ONE SHOT – The Boston Reaper is back and has targeted Aaron now that the deal with Shaunessy has expired.


"I am so sorry, sweetheart. I swear I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you, all three of you." Aaron affirmed with complete and utter seriousness and honesty.

"How am I supposed to keep them safe if I have no one I know to help me?" Haley scrubbed at her cheeks, desperately trying to rid them of her tears.

"You are so, so strong, Haley. You put up with me and my job and called me out on my bullshit. You have raised those boys so well. You are a great mother." Aaron struggled out. He, too, wanted to break down, but he needed to be the stoic Agent Hotchner he was renowned for.

"Can you catch this man?" She asked.

"I will catch this man," Aaron replied.

"The boys want to come in," Haley stated softly, nodding towards the corridor where their sons were waiting.

"I want to see them too, but I don't think it's a good idea." Aaron didn't want his boys to see him in this state, and he didn't want anything to trigger any bad memories for Atlas.

"I know you want to protect them from this, but they need this. All of you do." Insisted his wife. Aaron nodded in reply.

Aaron watched as Haley grabbed the boys and returned to his room. Jack rushed in, noticing Atlas trailing behind a little before hiding behind Haley's legs.

Haley lifted Jack onto the bed, and Aaron focussed on his youngest for now. Jack looked warily at his dad, noticing the bandages covering his body.

"Don't worry. It's ok. The doctors made sure that I was completely fine." He said loudly enough for both his sons to hear. He noticed Atlas had stepped away with Haley. "Did Mommy tell you that you three are going to take a trip?"

"Yeah," Jack replied.

"So, I'm not going to see you for a while."

"Why?"

"Well, think about it like when daddy goes away for work. Only this time, you, Atlas, and your mommy get to go someplace."

Aaron heard a snort, and he glanced at his eldest when he noticed that Atlas looked at him with disbelief before looking away. Aaron ignored it for now.

"What do I tell you every time I go away?"

"You love me and my brother?" Asked his youngest.

"More than anything in the world." Replied Aaron. He kissed Jack on his forehead before nodding at Haley to lift him off the bed.

"Baby, can you give Atlas and I a minute?"

"Sure, honey. Please catch this guy soon. I want us to come home quickly." Haley gave a careful hug and a kiss before lifting Atlas to sit on the edge of Aaron's bed. She took Jack's hand and led him back out to the corridor to wait for her eldest.

"Son," Aaron called, noticing his boy didn't want to look him in the eye. "Look at me, please."

Atlas slowly looked at his papá, tears slowly forming. He had put two and two together. He knew what was happening. Jack might be six now, but he didn't think his younger brother truly understood the gravity of the situation. Having been in many life-or-death situations, Atlas could tell that his dad was scared enough to send them away.

"Little one," repeated Aaron, reverting to the nickname he had given the boy the first day they met. "I promise this isn't forever."

"But what about you? Will you be safe? What-what if Foyet gets you first?" Asked Atlas, hiccupping with repressed cries.

"I will do whatever I can to make sure I come back to you. This, I promise." Assured the distressed father. "How did you even hear that name?"

"I-Miss Emily was talking to mamá at the house a-an-"

"What have we said about eavesdropping?" Asked Aaron.

"Not to. But it was about you and-"

"Okay, okay. Shhhh. Forget it. I forgive you. I'm sorry that you need to go away." Soothed Aaron.

"But papá! I don't want to leave you!" cried Atlas into Aaron's hospital gown-covered chest. "You said you would always be there for me!" Atlas continued to sob his eyes out, clutching onto his papá, mindful of his injuries.

Logically, Atlas could see why this needed to be done; WITSEC was much like what his parents went through with the Fidelius charm. However, the childish side of his brain didn't want to understand the situation. He just wanted his dad.

"Oh Atlas, I know I promised, but you, your mother and your brother are the most important things in my life. I could NEVER forgive myself if any of you were hurt. It's because of me that you are in danger in the first place. I need to make this right." Aaron soothed his son as best he could, fighting back his own tears, threatening to fall at any minute.

"Daddy, it's not your fault!" Atlas whined to his father.

"As soon as it's safe, you will come back home to me, all of you. Once it's safe, we can put this behind us. But to do that, I need to know that you three are protected." Explained Aaron. "I need you to look after your mamá and your brother for me. Can you do that?"

He felt his child nod before bright, green eyes looked back at him. "I'll miss you." Atlas's lips trembled.

"I am so proud of you—every single day. You and your brother are my world, and you continue to show me daily why I do what I do. To make sure your world is safe. Remember, I love you so, so much."

Aaron kissed his boy on the head before allowing him to get off the bed just as Haley and Jack returned to the room with Sam Kassmeyer, the US Marshal assigned to the family.

"Take care of them for me."

"Will do, Agent Hotchner. You just focus on getting Foyet."


"We will get Foyet."

"I promised Haley that we would get him, but the truth is, if he stops killing, we have no way of tracking him." Replied Aaron. "He stopped killing for ten years just for the pleasure of watching Shaunessy's life fall apart."

Knowing it was only Rossi in the room, Aaron finally let the tears he was holding back fall down his face as he struggled to articulate what he wanted to say.

"What are those boys gonna remember about me in ten years?" Asked Aaron, his voice wavering. "Atlas understands more than he lets on. To him, I'll be the father who broke his promise and failed to be by his side to protect him. And Jack? He's still so young and hasn't seen the world like Atlas. What will he think of me?"

"Hotch, look at me." Rossi stalked forward. "To those boys, you are their hero. From the boy who only ever knew pain but had your unwavering love the instant, you met him. To the boy of your blood, whom you and Haley have nurtured into the sweet little boy we see today and whose heart is as big as the eye can see. We'll get him."

Aaron is left alone to rest, images of his beautiful wife and young sons plaguing his thoughts. After wallowing in self-doubt for another hour, determination set in. He and his team would find Foyet, even if it's the last thing he does.


Now that they were in WITSEC, they were given new identities. Sam had suggested that they use their new names around the house, too, so the kids would get used to answering their new names. To keep it easy, the boys kept the initial of their first name, but Haley kept her name as is. Their family name was now Flynn. Jack was now Jared, and Atlas was now Adam. Jack thought it was a fun game they were playing while on 'holiday', but Atlas understood just fine.

Walking into Jared's room, Haley roused the little boy before sending him on his way to get ready for school before its time for breakfast. She headed back out to her eldest and knocked softly on the door.

"Adam, buddy? Time to get up." She entered the darkened room and knelt where she thought Adam's head was positioned.

"C'mon, kiddo, let's get ready, and then we can get something to eat."

"No." Came Adam's sleepy reply.

"No, we aren't doing this today, Adam. You need to go to school." Said Haley sternly. "C'mon, you have ten seconds to get up. Don't make me count."

Adam didn't move for a second, leaving Haley to think she really did need to count down. This has been a daily thing for them ever since they arrived here. Her temper was running short, but she really didn't want to lose it with Adam. Although much better, Adam can still be jumpy at loud noises or raised voices.

Thankfully, Adam groaned before grabbing the crutches from the side of his bed and pulling himself up.

"Buddy, is it one of those days? Are you in pain?" Now Haley was worried and perhaps had been too hasty to get him up. Adam just grunted and then headed over to his dresser to find some clothes.

Sensing that he wasn't in the mood to talk right now, she left with a quiet "Come down to breakfast when you're ready, baby." She nearly missed the even quieter reply, "Thanks, mamá."

She smiled as she headed down the hall to Jared before getting their breakfasts sorted. However, Adam came into the kitchen a few minutes later, and she could see he was in pain. Haley was still very worried about her eldest. They'd been in WITSEC for the last two months, and she had never seen Adam so despondent. She knew he missed his dad. She's well aware that her eldest loves the entire family with all his heart, but Aaron had saved his life, and they had a special bond that only ever grew stronger as the years went by.

It was apparent the minute they left the hospital with the US Marshal. Adam barely spoke to anyone. Sam tried to engage him but received short answers. He even spent less time with Jared and would prefer to read independently in his room. Adam hadn't bothered to make friends at school, whereas Jared had no issues with that. He kept his grades up; however, she felt Adam was bored in class. The school was nowhere near the same standards as his previous school. The headmistress ensured he still had a place with them if needed.

Adam was starting to get a little snarky too. Nothing hurtful, but he had been testing her patience the entire time. From not wanting to get up for school to refusing to help around the house more. Things he used to do without prompting. He missed his friends, he missed his dad, and he missed his dad's team. It didn't take a genius to realise that.

Seeing both kids off to school, Haley began to look online for a job. She still didn't need one but needed something to do with her day. The rest of the day was spent doing the laundry, tidying up the house while waiting for her kids to come home. She didn't expect a phone call from the school's nurse after lunch.

"Ms Flynn? It's Ms Cooper, the school nurse. I have Adam with me. He just suffered a short seizure. He's very disorientated. Will you come to pick him up?"

"Oh my gosh, yes, yes, of course, I'll be there as soon as possible."

"Just come straight to the main office, and you can sign him out for the day."

Haley rushed to the school and found Adam in the front office, slumped over to the side slightly, fighting to stay awake.

"Honey, c'mon, let's go home." She gently grabbed an arm and pulled him carefully to his feet. Adam held his crutches as Haley guided him out to the car. She could tell he wasn't fully aware yet and let him lean against the window while he centred himself.

When they got home, Adam went straight to bed, ignoring Haley's question if he wanted something to eat. Haley tried not to let it get to her. While it had been a while since his last seizure, she knew he would feel out of sorts for the rest of the day. She let him be for now.

The next few days were hard for the little family. Haley tried to get her eldest to go to school, but she could tell he wasn't well. Adam had suffered a daily seizure, and it seemed his medication was no longer working. Those days were scary for Haley. Adam hadn't been that bad since they met in the hospital. Along with the exhaustion from the seizures, he had lost his appetite and would barely eat. He was losing weight fast. Haley took him to the doctors, and they changed his prescription. They prevented most of the seizures, but they had some side effects, mainly nausea. The doctor promised that his body would adjust, just like it did with his previous medication.

Haley decided to pull Adam out of school. He was clearly unhappy, and with his health in the condition it was, she thought it best he stay home. She found everything she needed to homeschool her child, and it seemed to lift his spirits a bit. Jared was a little sad his older brother wasn't with him anymore, but he seemed to understand why.

In the evenings, Haley started to organise everything for Adam's ninth birthday coming up. She wanted to throw a party like they used to, but with Adam not wanting to befriend anyone, she decided that maybe they would just do something for the three of them.


"How are they?" Aaron asked Sam desperately. Sam had come to the office to give an update to Strauss but had thought to find Hotch before he left again.

"They're coping. Haley is settling in and seems happy enough. Jack is thriving in his new school. He's made a couple of friends already; I've checked their family, though, and they're all clean." Sam reported.

"And Atlas?"

"Smart boy, you got there, Aaron. But he's restless. He hasn't settled like Jack has. He hadn't bothered making many friends in school in the short time he was there. " Replied Sam carefully. He knew that anything he reported back to Aaron concerning his eldest would worry him.

"Why isn't he in school, Sam?"

"I am worried about him. He's struggling. He barely speaks, and his health has taken a dive from the stress of the move and everything that's happening. Haley is taking care of it with his doctors, but Haley chose to remove him from school and is homeschooling at the moment."

Aaron's heart dropped hearing how his little one was coping. "Has he had any seizures since being there?" He asked worriedly.

Sam sighed. "Yes, he's had a few. His doctor has changed his medication to try and help, but the side effects are worse than what Haley told me." He could practically see Aaron's heartbreak at the news and could tell his fellow agent was getting upset. "I'll be back in a month to deliver my next update to Strauss. I'll come to find you if you're in the state still."

Aaron watched as the US Marshal left again before he sat down, his head in his hands. He needed to find Foyet quickly. His family needed him. Atlas's ninth birthday was coming up, and he had been looking forward to celebrating it with the family and his team as they usually do for their birthdays. He thought fondly of Atlas's first birthday with them.

FLASHBACK

Atlas's sixth birthday marked a significant milestone for the family; it would be his first birthday with them. They wanted to make it memorable, just the four of them this year. Atlas still wasn't comfortable with other people yet, so they didn't want to stress him out, and the parents of his school friends understood the situation as well.

The morning of his birthday, Atlas wasn't expecting anything. He assumed his birth parents threw him a birthday or two when they were alive, but no one bothered in any of the foster families he had been with. Even as Harry, his eleventh was the first time he had a gift for his birthday that he could remember, and his subsequent birthdays were never celebrated with his friends. They obviously sent him a card and presented via Owl over the holidays, but they never met up to do anything, as if his relatives would let him anyway.

So when he grabbed his crutches and made his way to the kitchen, he was overwhelmed to see a 'happy birthday' banner hanging in the doorway. On the dining table, a large pile of wrapped presents were sitting innocently, waiting to be opened. His mamá and papá grabbed him in a hug each and whispered a 'happy birthday' to him.

Tears brimmed his eyes as he took it all in. "I-is all this f-for me?"

"All of it, little one. Happy Birthday, baby." Haley hugged him again and went to let go, but Atlas grabbed her and hugged her back, crying silently into her neck.

"Thank you, mamá, papá." He sniffed.

Aaron rubbed his back, letting him cry out all his emotions. "Sshhh, we love you, Atlas. So much. Every day with you is so special. A birthday celebration is the least you deserve."

Atlas looked up at his papá before launching himself into his arms too.

"Ok, little one. Let's get some food in you, and then we can go open presents before we head off for the day." Aaron placed his son on a chair before going back upstairs to grab Jack.

Breakfast was eaten quickly, and the parents grabbed the presents and lugged them into the living room, leaving them on the floor for Atlas to open. Aaron, wanting to keep his boy close today, lifted Atlas into his arms and carried him into the living room and placed him on the floor before doing the same to Jack. Aaron and Haley formed a circle around the presents.

The pile of presents was huge, and they knew they were spoiling him, but they decided that Atlas deserved it. There were also presents in there from the BAU, Jessica and Sean, Aaron's younger brother. Atlas hadn't met him yet, but Aaron had told his brother all about the little boy he and his team had rescued.

Atlas had a blast opening all the presents. He engaged Jack in the activity, too; he had grabbed his little brother and sat him in his lap so that they both could open the presents. His papá's team had gotten some presents for him too. He hadn't met them all yet, just the few that were captured with him, but his dad spoke about them all the time, so he knew them by name at this point.

Emily had given him an assortment of language books, now knowing that he could speak Japanese, Italian and Spanish already. Atlas looked excited to see some books on the Russian language in the small pile. JJ had sent along a small assortment of action figures. Atlas recognised them from his old world; there was a Spider-Man toy, Batman and also a Transformer. Jack seemed mesmerised by the Transformer. According to the box, it was a one-step changer, so it was easy for both he and Jack to convert from car to bot. Atlas ripped open the box and gave the toy to Jack to play with while he opened the rest of the gifts. Aaron and Haley smiled at the interaction, proud that their eldest was willing to share with his brother.

Derek had found him some more chapter books he hadn't already been given. Atlas could probably read them on his own, but lately, his papá and mamá had been taking turns reading with him before bedtime. His older mindset wanted to laugh at the idea of being read to like a child, but he had to admit it was nice to spend some time with one of his parents without Jack sometimes.

Spencer had found him another large pile of books on several different subjects. Atlas spied one on ancient civilisations, which he thought would be the first one he dives into. He had also sent him some brain teaser puzzles, including a Rubik's Cube and one of those little magic kits. Atlas figured he would have some fun with that one. David, whom Aaron thought was trying to buy his son's friendship, had sent the entire family on a trip to Disneyland, including flights and a place to stay. Aaron wanted to yell at David for such an expensive present but knew that it would fall on deaf ears. Penelope had sent a few plush animals for Atlas. Atlas had to suppress a giggle as she had managed to find plushies with a close likeness to his panther and python forms, plus a large stag and a smaller doe. He cuddled them close, allowing the small comfort from the plush toys they bring to all children. Those plushies will end up being his most prized possessions.

Aunt Jess and Uncle Sean banded together and gave him a couple of board games they could play together and some more toys, including a remote-control truck. His mom and dad had gone overboard, though. The rest of the pile was from them. Clothes, swimming trunks, books and toys were all wrapped up for him. His favourite was a framed photo with all four of them. It was taken not long after the adoption.

Once the presents were all put away, the family spent the morning at the park before going out for lunch and returning home for cake. Still feeling overwhelmed, Atlas very much enjoyed the day, but the cake was only the second he remembers ever getting in both his lives. The rest of the day was spent at home together. Aaron, luckily had not been called in for work. That night, Atlas hugged his parents tight, thanking them for the day before heading off to bed.

FLASHBACK ENDS


"Hello, is Mrs Hotchner there?"

Haley was walking back home from the shops with Jack, and Atlas wasn't feeling well, so she had opted to stay home when her new phone was called.

"Sam?"

"Haley! Sorry for using your real name, ma'am. My name is Victor Collins. I'm with the Marshal Service. Ma'am, we have a problem." Collins said. "Marshal Kassmeyer's been killed, and we're afraid your location may have been compromised."

Haley glanced around her surroundings before replying, "What?"

"Ma'am, I need you to focus right now. This is about saving your sons. We're trying to save Atlas and Jack. Do you understand me?"

"Yes." Haley was now starting to get worried and started to head home to Atlas quickly.

"I'm afraid there's more ma'am. I'm not quite sure how to tell you this, but your husband's been killed as well."

Haley's voice hitched as she tried to keep her tears at bay. "Oh god." She whimpered.

"We're going to bring you and your sons in safe, but I'm gonna need your help for this, okay? When we're through speaking, I want you to hang up the phone. Do not attempt to call anyone else. Do you understand me? It could be intercepted."

"Yes."

He continued to give her instructions before Haley plucked up the courage to ask just one more question.

"Are-are you sure Aaron is." She looked down at her youngest before continuing. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm terribly sorry."

Haley hung up the phone once she heard the man do the same before rushing to do as he instructed and then returned home to Atlas.


Atlas could tell his mamá wasn't telling him something. She hurried inside, trying to hide her tears, but she didn't explain anything only that she needed to call someone, and they needed to stay in the living room to take the call privately.

He wanted to confront her. He was in pain and not feeling well and hated it when people hid things from him.

"Atlas, come on, grab your brother. We need to head back home."

"What? Why? Are we safe now?"

"Atlas, please, just do what I say," Haley ordered quickly.

"No! Tell me what's going on. Is it Dad? Is he ok?"

"ATLAS! Stop it. Get Jack ready. We're going now!"

"NO, not until you explain what's going on!"

"That's enough. Do as I say now!"

Atlas grumbled but did as he was told and soon found himself back in the car heading home.


Hotch exited the hospital after getting what he needed from Sam before proceeding to call the rest of the team. "Foyet called Haley from Kassmeyer's phone." Said Hotch.

"All right, we'll get Garcia to trace it. JJ." Replied Morgan.

"He told her she was compromised, and I was dead."

"W-well, have you called her?" Asked Prentiss.

"No. He said to throw her phone away and to buy a disposable." Said Hotch as he paced back and forth across the pavement outside the hospital.

"Hotch, we're gonna come get you right now." Replied Morgan hurriedly.

"No, Anderson's bringing me a car."

"You want to meet back at the office?"

Hotch didn't answer the question. "I'm hoping she's just gonna call me, at least to check."

"Foyet posed as a Marshal. Even called from a number Haley recognised." Stated Morgan.

"And then he did what gets him off. He scared her." Continued Rossi.

"No," fired back Prentiss. "He paralysed her. He overwhelmed her."

"And now she trusts him. Where do you think he would take her?" Asked Reid.

Hotch was visibly getting more agitated as the call progressed. His family was in danger, and they were all just sitting there talking. He needs to get to his family. He needs them to be safe. He could not imagine a world without them. He promised his boys that they would come home. He had no intention of breaking that promise.

"Witness protection had her living in New Jersey."

"He has a head start. He could be there now."

JJ rushed back into the room. "Garcia's got a trace."

"He's bouncing between a few towers." Continued their tech analyst.

"Where?" Asked Hotch, stressed beyond belief.

"Fairfax County." Replied Garcia.

"He's still local?" Asked JJ.

"Send the coordinates to my phone." Ordered Hotch.

"Done."

Hotch noticed that Anderson had arrived with the promised car before he hung up on his team and drove off, recognising the coordinates as his family home. His wife needed him. His kids needed their dad. That was the only thought in his head.

As he drove off, Hotch dialled Kassmeyer's number, assuming Foyet still had the phone.

"Agent Hotchner." Sung the voice of the Reaper.

"If you touch her or my kids…."

"Be gentle? Like I was with you? What took you so long?" Teased the man. "I was beginning to think this phone was dead or something."

"Why so quiet? You usually lash out when you're frustrated."

Unknown to Hotch, the team had patched into his phone call and was listening from their end.

"I'm not frustrated. And you're more predictable than you think." Scoffed Hotch.

"Am I?"

"You didn't know where Haley was, so you made her come to you."

"Gee Hotch, you make me sound lazy." Replied Foyet.

"It's just another way for you to show control."

"That's terrible."

"Your mother tried to protect you from your father, but she wasn't strong enough. And you hated her for that, didn't you?" The agent stated. They had never been able to build a profile until now. "You decided all women were weak."

"Those are your words, not mine."

"What were you, nine, when you killed them?"

"It was a car accident." Replied Foyet calmly.

"That you couldn't take credit for. That had to be hard for you," Hotch continued to taunt the man. "But poor George got another chance. The little orphan was saved by the wealthy, sterile East Side couple, the Foyets. And the story should have ended there."

"I don't believe in fairy tales. Do you?

"That's the thing, George. This isn't a fairy tale. You don't have to write this story. You don't have to do any of this."

"Is this the part where you appeal to my humanity? To stop me from doing exactly what Haley was always afraid of? What kind of husband are you that you constantly leave your wife at home to care for two children for days on end?" Hotch had triggered something since Foyet continued to spit out the vitriol. "What kind of father are you to leave those little boys every day, not knowing if you're going to make it home that night?"

Hotch ignored him.

"You know what I've been thinking? Haley looks pretty good with dark hair. She's lost some weight. Must be all the stress you caused her." Foyet stated. "Where's the little ones? Oh! There they are. The orphan. He doesn't look too good there, Hotch. I think he's lost weight too. And the little one! Does he like Captain America because of you?"

"That's your wife. Hold, please." Teased the Reaper.

Hotch could hear another phone ring in the background and overheard Foyets side of the conversation, realising that Haley had let the man straight into their house.

"Aaron, I really have to go." Foyet hung up on him.


Hotch had just finished talking to his team, Morgan confirming they were deploying the SWAT team to his house. His phone rang.

"Foyet?"

"Aaron? You're okay?" The sound of his beautiful wife's voice came through, and the feeling of relief washed over him but was quickly overpowered by fright. Time was running out, and his family was in the presence of a predator. His heart was beating out of his chest as he thought about the woman he loved and his children that were waiting for him to save them.

"I'm fine, Haley."

"But…he said that. Oh, Aaron." Haley stuttered, realising that things were not as they seemed.

"He can hear us, right?"

"Yes. I am so, so sorry, Aaron."

"Haley, show him no weakness. No fear." Aaron was desperately trying not to cry, but the tears were there and ready to fall. He had never felt so scared in his life.

"I know. Sam told me all about him. Is he…uh."

"No, Sam is fine."

"Aaron, Aaron, Aaron," The Reaper suddenly piped up. "Surely you don't want to add 'liar' to the list of titles I'm sure you've gathered over the years. I'm surprised Haley stayed with you."

"Don't listen to him, Haley."

"Did you even tell her what this was about? The deal?"

"He's just trying to make you angry, Haley."

"Well, she should be. She's going to D-I-E because of your inflated ego." Foyet teased.

"Gosh, does Haley not know that you were responsible for so many deaths? Only because you did not take the deal?" Foyet asked. "Does she not know that you are the only reason they are in this mess in the first place? What would Atlas and Jack think?"

"What is he talking about?" His wife asked him.

"Tell Atlas and Jack I need them working the case."

"What?"

"Tell them. I need them working the case."

Haley cleared her throat. "Boys, did you hear that?"

"Hi, Daddy." Greeted Jack. Hotch was slowly losing it, not knowing if this would be the last time he heard their voices.

"Hi, buddy." Aaron's voice broke as he tried to stay calm.

"Is George a bad guy?" His youngest asked. He heard Atlas scoff in the background.

"Well, duh, Jack," Atlas answered for him.

"Atlas, Jack. Listen. I need you on this case with me. Do you understand? I need you to work the case with me."

"Okay, Daddy." Jack quickly agreed.

"Not a chance, Dad. I'm not leaving Mom." Disagrees with his eldest.

"Atlas, this is not a discussion. I need you both to do as I say. Please. Now hug your mom for me."

"Mommy, you hug too tight." Jack sassed.

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you sad?" Jack asked.

"I just love you both so much."

"Mom, we gotta go. We're working the case." Aaron heard his youngest scamper off before an argument between Haley and Atlas broke out.

"I'm not leaving you. I'm staying until Dad gets here." Growled his eldest.

"Atlas, please. Just go with Jack." Haley pleaded.

"Haley, pass the phone to him."

"Dad, you're coming, right? I'm staying with Mom."

"No, little one. Go. Jack needs you."

"Daddy…." Pleaded Atlas. Aaron could hear the boy struggling to keep his emotions in check.

"Go on, buddy. I'll see you soon." Aaron's voice cracked again. He waited until he thought he heard Atlas leave the room before speaking again.

"You know, all he had to do was stop looking for me, and then you wouldn't be in this mess." Came Foyets voice again. "Cute kids, Hotchner. I'll be right up, kiddos!"

"Is he gone?" Aaron asked, tears filling his eyes. He knew his time was limited. He wasn't sure if he would make it in time, and the thought of that broke him. Aaron drove as fast as he could to get to his family, but he had a feeling it wasn't enough that he hadn't done enough. He wasn't enough.

"Yes." Sniffed Haley.

"You're so strong, Haley. You're stronger than I ever was."

"You'll hurry, right?"

"I know you didn't sign on for this." Said Aaron, steadily losing his composure.

Haley breathed out, upset. "Neither did you."

"I'm sorry. For everything." The agent apologised.

There was a slight pause as he could tell Haley was gearing up to say something.

"Promise me you will tell them how we met. And how much fun we had. Tell Atlas that he may not be mine biologically but will always be my son. And Jack. My little boy, remind him every day that I love him. All of you."

"Haley…" Aaron could hear his voice wavering.

"Look after them, Aaron. Look after our babies. Love them, encourage them. Teach them that love is everything and that it's the most beautiful thing in the world, but you need to show them. Promise me."

At this point, the tears couldn't have been stopped if he tried. "I promise."

BANG, BANG, BANG.


Atlas was in a mood. He wasn't feeling well, his dad wasn't there, and his mamá was stressing about something. He tried to ask what was going on, but she had kept tight-lipped about everything. They had ended up back at their house, and his mamá was pacing back and forth before answering a phone call again.

"I'm here." She answered. "Okay," Atlas watched as she hung up the phone before opening the gate. He saw a car drive in, but he didn't recognise who it was; it gave him a bad feeling.

"Mamá? Who is that?"

"Nobody, honey. Don't worry."

"Mamá. Who is it? Where is papá?"

"Quiet Atlas. It's just another Marshal. He's taking us to safety."

"Where's Sam?" Atlas asked quietly.

"He was hurt, baby. But don't worry. Help is here."

"Why do we need help? Mamá, what happened to Dad?"

Haley was getting frustrated on top of trying to keep it all together. She knelt in front of her eldest. "Baby, your dad. He-" she hiccupped.

She stayed silent, unable to say it out loud. But Atlas could read her just fine.

"No."

"Baby…"

"No, no. He can't be. He promised." Atlas paled as he started shaking.

"Baby, I need you to stay calm, ok? Can you do that for me? You need to stay calm for Jack."

Atlas pulled himself together and nodded, but inside, he was breaking. The man who took him in and loved him as his own was dead. And he didn't know what to do. He went over to Jack, who was building a puzzle on the coffee table and joined in to help. Meanwhile, a strange man had entered the house and was talking to his mamá. He handed his mamá another phone after dialling someone's number.

"Aaron? You're ok?"

Atlas listened to Haley's side of the conversation, elated as it seemed like they were lied to, and his dad was on the way. Atlas kept an eye on Jack as he warily kept who he now gathered was Foyet in his line of vision. When the phone was put on speaker, he let out a sigh of relief as he heard his papá. He listened as his dad gave the code words to Jack for them to hide in his office until their papá arrived. Atlas had no intention of obeying; however, the desperation in both their voices caused him to follow Jack to make sure he was hidden correctly.

Up the stairs in his papá's office, he lifted Jack into the little compartment before shutting the lid.

"Atlas, papá said to work the case with me."

"Shh, Jacky, I just want to make sure mamá is safe. You want her to be safe, right?"

"Ok." Jack nodded and allowed Atlas to shut the lid before he crept back downstairs and hid behind the wall closest to his mamá.

He noticed Foyet had moved and was lurking behind his mamá while she was talking to his papá. Atlas had summoned the Elder Wand on his way downstairs, and Death had briefly appeared with a shit-eating grin and mimed the words to a curse Atlas thought that he himself would typically never have used.

He watched as Foyet pulled a gun out and pointed it at his mamá. Knowing he only had seconds to spare, Atlas drew in his magic to give him an extra burst of strength before he sprinted out of his hiding spot to knock the man away just as he pulled the trigger.

Foyet fell to the ground taking Atlas with him. The shot missed Haley by inches and embedded itself into the wall. The man was dazed as he had hit the floor fairly hard. The little boy packed a punch, and he wondered how the kid was able to do that to a fully grown man. Foyet stood up angrily before noticing Haley had frozen to the spot while the boy had turned over to face him, holding out a stick. Foyet scoffed before holding up his gun, not willing to go into more conversation. What the hell was a stick gonna do?

Atlas was staring down the barrel of the gun, his mind battling with himself, debating on whether he had the stomach to do what he was about to do. He saw Foyets gaze flicker back to his mamá, and he made up his mind. Whispering the two words he had never thought about ever saying and gathering all the hatred and disgust for the man in front of him and pushing it all into the spell.

"Avada Kedavra."

BANG BANG.

All that registered in Atlas' brain was the pain. He looked down and saw a hole in his stomach and on his side where two bullets had entered. He quickly banished his wand before he coughed and collapsed to the floor. Blood poured out of the wound and puddled underneath him.


Aaron pulled up in his driveway and didn't bother turning off the car before running into the house with his firearm drawn. A loud scream reverberated around the house, a scream he recognised belonged to his wife. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, preparing himself for the worst. As he cleared each room, he stalked into the living room and came across an image he never wanted to see.

Foyet was lying in a heap by the coffee table, and Haley was kneeling on the ground, frantically calling for Atlas.

"No, no, no, no. Atlas, baby. Please!" She called desperately.

His son collapsed on his stomach, and copious amounts of blood pooled around him. Hotch froze, not knowing what to do first. All his training as an agent and experience as a father just went out the window. He rushed passed Foyet but not before checking for a pulse. Relieved to find there was none, he quickly knelt on the other side of his boy before grabbing his shoulders and turning him over.

"Atlas! C'mon buddy, stay with me." Aaron held Atlas' face between his hands as he tried to rouse him. He leaned over to check that the boy was breathing. He checked his pulse and could find a weak one. "Little one, please open your eyes." He cried desperately. He glanced downwards to see two gunshot wounds. He moved to press down on them to help stem the bleeding.

He watched as his little one opened his eyes. Aaron noticed that Atlas started to try speaking after realising he was there but was interrupted by doing so by a wet cough. Aaron tried to comfort the boy after he had coughed up a mouthful of blood with such force that he had some splattered on his cheek.

"Sshhh, don't speak, little one." He brushed Atlas' hair away from his forehead and continued to rub his thumb across it in a soothing manner.

"Aaron, I'm so sorry. I-I thought he was safe with Jack. I didn't hear him come back down. A-and I don't know what happened! One minute Foyet was ready to shoot me, and Atlas knocked him away and–"

"Haley, don't worry. We'll figure this out later. Go up to my office. The chest next to my desk. Jack is in there. Take him out of the house. My team is on the way."

Haley rushed off to Jack, trusting Aaron to help Atlas. She hurriedly grabbed the boy before going out the back door so that Jack couldn't see the state his brother was in.

Aaron continued to mumble assurances to his boy. Atlas let out a pained groan as Aaron pressed more firmly on the gunshot wound. Ignoring the gasps of surprise from his team that had just arrived.

"Hurts, Daddy." Atlas moaned.

"Hush, I know, I know. But I need to keep my hand where it is." Aaron once again let the tears fall. He could hear Atlas struggling to breathe while his eyes started to close. "We need a medic in here!" he yelled back at his team.

"They're almost here, Hotch." Assured Morgan.

"No, no. Keep your eyes open, Atlas. L-look at me. Stay focussed on me."

"Tired, Daddy." Atlas wheezed out. Aaron thought he heard a sob behind him but wasn't sure who it was.

"Ssh, c'mon baby, stay with me. Don't go to sleep." He could hear the team trying to hold back tears as they watched the little boy struggle to hold on.

"Mamá? Safe?"

"Y-yes, baby. Mamá is safe. Jack is safe. You saved them. That was you. All you."

Atlas, no longer having the energy to say anything, just smiled as he closed his eyes.

"No, no. C'mon, son. Keep those eyes open." He kept tapping his son's cheek as Atlas let out another wet cough, blood trickling from his lips. Aaron let out a sob as he gave in and picked up his son. He cuddled him close, rocking him back and forth, freely crying and no longer caring who witnessed it.

"Atlas, please, wake up." He whispered into his son's hair. Aaron could still hear the boy's laboured breathing, and he felt Rossi place a hand on his shoulder in comfort. He failed to notice that the medics had finally arrived and were trying to take over.

"C'mon Aaron, you gotta let go and let the medics see to your boy." Rossi began to pull the man away from his son.

"No, please. I promised to be there for him!" He cried, still clutching his son.

"I know, I know, but you need to let him get the help he needs."

Aaron reluctantly placed the boy onto the stretcher provided and allowed Rossi to steer him out of the house and over to Haley.

"Aaron! Is he ok?"

He couldn't speak. The day was slowly catching up to him. From the desperation he felt when he realised Haley was in Foyet's hands, to the despair when he thought she had been murdered, to the pure anguish when it was not his wife but his precious son near death. He could feel himself hyperventilating before Haley grabbed his face to try and calm him down.

"Aaron. Baby, you need to breathe. C'mon. In and out. That's it." She cooed while getting her husband to calm down. "Aaron, go with them. Jack and I will follow up with the team."

The unit chief just nodded before he climbed into the ambulance once Atlas was situated and grabbed his hand. Soon they were speeding off towards the hospital, sirens blazing.

Aaron carefully soothed the boy but tried to stay out of the first responder's way. A twitch grabbed his attention, and as he looked at his little boy, Atlas started to seize.

"Atlas!" Aaron frantically exclaimed. He moved out of the way as best as he could so that the medics could help. Soon enough, they arrived at the hospital, and he tried to follow Atlas.

"I'm sorry, sir, but you need to stay out here." Atlas was wheeled straight into surgery, leaving the distraught father to pace in the waiting room.

He must have looked a sight as he was covered in his son's blood. Haley and the team arrived but without Jack.

"He's with Jess." Answered Haley when asked about their youngest. "I didn't think this would be the best place for him right now."

"What did you tell him?"

"Just that his brother was hurt and needed to get better."

Aaron nodded before allowing his wife to guide him into a chair to wait for the doctor. The team picked seats nearby in quiet solidarity.


All Atlas could hear was a consistent beeping sound, and someone was also holding his hand. Judging by the sterile smell, he was once again in the hospital. Flashes of memories came to him, and he remembered that he had used his magic to save his mamá. He made a note to check in with Death soon as the muggle coroners will discover that Foyet had just dropped dead for no apparent reason.

He also registered pain radiating from his stomach region and finally remembered being shot. With the number of times, he's been injured in both lives, being shot felt a lot worse.

Atlas must have let out a small grunt of pain as he heard a voice speaking to him.

"Little one, can you hear me? Can you squeeze my hand for me?"

It was his papá! Atlas tried to move his hand but could only weakly squeeze his papá's fingers.

"That's it! You're doing great, buddy." Cooed his father. Atlas tried to open his eyes but found that he couldn't. He subconsciously let out a whine of annoyance.

"Hey, hey. Sshh, you're ok little one. Just rest. I'll be right here."

Atlas' consciousness faded again as he lost the energy to stay awake.

"I'm angry with you."

Was the first thing he heard when he woke again. He managed to pry his eyes open, only to see his little brother snuggled against him on the bed. His mamá was fast asleep on the cot next to him, and his papá was snoozing away in the recliner in between the two beds.

Atlas glanced down at Jack in question.

"You were supposed to work the case with me as Daddy said, but instead, you went off and got hurt." The boy pouted up at him. "I don't like it when you're hurt."

"I'm sorry, Jacky, but mamá was in trouble. And I knew I could help." Atlas whispered back.

"I heard Mom and Dad talking. They said you were the one that got George, but they don't know how he died."

Atlas had wondered when he would tell his family at least about his magic. He was afraid that they would kick him out if they found out. But he looked between his parents and determined they were asleep deep enough.

"I'll tell you, but you must promise not to tell anyone. Especially mom and dad." Atlas said to Jack. He knew that if Jack did let it slip, no doubt the adults would just think it was his overactive imagination.

"I promise." His little brother whispered back.

Atlas called forth his magic to create a ball of light in the palm of his hands.

"Magic."