So thank you to the lovely guest who reminded me that October is Emily's birthday (funnily enough, hers is the day before mine xD). Anyways, here's a lovely chapter outlining how Emily's life has changed in just a few months.

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds! I do own my original characters, so don't steal them less I curse you MWAHAHA-ACK *COUGH COUGH*

A Year Older

October 12th, Tuesday

"Sh, be quiet guys!" Scarlett hissed in a low voice, slowly opening the door to their mother's bedroom. The brunette woman was lying on her stomach, snoring softly before being rudely awaken by someone jumping on her bed.

"Happy Birthday Mommy!" Cassandra exclaimed, squealing as the woman shot up and began tickling her. The woman huffed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. She looked up to see her other children standing in the doorway, a tray of food in her red-haired daughter's hands.

"Oh guys, you didn't have to make me breakfast!" She protested, her eyes slightly teary as the tray was placed on her lap. Her eldest son kissed her on the cheek, a soft smile on his face. "We figured it was the least we could do, since you've done so much for us."

She laughed, covering her mouth as tears started falling down her cheeks. The children exchanged panicked looks, eyes wide.

"Mom, why are you crying?" Nathan asked hurriedly. He was shocked by the woman pulling him into a tight hug, burying her face in his neck. "I'm crying because I'm so happy." She insisted, smiling through her tears at her children.

Last year her birthday hadn't been anything special, the team had taken her out for dinner and she had gotten presents from both them and her family but it had still just been a day where she got her older. But now, she had her children surrounding her and wishing her happy birthday.

"Now, let's see what you made," She started, realising her son. She laughed when she saw the waffles were made into hearts. "Because we love you this much!" Cassandra exclaimed, stretching her hands out.

"And I love you too baby," Emily stated, giving her youngest an Eskimo kiss before gesturing for her other children to come closer. They did as asked and were immediately pulled into a group hug. Her sons began squirming, while they didn't mind getting affection from their mother they were still teenage boys.

"Alright, alright," She relented, releasing her children with a wide grin. She patted the bed beside her. "Come on, there's far too much for me to eat by myself." Her children looked hesitant, glancing at each other before relenting upon seeing the look on their mother's face.

It was a bit of a tight fit, but they managed with Winter and Cassandra snuggled against her sides. The room was filled with laughter as the family began eating, the children teasing each other while their mother jokingly scolded them.

It was, perhaps, Emily's best birthday yet.

"Happy Birthday!"

The brunette agent jumped at the exclamation, blinking as she stared at her co-workers who wore party hats (even Hotch!). JJ held a birthday cake in her arms, written in green icing were the words Happy Birthday Emily.

"Come on, blow out the candles and make a wish!" Garcia encouraged, practically bouncing. Emily laughed, stepping up to blow out the candles only to freeze.

What could she wish for? She had never been much for material things, even when her father tended to spoil her and Evelyn. She had her family, her friends, a good house and job…what else could she possibly want?

A thought popped into her head, shutting her eyes she blew out the candle while wishing that her children stayed safe and happy, that nothing would ever hurt them physically or mentally.

"Now let's eat this cake!" Garcia exclaimed, causing the others to laugh. The cake was quickly cut into pieces and handed out (the remaining pieces put into a container for Emily to take home).

While they ate the chocolate delicacy, the birthday girl was given her presents despite her protests that they didn't need to get her anything. From JJ and Garcia she received some perfume that was very high end and had a fruity scent (which were her favorite). From Morgan she got two Vonnegut novels that she didn't have yet. From Dave she got some of his mother's recipes, which she had wanting for some time. From Reid she got a couple of Star Trek DVDs, the genius stating in an embarrassed tone that the two of them could maybe have a marathon some time with Nathan.

Perhaps the most surprising and heartwarming gift came from Hotch, who handed her a thin wrapped present. His cheeks were slightly pink as she unwrapped it, a gasp escaping her lips when she saw what it was.

It was a picture of the team and her kids in a black ornate frame, they had been at a park back in summer and had convinced a nearby person to take their picture.

"Wow Bossman, this is a wonderful gift." Garcia commented in awe, staring at the picture in awe. Hotch grunted as the brunette agent hugged him tightly. She eventually released him, stepping back with pink cheeks.

"Thank you." She whispered, smiling up at him. He shot her a small grin. "No problem." He stated.

"So Garcia, care to tell me what kind of information you found on Reece Daniels?" Emily asked, switching the subject as she smirked at the analyst. While she herself had no interest in the info, provided the boy wasn't a serial killer in the making, Scarlett had asked her mother to see what Garcia had managed to dig up on him.

"Well…" The blonde started, gesturing for the agents to sit down. They complied, with Hotch, Morgan and Rossi in particular paying close attention as she resumed speaking. She typed away on her laptop before looking at them.

"According to what I found, Reece Daniels has attended Cadwell Prep since preschool. He is the eldest of three children, his father is the CEO of a major corporation while his mother is a former model turned socialite," She began explaining, her eyes scanning the screen.

"He is a straight-A student, is a member of the debate club as well as the school newspaper and also plays basketball. He has no criminal record to speak of." She finished, glancing up. Hotch crossed his arms, a little put out that the boy seemed to be golden.

"Well, then I have no issue with Scarlett going out with him." Emily stated, smirking at the three men who had issues with the boy. Morgan grumbled, sighing loudly.

"Yeah yeah, stupid perfect student…"

Poor Morgan, he has no reason to interrogate Reece now that they know he's not a budding sociopath. That doesn't mean they won't indimate him, after all they have a right to.

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