Aaron Hotchner knew things were different. As his fingers grip the steering wheel, Reid carrying on in the backseat and Prentiss sitting next to him, staring out the windshield, Hotch could feel a change. Not anything bad, at all. But some sort of switch was flicked up, revealing truths he never thought he'd see. Glancing over in her direction, Hotch observed her. The red cheeks were now just tinged a healthy pink. Her breathing was normal and every few moments she does that usual lick of her lips out of habit. Both hands were at work, picking her fingernails, another typical quirk. Black hair that was pulled back earlier was now down, framing her face. She wasn't hiding though; her head was held high and she seemed determined. These were things about her he mentally checked off in his head. Profiling her.

So things were obviously the same but seen from another view.

Reid never failing to disappoint, pipes up and asks Emily what was wrong today. She doesn't tense, doesn't raise a shoulder but turns her head to the backseat and meets Reid's eye. She calmly says to him that she had just needed some air and that she was fine. Her tone, eyes and smile she gives him has even Hotch believing. Reid is satisfied and agrees, to her relief, that the climate was a bit warm.

Hotch looks back to the road, after giving her another glance, silently reminding himself she was okay.

Emily Prentiss was a strong woman. This wasn't news to him. He has watched her on and off the field and it's only proven more that she can handle what is thrown at her. She's performed remarkably well with what has happened recently.

Respect is something Hotch feels for all his team members. But that word has been brought to a new level due to what occurred today. He thinks no less of Prentiss. If anything, he thinks more of her. Her mentality, physicality, everything she is made of. The courage that was shown for her to get through this was a giant leap; something he is extremely proud of her for.

Never ones to admit this till now, they are quite similar in many aspects. They had the scars to prove that. The similarities went deeper than skin, though. And you can't hide from the facts. Both strong-willed hardheaded, workaholics who struggle sometimes but overcome. They stand up for what they believe in and somehow both find a balance to bring them back from hell again after the cases they solve.

A burn, running deep within his veins, jolted his thought process to images of Emily again. He can still feel the warmth of her stomach; the pale skin so soft underneath his fingers. Could this heat be a sudden contagion and now he caught it? This burn was thick and pitiless. It spread like a fire, coursing through his blood and building in his stomach. As he turned the corner, the police station in view, he tightened his hand on the wheel. Knuckles white, he wondered what the hell was going on.

Emily hasn't met his eye directly since behind the SUV. He doesn't know whether to be thankful or worried. She licks her bottom lip again. He can see this out of the peripheral of his eye. Was she thinking about him and what drove him to throw caution to the wind and show his own battle scars?

That's a question he has yet to answer himself. He knew there would be consequences to his actions but at that specific moment in time all that mattered was Emily. The dire need to cool her down, to calm and comfort her was all he wanted; revealing to her that she wasn't the only one with an uneven past and the marks to prove it. Now he thinks more about her eyes and the rise and fall of her unsteady breathing. If this was going to be the consequence, he surprisingly couldn't complain. New and unexpected thoughts he never would have guessed were forming in his mind. The past years events had his mind wrapped around her more and more.

He had to focus on the case though. Catching the Unsub behind these gruesome acts was extremely important. Now more than ever, seeing Emily distressed pushed him even further to succeed. His words to her held a promise and gave him a purpose. He could only hope she'd hold on and never loosen her grip on those words.

Doing what they could at the police station, night crept up on them and even though they were another step further, the rest would have to wait until tomorrow.

Reaching the hotel, Morgan suggests the bar and everyone agrees. The need to unwind from the day was vastly felt from all members of the BAU team. They don't do it often but this time they want to make it count; the rule for not drinking while out on a case be damned. After settling in they all drag themselves down to the hotels bar and gather around a table. Rounds of beers were ordered along with a few shots. Emily, tossing two back, felt her mind relax, the whiskey running its' course. The burn in her throat was nothing compared to the burning sensation that inhabited her skin not a few hours ago. As she nursed a beer, eyes unfocused at the small crowd in the bar, the odd feeling floated back over her. She can't place it right off the bat but her hand instinctively tightens around the bottle in front of her. Shrugging it off the best she can, she laughs with Rossi and Morgan as Rossi tells a horrible tale about a time he spent the night in a bar in Chicago.

Cheeks tinged still, she strove forward, pushing past the demons. She missed his touch already. Repeating Hotchs' words over and over in her head, she realizes that said man was staring at her. Yet again, his deep eyes and brooding scowl focus upon her. Not knowing why, this left her heart beating a second faster than normal. Flicking her head in his direction, they finally join gazes. His eyes are dark and sparkling and his mouth twitches just so. Silently, he conveys to her his question. A slight nod, her eyes never leaving his tells him what he wants to know.

Since when had they been so good at communicating like this? She goes an extra mile and smiles at him; a true, blinding smile, trying to give herself more credit and give him further credit. She wants to believe more than ever that she can get through all whom and what plagues her. Little did Emily know her body had other plans. Things weren't quite settled just yet.

He raises the bottle to his lips, sneaking a small lift of his lips before he takes a swig and joins in on the conversation.

This was the calm before the storm.

An hour later everyone was turning in, hoping for a better day after a good night's sleep.

She shows up at his door at 12:54 a.m. Luckily, by some miracle, they had all gotten their own rooms so she didn't disrupt anyone else. It was a cheap hotel and truthfully Hotch wasn't surprised to hear the knock. The nerve it took for her to accomplish that simple action was great. She was never one to be weak, mentally or physically, and he knew letting that barrier fall due to her past was a major strength in itself. She wanted to keep that strength. To not have control was something she was not used to. Always the one to overcompensate, she didn't want to show a weak spot or let slip that something was actually wrong. With the kind of situation they were in, matters took a turn for the worse and they both knew things were bound to be let out in the open. She trusted him. She obviously trusted him; otherwise she would not have been this forward.

He let her in immediately. A size too big sweatpants and small t-shirt was the set attire upon her tall and fit frame. Her fingers dug into the bottom of the shirt and she appeared to be shaking. Her face gave nothing away. She kept the muscles straight and her eyes focused. She was so tough on herself, making sure she withheld everything in place.

They stand almost as close as they were several hours ago. He says her name softly and she bites her lip.

A small thought occurs to him. They hadn't embraced or touched in any way when she came back. How did they miss a simple action as a touch? Acting on impulse, Hotch slips a hand down her arm, feeling the effect along her skin. Unlike before, the smooth skin was cool. Chills broke out, little bumps forming everywhere. In any other situation he would have wanted to smile at that but right now, all he could do was stare. Did the words he spoke to her earlier not connect? Was she suffering still?

The heat that had overwhelmed her earlier was now replaced with the cold. She stood tightly together, every muscle in her body clenched up. She still couldn't relax and he noticed her jaw shake, either from being cold or she was trying not to cry.

Touching her twice in one day was definitely something. Was this a weird twist of fate? That he could not say. But he did know that life works things out in different ways. Things change - feelings, emotions, and situations…everything in life changes. Turn of a light and a situation he never would have predicted is brought forth. It was just them two, standing in the middle of a room. They shared a vulnerability that probably never would be fixed; but that was okay because they were both learning to accept the feeling. They were human.

His focus did not stray from her. The way she licks her bottom lip leaves him wanting something quite altered from before. His blood ran hot, coursing thick, heart beating loudly in his ears. His other hand, hanging at his side, clenched at the sensation.

She takes a breath like that very action was hard on her lungs. Out of nowhere she speaks voice sure and strong. "I know this is all untoward but like you said, the case is what sprung everything to the main line. I tried to lie down and rest but…" Pausing, she blinks a few times. Her eyes were red but so full and deep, melding right into his. "My pain, my scars were driving me. They have been controlling my every move as of late. And you know I cannot stand that. You know I'm usually sure-footed and can deal with what is thrown our way. I don't know how to handle being unaware of my own body. What happened to me…and then seeing these poor women…I don't know…I can't even trust my very mind. I was so good at compartmentalizing and keeping calm and sure. Everything is so screwed up right now. I had passed all my tests. I was fine. I am fine. I just can't wait for this damn case to be over. The luck I have is humorous at times and horrible at others." A sad smirk appears. "I can feel the heat still, through my stomach and above my chest. The fire inside of me still burns. But my skin is ice. I can't sleep and I'm exhausted. The team notices but they can't do anything other than to solve the case. You notice…and…you. You understand. You were in a dark place too and you fought your way out."

For a moment, she seems to run out of things to say. Then a thought slips out before she can stop it. "I'm sorry for intruding…I don't mean to appear an emotional wreck. But I'm…I'm letting you in. Don't think that I didn't listen to you earlier. I reasoned that I had to get all of this out sooner or later. I trust you and…and I guess I just didn't want to be by myself tonight."

Hotch sees the flicker of guilt in her dark, round eyes. Small shadowed circles could be seen underneath them. He swallows, a lump in his throat causing his eyes to water. She felt the need to explain despite him reassuring her earlier. She was used to the boss who would say that he expected her committed to the case and no distractions. Did he really say something like that to her? He felt his stomach clench at the idea. How could he ever say something like that to her now? He would by no means forgive himself. He had to allow her to see. There are so many things he could say. So many encouraging and supportive words but all he wanted to do was to hold onto her and show her the rawest way of understanding and comfort. Talking can only go so far. Another kind of contact needs to be breached.

"You're cold…" The words come out as a husky whisper. She doesn't think she's ever heard him sound that way. Emily nods slightly, arms trembling stiffly against her sides. Her brows were drawn. The soft light in the room reflected in her eyes and in those dark orbs stirred anguish.

The hand he just ran down her arm suddenly tightens over her elbow. Hotch, always one to do what is right and necessary, does the only thing that was right and necessary. This was exactly what he wanted to do behind the SUV, under that old tree.

Pulling her arm softly, he brings Emily into his embrace, wrapping his other arm around her back.

She doesn't immediately react. They had never hugged before. Her body is rigid but as his warm hand squeezes her shoulder blade, she sinks into him without further ado. The only shred of rationality left in her reminded the rest of her body that this was her boss. Whatever sense she did have didn't care. Clinging to his straight, built back, Emily unconsciously releases a small sob. Wanting to hide the sound she seals her lips tight, almost afraid to hear her own pain.

"Let it go, Emily. Please don't hold back. Just let it go." He soothes her, caressing her back in slow strokes. His breath skims along her neck, warm and comforting. "You have nothing to prove to me."

Fingers dig into his work shirt. The same shirt he had bunched up hours earlier, giving her a reason to fight. The buttons were loose now, like he had been just about ready to take it off. She felt her insides shudder as she buries her face into his chest. Throat dry, eyes wet, Emily never felt as safe as she did at that very moment.

This was by far the closest they have gotten.

Only a few tears fall from her eyes, colliding into his shirt, seeping through to his skin. She wasn't crying for herself; they were tears for the women found. The silent tears soaked straight through to his heart. The effect those tears left on Hotch was almost more than he could handle. He felt his blood coarse to every tip of every vein. The lines and curves of her body fit well into his. Hyper sensitive to entirely all his surroundings, he tightens his hold on her, leaving no space for regrets. Her skin was cool, completely opposite of earlier and her weary breathing had him cursing the bastard who caused this case to ever happen.

Hotch runs a hand along the contours of her spine with languid strokes. He could not think of anything to say that would do justice. She no longer needed words. His touch was all that was left.

Emily couldn't cry anymore. She was spent. No one knew of this but she did her crying in Paris, alone in some hotel. That was when she cried for herself. She had cried for her team, the family she left behind.

All those beautiful nights in that city and in different circumstances she could have enjoyed them.

Not wanting to let go but also knowing her place, she leans back and away from him. Eliciting a small laugh, she smiles gratefully at him. "What I would do for a cup of coffee right now."

His hold on her allows the space but doesn't quite release her completely. There was no shame, no hiding emotions. She seemed to be better. His look is curious as he watches her. "What would you do?"

The smile turns coy upon her glowing face and he can't help but show a dimple. This was definitely new territory. But at the same time it wasn't. He knew about her caffeine fix just as much as his own. The slight flirting on the other hand…well, he couldn't stop it.

Giving her an out, he replies. "I believe the mini bar over there has a coffee maker. How about some cheap hotel coffee? Sufficient enough?"

"We'll make it work."

As the words were spoken, Emily meant them in more ways than one. His thumb smoothed over a spot at the back of her arm and suddenly she felt fine. Her body temperature was normal. She would have never of guessed she would feel this comfortable in Hotchs' presence. He truly was helping her out of the dark.

He moves around her, heading to the little coffee machine. Looking around, Emily notices there is no other seating arrangement, just the bed. Breathing deeply, she thinks better of it but decides to sit anyways.

As the aroma of coffee swiftly filled the room Emily fiddled with her shirt, watching Hotch as he moved about.

He was silent, working out things in his head as he grabbed two hotel cups to fill. Turning back around, seeing her sitting there at the edge of the bed gave him a sincere feeling. She wasn't shy anymore, that was for sure. She looked him straight in the eye, no longer hiding from anything. There was that healthy glow about her skin and she appeared reawakened.

As he joined her at the bed, she gratefully accepted the cup. "Oh thank you so much. No matter it's without the secret ingredient or that I've 'quit' it."

A light grin crossed his face and he tentatively sat beside her.

After a few sips, she continues, unafraid of her words or his stare. "Hotch, I do want you to know how much I appreciate you being here for me. The words don't have to be said but I need to say them. I'm thankful for you not pushing and understanding. And for your forgiveness of the mess I've made…Thank you."

She reaches for his free hand and he meets her halfway. Mouth drawn in a thin, tight line, Hotch makes no other movement. The softness of her hand encased in his was like a memory.

Out of nowhere the longing strikes them both where they sat. Or maybe it was there all along. Emily, wanting to forget and move on from her past gazes at him and the overpowering emotion hits her like a ton of bricks. Hotch, wanting to free them all from the horrors above is overcome with the knowledge that he no longer cared about being cautious with feelings. None of that was significant now. Emily mattered.

They didn't act. They just continued to sit there, sipping on the less than mediocre coffee, hands clasped. Letting the desire simmer inside their bodies, the two agents breathed deeply with the steady beat of their hearts.

His chest vibrates with the soft rumble of his voice as he speaks.

"There was nothing to forgive. I'll continue to say this until it sticks; no matter what happened, I'm just glad you are okay…and safely back home with us. That was all I could ask for."

She sensed the gentle warmth of his breath wash over her as the chills ran through her body. These were no longer cold chills that left her feeling odd and uncomfortable. Now her very skin was alive and thriving. All that was missing was contact. Contact with the exact man sitting next to her. His skin upon hers, perhaps the answer to everything, perhaps the downfall - neither could tell.

Neither had the chance to find out as a ringing of a cell phone echoed in the small room.

Hotch sighs deeply, relinquishing the hold on her hand and gets up to answer his phone. The silver clock on the bedside table read 1:39 a.m.

Emily looks to the floor while Hotch trains his eyes on her back throughout the call.

"Got it. Let everyone know. Lobby in ten." Hanging up, he breathes her name.

Holding in the fear that threatened to be brought forth, Emily swallows hard. Without looking up she speaks, her tone level. "They have found another body, haven't they?"

A brief silence flows into the room. Emily already knew the answer. Relying on his voice is what conveyed her to predict what happened.

"Yes. Five blocks from here. Apartment building, ground floor. Security tape has Unsub leaving not ten minutes ago. We've got to go."

She was up, downing the rest of her coffee before he even finished.

"I'll go get my things. See you in the lobby?"

She sounded rushed.

Throwing the cup away, she meets his eyes and before he has a chance to reply or act she wraps her arms around his middle. "Thank you Hotch." He grasps her back, that familiar scent hitting him hard.

As fast as the hug was, her leaving was just as quick. Her spark was definitely back.

Snapping into the same kind of action, Hotch gets everything together, throwing on his Kevlar and grabbing his gun. He knew they would have their time to talk further after this.

Once everyone was informed and all was gathered down by the doors in the lobby, they head to their SUVs, plan in play. No other woman was going to face the same fate tonight. Tonight they will be victorious.

The team noticed the change in Emily. She was newly reformed. Energy of the highest amount was clear as day. She was anxious to catch the Unsub and this alone brought everyone to her level. Focused and unrelenting, she proves not only to herself but to Hotch that she will rise above her past and the things that try to hold her back. She was too determined not to quit now. Her skin may have taken a beating but Emily Prentiss will not give up.

:.:.:.:

a/n. Still own nothing of CM. A bit of a rushed ending, I know…damn it all. Not quite happy with this but I'll push past it.

I don't want everyone to be like 'Well, she's hot then she's cold…she's just going through menopause' or 'Must be that time of the month.' This is meant to be, yes, emotional, but taken seriously. I understand the bit of humor that can be taken from behind it with the hot and cold but no one can know how ones' body is going to react to something. She's not losing her mind. She's just got to work out some things. Hope I made that as clear enough in this. Oh and drinking on the job/case…I know, I know…I just couldn't help it. I laughed about that for a while.

Please drop a review! They are truly amazing! Thank you so much for reading!