(Criminal Minds) Bloodsport - 16 - Part Two
Title: Bloodsport
Author: darkbardzero
Fandom: Criminal Minds
Pairings: Jennifer Jareau/Emily Prentiss
Ratings: 18
Summary: ''Love is just a Bloodsport.''
Disclaimers: All things Criminal Minds belong to people other than me. I just write stuff.
Author's Notes: Well, this is something that was originally part of a drabble I wrote in the CM music challenge. Back then, I was nudged and encouraged by Steppenwolf_20 to write it full length. So here it is! It's been in the works for quite a while due to various reasons, but it's on the tracks now.
Thank You: To Steppenwolf_20 for suggesting it, Sofia_Lindsay for not letting me give up on it early on, and Heidimaggs22 for supporting me, batting ideas around, putting up with rants and waffles and for being my rock! Ta to Heidimaggs22 and Sofia_Lindsay for beta'ing.
A/N - This hasn't been beta'd, the lovely Heidimaggs22 has been super super super busy :) I'm SO sorry for the gap between updates, I've been all sickly and illsome! Heidimaggs22 took very good care of me though, and force fed me medicine!
XXX
''So, how long has…this…been going on?''
David Rossi was an astute man; he liked to think so anyway. He didn't know the colleagues around him as well as he could right now, he was learning. They were intelligent, creative, independent and somewhat secretive about personal issues. They all intrigued him; each had an interesting path on which they had travelled thus far. Leading each one into this dangerous, sombre, horrific and dark line of work. A work that was nightmarish rather than noble, ruining and damning, rather than romantic and brave. It took a brave soul to do it, sure, but it also took a burdened soul, a slightly broken soul. No other soul could look at what they had to look at everyday.
It was where the bond came from, he believed. It was a shared bond, in existence because of what they did together. They studied the worst of human kind, and they often mused just how close a killing partnership, more rarely a killing team, had to be. They were the most significant example of that kind of soul being bonded together as though they were blood. Because they were the same people, they had to be to understand. This was a pack, pure and simple. Devoted and loyal to a fault, willing to die for each other, as exampled today. They were willing to kill for each other, as exampled most recently by Agent Jareau, but there were many examples.
It was an unnatural natural bond, an unnatural natural collective. They didn't have to know absolutely everything about each other, because they knew each other, they existed on this level together.
So it stood out, the connection between JJ and Prentiss. It had been so noticeable that Rossi felt like he had almost walked into it, as though it were a physical object. It was also obvious that the team knew, but no one said anything about it.
''What?''
Morgan grunted, barely looking up from his phone. They were all eager to see JJ too when the time was right, but all felt comfortable enough knowing that Emily and Garcia had gone in there. In their wake, an almost sleepy lull had drifted into the waiting room. They didn't need to move, there was no pressing case like last time, they didn't have to catch anyone for doing this to JJ, he was already in custody.
''This thing between JJ and Emily.''
Rossi replied more explicitly this time. He, nor any of the other three men, noticed Delilah hovering by the entrance.
The police Detective had been stuck behind an accident, unable to push her way through any quicker than she had made it. Which of course, had left her in a foul, desperately anxious mood. Finally getting to the hospital, she had made her way up here as quickly as humanly possible, relieved as she had turned down the corridor that a helpful nurse had pointed her down. That was, until she had heard Rossi's voice. She wouldn't have even stopped though, if not for the mentioning of JJ's name, particularly when in the same sentence as Emily's and in that suspicious context. So instead of turning the corner into the waiting room completely, she stalled, heart pounding as she hovered silently, just out of sight.
As Reid, Morgan and Hotch looked between each other uncertainly, each unwilling to break the silence first, Rossi sighed and rolled his eyes.
''Oh come on, you don't think I've noticed? All these looks they have, and the touches? It's like their own little language. Not to mention the particularly obvious clothes swapping. I know already, I'm just asking for a definition and a history.''
Of course he knew, he had eyes. Sighing, Morgan flipped his phone shut and looked across at the older man.
''There is no definition, at least not yet. Things just…happened.''
Rossi lifted an eyebrow.
''Happened? You mean they've been having an affair.''
It wasn't a question so much as a statement, to which Morgan nodded in confirmation. He glanced between Reid and Hotch, both of whom looked somewhat uncomfortable.
''You don't actively chose to stand in front of a gun as though you're a human shield like that because you're sleeping with the intended victim. It's more than an affair.''
''Hey! Don't say it as though JJ made a stupid choice putting herself between Emily and that gun like that.''
Morgan snapped irritably, becoming offensive as he interpreted Rossi's words as mocking JJ's choice. If not for that, Emily would probably be dead right now. Morgan knew why the blonde had done it, besides the fact that she loved Emily, but because she had the greater chance with the vest.
''I wasn't, Morgan, I get it. I do, I'm just saying, it seems more than an affair to me.''
Hotch cleared his throat, sitting up slightly as he took a breathe in to weigh in on the conversation.
''The thing about Jennifer Jareau, Dave, is that she would have made the same decision whether it had been Emily at stake or not. Her personal feelings may have factored in, but she's extremely protective and her calculation would have been the chances of survival with and without the vest. Yes, she might have done it anyway because it was Emily, and you're right, it's not because this is 'just' an affair. It's the real thing, and today JJ made her choice.''
Aaron Hotchner was not a particularly trusting man. He could probably count on his hands just how many people he truly trusted. His brother, his son, and his team, that was the entire list. Sometimes he trusted them more than he trusted himself. He trusted every one of his colleagues, his friends, with his life. And it was days like today that really highlighted why.
''An affair…really…''
An affair, of course. It seemed so obvious, so ridiculously fucking obvious. It made sense, in a weird, twisted way. Both surprising, and not in the same breath.
''Delilah…''
Reid was the first one to react, watching the Baltimore cop almost slump around the corner, the shock reeling in her eyes, the immediate betrayal and whiplash of pain. He had never seen anyone look quite so empty. Only Emily.
''Don't, please. You all seem to know a lot more than me, don't insult me by pretending now.''
All those things, all those things that they had ever done together, ever planned together, were gone. They were sabotaged, betrayed…destroyed. All those things that she had planned on doing and being for JJ, all those changes and promises, they were always in vain. It was truly embarrassing, Delilah could only imagine what she would have felt confessing it all to JJ only to be rejected like that. It was like a slap in the face, or worse, a ripping out of her heart. That's what it felt like; her chest throbbed in pain, lungs burning in treachery and rage.
All the times that they had laughed together, all those times she had held JJ close at night just watching her or listening to her breathe, all the times they had confided in each other, all the times they had made love, gone off on some crazy late night adventure…it was all void. It was all a mockery. It was a fucking joke. The one person she had trusted most in the world, the one she had least expected and betrayed her the worst. Literally stabbed her in the back in a vicious sneak attack.
Not only had JJ destroyed their life, not only had she ripped out her heart and stuck a blade in her back, she had spat in her face by taking her actions and using them for Emily. Delilah had scarified for her, bled for her, been willing to give up her life for her. And once upon a time that had meant something to JJ. It had caused her nightmares, it had caused her tears and love and loyalty. It had been her blood that had sealed that, how could she just toss it aside like this? Had she been gunning for humiliation too? Because it was a cruel and unusual sport to take someone's example of love like that, and give it to someone else in the same way.
And these people…these people just sitting here and discussing it like its nothing? These people that she had spent time with, laughed with and made an effort to get to know. These people who she had been concerned about upon reports from the field, in whatever State they had found themselves in. Just talking about her like she didn't even matter, like she didn't exist. She thought they had been at least friendly toward her, she wasn't part of their club but she was JJ's girlfriend, for christ sake. All she had ever done was love her, what was so wrong with that?
''Where is she?''
The destroyed, humiliated brunette demanded through gritted teeth, forcing the tears back out of her eyes because she refused to be the pitiful betrayed girlfriend who broke down in front of these people. People that had sat idly by and let this happen without so much as a word of warning to her.
''She umm…she's in the ICU. They'll only let us in in pairs.''
It was the youngest of them that dared to answer the Detective, his voice timid and soft and entirely apologetic and guilty. He had meant to be informative, however, his statement only served to cause more damage. Delilah narrowed her eyes, scanning the room quickly before a look of realisation hit upon her. The realisation that there were two people missing from these seats, and one of them was Emily.
There was no way, no way; she was letting that bitch anywhere near JJ after what she just heard. It had been Emily that she had assumed who was the threat. The serpent waiting for its chance to strike. Never had she thought JJ would be a willing participant, a willing pray. Still, they were still technically in this relationship and Delilah was intent on recovering what dignity that she could while she could. Emily Prentiss had caused all of this; there was no way she was going to rub it in her face by being by JJ's bedside.
''Tell me where Jennifer Jareau is.''
Delilah disposed of the pleasantries, only being able to think of one thing, getting to JJ's room and kicking Prentiss out of it. Flashing her badge at a stunned nurse, she used her best death glare to intimidate the woman, who cluttered around the desk for a moment before finding what she needed.
''Room 5…but you can't go in there.''
''The hell I can't.''
There was a flurry of movement as Delilah pushed herself off of the desk, marching in the direction of the signposted room. The nurse trailed her, hot on her heels with objections that she couldn't go back there unattended, that she couldn't go into the room without permission, that there were already two people in there. It was all lost on her, just echoes in her head. She just didn't care. So many people were already involved in this, an embarrassing amount of people. The only person that should have been in that room right now was her; it was her right for crying out loud, not only as JJ's girlfriend, but as her betrayed.
''What the hell…''
It was Kate that reacted to the door slamming open purposefully, frowning angrily as she set eyes upon the stranger that had barged in without so much as knocking.
''I'm sorry Dr Walker, I couldn't stop her.''
''Get out!''
One brunette bellowed at another with a dangerous growl to her voice, unquestionably worse than the day that she had attacked Emily at the club. The profiler was still by JJ's bed, holding her hand, stroking through her hair, just watching her. Kate had been stood at a respectful distance, while Garcia had been stood at the other side of JJ's bed, also holding her hand. She had jumped and squeaked at the sudden noise and disturbance that Delilah had caused, and paled as she realised it was her. There was no room for jumping to conclusions; the look in the young woman's face said it all. She knew.
''Maria call security, right now.''
Kate ordered the nurse in a quiet calm that spoke of her own anger at having her patients room being disturbed, thus leading to the disturbance of her patient. There was a reason they limited the contact for the patients in ICU, they weren't ready for the outside world to come crashing down on them.
''Don't bother, this bitch is leaving. Right?''
It wasn't a question; it was a ground out order toward the so far silent Emily. Delilah hadn't taken her eyes off of the profiler, nor the profiler off the cop. It was a mutual understanding that they were now both aware of what had trespassed between her and JJ. And Delilah was shooting out the rules of the 'code' through her stare, trying to protect the desolation she felt with a fierce anger.
Suddenly, Emily was hit with a wave of empathy for Delilah. The actual realisation of what she had done catching up with her, helping to destroy someone else's world. Just because she refused to regret, didn't mean she failed to understand the pain she had inflicted. And just like her, Delilah was just a little girl, shouting at the world from her fortress with a badge and a gun. They were the same, in that respect. Their common saviour? Jennifer Jareau.
What was indeed not common between them, was JJ's campaign to break into those fortresses. In Delilah's case, it had been blind loyalty because blood had been spilled. It had been obligation disguised as love, fear of losing someone else. JJ hadn't charged at the fortress, hadn't battled with the soldiers or knocked down the walls. She had given herself over because she convinced herself she had to. In Emily's case, she had battled, and she had sacrificed not out of obligation but out of love.
And that was the understanding that was now flowing between them, that was what made this betrayal all the worse for Delilah. And that was why Emily stood up, willing just this once to default to the broken hearted Detective. It was all over; Emily knew that Delilah at least deserved this time with JJ to gather up the broken pieces and build a casket for her tears, to build a coffin for her heart because she was now in mourning.
''Emily, you don't have to…''
Garcia objected lightly, flinching at the glare that Delilah turned on her. Out of every one of JJ's friends, it was Garcia that Delilah was most hurt over. It was Garcia that she most expected to have told her the truth, to not support JJ's choices, to not side with Emily.
''It's okay Penelope.''
Nodding, Garcia quickly followed Emily after she rushed around JJ's bed, aiming for the door. The look that passed between profiler and cop could only be described as an icy, predatory look, as Emily walked passed her and out into the corridor. Delilah promptly shut the door behind them.
''Who are you?''
Kate demanded quietly, now angered for her friend as well as her patient. She watched as Delilah moved over to look down at JJ.
''What did you do Jenny?''
The Detective scratched out, still trying to fight the tears that threatened to break at any second. Her shoulders sagged as she held onto the railing for a moment taking deep breathes to try and put off the inevitable. She had been betrayed, yet she still fucking cared about the condition of the blonde. The girl she had thought was an angel, who only turned out to be anything but. After a couple of moments, the brunette turned to look at the Doctor that hovered behind her uncertainly.
''I'm Detective Delilah Forrester. I'm Jenny's girlfriend. Tell me everything I need to know.''
Kate had a feeling that this was the 'someone else' that Emily had talked about. The other half of JJ's that had spent the past five and some years with her. Obviously, something had happened to make Delilah aware of just what had been going on, of course that was always going to happen. This kind of secret could never be kept forever. She did feel for her, no one should have to go through it, Kate didn't know Delilah nor did she know the ins and outs of her relationship with JJ. What she did know, was how deeply Emily felt for the blonde, and from the sound of it from conversation, how much JJ felt back. She had stood in front of bullets and even for the bravest and noblest of people, that was no easy feat. What Kate could see in Delilah's eyes now, was the hopelessness of being able to fight against that kind of feeling.
''Fine, but I don't care who you are, you ever make that kind of disturbance again, I will have you removed, is that understood Detective? You could have potentially compromised my patient, and I'll do whatever it takes to stop that from happening.''
Her sympathy aside, her loyalty right now was to JJ.
''I understand, I'm sorry. No more outbursts.''
Delilah promised weakly, signalling that she had been ground down enough now not to be able to manage one.
It was difficult to decide who had been damaged more right now, the Detective or the Agent.
Author: darkbardzero
Fandom: Criminal Minds
Pairings: Jennifer Jareau/Emily Prentiss
Ratings: 18
Summary: ''Love is just a Bloodsport.''
Disclaimers: All things Criminal Minds belong to people other than me. I just write stuff.
Author's Notes: Well, this is something that was originally part of a drabble I wrote in the CM music challenge. Back then, I was nudged and encouraged by Steppenwolf_20 to write it full length. So here it is! It's been in the works for quite a while due to various reasons, but it's on the tracks now.
Thank You: To Steppenwolf_20 for suggesting it, Sofia_Lindsay for not letting me give up on it early on, and Heidimaggs22 for supporting me, batting ideas around, putting up with rants and waffles and for being my rock! Ta to Heidimaggs22 and Sofia_Lindsay for beta'ing.
A/N - This hasn't been beta'd, the lovely Heidimaggs22 has been super super super busy :) I'm SO sorry for the gap between updates, I've been all sickly and illsome! Heidimaggs22 took very good care of me though, and force fed me medicine!
XXX
''So, how long has…this…been going on?''
David Rossi was an astute man; he liked to think so anyway. He didn't know the colleagues around him as well as he could right now, he was learning. They were intelligent, creative, independent and somewhat secretive about personal issues. They all intrigued him; each had an interesting path on which they had travelled thus far. Leading each one into this dangerous, sombre, horrific and dark line of work. A work that was nightmarish rather than noble, ruining and damning, rather than romantic and brave. It took a brave soul to do it, sure, but it also took a burdened soul, a slightly broken soul. No other soul could look at what they had to look at everyday.
It was where the bond came from, he believed. It was a shared bond, in existence because of what they did together. They studied the worst of human kind, and they often mused just how close a killing partnership, more rarely a killing team, had to be. They were the most significant example of that kind of soul being bonded together as though they were blood. Because they were the same people, they had to be to understand. This was a pack, pure and simple. Devoted and loyal to a fault, willing to die for each other, as exampled today. They were willing to kill for each other, as exampled most recently by Agent Jareau, but there were many examples.
It was an unnatural natural bond, an unnatural natural collective. They didn't have to know absolutely everything about each other, because they knew each other, they existed on this level together.
So it stood out, the connection between JJ and Prentiss. It had been so noticeable that Rossi felt like he had almost walked into it, as though it were a physical object. It was also obvious that the team knew, but no one said anything about it.
''What?''
Morgan grunted, barely looking up from his phone. They were all eager to see JJ too when the time was right, but all felt comfortable enough knowing that Emily and Garcia had gone in there. In their wake, an almost sleepy lull had drifted into the waiting room. They didn't need to move, there was no pressing case like last time, they didn't have to catch anyone for doing this to JJ, he was already in custody.
''This thing between JJ and Emily.''
Rossi replied more explicitly this time. He, nor any of the other three men, noticed Delilah hovering by the entrance.
The police Detective had been stuck behind an accident, unable to push her way through any quicker than she had made it. Which of course, had left her in a foul, desperately anxious mood. Finally getting to the hospital, she had made her way up here as quickly as humanly possible, relieved as she had turned down the corridor that a helpful nurse had pointed her down. That was, until she had heard Rossi's voice. She wouldn't have even stopped though, if not for the mentioning of JJ's name, particularly when in the same sentence as Emily's and in that suspicious context. So instead of turning the corner into the waiting room completely, she stalled, heart pounding as she hovered silently, just out of sight.
As Reid, Morgan and Hotch looked between each other uncertainly, each unwilling to break the silence first, Rossi sighed and rolled his eyes.
''Oh come on, you don't think I've noticed? All these looks they have, and the touches? It's like their own little language. Not to mention the particularly obvious clothes swapping. I know already, I'm just asking for a definition and a history.''
Of course he knew, he had eyes. Sighing, Morgan flipped his phone shut and looked across at the older man.
''There is no definition, at least not yet. Things just…happened.''
Rossi lifted an eyebrow.
''Happened? You mean they've been having an affair.''
It wasn't a question so much as a statement, to which Morgan nodded in confirmation. He glanced between Reid and Hotch, both of whom looked somewhat uncomfortable.
''You don't actively chose to stand in front of a gun as though you're a human shield like that because you're sleeping with the intended victim. It's more than an affair.''
''Hey! Don't say it as though JJ made a stupid choice putting herself between Emily and that gun like that.''
Morgan snapped irritably, becoming offensive as he interpreted Rossi's words as mocking JJ's choice. If not for that, Emily would probably be dead right now. Morgan knew why the blonde had done it, besides the fact that she loved Emily, but because she had the greater chance with the vest.
''I wasn't, Morgan, I get it. I do, I'm just saying, it seems more than an affair to me.''
Hotch cleared his throat, sitting up slightly as he took a breathe in to weigh in on the conversation.
''The thing about Jennifer Jareau, Dave, is that she would have made the same decision whether it had been Emily at stake or not. Her personal feelings may have factored in, but she's extremely protective and her calculation would have been the chances of survival with and without the vest. Yes, she might have done it anyway because it was Emily, and you're right, it's not because this is 'just' an affair. It's the real thing, and today JJ made her choice.''
Aaron Hotchner was not a particularly trusting man. He could probably count on his hands just how many people he truly trusted. His brother, his son, and his team, that was the entire list. Sometimes he trusted them more than he trusted himself. He trusted every one of his colleagues, his friends, with his life. And it was days like today that really highlighted why.
''An affair…really…''
An affair, of course. It seemed so obvious, so ridiculously fucking obvious. It made sense, in a weird, twisted way. Both surprising, and not in the same breath.
''Delilah…''
Reid was the first one to react, watching the Baltimore cop almost slump around the corner, the shock reeling in her eyes, the immediate betrayal and whiplash of pain. He had never seen anyone look quite so empty. Only Emily.
''Don't, please. You all seem to know a lot more than me, don't insult me by pretending now.''
All those things, all those things that they had ever done together, ever planned together, were gone. They were sabotaged, betrayed…destroyed. All those things that she had planned on doing and being for JJ, all those changes and promises, they were always in vain. It was truly embarrassing, Delilah could only imagine what she would have felt confessing it all to JJ only to be rejected like that. It was like a slap in the face, or worse, a ripping out of her heart. That's what it felt like; her chest throbbed in pain, lungs burning in treachery and rage.
All the times that they had laughed together, all those times she had held JJ close at night just watching her or listening to her breathe, all the times they had confided in each other, all the times they had made love, gone off on some crazy late night adventure…it was all void. It was all a mockery. It was a fucking joke. The one person she had trusted most in the world, the one she had least expected and betrayed her the worst. Literally stabbed her in the back in a vicious sneak attack.
Not only had JJ destroyed their life, not only had she ripped out her heart and stuck a blade in her back, she had spat in her face by taking her actions and using them for Emily. Delilah had scarified for her, bled for her, been willing to give up her life for her. And once upon a time that had meant something to JJ. It had caused her nightmares, it had caused her tears and love and loyalty. It had been her blood that had sealed that, how could she just toss it aside like this? Had she been gunning for humiliation too? Because it was a cruel and unusual sport to take someone's example of love like that, and give it to someone else in the same way.
And these people…these people just sitting here and discussing it like its nothing? These people that she had spent time with, laughed with and made an effort to get to know. These people who she had been concerned about upon reports from the field, in whatever State they had found themselves in. Just talking about her like she didn't even matter, like she didn't exist. She thought they had been at least friendly toward her, she wasn't part of their club but she was JJ's girlfriend, for christ sake. All she had ever done was love her, what was so wrong with that?
''Where is she?''
The destroyed, humiliated brunette demanded through gritted teeth, forcing the tears back out of her eyes because she refused to be the pitiful betrayed girlfriend who broke down in front of these people. People that had sat idly by and let this happen without so much as a word of warning to her.
''She umm…she's in the ICU. They'll only let us in in pairs.''
It was the youngest of them that dared to answer the Detective, his voice timid and soft and entirely apologetic and guilty. He had meant to be informative, however, his statement only served to cause more damage. Delilah narrowed her eyes, scanning the room quickly before a look of realisation hit upon her. The realisation that there were two people missing from these seats, and one of them was Emily.
There was no way, no way; she was letting that bitch anywhere near JJ after what she just heard. It had been Emily that she had assumed who was the threat. The serpent waiting for its chance to strike. Never had she thought JJ would be a willing participant, a willing pray. Still, they were still technically in this relationship and Delilah was intent on recovering what dignity that she could while she could. Emily Prentiss had caused all of this; there was no way she was going to rub it in her face by being by JJ's bedside.
''Tell me where Jennifer Jareau is.''
Delilah disposed of the pleasantries, only being able to think of one thing, getting to JJ's room and kicking Prentiss out of it. Flashing her badge at a stunned nurse, she used her best death glare to intimidate the woman, who cluttered around the desk for a moment before finding what she needed.
''Room 5…but you can't go in there.''
''The hell I can't.''
There was a flurry of movement as Delilah pushed herself off of the desk, marching in the direction of the signposted room. The nurse trailed her, hot on her heels with objections that she couldn't go back there unattended, that she couldn't go into the room without permission, that there were already two people in there. It was all lost on her, just echoes in her head. She just didn't care. So many people were already involved in this, an embarrassing amount of people. The only person that should have been in that room right now was her; it was her right for crying out loud, not only as JJ's girlfriend, but as her betrayed.
''What the hell…''
It was Kate that reacted to the door slamming open purposefully, frowning angrily as she set eyes upon the stranger that had barged in without so much as knocking.
''I'm sorry Dr Walker, I couldn't stop her.''
''Get out!''
One brunette bellowed at another with a dangerous growl to her voice, unquestionably worse than the day that she had attacked Emily at the club. The profiler was still by JJ's bed, holding her hand, stroking through her hair, just watching her. Kate had been stood at a respectful distance, while Garcia had been stood at the other side of JJ's bed, also holding her hand. She had jumped and squeaked at the sudden noise and disturbance that Delilah had caused, and paled as she realised it was her. There was no room for jumping to conclusions; the look in the young woman's face said it all. She knew.
''Maria call security, right now.''
Kate ordered the nurse in a quiet calm that spoke of her own anger at having her patients room being disturbed, thus leading to the disturbance of her patient. There was a reason they limited the contact for the patients in ICU, they weren't ready for the outside world to come crashing down on them.
''Don't bother, this bitch is leaving. Right?''
It wasn't a question; it was a ground out order toward the so far silent Emily. Delilah hadn't taken her eyes off of the profiler, nor the profiler off the cop. It was a mutual understanding that they were now both aware of what had trespassed between her and JJ. And Delilah was shooting out the rules of the 'code' through her stare, trying to protect the desolation she felt with a fierce anger.
Suddenly, Emily was hit with a wave of empathy for Delilah. The actual realisation of what she had done catching up with her, helping to destroy someone else's world. Just because she refused to regret, didn't mean she failed to understand the pain she had inflicted. And just like her, Delilah was just a little girl, shouting at the world from her fortress with a badge and a gun. They were the same, in that respect. Their common saviour? Jennifer Jareau.
What was indeed not common between them, was JJ's campaign to break into those fortresses. In Delilah's case, it had been blind loyalty because blood had been spilled. It had been obligation disguised as love, fear of losing someone else. JJ hadn't charged at the fortress, hadn't battled with the soldiers or knocked down the walls. She had given herself over because she convinced herself she had to. In Emily's case, she had battled, and she had sacrificed not out of obligation but out of love.
And that was the understanding that was now flowing between them, that was what made this betrayal all the worse for Delilah. And that was why Emily stood up, willing just this once to default to the broken hearted Detective. It was all over; Emily knew that Delilah at least deserved this time with JJ to gather up the broken pieces and build a casket for her tears, to build a coffin for her heart because she was now in mourning.
''Emily, you don't have to…''
Garcia objected lightly, flinching at the glare that Delilah turned on her. Out of every one of JJ's friends, it was Garcia that Delilah was most hurt over. It was Garcia that she most expected to have told her the truth, to not support JJ's choices, to not side with Emily.
''It's okay Penelope.''
Nodding, Garcia quickly followed Emily after she rushed around JJ's bed, aiming for the door. The look that passed between profiler and cop could only be described as an icy, predatory look, as Emily walked passed her and out into the corridor. Delilah promptly shut the door behind them.
''Who are you?''
Kate demanded quietly, now angered for her friend as well as her patient. She watched as Delilah moved over to look down at JJ.
''What did you do Jenny?''
The Detective scratched out, still trying to fight the tears that threatened to break at any second. Her shoulders sagged as she held onto the railing for a moment taking deep breathes to try and put off the inevitable. She had been betrayed, yet she still fucking cared about the condition of the blonde. The girl she had thought was an angel, who only turned out to be anything but. After a couple of moments, the brunette turned to look at the Doctor that hovered behind her uncertainly.
''I'm Detective Delilah Forrester. I'm Jenny's girlfriend. Tell me everything I need to know.''
Kate had a feeling that this was the 'someone else' that Emily had talked about. The other half of JJ's that had spent the past five and some years with her. Obviously, something had happened to make Delilah aware of just what had been going on, of course that was always going to happen. This kind of secret could never be kept forever. She did feel for her, no one should have to go through it, Kate didn't know Delilah nor did she know the ins and outs of her relationship with JJ. What she did know, was how deeply Emily felt for the blonde, and from the sound of it from conversation, how much JJ felt back. She had stood in front of bullets and even for the bravest and noblest of people, that was no easy feat. What Kate could see in Delilah's eyes now, was the hopelessness of being able to fight against that kind of feeling.
''Fine, but I don't care who you are, you ever make that kind of disturbance again, I will have you removed, is that understood Detective? You could have potentially compromised my patient, and I'll do whatever it takes to stop that from happening.''
Her sympathy aside, her loyalty right now was to JJ.
''I understand, I'm sorry. No more outbursts.''
Delilah promised weakly, signalling that she had been ground down enough now not to be able to manage one.
It was difficult to decide who had been damaged more right now, the Detective or the Agent.