I own nothing of Criminal Minds.

I hope you enjoy!

.x.

As another smooth jazz classic flowed into the night air, orchestrated by the band Rossi hired, the couples along the beautifully decorated canopy of lights swayed to the beat. Rossi had quite good taste and everyone was happy with his choice; with all of his choices that night for JJ's wedding. Everything had turned out wonderful.

A shout could be heard as Garcia was spun out into the middle of the floor by Morgan. The green of her dress sparkled in everyone's eye, dragging attention all around. Laughter spread and oozed wholly through the crowd. Weddings truly were a celebration and the love was felt and passed along. The team was finally able to relax, if not for a moment. This was their night.

Aaron Hotchner may have been with Beth, things may have been going well between them and he may have been holding her throughout the song and the night, but his thoughts and eyes wandered to Emily.

She was dancing with Rossi, laughing as he no doubt was telling her some raunchy joke. Her focus was upon the feet of the others around them. The lights shimmered along her hair, down and wavy. This woman held something that no one else had. There were so many words to describe and yet Hotch didn't even know where to begin.

Something, a pull, perhaps his stare had her raising her long lashes. A jolt shot straight through him as her eyes met his from across the busy floor. Their earlier conversation still rang in his ears. How he wanted to talk to her, to have that 'date'. To be there for her and reassure her was very high on his list; he didn't want to hold off anymore.

Her eyes were soft yet piercing, drilling him to the core. The last six years flashed in his mind with that one look. Every encounter, every profile, every question and answer; every word soared through his mind's eye; the uncertainty and the proof shown. Her strength and knowledge, her compassion and her shield was what proved to everyone what she was capable of. The undercover assignments, her offering to distract and her being offered into a situation with no permission asked. Her willingness to help was always admirable. Each scrape, scratch, burn and blow with the scars to show.

Hotch was inside their story. His losses and hers were melting together in just a small time frame. They had their share of bad timing, bad luck, and bad memories but the little moments, the little details rang out.

Deciding to turn the other cheek, when Strauss was after her for information, was credible beyond words. She proved to him and the team that she was there to find a place and that she was on their side. The loyalty and courage she portrayed during that time made his chest swell in pride. She was so much a part of their team.

The way she looked out for him, sat by his side in the hospital. The instant and unwavering concern she showed.

Taking one for the team was a no biggie for Emily. She put herself in harm's way too many times to count. From hostage situations to trying to talk down an unsub, she hung on. Her body has been damaged but she will heal. They will all heal.

His trust in Emily was grounded. They had walked on eggshells in the beginning due to Strauss and that bad timing. But time has loosened its' reins and changed that. His faith and trust was stronger than ever.

Did all of this boil down to a deeper meaning?

As he continued to sway Beth he managed to keep his vision in line with Emily's. She seemed struck. Her tongue came out to caress the corner of her mouth, another 'tell' of hers. A tell that he couldn't help but adore. It was the only word he could think of. This tell meant her thoughts were thriving, driving her, confusing her. Mulling over what, Hotch could only guess. She had had way too much on her mind lately and if she didn't get it out soon, who knows what would happen.

It was a nervous tick also. She was anxious. Why was she anxious?

Blinking, Hotch catches the look in her dark eyes. The urge to talk to her, to touch her crept up his spine. She seemed just as eager but held back because she knew her place or felt the need to remind herself of it. Like she was reminding herself that he wasn't free.

His throat suddenly dry, the grip on Beth's hand loosens. She notices the change.

Pulling back she smiles, "Hey, my feet are starting to feel the way it does after a marathon. I'm going to take a break." With that she moves away, running into JJ's mom and they seem to find something to talk about. They both walk over to sit at one of the dining tables.

Once Hotch felt he was comfortable enough to move, he joined Rossi and Emily.

The song was finishing and another one began as Hotch took a deep breath and cut in. Slipping his hand between theirs, his fingers wrap around hers. Rossi laughs and steps back as Emily looks shocked but pleasantly so.

Apologizing to Rossi nevertheless, Hotch moves in closer, taking full control of his body. The impact of hands was enough to have them realizing this buried feeling running through every vein. As arms wrap around each other, Hotch and Emily both comprehend the close proximity they are sharing for the first time.

Holding her close, Hotch felt the ghost of her breath whisper over his neck. She was there, alive and beautiful. She had withstood two major occurrences today that Hotch could only shake his head, marveling at all of their predicaments. His hands tighten. Her body was so close. The thought of losing her again ached.

He had one thought spring to his mouth as he leans closer to her ear. "About time we had our dance."

Pulling away, Hotch catches her small smile as her eyes flick from over his shoulder to down the fabric of his shirt.

She waits a moment, then whispers, her reply surprising him. "About time you stole me away."

She was dying to say the words and oh how easy they fell off her tongue. She licks her bottom lip again, feeling no sense of awkwardness.

His hand tightens instinctively upon hers.

An easy breeze swept over them and they revel in how close they are. New words, new situations were springing on them as of late and Hotch didn't quite know how to deal with this.

Swallowing, he found the courage to respond.

"I'm sorry it took me so long."

With those heavy words floating in the air around them, much like the music, Hotch and Prentiss slow their movements to small steps, gently swaying.

Where this was taking them, neither knew. But they both were about to find out.

x.x.x.x…..

Well, what do you think? Should I continue?

Please drop me a line! I dearly appreciate it! Thanks and love.

Lilylynn