They had been together for almost a year. No one knew. It was their secret. It wasn't as though they didn't want to tell the team. It was just that since a relationship between team members was forbidden they didn't want to burden their friends with their lie.
When Haley died all the team supported Hotch. It was even Derek's idea that Emily offer to help Hotch out, especially with Jack. What he hadn't counted on was Hotch's reliance on Emily. It started off small. Babysitting on the odd occasion, but had escalated to trips to the park and dinner and movie nights with the Hotchner men.
Sure, she always came home to him but lately he couldn't help but feel threatened by his leader and friend.
Then one day it happened. His office phone rang. It was Hotch. He wanted him to meet him in his office in 5 minutes. Only stating that it was a private matter. Not knowing the agenda for the meeting he was a little nervous. He only started relaxing when he saw Rossi already sitting in Hotch's office.
"Hope I'm not late."
"No Morgan, come on in. I needed to talk to the two of you about a private matter. You know it has been 6 months since Haley died and since then the team has been an unfailing support to me and my son. None more so than Emily. Now as you know Emily and I have been spending more and more time together outside the office and has now, I believe, has reached the next level. What I am trying to say is that I am in love with Emily and I think she feels the same way."
Derek sat there is shock. Too stunned to say anything. It was Rossi who spoke first, "Congratulations Aaron. I'm happy for you. Have you spoken to Emily? What did she say?"
"Well she doesn't know my feelings yet. I'm actually going to tell her tonight. But I need your felp. David, can we count on you to deal with Strauss if she makes any trouble for us?"
"It would be my pleasure."
"Thank you. Now Derek, I've learnt for my past mistakes. I will be stepping down from Unit Chief. Will you consider taking over permanently? I want to be the kind of man who is around for their woman. So Derek, what do you say?"
Derek stood up, confused. "hotch, do you know what Emily's feelings for you are? I mean, has she given you any clue to wanting something more? How do you know she isn't seeing someone."
"I appreciate your concern Derek. My thinking is that since she is practically spending all her downtime with Jack and myself I do not believe she is seeing anyone. Besides, what man in their right mind would let a woman who looks like that spend time with another man and his son."
"I would Hotch. I would and I did. Hotch, there is no easy way for me to tell you this but Emily and I are a couple. Have been for some time now. I'm sorry. But this thing you want between you and Emily is simply not going to happen."
"Derek, can I please speak to you outside?"
No one had heard Emily come up to Hotch's office. Nor did anyone know how much she had overheard. All Hotch knew was that it would be one of the hardest afternoons of his live.