~One Year Later~
Emily watched Hotch on the dance floor with Beth and smiled sadly. She knew she only had herself to blame and she lied to herself – telling herself that she was happy he was happy. That he deserved someone uncomplicated. Someone better than her.
She'd kept her distance from him ever since she'd come back. At first it had been so that she could mend her relationships with the rest of the team. She'd had a lot of damage control to do, especially with Reid, and she didn't want the added stress of outing her relationship with Hotch.
The walls had gone up so easily. It had been second nature to just keep holding him at arms' length and fall back into their old habits. And because they didn't know any better, her friends' well-intentioned encouragement when Hotch had mentioned meeting Beth simply took hold.
Before they knew it, she was going to Jack's soccer games and Emily was agreeing to move to London. It was just easier to run. To start over. She'd never really been very good at setting down roots any way.
Hotch met her eye and made his way to her. He led her to the dance floor, far enough away from where Beth was dancing with Rossi, she noticed, so that they could speak freely.
"London, Emily?"
"Hotch – "Always Hotch now, he noticed, never Aaron anymore "– I'm restless here, always on edge. I need a fresh start, somewhere that isn't full of ghosts and memories."
"Emily – "She tensed at what she heard in his voice.
"I'm happy for you, Hotch. Really." They both heard the lie and she prayed he'd let it go. "I have to go. I can't stay here." Her voice was husky with unshed tears. She kissed him on the cheek and walked off the dance floor, leaving him standing there alone and torn.