A/N: Once again, thank you all for the awesome reviews! This is the first story I've ever had to break the 100 review mark! *dance of joy* I'm glad you've all enjoyed this so much!

Now, our girl has two more people to talk to. Shall we get on with it?

BRING OUR GIRL HOME

Chapter 10 - Family

She stepped away from Morgan and made her way to the bottom of the staircase where Hotch and JJ were waiting for her. Hotch was holding a framed picture in his hands. He offered it to her.

"We won't be needing this anymore."

It was the picture of her that hung on the Wall of Fallen Heroes. She took it from him.

"I don't know how to even begin to thank the both of you. I know I put you both in a terrible position and…"

"Emily," Hotch cut her off, shaking his head. "You're alive. And you're here. Right now, that's all that matters."

"We do whatever it takes to protect family," JJ chimed in, winking at Garcia. She'd said those same words to her after putting a bullet between the eyes of Jason Clark Battle. Garcia offered her a watery smile in return.

"I'm hearing that word a lot. Family."

"That's what we are, Emily," Hotch answered. "For better or worse, we're family. Not even death can take that away from us."

The three of them wrapped their arms around each other. "Thank you," Emily breathed. "Both of you." When they pulled apart, Emily and JJ were both crying, and Hotch's eyes were glistening. He put his hand on her shoulder.

"Welcome home."

Emily looked around slowly, taking in all the sights of the BAU that she never expected to see again. Her desk nestled closely to Reid's, making it easy for her to slip a file or three into his stack when he wasn't looking. There was the break room where she'd shared many a gossip session with Garcia. The conference room where they'd built countless profiles to help put away some of the worst criminals in American history. Rossi's office, which housed the man she'd trusted with her most closely guarded personal secret. Hotch's office, where she'd convinced the man to give her a chance, and because of it, she'd gained so much more than a job. She'd gained a family.

Dave's voice brought her out of her memories. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving. And we've got a hell of a lot of catching up to do. Dinner's on me if anyone's up for it."

"Hard to say no to an offer like that," Morgan grinned. "Somebody find the most expensive steakhouse in DC."

"Ooh no, my sweet," Garcia chimed in, a mischievous grin on her face. "Not steak. Lobster."

"Now you're talking," JJ agreed with a glint in her eye.

"You wish," was Dave's rebuttal.

They all laughed. Prentiss smiled and turned to Hotch. "I've missed this."

He returned her smile. "We've missed you."

"Hotch," she faced him as her voice turned somber again, "I can't imagine how hard it was for you to watch them grieving and not be able to tell them the truth."

"Don't do that to yourself, Prentiss," he stated strongly. "We made a decision and stood by it. It's worth some hurt feelings and bruised egos to have you standing here. Alive."

"Even the broken nose?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

His brow furrowed as he rubbed his nose. "That hurt."

"Yeah, I bet."

They both chuckled. Hotch tilted his head toward the team. "They're waiting for you."

"You coming?"

"Yeah, I just need to call Jessica and tell her I'm going to be late."

"Okay." She left the landing and joined her team. She ruffled Reid's hair and Rossi slung an arm around her shoulders as they made their way to the elevators. Morgan paused and looked back at Hotch's office. He needed to discuss something with his Unit Chief alone. He was lost in thought and didn't hear the elevator ding.

"Morgan," Reid called out while holding the door.

"I'll catch up," he said, and went back into the BAU.