Prologue
It was difficult to imagine anything further than the waning six hour timeframe before them. They both knew their careers were roadblocks to anything long-lasting but the intensity of emotions restrained for so long were raging for release. Additional impetus to the sudden change in their outlook was an invisible neon sign brightly proclaiming "FRATERNISATION: AN OPTION". Could they imagine a Hotch and Emily outside of a BAU existence? Could they consider the possibility of being in this moment, towards, having a moment?

"As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women." Song of Solomon 2:2

The drive from the building parking lot was tense with silence. There was an unspoken question haunting both their minds. "Where do we go from here...with this...with the time left?"

As Hotch neared the Hotel Monaco, his hands gripped the wheel tighter, a symbolic expression of his desire to not release the chance to be with her. He pondered his next move. Dropping her off at the hotel, with the promise of returning to pick her up would speak volumes of timidity and not desire; however, broaching the option of drinks, when they were going to be drinking with the team was a clear indication of desperation.

Her next words surprised him out of his uncertainty and he realised with definite peace that six hours was enough time to give, take and make love.

'You know, if you have your go bag, you could get ready here instead of heading out and then coming back for me?' She had spoken with finality in her voice, but the sudden bulge to her eyes was his clear indication that she was more shocked than he was at her forward suggestion.

He decided not to leave her on the limb of doubt and fear, and calmly responded "Logistically that makes sense."

She smiled and was glad for the interruption of the valet who appeared at Hotch's door. They disembarked and went to retrieve their bags from the back of the vehicle. Ever the gentleman, Hotch took his and her bag in hand allowing her to proceed him to the elevators. As the doors closed, creating an enclave of opportunity, they also felt the enslaved feeling of wantonness spinning a web around them. This wasn't adultery, it wasn't unrequited love and it certainly wasn't immorality for a handsome man and a beautiful woman to be willing to take the chance of being each other's comfort, yet each breath they took, breathed feelings of betrayal and thoughts of duplicity.

"I know." she said out loud.

"I understand." He responded.

They chuckled at their unspoken conversation, rhythmic of the synchronized way they had moved previously on cases. They spared each other sideway glances of mirth and humor as the elevator proceeded upwards. The weight of thoughts unspoken and words left unsaid slid away with the opening of the elevator doors and the walk to her room were steps of confidence buoyed by feelings of togetherness. When she closed the room door behind them, the enslaved feelings were gone and an enchanted emotion took over.

"Do you want something to drink?" she asked as she saw the tray of beverages on the settee at the bed.

"Sure water would be fine" he answered.

She poured the liquid into the tumbler and handed it to him as he positioned himself on a couch chair by the windows. Distance would not accomplish what they desired and so she seated herself at the couch chair next to his. They looked out at the street below, with the people bustling to and fro.

"How's Jack?" she ventured.

"He's good." Hotch responded "I'm enjoying watching him grow up. It gets a bit overwhelming at times but I'm certainly grateful for the support I get from the team and Hailey's sister." He concluded, sliding further into the chair. He lay his head back and inhaled deeply. Fatigue was a natural part of their existence but she knew that this action was an expression of relaxation rather than fatigue.

"And how's London." He countered, opening his eyes and staring intently at her.

She opened her mouth to respond and in her Emily way, she started speaking in a monotonous tone, trailing off in mid-sentence, followed by sudden bursts of further explanation, with hints of sarcasm. There was only so much she could really share about her role and her teams at Interpol and he didn't want her to feel obligated to share more than she could. He was simply happy to be with her, alone, listening to her face to face, rather than over the computer or over the phone.

He didn't realise that he was staring at her lilywhite complexion with fascination, until she tilted her head sideways with a questioning look on her face.

"Am I rambling?" she asked with a crooked smile.

"No, not at all." he answered and returned with a smile of his own. She analysed that this was not the smile he used for members of his team. It was open, unreserved, reaching his eyes and touching her soul. It was a lover's smile, tender and genuine. She slid further into the chair, pulling her knees to her chest and placing her left hand under her head. She looked soft and delicate, like a lily, encased in an oriental material.

"What about Blake?" she asked "How's she as a team member?" she continued.

He heard her unspoken question– 'Is she as good a team member as I was? Have I been easily replaced?' He chose his next words carefully.

"She's good. She adds a great deal of knowledge to the team. Of course, you must know that if you wanted to come back…"

"I know." She interjected, nodding her head. Her statement seemed to close the chance of him declaring the mountains he would move to have her and so he decided to approach the topic from a more direct angle.

"Do you want to come back?"