"Whooo," Emily flopped back on the bed, panting, "that was amazing." She pulled the sheet over her torso, covering her scars, and turned to face the handsome dark haired man next to her. She still wasn't comfortable with them. Even though he had his own scars and completely understood, she hated the idea of him seeing that brand.

"Mmhmmm," Hotch agreed. "You should be gone more often." Emily raised an eyebrow at him. "Only if you come back so we can do that all the time," he added quickly.

"Ahh… so that's why you missed me." Emily gave a low chuckle. "I don't plan on leaving anytime soon so you're out of luck."

She was so glad to be back. She was able to be Emily again and walk around the city without looking over her shoulder. When she saw something funny her best friends were only a text away. And she got to spend time wrapped in Hotch's arms again.

"I think I can deal with that." He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

"I should get going, first day back tomorrow and Jack with be home soon." Emily tried to sit up but was pulled back to Hotch's chest.

"A little while longer." He ran his hand through her hair, breathing in the scent of her lemon shampoo. He felt an ache in his chest; he was happy to have her back but still worried about her. "I want to make up for lost time."

"What have we been doing for the last day and a half then?"

"Getting reacquainted." He winked at her. God she missed him. After a few more moments he asked her a question. "Are you sure you're ready to come back to work?"

"I am so ready. I was cooped up for months. There are only so many books I can read, shoes I can buy, and museums I can visit before a girl gets antsy." Emily looked a little wistful. "I'm actually looking forward to Reid's obscure facts and Morgan and Garcia's crazy flirting. Is that strange?"

"Just a little," Hotch teased.

"Tell me what's changed? What's the same? Who's joined? Who left? How's Anderson?" Emily asked rapid fire as she propped her head up on her hand.

"Seaver was with us for a while, she's moved on to another division now. Anderson is still Anderson, he seems happy in his role even though I've offered him guidance and extra training if he wants to move on. JJ is a profiler now." He paused to let Emily take it in.

"Like a full fledged honest to goodness profiler?" Her eyes were wide.

"Yeah. Her test was impressive. She was the fastest person I ever saw write up reviews. And they are the most comprehensive for a rookie."

"All that practice as liaison." She chuckled.

"Probably, I would hope that after six years working with us she learned a thing or two."

"I bet Will isn't happy she left the DOD job for being in the field full time."

"I'm not too sure. Shortly after she came back I left for Pakistan and Morgan took over the unit. But if she's anything like the rest of us, this job is something she has to do. It might make life at home seem more bearable on the surface to have regular hours and less danger. But she'd be miserable without it. Without knowing she's making a difference."

Emily could tell Hotch was thinking back to those last few years of his marriage and how much he put Haley through for his job. And now he had the added trauma of losing her. She could see the storm clouds forming behind his eyes. He stiffened under her hand that was making lazy circles on his chest.

"Hey, we talked about this," she said gently, placing a hand on his cheek, bringing his eyes to meet hers. "You are not responsible. I was doing my job, there are always risks involved. You are allowed to be sad and angry about it. But you can't keep beating yourself up." She searched his face for understanding.

He slowly nodded at her then squeezed closed his eyes, head hitting the pillow. "Are you going to give yourself a similar pep talk tomorrow when Reid and Morgan are still being petty?" He looked at the ceiling. His brow was furrowed, lips set in a tight line. Emily hated how well he knew her. It was much easier to be strong for someone else, to see their good qualities, than it was to say those things to yourself.

"Probably, but it would feel better if it came from you. Or them. Can't they just be mad at Doyle and the situation?"

"I would even take them being mad at me for plotting the whole thing. It's not like I gave you a choice, you woke up in a hospital in a different state with a fake name." He turned to her and searched her face. "Are you sure you're ready to come back? That you dealt with leaving us and yourself behind?" Emily could hear the worry and concern in his voice.

"I'm ready Hotch. I'm already seeing my mandated therapist. I spent the last five months hiding, I need to do something." Emily stretched her neck to place a kiss on his cheek wanting to end this conversation. Things were getting better but she still didn't want to discuss them. Not after a perfect weekend. "Before we get too sad and weepy I really do need to leave. Your son is due back any moment and I have some things to do around my new place. One of which is prepping a go bag." She got up taking the sheet with her towards the bathroom.

Emily took a quick shower and threw on one of Hotch's t-shirts over her jeans. There was no way she could wear the blouse he had torn off of her home. She hadn't been prepared to spend two days at his place and clothes hadn't been necessary until now. Making a last check of the bedroom she did a lap of the kitchen and living room for stray items that belong to her. Her bra was draped over the tv where it landed within the first five minutes of coming in the door, underwear still abandoned on the kitchen floor. She quickly stuffed them in her handbag.

"One of these times we need to make it out of the house." Hotch was leaning on his kitchen counter, sipping a glass of water.

"Are you asking me on a date, Agent Hotchner?" Emily saw his eyes narrow then go soft as he grinned. She loved getting that reaction out of him when she referred to him as agent.

"I think I am Agent Prentiss," he stepped right up to her chest and leaned his face down inches from hers. "Is that alright with you?"

"Yes, sir," Emily breathed, her lips inches from his. Emily dared not move, willing him to close the distance.

Just then his phone rang. He snapped it open. "Hotchner. Oh yes, Hi Jessica. Ok, I'll see you two in five then. No that's ok, I'll talk to him when he gets here. Bye."

"Saved by the bell." Emily had already moved to the door.

He followed to open the door for her. As he leaned in to give her a kiss goodbye he noticed the shirt. His lips landed at the edge of her mouth.

"Emily, is that mine?" he eyed her suspiciously.

"Yes, but unless you want your son to witness me sneaking out in your clothes you better let me go now."

"We will continue this conversation later."

"I'm sure we will." She winked and stepped into the hall before he could protest.

Outburst024: Between Hotch's awkwardness (and love for Emily) and Beth's forwardness I assumed Hotch would have some reservations about moving too fast. And of course JJ would be the voice of reason.