Part 2

Disclaimer: I wish, but no, don't own the characters/show.

Author's Note: Many thanks for all the great feedback! Hope you enjoy Part 2 just as much!

But before she can make contact with the stairs below a sharp, harsh pain shoots from her shoulder, and she stops mid-fall.

"Hotch…"

He's grabbed her arm at the last possible second, the pain telling her the force of the jerking stop has probably dislocated her shoulder, but she's alive, and all thanks to him.

"I've got you."

But for how long? She wondered. She could feel his grip slipping even then, his own precarious position not lost on her as he braced himself against the last few steps with his legs and free hand.

"Grab my other hand, I'll pull you up."

"Hotch-"

"No arguing, Prentiss, just do it!"

She swallows and nods, grabbing his proffered hand with her own, her grip tight.

"Okay, one, two, three!"

She tries to help as best as she can, but ultimately it's up to Hotch to pull her up until she can get a foothold.

She does, and the added strength pushes them forward, away from the chasm below. But neither of them relaxes until they reach the landing just above the stairs, holding onto each other as they scramble to get out of danger.

Once in relative safety, however, he doesn't let her go, and she admits she doesn't want him to as she clings closer, Kevlar and all.

Even through the vest she can hear the frantic beating of his heart, and she knows hers must be beating a similar tempo as she practically lies on top of him. Not that he seems to mind. In fact, quite the contrary, as one of his hands remained entwined in her hair while the other held tight around her waist.

But then she hears the all too familiar click of a gun, and she tenses at the same time he does.

"Son of a-"

"Watch your language, G-Man, you're not the one with the gun. Sorry to break up your cuddle-time, but I really would like your lady's piece as well."

"I lost it when I fell."

It's not a lie; she and Hotch had had their weapons drawn since they'd chased Cole into the building. Hotch must have dropped his when he'd grabbed her, hence the predicament that now faced them. Said gun shakes in Cole's hands, and she knows they don't have much time left. This guy was cracked long before they found him.

She knows Hotch knows this too, which is why when Cole demands they get up and kneel before him Hotch angles his ankle just so for easy access.

A quick shot to Cole's leg to neutralize him and she covers Hotch this time as an answering shot echoes through the stairwell, she hears it hit a wall behind them. After she does she pushes herself back, and Hotch quickly lifts himself up to make sure the now writhing in agony Robert Cole is fully disarmed and then cuffed.

The rest of their team arrive, of course, seconds later, and the fire department is brought in to get them down. She claims to be fine climbing the ladder by herself, and she manages through gritted teeth, but the minute they're all on solid ground and Cole is in custody Hotch leads her to the medics. He uncharacteristically sticks around as they examine her rather than deal with the dog and pony show that these arrests become, and she can't help but appreciate his company as after too much poking and prodding she's told what she already assumed. Dislocated shoulder, hospital visit required.

And Hotch shows no sign of leaving her side, another unusual action for him. Did he feel guilty because his catching her had caused the injury? She certainly wasn't complaining, he'd saved her life. But then she thought back to when she'd been about to fall, how determined he was not to lose her, willing to risk himself to save her, how he'd held on to her afterwards, it all went way beyond the usual concern for one's partner. Granted their team was family, but still-

Men like Aaron Hotchner only act that way for one reason, and suddenly she doesn't know if she wants him to go or stay.

But as they packed her up on the gurney and into the vehicle, Hotch took the decision out of her hands, following close behind and helping one of the medics shut the doors behind them.

He settles on one of the benches beside her, his hand resting on her good shoulder as they pick up speed. She hesitates at first, but then reminds herself of just what she'd realized mere minutes before, and reaches to grip his hand with her own, testing the waters.

And if she didn't know better she could have sworn he smiled for a split second before gripping her hand even tighter, his eyes when they meet hers warm, affectionate even. Her breath catches in her chest before she meets that gaze with one of her own, equal in tenderness but with more than a touch of wonder.

He doesn't let go of her until they reach the hospital, his thumb running across the top of her hand in calming circles for the entire ride.