Disclaimer: In no way do I own Criminal Minds and I'm not making any profit off this story.

Summary: There's a surprise in store for Penelope and the rest of her team, will her new relationship with Aaron be able to survive it.

I started writing this after listening to Carrie Underwood's song: Just a Dream.

Please R&R

Enjoy!

…

'In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.' - José Narosky

He could hear the blood thumping in his ears as he ran for his life. He could see the American Flag flying in the distance, a sight he never thought he would see again. It brought hope to him, if he could just make it a few more yards.

He could hear shouting behind him, as well as the crack of gunfire but he dared not look back. His feet thudded against the hard earth beneath his feet.

His heart raced and tears stung at his eyes when just ahead of him one of his comrades was taken out. The man had been an ally and friend to him for the past nine years of living in the jungle, and his first thought was to stop and help him but he kept running. They had made a promise to each other, they would keep going no matter what, this one last chance for them to get back, they had to take it.

A tear rolled down his cheek as he passed his friend's body but his feet kept moving. 'Just a few more feet' he told himself as he saw American soldiers grabbing their guns and heading towards him from their base.

He felt relief fill him when the soldiers ran out to meet him and the rest of his troupe that had made it. One man grabbed him and pulled him to safety as the others ran forward and returned fire on their pursuers.

Once he knew he was safe, his already weak body gave out on him and he passed out.

…

Penelope sighed with content as she snuggled closer to Aaron; they were watching Cars with Jack, who was sitting on the other side of his dad.

Aaron smiled down at Penelope and his arm tightened around her.

They had been dating for just over two months and even though the relationship was new territory for them, they both couldn't remember when they had last felt so happy. Thankfully Jack had been just as enthusiastic about their relationship as they had. He had always loved his Aunt Penny and though he had been slightly confused when Aaron had told him Penelope wasn't just going to be his Aunt Penny or his Dad's coworker anymore, he had taken it well.

In fact when Aaron had explained it to him, Jack had beamed and then ran over to hug Penelope. "Yay, now Daddy will smile more, he always smiles when you're around." Were his exact words which had made Aaron blush.

So far Jack and Strauss were the only ones that knew about their relationship. They had decided early on to tell Strauss, since they both believed that it would be better to be up front and honest from the very beginning, though Penelope had been uber nervous at the prospect, but was glad they had in the end.

When they told her, though she hadn't been pleased, she also didn't demand their resignations. She had told them that as long as they kept it out of the office then there shouldn't be a problem.

As for the team, they had decided that they didn't want them to know until they were sure it was going to last since they didn't want to complicate things for nothing.

However even though it had only been two months, for Penelope at least, she couldn't see the relationship going south. There was just something about Aaron, he understood her like no one else could, and she felt like she did the same for him.

They just matched each other perfectly, they got along well and of course Jack was an added bonus. Penelope had always wanted to have kids and Jack was the sweetest, cutest nicest little boy around, she was always happy to spend time with him.

As the credits came onto the screen Penelope yawned.

Jack laughed "Aunt Penny, you can't be tired already!"

"Sorry Jackers, but apparently I can, I think I'm gonna need to go to bed." Penelope replied.

"Aww," Jack pouted "I thought we could watch one more movie? We have Cars 2 too."

Aaron shook his head and leaned over to ruffle his son's hair "Actually Buddy I think Penelope has the right idea, besides you have to get up early tomorrow remember? You have a dentist appointment."

Jack glowered at the thought, Penelope didn't blame him, no one liked going to the dentist.

"Here's an idea, why don't we go out for dinner tomorrow night to make up for missing the second movie?" Penelope offered "Maybe we could go to Beaver and Bulldog."

Jack looked up and beamed at the mention of his favorite restaurant, he turned to Aaron "Can we Dad, please?"

Aaron smiled "I don't see why not."

"Yes!" Jack yelled jumping up and moving to give both his dad and Penelope a hug. "Thank you."

Aaron grinned at him "Now go get ready for bed, I'll be there to tuck you in soon."

"Okay," Jack said heading to the hallway, he turned back just before he was out of the room "Goodnight Penelope, see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Jack," Penelope replied.

When he was gone Aaron turned to Penelope and pulled her into his embrace, he pressed his lips to hers and grinned into the kiss.

Penelope let out a soft moan her hands running through Aaron's hair.

"Stay?" he asked as he pulled away.

Penelope bit her lip, there was really nothing she'd rather do but she didn't have a change of clothes for the next day.

"I shouldn't, I don't have…" Penelope trailed off as Aaron's teeth found her earlobe.

"Don't worry," he murmured "we can drop you off at your place before we go to Jack's dentist appointment, it's on the way."

Penelope sighed and wrapped her arms around Aaron's neck, she giggled as his breath tickled her skin and his teeth pressed softly against her neck "How can I say no when you're doing that?" she whined.

"Would you like me to stop?" he asked.

Penelope gently slapped his arm "No," she said with a laugh "don't you dare."

Aaron laughed too before kissing her again "Okay," he whispered "but just let me go tuck Jack in, then we can continue this."

Penelope nodded and flopped back down on the couch "I'll be waiting," she whispered.

Aaron shook his head and then went to check on Jack.

…

He rolled the locket around in his hand as the plane declined in altitude, he would soon be back on American soil and he couldn't wait.

He turned to look at his friend, Tucker, the younger man had a wide grin on his face and he was sure they must have the same thoughts.

Tucker obviously felt his eyes on him and turned to smile at him "I can't believe we really made it."

"I know," he replied "but I told you we'd get through it."

"Yes you did," Tucker said "but still it's unbelievable. I can't wait to see my family. What about you, let me guess that's the first thing you're going to do, go and see her?"

"Yeah," he answered and flipped open the locket in his hand, he looked at the beautiful blonde staring back at him "Ten years has been too long, but I'll finally be able to see my girl…my Penelope."