Warning: Reference to Abuse

The weeks passed with Emily in a bubble of pure bliss. All the problems of the world seemed to disappear as she focused on her relationship with JJ. She couldn't believe how well it was going. Of course, they were taking it slow, but it was incredible how easily they flowed into their new roles as partners.

They had been going on date after date at the most luxurious restaurants Emily could find. After so long pining over JJ, Emily had decided in no uncertain terms that she was going to spoil her new girlfriend as much as possible.

They were so caught up in their own happiness, it came as a surprise to both of them upon realizing it was the week Will's trial was scheduled to start. The reminder came in a rather unpleasant form of Alice calling them in to practice their testimony. Suddenly, the recent joy they'd experienced seemed to be sucked out.

JJ started trudging dejectedly around their place, as Emily had decided to refer to it since it was clear JJ wasn't going to move back into her old home. Emily did her best to keep JJ's mind off of it, planning a vacation for after the trial was over, but nothing seemed to help. The blonde was practically oozing fear and trepidation as the court date neared. All Emily could do was hold her and wait for it all to be over.

Finally, the day came. The team met them at the courthouse, having been filled in on the situation shortly after the original arraignment. There had been some backlash upon Strauss finding out about Emily and JJ's newfound relationship, but Rossi had quickly taken care of it by pointing out her hypocrisy.

Upon their arrival, Garcia wrapped JJ in a huge hug that the smaller woman was too anxious to return. JJ had kept a death grip on Emily's hand since they got out of the car and had grown more withdrawn with every step toward the courthouse.

The team quickly realized that there wasn't much they could do for their friend. Garcia took JJ's free hand and they filed into the room.

"How you feeling?" Alice asked Emily, realizing JJ's answer was already displayed plainly on her terrified features.

"Good," Emily responded with confidence. "Just excited to get this over with."

"Agreed," Alice sighed, glancing at JJ.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Jacobs."

"Don't worry," Alice whispered, "he's just as fair as Judge Watson. Maybe a little rougher around the edges but that's probably for the best. He won't be lenient on Will." Emily wasn't sure if it was JJ or herself that Alice was trying to comfort but she was glad for it all the same.

"You may be seated. Guards, bring in the defendant."

Will was led in and Emily could feel her girlfriend tense beside her. She rubbed soothing circles on the blonde's hand, attempting to soothe her. She didn't miss the disdainfully smug look Will threw at the both of them and felt sick to her stomach with hatred for the man.

"You may begin your opening statements," the judge directed. And so, it began.