~London, Six Months Later~

Thunder rumbled overhead as Emily unlocked the door to her flat, letting herself in. She shook the rain from her hair, lighting candles as she made her way through each room.

She sat on the edge of her bed and pulled off her boots, tossing them into the corner. She changed into shorts and a tank top, pulling her hair up into a messy bun as she walked to the kitchen.

She poured herself a glass of wine and settled onto the couch with a book. Sergio leapt into her lap, circling three times before curling into a ball and purring contentedly.

The cat, the wine and the storm all worked together, making Emily feel cozy and content, and it wasn't long before she dozed off.

A loud clap of thunder and sharp knock at the door startled her, and she awkwardly stumbled off of the couch.

"Hold on!" she called as she hurried to the door. She peered through the peep hole, her eyes widening when she saw Hotch standing at her door.

He shifted slightly from one foot to the other, from nerves or anticipation she wasn't sure.

She pulled the door open and stepped aside, closing the door behind her and pressing her back against it.

Their eyes met and she waited for him to speak.

"Emily – "He started, still shifting nervously. Her breath caught in her throat; even when he'd come to her in Paris eighteen months ago he'd been calm and poised. She couldn't think of a time when she'd seen him unsure.

"Hotch?"

"Emily." He started again. "I can't do this. I can't keep going, pretending that I don't feel anything for you. I love you; I need you; I never should have let you leave that dance floor."

"Hotch, "her voice was full of warning and sadness. "I love you. That won't ever change. But there are so many reasons why I'm so completely wrong for you. I'm damaged, broken. I don't' know how to set down roots, and you and Jack need and deserve roots. And there's Beth –"her voice trailed as she began to pick at her nails.

"We're all broken. And we're the glue that holds one another together. You were with the team, in Quantico, for five years before Doyle; you had roots." He smirked when Emily sighed and rolled her eyes. "And I broke up with Beth. Two months ago. I tried to respect your decision. Tried to make it work with her. But she knew I wasn't invested; we mutually agreed to break things off. She told me I'd be an idiot if I didn't book a flight here."

Emily stared at him, her mouth in a silent "oh", again, ironically, speechless.

Hotch reached out and took her hands in his, gently pulling her toward him. She shook her head, letting him take her into his arms.

"Hotch – Aaron – I, I can't. I don't know – "she stammered. He smiled putting his fingers under her chin and tipping her face up. He pressed his lips to hers, silencing her protests.

"Emily, for once in your life just try and let yourself have something good. Let yourself be happy. Stop getting in your own way."

She sighed and shook her head. She knew he was right, Knew that if she had any chance of making it work, it would be with him.

Aaron Hotchner was a force to be reckoned with.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, rising up on her toes and claiming his mouth with hers.

That was all the answer he needed.