I do not own Criminal Minds, only the characters I have created in that world.
I MET PAGET BREWSTER! Just had to get that out there. Seeing her at the Thrilling Adventure Hour was amazing. She's amazing... But I digress. Sorry about the delay, thanks for being the great readers you are, now onto the main attraction.
Also, I just finished finals and writing about 3 big papers, so my editing is pretty much shot. If there are a lot of mistakes, I apologize. Just ignore it, and if it really bothers you, let me know what it is and I'll correct it.
Chapter 36: Fools in Love
He never got the chance to explain to Emily that she wouldn't be the other woman; that things with Beth were over and done and he never got to say the words that would get her to understand what he was feeling. Hotch stood outside her door like one of those idiot men in a stupid made for TV rom-com. Desperate to get Emily to speak to him and knowing, feeling, she was on the other side listening to him, he pleaded through the door, but the later it got and the quieter the street became, the less hope he had. Eventually, he had to call it a night or isk the neighbors sticking their nose in their business and calling the cops on him.
"Just give me a chance. Hear me out. Find me when you're ready." He said right before going, still reluctant to move from that very spot. But he needed to. He wasn't going to turn into that crazy guy again.
Emily sat there on the floor leaning against the door. She understood alright. He kissed her, again. And again, he was leading her on. It wasn't like this was the first time it happened. It wasn't even the second. And every time, it played with her emotions. It wasn't like they weren't all over the place already. What was he doing to her? Did he want to fill up her compartments so much that they all broke open and flooded her, filling her so completely that she just lost it and left her with no other choice than for to end up locked away in some psych ward?
That was where she was headed if he kept leading her on. He told her he didn't want her. Now he did… But he was with someone… She just broke up with someone… Why was he doing this to her? Why? Just why? And why then at that moment when things seemed to be so ok and settled between them?
"Mommy?" Charlie snuck downstairs looking for her. "Mommy?!" The call was a little more panicked and pained.
"I'm right here." Emily responded, forcing herself off the floor and wiping away at the tears. "I'm right here Charlie Bear. I thought you were in bed."
"I was, but I missed you and daddy. Where is he?"
"Oh… Um… He had to go back home. But he told me to give you a super big hug when you woke up."
"He did?"
"Yup, a special hug just for Charlie he said."
"Cool."
"Yeah, want that hug now?" She nodded. "Get over here then baby."
"Mommy?" Charlie asked, still holding on to her mom. "Were you and daddy fighting?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"I heard loud voices and now you look sad, but you were happy all day."
"I'm not sad." Emily lied, even a lie to herself. She had no idea what she was feeling, but sad was part of the list.
"Yes you are. I know. I have eyes and I can see mommy." Her small hand reached up to her mom's face. "I don't like when you're sad. It makes me sad too."
"No reason to be sad. I promise I'm ok Charlie. But, you won't be if we don't get you back to bed."
"Can I go in your bed?"
"Of course. Let's go." Emily quickly shut off the lights and followed Charlie to the bedroom. She tucked her in before heading to the bathroom to change and brush her teeth. Something told her sleep wouldn't come easy that night. Nightmares always came when she was emotionally charged. And she definitely was that.
But cuddling with Charlie helped. If she couldn't sleep, at least there was that comfort. Around midnight, though, the tossing and turning was making her crazy. Well, she guessed, it was as good a time as any to make that call she needed to make. It was around 6 am there. It was fine to call. Softly, as not to wake the child from slumber, Emily slipped from bed and grabbed her phone. She hit the number on the speed dial and waited. The voicemail came instead. "I know it's not too early so you must be on a case or at the office. I need to talk to you… about things… and about that proposal you gave me. Call me when you can Clyde. I'll be up. Talk soon."
Well, so much for that.
Morning came much too quickly and her back was aching. She must've fallen asleep in her chair when she decided to read a little. Not a good idea. So not only was she still an emotional ball, but she was sore too. Great. "Ugh." She groaned. "Get it together Prentiss. Get dressed, go about your day, and work like nothing changed. Because nothing did."
By the time she was done with morning mom duties, she was beyond ready to get back into bed and just collapse. She didn't know how she was going to survive the day. Or deal with Hotch… Maybe she should've called out. "No!" She yelled at herself as she pulled into the Quantico garage. "You're an adult. You don't need to run from this." No more running. That was a vow she made with herself. It wasn't really working out so well.
Of course, though, the one person she wants to avoid is the first she sees. "Morning." He greets her.
"Morning Sir." She responds.
"Sir?" She was reverting, building those impenetrable walls again. He had a lot of work ahead of him. "Emily about last night…"
"Not here. Not now."
"Then when?"
The elevator stopped about to open. "I don't know Hotch. Sometime… Maybe never. We'll see." She said before walking away.
Eight hours and counting until the work day was over and she could let the breath she'd be holding go. Until then, she had to keep it together and hold it all in. But that wasn't working well for her either.
"What's wrong Em?" Emily sat there staring into space, head resting heavily in one hand. "Em?" JJ tried again. Balling up a wad of scrap paper, JJ threw it at her friend. "Hey Emily."
"Huh what?" She snapped out of her trance looking around the room unfocused.
"You've been quiet all day. I practically had to spill coffee on you to get your attention at the briefing. What's up?"
"I'm…" Not going to push her away… "I need to talk to you… about something."
"Ok. I'm all ears."
"I can't here. Do you have time later?"
"For you I do. Why don't you bring Charlie over and Will can keep her and Henry occupied while we have some girl talk?"
"Are you sure? I don't want to impose."
"Em, come on. I told you to talk to me, now you want to talk… Do you really think I'm going to turn you away?"
"No… No I don't."
"Good. I'll see you tonight."
"Yeah…"
"You going to make it to tonight?"
"I'm going to have to."
"It's not Charlie is it?"
"No… No, she's perfect and now that Paley's gone at school, I don't think we'll be getting any more of those calls either."
"We better not."
"No… So I better get to work. But thanks you know… for…"
JJ jumped in. "Anytime."
Focusing on work wasn't easy, not for Emily or Hotch who were so focused on avoiding those awkward moments that the tension was palpable, not for JJ or Rossi who were both worried about their friends, and not for the rest of the team who clearly sensed something amiss. In short, it was a very unproductive work day. They were professionals though, and even if they didn't get quite as much as they normally did done, they still did what they had to.
"Emily, can we please go somewhere and talk?" Hotch tried to catch her before she left.
"Not today. I can't… I just need to think. Let me think."
"You think too much… Sometimes it's better to just say what's on your mind. I want to know what you're thinking."
Her eyes narrowed and face contorted, "Trust me, right now, you don't." She shook him off of her. "If you'll excuse me, I have to get home to our daughter. We have plans tonight. If you'd like to see her today, come early before we head out or late and be there for bedtime." She wasn't going to tell him not to come, but she was hoping that he stuck with a phone call that night to give her a little space to process.
"Ok…"
"Ok. See you tomorrow Sir."
"Emily wait." She stopped before the elevator doors closed and waited for him to say something.
"Yeah?"
"I just wanted to say…" No, he told himself, she asked for some time. Respect that. "To say…" He had to think of something. "Have a goodnight."
Though she felt that wasn't his original statement, she accepted it and wished him the same before hitting the close door button. Home and Charlie. That was all she could think about for the next hour at minimum. And it remained all that was on her mid; mostly. After sending Sarah home, her focus was all on her daughter. "Do you have homework?"
"I always have homework." She stated with exaggeration.
"Homework is important."
Huffing, she said, "I know. It just makes me so exhausted." Overdramatic little thing she was.
"Really? Hmm. So you're going to be too exhausted to go see Henry and JJ? Oh well… Maybe next time."
"No! No, I want to go. I won't be too tired. Promise!"
"I'll have to think about it." She teased. "Get your backpack please and meet me at the table. I'm going to make a snack. Apples and peanut butter or…"
"Chocolate?"
"No chocolate. But you can have the chocolate yogurt with the apple."
"Yes please."
"Ok, go please."
Emily's mind was occupied with thoughts not Hotch or Clyde related for at least a few hours, but completely blocking it out wasn't a game she'd ever win. Was she being too hard on him? Should she have heard him out? What was she going to tell Clyde? Did she want it? Could she do it? Why was he taking so long to get back to her? It wasn't like him.
She was getting more and more anxious as the clock ticked and the time passed. She really needed to talk. "Mommy, is it time to go yet?"
"Almost. Go get your shoes. I'll help you lace them."
"Ok."
Impatience was setting her a frenzy. Her watch wasn't moving fast enough. Was it broken? So many thoughts and the one time she wanted it to speed up, time seemed to slow down. Just her luck. "Charlie, come on." What was taking so long?
"I'm coming." She came down wearing mismatched socks and with a pair of dress shoes. "I want to wear these."
"You know what?" Normally she'd protest. Those weren't shoes for playing. But it was a five minute drive and then indoors. It would be fine. "Fine, put them on."
"Awesome!"
Honestly, she needed to get things off her chest so bad, the child could've came down wearing a tutu and a wig and Emily probably would've caved. Or not, but she was feeling like she could've. And she was rushing them. She was on edge, pushing the speed limit, and incredibly anxious. She felt like a horrible person for practically pushing her daughter out of the car and to the house. Clearly, there was something wrong with her.
"Hey. Come in." They were greeted by Will.
"Charlie's here Henry." He called out, the little footsteps becoming faster and heavier.
"Charlie!" He yelled as he came and took her hand. "Come on, we can play in the basement." They ran off.
"I better go keep them out of trouble. Jen's just putting some clothes away in our room. Go on in."
"Ok, thanks Will." Kids off and playing, Emily found her way to the room, gently rapping on the frame.
"You're here." JJ said.
"You doubted me? I'm hurt."
"No… well, maybe a little."
"I guess I deserve that."
"No, I'm sorry. You can come in. I'm almost done in here." Emily entered, but did not sit. She was seconds away from pacing. "You look tense." JJ surmised. "What's going on?"
"I have a lot on my mind."
"Clearly." She stated plainly. "Come on, I come to you with all my problems and complaints and happiness… Everything. I'm here for you too."
"I know. I just… There's so much in here." She tapped her head. "I don't even know where to begin."
"How about you sit and tell me why you and Hotch were so weird today?"
"You noticed?"
"Yeah."
"I thought we did a good job covering it up."
"You did. I just know there's something to look for." And she was looking. Honestly, they were all looking. And when someone goes looking, she usually finds something.
Emily sighed and allowed her friend to drag her to the bed, sitting her down on the edge. "Talk to me. Did he do something to upset you?"
"Yes… No… Maybe… I don't know…"
"Well, it can't be all those things."
"Oh trust me… It can." It was. Ok, she breathed. Now or never. "I've been keeping something to myself for a while… And honestly it wasn't even that I was keeping it a secret… I just didn't think it would amount to much. I didn't think I'd actually consider it. But… but it's there and I've been thinking about it." She rambled. "A lot… thinking about it and then this happened and I'm thinking about it more. And I don't know why I am. I mean, it's crazy…"
"Em, slow down. What are you talking about?"
"You see… I… Clyde and I talk… a lot and when he came to visit last…. Well it was more than just him trying to keep me sane."
Oh juicy details please! "What was it then?"
"It was… Well, it was… He did come to see me, to support me…
"But…"
"He also wanted me to know he got a new job… a promotion."
"That's great for him. What does it have to do with you?"
"His new job comes with certain… benefits."
"Benefits?"
"Like bigger office, more pay… Hiring allowances."
"That's great… Oh. My. God!" It hit her. "He offered you a job?!"
"Emily Love. I know it's rather late, but the way your mind is going, I don't see you getting much sleep anyway."
"Gee Clyde, how nice and comforting."
"We've been interrupted by one thing or another since my arrival. There is something I needed to tell you."
"Should I be worried?"
"This is probably the only time we'll have to talk about it and I didn't want to just throw it on you before disappearing."
"Ok…" She sat up in bed. "Now I'm worried. What is it? It sounds serious. You're not dying are you? Oh God! Are you sick?"
"Nothing like that Love. No worrying. It's good news." He assured her. "I received a promotion."
"Really?! Clyde that's amazing." She said and hugged him. "Congratulations. Tell me all about it." He did. He told her all about his fancy new office and all that came with it. "You're the big man on campus now." She teased.
"Absolutely. But there's one more thing."
"Uh oh…"
"My first act in my new role is to hire someone to take over my team and run the London Gateway Office."
"Who do you have in mind?"
"I was given a list Darling. One with a few suggestions… You are on it."
"Me?"
"Yes, at the very top."
"Are you… Are you offering me a job?"
"I told my superior you'd say no. You have a life here and a family… Dare I say a love…"
"Clyde…"She cut him off.
"But I owed it to you to at least present the opportunity. Because it is a rather big chance, a major career move…"
"It is." She agreed, but the thoughts weren't really registering.
"I brought this." He took a file out that she hadn't seen him bring in. "It contains all the details. It's a very good deal." And as much as he wanted her to take it, he wanted her to stay right where she was and figure out what happiness was too. She deserved that. "Very fair offering. Much more than I made in that position."
"It's because I'm just more fabulous than you Clyde. Its time you realized that." She didn't know where the joking came from when nothing really seemed to make it into her brain.
"I've always known that." He scooted his chair closer and planed his hand on her knee. "This is the career opportunity you have always hoped for and you deserve it more than anyone."
"But…?"
"But it is a major decision, one that you need to think through thoroughly."
"Of course." She studied his face. "You don't want me to take the job?"
"If you want to take it, I won't stop you. In fact, I'd love nothing more for you and Charlotte to come and stay with me, to live the English life and live normally… But you have a life here; one I'm not sure you've figured out yet."
"I can't tell if you want me to take it or are trying to keep me as far away from you as possible."
"Never. I'd never want that. You have no idea how happy I'd be to come home to you and Charlie after a long day at work; to be greeted by your smiling faces. Not live so far away from you… be there for you… But I can't help but think, should you take it, it'd only be because you were running away. You run, but you don't need to."
"I still can't tell what you want."
"I want you to take the job… I want you to be in London and drink a nice cup of tea with me in the evenings like we used to…"
"I believe it was less tea and more lots of booze with a morning tea chaser…"
"Good times Darling."
"They were great times."
"Em… I want you to take the job… But I want you to be happy more. Do what makes you happy, but really think about it. And know, if you do want to take it, you will have me there with you. We will make some arrangement work. You can stay with me as long as you'd like… forever if you wanted and I'd be your support every single day." He squeezed her hand. "If that's what you want, I will help you move, pack you up and travel with you. Build a life with you. We'd be like those people in those terribly American movies where good friends raise a kid together, however, wed do it completely platonically." Because he knew her heart belonged to Hotch.
"Clyde…"
"No need to decide now."
"I don't think I'd be able to anyway." She stared at the file. "It's a big deal."
"I know. I contemplated bringing it up. My boss insisted. He said you showed great promise. I told him your life was here and a move was not likely. Still, here I am…"
"I… I appreciate this? I'm a little at a loss here Clyde."
"Listen to me Emily. I love you. And yes, I want you to take this job because it would mean being closer to you and being able to keep a better eye on my girls, but the fact of the matter is, it's your life and your decision." And they weren't just hid girls. They were his too. "Do what's best for you and Charlie. I will support you no matter what. If it happens to be London, you know you have a home there whenever you want. If it's here, then you stay here and be happy and nothing will ever change between us. Just don't run. Figure out what it is you want."
All that and the only thing she could say was, "I love you too Clyde."
"No… Well, I mean yes. There was a job offer."
"What's the job?"
"I'd be running the London office."
"London?! That's…"
"I know, very far away…"
"Emily!"
"I know…"
"Em…
"I know…"
"And you're really thinking about it?"
"I honestly don't know. Yes, I'm thinking about it. How could I not? It's an amazing opportunity. But I don't know."
"Do you really want it?"
"I don't know." Her friend's blue eyes looked sad and that was not what she wanted. "I have a life here. It's like having to choose between two families. I have Clyde, who offered me the world and even my mother in Europe… And here I have all of you."
"There's something else… I can see in your eyes. There's something that's making you consider it more. Something happened. What did Hotch do?" A spark of anger lit the last few words. I he did something that would make her friend flee, she was going to kick his ass.
"You see something in my eyes and it's automatically Hotch? That's… a big leap."
"No… I've seen that look before. You only get it when something happens with him."
"Good to know there's a tell; a very specific yet not at all identified one. What makes you think he has that much power over me?" He did, clearly, but she wanted to know what the blonde thought.
"Just tell me… Emily please…"
"He kissed me."
"What?! That's great." But the brunette's look told a different story. "Not great?"
"He's in a relationship JJ. Beth is his girlfriend. And he kissed me. In what world is that great?"
"But it means he feels the same about you that you do him…"
"That's not enough… It's just not enough."
Curiously, not getting the whole problem, JJ asked, "Isn't it what you want though?"
"Of course it is!" She responded quickly. "It's all I've wanted… for longer than I care to admit. But this isn't the first time he has done this. He likes to kiss me or… or sleep with me… and then we both… and I know it's not just him… I do it too… But we both choose not to talk about it. We ignore it and pretend it never happened so we can function. It's fine. It works for us. The problem is… He does it again. And he expects that to be ok…" A humorless laugh escaped her. "He makes me crazy… I just… He kisses me, we sleep together, we hang out… You'd think that means something… To me it did. He gets to me… What he does gets to me. It affects me. And I realized how I really felt… no more ignoring it… But then he practically spit in my face and told me it was nothing… Our signals were crossed he said." She vented, internalizing the scream she wanted to let out. "That wasn't his intention. Then what was?!" She huffed. "How can someone send out those signals and not mean to? I mean, is it me? Was I reading more into it? Or was it really there? It wasn't what he wanted. He said so. He's in a relationship. But he spent all his time with me… me and Charlie… I guess… I guess I should've seen it was just about her. And that's ok. It should've been, but it felt like him being with us," especially all those late night moments it was just the two of them, "felt about me too… I should've known better. I should've known better than to let him reel me in or allow myself to let him get to me."
"Ok Em. I'm going to stop you there." She was completely stunned by the sheer volume of words and feelings expressed from the brunette. It was so unlike her to just let it all out and even rant. "Do you realize what you're saying?"
"Of course I do… I'm the one saying it." JJ smiled, holding back the laugh she so wanted to let out. Oh Emily… sweet, blind Emily… "Why are you smiling? I'm ready to rip out my hair or cry on your shoulder until we're floating on your bed like it's a life raft and you're laughing!"
"I never realized how overdramatic you can be."
"I am not."
"You so are."
JJ laughed again. "Seriously, why is this so funny to you?"
"It's not. It's not funny."
"Then why are you laughing?"
"I'm not."
"Yeah, you really are." She pouted. She wouldn't laugh at her if roles were reversed.
"Can you just tell me everything? What happened?" Emily was reluctant. She wanted to know what the blonde found so funny first. "Please?"
"It was Father's Day. We all went out, like I told you. Charlie and Jack chose the International Spy Museum, so the four of us went there after Aaron came over for breakfast." JJ liked that she was getting some detail. "Jack spent the night so we could surprise him; you know… Make the day important and special for him and for Charlie too. It was their first one together where she had a dad and he had his son and a daughter. So we made it fun and memorable… for all of us. It was a lot of fun. It was… just so light and normal… We were like… it was like we were…"
"A family?" JJ finished.
"Yeah. The four of us were like a family. We went out for dinner after, which turned out to be ice cream and then dinner. The kids kind of suckered him into it. Really, Charlie pouted him into coercion. Honestly, she could've asked him for a car she couldn't drive for another ten years and he probably would've said yes… She started calling him Daddy…" They both smiled at that. "Anyway. The kids were tired and we were exhausted, plus it was a school night, so we brought Jack back to Haley's, and Hotch came home with Charlie and me." JJ watched with fascination. It was as if she was seeing Emily relive the memory, so deep in thought and whimsical. "He tucked Charlie in and we talked for a bit. Then he kissed me." And just like that it was over…
"No lead up? Nothing?"
"He was sitting next to me. We were talking."
"About?"
"Honestly…" She thought back. "Not a whole lot. I got us a drink, water nothing stronger." She felt that needed to be clear. It wasn't a drunken mistake of a kiss, it was a conscious decision. "And we briefly talked about the day, shared a joke or two and then he…"
"Kissed you?"
"No, not then. He said he had something he wanted to talk about."
"What was it?"
"I… I'm not sure?" She said, herself confused.
"You don't know?"
"No… He uh… he said maybe he should show me and kissed me…"
"Em…" JJ shook her head in frustration. She seriously wanted to slap some sense into the woman. Her friends were the most ridiculous pair ever! They were so made for each other but always set up roadblocks to keep them apart.
"And now you're angry. What did I do? Why?"
"Because you are so damn stubborn and blind."
It was hard not to be a little insulted by that. "And how's that?"
"I don't know what's going on with him and Beth. But, clearly it's not going well if he's kissing you."
"That doesn't make it better."
"You're right… It doesn't… You know Em… As strong as you are, you run when things get tough. You don't run away though, more run to the problem and from the people who could make it easier for you. It's like you make things harder than they have to be."
"I don't do that on purpose. I just try to protect everyone. I can't be the reason someone else gets hurt." She rather it be her.
"Shouldn't that be our choice? Maybe we're all willing to accept a little piece of the hurt so it all doesn't fall so hard on you."
Maybe she deserved to have it fall on her… "I suppose…"
"And did you ever think that that kiss was his way of telling you he was wrong and he wanted you to give him a shot?"
"No, because I don't live in a fantasy world."
"See, frustratingly stubborn!" JJ flopped down on the bed, one foot hanging off the side. A silence passed and then Emily gently fell back on the other side. The two just lived a whole conversation in their minds, processing some things that needed processing.
"Jayje…" She said staring up at the ceiling. "I'm going to France. Want to go to France?"
JJ laughed. "Yeah, let's go to France. I can see the Eiffel Tower right now. Look, right there in the corner. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Ok smart ass… I'm not kidding. Go to France with me."
"Excuse me?" Was this a weird run away from our lived type thing?
"I'm going to France. I've decided that Charlie and I are going to visit my mother. You should come. You always wanted to go… You should go."
"I can't just go. I have…"
"They're invited too. That was implied." She finished.
"Ok, but I don't think I can afford it."
"JJ." She turned her head. "Look, it's not all finalized. Though it's been a semi formulated plan for a while, there's some stuff that needs to be worked out. Like, I need to talk with Hotch about both work and Charlie. Guess I can't just pick her up and go anymore…" Well, that hit her like a ton of random bricks. "But, if you agree… I want you to come as my guests… on my tab."
"Em I couldn't accept…"
"Please… consider it a favor… It's my mom and I could use my friend."
"Em…"
"Please just think about it…"
There was a quiet before she spoke. "Garcia is going to be so jealous."
"I'll make it up to her." She laughed. "Does that mean you're in?"
"I have to talk to Will, but if we can work it out… How could I say no?" Exactly what Emily was thinking.
"Great." She smiled and sat up. "We have stand down next month. I was thinking that would be a good time to go." Though she wasn't sure how she was going to survive that long. "The kids are out of school by then and we can make arrangements."
"You know…" JJ sat up too. "You're going to have to talk to him…"
"Don't remind me." Emily pouted.
"Maybe you should hear him out." For the love of God, please! "You didn't even give him a chance."
"And I'm not sure I want to. I doubt Beth would appreciate me giving him one."
"Emily…" She chastised her with just the name. "You don't know the story. For all you know, she's not in the picture anymore."
The brunette sighed. "Even if she's not… He still chose her. I put my heart on the line and he chose her. Now he has to live with that." And so did she. She was barely surviving it. Why would she make herself all raw and exposed again?
"So you're punishing him…"
"No…"
"And you're punishing yourself."
"Jayje…" She wanted to roll her eyes, but couldn't bring herself to do it. "That's not what I'm doing."
"You are. Because I know he wants to make things right with you. And you've both made some pretty big mistakes in the past… Don't make another one… This doesn't have to be another one." She released Emily's hand and threw the pillow she was holding at her friend. "Think about it. I'm going to grab a drink."
"Sure…"
Think about it… All she did was think… Her mind was a cesspool of thoughts. But sure, why not add more to the pile? Nothing her busy mind couldn't handle. Right? What was one more thing?
The girls chatted more. Well, JJ did her not really lecturing, but totally lecturing thing and Emily listened. Eventually, though, it got late and the Prentiss girls went home. JJ was happy her friend was so open. And she didn't even have to beat it out of her! Emily willingly came to her. As frustrating as what she said turned out to be, she was so happy to hear it and have her friend seem so freed from that wall. A small hole was thrown through the stone like a bullet through glass. She could finally see inside even if just limitedly.
It was a massive stepping stone in their friendship. She was finally allowed to be the supportive rock at a time when it wasn't physically necessary. There was no hospital or life threatening injury; just two friends being friends and relying on one another. And apparently, taking a family trip to France together. Right, she wanted to do that. "Will?" She needed to discuss it with him first and she just hoped that while Emily was planning this trip, she wasn't also planning her move… London was too far away for her to live… JJ just wouldn't accept that as an option.
Emily wasn't so easily pacified. She felt better for talking about everything, but it was still weighing on her. She still had so much to work though. And talking about it wouldn't give her answers… Unless she talked to the right people. But she was avoiding them… him.
She dreaded the next day at work. She dreaded the lack of sleep she was going to get because of the mass rush of thoughts in her head. It didn't help that Charlie decided to kick and cling that night. Moving her back to her bed lasted all of ten minutes before the little soccer player came back to use her as a human shaped ball. The phone call with her mother left something to be desired. Their relationship was better, but the insecurities were still there. Intentional or not, her mother knew what to say to play on them and feed her hungered mind. And Clyde didn't answer. That wasn't new, but he was expecting her call, so it was worrisome.
The early morning call was even more so. "Prentiss." She answered sleepily. She had only just gotten to bed.
"It's Clyde darling."
"Clyde. Are you alright?"
"Brilliant."
"I know when you say that like that you're usually lying. And you know the time difference. You don't usually call when it's 4 am here. So what is it?"
"I'm sorry my call is such an inconvenience."
"You know that's not what I said. And you know when you do that it's your way of deflecting. Tell me what's going on."
"You seem to know so much, I might as well hang up and let you have this conversation alone."
"Clyde."
"There was an incident."
"What kind of incident?"
"Reminded me a bit of our time in Venezuela."
"There was an explosion?! Are you ok? Is anyone hurt?"
"Just minor injuries on my part." He sighed. "Had to pull my mate from the rubble."
"Like you had to with me…"
"It reminded me of you. I needed to check in."
"I'm glad you called. You know I'm here for you too. But I'm ok. We're not there anymore. We caught that guy and we made it out of there alright. But are you? How's the other guy doing?"
"I'm fine. And if I remember correctly, you broke your foot and were a pain in the ass for weeks."
"Yeah, yeah… Are you both ok?"
"I am. He's in surgery. Something about internal bleeding."
"I'm sorry Clyde. That has to be hard for you." For such a hard ass and gruff kind of man, he was actually quite the softy at times. "Are you close with him?"
"He's a friend."
"Talk to me Clyde." She knew that, as they have shared many calls like this over the years after a bad case, he just needed to let it out and say what was on his mind. And she wanted to do that. She could spare some sleep hours for that.
So she listened and she supported him like he usually did her. It made her forget, temporarily, her issues. Once he was calm, she spoke with him about why she first called him. What she had to say made him happy. That made her happy too. And she was eased enough to sleep again. She set the alarm back to give herself an extra thirty and fell asleep. Unfortunately, that extra time was nowhere near enough and came way to fast.
The alarm flew across the room as she went to smack it, forcing her out of bed. So much for snoozing. She really didn't have time for it anyway. The little bit of time she set aside for sleep did little for her but set her back with everything else. So she rushed to dress and ready. There was no time for a real breakfast, not for her anyway, but always for Charlie. She pulled out a fresh muffin and threw together some eggs and fruit, setting it on the table before waking her daughter. She too was behind schedule and moving slow.
It was just going to turn into that kind of day; the lagging, behind schedule, never ending kind of day.
"Sweetie, can you please finish up so you can go get dressed and brush your teeth?"
"I'm still eating."
"I know. You're taking awfully long today."
"Is daddy going to call?"
"I don't know. Maybe, if you finish up and get ready, we will have time to try calling him."
"Alright." She put a giant bite of muffin in her mouth.
"Careful there."
"Done!" Well, that was one way to get that finished. "Be right back mommy!"
Running, Charlie nearly slipped on the stairs terrifying her mother. "She's going to be the death of me." Making sure the girl was alright, she sent her the rest of the way and returned to the kitchen for coffee; much, much needed coffee.
That didn't go as planned either. A shrill boom distracted her as she was pouring and in her haste to check around her, she knocked over the cup. Its contents spilled all over, including on her. "Shit! Mother Fu-"
"Oh, mommy said a bad word!"
"Charlie… Don't start…" Check the attitude… She didn't do anything. Sighing, she collected herself and said, "I'm sorry. Mommy didn't mean to swear. What was that noise?"
"I dropped my backpack down the stairs. It rolled down like a slinky!" She said with a toothy grin.
"Please be more careful."
"But it was cool."
"Next time use an actual slinky."
"It's broken."
"Ok." Can slinkies even break? "We can get a new one."
With a sense of excitement, she asked, "Now?"
"No. Now is school. Get your shoes." Ignoring the stinging burn of the coffee on her skin, Emily quickly wiped up what she could, grabbed Charlie's lunchbox, slipped it in her back pack, grabbed her own bag, and waited by the door. There was no time to change without both of them being late. She'd have to take from her go bag once she got to the office. Until then, a coat on the rather warm day would have to cover it up. It was freaking June and she was wearing a jacket.
Only one more week of the school drop offs though, so at least there was that. She'd get a few extra minutes of sleep then… maybe. There was time to ponder that later. She had to get through the day without incidence first.
"Whoa there Princess." Morgan threw everyone's attention to her, "You look like crap and I beat you here. That never happens."
"Rough morning." She said gruffly as she pulled off her coat.
"You weren't kidding. Here." He grabbed a go cup from his desk. "You can definitely use this."
"You are my new best friend forever. A God among men. I love you Derek Morgan." Coffee! Oh she wanted it, craved it… needed it. "Oh I could so kiss you right now." Smiling, she gratefully took the cup. "Thank you."
"No problem Princess. I got your back."
"What happened to you?" JJ asked as she walked in.
"Ugh, coffee…" Was the answer she gave. "I should change."
"And make it quick." She pointed to boss' office. "Looks like we're about to get a case." Wonderful…
"Damn. I better do this then." She was about to rush off and change, but her boss' commanding voice kept her from it.
"Briefing room. Now."
"Crap!" She hissed. JJ just gave her a sympathetic look and followed them to the room.
"What happened to you?" Hotch asked as the annoyed agent entered.
"Not now." She hissed. His clear concern did little for her but irritate her further. It was kind and sweet and she, for some crazy delusional reason, found it condescending.
"Ok…" Brows were furrowed and looking at her before he cleared his throat and drew the attention of the group back to him. "Tell us what you have Garcia." He started, handing the reigns over to the analyst.
"Men are being murdered… gruesomely…"
As the briefing finished up, Hotch dismissed them. "Grab your go bags, make your calls, and meet at the jet in an hour. We're headed to Wisconsin."
The cacophony of chairs moving sounded through the room as everyone but two agents left the room. Emily still sat there, pulling her stiff and stained shirt from her body. Wearing it was uncomfortable. "Want to tell me what happened?"
"Not really." She hissed.
Ok… He understood she was upset with him and clearly having a rough day. In all honesty, he got why she wasn't thrilled with the kiss. But he also wished she gave him the chance to explain. "It was nice talking to Charlie this morning."
"Yeah… She wanted to talk to you." That made him happy. Only one thing would've made him happier.
"I would've liked to talk to you too."
"Well, we're talking right now."
"You know that's not what I mean Emily."
"Yeah… I know. And, actually, there are some things I need to talk to you about too. But not here and now. We have a case and we agreed a long time ago that we can't let the personal get in the way of the professional." And what she had to say would blur the lines.
"Ok." He sighed. He just wanted her to hear him out and he wanted to hear what she had to say. "We'll talk when we get back then. It's important Emily. You can't put it off."
"What I have to say is important too. I won't put it off." It was time sensitive.
"You should go get changed."
"Thanks."
"And Em?"
"Yeah?"
"I didn't want to hurt you. I'm sorry if I did." He couldn't leave well enough alone…
Emily simply nodded and walked out. She didn't need more on her mind as they were about to jet off for a case. Maybe he didn't mean it, but he was hurting her. Every pull at her heart, every touch of her emotions, everything he did hurt because, sweet or not, she knew it was unattainable. She felt toyed with like a bone being dangled before a dog but just out of reach.
Sitting in the ladies room, she angrily scrubbed at her top. She sat on the counter next to the sink, her phone ringing in her ear as she waited for an answer. Sarah finally picked up as her hands worked so hard she nearly tore the fabric. "We've got a case. I need you to stay with Charlie." She stated. Sarah made no issue of it, happy to do her job. "I'll call tonight. Tell her I love her."
"I will."
As the minutes passed, she remained there until JJ went looking for her. "There you are!" JJ exclaimed. "I was looking everywhere for you. When I saw your car still down there I got worried."
"Nothing to worry about. Here I am."
"You're in a mood today."
"It's been quite a morning." And night. "I'm tired." Lack of sleep does that.
"I can tell. Did something happen?"
"No." She managed to just say coherently as she yawned. "Well, yes and no. Nothing happened. I'm fine." Mostly… definitely physically… "Phone call with Clyde. He was having a rough time."
"And you decided to take over the burden." She joked.
"Yes. I thought it was about time I did. Took the scalding coffee to the body just for him."
"What a friend!"
"I know. I'm awesome." She didn't even have it on her to add any enthusiasm to it. Instead, it was stale and lackluster.
"I don't think you're going to salvage this in here. A drycleaner might be able to get it out though."
"Yeah."
"Want to talk about it?"
"About what?"
"About what else kept you up last night? About what happened with Clyde? About everything that's on your mind?"
"We already had that talk."
"Maybe we need to revisit it."
"Maybe, but right now." She looked to her watch. "We're supposed to be halfway to the airstrip."
"Yeah, we are. Drive with me?" Not only did she want to talk with her friend, but she didn't trust her to drive in that state. She really looked like if she sat still long enough, she'd pass out. And sure enough, that was what she did as soon as they got in the car, so JJ was grateful Emily didn't put up a fight. "Em, wake up. We're here."
"Hmmm…"
"Oh Em. As adorable as you are right now, we're already late."
"I'm awake. I'm up, just waiting for you to turn off the engine."
They offered their apologies as they boarded the jet. Everyone else was already there just waiting for them so they could take off. It didn't take long for them to settle and lift off to commence. With a pitcher of caffeine in her, Emily was alert enough to make it through the case review. It was another sick one. But then, she asked herself, weren't they all?
They got lucky with an early lead. Just a few short hours after touching down, a new murder presented them with a clue. A woman was killing the men; torturing them and dismembering them. And Hotch was her type. So was Rossi… But the younger was better bait. He was more age appropriate, so they were sending him in the next day.
Him going undercover left her on edge. If anything happened… She'd have to explain that to their daughter. She'd have to feel something herself… She was feeling something either way. It wasn't like it was particularly dangerous. He'd simply be going into a law firm pretending to be a potential client looking for a divorce attorney… Nothing too horrible. And they'd all be around just in case, though the UnSub, Sally Meyers, wasn't likely to strike during the day, in the middle of her office…
But, it was the remote possibility that something could go wrong that had her stomach in knots. There was something he wanted to say to her. There was something she assumed she needed to hear and was just too afraid to be hurt again to actually listen. If something went wrong, she'd never know what it was. And it would be her fault. It would have so many implications, serious or minor, she knew any injury to either him or herself would hurt their daughter. Even months after Doyle, she was still worrying.
Their job was doing that to her…
Yet another thing to weigh on her…
No one else seemed to be remotely affected by it which led her to believe there was more to it than the facts she'd been giving herself. She was worried more than just because he could get hurt, more than because he was a friend and colleague, more than that he fathered Charlie, but because she was hurting and pushed him away and wanted so badly to let him back in.
She just didn't know how.
Thankfully, though, she'd have time to figure it out. It went seamlessly. He put himself out there, fit her bill to a T. Sally Meyers couldn't resist the perfect victim. He was just what she was looking for. They found the tracking device she put on all her victims and waited for her to come to them. He was held up in a faux apartment as the team sat outside keeping a look out. They knew she'd come, it was just a matter of when.
They got her as she made her approach and took her straight into interrogation before she even came within ten feet of their man. It was a weight lifted. The case was closed and they didn't even have to stay long. They had her singing like a canary and in her cell and to the hotel they went. Their jet needed refueling and they needed rest, so they were staying for the night, deciding to leave around noon the next day.
Somehow, in the wee hours of the night as they parked their butts on the bed and settled in for a movie, the girls ended up talking relationships. It was a topic on the brunette's mind. Emily envied JJ and Will. They had their problems. Most couples did. And they might not be a forever couple, but, at least in the present, they were happy. They co-parented and lived together happily. Sure, the spark might not still be there; they were past the honeymoon phase, but the love was there and the normalcy of it all made them happy and comfortable. Emily couldn't help but want her own version of that. But, reflecting on her past romances, she wasn't sure she'd ever end up with that.
"JJ?"
"Yeah Em?"
"Is it as sad as it seems that my most functional relationship was with a terrorist… as someone else…?" Someone that wasn't her in any other way but the physical aspect. Then again, maybe they had more in common that she thought. Both the real Emily and the Lauren act were strong women on a mission. They left a path of lies and destruction where ever they when and lived a very different kind of life. They were dysfunctional at best. Maybe they weren't so different. Maybe neither of them truly felt they deserved forgiveness and love…
JJ reached her hand over and grabbed Emily's. "It's extremely sad." She wasn't going to lie. There was a reason Emily was asking. She knew the truth. "Heartbreaking." She stated. "But it won't always be."
"Yeah…" The thoughts lingered between them. It felt extremely heavy in there. "Well, at least any future relationship has to end better right? I mean, how many people can really want to kill me?" It was a joke, but it wasn't funny. In their line of work… That number could be endless. And her deflecting humor… not good for them.
"Can I ask you something?"
"I think you just did."
"You know what I mean."
"Me saying no, never stopped you before."
"Do you think about him? Was being undercover… Was that real?"
"I don't know how to explain it. You know… It's kind of crazy because I was Lauren, but I wasn't. I like to say it was Lauren that felt those things… those feelings, but it was me. I lost myself completely for years. I had no one really; no one to be me with. Tsia and Clyde were in contact with me… but it was scarce. He was my constant. I knew he was always there. My job was to get close to him in any way possible. But it didn't feel like a job. It felt real. He was the connection I needed. I was a paid whore."
"Emily." She didn't like her talking about herself like that. It was not ok.
"It's the truth Jayje. I spent a lot of time ignoring the realities and that only fueled the fire. It made me do a lot of stupid things. My country paid me to get close to him and if it meant sleeping with him, well… there was money being exchanged. That's what a prostitute does right?"
"But Em… That's such a cold way of thinking about things… And it…"
"It makes me look bad?"
"I wasn't going to…"
Emily shook her head as if to let her friend know it was alright. The disgusted look on the blonde's face had less to do with her than it did the way she was speaking, and she knew that. "I know it does. But, I'm a different person now. I'm a different person than I was before then. That time of my life changed me. But I wouldn't change that time because, ultimately, that's what led me to Charlie. And there is no life without her."
"Doyle was so many things… And he still haunts you."
"Yeah, it's true. He does, and I think about him sometimes… And it makes me see myself where I've beena nd who I've become… But I also see that he was also my only long lasting relationship."
"Was it really a good one though?"
"If you can get past the lies we both told each other… At least, when it came to me, he was a good guy… He had a temper and sometimes it didn't go well for me, but it… It was… It was a relationship… Of course he ended up in prison planning his revenge and I got knocked up by my future boss and teenage fancy."
"You have a real way with words."
"It's a gift." She teased, giving a sense of lightheartedness she wasn't really feeling.
How did they get onto this topic? "I wish I knew you then."
"No you don't… I was a mess. I lived in isolation even after I came in from the cold. My head was… I couldn't begin to explain it… My worst day now is still better than a good day then." Emily turned on her side to face JJ. "I wish I knew you though. You would've been a great influence on me… I probably would've corrupted you like many a young mind I have before… But I would've been better for having you in my life then, like now…"
"That's… Thank you…" JJ smiled. "Well, I still wish I knew you before then. Before Lauren…"
"I wasn't that great then either. Just ask Hotch."
"I think he'd agree you were pretty great. He must've seen something in you." Still does…
"Hmm… I guess…"
"Can I assume from the way you that you were with him when we left that you still haven't tried to talk to him?"
"When would I have done that?"
"I'm sure you could've found some time."
"No, I couldn't. Work is separate from personal. On a case is not the right time to have the kind of conversation you're thinking about. I needed a little time to think things through."
"And?"
"And I still don't know anything."
"Do you want to hear what he has to say?"
"Yes… and no…"
"Why no?"
"I don't want to be hurt again… More importantly, I don't want to hurt anyone again. I caused enough damage with him and with my daughter. I don't think I can live with myself if I cause more."
"Em… You both did your fair share of hurting, but if you don't at least hear what he has to say, you're only hurting yourself… and maybe you're still hurting him too."
"What are you saying?"
"Maybe you owe it to yourself to just hear him out. Maybe it's good, maybe it's not… But wondering isn't helping either."
"Maybe not. Enough about me though. How are things with you and Will?"
"We're doing ok."
"Just ok?"
"Yeah…" Though most of their conversations outside of work gossip and frivolity revolved around their kids or consisted of feelings, and usually involved JJ having to work extra hard to get Emily to open up, JJ was never shy about sharing with Emily. It was something she loved about her blonde friend. And she and her live in beau were at that seven year itch stage. They were in a rut. They were close and they loved each other, but JJ had to question… if she hadn't been willing to accept his proposals after years together, would she ever? Was there a reason? Will was a good guy, but they were forced together after Henry and, there were no regrets, but maybe that wasn't what they wanted; wasn't where they would've ended up without him. But, at the same time, they were happy with what they had. Why ruin it? JJ thought to herself that she was doing the same thing Emily was. The brunette was avoiding what could be, and so was she. She loved Will, but was she in love with him? "We talked it over and we decided travelling could be good for us, even if it's not just a couple's thing. It will give us some time with each other and time to get out of our routine." Spice things up.
"I'll make you a deal… I was going to talk to Hotch about this before, but the case got in the way…"
"I'm listening."
And they talked. A plan was finalized. "You have yourself a deal Ms. Prentiss. Let me know what he says when you talk to him."
"Will do." Emily was going to get to do what she needed to do and JJ and Will would get a little alone time to rekindle their fire. "In the meantime, I'm off to bed. Night Jayje."
"Night Em."
It wasn't exactly a restful night for Emily, but it was better than the previous one. The team met for breakfast late the next morning. "Almost ready to go?" JJ asked through the bathroom door.
"Why don't you go ahead? I have a call to make and I'll meet you down there. Tell everyone no need to wait for me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'll be there soon."
"Ok, I'll order some coffee for you."
"I knew you were my best friend for a reason."
Dressed and ready to go, Emily paused and pulled out her phone. "Morning Emily." She was greeted.
"Afternoon mother."
"To what do I owe a phone call? Is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything is just fine. We're about to get on the jet and I wanted to run something by you before it got too late."
"Well, what is it dear? Please don't tell me you've changed your mind about visiting. Skype calls and long distance just isn't the same as the real thing."
"No, no changing my mind." She resisted the natural urge to be snarky and tell her she could come visit any time too. "But that is what I wanted to talk about."
"Ok."
"I would like to bring some people with me. I've seen your housing, it's surely big enough. I just wanted to make sure you were ok with them staying with us or I will make arrangements for other lodging."
"Of course you can bring people Emily. Is it a boyfriend? Charlie's father perhaps? I would like to meet him at some point…"
Oh mother… "And at some point, you will. Just, not this trip. No, you remember Jennifer don't you?"
"Ah yes, your good friend."
"I've invited her and her family."
"Wonderful. They have a child around Charlie's age if I remember correctly. You'll both have a playmate."
"That's the plan."
"I have no problem with them staying at the house. There's plenty of room for everyone."
"Great. Thanks mom."
"Also room if you want to bring any male suitor too."
"Mother, please…"
"Ok… Tell me something Emily. Is he ok with you taking her out of country?"
"I suppose he'll have to be."
"Emily… that's no way to keep the peace."
"What you mean is that that's not very political of me… I know. I don't think he'll have a problem with it, but I will be speaking to him soon." He might not have a problem with a short visit with her mother, but taking Charlie and moving to London… She saw him having big qualms about that.
"Do it please. I'd hate not to see you because you couldn't work this out in time."
"Mother…" She was again reminded that they were still them and they would always have these things that just annoyed each other. "We'll be there alright?"
"Ok. Please call my assistant with the head count and details when they are finalized. We can get an itinerary set and I'll arrange transportation for you and your guests."
"Yes mother."
"And please, keep that hostile tone to a minimum. You know I abhor it.'
"I know mother. I apologize. We'll talk soon. I have to go."
"I love you Emily."
"Love you too mom."
Sighing, Emily put the phone away and met with the team. It was surprisingly jovial for such a gruesome case, but they all had their ways for putting the ugly behind them. Being together was one of them. It wasn't forced or awkward, though, she seemed to be stealing one too many glances in her superior's direction, and the same could be said about him.
Breakfast was coming to a close though, and it was time to head home. Their stolen glances would have to wait for another time; like on the jet. They were much stealthier there, but they managed to catch each other's gaze for the first time. They knew the other was looking and it was slightly unnerving. They both knew there was much to be said and they wanted to say it.
Emily wanted to give into the feelings. She wanted to let the flame she desperately fought to put out ignite once more, but she couldn't allow herself to do it. She couldn't hurt or be hurt again. But that kiss… looking into his eyes, something she had been avoiding… it all resonated within her. And damn him for toying with her. He was a taken man. He shouldn't have even been batting a lash in her direction. All it got her was confusion. The one kiss broke down wall after wall inside her that were previously impenetrable, and now just lay a path of destruction like the after picture of a war zone… pure chaos.
For him, it was a different kind of war zone. He was on the offensive and the defensive. He made the first strike with an opponent who was on his side… some friendly fire to kick off the battle. Only, he saw it as an act of peace. He saw it as an addendum to the treaty they were agreed upon. He never saw it as the missile it turned out to be. Sometimes, taking that show not tell approach was so not the right choice. That was why it wasn't his go to. He was the articulate kind, an ex-lawyer… Explaining things and arguing things was what he could and did do. Yet, when it came to her, that seemed to be the only thing he could never do right. Well, it wasn't the only thing, but it certainly topped the list.
Did he screw things up? He hoped not. The moment wasn't planned. He planned on saying nothing, just enjoying Father's Day with his kids, and, by extension, her. But the feelings were released once he was free of Beth. Those emotions he bottled to make his relationship with her work just all came at him at once. Beth was great, but she wasn't Emily. He couldn't just have any brunette to fill in for the other. It wasn't the same. And what he felt for the brown eyed profiler could never compare. Even he didn't know how deep it went until he allowed himself to finally feel.
Once it was out, though, there was no containing it. His plan had been to talk to her, to tell her that he heard what she said, he broke up with Beth, and he was done sending mixed signals. He knew what he wanted and it was her. It was a good speech. But in the moment, emotions running high, euphoria of the day sending him higher, the only thing that felt right was showing her what he wanted.
Clearly, that wasn't the right choice. Honestly, he wasn't sure what he was thinking anymore. In some ways, he understood her reaction, and, in others, he couldn't understand it at all. She was brave enough to tell him how she felt, maybe that was braver than just doing…
Then it hit him. He rejected her. She asked for space… And then he went and did that… She thought it was another one of his mixed signals.
Idiot! He was an idiot. No wonder she was so up in arms about it. It wasn't her rejecting him. It was her protecting herself… from him. Him and his stupid idiocy.
"Hotch… Yo Boss Man, you with us?"
"What?"
"We're here. We can get off now?"
"Oh, ok."
"What were you doing? Sleeping with your eyes open?" Maybe metaphorically.
"You could say that."
"Weird."
"I know. Go and head out Morgan. Let the team know we'll meet up 9 o'clock sharp on Monday."
"What about you?"
"I'll be out in a minute."
"Alright. Later Hotch." Morgan took one last look at his colleague before getting off the plane.
Hotch took a moment to himself. Lost in thought for so long, he missed half the flight. He even missed when Emily came back aboard the plane. "Emily?"
"Geez!" She jumped. "I didn't even see you there. What are you still doing on the plane? Everyone else already left."
"What are you doing back?"
She reached down into the seat cushion and pulled something up. "Lost my phone. This was the last place I had it." Debating whether to stay or go, Emily chose to sit. "So, want to tell me what's on your mind?"
"Why does there have to be something on my mind?"
"Come on Hotch… Aaron. For most of the plane ride we were playing musical gaze trying not to catch each other, and then you just spaced out. And here you are, still on the plane just sitting here, alone… thinking or whatever. I can only assume there's something on your mind… Maybe something you want to say."
"There's a lot I want to say Emily, but I can't say it until I know you'll hear me."
"I can hear you just fine. Now seems like a good time to tell me."
"I guess it does. But, we should probably get off the jet first."
"Ok, we can do that." Emily stood and held out a hand for him. "I uh… I could use a ride. I drove here with JJ. I was going to take a cab, but it we're going to the same place…"
"I'd be happy to drive you."
"Thanks."
The two left the plane together before heading to the car. The ride was silent, but it gave them both some final time to think. And it did give clarity.
For all the mistakes she made, he made them too and for all of his, she had her own. They were both just human, doing their best not to screw it all up too bad.
Sometimes, it just didn't work out.
And sometimes it had a great amount of potential that lay dormant as the idiots figured things out…
It was uncertain in which category they'd fall. Would they let love squander away or would they realize just what they could have?
Someone had to make the first move out of their stalemate, though. So, the two face to face, standing in the nearly empty parking lot in Quantico, Emily uttered, "I have something to say. You have something to say. Let's talk."
"My office?"
"It's a date."
Sorry for any grammatical or spelling errors.
Thank you everyone who has added this story to alerts or favorites and to those of you who have given feedback. Opinions are much appreciated; feedback, input, whatever. Constructive criticism also welcomed. I hope you enjoy. Until next time…
bellairmenna I lie when things make people go "aww" because it makes me go "aww" too. It was a very cute moment. I felt all giddy writing it because, well, even as the creator of this AU world, I don't feel in control of the characters so when things like Charlie calling him daddy happen, I'm excited too. And you weren't the only one screaming with joy because the bitch was gone. Thanks or reading and letting me know what you think.
blackstarsing Head out of ass. Lol Yes, that was accomplished. We're working on Emily (me and Hotch and JJ) we're in cahoots to make that happen. She's a stubborn woman you know. It takes some doing. Glad you liked the chapter. Enjoy the next.
renruta Aww, glad you're all caught up and enjoying the story. Thanks, I did well on midterms and finals are over too so hopefully that means better updating until summer courses start. And it makes me really hppy to know you find this realistic. I try. Hope you like this chapter too.
SouthunLady Thanks girl. Glad it wasn't too cheesy. The daddy thing was my favorite thing, one of may favorites to write. Hotch has been a bit whimpy, but we talked about it. It leads to something, I promise. (something good) You shall see my friend. You shall see and you will enjoy. Lol Bitch be gone, now let the chasing begin… hehe
Detective Rumskey Thanks so much. Realism is something I aim for so glad it's working out. Enjoy the next one.
Lktwh13 People love to hate Haley, but I didn't want that. Sometimes people just don't work out and it's not because of one or the other or that they don't love each other, but because they just don't fit anymore. That's what I wanted with them so they have almost a Clyde and Emily friendship (to a lesser degree).
123a456e Fluffiness and fun right? Not all the time, but a nice in between calm isn't it? Let's see how long that lasts.
EverythingSunny Thank you! I appreciate it. Enjoy the next update.
emilyhotchner-and-olicityfan She is gone! And the friends are working on getting them together. Ain't it cute? Lol Protective Hotch is a 10 on the hotness scale, agreed. Seems like ou really liked that chapter. I'm glad. Still so much to come. Enjoy.
Tanyaleefr It will have to come to an end at some point. But, fear not, there's stil such a way to go. So enjoy the ride and thanks for taking the time to let me know what you think.
rmpcmfan She did jump the gun. I think this chapter explains why a bit. There's some insecurity and fear there and sometimes that gets in the way of seeing what's there. It happens. It'll get better though. Enjoy
inheritancedrottningu I can surprise you all from time to time by not taking forever to update. Lol Anyway, enjoy this one, hopefully I can surprise you again with a quick update.
HPforever-after He is single! Emily is a very smart woman, but she's afraid of getting hurt too. What woman isn't? But she'll get there… probably…