Description: Shaken to his core when Haley asks for a divorce, Hotch needs to rebuild his life. Eventual Hotch/Prentiss.

A/N: This is going to be a long story with eventual Hotch / Prentiss pairing. Eventual, as in it will take time. Jack will be younger (about 10 months old) when Hotch and Haley divorce.

Our tale starts with Season 3, Episode 2: In Name and Blood.

Chapter 1

~~~~~CM~~~~~

SSAIC Aaron Hotchner was sitting at a red light, hitting his steering wheel in anger. Unable to fathom this day, this crappy day. He reviewed the facts that led to his mini meltdown at a stoplight.

- Jason Gideon was missing in action

- Spencer Reid was walking a tightrope after his ordeal

- Emily Prentiss had resigned

- He was suspended by Strauss, him, Aaron Hotchner, rule follower extraordinaire

- He was expected to transfer to White Collar

- He had just pissed off Haley. Badly!

- His team needed him

- Three team members gone in a day

- Horrid case of women with their hearts carved out of their bodies, a killer that was escalating

- Strauss, Queen of paper pushing, was out in the field, leading his team (leading them where he didn't know)

A car beeped from behind him, a short little beep. A little 'Hey buddy, the light changed, can you go, please?' honk. He stepped on the gas pedal and drove another block before pulling to the side of the road. Leaning his head back on the headrest, he sucked in a huge breath and held it. Slowly exhaling, he pulled his thoughts together: case, team, wife.

"Damn it, when did Haley start to come in last in my priorities?" he asked out loud.

Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed home.

"Aaron," she answered in a clipped tone.

He was at a loss for words, what could he possibly say to fix this, "Haley, I'm sorry."

"I know you are sorry but you aren't going to change. After this case ends, you aren't going to transfer to a desk job. You aren't going to work a 9 to 5 job. You aren't going to be here for me or Jack."

Sighing, he wanted to assure her, convince her but the words died in his throat. "You're right. I need to do this job. It's become who I am. Haley, I love."

Haley interrupted, her voice has lost the hysterical edge from earlier, "I have never doubted that you love me. That you love Jack." Her voice shook but she continued, "I love you, Aaron. Truly, but I need more. I need to be more than an afterthought. I deserve better."

"You do deserve.."

She interrupted again, "Aaron, I don't know if it's enough anymore. I need to think. Let's not do this over the phone."

He huffed, unable to control his emotions. He wanted this done, decided, remedied.

"Call me when you get to the hotel tonight, okay?"

"I'll call you tonight." He promised as she hung up.

Staring down at his phone, he watched her picture fade away as the phone went into sleep mode. It was almost as if his phone was mocking the state of his marriage.

Sighing again, he put the car in drive again and pulled into traffic.

Next on the agenda, getting Prentiss back on the team.

~~~~~CM~~~~~

Episode referenced: Season 3, Episode 2: In Name and Blood

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