I've been trying to upload this for over a week - thank you so much for your kindness! I've wanted to say the next few chapters will be flashback focused to learn more about **my interpretation** of Hotch and Emily.

Working on shorter chapters and we're heading back to the present very soon... but only briefly!

Emily woke the next morning feeling sore. Her body felt tender and heavy. The events of the previous evening flickered in her mind like an old movie. She shivered and pulled the duvet around her body tight as if to protect herself. She remembered Hotch's gentleness as he helped her clean up. His hands were large and possessive, he made promises, and he made her laugh when she didn't think she would be able to.

'Hotch' she thought. They couldn't just turn around and go back to professional niceties. He had undressed her, had his hands where he shouldn't… he kissed her tummy for goodness' sake! 'Professional my ass!'.

Emily was amused at the thought of the ambassador having a hissy fit should her closeness to the agent in charge come to light. She glanced at the clock and saw that she had just under an hour before she was due to meet with her father. She had always been a daddy's girl; over her dead body would she be a mommy's girl.

When she moved to college, Emily and her father made a pact to meet for breakfast every Sunday whilst she was home. They'd met in his study where they would put the world to rights for a few hours before going about their respective days.

She kicked off the covers and could see two large feet at the end of her bed. Her eyes trailed up the legs and further up the body where she saw Hotch asleep. His head being propped up by the limb that was resting on the arm of the chair. 'He slept like that all night?' she winced inwardly. His neck won't forgive him.

She padded over to him and bent over to rest her hand on his knee.

"Hotch" she said quietly.

He muttered something and sighed. He looked so peaceful sleeping, she felt guilty for waking him up. The events of yesterday would have drained him also.

"Aaron, sweetie" she shook his knee, "It's time to wake up".

Hotch's eyes fluttered open and they adjusted to the bright morning light. He noticed a figure in front of him and he slowly sat up straight. His neck was stiff from the angle he'd fallen asleep at, but the memories of the night before rushed back to him.

"Emily! Are you alright? Are you in pain?" he worriedly asked, reaching for the hand on his knee. He needed to touch her as if feeling her skin on his would calm his worries.

"Shhh, I'm fine. It's morning. I need to get ready to meet my dad and you need to get ready for work" she said with a sad smile.

He breathed a sigh of relief in knowing she was alright. The bruising on her face was harsh in colour compared to her skin tone. His brows pinched together.

"Wait, how are you going to explain this to your dad?" Hotch asked. He knew if this was his daughter, he wouldn't rest until he'd done the same to the perpetrator.

Emily let go of his hand and moved between his legs to sit on his lap. She curled up into him and they fit together perfectly. To her delight, his arms immediately wrapped around her; protective.

Hotch rested his face against the top of her head as she rubbed his chest though his t shirt. The smell of strawberries flooded his nose and he nestled further into the chair with her in his arms.

"I'm just going to tell him the truth. I trust my father - he doesn't have these ridiculously high expectations of me. He just lets me be me" she said into his chest.

"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked now looking down at her.

Emily raised her head and their eyes met, as if two worlds collided. Ying to the yang, like a summer's day needed the rain. He was gorgeous, she was stunning.

She wasn't sure if it was the way he looked at her or the sincerity in his question, but she looked at him as he titled his head lower. Emily watched in shock as he sat up just enough to close the space between them, his lips landed squarely on his.

He was a little hesitant at first, simply resting his lips against hers taking in their softness, their fullness. Emily's hand balled into a fist against his shirt as she stretched up to kiss him back, firmly pressing her lips against his, letting him know this was more than ok with her.

Hotch relaxed, taking a deep in through his nose. Their lips parted for a moment before he dove in for more.

A groan thundered in his chest as she cradled his lower lip between hers. Her tongue swept across it before she sucked on the plump flesh to draw it into her mouth. With his lips still parted, Hotch replaced his lip with his tongue, slipping it past her teeth in search for something more.

Their noses brushed as Hotch turned his head, once against deepening the kiss. He searched every crevice of her mouth, his tongue gliding along the back of her teeth. Her hand had made its way up his chest to his face where she scratched the stubble forming on his jaw. She giggled softly and sucked on his tongue, loving the deep groan that left his throat.

The need for air pulled them both out of their trance.

"Wow" he breathlessly said.

Emily's hand moved to his hair and played with the ultra-soft, thick locks. She looked at him through hooded eyelids, completely content.

"You really need to shave" she said rather bluntly.

"That's it? That's all you can say?" he replied a little stunned. Emily rolled her eyes.

"You're a really good kisser" she smiled at him and pressed a searing kiss to his lips, "but you still need to shave". Hotch rolled his eyes and watched her hips sway as she moved from his lap and graciously walked over to her wardrobe scanning for something to wear. 'A dress perhaps?' she questioned the outfit choices as she moved the hangers from one side to the other.

Hotch had gotten up too and stalked his way over to where she was stood. She held a maxi skirt against her hips and turned in the mirror to preview her choice. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, craning his head over her shoulder to look at her in the mirror.

"Aaron!" she giggled as his stubble roughened cheek grazed her neck.

He nuzzled into her jaw and her neck; she could feel him breathe against her sensitive skin. 'God, she smelt good'. He placed wet kisses up neck and then whispered in her ear.

"You'll look amazing no matter what". He felt her shiver at the contact of his breathe and unwrapped his arms from around her waist.

"I'll see you later" he shot her a heart stopping smile and left her alone to change with nothing but thoughts of skirts, cuddles, and mind-blowing kisses.

Emily walked with her arm linked with her dad's as they entered the house through the patio door. They'd had breakfast, Emily explained what had happened with Agent Barnes the previous night and they proceeded to talk about everything and nothing before ambling around the grounds.

They spoke in hushed voices as the downstairs of the house echoed terribly. As they walked together towards the den, Hotch had left the ambassadors office and almost knocked into the father-daughter pair.

"Oh, excuse me. Mr Prentiss, Miss Prentiss, good morning" he nodded to the elder.

"Hi Hotch, sleep well?" Emily asked sweetly. 'Minx' he thought.

"Yes, thank you. You did too, I trust?" he played along as if he didn't spend the night in her room.

Before she could entertain a response, Anthony spoke up "Agent, I believe you and I need a little chat. Care to schedule something, sooner rather than later"? the senior was charming as usual but there was an unsettling edge to his voice.

"Yes, of course, sir, how is 6 o'clock this evening?" Hotch offered.

"That works. I'll leave you two to it then. I'll see you this evening, agent… Have a good day, my princess" he glanced at the brunettes before he kissed Emily on the cheek and nodded to Hotch and he strolled to the den.

Hotch and Emily looked around each other before speaking.

"W-why does your father want to speak to me? Did you say something about us? Hotch rambled on completely panicked.

"I'm not stupid, Hotch, of course not! I told him about Barnes and said you helped me with my injuries. I told him I was grateful for you looking after me" she said shyly. 'She was so cute!'

"He probably just wants to talk to you about Barnes, nothing more." Emily veered off.

Hotch sighed in relief.

"So, I was thinking maybe we should go on a date? Say 8 on the roof?" she suggested to him seeing him calm.

"How are we going to get up there?" his heart rate increased at her question.

"You know the cupboard by my mom's office?"

"Yeah?" he stated.

"That's an emergency staircase" she said like should have been obvious.

"I thought it was just a cupboard" he was confused, surely Agent Buchanan would have mentioned this.

"Nothing is 'just' about this place." She shook her head, "Didn't Rich leave you a floor plan?".

"Yes, but I haven't really had time to look at it… But I'll meet you up there tonight then" he smiled at her; excitement coursed through him. 'A date with Emily'... His insides fluttered with nerves and excitement.

"See you at 8, Hotch" she smiled back, and they headed off in opposite directions of the house.

The day flew by and 8pm was here.

Hotch climbed the metal stairs and pushed open the steel door. The crunch of gravel beneath him with every step he took drowned out the evening noises, and the sun had almost set. The view was spectacular, he could see the entire estate. It was marvellous when you were walking around but from the roof, it could be appreciated on another level.

He staggered along where he saw a small fold up table and two chairs. On top of the table, he noticed candles had been lit were lit, a small board sporting different cheeses and breads, and two wine glasses. He grinned at the gesture. A voice startled him.

"Agent Hotchner"

If auditory line ups were a thing, he could pick her out every time.

Hotch looked over his shoulder to find Emily in a white blouse, unbuttoned just above her breasts – no doubt for his benefit – and black leather trousers. Her hair in loose curls and scarlet lipstick. 'She's taller' he thought. His eyes scanned her from hairline to toes to find she was wearing black heels to finish her ensemble.

"Emily, you look… I don't even know how to begin. You're incredible. Come here." a hint of emotion laced his voice. He took her hand in his when she stepped forward at his request.

"Stunning" he whispered and kissed her cheek.

Emily blushed and hid her face in his shoulder before pulling back to look at him.

"And you look very handsome. Thank you for shaving" she giggled.

Hotch chuckled and they made their way to the table.

"How did it go with my father?" Emily asked as she sat on the chair, he had pulled out for her.

"It was fine. He wanted to confirm what you had told him; I saw Barnes leave the kitchen and I reviewed security footage this morning; it is clearly him so at least he can be placed in the same location." Hotch answered briefly and continued.

"Mr Prentiss asked for a copy of the footage and any documentation I had on Barnes, y'know feedback sheets and shift schedules. I'm not sure what he needs it for though. Your father is a sweet, elderly Englishman". He said again, still baffled by the request from Anthony.

Emily bit her lip, internally debating whether to let him in on her father's secret. 'Screw it, she could explain it away later'.

"What do you know about international intelligence transfers" she asked.

Hotch was taken aback by the random question.

"Uhhh nothing really. I don't need to know, I'm not international" he shrugged in reply.

Emily raised her eyebrows waiting for him to realise where this was going.

Hotch nodded and closed his eyes as the thought occurred to him. "But your father is...' he trailed off.

"In a nutshell, he met my mom whilst she was in London. At the time he worked with British intelligence services, he was brilliant and a Politian's son. He fell in love with my mom and followed her here, gave up his own father's dream for love. He became an American citizen and after years of negotiations, he landed a job with the CIA. It's been 3 years since he retired" She stated as if the news was a general knowledge fact.

Hotch felt laughter rising in his throat.

"Are you joking? Sweet Englishman is an ex- spy?" he let go and laughed when Emily nodded.

"I had no clue. I obviously need to work on reading people" he said.

"Maybe you should think about joining the BAU?" Emily suggested as she tore some bread.

"Yeah... Maybe, I will..." Hotch replied, intrigued by the idea.

/

They talked for hours. Hotch spoke fondly of his mother and brother, Anna and Sean. He told Emily of how when he was 8, his mother left his father, and they went to live with his grandparents. He was close to his grandfather and eventually become close to his mother. Hotch didn't mention his father only that they hadn't spoken in years. He told Emily stories of his time at college and favourite musicians.

"My favourite concert was definitely last year. I took Mom to see Fleetwood Mac in LA" he spoke with a twinkle in his eye.

Emily would happily admit that if she wasn't smitten with Hotch before, she was completely and utterly now. Everything about him left her wanting more; when he stopped talking, she wanted more of his voice, when he looked away from her, she willed him to look back at her and those little touches constantly, left her aching. She noticed very quickly that Hotch loved to touch. Whether he was holding her hand or played a game of footsie. When she let go of his hand to tie her hair up, he immediately rested his palm on her leg. No matter what he had to touch her.

"I don't think you're old enough to drink that" he nodded to the glass of wine as she brought it to her lips.

"Are you going to arrest me?" she asked with a seductive sparkle to her eye.

"No, of course not. I forgot to bring a capri sun for you to have, my apologies" he joked.

"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, Agent Hotchner" she said emotionless.

"Yes, you're right. I'm sorry… I'll remember the capri sun next time" He replied.

Emily laughed and slapped his chest.

Hotch enjoyed the silliness he could freely express when he was around her. She seemed to enjoy having banter and it put him at ease.

He listened intently when she spoke of the travelling, she had done. Stories from places he could only dream of visiting and plenty of suggestions for holidays in the future. Emily spoke fondly of Europe. She didn't talk much about her time in Italy, in fact her voice flattered, and she glazed over it as if she didn't live there for a time. She loved France.

"Dad and I used to visit this tiny little bookstore every Sunday and, on our way, home, we'd collect a fresh baguette to have with dinner from the nearby bakery" her eyes lit up.

Hotch had learnt that Emily was a big foodie. She was keen to try everything and by the sounds of it, bread was the key to her heart.

They decided to call it a night when they saw the candles had almost completely burnt out. Hotch hadn't remembered having a date where he'd enjoyed himself this much. Unbeknownst to him, Emily was thinking the exact same thing.

They stood from their chairs and walked together to the door leading from the roof.

"So, can I see you tomorrow?" Hotch asked playfully, knowing he was going to see her tomorrow.

"Maybe" Emily replied.

"Miss Prentiss, are you being coy?" he asked deciding to humour her, his voice deepened as he leaned closer to her face.

"Maybe" she said again with a bright smile.

"Well, I might have something for that" he replied and leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss.

Hotch knew how to use his mouth. The kiss was like before, firm but tender, demanding but not intrusive. Emily melted into him as threw her arms around his neck, hands immediately gripped hair. He groaned into the kiss as his tongue slipped past those marvellous red lips again. His hands found their place on her hips, low enough that his fingers rested splayed on her toned ass.

Emily was on fire as the feel of his hands. She fought for dominance and familiarised herself with his mouth.

Their make out session came to a screeching holt when they heard a window shut below them. Hotch rested his forehead against hers and continued to press soft kisses to her lips until she chuckled at his sweetness.

"Apparently, I need to accompany you to a wedding next weekend? You know anything about that?" he asked as he nuzzled his nose against hers.

"Yes, the Ambassador spoke with me this morning. It's a family wedding but I need to represent our family because I'm not high profiled. It's a distant cousin so it's no biggie, you could be my date rather than my bodyguard" Emily suggested.

"I'm not your bodyguard Em. I'm just here, with you" Hotch replied. Truthfully, he didn't know what they were. Were they dating?

"That's good enough for me." She smothered the back of his hair and leaned up to press a final kiss to his lips before they went back into the house.

Whilst the house was asleep, two adults remained awake thinking of the person next door. Hotch and Emily laid awake separately wondering about the wedding they were due to attend. Emily's suggestion that he be her date filled him with excitement. They eventually fell asleep and dreamt about each other.

Thank you so much! New chapter coming soon...