Hannibal
Fandom: Criminal Minds
Pairing: Hotch/Prentiss; Hotly
Theme: Need
Word Count: 328
She looked at him and gulped, though she hoped it wasn't noticeable.
"What are you doing here? Really?"
He looked up and answered right away, not even having to think about the answer.
"I want you on that plane with me."
No, it was too personal. It sounded almost like he needed her. And even if he did, that didn't mean she had to know.
"You're integral to the team."
She looked down and he could've almost sworn he saw guilt.
His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Emily," he said, "please."
She looked up and he knew she was trying to come up with an excuse.
"I already turned in my badge and gun."
"Gun and badge are just accessories."
She bit her lip.
"Hotch, I already resigned. I'm not a part of the team anymore."
A hint of desperation entered his voice. "I'll make you a deal. I'll come back in half an hour after I've packed. If you and your bag are not downstairs, I'll leave you alone. For good."
He wasn't sure why he was so keen on getting her to go with him, or why he felt the incessant need to, well, need her. But he knew what he said was true and, despite the persistent voice reminding him he was a married man, he knew his feelings for Emily ran deeper than what even he wanted to admit.
"So, uh, I'll be back."
She looked at him with a shocked expression – whether it was because he was actually going through with his word or if it was simply because Aaron Hotchner actually stammered, he wasn't sure – but she didn't do anything to stop him.
With a final look her way – hoping to memorize her features in case he never did see her again – he turned his back and opened the door.
He prayed to whatever god was listening to him that she would be waiting for him in half an hour.
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