Two and a half years ago.

It had been almost six months to the day since JJ had ran off with Will. Emily had no idea where she'd gone and they hadn't spoken since that night she had broken the news to her. JJ kept in contact with the rest of the team, texting them just to check in from time to time. Garcia had even admitted that JJ called her every couple of weeks just to chat and catch up.

Emily was hurt in the beginning, to be so aware of the fact that the woman who she honestly considered to be the love of her life only cared enough to check on everyone else, but not her. Although, eventually she came to her senses and accepted the harsh reality of it all. How hard it would've been if they had heard each other's voice again and felt that temptation. It would've been impossible to resist. Emily knew this move was about putting distance between the two of them, that meant no contact in any form.

The team has just finished a big case in Detroit and they were celebrating the capture of yet another serial killer in the hotel bar.

Emily threw back her fourth shot and cringed a bit at the burning sensation in her throat, but she was starting to get used to the feeling. Reid had passively mentioned that JJ and Will were thinking of renewing their vows and it triggered so many unresolved feelings inside of Emily. She hadn't dealt with the heartache, she had pushed it aside and just tried to forget. She had learned to be happy again, her avoidance of the pain had gotten better and she could overpower the sadness most nights, but tonight wasn't one of those nights.

"Hey, slow down there." Morgan interrupted just as Emily was demanding another shot, but his warnings were ignored. She had confided in him just once and he knew how much she hurt. He had tried to no avail to help her accept what had happened with JJ and move on, but she just kept it all bottled up and refused to speak of it again. So, he decided not to push anymore. Maybe she would come around in her own time.

"Maybe you should catch up." Emily quipped as she turned to look at Derek.

He raised an eyebrow, an amused smile spreading across his features as he met her gaze. "Is that a challenge?"

She shrugged one of her shoulders nonchalantly and for the first time that night Emily cracked a smile as she ordered a couple of shots for Derek. "Maybe, if you're up to it." She was beginning to feel the affects of the alcohol and it was helping her to loosen up a bit.

Hotch, Rossi and Reid watched on for a moment in amusement as Morgan mulled over the challenge. Who the hell was he kidding, though? He couldn't turn her down.

"You're on, baby." He laughed, picking up the shots Emily had ordered for him in each hand before quickly downing one then the other.

Emily briefly shook her head, rolling her eyes as she held up two fingers to the bar tender. She hadn't been quite as serious as Derek had thought, but she hated to lose. She wouldn't let him win this so easily.

Hotch pushed himself away from the bar, standing from the stool as he buttoned his jacket. He didn't want any part of this drinking game, he was just ready to get home to his son. "I'm turning in for the night. Try getting some sleep, wheels up early in the morning."

"Yes, sir." Emily managed to get out without the slightest slur, but the giggle that followed was a clear indicator of her condition. She never got like this, not in public, anyway, but tonight she couldn't control herself. Hotch gave her such a stern look in response that she almost sobered up, but not quite. He eventually turned to leave and she heaved a sigh of relief.

A couple of hours passed and they had lost count of their alcohol consumption. Reid had retreated to his room about half an hour ago and Rossi was about to do the same. The three of them sat around laughing, reminiscing about embarrassing moments they had experienced in the field as rookie agents. Emily felt so relaxed for the first time in months and she loved the feeling, she didn't want the night to end.

Rossi stood and pressed his hand against Emily's back between her shoulder blades as he leaned down closer to her. "Em, I think you've had enough. Let me help you back to your room." He was slightly buzzed, but not nearly as inebriated as Prentiss and Morgan had been earlier in the night. Hopefully they had sobered up a bit by now.

"No." Emily rejected his offer bluntly while shrugging off his touch.

Rossi let an exasperated sigh slip from his lips as he turned to look at Derek. "Can I trust you with her?"

Derek nodded and gave Rossi a serious look. "Of course." He responded quickly, in a tone that would suggest he was offended by whatever insinuation he was getting at.

The older man gave Morgan a firm pat on the shoulder. "I just meant are you sober enough to get her back to her room?"

"Oh yeah, definitely. I got it covered." Derek reassured.

He studied Derek's face for a moment before accepting that he would be able to help if need be. "Alright, take care of her." Soon after that last word left his lips Rossi turned and headed toward the hotel elevators, leaving Prentiss and Morgan at the bar.

Emily turned her head slightly to look over her shoulder, making sure Rossi was out of sight before she spoke up again. "I don't need to be taken care of." She said in a mock tone as her attention turned to Derek.

"I know." Came his response.

"I'm a grown woman." She continued.

"Yep." Morgan replied.

"I can take care of myself."

"That's right, baby." He laughed lightly then turned to see the unamused look on Emily's face.

"Bar's closing, guys." The bar tender spoke up, catching their attention. "Time to take the party somewhere else."

Emily nearly whined in response as she stood from the bar stool. They had been talking so long the affects of the alcohol were beginning to wear off. She felt more level headed and grounded now, which was unfortunate because thoughts of JJ were creeping back into her mind.

"Let me walk you back to your room." Morgan said as he stood in unison with her.

Emily sighed, but nodded her head in agreement.

He offered her his arm and she gripped his bicep as they made their way toward the elevator.

They stepped inside the elevator, doors closing behind them as Emily pressed the button for the eleventh floor. An awkward silence enveloped them and Emily couldn't wait to escape these close confines. It was the first time tonight that she began to think clearly and she realized Derek was the only person she had poured her heart out to about JJ. It was a fleeting moment that passed quickly. Derek really wanted to help, but Emily wouldn't have it. She would just keep pushing it down until eventually it caused a stroke or an aneurism.

After what Emily swore felt like an hour the elevator dinged and they stepped out. She watched her feet as she walked to her room while Morgan tried to study her expression. He could tell she was sobering up and the pain of losing JJ was hitting her hard.

Derek walked the brunette to her room and waited as she pulled her room card from her pocket. "You okay?" He questioned sympathetically.

Emily nodded, avoiding eye contact as she swiped her room card and listened to the door unlocking. She turned the handle and pushed the door open, stumbling in closely behind. Maybe she wasn't quite as sober as she had previously assumed.

Derek laughed lightly, his hands moving to the brunette's hips to help her regain her balance. "Slow down there, baby." He whispered against her ear as he began to guide her into the room, the door clicking behind them.

"I'm alright now." She reassured.

He loosened his grip, following closely behind her as she made her way toward the bed.

Emily sat back onto the bed, closing her eyes for just a moment in hopes that the room may stop spinning.

Derek watched in amusement as she swayed back and forth. "What are you doing?"

"What?" Emily asked, unable to register the question. The bed began to shift slightly next to her and she opened her eyes, smiling softly at the sight of her friend.

She gently grabbed onto his hand, her fingers tracing the lines of his palm. "Thank you." She murmured as she looked up and caught Derek's gaze.

"For what?" He questioned, somewhat distracted by her touch.

"For taking care of me."

"I thought you didn't need to be taken care of." He reminded, eyebrow raising slightly.

"Everyone needs to be taken care of sometimes." She said quietly, her line of sight reverting back to his palm.

Emily laid her head against Derek's shoulder and suddenly the room became still, silence enveloped them and caused a ringing in their ears.

They stayed that way for a long while, motionless, quiet, until the sound of Emily's voice broke through the silence. "Derek, I wanna have a baby."

He furrowed his brow and as hard as he tried he was unable to think clearly. He was taken aback by her sudden confession, normally she wouldn't be this forward, but tomorrow she could blame it on the alcohol.

His mouth opened and closed a couple of times as he attempted to respond. She hadn't moved, still content in her position.

"With me?" He finally questioned.

Emily placed her hand against his chest, her head tilting back slightly to get a better view of him.

Derek looked down, his eyes meeting hers and again it was almost silent, only the sound of their breathing could be heard.

He held her gaze for a moment and then they both began to smile, laughter quickly filling the air.

Derek's arm wrapped around Emily's shoulders as they fell back against the bed, uncontrollable laughter gripping them both.

"Could you imagine?" Emily asked, out of breath.

"Hey, come on now. I would make some beautiful babies." Derek retorted as he began to gain his composure.

Emily pursed her lips at the idea. "I guess."

Derek only sighed in response.

"I wanna show you something." She said as she slid off the side of the bed, almost hitting the floor in the process.

"Hey, woah." Derek sat up slowly, scooting back to the top of the bed.

"I'm fine." She dismissed his concern as usual while she rummaged through her overnight bag for her laptop.

Emily slipped in beside of Derek, leaning back against the headboard as she placed the opened laptop on her legs.

He leaned against her shoulder, attempting to get a better view of the screen. "What is this?" He asked with a hint of confusion to his tone.

"Donor profiles." She stated as she looked to her left, waiting for his reaction.

"You were serious?" He questioned.

"Well, yeah. I had been thinking about it for a while. I always imagined that I would have the chance to experience motherhood with JJ, but I mean.. you saw how well that worked out. I don't think I should have to put that on hold now just because I'm alone. I don't need a partner to be a mother." Emily responded before scrolling down the page slowly.

"Just give me your impression." She pleaded, sincerely.

"Fine." He agreed. "Show me whatcha got, girl."

"How about this guy?" Emily asked as she looked over at Derek. "He went to Harvard."

"Nerd." Derek responded quickly as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Next."

Emily sighed and rolled her eyes as she moved onto the next profile, attempting to read through his likes and dislikes before Derek took it upon himself to scroll onto the next potential donor.

"Nope, no way. Not that one."

She huffed in annoyance, but allowed Derek to continue with his antics. As much as she would hate to admit it, he could be quite amusing sometimes.

"Veto!" He nearly yelled as Emily shushed him.

"You're not even looking at them." She pointed out as she attempted to move the laptop somewhere that wouldn't be within his reach.

"Baby, none of these guys are good enough for you." Derek commented as he glanced over at Emily.

"I'm not looking for a mail order husband, Derek. He wouldn't be in my life." She was quick to respond.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" It seemed she had certainly done her research, but he couldn't tell if she was truly committed to this.

"I feel like I'm stuck in this endless loop, it's been this way since JJ left. I work and I go home to nothing every night. I've wanted this, for a long time and I think I'm ready now." She was really confiding in Derek and was well aware of how much she would regret this in the morning.

"If you're really sure." He said cautiously.

"I am." She responded. "Now, try to focus. Let's get serious, one of these guys could potentially be the father of my child."

Emily felt Derek's warmth as he moved in closer to her, obviously ready to comply with her request. His arm wrapped around her once again and she leaned in against him, her head falling back against his shoulder as they quietly studied the screen in front of them. She knew she would never be able to express the gratitude she had for Derek. He was truly incredible.