AN: This is a new story, I am doing it a bit differently though- as I am not just jumping straight into tragedy. I am trying to build the background a bit more. But I am saying this now, this most likely will be a character death. Please read and review!
You smile and shake your head as the nurse hands you discharge papers, and after care instructions. "She isn't going to understand if I tell her anything tonight." Bruce laughs, making sure to point out key instructions on the paper.
"No, I don't think she will take in much." You respond, looking over at JJ who appears to be blissfully sleeping. The color is slowing coming back to her cheeks, erasing the paleness that was present just a few short hours ago.
"Now, Dr. Maddox wanted me to stress the importance of getting her to see an orthopedic surgeon as soon as you get home. She was able to reset the ankle, but Agent Jareau will need a follow up do to the severity of the injury." Bruce paused. "Dr. Maddox is able to take her as a patient, but considering we are an hour away, she wanted to give you an option of finding someone closer to home." You nod, you know how serious the injury was. You rode with JJ in the ambulance, allowing her to squeeze your hand as her pain intensified. The injury was horrific and you shake your mind away from the image that floods your brain. It is not something you ever want to see again.
"I think we will probably stick with Dr. Maddox." You speak up. "It'll be up to Agent Jareau of course."
Bruce nods. "Of course, just call her office in the morning. Her number is on the discharge paperwork. Also, she cannot bare any weight on her ankle, at all. She is in a splint until the swelling goes down, and then will be put into a cast. Her prescriptions are right here, and she has been given enough pain medicine to last her until tomorrow afternoon. But make sure you get those filled."
You nod, taking in all the information and watch as Bruce approaches a sleeping JJ.
"Agent." He reaches over and touches her shoulder gently. "Time to go home, c'mon let's get you up." You step beside him and gently help JJ sit up. Its then that both of you realize she is wearing a hospital gown.
"I can grab her some scrub pants, but do you have a jacket for her? It's cold outside." You nod and quickly shrug off your standard FBI jacket, ready to drape it around JJ's shoulders.
"Hi Hotch," Her voice is low, and drugged.
"Hi JJ." You reply, holding her in a sitting position as Bruce and a female nurse enter the room.
"Allison is going to get her dressed for us," Bruce explains as you hand them JJ's jacket. "If you'd like to go get the car and meet us by the emergency room drop off, we can have her ready for you by the time you get back."
"We came in by ambulance." You explain and send a quick text to Morgan. "One of our coworker is on his way."
"Okay, do you mind stepping out really fast just so we can get her dressed?" Bruce asks, helping JJ get clothes together. "There's some hot coffee at the nurses station, just ask for it."
Coffee sounds fantastic and you quickly step away from JJ, closing the door as you do. It has been a long day, one that started at 4:30 in the morning, and is now within sight of ending. And in the end, your UNSUB is behind bars, and your agent safely out of surgery. The reason for the surgery occurred when your agent had chased down Chester Ring, a man three times her size, and brought him down- right on top of her ankle. And she had restrained him until Rossi and Morgan had arrived- two minutes later.
You always had respect for JJ, but today you realized just how tough she was.
"Tough as nails." You look up to see Dr. Maddox staring back at you from the nursing desk.
"JJ? Yes, she is." You agree, nodding as you sip from the coffee cup.
"Agent." She looks down. "I don't know if she knows yet, and it will be up to you if you want to tell her, but the next doctor she sees will need to know." She smiles. "Agent Jareau is pregnant. The baby should be fine, even with the x-rays and medication, but I wanted to let you know. She is very early into it, maybe six weeks."
You nod and smile as you look back and see JJ being wheeled out from the room. And you have to wonder if she knows; and if it is even in your place to tell her. "I'll let her know." For once, you get to deliver exciting, happy news; and you will have to figure out the best way to do so.
"You ready to head home, JJ?" You ask, taking the bag of her patient belongings as Bruce wraps a warm blanket around her. "Morgan should be here any minute, I've already talked to Will and let him know. He's waiting for you."
You can tell very little is getting to her, the medication she was given must have been pretty strong. "She's a light weight," Bruce laughed as you begin heading down the hallway. "Agent Jareau, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," JJ whispers, having difficulty keeping her eyes open. "I just want some coffee." At least now her speech isn't slurring and you can understand what she is saying.
"I'll make sure Morgan stops and gets us some."
"Okay." She nods and you step out into the chilly night air as Morgan pulls up and gets out of the car.
"Nice job, Jareau." Morgan smiles down as he sees JJ's ankle wrapped tightly in what must be pounds of bandaging. "Here, I can get her," He offers, seeing Bruce bending down to lift JJ.
"She weighs a feather," Bruce backed off, allowing Morgan to gently lift JJ from the wheelchair.
"Always has, but don't tempt her, she can fight like the rest of them."
You watch as Morgan gently places JJ in the back seat, allowing her ankle to rest on the seat as she lays back down. Bruce walks to the other side and carefully opens the door, placing a pillow behind her head.
"The medication will wear off eventually." He teases.
You nod and climb into the passenger seat, as Morgan takes the driver seat. You have not even pulled onto the highway when you hear JJ snoring. Morgan shakes his head and smiles, and you know he is thinking the same thing. "Next time, we make sure they give her the pediatric dose."