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Chapter 20 – My Phantom
A/N: Hey guys, this is it! Oh my gosh, I've loved writing this story and I can't wait to see what you think about this ending. I am open to taking suggestions so please, write a request, no suggestions will go unanswered. Until next time, ENJOY! R&R PLZ!
Saturday was spent with Dave and JJ either lamenting over seven o'clock being so far away or wishing for more time to be ready for that penultimate moment. They each thought of dozens of things to say, ways to approach the situation but it all ended up twisting their insides into knots. With so little they could do about that, they became hyper-obsessive about the parts they could control. Dave checked every arrangement he'd made…twice and went to the barber with strict instructions that he look his absolute best.
His barber, Luca, had been looking after him for years and had never seen the man quite like this before. He was bemused to say the least. "She must be something really special eh?"
"You have no idea," Dave replied. "So please, work your magic."
"Anything for love," Luca led him to a chair and got to work. Dave tried his best to relax and let the sensation of hair-styling do it's work on his nerves but he still fiddled with his phone in his pocket, maybe he ought to check those arrangements one more time…
*HS*
Jennifer for her part had called Penelope over but the tech was rather helpless against the veritable tempest that was her best friend's fretting. First, she nearly tore her apartment to shreds looking for a specific pair of shoes and almost called Will to demand if he had them somehow. Garcia thankfully grabbed the phone before she actually did. After that, she went into a fit trying find the bracelet Tony gave her, the one that was already on her wrist. Now watching JJ take a lint roller to the already pristine dress, Garcia was torn between amusement and fear for JJ's sanity. "Sweet pea, I think you need to calm down."
"What are you talking about? I'm fine," JJ insisted aggressively lint-rolling. "What time do we have to be at the salon?"
"Four o'clock," Garcia repeated for the umpteenth time.
"WHAT?!" JJ screeched. "Pen it's ten to three, we have to go! You know how long it takes to get there and then we have to wait to be seen. What if all the stylists are busy? We should've left ages ago!"
"Oh for the love of Broadway performances," Pen grabbed her shoulders. "Square breathing. With me. Right Now." JJ nodded obediently. "Inhale," Penelope ordered and JJ sucked in a breath for four seconds. "Hold." She held it for four seconds. "Exhale." She let it out slowly over four seconds. Garcia drilled her through the exercise a fair few times before she declared JJ level-headed enough to manage breathing.
"Thanks Pen," JJ said quietly.
"You're welcome," Garcia returned. "Now we can go."
*HS*
At six thirty, JJ was ready. She kept everything rather simple. Her hair had been trimmed at the ends and softly curled. Garcia had done her makeup to perfection and she ultimately decided to only wear Tony's bracelet for her jewelry. The limousine arrived and took her on a scenic ride through the city. Clearly Tony was trying to go all out for the evening, an unspoken testament to how things would change after tonight. It was strange to think about the turns and twists her life had already taken since becoming involved with Tony but all of them were ultimately for the better. They hadn't spoken to each other for the day, and now that she thought about it, this was the last time they would have their unique communication. It too deserved a send off. I'm on my way, she typed out. Guess this it.
Indeed it is, he responded. At the restaurant, Dave sat on pins and needles for the moment she'd arrive. Any regrets?
None. JJ replied with finality. She wrote carefully, I just wanted to say that this has been amazing. I can't thank you enough.
Dave realised what she was trying to do and knew she was right. This relationship had meant the world to them and whatever happened tonight, there would be no going back. It has been a pleasure, an honour, and a privilege Jennifer. I would do it all, and more, again. In a heartbeat.
"Miss?" the driver called and it was then that JJ realized the vehicle wasn't moving and they were in front of one of the city's most upscale restaurants. JJ bit her lip, I'm here.
So am I. See you soon.
JJ nodded at the message and took a second to steel herself before getting out of the car. Hotch. Rossi. Hotch. Rossi. Why was this so difficult? She knew both of them. They were fine men. Why was her heart beating so quickly? When did her breathing get so shallow? It was like she was on autopilot, walking in and giving the maître de her name and following her upstairs to the section with more spaced out tables and a quieter atmosphere, all the while, excitement, fear, and anxiety built in her gut. Finally the maitre de pointed to a table for two near the massive window-walls and JJ came out of her head to look at who was waiting for her. "Dave?"
*HS*
Rossi stood up as she approached but she was clearly distracted, not that he blamed her. His own chest tightened in anticipation and he found himself struggling to maintain focus. Finally, JJ looked at him and said his name, the look of shock and awe written across her features. Dave swallowed and forced himself to remain calm, "Hello Jennifer."
The maitre de left and they sat down. Rossi poured them generous glasses of wine while JJ fiddled with her napkin. The awkward silence between them was deafening. "Henry," JJ said at last. "He..um…still really loves that dinosaur. Thank you."
"My contribution to mother-and-son time," Dave quoted himself. "I'm glad he enjoys it."
JJ smiled for a second, "Phantom of the Opera?"
"I thought it was appropriate," Dave shrugged. "A practical human-spectre roaming the halls of an old institution, quietly loving the young talented rising star, trying to win her affections without having to reveal his face."
"Well I'll take text messages over kidnapping," they shared a brief laugh that dissolved into them just staring at each other. JJ took in every facet of Dave's face, not just seeing a new light but a new man altogether while Rossi attempted to immortalize this moment for an uncertain future. JJ bit her lip, "So it was all you? You're really Tony?"
She wasn't just asking about his identity and he knew it. "Yes. Is that alright?"
"Yes," JJ replied easily. She raised her wine glass, "Here's to second chances."
"I only need the one," Rossi said solemnly.
*~*EPILOGUE*~*
It was a beautiful spring day out in the countryside area. In a bedroom/dressing room of old country house, JJ was tugging and adjusting her form-fitting gown to fit her frame, aided by Garcia and Reid's new girlfriend Jessica Warren, an forensic-anthropology intern at the Jeffersonian in Washington. Her and Reid had met at a conference a year prior and hit it off instantly. "I'm so excited," the tech chirped. "I never thought I'd see the day, I mean I did, I just didn't actually believe it'd arrive."
"Been a long time coming hasn't it?" JJ agreed.
"Too long, well not really, officially its only been 2 years but…"
"Could've happened sooner," the pair laughed.
"I'm just honoured you considered including me in all of this," Jessica said politely.
"You're family Jess, I wouldn't be surprised if soon we ended up at one of these for you and boy wonder," Garcia said gleefully to Jessica's blush.
There was knock at the door and Dave poked his head in, "Everything okay in here?"
"Rossi you're not supposed to be here," Pen chided.
"I know I'm just peeking in," Dave grinned. "How's the bride?"
"Hyperventilating in the bathroom," JJ rolled her eyes and strode over to said door to rap on it. "Emily… future Mrs. Hotchner… it's almost time."
The door swung open and a frantic Emily rushed out like a white, tulle-and-lace-covered freight train. "Oh my god, is it time already? Have the caterers finished setting up? I still don't have my bouquet!"
"Em calm down," JJ tried to placate the brunette while the other three chortled. "Everything is fine. Right Dave?"
"Ah yes. The caterers are done, the flowers are waiting for you ladies in the foyer and you have approximately fifteen minutes before you become Mrs. Aaron Hotchner."
"Okay," Emily gulped in breaths. "Good. Great." She sat heavily onto the bed, eyes wide but unseeing.
"Um Penelope…" Jessica ventured. "I think we may need to -"
"Way ahead of you sug," Penelope beckoned her over to the bride and together they began taking her through breathing exercises. JJ snickered at the nonsense of it all.
"Think that could be you someday?" Rossi whispered in her ear.
JJ cut her eyes to him, "If this is your idea of a proposal David Rossi, I will kick you in the nuts."
"Spare the jewels cara, I was simply enquiring," Rossi shrugged. "This wedding fever thing must be catching."
JJ softened and turned to loop her arms around his neck, "All you had to do is ask."
"One day I will," Dave kissed her forehead. "This I promise you."
A/N: AND THAT'S A WRAP! So I went fandom-shopping for Reid's girlfriend and decided on Jessica from Bones. This is no way meant as disrespect to Aubrey who I think is great, I merely thought her and Reid would make a nice pair. Yes I know her backstory but it honestly could be a whole lot worse all things considered including Reid's romantic track record. It's been a pleasure, an honour, and a privilege and will see you guys next time! ENJOY! R&R PLZ!