Okay, so this chapter doesn't exactly cover a lot of time, but it was already over 1000 words so I decided to cut it off here. The next one will pick up pretty much immediately after, don't worry. And it should be up pretty soon, because I know the plot, I just need to flesh it out. But don't hold me to that- I'm in the middle of finals and I just started a new job, so I'm kinda super busy right now. Let me know if you like this one, it was arguing with me the all week. Seriously. I re-read and revised and totally changed it up like a billion times. I'm still unsure of whether I like it or not, but your opinions are more important than mine. Again thanks for all of the kind reviews, they always put a smile on my face :)

Just as expected, the team took another case Wednesday; all had jetted off to San Francisco in search of a brutal serial arsonist. There was something especially sad about families dying together- the idea of having to watch the ones you love the most die with you... To say the least, this case had been a hard one. For as much as the team saw everyday, it never really got any easier. Paired with seeing their stoic leader lose his control, everyone was pretty drained by the flight home Friday afternoon. The atmosphere on the plane was thick with tension, as unspoken emotions hung heavy in the air while everyone kept quietly to themselves.

JJ had tucked herself away in a seat towards the back of the jet and was trying to complete all of the paperwork so that she could avoid going into the office. As she got further into the stack, her thoughts began to wander to the one thing she really had going on right now outside of work... Will. She hadn't spoken with him since Tuesday night. While it was sweet of him to try with her schedule, one text a day had been discouraging. It wasn't what she wanted her life to turn into; she couldn't build a relationship on that. So she hadn't bothered with it during this case, instead choosing to distance herself- there was no disappointment when you didn't set expectations. But right now, after that evil, JJ was grateful for Will. He hadn't put any pressure on her, but he had still left himself open for when she needed him.

JJ tapped her pen against the files anxiously. She wanted a distraction, but more than that, she wanted something to lighten her mood. Usually she would run. A lot. But that didn't make her happy; it just gave her an outlet for her anger and made her too tired to feel anymore. It wasn't a solution, and JJ was tired of falling asleep with aching limbs and a churning stomach. Another option was drinking until she was numb (or puking), but that was generally pretty lonely and she hated being lonely. It made her feel weak and helpless which was to be avoided at all costs. She could always go to a bar and find a hot guy to go home with, but that had never really been her thing. Plus, after getting this job, JJ was pretty wary of any man she didn't know. From what she'd seen the night would only end with her chopped into little pieces somewhere, or drowned in a bathtub, or beaten to death. None of it pretty. No, yonight, JJ couldn't just go home to one of her useless coping mechanisms- it would make her crazy. Stressed and nearing her breaking point, as soon as they touched ground, JJ got off the plane, called the airline, reserved a ticket, and drove straight to the airport.

She hadn't even considered what she was doing until she had finally stopped moving and was seated on the plane, on her way to New Orleans. What the hell is wrong with you, you can't just show up at some guys house unannounced after a couple of phone calls. This is crazy. Oh god what am I doing? Now that her body had stopped, her mind was moving a mile a minute.

"Ma'am, are you alright?"

The flight attendant stopped JJ's rushing thoughts. Looking down, she realized she had been gripping her armrests so tightly her knuckles were white. Not wanting to share the real reason for her anxiety, she turned back to the flight attendant. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine, just a little nervous about flying."

The flight attendant smiled sympathetically. "Well just let me know if there's anything I can do to make you more comfortable."

JJ smiled graciously. "Of course, thank you."

The flight attendant nodded and continued down the aisle.

JJ dropped her hands into her lap and forced herself to relax. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and let her head fall back onto the rest. This isn't the worst thing in the world. You're going to see a seriously hot, sweet, guy, who, technically, invited you. And, if it goes bad, you can always hop on a flight home. Let yourself enjoy a weekend for once.

She spent the duration of the flight convincing herself she was not in fact being crazy, but more so... fun and spontaneous. Once that was pretty much accomplished, she turned her attention to the technicalities. Did she even have enough clothes in her go bag? Or appropriate clothes? Probably not. That wasn't great planning on her part. Then again there had been no planning... Would Will even be okay with this? It was kind of presumptuous not to book a hotel room. The thinking was starting to make her nervous again- it had to stop. Just... Don't think about it. No consideration. Just act.

It was essentially opposite to everything she'd ever been taught, but, she wasn't looking for the result she'd always gotten. Change your method, change the result. So, as the flight neared the end of its descent into New Orleans, JJ made this her mantra for the weekend. Don't think- just act.

As she collected her things and stepped off the plane, JJ realized she had no idea where she was going. She could just go down to the station, but it was already dinner time, so it wasn't likely Will would still be there. Sighing again at her perceived poor decision, JJ pulled out her cell and dialed his number.

"Well hey there Cher! This is a nice surprise, I didn't think I be hearin' from you 'till tomorrow!" His excitement was clearly evident in his voice, which helped to sooth JJ's nerves some.

JJ took a deep breath before responding. "So, you remember how you said your door's always open?"

"Of course, I meant it, any time darlin'."

JJ smiled. This was going to be unexpected, especially after her hesitation last time they talked... "Well... That's good, because I'm kinda in New Orleans" JJ held her breath waiting for him to respond. Will just laughed. JJ was taken aback, "What's so funny?"

"It's surprising, but it's not, because you pretty much always surprise me." He paused before he continued. "Surprised me when I first saw you, then again when you gave me out number. I should just expect the unexpected by now."

Now JJ laughed. "Okay, but Will? Where do you live? I'm kinda at the airport right now."

"Oh crap! Duh, you said you were in New Orleans. Don't move, I'm coming to get you! I'll be ten minutes."

"Will, I can get a cab, you don't have to drop everything to come pick me up!"

"Now what kind of gentleman would I be if I let you do that now Cher? Just hang on, I'm already on my way."

"Well, okay... See ya in a few."

"See ya Cher."