Emily spent most of the night tossing and turning in the crisp sheets of the hotel bed, her dreams interrupted by dark eyes and softly spoken words of need and want. When she awoke, it was to the sun rising through the curtains. Sighing to herself, she leant over to check the clock, wincing when she saw it was only just gone six am.

Throwing the rumpled blankets off her, she sat up. She had a decision to make, and she wasn't going to make it lying in bed. Getting up, she moved slowly into the bathroom, taking her time in the shower and then in front of the mirror, making enough effort that she didn't resemble as much of a zombie as she had when she'd woken.

As she fastened her second sandal on, her cell vibrated on the bedside table. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was Clyde and groaned. She still didn't know what she wanted.

"Clyde," she said after pressing the accept button.

"No, you're Prentiss, I'm Clyde. Has being back in DC scrambled your brains, Emily?"

Rolling her eyes, she said, "I hope you realise it's far too early for you to be a smart arse."

"It's three o clock in the afternoon, Darling."

"Yes. In London. Jackass."

"Time difference. I knew there was something I was forgetting."

"Bullshit. You know what time it is."

"Yeah, alright. I have an offer for you darling, a one time offer that I need an answer for now."

"I'm listening," she said, standing up and walking to the window of her room.

"I've been speaking to the DoD. It seem's there is a need for a liaison, between the Interpol office here in London, the DoD there in DC, and Quantico. Guess who's name came up?"

"Are you being serious?"

"As a heart attack," he assured her. "You'd spend the majority of your time in DC, though there would be some travel involved obviously. You'd also be working as a part time profiler for the terrorism sector."

"And they want me?" she asked, absently chewing on her nail.

"You're the best suited for the job. You're familiar with the FBI and with Interpol, and you have a high enough clearance to satisfy the DoD."

"And you need an answer right now?"

"I do."

"And you already know my answer, don't you?"

"I do."

"Thank you, Clyde."

"Of course. I assume you'd like me to arrange for your flat to be packed up?"

"Hmm. Do I need to come back and serve a month?"

"No. You'll be starting your new job in a fortnight, and you'll need that time to get yourself situated again. I'll arrange the packing company to go in and get your flat done this weekend and I'll have it shipped over whenever you have somewhere to put it."

"I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I have no doubt that you would manage admirably, Emily. You've never needed anyone to look after you. I'll be flying over in a week or so, I'll see you then?"

"Call me when you get in. I'll pick you up from the airport?"

"Sounds like a smashing idea, love. I'll email you the details of your new job, and you'll have to go over to the DoD to get your new credentials sometime in the next few days."

"Alright. I'll talk to you soon Clyde."

Clicking the end call button, she walked back over to the bed and flopped down backwards. She done it. She was coming home. She didn't know if she was more excited or anxious at the prospect.

xxxx

Emily wasn't surprised to see the rest of the team chilling around Hotch's bed when she arrived a little after nine. In her hands she carried Hotch's favourite bagels and coffee for herself. She tossed the bag on his bed beside him, before she leant against the window.

"Mornings," were exchanged around the room, and Penelope moved over to hug her once more.

"What was that for?" Emily asked, a little bemused, when Penelope let her go.

"I don't know how long you're here for. I'm getting as many hugs in as I can," Penelope informed her with a smug smile.

"Ah. Okay," Emily agreed, shaking her head slightly. She knew there was a logic there somewhere.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Hotch asked quietly, raising his eyebrow at her. She knew what he was asking, and she really didn't know how to tell them what was happening.

"Good," she replied after a pause.

"Have you spoken to Clyde yet, Em?" Rossi asked quietly.

Emily glanced at Hotch again, then at Rossi. "Yes, this morning."

"And?"

"And... I'm not in any rush to go back to London, just yet."

That brought smiles onto all of their faces.

"Have you seen the doctor yet?" she asked Hotch. She knew he was hoping to get out of the hospital any day now.

Hotch nodded. "I can go home tomorrow."

"That's awesome."

"We'll have a family night at mine on Sunday, then," Rossi announced, not giving anyone an option. When nods came from around the room, he smiled with a satisfied look on his face. Emily was actually glad for the plan. It gave her time to get her head around her new circumstances. She'd tell the team on Sunday that she was back for good.

Of course, she knew she wouldn't be waiting that long to tell Hotch. She watched as the team started gathering their things up. They all had to go into the office to finish up the paperwork from the case they'd just come back from. She accepted the hugs and kisses, promising she would still be there when they returned later, and waved them off with a smile.

"So?" Hotch asked as soon as they were alone.

She smiled. "So what?" she asked, raising her eyebrow at him.

"How long are you going to be here for?"

"How long do you need me here for?" she replied, perching herself on his bed.

"Dammit, Emily, will you stop answering my questions with questions?" he asked, and she sniggered at the indignant look on his face.

"I'm sorry," she said, patting his hand. "Clyde called this morning. I have a new job."

"Where?"

His features seemed to be tensed, and she wondered suddenly if she'd done the right thing. What if it had been the hospital drugs talking when he said he missed her?

"I'll be the liaison for the DoD, Interpol and Quantico."

"Where?"

"I'll spend the majority of my time here, in DC."

She watched as the tension seemed to drain from his face, and he smiled at her. "You're coming back?"

"I'm coming home," she corrected gently, allowing him to take her hand in between both of his. He brought it gently to his face, kissing it softly.

"And where is home, Emily?"

As a single tear dropped to her cheek, she replied, "My home is wherever you are. I love you, Aaron."

Leaning down, she brushed her lips against his, and he dropped her hand to put his own against her cheek, stroking it lightly.

As she pulled back, he stopped her. "I love you too. Don't leave again?"

"I'll be here as long as you want me."

"And If I never stop wanting you?"

"Then I'll be here."