It's a few hours after the funeral when she makes her way up the path towards his front door. She's not even sure he'll feel up to having company but she's hoping the bottle of scotch in her left hand will maybe increase her chances of getting through the front door and ensuring that he's not alone. She quickly knocks on the front door and waits for a few moments before it opens to reveal him standing; her heart aches as she takes in the sight before her, he looks like he hasn't slept in days.

'I figured that maybe you shouldn't be on your own right now.' She says.

'And I brought alcohol. Everything is a bit easier with some good alcohol.' She adds holding up the bottle and watching a small smile appear on his face. He steps to the side and holds the front door open allowing her to make her way into the house before he closes the door behind her. She kicks her shoes off pushes them to the side before following him through to the kitchen.

'I would ask how you are doing but that's just a stupid question at a time like this, isn't it? I'll never really understand why people ask that.' She says shaking her head as he sets two glasses out in front of her and watches her pour the scotch.

'Thank you for coming...' He replies and she nods her head.

'To Carolyn.' She says softly as they clink their glasses together before taking a drink.

'To Carolyn.' He almost whispers.

'I heard you had dinner with a certain little Hotchner, how did that go?' Rossi asks smiling.

'Oh it was great. He was so excited, bless him. It was great for a while to just feel normal and for him to treat me as if I'd just been away on holiday instead of looking at me like I was gonna break.' Emily replies.

'What do you mean?' He asks.

'Well you've got Morgan who still looks at me like he was the one who stabbed me and then there is JJ, who despite knowing that I was alive the whole time, still looks at me like I'm gonna disappear at any given minute... Don't get me wrong, I get it. Those seven months must have been so, so awful but I just- I don't really know how to settle again.' She admits shrugging her shoulders.

'How are the nightmares? Are they still bothering you?' He asks and she nods her head.

'Mmm... I think that sleep I got here the other week & when I stayed at JJ's was some of the best I've had in seven months. I know he's dead but I just- I think having you guys around makes me feel safe.' She admits.

'You're more than welcome to stay any time you want. This house has plenty of room.' He says causing her to smile slightly.

'Thank you. I had my first therapy appointment today.' She replies.

'And how did that go? If you don't mind me asking?' He asks.

'It was okay, I guess... It's just not something I'm used to, opening up about how I'm actually feeling.' She admits and he nods his head.

'It'll get easier.' He replies.

'I hope so.' She says softly as he refills their glasses.

'I've actually started looking at houses, maybe putting down some proper roots here now that I'm back.' She says.

'Yeah? That's a good idea. Somewhere for you to call home.' He replies.

'Are you drunk?' Hotch asks as Emily makes her way into the bullpen.

'I'm not drunk. I'm not sober but I'm definitely not drunk.' She replies causing him to shake his head.

'Sleep it off on the plane and get some water into your body, okay? I need you to be sober when we land. Where were you anyway?' He asks.

'I went to check on Rossi... Took a bottle of scotch, figured he needed a friend.' She replies causing him to smile.

'How is he doing?' He asks.

'He's doing okay, I think. He had much more scotch than me so be glad he isn't here for this one as I don't think some sleep and water would sober him up.' She replies.

'The others will be here shortly... Do you want a coffee? I have mints in my office if you want one?' He asks.

'Is that you tell me I stink?' She asks tilting her head to the side.

'Not at all. I'm just offering.' He replies smiling.

'Coffee and mints sound good... Although not together.' She says causing him to laugh.

'Mints are on my desk. Go grab one, I'll put on the coffee.' He replies and she nods her head. He watches as she slowly makes her way up to his office before turning to go make them both a coffee. Despite being one of the lucky few who knew she was alive the entire time, he can't even begin to explain how hard the past seven months have been; there were times when all he wanted was to phone and chat to her but he knew that he had to keep her alive.

Stretching her arms above her head, she sighs as she pushes herself into a sitting position and glances around the plane. The rest of the team are sleeping, aside from Hotch who's sitting at the opposite end staring down at his phone. Quietly she grabs a bottle of water and makes her way over to sit down opposite him.

'Hey... Thank you.' She says softly causing him to look up at her.

'For what?' He asks.

'For not sending me home tonight even though you knew I had been drinking.' She replies.

'You weren't drunk, Prentiss. If I had thought for a minute that you were drunk enough that it would hinder your ability to do your job, I would've sent you home without hesitation.' He says and she nods her head.

'I know... Where are we?' She asks glancing out the window at the darkness.

'Somewhere over Texas, I believe.' He replies and she nods her head. They sit in silence for a few moments until he places his phone down on the table and smiles over at her.

'Jack really loved having you over the other night. He hasn't stopped speaking about seeing you again and hearing all about Paris. In fact he told me that he'd quite like to visit Paris now.' He says causing her to smile.

'I loved spending time with him, with both of you... Paris really is beautiful, probably more beautiful when you're free to be who you actually are. You should take him.' She replies.

'I will. I don't know when but I will.' He says smiling.