I start coming around, and by the way my chest is feeling I'm pretty sure I've been revived at least once. CPR really takes a toll on you. I try to breathe in deeply, but my chest hurts like hell.
Over the beeping of the hospital equipment I hear a sound, like someone is chewing on something. And I would recognize that disgusting chewing sound anywhere...
"Is that Dr. Stephens?" I tease
"At your service" he replies.
I chuckle as I open my eyes.
"Hey, sis. If you wanted to see me, you could have just called. You didn't need to have a heart attack" he says as he brings his chair closer to the bed
"I'll have it in mind the next time"
"On the bright side, you made some people happy today because I had to cancel this week's lectures".
"How many did I...?" I ask
"One heart attack, and flatlined two times. I also gave them consent to replace your pacemaker for a brand new ICD" he answer
"Damn... Rossi is going to be insufferable now" I sigh
"Yeah, he might as well put you into a plastic protective bubble. Have you thought about the early retirement deal?" he asks
"No" I answer immediately.
"Maybe consider it now?" he suggests
"No" I answer again, "This was just a bad moment. And if I wanted someone to lecture me, I would have let them call mom"
"Oh, that's why I'm here? I'm the spare" he acts offended
"Shut up" I chuckle.
"Besides work, how have you been?"
"Besides work..." I chuckle, "You know, just overworked and underfucked" I admit
"I have a friend for you..." he mentions
"I am not going out with Tom"
"Why?"
"Because he is... slow. He acts like he doesn't care for anything. He has no perception of time, which pisses me off, because I'm too aware of time. And the way he agrees with everything I say is so boring, like he doesn't have his own opinions" I explain
"Sometimes I don't get women... You want someone to argue with you all the time?" he sighs
"Of course not. But I want a little tension... And maybe be a bit overbearing. But don't boss me around. Like, lead me, but only when I am in the mood to be led. You get what I'm saying?" I ask
"I have no idea what you're saying"
"You have a PhD in Philosophy but can't understand what I'm saying?" I argue/laugh
"Exactly. The ancient white men were more clear".
A knocking sound makes both of us turn our heads to the door. Hotchner. He is wearing just a white button down and pants -no tie or jacket.
"I'm sorry if I'm interrupting" he says
"And I was wondering why it's so quiet..." I speak
"You sound cheerful" he points out
"You have no idea..." my brother comments.
"Jackson..." I call
"Got it. I'll go grab something to eat and I'll be right back" he says and leaves the room.
As soon as we are alone, Hotchner puts his hands in his pockets and leans against the wall. "Do you remember what happened?" he asks
"Everything until the point you were complaining about my -ght misspelling" I answer.
He nods and looks away for a moment.
"I'm not dead, so I apologize for the disappointment" I tease
"You were dead for 3 and a half minutes" he informs me
"Happiest minutes of your life, I bet" I chuckle. He smiles, but there is a sad hint to it.
In all seriousness I recognize that I would be dead now if it weren't for him. I lied. I remember everything from the car ride to the hospital. I remember how he held my hand the entire way here. I remember him trying to reassure me that he'll make sure we arrive in time. I remember him admitting that he misses me. And I remember his hand almost trembling in fear when I was almost unconscious.
"I'm sorry for calling you an insufferable hardheaded son of a bitch" I say
He smiles, "And I'm sorry for calling you a cold-hearted bitch"
"When did you do that?"
"Never..." he replies, totally guilty.
"What happened with the mansion after we left?" I wonder
"Are you sure you want to talk about work now?" he asks
"Yes, please"
"Well, they discovered 48 bodies buried in the property so far"
"So far?"
"The director gladly took on that win and had a great press conference where he didn't mention the BAU or, at least, the Investigative and Operations Support Section. He received all the praise"
"Predictable" I comment
"But he asked me to tell you that your position is safe and will be looking forward to your return so you should take your time healing"
"How thoughtful of him. How many more of these serial killers with their personal mass graves exist and no one knows about it?" I wonder
"That's a question for another time. Now you gotta rest and get better"
"The less you piss me off, the quicker I'll get better"
"I haven't pissed you off yet, have I? And I've been here for more than 5 minutes" he points out
"Impressive, Agent Hotchner. I'll make sure to add that to your recommendation letter" I laugh.
His phone rings and he checks it quickly. By his expression, I can tell it is work related. "Go" I almost order him
"I'll come by with Dave later if I have time" he says
"Ok. Make sure you don't wreck the entire department without me there"
"I'll do my best" he smiles, "In the meantime, don't argue with the doctors and their orders or I'll call your mother" he threatens
"You won't"
"Try me".
My brother returns. "Interrupting?" he asks
"No, he was just leaving" I answer, "Have a good day, Agent Hotchner"
"You too, Chief. I'll call you if I have anything new on the mansion situation" he mentions
"Please do" I reply.
We say our goodbyes and he leaves.
"This man is definitely into you.." Jackson comments as he continues to stare at that door
"Impossible" I laugh
"Oh, I think it's very possible"
"No, it's not. We argue all the time--"
"Passion!"
"No!"
"What did you call it? Tension!" he uses my own words against me
"Oh my God..." I complain.
YOU ARE READING
EndGame || Aaron Hotchner
FanfictionAs the direct supervisor to Agent Hotchner, Chief Olivia Stephens has to make sure he and the units function at their best. But he has been making it more and more difficult for her. Out of all the psychos, misogynistic men and paperwork she has fac...
