On the flight to the funeral, Aaron mentally brainstormed about the sanctions required by each of the rules he was breaking. He was using the Company jet, Company time, and Company SUVs. And to top things off, he had included Will and Henry, who weren't covered by the Company insurance policy. But he had no choice. He promised Emily that J.J. would come too, that was before he spoke with J.J. and found out it was her and Will's anniversary weekend.

Fortunately, though, the whole team was staying at Emily's grandpa's estate, so no need to run up the Company's bill any further by booking a hotel. How's that for saving tax-payer dollars?

Aaron was practically making himself sick with these thoughts. But he preferred these thoughts because, quite frankly, the alternative scared the crap out of him. The alternative was to start deciphering the why. Why had he gone to such lengths for Agent Prentiss? Why was he so nervous now, just moments from seeing her? No, he wasn't ready to start thinking about any of that.

It was a twenty minute ride from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to the Prentiss estate in ranch country. From the passenger seat Rossi commented on the beautiful landscape and scenery, but Hotch remained silent and austere behind the wheel. Rossi quietly studied the Unit Chief's demeanor.

"Are you sure you're okay, Aaron? You look, I don't know, on edge."

"I'm, fine, Dave," he responded curtly. "It's just that, well, I can think of a hundred better uses for our time and resources."

Dave frowned and said, "Oh, yeah? Name one." In the back seat, Spencer and Derek grew silent, picking up on the confrontational tone of voice. After a moment's silence, Dave chided, "You know, Aaron, that's cold, even for you. This is Emily, and quite frankly there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be than by her side when she needs us most."

An uncomfortable silence filled the SUV for the remaining fifteen minutes of the ride. They finally arrived and the estate gates opened to let the two black vehicles through. As they approached the house, Hotch's heart nearly stopped when he spotted Emily in the group gathered out front. Her simple black dress gave her the appearance of a fragile porcelain doll, rather than the deadly Agent who could wield a Glock like a toy. The SUVs pulled up to the gravel cul de sac and parked.

He took his time exiting the car. He went to the trunk to pull out his go-bag, stalling the greeting because he had no idea what to say or how to feel. He and Emily had spoken through the night until sunrise. It had been wonderful! But just now it occurred to him how inappropriate that had been. What if she was angry at him? She had every right to be, he had preyed on her while she was in a vulnerable state. What kind of man are you, Aaron Hotchner?

"Hotch!" called Spencer. "Come on, we're just in time for the funeral."

Hotch followed Spencer to a car in the procession. Emily had already gotten into another one with J.J., Will, and Henry. On the short ride to the cemetery Spencer filled him in on the statistics of bereavement. Turns out it's a lot easier for the family to cope when they are surrounded by family and friends at the funeral.

"I never know what to say at a funeral," confessed Hotch.

"You don't have to say anything," assured Spencer. "It's your presence that counts."

Hotch felt better after that conversation. He was surprised that Reid, of all people, was the one to help him through this. But such is the nature of comfort-it comes from the most unexpected places. Aaron stepped out of the car and headed straight to the family seated in a row in front of the coffin. He took a moment to observe the beautiful wreaths placed on the regal black coffin. Then he extended a warm handshake and a sincere "Sorry for your loss" to each family member, hyper aware of Emily's spot. When he reached her, he took her hand in both of his and said, "I'm very sorry for your loss, Emily."

"Thank you, Aaron," she said, but her eyes were hidden from him behind her dark sunglasses. He had no way of knowing what she was thinking or feeling.

The service was simple and brief. At some point Hotch stood behind Emily and shaded her from the sun with his umbrella. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder and she covered his fingers with hers. She pressed his hand every now and then, but she didn't shed a single tear.

After the service the team met under the shade of an ancient oak. Emily was the last to arrive and Spencer took the lead. "How are you, Em?"

"I'm fine," she said out of habit. And she sighed deeply.

"You know, I don't think you are," said Spencer matter-of-factly. "You are at your lowest point right now, but, statistically speaking, I think this will help." And in front of the dumb-founded team he pulled her into his arms and kissed her good and hard.

It happened so quickly that Hotch thought he had imagined it.

"How do you feel now?" asked Spencer.

"Better!" she laughed her confession and the whole team let out a delayed reaction. Their somber attitude turned into celebration as they teased a blushing Emily and expressed their awe at the bold Dr. Spencer Reid. When he started blurting out facts on the benefits of funeral sex, Emily immediately said, "Don't get carried away, Spencer. You and I are not…" she couldn't even finish the statement.

"Hey, you can't blame a guy for trying!" said Derek. "Come here, lover boy. I think I was wrong about you." He put an arm around Spencer's shoulder and led him to the car. Emily followed with Will and J.J. and she laughed when Henry asked, "Why was Uncle Spencer kissing you, Aunty Emily?"

Hotch thought he had stayed behind alone but he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Swindled by a kid!" laughed Rossy.

"Pardon?" asked Hotch.

"I said you got swindled by Dr. Spencer Reid and his statistics."

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said and he started walking to the car.

"Maybe not," said Rossy. "But all that talk of funeral sex made sense to me. You should watch the kid closely tonight!"

And Hotch quickened his pace. He wasn't about to let Spencer out of his sight, not even for a minute!

The End

I hope you enjoyed that!