TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Darkest Days" (A sequel to Behind the Mask)

SUMMARY: Agent Prentiss is forced to face her secretive past when it threatens the safety of her BAU colleagues and her beloved family.

A/N: Please find the time to review and feed the Muse.


Chapter 59

Saturday Night 22nd December

After preparing for bed, Jillian was cuddled into Emily's chest and ready to talk about her appointments with Doctor Quinn. Emily lazily drew circles along the base of her wife's spine as she remarked, "Jarrod told me you'd been sad and crying."

"Our boy doesn't miss much, does he?"

"No and were you upset because of negative test results?"

"No babe. My left fallopian tube is still healthy and clear of scar tissue. Jarrod caught me out when I was distraught about your absence during the procedures."

Remorse flooded every single pore of Emily, "Crap, I am so sorry Jill."

"Hey now, get off "the pity train" and put your "big girl pants"."

Laughing, Emily playfully goosed her spouse, "You are full of cheek."

"That would be your hand babe. Anyhoo, you and I can begin trying for a baby as of the fourteenth of January. Doctor Quinn has a sample of donor 420's sperm on ice along with one of my kick ass eggs. She'll be back from holidays on the seventh and will introduce specimens then. If all goes to plan, you can impregnate me a week later."

"Wow," was all Emily could get out before launching an attack on Jillian's lips; quickly followed by other parts of her anatomy.

-o-

Thirty minutes passed before an out of breath Jillian enquired, "What caused your sex assault?"

"The image of you pregnant got me all hot and bothered."

"And me a brilliant orgasm or six."

"I lost count after three," admitted a giggling Emily. "I tend to zone out and turn into a blabbering idiot on most occasions."

Grinning at her wife, Jillian's eyes glistened with tears, "I like that we have returned to fun chat in bed."

Reaching up, Emily tenderly caressed fingertips along Jillian's brow, "I do too honey and your dad was hilarious with the twins during dinner."

"Poor Jarrod was convinced hot dogs were made from real dogs until dad convinced him otherwise."

"Samantha was having none of it, but laughed along anyway."

Kissing her wife on the temple, an ecstatic Jillian tittered, "Did you notice mom giving dad the sexy eye?"

"No, but they did rush of to bed, didn't they?"

"Yes and thank goodness for soundproof walls is all I can say."

"Aww, it warms my heart to see how in love they still are."

Jillian let out a deep, tired sigh, "Mine too and Adrian and his clan will touch down at eleven tomorrow. Dad has already volunteered to pick them up."

"That's great and I'll be busy helping our mothers in the kitchen preparing Christmas Day treats."

"That is one area of the house I intend avoiding at all costs."

"Chicken," scoffed Emily behind a grin.

Jillian tightened her embrace, "I'll accept that character assassination babe. Three bossy women in the kitchen will be plenty and dad and I are booked for fort assembly with the kids. Josie will be out doing last minute shopping, so she is safe too."

"Fine, but I do expect you to visit me on occasion for a kiss and cuddle break. Our moms are slave drivers when it comes to big time prep."

"I agree and I thank you for making the sacrifice on behalf of our family babe."

Black eyebrows arched in question, "Is there a reward in that sentence somewhere?"

"Good lord, you are insatiable tonight."

"As opposed to any other time we are alone together?"

"Gosh, how the hell did I luck out with you?"

"Fate; now shut up and kiss your horny wife."

Jillian's head lolled backwards and she laughed, "Ahh, my favourite is back; Bossy Emily."

-o-

Saturday 29th December

Christmas Day came and went without any unexpected ado, and before anyone had a chance to catch their breath, it was time to assemble at Dave and Erin's to say farewell to Hotch, Beth and Jack. The day was filled with an abundance of Italian food, delicious wine and hilarious shared memories from over the years. Ashely managed to attend along with her girlfriend Teresa and Aaron was happy to see them. As expected, festivities ended with tears and assurances of visits and regular phone calls, chat time and e-mails.

The twins were upset about losing their friend Jack and as compensation; Emily promised to read them an extra chapter at bedtime that evening. Jillian had attempted to explain why Aaron and Beth were moving, but it only caused confusion and more waterworks. She ended up withdrawing from the children's bedroom to go shower.

Emily found Jillian in the cubicle ten minutes later and happily joined her. Pressing into her wife's back, Emily noted, "The kids were tired honey and not comprehending what you were saying."

"I know Em and they'll understand in the morning. I mean it's not as if we haven't discussed it with them before."

"True and I think they picked up on other's sadness."

"I agree and your mother didn't help by bribing them with a visit to the zoo after breakfast tomorrow without talking to us first."

Unseen, Emily rolled her eyes, "I spoke to her about overstepping the boundaries."

Jillian let out a short chuckle, "It's okay babe, she was slightly intoxicated."

"Drunk more like it," clarified Emily prior to pecking Jillian's left earlobe. "She was most apologetic."

"Annoyingly so," submitted Jillian while rotating and grinning. "Geoffrey and Madeline were thrilled by the invite too."

Giving Jillian a lopsided smile, Emily praised, "They're good kids and Josie hinted her and Adrian have discussed having another baby."

Blonde eyebrows rose, "Wow, good for them."

"I'm so happy and Dereck was so excited to tell us about Penny being pregnant."

Jillian couldn't help but laugh at the image, "The man was a blubbering fool, and I actually knew last Monday. Pen mentioned they would share the news at work, but things snowballed with a case, blah, blah, freaking blah."

The comment earned her a kiss on the chin, "You are really good at keeping secrets honey."

"Maybe baby," acknowledged Jillian before bringing her lips to Emily's and effectively halting all conversation.

-o-

After Elizabeth, Maureen and Malcolm had left the house with the children, Adrian suggested a double date to the movies and lunch at the Olive Garden located near the cinema. Josie vetoed the selection of restaurant and it brought about an argument between her and Adrian. The end result was a truce and agreement to eat at Emily's favourite French establishment instead.

Jillian volunteered to drive and as she reversed out of the garage, she caught a glimpse of a pouting Josie in the rear view mirror, "You are hopeless at hiding things Josie."

"Say what?" came the timid response.

Emily stared at her wife and waited for an explanation, "In all the time I have known you, the only time you and my brother have fought is when you were pregnant with raging hormones."

"Shit," swore Adrian. "We were waiting until tomorrow to break the news."

Turning around in her seat, Emily beamed, "Awesome, congrats."

"Thanks," returned Josie as Jillian pulled in against the kerb.

Jumping from the vehicle, Jillian opened her sister in-law's door and hugged her, "Well done, I'm so pleased for you."

"We are over the moon Jill; totally thrilled."

Adrian was next and he cried, as did the others. It was five minutes before the foursome were on their way and grinning madly.

-o-

Jarrod ran into the lounge room and sprang onto the couch and into Emily's open arms, "Had the bestest time mama."

"I'm glad Little Man. Where are the others?"

"Taking off coats," he replied while sliding off Emily's lap then climbing onto Jillian's. "Had hottie dogs for lunch mommy."

Nuzzling into her son's hair, Jillian enquired, "Were they good?"

"They yummy in my tummy. Where Ad and Josie?"

"Having a nap," answered Emily as Samantha, Geoffrey and Madeline appeared.

Samantha took centre stage and commenced a detailed rundown of the day's events at the zoo. Her parents and grandparents keenly listened and asked questioned at the appropriate times.

-o-

Adrian and Josie's news was well received during the New Year's Eve celebration at Elizabeth's, and Jillian joked it was a baby bonanza all round. The following week Maureen and Malcolm returned to Titusville while Elizabeth travelled back to Rome and Adrian and his mob flew back to Manhattan.

To no one's surprise, Grace returned sporting and engagement ring and the sixth of July was marked off on the calendar for the nuptials. Dave and Erin resumed work as did Emily and Jillian.

The Team was deployed to Seattle within the first hour with a now five months pregnant Jennifer remained behind to assist Penelope. The younger blonde wasn't too happy about the order from Emily, but the Chief explicated she had received stern instructions from Will the previous day, and she wasn't going to cause any extra worry for the expectant father. Jennifer accepted it was the right thing to do workwise and headed for her desk while the rest of the Unit gathered their bags and equipment.

-o-

Just as the jet was levelling off, Emily received a phone call from Rodney Palmer, "Good morning Rodney, is there something I can help you with."

All heads turned towards the Unit Chief, in particular Jillian. The matter of McCall's execution date had not been spoken about by anyone, and now that Court was back in session, she suspected the AUSA had an update.

"Good morning Emily, I hope I am not interrupting?"

The urge to stand, shove Spencer out of his seat and sit beside her wife beckoned, but she refrained. She smiled at an attentive Jillian as an alternative, "We are actually in the air headed for Seattle, but I am more than happy to speak with you."

"Great. I won't delay in telling you a date has been set for McCall's sentence to be carried out. He will be put to death at ten o'clock Wednesday night on the first of May."

Although elated with the news, Emily did ask, "That soon? What about his one opportunity for appeal?"

"The prick waived his right and the Judge was most accommodating."

"Phew, that is an excellent outcome Rodney."

"It is and before I go, I just want to apologise for my pitiful handling of passing on McCall's guilty plea. I know I already said I was sorry when you called me on it in private, but I didn't render my reasons for being a douche bag with you and Jill."

"It is water under the bridge Rodney and there are no hard feelings."

"I appreciate your sentiment Emily and that day was not a good one for me. I found out only minutes before McCall's Attorney called my office that one of the Interns had leaked vital information on a case to the press. I had no right to take my disappointment out on you guys by not thinking clearly."

"I fully understand, but in the future, please talk to me first. I am a good listener."

There was a laugh on the other end before Rodney ended the call. Emily pocketed her phone and addressed the curious onlookers with news of the execution date. The rest of the information was also passed along.

The cabin was filled with cheers and applause with Jillian being the most animated. Tears pricked the back of her eyes as she nodded to Emily, "Front row seat reservation Chief Prentiss."

"You can bet on it SSA Rolston."

They couple shared a private celebration later that night while preparing for bed in their hotel room.

-o-

The BA Unit was kept busy in Seattle until late Thursday morning and Emily stood them down until the subsequent Monday, once a debrief was given back at Quantico. Jennifer took the opportunity to announce she was going to gather up her family and visit New Orleans while Spencer and Alex planned to see their mothers. Dave went to speak with his wife and Derek and Penelope make a hasty exit for home.

Jillian entered Emily's office a short time later, "Rossi is dropping me off home, so I'll see you there."

Looking up from a file, Emily smiled, "Okay, I'll be at least two more hours. Can we have meatloaf for dinner please?"

"I'll talk to the chef and see what I can do for you Chief."

"Thank you."

"Bye ma'am."

Jillian was gone before Emily could serve a witty salvo back at her. She giggled for several minutes before regaining her composure and sorting out the last of her paperwork.

-o-

Two excited kids, meatloaf with mashed potato and a loving wife were waiting for Emily when she arrived home a little past six o'clock. Jarrod and Samantha had been bathed and were wearing their Tigger and Winnie the Pooh pyjamas respectively as they rushed towards Emily.

Discarding her bags onto the kitchen counter, she swooped them up in her arms and proceeded to smooch their cheeks and tickle their ribs. Jillian made the last touches to dinner before leaning in and pecking Emily on the head.

"Welcome home. The table is set, so go on up and change babe," Jillian added while turning off the stove top.

"We help mama," announced Jarrod proudly prior to landing a sloppy kiss on his mother's nose.

Samantha scowled at her brother, "You drop the peas Jar."

Not to be outdone, Jarrod returned, "You ate carrots."

Emily was about to chastise them for being tattletales, when the twins cuddled into each other and giggled. With no crisis forthcoming, Emily joined in the laughter and carried the two rascals upstairs to the main bedroom.

Jillian absorbed the gaiety as she served up four meals and took them to the dining table. It was impossible to stop smiling as the children loudly continued to ask their mother copious questions about her day as the trio climbed the stairs.

Jarrod requested the family watch a movie before bedtime in place of a story and his sister chose Toy Story 3. The twins made it to the thirty minute mark before drifting off to dreamland and two parents carried them up to their beds.

There was a shared shower before retiring for the night, and Jillian ended up being the little spoon to Emily's big. As was their norm, the couple dissected the day's events before making love and blissfully finding slumber.

-o-