After she had hung up the phone, Emily aimlessly wandered into the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee- the first one that day. The coffee in her hand, she sat down at the kitchen table and started to turn the hot cup in her hands, lost in thoughts.

A few months ago, she could have never predicted what turn her life would take. She had never been opposed to the idea of having a child, but as her career had progressed and the jobs she had taken on had become more and more dangerous, she had not allowed herself to envision herself as a mother.

Her own childhood was shaped by instability and the need to become independent far earlier than it had been good for her.

Walter's words echoed in her head. How was she going to provide a stable home for Bobbie to grow up in all by herself? How was she going to give her something that she had never had growing up either?

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The drive to the BAU was quiet that morning. Emily was still coming to terms with her emotions regarding her ability as a parent and Bobbie was staring out of the window, her eyes watery.

When Emily walked Bobbie to Garcia's office, the blonde was already waiting at the door with a chocolate muffin in her hand and a smile on her face. Bobbie gratefully took the muffin, never saying no to a second- unhealthier- breakfast, and Emily headed off to meet with the rest of the team.

Their new case was one of the most brutal ones they had ever had to solve. Pictures of burned bodies and severed limbs lay splattered across the table. Emily had hoped that the team wouldn't have to travel for another few weeks so that she could spend more time with Bobbie, but it had been glass clear to every single one of them that they were needed on site for this case, as soon as they had walked in the briefing room.

"Wheels up in 30." Hotch said.

The sound of chairs being pushed back filled the room as one after another team member left the room. Emily lingered a few seconds longer, trying to prepare for the conversation she was about to have with Bobbie.

"If you want to sit this one out, no one will blame you."

Hotch was standing in the door- arms crossed and his face a mix of sternness and compassion. Before Emily could say a word, he had closed the door behind him and walked over to where she was standing.

"Hotch- I can handle having a full time job and a child." Emily interjected, before he could continue. "You're doing it yourself."

"I am," he agreed, "that's why I know how hard it is." He rubbed his eyes tiredly and Emily noticed with a hint of surprise and discomfort how much older he looked these days.

"I just wanted to make sure you know that you don't need to prove anything."

"I appreciate that."

"If you're sure that you want to join us, I'll see you on the jet." When Emily nodded in agreement, he left the room and they went in opposite directions.

Hotch followed the rest of the team who were retrieving their travel bags from their lockers, while Emily made a small detour to Garcia's office.