A's H's and UnSubs

by Cassidy Smith

Aspen Hill joined the BAU or Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI two years ago after passing the FBI academy with flying colors. From day one Aspen and agent Aaron Hotchner have felt more then co-workers, but they never pursued anything farther than work. It isn't until danger strikes the team that Aspen and Aaron must confront their feelings head on.

4. Chapter 4 - Answers

"G.G. once said, 'Sometimes looking for answers only leads to more questions. And sometimes you're better off not knowing." ~David Rossi

Hotch came out of surgery just fine. They got the bullet out with no complications. He lied in the hospital bed breathing slowly as the team entered, missing one. Hotchner's eyes fell to the bed as he silently scolded himself.

"Hotch," Morgan started softly, realizing how touchy the subject was going to be for everyone. "what happened out there?" Hotch sighed in pain as he sat up.

"We found Brittany Madison and then gunfire went off and we both dropped to the ground, but I was hit already." He paused trying not to lose his calm composure. "Aspen stood and started yelling and before I knew what was happening she hit the ground." Hotch closed his eyes and clutched his hands into fist. "She knew if he took her then he would just leave me because I wasn't important to him. After that, I blacked out."

"There's nothing you could have done." Rossi spoke up after the rest of the team left to try and find this UnSub as soon as possible.

"I told her to stay down. This wouldn't have happened if she had just listened to me for once."

"Aaron, we both know she would have stood up for anyone if she thought it would save a life. She would always stand if it was your life." Rossi added the last sentence quickly. Hotchner's brows came together when disbelief crossed his face. "Please Aaron, don't look so shocked."

"Why is my life any different?" Hotch asked sitting up in his bed.

"Aaron, she likes you." Rossi said finally just ripping the band aid off. "We all know she does, but you. The way she talks to you and we all know you feel the same." Hotch looked up quickly. "It's the way you both look at each other. It's obvious Aaron, we'we've watched this grow for two years now. The only people that don't know are the two of you. Saving you was second nature for her. I bet you she didn't even give it a second thought."

"Exactly Rossi." Hotch covered his face with his hand. "I would have done the same thing, but I couldn't. I couldn't save her, she had to save me."