Friday happened on them all, rather abruptly. But that was alright.

Emily was pleased.

Friday meant Valentine's Day. Her evening would be all about dinner with Virginia and Zion. She spoke to them every day through video calls, but there was nothing quite like being with her family. Holding them. Enjoying their company. Loving them.

Only a day of work to get through, and then they could be together.

If only she knew exactly what the universe would have in store for her because of this particular Valentine's Day.

While not especially slick, the falling snow outside had already been coming down for the past thirty-six hours. Hard. Emily was also trying to ignore the chatter she'd heard about a possible incoming storm.

All she wanted was just a single normal day at the office. Was that too much to ask?

Apparently so.

Why? A wrench in the usual order of operations.

After only several hours of work, there came an order from the top floor. Every person had been given a 'tempered suggestion' to clear out. Staying longer would have made the journey home treacherous. Everybody needed time to get home safely.

There followed everyone on the sixth floor partaking in the mass exodus.

Minus one.

When JJ went to collect Emily, it was to find that she had made no move to pack up. She was actually still working.

And JJ was quite unsatisfied with her partner's answer about leaving.

"Are you sure you have to stay?" she pressed. "You'll be the only one left at this rate because everyone is clearing out!"

Emily leaned back in her chair, sighing. "My paperwork is taking a little bit longer than I thought. Don't wait up for me. You really should go back to the house."

JJ repeated her inquiry. "Are you sure?"

"Positive." Emily checked the time. "I'll catch the next train shuttle in an hour."

Knowing that it was no use to argue against a stubborn Emily Prentiss, JJ relented. "Alright."

Emily smiled at her. "Please don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

She spoke so gently that JJ was convinced. "Okay, Em. See you when you get home."

Emily waved to her partner as she left.

When JJ had completely departed, Emily surveyed the bullpen. It had emptied fast. She was alone. This was an aspect of her job she did not enjoy.

Still... she could only concentrate on her paperwork for a few more minutes before the only thing she could think about was the bad weather. Intuition told Emily that trying to do anything extra like a date wouldn't be a clever idea. Hopefully, Virginia would be understanding about a raincheck.

So she called her.

"Hello, beautiful!" Virginia said merrily when she picked up.

"So there's been a bit of a situation over here." Emily began.

"They told you all to leave because of the weather forecast, huh? And everyone on your floor has gone? Except for you?"

"That's exactly what happened." Emily sighed in regret. "Dinner will have to be postponed because the snow is increasing. I'm sorry, Ace."

Her only immediate response was a humming sound of thought. "We won't have to postpone anything. Beautiful, where do JJ and her family live?"

"In Capitol Hill."

Virginia made the humming sound again. "My place is three blocks from the train station. Capitol Hill is further. What would you say to dinner here, and staying the night?"

Emily's heart flip-flopped. "Really?"

"Mhm. The spare bedroom is yours." Virginia said in complete seriousness. "I was actually going to call you about this, anyway. There's even a safe to put your gun away in. What's the situation on your go bag?"

Emily glanced at over it. She'd been keeping it stashed out of the way, since they hadn't travelled lately. However… the clothes inside were dirty. So were her boots. And her gun.

"My bag is here in my office, but my clothes are dirty. I also have to polish my boots and clean my weapon."

"I have the proper utilities and table space to help you achieve those chores." Virginia said thoughtfully. "Zion even has an early bed time. Are you in?"

"Yes." Emily checked her watch. "Long story short, I'm going to catch the train back into town. A shuttle will be along out front in a half-hour. See you in awhile."

Virginia echoed the words back. "See you in awhile. I love you."

Emily grinned. "I love you, too."

And she was at the train station before she knew it. Everything was in fast forward.

She also popped into a nearby florist to get flowers for Virginia. She already had Zion's present—a boxed set of books about Babar the elephant, and matching pajamas—tucked away in her purse. Arriving without gifts at the Rainer house on February fourteenth would be unwise.

After ordering a car and telling Virginia where she was, Emily sent a message to JJ. I'm on the road. But there's been a change in plans.

JJ's answer was fast. Yes?

Ginny upped the ante when I told her that we'd have to postpone because of the weather. She offered to keep the date. And to let me stay over.

Well, damn. I know you said yes.

Damn straight. I will see you when the weather clears up. Tell everyone else for me?

You bet.

Thanks, JJ.

The snow started falling harder when she was buzzed into the Rainers' building. In a way, it tickled her that the exact scenario she'd joked about on hers and Virginia's first date—being trapped in the penthouse with Zion during a blizzard—was on the verge of becoming true. Absolutely nothing in their story was quiet. Or little.

Emily made it to the Rainers' front door very quickly after sending her bags up in the dumbwaiter.

Virginia opened it just as Emily finished putting her shoes away. She was dressed tonight in a dress of a spectacular pink shade, and her hair had been styled into a cute fashion. So was her makeup.

A lot of effort had gone into her appearance.

She was also leaning heavily on her crutches, but looking at Emily like she was the only other person in the universe.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" she greeted Emily as she entered the dwelling. "How are you?"

Emily kissed Virginia soundly. "I'm way better. Spending time with you and Zy tonight will be perfect. Also…"

With rather a flourish, Emily presented Virginia with a bouquet of purple lilacs.

"These are for you."

"Oh, thank you." Virginia took the flowers in hand and closed the front door behind them. "I've got flowers for you. First…"

She opened a safe door with a numbered keypad, just beside the coat rack. "This is yours now. I have another safe in my office. You can keep whatever you need to in here. I won't pry."

Emily smiled appreciatively at her. "Thanks, Ace."

"You're welcome." Virginia watched Emily stow her gun and related ware. "I believe in the right to bear arms, but not because of my time in the service. Everyone gets to that conclusion first."

Noticing that Emily had closed the safe up again, Virginia hung her coat up for her.

"But... whatever the reason may be, all I know is that I just haven't even been able to own a gun since getting hurt."

"That is a very valid reason." Emily said candidly. "I completely respect it."

Virginia's heart bloomed. She loved that Emily was this open about accepting the ideals she stood for. Had her one-and-done truly fallen out of the sky?

Emily looked around. "And where is little bird?"

"Talking to the cat on my bed, last I saw."

Virginia called out in the direction of her bedroom.

"Zy! Please come out here!"

Zion appeared moments later, dashing towards them. He halted in his tracks when he reached the main entryway.

"Emmy?" he gasped in awe.

"And how is my favorite little bird shaking tonight?" she asked him.

"Super good." there was a tinge of confusion on the edge of his tone. "I'm way happy that you're here."

"Zion Fitzhugh, why are you confused?" Virginia said to her son. "Emmy showing up should not be a surprise because you helped me to ask her over."

"I forgot?"

Virginia changed lanes. "Guess what? Since the weather is yucky, Emmy is going to stay the night!"

A surprise of such epic proportions was far from what Zion had been expecting, and he was quick to voice his joy. "WOO HOO! THIS WILL BE THE BEST TIME EVER!"

He ran off again.

River slinked over in Zion's wake, making noise about wanting to be held. She was irresistible. And so soft. Emily obliged her at once. For this, she was rewarded with purrs. Loud ones.

Emily looked at Virginia with contentment. "Wow."

Virginia gave a nervous laugh. "We can have a proper date at some point—just the two of us—but what do you think?"

"I think," Emily kissed her. "That this is going to be a fantastic Valentine's night."

Before long, she, Virginia, and Zion were cooking a meal together. Just like a family.

Across town at the LaMontagne house, JJ was preoccupied.

She and Will were prepared for the crazy weather outside. They had been through enough storms and even blizzards to know exactly what precautions to take. Including having a backup generator installed, should they lose power like they did in the last blizzard. No need to repeat that memory.

The situation tonight was different: experiencing morning sickness at night. Whoever had declared that the sensation could only occur in the morning was insane. And most decidedly a man.

But at least had come down from the latest bout.

In the meantime, she was ever thankful for her anchor.

Will joined his wife on their bed. "Some Valentine's Day, huh, cher? Even last year was a hiccup."

JJ groaned. "The boys both come down with chicken pox, and I catch their fever. I'm a badass FBI agent. How does this happen?"

"Hell if I know, cher. I would take it all away for you if I could."

"That's really sweet, babe." JJ said softly. "Thanks."

Will kissed JJ's brow. "Is your nausea down?"

"Yes." JJ held Will's hands in place against her middle. "And our baby princesses have not filed any complaints. I'm all for that kind of step in the right direction. How is the rest of the house?"

"Michael is asleep, Henry was drawing when I saw him a few minutes ago, and the Spellingses are watching the snow fall." Will recounted. "It looks like everyone is winding down for the night. Do you know where Emily is?"

JJ nodded. "She texted me to say that she's going to be staying with Ginny until the weather clears. August even called me awhile ago to say that he and his family are safe. Our family protected from the craziness outside."

Will just nodded.

His only thought just then was of doing something romantic with JJ. He wanted to make the most of what was left of their holiday night.

Being touched was one of JJ's favorite things when they were alone.

Will's rambling thoughts about any possible love-making were jolted mere seconds later when a phone rang.

However… it wasn't his.

Will pointed to his wife's phone. "Cher, that's yours."

"Oh." JJ picked it up and checked the screen. "Huh. It's Dave."

"Well? See what he wants."

JJ answered the call. "Hey, Dave. What's on your mind?"

"JJ, when was the last time you were part of a phone tree?" Rossi asked his friend.

"Never." JJ said after a moment of brain-wracking.

"Then tonight is going to be a first." Rossi told her. "The director just called to say that there is to be nobody in or out of Quantico until at least Wednesday morning."

JJ groaned. "That's really going to mess up our schedule."

"Yes, but we're being compensated with extra pay. The two of us have to work on cluing the rest of the team in."

JJ sat up straighter. "Who do you have to contact?"

Rossi consulted a written list in front of him. "Emily, Penelope, and Tara."

"Got it. Since you called me, that leaves me with getting hold of Matt and Spencer. Who made this list?"

"I have no idea. Will you give Emily a head's up since she's bunking at your place?"

"Emily isn't here." JJ said without thinking.

Will snickered when he realized the mistake that had been made.

Laughter tinkled in Rossi's tone. "And where is your partner? In case you haven't noticed, Jennifer, there's a storm brewing outside."

JJ pinched the bridge of her nose when her gaffe caught up to her. "Emily's… uh… on a date, at her date's place. That's where she's going to be until things are better. Don't tell her I slipped. Please?"

"You have my word." Rossi promised. "I am extremely pleased, though, that she's already found someone to be happy with."

"So are we. The universe works in mysterious ways."

Rossi nodded even though JJ couldn't see him. "It sure does. Well, I'm glad I caught you tonight. I have a few more calls to make now."

"So do I. Good night, Dave."

They hung up.

JJ looked to her husband.

Will had a smirk on his face. "I won't tell if you don't. Did Dave call about a phone tree, or something?"

Primrose had already called Will as part of a precinct-wide phone tree about the weather and how it it would affect their job. They had also been given time to ride out what was coming.

JJ relayed Rossi's message to him.

"And here's hoping that next winter won't be so chaotic." JJ finished.

Will showed her his crossed fingers. "Let's just pray that nobody gets cabin fever now."

"As if." JJ opened her saved contacts. "Now if you'll excuse me..."

And she began to make her calls.

Back at the Rainer place, dinner was in the oven and would be baking for awhile. This left plenty of time get a head start on making dessert. Cannoli was on the agenda.

Unfortunately, Zion was a little hung up. He just wasn't getting it.

"But there's also the word canoe." he was trying to reason with Virginia. "You ride those in the water..."

Virginia was doing everything she could to keep a straight face. "My boy, canoes are neither here nor there."

Zion rambled on. "Is a kayak the same?"

"And how do you know that word?"

"Auntie Phoenix."

At this, Virginia turned to Emily. "My sister's favorite warm-weather hobby is kayaking. She was a champion rower during her high school years."

"I understand."

Emily shifted her focus onto Zion. Perhaps she could get him out of his rut.

"Sweet little bird, 'cannoli' and 'canoe' are similar sounding, but it stops there. A canoe is a kind of boat. Do we eat them?"

Zion shook his head. "No, Emmy."

"Good boy. Cannoli is a dessert from Italy. I lived there."

Now Zion was gaping at her. "You did?"

Emily nodded. "Sometimes after dinner, my mama gave me cannoli because it's a dessert!"

"I get it now!" Zion crowed when things fell into place for him.

"Excellent!" Emily gave him a hug of affirmation. "Are you ready to start making it now?"

Zion completed a double fist-pump. "Yes!"

"G—"

But Emily was cut off when her phone rang.

"One second, little bird." she told Zion. "I have a call."

Zion playfully threw himself on the floor. "I'll just wait here."

Laughing, Emily picked up her phone. She lit up when she saw Rossi's name.

"Hey!" she greeted her friend. "How are you?"

After promising that he was quite safe at home, he repeated the message he had told to Emily.

"They don't want us back in until Wednesday morning." Rossi finished.

"Oh!"

Emily's reply was a little higher than she'd inteded. Her eyes fell upon the Rainers, both of whom were looking at her with matching expressions of amusement.

She cleared her throat quickly. "Need any help with making calls?"

"Uh-uh. JJ is taking care of that. Have a good night, Emily. Be well."

"Thanks, Rossi. Good night."

Both sides hung up.

Emily set her phone aside and looked at the Rainers. Both of them were still amused. The next part of the conversation was going to be fun.

Reading the expression on Emily's face, Virginia quickly spoke to Zion. "Take a beat. Go find the cat."

"But our cannoli—"

"Hasn't even made yet." Virginia used one of her crutches to point towards the living room. "Go. Please."

Sighing, Zion picked himself off the floor and went in search of his mother's pet.

"What was that oddly specific phrasing about?" Emily wanted to know.

"It's the secret weapon I use to keep Zion from being a runaway boulder down a very steep hill." Virginia nodded towards Emily's phone. "Hey, did you say the name Rossi, as in David Rossi?"

"Mhm. I know him very well, and... his office is next to mine."

"Hot damn. What did he say that was so important? Zion and I couldn't help noticing that your voice took a detour into 'dog whistle' range."

Emily felt her face flush. "About that… Virginia, there's been a plot twist."

"Those two words have defined my life since my injury." Virginia deadpanned. "Try me. I dare you."

So Emily told her what Rossi had said.

Virginia smiled at her when she was done. "Is that all? Emily, I really thought it was a situation where you all would have to go out in that."

She gestured towards the main picture window. It was already becoming frosted from the cold temperatures outside. Constant, ever-swirling snow made it hard to see.

"No, thank goodness. Remind me about the time we flew into Tornado Alley on purpose during a storm outbreak. I won't tell that story until Zy is asleep."

"Noted. But seriously: I meant every word of what I said I offered to let you stay. Even if it takes all weekend."

Emily beamed. "Thank you, Ace."

"Always."

Virginia then reached into the pocket of her skirt, and of all things, she pulled out a pocket watch on a chain.

Emily admired it. She couldn't see the cover, but the whole piece itself was gold, and bore the engraving of a steam engine on the cover, billowing smoke. How old was the pocket watch? Even the gold chain was showing age.

Satisfied with what time it was, Virginia stowed the watch again.

"That's a beautiful timepiece." Emily complimented.

"Thanks." Virginia said proudly. "It's actually the only earthly possession of my father's that I have. I've never even seen his name because it isn't on my birth certificate, but the story is that on the day my parents finally spit, my father threw this at my mother's head."

"What the hell?!" Emily sputtered.

Virginia shrugged her shoulders. "My mother caught it, and just never gave it back. They only communicated again to finalize their divorce. Even that was by mail, though. Things ended so terribly for my parents. I have no idea why."

Emily made a big effort to stay on topic because she had all kinds of questions. "Then just how did you get the pocket watch?"

"I kept sneaking into my mother's things to look at it because I was curious, and then she ended up giving it to me when I turned sixteen."

Zion chose this moment to walk back over.

He sighed. "I found the cat… but she just decided to nap."

"That's okay." Emily picked Zion up. "We're all done. It's time to work in the kitchen. Do you have anything you want to ask us before we begin?"

Zion paused for a moment and then looked over at his mother. "Please will you take a picture?"

Virginia picked up her phone. "Of you and Emmy?"

"Yes, please!"

"Okay!" Virginia readied her phone's camera. "Get ready!"

Emily and Zion posed.

Virginia snapped the picture.

And Emily's request, she even sent her the image. It had turned out nicely.

While Emily and Zion got started on the cannoli at last, Virginia sent the picture to someone else, along with a text message.

E & Z are bonding. She's even staying overnight. The snow is unreal. It won't be long before it's worse.

The recipient's reply arrived swiftly. What a lovely picture. E is beautiful. Z looks happy.

And he is. They adore each other. When is your latest jaunt over?

I told you it's for work, silly. Thursday is the arrival. I want to meet E. But I'm sure you understand that jet lag recovery will be at the top of my list.

Yes. I do understand, and I can't wait to get the ball rolling.

My precise thoughts. Can't wait to see you.

Same here. Only a few more days now.

See you then.

Virginia sent a heart emoji before putting her phone in lock screen mode and setting it on the dining table, some ways away from the kitchen before joining her family.

She would tell Emily whom she was texting with.

Eventually.