Criminal Minds

.La Vie en Rose.

Chapter 14

.Emily, Savannah, and The Morgans.

.

On the way home in the jet, Hotch sat away from Emily, allowing Morgan to sit next to her, as well as Reid, JJ who were across from her. He wanted the team surrounding her, giving her a continued sense of family support.

He watched her closely though and saw a tiny crack; her eyes were darting about her as she tried to concentrate on JJ who was currently relating some home story. Even though she laughed when the blonde agent cracked a few jokes, Hotch could tell Emily was making some strenous efforts to laugh along.

Thankfully the flight home was short, he knew Emily was glad about it. Oh, she could keep up with the happy facade because she was able to set aside her feelings but how long could she hold up?

Those compartmentalization skills could only last so long. Expert or not, she was bound to crack and the fissures were showing.

Rossi was right, as usual, and he needed to get to her before she run away.

Where could she run away?

…..

As soon as it was possible, she begged off from hanging out with the team after work, claiming she was tired and needed to relax in her tub with a glass of Chardonnay...alone.

That was hint enough to all that she did not want to be disturbed.

Hotch was not one of them, as he left as well and followed her.

"I know you'd be following me, Hotch." She didn't turn to face him as she unlocked her door to her apartment letting both of them in; it was pointless arguing with him.

Dropping her things on the foyer she shed her jacket and headed straight to the kitchen in search for said drink and poured two glasses.

"Where's Sergio?" He nodded his thanks as he took a drink.

"He's at the kitty motel down the block. I'll pick him up in the morning."

"Kitty motel?"

She nodded, "It's kinda like a pet motel."

"Oh, that's...nice."

"Trust me, it's nice, and pricey but he's worth it." She smiled. "He gets the best treatment."

He stared at her, "Kitty spa and meow-sage?" he teased her.

It took her a moment before she began to laugh. "Funny, ha-ha! No, Hotch, but," She paused before continuing, "they do have a kitty gym and play time."

He gave a wide eyed look, "Do they accept kids? Jack might be interested in that place."

She smiled, "Uh...no, Hotch..."

He held up his hand, "Emily, I'm teasing you."

She nodded, "I know."

They were quiet as they sipped their drinks, she refilled their glasses again and they moved towards the living room and settled on the comfy couch.

"Emily, can I be honest with you?" he finally spoke after a moment of silence.

She nodded, "Of course, Hotch. You know you can always be yourself here." She waved casually about the room.

He nodded, "The case, Gersh."

She watched him and nodded before replying. "I see, you want to know how I'll be doing after being kidnapped."

He nodded again.

"Hotch, if I said I'm fine, do you believe me?"

He frowned slightly, "Are you?"

She shrugged, "I think I am."

"Emily..." He leaned forward towards her.

She shook her head, "Hotch, I'm fine, honestly. I am." She held her hand palm up. "It's not like we've never shot the bad guys before and crack up."

He nodded, "I know but at the same time, I have to know, and be honest to me, and yourself, that you will come to me if when it becomes too rough."

She watched him and then finally nodded, "I will, Aaron."

He jerked slightly; it was the first time she used his given name. "I...appreciate that."

She smiled...and yawned suddenly. "I'm sorry, excuse me."

He grinned, "No...it was a long case especially for you." He stood up, after placing the glass down on the low table. "I should get home too."

"Are you okay driving home?" She glanced at the wine glass, she stood up as well.

He nodded, "Yes, one and a half glass, it won't be a problem." He turned to her. "I can see myself out. Go to bed, Emily." He placed his hand on her arm and leaned over, pecking her cheek.

She smiled, "Good night, Hotch."

He raised a brow, "Back to Hotch?"

She shrugged, "I kinda like it better."

He grinned, "Whatever you wish...Em. Good night." He said softly before he left.

She watched the door closed behind him, "Em...I like that." She sighed before she walked up to her bedroom.

…...

As the next day was a Saturday, Emily slept in until eight.

She was hoping to leave her apartment before ten to pick up her cat but unfortunately, she had a few unexpected visitors!

"Savannah? Mrs. Morgan? Desirée? Sarah?" Her eyes were bulged. "Uh...this is...unexpected?"

The ladies standing outside her door smiled, "May we come in?" Mrs. Morgan asked.

"Of course! Please!" She opened her door wider as the women streamed in.

"Do forgive our intrusion...and I know it's rude of us to barge in uninvited..." Fran Morgan began to explain.

Emily shook her head as she showed them to the living room, "No, no, no, please you don't have to explain, Mrs. Morgan. It's no problem at all."

Fran looked at Emily and smiled slightly uncomfortably, "But you look as if you're about to leave?"

"I was but only to pick up my cat..." Quickly she explained to them about Sergio's temporary quarters.

"Cat motel?" Sarah uttered with a laugh, "I've never heard of such thing!"

Emily grinned, "Oh yeah, they have them around for people who travels a lot and needed to put their pets up. At least they are very well cared for."

Sarah frowned, "Then why have a pet if you travel so much?"

Desirée quickly ribbed her sister, earning her a rude stare.

Fran smiled widely and rushed to answer, "I think it's a wonderful idea."

"I like it too." Savannah nodded. "I know you folks travel often and are gone for a few days at a time, and some time at least a week, so it's a peace of mind to know that your kitty is in good hands." She smiled.

The other ladies nodded in agreement, Sarah finally nodded after her older sister gave a the look.

Emily smiled, "Thanks, I appreciate the support. Sergio is a darling."

They were all silent in an awkward moment before Fran spoke up. "Agent Prentiss..."

Emily held up her hand as she shook her head, "Please, I'm not on duty at the moment, so it's Emily."

The older woman smiled, "Very well, Emily, you must be wondering why we barged into your home, uninvited."

"Mom!" Desirée frowned as she leaned over to her mother. "Not all of us, just you...and well, and Sarah."

Her younger sister stared, "Oh my god! Why don't you just admit it..."

Desirée returned her sister's glare, "Wait a minute, Sarah! I..."

Fran shook her head, "Girls, stop it! We are not fighting here like a bunch of hoodlum hens..."

Savannah and Emily were silently giggling as they watched their heated exchanges.

"I take it you're an only child?"

Emily nodded, "I am, you too?"

She nodded, "Oh yes, this is quite different and rather strange to process."

"I know, very interesting." Emily added. "Would you like some refreshment?" She indicated the kitchen as she headed towards the direction.

Savannah nodded, "I'll have whatever you have, I'm not picky."

"How's the wedding planning going?" Emily asked when they sat down on the kitchen bar stools as they watched the Morgan ladies continued their lively conversation.

"It's going on good, tonight is the rehearsal dinner. I'm..." Savannah hesitated as she looked down at her cup of tea.

Emily frowned, "What is it?"

"It's Derek...he's..he's changed his mind, he doesn't want to get married."

"What?"

"That's why we're...I'm here." She looked up from her cup and to Emily. "He's in love with you."

Emily dropped her cup of tea and she realized the room had been quiet, the Morgan ladies were starring at them.

…...

End of Chapter 14