don't have any beer. Or milk for that matter."

"Why don't you make a grocery list and fax it to me. That will give you something to do."

"Thanks Dave. See you later."

(TB)

The next week, the phone rang in Rossi's office. "Agent Rossi."

"Dave, I need a favor."

"Anything Hotch. Name it."

"Have Garcia gather every file we have on Foyet and bring them over."

"Aaron, what part of 'recuperation' do you not understand?"

"God dammit Dave, I'm going crazy here. I've got to have something to do. And that is the only thing I can think about. He's threatening my son's life. And his mother's. Please, Dave, do this for me."

"I'll have them delivered this afternoon."

"Thanks. Could you stop over tonight? There's one more thing I need you to do."

"Sure, I'll see then."

Later that evening, Dave knocked on Hotch's door. He heard the safety chain slide off and the door opened. "Hotch; I don't have a lot of time. JJ just called. We have a case."

Hotch walked over to the coffee table and picked up an envelope and handed to him. "Would you mind being the postman? It's for Cait. I have to keep in contact with her somehow. I need her."

Dave took the envelope. "I'll be postman for you two." He gave Aaron's arm a rub. "Take care of yourself."

"You too; all of you."

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