Hotch/Rossi; tattoos, a red convertible, dreams

Hotch looked up towards the door at the sound of the knock. "Hey Dave," he addressed his friend and mentor. "Thought you left for home already."

Rossi nodded as he walked into the room. "I was on my way when I saw that you were still here."

Hotch recognized the question hidden in that statement, and explained, "Jessica took Jack to visit her parents for the weekend. Thought I would just catch myself up on some paperwork."

"Have you told her yet?"

"Told who, what Dave?"

"Don't make like you don't know who and what I am talking about, Aaron?"

Hotch let out a huge sigh, "There is no reason to tell her, Dave."

"You are an idiot if you think she doesn't feel the same way about you. Aaron, you've been lusting for her ever since she disclosed to the team about the tattoo she got when she was 21. She's a profiler also. Do you really think that Emily Prentiss has not noticed the glances you've been tossing her way? You need to talk to her."

"And, what tell her how she has been the central player in my dreams each night? Let's say that you're right and she has the same feelings for me."

"I am."

"There is no way we can be together. I'm her boss, Dave. There is a strict no policy against that. Strauss would have my job and Emily's too if she found out."

"But she won't Aaron. I'll see to it. Hell, the whole team will have your backs on this. You two are meant for each other. Jack loves spending time with her and have you seen how her face lights up when Jack comes here to visit you?"

Hotch nodded, "She's good with him. You think it can actually work?"

"I do."

"It's been so long since I've approached a woman. I haven't asked anyone out since Haley and I were dating."

"Just ask her. She'll say yes. Believe me. I'm surprised that she hasn't taken the situation into her own hands and asked you out."

"Alright. I'll talk to her. You better be right about her feelings for me. Because, if you're wrong and things wind up being uncomfortable around here."

"I'm not wrong. Here use this." He hands a set o car keys to Hotch.

"What are these?"

"Call her tonight. Jack's gone for the weekend so there is no need to get a babysitter. Follow me home and take 'Ole Ruby' with you."

"You're giving me your convertible to use for a date?"

"I am." Rossi gave a slight nod to Hotch.

"Your red convertible?"

"It's a classic car, Aaron."

"It's also the most prized position you have. You've treated it better than your wives, Dave."

"Which is why you are going to make sure that it is returned to me in the same condition you receive it. Trust me it's the perfect car."

"I am blaming this all on you if she turns around and laughs in my face."

"That's fine. Not going to happen though. Tell me, will you give me the credit if I'm right?" Hotch just sent a glare in Rossi's direction. "I'll give you some privacy so that you can make your call."

Hotch watched as Rossi left his office and closed the door behind him. Picking up the phone, he pressed the speed dial number for Emily's cell. Before he could chicken out she answered his call. "It's Hotch…no there's no new case…I was wondering if you would be interested in having dinner with me." He held his breath, waiting for her answer. Hotch released the breath and smiled. "You would?...I'll pick you up at seven. Is that okay?...Great! See you then."

Hotch shook his head as he picked up the car keys. He knew that he would have suck it up and tell Rossi that he was right and he was not looking forward to the smirk that would be on his friend's face.