Return

Three weeks later Aaron was getting ready to return to work. He'd been out of the rehab for a week and thankfully hadn't touched dilaudid since he'd gone in. It really helped that Spencer had turned the house from top to bottom and taken any remaining hiding dilaudid and got rid of it.

He felt a lot stronger and happier since coming off the drug and was so thankful for his family's unwavering support as he tried to conquer the addiction. Jack and Spencer had called him every day while he was inside and he'd been so grateful Spencer had taken him places to get his mind off his absence.

To his delight they'd even visited him twice at the rehab. He'd been a little worried the first time he saw them after he entered rehab especially Jack. Thankfully he just gave him a hug and answered they'd help him over his issue and he knew he hadn't meant to be different it was just his issue. He hugged him back and thanked him telling him it would all be alright soon.

He'd already put on his suit so he put his tie on and tied it in the mirror nervously. He knew his team had known where he was even if they hadn't asked Spencer. They weren't stupid and would have put two and two together. They'd already gone through one dilaudid addiction now they'd gone through his as well. Would they ever trust him again after his addiction?

He felt his boyfriend come up from behind him and wrap his arms around his waist placing his head on his shoulder. "Honey, it's going to be fine," Spencer assured.

"Can they ever trust me again?" he answered vulnerably. "When I should have been leading I was sneaking off to have a fix."

"They'll just be glad to see you're back."

"But my behaviour..."

"Was dictated by the dilaudid which you've successfully kicked out of your life. Aaron, you've conquered the addiction and I'm so proud of you..." He kissed his temple and added, "I know the battle isn't over yet but I'm going to be your sponsor. I know you can really do it and we're all going to help. You've come so far already."

He nodded smiling slightly then remembered something and looked down. "Sp..." he began.

"We removed all dilaudid from your office and go bag. We won't let temptation get in your way again," he assured.

"Thanks," he smiled slightly. "I really appreciate what you and Dave had done for me and are still doing."

"We just want what's best for you."

To his relief he was just greeted back like nothing had happened. They told him they were glad he was back and back to the old Hotch they all loved. He smiled and thanked them all for their support and promised them he'd remain clean. Dilaudid was now just another part of his past.

It felt so good to sit back in his old chair knowing he was clean now and had support to help him stay that way. He smiled at how far he'd come and how he hadn't lost his life, career and most importantly his family.

He went through his drawers and found a box in his top drawer. He took it out curious and opened it up when he saw the ring inside. He smiled remembering he'd bought it before all the trouble had happened at the bar and events had spiralled out of control.

He wanted to marry Spencer even more now. He'd stood right by his side through his drug addiction and his time in rehab. He even wanted to be his sponsor to help him stay clean. He couldn't imagine his life without him and his son adored him.