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. You are being spoilt … two chapters for the week. Enjoy and please think about leaving a crumb for the Muse.
Chapter 39
After eating a lunch consisting of a banana and honey smoothie and vanilla pudding, Jillian gave into her fatigue and slept while Emily spoke with Penelope on the phone down in the outside garden area.
"So how is it going with Morgan?" she enquired after the usual case update.
There was a discernible sigh on the other end, "Oh, he is as yummy as always and I couldn't be happier. How is Jillian doing today?"
"I'm pleased to hear all is well in your chocolate stud muffin world, and Jill is currently sleeping. She was transferred into a private room this morning and I have to say, her colour is pinking right up."
"Ah, that is good. She will relax better now and so will you."
Letting out a breath, Emily smiled, "It's a weight off both our shoulders for her to be doing so well."
"I can only image Princess. Oops, got to go, Hotch is on the other line."
"No worries Penny and I'll talk to you soon."
"Will do honey, bye."
Pocketing her cell phone, Emily closed her eyes and allowed the sun's beams to fall upon her face. The weather was quite pleasant for that time of year and she soaked up the warmth while planning Jillian's dinner.
-o-
Jillian stirred awake and grinned when she saw Dave sitting beside her bed. "Hey Partner, how are you doing?"
Reaching out, Rossi took hold of Jillian's left hand and beamed, "Much better for having seen you in the flesh. How are they treating you Kid?"
Although the muscles in her faces still gave her some soreness, Jillian couldn't keep from smiling, "First class all the way Dave and gee, it is really good to have you visit. Erin has been keeping me apprised of your recovery and a little birdie told me you are due to be discharged tomorrow."
With a tilt of his head, Dave chuckled, "That would have been your lovely wife, and yes, I am going home first thing in the morning. Erin is driving us back so I can be more comfortable."
Detecting the glint in the man's brown eyes, Jillian went for broke, "You are going to propose to her, aren't you?"
Laughing, Rossi patted Jillian's hand, "You are too clever sometimes, and you are correct. I won't be back in the field until the New Year, so I am taking our beautiful Section Chief on a holiday to Rome and asking."
A lone teardrop squeezed itself from the corner of Jillian's left eye, "I know she will say yes because she loved you deeply Dave. I am so happy for you and won't spill the beans."
"Thanks Kid and I want to thank you for saving me out there in the woods. If you hadn't tied off my arm; we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Jillian's body shuddered at the memory, "I was only doing my job and am glad I had the time to help before ass hat took me."
"How you doing with all that happened?"
"I am going to require some serious time with Chelsea. He messed me up pretty good Dave and I don't want it interfering with my relationship with Emily and our children."
"I fully understand and expect to be seeing her myself." Tears rimmed Rossi's eyes and Jillian gripped his hand.
"We were lucky to have survived Partner and be able to have such loving support."
Nodding, Dave assented, "That we are Jill and speaking of which, where is Emily?"
"She left a note saying she was catching some rare sunshine down in the courtyard."
"I'll translate that to mean she is checking in with the Team."
Tittering for a moment, Jillian agreed, "You know she is. How pissed is Erin at having the Team recalled?"
"Oh, she is a nine on the Richter Scale and is actually having a quite word on the phone in my room to the Director about Hotch standing in for her while we are on vacation next month."
"That's a smart move and I guess Derek will take Aaron's place."
"I'm not sure about that one Kid, but I am sure time will tell."
Blonde eyebrows rose, "Yes indeed."
The two friends chatted for another twenty minutes before Emily and Erin joined them.
-o-
It was a little past two when Doctor Burton and a twentyish blonde entered the room.
Jillian took one look at the woman wearing beige cargo pants and a dark blue polo sporting the hospital logo and whined, "Oh crap, I suppose this is where the torture begins."
Getting up out of her chair, Emily grabbed her wife's hand and waited.
With a grin, Burton nodded, "I'm afraid so. The sooner Annette has you up and moving, the sooner you will begin some serious recovery."
The woman in question smiled, "I hate to be the one to cause you pain, but from your file I see you have been through physical therapy a few times."
Rolling her eyes, Jillian quipped, "Unfortunately we are old friends."
"I'll leave you to it. Emily, can I have a word outside?"
"Sure." Emily knew the Doctor was removing her from the room because her wife was about to be put to the test and it was best if she didn't witness the struggle.
Once Emily was out of sight, Jillian glowered at the Therapist, "All right, tell me what you want me to do?"
Moving in closer, Annette pulled back the blanket and sheet, "All I want is for you to sit on the edge of the bed. Do you think you can do it unaided?"
Picking up the bed remote, Jillian cursed, "Shit, this is going to hurt all over."
"Yes it will and if you like, I can lend you a hand to sit up."
"Thanks, I'm going to need it."
"The most important thing is we go at your speed. There is no reward for heroics Jillian."
"Got you loud and clear," returned the patient as she gradually raised the back of the bed. "Holy fucking crap," she let out shortly afterwards. Tears sprang to her eyes and she sucked on her bottom lip before the elevation ceased.
"Take a deep breath and allow the discomfort to settle before moving on."
Doing just that, Jillian softly cried, "Oh god, this is not going to be a walk in the park."
"No, but we will get there." Standing to the side of the bed, Annette leaned in, "I am going to grip your right hand and I want you to relax and let me manoeuvre you around to the side."
A bead of perspiration had formed on Jillian's forehead, "Got it." She followed the instruction and smiled when the PCA delivered another dose of pain relief. "I'm good to go. What next?"
"Grab the side of the mattress and wait for your body to adjust to the new position. Would you like to attempt standing?"
As the dizziness in her head subsided, Jillian replied, "I just need a second then let's try."
"I'll just fetch the walking frame from the hallway. Please don't move."
"I have no intentions of going anywhere."
Three minutes later, Jillian took hold of the handles and agonisingly lifted up, "Oh fucking shit."
Emily stepped into the room and surveyed the scene. Through tears of joy, she praised, "Well done honey." She ignored the fact her wife was scowling and her arms were shaking badly.
"Excellent job Jillian," added Annette. "Do you feel up to taking a few steps?"
Trying to joke her way past the blinding pain, Jillian retorted, "Hey, I'm already up, so let's kick it up."
It was a slow task, but Jillian stepped out with her left leg then followed with her right. Annette carried all the tubes and bags along with pushing the IV stands.
Bursting with pride and respite, Emily moved out of the way and bawled when her wife passed by her and entered the corridor.
Jillian glanced at her and smiled, "Looks like Annette and I are going for a little walk. Be back soon."
Too choked up to speak, Emily just reached out and caressed Jillian's forearm.
-o-
By the time Jillian returned to the room seven minutes later, she was worn out and Annette aided her movement back into bed. The patient's eyes were shut and the tears continued to fall unbidden down her cheeks.
Emily thanked the Therapist then collected a kidney tray and filled it with cool water from the bathroom sink. Returning to Jillian, she picked up a cloth and gently wiped her brow. "You did a really amazing job honey."
"I just want to get out of here baby," whimpered the blonde.
"I know you do and with the progress you are making; it won't be long."
Sadness underlined Jillian's next words, "Annette will be back in two hours for round two."
"And you will do well again. I am so proud of you honey."
"I am a freaking crying mess."
"That may be true, but you are my mess."
A smile appeared, "Thank fuck for that. I really do appreciate you not watching most of that carnage Em."
"I was too busy sobbing outside the room, and my heart broke every time I heard you cry out in pain."
Jillian rubbed her left hand over Emily's leg, "You better get used to it darling, because there is plenty more to come."
"We can handle it my love."
"Why yes we can, I love you."
"I love you more and would you like a drink?"
"Yes please, just iced water would be fine."
Planting a kiss on the now dry temple, Emily mumbled, "Damn you taste good."
There was no response from Jillian, she had drifted off.
-o-
"Hey honey," welcomed Emily as Jillian woke.
"Hi, how long was I asleep?"
"An hour and you have been cleared for solid foods."
"Oh thank fuck for that," cheered Jillian with a grin. "I'll need the energy for tomorrow's therapy."
"You did really well."
"I'm eager to get home remember," noted Jillian. "Baby, can you please wash my face for me?"
"I can and Fiona had more good news for you."
"She did?"
"You can use the plastic chair in the shower as long as you keep your head dry."
Waiting for her companion to finish up with the wet cloth, Jillian giggled, "That is so good to hear. Maybe you can help me in there?"
A smirk formed on Emily's mouth, "Oh, you better believe I will be assisting you."
"It won't be a nice sight Em."
"I am fully aware of that sweetheart and am prepared."
Jillian gave her spouse the smallest of eye rolls, "I'm just saying baby and what is on the great hospital menu for tonight?"
Picking up the "in room" service pamphlet, Emily put on an uppity English accent, "You are in for a treat; Shepard's Pie with mashed potato and vegetables."
Jillian's stomach growled and they both laughed, "That was funny babe and apparently all that hard work made me hungry, but I've few hours before I get to eat."
"I can go get your something from the cafeteria honey."
"Thanks, but I don't want to spoil dinner."
"Okay, let me know if you change your mind."
Jillian was about to reply when there was a knock on the open door. Turning around, Emily recognised the tall attractive brunette as Detective Sergeant Jane Rizzoli; however, the shorter stunning honey blonde on her left was a stranger.
The twosome were all smiles as the Detective spoke, "Sorry to interrupt Agents, but my wife and I were in the vicinity and thought we'd see how Jillian is doing. Lieutenant Korsak has kept in touch with Agent Hotch and was advised of the room change."
"Hey Rizzoli," Jillian said in greeting. "Come on in and please thank your Lieutenant for his concern. I believe you've briefly met my wife Emily."
Turning her attention to Emily, Jane presented her right hand, "I did and it was unfortunate to make your acquaintance under such harrowing circumstances."
Getting to her feet, Emily shook the offered hand, "It's lovely to see you again Detective."
Jane motioned to the other woman, "I'd like to introduce Maura Iles, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Massachusetts."
Shaking her hand, Emily smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you Doctor Iles."
"The pleasure is all mine Agent Prentiss, and how are you doing Agent Rolston?"
"Please call me Jill and I'm glad we didn't meet on your morgue table."
"You came awfully close to it," quipped Maura with a nod.
Rearranging two chairs alongside the bed, Emily gestured to them, "Please call me Emily and thank you for visiting and for your flowers. Jillian is doing remarkably well I'm happy to say."
Sitting down, Jane took hold of Maura's left hand once she took her chair, "That's great news and I have to say, you look a hell of a lot better than the last time I saw you Jill."
"I wasn't at my best and I gather the two of you met through work."
A smirk graced Jane's lips, "We did, but I was a little dense to all the vibes Maura was tossing my way."
Emily glanced at Jillian while taking up her previous position, "That sounds familiar."
Maura tittered briefly, "I eventually tore down Jane's wall of stubbornness and she accepted my date invite. From there it was a rollercoaster and whirlwind of romance that continues to this day."
"I'm glad it worked out for you," stated Jillian sincerely. "How long have you been together?"
Jane took the question, "Two years and going strong."
Squeezing Jillian's hand, Emily returned, "It's three for us and one set of twins, Jarrod and Samantha."
"Do you have any photos?" asked Maura keenly. "Jane and I are currently undergoing IVF treatment. I'll be the birth mother while my darling wife will be the disciplinarian."
"You say that all the time Maura," whined Jane. "I'm beginning to get a complex."
"Hush sweetheart, Emily is about to show me her children."
Rolling her eyes, Jane looked to Jillian and scoffed, "Women, right?"
With a grin, Jillian bobbed her head, "You sound whipped, just like me."
"I'm happy to concede that fact."
Jillian and Jane continued to chat as Emily and Maura cooed over the various pictures contained on Emily's phone. The latter discussed conception and an hour later, Maura and Jane made their goodbyes with a promise to visit again.
"They seem a nice couple," noted Emily to a yawning Jillian.
"Yes, and I like how open they are. From my chat with Jane, she and Maura have gone through some crap along the way. Jane actually shot herself in the side to bring down a prick who was using her as a shield in a bid to escape apprehension after holding Maura and others hostage at the Police station."
"Holy shit, that was pretty ballsy."
"It sure was as well as being the turning point in their relationship. Jane convalesced at Maura's and they finally expressed their feelings for one another. They went on their first date once Jane was able to walk unaided."
"Oh, that is such a romantic story."
"Kind of on a par with ours," suggested Jillian as her eyelids drooped.
Gripping her wife's hand firmer, Emily commented, "Indeed and don't fight it honey, go to sleep."
"I would, but you keep nattering on babe."
A chuckle and the word "Smartass" was heard as Jillian drifted off. She slept through the night and her shower was put on hold along with dinner.
-o-
