A/N: I had planned to have the Epilogue follow this chapter. But this chapter became too long, and had to be cut into two chapters instead. Therefore, there will be one more chapter after this, and then the Epilogue.

Chapter 45

It was the pain in his face which threatened to wake Hotch from the darkness. He forced his eyes to open a slit, but the brightness forced him to shut them again.

"Aaron?" a female voice tried to penetrate the haze he was in while trying to reach his consciousness. "C'mon, sweetie. Open your eyes for me." The voice sounded as if it were pleading. He sluggishly reached a hand up to touch his face, but his fingers touched bandages instead. What?

This puzzled him. Why were there bandages on his face? What had happened? Did he injure himself somehow? His fingers were about to touch the bandages again, but someone gently grabbed his hand, and pulled it away from his face.

"Aaron, honey, please open your eyes for me. You can do it."

Hotch cracked his eyes open again, and though unfocused, saw a figure seated beside him. Unable to tell who it was as his mind was still in a fog, he closed his eyes and reopened them. His vision was a bit clearer this time. He stared at the figure and a slow smile appeared.

"Haley," was all Hotch managed.

Haley smiled warmly as she pressed her husband's hand to her heart and held it there. There were tears in her eyes. She stroked her husband's hair gently with her other hand.

"Yes, honey, it's me. You're going to be fine."

"Thirsty…" Hotch croaked with a dry and scratchy throat.

Haley picked up the plastic pitcher from the tray and poured water into a plastic glass holding a straw. She pressed the button on the remote to elevate the head of the bed, and held the glass allowing Hotch to sip the water through the straw. The cool water felt good to his throat. He drank until he had enough, and Haley sat the glass back on the tray. She went back to stroking his hair lovingly. Hotch let out a deep breath.

"My face. What happened?"

"Relax, sweetie. You had plastic surgery to repair your face, and everything went very well. The doctor assured us there will be no scarring."

"Face…okay?"

"Yes, honey. In about two weeks you'll be even more handsome."

Hotch looked around and licked his lips. "Dave…"

"He left to get coffee for him and me. He should be back soon." She noticed her husband try to smile, but it appeared more of a grimace. "Are you in pain, honey? Do you need me to get the doctor?"

"No. Am okay." Hotch became sleepy and his eyes closed. His even breathing told Haley her husband had fallen asleep. With a smile on her face, she lay his hand on the bed beside him carefully so as not to wake him.

During the two weeks following Hotch's surgery, Haley and Rossi visited often. With his face still wrapped in bandages, Hotch became impatient for the bandages to be removed. His face no longer hurt. Even the throbbing discomfort had faded. He heard the door of his room open, a saw Rossi in the doorway, a grin on his tired face.

"Am I allowed to enter the forbidden chamber?" the older man asked with an amused grin. Hotch glared at him to which Rossi chuckled as he walked into the room. To see his friend glaring at him with a face wrapped in bandages was funny.

"You're not funny, Dave."

Rossi smirked as he sat down in the uncomfortable hard chair.

"I mean, since you resemble an Egyptian mummy, I thought it only proper to ask permission of his highness."

"Go to hell, Dave. You know, you're lucky I'm mostly confined to this bed. Because if I wasn't, I'd kick your sorry ass."

Rossi leaned back in the small chair and clasped his hands over his abdomen. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Promises, promises. Where's Haley?"

Hotch ignored the wisecracks. "The doctor wanted to speak with her. They're going to remove the bandages today."

Rossi nodded his head. "Glad I'm on time for the big unveiling."

"Dave, I'm warning you…"

"Lighten up, Aaron. Y'know, apparently your hospital stay hasn't improved your sense of humor at all, much less given you one."

Hotch sighed, frustrated. "Dave, can't you be serious even for one moment?"

"Sure I can. Oh, before I forget. Garcia wanted me to pass on a message to you since she heard you were having your bandages removed today."

"I'm afraid to ask, but what is it?"

Rossi chuckled which scared Hotch a bit. "She said she normally saves this comment for Morgan. But she wants me to tell you she's positive you're gonna look like the handsome stud muffin you always were."

Hotch rolled his eyes as he noticed his friend's amused expression. "Dave, tell Garcia thanks for what I hope is a compliment. But I still plan to have her drug tested when I get back to the office. Also, I have to keep her away from Morgan. She's been hanging around him too long."

Rossi was about to reply when the door opened again. He and Hotch both looked around to see Haley Hotchner, followed by an unfamiliar doctor behind her, and a nurse.

Rossi got to his feet and offered Haley the chair. She refused and looked at her husband.

"Aaron, this is Doctor Carpenter. He performed the plastic surgery, and is here to remove your bandages." Hotch stared at the surgeon.

While Haley and Rossi stood at the foot of the bed watching, the surgeon moved the chair out of the way, and moved beside the bed. He smiled at Hotch.

"Are you ready for the unveiling, Agent Hotchner?"

"Been ready."

The surgeon began to slowly unwrap the bandages until they were off completely. He studied the agent's face with no expression, looking at Hotch's face from all angles.

Hotch glanced at Haley and Rossi. "Well?" he asked nervously.

"Oh, Aaron…" Haley said covering her mouth with a hand as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Dave?"

Rossi swallowed the lump that had been growing in his throat, his eyes bright with unshed tears. The older man waved a hand at Hotch indicating he needed a few minutes.

Hotch became scared. As a profiler he should be able to read their reactions, but for some reason, couldn't. He didn't understand why. He needed a response, and looked at the doctor anxiously.

"Doc, how does it look?" he asked.

The doctor took the mirror from his nurse, and handed it to Hotch. The man held it in his hands, and paused for a few moments. He let out a deep breath before he held up the mirror, and studied his face from all angles. He smiled when he saw the pre-Armitage face looking back at him. There were no scars that he noticed. He leaned his head back against the pillow, and handed the mirror back to the doctor. Tears formed in his eyes and threatened to fall. He was so happy right now. His moist eyes studied Rossi who finally found his voice.

"Congratulations, Aaron," Rossi said in a husky voice.

Hotch was in the hospital for seven more months after his plastic surgery. His knee was now as strong as ever, and he was able to walk, unaided, anywhere within the hospital. But most of all, he was bored to tears. He wanted out. He wanted to sleep in his own bed with Haley again, and to hold his son in his arms. But he remembered the one thing that put a damper on things. He was still unable to urinate on his own, and he still had no sensation in his groin. But he was soon given news that would change his entire day for the better.

This morning after breakfast, Hotch took a walk around the hospital corridor with hands stuffed in the pockets of his robe. He was glad in a way that nobody was visiting because he needed time alone. Time alone to think about things.

A smile appeared as he thought of Jack. He missed his son so much. Seeing him occasionally while in the hospital helped, but it wasn't the same. He wanted to be able to hold his son in his arms, tuck him in at night, and read him a bedtime story. Things he couldn't do while in the hospital.

And then there was Haley. His sweet, beautiful Haley. She had been so supportive the entire time he had been hospitalized. Supportive and loving. He couldn't believe himself capable of loving her more than when they were married, but he did. But his love was tempered by how things would be when his wife had the 'need.' What would he do then? How could he satisfy her need when he couldn't perform? How long would her love and support last then? He had pushed the thought to the deepest part of his mind. But he now found it creeping to the front forcing him to think about it.

"Agent Hotchner?" a voice called out from behind him, stopping him in his tracks. He looked back to find Doctor Maynard approaching.

"Can I help you with something, doc?"

Maynard smiled. "In fact, Agent Hotchner, I am going to help you today."

Hotch was confused and concerned. "I'm afraid I don't understand. How can you help me?"

"Well, after speaking with Doctor Markus, she and I both agree you have recovered very well from your injuries. She is extremely pleased despite you still needing the catheter and the urine bag. And despite the fact you still have no sensation in your groin. And your knee is as good as new also. So, after a discussion between us and others, we have reached a unanimous decision."

Hotch arched an eyebrow. He really was not in the mood for games. "And what might that be?"

"We've decided to send you home tomorrow afternoon."

After Hotch had returned to his room, the news finally hit him.

Home. He was going home. Home to Haley and Jack. Home!

A wide smile appeared on his face as that one word reverberated throughout his mind. He telephoned his wife and gave her the good news. She promised to be there later today, and tomorrow to bring him home. She would also tell Jack the good news when she picked him up from school. Their son would be so excited.

No sooner had he hung up the phone, then it rang again. He grabbed the receiver.

"Hotchner."

"Hotch, it's me," said the familiar voice. "Just callin' to tell you I'll be stopping by on my lunch hour for a visit. How are you?"

"I'm doing fine, Dave. In fact, I was just given a bit of good news."

Rossi arched his eyebrows. "Oh? Care to share? Or is it a secret?"

"I've been told I am being discharged tomorrow afternoon. I get to go home!"

"That's wonderful, Aaron! Have you told Haley yet?"

"Just spoke with her a few minutes ago. She's thrilled."

"I bet she is. I imagine you are as well. It's been months."

"I can't believe tomorrow night I'm going to be sleeping in my own bed for a change." A few moments of silence followed.

"Aaron, what's wrong?" asked Rossi.

"Nothing's wrong. Why would you even ask me that?"

"I know you, Aaron. Now tell me what's got you down after receiving good news?"

Aaron closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Rossi understood him so well. After a minute, he opened his eyes again. "Dave, I'm scared. I'm still using this damned catheter, and have no sensation you know where. Haley's a woman. She's going to have…urges. What am I supposed to do as I can't…uh, you know. How long will she put up with that before…before she…?" he couldn't finish.

"Aaron, listen to me. Haley has been honest with you throughout this. Don't look for problems. I may be an old man who's been married and divorced three times, but I've watched you and Haley up close for months now. And I'm tellin' you right now, you have nothing to worry about whatsoever. Haley loves you and don't you ever forget that. If there was going to be a problem, she would have told you. You and Haley will be fine. Trust me on this."

"I do, Dave. And you're right. Haley loves me. I just can't help being scared."

"That, my friend, is perfectly normal. If you weren't, I'd be worried. Listen, I'm gonna call Haley, and tell her I will pick her up tomorrow and bring her to the hospital."

"You don't have to do that, Dave."

"I know I don't. I want to do it."

Hotch sensed his emotions overtake him again. "Thanks, Dave. For everything. I mean it. You've been a godsend to both Haley and I throughout this. I mean it. And before I forget, I look forward to your visit on your lunch hour."

Rossi chewed his lower lip as he collected himself. "No thanks needed. I have to go. I'll see you soon, Aaron. Bye."

"Bye, Dave. And thanks again."

Hotch slowly hung up the phone and stretched out on the bed with both hands clasped behind his head thinking about tomorrow.

The next day, Hotch was awake early as excitement kept him from staying asleep. After ten total months he was going home today. But it would be another month before he could return to work. And even then, he would not be allowed into the field while he wore the catheter and urine bag, and that disappointed him to no end. But to be back in the office would be a thrill alone. He ran a hand down his long hair and chuckled. First thing he wanted was to get a haircut. The hair on his neck was uncomfortable, and itched as well. He hadn't worn his hair this length since he had been a kid. His hair was longer than Jack's had been at any one time.

Both Doctors Maynard and Markus had been in to examine him for the final time after breakfast. And Hotch found he didn't even mind Doctor Markus this time. He summoned one of the nurses after his examinations were complete.

"You asked for a nurse, Agent Hotchner?" asked a petite redhead named Connie who responded to Hotch pressing the remote.

"Yes. I'm being released today, and I'd like to be able to shave before my wife comes. Can you bring me a razor and a few supplies to shave with, please?"

"Of course. Sir, Doctor Markus has given permission for you to be able to take a shower."

Hotch arched his eyebrows. "But I'm wearing a catheter. From what I know, I'm not suppose get it wet. How can I take a shower?"

"We have a waterproof bandage which can be used to keep the catheter dry. Just make sure you avoid extremely hot or cold water when showering. Also, you'll need a pair of sweatpants with a zipper, and a pair of Jockey shorts. You'll find them the most comfortable to wear. The sweatpants with a zipper will allow for easy access to the urine bag and catheter."

"Can you hand me that bag near the bed?"

The nurse bent down and grabbed the go-bag beside the bed and handed it to Hotch. During one of Jessica's visits, she had brought it to him. The agent unzipped the bag, and removed a pair of sweatpants with a zipper, and a pair of boxer shorts in a plastic wrapper.

"My sister-in-law is a nurse. She brought me a pair of loose-fitting sweatpants with a zipper on the leg. And several pair of boxer shorts slightly larger than my normal ones. Will they be all right to use?"

The nurse smiled. "That'll be fine. I'll be back in a few minutes with your shaving supplies and the waterproof bandage."

"Thank you." Hotch watched the nurse leave the room. She returned about five minutes later with a plastic razor, a hand towel, a can of shaving cream, and the waterproof bandage. Connie instructed Hotch how to apply the bandage correctly.

Once alone, Hotch walked into the bathroom with everything, and quickly applied the shaving cream. He then shaved his face with the plastic razor as he looked into the mirror. To Hotch, it felt wonderful to be able to shave himself as opposed to nurses doing it for him. After thirty minutes he had finished his shave, and sat all the shaving supplies on the edge of the sink.

He then reached into the tub and turned on the faucets to the shower. He made sure to adjust the water somewhere between hot and cold. Then, he stripped off the clothing he was wearing, and placed the waterproof bandage protectively over the catheter. He then stepped into the shower and drew the shower curtain. The warm water felt good on his skin as he began to wash his body. So much better than the sponge baths he had been forced to endure for weeks. After soaping up the washcloth, he began to wash one section at a time.

When he only had one area left to wash, he again lathered up the washcloth. As instructed by Connie, he washed his penis from the tip downward. It was explained he had to do this at least twice a day as the area needed to be kept clean. And after cleaning his genital area, he made sure to rinse it well with water and remove all soap. He then washed and rinsed his hair. Once done, he turned off the water, got out of the shower, and dried himself with a towel, careful to thoroughly dry the genital area gently. He then removed the waterproof bandage. He used the hand towel to dry his hair before he combed it. Afterward, he put on a pair of the slightly larger boxer shorts, the sweatpants, and an FBI tee shirt. He followed by brushing his teeth.

After putting the damp towels and hospital gown into the hamper, and the bandage in the wastebasket, he gathered the shaving and grooming supplies, and carried them out of the bathroom. He felt almost like his old self again; showered, shaved, and dressed. And the slightly larger boxer shorts and sweatpants didn't allow the catheter to rub against him or be moved by catching on the material. He put the toothpaste, toothbrush, and comb in his go-bag, and sat the shaving supplies on the tray. The only thing left was to put on his shoes and socks. But that would have to wait as he was unable to bend over at all. So, he slipped into a pair of slide-in slippers. All he could do now was wait for his wife and Dave to arrive.