A/N: Ok, so this is kind of sappy love romance stuff. But I tried not to make it sickly sweet. Please let me know if I've got the characters right on this one. I wasn't too sure.

And the song that I had playing when they danced is a duet with Sara Barielles and Ingrid Michaelson. It's called "Winter Song" and it's really beautiful.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Criminal Minds. Or "Winter song"

Hotch was standing by the sink, filling it with soapy water and folding up his sleeves. "You don't have to clean up Hotch," Emily said. He shook his head. "It's fine. You cooked a delicious dinner, you shouldn't have to clean up on your own as well," he said. Emily smiled and nodded before she started putting the leftovers into containers.

After they'd finished the washing up in comfortable silence, Hotch cleared his throat. "So have you figured out somewhere to live in DC?" he asked. Emily nodded and smiled as she wiped down the bench and put the leftovers in the fridge. "I still have my old place. I thought it was a good investment so I just rented it out…. Good thinking I guess… considering," she said. Hotch nodded and turned, leaning on the sink. The conversation paused for a while and Emily leant on the island and looked out the window, humming along to the song on the stereo, "Winter Song."

Hotch looked at Emily. "Dance with me?" he asked, holding out his hand. Emily smiled and nodded, biting her lip as she took his hand. The touch sent tingles up her arms, and though she was always a little chilly, she suddenly felt warmth spread through her at the small gesture. He led her to the bare expanse of floor near the window seats. As he pulled her close to him, his heart started beating faster. He put a hand on her waist and the other held hers. Her other arm was wrapped around his shoulder, her hand resting on his shoulder blade. He leant his cheek on the top of her head and felt a freedom he'd not felt before. Simply holding her close to him, smelling her unique "Emily" scent and feeling her heart beat against his chest.

"Emily," he started in a whisper. Emily pulled back and looked into his eyes. "What is it?" she asked, furrowing her brow. Hotch smiled. "There's something that I wanted to tell you years ago, after New York. But every time I tried to tell you I just… I couldn't," he started. Emily brushed her hand up and down over the shoulder of his polo shirt, urging him to continue. He closed his eyes before opening them again.

"Emily… after everything. After Colorado, after Foyet, after… Hayley… it was so painful watching you leave, leave the team, leave DC… leave me. I… " He was cut off as Emily stood on her toes and gently met his lips with hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist. When the need for oxygen reminded them to take a breath, Emily pulled back and smiled as she reached up to wipe her lipstick from his mouth. "I'm sorry…" she said, blushing.

Hotch smiled and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He leant his forehead against hers. "I love you Emily Prentiss," he whispered. Emily grinned as she played with the buttons on his shirt. "I love you too Aaron Hotchner," she replied. They stood there like that for what felt like ages. He held her tight, feeling the pressure in his chest finally release after years of holding him hostage. Emily couldn't help the grin that grew on her face as she leant her head on his chest. She could feel his heart beat and smiled. They didn't need to say any more. He knew and she knew. He ran his hands over her back and she ran her fingers over his chest.

Hotch looked up at the clock on the wall and sighed. "I really don't want to," he said, kissing her forehead, "But I need to go. We have an early flight tomorrow." Emily sighed and nodded. "I understand," she said quietly. Hotch smiled. "I'll call you when we get back to DC," he said, pausing as he ran his hands down her arms, "And we'll talk as much as possible over the next couple of months… and then…" his voice trailed off. "Then we'll figure this out when I come home," she finished. Hotch nodded.

Emily watched as he walked to the lounge to get his coat. She ran her hands up and down her arms, already cold from the lost contact. He walked back to her and she took his hand. She grabbed her keys and the baby monitor from the kitchen counter and led him out the door and down the steps to the curb. He paused at the bottom of the steps.

"I guess this is goodbye," he said sadly. Emily put her arms on his chest and shook her head. "Not goodbye," she said, "See you soon." Hotch smiled and leant down to kiss her again. As they pulled back he smiled. "Wow, I didn't think I would ever get to do that," he sighed. Emily smiled and giggled. "Well… just think. When I get back to DC, you can do that… and more," she said, winking. Hotch laughed and raised his eyebrows. "Well… if that wasn't motivation enough," he said, smiling at her, "I'll call you tomorrow," he whispered as he brushed her hair back. She nodded and smiled back. "I love you," she said. "I love you too," he replied. He paused on the curb. "It's not too soon... is it?" he asked. Emily grinned and shook her head. "It's been three years Aaron. If you think this is too soon, you are crazy." Hotch nodded and ran over to her to kiss her again, before climbing into the car and driving away.

Emily sat on the steps of her building for a while, listening to the sounds of the city and remembering the feeling of being held by the man she loved… FINALLY!

A/N: And they made it! Finally! It's weird when you're writing these stories. You know that you've gotta add some sort of angst/drama/suspense. So you do, but then you get frustrated that they're taking so long to figure it out. The human mind is a vortex of crazy I swear to God.

As for the content, I know it seems sudden for him to be saying "I love you," but I figure he's been feeling that way for years, and hasn't moved on, so it doesn't feel inappropriate or fast. Let me know what you think.

Please Read and Review.