I appreciate you are still here for this.
It's another short one folks. I'm sorry. Just trying to get back in the swing. And very little happens. It's just fluff.
Jemily soon though!
...
Emily walked into the meeting room at the same time as Tara, JJ and Garcia from the opposite doors. Each of them carrying their bag and gear ready to head to the airport.
Emily still felt guilty about earlier "Are we all set ladies?" she said as cheery as she could to the anxious faces, and smiled wide. It was a genuine smile as she was relieved to be leaving and wanted to put her friends at ease.
"Umm..yeah boss" Garcia replied eyeing her almost as a disciplined child would. "Are we good? Are we?"
The Unit chief was surprised at Garcia's hope filled question. She probably should not have been. It's Penelope. But she was. Emily looked directly at her. Eye contact and everything. The techy blonde was one of her favourite people on this planet. She always made her feel herself and made her feel loved. Tears threatened her dark eyes at the thought of Garcia thinking she had upset her. How could she allow such a joyful being believe she has done wrong. Between Maddox, JJ and Jordan this case had taken its toll and Emily felt a little exposed. Maybe a Penelope hug was just what she needed.
"We are good...Pen" Emily gathered Garcia into a deep embrace "I'm sorry"
Tara spotted Garcias eyes go wide. The hug was unexpected to say the least.
Emily felt Garcia stiffen as she held her. So she squeezed a little harder, and what she got in return was pure, soft warmth. The blondes arms reached around her back and they sunk into one another. Emily felt safe and loved and any of her usual awkwardness was nowhere to be found. She caught the eye of the other blonde beside them who was standing with her hand on her heart and one tear rolling down her cheek. She did not look sad though. She had a wide grin. She looked happy. She looked beautiful. Emily reached out from Garcias back towards JJ and their hands met. One tight squeeze and they let go again with a nod, and JJ turned away from them to gather her bags again and head out.
"Right...best get moving" Emily released her bubbly friend with a tap to the back.
"I'm not crying...you're crying" was all Penelope said as she tucked her head down and grabbed her things and followed JJ.
Emily turned to Tara, who stumbled back onto the desk and tried to pretend she was going to sit down anyway. "I'm good Prentiss...we're good. No hugging required" She said picking up the closest thing to her on the desk and then quickly put the half eaten mouldy muffin back down in disgust.
Emily laughed "Jeez...I thought I was the awkward one...anyway...Tara... I am sorry for snapping earlier. I don't care that you read my messages. I really dont. Well dont care is probably the wrong term. I'm not bothered maybe..." She cut herself off as she felt a ramble coming on.
"Prentiss... Its ok. I know what you mean. I love and respect you too" Tara smiled "now...let's get the fuck out of here before you get any softer"
The two agents left the meeting room laughing and made their way to the foyer. Where they found Penelope and JJ standing with Agent Jordan Todd.
Emily and Tara stopped with the group.
"Hi...Jordan..." was all Emily could muster as she looked at her then to JJ and back again. For no other reason than a little nervous twinge in her stomach.
Jordan also looked to JJ as she leaned in to shake Emily's hand "I just wanted to catch you guys before you left. To thank you I suppose" She continued to shake all the ladies hands. "Although I can not thank you enough to be honest. What you did for Sierra...for me...will never be forgotten" She was smiling but they could tell she was getting emotional.
"You don't have to thank us Agent..." JJ paused and smiled "...Jordan. We were honoured to help. She seemed like a great person who will be sorely missed by all who knew her"
"She will always be missed and thanks" Jordan replied.
Emily placed her hand on Jordan's shoulder. "I'm...we...are always here if you need us Jordan….I am so so sorry you lost Sierra and itt was a wonderful service for her today. But I am afraid we have a plane to catch"
"Yeah I knew you would. I just thought I would pop by...I will probably see you all at Quantico at some point...oh!" Jordan reached into her satchel and lifted out a box. "My mama always said if you wanted to thank someone properly then go for the heart" she turned to Garcia "Here...this was Sierra's" She handed the tech agent the box "I remember helping her unpack into her new flat and when I saw it I told her it reminded me of you...well my exact words were - I know a kick ass FBI Agent who would love that - so...I just guess I wanted you to have it...if you want it"
Garcia was already crying before Jordan had finished talking. She opened the box and lifted out a white and purple porcelain unicorn; with wings obviously.
Garcia was choked "aw it's beautiful...really beautiful. I cant take it...I just can't" Tears were streaming down her face.
Jordan stepped closer to her "Penelope...please...she would want you to have it. Honestly. Just as the tiniest token of our appreciation for all you guys did"
Garcia grabbed Jordan with her free arm and squeezed her as tight as she could "thank you thank you thank you" she managed to puff out in between sobs. "I will treasure it forever. I truly will"
Garcia placed it carefully back in the box and into her bag and hugged Agent Todd once again.
All the agents were emotional at this point. Agent Lewis shook Jordan's hand again "I am sorry for the circumstances again but it was good to meet you"
Agent Prentiss was next and gave her a tight, quick embrace "I will be in touch Jordan, Take care of yourself and your family"
Agent Jareau went to shake her hand but was pulled into a hug "oh...take care Jordan. I'll see you again no doubt"
The woman gathered their stuff and began to make their way to the SUV outside.
"Was that a wee tear I saw there Agent Lewis" Emily gave her a shoulder bump as they walked.
"Pfffft...no" Tara replied "That room was dusty as hell"
"Whatever" Emily, JJ and Garcia all replied in unison.
"Can we please go home now?" Garcia pleaded as she linked arms with Tara as JJ did the same to Emily "I really can't cry anymore today"
"Yeah let's go" Emily answered for everyone as they entered the vehicle and headed to the airport for the jet to DC.
Sorry again for the lack of anything but fluff! Next chapter will be a bit more substantial.