It had been hours since Mac and Stef returned to the station, and since they returned, they have been working non-stop. The stations conference room was buzzing as the agents, and a select few local officers, poured over pictures and files; thinking out loud and tossing ideas around. Mac's find was exactly the type of break they needed in this case. The once confusing nature of this case, falling together as they followed the lead she had found. Stef looks up from the file in her hands to observe the team her daughter calls family. Rossi was sitting at the far end of the table, up near the whiteboard. Hotch was pouring over something with Reid, while Reid wrote on the whiteboard in front of them. Garcia, Mac, and Morgan were huddled behind her laptop, exchanging different ideas, trying the narrow down their search. And as her eyes turn to look at JJ, she notices the younger blondes eyes were trained on Mac.
The file that was in her hands, abandoned on the table as she stared at her girlfriend. To the team, it may have looked like JJ was lost in thought about the case, but to Stef it was obvious the only thing JJ was thinking about was her daughter. After a moment, Stef noticed the trance JJ was in was broken and she looks around briefly, hoping her lingering gaze wasn't caught by anyone in particular. As JJ's eyes scan the room, she makes eye contact with Stef. Her cheeks flush out of embarrassment, but all Stef does is offer her a small, comforting smile, which seemed to comfort the young blonde immediately.
"Wait say it again Garcia." Mac's voice causes Stef and JJ to break eye contact, as the entire team turns their attention to the trio behind the laptop.
"Ok… here's what I got. Sky Hastings was killed and left behind two kids, but here's where it gets spooky. Her body was found, where the first body was found. Her husband, Danny Hastings Jr, was investigated by police but ultimately they found nothing."
"I know that case." Stef speaks up, standing from her seat and walking to the door of the conference room. She pulls it open and sticks her head out.
"I need you to get the Hastings file." She says to a uniformed officer before straightening her back and closing the door. She turns back to the agents in the room as she places her hands on her hips.
"I remember it. It was strange, Danny the husband, he was wreck. He could barely talk, but that isn't what was weird. What was weird was the oldest son and the grandfather. They barely spoke, the kept to themselves while Danny and the youngest son cried on the couch. It's almost like they couldn't care less about her death." The door to the conference room opens and the uniformed officer tasked with crabbing the file walks in and hands it to the Captain. Stef stops momentarily and takes it from her. She offers her a smile and a thank you before opening the file and reading it briefly. She pulls a crime scene photo out and tosses it on the table. The picture slides and Morgan's hand comes down to stop it. Morgan inspects it before passing it to Mac with a knowing look.
"So you think the grandfather killed Sky?" Prentiss asks walking around the table to look at the photo in Mac's hands.
"No, the son did." Mac says looking up from the photo.
"The son killed her and the grandfather kept his secret." Reid finishes, turning around to look back at the whiteboard.
"Garcia what is the oldest sons name?" Reid asks, his body still facing the whiteboard. His question is met by a brief silence and clacking of keys.
"David Hastings." Garcia says, her typing continues as she continues to pull information up on him.
"David Hastings." Reid mutters before turning his head to look at Hotch.
"He found the 3rd body. Came forward as a witness." Reid says. The team shares a knowing look before they all start to file out of the conference room.
xxxxx
Mac stands outside one of the many SUVs parked a block away from their unsub's location. The area was buzzing with local PD, and FBI alike, but Mac wasn't focused on any of it. She was focused on her breathing, as she strapped her bulletproof vest to her chest. She pulls her weapon from her holster, checking it quickly before placing it back in it's home. She sweeps her hair back from her face and into a neat ponytail before seeing her mom walk up to her. Her vest and badge already secured over chest, ready to go.
"You know, I wouldn't be upset if you didn't take point." Stef says after stopping in front of her daughter. Her voice low, trying not to attract attention to their conversation. Mac looks up at her mom as she positions her badge on her waist.
"Mom…"
"I know." Stef says holding her hand up. She studies her daughter, her eyes trailing up and down, trying to find any uncertainty in her daughter… but she found none.
"I'll be fine." Mac reassures, offering her mom a small smile. Stef nods knowingly before glancing around her surroundings again before looking back at her daughter.
"About last night…" Stef begins gaining her daughters attention once again. Mac bites down on the inside of her cheek as she waits for her mom to continue. "…I know you do things on your own time and-"
"Mom…" Mac stops here before signing and running her hand down her face. "Can we talk about this another time please?" Mac says, her question more like a statement. Just before the mother could respond, Hotch walks over to the pair.
"Mac, I need you and Morgan." Hotch says quickly before walking away. Mac takes another look at her mom before following Hotch's path. Stef sighs before turning and following her daughter and her boss. She passes a few of her own officers, relaying information to them as she goes. Reminding them to take the FBI's lead.
"How do you want to do this?" Stef asks as she approaches the circle the team was standing in. They all look up at her except for Hotch who was looking down at an iPad.
"Morgan, Mac, I want you guys running point. Followed by Reid, Prentiss, and JJ." Hotch says finally looking up from the iPad. He hands it to a uniformed officer, and looks at his team. "We will have local PD and SWAT, joining us." Hotch finishes, his steady voice keeping his team calm.
"Captain, will you be joining us?" Rossi asks looking at Stef before turning to look at Mac. Mac's eyes travel to her mother briefly before making eye contact with Rossi.
"Yes, I would love to see this son of a bitch go down." Mac and Rossi break eye contact as Stef responds. Rossi nods and Hotch looks at his team.
"Quick and clean." Hotch says before turning and walking away from his team. They all start to break off into separate conversations as Morgan turns to look at Mac.
"Ready?" Morgan asks Mac. She offers him a simple nod before he moves past her and begins to walk away. Mac feels a familiar hand on her lower back causing her to turn her head. She watches JJ walk by her, dragging her hand subtly from her lower back to her hip, before squeezing it lightly and walking away. Mac takes a deep breath before walking in the direction of her team.
xxxx
Mac stands in front of the elevator waiting for it to open. She blows out a breath as she stands in front of the elevator. She pulls out her phone checking on any notifications she may have had, before placing the phone back in her pocket. It was a short night. After they breached his home, the unsub gave himself up pretty easily. They brought him into custody for local PD and they handled the rest. Mac finished her incident report and now she was standing waiting for the elevator. Part of her was wishing it would come quickly so she could disappear without any questions about the possibility of everyone going back to her parents house. She knows her parents invited the team over for dinner once the team wrapped up the case, and for once, Mac was pleading with the universe for a back to back case.
"Mac!!" The familiar voice of Penelope Garcia causes Mac's eyes to close briefly. Garcia turns around momentarily and shouts "I found her!" Before turning back and approaching Mac. Mac bites down on her lip before turning and facing Garcia. She plasters a smile on her face and looks at her.
"Hey, I was just…"
"Oh I know what you were just." Garcia interrupted with a smile. "Your mom invited us over for dinner, and we're going." Garcia says as Rossi, Reid, and Morgan join them at the elevators.
"Thought you were going to sneak away?" Rossi questions and Mac gives a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm just exhausted, I was going to try to get some sleep." Mac pokes her thumb out towards the elevator before Garcia walks over placing her hands on her shoulder's.
"We FINALLY have a night off, and we are spending it getting all the embarrassing stories about you." Garcia says just as Prentiss and Hotch walk over to the group.
"Ooo embarrassing stories?" Prentiss asks as they stop in front of everyone.
"Mac, your mom invited us over for dinner." Hotch says and Mac nods almost in a defeated manner.
"Yea, should be fun." She responds with a fake smile. The anxiety starts to build in her chest when she looks away from her boss to see her mom and girlfriend walking over to the group. JJ and Stef seemed to be deep in conversation, a small smile sat on JJ's face, as the two blondes were caught up in whatever conversation they were having.
"JJ!" Garcia's voice pulls her from her conversation with the Captain and JJ looks at Garcia before her eyes meet the bright green eyes she fell in love with. She notices the concern etched across Mac's face, before looking back at Garcia.
"Come on, we are going to Mac's parents house for a home cooked meal and wine." Garcia finishes, her eyebrows wiggling suggestively.
"Yes, everyone is invited, and there will be plenty of wine for Ms. Garcia." Stef speaks up before placing a comforting hand on JJ's shoulder. The captain was able to pick up on the tense young woman beside her.
"Oh please, Penelope." Garcia corrects with a bright smile. "I can't wait to meet your wife. Mac always speaks so highly of you two." Garcia gushes once again, her excitement contagious as the rest of the team smiles in agreement.
"Well then.. Penelope" Stef says with a pointed smile "… We wont waste another minute."
xxxxxx
The ride was virtually silent. The radio played something Mac couldn't quite make out. The volume was just low enough to provide a comforting noise to the very uncomfortable silence. There was obvious tension, Stef, JJ, and Mac as Stef drove the familiar route home. Stef knowing her was unsure on what her mother did or did not know. If Lena knew what Stef did, that their relationship was a secret. Mac could feel her stomach turn with every passing moment. Every turn they made was a turn closer to being at her home. She didn't know what to expect and she was to afraid to ask. Part of her was willing to let it all play out, but another part of her, a much bigger part, was terrified too.
"Are you going to ask?" Stef voice cuts through the tension. JJ looking from her window in the back seat, to the older blonde. Mac doesn't move, but instead she allows her eyes to fall closed.
"Did you tell momma?" Mac asks, her eyes still closed bracing for the answer.
"Mackenzie…"
"Mom." Mac says, her voice surprisingly stern. Stef turns her head briefly to look at her daughter before looking back out to the road. Her head was turned out towards the window, her arm rested against the door, and her forehead resting in her hand. She could tell by her body language how anxious she was.
"Why is this secret so important to you?" Stef asks after a moment. Mac turns her head to look at her mother.
"JJ and I had an agreement, Mom."
"An agreement? And you're telling me that JJ still agrees with this agreement?" Stef questions and Mac pauses. She knows recently, JJ has been regretting their decision to keep their relationship quiet. She also knows it wasn't always the plan to keep it quiet. It was only until they figured out what they were, if it was going to go anywhere.
"What were you guys talking about at the station?" Mac says after a pregnant pause, her question directed at her mother.
"Mac…" JJ says for the first time. Mac turns in her seat to look at her girlfriend. JJ's normally bright eyes, were clouded with emotion. Mac's face softens immediately, as they have a silent conversation. After a minute, Mac turns back around in her seat quietly. The car is silent once again, the murmur from the radio is all that could be heard.
xxxx
"Anyone else find it weird JJ stayed with Mac's parents last night?" Reid muses out loud, without even looking up from the book that he held in front of him. Morgan and Prentiss tense up in the back seat, an action not missed by Garcia. The quiet in the car makes Spencer look up from his book and study his car mates.
".. I only say that because Morgan has met Mac's parents and he didn't stay there last night." Reid continues, his eyes squinting as he watches all their different reactions.
"Is there something going on?" Garcia says, her eyes never leaving Morgan. Morgan tried his hardest to keep his eyes on the road, knowing all Garcia needed to know was resting in his eyes. Before the two in the back seat could ask anymore questions, the car comes to a stop, and Morgan and Prentiss take the opportunity to jump out of the car. Garcia and Reid share a look before Reid starts packing up his book in his bag.
"I… I can't believe it." Garcia breathes out looking over at Reid.
"What?" Reid questions, moving to open his door. Garcia studies him for a moment, realizing he was completely clueless before gathering her purse and opening her door.
"You're a genius, Reid. Do the genius things." Garcia says before exiting the car. Reid pauses a moment, his eyebrows furrowing before climbing out the car himself.
"Hi! Welcome!!" A warm comforting voice makes the team look up on the porch to find Lena walking out and towards the stairs. They all offer a smile as she comes down the couple steps down into the front yard.
"Hi, I'm Lena." She offers a warm smile before taking Hotch's hand in her own.
"Hi, Aaron.. Hotchner." Hotch says with a smile. She nods before looking to Rossi. Rossi steps forward just as she lets go of Hotch's hand.
"David Rossi. You have a lovely home." Rossi says with a smile.
"Thank you so much. I've heard a lot about you both." Lena says before making eye contact with Morgan. Her smile only grew as he got closer, holding out his arms with that famous Derek smile.
"Lena.." Derek says with a large smile. Lena couldn't help the small laugh that came from her lips as she hugged the young man that she had loved for a long time.
"It's been too long." Lena says, still holding on to him. They take a second longer before pulling back and smiling at each other.
"I know, I'm sorry. I gotta get better at visiting." Morgan says. His history with Mac's family was a good one, he was more like a bonus son, than just a friend of the family. Mac and Derek met on a tour for the Air Force academy. They bonded instantly, but when Mac decided to actually go the Air Force academy and Derek did not, they lost touch. But shortly after Mac was discharged she found herself at the FBI academy, and who was there but Derek Morgan. Their friendship built from there, Mac started bringing him home when he didn't want to go home for holidays, and the Foster's never asked why. They welcomed him with welcome arms.
"This is Emily Prentiss." Derek says, holding his arm out towards Prentiss. Prentiss steps forward and takes Lena's hand in her own, shaking it.
"It's so nice to meet you." Prentiss says. Lena smiles and brings her in for a half hug.
"My daughter says such amazing things about you." Prentiss gives a chuckle before looking over to where Mac and JJ were approaching.
"Your daughter is an amazing woman." Prentiss says, catching Mac's ear.
"Eh, I'm alright." Mac jokes, earning a few laughs from the people around her. Lena walks over to her daughter and kisses the side of her head, greeting her.
"That is Penelope Garcia and Spencer Reid." Mac says seeing the two of them approach.
"Oh my goodness, it is so nice to meet you. Can I give you a hug?" Garcia gushes, Lena chuckles and nods before getting wrapped up in a big Garcia hug.
"Garcia, it's nice to meet you." Lena says taking in the young blonde. Lena looks passed Garcia and smiles.
"And Spencer. I've heard so much about all of you, it feels like I know you all." Lena says shaking Reid's hand. She turns to see her wife approaching and she makes her way over to her. Kissing her gently before walking over to JJ. Mac could feel her ears get hot, and her stomach turn as her mother walks over to JJ. She casually throws an arm over her shoulder and presses a soft kiss to her hair, making her way up the steps and to the front door.
Mac could feel the tension radiating off of the team around her. Unsure of what to do, Mac looks over to Garcia who was watching the scene carefully.
"Garcia? Wine?" The calling of her name grabs her attention, but the simple question is what plasters a smile over her face.
xxxxx
About an hour later, the Foster residence was buzzing with activity. The wine and conversation was flowing as music played softly in the background. Sitting on the couch was Morgan, Garcia, and Reid, with Mac perched up on the arm. Rossi, Stef, Hotch and Lena were all in the kitchen, leaving JJ and Prentiss standing sort of in between the kitchen and living room. From where she was standing JJ could see Mac laughing about something with Morgan. Her wine glass in her hand, her hair down and tucked to one side of her head, the way her t-shirt hugged her upper body, Her eyes continue to trail down Mac's form. Before her thoughts could get too impure Prentiss voice cuts through JJ's thoughts.
"How have you two managed to keep it a secret for two years." Prentiss says. JJ breaks her eyes away from Mac to see Prentiss staring at her with a goofy smile. "Was it always this obvious?" Prentiss asks again. JJ takes a breath before bringing her wine glass to her lips and downing its contents.
"I'm going to go get a refill." JJ says before turning in her heels and making her way to the dining room, the home of the several open bottles of wine were. She sets her glass down before bringing her hands to her face. She wasn't sure what it was, if it was the alcohol or just being back in this house, but all she wanted to do is go out there and show everyone how much she loves Mackenzie Foster. She's always felt the love when she was in this house, the most connected to Mac. Every time they are here it's like she know exactly where Mac is, where her head was at. But now they are here and she couldn't feel farther away from Mac.
"Jay?" The familiar voice and the nickname only used by one person brings JJ from her thoughts. She drops her hands from her face and looks to see a concerned look on Mac's face. Their eyes lock. Green and Blue melding together like there was nothing else in the world.
"You ok?" Mac asks after a second, studying her. JJ doesn't respond, causing Mac to take the few steps over to her. Mac sets her own glass down, before picking up a half empty wine bottle and pouring some in JJ's glass before filling up her own. When Mac picks up JJ's glass and turns to give it her, as she turns, she finds JJ inches from her face. Mac could feel the emotion radiating from JJ's body. Mac's bright green eyes, meet JJ's alcohol hazed blue ones. Mac seeing how truly intoxicated she was. She wasn't plastered but she was definitely buzzed, and Mac could see the desire burning in JJ's eyes. She remembers how she left things this morning, and she knows that's exactly what her girlfriend was thinking about.
"I poured you some more wine." Mac breathes out, her voice barely above a whisper. Their eyes never breaking contact. JJ reaches up and takes the glass from her girlfriend, allowing their fingers to brush against each other, before putting the the wine glass to her lips. She takes a long sip before pulling the glass away and lowering it slightly. Mac could feel her face falling closer and closer to JJ's, the e grey surrounding them heavy.
"…I'm grabbing the other bottle." The sudden intrusive voice breaks them out of their bubble. They were only able to move a couple inches apart before Stef walks into the dining room. Stef's movement slows as she comes to realize what she interrupted. She can't help but give an amused smile as she watches JJ and Mac try to recover from whatever was happening in here.
"Dinner is almost ready." Stef says, her amusement evident in her voice. Mac clears her throat and looks at her mom.
"Sounds good." She nods and Stef walks back out of the dining room. A couple moment pass before Mac fathers the courage to look back at JJ. As soon as their eyes meet, they both can't help the smiles that grow across their faces.
"We should uh…" Mac starts and JJ nods her head before brushing passed Mac. Max waits a moment before leaving the dining room herself, both completely unaware that Reid witnessed everything from his spot in the living room.
xxxx
Soooo Reid knows, and was probably the last to find out. How do we think Reid is going to hand this.
PS: I swear I'm trying to get on a writing schedule. It's so hard when you are trying to deal with real life. But I love this story and I love writing. This story means a lot to me and I hope to see it through and I hope you guys enjoyed it. I look forward to your reviews.