I own nothing. All mistakes are mine. JJ/Hotch.

'New Year's Eve'

Jennifer Jareau was sitting on the porch, drinking her beer, as she watched the snow fall prettily to the ground. It was New Year's Eve and the team had decided to congregate at Rossi's for theme party with copious amounts of alcohol. Garcia made them abide by only two rules, get drunk and wear either black, white or silver. JJ was working on the drunk part now. She and Emily had decided to go with black attire, while Garcia went with silver. The men were all wearing a black and white combo, lack of originality there. It was an hour from midnight, the hour in which, generally, she'd be kissed by Will. She and Will had called it quits nearly a year ago and she wasn't sad about that. No, JJ had another man in mind to give her the midnight kiss she was yearning for. However, her man of choice, the illusive Aaron Hotcher had no clue. She had tried to let him know subtlety that she was interested in taking their friendship a step further and Hotch had seemed to appreciate her assets. She had seen him toss a few lingering glances her way when he didn't think she was looking. He had even taken her up on her dinner invitations, where they would stay out for at least two hours and drink wine together, completely at ease. He offered to drive her home from group night at the bar on at least three separate occasions yet he had never made a move or even spoke of anything other than friendship or worse, professionalism to her. JJ was beginning to think he just was not interested in her and although that broke her heart, she could handle it. She was a strong women, if Aaron Hotchner didn't want her, someone would. She suddenly had the thought of asking Morgan to take her home for some meaningless sex just so she would feel better. No, she was definitely on her way to too drunk if that had just crossed her mind. JJ was shook out of her foreboding thoughts by a cheerful Emily bouncing out the door to sit beside her, wearing Rossi's ridiculous top-hat.

Emily pulled her into a hug. "JJ, why are you out here moping? You're missing one hell of a party. Even Reid's dancing, and I was shocked but he's not so bad at it." JJ laughed at that and told Emily that she was not moping, she was contemplating.

Emily was not having it. "JJ, if you want him to know how you feel, you have to be direct, there's misletoe in there. Garcia put it everywhere imaginable. I've had to kiss Rossi and Morgan both twice. Hotch just needs a push."

JJ groaned. "Emily, what if that's not enough? What if he really just wants friendship and by kissing him I ruin whatever it is that we do have? I can't handle not having him in my life, even if it's just friendship. I love him too much."

Emily looked at JJ, shaking off some of her drunk haze. "You love him? I thought you just wanted to sleep with him. You know, the whole sleep with my boss fetish."

JJ laughed. "No, that's you Emily. Don't you try it, either."

Emily laughed with her. "I wouldn't dream of it. I couldn't have a relationship with Hotch, JJ, I'd kill him. He's not fun enough for me." JJ nodded at her with a small smile. "He's perfect for you though. I've watched you two, and he's interested, he's just not willing to make the first move. Also, I didn't tell you but I accidentally overheard Rossi getting Hotch to tell him that he thinks you're beautiful and any guy would be lucky to be with you." Emily fake whispered the last part to JJ.

JJ heart started pounding faster. "He said that about me? Maybe he does want to move our relationship beyond friendship." JJ started to stand up determined. She looked at her watch, she only had ten minutes until midnight. She was going to get that kiss. JJ suddenly turned back to Emily.

"Wait, how did you end up eavesdropping on Rossi's conversation with Hotch? Were you hiding outside the door?" JJ asked amused.

Emily blushed. "Well, not exactly. It was a phone conversation and let's just say I was in the room with Rossi catching up on lost time."

JJ squealed and pulled Emily into a hug. "You and Rossi, for real? I'm so happy for you Emily. You have to tell me everything. How is he in bed? Is everything they said about his package true?"

Emily smirked. "JJ! We can talk about this later. You only have five minutes! Go get your man! Oh, and JJ? The answer is yes." JJ threw two thumbs up at Emily and ran into Rossi's house. She was on the hunt for one damn good-looking, pain in the ass Unit Chief.

JJ spotted him, conveniently, standing next to some mistletoe. Thank god for Garcia, she was making this much easier on JJ. JJ made her way to him just as the Morgan, Reid and Garcia started the minute countdown. Hotch smiled up at her and wished her a happy new year's. JJ swallowed her nerve and just as the rest of her team members, including a reappearing Emily, erupted in cheers, she lunged at Hotch and kissed him for all she was worth. She was beyond thankful when he started kissing her back. The kiss was even better than she had thought it would be. After a minute they both pulled away.

"Hotch, before you say anything, I want to tell you that I didn't just kiss you because there's mistletoe right there or because it's just what you do at midnight. I kissed you because I've wanted to kiss you for months now, if not longer. I understand if you want to write this off on me being drunk, but I just thought I should let it out there. " JJ spoke quickly, preparing herself for a letdown.

Hotch brushed a stray piece of hair out of her face and placed his hand on both of her cheeks. He kissed her then, slow and lovingly, taking time to savor the kiss. JJ's face was flushed when he pulled away. Hotch thought she looked gorgeous.

"JJ, I've been too afraid to make the first move, and selfishly, I was hoping you would do it. Ever since I met you, you've filled a special place in my heart. First as a protegé, somebody I could teach and foster. Secondly, as a good friend, that I could rely on, have fun with, care about, and trust. Thirdly, as an equal, as someone I greatly respect both on the job and off." Hotch spoke sure of his feelings for the first time in a long time. JJ had stirred something in him that he had thought was long gone. It was as if he had been sprung alive again.

JJ bit her lip in anticipation. "And how do you feel now, Hotch?" Hotch grabbed her hand in his.

"Now, I couldn't imagine my life without you. I love you, Jennifer Jareau. I'm sorry it's taking me so long to do anything about it." Hotch stated sincerely. He looked at JJ who was smiling widely. She was about to say something when Emily walked up to them, still wearing the top hat. Emily was grinning almost wider than JJ, if that were possible.

"Finally! I've waited all damn night for you two to finally get it together. Hotch, that kiss was hot. I didn't think you had it in you." Emily stated as she slapped Hotch on the behind. Rossi joined them and pulled Emily into a kiss. Everyone looked shocked besides JJ who took a cue from Rossi and wrapped her arms around Hotch kissing him softly.

"I'm glad you thought I was worth taking a chance on JJ." Hotch said meaningfully to her.

"I wouldn't want it any other way." JJ answered, feeling the happiest she'd felt in a while. She'd finally found the guy that made her feel complete.