Disclaimer: This was originally posted as a one shot on archivesofourown. Instead of writing a new book here and confuse you, I'll post this as a bonus chapter. This one shot takes place between book 1 (At your service) and book 2 (After the rain). Enjoy!
Aaron Hotchner felt his stress level rise parallel to the time passing. Time he didn't necessarily have. Breathing out slowly, he hummed into the phone, knowing he sounded as desperate as he felt.
"Don't worry," he breathed, very much worrying, "Get better soon, and let me know if you need anything."
His son looked up at him, furrowing his brows just like Hotch always did.
"Is Hannah sick?"
Hotch, letting the phone sink down, nodded and rubbed his face. "She has the flu."
As always, his job had terrible timing. But usually, someone was able to jump in, and help, just not today. He had to go back to the office, and taking Jack was no option. On top of that, he had to be quick. Strauss had been adamant about involving him, whatever it was. She hadn't been too clear but had mumbled something along the lines of highly confidential. Not something he needed on a Thursday night with no support. A name sounded through the busy thoughts of his head and he looked at his son. Jack had raised his brows at him, wiggling the tiny stuffed dog Alex had given him. Alex. That was precisely the name Jack had said.
"I'm sorry I wasn't listening, Jack," he said, "What did you say about Alex?"
His son chuckled as if he couldn't believe his dad wasn't getting it.
"Maybe Alex could watch me? On Thursdays, she helps Katie with her homework. Katie says they're always home by six because Alex picks her up from orchestra practice."
Hotch blinked a few times at him, his heartbeat picking up slightly. Something he had gotten used to ever since he had met her again a few weeks ago. Alexandria Evans. The woman he wanted to see every day, spend way too many hours thinking about, and still, was very much not his girlfriend. She was already doing so much for him, could he really ask that as well? Guilt crept up on him. How many other options did he have? None, whispered a voice inside his head.
"Alright, I'll ask her," Hotch said, running a hand over his son's hair, "But don't get your hopes up just yet."
Jack only smiled and nodded. Looking at his phone again, he didn't have to look far for her number. By now, it was favourited. Nervousness settled in the pit of his stomach. Hotch told himself it was because he was running out of time, and options. When her voice answered with a soft "hey you", Hotch heard himself breathe out slowly.
"Hey," he said, "How are you?"
He was met with a chuckle.
"The way you sound, I'm probably a lot better than you. What's going on, Aaron?" Alex asked, and he could've kissed her just for how well she read him.
"I have to go back for something to the office and Jessica and my other babysitter are out sick, I was wondering-..."
He didn't even finish the sentence before Alex jumped in.
"If I could take Jack? Absolutely. Katie wants me off her back for history anyway."
A loud "hey" sounded out in the background and he felt himself smile despite his miserable mood.
"That would be amazing. I can probably pick him up later, but I don't know what Strauss wants," he tried explaining, rubbing his face again, "I will tell you as soon as I know what it means for me. Sorry for calling on such short notice."
YOU ARE READING
And If I Fall, Let Me Part I: At Your Service - A. Hotchner x OC & Jemily
Fanfiction"Look who the cat dragged in," she directed at Hotch, smirking. To her surprise, Emily watched as her boss' lip twitched in what was suspiciously close to a smile. Now that was unusual. She had never seen that woman before. "Surprised they let you w...
