behind closed doors

ten

A/N: Because the last three chapters- or all the chapters, were so dark and heavy. I tried to write a light and fluffy chapter surrounding the Prentiss+Hotchner family. However, I have realized that I am incapable of doing that and I absolutely HAVE to add something angsty. Anyway! It is overall a happy chapter, but.... sorry, enjoy, and happy reading!

A/N: A minor mistake I realized after publishing this chapter. I have unknowingly decided to write the Hotchner family living in an actual house, and not his usual apartment. So, I guess in this story- the hotchner's live in a house.

They walked up to the front of the house, side by side, with his hand on her back. Emily takes a deep breath then turns to Aaron "I feel like I should've brought something for him. Should I have?" she asks as Aaron tries not to laugh "Em- he's okay." he gives her a supporting look but she clicks her tongue, unsure "But maybe a small gift of some sort? I haven't seen him in months, Aaron. I don't want him to be angry with me." she tells him but Aaron slowly shakes his head "The only gift he could ever want right now, is to be with you" he tries to maker her feel better, and it helps a little bit but she's not fully convinced "Well maybe Mcdonald's or something?" Emily looks up at Aaron.

He snorts, holding up the 3 large boxes of pizza in his arms "I think this is enough, hon." he tells her "Hey," Aaron reaches for her shoulder "It's gonna be okay. Trust me, Jack will not be angry with you. I know for a fact, that when you walk through that door he is going to jump into your arms and he will not leave your side." he advises her, and his words pulls at her heartstrings. She leans forward to ring the doorbell, and Aaron smiles at that. Emily can his tiny footsteps running down the staircase, and Jessica shouting at him to 'take it slow or you'll hurt yourself.' she can't help but let out a small happy huff.

Jessica opens the door, a big smile on her face "Hi guys," she greets and allows them in. Aaron hands her the pizza boxes and takes his blazer off "How was Jack today?" he asks as Jessica puts the pizza away in the kitchen "He was really good!" she shouts so both Emily and Aaron could hear "His fever is gone. He's been jumping and running all over the place. He's really excited for boys' night." the blonde woman makes her way back to the entryway of the house, grabbing her coat off the coat rack "I cleaned a bit. But ya know-" she cuts herself off. Aaron shakes his head "No, no. I appreciate all you've done. Thank you, really. But you didn't have to clean the house. Don't worry about it." he tells his ex-sister inlaw. Jessica nods "well alrighty then. Have fun guys." she bids both of them goodbye before making her way into her car.

"She seems great now," Emily comments, remembering all those times where she would get glares and mutters of disapproval from Jess. Aaron nods his head in agreement "It took her a while to accept that I was moving on. But then she saw how amazing you were with Jack-" he looks at her with love in his eyes, forgetting to finish his sentence.

"Emmy?"

Aaron and Emily turn their heads, and before Emily can open her mouth to say something, her bum is on the floor by being jumped on by Jack. The little boy wraps his tiny arms around her neck, squealing joyfully and refusing to loosen his grip around her. Emily laughs in admiration, taking it all in despite losing her ability to breathe. The moment ends when Aaron encourages Jack to let go of Emily, and the young boy can finally look into her eyes.

"You're here!" He announces, jumping up and down "I can't believe you're here!" He spins and twirls and waves his hands in the air.

"I am!" Emily responds with the same excitement as him, but she's sitting comfortably on her knees now. She extends her arms so Jack can jump into it, and she pulls him in, this time she was the one suffocating Jack "I missed you, my big boy." Emily closes her eyes, feeling heavy in her heart for her mixed feelings "I missed you too, Emmy. I asked about you every day." his voice is muffled because his head is buried in her sweater.