AN: This is a companion piece to Black Cat, you should read that one first. One more chapter will follow. Please read and review :) Translation included at the bottom of the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.

Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage.

- Saint Augustine

November 24, 2006

I am in my fourth semester of University, thank goodness for summer classes, and Jen's team is finally coming home. I have spent the past week while they were away, living on Penelope's couch when not in class. I miss my big sister almost as much as I miss my bed. Don't get me wrong; I adore Penny but sleeping on someone's couch for a week while trying to write several end of semester essays is not my idea of fun.

Jen and the team are flying home this afternoon. Jen called, she wants to bring her new teammate Emily to girls' night with Penelope at our place. It's going to be weird, for the past fifteen months, girls' night has just been Jen, Penny and myself. Elle was never very interested in joining us. I wonder what the new girl is like; I haven't met her yet because the team is only on their third assignment with her.

I wonder what Jen will say to her about me, or if she'll say anything at all. I've been doing well, hardly any panic attacks recently. The rest of Jen's team, my family, knows what to do when I panic. This new Emily person won't. What if Jen didn't say anything and I have a panic attack, I would be so embarrassed afterwards. Okay. I need to stop thinking like this. I'm going to be fine. The four of us are going to eat pizza and watch movies; it's not a big deal.

Penelope drives me home in her car, Esther. We stop to rent a couple of movies on the way. Pizza cannot be ordered until we know what this mysterious Emily likes to eat. I let Penny and myself inside, and then I open all the windows to air out the apartment. It smells musty, being locked up tight for a week created the irritating smell. Penny and I do a quick cleanup while we wait for Jen to come home. I wonder if Jen will let me stay home alone when she's away for work after I turn eighteen, probably not.

When Jen finally shows up with Emily in tow, she looks exhausted. I hug Jen tightly and with one arm still wrapped around my waist, she introduces me to Emily. Emily's eyes look just as nervous as I feel, but she swallows and greets me genially. I think I'm going to like her.

Jen, Emily and Penelope drink wine with their vegetarian pizza and I have a Dr. Pepper with my cheese-less Hawaiian. I'm glad there is enough space for the four of us to sit down and watch a movie. Emily and Penny are both sitting in armchairs, well out of reach from where I'm curled up on the couch with Jen. My sister makes a great pillow.

I'm sure I fell asleep because the last thing I remember before Jen waking me up was Magneto moving the Golden Gate bridge for access to Alcatraz. With my half-asleep brain, I am grateful that Jen doesn't scare me when she wakes me up. Screaming at two o'clock in the morning would not be appreciated by any of our neighbours. Jen tells me that Emily and Penelope are staying over because it is very late and everyone is exhausted. Penelope is already asleep in my bed. Jen wants me to get up so that Emily can have the pullout couch and I can sleep in Jen's room.

I brush my teeth and pull on my pajamas before I crawl into Jen's bed. She is already asleep. I wake up gasping for breath. Once I have calmed down a bit, I roll over to look at the alarm clock, 7 am. Yuck. It is way too early to be awake on a Saturday. My stomach's grumbling reminds me that I was so busy writing my papers yesterday that I only had dinner, oops. I get out of bed carefully so as not to wake Jen and silently walk down the hall to the kitchen. I don't want to wake anyone up. I can see Penelope asleep in my bed, one arm hanging of the edge. I take a quick peek at Emily as I'm walking by, she is also still asleep, and I stifle a giggle, because her long dark hair is everywhere.

I grab two pieces of pizza out of the fridge and put them on a plate. I want water so I reach for a glass but it is too high up. I curse my shortness for a minute before climbing up onto the counter to get the glass. I guess I'm still not quite awake because my reflexes suck, the glass falls and shatters on the kitchen tiles. Now I'm annoyed, I'm not even wearing slippers. I walk along the counter, careful where I put my feet. Once I am far enough away from the shattered glass, I hop down onto the floor in the living room.

I must have made a lot of noise because Emily wakes up, falls out of the bed and starts swearing in French. I look at her for a second before I burst out laughing. Covering my mouth with both hands, I try to get my laughter under control. I approach her cautiously "Emily, t'est correct?" I ask quietly.

"Ma tête" she answers with a pained groan, holding her head in both hands.

"Veut-tu de la glace pour ta tête?" I ask her, trying to remember if I put the ice packs back into the freezer yesterday.

"Oui s'il te plaît." She looks up at me curiously. "I didn't know you spoke French."

"I learned it in school," I answer shifting my weight nervously. I had gotten rather close to her in my concern and now I was unsure how to back away without seeming rude. I blush, embarrassed, "I'll uh, I'll go get you some ice. It might take a few minutes, I uh dropped a glass." I leave before she has a chance to say anything else.

When I finally find my shoes and the broom to clean up with, Emily is sitting at the breakfast bar, head in her hands. I feel really bad for waking her, which resulted in her injury, so I get her the icepack and some Tylenol before I start cleaning up. When I'm finished cleaning up she seems to be feeling a bit better, the ice and Tylenol must be working. Emily starts asking me questions, nothing invasive or very personal, mostly just about school and books that I've read. It is nice, after a while, I feel comfortable enough to sit on the stool next to her at the breakfast bar. I trust my instincts and my instincts say that I can trust Emily.

Jen found us just after nine; we were still talking about school in French. It is nice to have someone to practice with outside of class. Jen sends me back to her bedroom to get ready for the day. I know she means well but I feel like a little kid when she does things like that. I am tempted to crawl back into bed because I am still very tired but Jen is going to make breakfast and I'm hungry again, I shared my pizza with Emily.

Penny must be in the shower; I can hear the water running. I am tempted to flush the toilet just to hear her shriek just like she did to me last time. Revenge is a glorious thing. I won't flush the toilet on her though, because I like being able to pay for school and her computer abilities know no bounds.

I can hear Jen and Emily talking in the kitchen. I don't know what they are talking about because I cannot make out the words, but I recognize the voices. I hope Jen makes blueberry pancakes for breakfast. They're my favorite and it is what we usually have for breakfast when Jen is home.

Today is going to be a lazy day I hope. I only have to proofread my essays one more time and then I can hand them in to my professors on Monday. Classes finish in two weeks and then I have a few exams to write. I'm so excited about being finished and for Christmas. Jen gets time off for the Holidays. Spencer and Penelope are coming over again this year. I know that Derek will be going home to his mother and sisters. Aaron will be spending time with Haley and Jack and Jason will be going back to his cabin. I wonder what Emily will be doing this year. Does she have a family? I didn't think to ask her before.

Jen knocks on the door as I'm pulling on my sweater to let me know that breakfast is ready. I put my feet back into my slippers and walk calmly down the hallway. The smell of pancakes brings a smile to my face. Emily, Penny and Jen are already sitting down at our small table. The pancakes are wonderful.

Penny leaves after breakfast and I wash the dishes with Emily while Jen tidies up the living room. Having Emily standing so close to me while drying the dishes is making me nervous. I'm sure my body language is practically screaming my discomfort because Emily takes a step back and two to the left, just out of arms reach.

My relief must be palpable because she half turns to me and says in a low voice "Je ne vous blesserai pas."

I fidget uncomfortably "I know that you won't hurt me."

"But do you believe it?" she pushes.

I shrug, "I don't know you."

"Would you like to?" She asks gently. "We did have a rather nice conversation earlier today."

I peek up at her through my bangs, "I think so."

She laughs, "I guess that's better than a straight up no."

Jen comes back when she hears Emily laugh, "What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing Jen." I answer without turning around.

"Sure." She says. I know that tone of voice, a raised eyebrow and further pushing for answers usually accompany it, but she lets it go this time. It must have something to do with Emily's presence. I am thankful for a split second before I remember that Emily is leaving soon and Jen will have all the time in the world to push me for answers.

Jen goes over to the fridge, grocery list in hand. "Kitty Cat, do you want to come grocery shopping with me?"

This is my chance to avoid interrogation. "No Jen, I think I'm going to watch some TV, maybe work on my paper."

"Okay," Jen answers breezily.

She puts a hand on my shoulder and I flinch just a little bit. I should have turned around when Jen came into the kitchen. Then I wouldn't have been surprised when she touched me, I would have seen it coming and reacted accordingly. I look down at the tiled floor "sorry" I mumble.

Jen takes her hand back slowly. "No need to apologize Kitty Cat. It's an ingrained, instinctual reaction. I should have made more noise or simply asked you to turn around."

I smile, "Jen you're babbling, you're starting to sound like Spence."

Jen laughs quietly and I notice Emily trying to move away inconspicuously.

"Okay I'm going out to buy groceries then go to the office for a little while, and you're staying here." Jen turns to Emily, "What are you going to do today Emily?"

"Oh, I was just going to veg and watch some TV." Emily smiles at my sister.

Jen looks at me, I know that look; it's the look that usually accompanies something that I wont necessarily like but will be 'good for me'. "Would you mind staying with Catherine for a little while?"

I have to protest, it's expected of me, "Jen, I'm sixteen and in University. I don't need a babysitter."

At the same time I'm answering, so is Emily, "Sure, I don't mind." Emily smiles and amends her answer, "I'll stay if Catherine doesn't mind." She just keeps getting higher and higher up in my good books.

Jen is looking at me expectantly. I grumble a bit before answering "Fine, she can stay."

Jen rolls her eyes at me, but she is smiling while she does it. Emily also smiles at me, but she moves away into the living room to give Jen and myself a semblance of privacy.

"I don't want to push Catherine," Jen says seriously "but I don't like it when you stay home alone."

I fold my arms across my chest, "Residual fear. I get it Jen, I really do, but I don't even know her. You could have asked Penny to stay or Spence could come over."

"You know that Penelope is spending the day with Derek and Spence is getting ready for a conference." She reminds me gently. "Emily is a good person, she's part of my team. And the team is-"

I cut her off "Family. The team is family."

She smiles, "You'll like her Kitty Cat. Maybe she'll even watch Buffy with you."

I can't help but pay attention when Jen mentions Buffy, "You sure know how to get my attention don't you Jen."

I roll my eyes when Jen says, "That's my job, and you're my sister, I'm supposed to annoy you."

I stick my tongue out at her, "I thought that was my job, I'm the little sister."

Jen opens her arms and I step in and hug her tightly. "I love you Kitty Cat."

My voice was muffled by Jen's shoulder, "Love you too Jenny."

Jen grabs her purse and car keys, and then she walks to the door. She reminds me to lock up behind her, as if I would forget. An oppressive silence sets in right after Jen leaves. I move away from the door, towards Emily who is standing in the living room, fiddling with her go bag. I wonder if she even went back to her place after the team got home yesterday, I doubt it. I know Jen always has paperwork to fill out when she gets home. Emily seems nervous and tired; I take a moment to study her while she's not paying attention to me. She's got long dark brown, almost black hair, brown eyes, pale skin, and she's really tall, definitely taller then Jen by at least a few inches. She must be able to feel my gaze because she looks up and says, "So… what do you want to do today?"

I take a deep breath before blurting out, "I was going to watch Buffy, do you want to watch with me? You don't have to, you could watch something else or we could watch something else. Or you could read or-"

She looks amused with my verbal vomit, "Sure. Which season are you watching right now?"

I smile at her, "Season two."

"How far along are you?" she questions.

"Passion, Angelus just killed Ms. Calendar."

She nods, "Ouch, I remember that episode."

I move over to the DVD player and start setting everything up. When everything is ready I turn around, expecting Emily to be sitting in the same armchair as last night. She isn't. In fact, Emily hasn't moved at all.

"Catherine" she starts and I tense slightly, I know what's coming. "I noticed that you didn't touch anyone except JJ last night and you were uncomfortable when she touched you first this morning." She prods gently.

My gaze is glued to the floor; I can't even look at her.

"Catherine?" she is trying to get my attention, I know she is looking for answers. "Look at me please?"

My arms are crossed over my chest, I raise my head but avoid her gaze "I don't like being touched."

She smirks, "I noticed that." Then she tilts her head and looks at me as if considering her next words. "Can I sit on the same couch as you while we watch TV?"

I fidget but consider her question with the appropriate amount of respect that it deserves. "I don't mind as long as you stay on your side." We sit down on opposite ends of the couch.

Emily tried a different tactic, "What did JJ tell you about me?"

"The team is family, and you're part of the team. So you're going to be family as well."

She smiles at me, "Okay, that's not the answer I was looking for, but it is good to know."

"I know." I answer simply.

"Then why did you tell me?" she asks, confusion is evident in her voice.

I look directly into Emily's eyes, "Because you need to know. Jen's team is family. Aaron and Jason are our parents and Penelope, Derek and Spencer are our siblings. The team is everything. You don't mess with family. If you're going to be part of the team, then you're going to be family as well."

"Seriously, what do you know about me?" she asks again.

"I haven't read your file, if that's what you're asking." I hedge.

She laughs, "I haven't read your file either."

I narrow my eyes at her "I don't have a file."

She laughs harder, "It was a joke. I'm sorry if I offended you."

"Emily Elizabeth Prentiss. You are an only child. Your mum is Ambassador Prentiss, currently unassigned. I have no idea who your dad is. You've wanted to work at the BAU for a long time. You worked with the CIA or another agency before you joined the FBI. You attended Georgetown and Yale. You lived in several different countries growing up including Egypt, France and Italy. Oh and you like Kurt Vonnegut." I look at her face, it's stunned "Shall I continue" I smirk.

"No, that's okay. I think you've got the main points. Where did you get your information?" she still looks stunned.

I almost want to tease her about properly hiding her facial expressions but we're not close enough yet so I just raise one eyebrow "Where do you think?"

She sighs then smiles at me. "Garcia must be a very good teacher."

I don't say anything to confirm or deny what Emily has said.

"Honesty is a good policy. Shall I tell you what I know about you?"

I swallow the lump in my throat but nod.

Emily smiles at me but it is a sad smile, "Alice Catherine Jareau."

I flinch slightly at the name.

She looks at me but doesn't back down, I am almost grateful that she did not acknowledge my flinch. "Alice, of noble kin, Catherine, pure and Jareau, probably French, having something to do with a container for water or oils."

I snort, two can play that game, "Emily, to strive or excel or rival, Elizabeth, consecrated to God and Prentiss, Scholar."

"Touché." She said. "You are the youngest child of Roger and Sandy Jareau. You lived in Valencia Virginia until the death of your parents, and then you moved in here with JJ. You graduated high school early, a semester earlier than expected. You now attend university and are majoring in English and Linguistics. How am I doing so far?" she challenges. I glare at her. "I'll continue then," she says "You don't like to be touched. You are obviously somewhat afraid of me. You don't like cars and you have PTSD. When you were seven you and your best friend-"

I cut her off "Don't say her name."

"Shall I stop?"

I glance at her for a second before I have to look away. I hope she doesn't see the tears threatening to fall. "Please." It was the only word I managed to get out of my nearly closed throat.

"I'm sorry Catherine." Emily apologizes, she reaches out a hand towards me and I move away as quickly as possible.
"No inter-team profiling." I mumble.

She scrunches her face; looking genuinely confused "You're considered part of the team? I thought you were part of the team's family-"

"Why don't you ask Derek?" I glare at her.

She raises her hands in defeat, "Catherine I believe you. This is just a little weird for me. I have never been part of a team like this before. You're part of the team, but you don't go out on cases and you don't have any clearance as far as I can tell. I'm sorry Catherine."

I smile at her, "At least you're getting my name right."

"How can I make it up to you?" she asks.

"Watch Buffy with me, all seven seasons and then all five seasons of Angel." She laughs. And I continue, "Do not ever call me Alice and don't touch me unless I touch you first. You'll get the same ground rules as the rest of the team. Jen will probably fill you in. I'm not sure why she didn't before you came over."

She tilts her head, "I'm pretty sure you mean, before I was allowed to come within twenty feet of you."

"Yes, but that is besides the point." I answer quietly.

She frowns, "Reid tried to tell me something but we were all so tired and stressed out that I didn't listen properly. I am sorry."

"You seem to be apologizing a lot, but you really should listen to Spence or Jen or anyone from the team." I smile at her to let her know she is forgiven.

"Okay, I guess we'll have to start back at season 1." She says.

"Yup." I say with a huge smile.

We get through the first two episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, season 1 before I can't stop my eyes from drooping closed. I am so worn out from last week and only getting five hours of sleep last night. When I look over at Emily, she's already asleep, and that means its safe for me to sleep as well. So tired, can't think straight.

Goodnight Moon.

- Margaret Wise Brown

French:

Catherine: Emily are you all right?

Emily: My head.

Catherine: Do you want ice for your head?

Emily: Yes please

Emily: I will not hurt you.