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. Another long chapter, enjoy!


Chapter 38

Spencer and Alex visited Jillian promptly at nine and departed an hour later. Jillian was exhausted by the interview and slept until noon. Adrian and Josie were sitting to her left when she became alert, and she immediately went into damage mode, "Guys, I am so sorry about Jarrod and Samantha's behaviour."

Her brother tilted his head to the side, "Don't sweat it Sis. I am sure they are just acting out due to being in a strange city and not having you around. The whole incident was forgotten about once pancakes and waffles were served. Beside, Emily feels bad enough for the two of you."

At the mention of food, Jillian's stomach rumbled in response, "Sorry about that. I forget when I last ate and I'm glad your kids are okay."

Josie got up and kissed her sister in-law on the temple, "You scared the fucking bejesus out of us."

"It was not intentional Josie."

"We are just relieved to have you safe and on the mend."

Jillian choked up and the tears appeared, "I love you both and thank you for travelling here."

Standing, Adrian pecked Jillian's left cheek, "Shucks, we love you too Jill and the timing was right for once. I just happen to be on leave and I have to say, Boston is a cool place to visit."

"Glad you could make the best of a crappy situation," countered Jillian while Josie dabbed the tears from her face. "Thank you."

Retaking her chair, Josie asked, "Has the Doctor mentioned when you can move into a room?"

"If I continue to improve there's a chance I'll get out of here tomorrow and everyone can ditch the outfits."

Adrian smiled at his sister behind his mask, "That's promising news Jill. Is there anything you need brought in?"

"A couple pairs of boxers and tee shirts would be appreciated. I don't have clean ones left in my bag."

"I'll organise for dad to bring them some in and take your dirty laundry back to the hotel with us."

"Thanks Bro and I'll apologise in advance if I suddenly nod off."

The trio discussed their children while Emily took a time out and had lunch with Dave and Erin.

-o-

Emily was caressing the back of Jillian's left hand when the door of the suite opened. Looking up, she waved to Jarrod who was being held by his grandfather, "Hey Little Man, did you listen to Pop when he explained about not jumping or climbing on your mommy and her bed?"

With a wave and a dip to his head, Jarrod beamed against the fabric covering his face, "Yes mama, me told be good." Stretching out his arms, he enquired, "See mommy now?"

"Yes," answered Jillian. "I've really missed you Jarrod."

Taking hold of their son, Emily thanked Malcolm then placed Jarrod carefully onto the left side of Jillian.

In turn, she reached out and placed a weak trembling hand on his head, "I love you Little Man."

"Love you too mommy. Me and Sama naughty."

"Yes, your Nana told me all about it."

"Me bitted Geoffrey … me bad boy."

With slow movements of her barely raised arm, Jillian brushed blond strands, "Do you know why you hurt Geoffrey?"

Nodding, Jarrod dropped his unseen bottom lip, "He no give me blue block."

"Did you ask him for it?"

"No mommy, me bad … no manners."

"You were very naughty to treat your cousin like that, but you won't do it again, will you?"

"No mommy. Grace, Grandma and Nana mad at me."

"Do you think you can be good for them now?"

Raising his head, Jarrod sought out his mother's eyes, "Yes mommy, me be good boy. You berry sick, hey mommy?'

"Yes I am sweetie and that is why it is important you behave."

"You need kiss feel better?"

Tears clouded Jillian's eyes and Emily was no better nor was Malcolm, "Yes Little Man, mommy needs a special kiss."

Glancing at Emily, Jarrod asked, "Otay mama?"

"Go ahead sweet man."

Repositioning her arm, Jillian drew her precious child into an awkward embrace as he carefully pecked her cheek.

"Me love you mommy. You come home soon?"

Nuzzling into her son's hair, Jillian staved off her tears and the exhaustion that was threatening to engulf her, "I love you too, but I have to stay here at the hospital for a little while longer. Is that okay?"

"Otay mommy … me miss you."

"I'll miss you more Little Buddy. Can you give me another kiss goodbye?"

"Can do," assented Jarrod eagerly with a hug around his mother's neck.

"That's a good boy," Jillian praised in a broken modulation.

Moving in, a sobbing Malcolm gathered Jarrod into his arms, "Let's go see Nana and Samantha."

"Love 'em too," the youngster replied as they departed.

"You were brilliant with him," stated Emily proudly as she swiped away her tears.

The floodgates opened and Jillian bawled, "I love him so much Emily and came so frigging close to never seeing him again or watching him grow up."

Leaning over, Emily kissed her wife on the nose, "I for one am so glad that didn't eventuate, and I have a feeling our offspring's behaviour was based on your disappearance.

"Time will tell my beloved."

Just then, Maureen walked through the doorway carrying a fidgeting Samantha and Emily then Jillian had the same conversation with her as they did with her brother. She cried when Jillian asked for a kiss and held on tight, "Miss you mommy … love you."

"I missed you too Little Miss and love you heaps."

"How much mommy?" she enquired while leaning back and making eye contact.

Jillian couldn't help but grin, "More than pancakes."

"Ooh, me love them," Samantha commented before furrowing her brow, "The bad man hurt you?"

"Yes he did sweetie, but he can't hurt anyone again."

"Mama put him in jail?"

"Yes she did."

"Mama good, me love her."

"And she loves you."

"Me be good mommy, no more be naughty."

"Thank you Samantha. Your grandparents and mother are busy watching over you and coming to see me, so you need to help them."

Bobbing her head, Samantha noted, "Me need a cape."

Jillian yawned before saying, "Why is that sweetie?"

"Me got mask, need cape to be Super Hero like you and mama."

Trying not to laugh, Emily ruffled blonde curls and promised, "We can look for one when we go home."

"Tank you mama. You go sleep now mommy?"

"Yes Baby Girl."

"Otay, me see you later tatter."

A giggle passed Jillian's lips as her eyelids closed, "Yes you will, bye for now."

Maureen picked Samantha up and with a wave, the toddler snuggled into her grandmother's neck, "Me tired too Nana."

"Time to return to the hotel for a nap then Little Miss."

"Yay."

"Thanks for bringing them in mom," mumbled Jillian.

"You are welcome dear, see you tomorrow."

By the time Emily made her farewell to Samantha and Maureen, Jillian was fast asleep.

-o-

Coming back to the room after showering and changing into fresh clothes, Emily was greeted with Jillian's bed being wheeling towards the exit by an orderly, "This is a pleasant surprise."

Jillian was all kinds of smiles, "I know, right? Doctor Burton just gave me parole."

"Great, so where to honey?"

"We are off to the fourth floor, room 412. Mervin here promised me a view of the Charles River."

The tall dark haired man in his mid-twenties played along, "I certainly did, so let's roll ladies."

Emily followed carrying two bags and immediately discarded them and her protective coverings once Mervin had Jillian settled into her new room.

"Thanks for your impeccable driving Mervin," remarked Jillian cheerfully.

Pressing the last of the wheel brakes into the lock position with his foot, Mervin saluted the patient, "Not a problem and good luck."

"Much appreciated," responded Jillian as the orderly left.

"How are you feeling Jill?" enquired Emily while rummaging through her wife's bag.

"Freaking tired after my check up."

"Then take a nap," advised Emily as she placed Jillian's phone on the bedside cabinet.

"I suppose there are a ton of messages for me to read through."

"Just a few, but it can wait. You can rest while I go grab us some breakfast."

"Solid food sound really good babe."

"Not quite so fast," announced a redheaded Nurse as she strolled into the room. "Howdy Campers, I'm Fiona and I'll be your Camp Guide for today. First things first Jillian; you are only allowed soft foods, so that means clear or pureed soup, yoghurt, custard, jelly or shakes et cetera."

"Crap," complained Jillian. "I've been craving pancakes since yesterday."

Looking to Emily, Fiona addressed Jillian, "Unless your wife has a food processor in one of those bags, solid food is a no go until further notice from the Doctor."

"Is it too late to change rooms?" asked Jillian with a grin.

"Not if you want to keep this splendid panorama of the Charles River."

Emily stepped in, "Please excuse my wife's poor judgement Nurse and don't worry; she will stick to her diet."

Rolling her eyes, Jillian continued to whine behind a grin, "Great, I am victim to Attila the Hun and the Witched Witch of the West."

"Ouch, that's a little nasty," retorted Fiona with a chuckle. "I'll fetch some towels and warm water seems you've been cleared for a sponge bath now that your catheter has been removed."

"Thank you Nurse Fiona."

"You are welcome, be back shortly."

"How about some soup and juice?" questioned Emily.

"And red Jell-O please sweetheart."

"I won't be long honey and don't upset the Nurse during my absence."

"I can't promise you babe, especially as she will be undressing me and touching my girly parts with a sponge and towel."

"You are frigging hopeless Agent Rolston."

"And you are gorgeous, while I look like the well-known piece of shit."

It was Emily's turn to roll her eyes, "You are still beautiful. I won't be long."

Jillian watched her leave and thanked her lucky stars for being on the road to recovery well ahead of schedule. She was still smiling when Fiona returned pushing a cart.

"I've brought you lavender scented water, a toothbrush and paste," explained the Nurse while preparing the pan.

"Sound heavenly, but Emily has my toiletries in her bag."

"Not a problem. So you and your wife are both with the FBI?" probed Fiona once she commenced removing Jillian's top.

"Yes we are. We are SSAs with the BAU."

"Supervisory Special Agents with the Behavioural Analysis Unit; that's impressive."

Blue eyes grew wider, "You are familiar with the acronyms?"

A sparkle appeared in the Nurse's green orbs and her smile increased, "My wife is an Agent with the Boston Office."

"Wow, what a small world."

"Yeah it is. Denise filled me in on your case. She really admires your Team. Tell me if your feel any discomfort."

Jillian nodded in response, "That's really nice to hear. Has she been with the Bureau long?"

"Ten years. We actually meet right here in the ER seven years ago when Denise was injured in the Line of Duty. I was assigned to her room after surgery to repair a gunshot wound to her leg was completed. She asked me out the day she was discharged and we have been together ever since."

"That's a sweet story. Emily and I met on the job too."

Putting down a cloth, Fiona picked up a towel, "Do you have any children?"

"We have two year old twins, a boy and girl. What about you and Denise?"

Taking her time, Fiona moved Jillian's limbs slightly to facilitate redressing her in a fresh tee shirt, "A four year old son and a two year old daughter. They can be a handful at times, but Denise and I love them to pieces."

"I know what you mean. Emily and I hit a rough patch the other day with Jarrod and Samantha, but they appear to be over it."

"Lucky for you … Charlotte is on a one track line to Total Tantrum City every morning like clockwork. Jackson just looks on and frowns. He basically stays out of the way until she is under control."

"I don't envy you," admitted Jillian as the Nurse gently pulled down her boxers.

Fiona giggled, "My mother keeps telling me it's Karma from when I was Queen of Pouting and Tantrum Throwing at two."

Grimacing as pain radiated up and down her rib cage from laughing, Jillian declared, "Oh shit, that smarts." Pressing the button on the PCA, she waited for the meds to kick in.

"Better?" enquired Fiona when her patient sighed.

"Much."

Finishing up, the Nurse announced, "Now that you are in a regular room, I'll have your flowers and cards brought up from Reception."

"Thank you and I feel more human after the clean-up."

Gathering up items, Fiona placed them back on the cart and headed for the door, "Don't mention it. I'll give you the rundown of the room. Breakfast is served at seven thirty. Lunch is at eleven thirty and dinner at six. Because you have a private room, visiting hours are not restricted."

"Great and will it be all right for Emily to continue to spend the nights with me?"

"It will and the couch is really comfortable. If you need anything, just buzz and I'll be here."

"I appreciate your assistance and hospitality."

-o-

Putting her plastic spoon on the roll-away table, Jillian cursed, "Fuck it."

Emily had been observing her the past three minutes attempting to bring the hot pumpkin soup to her mouth, "Are you finally going to accept my help?"

"I don't have much choice babe; I can't raise my shoulders high enough."

"I will save my victory dance for later, but will remind you it is okay to ask for assistance."

A smirk formed on Jillian's lips, "You are pretty sassy this morning Em."

Bringing the spoon to her wife's open mouth, Emily returned, "Why wouldn't I be? My extraordinary wife is out of the ICU much earlier than anticipated which means she is closer to going home."

"That is sweet babe and I am so looking forward to convalescing in our bed with you by my side."

Giving Jillian another spoonful, Emily grinned, "Me too."

"Erin told me yesterday that Dave asked to visit me today."

"She mentioned it to me and I think it would be good for the both of you."

"Have you heard from Penelope or Jennifer?"

"I received a text last night from J.J. to say the Team is on another case in Denver."

"Crap, they didn't have much of a break."

"The dick standing in for Erin called them back into the office."

A snigger accompanied Jillian words, "Erin will have his balls when she returns. All cases were to be handled by the Bravo Team or the Red Team."

Brown eyes shone, "I have no doubt there will be consequences. How is your soup?"

"It's really good."

"Mother will be here at eleven."

Jillian's eyes popped wider, "Ooh, can you ask her to bring my laptop?"

"I'll text her after we've eaten."

"Thanks babe."

After more soup, Emily held Jillian's gaze, "Is there a reason you need your computer?"

"I'd like to touch base with the Team."

"Fine, but no overdoing it."

"I won't my beloved."

Emily smirked as the pit of her stomach did little cartwheels fuelled by arousal, "Jesus, you are such a smooth talker."

"Only for you Agent Sexy."

"Good grief, desist immediately. We haven't make love in weeks and all flirting is prohibited."

Breaking eye contact, Jillian submitted, "That is fine by me, but you need to tone it down."

Black eyebrows came together, "Say what now?"

"You strut in wearing your tight jeans, black boots and purple cashmere sweater wrapped snuggly across those magnificent breasts of yours, and I am told to not talk suggestively. By the way, what is the go with you wearing your belt buckle right of centre?"

Smiling broader, Emily gave Jillian the last of her soup, "Okay, let me address those comments one at a time."

"Go right ahead Agent Smarty Pants."

"I didn't choose this outfit. Your mother dropped it off last night, so maybe you need to speak to her. As to my buckle being off kilter; I had no idea. I dressed in a hurry so I could get back to my gorgeous wife."

Beaming brightly, Jillian retorted, "I will thank my mom for having terrific fashion sense and the position of your buckle when you entered the room was as sexy as all hell."

Grinning like the proverbial village idiot, Emily promised, "In that case, I will continue the trend for my adoring spouse."

"Phew, thank you and I'm ready for my Jell-O."

"And I am ready to wipe that grin off your face with my mouth."

A deep guttural groan absconded from Jillian, "Oh shit … that is me all done. Can you get Nurse Fiona in here to wipe up the mess you have made?"

"Hey now," protested Emily. "If there is to be any cleaning done; I'll be the one administering it."

A gregarious smile preceded Jillian's reply, "Aah my favourite Agent; Agent Bossy with a jealous streak."

Roaring with laughter, Emily stood then pressed her lips to Jillian's cheek, "I really have missed these moments with you."

"I have too babe."

Ripping the lid off the container of red jelly, Emily fed a serving to Jillian using a fresh utensil, "I like Alex."

"I knew you would. Have you had much of a chance to chat with Derek since you returned?"

Emily's interest with piqued, "No, why?"

"I think he has itchy feet."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'll leave it for him to explain it to you."

"Gee thanks for that," mocked Emily.

"You are welcome and Adrian and Josie are headed for Maine tomorrow with the kids."

"That's great. Are you done?"

"I am."

Picking up a napkin, Emily wiped Jillian's mouth, "Damn it, I want to kiss you so bad."

"Sorry, but that is completely against Doctor's orders. There is to be no physical contact until Friday when the stitches are removed."

Emily's lips turned into a pout, "Stupid rules."

"He is being cautious baby. I certainly do not want to risk infection or splitting my lips open."

"Yes and as a consequence I am left horny."

Giggling, careful not to hurt her ribs, Jillian noted, "Mmm, I need to revise my favourite Emily; Agent Horny is the winner."

Joining the laughter, Emily pecked Jillian on the cheek, "God, I am so in love with you and extremely proud of you."

Blonde eyebrows arched, "You told me that the other night while I was sedated."

"You heard me?"

"Yes and I think it was your voice that pulled me into consciousness."

"That is astonishing."

"You are amazing and can I have some juice please?"

"You may and did Doctor Burton mention when your cranial drain could be removed?"

"He said maybe tomorrow morning."

"Let's keep our fingers crossed honey."

"You won't laugh at my bald head, will you?"

"Of course I won't."

"It will take forever for my hair to grow back."

"Are you complaining?"

"Hell no, just stating a fact. I'm grateful to be alive Em."

"As am I and once you are healthy, I plan to take you away for an extended break. It will be just you, me and the kids and no frigging phones."

"Sounds like heaven to me. Do you have anywhere in mind?"

"Not yet honey."

"I will leave it in your capable hands and don't take offence, but I need a nap."

"I'm not offended at all Jill."

"Love you and thank you for breakfast."

"I love you too."

-o-