Allie slept most of the flight home, or at least kept her eyes closed; wishing the attention from everyone else would just go away. After landing, she allowed one of the younger agents to drive her home to her apartment, and once there showered all the grime of the past couple days off of her. She slipped into comfortable sweat pants and a tank top, glad for some peace and comfort.

After a nap and a few hours of watching television, Allie found herself wound up and looking for anything to do that would take her mind off of things. After washing her clothes from the day she discovered Hotch's jacket that had been wrapped around her injuries, which had been thrown in the pile of all her bloody clothes at the hospital. The blood had been easily removed. It was only 5pm, and she knew he might be busy, might be out, but Allie couldn't help but want to get the jacket back to him right away. It was like her adrenaline would not stop pumping, even though the danger was long past. It wasn't logical, but she ended up dialing Agent Hotchner on her cell phone. After only a couple of rings she heard his deep, dark voice greeting her.

"Greenwald," he said.

"Hello, sir," she responded. "I know it's late, and I know it's your time off –"

"Is everything alright?" Hotch interrupted.

Allie found the urgency and care in his voice touching. "Yeah," she replied, relaxing a little. "Sort of. I think. I just, got your coat cleaned off. And a couple things were in your pockets. I didn't know if you'd want me to bring them over now, or some other time, I guess."

"You didn't have to worry about doing that," he said.

"I know," Allie continued, "but I honestly needed to do something. Just suffering from a bit of anxiety to be honest," she admitted. "But it's not a big deal," she added, starting to realize the ramifications of over sharing with her boss. "Just being hyper-vigilant, I guess," she concluded, cursing herself internally for sounding so stupid.

Hotch was silent for a moment, but when he did speak he was kind and comforting, "It's okay, Allie," he said finally. "You can bring those things over now, I'm just cooking dinner, and I'll be here all night. But only if you feel up to it. It's been a stressful and hard couple days; you just need to take care of yourself."

"I think I just need to get out of my apartment," Allie admitted. "I'll be over in about a half hour?"

"That's just fine," Hotch answered. He quickly gave her directions to his place and then the conversation was over. As Allie hung up the phone she felt something weird. She didn't even know what it was. Rarely had she had a conversation with Agent Hotchner that wasn't professional or had something to do with a case. She just never ran close to her bosses, she usually kept the distance great between her and her superiors, out of safety and also a desire to create the best impression possible.

The same had been with Hotch for the first few months. But slight opportunities had been opening up to give Hotch and Allie a chance to talk on a more personal level. It wasn't until today's drama and danger that Allie had felt any sense of connection to her boss. But she saw how protective he was of her when she was put in such danger. Because of that she felt a little bolder to stop by his place that evening, to return his things, and at least say thank you.

As Allie knocked on the door she felt little butterflies in her stomach. That's odd, she thought to herself. But her stomach just felt tighter when the door was opened. Hotch was still dressed in the same clothes from the day. His white shirt was unbuttoned a few, and un-tucked from this pants. His hair was flopped over to one side and he smelled faintly of beer.

"Hi, sir," Allie said nervously to break the silence.

"Please," Aaron said, walking inside and holding the door for her, "you don't need to call me that right now."

Allie nodded mutely in response and entered the apartment. It didn't look very different from hers. A few pictures and wall hangings, things laid out in an attempt to seem organized but were messy despite the effort. But a warm, garlicky scent filled her lungs. "It smells wonderful in here," she said.

"Thanks," Hotch said. "You want some? I made more than enough for two people," he said, motioning over to the pasta and garlic bread set out on the table.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose," Allie replied. "And, here," she added, handing over Hotch's black coat and the items from his pockets.

"Thanks," Hotch said again, taking the items from her and setting them in the other room. "But please," he said, walking back into the kitchen. "Sit, have something to eat. Beer?" He asked.

A smile crept over Allie's features. "Oh, sure," she said, unable to say no to garlic bread. She hesitantly took her place in the chair which seemed unused. Hotch placed a plate, silverware, and an opened bottle of beer in front of her.

"It's nice to have someone else enjoy my food besides just me," Hotch said.

"I didn't know you were that much of a cook," Allie admitted.

Hotch chuckled, and Allie couldn't help but notice how that laugh sounded and how his features changed when he dared to smile. "I'm not, really," he replied.

"Well it tastes great," Allie said, swallowing a mouth full of pasta.

They ate mostly in silence, but the silence was not uncomfortable. It made Allie feel surprisingly better to have a decent meal in her stomach. The laceration in her side still ached, but the beer helped a little for that. Once they were both finished eating Hotch cleared the plates and offered her another drink. She immediately accepted even though her thoughts were beginning to race again, about how maybe it was possibly time to go. Before she opened the fresh beer she inquired, "Hotch, do you think that maybe I should… go?"

Hotchner looked at her in surprise. "If you want to," he said. He walked over and sat next to her again. "Are you sure you're doing ok?"

"You can stop asking, you know," Allie replied.

"Well I'm not getting a very straight answer. You seem to go from relaxed to on edge in a manner of seconds."

"Yeah," Allie admitted. "Dinner was great, though. It made me feel a lot better to have something good to eat. It's just been a rough few days."

"I know it," Hotch replied. "Well, if you'd like to leave I'd have to insist on walking you home. It's getting late, and in your state…"

Allie rolled her eyes. "I think you're being a little overprotective," Allie said playfully.

"I think I'm allowed," Hotch replied seriously, looking Allie straight in the eyes. "You scared me today," Hotch whispered to her, his eyes getting soft, moist, and his hand reaching for hers.

Allie's focus got lost in his eyes. She had scared him. Him? Not the team, but him? She slowly tried to bring herself back to reality but it was hard. She found herself whispering back, "Aaron…" the use of his first name shocked Allie, she didn't know where it came from.

But Hotch responded by standing, grabbing her by her shoulders and gently pulling her up towards him into a hug. "Will you just come into the living room and sit with me for a while?" He asked. "We can watch a movie, listen to some music?"

Allie nodded silently in response and let Aaron lead her into the other room and set her down softly on the couch. He found the nearest blanket and covered her with care. As he sat down next to her he grabbed her hand tenderly. With the other hand he grabbed the TV remote and searched the channels for something appropriate.

As she sank into the couch and felt the presence of Hotch beside her, Allie finally found her will slowly fading. The exhaustion crept over her body, and her mind. She wanted to be done feeling fear, anxiety. She wanted to be done considering and re-considering every action she took. At what was perhaps her most vulnerable moment, she finally gave in to that moment. It no longer mattered that Aaron was her boss. He was taking her in, making her feel safe, and that's the one thing she needed and desired at that moment.

Suddenly the familiar voice of Denzel Washington filled the room. Allie opened her tired eyes to see 'The Remember the Titans' playing on the T.V. She looked at Hotch and gave him a smile. "I like this one," she said warily. "Can we keep this on?"

Hotch rubbed her hand reassuringly in response. "We can," he replied. "Are you comfortable?" He asked.

"Mmmhmm…" she replied.

Hotch smiled. "Come here," he whispered. He pulled her body close up against his.

"You know, Hotch," Allie mumbled in her weary state, "We really shouldn't be getting close like this. But I like it anyway. I'd like to stay for a while."

"You can stay as long as you need, Al," Hotch replied. Allie looked up at him and gave a weak smile. Hotch took the opportunity to lean down, cup her face in his hands, and kiss her deeply. She responded in kind, before gently pulling away, laying her head on his chest, and falling peacefully asleep.