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: My muse has never been one to "whore" herself out for reviews or hold a story ransom, but I would like to acknowledge the regular comment leavers and those Guests that I can't reply to. As a thank you, here is a mid-week update and more shenanigans from those bloody twins. Enjoy!


Chapter 44

It was ten minutes past ten in the morning when a weary Maureen entered room 438 and found Jillian asleep. Emily was curled up under a blanket on one of the two recliners reading the local paper. "Good morning dear," she said while placing a thermos on the low table in front of Emily then dropping a duffle bag on the floor. "How is our girl?"

Getting up, Emily embraced the blonde, "Morning and Jill woke around three then went back to sleep. A Doctor Sharpe did rounds an hour ago and was pleased with Jill's stats. She managed to stay awake during the examination and as you can see, she didn't last much longer."

Grinning, Maureen exclaimed, "That is very good news."

Taking a long look at her in-law, Emily noted, "You look tired mom."

Her smile swiftly turned into a frown and was exacerbated by a shrug of her shoulders, "That's because the Tiny Terrors woke around midnight and carried on like drunkards until two thirty. They were racing through the house yelling for you and Jill. I got through the equivalent of a marathon while chasing them before giving up and letting them run wild. They finally wore themselves out with crying up a storm when told you two weren't coming home any time soon."

Tears prickled the back of Emily's eyeballs, "I'm so sorry they were a handful."

"It couldn't be helped Emily and I'll have a nap later while Grace is taking a turn controlling them." Gesturing to the flask, she continued, "I brought you some Earl Grey."

"Much appreciated," remarked Emily prior to hugging Maureen again. "If you'll excuse me, I just have a shower and change clothes."

"I packed underwear, boxers and yoga pants for comfort, jeans, sweaters and tee shirts."

Emily rifled through the bag of clothing, "Thank you and I owe you big time." She was gone before Maureen could refute that statement.

-o-

When a refreshed Emily returned, she disposed of her dirty items in the plastic bag Maureen handed her. "Thanks," she uttered while pouring two cups of tea and passing one to Maureen, "How were the twins before you left?" Sitting down, she was almost afraid to hear the reply.

"They were very subdued surprisingly. I explained best as I could where you and Jill were and why. Grace was sure they understood, especially after Jarrod cried and admitted he had been naughty."

Sceptical, Emily pressed on, "How did Samantha react?"

Maureen rolled her eyes, "Little Miss just nodded and keep on eating her breakfast."

"I'm not convinced,"

"Neither am I. I think they were just tired and not in the mood to interact."

"They have only managed to heed the warning once about not pouncing on Jill, so they'll have to be banned from the hospital bed until they can be trusted."

"I agree with you, although it will be hard for them to accept. In the end, it is Jill's health that comes first and they will have to adjust."

A stray tear trickled from Emily's right eye, "I can't risk her suffering permanent or irreversible damage to her live. The kids' visits will have to be carefully supervised and contact limited."

There was another eyeball roll from Maureen, "Yeah good luck with that dear."

Emily shook her head, "That comment and facial expression does not fill me with confidence."

"Me either," mumbled the patient.

"Well hello sleepyhead," beamed Maureen as she got up and neared her daughter. Bending over she delivered a kiss to her crown. "I love you and I meant you two Little Buggers are too quick to catch."

"I love you too mom and I completely understand. That's why I am here in my most favourite place."

"Good, oops I mean about you understanding not the hospital part. I am off home to get some much needed sleep and will see you this afternoon."

Sliding her right hand along the mattress, Jillian wrapped fingers around her mother's wrist, "Thank you for being here and helping. It means so much to me and Emily."

"You and Emily are welcome and your father sends his love as do Adrian, Josie and the kids. They will come see you as soon as they can."

Blue eyes filled with tears, "Okay mom."

Moving forward, Emily hugged Maureen goodbye before taking her place at the side of the bed. While looking down into glazed azure spheres, she smiled, "Our children misbehaved from midnight for two and a half hours."

"Shit, no wonder mom looked exhausted. How are you doing?"

Gentle caresses wove a pattern across the right side of Jillian's face, "I'm relieved that you are doing all right."

"So am I babe. Did you get any sleep overnight?"

"Yes and I hate that you have been hurt again."

A small smile appeared, "I'm fucking sick of it to tell you the truth, but accidents happen."

Weaving fingers with Jillian's Emily suggested, "Jarrod and Sam will have to wait to see you."

"We can't do that to them; it will only create more shitty behaviour."

Acknowledging her wife was right, Emily asked, "Then what is the solution?"

"While they are here, they will have to sit by the bed and not on it. Grace or mom can bring along their booster seats."

"We can certainly give it a try honey."

Long lashed eyelids drooped slightly, "My absence and yours seems to be the catalyst, so let's do all we can to keep them involved. How about you go home now and gather up some toys and books then we can construct their own little play area in the room. I want to have them with us as much as possible Em. We can't put them in a corner and forget them."

"I love your heart and will be back soon."

"No, don't rush babe. Spend time at home with them and give yourself a break from frigging hospitals."

Emily's lips formed into a pout and Jillian's heart ached, "I want to be with you Jill."

"I truly appreciate that Em, but I'm struggling to stay awake and I'd like you to not stay here all day and night. I want you to only visit when the kids are here."

"Seriously?" questioned Emily a tad too sternly.

Calling on all her diplomacy, Jillian attempted to quantify her request, "I am here for two weeks and you and our freaking Little Rascals require stability and some semblance of a normal routine plus you are due back at work."

"What about your needs?"

"I'll be fine and will no doubt be sleeping a lot while not being the grumpiest patient we both know I can be. Now, pull on your "Big Girl" pants and go home."

"I'm not too fond of this bossy persona of yours."

"Deal with it Em. I love you so much, but our kids need you to be present while I am vacationing in this paradise."

Reluctantly, Emily consented, "All right, we'll visit after lunch."

"Thank you babe and please bring my laptop."

"I will and there are clothes and toiletries in the bag on the table courtesy of your mother."

"Got it."

With a kiss to Jillian's lips, Emily traced fingertips over her head stubble then bid farewell.

Jillian watched her leave with tear filled eyes as she let out the breath she'd been holding and allowed the pain to wash over her before pressing the call button for assistance.

-o-

Over the next four days, Jillian received visits from the Team including Dave and Erin before they were scheduled to fly off to Italy. She cried when Penelope told her of her engagement and giggled when Ashley showed up with pictures of her "not anything serious" girlfriend Teresa. It was evident from the happy snaps that Seaver was head over heels for her colleague and tremendously happy.

The restricted structure for the twins proved a success much to the delight of their parents and grandmother. Jillian's recovery proved to be slow as predicted as was her aversion to being bedridden.

Her spirits were uplifted when Emily dropped by unexpectedly Sunday night after the children's bedtime story. Emily animatedly talked about returning to work until Jillian drifted off. The patient had lasted all of twenty minutes, but that was enough for the visitor; she was worn out herself.

-o-

Monday 19th November

While preparing for work, Emily received a text from Aaron asking her to attend the office half an hour early. Confirming her acquiescence, she pulled on black boots, collected her equipment and gun from the safe then went downstairs to make a start on breakfast. Jarrod and Samantha were still asleep and not expected to wake for at least another thirty minutes.

Maureen greeted her in the kitchen and the two women set about cooking pancakes.

After attending to the kids' morning routine, Emily said goodbye and drove to Quantico in Jillian's Suburban. As normal, her sedan was left behind for Maureen and Grace to use.

-o-

The bullpen was deserted as Emily made her way towards her old desk. Her journey was halted when Aaron stepped out of his office.

"Good morning Emily," he said in greeting while leaning against the upper landing's rail.

Offloading her "go to" bag, Emily smiled at her Chief, "Good morning and why the early summons?"

"Bring your bag and step on up."

Doing so, Emily asked, "Why isn't Morgan here; isn't he acting up?"

A grin flashed across Hotch's lips, "He is not taking my place."

Taken aback by the answer, Emily scoffed, "And I am?"

"I was planning on informing you last week, but with Jillian's injury, there was a change. As you have stood in for me on previous occasions, there is no necessity to walk you through the position."

"Wow, thank you for the opportunity but what about Derek?"

"He declined the temporary offer several weeks ago," explained Aaron while looking over Emily's shoulder towards the door.

"I am surprised by his decision and are you expecting someone else?"

"Yes and here they are."

Spinning around, Emily was shocked to see Erin and Dave walking along the gantry, "I thought they flew out yesterday?"

Aaron didn't have time to answer as a smiling Section Chief entered the office, "Our itinerary was altered fractionally once Jillian was hospitalised."

Dave moved to her side, "This was supposed to happen at your place over the weekend."

Emily's face scrunched up, "I'm not following."

Withdrawing a Bureau envelope from her shoulder bag, Erin handed it to Emily, "Congratulations Unit Chief Prentiss."

"Say what?" questioned a flummoxed Emily. Turning to Hotch, she gushed, "What about you? This wasn't supposed to be permanent."

Aaron was all kinds of smiles, which in itself was another surprise for Emily, "I'll be remaining in Erin's position until the New Year while she takes extended leave then transferring to the New York Field Office as Section Chief of Violent Crime four weeks later."

An ach settled in Emily's chest, "What, you're leaving us?"

"Beth received an offer two weeks ago with the State Attorney's Office that was too good to turn down."

"And you didn't say anything because of the whole McCall case, right?" surmised Emily while keeping tears from falling.

"Correct."

Erin stepped in, "When Aaron came to me with news of Beth's transfer, I informed him a Unit Section Chief's position was coming up in February due to the retirement of William Grant. Bill had contacted me several days beforehand and asked me for my opinion of a worthy replacement. Aaron's name had already been mentioned, but at the time, I belayed my thoughts until Beth's new position came through."

Hotch continued, "I had my interview last Monday and received notification of my promotion and appointment Friday. I proposed to Beth that night and she accepted."

Teardrops fell from Emily's eyes, "Oh my god congratulations on both achievements, but you are so going to be missed."

"I'll miss you all, but it's time for me to move onto a new phase of life with Beth as my wife."

"Jesus, I'm a mess. I mean I'm so happy for you and Beth, but crap, it won't be the same without you."

Dave cleared his throat before speaking, "Sweetheart, we need to make a move or we'll miss our flight."

"Yes dear. Emily, good luck and we will talk at Aaron's farewell party that will be at Dave's on the 29th of December."

"Yes ma'am and thank you for the promotion."

"Serious, you were running INTERPOL's London Office and were the logical choice to supersede Aaron." Enfolding Emily in her arms, Erin kissed her cheek, "You'll be outstanding. Take care of yourself and Jill."

"I will and have a fantastic holiday."

"I plan on it."

Dave embraced Emily while Erin hugged Aaron, "Well deserved Kid."

"Thank you and have fun."

"We will and expect a case or two of wine to arrive at your house."

"I look forward to it."

Dave gave Hotch a cuddle and pat on the back, "See you when we get back."

Once the happy couple departed, Emily stared at Aaron, "Was the permanent job even offered to Derek?"

"No. You were Erin and the Director's first choice. You received high praise and accolades from your time at INTERPOL, so it was a simple decision once the job was no longer temporary."

With all the information crashing around in her brain, Emily took a moment before talking, "Holy crap, uhm, how is Jack with the move?"

"He is excited and really loves Beth. He's been calling her mom the past couple of weeks and she's been so thrilled."

"That's so sweet, but really, the Team won't be the same."

Hotch's smile remained, "I'm confident they will adapt under your leadership."

"I appreciate you having faith in me."

"I always have Emily," returned Aaron while pointing to the shiny new name plate with UNIT CHIEF Emily Prentiss embossed across the golden surface sitting on the oak desk. "Welcome to your new office."

More tears flowed and Emily wondered when they were likely to stop, "Thank you and Jill is going to be stunned."

"I have no doubt of that. By the way, Beth made you a cake in celebration and I put it in the Conference Room for the morning brief."

Wiping away the teardrops with the back of her hand, Emily laughed and hugged her friend, "Garcia will be pissed she wasn't included in baking it."

Hotch couldn't help but laugh at the thought, "She will for sure, but Beth wanted to contribute."

Breaking from the clinch, Emily stated, "This has been one hell of a start to the day."

-o-

Once Emily was bombarded with congratulatory hugs and kisses, she cut the cake and handed it out on paper plates along with forks. She'd only just taken a bite of the fluffy chocolate sponge with fresh strawberry cream when Jennifer sidled up to her.

"How's it going Chief?" she asked.

Swallowing the delectable morsel, Emily wiped cream off her lips with a napkin, "Really good and you?"

"I'm pregnant," cheered the blonde. "The rest of the Team know and that was the reason behind the trip to New Orleans. Will's family are so excited."

"Oh my god, I'm so happy for you and Will."

"We're over the moon and Henry is so anxious to have a baby brother or sister."

Disposing of her empty plate, Emily embraced the stuffing out of her friend while Penelope commenced cleaning up the room.

"I'm eight weeks along," snuck in Jennifer before stepping back.

"This morning is full of surprises and just gets more awesome," blurted out Emily as tears welled in her eyes.

Suddenly two strong arms enveloped her from behind. "It sure does Princess," agreed Derek. "If we remain case free, it will be even better."

"I'm all for a day of consults rather than field work," submitted Jennifer with a sigh.

"Count me in," offered Alex as she wrestled Penelope for her empty plate.

Reid moved in and grabbed it, "No field work would be nice." He tossed the paper dish in the trash can then added, "It would mean an early finish."

"Exactly Wonder Boy," pointed out Morgan. "My brilliant fiancée and I could tackle those pesky wedding plans."

"Pesky?" queried the aforementioned person behind raised eyebrows.

Derek waved both hands in front of her as a sign of surrender, "Hey Sugar Lips, I am not complaining."

"You better not be," warned Penelope playfully.

"No way, I'm not an idiot baby."

Emily made a whipping gesture to her Partner, "Just saying."

"Not you too Princess?" bemoaned a grinning Morgan.

"Always, now get to work everyone," instructed Emily while laughing.

"Yes Chief," chorused the room occupants.

"Oh shit," swore Emily. "Looks like I have a new nickname."

"Could be worse," noted Aaron as he hugged her around the shoulders.

"Boss is much worse," suggested Jennifer before bouncing out of the room.

"She has a point," assented Emily while chuckling. "And a need to skip apparently."

-o-

Up next: New roles and shifting responsibilities. Will the Two Terrors return?