The next morning.

Hotch woke up still tangled with Kate, and he took a moment to pause, breathe in. He wanted to keep this moment as long as possible, before the day really started. He wanted to look at Kate, and stay in a moment that wasn't awkward, or full of explanations.

Kate was stirring, and raised her head, meeting his gaze. He tensed, wondering if she'd freak out, wondering what to expect. A lazy smile crossed her face, her eyes warming as she saw him, as she remembered.

"Good morning," she said, and Hotch leaned in for a kiss, no longer nervous.

It was a good morning.

Kate spent the weekend with Hotch, and she was surprised that Jack came home Sunday night. Kate was still in Hotch's guest room, since her apartment wasn't ready, and while Hotch didn't directly say that Kate was that kind of overnight guest, then he did make it clear that Kate might be staying for a few days.

Kate wasn't sure how to interact with Jack, but the boy was friendly and welcoming. She'd met him more than once, always only at Hotch's side, and it was refreshing that he talked to her normally. He didn't give her a side-eye, didn't question anything after Hotch made the opening explanation of why she was there.

She didn't expect Hotch to come to the guest bedroom that night, but after Jack was in bed, there was a soft knock at her door, and he'd come to bed with her. They didn't have sex, but his arm was around her all night, and he slipped out around six before Jack woke up.

She was okay with that, she didn't feel sidelined. Kids were a delicate ground, and she wasn't going to push for anything in that regard. She wondered how his behavior would alter once they got to the office, but Hotch didn't change any of his behaviors.

They rode up together, and Hotch didn't even try to stagger their entry. He obviously wasn't bothered by the looks that some of the other agents who weren't as close shot them.

Morgan gave her a huge hug, and JJ had teared up to see her. Rossi hugged her as well, and Reid bounced nervously from foot to foot before briefly embracing her. Though she'd seen Garcia the day Hotch had taken her home, she made the trip down to Garcia's den, and spent at least five minutes with Garcia, just breathing each other in.

Kate's Monday was full of interviews and evaluations. Hotch was at her side the whole time, not offering explanations, but when an agent asked him to step out, he'd just raised an eyebrow, and they'd silenced.

At the end of the day, Kate was back in the bullpen, finishing writing up statements about the kidnapping case. Hotch ducked out of his office, leaving much earlier than was his usual, and came straight to her desk. "You're cleared to go with us on cases," he said. "I put pressure on it and it won't be an issue."

"Thank you," she said, noticing Rossi emerging from his office as well. She noticed the team gathering their things around her, and she wondered if she'd missed hearing about a new case, but Morgan slung a casual arm around her in a brief side hug.

"We're going to Rossi's for dinner," he said. "You ready, shortie?"

She felt her cheeks warm, not from embarrassment; she just felt included and safe. Things had shifted. They had fought to get her back, and she still needed to get with Garcia and learn the full, unedited story.

All seven BAU members left in the same elevator, and Hotch didn't explain why Kate was riding with him. It was just fact.

Dinner at Rossi's was filled with wine, Italian food, and cheesecake for dessert. As always, it was filled with warm conversation and teasing. Hotch surprised her by sitting right next to her, unabashedly pulling her legs over his lap as the evening got more relaxed. He was almost daring the other members to comment, but no one said anything. Kate could see the smiles, however.

Everyone was just enjoying see Hotch happy, Kate included.

Garcia pulled her to the side at the end of the evening, her dancing eyes asking a question that her lips didn't need to form.

"Yes," Kate admitted, her own smile forming in return. "We're as official as it gets, I think."

"I love you guys," Garcia enthused, hugging Kate again, even tighter than before. "You make him happy," she said softly. "And he protects you. I think you're a good match."

Kate looked across the room to see Hotch's eyes on her. He'd taken off his jacket and tie, and stood in shirt sleeves, a glass of red wine in his hand. He met her gaze, and just nodded, a faint smile at his lips.

She smiled in return.

They left together, and Hotch's arm came around her, holding her close as they walked Rossi's long driveway to his car. She looked up at him, pausing when he opened her door for her, turning to face him.

"Hi," she said, her hand landing on his arm.

His face softened, and he gazed down at her. "Hi," he replied. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to pause this moment," she admitted, shifting from one foot to another because of the cold. "It's a good one."

He smiled, and it transformed his face as always. "Yeah," he agreed, and leaned down to kiss her. His lips were warm and she was eager to return the gesture, curling into him. "It's a very good moment," he breathed, pulling away.

His cell phone rang just as they pulled out of the driveway.

"I've looped everyone into this call," Garcia came over the bluetooth. "Change your destination to the airport. Wheels up, boss man."

She clicked off, and Hotch made a swift u-turn, his hand coming to cover Kate's. They headed for the airport, both ready for their next case. She wasn't sure, honestly, what their future would hold. She wasn't sure if they were going to be together in a week, let alone a year.

But she wasn't worried about it. For right now, there was this moment, and this moment was good.

End.

Thank you for sticking with me, I know it's been five years since I first published it, and that was a very long hiatus. I hope y'all found it worth the wait. I don't have future plans for this universe, but I am exploring writing an extended version of "X" that I would publish on ao3. Until then, however, this is the end. Hope you all enjoyed :)

~Meowser