TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Darkest Days" (A sequel to Behind the Mask)

AUTHOR: D M Harper

SUMMARY: Agent Prentiss is forced to face her secretive past when it threatens the safety of her BAU colleagues and her beloved family.

RATING: For Mature Readers.

DISCLAIMER: This story was conjured up for reading entertainment only. No money has exchanged hands or bank accounts. There is no profit gained, just fancy flights of imagination. There is no intention to infringe on the copyright of CBS Television Studios or creator Jeff Davis. This writing does feature consensual sexual interaction between two females, so if you are underage or unable to view due to restrictions in your part of the world, be gone and take my sympathy with you. If you find such material offensive, too bad, so sad, you chose to enter this web site of your own free will; hence you have no one to whine to except yourself or a parent if you are caught, so bugger off!

A/N: Please find them time to review and feed the Muse. A thank to all who have commented previously.


Chapter 22

Jillian stowed her on board luggage in the overhead compartment then took her seat beside Emily. Buckling up, she leaned into Emily and asked, "How you doing?"

"A little nervous to think we are so close to home."

"Well, this trip is only thirty minutes to Dulles Airport. I left my car there so it will only take another forty five minute drive before we reach the house."

"Will we need to stop off for groceries?"

"No Em, that's taken care of. Grace was going to stock the pantry and refrigerator for me."

"Okay and it's nice to see you are so organised."

The plane taxied the runway and Jillian took hold of Emily's hand, "I'll explain your reappearance to Grace while you say hello to our children."

Tears pricked the back of Emily's eyes, "All right honey."

"Hold on babe, it's not long now."

Nodding, Emily controlled her emotions, "Thank you again for agreeing to return with me."

"You're welcome and your mother is due back in D.C. next week."

"I'll call her tonight. Shit, I just realised I missed your thirty seventh birthday and the children's first."

"You can bake a cake tomorrow and we can celebrate with the twins."

Emily grinned, "I owe you a present too."

"You being alive is the best gift I could ever receive."

"Are you still disgusted by me?"

"Only when I stop and think about it; we can work on that together. I have an appointment to see the divisional shrink next week."

"That's my fault."

"Ssh, when I stand back and look at what has happened, I can fully understand it all. It's just the grey bits that have me up in the air. It's very hard to forget when you have an eidetic memory."

"I didn't consider that, sorry."

"It's been a little erratic lately. I've found it hard to concentrate at times, but I'm improving day to day."

"Jill, how did you locate Doyle?"

"I knew he would be looking for a safe place to hide and regroup, so where do most people go when they are on the run?"

"Home."

"Correct and he was no different. He was under the impression he had carried out the last of his revenge killings and was looking to return to his business of dealing arms and locating his son. Of course he had exhausted a fair amount of his cash in hunting down the members of JTF and needed to replenish his back account."

"So he went to where it all began."

"You got it and I went undercover as an arms buyer. I turned up at the right places and asked the appropriate questions. I'll tell you the rest another day, because I want this to be a happy day with no more bad moments or memories."

Emily squeezed Jillian's hand in gratitude, "That's an excellent idea and there is a lot I need to discuss with you."

"We have two weeks to talk without too much interruption and you can explain how you ended up with a cat called Sergio?"

Smiling coyly, Emily nodded, "Oh, he just turned up outside the apartment window one night during a storm and stayed. He was great company and J.J. told me Garcia took him in."

"Yes she did and I think it would be a good idea if she looked after him until the children are a little older. He will be in for a hard time if they start chasing after him."

Emily tittered at the thought, "I agree. My mouth is a little dry, would you like a drink?"

"Yes please, I'll just use the restroom while you order." Standing, she pulled out her wallet and handed Emily a twenty dollar bill, "Use that."

-o-

Jillian returned to find Emily sipping from a glass of iced water. Taking her seat, she accepted a drink from Emily, "Thank you and keep the change."

Emily beamed behind her drink then rested her hand on Jillian's thigh, "Just like old times."

An hour later, Jillian pulled into the Woodbridge house's drive and Emily alighted from the Chevrolet Suburban. Collecting her bags from the rear compartment, she followed Jillian to the front door and took a deep breath before entering their home.

Grace met them in the hallway and she promptly gawked at Emily before bursting into tears.

"You go upstairs Em and I'll talk with Grace," suggested Jillian while tearing up.

"Hello Grace and I sincerely apologise for the shock," said Emily in greeting as she made for the stairs.

"Okay, long story short," began Jillian. "Unbeknown to most of us, Emily's death was faked to protect her, our family and colleagues from a killer. He is dead now and it was clear for her to come out of hiding."

Grace shook her head and wiped away the tears, "Okay, sounds pretty reasonable to me considering the line of work you are in and I'm so pleased to see her."

"Thanks for understanding. How are the twins?"

"They'll probably wake up soon and be looking for breakfast. I was going to bathe them first, but I think their wonderfully resurrected mother might enjoy that task?"

"You are right. The next few days are going to be fairly tough for Emily, so it might get a little crazy around here. Now, because you have done such an outstanding job these past seven months, I'm sending you on a two week vacation to Miami. Go pack, you leave in two hours and everything has been paid for. I have your plane ticket in my bag, so give me a minute to take it upstairs and I'll find it for you."

"Thank you and you know it's an absolute joy looking after the children."

"You deserve a break Grace; I'll be right back."

-o-

After handing Grace the ticket and a thousand dollars spending money, Jillian returned upstairs and joined Emily in the nursery. She was sitting in the rocking chair and holding Samantha.

Looking up, she said, "She's grown so much and is the same size as her brother now."

"They are thirty five inches tall and weight twenty four pounds. Samantha doesn't let Jarrod boss her around anymore either. I'll just go run a bath for them; Jarrod will wake up any minute now."

On cue, a blond head popped up in the crib and Jarrod pulled himself up by using two rungs of the railing.

"Oh my god Jillian, did you see that?"

"Yes sweetheart, he's been doing that for some time. Jennifer said he'll be walking unaided soon." She picked her son up and kissed him on the cheek, "Hey my favourite guy, look who is home. Your mama is back where she belongs."

Jarrod giggled when Jillian placed him on the changing table and undressed him. "Ma-ma," he said and Emily cried.

"I'll take this little guy to the bathroom if you want to bring Sam?" suggested Jillian as she placed Jarrod on the floor and raised his arms.

Emily's tears increased in volume as she observed her son stand up and walk along in front of his mother with steady steps. She got up and approached Jillian from behind, "I love you."

Jillian was too choked up to say more than, "I know."

Samantha reached out and grabbed onto Jillian's hair. She started to pull and Emily gently removed her hand, "No sweetie, that's bad."

Samantha's face broke into a scowl and she muttered, "No."

Jillian smirked and regarded her wife, "Not all the time, especially when it's the only thing you have available to hold onto."

"Uhm, yes well sometimes there is a need to hold on and the twins' speech is magnificent." She put her daughter on the floor and reached for her hands. Samantha stood right up and giggled.

"They are right on track development wise and excel in some areas. Race you to the bathroom."

-o-

Once the twins were cleaned and feed, Jillian set up their play rug and toys on the living room floor and Emily placed Samantha on the cushioned blanket. Jillian put Jarrod down then she sat beside him.

Emily brushed away her still flowing tears and happily watched her two children play with each other, the plastic blocks and the soft toys. She was surprised when they both clapped their hands in time then started to erect a tower of blocks as a team.

Without thought, Jillian leaned over and kissed her wife on the left cheek. The light contact was brief, but it meant the world to Emily and gave her much needed encouragement. She reached out and gently touched the blonde on the lower lip and smiled.

Jillian's stomach did little back flips of happiness and she returned the smile, "I sent Grace on holiday for two weeks, I thought you would prefer the privacy."

"You're right; I'm pretty overwhelmed at the moment."

"I know, it shows. Don't look now but World War three is about to break out."

Emily looked of course and chuckled at Jarrod attempting to take a rubber teething ring off his sister. Samantha was tugging just as hard and Jarrod eventually let go and rolled onto his side. In victory, Samantha popped the ring into her mouth and happily chewed.

"See, I told you she takes no prisoners," declared Jillian before handing Jarrod another frozen teething band.

"I see you're the diplomatic mother."

"Yes and it saves on the bawling for all of us."

Emily yawned as she moved closer to Jillian. To her delight, her wife wrapped an arm around her shoulders and watched the children.

The couple stayed in that position for some time before both toddlers started smacking their lips saying, "Yum-yum."

"Snack time," announced Jillian as she removed her arm and went into the kitchen.

She returned moments later carrying two small tubs of yoghurt and spoons. Handing one to Emily, she said, "Take your pick of who you feed."

The choice was made for her when Jarrod crawled over to her lap and reached up for the treat. After giggling briefly, Emily feed him while Jillian took care of Samantha.

"I've noticed they imitate each other," noted Emily.

"Yeah, it started just before I left for Ireland a couple of months back. Samantha is clearly the dominant one though. That's a complete role reversal and Jarrod seems happy enough to follow her lead."

Arched brows accompanied the following question, "Honey seriously, have you profiled our children?"

"Of course I have, haven't you?"

Emily tittered before answering, "Yes, I checked them out during bath time."

"Jarrod is beginning to look more like you."

"You think?"

"Definitely, he has your chin and nose."

"Samantha is undeniably your daughter. She has the same eye and hair colour as you."

"Well, we did a pretty good job at mixing our eggs."

"We did and thank you for such a wonderful welcome home."

"Do you feel like going into the office tomorrow and shocking a few people?"

"I'm up for that."

-o-

The couple spent the next two hours playing with the twins and laughing at their antics then Emily made lunch while Jillian put the babies down for a nap and settled on the couch afterwards with a sandwich and orange juice.

Jillian joined her and remarked, "Thanks for the lunch babe."

"You're welcome, considering you are cooking dinner and baking a belated birthday cake for dessert."

"No problem and Garcia is going to freak when she sees you."

"I'll have to take along plenty of tissues I think."

"Good idea and while we have a quiet moment, we need to discuss our divorce."

A look of utter shock crossed Emily's face and Jillian quickly explained, "Whoa hold on, don't get me wrong. I don't want one, but I did file the papers so I need to discontinue the application."

"Oh, that's okay then because I really felt like we were making good progress."

"We are and that's why I wanted you to understand I was moving in the right direction and sorting out the legal side of things."

"Thank you."

"By the way, part of the legal details involved having you declared alive and reactivating your social security account, bank account and driver's licence. Jennifer has taken care of everything for you, so you don't have to worry about any of that. You will, however have to buy a new phone. I kind of smashed the other one when I found it at your old apartment."

Trying to shield her shame, Emily enquired, "Did you go on a little rampage?"

"Yes, it was all part of my out of control behaviour and wasn't pretty. Oh, your apartment was sold as part of your estate. I'll transfer the money into your account tomorrow."

"Shit, I didn't even think about that. I guess I'll have to draw up a new will too."

"Yes and buy a car. I sold that and my motorbike. I couldn't stand looking at them without falling apart."

"Oh god honey I am so sorry and what about my life insurance policy?"

"Don't apologise baby and on the other matter, I'll have to give the money back."

Smiling sweetly at her wife, Emily's heart surged with love, "Okay and do we need two cars?"

"I think we can manage fine with one for the time being and I can always buy another bike."

"That's a sound idea."

"Will you be all right if I call mom and dad?"

"I'm fine and it will be good to talk to them."

"Be prepared, mom will scream."

Chuckling, Emily recalled a memory, "Like she did when we got engaged?"

"Yes and then again when we chose a wedding date."

"And the time we announced I was pregnant."

With tear filled eyes, Jillian noted, "We have such good memories as well as the crappy ones, but the good outnumber the bad Emily."

"They certainly do and I'll take the plates while you make the call."

-o-

Two hours later, Emily hung up the phone and the children were awake and in need of a nappy change. Emily eagerly volunteered while Jillian took the opportunity to take a shower.

When she was done in the nursery, Emily put the twins on the floor rug in the living room and called her mother.

Elizabeth was in shock for the majority of the conversation and wasn't completely convinced it was Emily until Jillian took the phone and verified the story.

A lot of tears were shed before mother and daughter said goodbye then the Prentiss-Rolston household relished the chocolate cake Jillian had made earlier.

-o-

It was a little after seven when there was a knock on the front door. Emily answered and was surprised to see Erin. The Section Chief was more than teary eyed as she conversed with Emily in the living room and played with the kids.

When Erin left an hour later, Jillian started on dinner while Emily watched over the children as they ate in their highchairs.

"They really do have a knack for eating," she pointed out. "I can't believe they can use a spoon."

"That's one area where they are ahead of the game. The only food they are hopeless with is yoghurt. They want to play with it rather than eat it if left on their own."

Emily giggled, "There's a lot of communication going on between them."

"Oh, they always chatter away at dinner time. It's like they are discussing the events of the day. Before we put them to bed for the night, you will be amazed with their nightly ritual."

"They have a ritual?"

"Yes, and if you vary it, they object sternly and pout."

"Oh, they get that from you."

"Yeah that's what mom says and dinner is ready Em." She placed two plates on the counter and sat on a stool. "The dining table isn't used that often. The twins enjoy being near others when eating."

"Well, it's easier to keep an eye on them that way. When did they start on cow's milk?"

"It was six months ago."

"I've missed your cooking," confessed Emily with a grin.

"Good, because I want you to eat well from now on and regain some weight."

Emily leaned over and caressed the back of Jillian's right hand, "I keep waiting to wake up and discover this is all a dream."

"I know what you mean."

"You have been simply remarkable and I am plagued with the thought I don't deserve your support."

"Don't ever think you are undeserving Emily."

Jillian was about to say more when Jarrod tapped his spoon on the side of his plastic bowl and announced, "Done."

"Oh my god," exclaimed Emily. "That's so cute."

"Wait for it," suggested Jillian with a raised index finger.

Emily chuckled when Samantha copied her brother then they both said, "More."

"They are so brilliant," enthused Emily as she got up and heated up more mashed vegetables.

She held back an avalanche of tears when Samantha put her spoon into the bowl after it was refilled and muttered, "Ma-ma."

They flowed the instant Jarrod repeated the word.

Jillian stood and went to her with a hug, "I had the same reaction the first time they said it to me."

In response, Emily wrapped her arms around her wife's waist, "They are just so precious Jillian and I have you to thank for bringing me back to them."

"We are complete as a family again and I'm not surprised they recognised you. They are usually frightened of new people, but they took to you right away."

"I'm beginning to think they inherited your intelligence."

Jillian giggled for a moment, "Maybe. Let's finish eating before they demand to go to bed."

Pulling back, Emily looked at the blonde with an inquisitive stare, "They do that?"

"Yes, they are as regular as clockwork. Once they finish eating, they'll ask for a bottle and point to the stairs."

"Wow, J.J. didn't tell me that."

"Hey, I had to have some surprises left to share with you."

Five minutes passed before the twins announced they were finished and wanted a drink.

Emily took Jarrod upstairs and Jillian advised her to put him on the potty. She was taken aback when he used it and declared he was done.

Samantha quickly followed and Jillian elucidated, "We take them into our bedroom first."

"Oh okay," replied Emily as she pulled up Jarrod's pyjama bottoms.

"They lay in the middle and we sit on either side."

Emily followed the instructions and cackled when the children put their bottles to their mouths and drank.

"I'll just be a second," said Jillian as she ran out of the room.

She returned a short time later carrying a large storybook. Settling in beside Jarrod, she opened the book and started to read.

Samantha removed her bottle and pointed to the page, "Dog."

Jarrod dropped his milk and said, "Cat."

Emily looked at them then at Jillian, "You are kidding me right?"

"No, they recognise all the animals in the story and can say their names."

"When did that start?"

"Two weeks ago and they can count to ten, watch this." Jillian put down the book and put a finger up in front of the twins.

"One," they said in unison and continued until they reached ten.

Looking up, Samantha placed her tiny hand on Emily's arm, "Book."

"Oh my god honey, they are just so incredible," she declared while picking up the book and reopening it.

Jarrod pointed to the picture of a pig and scrunched up his face, "Oink."

Samantha giggled and Emily cried.

At the end of the tale about life on a farm, Samantha waved at Jillian and said, "Bye-bye."

"Time for bed," explained Jillian as she eased off the bed.

"Does Grace do this when you are not here?"

"Yes, otherwise there is a lot of crying."

"I can't get over how clever they are," confessed Emily as she picked up Samantha.

"They aren't too fussy about who reads to them, just as long as they are involved."

-o-

Once the twins were tucked into their cribs, Jillian leaned over and kissed them both goodnight. She stood back and watched as Emily did the same. Turning off the main light, Jillian took hold of Emily's left hand and led her to the living room. They settled on the couch and Jillian squeezed her wife's hand, "Pretty impressive hey?"

"Very much so Jillian, I'm so proud of them."

"They are my joy Em and I can't describe how elated I am that you get to share it with me again."

"Two days ago I was resigned to the fact I may never see them and you again and now look where I am."

"This is the life you were meant to have Emily Prentiss. Even on my darkest days, I never stopped loving you."

With tear filled eyes, Emily rested her head on Jillian's shoulder, "I needed to hear that."

Finally letting go of some of her inner turmoil, Jillian sobbed quietly, "I know how much Doyle hurt you. I read a copy of your supposed autopsy. I am aware he kicked you several times and broke four of your left ribs and I know about the branding along with the impalement."

"I … tried not to scream, but it hurt so badly … he disfigured me and it is there for everyone to see. My side also bears an ugly scar."

Jillian drew Emily to her chest, "We can have them removed sweetheart."

With a frame shaking with emotion, Emily whispered, "I thought of you while he burnt me. I went to another place in my mind and recalled our time together. He nearly broke me honey, but I wouldn't give in. I had too much to fight for and when I was lying on the floor of the basement and Derek was with me, I tried to tell him how much I loved you and the others."

Jillian leaned back and tearfully asked, "Will you sleep in our bed tonight?"

"Yes."

"Are you tired?"

"Yes."

"Then let's go up now. I'd like to get comfortable and hold my wife."

"Oh god honey, call me that again."

"You are my wife and I love you with everything I am."

"Thank you for rescuing me darling and I will always love you."

Releasing her hold, Jillian stood up and reached for Emily's hand, "Let's go talk some more."

Accepting the hand on offer, Emily got to her feet, "I need a shower first."

"Okay, you go up then and I'll secure the house. All your clothes are where you left them, I didn't move a thing."

"I feel like my heart is going to explode with the love I feel for you right now."

"I know how that feels. Now go ahead, I won't be long."

Emily touched Jillian on the face and held her gaze, "Thank you."

-o-