A/N A very warm 'Thank You' goes out to DebbieOz and Guest. Feel hugged. Hope, you´ll enjoy this chapter.
With a tired "Coffee ready, yet?" Morgan entered the kitchenette shortly after Spencer. He did have a restless night. The radiography, of course, had not been clear whether Clooney had actually eaten the socks, or not. Derek was told by the vet, to mix Clooneys food with cooking oil and to feed him sauerkraut. What Derek did, hoping the socks would come to light quickly. After walking his dog for the 10th round, Derek just stopped counting. The most annoying thing was, though, the socks had reappeared beside the washing machine. However, the thing had something good, the phone number of the pretty redhead with the recalcitrant cat. Derek grabbed his crown jewels, instinctively, he had to think of this castration-thing again.
Then he cast a glance over Spencer. "You look different, pretty boy." Spencer grinned a little wider, "You think? Don´t know why that is." He was clicking conspicuously inconspicuous with his ring finger at the coffee mug. Before Derek could say anything, a serious punch from JJ hit his upper arm.
"YOU! " she said indignantly. " Because of you, I had to listen to a homily by Will. And I'm supposed to ask you if you´re wrong in the garret? " Spencer was stunned, what was going on here? Derek looked to the ground, a bit sheepish. "You know already? "
JJ nodded, "Of course I know ´bout Hotch and Renee, they picked up Jack at our house, you...you moron. And they are such a cute couple, they´re a perfect match. I´m so happy for Hotch and Jack." JJ looked at Derek reproachfully, hopefully Hotch never got wind of this um...thing.
oOo
"And what do we have here, guys, a conspiratorial meeting? " Rossi wanted to know and joined them . JJ quickly shook her head, "no. We are just talking about the sweet new couple, Hotch and Renee."
"I thought so, that first time Ken and I saw them together," Spencer spoke up. "She's a bit younger than Hotch, that's good. Statistically, marriages in this combination last a lot longer than marriages with partners of the same age." Spencer smiled again, Ken was 10 years older than himself. Kenneth Reid-Baker, his husband. Spencer was bursting with pride.
"Well, than Jess and I have indeed the best premise to have a pretty good marriage." Rossi said firmly . "By the way, today we get a visit from Child Care Services. Mrs. Coffin wants to take Aaron´s environment under the microscope, Hotch has told me yesterday afternoon. So behave, children." Rossi poured himself a coffee and disappeared into his office.
"This is especially true for you, Morgan." JJ quipped and took a fast getaway before Morgan could slap her.
"What the hell did you do?" Spencer asked, something was definitely going on here.
"Me? Nothing at all, pretty boy," Derek lied brazenly. The fewer people knew of this harebrained operation, the better.
Well, Spencer thought, sooner or later ...I´m gonna find out.
"Ah , ah, ah, little genius. Did you think, you´re off the hook? I want to know what was going on at your weekend, you´re grinning like a Cheshire cat. "
" I have no idea what you mean , Morgan. " Spencer showed his left hand and wiggled his fingers.
"Then here are probably congratulations in order," Hotch had suddenly appeared in the kitchenette and did the math. Quicker than Derek. " I'm very fond for you and Ken, Spencer. You´re gonna be happy, I´m sure. " Hotch put his hand on Spencer´s shoulder and Spencer blushed.
"Thank you, Hotch. I just wish, Callie could see us. " Spencer said softly, finally he owed her his acquaintance with Ken.
"I 'm sure she does. " Hotch replied just as quietly, leaving the kitchenette with his coffee mug.
"You are married? " Derek asked, perplexed. His pretty boy?
"Yesterday at midnight on Brooklyn Bridge, Morgan. Only Ken and I and a couple of nighthawks. We´re planning a little party, after Jess and Dave´s marriage. You don´t say anything, Derek. You´re not happy for me, you think I made a mistake?"
"No, God no. Ken is a great guy, but, of course. I 'm just surprised , that's all. Congratulations, kiddo." Derek hugged Spencer a bit uncertain, but Spencer didn´t mind to be hugged. It was important to him, Morgan was happy for him.
oOo
" Did I just hear wedding? " Garcia stood like thunderstruck. Spencer nodded happily and Garcia began to scream. She alerted Rossi and Blake, who rushed immediately into the bullpen.
"Our little genius is a HUSBAND! "
Rossi began to laugh, "seriously? Congratulations, Reid," and in a jerk twitch Spencer found himself in Rossi's arms. " Thank you," Spencer stammered, whose complexion had changed from light pink to dark red. He almost had a bit of a guilty conscience, none of his friends had been there, but Ken and he simply did not want to wait any longer.
"That´s a nice surprise", Blake said. "Congrat´s, Reid."
"We..um...we´re gonna have a party, after your and Jess marriage, Rossi."
Garcia put her hands on her hips. "That´s what we expect, little genius. And you have to let me arrange it, as a little punishment, because we were not invited. You´ll have to accept any decoration, did I make myself clear?" Garcia pouted a bit, but actually she was incredibly glad for Ken and Spencer.
"Since we don´t have to do stupid wedding games, everything will be fine." Spencer grinned again. "How can you just get married without me? " JJ hugged Spencer from behind. "Congratulations, you are so sweet together and Ken is such a good guy. " Spencer turned red again. "I´m sorry JJ. I´ll make it up to you, promise."
oOo
At 9:45 a.m. Renee got out of her jeep. She had found the parking lot of the FBI immediately. She grabbed her basket with freshly baked muffins and a little later she entered the building.
"Hello. I'm Dr. Malone, I would like to see Agent Hotchner."
The agent at the counter nodded, "Hotch has announced you, Dr. Malone. He´s coming down to pick you up, you need to get to the 6th floor. He said, you´re not good friend´s with elevators."
Renee grinned, "Joker."
"Hotch? Sam Greene. Your visitor is here. Yeah, I tell her. Hotch is on his way," Agent Greene said, after he hung up. He gave Renee her visitor's pass. " But I need to have a look in your basket, Dr. Malone. It´s provision."
"All right, Agent Greene, you don´t have to explain." Renee put the basket on the counter. "Blueberry muffins and I got plenty. So if you like, just help yourself." Renee smiled friendly. Greene smiled back. "Thanks, it smells delicious, doctor."
The elevator rang and Hotch stepped out of the lift. "Hello Renee," he said. "Aaron," she beamed at Hotch. She was about to kiss him, but this seemed to be not entirely appropriate. So she just smiled. She looks stunning, Hotch thought. Renee was wearing a white jeans, a colorful shirt and high heels. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail, that bobbed at every step, just like her...Hotch caught himself, staring at her delicate formed breasts. He quickly offered her his arm, " ready to climb into the monster ?" he asked.
Renee nodded , grabbed her basket and connected with him.
"I´ve got my very own Federal Agent, who promised me, nothing happens to me if I´m with him. Yes I´m ready."
Hotch smiled briefly and pressed the button for the 6th floor. Renee stood close to him. "I've missed you ," she said softly. "Missed you too, Renee." Hotch replied. When the elevator door closed, he squeezed her hand briefly. "There´s a security cam in this elevator, Renee. Actually, I wanna kiss you, but I don´t trust Garcia." he whispered in her ear and turned into the reputable agent again.
oOo
"Oh, isn´t she beautiful? " Garcia sighed in her tech cave. "Look at them, Muffin. First the kiddo get´s married to his dreamboy and now Hotch and Renee. Did you see, how he looked at her? Soooo sweet." Pen was so curious, she logged herself into the security cam system, watching Hotch and Renee now. She gave Derek a questioning glance.
"Hm," was all Derek said.
"What´s the matter with you, sweet cheeks? Are you mad because Reid has pulled it off alone? I can understand this, not everyone wants such a fuss. But there will be an after wedding party." Garcia nudged Morgan lovingly, "come on, Grumpy. Tell aunt Garcia, what´s up."
"I have no idea what 's going on, my girl. Course I 'm happy for Reid. ... It's just... my pretty boy is married, I don´t know, how to handle it." Garcia opened her arms, "come here, muffin. I love you and everything will be fine again." Pen hugged Morgan violently, she was a bit worried about her chocolate God.
oOo
Renee and Hotch stepped out of the elevator, smiling. "Ah, Agent Hotchner. I´d like to have a word with you, please. " Strauss took a hard look at Renee. "Chief Strauss," Hotch said, looking at his watch. "I´ve got an appointment."
"10 minutes, Aaron, most."
"Go ahead , Hotch. There´s JJ coming. She can make sure, I won´t get lost." Hotch nodded. "I 'll be right back, Renee." And, after a short pause, "Chief Strauss, this is Dr. Renee Malone, a close friend."
"Hey Chief, nice to meet you." Renee said, smiling. "Want a muffin? " JJ had to control herself, not to burst with laughter. Strauss face was just priceless.
"I´m gonna take care of Renee, Hotch." JJ said as seriously as possible, dragging Renee with her. "Your Chief is a bit pinched, right?" Renee stated in JJ´s office. JJ laughed, "you have no idea." Renee laughed, too and sat down.
"And what happens here? " she asked, pointing at the mountain of files on JJ's desk. "Requests from different police departments, for support."
"But you can´t help them all, can you JJ?"
"Unfortunately not. It is up to me, to decide who has priority.", JJ explained. That sounded interesting to Renee. " What are the criteria you decide upon? " Renee wanted to know.
" How would you decide? " JJ handed Renee two files.
"Oh my. I didn´t think this is so ... hard. " Renee said a cup of coffee later. "I would choose Fort Worth. The time between the murder becomes shorter and it looks as if he´s getting angrier from victim to victim." JJ nodded in surprise, that was her opinion, too.
oOo
"Well, Chief. What cannot wait? " Hotch asked, after he sat down.
"There are rumors about Dr. Reid," Strauss said, "apparently he got married?"
Hotch nodded, "to his partner, Kenneth Baker. Is there a problem with that, Chief?"
"No, of course not , it just surprised me, that's all. The reason for this is different. I´ll attend a security conference, for a week. Next month, starting at the 25th in New York. I want you to step in for me, here. That´s all."
Hotch stood up. "You want me to convey Dr. Reid-Baker your congratulations? " he asked.
"That's not necessary , Aaron, I´m doing it personally. And, um, Dr. Malone seems to be nice?" Strauss asked cautiously. She did not want to offend her agent. Hotch was increased in her esteem, not many men would have had the courage to marry a terminally ill woman. "Damn it, Aaron. Don´t make it that hard for me. I would be glad for you."
Hotch chuckled , "that wasn´t my intention, Erin. Yes, Dr. Malone is more than just nice and of course I represent you for a week. And about Dr. Reid-Baker, I am sure he is pleased with congratulations and a few days of special leave."
oOo
Renee meanwhile arrived with JJ in Garcia's technology universe. The two women were on the same wavelength immediately and Derek, who had holed up at his baby girl´s cave, had to admit, Hotch couldn´t have done a better pick. Renee was a cheerful young woman whose eyes lit up, when Hotch 's name came up. Derek began to wonder, whether he might find a woman, reacting the same, when his name was mentioned.
"Here you are," Hotch said, entering the cave. "Greene called me, Mrs. Coffin is on her way." Renee laughed, " Ok, guys. It was nice, chatting with you for you, but now we have to convince Child Care Services." Renee hugged everyone and kissed Hotch shortly.
"Did you see that?" Garcia enthused, "I 'm just melting away."
oOo
Mathilda Coffin left the elevator a little disoriented, but was immediately approached by a very charming gentleman with a slightly southern twist. "Good morning. You must be Mrs. Coffin ? I 'm Agent Rossi. Dr. Malone and Agent Hotchner are already on their way, I'll show you Hotch 's office. "
Mathilda nodded, "you work with Agent Hotchner? "
"Yes, ma'am, a few years already. And in a few weeks I will marry his sister-in-law."
"Then you know Mr. Hotchner very well. Is he a good father? " Mathilda did not bother with trivialities.
"I will not kid you, Mrs. Coffin. It is not easy in our job. But if I had to confide my child to someone, then Hotch. He is a loving and caring father to Jack and he loves Rebecca. This little girl has already been through so much, she deserves a stable home with Hotch, Renee and Jack. "
"You made yourself very clear, Agent Rossi ," Mrs. Coffin smiled.
"You did very much the same, ma'am." Rossi smiled back.
oOo
" Ok, ready?" Hotch wanted to know and grabbed Renee's hand. Renee nodded and smiled at him. "Into the battle."
"Good morning, Mrs. Coffin." Hotch said as he and Renee entered his office together. "We're a little late, I apologize." Mrs. Coffin was not upset in the least. "You don´t have to, Mr. Hotchner. Your colleague, Agent Rossi has entertained me very well."
Rossi grinned, " you're welcome. " He patted Hotch´s back, "Good luck," he said softly, then he kissed Renee´s cheek and left.
"Would we begin, then?" Hotch asked, sounding a little nervous.
"Relax, Mr. Hotchner. I'm not the Spanish Inquisition. I just want to get to know you a bit more, to come to a decision." Mathilda was polishing her glasses, which actually had no need to be polished and watched Hotch and Renee carefully. They held each other's hands and threw loving and encouraging glances at each other. "You don´t know each other for so long, I suppose? "
" Yes and no," Hotch said. "You probably do know, Renee has spent some time in Berlin. We first met shortly before her departure and we liked each other right away. But according to the distance and my job, it would not have been possible."
Mathilda sighed softly, she could sympathize. She had had a similar experience.
"When we saw each other again, it became clear very soon, nothing has really changed our feelings," Renee went on.
"And did You know Mrs. Callie Hotchner?" Mathilda asked.
"As it so happened, Callie was my grandfather´s patient, Mrs. Coffin." Renee replied a bit evasive.
"That´s how we met again. Ike Malone and I are very close friends." Hotch added.
oOo
"How´s it going, up there? " JJ asked and sat down close to Spencer on his desk. "Hard to say, but no one has yet left the office, screaming. I think Hotch and Renee's chances are quite good. Rossi did say, Mrs. Coffin was actually quite nice. I keep my fingers crossed." Spencer smiled. JJ leaned her head on his shoulder, "I 'm very happy for you and Ken, you know that?" Spencer put his arm around her. "I didn´t doubt that, JJ . When Hotch and Callie got married, I didn´t really understand why. It seemed somehow illogical, the end was so predictable. But since I met Ken, much has changed, JJ. "
oOo
"Well, one might say destiny. Lucky incident, you met each other again." Mrs. Coffin said. "It's a lot of responsibility, Dr. Malone. You are a young woman and you wanna marry a man with possibly two children?"
"I wouldn´t want to have it different, Mrs. Coffin. I know exactly what it's like to grow up without parents. I was three when I lost mine. Jack and Rebecca are two such lovely children, I do love them, from the bottom of my heart. The same way, I love Aaron." Renee turned a little red and Hotch squeezed her hand a little tighter.
"Becca will have a good Family and a safe home, Mrs. Coffin. Although perhaps not everything is running smoothly, but show me a family, it does. I love Rebecca, we all do that." Hotch said firmly.
Mrs. Coffin nodded. "I don´t doubt that, Mr. Hotchner and I 'll be honest with you. Both of you are not married, but my authority is interested in stable conditions. You should move in together at least, for now. You told me, you wanna do some changes in your apartment, so Becca can have her own room. I can only support this. I do not see any problems relating to your financial situation. And in view of Mrs. Jensen's health, a decision should fall quickly. Course I would still like to talk to Becca and Jack, but that is a mere formality. What I really want to say is, I´m very positive on your application for guardianship for Rebecca Jensen and will recommend my authority to grant the request. You will have to live with the fact of my regularly visits, but that might not be a problem."
"That means we get Rebecca?" Hotch said, slightly surprised and a bit incredulous. Mrs. Coffin laughed softly. "Yes, that´s it, Mr. Hotchner. There will be a lot of paperwork, but you, as a federal official, know about that." Renee jumped up from her chair and hugged Mathilda spontaneously. "Thank you, Mrs. Coffin, I dunno know what to say. Aaron?"
"I honestly don´t even know. But 'thank you' is probably a good start."
"He has to sort this out, I guess," Renee laughed merrily and leaned on to Hotch, who pulled her into his arms. He felt, like the Mont Blanc fell from his heart. Everything was going to be all right?
A/N next chapter Renee will have an encounter with a solid glass door and Derek ist getting himself into some dancing trouble