A/N: I'm going to apologise in advance. This chapter isn't 100%. My mind has been in a weird place all day. Writing a novel atm and my editor is riding my ass. Work up to my eyeballs. And uni is driving me nuts. So please keep that in mind. Another A/N at the bottom. Please read and review.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Criminal minds.

Morgan looked up from the floor and straight at Emily. She hadn't spoken in a few minutes and Morgan was getting worried. He knew this would be a case that she would identify with. Not only did she share similar features with the two victims, she also had a similar background. One where proper etiquette and social norms were highly valued. And the worst part for Emily, was that Hotch wasn't there to back her up.

It wasn't news to the team that the two agents had grown close over time. Whenever they were on a case, and either one of them was struggling, the other would inevitably listen and help them solve the problem. And they made a great team. They seemed to know what the other was thinking and would come up with the key that would open up the case.

Rossi had told Morgan that they'd even been spending time on their weekends together. For Emily, this wasn't unusual. She spent ample time with the girls, going out for coffee and shopping. And she was a regular fixture on nights when Morgan would hit the bars. He'd even heard she and Reid talking about making their Star Trek nights a regular occurrence.

But Hotch, he was different. He preferred the hermit lifestyle and was rarely seen anywhere except work and home. Apparently, Emily had changed that in him. But Morgan wasn't sure how this new world, the one where Hotch might not even be in the BAU, was going to work. Hotch, though he enjoyed his job and lived to chase monsters, he was now a full-time father. Morgan didn't know if he'd be able or willing to juggle both of those roles.

"Have you spoken to Hotch?" Morgan asked, looking up at Emily. She met his gaze and shook her head, biting her lip. "I thought I'd give him some space. He's supposed to be moving Jack's things today and tomorrow," she explained. Morgan nodded and smiled. "I can't imagine Hotch is going to appreciate having all of Jack's toys strewn across his apartment," he joked. Emily huffed and shrugged her shoulders. "I guess he'll have to adjust," she said quietly. Morgan nodded. "We all will," he added.

Hotch tucked Jack into one side of the bed, pulling the blankets up to his chest. He leant over and kissed the top of his son's head. "Night buddy. I love you," he whispered. He leant against the headboard of the bed and waited, staying with Jack until he fell asleep. The small boy's breathing evened out as his exhausted body gave in to slumber. Hotch smiled and climbed off the bed, closing the door a little before making his way back down the hall.

He switched on the TV and started flicking through channels. He wasn't really in the mood for anything except mind-numbing entertainment. He'd settled on a channel with a late-night showing of "To Kill a Mockingbird," when his cell began to buzz. He picked it up and read the SMS from Emily. Too late to call? Em. He hit speed dial 2 and held his phone to his ear.

The team had taken Hotch's advice and called it a night. They headed back to the hotel and Emily had quickly said goodnight, opting to skip the usual practice of joining the others at the bar for a quick nightcap. She just wanted to shower, change, and get some sleep.

She shut off the faucet and stepped out of the shower, quickly drying herself and dressing in her pajamas. As she dropped down on her bed, she thought it might be a good idea to call Hotch and see how he was doing. She texted him first, checking if he was awake. She didn't want to wake him, or Jack, from their much-needed sleep. She sent the text and waited for the reply. She was surprised when, instead of a reply text, her cell began to ring.

"Prentiss," she said down the line. "Hey. It's Hotch. How's it going?" Hotch asked. Emily smiled and sat up in bed. "Uh. It's going ok. We're back at the hotel. I believe refresh and regroup was the plan for tonight," she explained. Hotch sighed and Emily could tell that he didn't like being kept out of the loop. But she wasn't telling him anything about this case. He needed to rest his mind and heart, give him some time to heal.

"Have there been any more victims since you got there?" he asked. Emily huffed. "Hotch, I'm not telling you anything about this case. You don't need to know what's going on down here," she chided. Hotch frowned and shook his head. Why wouldn't she just tell him? It wasn't like he couldn't find out another way. "You were the one who wanted to talk," he mumbled, his frustration slipping out just a little.

Emily rolled her eyes. "I wanted to call and check in. See how you two boys are doing," she replied, her voice just above a whisper. She wouldn't snap back. Upping the anger in the conversation would just lead to a fight and she didn't want to upset him even more. He had enough crap to deal with already. She really did just want to see if there was anything she could do to make it easier for him. And for Jack.

Hotch rubbed his face in his hand. "I'm sorry Emily. I guess I'm just tired. I haven't slept well the last couple of nights," he explained. Emily didn't say anything. She just listened as he told her about Jack wanting to sleep in his Dad's bed; about how he had spoken to Hayley and Jessica's mother; how he had been trying to figure out what he was going to do about work.

"What do you want to do?" she asked. Hotch huffed and shook his head. "I have no idea. I'm just wondering if I'll even have a choice in the matter. Strauss has been trying to edge me out for years and now, she has her chance," he thought aloud. Emily nodded and shrugged. "Whatever happens or doesn't happen Hotch, the team, our family, you've got our support," she assured him. Hotch nodded. "I know Emily. And I'm grateful for it," he replied. Emily looked at her clock and yawned instinctively. "I'll let you get some sleep. Talk to you soon," Hotch said, noticing the fatigue in her voice and the yawn she'd tried to suppress. Emily smiled and nodded. She should've guessed she couldn't get that past him. "Ok. I'll definitely talk to you soon," she replied. "Good luck Emily," he said. "You too Hotch," she answered. They said goodnight and hung up.

Emily lay down and stared at her phone. She just hoped that Hotch would be able figure this out on his own. Because God knows there was nothing more she wanted than for him to be back in his spot. Unit Chief. It's where he belonged.

Dave looked up from his coffee when his cell began to ring. "Rossi," he answered quickly. "Hey Dave. It's Hotch," he said quietly. Jack was in the next room, sorting out his toys, and he didn't want his son to hear this conversation. He moved past the dining room and into his bedroom, closing the door behind him.

"Hotch. What's going on?" Dave asked brightly. Hotch took a deep breath and let out a sigh. "I just met with Strauss. She offered me early retirement," he explained briefly. Dave wrinkled his brow. The minute Hotch had said Strauss' name, he knew this couldn't be good. "Early retirement?" he asked. Hotch nodded and frowned.

"Full pension and benefits. Effective immediately. If I choose to leave," he explained. Dave wrinkled his brow once more. "And what did you say?" he asked. Hotch shrugged. "I told her I needed to think about it. To weigh my options and decide what was best for Jack," he explained. Dave nodded. In other words, Hotch was staying. "And…?" he asked, hoping to get a confirmation. But Hotch didn't give it. "I haven't decided yet," he answered.

"What can I do?" Rossi asked. Hotch shook his head. "Nothing. I just needed to talk. Repeating it makes it seem more real. Repeating it to another agent at least," he added, remembering his conversation with Jessica. Though he appreciated her support, she wasn't an agent. She didn't understand the pull to go back. But she was being supportive nonetheless.

"So how's the case going? You found another victim right?" Hotch asked. Dave shook his head. "Emily warned me you might call to ask. And she was right. You don't need to know," Dave answered. Emily had been right. Not only did Hotch need this time to himself, but it wouldn't help him to know how much Emily looked like the victims. Hotch had always been protective of the women on the team and whenever there was a case where they resembled the victim/s, he took it personally.

Hotch rolled his eyes and sat back on his bed. "Well, just make sure you're taking care of the girls. I've seen the newspaper articles and Emily looks exactly like the women," he stated, "And if you tell Emily or JJ that I just said that, you're toast." He knew that the women on the team could take care of themselves, but that didn't stop him from worrying. And being a few hours ride away on the jet, that made him worry even more. He wasn't there to stop whatever might happen.

Rossi huffed. "Believe me, they are safe Hotch. You just focus on you for the moment. Let us worry about the case," he replied. He looked up and saw JJ and Reid walking out the front door of the station. "Uh look. I have to get back to the station. I'll talk to you when you get back," Rossi said. Hotch said goodbye and they hung up. Rossi stared at his phone. What the hell was Erin thinking? Offering Hotch early retirement… like he couldn't see right through that ploy. Rossi rolled his eyes. That woman would need a good talking to.

He shoved his cell in his pocket and stood from the table. That particular unpleasant conversation with Strauss would have to wait for another time. Right now, it was time to get back to work. The sooner they solved this case, the sooner they could be back in DC. The sooner they were back in DC, the sooner Rossi could urge Emily to talk to Hotch.

A/N: Just another few things.

In preparation for writing these stories, I've been re-watching the episodes and all I can say is kudos to the writers of the show. They keep coming up with incredible stories and fantastic episodes. I can't think of another show that has the same level of production as Criminal Minds.

I appreciate all of the reviews but do ask that if people are going to review and throw in some criticism, at least make it constructive. Suggest ways to improve the story, don't just flame for flame's sake. It's not helpful and in all honesty, doesn't feel too good either. This site is supposed to be a place to explore stories that the show can't/won't and, if you don't like a particular story, just stop reading.

Thanks guys and please read and review.