Criminal Minds does not belong to me. I own nothing but my own words and creations. Unfortunately, that doesn't include the show. It sucks, but it is what it is…

Chapter 29: Working the Field

"I know this is forward, but I've seen you here all the time and I can't not ask… Would you want to go out with me sometime?"

"Oh… uh…" She was taken aback. Though she should've seen the signs, she just didn't think people would be into her anymore. She didn't feel the same and she didn't think people saw her the same. She didn't feel as attractive as she once did. "I…"

"It's ok… You're not interested…" he deduced, dejectedly.

"No…"

"So you are interested?"

"No… Yes… No… I'm… It's complicated."

"Isn't it always?" He smiled and she could tell it was genuine and kind.

"I just… I went through something and I'm not sure I'm ready to get into a relationship or anything right now."

Warren accepted that, but he wasn't completely giving up hope. She left room for him and he made use of it. He tried to head to the park with Peanut when he knew she'd be there. Nothing creepy of course, but he'd sit on the bench on occasion and wait to see if she'd come.

Emily saw him there often, sometimes choosing to walk away, but this time, she didn't. Ace obediently walking beside her, she unclipped the leash, and scratched behind his ears. "Good boy. Go, Ace, play," she said and threw a tennis ball out into the open area for him to chase after. Tail wagging, he wasted no time and sprinted after it. Keeping an eye on him, Emily looked over to the waiting man and took a seat. "Are you stalking me? Because if you are, I have to tell you, I work for the FBI and I'd be more than happy to haul your ass in."

"You work for the FBI?" Emily tidbit number 3 added to his list.

"I do… Now answer the question."

"If there was ever a woman I'd stalk, it'd be you…" His face scrunched. "No… That didn't come out right… Not smooth at all. I'm not stalking you. You just… You intrigue me."

"Thanks I guess, but that doesn't explain why you're always here." She told him, Ace returning with his ball. She threw it harder and further this time, Peanut joining in on the fun. "Go get it, Ace."

"I'm not stalking… I just, I know when you're here, sometimes. And you keep saying no to dinner, so I'll settle for a friendly chat on a park bench."

"So you… just want to talk to me?"

"Yes, is that so weird?"

"Actually, yes. Yes it is."

"I don't want to be weird. And the truth is, the time you're here coincides with the time I have to be here. It's just coincidence that I live nearby and take my dog here at the same time. But I will admit I spend a few extra minutes lounging around this bench, hoping to see you."

"Are you always going to be here?"

"Not always, but I hope I can catch you sometimes."

Emily shook her head. He was crazy… And she felt herself drawn to it. "What do you do for a living, Warren?"

He told her he owned and was sometimes a chef at a local restaurant, one she found and loved. El Viajero, The Traveler, a restaurant known for its around the world cuisine, travel anywhere in one course and jump continents for the next. The food was amazing. It was amazing.

And that little get to know you talk became a more regular thing. It became an unspoken agreement to meet every Tuesday morning before work and every Thursday afternoon after and sometimes randomly they'd run into each other too. They would sit there, Emily on one side, Warren on the other, and plenty of space between them, just talking. Finally, after another two weeks, he asked her out again.

"I'm really starting to like you, Emily."

"I… like you too, Warren." She surprised herself by saying that, but she did. He broke through her wall a little and he made her happy to see him parked on their bench.

"I understand if you're still not ready, and it can be just as friends if that's what you want, but please come to dinner with me. It can be at my restaurant if you want."

"I don't know…" He softened her. They got to know each other and he was no longer a stranger, but dating was different. It was a lot and she didn't know if she was ready to handle that. But she'd never know if she didn't try.

"If you're not ready, that's ok. I'm not pressuring you. We have a good thing going. I just want to keep getting to know you, but I'd also like to wine and dine you."

"I…" she wanted to give in. She wanted to just say yes, but her mind was still fighting it.

"What about an open invitation with no pressure? We'll keep doing what we're doing and in a few weeks, Saturday the 7th, if you think you're interested, you come to my restaurant and we can enjoy a good meal together. Ok?"

"Ok…" Maybe she could handle that… Maybe… But she wasn't sold yet.

It took Emily a month of their get-togethers before getting to the point of that yes, or something close to a yes, but she did it… And now she was starting to regret even thinking about it. Dating? Really? She felt like she was insane for even thinking about it. As she was forced into store after store by JJ and Penelope, trying on outfit after outfit, Emily couldn't help but think about it. Why did she say yes?

"I don't know… I don't know if I can do this."

"Come on, Emster, you'll knock his socks off," Garcia encouraged.

"I don't know if I'm ready."

JJ, being the voice of reason said, "Em, you're not going on the date right now. We're just shopping. Don't panic yet. You have time. Just enjoy the shopping trip, get an outfit you like, and take the time to think about it. If you don't want to go, then, when the time comes, you don't have to show up. Isn't that what he said? No pressure, just an open invitation, go if you're ready and if you're not, he said he'd understand."

"Ok… Yeah, you're right." It wasn't happening right then and there. She could get ready, be ready by the time it did happen. But what if he didn't really understand? Would she be missing out on something great?

"What's an open date anyway?" Garcia asked.

"It means he's not expecting anything. It's a date if I show up, but if I don't come, then I'm not really standing him up," Emily explained, huffing as she looked at herself in the mirror.

"Sounds like a weird way to get his heart broken. All his hopes get up and then the hottie doesn't even show. Doesn't matter. You're going to show up."

"Maybe…"

"You will. I know it," Garcia said confidently, tossing a dress at Emily. "Try it on."

"Ugh," Emily groaned and slipped back into the stall. "Remind me why I'm buying a new outfit when I have a closet full of new outfits and I'm not even sure I'll have use for whatever we… Well, let's face it, you, pick out."

"You'll have use for it!" They both told her.

Needless to say, she went home with more than just the one choice and she was, in Garcia's words, date ready and totally fan-freaking-tastic. She looked hot, that was what Penelope was telling her, but Emily wasn't sure she felt comfortable in that. Did she want to look hot? Did she want to give off vibes?

From the moment Emily opened her mind to the idea of dating, the days and worry just seemed to keep coming. Her house, with lots of help, was finished and she was all moved in, unpacked, and fully settled early in May, soon after Warren asked her out. And that gave her the perfect distraction. It took her mind off the potential dating disaster. She didn't care what Dr. Soros and all her friends said, she was sure it'd be a disaster. Thankfully, her first diversion came in the form of a housewarming party. Garcia took over the place, stocked the bar, called in a large food order, and threw a nice little bash at la casa Prentiss.

Everyone who meant something to Emily and could make it was there. And though the party thing with a roomful of people wasn't exactly her idea of the best time, she really did enjoy just being with them. They drank and talked and even danced. A few of the neighbors Emily met were invited and the team enjoyed vetting them a little, making sure Emily was living around normal people. They got an approval from her family. "No definite crazies," Morgan told her. She'd take it.

Once the other guests left and it was just her and the team, Emily made sure to thank everyone for coming and for being there for her through everything. "I know I'm still not 100%, but I am where I am because you never gave up on me and I don't think you ever will."

"We won't," JJ said.

"We couldn't, not ever," Rossi added.

"I know. So, without getting all mushy, just… Thank you."

"You're welcome," they all said, Emily going around and hugging each of them as they left. Hotch hung back with a tired Jack to talk with her.

"Everything ok, Hotch?" she asked.

"Everything's fine. Thank you for the invite, Emily. Jack and I had a nice time, and the house really did turn out great."

"Thanks."

"Come see me in my office first thing Monday morning."

"Am I in trouble?"

"No, just be there."

"Ok…" Ominous, she thought, but she couldn't question it. He was her boss and they were boss' orders.

After an early morning jog with Ace to ease the worry in her mind about the meeting and a nice long shower, Emily showed up at the office early to wait for Hotch. She was surprised by what he told her. She thought it would take longer.

"I talked with the Bureau doctors," he said.

"Oh… Is something wrong?"

"No. I read the reports from the Bureau shrink. She thinks you're coping well. I know you've been seeing Soros, however, and are more likely to be honest with her. So, if I have your permission, I'd like to talk with her. Depending on what she says, I'd like to recommend that they do the evaluation for field work."

"Really?" The thought both excited and terrified her.

"Yes. You're like me. You push yourself and you need to test your limits. Making you wait will only make things harder. If you're physically capable and cleared by the doctor and everything mentally checks out, I don't see this being a problem. But if you don't feel you're ready, tell me now. I'll wait to bring this up until you tell me you are."

"I'm ready," she answered eagerly. "I can do this."

"I never doubted you could."

I did, she thought to herself, and she still positive about anything. There were still moments when the cases got to her. The thought of being in the field and experiencing the adrenaline rush when she helped someone made her feel right, but the thought that she would have to be face to face with the monsters again scared her. She didn't want to put her team or any innocent lives in danger because she wanted to be "normal" before she was ready.

She had some time for that too. Hotch told her he'd give her a week. If she was physically cleared for field work, they'd schedule the last psychological evaluation. When the time came, she passed the physical no problem. The psych part came next. He gave her another week to manage that.

In that time, Ambassador Prentiss returned from her trip overseas. The first thing she did was meet up with her daughter. After a brief and joyous lunch together, the pair went to meet with Dr. Soros. The session, though they'd eventually be grateful to have their feelings out in the open, was a bit of a disaster. Soros wanted to talk bad memories, memories that Emily and Elizabeth have been holding onto and needed to talk about in order to move on.

Elizabeth brought up a little incident that occurred when Emily was about nineteen. She was in town for summer break after her freshman year at Yale. Virginia was great, but she missed Connecticut and after a blowout with her mom, she was on a rampage. Elizabeth invited her daughter to an event that was honoring her and her philanthropy. Reluctantly, though much to her mother's delight, Emily agreed to go, but not long into her visit and the two women could barely stand to be in a room together.

Neither could say what the fight was about, but it was a big one. Over something stupid, no doubt. In the end, Emily stormed out of the house and didn't return that night. She missed Elizabeth's party, too. Elizabeth was just in the middle of giving a speech when she was disrupted. One of her assistants came up to her and whispered in her ear that there was an emergent phone call for her. "It's a hospital, ma'am," she remembered him saying. She had to quickly end her speech and take the call, terrified of what she was about to hear.

"That was the worst phone call I ever got with you before… Before recently. They told me you were in the hospital, that there was drinking and driving… I thought you were dead, Emily."

"I wasn't drinking and driving. You know that." Emily always knew her mother never forgave her for that incident. Not only did their relationship all but disappear completely after that, but even when they were together, they weren't really communicative or family. They became poor acquaintances at best, and that lasted for many years.

"No, but you got into a car with someone who was and he crashed. You were underage, you were drinking, you put yourself in a vulnerable position, and you could've been killed."

"I know."

"No, you don't. Maybe you didn't drive, but you ruined my night and put yourself in danger. And for what? To get a rise out of me?"

"Yes Mother. That's exactly why," Emily angrily hissed. "I wasn't really drunk at all. I just got in the car with my clearly less than sober friend hoping he'd crash and I would end up in the hospital. Come on, Mom. If I did it just to get a rise out of you, I could've come up with something better! I was dinking. Clearly I wasn't thinking straight, but I didn't do it to intentionally ruin your big night. Because that was what really got to you, right? Not that I was hurt."

"That's not true! I was worried sick about you and then I was so angry for what you had done."

Their talk escalated. Elizabeth started yelling about how irresponsible she was then and how many favors she had to call in to fix all of her mistakes. It became pretty heated very quickly, both mother and daughter shooting angry jabs at each other and letting loose things they held inside for many years in ways that were less than constructive.

"You know, you want to yell at me for a stupid mistake, but you weren't there for me either. When dad died… I needed you more than anything and you weren't there. Why do you think I made all those stupid choices? It was because you weren't there."

"I was there. When you needed me, I was."

"No you weren't. After dad died, the one thing I needed was you. I needed to know I still had someone who loved me and cared about me. But I was alone. I had no one. No one! You were too busy drowning your sorrows in work and Chardonnay while I was left to grieve on my own." Emily paused and took a very anger filled breath. "Sometimes… Sometimes you make it so easy to remember why I felt like you hated me… And it made me hate you. I spent more time with people who were paid to be with me than my own mother."

Elizabeth, upset and not wanting to say another thing she'd regret or hear anything else Emily may have regretted, stood up, and calmly walked out leaving. Communication was limited after that. A week later, however, they calmed down and agreed to meet up again, just the two of them.

"I'm sorry," Emily said.

"No, I am the one that's sorry. I'm so sorry Emily." Elizabeth shook her head. "We both made mistakes. I should've been there more for you while you were growing up, especially when your father died. And I wasn't. That's not something I can take back, but I'm here for you now and I hope that means something to you."

"It does, Mom. It means so much. I want to be a better daughter for you, too."

It was a sweet moment for them, and not just because they were making up, but because it marked a true change in their relationship. Whereas in the past they'd just lose touch for a while, only driving the distance between them after an argument like that, this time they confronted their issue. They both apologized and made promises to keep working on it. That was big, and a good way to end their visit.

The Monday after her mother-daughter time, Emily, once again, found herself being called into Hotch's office. This time was for a similar reason. He sat her down and read a few things from the reports he was given from her physicians.

"The doctors say you're in perfect physical health. Do you agree?"

"Yes. I've been working hard and I think I'm where I started before all of this, maybe better in some respects. I did well on all the training tasks."

"Good. And mentally? How do you think you're doing there?"

"I'm doing well, Hotch. But you have the reports. What do they say?"

"Right now, I don't care what they say, I care what you have to tell me."

"I was honest with them, Hotch." For the most part. "Do I have nightmares? Sometimes. Am I over what happened? No, I don't think I ever will be. It's not something someone gets over, just moves on from. And I think I am. Do I think I'm capable of continuing this job? Yes, I believe I am."

"Ok, good. That's all I needed to hear."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you should have your go bag ready. Next case, you're coming with us."

"Seriously?" Her eyes were wide in excitement, just like a little kid.

"Seriously. You passed all the Evals and we're ready to have you there by our sides."

"Thanks, Hotch."

"Don't thank me, Emily. You earned your spot back. The only thing I ask is that you come to me when you need to. Some of the cases will get to you, and if it's too much, there's no shame in admitting that. If that happens, and you don't want the rest of the team to know, I don't care. You come to me, tell me what's going on, and I'll find some reason to get you away from the action. Are we agreed? That's the only condition of your return to field work."

"I can live with that. Deal," she answered, holding out her hand to shake.

"Good. Come prepared tomorrow. Never know when a case will come up."

"I'm always prepared."

"That I did know." He smiled. "Go get back to work."

"I will," she said, but paused before leaving. "Since I'm here… Hotch, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, anything."

"This is a little weird," she stated nervously. "Will you… Would you go to dinner with me?"

He noticed her uneasiness and realized she wasn't talking a friends' dinner. "Like a date?"

"Yes… I mean no… Yes. No."

"Which one is it?" he asked amused.

"Not a date, date… like a fake date."

"You're going to have to explain that one to me."

"I… I said yes… to a date… to a kind of date with a man that's outside of my little protective team bubble. And… I don't know how to date anymore or really how to be in potentially uncomfortable situations with new people. I don't want to just jump in. I want to warm up to the idea."

"And how do I fit in?"

"Will you go to dinner with me, talk to me; treat it like a date without the romance?"

"Are you sure you want me for this? Not Morgan, Reid, or even Rossi?"

"Reid would wet his pants if I asked him. Morgan, I love him, but he might get a little too into character and he's naturally… flirty. That's… He's not right for this. And asking Rossi would be like asking my dad. You're my best option."

"Seems like you thought it through."

"I know it's weird, but… Even before everything happened, it had been a while since I've been on a date… I'm a little rusty and I… I don't want to freak out on him or something. So, I just want to go to dinner, as friends, make some awkward small talk, eat a good meal that I'll pay for, and…"

"Relax, Emily. I'll do it."

"You will?"

"Yes. You're my friend and I'd like to help you anyway I can. Barring a case, this Friday, I'll pick you up."

"Ok…" They were really doing it. Was it weird she asked him? Maybe, but she needed a man she could trust to help her find some sort of comfort level and confidence in herself or just to discover that going on the date may not be that great of an idea. However it turned out, she knew that Hotch would make it easy for her and not make her feel embarrassed about needing a pre-date, fake date to prepare.

A case did come up, though before their "date." Emily got her clearances and she was literally in the field the next day. They were all thrilled to have her on the jet again. "Now I don't have to share a room with Reid and Morgan!" JJ all but squealed.

She was happy to be back in the action and they were happy to have her there. It wasn't a particularly tough case to solve. Their guy was spot on with the profile and, in such a small town, it was easy to narrow down that suspect pool. Only two guys fit.

"Morgan, take Prentiss and JJ to check the first location. Rossi and Reid, you're with me," Hotch gave his orders. Grabbing Morgan's arm before he could take his troops and hurry off, Hotch told him, "Watch her back. Make sure she's ok and that she stays that way."

"Absolutely, I will."

He tried, anyway. When they arrived at the old, rickety barn, it quickly became clear that this was the right guy. Morgan saw drag marks on the ground and radioed it in, telling the rest of the team what they found and that they were about to search the rest of the area. It didn't look like he was in the house, but he definitely left in a hurry. There were woods all around them. He thought the guy saw them coming and might have run.

While he was doing that, Emily and JJ were moving around the barn perimeter, guns drawn and ready. "JJ," Emily called the blonde's attention, pointing to a storm cellar door.

JJ nodded, telling her she had her back and Emily carefully opened the doors. In sync, they quietly went down the steps. JJ pointed right and went that way. It was a decent sized bunker, partitioned into smaller rooms. There was area to cover, but Emily stopped dead in her tracks.

If she wasn't before, she was now positive they had the right guy. Her heartbeat sped up, her breathing became shallow, and her eyes were blinking rapidly. In front of Emily was a bloodstain under rusted, used chains. Her mind kept flashing back to when she was in a similar position, chained and at the mercy of her captors. This was where the women were held… held just like she was… stuck there, against her will waiting and wondering if she was going to die.

They did… five women… And she lived, but she was still haunted by the memories. She had to live with it. She found herself lost in the vision of herself in the women's places, wondering as she often did, if she was truly recovered or if she ever would be. The women died and their deaths were almost merciful… She didn't have the luxury…

She hated the way she was thinking, but being there brought it back, brought her back. All she could do was try to pull herself from the dark thoughts and ebb away the starts of a panic attack. Emily employed every technique she could remember in the moment and only barely pulled herself back into the here and now before things went down.

Her breathing just returning to normal, Emily set out to find JJ. No longer lost in her head, she could hear the sounds of a struggle. "JJ," she whispered before realizing the gravity of the situation.

She forced herself to move quickly and skillfully, finding Lloyd, their UnSub, facing off with JJ. The blonde's gun was knocked from her hands and she was ready to fight fist for fist, but Emily was hoping to keep that from happening. She couldn't use the gun still gripped firmly in her grasp. Her hand was shaking. Even if she had a clear shot, she couldn't take it without risking hurting JJ. So, she holstered the gun and just sprang into action.

Most of it was a blur to her. She couldn't even remember doing it, but she tackled the man before he could lay another hand on JJ. She took him to the ground and punched… And kept punching until she could vaguely hear her name being called and hands pulling her away.

She stood there, looking into Morgan's worried eyes. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry."

That was all she could say. She looked down at the scene she caused, their UnSub beaten and bruised because of her… She lost it… She just… She saw their faces, the women, the dead women… hers even… and she lost it. She fought for them like they couldn't… like she couldn't.

She shook her head and slowly backed away, practically falling as she made her way up the stairs. In a daze, she walked passed everyone and just went to sit in the car. She shouldn't have been there. She wasn't ready.

Avoidance became her friend. When people tried to approach her about what happened, she shrugged them off. She was still trying to figure it out herself. She had been doing so well. What changed? She thought she could handle it, and, just like the case file set her off, she was taking steps backward in recovery. That was how it felt to her. And she was wondering, now, if she should be or even would be allowed back in the field. What had she done? Did she jeopardize the case?

What happened during the case left her doubting herself and her abilities. The one thing she didn't want was exactly what happened. She came on the case and she almost let JJ get hurt and the guy get away. And why? Because she couldn't handle it.

Emily just wanted to get home and away from everyone. She didn't really talk to them on the jet or when they got back. She waited for Hotch to call her into his office when they arrived, but that didn't happen. So, she left as quickly as she could and went to Ace. Her buddy was happy to see her, maybe even more than she was to see him. She really needed a good walk with him.

She was hesitant though. It was late in the evening already very dark outside. Usually, she kept her walks to daytime. She never took him around the neighborhood past a certain time just for safety concerns, but she needed to do it. It was a fear, one she needed to get over just to prove she could do something after the failed case.

"Ace, let's go," she called, the leash ready and waiting for him. He happily obliged. He really did miss her.

The walk helped a little. She was embarrassed by her actions and worried about what it meant, but she understood things better. Even as she went down the now familiar streets, she could feel the paranoia kicked in. But that was a good thing, she thought. It made her cautious, not crazy. And that was a side effect of what she had been through; one she'd accept and use to her advantage.

She so desperately wanted normal back and it seemed she finally had it. "But what happened on the case wasn't normal," she told Ace. Still, it made her realize a few things, and, as much as she wanted to just quit, she knew she had to face it and see what would come next.

It wouldn't take long for that to happen. They returned from the case Thursday. Her dinner with Hotch was the next day. That was assuming she survived the work day first. She did. No one said anything to her, but, just like the whole flight home, eyes were on her. They were watching, and she was still waiting for the boss to pull her in. Again, it never happened, and when the day was over, she wasn't even sure Hotch was still up for their plans. She didn't even want to ask about it, fearing it would lead to a different discussion.

So she went home unsure how the night would play out. She showered and dressed just in case he did come. And then she waited. She and Ace hung out in the yard, Emily with a good book, as she waited for time to pass and the doorbell to ring. When it happened, she was actually surprised. She was convinced she'd be stood up… Stood up for a fake date with her friend… That would've been embarrassing. But she played down the surprise when she answered the door.

"Hey, Emily."

"Hi, Hotch." She was happy he showed. A part of her felt silly for doubting him. "Want to come in for a minute?"

"Sure."

"I just have to grab my bag. Are you sure you're ok with this? You can still tell me I'm crazy."

"You're not crazy. We're just two friends having dinner. Jack's with his aunt tonight, and I can use a night out. I think you can too." Especially after that last case.

Emily smiled, grabbed her bag, and followed him out to the car. They went to a local place, nothing too fancy. It was somewhere with a friendly atmosphere and not overly romantic. They were just two friends eating together, and it was perfect for that.

They settled at their table without problems. Gentleman he was, Hotch pulled out her seat for her and did what he thought someone on a date should do, what he would do if it was a real date. She appreciated his effort.

"We can skip the awkward small talk, I think. I'm not sure that would be good for our friendship."

"You're right. How about we talk about what happened on the case?"

"Can we talk about anything else?"

"I want to have a nice time with you, Emily, but I think this will weigh on both of our minds if we don't get the elephant out of the room. And I wanted to keep this out of the office so it was just between you and me."

"Ok… Maybe you're right."

"What happened? I have Morgan's point of view and JJ's recollection, but right now, yours is the one that matters."

"I don't know what happened… I think…" She swallowed, buying herself a little time. "I think…"

"Just be honest with me, Emily. Lloyd won't ever say anything. You're a girl and admitting the bruises were because of you would be worse in his mind than the life sentence. So, there won't be disciplinary action if you talk to me."

"It was the chains," she stated. Like ripping off a bandaid.

"What?"

"We went into the cellar and there were chains where he kept the girls and blood on the floor. I knew he did that. I knew we would find that, and I was ok reading about it, even prepared myself. But there, seeing it… It felt like I was back there, chained and waiting for Lyle or Jason to come do something to me… And then I snapped out of it and saw him with JJ. Something in me just went off. I saw red and I went after him like I couldn't go after them… Like the woman couldn't fight for themselves."

"I understand those feelings, Emily. After everything with Foyet, I put myself in situations I never would before. I was reckless and did things I don't think I really was conscious of at the time. I don't want that for you. As the boss and your friend, I want you and the team to be safe in the field."

"I want that too."

"What do you think this means for you? Work wise, what do you think I should do about this?

"I think… As long as it doesn't mean my field privileges are revoked or I'll be forced into more mandated therapy… I think I'd like to spend the next few cases working at the station or doing interviews and leave facing the bad guys up to you and the rest of the team."

"Are you sure?"

"No… But I can't have what happened on that case happen all the time. I know I need to step back and look at what went wrong. I know I can do this, but I need a moment to really understand what's happening with me when I'm in the field."

"And I think that's a wise decision and I can agree to that, just make sure you talk with Dr. Soros and make sure you're really ready."

Emily didn't realize how much she wanted to be at work and back in the field until then. She was relieved that she wasn't being forced back to desk duty and that she was getting another chance. She wanted this. She wanted to be there with the team on the front line and she was thankful she would still have the chance. She was committed to getting over her issues to make it work.

With that conversation explored a little more, they were able to move onto other things. It was nice to just catch up a little. They talked and ate and just enjoyed each other's company, as friends often did. Her dinner date with Hotch really helped her feel more comfortable with the idea of dating. Not all guys would be as nice as Aaron Hotchner, and no first date would be as easy as their dinner, but she didn't want to sit back and let life pass her by. She didn't want to miss out on something potentially great because she was too scared.

Dinner over and back home, Emily made the decision to go on the date with Warren. She had a little time to prepare for both that and to wrap her head around all the work stuff that happened, and she was determined to get her head there. Emily, though she didn't really want to, addressed what happened with her teammates and apologized. They made her feel like it was nothing. Shit happens; that was basically what they said. She loved them for not making a big deal about it, but it was, and she knew they would be watching her a little more carefully from then on. She accepted that and was, oddly, ok with it.

The day of her date, Penelope and JJ made sure to show up at Emily's house to make her up. They knew she was nervous and wanted to help her feel her best and maybe give her a pep talk or two. She was actually looking forward to the date, but no one seemed more thrilled than Garcia.

"Have fun! But not too much fun… Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Oh, who am I kidding? Enjoy yourself." She was practically pulling Emily out the door with her.

"What's she's saying is have a good time. Don't stress," JJ told her.

"I will try. Bye. Thanks for the help."

They left just before she did. The nerves were kicking in again. Even as she drove to the restaurant she was second guessing the decision, considering turning around. Parked in the lot, it took her ten minutes to get herself out and make her way to the door. But she took a deep breath and went in. She could do it. She wanted to.

"I'm meeting Warren Daniels," she told the hostess.

Warren popped up before she could respond. "Emily! You came," he said excitedly. He had been pacing for the better part of an hour, meticulously setting up their table to be the perfect balance of romantic and friendly. He even rearranged the week's menu to make sure it included some of her favorites. And the whole time, he was trying to prepare himself for her standing him up. But there she was.

"I was invited, wasn't I?"

"Of course, and, if I may say, you look beautiful."

She blushed, "Thanks."

"Follow me. Let me take you to our table." He happily brought her to a more private booth away from the busy main area.

"I love the restaurant."

"It's my baby. Built it from the ground up with my business partner. We were as surprised as anyone when it took off the way it did."

"I found this place when I came back to DC a few years ago. I missed all the different foods and a friend of mine stumbled into this place."

"So you've been here a few times over the years. We may have even run into each other before. But I doubt that. I would've remembered a face as gorgeous as yours."

He was a charmer, that was for sure, and he knew how to make her feel doted upon. They were able to skip the small talk too since they had been talking so much while at the park. They were past the simple get to know you questions. Instead, they spent hours talking about their travels. Warren's father was in the army and that took them to a few places around the world. It made him appreciate the different cultures. They both shared that passion and it allowed them to really get into some of their memories. So much so that they lost track of time. The restaurant was empty, the wait staff gone, and only the two of them left. It was time to go though.

"It was a really nice night, Warren. Thank you."

"Does this mean you'll go on a real date with me now?"

"I'll think about it." She just hoped she didn't come to regret it. Ready or not, she was trying it. "This felt like a real date to me."

"And you had a good time, right?"

"I did." She wasn't going to lie.

"So then you don't need to think about it. Still no pressure for more, but come to dinner again. You pick the place this time."

"Ok. I may be called away for work, but if not, I think I'd like that," she said nervously. She was so out of dating practice.

"Really?" He was surprised he didn't have to grovel.

"Yes. I'll give you the details later."

"I'm not being brushed off here, am I?"

"No."

"Ok." He offered her a charming, happy smile. "Can I walk you to your car?"

"I'd like that."

Without trying to make any moves on her, understanding she wasn't ready for much, he just escorted her to the car, opening the door for her, and telling her he had a very nice time.

"Will I still see you… at the park?" Emily shyly asked.

"I wouldn't miss it."

"Great. Thanks for dinner, Warren. I'll see you soon." She made the move, uncertainly going in for just a hug. He gladly accepted. "Well… Bye…"

"I almost forgot," he said, handing her a bag, a giant smile on his face.

"A doggy bag?" She thought she already had one.

"For the actual dog. Just a little treat for Ace. It's Peanut's favorite."

"Oh…" That was sweet. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Thanks for coming tonight."

"I'm glad I did."

"Me too."

Emily sat in the driver's seat and waved as he closed her door. It went, surprisingly well. He seemed to understand that, whatever happened to her, and he politely never asked, made her hesitant and less open to the touchy feely moments. He never crossed the line, always let her initiate any contact, and never make her feel any less than what she was, a beautiful, intelligent, and nerdy woman; all things he found attractive.

For a first date since she was taken, since she was violated, it went pretty well. There were awkward moments, but their park meetings, which they were coming to think of as dates, they were able to bypass a lot of the small talk. They weren't strangers anymore, and she liked that. He made her feel comfortable, and that was important. And, though she was still working on her confidence, he helped make her feel as beautiful as she once did.

It was another recovery milestone for her. She met someone, went out with him, and actually had a good time.

Sad to say there's only one chapter left.

Thanks everyone for all the reviews/follows/favorites and just reading. It's so very appreciated. And, as always, thoughts and criticisms are (constructive) always welcomed. Thanks for reading! More to come…