Location: Emily's Condo
Date and time: 7 January 2007: 05.45am
Emily groaned as the sound of the alarm buzzed through the bedroom covering her face with the pillow trying to ignore the conferral droning of the alarm "Hmm" JJ stirred as she reached over to hit the snooze button.
She stretched carefully as she started to run her fingers over bare flesh "You could of turned it off instead of hiding" JJ said her voice laden with sleep as she ghosted her fingers so softly over the skin, causing Emily to squirm
"That would have involved moving" she whined.
As JJ moved to sit on top of Emily "I'd rather see your face than a pillow though," JJ said playfully.
"How can you be so awake, and before coffee" Emily yawned as she moved the pillow, smiling softly into loving blue eyes
"That would be because I went to bed early and you and Sarah stayed up playing poker for most of the night" she laughed, as she leaned in kissing her softly.
Emily kissed her back softly as she then pulled away "She leaves today" Emily pouted
"How long will she be gone?" JJ asked as she cupped Emily's breasts running her thumb gently over her nipple.
"Not sure, sometimes it's a few weeks other times it can be months before she comes home." Emily said as she moaned softly at JJ's touch.
JJ grazed her nails over her skin gently "You know" JJ said as she twisted her nipple gently.
Causing Emily to moan out her reply "What?" JJ smirked.
"I have to take a shower" as she moved off Emily.
Emily groaned, "That's cruel" Emily pouted as she watched JJ retreat into the bathroom.
Emily stretched as her bones popped back in waking her up fully "Jennifer? I thought you didn't have to be in till 8?" Emily said as she walked into the bathroom.
"We don't have to be in till 8" JJ smirked.
"Then why we up so early?" Emily complained slightly as she started to brush her teeth.
"You need a shower"
Emily froze slightly "Oh, I can"
JJ cut her off "That's why we are up early so I can help, okay" she said reassuringly. Emily made a disgruntled sound in agreement.
JJ stepped out the shower as she spoke "And plus you still struggle getting your bra on" she smiled as she wrapped her wet arms around Emily.
"So you want me to shower fully dressed now?" Emily teased as her top began to soak in the water off JJ.
JJ flipped the bathroom light off as Emily started to undo her top "Thanks" she said softly as JJ came up behind her wrapping her arms tightly around her waist
"You're beautiful" she smiled as she kissed her cheek "Now get that sexy ass in the shower" she said playfully as Emily stepped into the warm shower.
JJ finished getting ready, as she waited for Emily to get out of the shower.
'There has been some improvement, the nightmares are less now for us both, but she still hasn't been able to look at herself yet.
And she still hasn't seen the rest of me other than what I showed her, but I think she is getting there, she has finally been cleared for desk duty, although she is not impressed since she hates paperwork.
But I am glad, it will stop her worrying every time I leave and more so if Sarah is also leaving today, she tends to panic if she's alone, which maybe a problem when she is cleared for field duty, but I am sure she will overcome it.
She panicked the other day when I pulled my handcuffs out, that wild fearful look in her eyes, which I have not; seen since we came home, I really need to find a way to help her overcome that panic.
I have never seen a mother and daughter so close, it is as though they can just read each other's thoughts through a look or a gesture.
The rest of the team have finally met her which is nice, but what I always find strange is when we are out anywhere she always refers to her as Emily not mom?
That just strikes me as odd, but I am sure there is a very good reason for it, they just are not ready to share that bit with me?
There is one thing that makes me smile and I feel really honoured is she hasn't put the walls back up; unless the guys are around, the second we are alone she relaxes and I see all the sweetness and how much love she has for me.'
"Jennifer" Emily whispered as she walked into the bedroom.
JJ placed her diary back into the draw as she turned and looked at her "You all finished?" Emily nodded as JJ picked up the cream "Lay down sweetie so I can put this on" she smiled softly.
Emily scars were still angry and red, and if she moved the wrong way, it would hurt but at least they were healing and that was all that mattered to JJ as she started to massage the cream into her skin.
"These are looking so much better Em"
Emily half smiled "What are the ones on my back like?"
JJ sniggered "I won't know until you turn over"
This had become there day routine, Emily turned over as JJ started to massage more cream on her back before she leant over kissing her neck "They are looking good, and you just look as stunning as ever" JJ whispered in her ear, making Emily chuckle
"Smooth Jennifer very smooth"
JJ got off the bed letting Emily move before helping her get her bra on, if it wasn't done carefully Emily would wince in pain, her ribs were healing nicely but the doctors have said she could be out for a few more weeks then back into light field work.
"Right you finish getting ready and I'll go and put the coffee on, and you can make breakfast when you come down," JJ teased slightly as Emily groaned.
"You mean burnt toast for breakfast? Or can we just go to the deli on the way in and I'll buy you a breakfast wrap" she smiled sweetly as JJ nodded.
"Sure but coffee first" JJ made her way downstairs sitting at the breakfast bar waiting on the coffee machine.
Sarah snuck into Emily's room once JJ had gone downstairs "Mom" she said softly
"Hey, did we wake you?" Emily said softly as she looks at her.
"No you didn't I just wanted to wish you luck on your first day back, and Mom try not to worry" she smiled softly.
"When did you become so in tuned" Emily joked
"I'm your daughter so it is my job" Sarah smirked before leaving her to finish getting ready
Emily made her way downstairs "You know I can feel you watching me"
JJ ducked her head slightly "Sorry"
"Don't be I like it" Emily retorted
"Did we wake her?"
Emily shook her head "No, we didn't" she replied as she took the offered cup off JJ.
"Ugh! I need to get into work mode" Emily joked
"Work mode? I think we will be doing paperwork for a month" JJ glared at her slightly
"No. what I meant is I have to say calling you JJ" Emily said sticking out her bottom lip
"Oh" she smirked slightly "I still get to call you Emily" she teased gently.
Location: BAU
Date and time: 7 January: 07.34
Emily groaned slightly as they walked into the bullpen "I said we'd be early" as they both entered the kitchen.
"I know, but you at least get a head start on the paperwork" JJ said carefully as she bit her lip knowing that Emily hated paperwork.
Emily handed JJ her cup "I know, and I am on desk duty for a few more weeks" Emily sighed
"Hey" Morgan said as he came in wrapping his arms gently around her giving her a hug. "We've missed you" he smiled
"You saw me at weekend" Emily teased rolling her eyes.
"Yes! But that was social this is work, and plus that means I can hand you some of my paperwork" her joked as Emily glared at him
"You can do your own paperwork" JJ walked up to her office as the rest of the team piled in.
"So Morgan, been hitting on anyone lately?" Emily teased as he held his hands up
"Hey, if I knew she was your kid, I would never have hit on her"
"He would, he just wouldn't brag" Reid piped up.
"Hey kid, I do have some personal boundaries"
"Only because you know Emily would shot you first then ask the questions"
"Reid," Emily warned.
"So is there any gossip?" Emily smirked as they looked at her.
"Aside from you and JJ you mean?"
Emily rolled her eyes "I don't want to know" as they all sat at their desks just as Hotch walked in.
"Prentiss, nice to have you back" she smiled at him as she pulled out the first file that needed to be reviewed.
"Thanks"
JJ called everyone into the conference room half an hour later. JJ stood in front of the screen turning it on as everyone filed in taking their seats
Jacksonville Florida children have found a human skull and, another washed up on the riverbank. Last Friday another two more skulls; were found included in the river's sediment.
An autopsy proved the first two crania to be that of young people aged between 18 and 20 and the last skull found from a boy of approximately 12. In all cases, a sharp instrument; had been used to separate the skulls from the torso and the flesh had been entirely removed.
It was, initially thought that the human remains originated from the anatomical institute in Jacksonville, or they had been flung into the river by grave robbers fleeing from capture.
Yet these theories are unproven and some boys playing on a marshland unearthed a sack containing human bones. It had become impossible for the authorities to keep these grisly finds a secret and, whilst young boys continued to be reported missing.
'The number has grown to almost 600' Emily muttered to herself,
Jacksonville has been gripped by terror. The investigation highlighted that those missing were mostly aged between 14 and 18, a multitude of bones, have been discovered; in the marshlands.
More than 500 parts of corpses have been detected, the remains of at least 22 people, a third aged between 15 and 20. Approximately one-half had been in the water for some time and the joints of many of the fresh bones had smoothly cut surfaces.
"Wheels up in 20" Hotch said as JJ finished "Prentiss"
"Yes?" she looked at him knowing what he was going to say.
"You haven't been cleared to fly yet, but you can help work the profile from here" he said
"Okay" she nodded before looking at JJ.
JJ walked over to her seeing some of the fear in her eyes, JJ was the only one she would allow to see her fully "Jennifer" she said softly.
JJ cupped her cheek as Emily easily leant into the touch "I will be careful, I promise," she smiled softly.
Emily nodded "You best had be" Emily said firmly, she had not been on her own since her attack and if she was honest she was petrified.
"You could always have Garcia stay with you while I'm gone" JJ tried as Emily shook her head
"No, I'll be fine you just hurry home" Emily looked at her with her loving eyes before leaving the room.
They were greeted at the airport, then driven to the local police station; where JJ introduced the team.
JJ and Reid started setting up, though they had already made a start on the profile, they would be able to add more to it once they had seen the crime scene and the coronary's report and looked at the bones.
The detective in charge came into the room as JJ spoke "We are ready to give the profile"
"Already?"
She smiled "We worked on it on the way over here, so if you could get everyone ready so we can begin" JJ said as the team follow out spreading along the far wall.
"The man we are looking for will already be known to the police mainly as a thief and sexual offender. His appearance he will be sympathetic in appearance, a simple man with a friendly, open expression and a courteous nature. Of average height, broad and well built, this shows with the age of the victims and the fact they were willing to go with him so they may have even known him" Hotch said.
Reid took over; "His features will be generally small and unprepossessing as the rest of his appearance, he will be notability well-groomed, and At times he will appear cagey or calculating"
Morgan took over; "Yet also talkative and hyperactive, desperately seeking sympathy and attention."
Rossi added in finally "he has a serve dislike for his father and from an early age and has continued this loathing throughout his life. He will also be someone who you least expect and far from evil looking"
They all filled back into the room as Hotch spoke "We all should go and get some rest, it's late we will meet here at 7" he said as everyone started to leave for the hotel.
Location: Emily's Condo.
Time: 20.04
Emily had left the BAU and headed home after reassuring Garcia she was okay.
She laid down on the couch with a glass of wine, which she knew she would regret since she was still on pain medication. However, she just could not settle or fall asleep she was already missing JJ and her mind had slowly started to sink back to the days held in the basement.
JJ had tried ringing Emily once she had gotten back to the hotel, but each time she just got voicemail, so she was hoping she was asleep, and not just ignoring her calls.
JJ had learnt in the past few weeks that when Emily is alone for any length of time she gets lost in her mind and this is something JJ fears.
After the fifth attempt of ringing her, JJ sent Garcia a text 'Pen can you make sure Em is okay for me and let me know in the morning' she hoped she'd get a reply.
Garcia phone made her stir slightly, whenever her team was away she always rested lightly so she was soon awake and reading the message before texting back. 'She was pretty tired when I left tonight she is more than likely asleep she insisted to me she was fine but I will check, you know how stubborn she can be.' she replied before settling down again.
Location: BAU
Date and time: 8 January: 04.34am
Emily sat at her desk thinking to herself.
'I can't settle I can't eat, every time I do I feel sick, for the first time in my life I don't feel safe.
I didn't know how much she held me together and grounded me, she has seen every part of me, my weaknesses my vulnerability my scars, and yet I still can't look at myself.
I daren't, get undressed, as that would mean seeing, I try not to let her see the pain when I move, but I know she does.
What if I can't do my job unless she is around me, my mind feels blank.
I have been sitting here for the past 4 hours and my thoughts race as though I am still in that damn infernal basement'
Emily groan slightly as she looked at the time, she had been lost in her thoughts since she had gotten to the BAU, lifting her head up as her neck popped into place she had been sat like that for so long she had even forgotten what time she had arrived at the BAU.
Garcia, was stood in the kitchen watching Emily, she looked at her friend and even she could tell she had not slept at all.
Garcia sent a message to JJ 'Jay I don't think she has slept much, she was in before me and I checked the security footage and it looks like she has been here since 4 this morning and it's now 9'
"You look like you need a coffee," she said as she placed a mug in front of her
"Thanks Garcia" she smiled weakly at her.
"How long you been in?" she asked as she took a sip trying to get her senses to fully wake up.
"Since six" she smiled as Emily looked away. "I'll come down to your lair with you if that's okay," Emily asked a little unsure.
Garcia smiled softly, "Come on Em" as she took hold of the mug, she had never seen Emily look this withdrawn "Em why don't you ring JJ?" she asked carefully.
Emily shook her head "She'll be sleeping and she needs to concentrate on the case not worry about me" Emily said quietly.
"Emily the girl is going to worry about you, even if you was stood at the side of you she will still worry just like you worry about her, so please ring her" Garcia said more firmly than she meant to.
Emily sighed "I lost my phone" she paused "Well not so much lost it, it may have bounced around a few walls last night, so I need to go and get a new one at some point today" she shrugged.
"Emily Prentiss you will ring her right now," she said handing her the phone and dialling the number "Before you panic her"
JJ stepped out of the shower after trying Emily again only to get voicemail "Pen?" she answered on the fourth ring
"Try again" she replied sadly.
"Emily. Thank god! Why didn't you answer you're phone?"
Emily swallowed hard "I broke it so I need to get a new one"
"Em, are you okay?" Emily half sniggered before she replied.
"I guess" before she handed the phone straight to Garcia
"Jay it's me"
"Pen? Where did she go" she said in a sigh.
Garcia smiled at Emily before walking out the room and closing the door "She handed me the phone, she doesn't seem herself."
JJ voice changed slightly as she finished getting ready "Garcia if anything happens or changes you ring me or failing that ring Sarah"
"I will do" Garcia said as JJ hung the phone up.
Location: Jacksonville
Date & Time: 8 January: 07.00
"Hotch" JJ said as she walked into the room "Emily's phone has broken so we can get her on Garcia's for now till she gets a new one" she said slightly flustered.
Hotch raised an eyebrow "Is she okay?"
JJ nodded; though she knew all was not okay "Any leads?" she asked changing the subject.
"There has been some developments, a body has been found early hours this morning we are hoping to get a DNA hit since, they must have been disturbed because, he was laid out in the open" Hotch said as he rung Garcia to do a background check on the person who had discovered the body.
JJ frowned slightly as Rossi spoke "What kind of person goes walking around at three in the morning in the marshland unless he has a good reason?" he pointed out as JJ looked at his file
"He's rapist?" JJ said, as she looked at his rap sheet that span over 19years.
"They are running his DNA through codas as we speak I would just like some background to leave with the officers, then we can fly out later today" Hotch said.
"Was there any point us being here?" Reid asked slightly perplexed
"It was a lucky collar or we could have ended up staying for a few more days" Morgan said as he handed JJ a drink "Look like you could use a coffee" he said kindly
"Thanks"
Location: BAU, Jet
Date and time: 8 January: 18.14
"JJ is everything alright?" Hotch asked as he walked over towards the kitchen.
JJ nodded slightly "I just can't wait to get back home" she said as she continued to stare out the window.
"Is everything alright with Emily?" He tried again.
JJ looked at him "I think so" she muttered, just as her phone vibrated with a text message. 'I miss you' JJ read the text and half smiled 'I will be home in a few hours' she replied.
Location: Emily's condo
Date & time: 8 January: 11.51pm
Emily sat on the couch staring at the window she had not slept since JJ had gone on the case; she had not really eaten much either.
'I close my eyes and I am back there, I can smell the blood I can even taste it.
I cannot sleep because every time I do I am back there; waiting for death, waiting for JJ to save me again.
I have never depended on anyone before, I have never let anyone control or take control, but yet I allow her so easily, I want to get lost in her eyes and in her warmth and feel safe but she isn't here'
Emily sighed softly, as she placed the paper down which she had been scribbling on, onto the coffee table as she stood up
'JJ I have gone for a run, I won't be long I just can't sit here any longer, Em'
She left the condo and started a slow run, her body was not fit enough really to do this, but she needed to she had jogged up towards the gas station her body ached, but she needed this, anytime she needed to think or clear her mind this was how she did it.
She carried on for another mile before the burning coursed through her knees as she hit her old route before heading back.
Location: Emily's condo
Date & time: 9 January: 01.20am
JJ walked in to the dark condo her eyes focused the best they could until she located the light switch, sighing slightly as she headed into the kitchen turning the kettle on.
She frowned slightly as she spotted the envelope situated on the table, after reading the short note; which Emily had left she cursed as she grabbed her keys and headed straight into her car.
She remembered the old route Emily ran sometimes since they had done it together but she was hoping she was wrong she head up past the gas station before following the familiar route praying Emily hadn't cut through the park
"Damn it Emily" she cursed as she turned the corner her eyes searching the street.
She pulled the car to a screeching stop as she stopped a crumpled body of one Emily Prentiss in the middle of the path "Em?" she called softly as she knelt down next to her not getting much of a response other than a groan,
"Can you get up for me?" she asked as she gently ran her fingers through her hair removing it out of her eyes.
Emily shook her head slightly. "Not too sure" she answered, she wrapped her arm under hers and gently helped her up, taking all her weight before lifting her into the car,
JJ sighed as she got into the car and heading back home. "What were you thinking Em? You know you're not meant to do any physical exercise yet" JJ half scolded her voice though aired with worry.
Emily gave little to no response as the car finally pulled up outside her condo, JJ walked around helping Emily out the car
"Emily help me a bit here" JJ half joked as she tried to keep Emily upright and unlock the door.
"Sorry" she whispered as her shoulders slumped against the wall slightly, finally both women were in the condo.
Where JJ could finally look at Emily dark rings were covering her eyes, her body seemed thinner, JJ just hoped it were the clothes and she hadn't lost weight which she couldn't afford to lose.
"Come on" JJ said softly as she took Emily's hand guiding her upstairs into the bathroom.
She gently cupped her chin lifting it slightly so Emily's and her eyes finally met "Let me run you a bath" she said softly as she started to draw a bath.
Emily gripped her wrist a little tight as she turned to look at her, her eyes held raw fear in them, her voice was weak and so soft, JJ only just heard her.
"Stay with me" she smiled softly leaving the bath for a moment.
"I wasn't planning on going anywhere" she smiled "Let's get them clothes off before you catch your death," JJ said as she helped her undress.
Emily averted her eyes as JJ helped her up. Closing the taps off and helping her into the bath, she winced slightly as sore joints, connected to the metal bath.
She turned her face looking straight at JJ her eyes sad but her words were even sadder "I missed you" JJ ran her fingers across her cheek as Emily leaned further into the contact of her hand. "Join me?" she asked softly.
JJ hesitated slightly "Not tonight" she said carefully, she knew it would raise questions but she knew she couldn't not yet, she had seen the scars but not all the scars and JJ just wasn't ready yet.
Kissing her forehead gently "You warming up" she asked as she moved the water over her body gently washing her, Emily groaned slightly at the contact her voice slightly husky.
"Yeah" she closed her eyes as she tried to get closer to the blonde, her scent soothing her body.
JJ pulled the plug emptying the bath as she helped one very relaxed Emily Prentiss out the bath wrapping the towel around her. Emily looked straight at her as she closed the distance as their lips met in a soft and tender kiss. JJ moaned slightly in to the kiss her tongue ran along Emily's bottom lip asking for entry, which Emily granted as their tongues danced which each other's.
Emily moaned slightly before pulling back "Wow!" she gasped as she looked into swirling blue eyes.
JJ smirked "You're easily pleased" she joked as she guided her into the bedroom helping her dry off and get dressed, before grabbing her clothes and disappearing into the bathroom to change,
Emily's eyes tracked her every movement, as she lay slightly stiff on the bed still not daring to close her eyes.
JJ walked back into their room and smiled "Hey you okay" she said softly as she watch dark chocolate eyes track her movements she nodded slightly.
"Hold me?" she asked softly as JJ gently climbed into the bed lying on her back, so Emily could snuggle into her, which she did.
Wrapping a protective arms around her waist as she played with her hair before kissing her forehead "Sleep Em, I've got you" she said softly as she felt Emily's breaths get shallower and softer, as Emily moved in closer to her body. As they, both finally drifted off into peaceful slumber.