1. Will LaMontagne
Emily insists that she has no favourites among her team members' spouses. However, everything changes when she discovers that JJ is in a relationship with Will.
At that moment, she realized Will was bound to become one of her favourites since JJ already held a special place in her heart as her top choice. This unexpected connection made her reevaluate her feelings, leading her to embrace the idea that, sometimes, favourites can evolve in surprising ways.
JJ had always sensed a deep connection with Emily, feeling as though she fulfilled the role of the sister Emily had longed for throughout her life. This bond did not go unnoticed by Emily's mother, Elizabeth Prentiss, who wholeheartedly embraced this relationship. Elizabeth held an immense affection for her children, Will and JJ, viewing them as integral parts of her heart and family.
In Elizabeth's eyes, if JJ was considered her baby sister, then it followed that Will must be her baby brother as well. This familial dynamic fostered a loving atmosphere, where each sibling felt cherished and valued in their unique roles within the family.
Don't tell Hotch, Jack, Morgan, or Reid these two are her favourites.
Throughout their relationship, she was a constant presence, always ready to lend a hand whenever he wanted to orchestrate a surprise for JJ or when they faced challenges in caring for Henry—and later, for Michael.
Every time she came to visit, Will made it a point to drive her to the airport for her departure to London, appreciating the time they shared. He was always there to welcome her back when she returned, greeting her with open arms.
Moreover, Will's capacity for forgiveness stood out; he was among the first to wholeheartedly mend their bond after the tumultuous events surrounding Ian Doyle. He held no grudges or resentment, prioritizing their friendship and embracing the moments they could share, free from the shadows of the past.
So, here she was, crying her eyes out after Will told her about the cancer scare he had. He expressed his concerns gently, trying to avoid adding to her burdens, knowing full well the weight of everything she faced.
"I don't want to worry you; you have so much on your plate," he said, his voice laced with care.
Emily, however, couldn't contain her frustration. Her eyes flashed with urgency as she snapped back, "You realize what I went through with my mother! Elizabeth Prentiss passed away from cancer right before the pandemic hit." The raw emotion in her voice reflected the pain that still lingered in her heart.
In that poignant moment, JJ observed from a distance as Will and Emily embraced tightly, their bodies trembling with unrestrained grief. Tears streamed down their faces, each sob reflecting the deep fear of losing one another. It was a profound scene—two souls intertwined in a moment of vulnerability, conveying thoughts and feelings that words alone could not express.
As JJ looked on, she couldn't help but feel a swell of sympathy for her friends. She understood that, beyond their professional roles, the bond between Will and Emily was special. Everyone on the team knew it, too—Will was not just any special operator; he held a place in Emily's heart that was unlike any other.
Their connection was evident in how they leaned on each other during dark times, a testament to their unwavering support in adversity.
2. Hayden Montgomery
Emily felt mixed emotions as she waited at the airport, her heart racing with anticipation and anxiety.
When Will finally arrived to pick her up, she bit her tongue to suppress the urge to discuss Rossi's new daughter. She had already received a phone call from her mother, who had filled her in on the amusing details surrounding Rossi's daughter, whom they had met previously.
They had even attended Joy's wedding, a day filled with laughter and celebration.
"Em? You good?" Will asked, concern etching his features as he glanced at her.
"No, no, I am not good," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, laced with tension.
"Why?" he probed, clearly confused by her sudden change in demeanour.
"Oh, just wait," she said cryptically, her eyes drifting toward the scene unfolding before her.
As she watched, Emily's heart swelled with affection for her children—Jack, Henry, and Michael—who were nestled close to her, and she covered them with a gentle embrace.
With a proud smile, Rossi stood beside his ex-wife and their daughter, creating a joyful tableau that tugged at Emily's mixed feelings.
"Are you okay, Em?" JJ asked, her brow knotted with worry as she approached.
"She isn't, Cher," Will interjected, his voice conveying concern for his sister.
"Why?" JJ looked between them, confusion painting her features.
"You will see," Will repeated, echoing Emily's earlier sentiment with a sense of foreboding.
As Emily sat next to Aaron, a quiet unease settled over her.
She scanned the crowd and quickly noted a familiar absence.
"Where's Beth?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"Oh, they broke up," Morgan answered, leaning against the wall casually.
"Why?" she pressed further, her interest piqued.
"She moved halfway around the world," he replied with a shrug as if that explained everything.
Emily nodded slowly, absorbing the bittersweet information while watching Rossi joyfully lead his daughter and mother toward her. The moment felt surreal.
"Em, I want you to meet someone," Rossi announced, his eyes alight with pride.
Emily stood up instinctively, causing Hotch to glance up from his conversation. A wave of excitement washed over her as she recognized the woman walking toward her.
"Tante Hayden, it's so lovely to see you again," Emily exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her aunt in an affectionate hug.
"Tante is the French word for Aunt, right?" Morgan chimed in, turning to Will with a curious look.
"Yes," Will affirmed, glancing at Rossi and then back at the two women.
Rossi exchanged a knowing look between Emily and Hayden, and a realization washed over him.
"You knew!" he exclaimed, incredulous.
Joy, Rossi's daughter, looked up curiously at Emily, her eyes wide as she processed the familial connection.
"You knew!" Joy echoed, her voice a mix of surprise and understanding as she pieced everything together.
Emily felt her frustration boiling over, turning to Hayden with an exasperated look.
"I told you they would figure out that Mother and I knew about this," she said, a slight edge in her tone.
Spencer, who often found himself lagging in uncovering family secrets, furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Wait, Emily knew Rossi had a daughter? And knew his ex-wife?" he asked, his expression a mix of disbelief and curiosity as he finally connected the dots.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and Emily realized this was just the beginning of a complicated family reunion.
3. Haley Hotchner
Emily was acutely aware that his anger would be swift and fierce if Aaron discovered she was present. Yet, beneath that knowledge, she felt a deep understanding of the complex emotions swirling between them. She observed how Aaron and Haley engaged in their familiar back-and-forth, a performance reminiscent of the strained exchanges she had often witnessed between her parents. Each laugh, each sidelong glance spoke volumes, filling the air with unspoken tension that made her anxious.
A knot of worry tightened in her stomach as she watched, particularly when she thought about Jack. He was blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing around him, but she couldn't shake the concern about how he would react if the truth came out. Would he sense the discontent lingering beneath the surface? Would it impact him as it had impacted her? The weight of these thoughts pressed heavily on her as she navigated the complicated emotions surrounding her family's dynamics.
Emily stood nervously in front of Jess's house, her heart racing as she knocked on the door. She had made the trip hoping to convince Haley to reconsider her feelings about Aaron. Deep down, Emily was certain that despite the complications, Haley still held a special place for Aaron in her heart, and she believed that Aaron felt the same way about her.
After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Jess, who looked slightly surprised to see her. "Uh, hi?" Jess greeted, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Hi there! I'm Emily," she replied, offering a warm smile. "I'm a friend of both Haley and Aaron."
Jess's eyes widened with recognition. "Oh, are you here to talk to Haley?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder as if checking to see if Haley was nearby.
"Yes, exactly," Emily said eagerly, her gaze shifting as she caught sight of Haley's familiar figure peering out from the living room. Haley's head popped into view, her expression a mixture of curiosity and apprehension about the unexpected visit. Emily felt a glimmer of hope; she could help mend the rift between them.
"Emily, if you're here to defend his case, you can just leave," Haley said firmly, her arms crossed over her chest, an unmistakable tension in her posture.
"No, that's not why I'm here," Emily replied, her voice steady but laced with urgency.
"I'm here on Jack's behalf."
Haley raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched across her face.
"Just listen for a moment before jumping to conclusions. I need to share something important—it's what I told Aaron when he stopped by last night after he found out you weren't coming home," Emily continued, taking a step closer in an effort to convey her sincerity.
With a deep breath, Emily added, "My mom did something very similar to what you did to Aaron. I was around the same age as Jack when it happened."
Haley's surprise was palpable.
Based on what Aaron had shared with her, she had always believed that Emily's relationship with her father was nonexistent. This revelation changed everything in Haley's mind about Emily's background and the pain that perhaps connected them more than she realized.
Emily took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts as she glanced at Haley. "You see, my father worked for the CIA, and his job was demanding—often dangerous. Because of this, he missed a lot of important milestones in our lives. One that really stung was my first birthday. My mother had always been resilient, but after years of taking a backseat to his career, she reached her breaking point when I was just four years old."
She paused, her eyes drifting to a distant memory. "That was when she took on a long assignment in the Middle East. It was a significant opportunity for her, but it also meant she had to leave him behind. She had held out hope for years that things would improve, especially after my father missed their tenth anniversary. He had promised her that once they had me, he would be around more often, that he would take shorter assignments, and eventually rise to a position where he wouldn't be away from home as much. But reality was far from what he had promised."
Emily shook her head slightly, frustration creeping into her voice. "Instead, my mother ended up raising me on her own, feeling like a single mother while my father was off in the shadows. The sacrifices she made were immense, and I think she just couldn't take it anymore. It's hard to reconcile the man I never really knew with the promises he made. It's a lot for me to unpack."
Haley listened intently, struggling to process the weight of Emily's words. "I don't get it," she finally admitted, her brow furrowing in confusion as she tried to grasp the complexities of Emily's family situation.
"My mother always found ways to complicate my father's attempts to see me," Emily recounted, her voice tinged with frustration.
"Whenever he wanted to reach out, there was always an excuse. Either she was busy with her own life, and I was off somewhere across the globe, or it was past my bedtime, making phone calls impossible. She made sure that spontaneous visits at night were out of the question, too."
Haley shifted in her seat, feeling discomfort as she realized her behavior mirrored Emily's mother's.
Instead of blocking Aaron entirely, she created barriers of her own, fleeing to her parents' home or retreating to Jess's place to make it more difficult for Aaron to see Jack.
She understood the weight of those actions, realizing that manipulation was at play in both scenarios.
The comparison struck her as unsettling, yet she felt trapped in her own choices, much like Emily's mother.
"On the eve of my 14th birthday, my grandmother, who had always been a guiding voice in my life, finally sat me down to share a truth that had weighed heavily on her heart. I vividly remember that day; my father had promised to attend my first solo performance as a cheerleader but never showed up. His absence felt like a hollow ache deep within me, and as I reflected on it, I began to act out in ways that hurt not only myself but also my mother. I lashed out, trying to make her feel the pain I was experiencing. The conflict between us grew, creating a rift that seemed impossible to bridge. It was the beginning of a cycle of resentment, and I couldn't help but wonder if we would ever truly move past the hurt and anger we inflicted on one another," Emily shared, her voice trembling slightly as she recalled those tumultuous times.
Haley listened intently, biting her lip in contemplation. A nagging worry settled in her mind—what if Jack, her own son, ended up acting just as hurtfully toward her in the future? The thought made her stomach twist uncomfortably as she considered the possibility of their relationship spiralling into something she never wanted.
"Did you know it took us a staggering 23 years to mend our relationship?" Emily said, her voice tinged with nostalgia and unresolved emotion.
"It all started when my mother came to the BAU, seeking the team's assistance on a particularly challenging case. It was a pivotal moment for both of us."
She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing.
"It wasn't just about that case, though. It was a wake-up call for her. She finally realized that the anger and resentment she held toward my father had introduced a toxic strain into our mother-daughter relationship. It had effectively poisoned the bond we once shared," Emily recounted with a bittersweet smile.
As Haley listened intently, she began to understand the complexities of Emily's struggles, drawing parallels to her own experiences with her son Jack and the tension existing between her and Aaron. It was becoming clear to her how the cyclical nature of unresolved issues could affect family relationships across generations.
"I'm… I'm here to talk to you about something important," Emily said, her voice steady yet empathetic as she looked directly at Haley. "You need to recognize that allowing your personal feelings toward Aaron, Jack's father, to cloud your judgment could have serious consequences for him. Sometimes, when mothers harbour deep-seated fears that their child's father might harm them, it can lead to unintentional actions that hurt the child instead."
Haley listened, her expression a mixture of defensiveness and curiosity. Emily continued, trying to penetrate the barriers Haley had built around her emotions. "I can see that this is difficult for you, but I want you to think about the father-son relationship between Jack and Aaron. This is about more than just you and your feelings right now."
Emily took a deep breath, hoping to make her point sink in. "You know, there's a crucial difference between our families that you need to consider. My father let me down in many ways—he missed moments that should have mattered, and I felt his absence. But Aaron? He has always been there for Jack. He may have fallen short in your eyes, but he has never let Jack down as a father. The truth is, he only let you down, Haley."
Emily paused, allowing her words to resonate in the tense silence. She hoped Haley would grasp the weight of her message and reconsider her perspective on Aaron and their situation.
4. Kristy Simmons
Emily stood in silent admiration, her eyes wide as she observed Kristy. Kristy's graceful movement captivates Emily, from how she effortlessly flipped her hair to the confidence radiating from her smile. It was as if Kristy embodied a blend of strength and elegance, leaving Emily in complete awe. Every laugh and gesture added to the magnetic aura surrounding her, making it impossible for Emily to look away.
She and Will stand out as the sole spouses who genuinely grasp this job's profound significance for their partners. They possess an intimate understanding of the sacrifices, challenges, and triumphs that come with it, allowing them to empathize deeply with the unique demands their loved ones face in their professional lives. Their strong connection enables them to support each other in ways others may not fully comprehend.
Kristy was like Haley, who met and fell for a different Matt Simmons, just like Haley had fallen for a different Aaron Hotchner. However, the difference between the two women, Kristy, changes with Matt as they grow in their lives.
Emily stood off to the side, her heart warmed by the lively gathering. She observed a mix of old and new members from Matt's team animatedly exchanging stories and laughter, all in celebration of Matt and Kristy's 25th wedding anniversary. The air was filled with nostalgia as they reminisced about the early days of the couple's relationship, sharing heartfelt anecdotes and playful teasing. Each tale added to the rich tapestry of their lives together, marking the passage of time and the love that had grown and evolved over the years. Emily felt a sense of belonging, moved by the camaraderie and joy enveloped the room.
"What's on your mind?" Aaron asked, settling next to his girlfriend with a curious tilted head.
The gentle breeze rustled through the leaves overhead, casting dappled shadows on their faces.
"Haley," Emily replied, her gaze distant, as if searching for something in the twilight of her thoughts.
"Haley?" Aaron echoed, a hint of intrigue lacing his voice.
He couldn't help but wonder why his girlfriend was preoccupied with the wife of his late ex, a name that always stirred a mix of emotions in him.
Emily took a deep breath, composing her thoughts before speaking again.
"You and Matt fell for your high school sweethearts; only Matt's relationship has truly endured."
Aaron raised an eyebrow, processing her words.
"And you're trying to figure out how they made it work?" he asked, the question lingering in the air as he felt a flash of realization.
The thought echoed in his mind like a soft drumbeat, prompting him to ponder their own relationship's resilience amidst life's complexities.
"Don't get me wrong, I still believe Haley did the right thing and ended your marriage, but you and Haley have been together for so long, just like Matt and Kristy. They got married, and you both did. The only real difference was they had kids before you both did. There may be a year difference between Jack and the twins."
"That's true, and Matt was away a lot more than me."
"I just don't know how they did it," Emily said.
The next time Emily was alone with Kristy, she told her what Aaron and she had discussed at the party. Kristy just laughed.
"I've come to understand that the boy I met in school was just beginning his journey into manhood. He was still figuring out who he wanted to be, and I know deep down he wouldn't want to remain that same person forever. It's become clear to me that he always found himself unsettled by the relationship between his parents—the way they interacted with each other might have left a mark on him. He yearns to move beyond their dynamic and strives for something healthier and more fulfilling," Kristy began, reflecting on the past with an insightful gaze.
"I understand that the man I've come to know would want me to join him on this growth path, to stand together as a team that uplifts and inspires one another to pursue our most ambitious dreams and aspirations. We both crave a partnership that nurtures our individual goals and strengthens our bond as we navigate the future together," she concluded, her voice filled with hope and determination.
Emily then realizes the actual difference between Aaron and Haley and Matt and Kristy's relationship. Haley wanted to stay as she was used to because she didn't want to rock the boat with her old-fashioned parents, while Kristy knew to survive with your first love, you have to grow with each other.
5. Kevin Lynch
Emily had always believed that Kevin deserved someone more fulfilling than Garcia.
It wasn't that she held any animosity toward Garcia; in fact, she genuinely cared for Penelope and appreciated her for the person she was. However, as she observed their relationship over time, it became increasingly clear to Emily that Kevin harboured deeper feelings for Garcia than she reciprocated.
Emily could see Kevin's eyes lit up when he spoke about Garcia. Yet she often noticed the fleeting moments when Garcia seemed distracted, unable to engage with Kevin's passion fully.
It pained Emily to witness this imbalance, where Kevin's affection and dedication appeared unreturned, leaving her to wonder if he would ever find the mutual love and respect he truly deserved.
Emily stood amidst the congregation at JJ and Will's wedding, surrounded by a swirl of joyful celebration. The vibrant floral arrangements and twinkling lights created a picturesque backdrop, but her attention was drawn elsewhere.
Across the reception garden, she watched as Kevin, still smarting from his heartbreak with Penelope, was making a scene. He shamelessly flirted with Gina, using her as a pawn in his silent revenge game.
It was almost painful to witness how he was wholly absorbed in this misguided pursuit, oblivious to the undercurrents of hurt he was stirring.
Emily felt mixed emotions: sympathy for Gina, frustration towards Kevin, and concern for the fractured friendship that hung in the air like an unwelcome guest.
This was supposed to be a day of love and joy, but with Kevin playing his twisted game, it felt overshadowed by unresolved feelings and complicated dynamics.
"You know, Kevin," Emily began, glancing sideways at him as he stood just a few feet away.
Her voice hinted at nostalgia as she continued, "I fell for Aaron after one unforgettable moment we shared. It was as if time had slowed, and everything else faded away, leaving just the two of us. That feeling ignited a fire within me, and for the next five years, I found myself caught in this whirlwind of hope and longing, wishing that he felt the same emotion for me as I did for him. I watched from the sidelines, filled with anticipation and heartbreak, waiting for the signs that he might reciprocate my feelings. You know, you were fortunate in comparison—Penelope truly loved you. That kind of mutual affection is rare, and sometimes I can't help but envy what you two had.
"That job with the CIA would be a good change as long as Derek is available; you never truly have a chance. I realize that with Aaron, and it's one reason I'm going to London," Emily told him.
1 Beth Clemmons
As they strolled through the bustling streets of New York, the sounds of honking cars and lively chatter surrounded them. Emily and her mother, Elizabeth, walked side by side and engaged in a meaningful conversation about Emily's boyfriend, Mark.
"Emily, dear," Elizabeth began, her voice laced with concern as they paused briefly to admire the colourful window displays of a nearby shop. "I just don't think Mark is the right fit for you. I worry about his intentions and whether he truly values you."
Emily sighed, her brow furrowing in frustration. "And who exactly is the right choice for me, Mom? Are you suggesting Aaron? Because he's happily dating Beth now, and I doubt he would consider me even if I were interested." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her annoyance evident as she tried to defend her feelings.
The two continued walking, the city's vibrant energy contrasting with the tension in their conversation.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and asked, "You mean that Beth, the one who bears an uncanny resemblance to someone who isn't Aaron?"
Emily turned her gaze to locate Beth in the bustling room. A knot of concern twisted in her stomach as she took in the sight of her.
"What is she still doing here?" Emily wondered aloud.
"I thought I heard that Aaron was in the hospital. Shouldn't she be by his side right now?"
Before Elizabeth could intervene or voice her concerns, Emily's curiosity got the better of her. She made her way over to Beth, her footsteps echoing slightly against the floor.
"Beth, hi! It's great to see you! How are you holding up?" Emily greeted her with an enthusiastic smile, even as her mind raced with questions about Beth's presence.
Beth's eyes widened in shock at the unexpected encounter. She believed Emily had relocated to London to flee the tensions between Jack and Aaron.
The surprise of seeing Aaron's friend back home after all that had happened was palpable.
"Oh, hi there, Emily! What brings you back to this part of town?" Beth greeted her with a warm smile, her curiosity piqued.
Emily responded with a hint of nostalgia, "My mother wanted to see me, so I decided to come home for a little visit. I was saddened to hear about Aaron being in the hospital. How is everyone holding up during this tough time?"
Beth let out a small sigh, running a hand through her hair. "Oh, you know, we're managing as best as possible?"
"You guess?" Emily raised an eyebrow, concern etched on her face.
"Well, the thing is, Aaron and I are on a break," Beth admitted, her expression becoming more serious.
"Again? Really?" Emily exclaimed, her surprise evident.
"Yeah," Beth continued, her voice steady yet filled with frustration.
"I asked him if he would be willing to relocate with me for my new job opportunity in Asia, and he said no."
Emily's eyes widened as she processed Beth's words.
"You asked Aaron to pack up Jack and move across the world?" she questioned, taken aback by the magnitude of the decision.
"No need for that tone. I get it. It was wrong to think my boyfriend of three years would do something for me for once," Beth told her.
"Jack is the only thing left of Haley for Haley's family. I would think you, who lost your father, would understand what it would mean to Jess and her parents if Jack lived halfway around the world," Emily said.
Elizabeth knew she had to stop Emily.
"Dear, we should get going to meet Mark."
"Right, it was nice seeing you again, Beth. I hope things work out."