I don't own Criminal Minds!
Chapter 4
She didn't know how much time had passed or even where she was, all she knew was pain, every single inch of her body hurt. Willing herself to open her eyes she saw a mass of black hair laying on top of her right hand.
The reality of the situation hit her. She remembered Will and the "punishment" she had received. Why had she called Emily? Will was going to be very angry once he found out, turning her sight from the brunette agent she noticed that there was another person in the room with them. He was asleep as well, but if he was there it meant that the team had found out.
Closing her eyes and praying to whichever God would listen, she asked for the darkness of sleep, she wanted to close her eyes and go back to the night before. It had probably been her head injury that had prompted her to call Emily. She wasn't thinking straight. She thought about Will and what he had done the night before.
How could she face her team mates, how could she tell them that she had become a victim herself. Unaware to the other people in the room she began to cry. The first one to stir awake had been Emily.
"Shhh Jennifer, you're safe now," she whispered standing up to take the younger agent in her arms.
"You don't understand, once he finds out you know, he'll come after me," she buried her head in the crook of Emily's neck, it was the only place she felt safe. "Don't leave me Emily, he's going to find me."
By then Morgan had been roused from his sleep, having heard JJ's desperate pleas, he got closer "he will NEVER come near you again JayJ, I will make sure of that." He bowed right then and there to protect her no matter what.
Emily just held onto the crying woman, whispering soothing words, running her long fingers through the blonde locks. She too, promised herself that she would protect JJ. She didn't completely understand how her feeling had changed, but of one thing she was sure, she loved Jennifer Jareau, and she protected what she loved. With that revelation Emily started to pull away from the embrace, only to be met with resistance.
"Don't go," JJ asked.
Emily held her close again, maneuvering them so that they were both laying on the bed with JJ's head tucked under her chin. "I'm not going anywhere sweetheart, I'll stay with you for as long as you want me too." JJ seemed to relax at that declaration, she also missed the meaningful exchange between Emily and Morgan. Derek seemed to have understood what she was asking as he quietly slipped out of the room to find the doctor.
"JayJ, they are going to discharge you this afternoon, they are letting you go on one condition," blue eyes met brown, "you need to have someone with you for the next two weeks."
Before JJ could get a word out Emily continued "this is not up for discussion, I'm going to be staying with you, my question is whether you want to stay at your place or mine?" JJ eyes filled with tears, grateful tears. "Can we stay at your place?" she asked sounding like a small child asking for permission.
"Of course, we can, we…" Emily was interrupted by Dr. Sell walking into the room.
"Agent Jareau, your awake, let see how you're doing. If all goes well you'll be able to go home after this check up. Miss Prentiss could you give us some privacy?" Emily nodded and started to get up, only to see the panicked blue eyes of Jennifer Jareau.
"Do you mind if I stay Doctor, JJ might feel a little more comfortable," asked the brunette, making it clear that it was not an option.
"Sure no problem, it might actually be beneficial since you are going to be changing her dressings when she's discharged."
Emily had not been prepared to see the damage that had been inflicted on JJ's body. They started at the top of her head cleaning the long gash on the back of her head. They went down her face applying some type of ointment on the bruises there. When they took her gown off JJ was left with her bra and underwear, while Emily barely suppressed the sob threatening to escape her throat. The bruises were large and angry looking. Slowly as they finished changing the bandage on her thigh and gave her the final dose of IV medication the nurse brought over JJ ready-bag. Emily silently thanked Garcia for her thoughtfulness. Emily took over the task of getting JJ dressed. The doctor gave them all the final instructions and left, leaving the discharge papers on the bed. As soon as Dr. Sells walked out Morgan came in with a wheel chair.
"Ready Baby Girl, lets get you home," he said with an easy smile. JJ attempted to return the gesture. Emily helped her off the bed and on to the chair, whispering in her ear "I'll be right here with you, I'll push your chair." JJ nodded appreciating the information.
The entire team was waiting outside by the FBI issued black SUV's. JJ could help but grin when she took in the sight. Their eyes were full of love and determination.
Sitting next to Emily, holding her hand, JJ finally felt safe, for the first time in six months.
That safety was shattered when Hotch turned to look at her and asked the one question she was dreading.
"Jennifer, we need to know his name."
R&R!
