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. Gratitude to those who have appeased the Muse!


Chapter 23

Once the house alarm was set, Jillian collected her phone off the kitchen counter and called Jennifer.

"Hello Jill, how is everything going?"

"Hi and it's going to be all right. We've done nothing but cry for the past three days, but we are working hard at regaining our former life together."

"Oh, I am so glad to hear that. I was so worried you would continue to reject Emily."

"No, I tried to but couldn't, not after all she has been through. I understand why she did what she did with JTF and it's up to me to forgive her for that."

"It sounds like you have made some serious decisions."

"I have and I'll be returning to the BAU with Emily in two weeks' time, but I am bringing her into the office tomorrow. Can you organise to have the team assemble in the conference room at nine o'clock and have the blinds drawn?"

"I can do that, unless we get called out on a new case."

"I'm hoping my luck will hold out just a little longer."

"I'll see you in the morning and welcome home Jillian."

"Thank you Jennifer. Thank you for all your help in bringing Emily back to us."

Jennifer choked back tears, "I'm just grateful we could."

"I love you dear friend."

"I love you too, goodnight."

Jillian ended the call, showered in the downstairs bathroom then went upstairs to the main bedroom.

-o-

Emily was leaning up against her pillows and smiling when Jillian entered the room wearing nothing but a towel, "I just have a few things to attend to before I join you."

"Take your time," suggested Emily as she watched Jillian collect a pair of boxers and a tee shirt from the chest of drawers. She turned and smiled brilliantly before entering the ensuite.

Jillian's heart rate was racing and she gripped the side of the basin to steady herself. Once the beat returned to normal, she discarded the bath sheet and slipped on her sleepwear. She flossed and brushed her teeth then rubbed some scar reduction ointment onto the four inch wound three inches above her knee. She cringed as her fingertips passed over the deepest section of the laceration.

When she was finished, she turned off the light and joined Emily. Settling into a comfortable position, she pointed to her leg, "See, not so bad."

Emily inspected the site closely, "You've had much worse honey."

"So true and I'll tell you what happened tomorrow."

"Okay, there is no rush."

Taking a deep breath, Jillian divulged her frame of mind, "I am having trouble separating the hatred I have for your past and the love I feel for you. Does that make sense?

"Yes, I fully comprehend what you are saying and I will give you all the space and time you need to deal with the situation."

"Thank you, but I want you to know I only envision a positive outcome for us."

Emily nodded with understanding, "Do you feel like everything is surreal?

"Oh god yes, very much so. I watched you with the children today and it was like you were never gone. There was this peace within me and I felt so relieved and content."

"I felt that too and I'd like to start looking for a plastic surgeon to remove the branding and wound scars as soon as possible."

"We can make a start tomorrow. Do you understand why I can't kiss you?"

"I do and I want you to know I have never responded to anyone else's kisses like the way I do yours."

Jillian chuckled, "Well that was a nice ego boost, thank you. There is something I need to tell you about Emily."

"Go ahead."

"After your funeral service I hit rock bottom and drank myself into oblivion that night. I refused to go to your wake and once I started to sober up I got drunk again. It dulled the pain and for one brief moment, I was able to forget you."

Emily stretched out and grasped Jillian's hand, "You suffered so much honey."

"I'd go through it all again if it meant you were home safe and sound. I know the level of agony you went through knowing you were unable to be with me. After tonight, I don't want you to feel guilty anymore. We move forward from here on and in time, I will come to terms with your past."

"I agree and I will be patient in waiting for that day."

The couple spoke about the twins for over an hour before settling down for the evening with Emily wrapped up in Jillian's arms. They both wept for several minutes before sleep welcomed them into its rejuvenating embrace.

-o-

The following morning Emily found Jillian in the bathroom down the hall bathing the children. She stood in the doorway and grinned as her wife played with the plastic boats and made the youngsters giggle.

"Good morning," she said moments later while swiping away a few stray teardrops.

Jillian looked up with sheer bliss etched on her features, "Morning, you're just in time. The kids are clean and ready to be dried."

Emily turned to her right and pulled a fresh towel from the storage shelf then picked Samantha up and stood her on the tiled floor.

Jillian did the same with Jarrod then reached up and turned on the portable radio located on the counter, "You are in for a real treat."

The announcer finished talking about traffic congestion and the song "California Gurls" started to play.

With utter joy Emily laughed as Samantha started bopping up and down and waving her arms to the music.

Jarrod looked at his sister and started mirroring her movements. They both squealed with delight as their two proud parents focused on each other.

"I love you for showing me all these wonderful moments," declared Emily as a sob caught in her throat.

"I love you too Em and you'll have to sit Samantha on the potty now. It's the side effect of bath time and the excited dancing."

-o-

Thirty five minutes later, everyone was dressed, breakfast eaten and Jillian was busy securing the kids into their capsules in the rear seat of her SUV.

Emily walked into the garage wearing dark blue trousers, black boots and a long sleeved pink button up shirt. She was carrying the babies' accessory tote as well as a shoulder bag.

Looking up, Jillian's breath hitched and she felt the stirring of desire pulsate in her centre accompanied with butterflies in her tummy. She took it as a good sign and closed the door on a waving Samantha. "You ready to leave babe?"

Emily smiled brightly, "Yes honey. I hope I have everything, it's been a while since I packed this bag."

"You've already checked it twice sweetheart, so relax."

The second use of a term of endearment for the morning did not go unnoticed by Emily and her heart fluttered with restored optimism, "Okay then."

Jillian opened the front passenger door for her and as she moved to enter the vehicle, the blonde ran a hand over the curve of her back, "Please turn around Em."

Emily did as asked and wasn't prepared when Jillian embraced her and lowered lips to hers. The kiss was soft, slow and full of promises of forgiveness. She dropped the bag onto the seat and wrapped her arms around her wife's neck. Deepening the kiss, she was breathless when Jillian finally released her and stepped aside.

"I love you and I just wanted to say you look absolutely gorgeous," she stated with a dazzling smile. "I think I am now wearing your lipstick."

Emily grabbed the front lapel of Jillian's jacket and pulled her in for another kiss. Hands roamed over buttocks and backs and Emily inhaled sharply when Jillian cupped her breasts with trembling hands.

Jillian moaned at the reaction and leaned back when Samantha muttered loudly, "Kiss-kiss."

"I guess that's our cue to get moving," reasoned Emily with a titter.

"No it means she wants a kiss too and I want more than another kiss from her yummy mommy."

Brown eyes glistened at the suggestion, "Does that mean what I think it does?"

"It means we both have to kiss our children then when they are put down for their afternoon nap, I am taking their beautiful mother to bed and making love to her."

"Oh good god Jillian thank you."

With a wink, Jillian replied, "Don't mention it; just know I desire you."

"I want you too and am so pleased to hear you say that."

The couple opened the back doors and pecked both the children on the cheek before Jillian reversed out of the garage and started on the nineteen minute journey to the office. She pressed a button on the stereo system and the DVD monitors spun into action and Jarrod applauded as a Wiggles movie started playing.

Emily looked behind the seat and giggled at her son and daughter clapping and shaking their heads to the beat of the music. "I am accordingly stunned by their behaviour."

"Mom said Jarrod and I were the same at that age."

"Look at us honey, we have super smart kids," declared Emily proudly.

Jillian swiftly glanced sideways at her, "And you have great boobs."

"Stop that unless you intend on pulling the car over and ravishing me."

Jillian laughed at the comment then altered the subject matter, "We need to discuss godparents."

The comment forced Emily to gasp, "Haven't the babies been christened yet?"

"Nope, I was waiting for their mother to return."

"Oh god, they're fourteen months old, mother must be horrified."

"She is, but there's surprisingly been no pressure from her. So, who would you like to ask?"

"J.J. and Derek," responded Emily without delay.

"Then you better inform them this morning, that way we can organise a ceremony as soon as possible."

"Okay and what prompted your delectable kiss earlier?"

"You happen to be wearing the trousers I like you in best and got aroused, so I went with my feelings and discovered how much I want you. I can train my mind to do wonderful things Emily and I know I am the one to control my hatred and anger, so here I sit in a highly stimulated condition looking to love you in every possible way that I can."

Emily's smile radiated, "Phew, that was some kind of realisation honey."

Jillian smirked crookedly, "We could always make out in the locker room while our friends mind the kids."

"It's been a long time since we did that."

Reaching for Emily's hand, Jillian affirmed, "We are going to make it."

"I believe we will."

Holding back tears, Jillian once again changed the topic of conversation, "While you were dressing I scheduled an appointment for you with a Doctor Tabitha Lloyd for two this afternoon. I did a little research when I got up and she has a really good reputation for dealing with deep tissue burns and lacerations."

Squeezing her wife's hand, Emily brought it up to her lips and slowly kissed the inside of the wrist, "Thank you and you still taste good."

Jillian felt a shiver run down her spine, "I can't wait to savour you again."

"And that suggestion just pushed me over the edge."

"It did not," mocked Jillian with a chortle.

"Actually it did honey."

"Oh good god," mumbled Jillian as she turned into a gas station.

"Be right back, I need to use the restroom. I'll pay for the gas on my way out," said Emily as she opened the door and turned to the back. "Mommy won't be long sweethearts."

"Bye-bye," came the unified response.

"Get out of the car before I attack you woman," ordered Jillian friskily.

"I'm going honey."

Jillian kept on eye on Emily as she entered the building and said to the kids, "Your mama is the best in the world, so behave for her at the office okay?"

Samantha nodded and Jillian was sure her daughter understood every word just spoken. Giggling, she alighted from the vehicle and proceeded to fill the petrol tank.

-o-

Emily jumped back into the vehicle six minutes later and handed Jillian the receipt, "That's for the taxman."

Jillian put it in her wallet then pulled away from the bowsers, "Thanks babe."

"Is there anything else we have to do while we are out?"

"Nope, just the doctor and I kissed Erin."

"What now?" replied a stunned Emily.

"During one of my drunken stupors I turned up at her house after your funeral and forced myself on her. I pushed her up against the wall and kissed her. When she asked me what I was doing, I broke down and told her I wanted to forget."

"Oh honey, I'm so sorry and I'm going to kick her ass."

Jillian chuckled for a second before calmly pointing out, "Em, it wasn't her fault."

"Did she fight you off?"

"Yes, so chill my baby."

"Well okay then, but I will kick anyone's ass if they mess with you."

"Damn, you are feisty this morning."

"I'm h … o … r … n … y for my incredible wife is what I am."

"You are too precious Emily and the kids don't understand every word we say."

"I know, but I don't want the little Einsteins running around their grandparents' houses screaming out the word."

"Thank you for bringing the laughter back into my life Emily Prentiss-Rolston."

"Likewise Agent Sexy."

"Sexy," repeated Samantha.

"There we go, Little Miss is right on it," noted Emily with a grin.

"We are going to have to spell out so many words," bemoaned Jillian with a titter.

"I hope you haven't been swearing in front of them?"

"Of course not, I only do that when I am angry."

"Good and I want you to tell me all about any other little habits our son and daughter might have."

"I caught them standing up in their cribs a while back shushing each other. They stopped the second I walked into the room. I asked mom about it and apparently my brother and I did the same thing at their age."

"Did she know what it meant?"

"Yeah, she reckons they are developing their own secret language."

"Did Jarrod and you have that?"

"Yep, so it will be interesting to see how that progresses."

Jillian turned into the front boom gate at Quantico and displayed her ID to the guard, "SSA Rolston and Prentiss BAU."

"Prentiss?" queried the sentinel while bending and looking through the driver's window.

Emily displayed her new ID wallet and he smiled, "Well, I'll be damned, welcome back Agent Prentiss."

"Thank you."

Jillian drove on once the barrier lifted, "You better get used to that reaction around here babe." Parking in her allotted underground space, she turned off the engine and added, "Can you give me ten minutes to prepare for your arrival?"

"Sure, I'll put the babies into the stroller and met you up there."

"Thanks sweetheart and I really do love you."

Emily started to tear up as she nodded in acknowledgement.

Jillian kissed her children before running to the lift and making her way to the sixth floor. She entered the bullpen and grinned when Dave and Spencer turned her way. The younger Agent waved and as she drew near, he hugged her tightly.

"Welcome home, word is you start back in two weeks."

"That's correct and it's good to see you Spence." Pulling out of the clinch, she turned to Dave and embraced him, "Hey Partner, I see you are still as handsome as ever."

"Compliments gratefully accepted and it's fantastic to have you back Jill."

"It feels good Rossi. Where are the others?"

A teary eyed Spencer pointed to the upper landing, "In the conference room, we are on the way there now."

"It must be serious," noted Dave. "The blinds are drawn and we all know that is never a good indication."

"It's for me Dave. I wanted to say a few words about my return and where I've been."

"Sounds interesting, let's go."

The three Agents climbed the stairs and Garcia screamed when they entered the room. She engulfed Jillian in her arms and blurted, "Oh my freaky Friday, look at you. Welcome back Blonde Bombshell."

"Hi my Blonde Goddess and don't dye your hair red again; you are gorgeous just the way you are."

"Okay taking that advice on board and you have regained your charm I see. How are those beautiful children of yours?"

"They are doing really well and will be here in a minute."

Derek approached the pair, "It's good to see you Jill; you've been missed." He hugged her and she kissed him on the cheek.

"I've missed everyone too."

When she was released, Jillian cuddled Hotch then Jennifer. "Thank you and I love you," she whispered into the younger blonde's ear.

"You're welcome and I love you too."

Stepping back, Jillian turned to Ashley, "Come here rookie. It's good to see you too."

"I'm so relieved you are back. I missed your words of wisdom."

Jillian patted the probationary Agent on the back, "All right, that's enough praise for one day."

"Welcome back Jillian," greeted Erin as she stepped forward and embraced her friend.

"Thank you Section Chief."

When Erin moved back, Jillian looked at her semi-circle of friends and began, "I asked Jennifer to have you meet in here because I wanted to talk to you in private. As you know, I took a leave of absence for six months to work out a few problems. What you don't know is I requested permission to track down Doyle."

"Doyle?" enquired Derek with raised eyebrows.

"Yes I am referring to the bastard who took so much from us and killed so many innocent people." Overcome with emotion, Jillian wiped tears from her eyes with the back of her hand.

With knotted brows, Dave shook his head, "I thought the CIA and western Agencies drew a blank on his location and eventually scaled down the search?"

"They did," answered Jillian. "I was given a new identity and was under the direction of the State Department on an undercover mission to track him down."

"Oh please tell me you found the mother fucker," pleaded Garcia.

"I did and am happy to announce he no longer draws breath."

"Thank god for that," responded a now sobbing Garcia. "Oh, excuse my swearing everyone, but this is awesome news."

"I didn't want there to be any secrets about my absence. Over the past seven months I have relied on all of you in various degrees to help me through my loss. You have been my strength and I love each and every one of you."

"I love you too," replied Garcia with a fresh flood of tears.

"The same goes for me," added Derek.

"Ditto Kiddo," expressed Dave.

Spencer wiped his eyes, "Me too."

"Me three," chimed in Ashley.

Hotch cleared his throat, "I love you too."

Erin smirked before saying, "This will be a first in this office, I love you too Jillian."

"You don't have to say it again Jennifer. Right, now that we are all in agreement, I want to tell you I was responsible for Doyle's death. I did it to avenge my wife and his other victims. My other reason was for all of you. We have all been forever changed by that man and I needed to stop the hurt we were all experiencing. It was a justified shooting and I have no remorse. What I do have is the freedom to return here without the fear he may arrive here one day and continue his murderous ways."

"Where was he Jill?" asked Dave.

"Dublin and he was dealing again."

"It figures he would return to where it all began."

Garcia blew her nose on a tissue then said, "At least Emily can rest in peace now."

There was the sound of breaking ceramic outside the room and Jillian smiled, "I have a surprise for some of you and if I am not mistaken, here it comes now."

All heads turned to the doorway as Emily entered pushing the twin's stroller.

"Oh dear mother of god," squealed Garcia. "Emily, oh my sweet lord you're alive."

Jillian approached her wife and took hold of the buggy, "Go ahead baby, I have the kids."

Emily stepped out from behind and instantly burst into tears, "Hello everyone, sorry about the deception."

"Who gives a damn about that," remarked Derek. "I'm just so happy to see you are alive. Come here girl."

"Hands off Chocolate Thunder," interrupted Garcia. "I get the first welcome back from the dead hug." She wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed, "Seriously sweetie, what's with the hair?"

Emily laughed, "Jill said you'd be less than impressed. I love you Penelope Garcia and I missed you every single day."

The others took turns to welcome Emily back then she explained what had happened while Jillian gave the twins a bottle and passed them around the room.

"So when are you returning to work Agent Prentiss?" enquired Derek.

"That will be in two weeks' time, the same day as Jill."

Jennifer pulled Jillian aside, "You look a lot better than the last time I saw you."

"I feel great and Em and I are doing really well. I have my wife and life back and I couldn't be happier."

"I'm so excited for you both and we need to get some weight back on Em."

"Yes we do, so how about you and the family come over to our place Saturday night for dinner. I'll invite the others and you can pass her food and wine all night."

Jennifer giggled at the suggestion, "Sounds like a wonderful plan." Her cell phone rang and she added, "Excuse me Jill."

Jillian approached a teary Hotch, "I hope my son is behaving himself?"

Hotch tickled Jarrod on the tummy which elicited another chuckle, "He's a delight and he's grown since the last time I saw him."

"He has and Emily is adjusting well to being home and is looking forward to resuming work."

"I must say I'm eager to have her back."

"Excuse me Hotch," interrupted Jennifer. "We have a new case."

Handing Jarrod to his mother, Hotch replied, "Let's go to my office to discuss details."

Momentarily, Erin joined Jillian and asked, "New case?"

"Yes and while we have a moment in private, I want to thank you again for everything you've done."

"I'm just glad it all worked out and I better go speak with Aaron."

Jillian smirked as her friend gently squeezed her forearm, "Nice to see you have relaxed around here Erin."

"It certainly alleviates the tension; I'll see you Saturday night."

"Take care." Jillian walked over to Derek, Emily and Garcia, "I hate to break this reunion up, but you guys have a new investigation. My lovely wife and I are having a get together at home on Saturday night at seven, so I expect to see the three of you unless you are on a case."

"You got it Jill and I'll give you guys a hand with getting back to your car," replied Derek.

After saying goodbye and completing the invites for Saturday, Jillian walked out with the stroller while Derek and Emily ambled behind her.

-o-