Hey Guys!

I was really hoping to post this chapter yesterday but after a very long day at work I just couldn't stay awake to get it done! I hope that it was worth the wait! I will try to get the next one up as soon as I can!

Also a big thanks to the Guest who suggested using Olivia to help push things along a bit! Loved the idea and I just had to use it!

Happy Reading! -J

Chapter 11

2 Weeks Later…

"Emily's going back to work full-time on Monday," Alex told Dr. Sullivan, as she sat across from her Friday after school. "She'll be travelling with the team again when they get called away on cases."

"And how do you feel about that?" Dr. Sullivan asked.

"I don't know," Alex replied with a shrug. "I mean I knew this was going to happen eventually. It's her job, and I know how much she loves it."

"That doesn't mean you have to like it," Dr. Sullivan pointed out. "Remember Alex we talked about being honest about our feelings. How do you really feel about Emily going back to work?"

"I guess it just makes me nervous," Alex replied, biting her lip. "I know she knows what she's doing. And the team are all trained and whatever, but…it's just that…I've seen what can happen while she's at work…and…and I don't want to lose Emily too," Alex admitted quietly.

"Have you talked to Emily about this?" Dr. Sullivan asked.

"No," Alex replied, shaking her head. "I don't want to make her feel guilty just because I'm scared. Plus she's already put off going back for so long for me."

"But perhaps talking to Emily will help ease some of your worries," Dr. Sullivan suggested. "Emily will understand your fears better than anyone, and maybe if you talk them out together, you might feel better about the whole situation."

"I don't know…I guess," Alex agreed, picking at her fingernails nervously.

"Alex it's okay to be afraid," Dr. Sullivan, continued, seeing that the teen wasn't going to keep talking. "Anyone in your situation would feel the same way, but if you let Emily go back to work without talking about it, you're only going to feel worse about it. You've been making a lot of progress Alex, and I would hate to see you back-track because you don't want to talk to Emily."

"I guess you're right," Alex agreed, looking up at the doctor.

"I am," Dr. Sullivan smiled. "So that's your homework for today then. I want you to go home and talk to Emily. Tell her exactly what you told me. Got it?"

"Got it."

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

"What time are the girls coming again?" Emily asked when she and Alex returned to the condo half an hour later.

"They should be here around 6pm," Alex replied, looking at the clock and seeing that it was almost 5pm.

Alex had gone to each of her new friends' houses in the last two weeks for girls' night, happy to have friends to laugh and talk to, and whose company she truly enjoyed. Olivia, Spencer and Zoey were people that Alex could rely on and trust, and she was grateful to have made such good friends so quickly. Since the girls rotated houses every Friday night for girls' night, Alex had asked Emily if they could have her friends over at the condo before Emily went back to travelling with the team. Emily happily agreed, anxious to get to spend a little more time with Alex's friends who she thought seemed like great girls.

"I'll order the pizza in about 45 minutes then," Emily said, placing grocery bags with snacks and drinks on the counter. "Or should I wait until they get here?"

"Doesn't matter," Alex replied, putting the soda they had bought into the fridge. "Whatever you think."

"Hey, I thought you were excited about your friends coming over?" Emily asked, noticing that the teen had been acting a little strange since they left Dr. Sullivan's office.

"I am," Alex replied, moving into the living room where she parked herself on the couch and turned the TV on.

"Then what's wrong?" Emily asked, following the teen into the family room and sitting down beside her. "Honey, what's going on? You've been acting strange since your appointment," Emily said, taking the remote from Alex's hand and turning the television back off. "Sweetie please talk to me."

Looking up and meeting Emily's eyes, Alex's brown orbs instantly filled with tears, no longer able to hold it together.

"Hey, hey what's wrong," Emily said, reaching out and pulling Alex into her arms. "Tell me what's going on," she said draping Alex's legs over her lap so the teen was basically sitting on her.

"I'm just…I'm scared," Alex answered quietly, her voice shaking with tears.

"Scared of what?" Emily asked, running her fingers through dark locks as Alex rested her head against Emily's shoulder.

"You…y-you going back to w-work," Alex replied, practically whispering.

"Oh honey, I told you I don't have to go back yet if you're not ready," Emily said.

"It's not t-that," Alex said, looking up. "I'm okay with being away from you…I'm just…I'm scared of what could happen."

Emily nodded, understanding that the teen was referring to the dangers she faced in her job.

"Alex you know my team works very hard to keep each other safe," Emily said, still playing with the teen's hair.

"I know," Alex said, wiping away a tear. "But…I mean I've seen what could happen…and…I already lost my parents…I…I don't want to lose another mom."

"Hey, look at me," Emily said, tilting Alex's chin up to look her in the eyes. "You're not going to lose me okay? If you want me to walk away from the job I will."

"No…no I don't want that," Alex replied shaking her head. "I...you…you'll be safe right? You'll be careful."

"Always," Emily said, brushing a tear off Alex's cheek with her thumb. "The team will have my back. And I promise I will always do everything in my power to come home to you. I need you to trust that okay?"

"Okay," Alex replied, letting Emily once again pull her into a hug.

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

"Oh that colour's pretty," Zoey said later that night, pointing to the nail polish Alex was currently brushing onto Spencer's nails. "Will you do mine next?"

"Yeah sure," Alex smiled from her spot on the floor.

The girls had arrived at 6pm on the dot, all three excited for their night. Emily had ordered pizzas, which were delivered by 6:30pm, sitting and eating with the girls, happy to get the chance to talk to them. Wanting to give them some privacy, Emily had ventured into her office to read, while the girls were in the family room, painting their nails and reading magazines.

"We should watch Pretty in Pink," Olivia called from where she was going through Emily's DVD collection.

"Oooo yeah! I love that movie!" Spencer said, trying to keep her hand still as Alex finished with her nails.

"Go ahead and put it in," Alex replied, pointing to the DVD player as Spencer moved over so Zoey could sit in front of her, just as there was a knock on the door. "Be right back," Alex said, running to answer the door.

Looking through the peephole and seeing that it was JJ, Alex quickly pulled the door open.

"JJ hey!" Alex greeted, giving the blonde a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh I was just in the neighbourhood so I thought I'd stop by," JJ replied. "I thought you'd be at your friends."

"Actually the girls are here," Alex explained. "Come on, I want you to meet them," she said, grabbing JJ by the hand and pulling her inside.

"Emily, JJ's here," Alex called as she passed the brunette's office, knocking on the door quickly before continuing to pull JJ towards the family room. "Guys this is JJ, she works with Emily" Alex introduced as Emily came out of her office. "JJ this is Spencer, Zoey and Olivia," she continued, pointing to each girl in turn.

"I didn't know you were coming over," Emily said as she made her way into the family room. Emily had spent the last couple weeks desperately trying to squash the feelings she was harbouring for her best friend, constantly working to act normal, so as not to alert anyone. While she felt like she was keeping things under wraps at work, Emily couldn't help but feel Alex's constant gaze on her whenever JJ was around; the teen's knowing smile ever present.

"Oh well I was around," JJ replied with a smile. "I didn't mean to intrude though, I didn't realize you had company. I can just go."

"What no!" Alex said, once again grabbing JJ by the hand. "We're watching Pretty In Pink. You two should watch with us!"

"Oh no, you don't want two old ladies like us hanging out with you," Emily laughed not wanting to intrude on Alex's time with her friends, and a little weary about the teen watching her every move with JJ.

"No you should watch," Olivia argued, plunking down on the couch. "And you guys are hardly old, not compared to my mom at least."

"Why thank you Olivia," Emily laughed.

"Please stay?" Alex asked, looking from JJ to Emily, her big brown eyes begging the pair to stay.

"Alright, alright," Emily laughed, shaking her head at the teen's antics. "You in Jen?"

"Sure why not," JJ said, following Emily towards the smaller sofa where they both sat down. "I do love this movie."

Alex sat down with Zoey, reaching for the nail polish to paint her friend's nails, smiling as Emily and JJ made themselves comfortable on the couch.

Olivia started the movie and the group fell quiet, watching silently for a while before the teens began chatting, asking Emily and JJ questions every now and then, all laughing and enjoying themselves. Alex tried to be subtle as she watched Emily and JJ joking with each other; their guards clearly down, as they seemed to draw closer to each other throughout the night.

When the movie ended, Emily got up to go to the washroom, while Alex made her way to the DVD player to take the movie out, before squishing herself between Spencer and Zoey on the couch.

"So how long have you and Emily been together?" Olivia asked, looking towards JJ, who choked on the sip of coke she was taking.

"Oh um Emily and I are just friends," JJ replied embarrassedly. "But I've known her a couple years."

"You'll have to excuse Olivia," Spencer said, seeing the blonde's blush. "She tends to just say whatever's on her mind."

"What I'm sorry!" Olivia said. "It's just that you guys looked…and…well."

"Liv, let it go," Zoey replied, elbowing her friend in the ribs to get her to stop talking.

"Emily and JJ are just really close," Alex said, secretly grateful for her friend's question, as it seemed to have flustered JJ quite a bit. "They're best friends."

"I'm sorry," Olivia repeated. "I really don't have a filter."

"It's no big deal," JJ replied, hoping her cheeks weren't as red as they currently felt. While Olivia's question had shocked her, and she felt a little flustered; the blonde was surprised to find that the idea didn't really seem to bother her at all.

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

Sunday afternoon the team, Alex, Haley and Jack all gathered at Rossi's house for what would probably be the final barbeque of the year, as September began to cool the air. Since the day was still relatively warm for the month, the team were all gathered in the backyard of Rossi's large mansion, all happy to enjoy a day free from the country's killers. JJ and Garcia were currently sitting and talking with Haley, who had baby Jack with her, while Hotch, Rossi and Morgan were manning the barbeque. Emily and Reid were currently teaching Alex how to play chess, the 14-yeard old sharing a seat with Emily as the pair attempted to beat Reid at his favourite game.

JJ had spent a lot of time the day before, thinking about what Olivia had asked her, trying to figure out what the teen had seen to make her believe that she and Emily were dating. The blonde also couldn't help but imagine what it might be like if they were a couple, picturing herself, Emily and Alex spending time together, just like a family. JJ attempted to shake these thoughts from her mind, reminding herself that Emily was her best friend, and nothing more.

While JJ attempted to keep her attention focused on her conversation with Haley and Garcia, the blonde's gaze kept falling on the two brunette's who were currently giggling at the perplexed look on Reid's face, clearly realizing that he was being beaten.

"So are you seeing anyone JJ?" Haley asked, snapping the blonde out of her daze.

"Oh no," JJ replied. "I've been on a few dates recently, but nothing serious. It isn't exactly easy to date when you spend half your time travelling around the country."

"I hear that," Garcia agreed. "I may not travel with you guys, but men tend to have a difficult time understanding when I have to leave in the middle of a date because someone needs a search done right away."

Before Haley was able to reply, Jack began to cry from where he was currently sitting in Garcia's arms. "He's probably getting hungry," Haley explained. "I better get his bottle," she said, taking Jack and heading towards the house.

JJ once again let her attention fall to Alex and Emily, watching as Alex moved one of her chess pieces, receiving a high five from Emily, who then put an arm around the teen, running her fingers through her long, brown hair.

"That's so nice to see," Garcia said, following JJ's gaze.

"Hmmm?" JJ replied.

"Emster and Lexi," Garcia said. "I've never seen our Princess so happy."

"I know," JJ agreed. "It's beautiful," she said, blushing as she couldn't help but think how beautiful Emily currently looked with a big smile on her face. Geez JJ, get a grip she thought to herself.

"It really is," Garcia said, smiling as she saw the look of longing written across her friend's face. "You thinking about it?"

"Thinking about what?" JJ asked confused.

"Having a family of your own?" Garcia questioned.

"Oh yeah, I can't even manage to get a second date but I'm thinking about starting a family," JJ laughed, looking at her friend like she was crazy.

"That's just because you haven't found the right person," Garcia said, wishing she could just take the blonde and force her to see what was right in front of her.

"I guess," JJ replied just as her cell began to ring. "I better get this," she said looking at the caller I.D and not recognizing the number, heading inside so she could hear the caller.

JJ returned to the yard a few minutes later, seeing Garcia was now standing at the grill talking to Morgan. Reid, Emily and Alex seemed to have finished their chess game, so the blonde made her way over to the trio.

"So did you beat him?" JJ asked Alex.

"Yep," Alex replied, a big smile on her face. "Although Emily told me what to do."

"I definitely let you guys beat me," Reid argued, not wanting to admit defeat.

"Oh please," Emily said. "Face it Reid you lost."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Reid laughed as JJ ruffled the genius' hair.

"Em, do you think I could talk to you for a minute?" JJ then asked, wanting to let the brunette know that they team was likely leaving for a case in Boston the next day, knowing she was still feeling a little weary about leaving Alex.

"Sure," Emily replied, standing up. "You should play him again," she said to Alex, pointing to the chessboard before following JJ towards the house.

"Is everything okay?" Emily asked when the pair were standing close to the house.

"Yeah, I just wanted to let you know that I got a call and I'm pretty sure we'll be heading to Boston tomorrow," JJ explained. "I just thought you'd want a heads up since it's your first case back."

"Right, thanks," Emily said, looking sadly towards Alex. "This is going to suck."

"I know," JJ agreed, reaching out to rub the brunette's shoulder. "Part of me wanted to refuse the case so you could have more time, but it seems like a pretty bad one."

Emily laughed. "Well I guess we better enjoy today then huh?"

"I guess we better," JJ agreed. "Back to reality tomorrow."

"Thanks for letting me know Jen," Emily smiled, reaching out and squeezing the blonde's hand. "You want to watch us beat a genius at chess?"

"Definitely," JJ laughed, trying to ignore the swooping feeling she got in her stomach when Emily grabbed her hand.

CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM-CM

"So have you seen any progress?" Alex asked, sitting next to Garcia when Morgan got up to get another drink and gesturing towards Emily and JJ who were sitting together, talking to Reid.

"It's hard to tell," Garcia replied. "They're both so guarded about their feelings, but they do seem very cozy together don't they?"

"That's for sure," Alex agreed with a smile. "You know I think Emily's starting to realize that I was right about her feelings because I keep catching her looking to see if I'm watching whenever she's with JJ."

"Wow are you profiling Emily?" Garcia laughed.

"No," Alex scoffed. "I'm just making observations! She's kind of obvious about it. She's just in denial."

"They both are," Garcia said, watching the pair who were laughing at something Reid said.

"You know now that Emily's going back to working full-time, it's going to be up to you to push them in the right direction," Alex said.

"They definitely need a shove, that's for sure," Garcia laughed, considering the things she could do. "I will have to brainstorm, but rest assured my little Princess I will do my best!"

"I know you will," Alex smiled as Emily made her way over to the pair.

"Hey kid we better get going, you've got school tomorrow," Emily said as she approached.

"Yeah sure," Alex replied. "I'll see you later Penelope," she said, giving the blonde a hug.

"See you soon Sugar," Garcia replied.

"I'm gonna go say goodbye to everyone," Alex then said, running over to where the rest of the team were sitting.

Emily watched happily as Alex hugged each team member, even giving Reid and Hotch slightly awkward embraces.

"You know you've got yourself one amazing kid Princess," Garcia said, also smiling as she watched Alex giving JJ a big hug.

"Yes I do," Emily replied, making her way over to Alex, saying goodbye to the team, before leading Alex towards the car.

"You're leaving tomorrow aren't you?" Alex asked as they got in the car.

"How did you know?" Emily asked, sounding surprised, having planned to tell Alex on the way home.

"Ever since you talked to JJ earlier you've been watching me, looking all sad or something," Alex replied, laughing at the look on Emily's face.

"You should really consider a career in profiling," Emily laughed.

"I'll keep it in mind," Alex replied with a grin. "And you know you don't need to worry about me. I know I was pretty freaked out at first but I'll be okay. "

"You're absolutely sure you don't want me to stay?" Emily asked seriously.

"Positive," Alex replied. "I'll be fine with the Hastings and Penelope will be around if I need anything. And you'll call right?"

"At every chance I get," Emily replied with a smile.

"Then I'll be fine," Alex smiled. "Now let's go home and have some ice cream."

"Ice cream huh?" Emily laughed.

"Yes because there's no better end to a perfect day than ice cream," Alex replied with a smile.