Chapter was a little delayed. You can thank the tropical storm for that. Enjoy.
Chapter 60: Be My Valentine
The next few weeks were full of ups and downs for the couple, mostly ups. There were a few disappointments though.
Their first standing date was a hit. They met for an early dinner/late lunch at a restaurant they both enjoyed. It was less about the food and more about the alone time. They sat in a quiet corner booth, secluded from most of the other patrons, and they cuddled up to each other while they waited for their orders.
They used the time to get to know each other more. They already knew so much, but, at the same time, there was still a lot to learn. They wanted to know everything. They delved in deeper, learned some new things, and it was perfect… while it lasted.
They made it to an astounding total of one of their "standing" dates. In all fairness to Hotch, he made it to the third Wednesday, but got called into work before they could even order, leaving Emily to eat alone. She ended up just leaving after him, learning she didn't love being on the other side of this situation.
His job would take him away from her. She understood that. Didn't mean it didn't suck sometimes. She missed him, more than she thought she would. He missed her too. They were experiencing couple withdrawal. They still saw each other, as friends, and, in ways, that only made the longing worse.
Before, they didn't know what they were missing, not in the same way. Now they did, and each moment that they were close and unable to touch or kiss or flirt was a painful tease. Their relationship was being put to the test just a few weeks in. They were up to the task, but still wanted more.
Their calls had become more frequent. So frequent that the BAU gang got suspicious. Her calls usually came in like clockwork. She would call daily after her last class, and every Wednesday about a half hour before they were set to meet. When she wasn't calling him, he called her every morning after arriving at work, and every evening before leaving.
Dave and everyone were starting to notice the changes. Beyond the phone calls, he was… lighter. Freer.
Dave decided to broach the subject one day when Hotch came out onto the walkway between their offices. "You've been getting a lot of personal phone calls lately. Everything ok?"
"Great," Hotch answered.
"Jack doing alright?"
"Yeah. He's perfect. He's getting ready for spring soccer."
"Mmhmm."
"What's that? Mmmhmm what?"
"Something's up."
"Man's got himself a girlfriend," Derek chimed in, turning his desk chair around to face them, and pulling the rest of the group in as he did.
"Does he?" JJ asked. "Who's the lucky lady?"
"No lady," Hotch said.
"Come on, man. You're found out. Spill it."
"Yeah. Tell us," Spencer jumped in.
The whole team was around the bull pen, gathered just below the catwalk. Hotch relented, sighing and leaning onto the rail.
"There's a woman."
"Knew it," Derek said.
There was a round of cheers before the questions came. Who was she? How did they meet? What did she look like?
"Tell us something," Derek pleaded.
"What's her name?"
The moment of truth… He and Emily talked about it. They knew their friends would catch on to their behavior despite them trying to conceal it. They weren't going to outright lie about each other or make up any ridiculous stories, but names were to be kept to themselves if possible. The last thing they needed was for Hotch to say he was dating someone named Emily, but not their Emily…
"Tell us anything at this point, Aaron," Dave encouraged.
"It's new," he told them. "We are…"
"So in love," Pen finished, her voice laced with sugar as she sang. "Just look at his face as he thinks about her. Awwww…"
"Now we have to know more," JJ said. "Are you in love?"
"It's a new relationship," he responded. "We care about each other and we're seeing where things go, but…"
"But you love her," Dave said, reading his friend. "What's she like?"
"She's amazing. Smarter than she could ever realize, and not just book smart… All around intelligent. She loves to read and, even if she doesn't think she is, she's a bit of a hopeless romantic."
"Oh my god! So cute," Penelope swooned.
"How'd you meet her? Was it through the profile Pen set up?"
"No," Hotch answered. "No. She is… Well, I initially met her through her family, but we hadn't seen each other for… for years before she came back into my life."
The story seemed oddly familiar, but, apart from Dave, none of them knew that Hotch had worked for the Prentiss family decades ago.
"We got back in contact and, it took a while, but we finally saw what was in front of us."
They were sold on the story. It was cute and just the right amount of detailed for them not to be suspicious or ask too many questions.
"I bet they're adorable," Pen whispered to JJ. "Hotch, give me a name and I will do a full background… off the books."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but that's not necessary. If there's anything in her past that I should know about, I want to learn about it from her. I… I trust her."
"Yeah, man's got it bad," Derek mused. "So bad."
"Can we meet her?" Spencer asked. "Will she like me?"
"Trust me, Spencer, she already does. And soon… I think we can set something up soon, but I'll let you know when. No pushing, alright?"
"Okay," they all agreed, but that didn't mean they weren't going to try to ply him for more information.
They had to know more, but they were respectful. Penelope tried to do a little digging, but she stayed within legal limits. There was no GPS tracking or hacking of any kind. Honestly, they were all just happy for Hotch. They wanted nothing more than for every member of their family to be happy, and he seemed happy.
They could say the same thing about Emily.
Emily, Derek, and Spencer got together one day for Nate. Derek was taking Nate and Spencer out for a guy's day. First, they hung out for a bit.
"Teaching him how to get the ladies," Derek teased.
"I know you're not or I'll castrate you."
"Ouch."
"Bring him home in one piece."
"Scout's honor."
"You use that a lot, Derek, and I will never believe that you were a scout."
"I wasn't. Doesn't mean I don't have honor."
"Questionable," she teased.
"Alright mama. No need to be feisty. You look pretty."
"Thanks."
"Hot date?"
She looked up at him, surprised by the question and not sure why she was. She wasn't going on a date. Hotch and Jack were visiting with Jack's grandparents again because his ex-father in law was sick.
"Who is he?" Derek asked. There was no denying her reaction.
"There's no one."
"There is. Come on, talk to me. Spence and Nate are off lost in some book. We've got a good ten minutes. Tell me what's happening in your life."
"Tell me what's happening in yours," she countered.
"Oh, I'd be happy to tell you all about my exploits, but you usually don't want to hear the details, and that's no fun."
She rolled her eyes, but responded, "I'm seeing someone. It's new-ish… But it feels like we've been together forever, in a good way."
"Yeah? What else?"
"I don't know Derek. What are you asking? What do you want to know?"
"How'd you meet?"
"A mutual acquaintance introduced us a long time ago, but we've recently reconnected," she answered.
His eyes narrowed, but the dots weren't fully connected.
"It's going well?"
"It is."
"You look happy."
"I am."
"He's cool with Nate?"
"Yes, definitely."
"He treats you right?"
"Better than anyone ever has."
"That's all I need to know," Derek said, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I'm happy for you. You deserve this, and I hope when you're ready, you'll introduce us. I promise we'll be on our best behavior."
"You better," she said, playfully punching his arm. "Maybe soon. Things are… They're good. When we're ready, you'll know. You all will."
"I'll look forward to it. In the meantime, I'll keep it to myself."
"Doubt it, but thanks for lying. I wasn't keeping this from anyone, you know. We're just… We're seeing where things go before telling anyone. Nate and his son have to be ok with us before anyone else gets involved."
"I get it. Don't know that Pen will, but I do."
"I haven't been out with Pen or JJ in a while. We've all been so busy, but I will tell them about my love life. It's bound to come up anyway. They're way too interested."
"I find that prospect very sexy."
"Don't be gross Derek."
"The mental images…"
"Stop it. Conversation over now. I'm meeting them for a quick drink while you're out with Nate. Are you sure you're ok with him sleeping over?"
"Are you kidding? We're gonna have fun. Kid's got swag."
"Whatever you say. Have him call me, alright?"
"You got it, Princess. I better get these slow pokes moving."
Emily walked out with them, kissing Nate goodbye. "Be careful. Have fun. Call me tonight."
"Bye Mom. Love you."
"Love you too."
"Love you," Derek mocked, using a childish voice.
Rolling her eyes, she waved at them as they got in the car and said, "Bye Derek. Reid, you're in charge."
"Always am," he said out the window.
It was cute that he believed that. They let him have it.
Emily just smiled as they drove off before hopping in her car to meet up with JJ and Pen. It had been a while since they got together. There were scattered phone calls here and there, but, for the most part, just like with Hotch, work kept them busy.
The gals were already there when she arrived.
"Hey!"
"Hi Pen. JJ."
She hugged them each.
"How are you?"
"Good. Good," JJ said. "Michael is getting into everything and Henry likes to help. You know how it is."
Neither of them really did, but Pen and Emily nodded along anyway.
"What about you Pen?"
"Oh boy do I have some office gossip for you. Boss Man has a lady caller!"
"A lady caller, really Pen," JJ grunted, rolling her eyes. "But she is right. He has a new girlfriend. You probably knew that already."
"True!" Pen agreed. "Did he tell you anything about her?"
"Not really," Emily said.
"That means he did. Spill," JJ encouraged.
"Have you seen her? Is she gorgeous? The way he talked about her made is sound like she is."
"He talked about her?"
"A little."
"What did he say?" Emily asked.
"Nuh-uh. You first, Missy. Tell us what you know."
"She's…" Emily wasn't sure how to explain herself. "A teacher, I think."
"Really? I wonder if that was how they met again. Through Jack's school, maybe," Penelope suggested, and Emily thanked her lucky stars that her comment sent them into case mode, putting together the clues instead of asking her to tell them all she knew.
She allowed them to do that as she escaped to the bar for a beer and refills for her friends. When she returned to the table, they were still spit-balling ideas back and forth, occasionally asking her for some input, but Emily was happy to just let their thought train go on… At least she was until the focus shifted to her.
"What about you, Em? You have anybody new in your life?" JJ asked.
"I can't believe you thought to ask that and not me," Pen stated. "Seriously, though, we've all been so busy we haven't been able to catch up on all things love and sex. Are you getting any?"
"Pen…"
"Come on. Indulge us."
"There's a guy."
"She's dating," Penelope yelled, a few other patrons giving them a look. "She's dating," she repeated more quietly.
"You didn't say anything," JJ said. "How long?"
"Not that long. We've been dating for a few weeks. Since around Christmas."
"That's more than a month!"
"I know. I wasn't keeping it a secret. We have all been so wrapped up in the holidays and work. I was going to talk to you about it when we got together after the New Year, but we had to cancel because Henry had the chicken pox."
"That was unfortunate," JJ said. "But we're here now."
"And now you have to tell us everything," Penelope said in a huff.
The "how did you meet" question was always one of the first asked; that and what was his name. Emily dodged the name by saying she didn't want Penelope to go snooping through her phone or cyber stalking him, a joke that made Penelope a little defensive and the question dropped.
"Alright. Fine. Tell us about him. What's he like? Is he handsome?"
"He is… Tall, dark hair, gorgeous hazel eyes…"
"American?" JJ asked, knowing Emily's past love interests.
"Very much so, yes. Virginia born and raised."
"Like you."
"I guess, though I wasn't really raised here most of my life."
"Pish posh. Semantics."
"Okay, Pen," Emily laughed.
"Tell us more," JJ encouraged. "Do you think it's going anywhere?"
Emily bit her lip and nodded. "Yes. I really do."
"Do you love him?"
Her smile grew.
"That's a yes."
"And it's quick," JJ added.
"JJ, not everyone has a secret relationship for months that wasn't really a secret and isn't sure what the relationship is even then."
JJ rolled her eyes and ignored that.
"Maybe it seems quick, but I promise you it's not. He and I… We have a connection, and it's a bond forged through friendship first. We've reconnected recently in a new, more romantic kind of way."
"Did he ask you out?"
"To be honest, the answer is yes and no. We've been dancing around each other for months. I was in a relationship with Val, he was in a relationship too. Once we were free and we spent some time together, it was clear that there was something there. Maybe there always was something there and we didn't see it. I was reluctant to jump in after Val, but… but the feelings were there, and I needed to follow them. I'm happy I did."
"You look happy when you talk about him."
"You came in with a glow," Pen added.
"He's everything I want in a man. He treats me well and surprises me every day. Sometimes it's little things, like I learn something new about him, and sometimes it's these grand gestures that he does just to show me that he cares. His sense of humor… Well, that has always been a surprise. You wouldn't think he had it in him. And he's such a good father…"
"He has kids?"
"Yeah. A son."
"Also like you. Have they met?" JJ wondered.
"They have. They adore each other. He treats Nate like his own son. Nate loves his son, too. He's so great with them both… so nurturing and emphatic, and so everything that goes against his alpha male personality."
"Do you see a future with him?"
"More clearly than I ever have before."
"Isn't she so cute?" Pen gushed. "We're very thrilled for you and there will be more on that later. But, enough about all the mushy stuff. Muscles or dad bod?"
"He's not in the gym everyday like Derek, but he has a good body," Emily admitted.
"Have you slept with him?"
"She has… look at that blush."
"How was he?!"
"Pen…"
"We're in a bar, drinking and having fun. No kids around. This is totally appropriate conversation. You did sleep with him, right?"
"Yes."
"And?" Penelope urged with wide, waiting eyes.
"And it was good."
"Just good?" JJ asked.
"Better than good."
"How much better?"
"It was… It was amazing. One of the best… I don't know that he was any more skilled than any other guy, but… It felt different. Felt like there was… I don't know, something deeper. Something deeper than I've had with Val or any other guy."
"Like it wasn't just sex?" JJ questioned.
Emily nodded.
"Oh, honey, you love him."
"God… So much…" she mumbled, thinking things through in her head.
"When can we meet this sex god?" Penelope asked, breaking the moment Emily was experiencing.
It wasn't that she didn't already know that she loved Hotch. In one way or another, she had loved Hotch for a long time. But the fact that they were friends first, that they danced around coupling for so long… all of it cumulated into something greater, and they were only just starting to let that sink in.
Were they going to jump into the next step with reckless abandon, no, but did they each see a real, clear future with each other, definitely. That was something she didn't see with Val. She wanted more with him, but she couldn't picture it. She had trouble letting him all the way in even though she did love him. That was true of many of her relationships.
Hotch was, first and foremost, her friend. Jumping into things with him was, in itself, very different and a conscious choice that didn't feel like it was a choice. It felt natural. Did she think that meant it would be easy? Again, no, but it meant she wanted to try.
They both felt drawn to each other, beyond their friends' and family's set ups, and wanted to try without others' encouragement to truly understand what was happening between them. They liked what they were experiencing, and they were almost ready to share that happiness with everyone.
Unfortunately, the decision of when wasn't totally in their hands.
Valentine's day was rapidly approaching, and though they had some stolen moments while spending time over at one another's place with the boys, they really hadn't had the alone time they craved. Thursday before Valentine's, after another missed Wednesday, Emily and Nate were over at Hotch's. Jack needed help with his French homework and Emily was the best solution to that. So, while Emily took over French tutoring, Hotch helped Nate with some of his arts and crafts. He wanted to make something that involved power tools and Emily just didn't want to give that kind of equipment to her child.
"Quels animaux avez-vous vu au zoo?" Emily asked Jack, trying to gauge his response abilities.
Eyes wrinkled in thought, Jack asked, "Does that mean what animals are at the zoo?"
"Close. What animals did you see at the zoo? You need to write as many animals as you can think of."
"Un lion," Jack said.
"Try something harder. We went over these. I know you know them."
"Un singe"
"A monkey, good. What else?"
They went through a laundry list of animals, Nate occasionally spitting out his own answers. He had been keeping up with his French lessons post Val.
"Nate, Bud, unless you want to help Jack out, let's keep this lesson his, ok?"
"Alright. Hotch and I are making my bird house anyway. It's going to be awesome."
"I have no doubt. We'll pick up the paint for it Monday after school."
"Can't Dad take me to get it?"
"You can ask him when you see him this weekend. If not, we'll go Monday."
"Fine. I'll wait," he huffed.
"It's ok, Nate. We have to keep working to make it paint ready," Hotch said. "You don't want to rush it."
"I know, I just can't wait to see it when it's all done."
"You know," Hotch started, "Maybe you shouldn't paint it."
"Why not? We could make it my favorite color and it would be so cool."
"Yeah, and I know it's allowed for the project, but look at it. It's all made from recycled material, even the nails we're using are from something else. We got different color wood from old furniture and an old container cut up to hold the bird seed. It's going to look unique and special. Painting it could take away from that. It would still be cool, but in a different way."
"Hmmm, I'll have to think about that," Nate told him. "We'll see."
"Until then, let's get back to work. I bet we'll be finished before they are, and we can get started on those cookies without them."
"I'm in!"
"Not fair," Jack yelled. "You better save me some. They're my favorite."
"Then we better get to work and get done before they do," Emily suggested.
"Ugh… Fine. Stupid school."
"Don't say that. You like school."
"Yeah, but I like cookies too."
"Don't we all."
Emily smiled and started talking to him in French. The more often she did it, the more Jack learned, so sometimes she would just talk until he caught a word or two that he knew and responded.
They did beat Hotch and Nate to the finish line, completing the assignment before their recycled material project was ready. They were too ambitious thinking their bird mansion would be easily crafted.
"More cookies for us," Emily teased with Jack.
"Mom!"
"Don't worry Nate. We'll share. Once you boys are cleaned up of course. You have glue and dust everywhere."
"But I want one bite now. Please."
"Fine," Emily gave in, walking over to where Hotch and Nate were working, cookie in hand. "Open."
Nate opened his mouth, and Emily put a piece of a cookie in it.
"That'll hold you up."
"Thanks," he said, cookie crumbs falling from his full mouth.
Emily rolled her eyes and didn't reprimand him this time.
"Hey, what about me?" Hotch called to her when she was about to walk away. "Don't I get a taste?"
"Nope," she teased. "I think you have to wait a little longer."
"Aww… Please?"
"I don't think so, but I'll save you some," she said with a wink.
"Mean," he whispered.
Nate nodded his agreement.
But Emily paid Hotch back in kind later. The boys were bringing Nate's project to Emily's apartment, leaving Emily and Hotch to clean up after dinner. There was less cleaning than there was making out.
"They'll be back any second," Emily said, head leaning into his. "I wanted to talk plans for this weekend. Are we still on for Valentine's Day?"
"Absolutely. I made a reservation…"
"Cancel it," she interrupted.
"What? Why?"
"You did something special for me, and now it's my turn to do it for you."
"What did you have in mind?"
"We'll do dinner. I have a reservation too. The rest of the day is about you, though, and things you like."
"Which means?"
"It means we'll have fun. This time you'll be the one wondering what's next."
"I can't tell if this is revenge or just romantic."
"I guess you'll find out."
She gave him one more kiss before pulling away. It was time for her to head home and make sure Nate started to get ready for bed.
"Thanks for helping him out tonight."
"Are you kidding? Thank you for helping Jack. You could have worked on the project with Nate, but I definitely could not help Jack with French."
"Well, I'm around any time."
"I know, and so does he. Are you sure you have to go?"
"Mmhmm. It's a school night."
"I know," he said, pulling her close again. "I just… I missed this."
"Me too. You have no one to blame but yourself, Mister. And the serial killers that keep you too busy."
"You could always come back. We can share rooms on the road."
"Ha. Me being back at the BAU would kill this relationship before it could go any further."
"Think of all the fun we could have."
"Not happening. You want fun, we'll make out in the bathroom at Rossi's next time we're over there for dinner… See if we get caught."
"Can't we do that anyway?"
"Oh Hotch, what am I going to do with you?"
"I can think of a few things."
"I'm sure you can." She rolled her eyes and, once again, stepped away. "I'm going. I'll send Jack back. Be sure to call me if you get a case."
"Will do."
"Love you."
"Love you too."
Emily didn't dawdle, knowing that if she stuck around, they would start kissing again and who knew where that would lead or which of their kids would catch them. Though they were sure the kids would be happy, she really didn't want them finding out that way.
When she got back to her apartment, Jack and Nate were playing video games…
"I thought you were just dropping stuff off. We were wondering what was taking so long. Get lost along the way?"
"Ugh… Nate just wanted help with this level."
"It's a school night, boys. I think it's time to put the games away."
"But Mom… Just five minutes. It's almost passed."
"Five minutes. I mean it though. I'm setting a timer." She wasn't, but the threat was there. "Finish up."
"She's mean tonight."
"Nah, she's just being a mom," Jack told Nate.
Emily silently smiled and walked away.
True to her word, she returned five minutes later to say time's up. They were almost done, saved the game, and moved on. She sent Jack home and Nate into the shower. The night went on as usual and the next day and a half passed without incident.
Saturday morning, Emily dropped Nate off with James and tried to hurry away.
"Why are you in such a rush?" James asked.
"I have somewhere I need to be."
"Can you spare a few minutes? I want to talk."
"Uh oh… What's wrong?"
"Nothing… Really, it's nothing bad. I just wanted to know if you had plans tonight?"
Emily looked at him skeptically, not willingly offering up a response just yet.
"I… I may have a date. I know it's last minute, but…"
"No… No. This is your weekend with him, and I have plans… Plans I've been looking forward to. I get it, James, and I'm happy you're putting yourself out there, but not tonight."
"I get it… Maybe you could take him early tomorrow?"
"That I can do. I'll call you in the morning and we can talk about it."
"Ok. Thanks."
"Bye James."
Emily rushed off after that, excited to see Hotch and start their date.
Arriving at his place, he wasted no time in pulling her in for a kiss, a heated kiss that continued to grow deeper.
"Can't we just stay here all day? I promise we will have a good time."
"I'm sure we would," Emily agreed between kisses, "But I planned an outing, and we're going to see it through."
"Bossy."
"You like it," she said.
Hand on her waist, holding her against him, he responded, "Only when we take turns."
"Don't we always?"
"I guess we do. Are you sure we have to go? We could do some catching up."
"Mmm. As much as I'd like to 'catch up,' we have plans to get to."
"They can't wait?"
"Not this time. I'll make it up to you."
"You better," he pouted. "Fine. Let's go."
Emily smiled knowing he wouldn't expect anything that was coming. She called in another favor with her connections and got Hotch, both of them really, a private batting lesson with some of the Washington Nationals team.
She got a thrill from watching him light up as he swung the bat. She even allowed the guys to corral her into the fray for a swing or two. It took a few balls, but she managed to get a hit. Hotch even cheered for her.
"My hand eye coordination in sports isn't all bad," she jested.
"Definitely an improvement," one of the players joked.
Later, Emily had to explain that she went to college with one of the younger player's father… dated him.
"You still keep in touch?!"
"Isn't that what Facebook is for?"
She left out that she also dated one of the players years ago. Seemed best to leave that out.
Needless to say, their few hours on the baseball diamond, even in the chilly winter air, was fun. And that was only part one of the day. Emily could only arrange a few hours of their time, and she didn't want to keep any of the players from their own dates.
"There's more?" Hotch asked.
"Of course. You got me private ice skating and a personal beach. I give you baseball and surprises."
She did, indeed, surprise him with a day of childlike wonder. The baseball and then the winter fair, something they were sure to take the kids to next weekend, made him feel like a happy kid again.
He smiled the whole time. He was just as happy when night started to fall and they were sitting in his favorite restaurant, dressed a little less casually, content to be there with each other. Their hands met across the small table for two. Talking to each other about things that weren't BAU case related was one of their favorite things to do.
"Did you have a good time today? I know it wasn't as romantic as what you did for me, but it was still fun, right?"
"I felt like a kid again. It was great."
"Good." She sighed in relief and gave a half smile.
"What's on your mind?" he asked.
"I was just thinking."
"About?"
"Well… about us."
"What about us?"
"Where do you see us in a year from now?"
He sat up a little straighter. Apparently, they were having the talk, the defining of the relationship and future talk.
"I've been thinking a lot about our future too," he responded. "I don't know where we will be a year from now, but I know I see you by my side and me by yours. I know that much."
"I see that too… anything else," she asked, hoping to hear more of his vision, wanting to know if it matched her own.
"I'm no fortune teller, Emily, but if you're asking what I'm hoping for down the line, then I see it all."
"All?"
"All," he said. "But I've proven to be less of the commitment phobe than you. What do you want?"
"I guess… No, I know… I want it all, too. I… I can see a future with us. I told you that from the beginning. I want to be a family with you and Jack and me and Nate. I want us to all grow together."
"That's all I want. I don't have a time frame for you. We both know we can't plan these things like a science, but one day, Emily, we're going to have it all."
"Maybe in a year from now, we'll be living together… Or maybe we'll be exactly where we are now, and I'd be ok with either because, for the first time in any relationship I've been in, I feel very content just knowing we're figuring things out together."
"I feel that too."
"But I also think I'm ready."
"Ready for what?"
"To move forward."
"Like marriage?" he asked, no fear in his voice.
"Sure… Maybe someday, but I was thinking more immediate. I don't want to hide this anymore. I'm sure that we can work. I don't know that we will, but I know we're both determined to try, and it will never go anywhere if we have to sneak around and hide from our family."
"I agree." His hand squeezed hers. "In fact, I told Jack I was dating again."
"You did?" Emily asked, surprised.
"Yeah. His response was, 'Cool. Good luck with that.'"
"That was… nice of him."
"Yeah. Welcome to the teen years I guess."
"Can't wait." Emily fake laughed. "Nate's noticed I've been out more lately."
"Did you tell him anything?"
"I said that when and if I'm ready to tell him things, I'll sit him down and we can have a chat."
"Oh…"
"I'm kidding," she said, nudging him. His disappointment at the thought that she wasn't ready to share their relationship was too much. "I want to tell him… About us. I don't want to wait anymore. Not with him, not with Jack, and not with the team."
"I completely agree. Let's have dinner tomorrow when Nate gets back. We can tell them together."
"Maybe I can drop by the office this week… If there's no case. Drop some hints for the team before we share that we're in a relationship."
"I'm sure they would be happy to see you around there again."
"And maybe we can make out in your office. You know, feel like we're breaking the rules a little?"
"Dangerous," he joked, brows wiggling.
"So, we're really telling the boys and the team?"
"We really are… Your mother too. She should probably hear the official news from us and not the gossip hounds she gets her normal info from."
"I love that you get that she's a gossiper. I don't make that up."
"She knows people who know people who know everything. Or think they do."
"Exactly. I'm glad someone gets it. I tried explaining that to Reid the other day and he just couldn't grasp it. Spencer Reid…" She let that hang, smile on her face contagious.
"I love when you smile like that," he told her, sending a blush to her cheeks. "It's gorgeous."
"Thank you," she said. "I love whenever you smile. You don't do it nearly enough."
"I do when I'm with you."
"That's true. I guess I bring it out of you."
"More than you could know."
Emily leaned over the table, placing a kiss upon his lips. "I've never been one for Valentine's Day," she said, "But I'm really happy to be here with you."
"Me too. Thank you so much for today."
"Don't worry. It's not over yet."
"Good. First, though. I'm starving. Kissing takes a lot out of me," he joked.
"I hope not too much. We do have two empty apartments tonight."
"Definitely not too much."
Hotch moved his chair to the side of the table as close to Emily as he could get. Emily sat beside him, leaning into his side, head on his shoulder as his arm wrapped around her shoulder and the other held hers. Occasionally, as they waited for their food to be served and in between conversation, they would kiss. But neither was particularly huge on public indecency, so it was tasteful and done only out of love and need.
They were so engrossed in each other and their time together that neither initially noticed the eyes that kept peering their way, or the person that entered the ladies' room only a few seconds before Emily excused herself to wash her hands before eating.
Emily was standing in front of the sink, drying her hands when someone stood beside her. She looked up and was surprised, immediately stopping her actions, and turning to face the other woman.
"JJ?"
"Emily? So that was you? I thought it was."
"I uh… yeah, I guess," she said. "What are you doing here?"
"Probably the same thing as you," JJ replied hugging Emily hello. "Will and I are on a date. Mom's got the boys tonight. Are you here with new guy? The dream boat?"
"Dream boat?"
"That's what Pen is calling him until you tell us more. Am I going to be able to get a glimpse of him? All I saw was dark hair. But I also wasn't sure if that was you."
Emily sighed in relief. They just agreed to tell their friends they were dating, so she didn't want JJ to find out through sheer coincidence.
"It was."
"So, can I meet him?"
"Uh…"
JJ answered herself. "Right, romantic evening, probably not the best time to interrupt."
"Yeah… Tonight, I'd like him to myself, but what if we set something up soon? Maybe we can do a double date?"
"Yeah?"
"Yes. I think we'd like that."
"Ok. Sounds good."
"Great. We'll talk about it soon. I'll call you soon."
"You better. I know where you live."
"Scary," Emily joked. "Bye JJ. Have a great night with Will."
"You have a good night too," JJ said. "Come on. I'll walk out of here with you. Can't keep Will waiting."
They were just walking out of the door, chatting a second longer in the alcove between the bathrooms when someone walked up.
"Hey. What was taking so long? Food is… Out," he said, thought trailing as he caught sight of JJ staring back at him with big, wide blue eyes.
"Hotch?!" she said. "You're here with… You and Hotch, Em? That's who you're here with? Are you dating?"
JJ looked back and forth between her friends who seemed to only be able to look at each other, a tension brewing among them all.