"I'll still be here when you're ready."
Emily was already awake when it happened again. It started with JJ's low whimper and the blonde curling into herself as if for protection. That's how it always started. Emily scooted in as close to JJ as she could and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend who had started to quiver. Emily soothingly ran her hand up and down JJ's arm when it appeared that just holding her wasn't going to placate her but JJ began to jerk and twist in Emily's embrace.
JJ bolted upright with a loud, anxious cry, breathing erratically and clutching her side like it hurt. Emily sat up with her, her grip firm and steadying on JJ's shoulders as JJ covered her face with her hands, still breathing hard. Emily pulled JJ into her compliantly and just held her while she came back down from her panic attack.
"It was a bad one this time, huh?" Emily murmured softly once JJ's breathing had mostly returned to normal.
JJ sighed and sat up more fully. "This time?"
"You've been mostly sleeping through the night terrors once you realize you're not alone." Emily shrugged. "I wasn't going to bring it up until you did, but…" she trailed off when JJ nodded. "Do you want to talk about it?"
JJ squeezed her eyes shut once and shook her head. "Can you just hold me right now?"
"Of course." Emily laid back down, guiding JJ with her and she curled into Emily's side with her head on the older woman's chest. "We can talk whenever you want. I'll still be here when you're ready."
JJ took a deep steadying breath, calming at the familiar scent of her girlfriend. "I think I should go back to therapy." She admitted in a small voice.
Emily kissed the top of JJ's head. "I think that's a good idea."