Yeah... here we go. Kinda short, but yeah...

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Chapter 4

Hotch's POV

I followed the rest of the team to the backyard. They were all talking to Jack, with the exception of Morgan who looked like he didn't really want to be here. I noticed a picnic table set up in the yard with plates and cups all around it. I looked around to see what everyone was doing. Emily had taken Jack and Henry to the sandbox in the corner of the lawn and Spencer was standing against a tree watching them, Penelope was standing next to Spencer, Dave was sitting on a lawn chair watching Will barbeque, and JJ was in the house getting food ready. I walked over to the hammock that was hanging between two trees near the sandbox, so I could watch Jack.

"Hotch?" Morgan asked folding his arms standing against one of the trees.

"Yeah?" I replied, closing my eyes.

"Are you alright, man? Everyone is giving Jack the attention he needs to keep his mind off all of this, but in reality I think you're the one who needs it. Jack doesn't really understand what's happening. You do. You're hurting. Loss hurts, I know that. You need someone to talk to. You can't keep your feelings bottled up inside, they'll eat you alive eventually,"

"I know it will Morgan. But... it just seems to me like Jack is, and always will be the first priority," I sighed. "I think Haley would agree with me," I pointed out.

"You can think that Hotch. But we're here for you no matter what. Remember that." he told me, patting me on the shoulder before walking over to Will.

I looked across the yard, I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I pictured Haley running through the grass with Jack, begging me to join them, and finally convincing me after not too long. The three of us would run around, Jack would be up on my shoulders. We'd either be chasing Haley or she'd be chasing us, and before long we'd collapse on the ground laughing. I was snapped out of my fantasy by none other than David Rossi. Only then did I realize I had broken into hysterics again.

"Aaron?" he asked. He obviously didn't see the need to ask if I was alright, because of how blatantly obvious it was that I was far from alright.

"Hmm?" I managed.

"You need someone to talk to, it's obvious, even if you aren't a profiler." he pointed out, taking a seat next to me.

"Right..." I nodded.

"So, let's talk,"

I stared at him for a moment. "It hurts Dave. I can't stop thinking about her,"

"Maybe that isn't such a bad thing... it doesn't let the memories die,"

"That's true, but... I don't think I could ever forget Haley. Not in a million years." I shook my head.

"Dinner everyone," Will called from across the lawn.

"That's good Aaron. That's good," Dave nodded, stood up and walked across to the table to sit down.

Before I knew it, Jack was standing in front of me.

"Daddy?" he asked.

"Yeah buddy?" I replied.

"You gonna eat wif us?" he continued.

"Yeah, sure." I nodded, picking my son up, and walking over to the table. I sat Jack on my lap, mostly because I didn't want to let him go. I felt so weak, and Jack made me feel stronger.