Reconnections and Recollections Chapter 2, a criminal minds fanfic

A/N: Ok, so here is Chapter Two. This takes place while Reid and Emily are dancing and it focuses on JJ and Hotch. Thanks a lot to the people who have favourited/story-alerted this story! Also, that you so much to the people who have taken the time to review. That's really awesome of you guys and you get hugs from us!

Disclaimer: One thing I dislike about chapter stories is that I have to place one of these for every chapter written. Neither I, nor my awesome co-writer, own anything to do with Criminal Minds or the awesome characters on the show. Trust me, if we did, JJ would still be rocking! We also don't own the rights to Michael Buble's song. So yeah, suing is bad, especially if we both live on opposite ends of the world. God can you imagine the headaches that would cause? So yeah, we don't own Criminal Minds or Michael Buble's song.

JJ smiled at Hotch as he spoke to some agent. She could hear Emily and Reid but their voices soon faded. The blonde grabbed another glass of her drink and a drink for Hotch and smiled as she reached him. "Hey you." She smiled warmly.

Aaron Hotchner was doing his best to either not fall asleep while talking to someone or to not walk away in frustration at the next person asked him how he was holding up, 'considering'. He had to remind himself that the only reason he was here to being with was because Strauss had forced him, and his entire team to be there. If it were up to him, Aaron would be at home with his son, instead of here, playing nice with other FBI agents. At the moment he was talking with an agent from the Counter Terrorism division and once again they had just asked how he and his son were holding up. It had been a year since Haley's death, and Hotch did not like to revisit that painful memory, even now. He just nodded politely and answered that they were doing the best they could given the circumstances and would move on to other topics. As the agent left him, Hotch heard an all too familiar voice coming from behind him. He turned and a tiny whisper of a smile grazed his face for a brief second. "JJ... It's good to see you."

JJ smiled, "You too Hotch." She glanced to the other agent. "Hope you don't mind me stealing him for a bit? Thanks." She said to the others and led him away.

Hotch turned towards the other agent, "Agent Franklin, always a pleasure". They shook hands and parted ways. Even though she'd been out of the BAU for a while now, JJ still had it. She never ceased to amaze him on the things she was able to do.

"You look like you use this." JJ smiled again as she passed him a drink.

Another smiled appeared on his lips as she passed him a Martini, one of his favourites. "You have no idea. Thank you, for that." Though Hotch would find it tiring to have to listen to agents after agent asking him about Jack and himself, it was different with JJ. If anyone from the team had been forced to leave as she had been, it would have been different. With her, it wasn't tiring to answer the question, because he knew that she was being sincere about it. It was not just some question one would ask out of obligation, following a tragedy.

JJ quietly watched her ex-boss very closely, wondering what it was he was thinking about. "How've you and Jack been?" She finally asked him.

"Jack is doing very well, thank you. His teacher has said nothing but good things about him. How about you? How are Will and Henry doing?"

JJ smiled at the older agent, she had nothing but admiration for him. "That's good. He's a smart boy." She agreed. JJ loved being around Jack and so did Henry. The two hadn't seen each other for a while though simply because of cases and timetables.

Hotch nodded. He was very proud of his son. He didn't add the little bit that Jack's teacher had been telling him that his son was acting as some kind of defender to some of the other kids. Hotch saw the way Jack would be around Henry while the two were together.

JJ looked away as Hotch asked about Will and Henry. "Henry is as usual a little terror, but he's good... loves the fact that I'm home a lot more. And Will... He's fine I guess. We aren't together anymore." She confessed and looked to him again feeling slightly embarrassed about admitting it aloud.

He frowned as JJ looked away, brief look of vulnerability in her eyes. He was glad that Henry was doing so well, but suddenly became concerned with JJ's well being. Then she said it, Will was no longer living at home. Hotch sighed and shook his head. He knew what it was like to be in JJ's position all too well. "JJ, I'm sorry to hear that... Are you alright?"

JJ smiled at how concerned Hotch seemed. She knew he'd been there, and the worst side of there you could be. She placed a hand on his arm, "Yes Hotch I'm alright. Just lonely I guess. Especially with not seeing the team as much."

Hotch nodded. Though he was happy that JJ was alright and that she was handling things well enough, he was upset to find that she was lonely. "JJ, you don't have to be a stranger to us. You're always welcomed back to visit, anytime you want." He knew the team missed her very much and he missed her a lot as well. Things around the BAU weren't exactly the same without her around. Garcia had done an excellent job at filling in her shoes as best as she could, but it wasn't really the same without JJ. It was if his team was missing an essential part to it and as team leader, Hotch felt it the most.

JJ smiled as her former boss, current friend told her to come see them. "I just might do that Hotch." She told him and thought how much she'd missed them. Hotch too, she was worried that there was no-one now to force him to go home at 10pm.

Another smile reached Hotch's lips. "Good, I'll make sure that no one causes you any problems when you wish to visit." He needed to ensure that JJ was considered a permanent guest to the BAU and thus would pass security each and every time without question.

JJ smiled, "Agent Hotchner to the rescue." She chuckled, "But thanks Hotch. I'll maybe pop in next week." JJ returned another smile to him.

"We'll be expecting you then, JJ." Hotch lightly touched the top of JJ's hand as if to emphasize the meaning behind his words. It was unlike Agent Hotchner to feel comfortable enough to make that little bit of a human connection to anyone. It was mostly due to his ever-present status as Team Leader which prevented him from going that extra step with any of his subordinates. He didn't know what it was that caused him to feel a little more comfortable with JJ, but he did

She smiled in return and glanced to the floor to see them all having fun and dancing. Just being in the same room as them lifted her spirits. "I'm glad you're all here." She said putting an emphasis on all.

Hotch followed JJ's gaze onto the dance floor and could not help but smile slightly as 4 of his team members were dancing and having a good time. "I'm happy you're here as well JJ."

Jennifer smiled as he told her he was happy she was there, butterfly happy... which was an odd sensation to think Hotch had given her butterflies. "Well good. But clearly it's because no-one else was saving you from the boring agent chat." She smiled innocently.

A small chuckle escaped his lips as he thought back to Agent Franklin. "Thank you again for that. It gets tiring at times having to say the same things over and over again." Hotch leaned in closer as if to say some big secret "And to be honest, some of those Counter-Terrorism folks can be pretty arrogant."

JJ couldn't help the laugh that escaped her lips as he whispered in her ear. She fought not to blush as she felt his breath. "They are... Agent Dennis found out about Will and I and asked me out via email saying he would love to have some fun with me." She smirked, "I declined."

Hotch furrowed his brow when JJ mentioned Agent Dennis. "I never really liked him. Classical ego-case, substitutes his shortcomings with booze and women." Hotch cleared his throat after that small statement "But, it's good to see you saw right past him." A small smile reappeared as he heard JJ chuckling.

"Well you trained me well Hotch. I learn from the best." She smiled at him, just him. She liked the sense of protectiveness Hotch seemed to have over her, all of them.

Hotch cleared his throat as he could feel his cheeks warming up just a little bit. He was not blushing, was he? No? This was not possible. The last time he had felt slightly embarrassed had been when he and Hailey were still dating. "I guess it is good to know that our profiling rubbed off on you in a good way."

JJ smiled some more at Hotch before noticed the dreaded Section Chief heading over towards them "Ohh no... Strauss seems to be coming over here." She said and glanced to the dance floor. "I know a way out but you may not like it."

Hotch looked to his side and sure enough, Erin Strauss was heading over in their direction. It seemed that woman had some kind of sense which told her when she should crash any opportunity of fun. "Any means of escape from Strauss is a good way. Lead on Agent Jareau." Hotch still referred to JJ as 'Agent', no matter who she worked for.

The blonde smiled and placed her glass down before taking his hand and leading him to the dance floor. She nervously looked to him as she turned to face him. "How surprised and impressed is everyone that I got you to dance!" She said more as a statement rather than a question. JJ watched Strauss stalk off again and stood closer to Hotch as they danced, she'd always known he could dance

Before Hotch could react to anything, JJ was pulling him onto the dance floor. Hotch let out a small groan as he quickly figured out JJ's 'escape plan'. Hotch was not a dancer. Not anymore anyway. However, anything was better than having to deal with Strauss and the annoyances which seemed to follow her around. He places his hands on JJ's waist and led her through the next dance. "I think I heard Garcia gasp in the distance", he joked. He knew that it would be the talk around the office the next day. He, Aaron Hotchner, Unit Chief of the BAU, was actually dancing. He was dancing... and actually having a good time. He smiled as JJ moved in closer to him and as he held her closer.

"Garcia was gasping at Morgan's moves." JJ joked and smiled up at him. She couldn't believe he was dancing.

Hotch had to smile once more. He did not know what to say about Garcia and Morgan dancing together like that. The rules were clear and fraternization amongst co workers was not allowed. But technically speaking, they were only dancing, which was something they used to all do together as a team every so often.

JJ raised an eyebrow as she watched Hotch look to Morgan and Garcia. "Stop worrying about those two. She's still with Kevin." She told him and rolled her eyes. JJ couldn't always read Hotch, but she liked when she could, simply so she could surprise him.

Hotch turned to JJ who knew exactly what he was thinking of and was able to quell his worries. "I would ask how you knew what I was thinking, but I know better than to question you."

JJ smiled, "Yes, you do know better Agent." She warned jokingly and enjoyed the dancing, a little too much. She enjoyed the song as they moved, "you know everyone here will be thinking all the wrong things. Liz from white collar will be heartbroken." She commented as her stomach twisted.

He just smiled and looked back to JJ. "I guess Agent Dennis will have to cheer her up then." What exactly would people be saying about them? Hotch was merely dancing with an old friend. In fact everyone in the BAU (with the exception of Dave) where dancing with each other, Garcia and Morgan; and even Prentiss and Reid. There was nothing wrong with this.

"Yes, I suppose Dennis will. I'm surprised he's not tried to cut in. If he does, don't let him." JJ warned and watched Reid help Emily off the dance Floor. "Who knew you could dance this well." JJ smirked.

Hotch continued to dance slowly with JJ as he tried to mask how exactly he was feeling, dancing with her. "Don't worry, I won't let him." He said with another small smile. As JJ commented on his dance skills, Hotch went for a small spin and gently spun JJ around, before lightly dipping her. "Not many people get to witness this side of me."

She couldn't help tighten her hands around his hand and back as he said he held her close. She smiled as she was spun and dipping. JJ laughed lightly and studied him, his smile, "I'm glad I'm one of them." She told him.

Hotch smiled back at her. He was having a lot of fun with JJ, fun he could not remember having with anyone other than Hailey. He did not know if this was right of him to be doing. Maybe he was over reacting. After all, they weren't doing anything wrong, they were just dancing and having a good time. That was what these little gatherings were for anyway. Still, the responsible side of him could not help but be worried... if only a little bit. "It really was good to see you tonight, JJ"

"It was good seeing you Hotch." JJ told him and frowned, "Is it sad I don't want it to end?" She asked as the song slowed right down. She placed her head on his shoulder automatically, copying what the others around seemed to be doing. The thing was, to JJ, this felt safe to her, unnervingly so. She shouldn't be having this good a time with Hotch, dancing with him like this, but it was nice.

Hotch sighed as JJ laid her head on his shoulder and asked him that one question. It caused him to begin to think as well. Did he want this moment with JJ to end? It's all that this was, a simple moment between two adults who haven't seen each other in far too long. They were also two adults who were both going through some kind of pain, JJ with Will leaving and Hotch dealing with the fact that it was a year since Hailey died. "Just enjoy the moment while it's happening." He said, mostly to her but to himself as well.

JJ nodded and kept her eyes closed as they danced to the song 'Home' by Michael Buble. She smiled at how much the song was about going home from something, wanting to be there. JJ sighed softly as they danced, she found great comfort as the man she once called her superior held her safe from the world. She looked up at him again, "We should..." She said not wanting to but she knew it was the right thing to say and do.

Hotch took in a deep breath as JJ still held onto him. It was if she depended on him to take her pain away and to keep her safe from the world around her. It was the image of Hotch that everyone shared. He was leader, the protector, the one who had to take command when things looked grim. Hotch gently rubbed her back and let her have this small moment of security in his arms. As if on cue, the song ended, and the tempo began to pick up a little more. JJ started to say something, and Hotch nodded. He gently led her off of the dance floor. "JJ... if ever you need help with Henry or want to spend time with Jack and myself, don't be afraid to call me."

JJ smiled at Hotch, "Thanks Hotch. Maybe we should have a play date or something with the boys? I mean I know Henry liked the other week when we met you guys at the park." She told him as they walked to the side of the dance floor. She felt his arm still there, protecting her.

Hotch led JJ to his car and opened the door for her. "What kind of former supervisor and friend would I be if I didn't offer you a lift home?" Another smile grace Hotch's lips.

JJ noticed the next smile that graced his lips. She liked his smile so much he just looked so relaxed when he smiled, "You are a good man Hotch." She grinned and got in the car. "I hope the team get home ok."

Hotch began to think back to the members of his team. He remembered Emily and Reid dancing on the dance floor, but he didn't remember seeing them leave. Garcia and Morgan were heading out while they were finishing up their dance. Rossi had left a long time ago with Agent Richardson. "I'm sure everyone got home alright. I recall everyone establishing designated drivers for the night." Hotch looked over to JJ and smiled before starting his car and driving off.

Hotch nodded. "That would be a good idea. Jack had a great time with Henry the last time." Hotch recalled Jack asking him recently if they could see Miss. JJ and Henry again. Jack did like to have a friend he could look out for, and he did notice that the two had bonded the last time. It was probably due to the fact that they both had parents with high profile jobs. Who knew?

JJ smiled and nodded as she scanned the room. "Crap... Agent Dennis at three o'clock." She warned and looked at Hotch. She knew the other agent was a little drunk. She also saw Emily was gone, hopefully she'd gone home... and not away with anyone else she shouldn't be.

Hotch looked up and sure enough there was Agent Dennis looking rather inebriated and slowly walking towards the two of them. Hotch was about to suggest maybe starting to leave the party, when the drunk Agent found himself in front of the two of them. Hotch stood tall, trying to look as authoritative as possible. "Agent Dennis."

JJ wrinkled her nose as Dennis looked her up and down. "Hey James... Sorry but we were just about to leave." She said and took Hotch's hand. She'd get rid of Agent Dennis, JJ glanced to Hotch and hoped he'd understand. There was a lot JJ could take but not now.

Hotch's stare turned cold as Dennis looked JJ up and down as if she were an object of his desires. JJ seemed to handle it much better as she calmly told him that they were leaving. Hotch nodded to Agent Dennis as he let JJ take his hand and lead him out of the room. It was a good thing that she did to, considering Hotch was in danger of losing his infamous cool head if Agent Dennis so much as uttered a word.

JJ smiled as they got out to the cold. "I hate him." She told Hotch and sighed. "Did you see his face? Drunken ass." She smirked and felt the cold air. JJ shivered a little as she heard a few of the agents getting rowdy inside. It always signalled the end of the night, or rather the start of the after party.

Hotch could not help but chuckle a little bit. "And here I was worried that I'd lose MY temper with him. I don't understand who it was that approved of his transfer from White Collar Crimes."

"You were going to lose your temper? You never do." She pointed out and let go of his hand.

"I know. There's just something about that man that..." Hotch looked at JJ's amused face and stopped himself, "Never mind". Hotch took in a deep breath as they reached the outside. He felt JJ shiver a little bit. "JJ, would you like to have a ride home?"

JJ smiled, "yeah that would be great. If not I might be about to ride home with Dennis." She laughed and smiled at him.

Hotch led JJ to his car and opened the door for her. "What kind of former supervisor and friend would I be if I didn't offer you a lift home?" Another smile grace Hotch's lips.

JJ nodded, "Thanks Hotch." She said and rubbed his arm as a sign of affection. "I'm pretty tired now." She confessed and watched the world go by. She could see them driving home from a date... JJ frowned scolding herself from thinking such a thing about her and Hotch.

Hotch nodded to JJ. "Ok, well just relax and you'll be home soon." Hotch looked over to see JJ dozing off by the window. As he stopped the car at the light, he saw how some of the street lights hit her form as she peacefully slumbered. Hotch could not help but picture her as beautiful. But no, it was so very inappropriate to think of JJ in that way. He just should continue to drive and not think of anything else. It was safer that way.

JJ stretched a little as they got to her home. She had a modest home, a house, two floors, three bed. She'd kept that when she and Will had split. "Thanks Hotch." She smiled sleepily. JJ instinctively patted down her long dress and smiled once again. "You didn't need to drive me home ya know. I could have gotten a cab." She said as they sat in his large car.

Hotch stopped in front of JJ's home and nodded to her as she thanked him "Don't worry about it JJ." He smiled as JJ told him that he did not have to drive her home. "JJ, it was nothing, really. Besides I don't live too far off from you. I wasn't about to let you take a cab by yourself." Hotch just looked at her and the way the lights still reflected on her form. She really did look pretty.

JJ blushed ever so slightly as he watched her. She glanced her eyes into his brown pools and nodded, "Thanks. I'll try and stop by tomorrow. I have a few things I need to drop off anyway." She promised and squeezed his hand before looking for her keys. She paused, "You want to come in for a coffee or anything?" She asked knowing he'd have Jack to get back to.

She was looking straight at him, her bright blue eyes searching his own. Hotch smiled and nodded. He could have sworn he felt small sparks when she grasped his hand and squeezed it. He gave her a small squeeze in return. He sighed as she inviting him in for coffee. As much as he would have liked to come inside, he really did need to get going home. "Thank you for the invitation JJ, but I do need to be getting home."

JJ smiled and nodded, "I understand. Night Hotch... Thanks for the dance." She said and grabbed her bag as she opened the door of the car.

Hotch watched as JJ exited the car "Good night, JJ. It was a pleasure to dance with you." He kept an eye on her until he was sure that she was safe inside her house before restarting his car and driving home. JJ waved Hotch off, she couldn't help feeling something she shouldn't. She opened her door and went inside unable to wipe the rather large smile off her face.