NOTE: These are a great way to explore the characters in a more in depth way. They are also a really great way to beat writers' block. Enjoy!
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Aaron turned to the next page, which showed a picture of Sandra, apparently unconscious, in a hospital bed. Aaron saw Nicholas holding Sandra's hand with two of his own and he was crying. After this was taken, Garcia told them that she took the picture because the look on Nicholas' face was so intense, so moving, that she thought it needed to be immortalized. Sandra briefly froze; thankfully, the gesture was missed.
"What happened there?"
A slight pause. "I got hurt on the job," said Sandra. "You were outside with your grand parents…"
*flashback*
"You can see her now," said the doctor.
"Take me."
The nurse led him in, and he went straight to her bed. He pulled up a chair and sat by her side. Nicholas took Sandra's hand and didn't let go. It was all he could do. He refused food and drink, rest, even the company of Aaron. He didn't pick up his cell phone either, not for work, not for his mom, not for anyone.
He'd been sitting there for half an hour when the door opened. Nicholas looked up. JJ came in. She pulled up a chair and sat opposite Nicholas. She looked him in the eyes. "You know this isn't your fault."
Still holding Sandra's hand, Nicholas looked up. "I know. I've been with Sandra long enough to know what could have happened, had I not called Hotch as quickly as I did."
JJ nodded gravely. "You still look guilty. Don't feel like that. It isn't your fault."
Nicholas met her piercing gaze. "It's not guilt I'm feeling."
"Wanna talk about it?"
Nicholas sighed. "Everyday, I worry. The team faces the worst people I've ever heard of. I know she's capable of defending herself and that the team won't let anyone get hurt, but I can't help it."
JJ looked at him with sympathetic eyes. "Will feels the same way, and I know Hayley did too. It's perfectly normal."
"I know." He looked down at her sleeping face, now peaceful.
When he didn't speak again, JJ stood up. "Just know that we're here if you need us."
Nicholas looked up. "Thank you."
*end flashback*
"Do you get hurt on the job often, Mom?" asked Aaron.
"Not often, Aaron. It depends on the case," replied Sandra.
"What was the worst?"
Sandra sighed. "Do you remember you and your father being taken? You were four."
"All I remember is a huge garage. And a menacing voice."
Sandra smiled tearfully. "Good." She hugged him tightly. "Until the Angel Slayer threatened my family, I was questioning whether to stay. Facing the scum of the earth every day wears on you eventually. More and more, the abyss swallows your humanity; I was seriously thinking about leaving the team. And then he came and took you two." Sandra kissed Aaron's head, the way she does when she's upset. "I knew then what I would do. I'd stay with the BAU so I could prevent another wife and mother from feeling the same way." Sandra and Aaron locked eyes. "And that has made all the difference."
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NOTE: The last line is rather like Robert Frost, isn't it? Oh well. It's a good line.