Retrograde [Completed]

Part 37

Hi ladies, theydies, and readers. This is a bit of a filler, just to further the plot. There are 3 parts left after this, all payne no liam. I do have a question though; would y'all like me to drop songs that remind me of Aisha & Aaron (courtesy of the discord)? Let me know. Love you all! (also typos whooooo?, unless they're really bad)

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"You're all set to go Ms. James. Any pain at all, take the medication the doctor has given you. If you feel like any of your wounds open, come back here immediately. Any questions?" The nurse, an older black woman who reminded you of your late grandmother, was no nonsense as she tells you everything for what feels like the 100th time.

"Yes, yes I got it. Thank you Maria." You try to keep the annoyance out of your voice. You were glad that she had taken great care of you and that she was genuinely concerned. Most of the pain you were feeling right now was just a dull ache.

"Let's get going. Who's picking you up, your husband?" She starts to push you down the hall.

You fidget with the ring on your finger and laugh. "Uh, no, he's my boyfriend."

"Interesting ring for just a boyfriend." She assesses as the two of you enter the elevator.

"He's recently divorced, not very eager to retie the knot." You explain.

"And what about you, are you ready to tie the knot?"

"No, I think my time's passed." You answer quietly, still twirling the ring on your finger.

"With how young you are? Couldn't be the case." The doors open and you see Hotch stand with his back to you. You'd know that long curl at the nape of his neck from anywhere. He's in a tight leather jacket and if you weren't on bed rest you'd want to jump him right in the lobby.

"That's him, I'd rather not talk about this." You look up at her anxiously.

"Alright I'm sorry. Go ahead and call out to him."

"Aaron."

He twirls around, a wide smile on his face but you can tell he's worried since his fingers are rubbing together.

"Hi baby." He bends down to give you a quick kiss.

"Here's here discharge papers with all her bed rest instructions. You take good care of this girl, she's a gift." Maria is stern, her eye contact with Hotch strong.

"Y-yes ma'am. Thank you." His eyes widen in fear as she looks at him.

"Thank you Maria." You pat her hand that's still on your shoulder, hoping she'll get the hint to go.

"Take care honey." She squeezes your hand and then makes her way back to the elevator.

Hotch pushes you across the lobby and out the door before he says anything. "How are you feeling?"

"For the most part, fine. I'm just a little tired and in a bit of pain."

"Do you need to take your meds?" He looks down at you concerned.

"No, no, I'm okay, it's not that bad."

"Why the hell was that nurse ready to skewer me?"

"She was surprised we aren't married that's all."

"Oh."

"It's not really any of her business though. She doesn't know us or our situation, who is she to judge." You say quickly, hearing his mood drop with that one word.

"Right."

"It's nothing, Aaron. Don't worry about it."

"I'm not worried." His voice is higher than usual and you know he's lying.