JJ squeezes her eyes tightly in the morning sun. The mattress under her is uncomfortably firm. There are several fluffy pillows around her head. This isn't her bed. Where am I? JJ wonders, and calmly shifts up onto her elbows, slowly opening her squinted eyes.
The bedroom has so few distinguishable features, it practically looks like a hotel room. JJ knits her eyebrows at the ugly lamp beside her, then raises them questioningly at a small pet bed on the floor. A dresser sits in front of the bed, and the door, slightly ajar, faces her. JJ looks down and finds that she's wearing pajamas. An FBI t-shirt and sweatpants, neither of which belong to her.
JJ grabs her head, groaning at her searing headache. God, what happened last night? I wonder if I hooked up with someone, she thinks, and sighs.
A soft knock taps the door open, and Emily Prentiss takes a small step into the room. "Hey," she smiles, "you're up."
JJ smiles widely. It's just Emily. She's safe. Except, wait. She found out Emily is a lesbian last night. So, if she's in her bed, does that mean…?
"You were so drunk last night, JJ." Emily laughs. "I'm sorry I dragged you here, I just couldn't let you go home alone in that state. I had to make sure you were okay, you know?"
JJ nods, and Emily sits on the bed beside her. JJ picks up her arms, heavy with a hangover, and drapes them over her friend. Emily slides her arms around JJ's waist and back, holding her gently, cautiously. JJ pulls her arms tighter, wrapping her arms completely around Emily's neck. They embrace together, holding each other, breathing together. JJ breathes shallowly, nervously, while Emily takes deep breaths.
The pair slowly separates, their cheeks brushing as they do so. JJ places her palms on Emily's shoulders, Emily rests hers on JJ's waist. They each take in a breath.
"Thank you," JJ whispers, breaking the silence. "Not just for taking me here. For bringing me to that place, and for telling me about who you are."
Emily nods, her forehead touching JJ's. "I'm proud of you for staying. You're going through something big, Jennifer. I'm happy to be here for you."
JJ smiles slightly at the use of her whole name. It makes her feel serious, like Emily is speaking from her heart. They pull apart further, both smiling. Their hearts race, out of sync. JJ lets her hands slowly fall down Emily's arms. They look into each other's eyes in short bursts, unable to hold long stares. Their hearts jump when they make eye contact.
Suddenly, a black shadow leaps between them, and JJ yelps.
"Sergio!" Emily picks up the cat and kisses his head. "You always know how to come at the right time." She holds him close to her chest and rises, leaving JJ alone on the bed. "I'm making breakfast for us, something that'll help your hangover. Come out for some water and aspirin, okay? You'll need it." Emily winks at JJ and leaves the room, leaving her friend out of breath from the tension they've lost.
JJ breaths in suddenly, almost choking on her own air. She smiles and scoffs to herself. Her fingernails pluck the comforter nervously. What did I do to deserve a friend like Emily? She picks herself up off the bad, nervously rubbing her arms. On the dresser, her clothes from the night before are neatly folded with a note on top from Emily: Washed them for you :) -Em
JJ smiles and holds her hot cheeks in her hands. It sends flutters through her heart to know she's taken care of. Will had always been nice and all, but he knew she could handle herself. He didn't bother with making her feel protected and cared for. She's never admitted it, but she's always wanted to be treated like a princess.
She shakes her ex husband out of her head and gets dressed. She walks on her toes to the door, trying not to make a sound. She doesn't know why she feels afraid to make noise, but something about being in Emily's house makes her anxious. She's always nervous around Emily, and being in her house is a whole new level of terrifying. But at the same time, she knows that she and Emily will be okay no matter what. It's a weird combination, and JJ's stomach twists from the contradictory emotions. Or maybe from the alcohol. There's no way of knowing.
Her fingers trace the wall as she exits the room and scans the apartment. It's so Emily, JJ thinks, and grins again. Quaint, no excessive decorations. Just enough to make her feel at home, only what she needs. It's small, but in a cozy and comfortable way. Emily has never been one to have more than what she needs. And she never needs much.
Emily whips around, her hearing more powerful than JJ's attempt at silence. "Hey JJ," she calls from the kitchen. "I'm just finishing up, come sit."
JJ sits at the table and watches Emily make the plates. She pops the aspirin Emily has on the table and chugs as much water as she can handle.
"Hey, how come you're not hung over?" JJ asks. "Weren't we both drinking?"
Emily laughs. "Well, I can handle my liquor. And we didn't drink the same amount. Not even close."
JJ groans. "Oh no, tell me I didn't do anything embarrassing." She puts her head in her hands.
"No, no, you were, well-"
"What?" JJ asks, slightly surprised by Emily's stammering. She's usually so composed.
"You were adorable."
They smile at each other and hold eye contact for a second too long. Emily places a plate in front of JJ, a beautiful fruit salad and toast. JJ blushes, once again feeling butterflies in her heart from being cared for.
"Fruit and toast is the best for a hangover." Emily sits beside JJ. "Everyone always wants greasy food, but this is it, trust me."
"I trust you."
They eat in silence for only a few minutes before their phones both begin to buzz. They groan. A case. Perfect, JJ thinks, not only am I hungover, this case is stealing my time with Emily. JJ shoves the thought out of her mind, not letting herself wonder why she cares so much about losing time with Emily.
Emily and JJ give each other a knowing, sad smile, and they stand. They leave for the BAU, together.