A/N: Forgive me but this is a short one. I did my best to keep the bar scene but it was hard to do since I really wanted to write about their first case together after they confessed their feelings, which set the story in Boston. I thought it would be important to illustrate how they dealt with the direct aftermath of Emily's "death" and I think it propelled the story in a good direction.

Secondly, THANK YOU for all the positive reviews. Compared to the amount of readers I'm not getting many comments so the ones I do receive are very, very, very appreciated!

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.

Jake's Series #8

JJ is driving our government issued SUV on the streets of Boston. I'm sitting in the passenger seat, for once, and feel numb. I have no desire to go anywhere but JJ insisted we get out of the hotel room and I can't say no to her. I rest my elbow next to the chilled window and bring my hand up to my temple to massage it. Out of the corner of my eye I see JJ notice my movements; she claims they are a nervous habit of mine and I'm beginning to think she is right.

It's late and the streets are quiet which makes me feel better about her driving instead of me. JJ also claims that my persistent need to drive is a "dominant male thing" however I find myself not caring so much tonight.

This night we agreed to protect Emily. And to lie. To our dearest friends. Watching them breakdown over the loss of a member of our family was harder than I imagined. I couldn't even stay in the visitor's lounge; the sniffles and sobs rattled my nerves too much. So, I disappeared in the dark hallway like a coward. I knew at that point that JJ was the only one that could keep me steady and I knew she'd find me. She always finds me.

She met me in the hall and confirmed what I already knew. JJ stood before me and waited for something I couldn't give her. I could tell my silence concerned her but I felt too lost to say anything.

We had maintained the strictest sense of professionalism during the case so I was startled when she pulled me into a fierce hug. She nestled her face into my shoulder and placed her lips on the base of my neck.

I sighed into her hair as I wondered what she sees in me. Right now I am nothing short of a failure. I ignored the warning signs Prentiss was giving off throughout the past month and now they've led to her "death" and the team's despair.

I allowed a single tear to fall down my face which soaked into her hair. It was at that moment when I decided I needed something to keep me afloat; something more that only JJ could give me. I pulled back just enough to grasp her face in my hands and crash my lips upon hers. It was careless, I admit, and I told her so back in my hotel room. She told me she didn't care because I needed it.

I blush at the memory and close my eyes. I've kissed her twice now. She seems to be on the same page as me in regards to "us" but the fact that I've been the initiator of things nags at me.

When the team gathered in my room after we returned from the hospital, I stayed quiet while they vented, talked, cried and stared into space. As JJ took over and consoled everyone, she'd meet my eyes over Spencer's shoulder or Penelope's hair. Her face looked to be on the verge of crumbling but she'd remained strong for everyone. Every time we shared a gaze I made sure my eyes told her how much I wanted to hold her and whisper into her ear and simply be with her.

When everyone finally left, JJ stayed behind. I stood by the door and she by the bed as we had a silent conversation with our eyes. I'm still amazed how in sync we are as I remember how we walked towards each other at the same time.

"It's your turn, JJ," I whispered, placing my hands on her hips.

Tears formed in her eyes which made me desperate to comfort her. I walked her to the side of the bed and laid down with her and held her tight as we rode through the emotional turmoil as one.

It was a perfect moment together on an awful night.

JJ hits a pothole which jerks me back to the present and makes me straighten in my seat. I chance a glance at her and she is biting her lower lip. I know she is half thinking of Emily and half searching for our destination which is why we haven't said anything since we left.

"Ah! Here," she says. She pulls the vehicle over to the curb in a "no parking" zone but our government plates make us exempt. I look out my window at the pub we have parked in front of and it looks inviting. Maybe JJ was right; this might help me relax.

"Well, it's no Jake's but at least it's not Irish," she says with disdain laced in her voice. Doyle was Irish. That bastard.

She places a hand on my sleeve and tugs at it. "Come on, let's get some drinks." I turn and look at her and she gives me a small smile. I feel a smirk settling on my face and I nod in agreement. We exit the SUV and I wait for her to round it and meet me on the sidewalk. Grabbing my hand, she leads us to the entrance of The Berlin Tavern. Just before we reach the door she stops.

"Aaron?" she says. I take a step back to her. She searches my eyes and I hope she sees nothing but affection in them. She raises a hand to my cheek and speaks. "I'm with you."

I reach up and lower her hand so that both of them are held together in between us. "Are you sure you want be? I've let everyone down," I mumble. Throwing myself a pity party isn't usually my thing, but tonight really takes the cake.

She adamantly shakes her head in denial. "Don't put this on yourself, Aaron, please." She smiles at me and squeezes my hands before she steps around me towards the door. Before she opens it she spins around. "And to answer your question; I'm with you for always."

He answer leaves me breathless and I feel light on my feet. The night's events take a back seat in my mind and I smile a big, genuine grin at her. With that she inches back to me, stands on her toes and gives me a slow, languid kiss.

It makes me feel alive and it gives me hope and I love her for it.