I apologise for the length it took me to get this written but I did struggle a bit and it's the longest chapter by far, I hope you like it. Thank you so much for the continued support!
This continues on from the last chapter.
As soon as she heard the shrill ringing of her phone, Emily silently cursed herself and darted towards it, hoping to get to the shrill, offending noise before it woke JJ or Carrie, who were still asleep. Her ringtone had always been loud so that no matter where her phone was in her condo she would hear it. Usually she liked it that way but now she was cursing it.
Not recognising the number on the screen, she easily slipped into her professional mode. "Agent Prentiss."
"Hello Agent Prentiss, this is Katie Walsh with DC Child Services, regarding your recent fostering of Carrie Oritz." Emily immediately froze in the middle of placing the bacon and pancakes on plates for the three of them. She had known this call was coming but it had slipped her mind with JJ's injury.
"Hello Ms Walsh, what can I do for you today?" She managed to respond before there was a noticeable gap in the conversation.
"As I'm sure you're aware, there is a need for a home visit and interview to make sure that everything is in order and you are a suitable parent for Carrie. Are you in the DC area today for that visit, around 11 o' clock?" Parent. Emily was now a parent. She knew the way it was phrased that it wasn't a request, this was happening today.
Ever the child of a diplomat, her nerves didn't show as she answered. "Most certainly, 11 o' clock is perfect. I'll expect you then. Is there anything I should have in order for when you arrive?"
"No Agent Prentiss, we want everything to be presented as close to everyday life as possible. See you at 11."
"See you then." As soon as the phone was off the line, Emily started freaking out. What if they didn't think she was worthy to be a parent? Shit she was a parent now. How did that happen? She was now responsible for this other person. What would they ask her? What if she gave the wrong answer?
In her moment of blind panic, she hadn't heard JJ descend the stairs and jumped in fright as she felt one arm wrap around her waist and a soft kiss being placed on her neck.
"Who was on the phone?" JJ whispered as Emily turned in her arms, her panic still evident on her face.
"That was DC Child Services, they're coming for their home interview in just over an hour and a half."
"Hey baby, what's wrong? You knew this was coming and I know this is scary but you have been amazing since Carrie got here. She couldn't have a better role model and they'll see that. Do you still want me here, I can go home?" JJ took Emily's face in her good hand and tried to reassure the older woman.
"No!" Emily almost shouted. "I want you to stay. Plus you're going to be here a lot and I want them to know that and what you mean to me. I knew this was going to come but after last night and your injury I just forgot about it." Emily was much calmer now that she was in the presence of the blonde, JJ just had that effect on people.
"Okay well then I tell you what, I'll get this food over to the table while you go get Carrie out of bed and we'll then make a plan over breakfast, how does that sound?"
Hearing how calm JJ was made Emily draw the younger woman in for a kiss. "That already sounds like a plan Jen. Thank you for calming me down."
Five minutes before the DCFS agent was supposed to arrive and Emily was running around the condo, looking to tidy things that had already been tidy before the call that morning. When she smoothed her already pristine trousers for the fourth time, JJ decided it was time to try calm her down while Carrie was trying not to laugh at the frazzled woman.
"Emily can you please calm down. Everything is going to go perfectly. You look amazing, stop fixing your clothes." The three were now wearing casual but smart clothes, JJ and Emily in their usual slacks and button down shirts, the blonde having to borrow some of Emily's and Carrie was wearing a knee-length skirt and white blouse.
"But what if they don't think I'm capable. What if they use the fact that I'm gay against me?" The brunette whispered, only just loud enough for JJ to hear.
Again pulling the brunette into her, JJ smiled up at Emily as she replied. "Emily Prentiss, you are an amazing person and role model. I know this is freaking you out a little bit. I also know both you and I know that the whole being a parent thing is freaking you out too." How did JJ always know what was really bothering her? "I know you will be an amazing Mom, okay? If those people don't see how amazing you will be just because you're with me then that is blatant homophobia and we will cross that bridge if we come to it. You keep your chin up and show them that brilliant, smart person you are."
"Jennifer Jareau, what would I do with out you?" The older woman asked, placing a soft, loving kiss on the blonde's lips just as the door buzzed.
"Give yourself a coronary I'm sure. Now go and kick ass!" As Emily went to go let the agent in, JJ turned to Carrie. "You okay Mooch? You ready?"
"Yeah I'm ready. Jayj do you think that the fact that I want to stay here will make any difference?" JJ smiled at the use of her nickname.
"Yes it will. I'm sure they'll interview you separately and they probably will ask you that question and you just be completely honest with them and everything will work itself out okay?"
Before the teen could reply, Emily entered followed by a woman in her late 30's and a slightly younger looking man, both dressed in suits, carrying clipboards and looking friendly.
"This is Carrie and my girlfriend Agent Jennifer Jareau. These are Agents Walsh and Crowley. Can I get you something to drink?"
"No we're okay thank you. There is no mention here of a girlfriend?" Walsh stated, obviously taking the lead in the interview, as they sat in the living room.
"Well it's recent but it's serious. We've known each other for a while and we both have wanted this for a long time too." Emily said with ease and a beaming smile, making it hard to believe that not a moment ago she had been almost shaking with nerves.
"Agent Jareau? I take it it's easy to presume that you work with Agent Prentiss?"
"JJ, please. Yes, we work together in the BAU, we have done for over a year now." The blonde replied, using her 'Media Liaison' smile.
"Can I ask you how you received your injuries?" It was Crowley who spoke this time.
"Certainly. Last night I was at work and there was an altercation with a suspect, during which I fell down some stairs. I am here with Emily as I adjust to being able to use only one arm and because I hit my head." She had barely finished talking when she realised what the agents were implying. "I have all the documentation from the hospital and you can have copies of the reports once they are written. The team are still apprehending the suspect."
"Thank you, all of that documentation will be necessary. Agent Prentiss are we free to look around at will?" Crowley asked, gesturing towards the stairs.
"Emily, please. Most certainly. As you can see here is the living area and upstairs is the bathroom, office, spare bedroom, Carrie's room and mine. Do you want me to show you around?"
"No thank you Emily. We prefer to view the area without any bias so we can come to our own conclusions, I hope you understand."
"I do, that's no problem, we'll be here." As soon as the two DCFS agents disappeared up the stairs the uncertainty seeped back into Emily's posture and features. "Jen they already hate me."
"Em, they don't really think that you hurt me, they have to ask that and your head knows that. Just show them how much love is in this home and they wont be able to say anything." She assured, taking the older woman's hand in her good one.
The three were sitting in silence for several moments before Carrie broke the silence with a barely-there whisper. "Emily?"
"Yeah kiddo?"
Her voice broke as she answered. "I don't want to leave."
The older brunette opened her arms for Carrie as the teen let out a sob. "Well then I'll do my very best to keep you here."
As the two DCFS agents descended the stairs the two brunettes were still embraced on the couch.
"Emily, Carrie, we would like to speak to you separately." Walsh stated, very matter-of-factly.
"Where would you like me?" JJ asked, not really sure of her role in the whole situation.
"I would like to speak to Emily first and then both of you together if that's okay. Crowley will speak with Carrie."
"That's no problem, I'll be upstairs. Em, you'll call me?" The blonde asked with a smile.
"I'll come get you, are you okay with the stairs? Is your head okay?" Unbeknownst to both women, their interaction was being closely observed by the two agents.
"I'm good Em, I have a bit of a headache but I'm fine."
"Okay, I'll come get you soon." Turning her attention back to the rest of the room, she continued. "You two can use the office, Carrie can you show Agent Crowley up?"
"Yeah sure, see you soon." Carrie looked anything but confident as she rose from the couch and seeing the scared look on the teens face, Emily decided to ignore the fact that there were other people in the room and rose with Carrie, pulling her into a hug.
"It'll all be okay. Just be honest with them and everything will work out and remember, whatever they ask you they have to, they ask everyone." She whispered just loud enough for the young brunette to hear.
"Thanks Emily, I'll remember." Carrie replied as she pulled out of the hug.
Emily didn't return to her place, sitting on the couch until JJ, Carrie and Crowley had disappeared up the stairs.
After seeing the affection evident in the exchanges between the three women, Walsh visibly relaxed, a smile breaking out on her face for the first time since entering the condo.
"So Emily, you're thirty-seven?" Walsh asked, with a more approachable smile.
"Yes, I am."
"What is your family situation?"
"I'm an only child of two Ambassadors who are both currently stationed in London. I'm not close to any of their siblings or my cousins and my grandparents are all dead. I've never been close with my parents, I consider Jen and the BAU my family." She stated matter-of-factly.
"How do you mean?"
"We're more than just a team. The things we see, the people we catch, the amount of time we spend together, it forms un-imaginable bonds. We have to be there for each other and trust each other with our lives, without that none of us could do what we do."
"You mentioned how much time your team spend together and I've read about how much you travel. How do you expect to look after Carrie when you travel so much, spend so much time on cases?"
"I have some leave built up so for the moment I'm not working. When Carrie starts school next week, I'm going to work half days from the office and once we have everything worked out I'm looking into hiring a live-in nanny, I have yet to speak to Carrie about that."
Seemingly satisfied with Emily's answer, Walsh moved on. "You say you have to speak to Carrie about it. What do you mean? Isn't this a decision to be made by you?"
"Yes, ultimately it is but I want her included in all decisions, especially ones which have such a great influence on her."
"I notice that JJ seems to have extensive injuries from this altercation at work last night." After watching the two interact, she was sure that was the case. "What if something happens to you at work?"
"Jen's injuries appear worse than they are but I will admit that our job is very dangerous and I could get injured. That's why I'm going to have a very secure plan for if that does happen. I won't put myself in danger until we have a nanny or a similar arrangement. I am also consulting with Jennifer and I know she will always be here for Carrie, as would the rest of my team should anything happen. I'll also make sure to have her set up financially."
"Emily, are you planning to adopt Carrie?" Walsh asked, no longer tip-toeing around the subject.
"It is very early days yet but I care very deeply for her and if she wanted that then I would happily adopt her. I don't want to push her into anything, her parents did just die."
"Very well Emily. You say you would set her up financially, I've seen your financials and I know your salary, how do you have so much money?"
Knowing that these agents did so much background research was comforting. It also felt very invasive to the brunette who was a very private person.
"I'm a trust fund child. As I already said, both of my parents are US Ambassadors, both my grandfathers were politicians and my Grandfather Prentiss is founder of Prentiss Industries. My parents marriage was one to join two very powerful, rich families. Neither Carrie, if I adopted her, nor myself could ever want for anything. I don't even need to work, I do what I do because I love it."
Nodding in acknowledgement, Walsh pressed on. "As you said, Carrie just lost her parents, how is she taking that?"
"She's very up and down but I think she's taking everything as well as can be expected. She can be very closed off at times but she just moved to a strange city to live with someone she only just met. I think I'm finally getting through to her the fact that I'm here for her and apart from a few nightmares she's settling in as well as be expected, it's an awful lot to deal with at once."
"Emily, I must admit that I'm very impressed by your set up, attitude and obvious affection for Carrie but your profession still worries me. Is it okay for JJ to join us now?"
"Certainly, I'll go get her." Agent Walsh's face was giving away nothing, Emily could tell that she was being genuine in what she said and that was what worried her, she had grown to care greatly for Carrie in the previous week. As she passed the office door, she couldn't help but wonder how Carrie was doing with Crowley.
"Don't be nervous Carrie, we don't want to take you away from Emily, we just need to make sure that everything is in place for her to look after you properly." Crowley tried to assure the teen as the two took the armchairs in the office.
"Okay." Carrie replied, curling her feet under her and looking at the floor, not yet ready to make eye contact with the man in front of her.
"How long have you known Emily? A week?" Receiving a nod, he continued. "And how are you two getting along?"
Honesty, that's what Emily and JJ had both told her. "It was hard at first, a bit awkward, but that's to be expected right? I couldn't help but feel like I was just interrupting her life here with JJ, I mean you've seen this place? Even just this room. And she travels on a private jet for her job. A private jet. Her and JJ seem so happy and they're just figuring out stuff and I felt in the way."
"But they're great, both of them. They help me every day and every night when I wake up screaming, Emily is there and she holds me 'til I fall back asleep. At first I didn't let her but now that I'm more comfortable here it's really nice to have her there when I'm scared. JJ reminds me of my Mom." The young brunettes eye's filled with tears and she had to take a deep breath to continue. "I miss them both so much. But at least here I have two people who really care about me."
"JJ got hurt last night at work, how do you feel about their job? Does that worry you?"
Carrie took a moment to compose herself before replying. "Yes it worries me but without them, their team and the job they do, the person who k-killed my family would still be out there."
"So what you're saying is that you're happy and you would like to continue living here?" Crowley confirmed.
"I don't know what I'd do without Emily, I want to stay here. Please don't make me leave." The last sentence came out as little more than a whisper but Crowley heard it none the less.
He could see the bond the three women here had formed and he had no intention of splitting them up.
Once JJ and Emily were re-situated on the couch, Walsh started talking again.
"I can see that you are all very close here even if you have only spent a short amount of time together. I just need to be sure of everything before I can approve of anything. JJ, are you intending to be in Carrie's life?"
"Very much so, I want to be here for her in whatever capacity I can and however she wants me to be." JJ replied confidently.
"And are you willing to be here if an injury like yours, or something more serious, was to happen to Emily? To help her out and be here if something comes up at work that doesn't require both of you?"
"Of course I would be. I know that dating Emily means that Carrie will be in our lives, in my life, and I personally couldn't be happier with that fact. When I said I want to be here for her I really meant it." JJ reached over and took Emily's hand in her good one as she was talking, the brunette squeezing it as both a thanks and a gesture of support as the two shared a smile.
Just then Carrie and Crowley descended the stairs, the red rims under the teens eyes indicating that she had been crying. To the slight surprise of both DCFS Agents, it was JJ that rose and pulled her into a one-armed hug immediately, Carrie burying her head into the blonde's shoulder.
Crowley and Walsh made eye contact, they had been partners long enough to be able to read the other, silently communicating about the conversations they had just had.
It was Walsh who spoke next, the sound of her voice pulling Carrie's head from JJ's shoulder. "From what we have seen today there is no reason that this foster process cannot go ahead. In fact, the bond you three share is amazing considering the amount of time you have been together."
"We may be in touch with the contacts you have given me here from your team but it would just be a formality. For the official reports I'll need copies of your medical report and the reports of your team mates regarding your injury Agent Jareau. Also we'll need to be updated on the situation when you go back to work Emily but as everything stands, there is no problem here and Agent Prentiss you are perfectly fit to be a foster parent. We wish the three of you good luck and we'll be in touch soon."
Emily sighed in relief and a grin spread across her face as she shook hands with both of the agents. "Thank you so much. I'll show you out."
As she returned to JJ and Carrie, none of them could speak as tears rolled down the teens face. Emily took both of them in her arms, the three of them just standing in the living room, revelling in happiness and relief.