Sickfics- Multi-fandom

Marriage of Inconvenience - Aaron Hotchner (Criminal Minds)

I tuck Jack into bed. He looks up and smiles at me. I smile back and kiss his head. "Sleep tight, love." Jack and I have been fighting the worst cold for the past few days.

But I would take being sick with Jack in my new life over my old one any day. I didn't think I could ever feel so safe and happy in my own house.

My ex-husband was a piece of work. I don't want to get into the toxic relationship we had or the terrible things I had endured. But when the opportunity to testify against him and his mafia ties for the benefit of Witness Protection came along, I couldn't turn it down.

However, there had been some doubts about how trustworthy Witness Protection really was right now. There is some suspected infiltration.

Therefore, my uncle, a higher up with the FBI said I would be assuming a new identity and marrying one of his agents until a better plan could be sorted.

The agent, Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner had been recently divorced then widowed. (It was complicated.)

It was a good cover, because he needed help with his son. But, he was also one of the few men my uncle said couldn't be bought out.

So Hotch and I got married for show. It was awkward, but we were becoming friends at least. I adore Jack and Jack seems to love me too.

When Hotch is home, he's kind and thoughtful. He's obviously a bit serious but still....I feel safe with him.

I go over to the main bedroom and crawl into bed. I grab another dose of cold medicine.

The phone rings. I hesitate.

It's probably Hotch. I've kinda been dodging his calls or having Jack answer them. My voice sounds horrible from this cold and I didn't want him to worry.

I ignore the call then I lay my head down. It isn't long until I fall asleep.

I wake up to a cool hand pressed against my forehead. My eyes flutter open to see a very worried Hotch.

"Hi. How did the case go?" I mumble as I let out a cough.

"It went fine. Why didn't you tell me you caught Jack's cold?" He says looking serious. Like I was a puzzle he had to crack.

"I didn't want you to worry....but I should check on Jack." I say as I try to stand up. My head spins I reach out for balance. I feel Hotch's cool hands around my wrists.

Hotch gently pushes me back down into the pillows. "He's asleep, hon. I just saw him."

I blink. I feel a little fuzzy. Did Hotch just call me "hon" ?

I feel Hotch's hand against my cheek again. "You look awfully peaky." He says worriedly.

I give him a small smile. "I've felt worse. If you could just keep an eye on Jack, that would be nice." I glance at the clock. It's 4:06 am.

"I could make you something warm to drink. You're shaking."

"No, no. You should get some sleep." I say and let out a cough. "Oh it's your night for the bed. I can switch..." I say.

"I hope you're not serious." I swear I can feel Hotch frowning in the dark.
"Don't look at me like that." I say lightly.
"You can't even see me. Lie down." He orders.