Chapter 13 Special Days

Derrik knew JJ had finally given into sleep because her entire body had relaxed. He was glad because he knew that she probably hadn't been sleeping well at all. He could feel his phone start to buzz on his side and he could only imagine which member of his team was calling to check to see if everything was okay. They had left hours ago and as far Hotch knew he was supposed to be coming back to work, it was now almost 4pm. So he carefully slipped her onto the bed without waking her and covered her with the blanket at the base of the bed. Quietly he stepped out of the room praying that she stayed asleep a little longer. Looking at his phone he saw he missed a phone call from both Penelope and Hotch the two people he expected. Not sure which he should call back first he decided on Hotch being his boss and all even though he knew he would catch hell from Penelope.

"Hotchner"

"Hey Hotch"

"How is she? You have been gone for hours," as soon as the words left his mouth Hotch knew that it sounded like he was acting as more than her boss but at that point he didn't care she was worrying him and right now he was her friend.

"She's ok and finally sleeping. She was really upset when we got here and it took her awhile to finally relax."

"Good she needs sleep it will help."

"Did you know about her headaches?"

"Yes I have seen her have a couple of them and prior to that she told me about them."

"And you didn't think sharing that with all of us would be helpful?"

"It wasn't my business to share and she is handling it which is what matters."

"This doesn't look like handling it Hotch this looks like JJ going thru the motions."

"We can't push her Morgan this takes time you know as well as I do."

"So what the hell would have happened if this hit her in the middle of a case during a take down and none of us knew?"

"Morgan I get you're concerned but that would never happen because she wouldn't be in a situation for it to and I don't have to justify my actions to you."

Morgan decided not to push it he was in no mood to go head to head with Hotch at the moment, "She just gets that look, like she is not even there it creeps me out."

"She'll get there Derrik it is just going to take time. Are you going to stay with her awhile longer?"

"Yeah I want to make she is okay when she wakes up and Sara is still out with Cate."

Hanging up both men sighed wishing they could do more knowing they couldn't.

Hotch looked up to find Rossi standing there, "Was that Morgan?"

"Yes, he is still with JJ"

"Today was coming, none of us could have prevented what happened today Aaron," Dave replied studying him knowing JJ hurting this much was getting to him as more than just a boss.

"I know doesn't mean it makes it any better."

"You're doing everything you can."

"I didn't say I wasn't."

"I know that look Aaron. It's the I somehow failed my team yet again look even though you had no control over the situation."

"JJ just lost Will 2 months ago."

"And you lost Haley almost a year ago. What's your point? You can be her boss and be her friend too,"

With that Dave walked out of Hotch's office simply shaking his head. Hotch couldn't help but think that he was right. He decided to finish his work and then call to see if she would be up for pizza with the kids.

After talking to Hotch, Morgan dialed Penelope's number wondering how much grief he was about to get from her.

"Hey there, how's my gumdrop doing?"

"Wow now witty greeting baby girl."

"Not today sweet cheeks. We are supposed to be in a church right now not where we are today."

"I know princess I wish I could change it as much as you do trust me."

"So how is she doing?"

"She's sleeping right now which is what she needs. She was really upset when we got here which is why it took me so long to call you back."

"I knew you would work your knightly magic and help make things better."

"I don't know about all that but at least she is resting."

"I don't think we should leave her alone tonight. What do you say I get everyone together and we meet you there with pizza?"

"I don't think she should be alone either but given how this morning went I'm not sure how well that will go over."

"Well we have to try," Penelope was tired and feeling helpless this was all she could think of to try and help.

"Ok baby girl we'll try."

"Leave everything to me."

With that Penelope hung up and Derrik prayed that they weren't about to make things worse.

One hour later…

JJ woke up feeling very foggy and groggy courteous of the medication her doctor gave her. Looking at the clock she realized that it was almost 6pm and she had been sleeping the better part of the afternoon. She had to admit she felt a little better than she did before and her headache was now just a dull ache. From the living room she could hear Cate's giggling and what sounded like Jack's as well. On top of that she heard voices, more than just Aaron's or Sara's. Looking at her phone she didn't see any missed calls so it made her wonder what she agreed to before she fell asleep. Walking out of her bedroom the closer she got to the main room she could hear the voices of her team. Leaning up against the wall she took in the site before her. Cate and Jack comically entertaining each member of her team and she couldn't help but smile.

Cate was the first to spot her, "Mommy your waked," she exclaimed running toward her and into her arms.

After hugging her tight Cate looked at her and pointed to the team, "Look Mommy it's a surprise special day."

"I see sweetie."

Cate wriggled down and pulled on JJ's hand, "I's hungry mommy come eat we was waiting for you."

All eyes were on JJ now as each member of the team held their breath not sure if they were about to embark on a repeat performance of that morning. JJ was momentarily stuck until Cate pulling her hand snapped her back to reality. I can do this, I have to do this. She let Cate guide her over to the couch next to Hotch and sat down. As this happened everyone in the room started to breathe again realizing she was willing to try and so would they. As she sat down she smiled at the people around her realizing how lucky she was to have each and every one of them. Morgan handed her a plate of pizza and Hotch leaned over saying something in her ear. She simply took his hand and squeezed it letting him know she was ok. It was happily ever after like it was supposed to be but JJ was slowly learning that sometimes life isn't always a fairytale.