He watched her sleep observing her slow and even breathing, her muscles completely relaxed and her beautiful eyes closed.
Aaron found watching her relaxing his fingers running over her bare back delicately as to not disturb her sleep, he had an early meeting with Strauss which he forgot about so he got up quickly and got dressed- struggling with putting on his shirt because it was missing some buttons. He smiled to himself remembering how he lost them.
He then collected the remaining of their scattered belongings, following the trail of clothes they created the night before to the kitchen, it was early but a long day was ahead of him and he needed coffee and something to eat but he couldn't find anything. And her fridge was almost empty as if no one was living there. what does she even eats he asked himself, he gave up on searching when he noticed it was already 4:30am he figured he'll grab something to eat when he gets to his apartment.
Aaron couldn't leave without her knowing, he didn't want to wake her up but he didn't want her to think he abandoned and used her so he entered back into her bedroom and sat down next to her, moving her hair away from her shoulder and leaned to leave there a trail of small kisses from her back to her shoulder.
Emily was so tired but she couldn't complain about having to wake up she loved waking up like this- by him.
"What time is it?" she asked sleepily her eyes still closed Aaron smiled to himself
"It's 4:30am, I'm sorry for waking you up this early" Aaron said kissing her forehead Emily frowned, opened her eyes and changed her position to lying on her back looking at his eyes
"it's okay what's wrong?" she thought something bad had happened if he woke her up this early
"I have a meeting and I need stop by my apartment first" he explained, he would've liked waking up with her but he needed to change his clothes and be at the office earlier than usual.
"I understand" she said yawning
"Do you have any spare key? I don't want you to have to lock the door after me" Aaron noticed how exhausted she looked he already felt bad about waking her up this early he didn't want to make her get up as well especially when she wasn't wearing anything.
"a key? God hotchner you are not wasting any time" she said jokingly Aaron let out a laugh it occurred to her now it's the first one he gave her since she joined the team. It was one of his rare ones it wasn't a small smile or a scoff it was a full laugh it made her get up and lean against the headboard.
"I missed that... Your laugh" she said with one hand holding her blanket over her chest and the other on his face she always loved his laugh she was happy she'll be able to hear it more often now.
"I missed you" he answered kissing her, he wanted to stay there in that moment forever he hated having to leave.
"I think there's one in the dresser by the door" Emily said answering his question and ending their kiss she could really get used to this.
"okay go back to sleep I'll see you soon" Aaron pulled her in for one last kiss and stood up to leave.
Emily waited for the sound of the door closing to get back to sleep, she snuggled back into her bed, feeling cold suddenly and tightened the blanket around her naked body searching for the warmth she felt when he used to lay next to her.
She entered an empty bullpen and found a cup of coffee and a pastry she smiled to herself Emily intentionally came a little earlier she wanted to see him before they have to act like nothing happened. She looked up to his office he didn't notice her arriving and he looked focused on the paper she guessed he had in front of him.
She knocked on his door and opened it slowly, her head peeking through "Good morning" she said catching his attention Aaron raised his head smiling at her she was wearing a dark red button down shirt. That color on her never failed to amaze him she just looked beautiful "good morning" he answered putting down his pen
Emily entered his office closing the door after her
"How did the meeting go?" She said walking towards him Aaron stood up to greet her "it went fine, I did counted down the minutes until it was over" she laughed
"Thank you for the coffee and the donut" she said Aaron pushed her raven hair past her shoulder.
"of course. You do need to buy some groceries you know" Her fridge was empty except for a few vegetables and expired milk and he wanted to make sure it changes Aaron guessed she was ordering her food but she can't do that forever.
"noted" she laughed Aaron's hands found their way to her waist Emily adjusted to his touch feeling the warmth she looked for spread across her body again but with fear as well.
"someone could see" Emily said looking through his office window she knew no one from their team will be there at this hour but it didn't mean they were safe from other people his windows weren't sealed anyone can enter and see them "no one is here Emily" he said reaching now to grab her face making her look at him again she rolled her eyes giving up.
"fine" she said they were standing the middle of his office so she just walked him until he was with his back to the door out of sight and then she kissed him.
"do you have any plans tonight?" Aaron asked against her lips
"why? What do you have in mind?" She asked her hands over his shoulders running her fingers through his hair pressing her body against his
"how about a movie and some food" he offered Aaron believed this was going to become one of his favorite memories having her like this again, when he can enjoy her scent, her smile the way she laughed without worrying about it ending. Emily was now his and he was excited to spend every possible second he had with her.
"sounds good" she agreed
"good meet me at my place after work?" Emily smiled at him, a bit unsure about that change of location but she knew it will change too. after all it was with him and like Aaron she was excited to spend her free time with him.
"I will be there" she said playing with his tie the one that matched her shirt. Emily patted on his chest as if to indicate she was done adjusting his tie unnecessarily and glanced to her watch it was already 6:30 the team could be there any minute.
He kissed her again and let her go, he'll be spending the entire day glaring at his watch like it'll make time move any faster.
_
Dave was speechless watching Hotch collecting his stuff and getting ready to leave, it surprised him because he never left the office when he was supposed to he always stayed there longer than necessary he was workaholic.
He decided to check it out he already needed to invite him to the team's night out. Derek offered earlier to go out the last cases were hard on all of them and he believed they deserved to have a break especially when they had no case today.
"Do you have Jack tonight?" Dave asked leaning on the door frame he thought there couldn't be another logical explanation for his leaving with the rest of the team.
"No he's with Haley tonight" he answered without looking at him he was busy looking at some files and making sure he didn't miss anything.
"so will you be joining us tonight?" Dave asked stepping into his office "tonight?" Aaron raised his head to look at him, confused because he already had plans for tonight.
"Yeah we're headed to a bar, everybody's coming even me which says a lot... I think after the case in New York City we deserve it. You deserve that" Dave said and in that moment Emily who was like the rest of the team collecting her stuff was laughing with Derek, Aaron stared at them through his office window Dave saw the way he looked at her, he smiled and his gaze softened Dave fought the urge to point it out.
It made sense to him now, they probably have finally gave in to their feelings it was about time he thought to himself. The late conversations they had after work hours in his office, her reaction to the explosion which she didn't know he was aware of the way he cared for her Dave knew something had changed in their relationship it made him happy they finally gave up on their act.
"or else do you have other plans?" He said in a curious tone making Aaron focus on his friend again, Dave almost laughed- Emily reacted the same way when Derek first suggested going out but was quick to accept the invitation when she was asked for a reason why.
"no I'll be there" Aaron said, he already revealed he didn't have Jack tonight so he had no excuse to refuse. he was disappointed Emily won't be visiting him tonight but at least he'll see her even if it's with the team, he remembered Derek saw him as a drill sergeant sometimes, Aaron used to be bothered by that thinking thats how everyone was feeling but it changed he was now more than just their boss, he figured they'll have a good time nevertheless.
"good see you there then" Dave said and left him to finish gathering his stuff
_
They couldn't meet tonight so when he left the office he texted Emily telling her he'll come to her place so they could spend some time together before leaving to meet the rest of the team.
So now Emily was watching TV looking at the door from time to time waiting for him in anticipation.
She didn't miss a beat and jumped from her couch when she heard a knock she tried to hide her disappointment when she saw her two best friends, both of them with huge smiles and Penelope holding a bottle of wine it wasn't like she wasn't happy to see them again it was because she knew why they were there that conversation she promised them came hunting her.
"God your place still amazes me" Penelope said "still? You were here already?" JJ asked surprised, both ignoring Emily and making their way into her apartment while chatting.
"Good to see you too" Emily said laughing Penelope left the wine on the living room table and hugged her tightly JJ smiled looking at her friends she sat on the couch
"we have a lot to talk about Em..." Penelope released Emily from her hug and stared at her with a grin "bring glasses" she said excitedly and went to join her pregnant friend on the couch
Emily looked at both of them she crossed her arms judging their questionable entry if it was any other person she would've reacted differently JJ smiled at her softly "I'll have water" Emily went to the kitchen taking out her phone from her pocket she needed to text Aaron
"Change of plans I'm sorry, JJ and Penelope are here"
"I understand I'll meet you there"
Emily smiled she hoped he was still in his place when he got her text "okay I love-" she deleted that text she was about to write to him that she loves him but felt like it'll scare him away. Emily never stopped loving him but he managed to move on, she knew he felt something for her she was confident in that but she didn't know if he was seeing it the same way she did, so she just kept it to herself for now.
"Hey em? are you producing those glasses yourself?" JJ voiced dragged her out of her thoughts she was in the kitchen for too long.
"I'm coming" she yelled back she poured her friend a glass of water and grabbed two more holding in one hand the water and with the other the stems of the empty wine glasses
"well?" Penelope said handing her her glass Emily sat next to them her legs tucked under her "Well?" She repeated taking a sip of her drink
"You know why we're here. please just talk already!" JJ said rubbing her small bump, it wasn't visible but it was there JJ's pregnancy made her very impatient and her comments were lacking some filter but Emily found it hilarious.
But she couldn't laugh she took a big sip of her wine, sighed and started telling them everything why she resigned how Penelope visited her and why she came back with Aaron.
They both looked at her open mouthed when she finished telling them about Strauss, about her threats and what was she planning for Aaron's future in the BAU
"I knew she was a bitch" JJ said breaking the silence making them both to laugh. Emily didn't know why she was so scared to share that with them to begin with. Of course they won't think of her any differently she felt so grateful to have them.
"And what about your history with Hotch?" JJ said raising her eyebrows Emily knew JJ was going to ask that, she was terrified she noticed something was up but her tone made her sound like a teenager looking for gossip and that was all it took for her to let out a small smile.
"I did knew Hotch before and we were close" Emily said revealing parts of her past she never told anyone. She tried to keep her tone neutral like it didn't matter anymore.
"Oh my God" Penelope said covering her open mouth with her hand Emily interrupted her enthusiastic reaction
"but it didn't last! It ended pretty fast and we moved on" she said trying to make their relationship sound as unimportant as possible, Emily was hoping this will satisfy their unhealthy curiosity but she should've known it won't.
"okay and now?" Penelope asked, her enthusiasm absent this time. She was sad they broke up she thought they were perfect for each other. Penelope believed that something could happen now and she was dissatisfied with her answers.
"nothing is happening between us now." Emily was happy neither of them were profilers because she was sure that for the first time in her life she was lying unsuccessfully, she took another sip to stop herself from biting her lips.
The two blonde women in front of her exchanged looks they weren't profilers but they knew their friend.
"I'm serious" Emily said feeling their suspicion.
"okay" they answered in sync and with that talking about it was over, the conversation changed it's topic and from talking about her history with Hotch they started talking about JJ's pregnancy, the gender and possible names.
Emily was so excited for her, it made her think of the possibility of her ever having her own child. She didn't know if she was ready right now and she used to be skeptical about that idea because she couldn't imagine herself being with someone to begin with, she never had any serious relationships she wasn't even looking for one, it was always temporary just so she could forget her problems something momentary never something to make her feel secure.
But now she was hopeful. Now when she was with Aaron it became a possibility she liked to think about if they stayed together they could have that and she hoped she won't ruin it.
Glimpses of the life they can have filled her mind. Painting one of the most beautiful pictures she could imagine. A future she now let herself wish for herself.
_
They had a great time at the bar JJ left early because she was tired and Will was waiting for her, they couldn't blame her after all she was pregnant she hesitated about leaving without Penelope because she was the one to give her a ride there but almost completely sober Derek promised her he'll take care of her and make sure she's home safe but looking at their state Aaron wasn't so sure anymore.
The first round was on Dave so he lost count of the shots of tequila they took and the glasses they emptied, he drunk too but he was no where near as drunk as them or Emily. He fought with every cell in his body to not get up and drag her from the dance floor, he didn't have to resist the temptation to do that anymore because he already saw her approaching him Dave left him to go to the restroom he too saw her and he wanted them to stay alone.
"hi" She sat next to him smiling he looked at her giving her a smile in return finally she was close enough for him to fully appreciate how good she looked, when he got to the bar the team was already there and JJ and Garcia wouldn't leave her side they couldn't really talk but she looked stunning with her minimalist Makeup and red lipstick he never wanted to hold her more.
"hi you, are you having fun?" He asked
"Yeah you should join" she said leaning closer to him Aaron's hands climbed and rested on her lower back his hand placement making chills spread across her back.
They were really close now. Forgetting where they were Emily could smell his cologne Aaron's hand moved to her thigh Emily was biting her lip to stop a moan from escaping her lips, she would've place a kiss on his neck if she hadn't noticed her friends coming.
Reid and Dave joined the pair and Derek and Penelope were quick to do the same
"So who's the lucky guy?" Derek asked Emily, taking a seat in front of her with his drink in his hand and a big grin
"What guy" she asked innocently with Aaron's hand still on her thigh under the table
"come on you're seeing someone it's obvious you kept rejecting guys and run whenever one appeared in front of you" Aaron smiled discretely to himself, Emily felt her cheeks turning red, she left the dance floor because she didn't want to dance alone but got tired of having to turn down people she just wanted Aaron.
"I- I'm not" she said, it came out as a stutter
"oh you so are! you're stuttering״ Derek said taking her answer as an evidence of his theory. Aaron squeezed her thigh gently she sent in his was a quick glance noticing how he was suppressing a smile he was enjoying this! She cleared her throat and shifted in her chair dodging his hand Aaron was amused by her reaction he was happy with the effect he had on her.
״and blushing oh my gosh you're so cute" Penelope added she thought that if Emily wasn't dating their boss at least she was dating someone. her reaction definitely gave it away.
"I'm not blushing it's the drinks I'm hot!" Emily said she grabbed Derek glass and downed it's contents avoiding looking at them
"Yeah right" he laughed looking down at the empty glass she just put down.
"that's actually make sense it's flushing it happens because you have trouble digesting the alcohol completely" Reid explained providing Emily some support.
"exactly! thank you Reid." She could've kiss him right there. Aaron obviously couldn't say anything and Dave just stood there watching she was alone in front of two of the most stubborn and determined people she knew having to face them alone awhile they are drunk was something she never wanted to experience.
It was like the alcohol was their fuel it made them even more annoying than usual.
"Although it could be because you're embarrassed they figured you out" Reid said casually, sipping soda from his straw
"exactly genius!" Derek said Penelope wide smile appeared again and Derek energy came back as he pat Reid on the back with force making his straw to slip from his lips.
"Reid I swear to God..." Emily was beyond happy JJ left early because with her new unpredictable attitude and Reid's unexpected betrayal she would've regret ever coming with them.
"stop. I'm not seeing anyone and if I was I wouldn't tell you" she meant that partly she didn't want to keep sneaking around with Aaron but it was still new and he was their boss she didn't know how they'll react to them dating.
And Derek wasn't like JJ and Garcia she didn't think he'll find it as exciting as her friends did. Emily believed he'll worry about the the team dynamics changing and she wasn't sure if he'll see it the same way she did.
"what do you think Hotch?" This was Dave first ever comment he looked at Aaron with an expression Emily couldn't read but she was pleased with the fact he was going to get a taste of the spotlight Aaron understood what Dave was trying to do and he glared at him as the team waited for his answer.
"I think that whether Prentiss is seeing someone or not it's none of our business" Aaron said, Derek and Penelope's boos weren't late to come.
"of course you think that" Penelope said pointing at Aaron, Derek laughed and Aaron shot them both a look that made their temporary bravery to fade.
"I think I'm gonna head out it's late" Dave said Reid put down his glass telling he'll join him, he had enough of social interaction for today.
"I'll order us a cab too" Derek said putting his arm over Penelope's shoulder "are you guys joining us?" He asked them
"I think I'll walk even talking about a ride already making me nauseous" Emily said, she wasn't lying about that but it was only a part of the reason. She wanted to spend the rest of the night with Aaron and she wouldn't be able to do that with Derek joining them.
"you're not walking alone princess" Derek said and straightened up ready to fight over this.
"I'll walk her. I can use some fresh air myself" Aaron said immediately looking between Emily and Derek.
Derek eyed the pair in front of him now realising how comfortable they both looked about this whole idea Derek found it weird Emily didn't refuse the offer it wasn't like her, usually she would argue and insist she can walk by herself and she didn't now. But Derek wasn't Penelope he didn't analyse their every interaction he didn't see what she saw and he didn't overthink it. "okay walk safe" after saying their goodbyes they left.
Right before following their friends footsteps and leaving as well Emily turned to look at him
"Stay with me tonight" he said he found her presence so comforting he couldn't imagine going to bed tonight without her. He needed her
"I have some clothes you can barrow and we will go to your place first thing in the morning" he said holding her face between his hands his thumbs slowly stroking her red cheeks.
"Okay" she answered and kissed him. Now when they were finally alone she had no reason to avoid his touch.
this night out wasn't too long but Aaron felt like every second he spent away from her was a second every part of his body screamed to have her next to him again.
_
They got into his apartment. Aaron throw his keys on the table and walked with Emily towards his room to bring her clothes she could sleep in.
His room wasn't really unique but it was really him- a minimalistic bedroom she would've start profiling him and his room but something else caught her eye it was a picture of him and Jack on his dresser they both looked really happy it warmed her heart it gave the room some light, life.
"You could've get us caught you know that right?" Aaron said handing her his folded shirt and a sweatpants
"Me? You are the one who can't keep his hands to himself." She laughed "At the bar at the office..." she added taking off her shirt and putting on the one he gave her, unsurprisingly it was much bigger on her. "I wasn't obvious like you. And we are professionals when it gets to the job." He said changing his clothes as well
"And they are profilers we won't be able to keep it a secret forever" she rolled her eyes
"I know but if they're going to have help in finding out it's because of you" Emily scoffed and crossed her arms she stood and looked at him with her head tilted to the side.
"Wanna bet?" She said raising her eyebrows giving him a teasing smile Aaron got closer to her aiming to reduce the gap between them.
"How old are you, ten?" He laughed she was standing without any pants on and looked much smaller in his big shirt that it made him not take her seriously but it changed quickly when he saw the look of her face
"Fine. what do I get if I win?" He gave up. her smile grew in reaction to his words
"Whatever you want" Emily shrugged her shoulders still smiling collecting her clothes from the floor and straightening to face him again.
"Whatever I want?" He asked again, twirling her hair between his fingers Emily nodded and hummed in approval
"That's sounds like a good deal" he pulled her closer placing a kiss on her jawline and turning to do the same to her neck remaking a familiar trail while slipping his hands under her shirt, cupping her breasts Emily let out a small gasp and stepped away
"I'm thirsty" she said with an apologetic smile Aaron smiled at her smoothing her hair "The glasses are on the top shelf in the kitchen" she quickly left the room his hand in hers.
Raising on her tiptoes reaching for the glasses Aaron noticed again the same tattoo he noticed she had last night and it wasn't always there.
"that's a new one" Aaron said with his hand on her hip she placed the glass on the kitchen counter following his gaze looking at her tattoo
"It is do you like it?" It was a Saturn tattoo with a little moon next to it. It was the first planet he taught her about Aaron understood the meaning of it he just didn't understand why she got it or when.
"When did you get it?"
"The day I graduated" she meant after he left but she didn't want to bring it up and she didn't need to because Aaron already knew.
"I got pretty wasted, my friend knew a friend and we all got tattoos I would've got the entire solar system if the tattoo artist wouldn't convince me otherwise" she said laughing trying to keep her voice as light as possible
His hands moved to her waist and his grip over her body tightened remembering that night even though he was the one to leave her he felt like he was losing her again.
"I was really pissed on you and it sounds stupid but that night was beautiful" she said almost excited recalling that sight "the sky was full of stars the moon was shining and it reminded me of you." She explained
After he left Emily was overwhelmed with emotions she was in so much pain but the night was so astonishing. Feeling mesmerized by the sight and in pain from having to watch him leave again she just got it tattooed.
It was pain and beauty being brought together in some kind of sick oxymoron, like the sky was sharing her pain- trying to comfort her by reminding her of the good times they shared the things he taught her but they disappeared as well saying goodbye too but it all didn't matter now.
"I'm sorry about how I left" he whispered. for years that memory bothered him thinking about the way he didn't listen to her and just brushed her off he would never do that again.
"Don't be" she smiled at him her thumb floating over his lips "it's in the past we are together now" she finished Aaron took her hand and kissed it
"I love you Aaron I never stopped" she confessed. Emily didn't care if he won't say it back she just wanted him to know. It felt good finally saying it out loud.
"I love you too. more than you could possibly imagine" she didn't feel the tear that slipped from her eye unlike last time this was a happy tear and he did wiped it away.
She really did missed the way he used to love her.