1. Birthright - Rossi
Rossi observed from the elevator as Emily strode purposefully after Aaron, her voice rising slightly as they entered the bullpen. He could see her gesturing animatedly, a mix of frustration and determination on her face. It was clear she was giving him a piece of her mind.
"I didn't think he was..." Reid began, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
"Didn't think he was, what?" JJ interjected, her curiosity piqued as she glanced between Reid and the direction where Emily and Aaron had gone.
Reid shrugged a hint of exasperation in his tone. "Still hung up on Mrs. Hotchner, I guess," he said, the weight of unspoken concern evident in his voice as he leaned back slightly in his chair, the discussion lingering in the air like a cloud.
"You notice it too?" Derek asked, leaning in closer.
He lowered his voice to ensure no one else could overhear their conversation. He watched Garcia with raised eyebrows, a hint of curiosity sparkling in his gaze.
"Notices what?" Garcia replied, tilting her head to one side, her expression a mix of confusion and intrigue as she adjusted her glasses.
Derek gestured subtly down the hallway, where Hotch and Prentiss were engaged in a serious discussion.
"Hotch and Prentiss," he explained, his tone conspiratorial.
"Ever since they took that semi-break from the team, it feels like Emily is the only one who can get him to listen to reason. It's like she's the only one who can cut through his walls."
Garcia's eyes widened in realization, a thoughtful frown forming on her lips as she contemplated their bond.
"You might be onto something there," she mused, glancing back at the pair, a mix of admiration and concern swirling within her.
"Well, let's just hope she can help him find some clarity and reason regarding what Haley is demanding in the divorce," JJ remarked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Suddenly, Emily's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Good news, everyone! Hotch is joining us!" she exclaimed cheerfully, her enthusiasm palpable as she glanced back towards the door.
Just then, Aaron Hotchner walked in, his expression decidedly less enthusiastic as he trailed behind Emily with a slight frown on his face.
"Let's just get this over with," he said, his voice calm but laced with a hint of annoyance.
Dave leaned against the wall, observing their dynamic. He noticed Hotch's hand gently resting on the small of Emily's back as they stepped into the elevator together, a touch that spoke volumes amidst the tension in the air.
Yeah, they have it bad, Dave thought, a knowing smile creeping across his face as he watched his colleagues.
The two were clearly more than just friends; given the circumstances, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth at their connection.
2. 52 Pickup - Reid
Spencer Reid was not typically attuned to the intricacies of his team members' personal lives; he often required direct communication to grasp such matters fully.
So, when he observed Aaron Hotchner discreetly trail behind Emily Prentiss as she made her way to the co-ed changing room, a flicker of curiosity ignited within him. Reid had always prided himself on his keen intellect, yet emotional subtext sometimes eluded him.
As he continued to watch, he couldn't help but notice Hotch's physical response. His boss's hands flexed and subtly tightened at his sides upon seeing Emily in that concise black dress spoke volumes.
Even the ordinarily stoic Hotchner seemed affected by the moment, his demeanour shifting ever so slightly. Reid felt an unusual pang of understanding wash over him; this was not merely about the undercover assignment—they were gearing up for something deeper, something unspoken that hung between them.
Intrigued, Reid began to connect the dots, wondering what emotions lurked beneath the surface of their professional facade.
As the airplane hummed steadily through the clouds, calm enveloped the cabin. Reid glanced over his shoulder to ensure that Hotch and Emily were asleep. They were leaning against each other, the comforting rhythm of the flight lulling them into a peaceful slumber. He turned to Rossi, seated beside him, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
With curiosity tugging at his mind, Reid lowered his voice slightly, careful not to disturb their colleagues. "Rossi, do you think Hotch and Em are… together?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Rossi raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback by the question. "No, kid. Why do you ask that?" he replied, genuinely puzzled.
Reid leaned in a little closer, the wheels in his mind turning as he recalled the peculiar interactions he'd observed.
"Didn't you notice how Hotch acted around Em and Viper during the mission? He seemed… different. More protective, maybe? Like there was an unspoken connection," he explained, his voice barely above a whisper yet filled with the intensity of his observation.
"Perhaps it all stemmed from Viper initially wanting Emily to go out with him. On the other hand, Hotch might have been trying to protect her from that situation," Rossi explains thoughtfully to the young man beside him.
Reid furrows his brow in contemplation.
"True, but doesn't it seem odd? Why are they leaning against each other as they sleep now?" he queries, his curiosity piqued.
Rossi turns his gaze toward Emily and Aaron, noting the serene scene before him. They rest entwined in a gentle embrace, their bodies naturally leaning into one another, creating a picture of unexpected intimacy amidst the chaos surrounding them. The peacefulness of their slumber adds another layer of complexity to the situation at hand.
"Well, I have been damn," Rossi said.
3. Exit Wounds - Derek
Derek silently mouthed the name 'Emily' when he heard Hotch mention it for the first time.
It struck him as significant, a moment etched into his memory. Their team dynamics had always been complicated, especially after Hotch adamantly declared that he wasn't involved with Reid.
This declaration set the stage for their upcoming accommodations during their latest case, which the team had come to accept with a mix of humour and resignation.
Reid and JJ shared a space furnished with two single beds in the assigned rooms. This setup suited Reid perfectly as he had taken on the role of Will's younger brother—a lighthearted nickname that had stuck among the team.
Meanwhile, he and Baby Girl—referring affectionately to Penelope Garcia—would be rooming together. She would insist that he take the floor while she claimed the bed. Derek was willing to make a compromise to be near her despite the discomfort.
Rossi, the senior member of the team, was granted his room because of his age, a fact that brought a knowing smile to everyone's faces.
And lastly, Hotch and Prentiss would be sharing a queen-sized bed, a choice that stirred quiet speculation among the rest of them. The arrangement was a testament to their peculiar camaraderie, one that balanced professionalism with a touch of playful banter.
"Did you hear how Hotch called Emily 'Emily'?" Reid inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice, as he and Derek approached Garcia and JJ, seated in the den.
"Did Hotch actually call her 'Emily'?" Garcia replied, raising her eyebrows in surprise as she leaned in closer, intrigued by the unfolding conversation.
"Yeah, you know, it makes you wonder if there's something more going on between them," Derek interjected, his tone playful yet suggestive as he engaged in the speculation.
Considering the implications, JJ said, "It would definitely explain why Emily hasn't been reaching out to Mick or why she's cancelling that date."
Her analytical mind was piecing together the clues as Reid nodded in agreement.
Rossi, Emily, and Hotch entered the den at that moment, instantly commanding attention.
The trio reminded everyone about their early morning briefing, emphasizing the importance of getting some rest to be sharp for the day ahead.
As they ascended the stairs, Rossi observed, glancing at the exchange between Hotch and Emily.
"Trust me, they aren't an item," he declared confidently, drawing the attention of his teammates.
"I asked Aaron point-blank, and he assured me that Emily has just been spending quality time with him and Jack."
With that, the team exchanged glances, the air thick with curiosity and a hint of playfulness, as they contemplated the nature of Emily and Hotch's relationship.
4. Minimal Loss - JJ
JJ stood in the corner of the area, her heart pounding as she watched Hotch's frustration boil over. The stern lines of his face were etched deeper as he snapped at the attorney general, his voice low but intense, conveying the urgency of their situation. She could see the tension in his posture; muscles coiled tight like a spring ready to explode.
Moments later, JJ shifted her attention as Hotch leaned closer to his phone, his expression softening slightly as he whispered urgently to Elizabeth. It was a promise—a vow to bring Emily back home safely. JJ could feel hope and dread swirling within her; the stakes were higher than ever.
As the hours dragged on, she felt a chill creep up her spine. The sounds of Emily's distress echoed through the room, and JJ watched as Hotch's composure began to fray. He clenched his jaw, his knuckles white as he held onto the phone like a lifeline. The pain in his eyes was palpable; it was as if a part of him was being hurt along with Emily.
When they finally learned Emily was on her way back, JJ's heart raced as she observed Hotch's reaction. He nearly dropped to his knees in a mixture of relief and exhaustion, a raw vulnerability breaking through his stoic exterior. It was a fleeting moment, but to JJ, it felt monumental—proof of how deeply he cared.
As they drove back to the hotel, JJ watched Hotch speak softly to Emily, his voice a gentle balm that reassured her. Emily leaned against him, her eyes weary but filled with gratitude. The sight warmed JJ's heart; it was clear how much comfort Hotch provided, a pillar of strength in a moment of chaos.
Once they landed, JJ observed Hotch as he led Emily toward her mother with a protective urgency. The reunion was poignant; love and relief flooded the small group as they embraced. JJ couldn't help but wonder about their bond.
Were they more than just friends? She pondered their connection as she saw Hotch walk alongside the Prentiss women, leaving the airport.
In that moment, she sensed something deeper lingered between Hotch and Emily, a relationship woven through shared experiences and unspoken promises.
5. Matching Colours - Garcia
Garcia has always noted a peculiar resemblance in how Prentiss and Hotch dress, often pointing out how their styles mirror each other. However, a more profound observation emerged after Haley and Hotch's separation.
It became increasingly evident that Emily and Hotch developed a tendency to wear matching colours when they were together.
For instance, if Emily chose to wear a vibrant shade of red, Hotch would invariably be seen in a similar hue, completing the unspoken style symmetry between them.
This pattern persisted over the years, remaining unchanged even after Emily's return to the team. Garcia couldn't help but marvel at how their wardrobes seemed to intertwine, creating an unintentional yet striking visual connection that spoke volumes about their relationship.
When Emily was assigned to a challenging case shortly after Derek's departure, excitement buzzed as she and her new partner, Tara, began to work together. As they reviewed the details, Tara couldn't help but notice the dynamic between Emily and their supervisor, Aaron Hotchner.
Curious, she leaned in and asked, "So, are you and Hotch together?"
Hotch, always the professional, responded calmly, "No, Emily has a boyfriend," but his eyes briefly flickered over to Emily, revealing an unspoken bond that hung in the air between them.
The moment didn't go unnoticed by their colleagues. Observers could see how Emily's and Aaron's embraces seemed to linger just a bit longer than necessary. It was a subtle yet palpable connection that suggested more than mere friendship.
Then there was the way Emily rushed to Hotch's side when he received news that required him to leave abruptly; she flew down to him, concern etched on her face as if their shared moments had created a gravity pulling her towards him.
The unspoken history and chemistry between them hung like a delicate thread, almost tangible, while they navigated the complexities of their professional lives.
1 JJ and Will's wedding - Will & Strauss
Will was the first to notice Aaron's gaze lingering on Emily, a fact he later confided to JJ after they wrapped up a particularly intense case together—a moment stuck with him, a quiet tension simmering beneath the surface.
So, as they gathered at the wedding, it was no surprise to see Hotch's eyes drawn to her once again, even if he had brought another date with him.
"Honestly, he's such an idiot," Strauss remarked to Will, her voice tinged with both exasperation and sympathy, as they observed the enchanting scene of Aaron and Emily dancing closely beneath the soft glow of the string lights.
The atmosphere was romantic, almost surreal, yet the weight of unspoken feelings hung in the air.
"I asked JJ about it. She said that the whole team was convinced those two were finally together—until Beth showed up," Will replied, trying to make sense of the tangled emotions swirling within their group.
Strauss nodded knowingly, her brow furrowing slightly as she recalled her conversation with Rossi.
"I asked him why he was determined to push Beth onto Aaron. He told me it was because Emily wasn't ready for anything serious yet…" The unfulfilled potential of their relationship floated between them like a ghost.
Will leaned in, intrigued. "But who exactly wasn't ready? Aaron and Emily? Or was it the entire team that wasn't prepared for it?"
The ambiguity of their situation lingered in the air, heavy and unresolved.
"We may never get the answer to that," Strauss sighed, glancing toward Emily, who seemed caught up in her world with Aaron, radiating joy and affection.
"She's leaving for London soon, and Clyde Easter is set to make his case for why he'd be the best man for her."
As they watched the couple dance, it was painfully evident that Aaron and Emily shared a deep connection—a bond that was unmistakable to anyone who looked closely.
Their shared laughter and lingering touches spoke volumes, hinting at feelings that ran deeper than either of them was willing to acknowledge.
"Idiots," they both muttered in unison, shaking their heads in disbelief at their friends' obliviousness, wishing they could somehow bridge the gap between love and misunderstanding.