Message of My Love
It was Christmas Eve, the team had been called in for an emergency case and just made it back in time. Everyone rushed off the moment they could but JJ was deliberately dragging her feet. She couldn't bear the idea of facing her house right now, not with the way things were between her and Will. They were arguing almost every day and she could feel her marriage coming apart at the seams. She didn't how long they could last like this but the logical part of her mind said not very long at all. A knock interrupted her musings. It was Rossi, he had his coat on, looking like he was about to leave. "JJ what are you still doing here?"
"Just a few more things Rossi, then I'm out of here," JJ plastered a fake smile on her face and tried to look busy but Rossi wasn't a profiler for nothing.
"The paperwork can wait until after Christmas. You should be home with Henry and Will," he insisted and at the mention of her husband, JJ's composure slipped just a little. "JJ…what's wrong?"
"Nothing," JJ said in choked voice that would have fooled no one, least of all David Rossi.
He strode in and set his suitcase down to crouch in front of her. "Talk to me."
"My marriage is falling apart Dave," JJ admitted brokenly. "Ever since I came back to the BAU, things haven't been the same. Will wishes I still worked at the DOJ and I know he resents that I gave it up."
Another marriage swallowed by the BAU, Dave couldn't help but think cynically. And of all the people, Jennifer, the one person he wanted to make it and be happy. He wished there were words that he could say that would convince her that everything would be fine and that this would pass but they both knew better. "I'm so sorry Jennifer."
"He hates me Dave," JJ began to sob in earnest. "My husband hates me."
"Hey now, shhhhhh," Dave stood and pulled her into his arms. His heart wrenched at the sound of her cries as he rubbed her back and smoothed her hair. "It's Christmas JJ, Henry is waiting for you. Whatever happens next, you'll get through it." I'll be there for you… He wanted to say it dearly but there was certain lines the team didn't cross. This was already a glass-house moment that he was sure JJ would thank him for later but then never bring it up and he'd never ask. It may seem like strange etiquette but it was all they could do to maintain some shred of personal lives. However, Dave reasoned, they were still in the moment so he pressed a lingering kiss to her head. "Go home Jennifer. Be there when that little boy wakes up Christmas morning."
"And Will?"
"That's his decision. You made yours, you said this is where you want to be right?" JJ nodded. "Well now he has to make his. If things go that way well… I've been there three times and it won't be easy but you're not alone," Dave pulled her back to wipe her tears. The moment was over, he could feel it. "Now go, I'll see you guys at my place for New Year's dinner right?"
"Yeah," JJ sniffed stepping away from him. The cold absence of her in his arms was only matched by the cool dread of the inevitable.
"We'll talk then." They wouldn't.
"Okay," JJ bobbed her head, not meeting his eyes anymore. She gathered up her things and he escorted her out of the office and into the elevators. In the parking garage, it was time for them to go their separate ways. "Night Rossi, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Jennifer," Dave watched her walk away, disappearing around the corner. He sighed, "I wish there was something I could do for you cara, I'd do anything to help you." Dave shook his head and turned towards his own car. He pulled out his cellphone and tried to check his email but it wasn't refreshing. "Stupid piece of junk."
A/N: Hey guys, semi-Christmas story, semi-prequel, hope you liked it. ENJOY! R&R PLZ!