It's Hallowe'en! In the story anyway! And with Hallowe'en we have dressing up, and I put Hotch in a vampire costume. What an image...
Thanks so much guys for all your reviews/alerts/favs throughout the story. I realised I went a bit off track a bit but thank you for sticking with me.
Oh, this is the last official chapter. But fear not, there will be an epilogue. It will be with this story, if you get what I mean. Oh and Lola, I used your idea. It was just too good not to.
Chapter Sixty One
The Saturday after JJ's talk with Hotch JJ drove back to her old house to get the rest of her stuff. She had decided she was leaving Will for good.
She had told Emily that she was going back to her house, but not James. Emily had tried to come but JJ wouldn't let her since she was pregnant and strenous activity such as miving house mightn't be healthy for the baby. So Emily dejectedly stayed at home and looked after Jennifer and Henry while JJ packed her stuff away and James was at work.
As JJ drove down the street that her old house was on, she noticed the Hallowe'en decorations put up. She completely forgot Hallowe'en was soon. With work and everything that happened with Will she completely forgot. No wonder Emily had bought so much candy all of a sudden. And to think, JJ thought it was all due to hormones and cravings.
She pulled into her driveway and realised it was empty. She felt a mixture of relief and fear. She was relieved because she didn't have to face Will, but she was afraid he wouldn't come home at all while she was there. She couldn't just leave him a note saying things were over between them, they need to talk about this, discuss things, talk about visitation, stuff like that. Leaving him a note would be the coward's way out and Jennifer Jareau was not a coward.
She took a few storage boxes she had borrowed from Emily and took them inside, two at a time. She went up to Henry's bedroom first, and packed all his clothes and toys into a few boxes. Then it was on to her own room. She took her clothes, jewellry, make-up, a few other personal things such as her iPod. She then walked into the bathroom and took her remaining toiletries. She was lugging the last box down the stairs when she heard the door open.
She froze halfway down the stairs. She heard Will enter the hallway and fall over one of the boxes. He cursed and she heard him get back on his feet again. ''JJ? You there? What's going on?'' he asked.
He walked further down the hallway until he reached the end of the stairs. He looked up and saw JJ with a box in her hands.
''Will! Hi! I'm just uh...moving a few things,'' she responded. She started walking awkwardly down the stairs to him. She was clearly struggling with the box so Will walked up the last few steps and took it out of her hands.
''JJ these boxes have you and Henry's stuff in them. Are you moving out. Properly, I mean.''
''Yeah. I've thought things through. Will I love you but I can't be with you if you won't marry me. I can't be happy with you otherwise. You'll have to accept that. I want to make this split as amicable as possible. I'm not going to deny you access to Henry. I still kind of need a babysitter for a while. So maybe you can have him Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and I'll take him the other days. I'm not exactly happy at not seeing Henry for a few days, but I think it's fair. You're his father after all. And if we have a case, I'll need you to look after him too. I can't expect James to look after him AND Jennifer.''
''What you're offering is fair, really fair. Honestly I was expecting a lot worse, but JJ does it really have to come to this? Ending things all together?'' Will asked as he set the box in his hands down next to the others.
''It does. We weren't working out Will. If we stayed together for much longer things would have gotten really bad.''
''Can't we at least try? JJ I love you, I want to be with you.''
''Then marry me!'' JJ exclaimed exasperatedly. She was tired of explaining this to him. Would he ever just get the hint?
''JJ-''
''You don't want to marry me. I can see that. We might as well end things now before they get too complicated.''
''I don't want to lose you JJ.''
''We can still be friends. We'll see each other a lot. I don't want any bad feelings between us.''
Will nodded and hung his head in disappointment. JJ tentatively stepped closer to him and put her hand on his shoulder. ''I'm sorry Will,'' she said before picking up a box and taking it outside. Will helped her with the rest of them as they got the car loaded up.
They stood facing each other once all the boxes were loaded up. ''If you need me for anything, I'm at Emily and James' house. I don't know how long I'll be there,'' JJ informed him.
''Ok, did you tell Henry what's going on?'' he replied.
''I did. Last night. He doesn't really understand what's going on, but at the moment he hates me for taking his daddy away,'' JJ said sadly.
''I'll talk to him when I see him next. I'll explain that I'll still see him.''
''He'd like that. He misses you.''
''I miss him too.''
With nothing else to say, they awkwardly hugged before JJ got in the car and drove off. She gave Will a slight wave when leaving, before she drove back to Emily and James' house.
''Henry, put the briefcase down. It's full of grown up people's stuff. You don't want it,'' Emily said to Henry as she gently tried to coax Henry into giving her her briefcase back. He had somehow managed to reach it and now thought it was the best thing in the world.
''But Aunty Emmy, Mommy and Daddy says I a big boy. I is old enufs to look inside,'' he reasoned with her as he started fiddling with the lock.
Emily sighed and stepped closer to Henry. The briefcase was full of files and case folders, things Henry shouldn't be seeing. Plus it would make a huge mess if he opened it.
''Henry it's full of boring work things,'' she told him.
''I likes pretending I'm working!'' Henry squealed as he finally opened the lock and the files dropped onto the floor, pages spilling out of their folders and getting mixed up. So much for child-proof locks.
''Henry! Look, buddy, don't look at any of the stuff ok? Just be a good boy and go upstairs and play with your Hotwheels. I promise we won't say a word to your Mom,'' she said, trying bargaining. It usually worked with kids.
''Ok, it looks boring anyway. You was right Aunty Emmy,'' Henry smiled as he dropped the briefcase on top of the files and happily walked upstairs.
Emily groaned and bent down to start picking up the files. Luckily Henry had seen none of the gruesome crime scene photos she tried her best to keep away from home, but she had reports overdue and she needed to do them at home. Hopefully Jennifer would be too occupied with her doll to come into the living room.
Emily had got one of the many files in order when she heard the front door open. She heard Jennifer squeal and run to the door, as she got up and went to see who it was.
JJ walked in with a tired look on her face. Everything about her screamed tired. She half limped into the hallway and her eyes were slightly drooping.
''JJ, you're back early. How did it go?'' Emily inquired.
''Fine. Will was away for most of it. He returned at the end, he helped me with the boxes,'' JJ answered as she bent down and picked up Jennifer. ''Hey JenJen, I hope you've been a good girl for your Mommy.''
Jennifer smiled and nodded as JJ ran a hand through her dark hair.
''All the boxes are in the car. I hope you don't mind, I just didn't feel like bringing them all in,'' JJ continued.
''Yeah it's fine. The clothes you brought with you the first night are washed anyway.''
''Emily you didn't have to-''
''Shut up JJ. I was merely helping a friend in need. I'll get James to bring in the stuff later anyway. Now can you do me a favour and take Jennifer into the kitchen and give her a snack for about...half an hour?'' Emily asked.
''Why?'' JJ asked as she raised one eyebrow.
''Henry somehow managed to open my briefcase and we have a minor file problem. Don't worry, he didn't see anything he shouldn't have. I got him out of there before he could.''
''Oh, I'm sorry Em. Do you need any help?''
''Just keep Jennifer out of there. I don't want her seeing anything.''
''Of course. Come on Jenny, let's go into the kitchen ok?'' JJ said and she disappeared into the kitchen. Emily returned to the living room and groaned at all the work she had to do. This was going to take a while.
She finally finished and walked into the kitchen where JJ and Jennifer were playing Peekaboo.
''Finished?'' JJ asked, looking up from the game.
''Yeah, finally. I thought I'd never get there. It's probably all done wrong but I don't care,'' she answered as she sat down in a chair and Jennifer ran over to her. Emily scooped Jennifer up and placed her in her lap.
''Wow, must have been bad if the world's most organised woman doesn't care,'' JJ remarked.
''It was. You have no idea what that boy can do. I love him, but JJ when did he get so smart? That lock is supposed to be child-proof!''
''He's a smart kid.''
''Hmm. How did the conversation with Will go anyway?''
''It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be honestly. It was really awkward though. He seemed really hurt, but I'm glad that period of my life is over. I'm ready to have a fresh start.''
''Good for you. And you're welcome here as long as you want.''
''I can't intrude much longer.''
''I like having you here.''
''And I like staying here.''
''So why would you want to move?''
''Well you and James are having another baby, you don't need my drama.''
''JJ, my other best friend is Penelope Garcia, the queen of drama. I think I can handle it,'' Emily smiled.
''I guess. But I'll probably be very moody for a while,'' JJ warned.
''No different from usual.''
''Hey!''
''What? It's true!''
''You're just lucky you have the child in your lap,'' JJ said, narrowing her eyes and glaring at Emily.
''Little Jenny sure is a lifesaver,'' Emily smirked as she placed a kiss to the side of her daughter's head. ''Right, I better get dinner. We'll leave the boxes in the car for James, he can do all the heavy lifting.''
''Fine with me. I'm done for today,'' JJ said, hopping off the stool she was sitting on. ''I never want to see a storage box again.''
''You'll have to move out at some point.''
''Don't remind me.''
''You got her a HANNIBAL LECTER mask?'' Emily raged. It was Hallowe'en and James wanted to take Jennifer trick or treating with JJ and Henry. Unfortunately his costume choice didn't go down too well with Emily.
''I thought it would be cute!'' James defended himself.
Emily turned to him with wild, blazing eyes. She looked as if she was about to tear his throat out. ''Cute? You thought it would be cute?''
''Yeah...''
''What's cute about our daughter dressing up a serial killer? WHO EATS PEOPLE?''
''The mask is kinda funny...''
''And since it's funny that makes it cute. Oh I see your logic now. Who are we going to dress her up as next year? Freddy Krueger? Jason Voorhees? Leatherface? Because they'd all be cute James, all of them would be so cute!''
''You watch too many horror movies...''
Upstairs JJ and Henry had just completed the finishing touches on his pirate costume. ''How do I look Mommy?'' Henry asked.
''You look so scary Henry, I'm terrified,'' JJ replied, trying her best to look scared.
''It's only a costoom Mommy,'' Henry sighed as he picked up his plastic cutlass and started waving it around.
''Oh right, sorry. You just look so much like a pirate that you scared me buddy,'' JJ smiled as she dodged a flying cutlass that had suddenly flown out of Henry's hands.
''Sowwy Mommy,'' he apologised.
''It's ok Henry. I think you might be getting into the whole pirate thing a bit too much. Let's try not to decapitate Mommy again, ok?''
''Mommy I don't know what decapwitate means.''
''It's better you don't. Now come on, let's go downstairs and show your aunt and uncle your costume.''
''Ok!'' Henry squealed and he ran into JJ's arms. JJ carried him down the stairs but halfway down she heard shouting. It was Emily's voice and she was screaming something about Hannibal Lecter.
''Ok buddy let's go back upstairs,'' JJ suggested and she ran back up to her room.
''James, did you really think I'd let her out of the house wearing a Hannibal Lecter mask? You know what I do for a living, do you think I want my daughter dressing up like one of the monsters I chase after on a daily basis? She is pure and innocent, I'm not having her tainted with that,'' Emily explained, pointing to the mask in James' hands.
''I...didn't think of that,'' James sighed.
''Do you know that Hannibal Lector is based on a few serial killers? The most obvious being Ted Bundy due to his ability to lead a double life? I don't want to be reminded of that here. Granted that I get that your warped little male mind would find that cute, but what would have been cute would be getting Jennifer a normal costume such as a fairy, or a princess, or a witch or even a little pumpkin. Not a fictional character who eats people with a side of fava beans and a nice Chianti!''
''How do you...nevermind. Thing is Em, I don't have anything else to dress her up in.''
''WHAT?''
''I just have the mask.''
''Oh you mean you didn't get her a strait jacket or a nice pair of orange prison overalls? James I'm disappointed,'' Emily said sarcastically.
''Look, it's ok. We can sort something out.''
''Such as?''
''I don't know...maybe there's still some costumes left in the shop.''
''It's six thirty on Hallowe'en night. Do you really think there will be any costumes left?''
''There might.''
''James, just forget it. Just go with JJ and Henry. I'll take care of Jennifer,'' Emily sighed as she went into the living room and picked up Jennifer who was playing with her doll.
''Em I promised her. She was looking forward to it.''
''Well she can't go if she has nothing to wear.''
''I might be able to help with that,'' JJ said, suddenly appearing downstairs.
''What do you mean JJ?'' Emily asked.
''I have make-up, costume make-up. For Henry's scar. I've some left. And a witch's hat. I can make her into a little witch. It's better than Hannibal Lecter right?''
''ANYTHING is better than Hannibal Lecter,'' Emily agreed, throwing an accusing glare over her shoulder at James.
''Ok, I'll do that. By the way, is it ok if Hotch and Jack come trick or treating with us? I kinda said they could.''
''Yeah it's fine. The more the merrier,'' James said. He glanced at Emily nervously, he didn't want to make any more mistakes. Fortunately she seemed to go ok with that idea.
''Great! Now Hotch should be over in about ten minutes, that gives me enough time to make this little princess look like a scary witch!'' JJ exclaimed as she took Jennifer out of Emily's hands and brought her upstairs.
James gulped. He was alone with Emily again. That can't be good. But she wouldn't hurt him with Henry in the room right?
''Emily-'' he began but he was cut off.
''James, don't start. You messed up, but JJ's fixing it. I'll forgive you.''
''Seriously? Em, I'll never do it again, I swear.''
''It's fine. Now help me get the candy, those kids get cranky if you don't have candy.''
''Oh I know. One Hallowe'en I was out trick or treating with my friend Greg, and I had to being Jen along with me because she was kinda young, and anyway we went to this house where this old man lived but he was out of candy. And Jen, having a major sweet tooth and being a serious drama queen back when she was kid started having a tantrum and kinda threw eggs at his house,'' James laughed as he helped Emily prepare the candy.
''Seriously? JJ did that?'' Emily questioned with a smirk.
''I'm serious! She was a little terror, always screaming and one time she broke my truck because I ate her last cookie. She was strong for a six year old!''
''God, I can't wait to tell everyone that at the party later,'' Emily smirked.
''Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Will you be long there?'' James asked. Him and Emily brought the bowls of candy out into the hall and left them on a coffee table.
''I don't know, probably not. Won't be much fun anyway since I can't drink,'' Emily pouted.
''Aww Em, nine months is nothing compared to the joy you'll feel when you hold our little baby in your arms,'' James smiled as he kneeled and kissed Emily's small baby bump.
''Easy for you to say. You don't have to do anything.''
''Hey, I hardly ever drink anymore. I'm being fair on you.''
''You think I don't know about your stash of beer in the basement?'' Emily asked, raising her left eyebrow.
''How do you know about that?''
''A woman just knows these things,'' Emily smirked and walked back into the living room where Henry was playing with his cutlass.
''One scary witch ready to go!'' JJ exclaimed as she walked downstairs holding Jennifer. She had put on a witch's hat on her and painted a spider web onto her cheek. She had also cut up a cape from Henry's vampire costume from last year and made it into a cloak.
''Wow you look terrifying sweetie! I almost didn't recognise you for a minute!'' Emily smiled warmly as she came over to have a better look at her.
''It's me Mommy,'' Jennifer smiled and she reached out towards Emily.
Emily took her into her arms and smiled down at her. ''I know honey, you just look so scary I couldn't believe it was you! Are you looking forward to going trick or treating?''
''Candy!'' Jennifer squealed.
''I guess that's a yes. By the way JJ, looking good yourself, a pirate, just like Henry. You're almost a body double of that one from The Pirates Of The Caribbean,'' Emily smirked, knowing just how much JJ hated dressing up.
''Henry insisted that I be his first mate. So basically I'm the one who mops up all the vomit and does most of the cooking,'' JJ grumbled.
''Sounds exactly like your normal job. Are you wearing that to Garcia's party later?''
''Yeah. I know she'd rather have me dress up as a Playboy Bunny or something but that's NOT going to happen so I'm sticking with the pirate.''
''She won't approve of my costume either, but she can suck it. I am not dressing up like a slut,'' Emily whispered as she covered Jennifer's ears so she wouldn't hear.
''You shouldn't have to. All she can do is ruin your life and make it look as if you never existed, no big deal.''
''Yeah, no big deal.''
There was suddenly a knock at the door. James ran out to get it and and he arrived in a few moments later with Hotch and Jack accompanying him. Jack came running in excitedly with a Batman costume on and Hotch arrived in slowly afterwards with a glare that could melt ice wearing a Robin costume that was way too small for him.
JJ and Emily both stifled giggles and they saw their boss walking in. They tried to act as serious and casual as possible, but it was so damn hard with him looking like that. The sleeves that were supposed to be down to his wrists stopped at his elbows. The tights that were supposed to be at his ankles were down at his knees, exposing his legs. Plus the tights were WAY too tight.
Jack ran over to Henry while Hotch stopped at the door. ''Wow Hotch, you look...,'' JJ began but she had no idea how to finish it.
''Don't,''' he stopped her, raising a hand. ''It was Jack's idea. He wanted to be Batman but he said Batman needed Robin so...''
''So you stepped in. That's sweet Hotch,'' JJ smiled.
''Yeah it is. Wait, James you don't have a costume,'' Emily noticed with an evil glint in her eye.
''I don't need one,'' he responded, getting scared at what Emily could possibly have in mind.
''Yeah you do. JJ dressed up as a pirate. Hotch dressed up as Batman. You have to dress up as something.''
''No, no I don't.''
''Yeah you do. Come with me, i'll fix something up for you,'' Emily smirked. She grabbed his hand and dragged him upstairs, leaving Hotch, JJ and the three kids alone.
''I like your costume,'' Hotch said to JJ to break the silence between them.
''Thanks. I like yours too,'' she smiled.
''Really? JJ you can be honest with me.''
''I'm afraid you'll fire me.''
''One of the things I respect about you so much about you is your honesty.''
''Fine. Hotch, it's hideous. It looks like it was made for a ten year old and was then shrank in the wash. And it really doesn't leave much to the imagination,'' she smirked.
''I know,'' Hotch sighed.
''BUT, the fact that you're doing this for Jack is so sweet.''
''He's the only reason I would dress up as an idiot.''
''Yeah Batman is the cool one,'' JJ giggled.
''Oh be quiet,'' Hotch smiled. ''So are you supposed to be Henry's first mate?''
''Yeah, it's better than dressing up as Robin who suddenly got a growth spurt.''
''Just be thankful he didn't make you dress up as a parrot.''
''Oh I am. Very thankful.''
''Ok guys you can go now! James is ready!'' Emily shouted from the top of the stairs. She and James arrived downstairs a few moments later with one of James' jackets wrapped tightly around him and the Hannibal Lector mask on his face.
''Wow,'' JJ remarked when she saw him.
''I suddenly don't feel so bad,'' Hotch commented. James sent a glare to rival Hotch's at them while Emily smirked at her handiwork.
''I guess you guys can go now. JJ you might want to hold Jennifer's hand, James doesn't seem to be able to. It's fine though. I can give him a stick to hold and place his trick or treat bag on that. Have fun you guys!'' Emily smiled. She gave Jennifer a quick hug and pushed James out the door. He glared back at her but she just smirked.
JJ was the last to leave the house. ''You're so cruel,'' she smirked as she walked past.
''He got her a Hannibal Lecter mask. I had to do something.''
''I got more candy!''
''No I did!''
''Nuh uh! I gots the most!''
''Nuh uh uh! I did!''
''Guys, you both got the same amount of candy,'' JJ sighed as she let everyone back in to the house. For the last two blocks Henry and Jack had been having a heated argument over candy. All the adults were driven insane while Jennifer walked along happily playing with the handles of her trick or treat bag. JJ had shown mercy on James and had let his hands out of his improvised strait jacket half an hour after they had left while Hotch was still in his Robin costume and had gotten his fair share of laughs at his expense.
''But Mommy!'' Henry whined.
''Henry, you both got the same. No-one got anymore. You can have some sweets but save some for later ok?''
''You too Jack. Don't eat them all at once. You don't want to get sick,'' Hotch added.
''Yeah you too Jenny. It's so much easier when there's a lot of us and we only have to repeat what the others say,'' James commented as he pulled off his Hannibal Lecter mask.
''Hey guys, did you have fun trick or treating?'' Emily asked as she appeared in the hallway. Jennifer ran to her and wrapped her arms around Emily's legs.
''Yeah! We got so much candy!'' Jack answered.
''Oh that's good. How was it for you Hotch?'' Emily smirked.
''Embarrassing. But I managed,'' he answered.
''Wait until Garcia sees you,'' JJ smiled as she took off her pirate hat and laid it neatly on the table.
''Oh I'm changing for the party. I'm not letting them see me like this.''
''And we do? I feel so honoured Hotch,'' JJ smirked.
''Yeah yeah. I'm going to go home and get changed. What time are we leaving for the party?''
''About nine-ish. Now I have to get changed as well. Come on James,'' Emily said, taking James' hand and dragging him upstairs with her. Hotch said his goodbyes to JJ and he and Jack left as well.
''Well I guess I'll be babysitter then...''
''Ok Em, what was that about?'' James asked. Emily pushed him into their bedroom and closed the door shut behind them.
''I'm sorry I made you dress up like Hannibal Lecter,'' she apologised.
''It's fine Em, I get it.''
''I regretted it the minute you walked out the door. So...to make it up to you, I'm going to let you watch me out on my costume,'' she winked as she walked over to the closet.
''What? You serious?''
''Mmhmm, I know that recently I haven't been in the mood a lot recently, because of the pregnancy and JJ moving in, but tonight's going to be different. I promise. Now be a good boy and sit on the bed,'' she said, giving her best sultry smile. James did as he was told. Gladly.
He watched attentively as she slipped into a black, ragged looking dress, black and white glovettes, black knee high boots and then placed a tiara on her head, a sash over her shoulder and put a choker necklace on her neck. When she was finished she walked over to James and stood in front of him. ''So? What do you think?'' she asked.
''Em, you look amazing, but what are you?'' he inquired. The High School Prom Queen sash was really confusing him.
''I'm a zombie prom queen. Isn't the sash obvious?'' she asked as she placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned in closer.
''Maybe for most people. Not me. You just don't really look like a zombie.''
''That's because JJ hasn't done my make-up yet. She's going to make me look dead.''
''Oh. Lovely.''
''Don't worry honey, I won't actually die.''
''I know it's just-'' His words were cut off by Emily pressing her lips to his. His hands rested on her waist and he pulled her closer. He ran his tongue along Emily's bottom lip but then she pulled away.
''Aww,'' he pouted.
''I just said it was a taste. More later,'' she winked and left him alone in the bedroom.
Emily, JJ and Hotch were the last to arrive at Garcia's party. Hotch had changed into a simple vampire costume and JJ had insisted on putting white make-up on him. James was at home minding the kids. Jessica was minding Jack.
Upon entering Garcia's apartment they noticed there was a lot of people they didn't know there. A lot of odd looking people. Probably Garcia's friends.
Reid was the first familiar face they saw. He was dressed up in old time clothes and had a grey wig on.
''Spence! Having a good time?'' JJ asked smirking as they approached him. Reid looked nervous and scared. He didn't like being around a lot of people.
''No. I've been standing here for the last fifteen minutes,'' he answered. He looked genuinely relieved to see them.
''Lot of people huh?''
''Yeah. Way too many people.''
''Who are you supposed to be anyway Reid?'' Hotch asked.
''Pierre de Fermat.''
''Who?''
''Pierre de Fermat. He was a French lawyer and amateur mathematician who-''
''Ok I get the point,'' Hotch interrupted while JJ giggled.
''So uh...where's Will and James?'' Reid asked.
''James is looking after the kids,'' Emily answered before JJ could. She sent a glare towards Reid warning him not to push any further. He didn't.
''Darlings! It is I, your magical host Penelope Garcia!'' Garcia shouted, causing Reid to jump and spill his punch.
''Hi Pen,'' Emily smiled as she arrived over and joined their group. ''That's a...nice costume you got there. What are you supposed to be?'' she asked, pointing to Garcia's VERY revealing outfit.
''I'm a gangster mama. I know, I know, I look sizzling hot.''
''Let me guess, Morgan is your gangster dada,'' Emily laughed.
''Nope. He's Katy Perry.''
''What?''
''He lost a bet. And Em, gotta say, loving the zombie prom queen outfit. Although your dress should be skimpier,'' she commented. She then turned to JJ.'' Jayje, I'm disappointed. A pirate? Seriously? That's the best you could come up with?''
''Henry was a pirate and he wanted me to be his first mate,'' she replied.
''Hmm...I'll forgive you. Now you Boss Man,'' Garcia, turning and pointing to Hotch. ''You are pathetic. A vampire? Do you have a creative bone in your body? You're left-handed, us lefties are supposed to be more creative!''
''You should have seen what he was wearing earlier,'' JJ smirked as she and Emily shared a knowing glance.
''Ooh I'm intrigued. What was it?''
''Don't,'' Hotch interrupted. ''Not if you want to keep your jobs.''
''Fine, our lips are sealed,'' JJ said.
''I'll tell you later,'' Emily whispered and Garcia smirked.
''And now on to Boy Genius, well. I have no idea what you are. All I can say is that I don't like it. And before you explain who you are, I really don't want to know. I have guests to entertain. Au Revoir!'' she exclaimed and strutted off somewhere else.
''I'm not pathetic,'' Hotch remarked.
''No. You're not. I think you're a very good vampire,'' JJ smiled and placed a hand on her arm. ''Now come on, let's enjoy ourselves.''
The members of the BAU were the last ones to leave the party. They stayed behind to help Garcia and Kevin clean up.
Emily was in the kitchen washing dishes when JJ arrived in with a few more plates.
''Aww more?'' she whined when she saw JJ coming in. ''I thought I'd washed the last few.''
''Sorry Em. Um, I think it's time,'' JJ told her.
''Oh. Right. I'll come in with you,'' Emily nodded. She finished up the last of the glasses and went with JJ into the living room.
Emily smirked again at Morgan's blue wig. Everytime she saw him she just had to laugh.
Emily and JJ stood at the entrance to the living room. JJ cleared her throat and caught everybody's attention. ''Um, I've got something to tell you guys.''
''What is it Peaches?'' Garcia asked, getting worried.
''Well...I've left Will. I just thought I should tell you.''
''Oh my...that's why you've been acting weird lately...and I thought it was because you were pregnant,'' Garcia gasped. She rushed up to JJ and gave her a big hug. ''I'm so sorry Jayje.''
''It's ok. I'm coping. I've had help,'' JJ said, looking at Hotch and Emily.
''JJ, I'm sorry. Now where is Will? Because I'm going to kill him,'' Morgan announced.
''Morgan, he didn't cheat on me. He just...didn't want to marry me. I wasn't happy, so I left.''
''Oh. He's an idiot for doing that though.''
''It's not his fault.''
''Don't defend him JJ. We're all here for you,'' Rossi told her.
''Yeah, we are,'' Reid added.
''Thanks guys. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I just wasn't ready.''
''It's fine JJ. And remember, anything we can do to help, just tell us,'' Morgan said.
''Thanks guys.''
Emily, JJ and Hotch left the party half an hour later. Hotch was their ride so he dropped them back at Emily's house first.
''Thanks for the lift Hotch,'' Emily smiled. She didn't stay downstairs long. She just said goodnight and darted upstairs, leaving JJ and Hotch alone.
''Well that was odd,'' Hotch remarked.
''Very. Either she really has to pee or her hormones are taking over, if you know what I mean,'' JJ winked.
''I think I do. You know JJ, what you did, telling the team, that took bravery.''
''I had to do it. I couldn't lie to them any longer.''
''You don't give yourself enough credit JJ. You're an amazing person. Will is a fool for not marrying you.''
''I think I was the fool in believing that one day I'd actually get married.''
''There's still time. There's plenty of guys out there better than him.''
''Finding them is the hard part though,'' JJ sighed as she flopped down on the couch.
Hotch joined her and said ''It mighn't be as hard as you think.''
JJ looked up at Hotch and into his dark, but kind eyes. She didn't know if it was the alcohol she had consumed, lust, or feelings she had buried a long time ago, but she found herself leaning in towards Hotch and kissing him in a sweet, lingering kiss.
They both pulled back after a few seconds and looked at each other. Before they knew it they were kissing again, this time with more passion and intensity. Soon their tongues were fighting a battle for dominance inside their mouths. JJ pulled back suddenly and stared at Hotch. She bit her lip and turned her eyes to the stairs. Hotch got her message and scooped her up into his arms and carried her upstairs.
When Hotch woke up the next morning he was alone in the bed. He put on his boxers and went downstairs to find JJ in the kitchen making coffee. She turned around when she heard him and smiled at him. She was wearing only an old Redskins jersey that barely covered her ass.
''Hey there. I was just going to bring you up coffee,'' she smiled.
''Thanks. How are you feeling...after last night and all?'' he asked.
''I don't regret it if that's what you mean. It wasn't a mistake. I enjoyed myself. You?''
''Well I enjoyed myself obviously, but...where do we stand?''
''I don't know. Where do you want us to be?''
''Honestly, I really like you JJ.''
''I like you too Hotch. God I feel like a teenager again,'' she laughed as she walked over to him and put her arms around his neck. She kissed him softly before pulling back and saying ''Why don't you go into the living room? I'll bring in the coffee when it's ready.''
Hotch nodded and walked into the living room with an uncharacteristicly large grin on his face. He sat down on the couch waiting for JJ when after a few moments Emily arrived in the room with only a men's button down shirt on her.
''Hotch!'' she said as soon as she saw him sitting there in only his boxers.
''Emily!'' he said as soon as he saw her. ''Um...''
''Well this is awkward,'' she remarked. ''What are you doing here?''
JJ then entered the room with two cups of coffee in her hands. She stopped when she saw the awkward scene in front of her.
''Guess I know now,'' Emily said, looking at JJ's skimpy attire.
''Emily, I can explain-'' JJ began.
''No, no it's fine. I'll just...go get coffee and leave you two to it,'' she said nervously and ran into the kitchen.
JJ walked over to the couch and sat down. She handed one cup of coffee to Hotch and took a sip out of her own.
''I'm sorry about Emily. I bet you weren't expecting that,'' JJ said.
''I'm the one that should be apologising. It's her house.''
''Hmm. I guess it's a good thing she's not like my mother. She hated it when I brought boys back to the house.''
''You're older now though.''
''I'm only a guest. I probably should have asked her first.''
''Yeah, that wouldn't have been awkward at all.''
''Is that a bit of Hotchner humour coming out?'' JJ laughed.
''Hey, I can be funny when I want to,'' Hotch smiled.
''That's one of the things I like about you. You have so many hidden sides,'' JJ smiled sweetly. ''And I want to discover them all.'' She moved in closer to him and captured his lips with her own. She placed her coffee mug down on the table and placed her hands around his neck as she deepened the kiss.
''Don't mind me,'' Emily said as she re-entered the room holding two cups of coffee, and exiting as quickly as she came in.
''We have to stop putting ourselves in awkward situations in front of her,'' JJ remarked.
''Definitely. So, about us, do you want to give it a go?'' Hotch asked.
''...Yeah, I think I would,'' JJ smiled. Hotch smiled back at her and he moved in for another kiss but they were interrupted by a knock at the door.
''I'll get it,'' JJ sighed as she got up off of the couch.
She walked to the door and answered it. ''Will?''
''JJ I made a mistake. I can't live without you. I love you, and I know I said I didn't believe in marraige but I can't let you go away.''
Will went down on one knee and pulled out a box. ''JJ will you marry me?''
JJ gasped and stared down at Will before turning back to see Hotch standing behind her, having witnessed the whole thing. What was she supposed to do?
Hmm who will she pick? All shall be explained in the epilogue!