Love Unexpected

8. Declan 🖤

Narrator's POV

"Emily" Declan entered the room, happy to see the familiar face of the woman who's always shown him nothing but love and kindness for as long as he can remember. Setting his emotions free tears fell down his face as he melted in her embrace, not minding at all that she held him as tight as she did when they said their last goodbye before she sent him and Louisa away together

"It's okay baby" Emily comforted him "You're safe now"

"She told me that he killed you" Declan cried "That it was all my fault"

"No sweetie, nothing that happened to me was in any way your fault. I made a choice a long time ago to protect you at all costs and I don't regret that for a second." She comforted him "It's my job to protect you, as long as you're with me you'll be safe" She assured, wiping the tears from his face to kiss his forehead

"What about when I'm not with you?" He asked "My parents managed to take away everyone who's ever loved me. Nobody's going to want me when they find out who my parents are and what they did"

"Look at me" She instructed him "I love you, and I'm right here. I almost lost you today, do you think I'm going to allow anyone to take you away from me? It doesn't matter what people think. I know that you Declan are the kindest most loving kid I've ever met and your crazy if you think I'll ever allow you to be in anyone's care but mine"

"You're going to take me home with you?" He asked in disbelief 

"You've always had a home with me. I only ever sent you away to keep you safe" She reminded him

"What about them?" He asked, looking over at Aubrey and Jack who were cuddled up together asleep in the bed beside Emily's "Would your kids be comfortable having me around?" He asked

"You and Aubrey are a lot alike, and like you, she's loving and kind. I know you feel like you'll be judged because of the mistakes of your parents, but that won't be the case with Aubrey. She's excited to have someone aside from my mother to keep her accompanied while I'm working" She answered "She even offered to help you personalize the guest room to make it your own."

"And the little guy?"

"Jack is also extremely loving." She assured him "He's agent Hotchner's son so he doesn't live with me, but Aaron and I have been talking about moving in together. We wanted to see how the kids would get along before bringing it up" She explained

"You two are a thing?" He asked

"Why is that so surprising?"

"I guess it's not." He answered "He seems like a really nice guy and you're the kindest person I know so it makes sense. All that really matters is that you're happy" He told her

"I am very happy with Aaron" She smiled "I love him, and I love how well our families are blending together. I know this will be a big change for you not having Louise around every day, but we're your family too. I want you to always remember that"

"I will. Thank you for loving me. You and mama Louise are the only two people I can remember loving me unconditionally; I don't think I've ever thanked her for that. I don't want to make that same mistake with you"

"She knew how much you loved and appreciated her, I have hundreds of letters from her that proves it. Maybe we can read them together once we give her a proper burial" Emily suggested

"I would like that" He smiled

"And for the record kid, loving you is the easiest thing I've ever had to do" She told him. The pair hadn't known how long they stayed in each other's arms both afraid to let go. It wasn't until Aubrey woke up in tears calling out for Hotch who was the only person aside from her mother that made her feel safe that the pair broke apart. Her loud cries woke the four year old that slept beside her

"Emmy" Jack called out, afraid for his new friend who was unable to control her erratic breathing "Bre's crying"

"It's okay buddy" Emily assured him. Despite the pain and discomfort she got up from her bed and went to her daughter's side to comfort her from what was undoubtedly another nightmare. "Just breathe babe" Emily instructed "Deep breaths in and out" She coached until Aubrey was calm "Jack can you and Declan get daddy?" She asked, and only then did Aubrey notice the blonde-haired, blue-eyed teenager standing on the opposite side of the room

Taking Jack's hand Declan led him out of the room in search of Hotch who came almost immediately went to comfort the teenager "Is she okay?" Asked Declan

"She's fine, just a bad dream" Emily Explained 

"Because of my dad?" He realized "He hurt you both because he couldn't find me. My mom was right, this is all my fault. Dad should have let her kill me when she had the chance"

"Don't ever say that" Emily asserted "Declan you are not to blame for what happened to Aubrey and me. Ian wanted to hurt me for hurting him, so if anyone's at fault it's me. Chloe may not have wanted to bring you into this world, but I'm so glad she did. Because of her and Ian, I got an amazing, kind, and loving son who I wouldn't trade for the world"

"And I got a brother who hasn't even been properly introduced to me yet he already cares so much for my wellbeing" Aubrey chimed in "You can't blame yourself for your parent's mistakes, that's not your burden to bear"

"You're fine with having me suddenly in your life full-time?" Declan questioned her

"It will be a big change going from being an only child to having a little brother and a big brother, but I love Jack and I'm sure once we get to know each other I'll love you too"

"Hey!" Jack interrupted "Do you get to be my big brother too?" 

"He's both our big brother" Said Aubrey.

"Yay!" Jack beamed, pulling both his new big sister and brother into a hug making them both laugh.  Emily smiled as Hotch took a photo of their three kids sharing a hug. Though today started off rough both profilers were happy to see it end so perfectly