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. Thank you to those who have appeased the Muse.


Chapter 26

Monday 26th September, 2011.

Emily walked into the lobby of the FBI Quantico building and spotted Garcia standing in front of the picture frames of those Agents who had fallen in the line of duty. The blonde turned her head and embraced her friend.

"Good morning to you, my gorgeous Browned Eyed Girl. Maintenance just removed your photo and plague. I used to stop by here every morning and cry, but now I can smile again."

"I'm glad you can and hello."

"Welcome back E and I brought in a cake to celebrate."

"Thank you."

The two friends separated and headed towards the bank of lifts. Garcia pressed the call button and enquired, "Have you spoken to Jill lately?"

"She called this morning to wish me well for today."

The doors opened and the duo stepped inside, "She's so thoughtful sweetie. So how is everything between you pair?"

"We're getting there slowly," replied Emily while pressing the button for the sixth floor.

"When I teleconferenced with the Red Cell Saturday, Jill looked so serene and was her old self again. I bet she can't wait to get home to you and show you how much she loves you."

"Uhm, I'm not too sure about that."

With a sideways glance, Penny dismissed what little tact she had, "You mean you guys aren't doing it yet?"

The elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open and Emily replied honestly, "No."

"Holy crap on a cracker, that sucks."

"It's a little complicated."

"Is she having trouble with the whole branding issue?"

"Yes and I can't blame her Pen."

"We'll talk later my beautiful girl, but for now it's show time in the conference room with coffee and cake."

"I gave up coffee while I was gone, it helped me relax better."

"Green tea it is then and we have a new case."

Emily placed her ready bag beside her desk and followed the blonde Analyst upstairs. She was immediately welcomed back by her team and handed a generous slice of chocolate cake.

-o-

As Mick and Jillian were exiting the D.C. Jail reception lobby, Jillian's phone rang. She pulled it off her belt and smiled at the caller ID while walking towards their vehicle.

"Hello sweetheart," she answered while opening the passenger door of the Suburban.

"Hi honey, can you talk?"

"Yes. We are just about to head back to the warehouse."

"The team will be wheels up in twenty."

"I guess there goes dinner plans then."

"Sorry Jill, but we are headed to San Francisco. I've already spoken to Grace and she'll put dinner in the oven for you."

"Okay and call me when you can."

"I will. Bye."

"Be safe. Bye."

Mick started the engine and turned his head, "What does your wife do for a living?"

"She's with the Bureau too."

"As in an Agent?"

"Yes. We met while I was on secondment with the BAU some time ago."

"Do you know much about Agent Prentiss?" enquired Mick seconds later.

"I do, why?"

"I was thinking about calling her. When we first met last year I thought there was a connection between us."

"I doubt there was Rawson; Emily is married and has two children."

"Oh I didn't know that. Is she happy with her husband?"

"No."

A smirk spread across the Welshman's face, "Then maybe I should make that call after all."

"I wouldn't if I was you."

"Why is that?"

"Her wife will kick your ass all the way back to Wales and then some."

"You mean she plays for the other team?"

"Yes she does and is very much loved by her family."

"You've met them?"

Jillian was about to answer when her phone sounded again. It was Emily and Jillian pressed the talk icon, "Hello again sweetie. Did you forget something?"

"Yes. I wanted to tell you the twins are reading a new book. It's on the bedside table on your side for when you get home."

"Okay and I love you Emily."

"I love you too, bye."

Mick turned the corner and admitted sheepishly, "I was pretty daft just then, wasn't I?"

"Yes you were, but Emily and I don't advertise our marriage and the last time you worked with her she wasn't wearing her wedding ring."

"Well belated congratulations to the both of you."

"Thank you and you missed our turn."

"Shite, I'll take the next left."

"If you are looking for someone, why not ask Gina out?"

"Gina? Come on, she's not interested in me."

"She might be if you drop the player persona."

Mick chuckled at the analogy, "You saw through that game then?"

"I certainly did and trust me, Gina is interested."

"You should be a profiler."

"Funny, my wife once told me that very same thing."

"You must have been so shocked to discover she was alive."

"I was and thank my lucky stars every night."

"The Team was on assignment when her service was held."

"It was a small private affair."

"Well I'm happy it all worked out."

"I am too; there's been way too much headache lately."

-o-

Friday 30th September, 2011.

Stretching out, Jillian picked her phone up off the bedside table and without opening her eyes, answered, "Rolston."

"Jill, Coop here. Sorry to call so late, but we need to be wheels up in thirty. We've received a tipoff on Hester Cloud's whereabouts."

"I'm on the way, see you in twenty." Springing out of bed, Jillian put down her cell phone and raced to the shower.

Five minutes later, she was dressed in a pair of jeans, black boots, white tee shirt and a black pullover. Collecting her equipment, credentials and ready bag, she ran out of the room and knocked on Grace's bedroom door.

After a rapid explanation then a trip to the nursery to kiss each of her children's temples, Jillian was down the stairs and on her way to the garage.

Besides Sam, she was the first team member to arrive at the abandoned warehouse.

"You made good time," noted Cooper as the two Agents climbed the stairs together.

"I've had plenty of practice. Who supplied the info on Cloud?"

"Police in Tucson picked him up for a traffic violation and when they ran his licence the warrant for his arrest was flagged."

"So he's in custody then?"

"He has been since thirty minutes ago."

"I gather the assignment is to retrieve him."

"You got it and Simms will be joining you. All the travel arrangements and warrants are signed. It will be a collect and return A-SAP mission. Cloud will be interviewed once he's secured into our custody."

"That sounds good to me Sir."

Simms entered the room and Sam went over the relevant details. Ten minutes passed before the two Agents boarded a Gulf Stream 5 bound for Tucson.

-o-

"You want a drink Jill?" asked Simms from the galley.

"I'll take a water thanks and as we have nearly four hours of flight time, you can explain how you got your nickname."

Passing over a chilled bottle, Jonathan sat opposite Jillian and began, "I spent six years, three months and four days in San Quentin for killing a child molester."

"Obviously your conviction was overturned so you could get this job."

"It was and whilst serving my sentence, I used my profiling skills to predict prisoner's pasts and ended up known as Prophet. You don't seem weirded out by my story."

"I'm not. If I had my way when I was sixteen, I would have killed the paedophile who stole my brother from my family when I was twelve along with other innocent boys who were never found."

"I'm sorry to hear that Jill."

Jillian went on the give full disclosure and Jonathan said, "I remember the case. Pume was stabbed to death a couple of years back, right?"

"He was and my family finally let go of the anger."

"What about you?"

"Oh, I've learnt to compartmentalise my rage since I started my own family."

"It certainly is one way to heal."

"Do you have family?"

"I've a very understanding wife and two boys aged six and four."

"My wife and twins keep me grounded."

"I hear you, and the stability they offer is a requirement in this job."

"True and it allows us to see the good in life away from the horrors."

"I agree and have a feeling Coop put us together on this case for a reason."

"Well considering Cloud is wanted for the sexual assault and murder of three prepubescent girls, I'd say you are on the money. I expect Sam wants us to get inside this monster's head before we officially interview him."

"I agree, so let's get to work."

Jillian pulled up three files on her tablet, "You got it."

-o-

Saturday 1st October, 2011.

Emily viewed the screen on her phone and read the text message: Hi, am in Tucson. Be home this arvo. Love u madly & miss u greatly.

"Is there a problem?" enquired Hotch from his plane seat across from Emily.

"No. Jill just notified me she's in Arizona."

"That girl of yours is clocking up some serious flying miles," noted Derek with a wink.

"Comes with the job," lamented Emily morosely. "We haven't seen each other in nearly two weeks."

"At least you'll be home in a few hours," pointed out a smiling Jennifer.

"I'll be glad to see the twins then enjoy a long hot bath while sipping a very large glass of red wine."

In response, Hotch grinned, "We can all take the next three days off."

"Yay," cheered Jennifer. "Henry will be so pleased."

"You still training for the FBI Marathon in February Hotch?" asked Emily as she stood and ambled to the galley.

"I am and my times are improving."

"Good for you and please don't mention it to Jill or she'll want to join you."

With a chuckle, Hotch bobbed his head.

"Say Em," began Jennifer. "How about I call Garcia and organise a girl's night out tomorrow? We haven't had one in ages."

"Maybe some other time J.J." answered Emily as she took her seat. "I need to spend some quality time with my family. You guys could always come over for a barbeque lunch Sunday. I know Jill would like to hang out with you all. She asks how you are when she calls every night."

"I'm there," replied Derek. "I'll give Garcia a call now."

"I'll bring Jack over after I've taken a run," said Hotch.

Jennifer waved and suggested, "I can make some salads."

"Count on me to supply the vino," offered Dave.

"I'll take care of dessert," chimed in Spencer.

"That's settled then," declared a satisfied Emily. "The kids will have a blast."

"Speaking of kids," remarked Derek. "When are yours being christened?"

"Actually it will occur on Sunday week at ten. Mother will be flying in and the ceremony is being held at Our Lady of Angels Church in Woodbridge."

Dave scrunched up his face, "Jill agreed to a catholic service?"

"She was out voted two to one on the subject."

"Ouch, the Ambassador strikes again," joked Derek with a chuckle.

Emily tittered for a second before saying, "Jill didn't put up too much of a fight and I compromised with no catholic schools for their education."

Morgan nodded, "Good trade off Partner."

"The invites will be delivered by hand on Monday."

Hotch leaned forward and asked, "Has everyone completed their reports and filled out their journals?"

There was a collective affirmation and the Chief put down his tablet, "Then why did Strauss e-mail me requesting them?"

"That question is above my pay grade," quipped Dave.

Derek shrugged his shoulders, "Isn't it strange for Strauss to be in the office on a weekend?"

"She has been taking more of an interest in our work lately," pointed out Hotch with more than a hint of suspicion.

"I think Jill's little speech last year had quite the impact," reasoned Dave. "It's good to have her join our social gatherings from time to time too."

Spencer looked up from his computer, "Jill mentioned she had dirt on her and I've been wondering what she meant by that."

Emily stared at the five faces leering at her and caved, "All right, I'll explain just a bit. Strauss used to work with Jill in the New York Office and the dirt has nothing to do with job performance."

Derek's eyebrows jumped upwards, "So it's more of a personal issue then?"

"I don't know, Jill has never told me and I've never asked."

Hotch cleared his throat, "I think that's enough time spent on discussing the Section Chief's life."

-o-

Emily rolled over in bed when she felt the mattress dip slightly with Jillian's weight. Smiling broadly, she wrapped her right arm over the blonde's shoulder and mumbled, "Welcome home honey."

"Thank you and sorry I woke you."

"It's fine and did you put the case to bed?"

"Yes. There was a delay with the subject's lawyer, so we couldn't start the interview until five."

Snuggling in, Emily pressed her lips to Jillian's throat then said, "The gang is coming over for lunch tomorrow."

"I know."

"How did you find out?"

"Garcia text me and asked me a question."

"You're being a little cryptic honey."

"Sorry, but I'm sworn to secrecy."

"Not fair," responded Emily with a pout.

Jillian traced her fingertips along the side of Emily's face, "God, I love you so much and being apart sucks big time."

Taken unawares by the admission, Emily sought out her wife's lips and kissed her soundly. She whimpered when Jillian eagerly responded with gentle caresses to her head and neck.

Some minutes later Jillian guided Emily onto her back and deepened the kiss. In response, Emily ran her hands across broad shoulders and growled when Jillian lay on top of her. She swiftly divested the blonde of her tee shirt and tenderly fondled firm breasts while gliding the pad on her thumbs over hardened nipples.

Jillian reached down and pushed her boxers downwards. Her groan was guttural as she shifted her body and used her right foot to dispose of her pants. With the kiss still unbroken, Emily tweaked rigid teats and lifted up into Jillian. She gasped when the skin of her hip felt the moisture of her wife's arousal as it seeped through her pyjama bottoms. Jillian's hands roamed down Emily's torso and gripped the waistband of the flannelette sleep pants.

Emily broke the kiss and stared into glazed blue eyes reflecting the moonlight beaming in through the window, "I love you."

"Emily, you are my world and I'm so in love with you."

"Oh Jill," Emily managed to force out behind a sob.

Moving her wife's sleepwear over her hips, Jillian swore when bare flesh made contact with her centre. Emily removed her hands and placed them on either side of Jillian's head, "Slow down my love, there's no rush."

Tilting her head, Jillian thrust into Emily's moist mound and cried, "Oh dear god Em, I'm so sorry for making you wait."

"It's okay and let me fully undress."

"No, I'm nearly there baby. Please don't move."

"Okay honey, just go with it." A relieved Emily moved her hands to Jillian's hips and pushed in closer, "That's it Jill, you feel so good."

"You too Em, you're so beautiful."

Jillian rocked faster and Emily screamed, "There honey, oh god, right there."

"Take your top off baby. I want to see your wonderful breasts," pleaded Jillian in between pants and grunts.

"Are you sure?" asked a hesitant Emily, worried about the scarring.

"Mmm, oh baby yes. I need to look Emily and have to get over my loathing. I love you and want you in every possible way." Jillian slowed her tempo and leaned back, "He marked you as a reminder of your past so you wouldn't forget before you died, but I didn't love you back then. I can't blame you for your past actions. To do so would be wrong of me and I think I understand why you kept the ring."

"You do. Oh god that feels so good honey; don't stop."

Jillian continued to gyrate her hips in an unhurried circular motion and smiled, "We fit together perfectly sweetheart and the ring was a reminder that you would never ever sell your soul for another case."

Sucking on her bottom lip, Emily tried to concentrate on the conversation, "I was ashamed of the person I had become and if you keep doing that I'll explode."

"That's the general idea sweetheart so take off your shirt for me."

Emily grabbed the hem of her tee shirt and pulled it over her head. Tossing it onto the floor, she gazed into the grinning face of her wife and was pleased to see an absence of disgust.

"I need to ask you a few questions," remarked Jillian as she rotated her hips the other way.

"Oh dear god that's amazing and go ahead, I'll be truthful."

"Did you ever tell Doyle you loved him?"

"No never, he just assumed it and I never dissuaded him with the truth."

"Did you ever forget you were playing a role?"

Biting her bottom lip to stall her climax, Emily answered, "No and I detested the man."

"Do you want to come?"

"Oh god yes please," begged a near hysterical brunette.

"Me too, so I'll shut up now."

With a soft titter, Emily implored, "Please do darling; it's distracting me from how good a lover you are."

"Em, please look at me."

"Okay."

Picking up the pace, Jillian's body tensed three minutes later and tremors tore through her frame, "I love you … I love you."

"Yes Jill, yes honey … oh yes."

Collapsing forward, Jillian kissed Emily tenderly then lifted up, "That was a fine performance, but I think we can do better with a little more practice."

A smirk appeared on Emily's face, "You know I love a challenge."

"I really do adore you. I never stopped; even when I was consumed by the darkness of betrayal."

"Good because I love you with all my heart."

-o-

Jillian's tongue was lazily sliding over the underside of Emily's left breast as she digitally penetrated her wife with two fingers.

"Nearly … there," panted Emily while clawing at Jillian's shoulders with both hands.

Lifting her head, the blonde ran the flat of her tongue over the stiff nipple and to Emily's surprise, over the branding scar tissue.

"Oh honey, I love you so much."

"As long as I draw breath, nobody will ever hurt you again Emily," promised Jillian in between suckles.

Tears rolled down Emily's cheeks as Jillian kissed the raised blemish. "I'm yours," she declared as her hips rose and bright lights played behind her closing eyelids.

Jillian ran her thumb over the hard clitoris and Emily bore down on her fingers, "That's it baby, go again," she coaxed throatily.

"Yes Jill … oh yes."

Keeping a steady rhythm, Jillian brought her wife to three more orgasms before retracting her digits and snuggling into her spent lover's left shoulder. She tenderly played with the moist strip of hair above Emily's crease and uttered, "I missed our love making." Dipping into the wetness, she continued, "And the conversations."

"I can't even begin to describe how happy I feel right now."

A confession was forthcoming, "I've been pretty horny for you the past few days."

"It shows honey," teased Emily as her body tingled and twitched with aftershocks.

"You have the best boobs in the world," praised Jillian while circling the tip of her wife's still hard clitoris.

Chuckling, Emily replied with a groan, "You've always been prejudiced."

"Oh yes I have and absolutely proud of it," jested Jillian while bringing damp fingers up to the top of Emily's left breast and spreading the liquid over the scarring.

Watching her wife's actions closely, Emily moaned then asked, "What prompted you to be comfortable with my branding?"

"During the session with Chelsea on Wednesday I realised I was no longer mad at you."

"I'm so relieved Jill and Doctor Lloyd said it should take another four treatments to remove the entire scars."

"That's really good news Em and I'm looking forward to seeing you in a bikini again."

As she lowered her head and licked up the succulence; Emily noticed the cut on her temple and enquired, "What happened to your forehead?"

In between gentle swipes of her tongue, Jillian replied, "I had a small scrap along the wall."

"Do I get the full version of that story?"

Releasing a ripe teat, Jillian answered, "Our subject got a little hands on while being transported to D.C. Jail and had to be restrained. In the process I banged my head up against the corridor wall."

"What do you mean by hands on?"

Giving her wife another drawn out suck, Jillian answered, "He tried to take a swipe at Jonathan."

"Wasn't he cuffed?"

"He was baby," replied Jillian before going back to caressing her tongue along the full length of rigid nipple.

"Oh god that feels so great and why did he try to hit your partner?"

With a loud sigh, Jillian looked up and asked, "Is this twenty questions time?"

"Don't be a smartass, so answer."

"Okay, but I was kind of busy enjoying your wonderful breasts."

"You can return to that in a minute."

"All right; Cloud our subject, is a rotten child molester and Jonathan asked him why he did it."

Reaching down, Emily ran her hand over Jillian's shoulder, "Oh honey, are you okay?"

"I'm fine and Cloud will be put to death for his crimes."

"You know, I really have missed lying around in bed with you and chatting about our days," admitted Emily while softly caressing her wife's skin.

"I have too," responded Jillian before retuning her lips over the rigid nipple.

"Erin was mentioned during the flight back today."

There was an audible popping sound when Jillian let go, "She was?"

"Strauss was in the office all day and we thought that strange then she asked for field reports after we'd already sent her."

"Erin is going through a divorce and is probably preoccupied with the welfare of her two daughters and son," commented Jillian before running the blade of her tongue over the scar again then capturing the teat between her teeth.

Emily's body jerked slightly, "So you were with a married woman?"

"Duh, you know she and Steven were separated at the time. He had cheated on her with some Uni student half his age and they reconciled a year after Erin and I parted ways."

"Is that the dirt you have on her?"

"Hell no! When Erin discovered Steven's infidelity, she began drinking heavily and hit rock bottom. We became close friends while I basically pulled her out of the gutter. I covered for her when she contacted EAP and went into Rehab."

"You don't think she's drinking excessively again, do you?"

"No Em, she's just mad at herself for taking Steven back only to have him have another affair or two."

"That's too bad."

"I spoke with her last night and she needs to surround herself with work."

"She'll be here tomorrow."

"Good, it will help if she socialises."

"You're a good friend honey. Oh and a very considerate lover may I add."

"So are you and would you care to take a shower with me?"

"I better; I have you all over me."

Giggling, Jillian got up on her hands and pecked Emily on the nose, "I'll change the linen while you fire up the hot water."

-o-

Sunday 2nd October, 2011.

Jillian stood in the doorway of the nursery and observed her two children shimmy down the front railing of their cots.

Emily pressed into her back and tenderly caressed her stomach, "They've been escaping from their confines for the last two weeks."

The toddlers turned around to face their parents and clapped.

"It's so cute the way they applaud their deeds," noted Jillian with pride.

"Ma-ma," said Samantha as she walked to Emily.

Jarrod pursed his lips and scowled, "Momma."

"Oops, looks like I'm in the bad books," commented Jillian while trying not to laugh at their son's actions.

"He'll get over it and our children are sleeping through the night without using their diapers."

Stepping out of the way, Jillian watched the two youngsters waddle down the hall towards the bathroom, "Holy crap, they are too much."

"They take after you in that area honey," taunted Emily with a chuckle.

Spinning around, Jillian locked onto pools of brown, "Oh god, you are so damn sexy this morning."

"And you are horny."

"I am and want you desperately."

"You'll have to wait darling, we have children to dress and feed first."

"Ahh drat."

"Don't sulk, the kids do it enough as it is and I don't need three children to discipline."

"I love you Emily Prentiss-Rolston and race you to the bathroom."

-o-

Jarrod and Samantha were both naked and sitting on their potties when they looked up and clapped at their parent's arrival.

"Da ta," sang Emily as Jillian stood by in awe.

"We need to start filming their antics," the blonde suggested.

"Bath time," directed Emily. "You grab the camera honey."

"Be right back."

Emily pushed in the bath plug and turned on the water as the children merrily chatted away.

Jillian rejoined her family and held up the digital recorder. Emily supervised playtime in the tub and Jillian laughed as applause followed a right royal drenching of their mother.

After the twins were dried and dressed, Emily towelled off her wet hair while Jillian helped the toddlers down the stairs then walked them into the kitchen.

Once scrambled eggs and toast were eaten, the Prentiss-Rolston family played in the living room surrounded by all the toys. Jillian was busy putting together building blocks with Samantha when Jarrod climbed onto Emily's lap and touched the slightly raised portion of the scar visible at the side of her V-neck sweater.

He looked into her eyes and muttered, "Ouch."

Tears washed over brown orbs and Emily choked out, "Not any more Little Guy, your momma made it better."

Nodding, Jarrod leaned forward and smacked his lips to her skin.

Emily hugged him tightly and glanced over to see Jillian was crying but smiling at the same time. Samantha got up and wobbled over to her brother and placed her left hand on his head. The gesture brought fresh tears from Emily and she pulled her daughter into the embrace.

Jillian picked up the camera and took several shots of the loves of her life. "These are the moments I treasure Emily," she blabbered while the kids moved back and smiled at one another.

"I do too honey and I have you to thank for all of this."

"No baby, you and I achieved this together. We make one kick ass team."

"Ass," repeated Jarrod and Samantha as they returned to play with the farm assembled on the rug.

Jillian grimaced then chuckled at her wife, "They had fourteen words to choose from that sentence and they pick that one. I think they get their naughtiness from you baby. You curse more than me."

"I don't agree Jill. You let quite a few swear words fly earlier in bed."

Grinning madly, Jillian justified her actions, "That's because my beautiful wife is so talented in the art of love making."

Grace walked down the stairs and stymied Emily's X-rated response. "Good morning everyone," said the bubbly nanny in greeting.

Both children got up and raced to her and cheered, "Gra, Gra."

"Good morning Grace," replied Jillian as she headed towards the kitchen. "Your breakfast is in the microwave and I'm off to the supermarket for supplies."

"The list is on the counter honey and hello Grace," said Emily before passing Jarrod a toy pig.

"Tanks," he mumbled.

"Got it," acknowledged Jillian before racing upstairs and collecting her wallet then returning to the living room to kiss her family goodbye. She pecked Grace on the cheek and joked, "You deserve one too, be back soon."

-o-

A/N: Looks like things are back on track.