Finally finished another chapter! Thanks for the support! Hope you enjoy!

I own nothing of CM.

x.x. .

Seven days had passed since the unsub was caught, injured thanks to Emily, and all legal work was playing out right. The man would never see the light of day again. His broken arm would heal though, unfortunately.

When they had arrived at the apartment building, part of the team stayed, agreeing that Hotch, Prentiss and Morgan continue on the lead, with police backup. They found the car the unsub had stolen according to surveillance in a back alley. He had screwed up at the apartments and he knew it. Something must have thrown him off. He was collecting things hurriedly in an old warehouse when they broke up his party. He chose to run. Naturally, the coward would. Emily being the closest to him tripped him up and slammed him into the ground with a force Hotch and Morgan both admired. Her zest and spark pushed her forward. He had a few tools in his hand but Emily didn't blink. When he falls, the objects fly away, far from him.

She didn't say anything to the filth of a man he was. But deep inside, words wanted to spill. She kept silent, disgust evident.

When the others arrived and the police had taken him away, aware from his screaming that his arm was broken, Emily felt only a small bit of self-satisfaction. His neck would have been so much more sufficient.

The case closed.

Within the last week, many things changed. Many things healed. Many things flourished. The team was closer than they could have hoped for. The demon that used to hang around was gone. Sure, more evil was out there, was in the folders upon folders among JJs' desk, but the team had found their rhythm again. Girls nights were planned, a team meal at Rossi's was set.

Emily was still in that healing process but her hopes had never been so high. She looked past her scars now, the heat no longer bothering her. She could breathe whole, her chest flaring in pain not a worry anymore.

Hotch and Emily were communicating extremely well and having evening talks before leaving work. He was grateful for her healthy appearance. She let him in, something they both wanted and they were easily slipping into a comfortable spot. The trust stood evident between the two now. When she felt like saying something, she would. When he wanted to tell her something, he would. This was their give and take, a system that existed but had never fully been opened until now.

As the days span out, another case was more than likely about to knock on the door, so the team took the opportunity to enjoy a night at their regular bar. Drinks and music went in perfect harmony. Not to mention, Rossi offering to pay. The girls find two tables, scooting them together and they all settle in.

After an hour, Rossi was slinging them back like a pro, eyeing the women on the dance floor. He was making bets with Morgan, who was already on his fifth beer and a few numbers in his pocket.

Garcia and JJ were trying to persuade Reid to do numerous acts he would never even dream about doing. Statistics were flown out into the air as he tried to get them to back off.

Hotch and Prentiss were both on their third drink, smiling and talking about the different songs being played with the memories that go hand in hand.

Some time passed, the music switches to a song with an unfamiliar dance to all of the team but Emily. She jumps up, big smile on her face.

"I'm gonna dance. Anyone want to join?"

Without waiting for a response, she flounces out on the semi crowded floor, her black heels finding a spot in the line of dancers. She immediately catches on to the moves, synchronizing with the rest. Happy yells were called out as the different shoes scrape against the hard wood floor.

The team watches her in pleasant surprise.

With no hesitation, Morgan slides off his chair, grabbing a hold of Garcia's hand, saying, "Come on mama." She squeals in delight as he swings her into a spot.

Rossi laughs heartily, shaking his head and downs another shot of whiskey. He kicks back in his seat, content to watch the display in front of him.

JJ and Reid soon follow the others, Reid a little reluctant.

Next to Rossi sat Hotch, glass in hand, eyes watching every move of one dancer. He is captivated by every step, every turn, and every smile of Emily's. She brought even more life to the already lively room. Her long, dark hair swung in the air, flying and falling back down around her head as she expertly moved with the music. Her straight black work pants she opted to wear fit well. The heels she sported were a last minute decision. She was glad she wore the little shiny pumps but she knew her feet would hate her the next day.

Hotch, dressed in laid back clothing, felt for the first time in a long time, relaxed. He knew his team was. Getting out like this does them all good. Something they all needed to do more often.

Emily catches his eye, smiling and laughing. His pride in her grew. Those fearful, pained eyes he'd seen last week were replaced with joy, happiness. She didn't study each move, making sure everything was in place. She was letting loose, holding nothing back. Her cheeks were pink much like they were before but he knew this colored skin was from the alcohol; from the adrenaline and movement. His heart swelled as her body spun with the tune.

She is beautiful.

That heat that introduced itself inside Hotch before swam through his body making itself at home in the pit of his stomach. Coursing hot, he knew it had nothing to do with the beer in his hand. This was familiar now and he wanted the warmth to continue. He wanted to touch her skin again. The softness still burned in his memory. They haven't touched like they did the night in his hotel room. Just a few brief brushes of hands along each other's backs, were the closest to where they went at the office. Hotch found himself aching to hug her again, to clasp her to his chest and never let go.

He watches her grab at her stomach once but she doesn't show pain. Then he sees her rub the material of her shirt, like she was scratching. Maybe the shirt was itching near her scar. The white top was tight to begin with so it was possible. Her eyes are still laughing and soon her hand moves away, flicking her hair off her face and turns again with the rest of the crowd.

Reid bumps into her and she busts out laughing, the sound carrying around the room over the music. JJ pulls him away, trying desperately not to laugh and shows him again the steps she quickly learned.

Hotch and Rossi enjoy the view, smiling at the team. Their family.

The song came to an end and Emily is the first to make it back to the table. Rossi motions for another drink and soon a cold one is in front of her eager face.

She gives him a breathless thanks and sits back down in her seat next to Hotch.

"Where did you learn that one?" Rossi asks from across the table. "Very entertaining to watch, I must say."

Emily laughs again, eliciting eyes to turn in her direction. She appeared so carefree and enticing that they had to see what was going on. After taking a long swig, she finally answers. "You probably don't want to know. Underground kind of thing, I suppose is the nicest way to explain it. Think Dirty Dancing, but instead of a rich getaway it's really a dirty, seedy nightclub everyone went to." She downs another large gulp, shaking her head as she thought back to the place. "Good times...that's all I can say."

Hotch smirks, silently laughing, eyes unabashedly watching her.

Rossi laughs with her, "Emily, I probably lived in a bar you just described for a time in my youth. Good times indeed…" They raise their glasses towards each other and drink to their appraisal.

As the night came to a close, everyone was feeling the effects and the warm buzz sent the team on their way. Reid played designated driver and took care to make sure everyone got home safely.

Hotch caught up with Emily. She was standing outside the doors, about to head to her car.

He nudges her arm with his, stopping right next to her.

She looks at him serious and doe eyed. "God I would kill for some coffee."

He lets a grin slip. "Starting on the hangover remedy already, huh? "

He smiles completely when she nods, still serious.

Looking out into the parking lot, seeing Garcia and Morgan jump into the car with Reid, Hotch knows just what to do. And he takes the dive.

"If you'd like, I've got a coffee maker that would put any hotel coffee to shame. You in?"

She watches him for a moment, wondering if he really wanted to spend more time with her. Latching onto the bait she slowly smiles. "You bet. But what about Jack? I don't want to wake him."

"He is with Jessica for the weekend. But I'm sure he would love to see you again if he was around."

"It's been a while. I'd love to see him too. Well then, lead the way Agent Hotchner."

Hotch steers her in the direction of his car. She is confused at first but knows she shouldn't drive. Hotch would have had consumed more but his focus was voluntarily altered and his last drink sat forgotten and warm, incased in his hands.

The car ride was full of laughter as he talks her into describing more about this nightclub.

Reaching his apartment, he ushers her inside, telling her to make herself comfortable as he got the coffee started.

Emily sits down on his couch, feeling quite calm considering the warmth nestling deep within. She jokes out loud to break the silence, "Geez Hotch, you make my place look like a storm went through it, leaving no survivors save for my cat."

He appears after a moment, eyes and brows set. "Well, I'm not home much and Jack knows to pick up after himself." He sits on the other cushion. "Maybe I should send him over to clean yours."

She scoffs at that and chides him about child labor.

Hotch silently praises them both for how far they've come, for how easy this all was. She was working things out with herself and he was there for her. More and more reasons came to mind as he watched her. She had held on just like he'd asked and her fears were conquered. Sure, there were good and bad days, but she was handling both in an admirable way.

She leans back into his big couch, heart beating strong beneath her ribs. The trust they have leaves him reaching forward without thinking, helping her lay back at more of an angle. Her knees press into his thigh. She wants to tell him she's fine and that she didn't really have too much to drink. This attention of his was still new to her and she didn't quite know how to proceed. One foot comes up off the floor to save an awkward position. He gets up to give her more room along the couch and she finds him crouch on his knees in front of her.

She rests her head on the overstuffed arm of the soft couch, back colliding with the seat and lightly smiles.

He sees it, the little smile. "What?"

She shakes her head, taking a deep breath and licking the corner of her mouth. "Nothing…"

He gives her a look. Her tell was showing. Before she even knew what was going on he lifts her other leg and now she is completely laid out on his couch. A ripple of pleasure runs straight down her spine, tingling every nerve ending. A flash back to the night in his hotel room, her body tingling much in the same way after he'd hugged her. The newness of the situation left her mind hazy.

She can only breathe and focus on his eyes.

His hand slowly moves away from her calf.

Always one to say something to either help stop any awkwardness or bring it forward, Emily opens her mouth. "So, what now? Are you going to tuck me in and read me a story?" She's smiling and he knows she is only sweetly joking.

He speaks quietly, his voice resonating deep within, but shaking her to the core.

"How is your stomach? Would you let me see again? Please?"

His strong hands rest by her side, waiting for permission.

She can't think why he would want to. Her nerves creep in a little, feeling in the spotlight. Vulnerability was not her best friend. But she wanted and promised him that she would be more open. Her cheeks flush. The alcohol had worn off now and the heat was coming from something else.

From him.

Licking her bottom lip quickly, not missing his eyes follow the movement, Emily whispers, "Hotch…"

She is incapable of saying anything else.

Always deliberate, always sure, Hotch lays his warm hand on top of her small, becoming shirt. He rests there for a brief moment, feeling the rise and fall of each deep breath. There is still no objection. He then hooks his fingers into the white shirt, lifting the material up. Second by agonizing second the pale, smooth skin was revealed to him. Leaving the bottom of the shirt right below her breasts, his hand hovers above. This was a process and he was going to take his time. Otherwise he would have lifted the shirt clean off of her small frame. There still was the burn mark on her left breast to consider, but that would come in time.

Her muscles twitch under the scrutiny. His eyes are trained on her and never has she felt so exposed but completely safe. Do those feelings even go together?

The skin he had touched over a week ago begs for him to caress again.

He obliges.

Fingers ghost over the scar before his entire hand spans out, pressing gently into her skin. That beautiful, enticing warmth spreads, thickening inside both bodies.

No fear shines in her dark eyes. No pity or ugly thoughts about her scar form in her mind. Her skin wasn't ice or sizzling, but the burn inside her was a healthy, desirable sensation. She only watches him and the way his face changes, completely amazed at his tender touch, at his eagerness to help. Hands that have done so much hardship can still dance upon skin as gentle as a whisper.

The caring nature he possesses almost brings tears to her eyes.

His fingers smooth over every inch of skin at her taut stomach, every trace etching itself into his memory.

The smell of brewed coffee joins them in his living room but Hotch couldn't make himself get up even if he sought to and Emily had already forgotten about needing a cup.

He continues, running over the slight indentations of her ribs; his thumb accidently grazing the bottom of her breast. He sees little chills appear over the exposed skin and this time he does smile. Her body was reacting to his touch and Hotch wanted to explore more. She notices and decides to one up him, feeling brave and definite.

She lifts a hand, reaching down under his arm and grasps onto the side of his polo. If he wanted to see and feel then so did she.

Copying his actions, Emily slowly pulls up the cotton material, keeping her eyes trained on his. He looks at her and sees what she wants to do. He knows no threat; can't see a reason not to experience and help each other. His skin was itching to be touched. By her. They've gotten so close and on every level, their trust would never waver. Making sure the other is okay is what's important. They'll know when to stop when they get there. Right now, this was necessary.

Taking the initiative, Emily releases his shirt and scooting up the couch to more of a sitting position, pulls at his arms to get up. His knees feel weak but Hotch moves and sits next to her slightly reclining body, his at a minor angle. She then lifts gently at his shirt again and he helps the rest of the way; the shirt over his head and on the floor beside them in seconds.

His full torso is now visible and Emily gathers in the lean yet muscular frame. His hands wait at his thighs, letting her make the next move. Her fingers shake only just on their short journey to his stomach. The fading scars disappear behind her hands as she places both upon his warm skin. She can feel the muscles move at the new sensation and she knows he's watching her, breathing deeply.

Soothing over the lines, Emily felt her chest quake with strong emotions. Pressing the soft skin with caring fingers, she marveled at his strength and conviction. What he is made of and what keeps him going.

You're not alone.

Those words play in her head and she bites her lip.

"Emily…"

His voice is so near, so affectionate.

She looks up into his eyes and realizes that the few tears that wanted to well before were silently making tracks down her flushed cheeks.

She smiles.

"Aaron."

He reaches out and returns his hands to her sides.

Never has she called him his given name.

"Happy tears…I promise." She lets out a little shy laugh.

His dimples show and she can't think of enough words to describe her feelings.

With ease, she skims her hands around his sides, pulling him closer until he is almost on top of her.

He catches himself, both hands on either side of her, not wanting to crush her. But Emily is persistent and continues until she feels his muscles give in and their bodies meet, skin colliding in a delicious motion. She sighs, wrapping her arms tightly around his back, fingers clinging to his shoulders.

Hotch swallows, gliding his tender hands underneath, lifting her even farther into him. He buries his face in her neck, her hair lying all around.

They breathe as one. Restoring and pacifying their bodies, Aaron and Emily make it past another hurdle and can finally move on, together. Everything falls into place and their stories are no longer a burden. Their skin ripples with pleasure, finding solace in the other.

The coffee was completely forgotten for the time being. It would still be there in the morning…

x.x.x.x…

Hope you enjoyed this add on! Was going to do one more chapter with a M rating but I've heard somewhat about what's going on here on ff so I might hold off. I'm not sure. ;)

Anyways, thank you so much for all of your support and the amazing, wonderful reviews I've received! I appreciate your thoughts!

Lilylynn