Chapter 10 – Adjusting –

Emily collapsed in the comfortable chair in the coffee shop, bags of newly bought clothes were strewn on the floor around her feet, a wide smile on her face as she watched Kate sit down beside her, carefully putting the two mugs of hot chocolate on the table. Kate looked at Emily and nervously smiled, it had been a long morning as Emily had eagerly brought Kate a new wardrobe, it was a new and strange sensation for her and she didn't quite understand why it was happening to her. Emily sensed the uneasiness of the 9 year old and reached across, taking a hold of her hand, stroking the cold skin with her thumb.

"Are you ok Kate?"

Kate nodded as she failed to stifle a yawn.

"It's just a bit funny, I don't quite..."

Emily frowned slightly as Kate paused before she plucked up the courage to continue.

"I mean I can't thank you enough Emily, nobody since my parent's has ever been this generous and thoughtful."

Emily smiled as she took a deep breath.

"Its ok sweetie, I wanted to do this, you are now living with me and nothing is going to change that."

"Sorry I didn't mean."

"Shh Kate, it's ok I understand. This is a bit overwhelming, it's new to me too. How about we drink our hot chocolate and then go home?"

"Ok Emily, thank you, for today, for everything."

Kate smiled at Emily, hopeful that she hadn't confused or upset the person who was now trying so hard to give her a normal life.

Emily placed a blanket over the thin figure that had fallen asleep on the sofa, her mind was still thinking back to the conversation the two of them had had in the coffee shop earlier that afternoon. Emily checked that Kate was sleeping soundly, unperturbed by nightmares, before she walked quietly into the kitchen where she could keep an eye on Kate while she made her phone call.

"Agent Jareau."

"JJ its Emily."

"Oh hi Emily, is everything ok?"

"Yes I was just...can you talk?"

"Of course, I'm just driving home, do you want me to come around?"

Emily took a breath, she didn't want to lean too much against JJ but she needed to verbalise her feelings to someone and she knew that her friend would be there for her.

"That would be great, thanks, I'm cooking so you're welcome to stay to eat."

"Ooo now that's an offer I can't refuse, I'll see you in a bit Emily."

Emily smiled as she put the phone back on the counter, she looked over and assured herself that Kate was still sleeping before she busied herself in the kitchen, determine to take her mind off their problems for a short while.

Emily had just added the chopped tomatoes to the sauce as she carefully adjusted the temperature so that the pan was simmering nicely, she had just finished when she heard a soft knock at the door. Swiftly Emily placed the wooden spoon on the counter and moved over to the door, smiling as she saw who was standing outside.

"Thank you for coming."

Emily opened the door and watched JJ return the smile as she walked in and wandered into the kitchen.

"Its fine Emily, god this smells nice!"

JJ bent over the pan and smelt the sauce before she felt Emily stand beside her.

"Thanks, it's not often that I have the time to cook nowadays."

"So how did the day go?"

JJ spoke quietly as she noticed Kate sleeping on the sofa, she knew that Emily had something on her mind and that hopefully she would open up to her.

"Good, Kate has at least got some clothes now but she still doesn't seem settled, she thinks that it is all too good to be true and that any moment she'll be dumped back into another foster home."

JJ put her hand on Emily's arm, gently moving the older woman around so that they looked straight at each other.

"It's going to take time, this is new, for both of you."

"I know JJ, that's what I said to Kate but I want her to feel secure, she deserves that at the very least...I am thinking about adopting her."

Emily stopped suddenly and bowed her head waiting for JJ's response.

"Have you spoken to Kate about this?"

"No I needed to talk to someone first, is this a good idea JJ?"

JJ smiled as she saw the confused look on her friend's face.

"Only you know that Em, you know that I and the team will support you whatever."

Emily nodded as JJ smiled at her but their quiet conversation was suddenly ripped open by a loud scream causing them both to jump but JJ moved first, turning to Emily as she spoke.

"I'll go you look after dinner."

JJ didn't stop to wait for a response as she jogged over to the sofa, kneeling down onto the floor as she gently placed her hands on Kate's shoulders.

"Come on Kate open your eyes, you're safe now."

JJ waited as she spoke loudly, smiling even though as Kate's eyes opened she saw the look of panic and fear on the girl's face.

"It's ok Kate, just breathe slowly, I've got you."

JJ reached up and wrapped her arms around Kate, holding her tight as she listened to the girl sob into her shoulder.

"JJ?"

"Yes sweetie."

Kate lifted her head and looked perplexed at JJ.

"You're here?"

JJ nodded as she heard Emily walking over to them.

"Yes, Emily thought I'd like to join you both for dinner."

Kate nodded as she shuffled along the sofa, allowing Emily to sit down next to her as she leant in against the brunette, the comfort of her touch reassuring the young girl.

"Kate I need to ask you something but I want you to know that I don't mind what your answer is, nothing needs to change."

"Uh ok."

Kate looked mystified at Emily who had turned to JJ for a nod of support before she then concentrated back on Kate.

"I know that this is going to take some time for both of us to get used to, you living here, but I want you to know that you are safe here and nobody is going to force you out or take you away from me."

Emily paused for a moment as she watched Kate nod her head slowly.

"I was thinking if it would make you feel better if we made things a little more formal, if I were to adopt you?"

Emily sucked in her bottom lip as she finished, her heart beating fast as she examined Kate's reaction. Kate dropped her head as she thought about what Emily had just said, she looked at JJ who was squeezing her arms in support before she turned back to Emily.

"So I would always be here?"

"Yes sweetie, I meant what I said in Pittsburgh, I'm not letting you go."

Emily managed a smile as she saw a few tears start to creep down Kate's face, she reached up and wiped them away softly with her thumb as Kate leant in and embraced her tightly.

"Thank you Emily, thank you."

Emily closed her eyes as she held Kate's head against her shoulder, she hoped that Kate would finally start to feel at home and part of a family once again.