A/N: This chapter takes place during the BAU's plane ride to Kentucky, the same day as the majority of Chapter 2. If you recall, Emily was injured and Hotch knew this. Hotch told Strauss that she was taking a leave of absence. Strauss called Emily when she got home from the hospital, telling her, while she's on personal leave, to consult with NCIS. The BAU team knows nothing of this, all the BAU (with exception of Hotch) know is that Emily isn't with them. This chapter took place immediately after chapter 2, before Emily is out of the hospital. Emily has started consultations with NCIS yet.

This chapter is told in JJ's point of view.

READ THE A/N IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!

Chapter 7

"Catherine had never wanted comfort more, and [Henry] looked as if he was aware of it." - Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

[JJ POV]

On the BAU plane to Kentucky:

Everyone is pretty worried about Emily. Myself included. Hotch said Emily called him early this morning that she wouldn't been coming to Kentucky with us. Hotch has been acting pretty cold this morning. But, then again, when Emily isn't here the whole team's vibe is off. She holds us together. I never got along with Elle as much as I do Emily. No one did. Hotch loses up around Emily, Rossi treats her like daughter, Reid is just happy to have someone almost as smart as him around, Morgan is like her big brother, and Penelope is never as happy as she is as when Emily is around. Emily completes us.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I stand up and move to the end of the jet, near the bar, and answer my phone. Strauss

"This is Jennifer Jareau," I answer the phone.

"Hello Agent. I'm calling to address Agent Prentiss' situation," Strauss says.

"I'm sorry, what situation?" I ask her confused.

"Surely, you've noticed Emily's absence. She has decided to take a leave of absence due to personal issues." Strauss says.

"I'm sorry. I had no idea. You'll really have to call Emily about this…" I reply.

"I considered denying her leave, but she has several vacation and sick days built up," Strauss continues.

"Well, I'm sure Emily appreciates that. But, I honestly know nothing of her situation," I repeat, "You'll have to call her yourself."

"Alright, thank you for your time. I'm sure the team will function perfectly fine without Emily around." She hangs up the phone.

What? Emily took a leave of absence? For personal reasons? She never does that.

"Hey guys, I just got a call from Strauss," they all roll their eyes and make sounds of displeasure, "She said Emily has taken a leave of absence… due to personal issues…" I finish.

I look at their faces. Hotch seems unaffected by the news, although he usually never is. Morgan looks worried. So does Rossi and Reid.

Garcia, who Hotch ordered come with us, seems the most concerned. "My poor raven haired goddess… I hope she's okay. We should call her." she says anxious.

We all agree, I start to call when Hotch stops me, "JJ. She asked for personal time. Let's just give her some space. We'll find out what happened in a couple days. Right now we need to focus on the case." He firmly orders.

Alright. I hang up.

A/N: READ THIS. VERY IMPORTANT.

To clear up any confusion, first read the A/N in the beginning of the chapter, with that in mind I will explain this chapter. JJ and the rest of the team are wondering why Emily isn't with them. Hotch told JJ this morning that Emily called and told him she couldn't come. (This is a lie, in chapter 2, Hotch was there with Emily in the hospital.) Hotch does not tell the team, or Strauss, that Emily was injured. So then JJ gets a call from Strauss while on the plane. Strauss says that Emily decided to take a leave of absence due to personal issues (what she was told by Hotch). Everyone now is very concerned for Emily, except for Hotch. When the team wants to call Emily to ask her is she is okay, Hotch does not let them.(And yes, Hotch can do all of this because he is the boss and I am the writer and I say so.) This chapter took place immediately after chapter 2, before Emily is out of the hospital. Emily has started consultations with NCIS yet.

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