Chapter 47

Emily was completely caught off-guard with JJ's question. Did she really just ask her how Hotch was? She knew she had to think quick on her feet but not seem defensive or nervous with her answer. She couldn't think of anything or how she should even reply so she played dumb.

"Hotch?", she asked, taking a sip of her beer.

"Oh, well, you probably call him Aaron by now.", JJ said, throwing her last dart and walking over to Emily standing against a high top table just a foot away from her.

"What? Why would I call him Aaron?", Emily asked, letting out a fake half laugh, trying to sound confused which to be honest, she kind of was at this point. She didn't know where JJ was going with this but had a few good ideas of what she might be suspecting.

"It'd be kind of weird to call your boyfriend by his last name...", JJ said, picking up her drink and taking a sip. She raised her eyebrows as Emily's eyes grew wide and looked over to the side, obviously trying to think of something to say next.

"What?!", Emily said.

"Emily, I'm your best friend. You're a good liar but I know you too well. I knew something was going on between the two of you but I didn't know what it was. I didn't even know if it was romantic or just some personal issues but then I saw you guys hugging when we were in New Orleans. It was after you guys got the unsub when you were both out together that night, which by the way, I almost fell for but something didn't feel right about the story or reason why you guys were out at dinner together. When I was walking down the alley in your direction I stopped once I saw you hugging. I'm just glad no one else had caught up to me yet. After that, I just remembered and noticed small things here and there. I pieced them together. The hickeys from the hotel, you falling asleep on his shoulder on the jet and him seeming completely not phased by it at all, that argument last year or whatever in his office when you guys were yelling and you slammed his door and he broke the picture frame. The way you were crying at the hospital when we waited for him to come out of surgery after he was shot and how he asked for you right when he woke up. Oh, and I know I'm not the only who's noticed he's been a lot nicer and easy going lately, hasn't been yelling as much. Honestly, we all just thought he was getting laid which my guess is that, and correct me if I'm wrong because I know you know, he probably is but I think it's a little more than just that...I'll admit, you guys keep it really professional. If I hadn't seen you guys in New Orleans, I wouldn't have put it all together and nobody else has suspected anything either. But, I have seen the way he looks at you. I don't think he even knows he's doing it, I don't think anyone else has either but... it's pretty clear to me how much he cares about you. I don't know where you guys are at or what but just be honest with me now.", JJ said.

Emily was speechless after everything JJ had just said. She couldn't believe how she knew all of that and she could have sworn she saw JJ looking away when they pulled apart from the hug that time. She didn't know how she was going to get out of this one. She figured there was no way of convincing JJ of anything else than what she was already sure of. She knew she had to tell her the truth and knew that she wouldn't get them in trouble and would finally have a friend to talk about it as much as she dreaded the speech she knew she would get from her which was about to come.

"JJ... I don't know what to say...", Emily said.

"Do you have any idea what you're doing? Does he? I mean, this isn't just some little office workplace scandal... We work for the FBI! Do you get that by going against the rules at our job, it could get real ugly, real fast? I mean the trouble you'd be getting into if anyone found out. Especially because, and I'm only guessing here, you haven't reported it to Strauss. If that was discovered, it would be even worse. And not just for him but for you too. I'm sorry, Emily. I'm your best friend and I won't say anything. I'll be supportive and everything you need. But... I'm also your best friend... I can't just let you do something that could jeopardize your whole career and someone else's, who I know means a lot to you, and sit back and watch it happen. Is it really worth it? You could literally find so many other people somewhere else. Someone who isn't your boss and doesn't work with you at all.", JJ said.

"JJ it's not like that. He's not just some guy I'm dating. He's not just my boyfriend. He's also, other than you of course... he's my best friend and I love him. I'm really in love with him...", Emily admitted, staring her straight in the eyes.

"Emily, how long has this been going on for? I mean obviously there's been feelings building up for a while, clearly from both of you.", JJ said.

"That's a little hard to answer..." Emily said, looking down at her glass.

"Try me.", JJ said.

Emily brought her eyes back to JJ's and took a deep breath before letting it all out slowly.

"Okay... No judgement.", Emily told JJ but also asking her.

"No judgement.", JJ said, putting her hand in agreement.

"Okay, well... I knew him back when he worked for my mom. I was obviously much younger then, he was with Haley, and he worked for my mother. But I'd flirt with him, he noticed me but we weren't very close obviously or had any more interaction with each other than I had with my own mother. So, we've known each other for a while but we really only got to know each other once I started at the BAU...", Emily stopped for a minute trying to decide where to start or what exactly to say but got stuck. She put her face in her hands in frustration and looked over at JJ.

"JJ, I really don't know where to start. Things have been so messy and complicated, on and off again the past year, I-", she started before JJ cut her off.

"When did anything first happen? Just... start there.", JJ said.

"My first few days, he was really nice and we talked and there were definitely some moments that he even now admits were awkward for him because he felt like he was making me feel uncomfortable with his unintentional yet also intentional flirting or this one comment he made...", she giggled, remembering it.

"Tell me.", JJ smiled.

"We were talking about my mother and when he worked for her and I said I was surprised he even remembered me and he said it would be hard to forget me. I remember he went pale right after the words came out of his mouth. He tried to cover it up but it was so obvious and he told me recently that it was just a cover up what he said and I told him that of course I knew that. And he just felt so bad, thinking that he made me uncomfortable that whole time.", she laughed.

"It is crazy to think that all these years later...", JJ trailed off.

"I know...", Emily smiled shy. She shook her head and started again, "Anyway, the first time I thought something was going to happen was soon after all that and he walked to my car one night and we were talking and something touched a nerve and I started tearing up. He pulled out a tissue and held my face as he wiped away my tears and curled my hair behind my ear and had this smile on his face that just made my nerves shot. And I think he honestly might've kissed me if his phone hadn't rang. It was Haley and she was mad that he wasn't home yet and they were already fighting all the time at that point. But he called me in the middle of the night that night because he was still awake and said he wanted to check in with me and we ended up talking literally for hours till the sun was up.", she laughed.

"I'm sorry but I can't get over the fact that he just happened to have tissues on him?", JJ said, partially asking why.

"It's really sweet actually", Emily smiled. "He always has a little travel size pack of them and keeps them on him when he's on a case incase families of the victims need them when you have to talk them or his other reasons are "allergies, sometimes you spill things...etc.,among others" but I know they're really for the families when they get emotional and sometimes even him. He just won't ever admit it. No one else really sees it because he doesn't show it much but he's actually a big softie and very sensitive.", she giggled.

"Really?! I cannot picture that for some reason. Does he have a nice smile?", JJ laughed.

"It's my favorite smile. He has really cute dimples. You've probably never noticed them because he never smiles around everyone else at work. I've been trying to get him to a little more but he even hates it when I get a picture of him. Although, this morning, I got a really nice one of him smiling.", she said.

"Would it be weird if I asked to see it? As long as it's an... appropriate photo.", JJ laughed awkwardly.

"No, I'd love to actually be able to show a friend of mine a picture of him or a picture of us. You know like normal people get to.", Emily said, pulling out her phone. She pulled up her camera roll and clicked on the pictures from that morning at the cabin when they were still in bed, fooling around.

"He's in bed but he's covered.", she told JJ and chuckled.

She handed the phone to JJ, who smiled and gasped at the second one. "He does smile! And you're right, he does have dimples. I never would have known... Oh wow, look at that bedhead. And the beard! I've never seen that before... It actually looks pretty good.", JJ looked shocked. "Do you have any of you guys together?", she asked.

"Well, he usually has crazy bedhead and it's so cute but I messed around with it right before that. I told him it wasn't messy enough. And yes! I love the beard. He was about to shave it before we left for the cabin but I told him I think he looks sexy with it so he kept it. And there's only one of us together but a couple more of just him and a couple of me. We both hate having our picture taken but like getting photos of each other. We do this thing where we try and get one of the other when we aren't looking or end up convincing each other to just smile for the camera after we try and fail anyways.", she laughed. "Like this one. Before I couldn't even get the picture, he looked up but I told him to just hold up the edge piece to the puzzle that he was so proud he found after being stuck for so long, and to just smile. And this one he got of me after I finally agreed even though I thought I looked like shit and then this one we tried our best to take together which actually turned out alright.", Emily said, swiping through the pictures.

"Those are cute.", JJ smiled.

"Thanks.", Emily smiled shy again and put her phone away.

"Go on with the story though. When did something finally happen?", JJ asked.

"Right. Um, the next morning, I got to work early and brought us some coffee and muffins since we were both up really late... or... I guess early. And then we went to Garcia's office before she came in so we went to help set up the new screen we got for the conference room. He was grabbing a box from the shelf and it fell and he got mad and... had a moment. He thought he scared me but he didn't and I could tell he felt bad so I walked over to him and he just wouldn't look at me. I could tell he was still frustrated about something that caused him to have a little outburst and was trying to calm down. So when he didn't move when I put my hand on his shoulder, I put my other one on and ended up wrapping my arms around his neck and hugged him. And thank god he returned it, otherwise things would have been so awkward... But after he brought his hands to my back, he squeezed me even tighter and we held onto each other for a while. I nuzzled my head into his shoulder and he leaned his head against mine and it was just so intimate. There was no phone to ring and interrupt us and no one else was at work yet. We eventually pulled back but just to like our faces practically touching and he tucked my hair behind my ear... I looked down at one point and he raised my chin to look at him and the way he stared in my eyes... my heart melted. And when he kissed me, we literally forgot about everything and everyone else until we broke apart for air and Penelope started to walk in. So that was the first time something really happened.", Emily said.

"Emily, I literally just got chills.", JJ laughed and they both took a couple sips of their drinks. "Okay so give me a summary of the rest of the year and up to now."

"Alright, here we go.", Emily said, picking up her glass and finishing the rest of her beer.

"Don't be nervous, I'm not asking for a report so I can go to Strauss. I'm your friend, I just wanna know how your very secret relationship started since I was kept in the dark for so long.", JJ said.

"Brief summary? I will tell you stories later on but this is already a lot for me to take in just having someone know. I don't have the energy to just talk about everything. It's so much. Although, I do tend to go on and on so it might be a little more than a brief summary.", Emily said.

"Brief summary or not brief summary. Whatever.", JJ agreed.

"Okay. Well, that was the day that we left for the case in L.A. where I got cut and a nice bruise on my face from the unsub before we caught him. Also, the first time you talked to me about pushing through with our job and how it's worth it and all.", Emily said.

"Yeah, I remember that one... So a while ago.", JJ said.

"Yeah. Well, we snuck out of the hotel a couple times and went for dinner and then again to the beach and it was so nice that night on the cool sand by the water, it was just really-", Emily started before JJ interrupted.

"Did you guys have sex on the beach?!", JJ asked, shocked, guessing that's where Emily was going with it.

"No! Of course not. Just... made out... classic fooling around and then nice moments of just being in his arms and looking at the moon over the ocean and walked along the shore. After that, when I went to grab my jacket from the car at dinner a night or two later we all went to before we headed home... I had snapped at him earlier that day, work related and I felt bad . I went up to him and he had just gotten into yet another fight with Haley and I comforted him which seems kind of weird but just being there for him was enough I think until we started making out and pushed each other up against his car. I feel like if we had a room, yes. We probably would've had sex but I'm glad now that we didn't. Because when we finally did... it was amazing. But basically, we broke things off once we got back, I checked in the next morning, he was rude and I got mad and was really hurt. We worked a case, when we got back, Derek drove me home and... we had a little too much to drink... and... that's who actually gave me the hickeys when you picked me up that next morning and I tried to cover it up with makeup but failed and Aaron saw them- I'm sorry is it weird if I call him Aaron when I talk to you about him?", Emily asked.

"No, I feel like it would be weird if I called him that but he's your boyfriend. You should call him Aaron.", JJ said.

"Okay, just checking... Anyway, Aaron saw the hickeys on my neck and was just a total jackass to me about it and then I started to tear up. He felt really bad and came over to me and hugged me, just staying there for a couple minutes and I thought we were okay. But I lied to him about who the guy was that I slept with because he'd gotten a little jealous of Derek when he saw him flirting with me all the time. And I kept reassuring him there was nothing going on but Derek ended up coming over another time or two. Me and Aaron went to get drinks as friends one night and we had fun but this guy ended up getting physical with me. Once Aaron saw, he just ran up to him from across the bar and slammed him up against the wall and kicked him out. He was so worried about me even though I said I was fine because nothing ended up happening but almost. But he was just so concerned, he was freaking out more than me. When we got in his car because I still had alcohol in my system, I told him to calm down about it and let it go. He eventually snapped and started going on about his feelings for me and then he kissed me and we went back to my place. We made out, went to my room, got on the bed, got half naked and then got a work call that cut everything short.

"There seems to be a pattern here...", JJ said.

"Yeah whenever we almost crossed some new line, we'd get interrupted.", Emily laughed, JJ joining in.

"I guess not anymore.", JJ said.

"No. We had enough struggles over time. I think that we both deserve peace now. But Derek wanted to take me out so I had agreed to that already and Aaron overheard him talking about that and brought it up the next day I think maybe a couple days later, I'm not really sure but it was when he brought me back to my car at the bar. He asked me about it and got really mad when I told him the truth and told him that I'd slept with Derek twice already and we started yelling. He told me that he couldn't handle being my friend because he wanted more than that with me and knew he couldn't have that and said he just needed to be my boss but how he said it and did it hurt so bad. I called Derek when I got home and he came over and slept over without doing anything. Aaron had texted, asking if I got home safe but I didn't reply and the next morning- oh! Very important part. That night, I found Aaron's wallet in my bed. It fell out when we were messing around a night or two before. I brought it back to his office the next morning when he wasn't in. But he walked in and then... well... here's the truth about that day. Of course you remember the fight we had with the yelling, door slamming, glass breaking and you followed me into the bathroom.", Emily said.

"That's what it was?", JJ asked, shocked.

"Yeah. It was bad. Later on, he kept glaring at me and Derek whenever we were with each other and... god, it was awful. I hated being mad at him. Later, we were at a hotel, we ran into each other at the vending machine and we ended up talking it out. We decided we could be friendly without being friends so we tried that. Some time went by and Derek ended up staying over at my place most nights and things were good but it wasn't the same. One night I was having... a bad night. I was having an anxiety attack. I've been getting them for a little bit and they're getting worse... but we can talk about that later. I called Aaron because he was the only one who knew about them and I cried to him and told him I missed him and he missed me too and all that. We talked for a while until I went to bed and I lied to Derek about who it was on the phone when he woke up. The next day, he overheard Aaron and I talking about it and got mad that I lied but I gave him an excuse and we were good for then. At some point, later on, I went into Aaron's office and just wanted to check in but he seemed down and I forgot what he said but I ended up telling him I missed him and yet again, he said the same. And then he said nothing had changed except I had moved on and that's when I lost it. I told him that I think about him all the time, I didn't know how to move and when I was with Derek I was thinking of him instead of Derek. I felt so bad for saying that and he was silent so I just left. The next day, when you guys were all in Penelope's office I guess talking about my birthday surprise party, Aaron and I were waiting for you guys in the conference room and it was silent when all of a sudden he apologized to me for not saying anything the night before and letting me walk away. And we turned to each other and he held my hands and he told me what he wanted to say the night before which was a lot of what I said. But then... he started to say that he was falling in love with me and I stopped him and when he tried again, I just kissed him. I pulled away after a minute and you guys all came in like right after.", Emily said.

"I picked up on some weird vibe in there then but I didn't know what it was or if it was even because of you. Wow...", she said.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I'm going on and on. I'll try and speed it up a bit.", Emily apologized.

"Take your time.", JJ said.

"Later that night when we got to the hotel... I went to his room, not knowing what I was going to do until he opened the door, apparently to come to my room right as my hand was up, ready to knock. Something came over me and I just backed him up into his room and that's when it finally happened. The first time. And it was unbelievable... The connection that we had. Everything we shared and felt and I won't go into specifics, don't worry...", Emily laughed. "But he stopped everything at one point and looked in my eyes with his face pressed to mine and that was the first time he told me he loves me. I was speechless at first and I could see the panic on his face until I said it back and afterwards, I spent the night there in his arms.", Emily smiled.

"Emily... I had no idea how much... I mean you guys really... I don't even know what to say.", JJ smiled soft.

"I know. I know what you mean. We've been through a lot together. In fact, the next day... was when he got shot. I literally held him in my arms and tried to stop the bleeding after watching the unsub shoot him right in front of me. And he tried telling me that he loved me like a goodbye when he was on the ground bleeding before the medics came but I was not having it. He coded in the ambulance and I really thought I was going to lose him. It was probably one of the scariest moments of my life...", Emily choked back a couple tears just thinking about.

"I know how scared we all were but once again... I had no idea. That must've been awful and not being able to tell anyone or have any support. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you.", JJ said.

"It's fine. Really. I stayed with him for a little until he could fly back and the night we got back, Derek came over. Which by the way, the guilt was tremendous. He went through my drawers to clear one out to put his stuff in and he found one of Aaron's jackets that he had given me. Derek had seen me wearing it one of the nights I came back from the beach with Aaron on the case in L.A. and Derek didn't know that Aaron gave it to me to keep and not just borrow that night. He accused me of sleeping with him and made a lot of good points and stormed out. We barely spoke for the next couple months or so. I talked to Aaron everyday though while he was at home, recovering, whether it was over text or a phone call. Once he came back and I quit that day, he came to my place and asked me to come with him to meet you guys in Wisconsin for that case. Derek called me later that night when we got home and we were all good and made plans to get dinner and talk. Aaron called me right as I was getting off the phone with Derek and asked me to come over because... that was the night that he came home and Haley and Jack were gone. She just left and so I came over and he cried in my arms, only letting one tear fall and asked me to stay with him so I did. And I didn't see it coming but once I was in bed and only in a tank top and my underwear and he was in just his boxers... it was hard for us not to do anything so... we did. And it was just as amazing as the first time except we were completely alone with no one nearby and it felt nice and I fell asleep in his arms again.", Emily said.

"Are you serious?", JJ asked.

"Listen, their marriage was done for a long time, she just finally decided to physically leave the house. I know it wasn't great but I think it brought some form of relief in a way to them both to know they didn't have to be miserable together anymore because they were. Except for the Jack part but that's all being taken care of now.", Emily told her.

"No, it's not just that. This is just one of the craziest love stories or journeys of this whatever it is, that I've ever heard.", JJ laughed.

"Yeah, you're not the only one thinking that. Try living it.", Emily let a laugh as well. "I swear I'm almost done."

"Seriously, it's okay. I want to know as much as possible but expect more specific details later for each story you've got." JJ said.

"Alright, after that, we barely spent a night apart, switching between my place and his. On my birthday he took me to a surprise date at a drive-in theatre and it was great. But then I ran into someone and I had to leave... it's hard to explain... I can't talk about it... not even with him. That's part of the reason why it sucked so much and he got really worried about me which warmed my heart that he cared that much but I could tell he was really worried and I hated that. But the next day, everything was resolved and he took me on another date and we went to an art gallery where his friend had some of his stuff showing and it felt nice getting to dress up and go on a real date. You know, to be around a friend, someone we know, together as a couple. We can't exactly do that with any of you guys and we don't have too many other friends outside of work. We went back to his friend's place afterwards, had a drink, looked at old photos from when they were younger. It was really nice. Until we were going to go back to his place and finish our date... but...", Emily raised her eyebrows staring at JJ.

"I called you guys for a case, didn't I?", she asked.

"Of course you did!", Emily laughed.

"Oh my god. I'm sorry!". JJ dropped her head, trying to stop laughing.

"It's fine but you obviously knew something was up because we were both dressed up and I fell asleep on his shoulder and-", Emily started before JJ cut her off.

"That's when you fell asleep on his shoulder! Ooookayyy. It's all making sense now. Wait... so do you really snore?", JJ giggled.

"He says I do but last time he told me that, I smacked him with a pillow. He knows better now and has apparently gotten used to it but... he could just be lying. He said he thought it was really cute, just so adorable.", Emily laughed.

"That is just so sweet. Wow.", JJ smiled.

"Almost completely caught up now.", Emily said. "We got back to the hotel that night and I called him to come to my room and he ended up... staying the night, you know...", she made a face letting JJ know exactly what she meant.

"Again! Again on a case! That does not sound like Hotch at all. He's our boss and he's breaking so many rules. I'm not upset or mad about it, I just think it's kind of funny to know that Hotch, of all people is the one enforcing them and breaking them.", JJ laughed even harder.

"Yeah, as he told me the other morning, I bring out this whole other side of him. But I won't say what kind.", Emily laughed, making JJ put her hand over her mouth in shock and holding back a laugh for only a couple seconds.

"Still. I can't believe he really did that on a case.", JJ said.

"It wasn't exactly his idea... In fact, he wasn't in the mood that night, being so tired and all but that usually changes when my hands are all over him.", Emily bit her lip and let out a laugh when JJ went crazy.

"Oh my god! Emily!", JJ was dying of laughter.

"What! I can't help it, neither can he. To be perfectly honest, once again without going in to too much detail...", Emily said and then brought her face closer to JJ's and whispered, "I've never had this much sex in any relationship I've been in. It's just all the time. Usually, we'll go multiple times a day. I've been with guys younger than him and a lot of them couldn't go more than once a day. You know how for older men, it usually goes downhill over time? That is not the case for him. At all."

JJ looked genuinely surprised. "Seriously? There's no way. He's in his 40's. Men in their 40's can't... get hard that often...", JJ whispered at the end.

"Yeah. That's what I thought too. But... he does.", Emily shrugged her shoulders.

"So he's...?", JJ started but felt a little uncomfortable to finish the sentence just yet. She was very aware that was her boss she was talking about but also her friend's boyfriend. It's normal for them to talk about each other's boyfriends but she still wasn't completely used to it being their boss yet.

"Good?", Emily asked and JJ nodded. "Best I've ever had...", she whispered, watching JJ's reaction and trying to understand what it was. "As you can probably tell, he gets a little jealous so I usually have to reassure him by letting him know that no one has ever compared to him before and how much I love him. But it's not an unhealthy type of jealousy or like a possessive kind. I mean, I guess when it came to Derek, I always laughed about it and Aaron wasn't quite as amused. But it turns out he did end up having a reason to be jealous so...", she shrugged her shoulders.

"How do you reassure him all the time? It seems like if he gets that jealous, there's nothing to really do to change his mind.", JJ asked.

"You really wanna know?", Emily asked.

"Yeah...?", JJ asked, suddenly skeptical and took a swig of her beer.

"I tell him he's bigger. Bigger than all the others.", Emily whispered.

JJ practically choked on her drink for a moment and Emily just laughed. "I asked if you really wanted to know! That's what I tell him! I tell him he's bigger and I tell him how much I love him and how I've never loved anyone as much as him before.", Emily said.

JJ regained control again and was breathing normally after drinking a couple sips of water. "Is it true?", JJ asked.

"What? If he's bigger? Yeah that part is definitely true.", Emily laughed.

JJ smacked her forehead for not specifying the question before she asked it. "Not really that part. I mean more like the part where you've never loved anyone as much as you love him.", JJ said.

"Oh. Well... yeah. I've honestly never felt this way before. About anybody.", Emily blushed.

JJ's tone got more serious but calming at the same time. "You're really in love with him, aren't you? This isn't just some guy who you've been dating for a little bit and felt comfortable enough to say 'I love you' to. You guys came back together after all these years and right when his marriage was ending... as if like... you guys were meant to be.", JJ said.

"That's exactly what he was saying the other day. I don't know how much I agree with it but we talked about it. Oh but I'm almost done with my story.", Emily said.

"Go for it.", JJ encouraged her.

"So he came to my room and we ended up... enjoying each other's company and then we went to sleep until you woke us up. And I would've talked to you about this but I kind of couldn't until now because now you know about us. But... when you came to my room that night... Aaron heard everything. He kept asking me if Reid was using and what you meant and why it was never reported.", Emily said.

"Shit. What did you tell him?" JJ asked.

"I told him that he was in there as my boyfriend, not my boss. And that I had to go and didn't have time to talk and that I can't talk about it with him anyways. When we were at the lounge waiting for Reid to get up and you made me go call the "guy I was seeing", I was with Aaron then so I guess that wasn't completely a lie but... he tried asking me about it again over the phone. I told him the same and then he gave up and just asked me to come back because he missed me.", she giggled.

"Are you sure he's not obsessive?", JJ laughed.

"I'm sure. I love him just the way he is and the way he makes me feel. It's more in a cute, silly way. He's not so serious about it. Although, I could see why you may think that, seeing as you've only known him to be serious.", Emily smiled and then started laughing.

"What?", JJ asked.

"I'm just thinking about the next morning. He was so tired when the alarm went off because he got woken up 3 times throughout the night. So to wake him up more, I started kissing his neck and took his hand and guided it up my shirt and he instantly opened his eyes and was awake. And a few minutes later, he was wide awake and it was really nice and right in the middle of it, Reid knocked on the door. Right in the middle of really good sex, Reid just had to knock on the door and we just waited for him to go away and right as Aaron started moving again and brought his head back down to kiss me, before our lips could even touch, Reid knocked again and Aaron got so frustrated that we had to stop right in the middle of it. I mean, I was frustrated too but it's kind of funny to look back on now.", Emily chuckled while JJ was dying of laughter and it was only partially because she was drunk.

"I hope you guys were able to finish what you started.", JJ said, still laughing.

"Yeah but not until that night! We had to wait hours! When I came back inside though after Reid walked away after we spoke, Aaron was already dressed and he was actually pretty pissed but not about the sex. I mean he was frustrated in another sense with that but he was pissed about something else. It was because he heard everything Reid said to me. And I felt really bad because he made some good points about not being able to report but having to know this and he's right, like he said, it does put him a horrible position.", Emily's smile dropped.

"I'm really sorry... has it come up at all since?", JJ asked.

"Thankfully, no. And I hope it stays that way just like I hope Reid continues to stay clean.", Emily said.

"Me too... Okay so what else! I need to know everything up to now.", JJ said.

"Really, there's not too much else. We've just been taking it easy the past month or so, enjoying the stability for now. He's been able to see Jack every week which has been really good for both of them. Him and Haley are on a good page. She's filing the divorce papers soon so that'll be a little rough but they both knew it was kind of over for a long time now. I mean, all they did was fight or barely speak. He even said that they hadn't had sex since Jack was conceived... so our first time was definitely amazing for both of us... for many reasons. But things seem to be good between all of them right now and because of that, he seems to be really happy and in a good space. He's going to look at some apartments later this week and asked if I'd go with him. So I think that'll be nice for him to have someone help support him with that because of the reason why he's looking at them. He's lived in that house for a while, saying goodbye to it's gottaaaa- what? Wwwwhyy are you looking at me like that?", Emily asked slowly and very confused.

"He wants you to go with him to look at apartments?", JJ asked, with her eyebrows raised, seeming to suggest something.

"Yeeaaahh? What? What is it?", Emily asked again.

"Do you think maybe he's asking you to go with him so he could get your opinion on it?", JJ asked, still seeming to be hinting at something but Emily couldn't figure out what.

"Yeah, sure. Is that strange?", Emily asked.

"I'm just wondering if maybe he wants to see if you like it. As in, not just for him.", JJ said.

"I'm still not following...", Emily said.

"Emily... did the possibility ever cross your mind that maybe he wants to know if you like it because he might want you to spend more time there and get a place that you'd both feel at home, maybe a place that you might want to move into with him at some point maybe not too long from now?", JJ asked.

"What?! No. No, that's crazy. We were just talking about us spending nights at each other's places.", Emily shook her head.

"Hmm really! Doesn't sound like they're related at all.", JJ said sarcastically.

"JJ...", Emily warned.

"What were you guys talking about? What did he say?", JJ asked.

"I was teasing him before I met with you tonight because we just got back from the cabin and-", Emily started but got cut off.

"Cabin? What cabin?", JJ asked.

"I'll tell you after this. But that's where we were the past few days. That's where we were in those pictures I showed you. Anyways, I'll get to that in a minute. Did you wanna hear what he said about the apartment or not?", Emily asked.

"Yes, yes. Go on.", JJ said.

"So, I was teasing him because we took a nap and I woke him up to tell him I had to leave to come meet you. He didn't want me to go and was pouting but it was kind of cute. He said he could make me dinner and watch our favorite show, do other favorite things of ours. I said something... where I like teased him about having separation anxiety and how I was just going to be out for a few hours and come back to him after and we laughed. Then he said he was just so used to spending all his time with me and never felt like he needed a night alone.", Emily said.

"Emily! Do you hear the words coming out of your mouth? The words that came out of his mouth?! What else did he say?", JJ asked.

"Uhhh I said I don't think we've spent more than a few nights apart from each other since we've been together. I'm just always at his place or he's always at mine. He agreed and said "that's not a bad thing though, is it?" and asked if I felt like I needed space though and I don't have to come over or have him over if I don't want but like the way he said it, seemed like he did want to spend time with me but wanted to let me know I shouldn't feel pressured to. And I said that no, I didn't feel like I needed or wanted any space and I felt the same way as him. And that if anything, it felt weird those nights I was without him and he said, "Okay so it wasn't just me that felt that way." and I told him no, it definitely felt weird being without him. And right after I said that, he said that maybe when he gets an apartment soon, he could keep a drawer empty for some of my stuff or clear space in the closet. That way, I'm not having to always bring a bag over with me or run back to my place the next morning to change. And after he said that, was when he asked if I wanted to go look at some apartments with him next week. And I said yes to both things.", Emily said.

"E-mi-ly! You don't see it? He wants to take the next step or at least some step in your relationship. He wants you to be over more. Maybe see what it's like for if you guys did eventually move in together?", JJ said.

"He has Jack. He's going to have joint custody of him soon enough, as long as that's what they both end up agreeing to which seems to be the plan.", Emily said.

"Does Haley know about you guys?", JJ asked.

"God no! Not to my knowledge at least.", Emily said.

"Have you ever met Jack?", JJ asked.

"No and I don't see that happening for a long time if that ever happens. You've met him, right?", Emily asked.

"Yeah, when he was literally a newborn.", JJ laughed.

"He's really cute... I'd like to be able to meet him eventually. But after all that... he also said that once custody is figured out and he has his new place, whenever he does have Jack, we won't be able to spend every night together, which is like so obvious, like I wouldn't even think I would do that! But I could tell it kind of hurt him to say it, but I completely understand, you know. And I told him that and that his son should always come first no matter what and he was really glad I understood. And then he told me that he wanted to make sure I knew that I was a priority in his life too and he wants to take my feelings into consideration and that I know he cares and hears me. I don't know how or when he'll eventually tell Haley but I'm sure it'll happen at some point when it's the right time which obviously isn't right now.", Emily said.

"You love him and he loves you and if you can make it work, that's all that matters. I know it sucks not being able to tell anybody but it sounds like he has one friend you have already and still can hangout with and now you have me. Maybe next time Will is in town, we can go out and do something all together.", JJ said.

"That'd be really nice. I think we'd both like that a lot.", Emily said.

"Great. Now tell me about this cabin.", JJ said, with a seductive tone, making Emily laugh.

"It's his family's cabin. They've been going up there forever. He eventually started going with his friend on his own once he got older and his family almost never goes up. He's got some issues with them. But I think you met his brother Sean briefly a couple years ago. He got in touch with him a couple days ago and we're actually going to meet up with him on Friday night I think. So there's that. But yeah, the cabin was just a couple hours away in the woods on a lake. You actually woke us up when you called me the other morning.", Emily laughed.

"I seem to get in the way of anything you guys do together, don't I?", JJ laughed.

"That time, we really were sleeping. But yes, we did have a lot of sex too.", Emily laughed.

"From what you've told me so far, I'm sure you did.", JJ said as they both started laughing uncontrollably.

"Oh my god, it's almost 10:30. Why am I so exhausted?", Emily yawned.

"I don't know but I'm ready to head to bed too if you wanna get out of here now.", JJ said.

"Yeah, let me just close our tabs, I'll be right back.", Emily walked away.

She came back a minute later and grabbed her coat, walking out to her car with JJ.

"Do you need a ride?", she asked her.

"No, I'm sober, I'm all good. Thanks though. Hey, um... are you gonna tell Hotch that I know?", JJ asked.

"I was planning on it. After all the secrets and lies we have had in our lives so far even with each other, and including each other, it's gotten messy so now... we just try and be honest about literally everything. There's just one thing I can't really talk about with him or anybody for that matter and he knows that and I told him it's honestly for his own good but he doesn't really believe that but he respects it. But other than that, we're always honest. Unless there's a certain reason not to...?", she asked JJ.

"No, I was just wondering.", JJ said.

"Listen, I'm sorry you had to find out by reading our body language and catching us having moments and me not telling you. I'm sorry... I just didn't want to tell anybody and I'm sure you understand why.", Emily said.

"Of course I do.", JJ said.

"Thank you. I'm really lucky to have you in my life.", she told JJ, giving her a hug.

"I'm just glad you let me into it, you're my best friend. It's hard to make those with what we do.", JJ said.

"All the same to you.", Emily said.

They let go of each other and said goodnight as they walked to their cars. As JJ drove home, Emily drove to Hotch's house and called him on the way.

Once he saw her lights in the driveway pull up, he ran over to the front door. She got out of her car and walked inside when he opened it for her. He pulled her in for a passionate kiss once the door closed and they rocked back and forth, side to side until he released her lips from his.

"What was that for?", she laughed.

"I just missed you.", he said in a cute voice, one similar to the ones you use when you talk to babies and dogs which made her laugh even more.

"You're cute.", she said.

"I know.", he said, bringing his lips to hers again.

She knew she had to tell him about JJ and she had no idea how he was going to react. But she wanted to change into her pajamas first and get in bed before she did.

She led him upstairs and grabbed some pajama pants and a t-shirt from her suitcase. She'd left it at his house before she went to her place to get ready, knowing she'd be coming back anyways. Once they got in bed, she sat up against the headboard and looked over at him already smiling at her. His expression changed when he noticed the serious look on her face.

"Em, what's going on?", he asked, grabbing her hand.

She paused before opening her mouth and saying, "JJ knows."

He looked confused and didn't know what she was talking about at first. "JJ knows what?", he asked.

"Everything.", she told him.

"What do you mean?", he asked.

"JJ knows. About us. About everything.", she said, almost in a whisper.

He stayed silent for a moment and just stared at her. She couldn't tell if he looked scared or sad or confused or what. But it wasn't a happy face.

"Aaron?", she said.

"Oh...", he said, looking straight forward but still holding onto her hand, gripping it tighter and stroking it with his thumb.

He had a million questions racing through his mind but had no idea where to start.