AN: Remember when I said I was going to slow down? HA, I decided to get them all up before I move. Enjoy the spam.
Emily, Honey, we need your help.
If Emily got a day off every time Garcia started a serious conversation in some cryptic manner she would never have to work.
You always say that PG but you seem to do just fine without me
Also you need to quit texting me about all the times someone gets hurt
cause I feel so helpless from across the pond.
It just gets me all worked up.
Granted Garcia tried to stick to the big things involving the others, letting them share what personal details they wanted with Emily when they felt like it. And she would rather know than hear about it in a briefing.
I'm serious this time.
This unsub did something to Hotch & he won't talk about it.
Emily tried to keep her calm. Their work was dangerous but it was like they were magnets for the worst of it.
What happened?
She turned back to her files, trying to get some leads on this case. The trail had gone cold four days ago and everyone was working through the night. The constant buzzing from Garcia's texts wouldn't let her focus.
This guy was using psychoactive drugs to get into the minds of people & make them do bad things.
Hotch went to warn his next victim but the guy got there first.
We know he did something, but he won't talk about it.
Not even to Rossi.
You were the only one who could really get him to talk about this stuff.
You understand him.
After a few deep breaths she tried to process what she was reading. They messed with his mind? He was extremely private and hated to show weakness. It was not going to be easy to get him to share any details.
I can try, no promises.
It's been a while since we had a serious talk.
And even then he doesn't like to tell me about how cases impact him.
They had been distant ever since the ordeal with JJ. Besides their talk when he wanted her to come back the only other call was to offer condolences for Gideon. Otherwise it was email updates on Jack or questions about the team.
I'm sorry Em. How are you holding up without us?
It was strange, Emily was starting to feel settled in her role. It was stressful but she was good at it. She just wished her friends were closer.
I miss you like crazy.
It hurts every time I come back.
I'll let you know how it goes.
She checked the time in Virginia. It wasn't really necessary; her mind was there half the time anyway. Deciding that Jack would probably be in bed she gave a last sigh before punching in his number on her phone.
So I tried, he just shut me out.
Said there's nothing to talk about.
Did his typical 'I'm fine' routine.
I could feel the glare through the phone.
I think he's mad I haven't come back yet.
He had never been so cold towards her, not even when she first started. She had been as gentle as she could be. He just growled at her. Maybe he needed more time.
Of course he's mad, he loves you.
Of course Garcia thought that was the answer to all her problems.
This again!
So why aren't you mad at me then?
If anyone was going to be mad Emily hadn't returned it should be Garcia. They were the closest.
Because I don't love you like he does.
Emily was tired and frustrated and now she was distracted. That meant she was in no mood do this now.
And what do you mean by that?
This isn't what she needed right now. She didn't need to fend off questions about her non-existent love life while trying to salvage a case and worry about Hotch's mental state.
Well he's in love with you, I just love you.
Don't argue, Garcia knows all.
She stacked the files and headed for the roof. For some reason city skylines have always helped her clear her head.
Look, it's never going to happen.
I live here, we have crazy schedules, he has a kid.
She knew those weren't real excuses, just the easy ones. They could be worked around if someone really wanted to. But they didn't, it was done.
So you have thought about it!
More than she would like, but this wasn't about their fictitious relationship, it was about helping Hotch.
How did we get on this?
We were talking about someone screwing with Hotch's mind…
Just keep on him Garcia, don't let him push you away.
And maybe try JJ.
They have a parent bond, maybe she can guilt him into talking.
Hotch needed a combination of gentle persistence and bluntness to get him to open. For the guy who ensures everyone else is okay all the time, he is horrible at taking care of himself.