JJ sat at her desk working on papers like any Wednesday. She sighed, hating working alone in her office while the rest of the team followed up on a lead a few hours away. JJ's phone began to ring, and JJ looked down at the screen. Not recognizing the number, JJ frowned, but picked it up being used to receiving calls from unknown numbers.
"Hello this is Jennifer Jareau," JJ answered.
"Hi, this is Rhonda James," the women on the other line said, "I am the school nurse at Holton Arms."
"Is everything okay?" JJ asked her gut clenching knowing it would be about Carrie.
"I tried phoning Emily Prentiss," Rhonda replied, "but she didn't pick up. You are the next person on the list."
"Yes, Emily is out on a case," JJ replied, "We work together."
"Well anyways," Rhonda replied, "I was calling about Carrie. She wasn't feeling good earlier and threw up in her science class. I have her here in the office."
"Oh gosh," JJ replied, "Um okay. How is she now?"
"She is still nauseous," Rhonda started, "She also has a slight fever. If she thew up, it could be just that. We do have a policy of having a fever or throwing up, the student must go home and be 24 hours clear."
"Okay," JJ replied, "Emily is three hours away right now. I could come get her and be there shortly. I can also get ahold of Emily and let her know what is going on."
"Okay," Rhonda replied. "That sounds good. Just come to the office when you get here."
"Will do," JJ replied. "Thanks."
The phone hung up and JJ began gathering her things as she dialed up Hotch's number.
"Hey," JJ said as Hotch answered. "Are you with Emily?"
"Yeah, I have her right here," Hotch answered, "Is everything okay?"
"Um, I'm just going to have to work from home," JJ replied, "Carrie's school called. She has a fever and threw up so she needs to go home. Since Emily is with you guys, they asked if I could come get her."
"Yes of course," Hotch said. "Let me put Emily on."
"JJ?" Emily answered worried. "Is it Carrie?"
"Yeah," JJ replied. "School couldn't get ahold of you. Carrie threw up and has a sight fever, so she needs to go home. They called me since they couldn't get ahold of you. I was going to go get her since you are a bit away."
"Oh no," Emily groaned, "She wasn't feeling great this morning, but she thought it was just nerves. I asked her if she wanted to stay home. I can head out now and be back in a few hours. Shit, I shouldn't have gone in to work."
"Hey it's okay, Em," JJ replied. "I'll just take her back to your place and get her in bed."
"Thank you so much," Emily replied. "I'm sorry I can't be there."
"No worries," JJ replied. "I don't mind at all. Do you have any groceries?"
"Not too much," Emily replied.
"Okay," JJ replied, "I can stop and get some stuff. I just wanted to make her some chicken soup with rice. Always helped when I didn't feel good."
"You don't need to," Emily responded, "That's so much work."
"Emily, I don't mind," JJ chuckled, "If you haven't realized, I kinda enjoy caring for people."
"That you do," Emily smiled, "Let me at least reimburse you. I'm sure my oven would love being used at least."
"Well, I'm heading out now," JJ said.
"Okay," Emily replied, "Give Carrie a hug and kiss from me. Poor thing can't catch a break."
"I know," JJ replied. "Well good luck traveling back."
"Thanks again so much," Emily replied, "I don't know what I would do without you.'
"Same goes for you," JJ replied blushing. "Bye Em."
JJ smiled with a nod of her head when she hung up thinking about how close her and Emily had become since working together. JJ made her way out to the car and headed to the school. Parking, she walked inside and headed straight to the office.
"May I help you?" A woman asked.
"Yeah," JJ nodded, "I'm picking up Carrie Ortiz. I got a call she was with the nurse."
"Yes," The lady replied, "Just go right through those doors."
"Thanks," JJ replied walking down the hall.
JJ entered the nurse's office and law Carrie laying on a small cot and the nurse hovered around on a nearby desktop.
"JJ," Carrie called out. "You're here."
"Hi sweety," JJ said walking over to the teen.
"Are you Jennifer?" the nurse asked.
"Yes," JJ replied.
"Well Carrie is set to go," the nurse replied. "One of her friends ran all her stuff down and I've checked her out for the day. Remember 24 hours free and make sure she is still getting fluids."
"Will do," JJ said reached out to feel Carrie's forehead, "Well she definitely has a fever."
"There have been a few bugs going around the school," the nurse replied. "Carrie probably got one."
"Well, that's good to know," JJ replied, "Are you ready, Carrie?"
"Yeah," Carrie nodded.
"I'll get your bag," JJ smiled seeing the teen struggling.
"Thanks," Carrie nodded.
JJ wrapped an arm around the teen and lead her out to the car. JJ helped the teen into the car and went around to the driver's side.
"Where's Em?" Carrie asked a little dazed.
"She's on her way home," JJ nodded, "She was a few hours away so I'm just taking you back to you place and going to hang out until she can get back."
"Okay," Carrie nodded tearing up, "I just really want Em."
"I know," JJ replied.
"Sorry," Carrie replied, "It's stupid."
"She's your person," JJ replied, "I understand."
"You are too," Carrie replied tears filling her eyes. "I just need Em."
"She's on her way back," JJ replied, "I'm going to make some soup for you, okay?"
"Thank you," Carrie replied. "I don't feel good."
"I'm sorry sweety," JJ cooed. "I'll make you some tea, too."
"Thank you," Carrie replied.
"Well, we are almost home," JJ said, "And we can get you in bed."
"I would like that," Carrie replied.
JJ pulled into the parking garage using Emily's code and parked. She threw Carrie's bag on before grabbing her own. She helped the teen out and headed upstairs. JJ unlocked the door with the spare key she had to Emily's place and led Carrie in. The teen stood for a moment before walking down the hall and into her room. JJ followed her as the ten lay down on the bed.
"Sweetheart," JJ began, "Lets first get you into some pjs and out of your uniform."
"Kay," Carrie murmured sitting up.
JJ smiled pulling out a pair of pj pants and t-shirt for Carrie, "Here you go."
Carrie began pulling her shirt off when she felt her stomach gurgle. Carrie flung it off and started running to her toilet. JJ followed pulling the teens hair back. Carrie finished and continued coughing as more tears fell.
"You're okay," JJ cooed.
"I just want sleep," Carrie cried.
"Let me just grab you some mouthwash," JJ said pulling the teen from the floor. "Here, you can lean against me. I've got you."
Carrie rinsed her mouth and lent on JJ as she led her back into the bedroom.
"Okay," JJ sighed, "Lets get you pj's on."
JJ sat Carrie down and helped the girl slide off her skirt and get the pj pants on. Carrie rolled slowly more under the cover and JJ smirked at the sight of the teenager fully out of it from whatever she had come down with. JJ pulled the covers up over the teen and tucked the sides in.
"Thanks JJ," Carrie whispered, "Sorry I'm out of it."
"It's okay sweetheart," JJ smiled kissing Carrie's forehead, "You are sick. Get some sleep. I'm going to go start making a soup. I'll be back to check in a little bit."
"Kay," Carrie replied drifting off immediately with her mouth falling open.
JJ couldn't help, but to chuckle at the teen. She knew the girl was sick, but it was a funny sight, seeing the normally bubbly teen sunken down in the bed. JJ sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out her phone checking to see the grocery delivery was only a few minutes out. JJ brushed her hair back before switching over to text Emily.
'Home and Carrie is asleep in bed. She threw up again. She also keeps asking for you.'
JJ took another look at the teen before heading out to the kitchen. Stopping by the door, she pulled in the groceries and took everything she needed to the kitchen. Looking around, she realized she didn't fully know what Emily had.
"Okay Emily Prentiss," JJ said to herself, "Lets see what supplies your kitchen has. Can you at least stock your kitchen?"
JJ looked around and pulled out the things she needed chuckling at the fact Emily had the nicest name brand cook wear that looked barely used. She pulled out what she needed and prepped and got the chicken in the oven. It was a process she knew took time to fully make your own stock for soup, but it was something she always enjoyed doing. JJ headed down the hall looking in to see Carrie still fast asleep, huddled under layers of covers. JJ headed back out to the kitchen and pulled out her laptop and continued her paperwork that she had started earlier. The hour passed when the chicken was ready. JJ pulled it out and prepped the next steps of getting the bones, water, veggies, and everything else into the instapot that was now sitting on the counter. JJ set the time and once again walked down the hall to check in on the teenager. JJ walked in and saw the teen shuffling under the cover.
"JJ?" the teen said. "Did I sleep?"
"Yes," JJ nodded moving in closer to the teen and taking a seat on the bed, "It's been about an hour and a half."
"Okay," Carrie mumbled.
"How are you feeling?" JJ asked.
"I'm okay," Carrie nodded, "I think whatever this is set in."
JJ placed her hand on the teens head, "Sweety, you are burning up. How about you take a shower and try to get your temperature evened out?"
"Okay," Carrie nodded, "I feel gross and sweaty."
"How about you go get in," JJ suggested, "Ill go make you some tea and get some Tylenol."
"That sounds good," Carrie nodded getting up, "Thanks, JJ. Sorry I'm distracting you from work."
"Honey, don't worry," JJ replied rubbing the teens shoulder.
The teen headed into the bathroom and JJ went back to the kitchen, putting the kettle on the stove and prepping a mug with a chamomile tea bag and honey. After a few minutes she poured the water and carried the mug and a bottle of water back down the hall.
"JJ?" A small voice called out from the bathroom.
"Carrie?" JJ said. "Are you okay? Can I come in?"
"Come in," Carrie said quietly. "I got really dizzy when I tried to wash my hair so I'm just sitting in the shower."
"Aww sweetheart," JJ said walking in and leaning again she bathroom counter. "Do you want me to wait here?"
"Yes," Carrie said from behind the curtain with the smallest voice. "The water feels nice at least."
"Do you need any help with your hair?" JJ asked remembering what the teen said.
"Yeah," Carrie said, "I mean, you don't need to, though. I can take care of it."
"I don't mind," JJ said, "And there is enough time waiting on the stock."
"Okay then," Carrie said curling up in a ball, "I wouldn't mind the help."
"I'm just going to pull back the curtain a little," JJ said.
"Go ahead," Carrie said.
JJ sat down on the floor next to the tub and pulled back the curtain seeing the teen shaking in the hot water and in a ball. JJ reached over grabbing the shampoo and started working it into the teen's hair. Carrie closed her eyes trying not to cry as the moment brought her back to all the times when she was little, and her mom would do this when she was upset or sick.
"You okay," JJ asked.
"Yeah," Carrie replied, "Actually, um, I don't know."
"What's the matter?" JJ asked quietly while washing the suds out.
"It's nothing," Carrie said almost in a whisper. "This just reminded me of what my mom would do when I was sick."
"I'm sorry," JJ whispered, continuing to run her fingers through the teen's hair. "I know it's hard. After my sister died, little things that we did that I thought nothing of, would get to me and make me remember her."
"Yeah," Carrie nodded, "Things like that just happen. It's really weird."
"Yes, it is," JJ agreed, "Try to hold onto those good memories. They are hard to think about now, but I promise remembering them will be worth it someday."
"Yeah, I know" Carrie shuttered, "I just don't like all the feelings. I'm getting a little cold."
"I'll grab your towel," JJ said softly wrapping the teen up, "Here let me help you up."
JJ slowly helped Carrie stand up and get out from the tub. JJ scanned the teens face seeing some tears blending into the water droplets. JJ reached out wiping the tears from under Carrie's eyes and wrapped her arms around the teen, hearing Carrie sigh. JJ pulled a way a second latter placing the new pair of Pj's on the counter for Carrie.
"I'll wait in the room," JJ said to the teen heading back out.
Carrie took a deep breath in and wiped her remaining tears away. She hated when she got sick and felt too many things. Carrie slid the pj's on and quickly brushed her hair out before heading back out into the bedroom seeing JJ perched on the edge of the bed. Carrie took a seat on the bed and brought her knees up to her chin.
"I got some tea and Tylenol for you," JJ said handing them over, "It should help."
"Okay," Carrie nodded.
"Do you need anything else?" JJ asked.
"Just want more sleep," Carrie shrugged.
"Okay," JJ nodded. "Em should be back in an hour."
"Thank you for staying with me," Carrie said struggling. "I…I.."
"Hey," JJ started, "It's okay."
Carrie began to cry, and JJ reached out taking the mug from the teen knowing she was done. JJ moved around next to Carrie and the teen fell against her.
"I've got you," JJ said. "You're okay."
"Sorry," Carrie cried, "I'm just really tired.
"I know," JJ said rocking Carrie.
Within a minute JJ felt the teen grow limp and JJ moved her to be laid down on the bed. JJ coved the teen in her blanket and headed back down the hall. She waited a few minutes before the instapot went off and began draining everything before putting all the ingredients into the same pot. It was on the stove for about five minutes before the door rustled and opened.
"Hey," Emily said quietly walking into the kitchen, and placing her bag down. "It smells great in here."
"Home cooked meals," JJ teased, "That's the secret."
"Well thank you," Emily smiled squeezing JJ's shoulder as she walked by her, "How's Carrie?"
"She just fell back asleep a few minutes ago," JJ replied, "She woke with a high fever, so I got her in the shower. Poor thing. The whole fever is just bringing up old memories. She's really wanted you here."
"I'll go check in on her in a few minutes then," Emily replied, leaning against the kitchen counter, "How are you doing?"
"Fine," JJ shrugged, "It's a little hard watching Carrie being upset."
"I know," Emily replied, "How's your soup coming?"
"Just has to sit in the pot for a little," replied, "Shouldn't be too long."
"Well thank you," Emily smiled reaching out to hug the blonde, "I mean it."
JJ leaned into the hug, "Anytime, Em."
The twos embrace was broken from a sound from down the hall.
"Mama," Carrie called out in her sleep, "Mama."
Emily looked to JJ with a worried look before they both headed down the hall. Emily entered the room as JJ stayed back leaning against the doorframe. Carrie's eyes were closed but her eyes were darting behind her eyelids.
"Mama," Carrie called out again.
Emily sat down on the bed reaching out and placing a hand on the teens cheek, "Shhh. It's okay Carrie. You're okay. Shhh."
Carrie's eyes fluttered open and shut again as she rolled into a more comfortable position and back into a slumber. Emily sat there and smoothed the teens rustled hair back down for a minute before leaning down and kissing Carrie's forehead. Emily stood back up and sighed slowly walking over to JJ.
"She still has a fever," Emily sighed, placing a hand on JJ's back and leading her back down the hall.
"Carrie was upset about her mom earlier," JJ noted, "I was helping her wash her hair in the shower, and she started crying about remembering how her mom would wash her hair when she was little."
"She really struggling finding the balance with everything that happened," Emily sighed. "Recently it has gotten worse. She reached out to friends in Denver, and I think she is starting to allow herself to remember and feel things from there. That's bound to bring up memories."
"I understand," JJ nodded, "I had the same thing with my sister. I guess I didn't get too much of a break outside of the house, but after it happened, I refused to enter her room or the bathroom."
"How old were you?" Emily asked.
"Eleven," JJ smiled sadly.
"Geeze," Emily replied, "You were so little."
"Yeah," JJ nodded, "I didn't even know what to do when I saw her. I just stood there for ten minutes before doing anything. I just froze. I didn't even know what suicide was."
"I couldn't imagine that happening at that age," Emily replied.
"Yeah," JJ agreed, "One day I finally broke that boundary and went into her room. I don't really remember what happened, but my mom found me there hours later just laying on Rosaline's bed sobbing. After that, it was just one nightmare after another. So, I get where Carrie is at."
"It just scares me that I'm not gonna know what to do when that happens," Emily replied. "I feel like you would know more."
"Emily," JJ said reaching out and holding Emily's hand, "I see how you are with her and I see the way Carrie looks up to you. You'll be fine. I always thought it was a good idea."
"What?" Emily said taken back.
"You and kids," JJ shrugged. "I've always seen it."
"Really?" Emily replied sheepishly.
"Yeah," JJ replied, "I know under this badass 'no emotion compartmentalizing' Emily Prentiss, is the loving, caring, person. I mean it's always there, but you try to conceal it. I see it. It's not hard to. I see you with Carrie. It's natural for you. So, I'm not worried because you'll be there for whatever she needs. You don't need to have anything planned, just see what she needs in the moment and be there for that. I know Carrie does love it here and absolutely adores you."
"Yeah, I guess," Emily nodded grinning, "I guess she does. I also just want this to be permanent and I know Carrie wants that."
"Have you talked to her about it?" JJ asked.
"Not forwardly," Emily replied, "I feel like with where she is at it might be too early to. I know she is worried about being taken away, but isn't going anywhere, so I will wait."
"That sounds like a good idea," JJ responded, "You'll know when it's right."
"Yes," Emily nodded.
"How was work?" JJ asked.
"The normal," Emily sighed. "How was yours."
"The normal paperwork and reading cases," JJ remarked. "Nothing fascinating."
"Thanks for getting Carrie today," Emily remarked.
"Anytime," JJ smiled, "You're one of my favorite people."
Emily blushed, "Well you are one of mine, too."
The door down the hall squeaked and Emily looked over to see Carrie wonder down the hall to them.
"Emily," Carrie called out wandering into the kitchen and seeing Emily, her face lit up.
Emily looked over seeing the look in Carrie's eyes and opened her arms for the girl, "Hey you."
Carrie practically fell onto Emily's and buried her head in the crook of Emily's neck. Emily wrapped her arms tightly around the teen, pulling back her hair to kiss her forehead.
"Hi Em," Carrie said quietly.
"Sorry I just got here," Emily replied playing with Carrie's hair.
"It's okay," Carrie yawned, "JJ's been here. I missed you."
"I missed you too sweetheart," Emily replied. "How are you feeling?"
"Terrible," Carrie frowned, burrowing deeper into Emily's side to try to stay warm from the fever shivers.
Emily pulled off her sweater and wrapped it around Carrie before pulling her back in, "Here you go. Let's try to keep you a little warm."
"Do you want any tea," JJ offered.
Carrie nodded with a yawn and tucking her head into Emily's neck.
Emily rocked the teen back and forth, knowing she was a bit more vulnerable right now.
Carrie realizing where she was at, got up for a moment rubbing her eyes and yawing, "What time is it?"
"About five," JJ said, "Do you want to try eating?"
Carrie nodded taking a seat at the kitchen island.
Emily stood up and walked over wrapping her arms around the teen from behind, "JJ made some amazing soup."
"Smells good," Carrie nodded still a bit dazed.
"Yeah, well its almost ready sleepyhead," JJ smirked ruffling Carrie's hair from across the counter.
"My hair," Carrie exclaimed.
"Here you go," Emily said sorting it back into order.
"Okay," JJ said serving bowls, "Here is one for you Em, here you go Carrie, and this one is for me."
Emily picked up her and Carrie's bowl and JJ followed as they all sat down at the table. Carrie staired deeply at the bowl and Emily couldn't help but laugh and look up to JJ who looked back at her laughing. The three ate making small talk as Carrie muttered incoherent sentences that only made the two older women laugh. Carrie finished her food and placed her head down on the table as the two other women finished.
"Okay," Emily smiled, "We should you back in bed, Carrie."
"I'm awake," Carrie groaned.
"Sweety you aren't" Emily laughed, "You are falling asleep on the table."
"You are correct," Carrie nodded.
"Okay," Emily smirked, "Come on. I'll even give you a piggyback ride there."
"Deal," Carrie smiled.
"I'll bring some Tylenol and water," JJ added getting up.
"Okay Carrie," Emily said crouching in front of Carrie, "Ready?"
"Yep," Carrie said almost falling onto Emily's back.
Emily adjusted Carrie and stood up and started heading to the room. JJ followed them, smiling at the sight if the two. Emily got to Carrie's bed and turned.
"Okay," Emily laughed, "Get ready to dunk."
Carrie laughed, the first time in a bit, as she fell to the bed. Emily helped Carrie back under the blankets and wrapped her up, as she glanced over to see JJ smiling at them and smiled back. Emily sat down on the side as JJ went over sitting down on the other side.
"Here you go," JJ said reaching out to Carrie, "Your water and two Tylenol."
"Thanks," Carrie said gulping them down.
Emily reached out feeling the teens forehead, "Well you still have a fever, but it feels better than earlier."
JJ reached out also checking, "Definitely. Especially from when I first got you today."
"Yeah, everyone has been getting this bug," Carrie replied looking between the two agents. "Geez, this reminds me of the first time I met the two of you. You were both just sitting on the bed. That was the moment I felt a little bit better after everything. That was the worst day of my life."
Emily looked to JJ who started, "That was a traumatic day. I remember getting the phone call about you."
"I," Carrie started, "I honestly don't remember too much of it from the meds I was on. I remember waking up in the house and I thought it was just a nightmare and was in this daze. I remember just walking out and they were just all there. The blood was still wet. I just kept trying to wake them up until I realized they were dead, and I was covered in their blood. I remember running outside and the light was just burning and there was that car and for a moment I just wanted it to hit me, just end everything."
"Sweetheart," Emily cooed moving to leaning against the back board.
Carrie leaned in close to Emily, taking in Emily's warm hug, before taking in a shaky breath and continuing, "There were just so many people. Everyone was just rushing around me. Cops, EMT, doctors and they all were trying to say nice things, but none of it mattered because no one was listening. I just had to lay there as they drugged me more, I get why they were doing it, but I was so scared. And then there was just this silence."
Emily continued to hold Carrie as JJ reached out and took on of Carrie's hands. Carrie had felt her tears running as she never had thought or talked about that initial moment much.
"Then I just woke up," Carrie started, "and it was silent. The doctor said there were FBI agents who wanted to talk, and I just prepared myself to be overwhelmed, but then you guys came in. You guys asked if I was okay and talked to me. I knew then maybe I would be okay."
"And we are still here and always will be," Emily said. "That's a promise."
"I know," Carrie sighed closing her eyes and burrowing in more against Emily. "I'm just realizing how insane this has all been."
"I know sweety," JJ said. "You are doing so well."
"It's just a lot," Carrie said beginning to cry, "but thank you guys for always being here. I don't know what else I would do. Sorry for bringing it up, it just all hit me."
"You are so strong," Emily said. "And we are ready to talk to you about all of it whenever you are. JJ and I are here to help in any way."
"And that includes taking care of a sicky," JJ smirked.
"Thank you," Carrie laughed.
"JJ get in here," Emily said looking at the blonde.
JJ awkwardly shuffled herself on the other side of Carrie and wrapped her arms around the two.
"I like this," Carrie remarked. "And JJ you make good soup."
"Thanks," JJ smirked, looking to Emily who nodded in agreement.
"I'm getting really sleepy," Carrie continued.
"How about we both stay here like this until you fall asleep," Emily suggested knowing Carrie's straight right now would otherwise lead to a panic attack.
"Okay," Carrie replied closing her eyes and getting comfy between her two most favorite people.
JJ and Emily remained silent enjoying the peace and listening to Carrie's breathing even out into a slumber between them. JJ looked over at Emily, making eye contact, and smiled; each of them realizing how important this moment meant to one another.
After about ten minutes after, JJ whispered Emily, "I'm going to go start dishes."
"Okay," Emily whispered, "I'll be out in a few minutes."
"Take your time," JJ replied heading out.
Emily sat in silence smiling at the scene that they had just had. Herself, JJ, and Carrie all just curled up. For someone who had never had a close family, this was the closest and ideal image that Emily had always pictured in her head. Emily slowly slid out from under the teen and lay her down on the pillow. Emily soothed out the teens hair and kissed her forehead one last time. Emily headed out and closed Carrie's door partway wanting to be able to hear her if she needed anything. Emily had just headed down the hall when she heard aggressive coughing coming from the kitchen. Emily rushed down there seeing JJ hunched over the trashcan.
"JJ," Emily remarked with worry. "Oh no."
"I'm fine," JJ replied as the coughing began again.
Emily moved quickly behind the blonde and pulled her long hair back and JJ began throwing up more into the trashcan. Emily rubbed JJ's back trying to provide any sense of comfort.
"I'm sorry," JJ said taking deep breaths, "I think I caught the bug."
"Probably," Emily replied, "Don't apologize."
"I can get going," JJ said.
"You aren't going anywhere like this," Emily shook her head as the blonde looked back at her.
"No," JJ replied, "You have Carrie, you don't need another."
"JJ," Emily sighed, "Please stay here. I'm not letting you leave."
JJ gave Emily a pathetic look, "Okay."
Emily reached out feeling JJ's forehead, "Yeah you also seem a bit warm. Here." Emily offered JJ a hand up. "Let's go get you cleaned up. I have some comfy clothes you can change into and I have a spare toothbrush."
"Thank you," JJ replied feeling the initial dizziness hit.
"Hey, I've got you," Emily said softly seeing JJ struggle, wrapped an arm around her.
Emily led the JJ down and through her bedroom and into the bathroom. JJ immediately started feeling another round coming and rushed to the toilet; Emily right behind her. JJ yacked up more contents as Emily once again held her hair back. JJ hated feeling helpless, and eventually sat back.
"Well, I don't think I could have anything more to throw up," JJ groaned, trying to lighten the situation.
"I don't think so either," Emily agreeing. "Here."
Emily grabbed a washcloth and wettened it and wiped down around JJ's face. JJ couldn't help but blush, slightly embarrassed to have someone taking care of her. JJ watched as the older woman scrummaged through the drawer pulling out a spare toothbrush and Tylenol. Emily handed JJ the toothbrush and JJ began brushing her teeth.
"Will you be okay for a minute?" Emily asked, "I just have to grab you a glass."
"I've lived alone for some years now, Emily," JJ smiled, "I'm used to just taking care of myself."
"Okay," Emily replied understanding, having spent all her life until now living alone, hearing the sadness in JJ's voice, "I'll be right back."
By the time Emily had returned, JJ had finished brushing her teeth and was back to sitting on the floor. Emily filled the glass and grabbed the Tylenol before joining JJ on the floor. JJ took the Tylenol and drank the water down. Without thinking, JJ, rested her head onto Emily's shoulder. Emily wrapped her arm around JJ and rested her head against the blondes. Despite knowing each of them had breakdowns on cases, Emily realized she had rarely comforted anyone on the team, but right now JJ was there and vulnerable.
JJ had also realized she had let her guard down and was resting against the brunet. Emily had always seemed so off limits and tough, but the more time they spent together the more she grew to see the true Emily. Since the case where she was attacked by dogs, Emily had shown to be her safe person and right now once again she felt safe when she needed to be. JJ had noted since that even Emily always guarded her either by placing her back or momentarily grabbing her hand. JJ had always hated being home alone sick and she was enjoying having someone holding her in the moment. JJ felt Emily's hand press against her forehead and Emily quickly pull back.
"JJ," Emily said, "You are really burning up, and you are shaking and sweating."
"I'll be fine," JJ remarked knowing her body right now was not feeling great, "It's just starting strong. That's what happened with Carrie."
"I think you should take a shower or bath," Emily suggested, "It will help stop for now."
"I don't know if I can do that right now," JJ remarked. "I'm not exactly feeling great."
"Honey," Emily said softly, "Please, you need to get in."
JJ hated feeling weak as she felt her own tears forming at the sound of Emily being so concerned and caring, "Em, I promise I'm fine. I don't have the energy to get myself in."
"I can help if you want," Emily suggested. "If you are okay with that."
JJ stayed quiet for a moment thinking but then nodded, "Okay."
Emily got up from next to JJ and went to start the bath, making sure the water was lukewarm. As the bath filled, JJ began pulling her shirt off.
"Here," Emily said, "I'll go grab you a towel from the closet."
JJ nodded, knowing Emily was trying best to help while respecting the younger agents privacy. JJ managed to get herself into the tub and sunk under the water. Emily returned smiling seeing JJ had safely made it in, Emily went and took a seat on the floor facing JJ.
"You really are stubborn," Emily smirked. "I could have helped you. How is the water."
"Thanks," JJ said, "I needed this."
"Yes, you did," Emily raised her eyebrows, "Next time don't fight me on it."
"Please Em," JJ smirked, catching the next time, "You would do the same."
"Fair," Emily remarked agreeing. "I checked on Carrie. She's still asleep."
"You really do try to hide your caring side," JJ said. "This is proving to me everything I thought about you is true."
Emily shrugged, "I don't know. I don't like dealing with my feelings, so I cut them out a lot at work."
"Well, I prefer you this way," JJ replied.
"Good to know," Emily replied. "How's the water?"
"Nice," JJ replied.
"Do you need anything?" Emily asked.
"I'm fine for now," JJ replied, "Thank you, Em. I'll wait around for whenever you get this."
"I don't usually catch anything," Emily shrugged. "I don't know why. I never get sick. Probably from getting every illness as a child."
"Okay," JJ replied, "Well it looks like you will be stuck with two of us."
"You are my two favorite people," Emily replied with a side smile, "So I wont want to die. I think I can enjoy this for the next day or who."
"Well then," JJ said pulling the plug for that bath, "Thanks. The water is starting to get cool so I should get out."
"Here is a towel," Emily said draping it across JJ's shoulders.
"Thanks," JJ smiled. "I mean it."
"Anytime," Emily smiled back, "I'll be in the bedroom. I put some clothes on the counter for you."
"Thanks, Em," JJ smiled.
Emily nodded, with a slight smile, before heading out to the bedroom. JJ stood up wrapping herself up in the thick towel. She walked to the counter feeling the bath help regain some strength and pause the fever from rushing in. JJ smiled at the checkered Pj pants and black tank top, thinking how Emily it was. JJ threw it on and hung the towel before heading into the bedroom, seeing Emily perched on the edge of the bed.
"How are you feeling?" Emily asked patting a spot of the bed next to her.
"Much better, but not great," JJ replied trying to smile.
"Well, you can take my bed to get some sleep," Emily offered.
"No, Emily," JJ replied.
"JJ, I insist," Emily replied, "I can stay with Carrie."
"Are you sure?" JJ verified.
"Yes," Emily chuckled, "I already end up sharing the bed with Carrie half the time with her nightmares."
"Okay," JJ sighed before turning to Emily, "You are really good with Carrie."
"What do you mean?" Emily replied with a smirk.
JJ shrugged, "Seeing you at dinner and getting her to bed, you handled all of it perfectly."
"I don't know about that," Emily replied, "I just say and do the first thing that comes to my head and hope it works."
"Well, it does work," JJ smiled, "It really does. It's like you've already raised a kid before."
Emily frowned thinking about Declan, "She's a teenager and I understand teens, I guess. My mom went wrong with me, so I just do the opposite she did. And you helped a lot tonight."
"I don't know about that," JJ said mocking Emily.
"It's nice having you here," Emily said.
"Well, I enjoy it," JJ yawned.
"You need to get to bed," Emily said in response, "Lets get you in bed."
"I've got it," JJ replied, "And come kick me out at any point. I can always move to the couch."
"You wish," Emily smiled wrapping her friend in a hug.
JJ hugged Emily back, feeling Emily place a kiss on the crown of her head.
"Your fever is going up," Emily sighed, "Come get me if you need anything. I'll check in, too. I'll stay up for a little working on papers."
"Okay," JJ replied sheepishly, "Thank you."
"Feel better," Emily smiled, "And sleep well."
"You, too," JJ smiled climbing under the covers as Emily got up.
Emily gave a smile as she turned off the light and walked down the hall. Emily walked into Carrie's room sitting on the side of the bed listening to Carrie's even breathing. Emily smiled before walking down the hall until she found the living room. The house felt full, which to her, was a first of what she wanted.