JJ answers her phone on speaker as she finishes getting dressed Sunday morning. "Hey, Pen. What's up?"
"OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!" she gushes in response.
JJ laughs. "Someone had a good night."
"Jayje…she…we…OH MY GOD!" Garcia takes a deep breath. "If she didn't have a special briefing to attend this morning we'd still be going at it!"
JJ smiles. "I'm happy for you, Pen. So does this mean you're proudly flying the rainbow flag?"
"Definitely! She was so sweet and tender and careful and just kept making sure I was okay with everything. She didn't rush me or pressure me and she sure as hell didn't finish and leave me hanging!"
"That's awesome, Pen. Look, I hate to rush you off because I know you want to talk but I'm getting ready to go get Tom. He's being released from the hospital today and is going to stay with a us a few days."
"Coolness! How's Emily doing?"
"She's okay. Had a rough day yesterday because she got tangled with Sergio and fell against the wall bad arm first."
"Oh, my poor princess!"
"Yeah and it scared Henry so there was some guilt along with the pain."
"Poor princess and little prince! Are they staying alone while you're gone?"
"No, Morgan's coming over. He wanted to talk to Emily about something so he's babysitting my three loves."
"Well, I'm almost to your house so I'll go with you to get Tom."
JJ grins. "You're on your way here? How did you know we wouldn't be at church?"
"Ah, I'd have just waited for you. I need a girl chat day with my bestie."
"Sounds good to me. Let me finish getting ready and I'll see you in a few."
"Bye, Jayje!"
"Bye, Pen."
JJ finishes applying her make-up and goes into the bedroom. Emily raises an eyebrow.
"You keep calling it babysitting me and I'll figure out a way to turn you over my knee," she warns with a wink."
JJ grins and walks over to her wife to give her a kiss. "I'll let you know if I ever get worried about that happening, woman."
Emily grins. "Right. So, Morgan just got here if you want to go ahead and go get Dec."
"Pen just called. She finally slept with Stephanie and is VERY happy this morning."
"Awesome! So she's okay with everything?"
"Sounds like it. She wants a chat with her bestie so there may be something bugging her a little. Hopefully I can get that out of her before we pick up Declan. If not we'll have to find a quiet place here to talk when we get back."
"That works."
The women walk downstairs together. They hear their children laughing as Morgan makes motor sounds. Smiling, they approach the playroom to see Morgan "flying" Rocky around the room.
"And dive bomber Rocky sees her foe," he says as he spins towards Henry. He turns her around so she is going feet first towards her brother. "Rat-a-tat-tat," he says, jiggling her as if her feet are firing at her foe.
Henry laughs and runs towards his mothers. "Help! Rocky 'tacking!"
JJ grabs him and lifts him up. "Gotcha! You made it to your plane. Time to retaliate!"
Emily stands and laughs as her wife and best friend pretend to have the two kids in an old time aerial dog fight. The kids laugh the entire time until the battle is called a draw and the two "planes" land. Rocky immediately lifts her arms towards Morgan.
"Up! Up!"
Morgan ruffles her hair. "Give me a chance to catch my breath, little one. Uncle Derek's getting old."
JJ squats down to speak with her kids. "You two be good for Mama and Uncle Derek, okay? Aunt Penny and I are going to go pick up Uncle Tom and Declan, okay?"
"Cool, Mommy!" Henry replies, giving her a thumbs up.
She smiles and gives him a kiss. "Good." She stands and moves over to Morgan and Emily. "If you all need anything give me a call."
"We will. See you soon, honey."
Emily and JJ give each other a kiss. JJ pats Morgan on the arm and goes out the garage. Now alone, Emily looks at Morgan.
"So, ready to let me know what's on your mind?"
Morgan slowly nods. "Yeah, I think so."
"Okay." Emily turns to her kids. "You two want to watch a movie?" They nod. "Okay, which one?"
Henry grins. "Cars!"
Emily laughs. "Well, it has been a while. Head to the living room."
Once the kids are involved in the movie, Emily and Morgan move to the kitchen for a bit of privacy. They sit at the island so Emily can watch into the living room to make sure the kids stay put.
"So, what's going on?"
Morgan sighs, twirling his glass of Coke. "I am really, really angry about all you've been through because of your time with Interpol. I thought…thought I was past it but this last event just brought all that anger back." He slowly looks up at her. "Doc Westfallen said I should talk to you about it."
Emily nods nervously. "Okay. So, um, what do you want to know?"
"I've never done undercover work but I know people who have. They aren't as haunted by it as you. And I mean that mentally and physically. Does it ever end?"
Emily sighs. "For some, only when they eat their gun or their past catches up to them. I won't do the first and as to the second…hopefully this is the last time it will come back to haunt me."
"Hopefully," Morgan echoes. "But there's no guarantee, is there?"
Emily slowly shakes her head. "No."
He goes back to staring at his Coke. Emily studies him a minute and knows she needs to break the tension.
"Derek, are you breaking up with me?"
Morgan huffs out a chuckle. "Smartass. No, I'm not. I just…how do you live with it? With knowing it could come back at you?"
She takes his hand. "I struggled with that a lot, too. I even considered leaving Jen and the kids to protect them. But she pointed out to me we can't live our lives worried about what could happen. We can only hope that if the past comes back, we'll have each other and this team to back us." She shrugs. "So far so good. And when we had that issue with Will trying to take Henry JJ pointed out to him that we're in law enforcement. There's always the chance someone from the job can come after us. Look at Hotch and that fuck Foyet. That had nothing to do with undercover work. Look at Reese taunting Jen and taking you. We can live and love or we can let fear take away everything. Jen taught me that love is stronger than fear. And you all proved that this team is ready for anything."
Morgan thinks about that a second then nods. "I guess your time with Interpol seems so…so…shit, I don't even know the word…"
"Surreal?"
He grins. "That's one word. I guess it just seems so far beyond the law enforcement I'm used to it's even scarier. You dealt with some pretty badass dudes."
Emily nods. "Yeah, I did. But this team has, too. And to be honest, when I was in that world, I knew exactly who I was dealing with. I know they'd kill me as soon as look at me. A lot of times our team deals with the creeps that you may not suspect. Look at Hankel. Who would have thought he'd have three personalities, two of which liked to kill? He was just a witness to be questioned and we nearly lost Reid and Jen." She grins. "Kind of makes the BAU scarier than the black market arms world."
Morgan chuckles. "You know, you're right. And that's gonna give me more nightmares than this whole deal with Donaghy has."
"Nightmares?" Emily presses.
He nods. "You can guess them: we don't get there in time and you die. Or you and Declan die. Or you're just…gone. That's the worst one. Usually it ends with Garcia or Hotch or JJ blaming me for not driving fast enough. There was even one where you went into witness protection and ended up in Paris but none of us ever knew."
"Start to finish, Derek, you and the team did everything perfectly. We profiled her, we researched her and we got ahead of her game. Like Jen told me would happen before it all went down: we all came home."
"Yeah, we did." He glances at her arm. "But not unscathed."
Emily grins. "I just wanted a reason to not have to do laundry."
Morgan starts to laugh. "You're a twisted woman, Emily Prentiss."
"But you love me anyway."
He nods. "Yeah, I do. Thanks for this talk. It's given me a lot to think about."
She squeezes his hand. "Thank you bringing this to me. And I'm sorry you had to."
He shakes his head. "No apologies, Emily. This is all about the job and a job you did damn well." He stands and pulls her up. "Now, let's go finish watching that movie with the two cutest kids in the world."
Emily smiles. "Sounds like a perfect plan."
"…so my only hesitation was what exactly to do to make her feel as good as me," Garcia concludes her rundown of her night with Stephanie.
"And did you figure it out?"
Garcia smiles. "Hells yeah, I did! Turns out the stories I read online were good manuals."
JJ grins. "You read stories online?"
"Yep. Research, Jayje! It's amazing what you can find online. I'll send you the best websites."
JJ shakes her head, chuckling. "Pen, I'm pregnant and horny with a wife who can't do anything right now. The last thing I need is to get hornier. But thanks anyway."
"Ah, good point. So, are the nesters okay?"
JJ nods. "I believe so. I kept check of my blood pressure and had no major spikes or dizzy spells. I have an appointment tomorrow anyway so we'll know for sure then."
"Good. Is Emily going with you?"
"Unfortunately no. She'll be at the surgeon's office getting her sutures removed and getting an x-ray on the arm."
Garcia frowns. "Why an x-ray?"
JJ sighs and tells her about Emily's fall yesterday. "I called the doctor just to be safe and he's decided to x-ray her arm just to make sure nothing shifted or something. I mean, they probably didn't but he wants to make sure."
"Poor Emster. I hope they don't have to operate again."
"Me, too. This injury is really getting to her. She feels helpless and frustrated. I'm hoping the surgeon will clear her for desk duty. Then maybe she can start to really move beyond all this shit."
"Yeah. Ooo, if he doesn't, maybe we can all come up with things to get her opinion on! Then she will feel needed and loved and still a part of the team."
JJ smiles, touched by the offer. "That's not a bad idea. I'll definitely consider it if she gets a bad report tomorrow."
"Hey! Look! It's Ms. Garcia!" a boy hollers.
JJ rolls her eyes as 4 kids race over to see her best friend. They all think she's something pretty special…and a little weird, too. They start to talk to her about computers and other technology as JJ makes her way to the sign out desk.
"Hi, is Declan Colter ready?"
"Yes, ma'am. He just ran back upstairs to grab a book he had forgotten," the house mother explains.
"Ah, okay." JJ goes ahead and signs him out until Monday morning. She turns as she hears clomping down the stairs, smiling when she sees Dec.
"Mr. Colter! What have I told you about clattering down the stairs like that!" the house mother scolds.
Declan immediately slows down and starts to walk normally. "Sorry, ma'am. Just excited about seeing my dad."
The woman smiles. "Then I'll forgive it this time. Have a good day, Mr. Colter."
"Thank you, ma'am. Hi, Jennifer."
"Hey, Dec. Got you all signed out. If we can get Garcia away from her fan club we can head to the hospital. We should get there just as they sign the final releases for your dad."
"Cool." He walks over to his friends. "Uh, guys? Can I take Aunt Penny away now? I kind of want to see my dad."
One of his friends laugh. "Sure, Hammer. Tell your dad hi for us."
"I will. Thanks, man."
Garcia wraps her arm around Declan's shoulder and leads him out. JJ rolls her eyes and looks at Declan's bags.
"Sure, no problem. Leave the pregnant ladies to get the bookbag and duffel bag, guys," she teases.
A couple of Declan's friends run over. "We can take them for you, Mrs. Prentiss."
She smiles. "Thanks, guys."
As they get to the Hummer, JJ teases the other two. "Good thing there are nice guys here who respect pregnant women."
Declan blushes and holds up his history book. "I, uh, grabbed this," he jokes.
Garcia grins. "And I grabbed Declan. I wanted to make sure he didn't trip on the walk out here."
JJ rolls her eyes as everyone chuckles. "Right. Get in."
Soon the trio is heading down to the hospital to pick up Tom. Declan looks at JJ. "Are we sure he's getting out today? I'm not sure I can handle it if he's delayed or something."
"I called this morning and all is on track. He should be ready to go when we get there. Well, as ready as he can be since we have his clothes."
Declan laughs. "Yeah, Dad probably won't want to leave in the hospital gown."
"Probably not," JJ agrees.
An hour and a half later, Tom, assisted by Declan, walks into the Prentiss house. Henry races out of the playroom.
"Hi, Unca Tom!"
Tom smiles. "Hey, Henry. How you doing?"
"I good. You sick?"
"I have a boo-boo but I'll be okay soon."
Henry hears his cue. He runs over and hugs Tom's legs and kisses his hand. "Boo, Unca Tom. Boo."
Tom smiles. "Yep, Henry, I think that's making it better already."
Henry smiles proudly. Emily walks up just then and pulls her friend into a one-armed hug.
"I am so glad you're okay," she whispers.
"Me, too. And so glad you saved my son. I'm sorry you were hurt but so glad he's okay."
Emily smiles. "There was no other acceptable outcome."
They end the hug and Emily looks down at Henry. "So, Champ, think you can help Uncle Tom get settled in the living room. Maybe he wants to watch a movie."
"'Toys'?" Henry suggests excitedly.
She grins. "You'll have to ask him."
"Watch 'Toys', Unca Tom?"
Tom frowns in confusion. "Toys? The Robin Williams movie?"
Emily chuckles. "No, he means 'Toy Story'. But since his favorite movie is 'Cars' he figures all movies should just have one name. If you're around long enough you'll learn them all."
Tom laughs. "Ah, good to know. So, let's go watch 'Toys', Henry."
As those two walk into the living room, Emily pats Declan on the shoulder. "You doing okay?"
He nods. "Yeah. I'm glad IAB finished with you all. But…wasn't it kind of easy?"
Emily nods. "Yes but there were a lot of agents to tell the tale and there was a lot they did not want to get out into an official report that could be found somewhere. It's kind of like when Doyle took me."
Declan frowns. "So…it's a cover-up?"
"Not exactly. But there is a lot of information that is still being used by crime fighters around the world including undercover agents. If the wrong person were to see it or a traitor were to sell it, lives could be lost. It was best to let this just be finished. We'll get the official clearance this week," she states with a confidence she doesn't quite feel. She brings a hand to his cheek. "Declan, you and Tom will not be split up. It's over and done. I promise."
Declan smiles and gives Emily a hug. "I believe you. Thanks, Mom."
She kisses his temple. "No thanks needed. I love you, Declan."
"I love you, too."
She leans back. "Now, go watch a movie with your dad."
He smiles. "Okay."
As he walks into the living room, JJ and Garcia walk into the house with the Colter luggage. Emily smiles at Garcia.
"Congratulations."
Garcia smiles broadly. "Thanks, Emster. It may have happened a day late but it was sooooo worth the wait. I love her so much and this just added to that love."
"I'm really happy for you, Pen."
JJ and Garcia take the bags upstairs as Emily heads into the kitchen to make some popcorn. After all, what's a movie without popcorn?
After dinner, Declan starts to work on his homework and Tom retires to his room to rest and read a little. Henry and Rocky are playing in their playroom so Emily and JJ take the time to start making plans for the future. For tonight, they start thinking about vehicles since there are all sorts of end of the year clearance sales starting to be advertised. And they both love a good deal!
After looking at several different minivans online, JJ just shakes her head. "I just don't think I feel comfortable with Henry and Rocky being so far away," JJ explains nervously.
Emily studies her wife a moment. "I see what you mean. Tell you what, we'll teach Henry to drive, Rocky can ride shotgun, the twins can be in the very back and we'll be in the middle to deal with all of them. Sound good?"
JJ slowly turns and glares at her wife. "Smartass."
Emily grins. "Well, heck, Jen, what do we do? We'll have 4 kids. A two seat option is not available to us anymore unless we plan to drive 2 vehicles everywhere." JJ raises an eyebrow, thinking about that. "Oh, for fuck's sake, Jennifer, we are not driving 2 cars everywhere. Forget it. We can trade in the Lexus for a three seat vehicle and keep your Hummer and Francesca's Land Rover for trips with no kids or just a couple kids."
JJ sighs. "I guess that makes sense."
"It more than makes sense. It's the only option available. Look, maybe we can get a van. Like a conversion van with captain's seats for the twins. And then there will be an aisle so you or I can go back and see to any needs the kids may have."
JJ slowly smiles. "You know, I think I can go for that. And how much more gas can it chug than the Hummer, right?"
"Exactly."
"So let's trade the Hummer and keep the Lexus."
Emily raises an eyebrow. "Trade the H3? Are you sure? Jen, if it gives you peace of mind we can keep it."
"I think I'm ready to let it go. I needed it for a while but I don't anymore."
Emily pulls her close. "Only if you're sure, Jennifer. I don't want you to ever have any doubts out on the road."
JJ gives her a kiss. "I'm sure, Emily. I promise."
Emily smiles. "Okay. Now that we know what to look for, let's get looking."
The two women start to peruse listings online. Before they finish, they hear. "Rock, NO!"
Rolling their eyes they head to the playroom to see Rocky happily sitting in the middle of Henry's block city. But she hasn't touched a single block, as if knowing that would get her in trouble.
"She's just like me," JJ mutters. "Looking for ways to torment her older brother. Eesh."
Emily just chuckles and walks over to her daughter. "Rocky, what are you doing?"
Rocky grins mischievously. "Love Mama."
"Nice try. Move, little one. Leave Henry's buildings alone."
Rocky slowly stands and starts to walk out of the area. She glances once at Henry. JJ sees it coming.
"Rock, don't do it," she warns.
"Do what?" Emily asks.
And then Rocky's hand dashes out and knocks one of the buildings over.
"Rock! NO!" Henry yells.
Rocky just giggles and runs over to her time out chair. Emily and JJ exchange a look, rolling their eyes.
"No talking, no playing, Rocky," Emily says. She squats down beside Henry. "Think you can rebuild it, Champ?"
He nods slowly, "Si, Mama. Why she do?"
"She's teasing you. We'll make sure she understands that is bad. Want some help?"
He smiles and nods. "Si, Mama!"
Emily sits all the way down and with one hand helps her son rebuild his city…so he can then destroy it with his cars. JJ walks over and picks up Rocky.
"You're with me, little one, so your brother can build in peace." She grabs one of Rocky's activity centers and takes her into the living room. She sits on the couch with her. "You are so much like me it's hard to believe Emily gave birth to you. Must be those Jareau genes taking over. That could be very, very scary."
Rocky just grins proudly. "Love Mommy."
JJ's eyes widen. "You called me Mommy! Not Ma!" She hugs her daughter close. "I love you, sweet girl."
Rocky gives her a hug and kiss. "Love Mommy," she reiterates.
Together they start to play with the activity center featuring the Muppets. It is a great night for mommies and babies alike.
And for daddy and son, too, as Declan asks his father for help with his homework, which Tom is more than happy to give.
