Saving Talia

Prologue Part 5

A/N: This chapter covers seasons 7 to 12. It's hefty but there are lots of hotchniss/family moments. I hope you enjoy it!

November 14, 2012
It takes Emily 1 year, 7 months, and 7 days for her to fully feel confident back in the field. Talk therapy, exposure therapy, retraining and recertification- she's done it all. Throughout the process, she became the communications liaison and consultant for the team. But now she's ready to be back as a field agent. Her first case back is also the worst, it's a bank robbery case that almost cost Will's life. There were sharp turns, swivels, and curves throughout the case that almost pushed her to her limit. But Aaron stays by her side, he continues to reassure her and be an active listening partner. So she manages, with a lot of effort, to finish the day.

The next night, David and the team surprise JJ with her dream wedding. The night is short but it is filled with joy. It's a reminder for them all that even when the world is full of crap, there are happy moments they can look forward to. That happiness is possible.

February 4, 2012
Alex Blake joins the team. She is calm, patient, seasoned, and wise. Spencer immediately takes to her, attaching himself like a lost little boy spreading his knowledge to her like wildfire.

Aaron and Emily are beginning to search for houses, noticing that their children are growing faster than they can process. In three months, they're going to have a 14-year-old girl in their hands and a 7-year-old Jack who won't stop asking for a dog. They're more than ready to move on from their lofty apartment and into a much larger home for their family.

March 8, 2012
The replicator is taunting them. Emily doesn't hide the fact that this is bringing up feelings she thought she'd gotten over.

One night, she won't stop twisting and turning in their bed. Anxiety is getting the best of her and she can't sleep. Her dim side lamp is still turned on while she shifts uncomfortably.

"You want to tell me what's on your mind?" Aaron asks her with his eyes closed, desperate to get some shut-eye.

"I'm alright," She sighs "It's just one of those nights," She tells him.

Aaron turns over to his side to face her, using one arm to pull her closer to him "You mean week?" He points out, knowing this has been bothering her since they walked into that warehouse with pictures of themselves, their homes, and their families.

"It's not Doyle," He reminds her "He's gone, forever."

"I know," Emily sighs, running her fingers through her scalp "I'm sorry for keeping you awake. I'll go downstairs" She apologizes, rising on her elbows to offer a kiss on his lips. Aaron tugs on her arm before she leaves the bed "Honey," He calls "Stay. Talk to me,"

Emily shakes her head "I don't really feel like talking. I don't even know what to say." she shrugs her shoulders.

"Then you don't have to say anything. We can think in silence together," Aaron tells her.

"Thinking in silence, yes. But what about twisting and turning, and sighing out loud? Repeatedly." A small chuckle exits her mouth as he mirrors her actions "Then I'll twist and turn, and sigh out loud with you." Aaron offers her a smile.

May 14, 2012
After 2 months of searching, they are fully moved into their forever home. It's a brownstone in Dupont Circle. It was way over their budget, Aaron citing they could never afford it. He couldn't have been more mistaken when Elizabeth came over for dinner one night and brought up Emily's trust fund.

He always knew his wife was wealthy, and she had told him that what was hers was now also his. But it felt wrong to not contribute anything to the purchase of the house.