Hope on Fire, for calleigh_j, Emily/JJ, FRAO
Title: Hope on Fire
Author/Artist: darkhawkhealer
Recipient: calleigh_j
Pairing: Emily/JJ
Rating: FRAO
Word Count: 4,483
Warnings/spoilers: Spoilers for everything up to and including 5.05, Cradle To Grave, implied AU for everything after that. =)
Summary/prompt: When the streets are aflood like a fever / It's a holiday of the new / We're coming closer now to the truth
Fits prompts 1. Emily's absolutely not going home for Christmas. Not this year, 3. The BAU Christmas drinks outing involves far too much drinking; Garcia has photographic evidence of the results, and 5. JJ gets a call from Ambassador Prentiss.
A/N: Thanks to two anonymous people for the beta work. Title and summary from the Vienna Teng song of the same name.
Friday, December 18th, 2009
The sex is astonishingly good, for all that they're both three sheets to the wind. Apparently alcohol makes Emily sexually aggressive, but the last thing JJ wants to do is complain about the way Em's got her trapped against the wall, making her head swim even more with a hot, agile mouth and wandering hands. One slim thigh is wedged between hers, and JJ can't help thrusting against it just a little, the illicit thrill -- outside, anyone can see -- shooting through her and leaving her gasping into Emily's demanding mouth.
Emily breaks the kiss, takes a ragged breath. "What are we doing?" she asks, "This is really bad idea."
And it probably is. But the truth is, it's been entirely too long since someone's touched JJ like this, made her feel beautiful and sexy and wanted, and for all that JJ wants to be okay with a random one-night stand, she's always been of a mind that sex is so much better when you know the person you're with. There's a key dangling from the back of Emily's fingers and through that door is going to be a horizontal surface of some sort, probably a soft one. And really? That's all the incentive JJ needs.
"We can both regret it tomorrow," she says, pulling the key free from Emily's fingers and fumbling with the lock, "After we've actually done something worth regretting."
It startles a smile out of Emily and then she's pressed up against JJ's back, long, slim fingers covering hers to help with the lock. JJ can feel the smile hidden in the back of her neck, idly wonders if there will be a lipstick stain there, or if it's already rubbed off from when they were kissing.
Then the door is open and they're both stumbling into Emily's apartment. JJ has a moment to notice stairs and wood and this insane view before she's losing her shirt and being pushed down onto the sofa. Her breasts are still full from the pregnancy a year ago, her bra is pink with green ribbons on it and as Emily unbuttons her jeans, JJ moves to cover the stretch marks low on her belly before she can examine them with the same intent gaze she's taken everything else in with.
Emily catches her hands and twines their fingers together, kissing JJ's knuckles and pressing her hands into the couch, looking her fill and watching the flush the deepens over JJ's chest and neck. Finally Emily meets her gaze and says seriously, "Any person who tells you you are not gorgeous is either lying or blind."
JJ can feel herself blushing as Emily surges up onto the couch and kisses her breathless. And Emily must have some sort of prior experience, she thinks, because she loses her bra entirely too fast for it to be new to Emily, too. But, oh, she doesn't even care any more, not when long, nimble fingers are tweaking her nipples hard enough to send sparks shooting straight to her clit and a hot mouth is nipping down her throat and over her collarbone to swirl her tongue over where her fingers had been. JJ's flesh breaks out in goosebumps even as she's running her fingers through long black hair and clutching her closer.
Emily moans and slips her hand beneath JJ's lacy underwear, swiping fingers through wetness and over a hard clit. JJ's hips jerk and then she's scrabbling at Emily's shoulders, trying to get rid of her clothes, too. It's a test of patience they're both perilously close to losing, but they manage to separate long enough to lose what's left, until they're both naked and Emily's looking up at JJ from the floor with a glint in her eyes and a sharp smile.
She might be drunk but she's not stupid; JJ knows what's coming and she can't help but want it more right this minute than she wants anything else in the world. The kiss to the inside of her knee has her shivering, and the scrape of sharp teeth in a line over her thigh makes her shudder, but it's when that mouth descends on her very center that JJ cries out.
Reality doesn't fade, it spins away and drops sharply, narrowing down to the hands and the mouth of the woman she's with. Pleasure washes over her and it's hard and intense and it must be the alcohol because it's never been this good before. And it goes on for what seems like forever, which is both a blessing and a curse. JJ's not a screamer, she never has been, but she can't breathe and it's too much but it's not enough and then Emily's touching that spot inside her and pushing her over the edge and leaving her cursing and shaking hard.
Emily's smiling when JJ can focus again, pressing nipping, suckling kisses to JJ's stomach. JJ tries for a stern look, but doesn't quite manage it.
"Do you own a bed?" She demands, running affectionate fingers through Emily's hair.
Emily arches a brow, but nods.
"Do you think we can go continue this there?"
That smile turns into a grin and then Emily's standing and tugging JJ up, steadying her when she sways before leading her upstairs.
***
The next morning JJ stretches and shifts a little, sinking back into the soft body behind her and trying to calm the pounding in her head. In the harsh light of the new day, it's not hard to see how she got here...
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
"I'm sorry, JJ. I just can't do this any more."
JJ stares at Will, completely still. "Don't you think this is a conclusion you could have told me about earlier?"
Will shrugs and holds up his hands, helpless. "I'm sorry," he repeats. "I didn't know until now. I thought I was ready to be a father, but I'm not."
"Not ready in that you're scared and you have concerns that you'll be a good father?" she asks, trying to understand, "Because everybody has those fears."
He shakes his head. "No, it's not that. I'm just not as ready as I thought I was to give up my life."
"Giving up your life, like we need to get a babysitter more often and make more time for ourselves; or give up your life, like you miss picking up chicks in bars?"
The guilt in his eyes is all the answer she needs.
"Besides," he says, "I miss my job. I miss the Quarter; I miss beignets and Bourbon Street."
"You want to move back."
"I want to take an extended trip for the holidays, so that I can have some space to think things through."
JJ stares at the suitcase sitting next to him. "And were you planning on telling me at all or was I just supposed to come home to find Henry here with the nanny and wonder where you were?"
"How am I supposed to tell you something when you're never here?"
JJ sits back. "Oh, so now this is my fault? We agreed before Henry was born that my job was important to me and that I was going to continue working."
Will runs a hand through his hair, frustrated. "I know that, JJ, and I'm not saying your job isn't important. I'm saying I feel like you're never home, and that I'm essentially a single parent and I'm not ready for that."
JJ nods, thinking. "So. A week before Thanksgiving to when, exactly?"
Another helpless, noncommittal look. JJ nods again. In the other room, she can hear Henry waking up, starting to fuss. "I'll call you when I get there," he offers, standing at last and picking up his bag.
"You do that," she says, leaving him to let himself out and going to pick up her son.
***
The thing about having friends like Garcia is, when it finally hits her two hours later, she can call and Garcia will rush over with alcohol and ice cream, Emily in tow.
Bailey's chocolate shakes all around and JJ's cycling between raw devastation and bewildered anger, wondering what she's supposed to do next. It's Penelope, the beautiful genius, that comes up with the best idea.
"What about an au pair?" She asks, fishing out another cherry from the bowl.
"I saw that movie. I'm not a rich millionaire, though." JJ curls up on the couch and shrugs at Emily's amused look. "I was babysitting, it was on."
Emily smiles. "A live-in nanny would be a good option," she agrees. "If she stayed here, you could get round-the-clock care for Henry and include room and board in the pay scale."
JJ ponders that as she finishes the last of her shake. "Who could I trust to stay with Henry full time?"
"Um, excuse me," Garcia asks, "What am I good for if not extensive background checks? We can make Emily use her mad profiler skills to help you interview them!"
Emily nods. "I'd be happy to help. We'll tell Hotch that you need to work from home for a few days, and then you can put an ad out in the paper and call some of the agencies in the area. I have a friend in the Embassy, maybe she'll know someone who can help." She reaches out and cover's JJ's hand with hers, "Don't worry. We can fix this."
And they do.
Lucky it's a Wednesday night, because by Monday morning, JJ's leaving Henry in the care of a very well-vetted au pair, secure in the knowledge that he's going to be taken care of when she's not home. Adiba is an acquaintance of Emily's, and as far as JJ's concerned, a godsend. She's agreed to help out temporarily, or until a permanent arrangement is made. It doesn't hurt that Will's agreed to pay for her very generous salary, either.
***
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
Emily, Spencer and JJ are climbing into the SUV to head back to the airport when Emily's phone rings. She stares at it for so long, JJ's sure it's going to go to voice mail, before she finally hits the talk button and brings the phone to her ear.
"Emily Prentiss." Her voice is stiff, she's staring out of the passenger window, and she's slumped back into her seat, like she's already tired. "Hello, Caroline."
JJ's not surprised. The team's just finished up a particularly brutal case: a suicide-pact in a college preparatory school full of high achievers with even higher expectations. It's been hard on everybody, seeing the pressure that these kids put themselves under, the lengths they'll go to in an effort to be on the top of their game. And for Emily and Hotch, at least, JJ knows this case has hit close to home.
JJ starts the car silently, and keeps the radio off so Emily can concentrate on her phone call. She's listening quietly, a thoughtful, determined look coming over her face.
"No, I'm sorry, please inform the Ambassador that I will be unavailable to attend this year's festivities. Any of them. At all. Yes, I understand that it's an inconvenience, but it's unavoidable. No, Caroline, I don't particularly care what you tell her." Emily gets quiet for a moment and then snaps, out of patience. "Because I've decided to be childish this year, that's why, and if she really needs to know anything else, she can pick up the phone and call me herself. Yes. Yes. Thank you. You have a good day, as well." She disconnects the car and leans back in her seat, fingers pressed against her eyelids.
In the back, Reid rummages through his bag and pulls out a bottle of aspirin, nudging Emily and passing it up to her.
"Thanks," she murmurs, swallowing them dry. "I'll probably regret that later, but right now I'm not in the mood to be accommodating."
JJ smiles briefly. "I still haven't told my family about Will," she offers, maneuvering behind the guys' SUV in traffic. "I may be avoiding it."
They share a smile and then Emily turns in her seat. "Reid? Any personal confessions you want to share with the class?"
Reid looks surprised for a moment, then thoughtful. "Nope. My life is pretty much work and school at the moment. Not a whole lot of room for fluctuation."
JJ sighs, fond. "Spence, we need to get you a girl."
"What would I do with one?" He asks blankly, then shoots JJ a pleased smile when Emily huffs a small laugh and shakes her head, hiding her smile by looking out the window.
Emily changes the subject. "So what are you guys doing for the holiday?"
Spencer shrugs. "I was all set to have a Star Trek marathon, but then Garcia threatened Morgan and now I'm being dragged to Chicago."
JJ meets his eyes briefly in the rear-view mirror and grins at him. "It'll be good for you. Adiba's got the day before, of, and after with her family, so it'll be me and Henry, since they think we'll be with Will's family this year, and I haven't bothered to tell them any differently."
"Hey, Spencer, can I borrow your Star Trek DVDs?" Emily grins, "You know, since you'll be hanging out with Morgan this year."
"You know," JJ says, "You can always come spend the holiday with me and Henry. I'm going to dress him up in a Santa hat and take tons of pictures but other than that, it should be pretty low-key."
Emily looks at her sidelong and offers a small smile. "That might be nice," she admits. "Maybe I'll stop by for a little bit."
JJ returns her smile and then pulls next to Hotch in the other SUV. They'll be home soon, and JJ's looking forward to seeing her son.
***
Friday, December 18th, 2009
For all that they're the team with the best reputation and the highest close rate, Garcia's parties are the true legends in the BAU. She holds them twice a year, once around the first day of summer, and again around the first day of winter. If it's not Garcia's lemonade you have to watch out for, it's her eggnog.
For some reason, that never seems to faze JJ. These are her brothers, and she's used to keeping up with the boys.
Usually.
Between a particularly trying string of cases -- the holidays bring out the crazies, she'll swear to it -- and the lack of conversation that doesn't revolve around UNSUBs and media wrangling, JJ's got a glass of eggnog down before she even bothers looking at the food. And for the record? It's the first one that gets you.
She usually tries to give Adiba free time when she's home; JJ is too much of a mother for the thought of someone else raising her child to be completely comfortable, and she remembers what it was like to be twenty-two, but they've agreed to this special night of babysitting apart from the time Adiba normally spends with Henry. JJ thinks she remembers how to be a grown-up.
She's not the only person hitting the eggnog, though. Apparently, Hotch is taking advantage of his official Not-Boss title, filling his own glass and smiling when JJ clinks hers merrily against him. Emily's late to the party, and looking furious when she stalks through the doors, completely bypassing the eggnog and going straight for a shot of scotch. Her glare at his whistle is enough to have Dave sinking back, hands up in surrender.
JJ just shakes her head with a smile, and fixes Emily a glass of eggnog, amping it up with more alcohol.
Emily grasps it gratefully, and catches JJ's hand at the same time. "Please, JJ, I am begging you," she says, dark eyes serious. "If you're going to be one of those mothers who nags, can you please just nag, and not bury it under words like decorum and responsibility?"
JJ bites back a smile and nods, squeezing Emily's hand briefly. "Deal." She's never going to understand Emily's family, but that seems to be alright, as Emily appears relieved when she finally wanders over to start a friendly argument with Dave.
An hour later, Morgan is expounding on the downsides of being in charge to a highly amused Hotch, contentedly working on his third glass while Morgan's trying not to sulk over having to switch to coffee. Spencer and Kevin are arguing, something about Death Stars and Imperial Falcons, and Garcia's alternately smiling at them affectionately and circulating around the room. Emily's taken over Garcia's kitchen, munching on food and laughing with Dave, who is sitting on the other side of the counter.
JJ circles around into the kitchen and squeezes past Emily, brushing shoulders with her as she smiles at Dave and snags a few cookies from Emily's plate. She shoots off a smug smile when Emily eyes her, but doesn't actually say anything. And JJ's happy, floating comfortably in that haze of alcohol, doing a little one-woman shimmy to the music in the background when Dave clears his throat and looks at them mischievously.
Emily raises her eyebrows, a silent question, then closes her eyes in a silent groan when Dave grins and points up. A small, embarrassed flush rises up her neck and over her ears, making JJ look up, too.
Huh. Look at that.
Apparently Garcia's been hanging mistletoe in new and interesting places this year. Emily's glaring at Dave silently, stubbornly refusing to meet JJ's gaze and JJ grins, bouncing lightly. Yeah, she'll admit it. She's feeling a little reckless. She's feeling a little daring. She's feeling a little mischievous.
"What's wrong?" She asks, striving for innocent and so totally failing, "You're not scared to kiss me, are you?"
Emily's practicing her Hotch-glare on JJ, but that doesn't actually serve to distract her much, especially with Dave snickering into his glass. "That's right, Emily, you're not scared to kiss her, are you?"
Dave's an instigator, but right now JJ kind of loves him for it.
Emily rolls her eyes and tilts her head down to press her lips to JJ's, clearly intending it to be a short and perfunctory kiss. Except for how JJ sighs and opens her mouth a little under Emily's and the next thing she knows, she's being pressed back into the counter. One of Emily's hands is on her lower back, gathering her up and making her feel reckless and a little special, and she raises her own arms to circle Emily's shoulders. Tongues slide against each other and this kiss is sweet, the taste of alcohol and sugar mixing with lipstick and the smell of perfume all combining to leave JJ breathless and a little dizzy. It's good and JJ wants more, and she nips at Emily's lower lip when she tries to pull back, drawing her back down into another kiss and heedless of the flash of light and the small, choked off noises until --
"Oh, man."
Emily breaks the kiss abruptly, raising her head and looking wide-eyed at their audience. The hands at JJ's waist slide around to her hips and steady her until she's got her balance back, then drop away. Dave's eyes are a little wide and he looks like Christmas has come early, as does Kevin. Garcia's holding a camera and grinning wildly. Hotch is looking mildly amused and Spencer is the only one who doesn't offer a big reaction.
Morgan's turned away from them, speaking to Hotch and he sounds downright petulant. "See, I couldn't even properly enjoy that. This sucks." He peeks over his shoulder and, seeing that they've separated, turns around again and points at JJ. "That's it. You. You're cut off."
JJ scowls. "You're no fun," she says, and watches his shoulders slump.
"I know," he mourns. "It sucks. You're still cut off."
Hotch clears his throat. "Maybe it's time for some of us to be heading home," he suggests gently.
Discretion is the better part of valor because everybody seems to agree with him, calling cabs and gathering up coats and scarves and hugging Garcia, thanking her for the great time. JJ grabs Emily's hand outside of Penelope's door, tugging her back away from the boys as they go on up ahead.
Emily looks confused and a little uncertain and JJ bites her lip and takes a chance. "I don't actually want to go home tonight," she says, and hopes that Emily gets it.
She must, because confusion gives way to a slow smile. She just squeezes JJ's hand and leads her back to where the cabs and the guys are waiting. "I'm just going to make sure JJ makes it alright," she announces.
They're both oblivious to Morgan's muttered comments and Dave and Hotch's silent amusement. Spencer just shrugs a little and waves, calling out his goodnights as he disappears into his own cab.
Emily and JJ share another glance before Emily opens the door to a cab and gently pushes JJ in.
***
No, it's certainly not hard to see how she got here, and if JJ's honest with herself, she's kind of pleased to be in this position. JJ stretches, a full-bodied tensing of muscles and ligaments that sends renewed blood rushing throughout her body as she curls back into her nice, warm spot on the bed. Part of her blanket draws little patterns on her shoulder, and JJ opens her eyes to see dark brown eyes staring at her intently.
After a night full of alcohol and questionable decisions, JJ knows she's not the prettiest picture to behold, but that doesn't seem to stop Emily from looking at her like she's precious. The thought sends a cascade of warmth through her and JJ smiles, holds up one finger in a universal gesture to wait and then slips from the bed.
Morning ablutions taken care of (and mouthwash copiously taken advantage of), and JJ's grinning when she slides back underneath the covers, crawling over Emily and making herself comfortable on top of the taller woman.
"Where were we?" she asks, giggling when Emily laughs and brings both hands up to touch her hips. Mouths meet in a sweet, gentle kiss and JJ grins, happy-bright. "You know," she starts, nipping at Emily's collarbone, "It occurs to me that you're pretty good at what we did last night."
Emily looks surprised, and then a little wary. "I may have some prior experience," she admits, like JJ's going to get mad at her.
"I just don't think it's fair," JJ says, "I got the benefit of all your prior experience and you had to deal with drunken fumblings," JJ makes a face now. "I think we should go again, while I'm sober. You know, for comparative purposes. I make a great study when I'm actually paying attention!"
It's enough to startle a laugh out of Emily, who must have been expecting something else. But she rolls with it, and rolls them, until she's comfortably covering JJ and soft, firm flesh is touching in all the right places. "No regrets?" She asks, staring intently.
JJ glances at the clock. "Just that we didn't wake up sooner, so that we could have more time together."
Emily smiles, and kisses her again. "I think I can send you off on a good note. I might even be able to make you breakfast before you leave."
"Ooh, fancy," JJ teases, then giggles when Emily drags a hand down her side.
***
JJ doesn't get home to Henry until later in the morning than she'd like, but when she does, Adiba's waiting for her with wide eyes.
"What happened?" Adiba asks, handing Henry over when JJ reaches for him.
"What do you mean?" Henry is always happy to see her, and he smells so good.
"Ambassador Prentiss herself called earlier, asking for you. I asked if I could take a message but she just asks that you return her phone call." JJ tries not to show her surprise, and knows she fails horribly when Adiba's expression changes from worried to amused. "May I offer a bit of advice? It was a common joke growing up that the Ambassador's office knows everything that happens with her daughter. She is often quite overprotective, but at the end of the day, she is just a mother. Do not let her intimidate you."
When she leaves, JJ lets out a breath and cuddles Henry close, then rolls her eyes when he starts squirming to be let down. He's off like a rocket, and she's following behind him, grinning when he brings her his favorite toys. The Ambassador can wait; this is her time with her son, and she's not going to put it off for anything.
***
Monday, December 21st, 2009
First thing Monday morning, JJ pushes Emily into her office and holds the door halfway closed. She stares for a moment, taking in tense shoulders and worried eyes. "You don't get very many second dates, do you?"
Emily looks startled, then confused. "What?"
"I got a phone call from your mother on Saturday."
"Oh, no." Emily sinks into one of the chairs and hides her face behind her hand. "I am so sorry. Do I even want to know what she said?"
JJ grins and sits next to her. "Oh, it was bad. I'm pretty sure at one point, I was accused of being after your money."
The horrified look on Emily's face alone is enough to have JJ softening towards Ambassador Prentiss. "How did she even know?"
"Did you know that an Ambassador has to be prepared for any eventuality? They have to be aware of every potential scandal they can be hit with, even the ones their children might become involved with."
"Oh, my God. This is so embarrassing. I'm going to kill her. I can't believe she -- don't worry, I'm going to talk with her."
"She does want what's best for you," JJ allows. "She even asked me what my intentions were towards you."
Emily splutters, eyes wide, and JJ's smile widens. She's grateful for the time she's had to process everything. It makes it easier to sit back and watch Emily flounder.
"Yeah, that was about my initial reaction. Then I told her that was a matter that you and I were better off discussing ourselves. So," JJ reaches over her desk and picks up a stack of files, then opens her office door. "Dinner is at seven on the 24th. You can bring the wine, and we have a roundtable in five."
And with that, JJ saunters out of the office, giving Garcia a wink as she passes by, intent on rounding up the rest of her team.
Author/Artist: darkhawkhealer
Recipient: calleigh_j
Pairing: Emily/JJ
Rating: FRAO
Word Count: 4,483
Warnings/spoilers: Spoilers for everything up to and including 5.05, Cradle To Grave, implied AU for everything after that. =)
Summary/prompt: When the streets are aflood like a fever / It's a holiday of the new / We're coming closer now to the truth
Fits prompts 1. Emily's absolutely not going home for Christmas. Not this year, 3. The BAU Christmas drinks outing involves far too much drinking; Garcia has photographic evidence of the results, and 5. JJ gets a call from Ambassador Prentiss.
A/N: Thanks to two anonymous people for the beta work. Title and summary from the Vienna Teng song of the same name.
Friday, December 18th, 2009
The sex is astonishingly good, for all that they're both three sheets to the wind. Apparently alcohol makes Emily sexually aggressive, but the last thing JJ wants to do is complain about the way Em's got her trapped against the wall, making her head swim even more with a hot, agile mouth and wandering hands. One slim thigh is wedged between hers, and JJ can't help thrusting against it just a little, the illicit thrill -- outside, anyone can see -- shooting through her and leaving her gasping into Emily's demanding mouth.
Emily breaks the kiss, takes a ragged breath. "What are we doing?" she asks, "This is really bad idea."
And it probably is. But the truth is, it's been entirely too long since someone's touched JJ like this, made her feel beautiful and sexy and wanted, and for all that JJ wants to be okay with a random one-night stand, she's always been of a mind that sex is so much better when you know the person you're with. There's a key dangling from the back of Emily's fingers and through that door is going to be a horizontal surface of some sort, probably a soft one. And really? That's all the incentive JJ needs.
"We can both regret it tomorrow," she says, pulling the key free from Emily's fingers and fumbling with the lock, "After we've actually done something worth regretting."
It startles a smile out of Emily and then she's pressed up against JJ's back, long, slim fingers covering hers to help with the lock. JJ can feel the smile hidden in the back of her neck, idly wonders if there will be a lipstick stain there, or if it's already rubbed off from when they were kissing.
Then the door is open and they're both stumbling into Emily's apartment. JJ has a moment to notice stairs and wood and this insane view before she's losing her shirt and being pushed down onto the sofa. Her breasts are still full from the pregnancy a year ago, her bra is pink with green ribbons on it and as Emily unbuttons her jeans, JJ moves to cover the stretch marks low on her belly before she can examine them with the same intent gaze she's taken everything else in with.
Emily catches her hands and twines their fingers together, kissing JJ's knuckles and pressing her hands into the couch, looking her fill and watching the flush the deepens over JJ's chest and neck. Finally Emily meets her gaze and says seriously, "Any person who tells you you are not gorgeous is either lying or blind."
JJ can feel herself blushing as Emily surges up onto the couch and kisses her breathless. And Emily must have some sort of prior experience, she thinks, because she loses her bra entirely too fast for it to be new to Emily, too. But, oh, she doesn't even care any more, not when long, nimble fingers are tweaking her nipples hard enough to send sparks shooting straight to her clit and a hot mouth is nipping down her throat and over her collarbone to swirl her tongue over where her fingers had been. JJ's flesh breaks out in goosebumps even as she's running her fingers through long black hair and clutching her closer.
Emily moans and slips her hand beneath JJ's lacy underwear, swiping fingers through wetness and over a hard clit. JJ's hips jerk and then she's scrabbling at Emily's shoulders, trying to get rid of her clothes, too. It's a test of patience they're both perilously close to losing, but they manage to separate long enough to lose what's left, until they're both naked and Emily's looking up at JJ from the floor with a glint in her eyes and a sharp smile.
She might be drunk but she's not stupid; JJ knows what's coming and she can't help but want it more right this minute than she wants anything else in the world. The kiss to the inside of her knee has her shivering, and the scrape of sharp teeth in a line over her thigh makes her shudder, but it's when that mouth descends on her very center that JJ cries out.
Reality doesn't fade, it spins away and drops sharply, narrowing down to the hands and the mouth of the woman she's with. Pleasure washes over her and it's hard and intense and it must be the alcohol because it's never been this good before. And it goes on for what seems like forever, which is both a blessing and a curse. JJ's not a screamer, she never has been, but she can't breathe and it's too much but it's not enough and then Emily's touching that spot inside her and pushing her over the edge and leaving her cursing and shaking hard.
Emily's smiling when JJ can focus again, pressing nipping, suckling kisses to JJ's stomach. JJ tries for a stern look, but doesn't quite manage it.
"Do you own a bed?" She demands, running affectionate fingers through Emily's hair.
Emily arches a brow, but nods.
"Do you think we can go continue this there?"
That smile turns into a grin and then Emily's standing and tugging JJ up, steadying her when she sways before leading her upstairs.
***
The next morning JJ stretches and shifts a little, sinking back into the soft body behind her and trying to calm the pounding in her head. In the harsh light of the new day, it's not hard to see how she got here...
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
"I'm sorry, JJ. I just can't do this any more."
JJ stares at Will, completely still. "Don't you think this is a conclusion you could have told me about earlier?"
Will shrugs and holds up his hands, helpless. "I'm sorry," he repeats. "I didn't know until now. I thought I was ready to be a father, but I'm not."
"Not ready in that you're scared and you have concerns that you'll be a good father?" she asks, trying to understand, "Because everybody has those fears."
He shakes his head. "No, it's not that. I'm just not as ready as I thought I was to give up my life."
"Giving up your life, like we need to get a babysitter more often and make more time for ourselves; or give up your life, like you miss picking up chicks in bars?"
The guilt in his eyes is all the answer she needs.
"Besides," he says, "I miss my job. I miss the Quarter; I miss beignets and Bourbon Street."
"You want to move back."
"I want to take an extended trip for the holidays, so that I can have some space to think things through."
JJ stares at the suitcase sitting next to him. "And were you planning on telling me at all or was I just supposed to come home to find Henry here with the nanny and wonder where you were?"
"How am I supposed to tell you something when you're never here?"
JJ sits back. "Oh, so now this is my fault? We agreed before Henry was born that my job was important to me and that I was going to continue working."
Will runs a hand through his hair, frustrated. "I know that, JJ, and I'm not saying your job isn't important. I'm saying I feel like you're never home, and that I'm essentially a single parent and I'm not ready for that."
JJ nods, thinking. "So. A week before Thanksgiving to when, exactly?"
Another helpless, noncommittal look. JJ nods again. In the other room, she can hear Henry waking up, starting to fuss. "I'll call you when I get there," he offers, standing at last and picking up his bag.
"You do that," she says, leaving him to let himself out and going to pick up her son.
***
The thing about having friends like Garcia is, when it finally hits her two hours later, she can call and Garcia will rush over with alcohol and ice cream, Emily in tow.
Bailey's chocolate shakes all around and JJ's cycling between raw devastation and bewildered anger, wondering what she's supposed to do next. It's Penelope, the beautiful genius, that comes up with the best idea.
"What about an au pair?" She asks, fishing out another cherry from the bowl.
"I saw that movie. I'm not a rich millionaire, though." JJ curls up on the couch and shrugs at Emily's amused look. "I was babysitting, it was on."
Emily smiles. "A live-in nanny would be a good option," she agrees. "If she stayed here, you could get round-the-clock care for Henry and include room and board in the pay scale."
JJ ponders that as she finishes the last of her shake. "Who could I trust to stay with Henry full time?"
"Um, excuse me," Garcia asks, "What am I good for if not extensive background checks? We can make Emily use her mad profiler skills to help you interview them!"
Emily nods. "I'd be happy to help. We'll tell Hotch that you need to work from home for a few days, and then you can put an ad out in the paper and call some of the agencies in the area. I have a friend in the Embassy, maybe she'll know someone who can help." She reaches out and cover's JJ's hand with hers, "Don't worry. We can fix this."
And they do.
Lucky it's a Wednesday night, because by Monday morning, JJ's leaving Henry in the care of a very well-vetted au pair, secure in the knowledge that he's going to be taken care of when she's not home. Adiba is an acquaintance of Emily's, and as far as JJ's concerned, a godsend. She's agreed to help out temporarily, or until a permanent arrangement is made. It doesn't hurt that Will's agreed to pay for her very generous salary, either.
***
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
Emily, Spencer and JJ are climbing into the SUV to head back to the airport when Emily's phone rings. She stares at it for so long, JJ's sure it's going to go to voice mail, before she finally hits the talk button and brings the phone to her ear.
"Emily Prentiss." Her voice is stiff, she's staring out of the passenger window, and she's slumped back into her seat, like she's already tired. "Hello, Caroline."
JJ's not surprised. The team's just finished up a particularly brutal case: a suicide-pact in a college preparatory school full of high achievers with even higher expectations. It's been hard on everybody, seeing the pressure that these kids put themselves under, the lengths they'll go to in an effort to be on the top of their game. And for Emily and Hotch, at least, JJ knows this case has hit close to home.
JJ starts the car silently, and keeps the radio off so Emily can concentrate on her phone call. She's listening quietly, a thoughtful, determined look coming over her face.
"No, I'm sorry, please inform the Ambassador that I will be unavailable to attend this year's festivities. Any of them. At all. Yes, I understand that it's an inconvenience, but it's unavoidable. No, Caroline, I don't particularly care what you tell her." Emily gets quiet for a moment and then snaps, out of patience. "Because I've decided to be childish this year, that's why, and if she really needs to know anything else, she can pick up the phone and call me herself. Yes. Yes. Thank you. You have a good day, as well." She disconnects the car and leans back in her seat, fingers pressed against her eyelids.
In the back, Reid rummages through his bag and pulls out a bottle of aspirin, nudging Emily and passing it up to her.
"Thanks," she murmurs, swallowing them dry. "I'll probably regret that later, but right now I'm not in the mood to be accommodating."
JJ smiles briefly. "I still haven't told my family about Will," she offers, maneuvering behind the guys' SUV in traffic. "I may be avoiding it."
They share a smile and then Emily turns in her seat. "Reid? Any personal confessions you want to share with the class?"
Reid looks surprised for a moment, then thoughtful. "Nope. My life is pretty much work and school at the moment. Not a whole lot of room for fluctuation."
JJ sighs, fond. "Spence, we need to get you a girl."
"What would I do with one?" He asks blankly, then shoots JJ a pleased smile when Emily huffs a small laugh and shakes her head, hiding her smile by looking out the window.
Emily changes the subject. "So what are you guys doing for the holiday?"
Spencer shrugs. "I was all set to have a Star Trek marathon, but then Garcia threatened Morgan and now I'm being dragged to Chicago."
JJ meets his eyes briefly in the rear-view mirror and grins at him. "It'll be good for you. Adiba's got the day before, of, and after with her family, so it'll be me and Henry, since they think we'll be with Will's family this year, and I haven't bothered to tell them any differently."
"Hey, Spencer, can I borrow your Star Trek DVDs?" Emily grins, "You know, since you'll be hanging out with Morgan this year."
"You know," JJ says, "You can always come spend the holiday with me and Henry. I'm going to dress him up in a Santa hat and take tons of pictures but other than that, it should be pretty low-key."
Emily looks at her sidelong and offers a small smile. "That might be nice," she admits. "Maybe I'll stop by for a little bit."
JJ returns her smile and then pulls next to Hotch in the other SUV. They'll be home soon, and JJ's looking forward to seeing her son.
***
Friday, December 18th, 2009
For all that they're the team with the best reputation and the highest close rate, Garcia's parties are the true legends in the BAU. She holds them twice a year, once around the first day of summer, and again around the first day of winter. If it's not Garcia's lemonade you have to watch out for, it's her eggnog.
For some reason, that never seems to faze JJ. These are her brothers, and she's used to keeping up with the boys.
Usually.
Between a particularly trying string of cases -- the holidays bring out the crazies, she'll swear to it -- and the lack of conversation that doesn't revolve around UNSUBs and media wrangling, JJ's got a glass of eggnog down before she even bothers looking at the food. And for the record? It's the first one that gets you.
She usually tries to give Adiba free time when she's home; JJ is too much of a mother for the thought of someone else raising her child to be completely comfortable, and she remembers what it was like to be twenty-two, but they've agreed to this special night of babysitting apart from the time Adiba normally spends with Henry. JJ thinks she remembers how to be a grown-up.
She's not the only person hitting the eggnog, though. Apparently, Hotch is taking advantage of his official Not-Boss title, filling his own glass and smiling when JJ clinks hers merrily against him. Emily's late to the party, and looking furious when she stalks through the doors, completely bypassing the eggnog and going straight for a shot of scotch. Her glare at his whistle is enough to have Dave sinking back, hands up in surrender.
JJ just shakes her head with a smile, and fixes Emily a glass of eggnog, amping it up with more alcohol.
Emily grasps it gratefully, and catches JJ's hand at the same time. "Please, JJ, I am begging you," she says, dark eyes serious. "If you're going to be one of those mothers who nags, can you please just nag, and not bury it under words like decorum and responsibility?"
JJ bites back a smile and nods, squeezing Emily's hand briefly. "Deal." She's never going to understand Emily's family, but that seems to be alright, as Emily appears relieved when she finally wanders over to start a friendly argument with Dave.
An hour later, Morgan is expounding on the downsides of being in charge to a highly amused Hotch, contentedly working on his third glass while Morgan's trying not to sulk over having to switch to coffee. Spencer and Kevin are arguing, something about Death Stars and Imperial Falcons, and Garcia's alternately smiling at them affectionately and circulating around the room. Emily's taken over Garcia's kitchen, munching on food and laughing with Dave, who is sitting on the other side of the counter.
JJ circles around into the kitchen and squeezes past Emily, brushing shoulders with her as she smiles at Dave and snags a few cookies from Emily's plate. She shoots off a smug smile when Emily eyes her, but doesn't actually say anything. And JJ's happy, floating comfortably in that haze of alcohol, doing a little one-woman shimmy to the music in the background when Dave clears his throat and looks at them mischievously.
Emily raises her eyebrows, a silent question, then closes her eyes in a silent groan when Dave grins and points up. A small, embarrassed flush rises up her neck and over her ears, making JJ look up, too.
Huh. Look at that.
Apparently Garcia's been hanging mistletoe in new and interesting places this year. Emily's glaring at Dave silently, stubbornly refusing to meet JJ's gaze and JJ grins, bouncing lightly. Yeah, she'll admit it. She's feeling a little reckless. She's feeling a little daring. She's feeling a little mischievous.
"What's wrong?" She asks, striving for innocent and so totally failing, "You're not scared to kiss me, are you?"
Emily's practicing her Hotch-glare on JJ, but that doesn't actually serve to distract her much, especially with Dave snickering into his glass. "That's right, Emily, you're not scared to kiss her, are you?"
Dave's an instigator, but right now JJ kind of loves him for it.
Emily rolls her eyes and tilts her head down to press her lips to JJ's, clearly intending it to be a short and perfunctory kiss. Except for how JJ sighs and opens her mouth a little under Emily's and the next thing she knows, she's being pressed back into the counter. One of Emily's hands is on her lower back, gathering her up and making her feel reckless and a little special, and she raises her own arms to circle Emily's shoulders. Tongues slide against each other and this kiss is sweet, the taste of alcohol and sugar mixing with lipstick and the smell of perfume all combining to leave JJ breathless and a little dizzy. It's good and JJ wants more, and she nips at Emily's lower lip when she tries to pull back, drawing her back down into another kiss and heedless of the flash of light and the small, choked off noises until --
"Oh, man."
Emily breaks the kiss abruptly, raising her head and looking wide-eyed at their audience. The hands at JJ's waist slide around to her hips and steady her until she's got her balance back, then drop away. Dave's eyes are a little wide and he looks like Christmas has come early, as does Kevin. Garcia's holding a camera and grinning wildly. Hotch is looking mildly amused and Spencer is the only one who doesn't offer a big reaction.
Morgan's turned away from them, speaking to Hotch and he sounds downright petulant. "See, I couldn't even properly enjoy that. This sucks." He peeks over his shoulder and, seeing that they've separated, turns around again and points at JJ. "That's it. You. You're cut off."
JJ scowls. "You're no fun," she says, and watches his shoulders slump.
"I know," he mourns. "It sucks. You're still cut off."
Hotch clears his throat. "Maybe it's time for some of us to be heading home," he suggests gently.
Discretion is the better part of valor because everybody seems to agree with him, calling cabs and gathering up coats and scarves and hugging Garcia, thanking her for the great time. JJ grabs Emily's hand outside of Penelope's door, tugging her back away from the boys as they go on up ahead.
Emily looks confused and a little uncertain and JJ bites her lip and takes a chance. "I don't actually want to go home tonight," she says, and hopes that Emily gets it.
She must, because confusion gives way to a slow smile. She just squeezes JJ's hand and leads her back to where the cabs and the guys are waiting. "I'm just going to make sure JJ makes it alright," she announces.
They're both oblivious to Morgan's muttered comments and Dave and Hotch's silent amusement. Spencer just shrugs a little and waves, calling out his goodnights as he disappears into his own cab.
Emily and JJ share another glance before Emily opens the door to a cab and gently pushes JJ in.
***
No, it's certainly not hard to see how she got here, and if JJ's honest with herself, she's kind of pleased to be in this position. JJ stretches, a full-bodied tensing of muscles and ligaments that sends renewed blood rushing throughout her body as she curls back into her nice, warm spot on the bed. Part of her blanket draws little patterns on her shoulder, and JJ opens her eyes to see dark brown eyes staring at her intently.
After a night full of alcohol and questionable decisions, JJ knows she's not the prettiest picture to behold, but that doesn't seem to stop Emily from looking at her like she's precious. The thought sends a cascade of warmth through her and JJ smiles, holds up one finger in a universal gesture to wait and then slips from the bed.
Morning ablutions taken care of (and mouthwash copiously taken advantage of), and JJ's grinning when she slides back underneath the covers, crawling over Emily and making herself comfortable on top of the taller woman.
"Where were we?" she asks, giggling when Emily laughs and brings both hands up to touch her hips. Mouths meet in a sweet, gentle kiss and JJ grins, happy-bright. "You know," she starts, nipping at Emily's collarbone, "It occurs to me that you're pretty good at what we did last night."
Emily looks surprised, and then a little wary. "I may have some prior experience," she admits, like JJ's going to get mad at her.
"I just don't think it's fair," JJ says, "I got the benefit of all your prior experience and you had to deal with drunken fumblings," JJ makes a face now. "I think we should go again, while I'm sober. You know, for comparative purposes. I make a great study when I'm actually paying attention!"
It's enough to startle a laugh out of Emily, who must have been expecting something else. But she rolls with it, and rolls them, until she's comfortably covering JJ and soft, firm flesh is touching in all the right places. "No regrets?" She asks, staring intently.
JJ glances at the clock. "Just that we didn't wake up sooner, so that we could have more time together."
Emily smiles, and kisses her again. "I think I can send you off on a good note. I might even be able to make you breakfast before you leave."
"Ooh, fancy," JJ teases, then giggles when Emily drags a hand down her side.
***
JJ doesn't get home to Henry until later in the morning than she'd like, but when she does, Adiba's waiting for her with wide eyes.
"What happened?" Adiba asks, handing Henry over when JJ reaches for him.
"What do you mean?" Henry is always happy to see her, and he smells so good.
"Ambassador Prentiss herself called earlier, asking for you. I asked if I could take a message but she just asks that you return her phone call." JJ tries not to show her surprise, and knows she fails horribly when Adiba's expression changes from worried to amused. "May I offer a bit of advice? It was a common joke growing up that the Ambassador's office knows everything that happens with her daughter. She is often quite overprotective, but at the end of the day, she is just a mother. Do not let her intimidate you."
When she leaves, JJ lets out a breath and cuddles Henry close, then rolls her eyes when he starts squirming to be let down. He's off like a rocket, and she's following behind him, grinning when he brings her his favorite toys. The Ambassador can wait; this is her time with her son, and she's not going to put it off for anything.
***
Monday, December 21st, 2009
First thing Monday morning, JJ pushes Emily into her office and holds the door halfway closed. She stares for a moment, taking in tense shoulders and worried eyes. "You don't get very many second dates, do you?"
Emily looks startled, then confused. "What?"
"I got a phone call from your mother on Saturday."
"Oh, no." Emily sinks into one of the chairs and hides her face behind her hand. "I am so sorry. Do I even want to know what she said?"
JJ grins and sits next to her. "Oh, it was bad. I'm pretty sure at one point, I was accused of being after your money."
The horrified look on Emily's face alone is enough to have JJ softening towards Ambassador Prentiss. "How did she even know?"
"Did you know that an Ambassador has to be prepared for any eventuality? They have to be aware of every potential scandal they can be hit with, even the ones their children might become involved with."
"Oh, my God. This is so embarrassing. I'm going to kill her. I can't believe she -- don't worry, I'm going to talk with her."
"She does want what's best for you," JJ allows. "She even asked me what my intentions were towards you."
Emily splutters, eyes wide, and JJ's smile widens. She's grateful for the time she's had to process everything. It makes it easier to sit back and watch Emily flounder.
"Yeah, that was about my initial reaction. Then I told her that was a matter that you and I were better off discussing ourselves. So," JJ reaches over her desk and picks up a stack of files, then opens her office door. "Dinner is at seven on the 24th. You can bring the wine, and we have a roundtable in five."
And with that, JJ saunters out of the office, giving Garcia a wink as she passes by, intent on rounding up the rest of her team.