AN: Don't say it. I know. I had family stuff occur then the holiday and my cousin in from Texas (only got to see her twice in over a week) then last week I started my full time job and my part time bumped me up to 34 hours. I was scheduled almost as much this week but my kitten decided to try and kill me Tuesday night resulting in me jacking up my knee. So I'm off at the PT until cleared by an orthopedist. Hopefully I can bang out a chapter or two each for this and 'Freedom' in that time.

MN: OMG! I haven't seen the light of day in far too long! Just to punish her for locking me up, both this and the next chapter of 'Freedom' shall be fluff city!

JJ closed Henry's bedroom door behind her as quietly as possible before turning down the hall. In moments she was back in her overcrowded new living room. She squeezed herself back into her spot between Garcia and Hotch. The former handed her back her beer while the later raised a quizzical eye at her.

She smiled back. "They're fast asleep. Apparently they never did decide who was going to get to sleep on the top bunk because they're both up there, heads at opposite ends."

"That sounds like them." Her friend shook his head with a smile and raised his own beer, turning back to his conversation with Morgan.

She took the opportunity to look around at her family. They had spent the previous weekend helping her move in to her new home and the one two weeks before that decorating the house. Now they were all squished into her living room after an afternoon of grilling, sprinklers, and games.

Every time she had spoken to her mother in the last four months she had been grilled about whether she was 'alright', almost like she wasn't supposed to be. In reality, she felt extremely lucky. She had not only her biological family to lean on, but her team as well.

She was pulled from her thoughts as Rossi stood. "I am definitely getting too old for these late night parties. You all will just have to continue in my absence."

As JJ rose from the couch to walk him out, Spencer scrambled up from his spot on the floor. "Would you give me a ride?"

Rossi nodded simply and headed for the door, followed by the younger man and chorus of farewells. As he exited the house, Spencer hung back at the door, waiting for JJ to catch up with him.

"Thanks for coming. We'll have to do this again downstairs once you're moved in."

He fiddled with his keys, particularly the shiny new one. "Sounds good. Ummm, is it okay if I come over tomorrow? I want to check out some paint samples in the light downstairs and take some measurements so I can start working on decorating and the floor plan."

She stilled his hand with her own. "Of course. It's your place. And I'm sure Henry and Jack won't turn down the chance to hang out with you."

"Well it's just that I don't technically move in until the end of the month and I don't want to impose. You and Henry need to get settled."

JJ narrowly managed to suppress her eye roll. "Spence, this is your home, no matter when you move in. And part of us getting settled is getting used to you being around." A horn beeped sharply outside. "You better go or Rossi's going to leave you. I'll see you tomorrow." She gave him a quick hug then opened the door.

Her house had slowly eased into silence. After Rossi and Spencer, Blake had been the next to go. A while later had been Morgan, then Garcia. The only people left other than herself and the boys asleep upstairs were Hotch and Beth.

As JJ placed what she thought was the last dirty glass in the dishwasher, her boss entered the room carrying another. "Found one more on the patio."

"Thanks." She took it from him and placed it in the top rack then closed the door. "You know, you didn't have to stay to clean up. The whole point of me keeping Jack tonight and tomorrow is to give you some time alone with Beth."

He shrugged. "It's not that late. Didn't want you to have to pick up after everyone on your own."

JJ rolled her eyes. "I'm calling bullshit. You wanted a chance to talk to me alone so you can figure out how I'm doing. You do know that we can all feel it when you profile us, right? Your whole demeanor changes."

"You're deflecting."

His comment made her sigh. "I'm fine. I'm not going to say it's been easy, but it's been a hell of a lot better than the constant bickering. I think it will help once Spence is here. It was a little too quiet being in the house by myself this week when Henry was with Will. Other than that, I'm pretty relieved to have it over and done with."

Hotch held up his hands in defeat. "Alright. I'm convinced. We can leave it at that. See you at 7pm tomorrow?"

She let the smile return to her face. "Absolutely. Enjoy your time with Beth."

She followed him back to the living room where Beth was waiting, then escorted the couple to the door. Once it was shut behind them she locked it carefully then punched in the code to set the alarm system.

Upstairs, she indulged in a longer than normal shower before donning shorts and a tank top and climbing into bed. She'd decided not to keep the one she and Will had chosen together and couldn't be happier with the choice. Her new mattress was extremely comfortable and she was sleeping soundly on it the nights she was home.

She picked up her phone and plugged in the charger cord. When the screen lit up she noticed the icon alerting her to a new text message so she unlocked the screen and pulled it up. The message was a couple of hours old and from Spencer, of course.

Made it home safely.

She checked the time. It was approaching midnight but she decided to reply anyway.

Sorry, just saw your message. Glad you made it home in one piece.

A moment later the phone vibrated against her nightstand.

I guessed you were still otherwise occupied.

Hotch and Beth left over half an hour ago. I just decided a long shower was in order

Enjoying Garcia's housewarming present?

That made her smile. Her friend had insisting on buying her a ridiculously luxurious shower head for the master bathroom as a housewarming gift.

YES! We'll have to get you one. I swear, it's life changing.

If you say so.

I do. Are you staying for dinner tomorrow? I have to take Jack home at 7. I could drop you off at the same time.

Sounds like a plan. What are we having?

I let the boys choose, so, Mac 'n cheese with hotdogs.

They have good taste. Need me to bring anything?

Just yourself.

Alright.

Do you want me to come pick you up tomorrow?

No thanks. The weather is supposed to be beautiful. I prefer to take the metro.

She knew better than to try to argue with him.

Okay. Let me know if you change your mind.

I will. See you in the morning.

:-D Goodnight.

Goodnight.

By this point JJ's light was off and she was already nestled down in her covers. She placed her phone back on her nightstand and drifted off almost immediately.

AN: Need some input on how I formatted the text messages. Did you guys like, or no? Any suggestions? Options are limited on here. It was much prettier in word.