Aaron and Emily
(takes place between the end of Chapter 10 and the 2nd page of Chapter 26 of Shudder and Burn)
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Aaron Hotchner, retired BAU Chief, had just walked back into the kitchen when his cell phone rang on the counter. He picked it up, looked at the screen, and saw that it was Emily Prentiss calling. He smiled, touching the screen to answer it.
"You know I'm retired, right?" He couldn't help but smile, he was happy to hear from her. Leaning against the counter, he crossed his ankles.
"That's right, Hotch, rub salt in the wound. And how are you? Are you enjoying your retirement?"
"I'm good, though not a day goes by I don't miss… the team. Do you need my help on a case?"
"No, but I have some news for you. You might want to sit down for this."
"Hang on." He sat on a swivel bar stool, on the other side of the counter. "Ok. Now I'm sitting. What's going on?"
Emily could hear him grinning. "Spencer has a girlfriend and apparently, they're serious. How would you like to get together and meet her? He's having us over next Saturday night, about six, so we can get to know her and she wants to surprise him, by having you and Derek there. I'm sorry for its short notice, but I know I… we… would all like to see you."
"Sure. We'll be there. I know Jack doesn't have any other plans next weekend. There is something I want to talk to you about, anyway, but it can wait until then."
"Oh, I have the number of a travel agent, if you need it."
"Thanks, but I've gotten used to making my own travel arrangements. And I know the owner of the Waverly Hotel, near DuPont Circle, so I have a hotel room covered. If Morgan is going and needs a room, have him give Sid Wells my name."
"How about I pick you and Jack up from the airport and we can drive to their house, together? Hotch? Luke needs to talk to me, so I've got to go. See you next Saturday!"
"Sounds good. I'll talk to you later." Aaron smiled as he disconnected the call. He said out loud, "Hmm. Reid, with a serious girlfriend. Good for him."
Two hours later, with his itinerary finalized and printed out, he called Emily back. "Do you have a minute to talk?"
"With you? Absolutely. Are you all set?"
"Yes, all set. We land at 10:15 am, next Saturday, at Dulles."
"We can catch up on the drive."
"Sure. Since I can check-in at the hotel any time, it gives us some time to talk. I'd like to take you to lunch, for taking the time to drive us around. It's the least I can do."
"Great! I spoke with Morgan a few minutes ago and all I had to tell him was Spencer has a girlfriend and he said he will be here, with Savannah and Hank. Anyway, their plane lands at 3 pm and he's already reserved a room. It will be nice to see you and Jack, I've really missed you guys."
"Emily? Now I have to go, Jack's soccer game starts in 30 minutes. I'll send you a text with the flight and gate and we'll see you next week."
"You got it. See you then!"
Saturday morning, Aaron sent Emily a text as soon as he and Jack got off the plane. Since she parked nearby, by the time they were outside the terminal, Emily was there to pick them up. She reached down under the dash and popped the trunk. Aaron put the bags in and closed it while Jack got into the backseat.
When Aaron got in the car, he turned to Emily and smiled. "Your hair…"
"Yeah. I was ready for a change."
"I meant to say you look great. Very… stylish, and it compliments your eyes. Other than that, you haven't changed."
"Thanks. Were you always this… charming?"
"Perhaps... a long time ago. I'm out of practice."
"Impossible. The touches of grey look good on you."
"Thank you. I've missed you… and flying on the jet."
"I get it, flying commercial after the jet is like taking the bus… in New Delhi." She hugged him, "I've missed you, too." Looking in the rear-view mirror, she said to Jack, "You're nearly grown. How did that happen?" The teen mumbled and shrugged, with his attention going straight back to his cell phone.
"So, do you miss me because the mountain of paperwork never ends with this job? I've missed you too, and not just because I'm retired. Don't mind Jack. He's texting back and forth with his girlfriend. So, where do you want to go for lunch? Your choice."
Emily drove them to her favorite Mexican restaurant, and during lunch, she and Aaron talked and got caught up. "So, what were you waiting until today to talk to me about?"
"Jack and I are moving back to the McLean area." He took a sip of his coffee, watching her response.
Her eyebrows shot up. "Do you want your job back?" I mean… I wouldn't mind. It never gets easier, and that mountain of paperwork never seems to get any smaller."
"Oh, no. Not at all. I don't miss that… so much, but I talked to Dave recently, and he's thinking about retiring... for good this time and I… wanted to talk to you about the senior SSA position. I could even help with paperwork. Between the two of us, we could make it home at a reasonable hour every night, when we're not away on a case. It would be good... for you… for… your relationship."
"Actually, I just got out of a long-distance… thing… it didn't work out." Emily shrugged, pressing her lips together.
"I'm so sorry."
She shook her head and tried to smile. "I'm fine. It's been a few months. He said the three words no one wants to hear in a long-distance relationship, or any relationship, for that matter…."
Aaron looked confused. "There are three wrong words?"
"There are. 'I… met… someone'." She shrugged again, as if to shake it off. "So… the only relationship I'm in right now is a part-time one… with Sergio."
"It's obviously his loss, then. How is your cat these days?"
"He's getting old. Grey whiskers and all. Garcia and I share custody." They talked more while finishing lunch.
After getting back on the freeway, she asked, "So, how does Jack feel about you coming back to the BAU?" Again, she glanced in the rear-view mirror at the teenager. His cell phone had his complete attention.
Aaron noticed. "Jack still has friends here and recently he told me he wants to go to Georgetown, after he graduates, but he wants to finish high school here. The girl lives near here."
Jack looked up, looking more annoyed than shocked. "Dad. Please. That's not the only reason."
"Fine, buddy. Other reasons, then." He laughed and smiled wider.
Emily noticed how nice his smile looked on him. "So, is there anyone in your life? Whatever happened with Beth?"
"That's been over for a long time." Aaron lowered his voice. "I haven't dated anyone seriously since then. There was someone I let slip out of my life, and I've regretted it ever since. I never had a chance to tell her how I felt."
"Oh? Who?"
"You. I never got over you. Tell me you didn't feel it. There was… something between us. And when we danced, at Will and JJ's wedding..." His smile softened, as he shook his head. "… I didn't want to let you go."
"I remember. I was scared, felt like I was getting too close, but I've stopped running..."
"We've got some time, before Morgan's flight lands. Jack brought video games to keep him busy at the hotel, while you and I can go back to the airport later." Aaron smiled broadly.
"I didn't get to see that smile often enough. Okay… you can stop it now… you're startin' to freak me out."
He laughed. "In the last few years, I've learned to enjoy life. I smile now… and laugh. Can you believe it? After I come back to the BAU, I promise not to smile… as often."
"You got it. Maybe limit it to one...or two a day...at least until I get used to it."
Aaron turned his head, looking over his shoulder at his son in the back seat. "Jack, are you ok with staying at the hotel on your own for a while, while Emily and I go pick up Morgan and his family?"
Glancing up from his phone for a moment, Jack nodded. "Sure Dad, sounds good. I'll be fine."
"There will be snacks." That seemed to perk him up. The teenager actually smiled as Aaron continued. "Just think, you'll have the room to yourself for a few hours, to watch television, or play video games… or text."
That made him smile even more. "Okay. Thanks, Dad."
At the hotel, Aaron went to the front desk to check-in, while Emily and Jack waited in the lounge area. After taking the luggage up to the room, Aaron pulled a zip-up jacket from his suitcase and headed for the door where Emily stood.
"Okay. I'm ready."
"Jack, we'll see you later. Your dad and I are going to stop by Quantico before we go back to the airport." The teen mumbled, looked up from his phone, and waved.
"We're going to the office?"
"I'm going to use one of the fleet vehicles. "There's more room in an SUV for everyone since Morgan's bringing Savannah and Hank. This way, in the off chance we get called away on a case, we can go straight to the airstrip. I'm sure Spencer's girlfriend wouldn't mind driving you back here.
"Good thinking. So, tell me about her."
"They… met at GW where she teaches Psychology. He'll be doing a few lectures in her class on this 30-day break."
Aaron's eyebrows arched. "He's still doing the 100 days on, 30 off? Dave told me Spencer was in prison, framed for murder until the team cleared him, and about his condition of reinstatement. I'm sorry, Emily, I should have visited, but Jack was going through a tough time after his grandfather died. Has it really been three years?"
She nodded. "Yes, three years, now. Spencer's annual review is coming up later this year, and I'm going to let him know I'll be recommending having that condition lifted. He hasn't complained, though. Actually, I think he prefers it. For as long as he's been in the BAU, I believe that's helped keep him from burning out."
"Wouldn't it be nice if the brass had everyone at the BAU on that kind of schedule?"
"It would be more than nice. A month to decompress, every three and a half months? It would be just short of heaven." While driving, they were talking and getting caught up when Emily pulled her car into an empty parking space in front of the transportation building at the FBI training compound. She went inside to sign out the SUV. Aaron followed.
Transportation Supervisor, Sergeant Margery 'Margie' Boatman was on duty. Petite, with short, grey hair, wearing her camouflage uniform and boots, she sat at her desk and looked over the glasses she wore low on her nose.
"Hey, Emily, I have the Yukon ready for you, out front. No need for the jet today?" At that moment, she saw Aaron. "Hotch, as I live and breathe. Are you back at the BAU?"
"I'll have to get all my recertifications done, beforehand. For now... I'm still retired." He gave her a wide smile.
"Well, I'm delighted to see you." She handed the keys to Emily. "Gassed up and ready to roll."
"Thanks, I'll fill it up before I bring it back. No, on the jet, at least not right now. We're going to meet up with the team, and since we're technically on standby, I'm using the SUV."
"It was good seeing you, Margie. My first day back at the BAU, the coffee's on me." He gave her a smile and wink, chuckling at the wide-eyed, shocked look on her face.
"Well... um… okay. You got it, Hotch. Take care now."
Emily climbed into the driver's seat and tried to remember the last time Aaron wore something so casual as a polo shirt and jeans, looking approachable, but still sharp. After she buckled her seatbelt and started the car, she laughed. "You and Morgan will both be in the car and I'll be the one driving? I don't think that's ever happened before."
"Once I'm reinstated, I promise to take my turn behind the wheel." He grinned, enjoying flirting with Emily.
"It's nice seeing you smile, it suits you."
"Being the Unit Chief looks good on you. Now I get why Dave was able to smile...now and then."
"You smiled... from time to time… but then, you must have had it scheduled on your calendar."
Aaron chuckled and checked his watch. "Speaking of time, we still have some, before Morgan's flight lands. On our way to the airport, why don't we stop at a coffee shop? My treat."
"You're on." Emily smiled, her eyes bright. "I need to stop by JJ's first, to pick up a booster seat, for Hank, but I know this great place in Reston, on the way to the airport."
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Will held out the booster seat to Emily, but Aaron took it from him.
"Thanks. I'll get this buckled in, though it's been years since Jack was this small." He shook Will's hand. "Good to see you. You are going to be there later?"
"Yeah, with JJ and the boys. Are you sure y'all don't want to wait? She'll be out of the shower in a few minutes." He opened the door wide, inviting them inside, as Aaron went back to the SUV.
"We're on our way back to the airport, so tell her we'll see her at Susan's house. You have the address, right? Remember, don't tell Spencer you saw us if you get there before us. Hotch and Morgan are a surprise."
"Yeah, I have it. When JJ told me Spencer had a girlfriend, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe now he'll stop puppy doggin' my wife. I've known about his crush on her for years and I'm… okay with it, because they're friends, but I am glad he finally found someone."
"Tell JJ we're sorry we couldn't wait. See you later."
"I'll do that. See ya." He went in and closed the door.
Aaron, having finished locking the booster in the back seat, climbed out and handed Emily the keys.
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Savannah woke up when the captain announced the flight's final descent, and as the plane taxied to the terminal, Morgan texted Emily, letting her know they had landed; Hank sat between them, still asleep against his mother's arm.
A moment later, Morgan's cell pinged, and he checked the message. "Emily's gonna pick us up at the curb. They were able to borrow a car seat, so we're good." Morgan slid his hand over the top of his son's head, "Time to wake up, little man" as four-year-old Hank rubbed his eyes and yawned.
When the plane stopped, Savannah unbuckled Hank's seatbelt asking, "So, they're taking us to the hotel first to settle in, and then later, to Spencer's? Did Emily say anything else about his girlfriend?"
"Not much. She teaches at GW, where she and Spencer met, and that she's very intelligent, pretty, and tech-savvy. Pretty boy found a pretty girl." Morgan grinned, looking back, as passengers bottlenecked in the aisle, a few rows behind them. "Ready? If you'll take Hank to the restroom, I'll follow with the luggage."
Savannah scooped Hank up after Derek stepped into the aisle, allowing her to go first, as he quickly yanked their luggage out of the overhead compartment, and they were off the plane by the time the human log jam cleared.
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Outside the terminal, Morgan found an open space on the curb for them to wait, and less than two minutes later, the black SUV pulled up to the curb. He grinned, holding his hand up. "Pickup service, FBI style. That's what I'm talkin' about." Aaron got out, gave Derek a hug, and stowed the luggage in the back hatch.
Morgan put Hank in the car seat, then after Savannah climbed in, he went around to the other side of the vehicle and got in. "This takes me back." They talked, catching up on the way to the hotel.
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As they met up later in the lobby and headed to the car, Savannah asked, "Do we need to bring anything?"
Emily shook her head. "No? Spencer said everything is taken care of. His girlfriend is cooking for the group."
Aaron told Morgan of his plans to move back to the D.C. area, returning to the BAU. "I may work part-time, to start. Perhaps I'll line up my time on, with Reid's time off. There will be some overlap, of course. I'm sure Emily and I can work something out." He looked over to see her smiling.
"Hey, better you than me, man. I'm enjoying my retirement, buying and restoring homes in and around our neighborhood, and renting them out. I'm home when Savannah needs me, and I get to spend time with Hank when he's not at pre-school."
Emily turned the SUV onto Tulip Street and Aaron stared out the window at the house. He turned to her, smiling. "Hmm. It's Betty B! You said Reid's girlfriend was Susan? Susan Spencer?"
Emily chuckled. "I didn't realize she knew you too. In her text, Susan said to park between the brick walls, if we got here before Rossi. His car is in the driveway, so we don't need to hide." She parked at the curb in front of the house.
"So, Suzie and Reid found each other. Hmm. I haven't seen her... since her father's funeral. His father, Judge Spencer, was my mentor while I was in Law School, at Georgetown. I interned for him over a few summers." Aaron smiled wistfully at the flood of memories.
When they got to the door, Emily rang the bell, and the others gathered behind her.
The surprised look on Spencer's face was priceless; overjoyed to see his friends, hugging them as they came in. He wrapped his arms around Savannah and Hank and laughed as the little boy squirmed to get down. They heard an excited cry from the back of the house. It was Penelope, rushing over and hugging them all.
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Later that night, as people were leaving, Aaron took Emily's hand, led her into the library, and kissed her. "I just wanted to thank you… for… all of this. I had a great day, with them… but especially with you, and I would really like to see if this… where this goes… with us." He kissed her again, holding her close. The kiss grew more intense, more passionate.
Emily pulled back, glancing over at the open doors, then led him further into a darker part of the room, near an enormous desk, and leaned back against the wall. "You know, I have a pretty good feeling about you." She pulled him closer and kissed him. They were enjoying the moment when the lights flicked on. They heard Penelope gasp.
Susan stood beside her, pulling her by the arm out of the room. "No, don't mind us. Please… carry on."
"The jig is up. To be continued… later?" Emily smiled, lighting up the room even more than the chandeliers did.
Aaron grinned broadly. "Absolutely."
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A/N This is a chapter of my 2nd book, Side Stories. There were stories that needed to be told.
I'll post where these stories fit in Shudder and Burn. It seems like a one-shot, but is part of the overall story.
I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know your thoughts after reading this and if you want to read more.
LW