Renewal at the FBI A Heart to Mend

Chapter 3

The twilight air is peaceful, and the SUV's engine hums softly as Aaron and James drive toward Quantico. After several hours of comfortable silence, Hotch glances at Jay, then speaks up. "How does it feel to be back after all this time? And to stay, for that matter?"

"It's... strange, I guess. I forgot how quiet it is here. In the field, you're always on high alert, always ready for whatever might happen. Here, it's different," Jay says thoughtfully.

"Yeah. The calm can be deceiving sometimes," Aaron nods. "But you know, it's really good to have you back around too, Jay. We missed you. Jack talks about you all the time."

Jay smiles, looking pensive. "It's good to hear that... How's he doing, by the way? I've missed a lot being deployed."

"He's doing well. Growing up fast, but I know he struggled with the divorce from Haley. I was barely home as it was, and he had trouble understanding why I wasn't the same when I was home. On top of that, Haley's upset with me, and we've had difficulty talking, but we managed to agree on Jack's upcoming birthday. Actually, we were thinking of hosting his birthday party at your place this weekend."

Jay stays silent for a moment, touched by Aaron's words. "Of course, I remember you mentioning that on a call. I've told you before, my house is your house, so feel free to do whatever you like with it, decorate it the way Jack wants, so he can really enjoy his birthday."

"I was actually wondering... do you want to keep your return a secret until the party? We could surprise Jack and Noah," Hotch suggests.

Jay chuckles softly, considering the idea. "Yeah, that could be fun. It'll be a surprise not just for Jack's birthday but for Noah, Haley, and Jessica too."

Aaron smiles, well aware of the bond between Jack and Noah. They were inseparable, with Noah acting like Jack's big brother, and Jack loving having someone other than his parents to play with and look after him.

"You know, I'm pretty sure when Jack blows out his candles, he'll wish for you to come home and not leave again," Aaron says.

"You think so?" James asks.

"Absolutely. Noah's been telling him all the stories you told him, and he keeps talking about you. I overheard Jack telling Noah that the only gift he wants is for you to come home because he knows Noah misses you, even if he hasn't said it out loud. But Jack doesn't want to see you only behind a screen anymore."

Jay nods, moved by the thought. His gaze drifts toward the horizon for a moment, imagining the scene.

"And Haley and Jessica will be surprised too. They'll be really happy to see you," Aaron adds.

They share a quiet laugh, enjoying a moment of camaraderie and relief after the recent tensions. After a few moments of silence, Jay thanks Aaron. "You know, I could never thank you enough, Aaron. For everything. For taking care of Noah while I was away. It always reassured me to know that even though I trust Lisa, his nanny, you and Haley were always there for him."

"You don't have to thank me, and you never will. Noah is family, and after everything you and your father have done for me, I could never repay you. And you know, for Jack, having Noah around made him feel closer to you. He feels like you've always been there."

Silence fills the car again, but this time, it's a comforting one. The two men exchange a knowing glance. They understand that their bond goes beyond words and that they'll always be there for each other, no matter what life throws their way.

The car continues to roll gently through the fading daylight, carrying with it two men bound by years of brotherhood, ready to surprise those they love most.