Series 9 one-shots: The Inspiration

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas

For any of you who are new to this and not read my previous 'series one-shots', they pretty much do what it says on the tin. I write a one-shot for each episode in the series using a prompt from that episode. I try to use as many of the characters as possible, the genres change to fit the mood of the prompt/episode.

I hope you enjoy.

. . .

The Prompt

Rossi: So how many all nighters have you pulled this month?

. . .

Aaron sighed as he scanned the piles of paperwork covering the desk in front of him. Pulling at his now suffocating navy tie he loosened it enough to allow himself to breathe once more. Over the past month he had spent too many nights in his office and was now openly convinced that it had a mind of its own when it came to heating and cooling.

There had been nights, like tonight, when subtropical seemed the best description of the environment. Followed by those that bordered on arctic conditions.

Briefly he let his mind consider what Erin's plush modern office would be like. Then he scolded himself for having such a thought. Aaron had actively made the choice to remain, at all times, in his own Unit Chief office. Most of the time that decision was based on practicality of the situation, after all he couldn't run the team effectively from down the corridor. But the rest if the time it was in avoidance of the one big question that was hanging over him: was he ready to attempt to fill Erin's shoes?

Well was he?

Aaron pondered the question a while longer, as he pulled the nearest pile of buff coloured folders close to him.

It was obvious that paperwork did not put him off, though equally he would be great to see the back it very soon. Somehow it seemed worse this time round, he didn't remember this much paperwork last time he covered for Erin. Guess that's what comes from ever evolving job responsibilities and roles. It keeps changing as accountability, politics and red tape overshadow the day to day results of their job. Sometimes he wondered if what they did on paper was now more important then what they did in the field.

The field.

That was the crunch point. Could he step away from the live action? What would it do to him reading about what his team had done rather than living it with them?

In his years as a prosecutor he had spent more than enough of his life tied to a desk shuffling papers. Joining the FBI had made him come alive.

It wasn't that he craved danger. He just wanted to actively feel like he was making a difference. Putting the bad guys away had been one thing. Stopping them dead in their tracks, sometimes literally, that was something else.

Flicking through the top file he automatically recognised Rossi's style of report writing, factual with a little flourish of drama. Aaron smiled.

His friends.

Could he really walk away from the team? They had long ago become more than just friends. They were connected, a bizarre but highly successful family. They were there for each other no matter what. They didn't judge or keep score. It didn't matter what day of the week or hour of the day, they all knew they call on the others regardless. The core of the team had been through so much together.

People may say that blood is thicker than water but Aaron believed that his team could blow that theory out if the water.

His team.

It was his team. He was proud of them he had and would again defend them to the hilt. His team, it wasn't that Morgan wasn't ready to step up as unit chief. Aaron would give him the post in the blink if an eye. No the issue was that Aaron wasn't ready to relinquish his hold in the reins. His team, Aaron shook his head at his own ridicules possessiveness.

So where did that leave him? Other then sat behind a large desk covered in piles of files and a son asleep at hope hoping to see his Dad one morning this week; the evening as well would be an unexpected bonus.

So his conclusion.

Aaron slowly closed the file he had started. Standing he squeezed as many folders into his brief case as he could. Leaning across to switch off the desk lamp, Aaron gently adjusted the photo frames on his desk, a smile tugging at his lips.

Yes taking this job and leaving unit chief behind would have many benefits. Regular hours, nights at home, air conditioning and heating that worked, weekends with Jack and dinner together. Ok he was realistic enough to know he would be working once Jack was in bed, but he would be there. He'd be a Dad.

But Aaron knew that he was not the sort of man for a desk job. The thought of days, and nights, filled with paperwork sent a shudder down his spine. The thought of staying back while he waited for the reports to come in made him cringe. Though he was sure Garcia would soon knock him into shape if he spent too long hanging around her office waiting for updates. In fact that possibly scared him the most, she would be quick to sort him out.

The jury might still be out on if he got the job, now that it had opened out to others. He could have taken the place without any risk of competition. But the honest truth was that he didn't want it. He was happy being the BAU Unit Chief. He was satisfied by his role and the impact his team had on society.

With a smile on his face Aaron stepped into the elevator ready to head home, with the knowledge that the decision had been made.

. . .

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

Theodore Roosevelt