So now matter how the vote turned out there was going to be some interaction at Quantico.

The vote however was for a new case and it is started with this chapter. There will probably be another chapter or two about this.


JJ walked into the bullpen at Quantico with a huge grin on her face. "Someone looks too happy for a Monday morning," teased Morgan.

"Why wouldn't I be happy?" JJ asked. "I had a fantastic weekend, my soccer champions have decided to go easy on their mother this morning and my girlfriend is returning to work today."

"Speaking of Emily, where is she?" asked Reid.

"She has her last physical therapy appointment today. She'll be up before the morning briefing."

"Are we catching a case today?" Morgan asked.

JJ sighed, "It looks that way. I just have to double check some details and get the case files together."

"Where will we be heading?" asked Reid.

"Topeka, Kansas. Four men have been killed so far in the last month. I'm waiting on a return call from the lead detective and then I'll be ready to present the case."

They watched as JJ walked away to her office.


"You're all set, Emily," said Scott. "Providing you don't have a case, I'll see you back here on Wednesday for the physical evaluation. Once you pass that, you'll be assigned a time for the marksmanship exam."

"I really can't thank you enough, Scott. You kicked my ass getting me back into shape but it was worth it in the end," admitted Emily.

"It was my pleasure. Don't push yourself too hard. You will get tired easily as your body gets used to working again. Try not to get frustrated, but I know you will. Be honest about how you are feeling and don't get annoyed when your team members ask you how you are feeling. Okay?"

"Alright." Emily looked at her watch. "I better get going…Can't be late for my first briefing…Thanks again, Scott."

"Anytime."


Emily walked into the bullpen smiling as wide as JJ was a few hours earlier. As she entered the bullpen she saw a bouquet of flowers and some "Welcome Back" balloons at her desk.

"Welcome Back," greeted Morgan as she walked over to him.

"Thanks," said Emily with a smile.

"How was your last session?" asked Reid.

"It went well, thanks. As long as we don't have a case, my eval. is on Wednesday." Emily noticed the apologetic looks on their faces. "We have a case, don't we?"

"It looks that way," said Morgan.

"Any chance it's local?" Emily hoped that maybe if it was a local case she could still keep her appointment.

"Topeka," answered Reid with a small smile.

At that moment, JJ walked into the bullpen. "Hey, how was the last session?"

"Alright. So I hear we have a case?"

"Yeah – Topeka, Kansas. Four men have been killed in four weeks. I just got all the details. Conference room in five," said JJ. "I'm sorry that you are going to have to postpone your evaluation."

"It's fine. Scott suggested that I take it easy for a while and build up my stamina for the cases anyway."

"You're sure that you can handle staying out of the field?"asked Morgan.

Emily nodded, "It's not like I won't be involved in the case. I'll just be working victimology. Plus, I get to make sure she rests and eats during the day." Emily moved her head in JJ's direction.

"And that's why I keep you around," said JJ as she walked off towards the conference room.

"She's much happier now that you are back to work," said Reid.

"It was a good weekend," said Emily.

"That was her excuse as well," replied Morgan. "You guys have some 'couple time'," he asked using air quotes.

"Morgan, we live together. Each moment we are alone together is coupe time," Emily replied with a grin.

"And how was that time spent," he asked with raised eyebrows.

"Wouldn't you like to know." Emily walked away to the conference room without saying anymore on that topic.


As they all gathered in the conference room, Rossi, Hotch and Garcia all got there chance to welcome Emily back to work. Bringing them all back on track, JJ began the briefing. "Topeka, Kansas." She pressed a button to bring up come images onto the screen. "Four men, each murdered within seven days of each other. The latest body was found this morning."

"Each of the victims were strangled after what appears to be days of starvation and dehydration," said Reid as he observed the information in the files.

"All have blonde hair and brown eyes, so the Unsub definitely has a type," added Morgan.

"These men were in shape and muscular," said Emily. "Starving them would probably be the work of a weaker male or even a woman. The strangulation marks are consistent with the pressure of hands. The Unsub would need to be able to overpower them to be successful in killing these men."

"Garcia, have you found any connections between these men?" asked Rossi.

"Right now, just their appearances. I'm still running the background checks on them. I should have more information when you are all in the air," she answered.

"Alright, wheels up in 20," said Hotch. They all nodded and stood up to leave. "Emily, JJ can you two hang back for a second?"

"Sure," said Emily as they both sat back down, and the remaining members of the team left the room.

"I'm aware that your physical is set for Wednesday, Emily. Do you want to stay at Quantico? You can take the physical and then join us in Topeka," Hotch offered.

"Thanks, Hotch, but I think I will wait until we return, and come back slowly. I know I won't have a problem passing the evaluation, but I'd like to stay behind and do victimology for this one."

"Okay. JJ, we haven't spoken about your maternity leave since you found out you were carrying twins. Are you still planning on working all the way through the pregnancy?"

"I am. I would like to stay doing just press conferences and the basic liaison with the LEOs and victims. As long as my doctor approves it, I want to keep traveling with the team."

"You are aware that with carrying twins, you will most likely give birth earlier than your due date, right?"

"I am which is why I'd rather be as close to Emily as possible."

Hotch nodded and gave them a small smile. "I'll see you two on the plane."

"I just have to pick up my go bag. I'll meet you back at your desk?" asked JJ as they left the room.

"Sounds good," Emily replied.


The investigation seemed to be running very slow. The information that Garcia had given them on the plane connected them all as being clients of the same laundromat. They men of the B.A.U. spent the afternoon interviewing the employees of the establishment, while Emily and JJ worked at the station on a geographical profile and press conference, respectively. However, nothing useful turned up from those interviews and the geographic area was so large that they couldn't narrow it down.

Hotch sent them all to their hotel rooms and instructed them all to get the rest that they needed after the long day and they will all meet at the hotel's diner at 8am. "This is nice," said JJ.

"What is?" Emily asked as they each got ready to sleep.

"Being able to share a hotel room together while on a case."

"We've shared hotel rooms before, Jennifer."

"Yes, but when we were together before, one of us was sneaking into the other's room and we were so cautious about our actions because we were afraid that we would get caught so we really didn't get the chance to enjoy it. Now, I can enjoy the night being held in your arms or you in mine while we sleep and not have to worry."

"I see your point."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"Emily, you are not fine."

Emily looked up at JJs concerned eyes. "I'm tired," she admitted as she let a breath out. "I guess my body got so used to taking naps during the day that not having one and working the whole day is catching up with me."

"Come on," said JJ as she pulled at Emily's hand. "Let's go to bed and get that rest that we both need tonight."

Emily smiled and followed JJ to the bed. JJ happily sighed as she felt Emily pull her into an embrace as they fell asleep.


There is the beginning of the case. No vote since the next chapter is just a continuation.