home sweet home - a hotchniss story

ready

word count - 967

After emergency surgery, Emily was weak, but stable. Aaron was sobbing, standing by her hospital bed, the bed that made her look so tiny and like it could swallow her at any moment. Her breathing was slow but rhythmic, it calmed Aaron down as it reminded him of the many nights they spent together. He'd never tell Emily the amount of hours he spend, cuddled up next to her, watching and listening to her peaceful sleep. Now, he just wished he'd be able to do that again.

JJ, Dave, Derek and Spencer were huddled around the window, watching Aaron watch Emily's every breath. Yes, they were scared to death about losing their friend but they knew how much Haley's death killed Aaron, but they knew he loved Emily more than he ever loved Haley, the death of the love of his life would break him. Hours passed by painfully slowly and each team members hope gradually declined. JJ and Spencer curled up together and slept on some hospital chairs nearby while Dave went to get some coffee for Aaron, Derek stood in the same position, watching Emily, terrified he would loose her again, after he found her after Doyle, she promised she wouldn't endanger herself again. The therapy he received afterwards barely helped, he felt like he was losing his friend, and now all those feelings were rushing back to him.

5 hours later, Emily's powerless hand grasped Aaron's, he couldn't believe it, she was awake! "someone, get a nurse! she's awake", Waking JJ as he yelled, she jolted up and before a nurse could enter, the entire team was around Emily, she was pale and in pain but that didn't matter, she was alive. Still woozy from the pain medication she hadn't been able to speak, through the raspiness of her voice she managed to scramble together the word "yes", the team looked around confused but her eyes were locked into Aaron's, "yes.. yes i will marry you". Aaron fell into his knees and kissed her hands, the team burst out smiling and laughing. At this moment in time nobody could wish for anything more.

—————————————

2 weeks later Emily was finally released from the hospital, she had been trying to leave for the past 12 days but even bribery didn't seem to work when you have a very stern Unit Chief fiancé. Aaron stayed with Emily the entire time she was in the hospital, but periodically going back to the hotel to sleep and change his clothes, this also let Emily rest without feeling guilty that Aaron was with her. Now she was allowed home, Aaron ordered the BAU plane to pick them up, they spent the whole flight together, kissing and making up for 2 weeks where Emily was trapped in bed. "would you like some water mr Hotchner" Emily cheekily asked walking down the isle of the plane, "yes please mrs Hotchner". This was the first time she'd been called 'Mrs' before and 'Hotchner' being at the end just made her melt, she wasn't officially a Hotcher as they weren't married but it felt right, Emily Elizabeth Hotchner. She smiled to herself as she grabbed two water bottles from the fridge.

As they reached Emily's apartment, she was tired, although she was allowed back home, she wasn't supposed to do anything too strenuous, which meant only paperwork for now. As she was about to unlock the red door of her home, she looked up at Aaron and thought 'he is my home', he looked back down at her, straight into her deep eyes and kissed her softly. He pushed the door open and there was the entire BAU team, candles were lit and Emily's favourite song was playing, white roses were scattered along the floor, Aaron put down her bag in the hallway and looked over at his gorgeous fiancé. "So, i know you're tired but we all want you to know how much you mean to us, our entire relationship has been full of surprises and nothing in my life has ever made me this happy, this time i would like to do this the way i intended so" as Aaron gets onto one knee Emily wipes away her tears "Emily Elizabeth Prentiss, would you do me the honour of letting me love you forever by becoming my wife" Its like the whole world stopped as he asked the question, this made it real "i would love too" she said with the biggest smile, "i love you Aaron Hotchner" "i love you more Emily Hotchner"

The whole team was in awe of their love, the house looked beautiful behind them, Emily went over and cautiously hugged everyone, being careful not to hurt her wound. About half an hour later, Emily was hugging Aaron, fitting in his arms perfectly, they looked around at their friends and the life they shared together. She squeezed his hand and he knew she wanted to go to sleep "hey guys, thank you all for coming but my fiancé needs to go to bed, you all don't have to come into work until noon tomorrow" he said reluctantly but also knowing that meant more time to spend with Emily, "watch out, Prentiss is making the boss man go soft" Rossi laughed. "maybe i am" Emily blushed.

As the team left, they both crawled into bed, they didn't share many words but they both just lay content, ready to being their lives together. The past few weeks scared Aaron but he knew as long as they were together, nothing could break the love they shared. He felt at home with her, wherever they were he was calm when he saw her face. They both drifted off into a peaceful sleep, holding hands, appreciating the time they spend together