A Friend's Care

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Author: Ahsoka1248

Rating: T

The next day, JJ came into work with a black eye. She seemed composed, but while I hoped I was wrong, I could tell that something seemed off about her. Two hours later, I couldn't stand looking at JJ's black eye, so I approached her.

"JJ, what happened?"
"I don't want to talk about it," JJ said angrily.

"I want to help."

"I don't want to talk about it!"

"I care about you, JJ," I said, "please. I won't tell anyone else unless you want me to."

"Fine! It was Will. Satisfied?"

My jaw dropped. The man I THOUGHT was a loving husband to JJ had given her a black eye.

"He got drunk. He accused me of having an affair. When I told him I wasn't he got angry and punched me."

"Will hit you?"

"Yes, Emily."
"What are you going to do? Are you going to leave?"

"I don't think so, Emily. This was the only time we've had problems, so…"

"JJ, he hit you!"

"I know that, Emily," she said, getting angrier, "but it was a one of a time thing. And he's never been bad before. I'm going to give him a chance, Emily."

"Alright, JJ. It's your life, not mine. But if he hurts you again, I want you to tell me immediately, all right?"

"Why do you care so much? Is it just because we're friends? Because it sure seems like there's more to it than that, Emily!"

"You're my best friend, JJ. I don't want anyone or anything to hurt you."

"I know there's more to it than that, Emily Prentiss. I think you might be in love with me," JJ said.

"What? Of course not," I said.

"I don't have to be a profiler to know that you love me. I've always known. But I always thought that it was just a sisterly love or a friend's love, but now… now I'm not so sure, Emily," JJ said, "I don't mind, you know. I've actually thought about what could have happened between us if I hadn't married Will before… before I realized…."

JJ's voice trailed off.

"Realized what, JJ?"

She didn't answer me. Instead, she leaned in and kissed me. After a moment, she broke the kiss, and blushed furiously.

"I…uh…I…shouldn't have done that. God, what was I thinking," JJ scolded herself, "what about Will?"

"We've got a case. Wheels up in 20," Hotch said.

"Well, this is awkward," JJ said, grimacing as she stood up, "we'll talk later, alright?"

I nodded, stunned. In a way, I was glad that that moment between the two of us had passed. While the kiss was amazing, it was still very awkward after the kiss had ended. And I didn't like awkward situations, so that wasn't good for me.