September 27, 2010
Emily stood in the sun-drenched front yard, a warm breeze gently stirring her hair as she
watched Jasper dash around with uncontainable energy. His laughter filled the air, a joyful sound
that melded with the leaves rustling in the trees. She glanced at the driveway, eagerly
anticipating the arrival of her friends: Henry, Will, JJ, Aaron, and Jack. Each moment that
passed, she seemed to heighten her excitement as she imagined the fun they would have together.
Jasper tumbled and played, his boundless enthusiasm adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
"You know, it's wonderful that Jasper has friends who are close to his age," Elizabeth said, a
warm smile spreading across her face as she glanced at her daughter.
"It must be nice for him to have companions to play with and share experiences."
Her daughter looked thoughtfully at her, then corrected her, "You mean cousins, Mom. They're
not just friends; they're family."
"Or could it be a brother and cousin?" she mused, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
"Mama, Aaron and I aren't… involved like that," Emily protested softly, a hint of embarrassment
creeping into her voice.
"Yet," she interjected with a knowing smile, suggesting she saw more than I could admit.
"A mother always knows these things."
"Thank you for coordinating their enrollment at the same school. It makes things easier for us.
As for the kids, Jack is about to turn five next month, which means he'll be starting kindergarten
soon. Henry is only two, but I think he'll adapt well to the preschool environment. Then there's
Jasper, who is already seven and in elementary school. Luckily, this school accommodates
children of various age groups, so it fits all three perfectly. Having their schedules aligned will be
a big help, especially since Jessica will be away on her business trip and Will is occupied with
that challenging case he's been trying to crack," Emily tells her.
Before Elizabeth could gather her thoughts to respond, she was captivated by the scene unfolding
before her. Aaron strolled up the driveway, his casual confidence evident with each step, while
Jack dashed toward Jasper, laughter tumbling from his lips. Elizabeth's gaze shifted back to
Aaron just in time to see him lean down and gently kiss the crown of Emily's forehead. The soft,
tender gesture caught Elizabeth's attention, and she noticed a delicate blush creeping across
Emily's cheeks, a charming shade of rosy warmth blooming from the unexpected affection.
"Good morning," Aaron whispered, his words laced with kindness, making the moment feel even
more intimate.
With a gentle smile, Aaron turns toward Elizabeth and leans in, kissing her cheek softly. His
warm breath brushes against her skin as he wishes her a cheerful good morning, his voice filled
with warmth and affection. The sunlight filters through the window, casting a soft glow around
them, making the moment feel even more special.
"You're in a good mood, Aaron?" Elizabeth said as she watched Aaron place a hand on Emily's
lower back.
Elizabeth sees her daughter move closer to Aaron at the gesture of his hand on her lower back.
"Emily is home, and she and Jay are safe. I'm home in time for Jack's birthday. And it is a
beautiful autumn day." Aaron tells Elizabeth while pulling Emily more into him.
Aaron couldn't bear the thought of being separated from Emily. His heart was set on making her
Mrs. Aaron Hotchner, envisioning a life filled with love and partnership. They would raise their
two sons together, nurturing them in a home filled with warmth and laughter. Aaron dreamed of
balancing their fulfilling careers—each pursuing their passions—while perhaps expanding their
family further. He imagined the joy of watching their children grow, surrounded by the love and
support only a deeply committed relationship could provide.
"Hey, everyone!" JJ called out cheerfully, a bright smile lighting up his face as she and Will
approached the group. Will waved enthusiastically, his eyes scanning the familiar faces gathered
around. The lively chatter momentarily quieted as the two friends joined the circle, ready to
share in the fun.
Emily swiftly shifted her focus from Aaron, her heart brimming with affection, and enveloped JJ
in a warm bear hug. The two women embraced tightly, feeling the comfort of each other's
presence. "I miss you so much," they both murmured, their voices almost inaudible but laced
with genuine emotion. In that moment, the world around them faded away, leaving only the
warmth of their friendship and the joy of their reunion.
"And they act like they didn't just spend the entire weekend together," Will remarked, his
southern accent drawing out the words with a melodic drawl that seemed to linger in the air. His
eyes flickered with amusement and disbelief as he shook his head, clearly incredulous about their
behaviour.
Aaron laughed at that.
"Emmy!"
"Mama!"
"Auntie Emmy!"
The voices of Jasper, Jack, and Henry echo as they race to their parents.
"I think it is time for these little monsters to get ready for school," Elizabeth said as she ushered
her grandsons inside.
Emily glanced over at Aaron, JJ, and Will as she prepared to leave, a sense of gratitude washing
over her. "I truly appreciate you bringing Henry and Jack to visit her while I was away," she said,
her voice warm but tinged with emotion.
"It was really difficult for her not to have Jasper by her side during those times. I know she
misses him so much." As she spoke, she could see the understanding in their eyes; they all knew
how much that connection meant to her.
"As your mother told us, I'm your sister, and Will is your brother. We wouldn't have left her
alone."
"I always like your mother," Aaron told her.
"Hey, Em? Are you sure you don't want to go back to work?" Will asked.
"I'm not ready to work with Garica and Morgan. And I hope you, JJ, and Aaron don't cut them
out from Jack and Henry."
Aaron exchanged a meaningful glance with JJ and Will, both of whom understood the unspoken
tension that hung in the air. They were reluctant to share the uncomfortable truth with Emily: the
rest of the team, except Rossi, was harbouring frustration regarding JJ and Aaron's actions. Their
collective discontent loomed over them, making the conversation they knew they had to have
even more daunting.
"Well, whenever you are ready, your spot is there," Aaron tells Emily while giving her a side hug
and kiss on her head.
"Mama, we're ready!"
"I suppose it's time for me to head out for school drop-off. Please take care while I'm gone," she
said, leaning down to gently kiss Aaron's cheek. Turning to JJ and Will, she enveloped them in
warm, loving hugs, savouring the moment before leaving for the day.
Her phone rang when Emily lay on her bed watching Dancing with the Stars.
"Please tell me why you interrupt my Mark Ballas dancing time?" Emily asked Aaron.
Aaron let out a laugh after watching Reid verbally attack JJ about the fake death; he needed to
hear her voice.
"Who is getting the boot?"
"That's tomorrow night. I'm getting ready to watch 90210 and Gossip Girl."
"No crime show?"
"Nah, I don't feel like watching House tonight. Beside that, our show."
"Then who got the high score and the low?"
"Michael and Chelsie are with a 12. High score is Audrina and Tony."
"Damn. How was the kids?"
"Perfect. Did you and JJ get the video? Will said he did."
"Of them helping each other with homework?"
"Yes! Aren't they cute?"
"Yeah,"
Emily noticed a subtle change in Aaron's tone, a slight tremor hinting at deeper emotions he was
trying to conceal. It was as if the weight of unspoken words hung between them, and she could
sense that something was troubling him beneath the surface. As she listened intently, the worry
in his voice painted a vivid picture of his inner turmoil. Emily's intuition kicked in, and she
realized that the confrontation he avoided was far more significant than he would admit.
"Will called me earlier today and filled me in on everything that's been happening with Reid and
JJ," Emily shared, her voice laced with uncertainty and concern.
"I'm at a loss for what to do next. Strauss suggested that all of us should gather at Rossi's place
for a cooking lesson. It's meant to be a team-building exercise," He continued.
"And that includes me?" She replied, raising an eyebrow, surprised at the idea of joining such an
unusual gathering.
"Yes, it definitely includes you," Aaron confirmed, his tone urging her to embrace the idea
despite the complexity of their situation.
"So, are you ready for it?"
She sighed, shaking her head. "No, not really. But I also think JJ and you don't deserve to be
caught up in all of this turmoil."
With a shift in the atmosphere, Aaron hesitated momentarily before adding, "Have I ever told
you how much I love you?" His voice was earnest, filled with emotion.
Emily felt a rush of surprise at his words. Yes, they had exchanged those three powerful words
before, but this confession felt deeper, somehow more significant.
She managed a soft smile amidst the tension. "Yeah, but it's nice to hear it again," she replied,
heartwarming at his sincerity.
Emily beamed with delight as she caught sight of Aaron stepping into her room, the afternoon
light illuminating the space around them. She twirled gracefully, showcasing her outfit—a
stunning Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Off-shoulder ribbed midi dress that hugged her figure
elegantly, accentuating her curves with its sophisticated silhouette. The fabric gently draped
around her, enhancing her poise and femininity.
To complete her ensemble, she adorned herself with striking Jenny Bird Icon Large Hoop
Earrings that gleamed as they caught the light and a Zoe Chicco Mama Charm Necklace that
rested delicately against her collarbone, adding a touch of personal flair to her look. Christian
Louboutin Marylineska Eelskin & Leather Ankle-Strap Heel Sandals elegantly accentuated
Emily's feet, their luxurious finish and meticulous craftsmanship drawing Aaron's admiration.
As she reached for her M·A·C Maximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Grapefruit Pucker, the room
filled with the soft aroma of her favourite fragrance. She turned her attention to her bed, where a
Saint Laurent Envelope Triquilt YSL Wallet on Chain in Grained Leather lay, its rich texture and
sophisticated design drawing Aaron's gaze. With a playful smile, Emily pulled out a small item
that she had selected just for him, eager to see his reaction as she held it up for him to wear. The
excitement in the room was palpable, and the atmosphere was charged with a sense of
anticipation.
"What are we watching?" Emily hears Aaron ask as he enters the ensuite bathroom to shower.
"We're currently engrossed in an episode of General Hospital, the drama unfolding on-screen
keeping us entertained. Earlier today, I spent a good part of my day at the office, meticulously
filling out paperwork to prepare for my return on Monday. It was a surprisingly quiet Friday,
with not much activity buzzing around, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath and wrap
up the week without the usual hustle and bustle."
Emily watches as Aaron steps out of the bathroom and turns to the bed to wear a Classic-Fit
Performance Polo dark blue Shirt, Stretch Classic Fit Chino tan Pants and Timberland Boots.
Aaron grabs his Insulated Bomber Jacket and turns to Emily.
"How's Anderson doing these days?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
Emily's face lit up with enthusiasm as she replied, "He's pleased I'm back! Now I can take
charge of dealing with Strauss for the office once more." Her eyes sparkled with a mix of
excitement and relief.
He glanced at her, then down at the crisp autumn air swirling around them. "Aren't you worried
about feeling cold out here?"
With a playful smile, she reassured him, "I have you to keep me warm if I start to feel chilly!"
The warmth in her tone made it clear that she cherished their connection.
"Mama! Daddy!" Jasper and Jack's voices rang out through the hallway, their excitement
palpable as they called for their parents.
"I suppose that means they're eager for their bedtime story," Aaron said with a warm smile,
glancing over at Emily. The gentle echo of their children's shouts filled the cozy home, urging
them to wrap up their evening routine and gather the little ones for another adventure in the
world of stories.
Emily and Aaron waited for JJ as she said good night to Will.
"Are we sure Reid is going to be here?" Emily asked them.
"Why wouldn't he be? I made up with him," JJ tells them.
Aaron inserted his key into the lock, the sound of the tumblers clicking into place echoing in the
small hallway as he swung the door open. Inside, the warm, inviting aroma of simmering sauce
filled the air. They gathered around the kitchen as Rossi animatedly shared his culinary wisdom,
explaining the intricacies of cooking the pasta to perfection.
"You know," Emily interjected, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia, "the two years I spent living in
Italy were quite different when it came to cooking. The methods and the passion there were truly
something else." She glanced between Aaron and JJ, her tone infused with fond memories of
bustling Italian kitchens.
"I heard that," Rossi chimed in, a knowing smile creeping across his face as he engaged with the
trio, appreciating the blend of their experiences in the kitchen. The atmosphere buzzed with
anticipation as they prepared to cook together, each adding their own flavour to the conversation.
Morgan, Gracia, and Reid froze in their tracks, their eyes widening in disbelief as they turned to
see Hotch standing confidently, holding Emily's hand. The sunlight streamed through the
window, casting a warm glow around them, illuminating the happiness radiating from Emily's
face as she flashed a bright smile at Rossi, who was leaning back in his chair with a proud grin.
JJ, ever the attentive friend, moved to grab the wine from the table, her expression a mix of
excitement and anticipation. Reid leaned closer to her, lowering his voice as he tried to make
sense of the moment. "Are they…?" he whispered, his brow furrowed in confusion as he glanced
between Hotch and Emily.
"No," JJ replied softly, her eyes sparkling with something more than mere friendship, "but like
Mama Lizzie said, it's coming." There was a knowing weight to her words, filled with all the
unspoken possibilities that hung in the air.
Rossi watches as Emily beams at Aaron, Aaron's dimples in full view of everyone. Rossi doesn't
think Erin was right about Aaron and Emily finally going for it.