Disclaimed!
Hi to everyone still reading, there's only two chapters after this one, so let me know what you think!
...
The elevator opened up on the six floor of the Quantico building and tentatively, Reid stepped out pausing in the waiting area as the view of the group of desks in the bullpen came into his eye line. The department was empty, on Strauss's order, all BAU agents were to attend Prentiss's funeral and the other departments were to pick up any emergency cases. Pulling the heavy glass doors open, the youngest profiler stopped to look at the desk opposite his. Prentiss's father had collected his daughter's personal belongings sometime in the week, even though the brunette didn't display her objects like Garcia did with her trolls or JJ and Hotch did with their kid's photos, Prentiss's desk draws were like a mini thrift store, stuffed full of random items.
Instead of piles of folders, her qualification certificates, a name plate and chocolate wrappers covering her desk top, there was a large bouquet of dark red roses, Rossi had bought for her, standing prominent in the centre of the desk. Small burnout, white candles surrounded the vase, and a picture of Prentiss with Garcia and JJ, on a girl's night out, that the analyst had placed there, rested against the panel that separated her desk with the young doctor's.
Reid sighed loudly as he poured the black liquid into the FBI coffee mug and turned back to face the barely lit bullpen. Hesitantly, he tightened his grip on the cup and walked gingerly towards the decorated desk. Placing the coffee next to the candles, Reid let his hand linger on the side of the desk and closed his eyes then whispered. "It was my turn to get the coffee, Prentiss"
A cough from behind him, made the doctor stiffen. "You okay, man?"
Reid wiped his eyes and turned to see Morgan looking at him in concern. "What are you doing here?"
"Couldn't sleep, you?" The older profiler tilted his head as Reid shrugged, adjusting his satchel that crossed his body nervously, the younger man's eyes darted everywhere then rested on the object in Morgan's hand. "Same"
Seeing Reid's gaze still focused on the paper in his hands, Morgan sighed. "Emily gave me this for my birthday"
"A Men's Health Magazine?" Reid asked in curiosity as Morgan grinned at his quizzical expression.
"Yeah it's supposed to be a joke" The Chicago native unrolled the magazine and skimmed the cover solemnly, "I miss her, kid"
"Me too" He gulped as he leaned on his heels watching the older profiler collect his thoughts, clearing his throat, the young doctor smirked, "I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing"
Morgan nodded, knowing exactly how his friend was feeling. "You know, Prentiss would have mocked us if she could see us here right now"
"It was her nature" Reid agreed with a solemn smirk, he stuck his hands tightly into his pockets, the intimate conversation making him feel uncomfortable, even in the given circumstances.
"Yeah" Morgan smiled sadly, "Do you need a ride to the church?"
"Sure" Reid returned the smile thinly and took one last look at the coffee and flowers sitting on Prentiss desk, with a final tap on the wooden top, and Reid joined Morgan side as they both walked of dimly lit bullpen.
...
Hotch placed the key in his apartment door after he had taken Jack and Henry to his former sister-in-laws house. Closing the door behind him, the profiler smiled warmly towards the woman sitting with her knees tucked under her chin, on his couch. She was wrapped in his thick, blue FBI hoody and grey jogging bottoms while her gaze was focused on the blank TV. "Jess said the boys can sleep the night if that's... JJ?"
The blonde stared up at him, with her usually vibrant blue eyes turned grey and hazed over distantly. "She's really gone" JJ whispered softly, her voice sounded croaky and sore when she shifted on the seat, so the unit chief could take his place next to her.
"Yeah she is" Hotch took her hand and began to slowly rub circles with his thumb.
JJ sniffled and rested her head on his shoulder tiredly. "I was ironing my skirt and it just came to me..."
"Jaje, you've spent all week concentrating on other people; the boys and I, Garcia and the Ambassador, Dave and the guys. You haven't taken a minute for yourself." He kissed her head softly as she sighed.
"I'm not sure I can stand up in church in front of everyone" JJ lifted her head to look into his caring eyes, looking for some reassurance.
Leaning forwards he gently pressing his lips onto JJ's, he pulled back slightly yet his mouth brushed over hers once more as he spoke. "Just focus on me, okay?"
The former liaison nodded, after helping Elizabeth Prentiss pack up Emily's clothes, the ambassador grabbed her hand and asked JJ to speak at the funeral, now, the Pennsylvanian was having serious doubts as the nerves overtook her body. "Aaron, she died" JJ closed her eyes briefly then opened them with tears falling and streaming down her face.
"Hey shhh, it's going to be okay" Hotch soothed as he wrapped his arms around her petite body and pulled her in to his tightly.
JJ began to sob as his hand stroked up and down her body slowly. "It's just... I've already lost one sister. I didn't think it would happen again, not now, not..."
"Oh babe" He kissed the top of her head tenderly, cringing at the sight of the oven clock flashing, "JJ, I know you're hurting and I'm so sorry, but we really have to get ready now"
"I feel so achy" JJ groaned, her chest and head ached after the crying session, ignoring his words she firmly her body pressed into his, not wanting to move from his warmth.
Hotch sighed and moved her backwards, so he could stand. "I'll help you get ready, okay?"
"Aaron..." JJ looked up at him tiredly as he hovered above her. Hotch extended his hand and smiled thinly as she accepted his help off the couch. "I know, I miss her too"
...
An hour and a half later, Hotch slammed the car door behind him and locked the vehicle, immediately he came to JJ's side as they walked up to the small gathering of agents waiting outside the intimidating, large church. "Hey, have you been here long?"
Rossi shook his head first, hugging JJ and kissing her cheek then shaking the unit chief's hand. "No, the ambassadors have just arrived"
The rest of the team greeted each other with a handshake or a kiss, then stood in silence as they watched the ambassadors greet people in the same manner at the church's entrance. JJ noticed her friend sniffling so she passed Garcia a tissue out of her purse as they all stood in a circle. "You look nice Pen" JJ smiled warmly at the eclectic attire of the analyst.
Garcia smirked and looked towards the youngest member of the team mockingly. "Thanks, thought I might as well make an effort"
Reid's jaw dropped as all the eyes in the group turned to his awkward stance. "What... I like this scarf"
"You look like your grandfather, kid" Morgan scoffed as the young doctor played with his scarf between his fingers.
JJ smacked Morgan's arm as he chuckled at her son's godfather. "I think you look fitting Spence"
"Thanks JJ" He beamed as the conversation continued to critique his choice of previous outfits, lead by Morgan, "suppose it's not as bad as that cream cardigan that's twelve times too big for ya..."
Hotch cleared his throat as he pointed to the large group entering the Catholic Church. "I think it's time"
"Are you sure?" Garcia asked meekly, looking at everyone for confirmation.
Kevin placed his hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "It's time Penelope"
The group all paused and looked at the ambassadors who waited for them patiently. After they had all greeted the parents, Garcia reached for JJ's hand and squeezed it firmly. The red head's whisper added to the muffled voices echoing off the cold stone walls. "I hate this"
Morgan leaned between the two women as they tried to comfort each other while they slowly walked to the front of the church. "We all do baby girl."All of the team struggled to keep their eyes off the black casket, staged ahead of them. Hotch placed his hand on Rossi's shoulder sympathetically, when the elder profilers head fell forward in a bow, as he faced the crucifix.
JJ and Garcia waited until the rest of the team were seated till they took their seats, the five men were pallbearers but JJ was speaking first and therefore sat at the end of the pew. They became silent as all their eyes fell on Jimmy as he shook the ambassador's hands and faced Emily's casket. The soft organ music stopped playing and the close knit team, family, collectively inhaled sharply as they prepared to say goodbye to one of their own.
...
Even more sad times!
Thank you to everyone who is still reading and especially to those who took the time to review; crazyobsession101, ReadingRed, FloverFairy30, angry penguin and Flames101