A/N: Here is a short prompt... Really didn't have much to write about apart from going in-depth into Emily's head, so hope you all enjoy.

Late August 2007

The image of that young girl, Carrie, with that grief-stricken expression, stuck like superglue in Emily's mind. She didn't know when or why she had decided to become so attached to the girl; it was most unlike Emily. But then again, attachment to children was something Emily found so straightforward and how could you not feel sympathy for a child -barely 18- who had just lost their entire family? Kids are so vulnerable, especially when they witness a tragedy that scars them for the rest of their life. In Carrie's case, she watched her parents be slaughtered right before her eyes, and yet, she remained so strong and brave.

Everything she'd ever lived for…Torn away. Like somebody had ripped off the stickiest band-aid in one second, taking with them all her memories, happiness, and love. Leaving Carrie with roots snapped in half and an empty hole impossible to refill.

It just sucked…

Carrie had the sweetest and most innocent soul too, making the attachment worse for Emily to forget. The case had got her thinking about the mere number of innocent children living in foster homes at this very second. Some houses were excellent, and in those homes, the children were generally content; loving foster parents, food to eat on the table and a bed to rest. But unfortunately, there were those foster homes where everything transpired to custard.

The memory of that young boy holding that gun, who couldn't have been any older than 9 or 10 would haunt Emily for the rest of her life. Never, had her hands trembled so violently as she aimed that firearm at the boy. Her fast-paced breath had hitched, and eyes widened in horror as she watched his every move, wondering if she would have to shoot. Then, the sigh of relief when Morgan handed her the gun- safely out of harm's way.

Emily knew she didn't have it in her to shoot a child. It would absolutely ruin her.

She just… Wished she could have done something more for those poor children. It was tragic enough having to watch innocent people die. But having to witness a perfectly happy child ultimately have their life turned upside down was just as pathetic in Emily's opinion. That's why she had mentioned to Hotch that she could take Carrie under her wing because all she wanted to do was take care of that child, to nurture and protect her.

The sense of disappointment she felt when he said, "Prentiss, this is the job. And I need to know if you can be objective," had utterly shattered Emily. And in that moment, she'd realised that it would be merely impossible to take care of Carrie with the job she had, which in a sense saddened her. The only comfort she had was being told that Carrie's family from L.A would be there for her. It didn't change how she felt about the whole situation, though.

She had replied in the same tone of manner, "And I need to know I can be human." There had been enough times in her career where she would become so disconnected from the families that Emily had become disconnected from herself. Sometimes she pinched herself to remember what pain felt like. And lately, disconnections from cases were becoming more frequent- a consequence of compartmentalising so well daily. But what she hated more was the feeling of not feeling anything. Emily would rather feel upset about the victims than feel nothing at all.

JJ sat opposite her, noticing the numb expression as she glanced out the window. "You okay?"

"Yeah…" The brunette had replied lightly. Her eyes felt so tired, and she hadn't much energy to hold a conversation. This case and her investment in Carrie's future had completely drained Prentiss.

JJ blinked slowly, seeming to sense Emily's sensitivity, so she reassured her that, "They are good people… Carrie's family."

Emily nodded, glancing up at the ceiling for a moment before averting her eyes back to JJ. "Good." She'd hate to think what her life would be like if they treated her miserably. "I'm glad." She focused her attention back out the window.

"I think it's a good idea though…"

"What's that?" She asked tiredly and with a hint of confusion.

"You." A slight frown appeared. "Kids." The frown couldn't help but turn into a little smile. She loved kids so much. As a little girl, Emily had never been that fond of having children. When her accidental pregnancy occurred at age 15, the brunette swore she'd never engage in such recklessness ever again. But as time progressed and she became older, that mentality started to wear off. And before she knew it, all these overwhelming motherly instincts Emily couldn't describe or explain had come out of nowhere. JJ continued, "I can see it."

"Yeah?" JJ nodded in response, and Emily smiled out the window. She did want to have kids of her own one day, and for once in her life, she finally felt like she was ready.

Talking to his son brought such a joy to Aaron. Just to hear his little voice over the phone would never be enough for him, but at least Haley and himself were on speaking terms and luckily for him, tonight she'd agreed that he could talk to his son. Jack had his first swimming lesson today, and according to Haley, all had gone well, and Jack seemed to have enjoyed it.

He snapped the phone closed and rested his head back in the seat, feeling completely exhausted.

The lights in the cabin dimmed, and he could feel the jet rise high into the sky. His gaze fell upon the brunette sitting near the other end of the plane, her eyes were gently closed, and she had the most peaceful smile on her face. It was a sight to behold.

For Prentiss, Hotch could tell this case had been brutal for her. And if he had to pick a reason, Hotch would assume it was because of the children. Any case involving a child sucked, but especially so when the children were victim to some horrendous crimes. It affected Hotch in many ways too, and he knew the rest of the team struggled also, but it seemed to get to Prentiss. And this had been the first case where he'd seen her struggle to compartmentalise—the first case where she had become emotionally attached and invested in these kids.

Her words, "I need to know I can be human," kept repeating in his head. And it was apparent that Prentiss had that element of lonely to her name. Children brought her a joy; they tore down the walls she protected herself with. They made her happy… He hoped for her sake that one day Emily would settle down and find happiness with somebody who completed her.

A/N: I personally really enjoyed this episode on CM, and you could see in Emily's eyes that she was yearning for some sort of child within her life. As for Hotch, I think Emily's interest in Carrie surprised him as she is starting to let some of her vulnerability and insecurity show. Please review if you can! They are always appreciated!