Hotchniss - Bonds, Deals and Running

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

The next morning, as they sat across from each other at the café, the sunlight filtered through the windows, creating a warm atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the tension brewing beneath the surface.

At first, their conversation flowed smoothly, bringing back memories of BAU's first meeting with Beth during the triathlon.

"I had money on the swim killing you," Emily teased, a hint of her old spark lighting up her eyes.

"I practiced," Hotch replied, a faint smile flickering across his face.
The dejá vu.

But as the initial ease faded, Emily's mind drifted to the image of Hotch introducing Beth to his son. That moment had marked one of many times she felt the distance between herself and the life she once called home in D.C. It stung more than she cared to admit.

"What is it, Prentiss?" Hotch looked concerned.

And so, the atmosphere has shifted.

"Clyde Easter offered me his position at Interpol," she stated slowly, watching Hotch closely for his reaction.

"You're leaving?" His expression hardened, a mix of concern and confusion.

"I'm moving in two weeks. It's an incredible opportunity." The words felt heavy, as if she was trying to convince herself and not necessarily him.

Hotch leaned forward, his voice low. "So it's just another excuse to run away?" He blunted.

Emily blinked in surprise, her heart racing.
"Excuse me?"

"You're telling me you have no choice, but it feels like you're using this as a way to escape." He said, brought back to the reality.

Her anger flared. "Stop profiling me, Hotch," she said, her voice low but firm.

"How can you say that? Ian Doyle is dead. I thought I could put it all behind me." she added softer.

His eyes were unwavering, full of understanding but tinged with frustration. "You're running from yourself, Emily. You've never let us see you for who you truly are. There are always secrets."

"Stop," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You don't know what you're talking about. You don't know what I've been through."

"I know you've been through hell," he replied softly, "but you keep pushing everyone away. You can't keep doing this."

Tears welled up in her eyes, a mix of sadness and anger. "I'm just trying to fix what's broken inside me." she said, her voice trembling.

He's only seen her voice tremble similarly once like this - the night she'd found out about Matthew's death.

"Or you're running from the very thing that could heal you." he countered gently. "A broken person would have already fallen apart, by cracking into pieces, a long time ago, and you not only managed not to, but you have been helping many people every day since that moment until now."

Emily felt the weight of his words, her heart aching with truth. She rested her elbow on the table and let her head drop into her hand, showing how overwhelmed she felt.

Hotch reached out, gently touching her other hand laying on the table. His touch was light, a silent gesture of comfort that sent a shiver through her.

Before she could respond, the waitress arrived, breaking the tension with a bright smile as she placed their coffee in front of them.

Emily and Hotch both returned to their original poses, the moment interrupted but still charged with unspoken affection.

"Thank you," Hotch said, as he withdrew his hand.