TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Behind the Mask"
AUTHOR: D M Harper
SUMMARY: Agent Prentiss finally discloses her true feelings to Agent Jareau, but not in the manner she'd originally hoped for.
RATING: M for Mature Readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story was conjured up for reading entertainment only. No money has exchanged hands or bank accounts. There is no profit gained, just fancy flights of imagination. There is no intention to infringe on the copyright of CBS Television Studios or creator Jeff Davis. This writing does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will, hence you have no one to whine to except yourself or a parent if you are caught, now bugger off!
Chapter 11
"Do you have a minute?" inquired Hotch as Jillian entered her office.
"Sure, is there a case you want me to look at?"
"No, I just wanted to discuss a matter with you in private."
"Come on in and close the door."
Hotch did then took a seat in front of the desk, "I've just been talking with Erin Strauss."
"I hope it was good news," taunted Jillian as she sat down behind her desk.
"It was. Strauss informed me the unit's budget has been increased and I could assign another Agent to the BA Team."
"That's wonderful news Hotch."
"Do you happen to know of anyone with profiling experience who would be interested?"
"Gee, I don't know," answered Jillian with a wry grin. "I'd have to think about it."
Hotch laughed at her antics, "The job is yours if you want it Jillian."
"You know I do and thank you."
"Don't thank me. You have proven to be quite the asset to the Unit. I'll make an official announcement at the morning briefing."
"All right and this really is excellent news."
"You may want to inform Emily in private," suggested Hotch as he got to his feet.
"That's a very good idea." Jillian waited for her boss to leave before calling Emily's desk phone.
"BAU, Agent Prentiss speaking."
"Hello Agent, do you have a moment to join me in my office?"
"I certainly do, be there shortly."
Within seconds, Emily appeared in Jillian's doorway, "Is there a problem?"
"No, everything is great. Hotch offered me a position with the Team."
Emily frowned, "Isn't J.J. coming back?"
"Yes, it just means I'll be a full time profiler. The Unit's received a boost to funding."
A smile spread across Emily's face, "Oh that is terrific news."
"Aaron's making the announcement at the nine o'clock briefing."
"I think I better take my girlfriend out to dinner tonight to celebrate."
"I think you should and maybe you'll get lucky afterwards."
Emily chuckled at the notion, "I'm always lucky with you and I better get back to my paperwork before I do something utterly inappropriate in your office."
"That's a smart move Prentiss."
The couple had the company of the entire Team later that evening to celebrate and when Emily and Jillian arrived home at Emily's apartment, Jillian called her family with the news while Emily spoke with her mother.
-0-
The last month of Jillian's secondment passed with a series of new cases and she and Emily spent the weekend in Titusville with Malcolm and Maureen. Monday morning found Jennifer welcomed back with copious vacation photos being passed around in the break room and tales of adventures.
Jillian paid close attention to Emily's reactions with Jennifer and berated herself for being jealous on several occasions. She broached the subject with Emily later that night after they settled into bed. Emily cuddled into Jillian's chest as was her habit and closed her eyes.
"Are you tired?" asked Jillian.
"Yes, it was a hectic day."
"Jennifer didn't seem too surprised to see me this morning."
"She knew about your appointment."
"I gathered that. Did Hotch tell her?"
"No, I did."
"Oh, I wasn't aware you had spoken."
Emily tilted back her head and looked at the blonde, "Are you telling me you are annoyed?"
"No, just surprised you didn't mention it."
"Honey, I didn't think it warranted discussion. I called J.J. with the good news the day after you told me."
"I'm sorry Emily I'm sounding like a jealous dick."
Emily smiled, "Yes you are and there is no need for you to feel that way. I'm totally committed to you and our relationship, but I do love J.J. as a close friend."
"I know, it's just that I saw you looking so happy when she kissed you hello."
"Jillian, it was a friendly kiss."
"I'm being silly Em, just forget it and go to sleep. We are both tired and I need to chill."
Emily reached behind and turned off the lamp, "You are the only woman I'm in love with Jillian."
Jillian took her into her arms, "I love you, goodnight." She lay awake for some time wondering where her insecurities were coming from. She finally drifted into a dream about Emily and slept soundly until the alarm reverberated the following morning.
-0-