Hotchniss - Bonds, Deals and Running

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

It was nine in the morning, the time for the debrief of a new case. The BAU's bullpen buzzed with the usual energy, papers rustling, keyboards clicking, and the low hum of conversation. Emily Prentiss stood near the doorway to her office, peeking out at the team as they walked towards the meeting room. She felt her stomach twist, not from nerves about a case, but from what she and Aaron were about to do.

Aaron Hotchner, standing beside her, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're overthinking this," he murmured, his voice low and steady.

Emily glanced up at him, her brow furrowed. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to lead this team every day while they're cracking jokes about us."

Aaron gave her a small smile, leaning in just slightly. "They're professionals."

She huffed, shaking her head. "Yeah, right," she said sarcastically.

Aaron tilted his head smiling slightly at her tone.

Her voice changed to more nervous, serious "Still. It's weird."

The moment stretched, neither moving just yet. Finally, Emily nodded and stepped out, heading to the round table room, Aaron following a half-step behind.

Sitting across the round table, JJ looked up from her tablet first, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "Well, this looks interesting," she said, leaning back in her chair.

Morgan, seated nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Oh, Hotch is here... What's going on, bosses? You two look... suspicious."

Rossi didn't even bother looking up from his coffee. "Oh, they're finally going to say it out loud."

Emily froze mid-step, her eyes widening. "Wait... what?"

Rossi smirked, finally glancing their way. "Come on, Emily. You're not exactly subtle. We've known for a while. And don't forget you are standing in a room full of profilers, apparently better than the two of you, because we've known longer than you guys did." He raised his mug as if to toast them.

"We've known?" Emily echoed, her tone incredulous as she looked around. "Who's we?"

JJ shrugged. "Well... everybody... Though Rossi and I made most of the guesses. But it was Reid who confirmed it."

"Wait, Reid?" Aaron interjected, his tone half-amused, half-curious. He turned toward the younger agent, who looked up sheepishly.

"Well, I didn't mean to," Reid said quickly, pushing his chair back a little as all eyes turned to him. "I just... saw you two um... kissing in Emily's office a few days ago. I wasn't going to say anything, but then JJ, Morgan and Garcia were talking, and... it just came out."

Garcia popped her head into the room, her bright outfit making her entrance even more dramatic. "Wait, wait, wait! Sorry for being late. Are we talking about the thing?" She looked around eagerly. "Did you two finally admit it?"

Aaron sighed, but there was a trace of a smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, Garcia. Emily and I are together."

A collective murmur of approval spread through the room, with Morgan clapping Aaron on the back and JJ flashing a wide smile at Emily. "It's about time," JJ said warmly. "You two deserve to be happy."

Emily exhaled, a mix of relief and mild embarrassment. "So... this isn't weird for anyone?"

Rossi shook his head, ever the voice of reason. "You're both professionals. We trust you."

Aaron gave her a small nod, as if to say, 'See? I told you.'

Reid, still looking a bit awkward, added, "If it helps, statistically, couples who share common values and mutual respect have a higher rate of success. And you both clearly... um... have that."

Morgan chuckled. "You know he's just trying to make up for ratting you out, right?"

Emily couldn't help but laugh, her nerves finally dissipating. "Thanks, Reid. I think."

As the team slowly returned to their tasks, Garcia lingered a moment longer, whispering to Emily, "Just so you know, I need details. All the details. Over drinks. Soon."

Aaron stepped closer to Emily, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "See? That wasn't so bad."

She looked up at him, her lips forming a small smile. "You say that because you're not the one getting cornered for gossip later."

He smirked. "True. But I'll buy you a drink after."

Emily sighed but couldn't hide her amusement. "You're lucky I love you."

Aaron's smirk softened into something warmer. "I know. I love you, Prentiss."

Later, from his desk, Rossi watched the two of them, his expression unreadable. As he sipped his coffee, JJ leaned over, whispering, "So... what do you think?"

"I think," Rossi said, setting his cup down with a satisfied smile, "they might actually make it work."