Episode: Brothers in Arms

"Damn you."

Hotch looked up to see Emily leaning in the doorway of his office, arms crossed, smirking at him. He lowered his pen, tipping his head to the side, eyebrow raised.

"Hello to you too. What are you doing here so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing," She replied, crossing the room and sitting in the chair across from Hotch's desk.

"You could, but it'd be pointless. I have more reason to stay after late than you."

"Oh yeah, I have hundreds of thousands of suitors just clamoring to get their hands on me," Emily replied, sarcastically.

"I wouldn't be surprised," He rumbled, looking back down to his paperwork as Emily furiously tried not to blush.

"Well, be that as it may, I wanted to check up on you." At his puzzled expression Emily continued on, trying to keep her voice steady.

"You did almost die today."

"No I didn't, we had the profile correct and I was never in any real danger." Hotch dismissed, easily. It wasn't until a few seconds later that his head snapped up as he grasped what she was saying.

"Emily... were you worried about me?"

Emily glanced away, out the window. She didn't want to talk. Not so soon after the last case. They were getting too close, private and professional lines blurring. Emily was worried, unsure of where it would lead them and if she was ready.

"Emily?"

"Never mind, Hotch, its fine." Emily murmured, ignoring the screaming voice in her head that told her she should talk to him.

"Emily, whatever it is that's bugging you isn't fine. Talk to me, I'm here," She scanned his eyes, all pretenses of work forgotten as Emily took a deep breath.

"I was scared for you. When you and Morgan went up first and you were the first inside... I was genuinely afraid. And then with the UNSUB following you. Hotch, he came within about 3 feet of you and you almost died!" Emily slumped back chewing on the inside of her cheek. "I think I'm losing my objectivity."

"Emily..."

"I know, I was right there but I was so close to shooting him or shouting for you to be careful. I don't know what to do."

"We have to remember that both of us are careful, competent people. I can take care of myself, you can take care of yourself." Hotch's lips were pressed into a thin line and Emily glanced away again, reprimanding herself for staring at his lips.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I think I may go home now," She added, standing.

"Don't be sorry. And I'll walk you out."

Emily just dipped her head as she stepped out of his office, walking down the steps to her desk to retrieve her things. Hotch's presence behind her while she went about the mundane task of getting her stuff together was reassuring.

Maybe, Emily thought to herself as the two made their way to the elevator, Hotch hitting the lights as they left, that's all I need. Just a little bit of reassurance.

Shoelaces – The Submarines