Hello, everybody; ModernDayBard here! I know the last chapter was oddly short (I accidentally cut Endurance offtime zone differences are FUN sometimes), and we may be posting an updated version later, but for now, here is the next chapter:
Disclaimer: I own neither these characters nor these songs, I just decided to put them together!


The auditorium was just past half-full when Aaron Hotchner slipped into one row and found a seat. He glanced around, finding it a little harder than normal to be (or appear) at ease, but his son's school was putting on a Christmas pageant, and there was no way he was missing that.

He couldn't even precisely identify what had him feeling at least a little uncomfortable. At least: not at first. But as he took in the steadily growing crowd around him, he knew. So many groups were large ones—parents, sibling, grandparents, even aunts, uncles, and some cousins. Many of the children had whole families supporting them, and Jack had…him. The guilt rose up—as it did from time to time—but along with it came the determination that, if it was only him, he'd be the best family he could be for his little boy.

Nearly as soon as the thought crossed his mind, the children filed out and the first song began.

As the first verse filled the auditorium, another large group slipped in, filling the row in front of Hotch, scrambling for their seats as best they could in the dark, and evidently trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, given that the pageant had started.

As the new comers crossed Hotch's field of vision, the silhouettes were as familiar as they were unexpected—and welcome. Garcia led the group, giving Hotch a small wave when she saw him, followed by Morgan, Prentiss, and Reid, with Rossi bringing up the rear with a proud smile and a small nod to Aaron. The group sat, attention turned to the stage.

Hotch saw Jack's face the instant the boy saw and recognized the group in front of his father, and the small wave he gave them. It was a bright, beaming smile the agent was sure to remember for a long time, as was the realization that came with: biological or not, he and Jack did have a very large, somewhat crazy, but incredibly loyal, family.


So, yeah. As soon as I pictured Hotch at some school function of Jack's, I knew that the rest of the team had to be there as well, and the rest of the idea came quickly after that. Last minute research showed the song I had chosen was NOT, in fact, public domain, hence no actual song appearing. Sorry.
Anyway, tune in tomorrow for Endurance's next chapter!
As always, if you liked it, or saw something you think I can fix/improve on for next time, don't hesitate to leave a review and let me know!

Song: Do You Hear What I Hear
Recommended Version: A tie between 4Him's and Peter Hollens'