Monday Blues Chapter 13
AN – Love all you guys for your feedback and reviews, thank you so much. College and Migraine slowed my progress but since I love you all... Here you go.
One thing was for sure, it was a sulk of major proportions. When Aunty Jess had arrived to take Jack home he'd refused point blank. He absolutely was not going home and he was categorically staying with his dad. Needless to say Aunt Jess had won and Jack Hotchner was on his way home, to eat and sleep. Dave knew it was tiredness that had triggered the tantrum, so despite Jack's insistence that "daddy doesn't sleep so I don't need to either" he definitely had to go home to sleep. Leaving Dave sat by his friend's hospital bed, with a mental note that when Aaron did wake up he would have to have words about pulling all nighters and setting a better example.
"Your stubborn workaholic ways need work my friend." He patted Aaron's hand. "Your son picks up a lot more than you realise. He gets more and more like you every day."
The glare Jack had afforded everyone has he was dragged out to the car was a testament to just how much Jack imitated his father. "We'll work on it together son." He let the term of endearment slip out, it was something he never did, or would ever admit; but Aaron was almost a son to him. He'd mentored Aaron as a young upcoming agent, he'd seen that Aaron had a knack for profiling and was damned good at it. He felt a sense of pride when he learned Aaron had made unit chief, he'd been there for his friend during divorce and the loss of Haley. He'd helped with Jack every chance he got since then and rather enjoyed being "Uncle Dave."
It had been a few hours since the last hand movement so Dave had kept up gentle conversation and coaxing where he could. Jack had wanted to stay until dad was fully awake but it simply took too long for the exhausted youngster.
Dave stretched again and looked at his watch. He shouldn't really say anything he'd been there way to long and had skipped food and sleep himself. He'd caught the odd nap in the uncomfortable chairs and bought lousy sandwiches from the cafeteria but that was about it. He'd had calls from JJ, Garcia and Morgan all insisting he went home and they'd take over. He'd refused them all. Reid had rang shortly after to lecture of the dangers of lack of proper sleep but Rossi had yawned his way through it and assured Reid he was sleeping just fine in the chair. Blake had turned up with better food and coffee for him, a gesture that he very much appreciated, but when conversation turned to him going home for an hour or two he'd dismissed that and told her he'd call with any changes.
He loved that they all cared so much, every one of them in their own way had stepped up to help and show how much this team meant to each and every one of them. He glanced at Aaron on the bed and credited it to his strong leadership. He was a leader that commanded respect, that you would gladly follow in any situation and you would know he'd have your back every step. Rossi felt the pride swell in his chest once again and patted Aaron's hand.
"You're a lucky man Aaron Hotchner, a very lucky you man. You may not see it but you have a lot of people here who would move heaven and earth for you."
He cracked his neck rotating it gently, feeling the stiffness setting in. He contemplated a walk down the corridor and stretch properly when a sound caught his attention.
"Aaron?" He leaned over the bed taking his hand. "Aaron come on... open your eyes?" He found himself holding his breath until gradually two sleepy looking brown eyes cracked open, not much but enough.
"Where..." Aaron coughed surprised by how rough his throat was, and his voice practically nonexistent.
"Easy Aaron, you're in hospital. You where hurt worse than we thought at the bank... I'll explain later I promise." He helped him take a few ice chips to ease his raw, aching throat.
"Jack..." The voice was a shadow of its former self and clearly every word was a struggle.
"He's at home asleep with Jess who is fine before you ask. He's been here for hours so we insisted he sleep. I'll text Jess and let her know to bring him in as soon as he's awake and had breakfast." Dave wanted to try and cover every question to try and help Aaron conserve what little strength he had.
"Team..."
"They've been covering the BAU, I'll call them now and let them know you're awake."
"How... Lo... Long"
"A few days Aaron. Just don't worry about it. You're going to be alright, Just go back to sleep."
He watched as Aaron's eyes drifted closed again, clearly still feeling some effects and staying awake was a struggle. Dave took his cell from his pocket and sent a group text to the team plus Jess to let them know Aaron had been awake for a few minutes and that he seemed to be himself if a little weak and tired.
He stared at his phone for a minute before dialling another number and waiting for Emily to answer, jet lag had won out and she'd had to go and sleep. He of course had promised to call with news, and although he knew Jet lag was a killer and she really needed to sleep he wanted to keep his word.
"Emily, sorry to wake you up but Aaron woke up a few minutes ago. He was still pretty out of it and he's gone back to sleep now but he asked about the team and Jack so that's very positive..." He chuckled at the sleepy voice on the other end. "Yes the doctor said we'd know for sure when he was able to stay awake longer but so far so good, and since I know you're coming back... bring coffee."
He sat back and closed his eyes; he didn't have long now so he'd just grab a short nap. He figured on about half an hour before Prentiss turned up, then within another half hour he'd lay good money on the team plus Jess and Jack all being back.
"Yes Aaron you certainly do command a lot of loyalty and respect" He patted Aaron's hand before allowing himself that wonderful 30 minutes of sleep, with an excitable Jack Hotchner on his way in before too long, it may be the last chance he had.
TBC.