TITLE: Criminal Minds – "Darkest Days" (A sequel to Behind the Mask)
A/N: Please find the time to review and feed the Muse. Apologies for the delay, but as Deadpool said, "Cancer is a shit show". Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 61
Saturday 26th January
Derek and Penelope's wedding day at the Park Hyatt Hotel arrived, and after several vomit sessions for the bride; she swore revenge on morning sickness and got on with dressing. Penelope was ably assisted by her Maids Jennifer, Emily and Jillian. Alex acted as her Matron of Honour while everyone was thrilled to see Aaron, Beth and Jack. Maureen and Malcolm had flown in the night before as had Elizabeth and several interstate guests.
The groom was as handsome as ever as he stood with his best man Hotch alongside Groomsmen Dave and Spencer. Derek's mother Fran and his sisters Sarah and Desiree cried the entire service and Penelope wasn't much better. She blamed it on the hormones, but no one was buying it. The Analyst was exquisite in her white satin gown and Emily couldn't take her eyes off Jillian as they remained side by side attired in dark purple dresses.
Once the Bridal Party photographs had been conducted, Emily and Jillian sought out the twins and discovered them crashed out in the children's entertainment room being watched over by their grandfather.
"Thanks dad, we'll take it from here," commented Jillian while staring at her son decked out in his tuxedo and her daughter's outfit consisting of a pink chiffon dress and matching shoes. She found it difficult to erase the smile planted on her face.
Standing, Malcolm placed a hand on Jillian's right shoulder, "I was going to suggest your mother and I take the kids home. We can call a taxi Jill."
"Sounds like a good plan, but take our car instead. You won't have to worry about safety seats for then. Emily and I can cab it home."
Nodding, Malcolm neared the exit, "In that case, I'll go round up your mother."
"We'll meet you outside with the kids," recommended Emily as she approached Samantha.
-o-
Emily was animatedly chatting with Alex and Jennifer when Jillian joined them. Slipping an arm around her wife's midriff, she pressed lips against Emily's ear, "I'm ready for home babe. If you want to stay and party on, Dave and Erin have offered to drop me off."
Rotating a fraction, Emily replied, "Are you sure?"
"Yes I am. You hang out with the girls and I'll see you later."
Kissing Jillian's lips, Emily beamed, "Thank you."
Making her farewell, Jillian departed with Erin and Dave while Jennifer made her escape and dragged Will onto the dancefloor.
Grabbing a fresh drink when a server passed by, Emily looked out to the dancers and remarked, "I'm so glad Jillian introduced Spencer to Faith; they really hit it off."
Reaching for a champagne glass, Alex grinned, "They're both highly intelligent people, but seriously, they are kind of awkward dancers."
Emily joined in the critique; she would blame it on the alcohol later, "Jillian attempted to teach Spencer some modern moves last week, but she ran out of time."
"After their first date last weekend, Reid hasn't stopped talking about Faith. It's about time he found someone with similar interests, and I believe Faith is a sci-fi nerd in her spare time."
"That is a fact. They are planning to attend a Comic-Con event together."
With a raised left eyebrow, Alex giggled, "If I remember correctly, you're a bit of a nerd too."
"I haven't seen a good sci-fi movie in ages," Emily lamented before sipping more beverage.
"Motherhood and work doesn't leave too much time for social activities, does it?"
"No, but Jill and I do make an effort to have a date night or day at least once a fortnight."
A frown formed on Alex's lips, "Good on you."
Emily recognised the signs, "It must be extremely hard having your husband absence so often."
"The older I get, the more I dislike the distance between us."
"I can understand."
"To tell you the truth Emily, I am beginning to resent the fact that James and I are separated for a good part of the year. It would be nice to have him by my side at special occasions like these."
Emily was about to reply when Ashley sidled up to her, "Come on Chief, let's go show Reid how to dance. You too Alex, it's a team effort."
Putting down their drink, the two senior Agents complied.
-o-
Creeping into the ensuite, an inebriated Emily closed the door before switching on the lights. She blinked a few times until her eyes adjusted to the brightness then proceeded to undress. Her high heels had been abandoned at the bottom of the staircase as had her handbag and half empty bottle of Moët. As she tossed her bra into the general direction of the hamper, Emily reached for her toothbrush followed by the tube of paste. Struggling to remove the cap, she giggled and swore, "Shit, fuck and double fuck."
The cursing only made her laugh more before managing to apply a strip of paste onto the brush. Concentrating hard, she accomplished the act of tooth hygiene then headed for the shower. Opening the screen, Emily stumbled into the cubicle and reached for the multi-mix tap. Once the water was of an appropriate temperature, she stood under the pulsating stream and groaned as the beads massaged her tired body.
Six minutes of pure indulgence elapsed until Emily turned off the water and dried off.
As she opened the door, a smiling Jillian greeted her, "Hello Lady Gaga."
"What?" queried a confused Emily.
"You were singing "You & I"."
"Oops, did I wake you honey?"
"No, that happened when you banged into the door and uttered a few choice words."
Trying not to giggle, Emily apologised, "Shit so sorry my sexy assed wife. God you looked so amazing today."
Returning a smile, Jillian throatily said, "As did you, but it's time you got into bed."
Emily snaked an arm around Jillian's hip and pulled her in tight, "Want to fool around Agent Sexy?"
"I'd love to, but I have to clean up the bathroom first." Taking a sidestep, she moved into the aforementioned room.
"Why?"
"Because someone made a mess with toothpaste, water and clothing."
"Who did that?"
Spinning around, Jillian smirked, "You did my beautiful drunk. Now go to bed."
"Yes honey, love you."
"I love you too," returned Jillian before turning her attention to the pile of clothes on the floor.
By the time she'd wiped down the counter and cleaned the excess toothpaste off the mirror, her wife had some explaining to do when she woke up.
-o-
With Derek and Penelope on their two week long honeymoon in Venice, Kevin was working with the BA Units and Emily was actively processing the stack of consults on her desk. Luckily, the Team was not called to any cases involving travelling out of state; only locally.
On Friday the eighth of February, Emily received a text from Jillian asking her to meet in the women's locker room. Thinking she was about to get lucky with some clandestine kisses, Emily's hopes were dashed when she opened the door to a weeping blonde. Rushing to her, Emily wrapped her arms around her and enquired, "What's wrong?"
In between sobs, Jillian explained, "I'm not pregnant, I just started my period."
Tightening her hold, Emily's heart sunk as she soothed her wife, "It will be all right honey."
Taking a deep breath, Jillian ceased the tears, "I've already called Faith and advised her to cancel the blood test scheduled for two weeks' time."
Crestfallen, but unwilling to add to Jillian's emotional carnage, Emily pressed her lips to Jillian's cheek, "We'll talk at home honey, but for now why don't you call it a day?"
"It's fine. I can pull my shit together while you comfort me." Looking into her spouse's tear filled eyes, Jillian continued, "I guess we will try again."
"We will my love," promised Emily while running her hands up and down Jillian's spine. "We will."
-o-
Emily exited the restroom first and returned to her office. Taking a seat, she reached for a handful of tissues from the box situated on her desk and proceeded to dab away the free flowing tears. Her worst fears in regards to her wife had come to pass and her heart broke for the pain she knew Jillian was stoically experiencing.
To her surprise, Jillian informed her that evening that she had spoken to Doctor Quinn again and asked for another of her frozen eggs to be fertilised. The couple would be able to undergo another procedure as early as the twenty fifth of February when Jillian was due to ovulate next.
To her credit, Jillian remained in high spirits and showered Emily with presents and a romantic dinner for Valentine's Day. Their parents and friends had been informed of the failed IVF and had been sympathetic and supportive in the days that followed.
The second implantation had been less painful and Emily and Jillian were optimistic and their positive thoughts were rewarded as the eighth of March came and went with Jillian's lack of menstruating.
On the fifth of April, a blood analysis confirmed Jillian was six weeks pregnant.
The joyous duo celebrated the news with an outdoor picnic with the twins, along with the decision to not discuss their good fortune with others.
The following day, the Team travelled to Wisconsin for a triple murder home invasion and kidnapping, while Dave and Jennifer stayed behind. Rossi was busy taking care of last minute wedding preparations and a heavily pregnant Jennifer handled incoming consults.
-o-
Monday 8th April
Once the Perpetrators were handed over to the Wisconsin Police Department, The BA Unit boarded their jet and returned to Quantico. After a thorough debrief, Emily stood the Team down until the next morning.
As Emily attended to paperwork, Jillian visited her office to let her know Dave was giving her a ride home and staying for dinner.
"The kids will enjoy that," Emily noted with a smile.
"They will and Erin will be joining us as soon as possible. How long do you think you'll be Chief?"
Gesturing to the pile of folders, Emily huffed, "At least another two hours I'm afraid."
Approaching the side of the desk, Jillian leaned over and kissed her wife's forehead, "Sucks to be the boss, don't it? I'll see you at home babe."
Melting at the gentle touch, Emily accepted her fate, "Yes it does my love and I'll be as quick as I can."
-o-
Saturday 13th April, 2013
Dave's vast backyard had been transformed into a Sicilian village with marquees, floral arrangements, tables and chairs and a flower encased temporary alter. Opting for a celebrant to perform the ceremony, many a tear was shed as Erin and Dave exchanged vows under a perfect blue sky.
Rossi's family and friends were present to celebrate as were Erin's. Aaron, Beth and Jack had arrived that morning and Jarrod and Samantha were overexcited to see them.
The vino flowed and the caterers dished out four courses of scrumptious Italian food.
By the time the Rolston/Prentiss family arrived home, the twins were fast asleep and Malcolm and Maureen volunteered to put them to bed while Jillian assisted her wife upstairs.
"What a great day," cheered Emily while being undressed in the bathroom.
"It was babe and it was excellent to catch up with Aaron and Beth."
Ambling into the shower, Emily enquired throatily, "Are you joining me?"
A smile stretched Jillian's mouth, "Of course, but first I'll go grab you some chilled water."
"You are so thoughtful honey. I am fortunate to be married to you."
'And you are drunk and lucky," pointed out the blonde with a chuckle.
Grinning madly, Emily conceded, "Guilty as charged, but I'm still capable of making love to my wonderful and sexy wife."
"Those are big words Em, I'll hold you to them," returned Jillian playfully prior to dashing out the room.
-o-
Jillian lay curled up in the arms of Emily and sighed as a gentle hand caressed her shoulder, "You do realise you become a tad aggressive when inebriated, don't you?"
There was a brief scoff, "Are you complaining?"
"Heck no, I like it when you take charge."
With a swift chuckle, Emily pecked the top of Jillian's hair, "Mmm, it shows in the way you respond."
Cuddling in deeper, Jillian declared, "I love you Em."
"I love you too and am ready for sleep."
Jillian smiled as Emily yawned, "I'm wide awake."
Weariness evaporated and Emily asked, "Do you want to talk honey?"
"No babe, you sleep."
Yawning again, Emily slid down the mattress and Jillian adjusted her position without losing contact, "I'm good for a couple of minutes Jill. Is there anything in particular on your mind?"
"I thought we could make an announcement about the baby in two weeks' time."
"That's an awesome idea, but I have a feeling your mother knows."
Tittering, Jillian lifted her head, "Yeah, she was hovering around me all day and making sure I was okay."
"I noticed. We can arrange a barbeque for the twenty seventh when your parents visit next," put forth Emily behind another yawn.
"Sounds like a plan my Sleeping Beauty and I'll get the word out tomorrow."
"Excellent because I will be sleeping in."
"Fair enough Chief Prentiss, you've earned it by consuming all that alcohol and dancing wildly with Spencer and Penny."
"Hey now," protested Emily with a giggle. "I had to make up for your lack of involvement."
"You keep telling yourself that my darling."
"I will my love, now kiss me goodnight."
"Oh, here comes Bossy Emily again. I like her," joked Jillian before complying.
-o-
The Team made a trip to Charleston then Ohio during the subsequent two weeks and news of Jillian's pregnancy was overwhelmingly received by family and friends. Elizabeth got the celebrations started with having a case of Bollinger delivered to the house and initiating well wishes.
Earlier that morning, Jillian and Emily informed the kids of the impending arrival of a baby brother or sister. To their relief, both children were receptive and thrilled with the prospect of more playmates. There was a series of questions from the twins and without going into too much detail, their parents commenced explaining giving birth.
As the family sat side by side on the couch, Samantha scrunched up her face and rubbed Jillian's stomach, "Baby in there mommy?"
"Yes sweetie. When he or she has grown big enough, I'll go to the hospital and deliver them?"
Blond eyebrows knotted together as Jarrod asked, "How?"
Glancing at Emily, Jillian silently pleaded for assistance, "Uhm, Doctor Quinn with take them out." Faith had already discussed it would be preferable for a Caesarean delivery due to Jillian's internal scarring.
Samantha was all ears, "How she do that?"
"She'll make a cut on my tummy," began Jillian.
Retracting her hand, Samantha jumped up and ran from the room screaming and arms flaying. Her brother was right on her heels and just as horrified.
Stunned, Jillian turned to Emily, "Shit, maybe I should have said the baby pops out of my vagina."
Emily held back a laugh, "Hindsight honey and we better go find them."
Shaking her head, Jillian got up and reached for Emily's right hand, "They'll be outside with our parents. Goodness knows what they are telling them."
"Crap," bemoaned Emily. "This is not going to be simple."
The couple's dread was alleviated once they neared the patio area and overheard Maureen talking about childbirth. Jarrod was sitting to her left, Samantha her right and both were listening intently and somewhat calmly.
Squeezing Emily's hand, Jillian whispered, "We should have just asked her to tell them."
"True honey."
When Maureen finished, Samantha stared at Jillian, "It no hurt you mommy or baby?"
Drawing closer, Jillian knelt in front of her daughter, "No sweetie."
Folding her arms across her chest, Samantha nodded, "Otay, I no watch."
"Not me," added Jarrod. "It yucky."
"You won't have to," Jillian reassured them.
"Where we be mama?" enquired Jarrod of Emily.
"You will be outside waiting with Grandma, Grandpa and Nana."
"We play?" suggested Samantha with raised brows.
Emily refrained from laughing, "Yes, you'll be able to take toys with you."
"Otay, I understand."
"Me too," chimed in a smiling Jarrod. "We wait."
"Thanks mom," Jillian said while straightening up.
"You are welcome and while we have a quiet moment; your father and I have some news to share."
The word "divorce" popped into Jillian's mind and tears filled her eyes. Beside her, Emily was no better.
-o-
