I'll admit this isn't my best work. If you're wondering why I did updates for this and Two Minds, the answer is simple: writer's block. Yep, it has won out again. While Brother My Brother is actually halfway done, my brain has shut down on it. Don't worry, I'll wrack my brain all night if I have to finish the others, maybe even do another update for these two. Enjoy.
"Hello, Aaron, please tell me you're off today," Hailey voice had completely woken Aaron up right then. Maintaining his composure, Aaron placed the freshly brewed coffee pot down.
"Yes, I am actually, why?"
"I need you to watch Jack for the day. My mother's in the hospital, and it's looking pretty serious."
Trying to ignore the rising panic, Aaron agreed. He had an hour before his ex-wife and son were to show up. This was not how he had planned for them to meet the girl he was currently seeing.
"Why the frown?" Hinata's tired voice asked from the kitchen entrance way. Aaron would have usually had a retort along with a move to have her return to her usual self, but instead he opted to give her a semi-serious look.
"Hailey's on her way to drop off Jack," he answered, and watched as Hinata's sleep-lidded eyes widened.
"O-Oh," she whispered, "If you want, I can be quick to leave..."
"No," Hotch said as he crossed the room and then placed a hand on her shoulder, "I want you to meet them."
The tension in her shoulder wasn't missed, and Hotch understood. When they had begun dating, Hotch had planned their times together around him having Jack. Partially because the divorce itself hadn't been finaled for long and partially because Hotch felt as though Hailey would cause a scene. Again, Hotch wanted to believe ex-wife was more clear-headed than most, but he knew the chances were slim in this situation. With the fact that Hinata was a younger woman and he was going to have to be honest about how long they had been friends and even dated, Hotch knew Hailey was going to throw accusations around, including the "did-you-sleep-with-her-while-we-were-still-married" arguement. Just great.
"A-Are you sure?" Hinata asked.
With his other hand cupping her face, his smile was small but genuine, "I promised I would try. I believe having you finally meet my son and even ex-wife would definitely show it."
Hinata's face reddened under his touch. Gently, Hotch brought her to him and held her close to his chest. Her stance was still had a bit of stiffness to it, showing she was still nervous about this whole situation. Aaron himself was, but he forced himself to relax as he kissed the top of her head and whispered sweet reassurances to her. After a while, Hotch suggested she take a shower to help calm her down.
While the sound of rushing water was heard, Aaron decided to make another fresh pot of coffee and even began making breakfast. By the time Hinata was done and dressed in a plain white T-shirt and jeans, Hotch had finished the pancakes, eggs, and was starting on the bacon. Shyly, Hinata had pulled out plates and silverware. The knock on the door happened just as Hotch was giving Hinata a thank you kiss.
"Let me break the news to them first," he said while removing a slightly damp strand of hair from her face. Hinata nodded stiffly, "You know, Jack loves to learn something new, so he'll like you."
"And Hailey?" she whispered just as another knock was heard.
Hotch closed his eyes in a deep second thought, "I won't let her touch you."
Hinata didn't look sure, but again nodded. Hotch gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before rushing to the door just as a third knock was heard. Hailey looked slightly annoyed as Jack instantly reached for his daddy.
"Daddy, did you make pancakes?" he asked as he stretched over Hotch's shoulder, "Smells good."
"That's right Buddy, hope your hungry," he said before setting Jack down, smoothing over his dark hair, "But I have to tell you and Mommy something."
Hailey raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms. She was clearly impatient and suspicous, but eventually gestured for him to continue. Hotch knew this wasn't going to end well.
"I've met someone," he said bluntly before looking down and giving Jack a small smile. The small boy gazed up at Hotch curiosly, "Someone special, and she's inside."
The anger in Hailey's eyes couldn't be missed. She had taken a step towards the door, but Hotch had given her a look that stoppd her in her tracks. He would not have Hailey charge in there and start a scene, not when Hinata's confidence was shaky and not in front of Jack.
"Really, does she work with you too daddy?" Jack asked also trying to look inside.
"No, buddy, she's someone outside of Daddy's job."
"What's her name Aaron?" Hailey asked suddenly.
Giving Hailey an annoyed look, Hotch stepped aside, "Her name's Hinata. She would very much like to meet the both of you," he used a tone that conveyed a warning: mess with her and you'll be sorry.
"It'll have to be quick," Hailey stated. Hotch nodded in understanding.
Hinata was sitting awkwardly at the dining room table, giving a shaky smile when she saw Jack and Hailey. Jack had walked up to her without hesitation, his questions coming out in succession like "how do you know my daddy?" and "did you know that my daddy's a superhero?". Hotch couldn't help but smile as Hinata's smile bcame a bit more genuine and answer as best as she could. That smile went away once he turned towards Hailey who looked as though she was ready to burst. Into tears or in anger, Hotch couldn't tell.
"Aaron, can I talk to you alone?" she said in a near whisper that spewed anger. Hinata glanced their way in worry, but Hotch gave her a reassuring smile as he walked with Hailey to his bedroom. Once the door was closed and locked, Aaron turned back to Hailey, his eyes burning with protection, as he interrupted Hailey before she had a chance to talk.
"One, no I have not been seeing her while we were still married, but we were close friends. And two, yes, I know she's younger, but that doesn't mean anything."
"Doesn't mean anything? Aaron, she looks like she's still in college. How am I suppose to believe you two weren't seeing each other. For all I know, the reason why you were going off on cases were to actually meet her!"
Hotch's body tensed in anger at the subject, "Hailey, think, why would I cheat on you? I've been in love with you since high school, I chose to marry you, and you're the mother of my son. I'll admit that my job perhaps took priority when it shouldn't, but I would have never betrayed you."
Hailey huffed, "How long, Aaron?"
"About a month after we divorced."
"Wow, couldn't bring yourself to wait."
Hotch fixed a glare on her, "Dont. I'm already dealing with the guilt."
"Of what? Pretty much taking a girl off the rebound, and saying she's special? Yeah right, Aaron."
"Dont!" Aaron jabbed a finger in her direction, "Just dont. You wouldn't understand how much she had to put up in order to show she really cared for me, how much she..."
"She loves you?" Hailey snorted, "Wonder how long it'll take before she realizes your job will always come first. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if she already knows."
Hotch didn't know what he wast thinking as he found Hailey's shoulder's in his tight grip and his eyes narrowed on his ex-wife. His heart was beating rapidly as he gazed into the terrified look into Hailey gave. Only when he heard the feint laughter of his son in the dining room did Hotch catch on to what he was doing and quickly let go, apologizing.
"If you need to take out your anger on me, fine, but don't you ever take it out on her," Hotch gestured to the door, "I will always, respect you Hailey. You will always have a special place in my heart, but I love her."
Hailey's eyes went from surprise to once again anger. She opened her mouth once again, but shut it when Hotch gave her another look. Awkwardly, Hailey nodded and said she had to go. With tension still high, Hotch guided Hailey out of the room and to the front door. Jack gave an energentic goodbye to his mom, while a chunk of pancakes were on his fork while Hinata gave off an awkward nod as Hailey gave her a nasty look. As the door closed, Hotch took in a deep breath, forced on a smile, and went to join his son and girlfriend for breakfast.
Can you tell I have writer's block? Hope you enjoy.
