A/N: So, apparently I'm a liar. Earlier in this story (chapter on Slave of Duty I think), I said that this was primarily a friendship piece. And, while that was true then, this story has changed. Though the beginning was definitely about them growing closer in their friendship, it's definitely turned into something else. Maybe, one day, I'll have the self-control to write a STRICTLY friendship piece, but right now, I'm just letting the story go where it wants.
Just a tip, Bonesbird and a couple of other CM fans have put together a podcast. So if you're on twitter, check it out. Discussing all things CM (including facial hair if I'm correct).
This chapter is just a short one but I will (hopefully) post the next two chapters really soon. I figured since there's such a huge gap between episodes, I'd draw this one out over a few more chapters. And the muse is working with me today so I am happy. Please read and review.
Emily walked down the hall and stopped outside Jack's room. She poked her head in and smiled. In his sleep he'd kicked his blanket off the end of the bed, the small boy now curled up, his favourite stuffed elephant hugged tight against his chest. Emily sighed and made her way into the room, stooping down to pick up the TMNT blanket. She pulled it over Jack's obviously exhausted body, and leant over to kiss his cheek. As she stood, she brushed her fingers through his hair and smiled. She really loved the kid. And no matter what happened with his dad, Emily truly hoped she could still be a part of his life.
After a few moments of watching Jack sleep, Emily turned and made her way out of the room, gently closing the door behind her. She checked her watch. 12:17. God. Tonight had gone fast. She sighed and slowly headed down to Hotch's bedroom door, anticipating his first words and hoping they could figure this out.
She'd thought about it, even while she was talking with Morgan (women CAN multitask!). And she'd come to the conclusion that she did want something with Hotch. But what that could be, how fast it could move, and whether or not Hotch felt the same way… these were all answers Emily didn't know.
Sure, Mick had spent the better half of the last two weeks trying to convince her that Hotch did feel the same way. And JJ and Garcia were constantly dropping hints. Morgan's teasing that Emily and Hotch were like an old married couple, the analytical eyes of Rossi following the two agents, both at work and out of it, and even Reid's suggestive statistics about the rates of couples who meet in the workplace.
Emily's eyes widened in surprise as she reached for the doorknob. Reid! Even Reid was starting to hint things! And if the socially awkward (though still incredibly loveable) Dr. Spencer Reid, PhD. could figure this out… why had it taken them so long? Emily shook her head in wonder and pushed open the door, waiting for the onslaught of questions and conversation.
Instead, she saw him sleeping, curled up on his bed, still dressed in his slacks and shirt. She smiled and picked up the blanket from the foot of the bed, pulling it over his body in the same way she'd done with Jack. She ran her hand over his shoulder and sighed. She leant over and kissed his cheek gently, surprised (and slightly relieved) that he didn't stir. He was exhausted, both in body and mind.
The loss of the sheriff in Texas was upsetting for him. Seeing a victim, in the condition in which she'd been left, after you'd already spent time with them… it was a shock to all of them. And though Hotch kept himself together in the field and in the office, Emily had discovered that shield came down when the front door was closed and everyone had gone to bed. She ran her hand over his shoulder once more, enjoying the rare chance to just watch Superman as he slept, before turning out the light and closing the door behind her.
Emily made her way across the hall to her room and set about changing for bed. As much as she knew that they needed to talk about what had almost happened, at least now they could sleep on it. They could both think about what they wanted to say, what they wanted to do, and come to a mature, logical agreement. Maybe she should suggest he take Jack to the zoo on his own tomorrow. That way they could spend the day apart, then when they got home and Jack was in bed, they could talk about it. She nodded as she climbed into bed and pulled the blanket up. Good plan.