Here you go, this was originally going to be the last chapter, but I was writing it and then I realized that I had reached the perfect end of this chapter without it being the end of the story. Hopefully it will be next chapter.
Irritation had surged through Hotch as his team arrived back from the long drive from Boston. The sun was midway down, giving the landscape an orange-yellow tint that had an aura of calmness. Too bad Hotch was anything but calm. He knew Rossi and Emily were giving him a cautious look from their seats in the passenger and backseat, but they kept quiet. Good, Hotch could barely keep his temper in check.
Last night had still burned in Hotch's soul, and he wasn't even sure how he was able to fall asleep last night. Taking in what had to be his hundredth deep breath, Hotch tried to keep himself looking forward to what was happening once he sent the team home the moment they arrived at the office. He would went straight home, showered, and then went straight to Hinata's for his surprise; but Hotch thought it would be best if he stopped by to see Jack first. After everything that went on for the past few days, he wanted nothing more than to have his son his arms as reassurance. Hopefully, Hailey wouldn't give him grief.
Everyone- especially Derek- looked exhausted when they arrived back at the office. Garcia had rushed to meet them, offering her usual contagious cheeriness and comfort as she hugged Derek. Hotch watched the scene while trying to ignore the sting of guilt. He still remembered how Derek lied on the ground, bleeding, and near conscious. His credentials were gone, but a bullet was left. The bastard had mocked Hotch, telling him that he could have easily killed one of his agents. And now...
Hotch shook his head and steeled himself. He looked back at his exhausted but concerned team. The concern was clearly for him, and Hotch had to admit that he felt grateful. Although he knew showing vulnerability in this field could be a hazard, he still took comfort in knowing that he had coworkers that showed they were still willing to be there. They had become his family; another reason he couldn't quit like Hailey wanted him to.
"Go home," Hotch said in a flat tone, "Don't come in until eleven. Sleep in."
And with that, Hotch turned and headed for his office. No one tried to stop him as he closed his door and sat down at his desk. He was still irritated and exhaustion was starting to set in. Hotch doubt he could drive like this at the moment. Pulling out his phone, Hotch sent Hinata a text saying something had come up, and that he was going to stop by to see Jack first. Hinata sent her acknowledgement while also expressing her love for him. No matter how he felt, Hotch couldn't help but smile at the words.
Hotch pocketed his phone and leaned his head back as he then tried to the process of calming his simmering nerves. A few minutes past and soon enough there was a knock on his door. Hotch straightened himself before telling the visitor to come in. He wasn't too surprised when he saw that it was Rossi.
"I'm taking the team out for a much-needed round of drinks," Rossi explained off the bat. He had a look in his eye that dared Hotch to argue with him, "You need it too."
Hotch took the dare, "Can't. I'm going to see Jack afterwards and then I have someone to meet afterwards." his tone showed the same tone of challenge.
Rossi raised an eyebrow before his face spread open into a smirk, "I see. I'll tell the team then." he turned on his heels and then glanced at Hotch over his shoulder, "Aaron, I shouldn't have to tell that the son of the bitch escaping isn't your fault." his tone had went from playful just a few seconds ago to that of strict comfort.
Hotch's scowl deepened, and his hands that were on the desk unintentionally clenched. He didn't say anything, not up to arguing with his friend about this, so he just nodded. Rossi, clearly not believing him, gave his own curt nod.
"Have fun, Aaron, let what happened go just for tonight. I don't think Hinata deserves you beating yourself up over this."
Rossi left before Hotch could respond. When the door closed, Hotch let out a deep breath before running his hand over his face. Again, he sat there and tried to calm himself down, which took about ten minutes. Afterwards, Hotch got up, grabbed his things, and left his office. The bullpen was empty when Hotch left for his car. During the drive, Hotch noticed how the sun was almost completely hidden, giving the streets a calm beauty that made Hotch understand why watching a sunset was perhaps one of the romantic things a couple did. A small smile crept on his face, his anger slowly draining away. He made note to take Hinata back out to the lake to watch a scene like this.
Pulling outside of his old house, Hotch still felt a small sting from what had went on in there; but he didn't let it show as he stepped out and walked to the front door. Hotch knew it was out of habit as he felt the aura of SSA Aaron Hotchner melting away as he knocked on the door. Although he knew it was for no one in the house, Hotch also knew that he probably needed to shed this aura; so it doesn't upset Hailey.
"Aaron?" Hailey said, her eyes holding both shock and curiosity, as she was dressed in a light blue robe and her blonde hair tied in a loose bun.
"Sorry for coming unannounced," he said as he found his tone being surprisingly soft. He took a deep breath while Hailey raised an eyebrow, "I just need to see Jack."
Hailey didn't say anything, but Hotch could see her eyes scanning the area and even glance at the direction where his car would be parked. Slightly annoyed, Hotch sent his ex-wife a stern look before clearing his throat.
"Hailey, she's not here." her eyes snapped back on him and scanning him as if she was trying to find any sign of him lying. Hotch knew he past when Hailey let out a sigh and stepped aside to let Hotch in.
"I saw the news, Aaron," Hailey admitted as she led Hotch to Jack's room. Her tone was softer now and even held a bit of sympathy. Hotch remembered how even when their marriage was strained, Hailey would still comfort him after a rough case, "I'm sorry."
"For what Hailey, you didn't help that monster escape," Hotch said. He wanted to say asshole, psychopath, scum of the earth; but Hotch kept his mouth shut as he came closer to Jack's room.
"Yes, but I know you Aaron and how you blame yourself," Hailey explained. Hotch couldn't fault her for that.
Not saying anything, Hotch walked into Jack's room who was sitting on the floor in his Captain America pajamas and playing with his toys. When he looked up, his eyes brightened as his toys dropped instantly and he ran up to his daddy's arms.
"Daddy!" he sang as Hotch swung him around a bit and gave him a kiss on the forehead. Jack responded by giving Hotch a kiss on his cheek, "Is Aunt 'Nata with you?" he asked soon afterwards. Hotch couldn't hold back a small chuckle. Jack always had a hard time speaking Hinata's name, so Hinata told him to either call him Hina or Nata. Jack squealed about how he liked Nata more.
Feeling a glare on him, Hotch smoothed Jack's hair and shook his head, "Not this time, buddy." he said softly. He saw Jack's eyes fall just a little.
"Will she sing to me? I like dat song Daddy," he admitted. Hailey's glare was intensifying.
"We'll see buddy, but hey, why not teach the song to Mommy and have her sing it to you?" Hotch suggested, turning to give Hailey a small smile. Jack's eyes brightened again.
"Yeah. It's really pretty Mommy. Daddy smiles when he hears it too," Jack rambled. Hailey blinked at the suggestion before her eyes turned into something Hotch couldn't pin.
"We'll see Jack, but now, let's watch a cartoon before putting you to bed," Hailey suggested, her eyes not meeting Hotch's.
"Can you stay, Daddy?"
"Sorry, buddy, Daddy has to go," Hotch finished his sentence with another kiss to his forehead, "But I'll see you real soon, okay."
Jack's eyes once again faltered before wrapping his arms around his father's neck. Feeling that overwhelming sting, Hotch patted Jack's back and whispered how much he loved him. Jack said he loved him too before Hotch gently put him down and told him he can keep playing with his toys. Jack nodded before running back to his toys. Hotch then looked at Hailey who gave him a hard look before leading him to the front door.
"She's not trying to replace you," Hotch said when they were out Jack's earshot.
"Yeah right."
"Hailey," the two reached the front door, "Hinata makes sure Jack knows she's just Aunt 'Nata, nothing more."
"She sings to him, Aaron." Hailey's eyes were fierce.
"She doesn't do it to disrespect you. Jack learned the song from her, so he thinks she's the only one who can sing it. That's why I suggested Jack teach it to you." Hotch rubbed his forehead in frustration after the explanation.
"And that he constantly calls me mom in..."
"Japanese," Hotch finished, "Jack asked Hinata why she sounded different from most people, and Hinata explained why, even gave Jack a few words to say."
He could see Hailey's shoulder's twitch before her eyes faltered, "I think Jack likes her more than me," she finally confessed, a single tear falling from her eye.
"No, Jack doesn't love Hinata more than you," Hotch placed a hand Hailey's shoulder, "Whenever Jack is with us, he does bring you up every chance he gets, and Hinata encourages it. Some people when in one setting, will talk about someone they admired in a different setting. Jack admires Hinata when he's with me, so he rambles to you about it; but he admires you when he's with you, so he rambles about it to Hinata."
Hailey gave him a look that showed she didn't truly believe him before letting out a sigh, "I know I asked for the divorce, Aaron; but I didn't expect you to move on so quickly or to even someone that...young. God, Aaron..."
"I know," Hotch bit back the guilt he had tried so long to get over, "I told you before Hailey, that I still deal with the guilt of how this relationship started; and how I pretty much treated her. But she was a close friend who was there for me and put up with my crap. When I asked her out, she showed signs of at least having a crush on me. And although I kept letting my guilt become a roadblock, she still stuck by me. I didn't think I deserved her, but she kept by my side; and I found myself realizing that I can't keep beating myself up because she was feeling it too. That I couldn't let myself be afraid because I was leaving out on her own. That I had to stop being an idiot and let myself love her while she was still there."
It was silent for a few seconds before Hailey shrugged Hotch's hand off and sighed. More tears had escaped her eyes that were looking down in contemplation. Hotch could see the questions in her stance as well as the accusations. "You didn't do that for me" or "A man doesn't become friends with someone that young without motive"
"I don't think I can ever like her," Hailey said bluntly, "But I will tolerate her. Jack likes her, so that's reason enough for me."
Hotch gave off a small smile, "That's good enough for the both of us. Thank you, and have a nice night Hailey."
Hailey didn't reply as Hotch left. He let out another deep breath when he got into his car and looked back at his old house. Hotch knew Hailey could be more understanding if given all the facts. Starting the car up, Hotch's smile returned. He still had his surprise to look forward to.
Hope you enjoyed it.