Flashback

18 Months ago

The team had just gotten back to Quantico from Miami. It was a bad case. They entered the bullpen to see flowers on Emily's desk. The card confirming it was from her mum. Emily comments that she always gets flowers from her mum on her birthday. The team all said Happy Birthday to Emily.

"So Prentiss, what did you want to do on your birthday?" Derek asked.

"I want to go somewhere and dance...but I'm too tired to go anywhere."

"I'll dance with you here if you want Emily." Derek starts dancing around her.

"No thanks. I was thinking something a bit smoother."

Reid joins in the conversation, "I've read a few books on the techniques of ballroom dancing. I've always been fascinated with the exercise. I'd be glad to try a few moves with you."

"No Pretty Boy. Someone with practical experience would be better. Hey Rossi. Come dance with Prentiss." Derek calls out to the older profiler.

"Sorry Kid, Bad knee. Try Hotch." He walks back into his office, "But Happy Birthday Emily."

"Guys I'm tired, can't I just go home...or dance with JJ?"

"And have you step on my feet. Morgan, ask Hotch."

"Will do, Hotch, do us all a favour and dance with Prentiss for her birthday."

"Prentiss wants to dance with me on her birthday, hmmm, aren't you the resident dancer within the BAU?"

"But she doesn't want to dance with me."

"Listen, I'm heading home. A bottle of wine and hot bath awaits." Emily gets her jacket and bag and heads for the exit. "See you in the morning."

Catching her arm on her way out Hotch takes her jacket and bag and puts them on the nearest desk. He pulls Emily close, "Can I have this dance?"

Gracefully they waltz around the bullpen. Fitting together perfectly. The team watched in amazement at the two. For the next few minutes the world was a better place. A place where crime didn't exist.

"They look happy." JJ commented.

"Almost as if they have danced like this before." Rossi says, smirking as he headed for the door.

Flashback

15 Months ago.

Garcia was relentless. Mistletoe was everywhere. Derek was getting caught around every corner, normally by Garcia, but he didn't seem to really mind. Reid even got his fair share of kisses and Rossi was followed around constantly by admirers.

But her greatest success was the sprig she hung above the conference room door. With JJ as an accomplice everyone was notified about their meeting 5 minutes before Hotch or Emily was. It couldn't have been scripted any better. They arrived at the doorway together, politely gesturing for the other to enter first, when Garcia stood up.

"Sir Mistletoe! It's tradition. You need to kiss Prentiss. Sir."

Emily looks down. Embarrassed. Hotch tries to stare down Garcia. He was not winning. "Fine Garcia, but take down all Mistletoe after this meeting, understood?"

"Yes Sir."

Hotch turns to Emily. Cups her chin and lifts her face to look at him. Slowly he lowers his lips to cover hers. His other hand drops his briefcase and brushes his knuckles against her cheekbone. Their lips separate, but only for a moment. When they join again his tongue traces her lower lip seeking entrance.

Emily pulls away. Scared as she was beginning to enjoy the kiss too much. She looks into Hotch's eyes and smiles shyly. He looks at her, unsure of what just happened. He clears his throat, picks up his briefcase, and enters the room.

He sits down at the table. Emily opposite to him. JJ begins the presentation. He tries to concentrate but his mind, and eyes, keep wandering to her. After reprimanding himself internally her forces himself to pay attention – but then – did he just feel a foot run up his leg?

Flashback

12 Months ago

Emily is finishing up her paperwork. She is the only one remaining in the bullpen. She looks up to the mezzanine. His office light is still on. She decides no time is like the present. She casually walks up to his office – trying to calm down the nerves building.

"I have an answer for you." Emily speaks for the doorway.

"Really? I've been sitting up here afraid to leave this office in case you had an answer and it wasn't the one you were hoping for."

"Aaron, it was sudden, I'll admit that. We have only been together for 3 months. But you know something, I can't imagine anything else feeling so right so Aaron, I will marry you."

Flashback

3 Months ago

The wedding was beautiful. The reception, gorgeous. With the fairylights decorating the ceiling and the smiles on everyones faces made it a night to remember.

All their friends gathered around to see them off. A 2 week honeymoon awaiting them, they were blissfully happy.

They didn't see the drunk driver swerving on the other side of the road. Nor did they seem him turning straight towards them. The impact his the tail end of their car, spinning them around and landing them into a lightpole.

Emily remembered waking up in a hospital bed. JJ and Penelope by her side. Her first word, "Aaron."

"He is just with the doctor Emily. How is your head?" JJ asked concerned.

Emily felt her head and her fingers touched a bandage. That certainly explained the pain. Rossi entered the hospital. He looked worried.

"Emily, I have bad news. Aaron is going for a CT scan but apparently the bump to the head he got did a lot more than initially thought. Emily he doesn't remember anything."

Emily sat, shell shocked. Would he remember her? "JJ, take me to my husband."

Five minutes later Emily is walking down one of many identical corridors with Rossi and JJ at either side. Her paces begins to quicken when she hears his voice.

"Doctor, when can I get out of here?"

"Once we get your results back we can assess the damage. Hopefully your amnesia is only temporary. But I don't see the problem with you going home with your wife tomorrow."

"Look Doctor, do you know who I could talk to about organising different accommodation. I honestly don't remember getting married and don't really want to go home to a woman I don't know."

Yes Agent Hotchner. I'll get one of the hospital social workers to come and see you. I'll be back shortly when I've gotten your results."

"Thank you Doctor." It was then Aaron looked up and saw her. He didn't know who she was but he pain in her eyes troubled him. He then asked the unfortunate question, "Ma'am, do I know you?"

Emily fought back tears and simply nodded.