They met again though this time the years had caught up with them and they had the features to show for it. Hotch's hair was streaked with white and Emily's face had lines that brought out her smile and gave her an air of elegance.
It was Washington. They stood under a tree decorated with green and red lights. They were leaning on the fence and their faces were pointed upwards to the sparkling star atop it for minutes before they noticed each other.
"Emily!" It was as if the crowd parted itself. He had a sparkle in his eye but it must have been the lighting. "How have you been?!" Hotch drew her into a hug and it was strange but not unwelcome. He wore a long trench coat and a burgundy tie and he just looked happy. He smelled even better.
"I'm good." He looked at her quizzically but she really meant it this time. Since their meeting Emily had changed her life around. She worked in a flower shop and did a little translating on the side. It wasn't the hectic life she once craved, but she didn't have to force herself to compartmentalize anymore – and that was the best part. She stayed in a humble loft in Paris most of the time. Extravagant apartments weren't her thing anymore. And she still traveled; only it wasn't just to escape anymore. "Still profiling me, I see."
"Only because I worry."
"You don't need to, really… How's Jack?"
"He's great. He's… a teenager."
Emily laughed. "Don't worry, if he turns out half the man his father is, he'll be fine. Trust me, I've been the worst of it." Hotch looked a bit puzzled - it amused her.
"So you really are good then?" Emily nodded sincerely and he believed her. She wanted to ask about Reid, Garcia, Morgan and JJ and Rossi. Despite how much she tried not to, she still thought about them all the time. And so did they, judging by the hoards of Christmas and birthday cards and letters she found at her old apartment. It was nice to be thought of but it also make her feel guilty. That was why, for so long, she avoided the first place she called home.
"How long are you staying?" His words made her blush a little - they reminded her of Tokyo. The truth was that she had only planned to stay the night.
"I'm not sure. I didn't really plan anything." They were almost shouting, the rustle and bustle of tourists and locals made it hard to talk.
"That doesn't sound like the Emily I know." That made her wonder if that was a bad or a good thing.
It was obvious that they would end up back here again. It was his room this time though. It turned out that he and Jack had moved out of D.C a while back ago. Hotch was teaching at a local university and he said he missed the bureau a little less every day.
Awkward banter ensued from the moment she stepped inside. They weren't there to chat and they both knew it. Hotch didn't turn the lights on, a glow from outside lit the room. She said she was too old for this sort of thing, and he commented on his whitening hair. She called it festive and he kissed her in the middle of a laugh.
They spent the next few weeks together. They spent days in cafés and shopping centres. They rediscovered museums and parks. They spent New Year's Eve on top of the highest building they could find, drinking champagne and staring into each others eyes. Nights were consumed nestled in bed together. But most of all they just talked. And that was enough, she thought.
It was at the airport, in that same trench coat, where he told her to stay. But she was already gone. There were distant voices that she followed, calling for her to board the plane and his that told her he'd go with her, which she walked away from. She didn't turn back because it was never that easy. It was just a melancholy reality that she had snapped back to the present before him. He had given her new memories and that was the best gift he could have ever given her.
Not sure why I wrote this because most of the time I like to leave things the way they ended. Mostly out of fear that a 'sequel' would ruin it. Anyway, despite myself I decided to post it. I hope you guys think its ok.
Thanks for reading