AN: For those who haven't checked it out there is a poll on my page to vote for pairings. I decided this would be the easiest way to compile the total. If there's a pairing not on the list it means I'm not sure how good I would be at writing it (or I accidentally overlooked it), but feel free to leave it in the comments.
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JJ's POV
"Did you make the dip last night?" I yell from the kitchen as I search the refrigerator shelves.
Penelope and I are still yet to clean it out. She walks up behind me and grabs the door handle to peer in also.
"See it's right here," She says pulling out a container from behind a takeout box.
"We should really eat out less," I say for the hundredth time as I shut the door.
Penelope puts the dip on the counter with everything else. In anticipation for our guest we had laid out a variety of chips, fruits, and drinks.
"We should have asked if any of them cooked," Penelope jokes.
I suddenly feel the nerves tangle in my stomach. "What if they don't like my idea?"
Penelope places her hand on my shoulder to calm my nerves. "I have a feeling they'll love it."
She takes a step back just as the door bell rings.
"I'll get it," I tell her.
Penelope shoots me a reassuring smile as I walk to the door. I open the door to reveal Alex Blake. She looks a tad more casual than before in a blue blouse and slacks with her hair pulled up.
"Nice to see you again," I say motioning for her to come in.
"You too." Alex steps in and offers me a dish. "It's homemade dip; I didn't want to come empty handed. You mentioned there would be chips and things."
I shoot Penelope a hopeful look holding up the dish. "You cook?"
"I dabble," Alex replies before greeting Penelope. "How are you?"
"I'm great," Penelope says then grabs a cup from the counter. "What would you like to drink?"
"Water is fine."
Before I can add to the conversation the door bell rings again.
"Hi Emily," I greet opening the door.
Compared to Alex, Emily is dressed much more casual in a red tank top and jeans with her hair cascading down in waves. Mia is on her hip while the car seat and diaper bag are clutched in her other hand.
"Little gumdrop!" Penelope cheers jogging up to meet us at the door.
I catch Alex watching curiously from the living room.
"Would you like to hold her," Emily ask, "I'm about to drop my bags."
Penelope takes no time taking Mia from her mother's arms.
"Let's go meet Alex little Mia," She coos walking over to where Alex is standing.
Emily uses her now free hand to catch the diaper bag. "I'm not gonna get her back anytime soon am I?"
I follow her gaze to the pair. "Probably not."
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Penelope's POV
I can see Alex's hesitance as I walk towards her with Mia.
"Alex this is Mia. Mia this Alex."
"Hi," Alex whispers with an awkward wave.
I have to laugh at the look Alex is giving us.
"She won't bite. She doesn't have teeth yet."
Emily and JJ finally join us after finishing the conversation at the door.
Alex turns to the new comer and holds out her hand. "Alex Blake."
"Emily Prentiss"
Alex looks surprised. "Prentiss?"
Emily glances down like she's had that reaction before. "Yes, my mother is-"
Alex cuts her off in her excitement,"You're like a legend with the linguistic professors."
"Oh" Emily blushes. "Thank you"
"You're welcome," Alex grins. "Mia is your daughter?"
Emily nods, "Yeah."
"Mia is Latin origins meaning 'bitter' and 'wished-for child'," Alex spews out in one breath.
"Also means 'mine' in Italian," Emily adds.
Alex looks impressed. "Well it's nice to meet both of you."
The doorbell rings again and JJ runs to open it.
"I thought you guys were only looking for two roommates?" Emily ask.
"We were. We'll explain everything when everyone gets here," I reply.
JJ returns with Ashley and Elle flanking her.
"This is everyone," She announces.
"Explanation now?" Alex ask looking towards me.
JJ and I both nod.
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JJ's POV
Well that went better than expected; I think.
"So all of us would live together?" Ashley ask from her spot sitting criss-crossed in front of the couch.
"We'd have to find a bigger apartment of course," I reply.
"Based on the average cost of three bedroom apartments we would each be paying about 160 a month," Penelope states having spent the last week researching. "That's cheaper than what any of us are paying now."
"How would we share rooms?" Elle speaks for the first time.
"Two to a room, but one room would have three," I reply. Penelope and I had discussed wether one of us would share with Emily or if three of the girls share and give Emily and Mia their own room. "That's one reason we wanted to have this little get together."
Penelope smiles. "I say we get to know each other, and then we can talk about it more"
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Emily's POV
JJ was right; Penelope didn't want to return Mia. Her and Ashley were currently entertaining Mia as Elle sat back and watched.
"What do you think Emily?" JJ ask from my left pulling me out of thought.
I look towards her lost. "Could you repeat that please?"
JJ laughs. "You were too busy watching them weren't you?"
I nod as I turn back to my conversation with JJ and Alex.
"We were thinking you and I could share a room and let Ashley and Elle share," Alex explains.
"I don't know. Mia still has trouble sleeping the whole night without crying," I tell her. Based on what I know about her I bet the majority of her classes are early in the morning.
"I'm a pretty sound sleeper," Alex replies, "and all I need is coffee in the morning to keep me going."
I bite my lip. "If you're sure."
"I'm sure," Alex states with the hint of a smile.
"Alex, Emily, and Mia are sharing one of the rooms," JJ announces to the other three.
Penelope gives JJ a pouty face. "But I wanted to share with Mia."
"How about I let you babysit?" I offer knowing I can trust the bubbly blonde.
Penelope's face lights up. "Okay, Alex can share with Emily and Mia."
"And I guess blondie and I can share," Elle states looking towards Ashley.
"You're gonna have to find a better nickname for me cause three sevenths of us are blonde," Ashley tells her.
"I don't hear an objection," Elle says leaning back in her seat.
"I think fire just paired herself with water," JJ whispers just loud enough for Alex and I to hear.
I'm left wondering if that's a good or bad thing.
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AN2: Let me know what you think.