When JJ had found out that Penelope was shot, her whole world had been turned upside down. From the second she got the call to the moment Garcia was safely tucked away and the case was solved, JJ had worked tirelessly. She could barely remember what happened let alone register that she had taken a human life. Of course it was in the name of the safety of her family but nonetheless she had still killed someone. She felt numb. After the appropriate paperwork was finished and the bullpen was cleaned out, she retreated to her office sitting in silence and contemplating the day, her life, her career. It could have just as easily been one of her colleagues that were carried out. Today had been too long, she had to get out of the office for a few days. All she could see was the bullet hole and glass-like, lifeless eyes.

JJ peaked through the shades in her window, checking to see if the bullpen was clear. Upon seeing the rest of her team had left for the next few days per Hotch's request, she finally left her office, hoping to make a b-line straight to the parking garage without being questioned or checked up on. She knew her teammates only had good intentions but it felt condescending and in comforting her if felt like they were registering that she was the weakest link. Being seen as inferior just because she wasn't in the field as much was something JJ feared. Even though her teammates would never suggest that she was inadequate, her insecurities still got the best of her. Juggling her bag and some case files, JJ locked the office door behind her and turned to leave when she saw Emily in the kitchen area grabbing a coffee.

"Shit," JJ muttered. She spun, grabbing the handle to her door and twisting for a quick escape back into her office, hoping not to be seen. The door handle jammed from being locked and she fumbled through her bag for the keys. Not that she didn't want to see her friend, it's just that Emily could read her like an open book without even being a profiler and she knew if the brunette got to her, she would fall apart. "C'mon, C'mon, I just put them in here." JJ huffed, fishing through her bag for keys. If she didn't hurry Emily would spot her and definitely come over because JJ had already ignored two texts from her. As she tried to readjust the files in her hand to reach deeper into her bag, JJ's grip slipped and bundle of case files fell, scattering to the floor in an absolute mess. "Shit," she whispered, leaning her head against the door in defeat.

"JJ?"

She heard Emily's heels clacking and took a deep breath, throat tightening.

"Are you okay?"

JJ feared opening her mouth because she knew her voice would waiver. It was just one of those days where crying over split milk was inevitable. She was exhausted, stressed, and relieved all at the same time. Combine that with the weight of taking another human life and JJ was on the verge of a breakdown. She felt the tears slip down her cheeks before she even realized she was crying.

"Jayje," Emily came up behind her, gently placing a hand on her back, "What's going on?" The brunette's voice was low and soft yet demanding and JJ knew Emily wouldn't leave her alone.

"Long day," JJ sniffled, trying to place a cap on the emotions leaking out of her. "Just a really, really, long day."

Emily didn't say anything, her palm stretched out over JJ's back and rubbing in gentle circles.

JJ was grateful for the silence. The support was there even without words. "Thank you," JJ left her head resting on the door, not able to face Emily yet. She was too sensitive. Maybe if it had been Garcia or Spencer she could've held it together but Emily always evoked such a strong response in her. It was like the brunette demanded her soul be bared and readable at all times. It was exhausting but that's what they had come to expect of each other.

"Do you wanna talk?"

The offer was so sincere JJ laughed a little, "Funny hearing that coming from you of all people." She didn't turn but she knew Emily was smiling back.

"I thought I was the only one allowed to be dark and moody?" Emily chewed on her bottom lip as she grinned, trying to gauge how JJ was truly feeling.

JJ turned, pressing her back against the door as she wiped her eyes. Peering at the floor, she avoided making eye contact.

"I hope you know that you did a great thing today. You saved lives." She saw JJ's lip begin to quiver, "I mean it, JJ, and the fact that you feel whatever you're feeling now shows you're human. Your softness is your greatest strength. I admire it everyday."

JJ covered her mouth and scrunched her eyes shut, trying to fight off the tears but they rolled anyway; rivulets flowing down blotchy cheeks. She felt humiliated but she couldn't stop, shoulders shaking and salty tears spilling onto her lips as she nearly worked herself into a frenzy. Had anyone else been in the bullpen she would've kept her cool, hiding her emotions being a requirement in her field of work.

"JJ," Emily sounded a little panicked, reaching out and grabbing the blonde's hand. She laced their fingers together and much like it did at the hospital when Penelope was in surgery, Emily's touch grounded her friend. JJ's tears subsided into sniffles again and she began to shake her hand, wiping the tears from her eyes with one hand.

"You don't have to do this, I'm alright," She swiped her thumb under her eye line, smudging the dark eyeliner that had settled there.

"I know." Emily stifled a smile, "You uh, have something under your eye."

"What?" JJ finally looked up to Emily, trying to wipe away the rest of her tears.

"It's still there, up a little, nope- right there," Emily untangled her hand from JJ's, "Oh my god, you stink, I'll get it."

JJ laughed at that, tilting her face up to Emily as the brunette placed two fingers under her chin to hold her in place. She unconsciously held her breath as the profiler carefully used her thumb to wiped away the residual mascara. JJ's mouth twitched into a barely noticable smile, she had never seen Emily be so gentle before.

"There we go. All better."

"If you mean by all better I look like a train wreck then okay."

"Oh stop, you always look beautiful." The air always shifted at the strangest moments. At least it felt that way for Emily. She took in JJ's face one more time up close, the freckles and the little crevices under her friend's eyes where the makeup had leaked into. "There's a little make up left but I'm sure you can get that when you get home." She took a step back and cleared her throat, adjusting the collar of her jacket.

"Thanks Em," She peered around, hoping no one had witnessed that oddly intimate exchange. The bullpen appeared completely empty. "I'm really happy Hotch gave us a few days off. I need to get out of here for a little. I'm thinking of heading home for a couple of days and I know we talked about it before. The offer still stands if you'd like to come with." In truth, JJ hadn't even thought about going home until just a few moments ago.

Emily stopped looking at her feet like a bashful schoolgirl and met JJ's eyes, "Yea, sure. That sounds good." Emily immediately regretted what she said, wishing she could take it back but the words lingered in the air. Family was not her strong suit but here she was putting herself into a terrible situation just because of a pouty lip and two blue eyes.

"Go home and pack and I'll pick you up first thing in the morning. It's a long drive so prepare yourself." JJ couldn't believe this was happening.

"If you're giving me somewhere to stay, I insist on driving."

"Emily Prentiss always the gentlemen." Emily rolled her eyes but laughed. She started picking up the case files littered across the floor. "I'll see you tomorrow morning I guess. Six sound okay? That way we are in town early. "

"Yea, that sounds fine." Emily handed the case files back to JJ, neither woman having the nerve to break the little bubble they constantly found themselves in. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yes you will."