Yup; I'm finally back at it. It took me a while because I've been arguing with myself over whether to write this one or not. I sought a few opinions and it was a 50/50 toss-up. However, as I got more into writing it, I liked the idea and ran with it. I hope you do as well.

I will be honest from the top. Again. This is my continuing story of Aaron and Dave being married and Jack, adopted by Dave. And it's a follow-up to a recent Criminal Minds storyline; but I will fudge a bit with some of the details. Please note the story rating. This is just about a family.

All rights to Criminal Minds and the characters belong to Mark Gordon Studios, CBS and ABC Studios.

The first chapter is set in the fall of 2014.

Chapter 1

Aaron and Jack Hotchner looked up to see Dave coming into the kitchen as they both enjoyed their morning bowl of oatmeal. That wasn't anything new. Dave the late bird into the BAU at nine always got up at this time to see Jack off to school. He just usually wasn't fully dressed.

Dave poured himself a cup of coffee and walked next to Aaron's chair at the lunch counter in the kitchen to give him a kiss. "Warm up," he asked, still holding the coffee pot.

Aaron shook his head. "No, I'll grab another cup when I get into the office. But thanks," he smiled.

Dave gave Jack a kiss on the head. "Ready for another day of taking on things at McAuliffe Elementary my son," he asked as he made his way back into the kitchen, putting the coffee pot back on the warmer. He left it on so Rosa could enjoy a cup when she arrived.

Jack scooped in another bite and took a drink of his milk. "And all things reading, writing and 'rithmetic Papa," he smiled.

"You remember those three R's well my son; they will get you far in life," Dave said. Jack rolled his eyes at Aaron; their usual teasing of Dave's old fashion world. Dave just shook his head at them both.

"So Papa, what gives," Jack asked, climbing off his chair to rinse his bowl and orange juice glass. Just then Rosa, their housekeeper unlocked the back door. Max, sleepy soundly after inhaling his breakfast, sprang to his feet and barked a warning, then ran to the door for his dose of morning love from his daily companion in the house during the work week.

"Hola Rosa," Jack said with a wave, putting his bowl and glass in the dishwasher. Aaron was behind him to do the same. He greeted the valued and much loved Honduran woman with a warm smile as well.

"Niño, get moving," Rosa said. "The bus is three blocks over."

Jack looked at his dad. "I'm on it dad," he said, flying towards the steps. "Teeth, jacket and school bag."

Aaron smiled and looked at Dave. "You never answered Jack's question."

"I had someone following me yesterday." Aaron hiked an eyebrow. "Relax Aaron, it was a female; I don't think it's a threat. But it was to and from work. So I'm going to see how much of my schedule she really knows."

"Another groupie," Aaron asked.

Dave rolled his eyes. "I got the license plate number; I'll have Garcia check when I get into the office."

"Sounds like a good idea," Aaron said. He and Dave filled in Rosa on being in the office for the day.

She smiled. "I know if something comes up, I'll expect Jessica later."

Jack came back down the steps, tugging on his fall coat and pulling his bookbag over his shoulders. He powered into Aaron for hug. "Love ya dad," he said.

"Love you too buddy," Aaron smiled. "Have a good day." Max ran to the front door and barked.

Dave got the same. "Love you too Papa."

"Have a good day Champino," he smiled. "Get going." Rosa went with Jack to the door and got a hug from him as well. Jack flew out the door with Max. When they got to the end of the now leaf covered lawn, Jack said good-bye to his four legged friend and got on the bus.

Max happily barked at Lisa, the bus driver, wagging his tail. "See ya this afternoon Max," Lisa smiled, shutting the door. Max barked again and headed around the house to take care of his morning business.

Aaron grabbed his suitcoat off the back of the counter chair, pulling it on. "See you at the office," he smiled, giving Dave a kiss. "Bye Rosa," he smiled. "Have a good day."

"Adios Aaron," she smiled as he opened the backdoor, his briefcase in hand. Max barked at him and Aaron waited to let Max in, giving him a quick rub before shutting the door. Dave left five minutes later.

-00CM00-

Aaron and Dave laid together in bed later that night. "With everything and the case, I didn't get the chance to ask you," Aaron said, holding Dave. "What's up with mystery woman following you?" Dave gave him the details, including confronting the woman at his coffee stop.

Aaron slightly laughed. "It's a good thing I love you as much as I do. This complicated life of yours could be daunting."

-00CM00-

The next day, later in the afternoon, the team was having a brainstorming session in the middle of the BAU Bullpen. Dave happened to look up to see a group get off the elevator. "You're kidding me," he muttered.

Aaron quickly looked. "What's wrong," he barely got out as Dave stormed off to the glass doors. The team all looked at him. "It's a personal thing with Rossi; let's get back at it."

Dave walked out the doors and confronted Joy Struthers, finally calling for security to escort her out of the building. Then he heard the words. "I'm your daughter."

Kate Callahan came out the glass doors. "Rossi, we've got an address. We've got to go."

Dave looked Joy Struthers in the eye. "Leave you information at the front desk," and moved to join the team.

Joy turned to watch him go. I need more answers damnit she thought.

-00CM00-

After successfully talking Ellen Connell into surrender, Rossi walked out into the night air and took a call from Garcia. Hotch walked out a few minutes later. He noticed his spouse nervously pacing. "Dave?"

"Aaron, I know you have to take care of the team. But can Morgan do it one time?"

"Dave, what do you need?"

"For you to get to me to Dulles as fast as you can."

Aaron looked at him. "If you talk to me, I'll drive." Dave nodded. Aaron keyed his comm mic. "Morgan, you've got the scene. Rossi and I need to take care of something with Jack." Dave nodded at the subterfuge to keep things private for the time.

"Roger that Hotch," Morgan said.

"Thanks Morgan," Aaron said back, pointing at Dave to get into the SUV.

They buckled their seatbelts together and Aaron started to drive. "Dave," he got out.

"Aaron, the woman?" Aaron nodded. Dave took a breath. "She's my daughter."

Aaron looked at him a brief second, before returning his eyes to his driving. "You sure Dave?"

"Yeah; it all fits with Garcia's snooping," Dave quietly said.

Aaron drove for a bit. "With Hayden?" Dave looked at him. Aaron smiled. "Jack and I met Carolyn; we honor and love Jimmy as much as you." He eyed Dave. "You trained me to be a profiler remember?" Dave nodded with a small, yet slightly vacant smile that the now BAU chief and David's lover picked up on. "Wife three you married only for a trophy bride and sex. Good thing on the pre-nup. That leaves Hayden."

"I love you; but sometimes…."

Aaron smiled at Dave. "You need me to kick your ass into reality and deal with things." Dave glared at him. "Dave, I walked away from a BAU case crime scene for you. I love you; and I will support you. Take care of this," Aaron said. "You need to," he whispered, looking at this spouse.

Dave looked at the test message he got from Garcia. "Then hit the lights Aaron; I'm running out of time."

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