They had captured the killer before he slaughtered the thirty-year-old doctor. It had taken all of their energy and focus. Emily put the Axel situation to the back of her mind. Hotch certainly couldn't do that. He didn't have her compartmentalization skills. Garcia's words rang through his mind every once and a while. The entire case lasted a whopping fifteen days. Emily hadn't heard from him in that amount of time. Luckily, she turned to Hotch. They spent hours together eating dinner at night after they left the station. It allowed the newly formed couple to learn about each other.

It had been five days since Hotch spoke with Garcia. You also need to make this right before Emily starts ripping her hair out. I know you're my boss but sir, remember who I am.

"Hotch!" Morgan shouted from across the lobby, "Are we leaving tonight or tomorrow morning?"

"It's late so tomorrow is ideal. The jet leaves at eight o'clock in the morning. Don't be late." Hotch informed before turning to the elevator. Everyone followed behind, preparing to drop everything and sleep. All the members of the team were exhausted. Everyone boarded the elevator, each pressing his or her floor number. After a few minutes, the only people left were Emily, Hotch, and JJ. The couple decided before leaving the station that they would have dinner together because of the time constrictions and that each needed plentiful sleep.

Emily and JJ walked left to room 601 and Hotch turned right to room 615. Hotch slid the card through the door sensor, watching it flash green. He entered his room and dropped the card onto the table by the door. He took off his jacket and loosened his tie.

"Damn." Hotch sighed, dropping onto the chair that belonged to the desk in the corner. Hotch grabbed his cell phone from his pocket and called Garcia.

"The Oracle of Quantico at your service." She chirped. Hotch felt a lopsided smile grace his face. The blonde had been patient with him, promising not to tell Emily or anyone else about what he did. Her words had made him contemplate his actions. He realized that although he had every right to feel threatened, Axel should be seen as his friend as well. He was willing to try for Emily.

"Garcia, give me his number. I'm going to make this right." Garcia squealed, glad that he was standing up and being the bigger man.

"Shit!" Axel yelped as he accidentally touched a hot pan that had been simmering on the stove. He ran the burn under the cold stream of water pouring from the sink. He began wiping the water from his hand when he heard his house phone ringing. He wiped his hand on his pants while making his way to the phone.

"Hello." Axel greeted.

"Axel, it's Hotch." Axel leaned against the wall that connected his kitchen and living room.

"What's going on?" Axel sighed. Hotch paused. Breathing was the only sounds being transferred over the distant connection.

"I was wrong," Hotch cleared his throat, "I will learn to trust you. Maybe we'll be friends. I don't know what's going to happen but I would like you to walk me through it because you seem to actually know what you're doing."

Axel smiled, "Hotch, that sounds great. Thank you."

Hotch sighed, relieved that Axel seemed to be so forgiving. Hotch meant everything he said. He knew that he was bound to make mistakes and he hoped that Axel could be on his side, chirping in Emily's ear in order for her to forgive. Hotch laughed.

"Please call Emily. She's going nuts. She's trying to hide it but she works with profilers."

"Tomorrow. You guys have to be exhausted. Go get some sleep. Thank you again, Hotch." Axel's line went dead. Hotch sat there for a few seconds listening to the shrill, beeping tone. He finally ended his side of the call.

Everything would finally be okay.

Hotch was sitting on the plane, getting a head start on his paperwork, when he saw Emily enter the plane. She smiled brightly at him, her eyes twinkling. He could help but reciprocate. Luckily, they were the only one's on the plane because it was a bit early.

"I was woken up by a phone call this morning," Emily leaned down and kissed him passionately, "It was Axel. He told me what you did."

Hotch stiffened. Axel told Emily after all that they talked about. He was confused though. She didn't seem angry.

"What did he tell you?" Hotch asked nonchalantly as Emily plopped down on the leather seat across from him.

"He called and apologized for changing his number and not calling to inform me. He said that he was going to call but figured that I was too busy with the case to bother me with something that would be fixed when we arrived home. He proceeded to tell me that you called him last night to apologize for the debacle that occurred on our first date because you assumed that that was why he wasn't calling me back. He said that you were very amicable and he knew why I liked you so much."

Hotch smiled. Axel was a genius. Now, the agreement at the apartment was a secret to be kept by him, Axel, and Garcia. Emily would never find out. Plus, Axel made him out to look like a concerned boyfriend, worrying about his girlfriend's distress.

"Thank you for being so understanding about our friendship and trying to accept it. I love you." Hotch chuckled as he leaned forward to stroke his fingers through her hair.

"I love you too… so much." Emily kissed the palm of his hand. Hotch retreated when he heard Reid's voice.

"In an average lifetime, human skin completely replaces itself 900 times so she'll be fine. Her skin will grow back quite nicely." Reid commented, most likely speaking of the victim who had layers of skin ripped off during her torture.

"Did you know that cellphones are 10 times dirtier than toilet seats?" Morgan said sarcastically. JJ giggled. They came into view. They had dark circles under their eyes but they found happiness in each other's presence.

"Hey guys." Emily said casually. Rossi appeared a few minutes later.

"Did your walker get caught on the hotel's carpet, old man?" Morgan teased. Rossi stuck his middle finger up and pointed it towards the agent. Rossi knocked on the cabin door, alerting the pilot that they were ready to take off.

I hope that satisfied everyone. Emily never found out and now Axel and Hotch can help each other out concerning her. Please review! Did you like this solution?