A.N. - I do not own any of the Criminal Minds Characters.

As soon as the plane landed, Emily grabbed her bag and rushed to her car. Instead of going back to the office or home she drove to Hotch's apartment.

Once at his door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. A few moments later the door opened and Hotch stood in the doorway.

"Hi, Sorry if it's a little late but we just got back and . . . " She began to explain.

"It's all right. Come on in." He moved out of the way and allowed her into his apartment. He closed and locked the door behind her.

"So how did the case go?"

"All right. We got him. He worked as a valet and then stalked predominate women and broke into their homes and set things up like they were on dates and then he killed them."

"Daddy?" A little voice asked from the hallway.

"Hey buddy." Hotch said and walked over to his son. "Do you remember my friend Miss. Prentiss?"

"Yeah. Hi." Jack said shyly.

"Hi Jack." Emily smiled at him.

"I'm ready for bed Daddy."

"Okay. Excuse me while I put him to bed."

"It's all right. It's late so I should go anyway."

"No. Go ahead and get comfortable on the couch. I won't be to long."

Once Aaron and Jack had disappeared into Jack's room she took a couple steps toward the door but then stopped. After a few moments of internal debate she took off her jacket and walked over to the couch and sat down. About 10 minutes later Aaron came back out and sat down next to her.

"He asleep?"

"Yeah. Out like a light. So why did you stop by if you thought it was so late?"

"We left so soon after Haley's funeral that I just wanted to make sure you and Jack were okay."

"I'm hanging in. I think it will be along time before I'm okay." He sighed. "Jack misses her. He has been spending a lot of time watching video's of her. She shouldn't have died. If I had . . . "

"Don't you finish that sentence. You did what you thought was right and when you knew they were in danger you did everything you could to protect them. Haley's death was not your fault do you understand. Jack needs you and carrying around all this guilt is not good for you."

"I know he needs me but I can't get over it. Strauss came by a couple days ago and offered me early retirement."

Emily was shocked. "Really. What did you say?"

"That I had to think about it. I don't know what to do. Jack needs me now more then ever but I . . . "

"But you love your job too."

"Yeah. I don't know what to do."

She reached over and took his hand in hers. He looked at her in surprise.

"Why don't you talk to Jessica about it? She would probably watch Jack for you while you're away on cases."

"I'm sure she would but I don't really think it would be fair to her. She has her own family and life to deal with."

"All you can do is ask. I'm sure Jack would love to spend time with his cousins."

"Yeah." He smiled slightly and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

She smiled back and then looked at her watch. "Well it's really late so I should be going."

"Sure."

They stood up and walked to the door. Hotch opened it for her and she took a couple steps out before stopping. She turned and looked at him.

"If you or Jack ever need anything let me know."

"Thank you."

Emily smiled at him and then left. Hotch shut and locked the door before going into his son's room and watching him sleep. He stood in the doorway and thought about what he wanted to do.