Chapter 30
"Surprise!", everyone shouted.
"What! What is this?", Emily exclaimed.
"Happy birthday!", JJ said, walking over to her and giving her a hug.
"You didn't really think we forgot, did you?", Derek asked.
"Especially me. I mean, I don't really forget anything so...", Reid said and everyone laughed.
"Guys it's not my birthday till tomorrow. I didn't even tell you.", Emily said.
"We know things", Derek said. "Oh and also...", he and Reid stepped aside.
"A cake? Really? You guys...",Emily said
"Oh, there's presents too.", JJ said.
"Stop!", Emily teased. "Wait where's Penelope?", she asked.
Penelope came running in, in her giant heels that were impossible to even walk in. "I'm here, I'm here! Oh! happy, happy birthday, my love! I love birthdays so much! They're so happy, especially here with everything we do!", she said, handing Emily a present and giving her a huge hug. "Open, open open!", she squealed and clapped.
"I'll open them soon.", she laughed. "You guys really didn't have to."
"You've been here almost a year now. You've been there for all of us and you're so great at your job. I know I wasn't nice to you at first after my whole thing with Tobias and being kidnapped but... you've been supportive and... you're part of the family here and we love you.", he said stepping forward and giving her a hug.
She gasped. "Reid! You don't give hugs.", she said.
"I'll make an exception for you.", he squeezed her tight.
"Okay, really, now I feel like I'm gonna cry. You guys have been such a huge part of my life the past year and I'm so grateful for all of you.", she said.
Derek walked over and gave her a big, tight hug. "Ahh Prentiss, Prentiss, Prentiss! Happy birthday, princess! You're the best partner ever, thanks for putting up with me and being my friend too.", he said, letting go of her. She rubbed his shoulder and patted him on the back.
"Happy birthday, Prentiss.", Hotch said, almost letting a smile pass.
"Thanks, Hotch.", she said with a smile, herself. She could tell by his eyes, he really meant it though.
"Let's cut this cake while we still have time!", JJ said. Everybody started gathering around it and chattering.
Hotch walked over to her and kept his distance but faced her. "So, you really didn't see it coming?", he asked.
"Seriously, clueless. How long have you guys been planning this?", she asked.
"For a while but then I was out and everything with Gideon... we figured it'd be best to do an early birthday surprise closer to your birthday anyways, so...", he said. "Why didn't you tell me though?", he whispered.
She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. I don't really celebrate my birthday that much. Only when I was a kid and we never did anything special then either.", she said.
"Well, I love birthdays so, expect something nice tomorrow night...", he said quietly.
"Oh?", she quirked an eyebrow.
He laughed and whispered, "I didn't exactly bring my present here...", he turned around and walked towards the cake. She blushed and tried to shake it all off before she walked back to the others.
After they enjoyed some cake, opened a few presents, and chatted with everyone for a while, they had to get back to work.
By the end of the day, everybody left and before Derek and Emily headed out, he went to the bathroom.
Hotch came down to her and leaned against her desk where she was sitting with his arms crossed. "Hey, so how was today?", he asked.
"Well I started my morning off pretty well.", she laughed. "And the rest of it was pretty great too... Thank you.", she smiled softly, putting her hand on his leg.
"Good.", he smiled. "Well, I'll bring those cannolis over later and we'll get a good night's rest unlike last night.", he chuckled.
"Sounds good.", she said.
He sat up and said, "Let me know when you're home and I'll head over."
"Alright, it shouldn't be too late.", she said.
"Can't wait.", he told her, walking away.
A minute later, Derek came out and walked over to grab his stuff. "Ready to go?", he asked.
"Absolutely!", she said.
"Come up with a place yet?", he asked.
"Guiseppe's? I've been craving Italian food like crazy.", she said.
"Lead the way.", he said.
Once they got to the restaurant and were seated, she looked him in the eye.
She placed her hand on his on the table and squeezed it.
"Derek, I'm glad we could do this tonight. I know there's lots to talk about but I'm just glad you agreed to.", she smiled.
"Me too. I'm so sorry I was acting so horrible to you. I realize I was way out of line with what I said. I mean... accusing you of sleeping with our boss? That's just ridiculous, I can definitely see that now. I just got jealous and confused but I really miss you. I miss being with you. And if I could have another chance to show you that...", he said looking up at her.
She sighed. "Listen, I loved the time we spent together. Really, I did. But I think we aren't good together in that way. We're too similar and something just isn't right about it. I don't know but I really do think we shouldn't go down that road again... and I don't want to make things messy again.", she said, waiting for him to reply. "Derek?", she asked after he was silent for a while.
"I get it.", he said, with his head lowered, nodding it and raising it back up. "I do. I screwed things up.", he said.
"No, no, you didn't. I think it would've eventually happened anyways. I'm just glad it didn't get too far to hurt us both. Because I do care about you. A lot. And I want you to be happy but I think we both need to be and I think we need to try and do that apart from each other. But you're still so important to me.", she said smiling at the end and rubbing his arm.
"Alright. You're right.", he said.
"Really? You're okay?", she asked, surprised.
"I'm a bit upset but I'll be alright. Besides, you're not leaving my life. I still got you in it.", he said.
"I'm so glad you understand.", she said.
"I want you to be happy, Emily. And if that means letting go of what we have, then I'm okay with that.", he said.
She squeezed his hand again and smiled before pulling away and picking up the menu. "I think I'm gonna get a pasta dish. What about you?", she asked.
After they ate dinner and he paid, part of a birthday treat, they hugged goodbye and drove home.
On her way home, she called Hotch. "Well hello, how'd it go?", he asked.
"Really well, actually. We're all good. I was truly surprised but in a good way. So, I'm headed home now. Just thought I'd call and let you know.", she said.
"Great. I'll head over in a few.", he told her.
"Alright, love you.", she said.
"Love you too.", he said.
"Bye.", she hung up, smiling.
She got home and right as she parked, she saw Hotch leaning against his car in his big overcoat. He was holding a to-go box and his go-bag, smiling at her as she got out of the car.
"What! How long have you been waiting here?", she said, walking over to him, locking her car.
"Just a few minutes.", he smiled. She put her hand on his face and kissed him. "Hi.", he said, grinning.
"Hi.", she said back, quiet, biting her lip, also grinning.
They put their arm around each other and walked up to her place. Once they were inside, he set the box down in the kitchen and they went up to her room.
She took her shoes off as he did the same along with his coat, suit jacket, and tie.
She walked up to him and ran her hands up his chest. "Mmmm. I'm so glad you're here.", she smiled.
"Me too.", he said, leaning down and giving her a kiss. "I know you had some cake earlier but I still brought you your cannolis.", he said.
"Add that to my list.", she said.
"Your list?", he seemed confused.
"Of reasons why I love you. Duh.", she laughed.
"Oh, that list.", he smiled, leaning in for a kiss. "Well let's go eat. I'm starving.", he said, heading downstairs.
"Aaron.", she raised her eyebrow, crossing her arms, stopping in her tracks. He stopped and waited before he turned around.
"Yes?", he said.
"Did you have dinner?", she asked.
He walked towards her. "I'm about to have dinner with you.", he tried to say with a cute charm.
"That's not a dinner.", she said.
"Okay, okay. I may have worked even later than usual and forgotten to eat.", he admitted.
"I'm making you dinner.", she said.
"I thought you said you couldn't cook.", he said.
She started walking past him, to downstairs. "No. I said I don't cook, as in I don't like to cook. But I'm good at it.", she said.
"Well, what can I expect from Chef Prentiss tonight then?", he joked.
"I don't know. You made me breakfast, I'll make you dinner. Whatever you want.", she said.
"Plain and simple grilled cheese. In the pan! With all that good butter on the outside.", he smiled.
"How old are you? Six?", she asked.
"Pretty much.", he grinned, walking over to her as she pulled out a pan and plate.
He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and pulled her close, kissing her neck. They rocked back and forth while he hummed against her neck. She leaned back into him and brought her hand back to his neck on his good side. Her other hand was on top of his that was wrapped around her waist.
"Alright!", she giggled. "Let me make you some food already."
"But you taste so much better.", he joked, kissing her neck more.
"You are too much, oh my god.", she rolled her eyes, releasing his hands from her.
He pouted and walked over to sit at the island, watching her make his grilled cheese. She served it on a plate and brought it over to him, sitting on a bar stool beside him. As he took his first bite, she rested her elbow on the counter and her chin on it. She faced him and stroked his hair.
"Em, I don't know how you did it but this is seriously delicious. I mean it really hits the spot.", he laughed.
"It's just cheese and bread.", she smiled.
"Yeah but the ooey gooey of the cheese and the butter...", he rolled his eyes back into his head. "Thank you.", he said. "Add this to my list."
"You're welcome.", she said.
Once he was done, she grabbed the box of cannolis and they finished those too.
"So.", he faced her. "What are we doing tomorrow night?", he asked.
"Staying in? Staying in bed?", she smirked.
"Alright, I like that, but... I would like to do something for you. Do you want to go out for dinner?", he asked.
"It's not a huge birthday. I'll be 40 next year. I'll do something big then. Something simple and fun tomorrow night is just fine. Really.", she said.
"I think I might actually have an idea.", he said.
"Great! What is it?", she asked.
"Oh. Now, I'm not going to ruin a surprise for you. Just trust me. It'll be fun. Very simplistic. Very you.", he smiled.
"You think I'm simplistic?", she asked, sounding offended. She could see the panic on his face and tried not to laugh.
"No, no, of course not, Em...", he reached for her arms. "I just meant that this-", he stopped once she started laughing.
"I'm just messing with you. I know what you meant.", she said. He looked to the side and sighed. "Awwww...", she chuckled. "I'm sorry, come here, come here.", she said, hopping down from the barstool and walking into his legs, grabbing his shirt. She brought his lips to hers and he could feel her smile.
"You're lucky I love you. With all the crap I have to put with from you.", he said, looking her eyes.
"You do?! Oh my god!", she exclaimed, messing with him again. She kissed him deep. "I love you too! I can't believe it!", she giggled.
"I think you need some sleep.", he smiled.
"I think you need it more. Come on.", she said, dragging his hand upstairs.
They got ready for bed and she wore pajama shorts and a tank top while he just wore his boxers again. They got under the covers and he curled up next to her, holding her close. He stared at the clock and it was 11:59pm.
"Hey, don't fall asleep yet.", he whispered in her ear.
"Hmmm? Why not? I'm exhausted.", she mumbled.
"Becaauuusseeee...", he waited till the clock turned to 12:00. "It's your birthday!", he said.
"Woohoo. Let's sleep.", she said, sarcastically. He reached for his bag on the ground and grabbed a present in wrapping paper out from it.
He shook her. "Em...", he said.
"Aaron, what? I'm tired.", she snapped, rolling over to face him.
He was holding himself up by his elbow. In his hand was the gift and she looked at it, sitting up just like him.
"What's that?", she asked.
"Well, I wanted to give it to you at midnight so it's a good start to your birthday but if you don't want it...", he said.
"I mean... I may as well.", she said as they both laughed.
She carefully undid the folds with the tape of the wrapped paper on the back, not ripping any of it.
"Em, just tear it off.", he chuckled.
"Listen, I'm one of those people who likes to save the wrapping paper if I can. I have a very delicate touch.", she said.
"Oh, I know you do.", he smirked. She pushed him playfully. She finished opening the present and pulled the last piece of tape off, holding the book in her hand.
"The Catcher in the Rye?", she said, shocked.
"First edition. It's the first thing we had a real talk about and I know how much you love it and relate to it and I thought it'd be perfect.", he said.
"Aaron...", she started, tearing up and voice wobbly. "I love it. So much.", she said, putting it and her hands to her chest. "You didn't have to do that.", she sniffled.
He tucked her hair behind her ear and held her face. "I wanted to. Just accept it.", he said, stroking her cheek. She rolled her lips in as a tear ran down her face and he wiped it away. She brought her hand to his face and pulled him in to kiss her.
"Thank you. I love you so much. It means a lot. First edition. Where did you even find that?", she asked.
"I have my sources.", he smiled.
"Well, it's amazing. And it is a good start to my birthday, but really, just you being here.", she said.
"Always.", he smiled. She pulled him in for another kiss and set the book down on her night table.
"Okay, now I need some sleep.", she said.
"Me too.", he agreed. She rolled onto her side as he spooned her from behind again.
"Happy birthday, Em. I love you.", he said.
"Thank you. I love you too.", she said, sweetly, reaching her hand back to his neck and turning her head to give him one last kiss before they fell asleep.