Love And Loss
Chapter 10
For the rest of the week, Erin took every opportunity she could get to try and talk to Dave, but he simply refused to acknowledge her. He was surprised by her persistence, but the more she sought him out, the more he closed down.
"Are you sure you don't want to clear the air with her once and for all?" Hotch asked him while they were having lunch together on Friday.
The night before, they'd had a long talk, Dave had apologized repeatedly to him, and they'd both assured each other that their friendship wouldn't suffer from any after-effects.
"Yes," Dave answered shortly, taking a big bite from his sandwich.
"That ego of yours is standing in your way to permanent happiness," Hotch commented dryly.
"No, it isn't. Unlike with my ex-wives, I can say that this time there is nothing I am to blame for," Dave replied through his bites. "It was all her doing."
Hotch could only shake his head at his friend's stubbornness.
"Maybe you should swallow your pride and-"
"Don't go there, Aaron," Dave warned.
"So, you're willing to throw away everything the both of you had?"
"I just told you, Aaron, it was she who has already done that. And I'm not interested in finding out if she might do it again. Who can tell me that she won't pull a stunt like that when the next problem occurs? And since when are you rooting for her so hard?"
"As your friend, I'm only interested in your well-being, Dave," Hotch told him. "I've seen you in the last months. Even though I didn't know it was her you were with, it was obvious that you were happy. But running scared as soon as the first problem turns up has always been a weakness of yours, hasn't it?"
"I'm not running. I fully intent on forgetting everything that has ever happened between me and her." Dave shoved the last bite of his lunch into his mouth and stood up without another word.
~.~.~
The mood within the team had been gloomy ever since the news of JJ's departure had hit them. Of course they were all happy for her for getting a promotion like that, but their work would no be the same without her.
And even though JJ would only move a few floors upstairs and they would still be able to see each other on a regular basis, it didn't stop Garcia from organizing a little farewell party for her on her last day.
After the work had been done for the day, they'd all moved into the briefing room, where their esteemed technical analyst had set up a small buffet.
She was just about to present JJ with a parting gift – a framed collage of photos with every team member on it from the various jointly celebrated birthdays and holidays and other occasions – when Strauss entered the room. Gesturing Penelope to go on, Erin slipped in one corner and watched Garcia's tear-filled speech.
"But there is no one in this room who deserves the rise on the proverbial ladder more than you do, buttercup," Penelope concluded.
They all nodded, and Emily added, winking into Hotch's direction: "And we're expecting to see something very big and flashy on your most important finger soon. I mean, now that you're officially allowed to."
Everyone broke into laughter as JJ began to unwrap the picture, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at all the photographs.
"Thank you so much, guys. It's been the greatest honor to having been able to work with all of you in such a fantastic team. I can't tell you how much I'm going to miss you all at work. Thank God we'll still be able to see each other regularly."
After some cheering applause from her now former teammates, Erin stepped to the front, asking if she could say a few words.
Dave flinched visibly, but, catching a warning look from Hotch, he kept his mouth shut.
"As you all know, Agent Jareau's departure from the BAU has come unexpected to all of you, and I am rightfully the one to blame for it. I realize that I have shown some questionable judgment on that matter, and for that I would like to sincerely apologize to all of you."
Erin took a short break, and didn't miss the exchange of glances between the profilers.
"But just like I am sure your team will cope with their work just as successful as before, I am certain that Agent Jareau will excel in her new position."
She turned to JJ and went on: "Good luck, Agent Jareau. I wish you all the best for your future."
"Thank you, Ma'am," JJ replied politely, accepting Strauss's handshake.
Once Erin was finished, they all took turns in saying a few words, everyone ending with giving JJ a tight hug.
"You're still not talking to her?" JJ asked Dave softly as he released her from his embrace.
He cast a dark glare in Erin's direction, and shook his head. "There's nothing I have to say to her," he answered.
"Aaron's right. You're a stubborn fool," she stated.
Dave gave her a disapproving look.
"What?" She continued. "I'm just saying, Dave. You're still going to have to work with her. Even if you don't end up together, it'll make that a lot easier if you two sit down and have a heart-to-heart."
He gave JJ a sad smile and nodded slowly. "I'll think about it."
"You've been thinking about it for too long already. Just do it, before it's too late. I have a feeling that you won't regret it."
Bending to brush a small kiss on her cheek, he said: "Thanks, JJ."
Turning around, he saw Erin standing by the door, waiting to catch him alone to talk to him. Hesitating for a moment, he took a deep breath and walked slowly towards her.
The vibrating sound of his cell phone stopped him before he could reach her. Glancing at the caller ID, he decided to better take the call. He'd let Erin wait for weeks, a few more minutes didn't make a difference. With an apologetic shrug, he brushed past her and went over to his office.