Note: This follows on from two chapters in my latest 30 day fanfic challenge, Photograph and Patient, but this seemed like the best place for it. It's probably fairly self explanatory but it would make more sense if you read those first.

Emily backs out of Torey's room quietly, pulling the door most of the way shut behind her. She leaves the hallway light on – Torey would never ask her to, but Emily knows she prefers it. She runs a hand through her hair, pads lightly down the stairs and picks up Sergio at the bottom, kissing the top of his head. He tolerates this, nuzzles into her neck for a moment before jumping for freedom. He waits for her on her desk, sitting up by her keyboard with his tail flicking. "I'm done for the night, handsome," she tells him, sitting down heavily on the sofa, clicking on the lamp and patting the space beside her. "No more work til the morning."

He stares at her for a few more seconds before coming to join her, slinking across the floor then jumping up beside her, flipping onto his back by her side, pawing her hand to make sure she gets the idea. She rolls her eyes and rubs his tummy, her eyelids heavy from a tough week with too much worry and not enough sleep. It's been a bad week for Torey after a couple of settled months. She's been told to expect this – backward steps are normal – but she can't say it doesn't hurt.

Her phone pings on the armrest and she reaches for it absently, Sergio pawing her again when her hand slows. An email from Hotch. I hear it's been a bad week. You know where we are – you're not alone, either of you. Movie night sometime this week? Jack has a new favourite – how does Torey feel about dinosaurs? Let me know. (It's up to you whether you read the attachment, but I thought you could use a reminder.) Aaron.

She smiles. Signing off emails with his first name is new. She taps the icon to open the attachment, and Sergio climbs into her lap, abandoning his attempts at restarting the tummy rub, and she settles a hand on his back.

To whom it may concern,

I have known Emily Prentiss for 5 years, having worked alongside her and as her supervisor in the FBI's Behavioural Analysis Unit. We are a close knit team, and I have been fortunate enough to get to know Emily well during this time.

Our job often involves working with child victims and witnesses, and Emily is our lead in these situations. She is an extraordinary advocate for children, and her commitment to their safety, wellbeing and sense of security is absolute. They trust her instinctively, because she treats them with respect and empathy. She has never hesitated to share her time, compassion and sense of fun with my son, and I trust her completely with him.

I can confirm that Emily is financially able to provide a comfortable life for a child, and know of nothing in her character or history that would prevent her from being a successful parent. Emily handles stressful situations with an extraordinarily level head and has proven herself to be a uniquely dedicated and compassionate individual. She is a pleasure to be around, with a strong, positive support system near her home, and I am delighted to know she is planning to become an adoptive parent.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Yours faithfully,

SSA Aaron Hotchner

She reads it, rereads it, stares at the screen until it blurs so much she can't decipher it. She wipes her cheeks with her sleeve, strokes Sergio with the other hand, and she thinks of Declan and Jack and Torey and the hundreds of pairs of hurt, frightened eyes she's looked into, and her heart warms and shatters a hundred times over. She thinks of I trust her completely with him, and before she's made the decision to do it she's found his number in her phone and pressed call.

"Hi."

"Thank you," she says quietly.

He's quiet for a moment, and when he replies his voice is measured, soft. "You're welcome. Is she sleeping?"

"Yeah. Right now. She hasn't slept through a night all week."

"It's normal."

"I know."

"Emily…"

She closes her eyes. "I'm okay," she says quietly.

"I don't think anyone feels qualified to be a parent," he replies, just as softly. "I know I don't."

She lets out a breath that's something like a laugh, and for a while they sit in silence, her phone pressed to her ear. "She likes dinosaurs," she says eventually. She hears a floorboard creak upstairs, listens for a moment. "She's coming downstairs. How's tomorrow for you and Jack?"

"Perfect. See you then."

She meets her daughter at the foot of the stairs, her hair rumpled on one side and her stuffed cat toy dangling by the tail at her side. "Mommy's bed tonight?" Torey mumbles, looking down at her feet.

Emily reaches out a hand and smooths her hair, the mommy still new and fresh and beautiful in her ears. "Of course, sweetheart. Don't worry, it's okay to ask."

"Sergio coming?"

"I'm sure we could tempt him."