Archive of Our Own ^beta

The doctor rubs a hand over his face and laughs and the two men frowns in confusion.

“She’s awake.” The doctor tells them, a large smile on his face. 

Hotch’s eyes go wide as he releases a breath, almost falling to the floor before catching himself, relief flooding his whole body. 

“She started breathing on her own, which in turn made the ventilator set off, which is what the beeping was.” He explains to Reid, who’s still staring in shock at the doctor.

“She’s okay?” Reid whispers, a smile on his face.

“She’s awake.” He corrects, and the two men look at him for an explanation. “She was in a coma.. on a ventilator for almost eleven days. She’s confused, tired.. it’s normal.” He tells them.

“Is there..” Hotch starts, before clearing his throat and standing straighter. “Is there brain damage?” He asks.

“So far, not that I can see.” He smiles, “A neurologist is on their way down now, they’ll be able to tell us for sure. She may need to go for a CT.” The doctor tells them, the Agents nod, trying to process the unexpected, but prayed for news.

“For now… she’s awake. She’s aware of her surroundings even though she has no memory of the crash, which is also pretty normal in these situations. Probably for the best in most cases.” He informs them,

“Can I- we see her?” Hotch asks, the doctor sighs.

“I’m going to ask the neurologist to see her before you, simply because I want to be able to prepare you for the outcome of brain damage, instead of you seeing in without warning. But it shouldn’t be long. Make some calls, I know there’s a group of you. I’ve seen about eight different people a day.” He jokes, “She’s lucky to have you all.”

“We’re the lucky ones.” Reid says with a smile, before nodding and grabbing his phone. “I’ll call Morgan and JJ..” He says.

“I’ll call Dave and Garcia.” Hotch nods, turning to look at a doctor who appears in front of them.

“This is Doctor James. He’s the resident neurologist.”

“I hear we have a miracle.” He smiles, shaking the hands with Hotch and smiling back at Reid, dropping his hand with a laugh as the man just holds a hand up in a wave. 

“We do.” The other Doctor smiles, “She’s in 819.”

“I’ll be as quick as I can. I imagine you’re all eager to see her.”

Hotch and Reid smile at the man before he heads into the room, the other behind him, and they make the calls.

Garcia screams down the phone with joy and rushes out three sentences unintelligibly before screaming again, announcing she’ll be right there and hangs up. 

Hotch can’t help but laugh, his heart full of just.. relief… love… joy…

Dave shouts a few words in Italian, laughing happily. Another few happy words in his mother tongue and he’s almost in his car, shouting he’ll be there shortly and the phone call ends.

Morgan doesn’t believe it. Shocked. Unable to react for a few moments before laughing, almost crying in pure joy as he grabs his keys and runs to his car, saying he’s on his way.

JJ just cries. At first Will thinks the worst has happened as he drops the cup he was holding and runs to his girlfriend, his face full of worry before he sees her happy smile. He lets out a sigh of relief and smiles back. She tells him she’s awake and then announces to Reid that she can’t believe it, she’s on her way. Running into Will’s arms and laughing happily he picks her off the ground as she squeals, he then taps her back and tells her to go, JJ runs out the door with a happy laugh.

-

The team arrive at the hospital in the space of twenty minutes. The first to arrive is Dave, who broke a few laws to get there in quick time, running to his family with a large smile, he wraps them both in his arms.

“It’s a miracle.” He tells them, kissing their heads.

“The neurologist is just in there now.” Hotch tells him as he removes himself from the hug, Dave nods and smiles.

“It’s all okay.” Dave smiles, “She’s awake. She’s back with us. Nothing else matters. Everything else we can deal with.”

Hotch nods with a smile, no time to reply before Garcia is running in, her hair half up on one side and a sleep mask still on her head, her coat half on as she speeds towards them, obviously overwhelmed with joy.

“Where is she!” She shouts with a smile, “Where is my girl?”

“She’s just with the neurologist. We’ll see her soon.” Dave smiles at the woman, who hugs him.

Garcia smiles brightly at Hotch before standing next to Reid, who gently puts her in her jacket and takes of the sleep mask, passing it to her as she laughs.

“I just… came here.” She explains, no time for anymore of an explanation as Morgan runs towards them.

“She’s awake?” He asks, Hotch nods.

He laughs and runs a hand over his face before pulling Reid into his arms.

JJ is next, running in and straight into Garcia’s open arms.

“Our girls back, JJ.” She smiles and JJ laughs.

“I-“ She tries but there are no words to describe her joy.

The neurologist exits the room ten minutes later and jumps at the arrival of a group.

“He wasn’t joking when he said she had an army.” He smiles, the team smiles at him and waits.

“I’m confident in saying there is no brain damage. Not that I noticed in my assessment.” He tells them and the entire team release a breath they’ve been holding for almost two weeks. “Of course I will need to take her for a CT, but I will let you see her before I take her up.” He says, before looking at them all and smiling sadly. “I don’t want to be the kill joy but… I would say for now, maybe one person at a time?” He suggests, “Coma patients can get very overwhelmed very quickly. Agent Prentiss is still on a lot of medication and is still very drowsy.” 

“Of course.” Garcia nods, “One at a time. We can do one at a time.”

“Okay.” The doctor smiles, “I’ll be back down in about an hour to take her to CT and her doctor will be back later to discuss next steps.”

“Thank you.” They all say with a smile before he steps away.

“Go.” Dave tells Hotch, pushing him forward.

“No- You sh-”

“Will you just go in and give her a kiss?” Garcia laughs, pushing the man towards the door and he laughs.

“Thanks.” He says shyly, bowing his head and turning away, taking a breath before opening the door.

He shuts the door behind him and leans against it, exhaling shakily. He smiles when he sees her looking at him, her signature smirk on her face.

“Hey Hotchner,” She plays, tilting her head. He smiles at the sound of her voice. God he’s missed it. “Are you going to come here or have you and the door started a serious relationship while I was gone?”

Hotch laughs and steps towards her, grabbing her hand and sitting on the bed, using his other hand to cup her face, a tear falling down his.

She lifts the hand wrapped in his to wipe it and her heart flutters as he leans into it, his fingers entwined with hers.

“Don't cry.” She whispers, a lump in her throat. “Hey,” She says, when he looks at her she smiles. “I’m okay.”

“You’re okay.” He whispers, laughing. “You scared us..” He tells her.

“Sorry.” She whispers, stroking his cheek. “Aaron.” She says and he looks at her. “Kiss me then.” She smiles and he laughs before kissing her and when he does his head finally stopped spinning. There was no longer any panic rooted in his bones, no more permanent ache in his chest at the thought of losing her. He was able to relax and just be there with her. Just like he always should be. As they separate they smile, his finger strokes her cheek as he kisses her again.

He pulls her necklace from his blazer pocket and dangles it in front of her.

“I’ve been holding onto this for you.” He tells her, the smile on her face as she takes it from him enough to warm his heart.

“Thank you.” She whispers, “It’s. It’s all I left of my Dad..” She explains sadly. “Thank you.” She repeats again and he smiles, placing a kiss on her hand.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” He whispers, running a hand through her hair and stroking her cheek with his thumb, his joy evident on his face as he beams at her. 

“Me too.” She says back, accepting another kiss from him. “No more near deaths for either of us, okay?” She jokes, his laugh makes her smile as he agrees.

-

JJ goes in next, rushing to her best friend's side and cupping her face.

“If you ever do this to me again I swear I’ll kill you myself.” JJ jokes and Emily smirks, nodding.

“Noted.” She says, and JJ hugs her gently.

“I missed you.”

“I’m missable..” Emily jokes and JJ laughs and kisses her head.

“Welcome back.” She says to the brunette and Emily smiles. “I see you have your necklace back.” She points and Emily chuckles, gracing her finger over it as it lays across her neck. “Hotch has held onto that for dear life over the last week..” JJ explains and Emily looks at her with a sad smile before the blonde changes the subject. “I’m sure you’ll hear all about how Morgan and Reid tried to be hero’s..” JJ smirks and Emily’s lips curl into a smile.

-

Garcia goes next and is all loud screams from the moment she stands.

“Garcia.” Dave says, his tone sounding like a warning, the blonde turns to him before opening the door, “Quiet.. relaxed.. take a deep breath.” He tells her and the woman nods, inhaling before opening the door.

“Protective much?” JJ teases and Dave shrugs.

“She’s his favourite..” Morgan jokes. Dave smiles and doesn’t deny it. Hotch catches his eye and raises a brow as he tries to get hold of Jessica.

“She’s definitely his favourite,” Hotch tells them, “Should have heard the lecture I got ten months ago.”

“I stand by every word.” Dave tells him, pointing a finger in his direction, Hotch chuckles before Jessica finally answers the phone. 

-

Garcia runs to her friend and stops, taking a breath, holding in her joy and Emily just laughs.

“What are you doing?” Emily questions.

“Rossi told me I had to be calm and relaxed. He’s worried about overwhelming you.. because the doctor said too much can overwhelm you and I don’t want to-”

“Pen..” Emily stops her and the blonde looks at her.

“Come here.” Emily says, and she smiles and wraps herself gently in her friends arms.

“You could never overwhelm me.” Emily whispers, “Ever.”

Garcia smiles, tears rolling down her face as she pulls away.

“I’ve missed you my very special friend.” She whispers and Emily laughs.

“I missed you too, silly girl.”

Garcia smiles brightly and kisses her hand. ”Never do this to me again.” She whispers into Emily’s dark hair. 

“I’ll try not to.” She jokes and Garcia pulls away, glaring playfully at her friend, “You can’t get rid of me this easily, Pen. You know that.” 

“I know,” She replies, taking her hand in her own as she sits down on the bed, “Are you okay? Do you need anything? Are you tired? Shall I tell the others to wait for awhile-” 

“Garcia..” Emily stops her with a smile, “I’m okay.” 

Penelope nods and squeezes her hand, “I missed you.” 

-

At Emily’s request, Reid and Morgan go in together and as soon as he sees her, Morgan just exhales, closing his eyes.

“Hey boys,” She smiles, they head towards her and Reid hugs her while Morgan just looks at her, a smile on his face while he takes her hand.

“I missed you.” Reid mutters and Emily runs a hand down his back.

“I missed you too.” She tells him.

“You’re okay?” He whispers, pulling away and she smiles, running a hand over his cheek.

“I’m okay.” She tells him.

“You scared us.” Morgan smiles, “Idiot.”

“Sorry.” She smirks, “I needed a few days off work.”

The men laugh and she smiles.

“I just. I wanted to thank you.. for everything.” She smiles. “JJ and Hotch told me you tried to-” She stops, they nod.

“You’re welcome.” Morgan smiles, wrapping his hand in hers. “It was heavy.” He complains and she laughs.

“How are you?” She asks Reid, “I heard about you needing surgery..” 

“I’m okay.” Reid tells her, “I’ve been more worried about you.” 

“We all have.” Morgan tells her, “You gave us quite the scare, Princess.” He says and Emily looks at them with sad eyes, “But you’re back now and that’s all that matters.” He smiles, placing a kiss on her hand. 

-

Dave is last. As soon as he’s in the room he’s at her side in a second, both hands on the side of her face as he kisses her head.

“Welcome back, Bella.” He mutters and she chuckles.

“I hear you’re warning people not to overwhelm me.” She laughs, he sits on the chair and smiles.

“You’re my favourite,” He shrugs, patting her hand as he holds it, “What can I say?” He smirks and she laughs, leaning her head back on the pillow as her head starts to ache.

“You okay?” He asks, sitting up and placing a flat hand on her head and she chuckles.

“I’m okay.” She says softly, “Tired.” She mutters. He smiles and runs a hand down her cheek tenderly.

“Rest.” He tells her. “I think you’ll be going to CT soon.”

Emily groans in response and he laughs.

“Never do this to me again.” He smirks, a finger pointed at her, “Twice is enough for one lifetime.”

“Sorry..” She smiles, taking his hand and squeezing it. She yawns again and he gently kisses her hand.

“You’ve got a long road ahead of you,” He tells her, “But we’re here.”

“I know.” She says, her eyes flutter closed as she falls asleep and he smiles, placing a soft kiss on her head before standing, glancing back once more at the sight of her breathing on her own and he can’t help but thank whoever may be listening for this miracle. 

-

Two hours and a CT scan later and the team are scattered around the room as they chat to her. Emily sick of seeing them one by one, telling her doctors she was fine and that they're allowed to break the rules, they're the FBI.

JJ and Garcia are sat on two chairs on the left side of her, Hotch on a chair on the opposite side. Neither a fan of PDA but unable to not have some part of him touching her, his hand is rested just next to hers, their little fingers gently wrapped around each other’s under the blanket. 

Morgan is sat on a chair the end of the bed, his legs rested on it as he leans back, a smirk on his face. Spencer is stood, as always, bouncing around the room as he laughs at their conversation and Dave is just watching, sat in a corner with a smile on his face as his family is whole once again. 

 It isn’t long until Emily starts to shut down once again and the team are ushered from the room by the nurse. They put Emily on an IV and tell her to take it easy. That her body is still recovering. Hotch heads back into the room once the nurse exists, before the rest of the team sneak back in, saying their goodnights to her as they head out. Aaron remains sat on the chair as Dave, the last one to leave, of course, gives her another look before heading out of the door. He takes her hand in his and kisses it, resting his elbows on the bed as he looks at her with so much love in his eyes that it makes her heart hammer in her chest, setting of the machine. 

“What’s wrong?” He asks nervously as the fast beeping echo's around the room but Emily just shakes her head. 

“Nothing,” She whispers, a tear falling down her face. Hotch stands before settling on the bed, lowering her down onto the pillow as he runs a hand over her cheek, wiping her tear gently. 

“Get some rest,” He tells her, “I’ll be right here.” He whispers with a smile. 

-

“Go,” Emily tells Aaron two hours later as he procrastinates leaving the room. “I’ll be here tomorrow.” She jokes and he laughs.

“I know, I just-”

“Go home, Aaron.” She says, “Sleep… go and see your son.”

“He’ll be happy to hear you’re awake.” He tells her, “You should have seen him when he was here. He read to you.” Pride beams off his face as he talks about Jack. 

“He’s an angel.” Emily smiles, “How has he been?” 

“I’ll bring him tomorrow.” He tells her and she nods. “He’s been coping well.” 

“Good.” She says, “Now go home.” She tells him, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He leans down and places a soft kiss on her lips before standing with a sigh.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He nods, before kissing her again, which makes her laugh.

It’s her laugh that he remembers as he travels home that night.

-

Arriving home, he’s shocked to find Jack up and reading on the couch, Jessica tracing a pattern in his hair as he reads. As he shuts the door they both turn and Jessica sends him a huge smile and stands, hopping Jack onto the floor who quickly runs into his dad’s arms.

“Hi Daddy!” Jack smiles, wrapping his arms around his father once he’s in his arms.

“Hey bud,” He smiles, “I have something to tell you.” He says, placing the boy back on the ground and kneeling down to his level.

“Is Emmy okay?” He asks, worry in his face and voice and Aaron nods.

“She’s okay.” He tells Jack, “She’s awake..”

“She is?” Jack asks and his face lights up, his smile large.

“Yeah, and if you want we can go and see her tomorrow.” Aaron tells him, and Jack cheers.

“Yes!” He yells, “Can we not go now?”

Aaron laughs. “Not tonight buddy. It’s late.” 

“But tomorrow.” He says and Aaron nods.

“Tomorrow.”

-

Tomorrow comes quicker than Aaron expects when it’s barley seven and Jack is jumping on his bed.

“Daddy! Daddy!” He shouts, before dropping to his knees and shaking his shoulder.

“Hmm?” Hotch mutters, rolling over and squinting his eyes as he wakes.

“We have to go!” He shouts, “Come on, Daddy!” He groans. “I wanna see Emmy!”

Aaron chuckles and grabs him, pulling him into his chest and the boy laughs, resting his head on his dad.

“It’s a bit early yet, buddy.” He says, kissing the boys head.

“Oh.” He says sadly. Hotch smiles and pats his back.

“How about we get some breakfast and then we can go?”

“Okay!” He shouts, sitting up and running from the bedroom to the kitchen.

-

Once they’re at the hospital, Jack runs in the room with a shout of her name and she laughs. He pushes himself up on the bed and wraps his arms around her, his head in her chest and he sighs in content as her arms wrap around him.

“I missed you.” He tells her, “You slept for really long.” 

“I know. I’m sorry.” She says softly, winking as Aaron walks into the room with a smirk and a sorry on his lips.

“It’s okay.” Jack says to her, moving himself closer to her and closing his eyes.

She kisses his head and he smiles.

“Thank you for not going away. I knew you would come back. Just like you did last time..” He whispers, taking a lock of her hair into his hands as he lays on her. “Are you okay now?” He asks.

“I’m getting there.” She tells him, running a hand across his back comfortingly, “Thank you for reading to me..” She says and he looks at her with a huge smile.

“You’re welcome.” He tells her, “When are you coming home?”

“Soon.” She smiles, he nods in acceptance and rests his head on her chest once again, relaxing into her safe and comforting hold.

The three talk for over an hour before a doctor comes in with a sad smile and an apology on his lips.

Jack hugs her once more.

“See you tomorrow?” He asks as Jessica walks in, his arms tighten around her as though he believes if he lets go she could leave again.

“I’ll see you really soon.” She tells him. He looks at her with wide eyes before accepting her words and heading toward Jessica, who sends Emily a smile. 

Once they’re out of the room the doctor heads back in.

“Hello.” She says, “I’m Doctor Kay.” She smiles. “I’m a physical therapist.” She tells them, before clapping her hands together. “Let’s get you back to one hundred percent shall we?”

-

Day one of her recovery is tough, having had surgery on her leg just over a week ago but barely any movement in it, her leg is stiff and painful. She winces as soon as she stands her weight on it, lifting it off the ground and leaning more weight against Aaron as she should. He holds her up with no protest, his arm wrapped around her waist.

“I know it hurts.” Doctor Kay tells her, standing closely in front of her, “But the more you use it the more it will gain back its strength. Right now your leg doesn’t have the strength it should, but the more weight you put on your other one the more trouble you’ll cause it.” She explains and smiles at Emily, “Just gently place it back on the ground and try and stand straight for me. Equal weight on both sides.”

Emily places her foot back down and bites her lip harshly as she does, almost drawing blood. The arm over Aaron’s shoulder as he holds her up falls as she places equal weight on both legs. She winces, grabbing his suit, pressing her hands into it forcefully as though she could transfer the pain.

“Okay,” Doctor Kay says, “Equal weight on both sides..” She asks and Emily nods, closing her eyes as shooting pains are sent up her leg. “Scale of one to ten how much pain is this causing you?”

“I don’t know.” She says, her voice shaky and obviously trying to hide how much it was hurting her, “Like a seven.. maybe an eight.”

“Okay.” The doctor nods, “Okay, Agent Hotchner.. I’m going to ask you to take a step back. I need to see if she’s able to stand on her own.” She tells him and he looks to her and then to Emily. “I just need to know where we’re staring at so we can work at our best.”

Aaron reluctantly moves his arm from around her waist, she’s smiling as best she can at him as he does, nodding her head that it’s okay. Her hand falls slowly from his back as Aaron steps away. Pain is soon sent shooting up and down her leg and she can’t hold her own weight up, almost hitting the ground, but Aaron’s arm is back around her, keeping her upright and standing her up.

“Okay.” Doctor Kay smiles, “This was good!” She smiles and Emily snorts, leaning some of her weight onto Aaron as she lifts her leg of the ground before sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Good?” She laughs and the woman nods.

“Agent Pre-“

“Emily.” She corrects and the woman smiles.

“Emily.. you’ve had surgery on your leg.. and then were unable to properly set it for almost two weeks. It will take awhile for you to be at full mobility again.. but.. I’m positive that we can get you back there and back into whatever it is that you do in the FBI in no time.” She teases and Emily laughs.

“Okay.” She nods and the woman shakes their hands.

“I’ll be back later and we will try again. Twice a day for as long as you need. As soon as you’re able to do the basics like walk, stand... then we will think about releasing you but working yourself back to where you were will take time. They’ll be no chasing criminals for awhile.”

-

On Day Three she’s advised to take walks around the hospital every few hours. The first to walk with her is Aaron, her hand wrapped around his as they do. Most of her weight is leaned against the cane she hates but has to use, her legs not fully at the strength to hold all of her weight but she’s getting there.

“Jack wants to come again tomorrow.” Aaron tells her with a smile, Emily smiles and nods.

“I’d like that.” She says, he kisses her hand as they walk. She stops and winces slightly after awhile, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

“Are you okay?” Hotch asks, panic in his eyes, she nods.

“Yeah..” She breathes, “Just a little sore.”

“Shall we head back?”

Emily shakes her head and pierces her lips. “No,” She says, “I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” She smiles and they carry on their walk around the ICU ward.

-

Later that day it was Dave’s turn. Her arm linked through his as they walked slowly around, talking about everything and anything.

“You didn’t have to come for this, you know.” She smiles, “There are plenty of nurses for this reason.”

“Nonsense.” He says, shaking his head, “I’ve had to do eleven days without you and our conversations, you think I’m going to give it up now?” He teases, and she smiles, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I missed you too.” She tells him and he chuckles, kissing her head.

-

It’s Day Six that she’s discharged with a two hour physical therapy session every week for the next month.

“I look forward to working with you, Emily.” Doctor Kay says as she smiles at her.

“Me too.” Emily says.

“Remember to take things slow for the next few weeks, there will still be some pain for a while.”

“I know.” Emily replies, “Ill see you on Monday.”

“I’ll see you on Monday, we will work on upper leg strength.”

Emily smiles as the woman walks out of the room and when the door shuts Emily sighs, folding herself into Aarons arms, he chuckles as he wraps them around her.

“She’s so.. perky.” She mutters.

“She’s nice.” Aaron tells her and Emily just hums in response. “Come on,” He says, tapping her backside before unwrapping himself from her and taking her hand, “Jack has a surprise for you at home.”

“He does?” She smiles, “How adorable.”

“He’s excited.” Hotch tells her and she smiles, looking to the floor as they walk out of the room at a slow pace while her legs get used to normal use.

“You’ve come far these last few days. A week ago you couldn’t even stand and now..” He says, a proud smile beaming off him, “You’ll be back to one hundred percent before you know it.”

“I hope so.” She says, “I hate this.” She mutters as a slight pain shoots up her thigh at the pressure of it on the ground.

“I know.” He says, kissing her head as they walk towards his car, “I wish there was something I could do.” He tells her as they stop at the car and she turns to face him, placing a soft hand on his cheek.

“You’re doing it.” She smiles, before placing a kiss on his lips, “I love you.” She whispers and he smiles into their kiss.

“I love you too.”

-

Jack cheers and jumps off the couch when Aaron opens the front door.

“Welcome home!” Jack shouts, running to Emily but stopping in front of her with a halt when he remembers about his dad telling him to be careful. That she’s still very sore.

“I made you this.” He smiles, handing her a handmade card. There’s a picture of three stick people on it and some trees.

“It’s us a few weeks ago at the park...maybe when you’re better we can go again.” He tells her, she smiles, holding back her tears and runs a hand through his hair.

“I love it, thank you.” She smiles.

“I’m glad you’re back.” He says to her, grabbing her hand and slowly wrapping his arms around her ‘good’ leg.

“Me too, buddy.” She says, bending down to kiss him on the head.

“Can we make dinner now?” He asks his father who’s looking at the two of them with adoration.

“Of course. Come on.” He says and his son runs towards the kitchen.

He holds his hand out for Emily to take and she laughs and she grabs it, folding herself into him once again as they walk to the kitchen.

An hour later and Aaron comes back into the kitchen after changing out of his suit, stopping and smiling at the sight in front of him.

Emily is standing stirring the sauce, smiling at Jack as he talks to her with a grin on his face, his legs swinging as he sits on the counter. His little boy erupts in laughter when Emily flicks sauce at him.

The sight makes him smile and he knows then what he has to do, what he’s been thinking of doing for a while.

“What’s going on there then?” He announces himself and Jack turns with a grin as Emily smiles, shaking her head.

“Nothing.” She tells him, “Just stirring the sauce.”

“Mhmm.” He hums, raising an eyebrow at the two of them.

“Drink your wine.” She tells him with a grin, and he places a kiss on her cheek as his arm warps around her, his chest against her back before grabbing the glass.

-

Later that night, they’re stood in the kitchen after cleaning up when he grabs her hand gently and pulls her to him. Her hands land on his chest as she smiles.

“Hey.” She says, before kissing him. He kisses back. Pulling away, he moves her hair from her shoulders, running a finger down her spine. She looks at him suspiciously before squinting, “What?” She asks.

“Marry me.” He tells her, resting his arm flat on her back, his other in her hand.

“What?” She asks, her mouth agape in a shocked grin.

“When you’re ready, when you’ve finished with physical therapy and-“ He stops, smiling at her, “I thought I lost you, Emily. Again.” He says to her, pain clear in his voice, “If this last year has taught us anything it’s that life is unpredictable and that we could lose each other at any moment. I want to marry you. I want to spend the life of my life with you.” He says, before pulling a velvet box out of the draw he’s been avoiding for the last week and a half and takes the ring from it. “Emily Prentiss... Marry me?” He smiles, tears welling in his eyes.

Emily is silent, staring at him with wide eyes and a shocked expression, before laughing and pulling him into her, crashing her lips onto his own.

“Yes.” She says as she pulls away, “Of course I’ll marry you.. you big softie.” She laughs, before kissing him again.

They smile against each other’s lips before laughing. He wraps her in his arms as she laughs happily. He grabs her left hand and slides the ring onto her finger, she stares at it with a beaming smile before looking back at him, cupping his face and kissing him. She laughs happily once his lips leave hers and wraps her arms around his neck, he can feel her smile.

“Welcome home.” He whispers into her ear and she smiles harder into his neck. “I love you.”

“I love you too, fiancé.” She whispers and presses a kiss into his neck before laughing happily once again.

Jacks run in the room then and crashes into her leg, she winces in response and the young boy goes pale. 

“I’m sorry!” He shouts, tears welling in his eyes. Emily turns from Aarons hold and looks down at Jack, smiling and shaking her head. 

“It’s okay.” She tells him, running a hand through his fastly growing hair, “You just scared me, that’s all.” 

“Not hurt?” He questions, his voice quiet and soft. 

“No, baby,” She says gently, leaning down to pick him up and balance him on her hips. He’s small for his age and it’s in moments like these that Hotch embraces the petiteness he gets from his mother. He's sure he’ll grow to be taller than him in no time and he will enjoy the small little boy for as long as he can. “You didn’t hurt me.” 

The six year old relaxes and rests his head on her shoulder, looking at his father with a smile. Aaron pulls the two of them into him and presses a kiss on Emily’s temple as her shoulder rests on his chest, he bops his sons nose and smiles when he crinkles his face. 

Yeah, Aaron thinks, He totally wants this forever. 

-

They decide against telling their friends until they knew when they’d be able to get married, not wanting to rush into it before Emily had recovered completely.

“I want to walk down the aisle, Aaron. Not limp.” She’d told him when he’d asked when she wanted to get married. “Can’t we just... be, for awhile?

“Absolutely.” He’d replied, pulling her into him as he sat on the bed, she twisted to sit on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’d be happy to sit like this forever.” He tells her with a smile and she laughs, pressing a kiss on his lips as runs a hand under her shirt and traces a finger down her spine.

-

Two weeks into her physical therapy, she was able to walk at a normal pace with no pain, able to stand on equal weight on both legs and was on her way to being back at almost full function.

“You’ve come far in these two weeks, Emily. I’m impressed.”

“Yeah, well.. I like to excel at things.” She jokes and the doctor laughs.

“Okay, one more round of this and then we will call it for today.” The doctor tells her, “I am, however, comfortable enough with your improvements to sign you off to going back to work.”

“Really?” Emily asks, shocked.

“As long as you promise to take it easy, you’re not at the level you were at before the accident. Any strain or over work on your leg could set us back weeks.. maybe months.”

“I’ll take it easy.” Emily says, smiling when she passes her the doctors note.

“One more round. Go.” The doctor says.

-

“You’re sure you’re ready?” Hotch asks her later that night while they’re laying in bed.

“Yeah.. I mean, I can profile and rest my leg at the same time.” She jokes, “I’m not expecting myself to be able to be back on the field. Not completely.”

“Good. Because I wasn’t going to let you.” He grins, before placing a kiss on her lips.

“When shall we tell the team about this?” She says, and holds up her left hand, the diamond ring sparkling as it catches the moon's reflection in the window.

“Probably before you start back at work.” He tells her.

Probably.” She agrees with a laugh, before curling her body into Aaron’s.

Aaron is asleep for maybe three hours when the patter of small bare feet running across the floor wakes him. He turns to find Emily still peacefully sleeping next to him, hair spread over her face as her head tilts to the left. He looks over to the door to listen as he remembers the sound of his son’s feet running on the floor waking him. The door opens slowly and Aaron doesn't announce that he’s awake, he just watches in the dark as he son slowly creeps into the room.

“Jack?” Hotch says and the boy turns quickly, “What are you doing?” He whispers. 

“I had a bad dream.” He tells his dad, walking over slowly as Hotch pats the bed. 

“Are you okay?” He asks him and Jack looks at him. 

“Emmy died..” He says quietly and when Jack reaches him he notices the tears down his son’s face and his heart breaks.

“Emily’s okay.” Hotch tells him, “See.” He points, bringing the boy into his arms. 

“Can I sleep in here?” He asks softly and Hotch sighs and kisses his head. 

“Just for tonight, okay?” Hotch says, placing the boy in the middle of the bed, the dip in the mattress causes Emily to wake and as she squints her eyes open, she smiles at the young boy staring at her. 

“Hi.” He says, “I had a bad dream.” 

“You did?” She asks, running a hand over his forehead as he lays down, “Are you okay?” 

The six year old nods and pushes himself further into the bed before sighing and closing his eyes and, like always, he’s out instantly. 

Emily looks over at Aaron as he lays back down and he shakes his head.

“It’s going to be fine.” She says to him, grabbing his had as he throws it gently over his son to reach her. 

“Yeah..” He sighs, rubbing his thumb over her fingers. 

It was fine, Jack didn’t have a nightmare like that again. 

-

They tell the team that weekend when they all meet at the park for Jack’s soccer game. 

The only thing either of them can remember about it is Garcia’s screams that turned to cries, before pulling Emily into her arms with talks about how she’s going to help her find the perfect dress, before screaming again. Dave wrapping his arms around the both of them before demanding he host and officiate the wedding. 

Everything else turns into a massive blur after JJ sends Will off to go get some champagne. 

-

Four weeks after Emily wakes from the coma she is officially back at a level everyone is comfortable with enough to send her on her way. 

“Remember. Keep working on your physical therapy, don’t over do it straight away. Start small and work your way up to where you were. You can’t expect to be exactly where you were before the accident straight away. This will take time.” 

“I know.” Emily smiles, “Thank you.. for everything.” 

“You’re more than welcome. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you, Agent Prentiss. You’ll be back to your full self in no time and it will be like it never happened..”

“I look forward to that.” She smiles, before shaking the Doctors hand. “I mean it. Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome. Now go. Get married.” Doctor Kay says and Emily laughs. 

“I will.” She smiles, before leaving the ward. 

“Don’t over do it!” The doctor shouts with a laugh and Emily turns, laughing. 

“I’m getting married,” She shouts back, “What could I possibly over do?” She jokes and both women laugh as she leaves the doors. 

-

That night, the team are standing in Dave’s backyard, chairs set out, bright lights hung around the place, soft music playing in the background as Hotch, Jack, Reid and Morgan stand at the front on one side and JJ and Garcia stand at the other. Emily is walked down the aisle by Dave, a soft smile on their faces as he whispers something to her. 

Their vows are simple and sweet and as Jack passes each of them the rings, his little giggle echoes throughout the garden, making everyone smile. 

“You may now kiss the bride.” Dave announces and everyone cheers. 

Just one month ago, they didn’t know if they’d ever be a team again and now here they stand, in Dave’s backyard once again, as they watch Emily and Aaron have their first kiss as husband and wife.