Fic: The Barbie Murders - Part XIV - final chapter
Title: The Barbie Murders - Part XIV - final chapter
Author: women_in_kevlar , femslash_smut
sofia_lindsay for staying with me through all my ups and downs through this. Thanks to all of you who read, enjoyed and commented. I'm really glad someone liked my vision I had here. Please stay tuned for more stories to come.
Thanks to everyone who voted for me at the Criminal Minds Fanfic Award 2008. It really means a lot!
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Previous parts:
chapter 1 chapter 2 chapter 3 chapter 4 chapter 5 chapter 6 chapter 7 chapter 8
chapter 9 chapter 10 chapter 11 chapter 12 chapter 13
Miami, 1217, June 04, an abandoned house in the Everglades
Calleigh awoke from the sound of rotors cutting through the air in front of the house. Instantly she was wide awake.
‘Natalia.’
“Hey JJ. Wake up. They’re here. We need to get dressed.”
JJ sat up straight at once, the blanket falling down leaving her upper torso exposed to the detective.
There was a second of awkwardness between them but JJ turned fully towards Calleigh raising her hand to her neck and pulling her in for a slow kiss. It only lasted a few seconds but it reassured them both. They would talk about everything later.
And then they both kicked into action, getting out of the bed and into the pajamas since almost all of their clothes were unusable anyway. Cut, torn, bloody or simply ruined by dirt. From outside they could hear shouting over the noise of not one, but two helicopters. Soon voices and the sound of boots running towards them filled the air and the quiet. JJ could hear Emily’s voice calling for her and another female voice calling for Calleigh.
“We’re down the hall!”
And then the door burst open and Emily and Natalia rushed in, happy tears streaking down their faces upon seeing them up an alive.
Miami, 2227, June 06, Sally's
JJ and Calleigh had been rushed to the hospital where they had given their statements after a bath and a thorough medical check and they had been released just this morning after being forced to stay at the hospital for two nights for observation. The other half of the BAU team had closed their case the day before and Garcia, Hotch and Morgan had arrived in the morning to check in on JJ. Jason and Reid stayed behind to wrap up the case and would follow if it was possible. They were all leaving Miami the next day and were now at a club near the hotel to party together with the Miami CSIs.
Everyone got along well. Horatio and Hotch were deep in a conversation about the pros and cons of evidence and profiling, Morgan and Eric were swapping stories how they caught the bad guys or maybe they were exchanging strategies for getting laid while the girls were hitting the dance floor.
They were all dancing as a group occupying the better part of the dance floor, but since it was a workday and a slow night at the club nobody minded.
JJ was enjoying herself immensely. During the two days she was forced to spend at the hospital she had bonded even more with Calleigh. They did a lot of talking. Work, their childhood, past relationships, dreams for the future.
Emily and Natalia left for the night after the two blondes had told them to get some sleep and that they would be perfectly fine for some hours without them. Which left Calleigh and JJ alone for the first time after they were rescued. They were both thankful that they had people to care and look after them but now they were glad to be finally alone for a while.
Some minutes passed without either of them speaking, both enjoying the silence lost in their respective thoughts. But after a while Calleigh looked over at JJ and asked.
“So, do you regret it happened?”
JJ's head whipped around to the detective, her eyes sporting a mix of confusion and hurt.
“What? No! Why would I regret it? Do you?”
The two blonde's eyes locked and after only one or two seconds Calleigh got out of her bed and into JJ's, putting her arms around the younger agent and hugging her tightly.
After a moment Calleigh started to speak again.
“Listen JJ. I don't regret anything. I think we both know that last night wasn't about love. But it wasn't about sex either. Well not just about sex. Actually there's a lot of things it wasn't. But it doesn't matter. It was what we both needed, out of slightly different reasons maybe, but we needed it nonetheless. We needed someone, the warmth of another body, the comfort of someone close. It was sort of convenient but I'm really glad it was you. No actually I don't think it could have been anyone else. If I didn't care for you as much as I do, this wouldn't have worked out. It wouldn't have been this amazing. Because I trust you I could let go completely, I didn't have to hold back anything, because in this short time we've known each other you already saw me at my worst. And I felt safe with you to let go of my control. Last night was something special. For me and I'd like to think for you too. So no, I don't regret it, not a bit. I love you, not like a lover but you're family and the only regret I could have is if this destroyed our friendship. You are an amazing woman Jennifer Jareau and I am proud to be your friend. I don't wanna lose that.”
Calleigh looked at JJ and was shocked to see tears stream down the younger woman's face.
“JJ, What is it? Are you hurting? Do you need me to call a nurse?”
But JJ smiled through her tears at the detective and shook her head.
“No. I'm fine. Really. It's just... what you said.”
“Did I day something wrong? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you or pressure you in any way. Wait. You don't... You are not in love with me, are you? Oh God I'm so stupid. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to...”
Finally JJ was able to get Calleigh's attention and stop her ramblings.
“Calleigh! Cal. Stop okay.”
She raised a hand and stroke across the detective's cheek lightly.
“I get it, okay? I understand what you mean. It's okay.”
JJ waited until Calleigh had calmed down before continuing.
“I feel the same way. I just.. I really didn't want to hurt you in any way and I'm really glad that you feel the same way about what happened as I do. I'm glad I got to know you and that we are friends. I'm glad last night happened, maybe minus the scary life threatening parts. And I'm glad it was you. It was wonderful and so much more than I expected. I'm still confused about my feelings but one thing I know for sure: Nothing or no one will ever be able to destroy this friendship we have. And this will sound corny now; because it's forged with blood. We've been through hell and wouldn't have come out alive if we didn't work together. It was either we both live or we both die. We came out on top and needed to connect on another level too. That was what last night was about. So, we're good, right?”
It was Calleigh's turn now to smile at her younger friend.
“Yes, we're good. More than good.”
And then she leaned in and kissed JJ again, but this time it was a mere kiss between friends.
The music changed to a slower beat. The five women on the dance floor looked at each other a little unsure until, just after a moment of hesitation, JJ took a hold of Calleigh and pulled her close. Natalia shrugged and held her hand out in invitation to Emily who accepted laughing.
“Are you kidding me?” Garcia stood between the two slowly and very closely dancing pairs hands on her hips. But before anyone could do something Morgan came up to her and dragged her away.
“Come on baby girl. I want ya to explain to my buddy Eric here why the BAU is graced with your presence!”
Calleigh and JJ were dancing together like they had done this a million times, their movements perfectly in tune with each other. Quite a few people watched mesmerized by the carefree and easygoing aura that engulfed them.
“You know I have never danced with a woman like this before.” JJ whispered into Calleigh's ear, glad that the music made it impossible to be overheard.
“Well I guess then you're a natural at dancin' with a woman too.”
JJ felt herself blush from the hidden compliment.
“And? Do ya like it?” Calleigh asked slightly amused. Making JJ blush was way more easy than she'd expected.
“I like dancing with you. I'm not sure about other women yet.”
“You'll figure it out. You can always call or come visit if you need someone to talk to. You know that, right?”
JJ pulled the detective a little closer.
“Yes, I know that. And I will certainly take you up on that offer sometime. But right now… I know this is all kinds of wrong but I really would love to kiss you right now.”
“JJ...”
“Yes I know. No worries, nothing has changed, it's just.” JJ paused for a moment trying to find the right words while Calleigh looked at her in a mix of curiosity and worry.
“It's like you're the only person that understands my language and I feel really drawn to you, because you get me. You're safe. Well and you're beautiful. But I won't do it. I know we can't and it would mess everything up.”
Calleigh smirked at that.
“Well Agent Jareau, you're not too shabby either and under different circumstances we might even have had a chance. But, and we both know that, we both love someone else. And if we both won't betray them. Yesterday was a different story, if we did that today it would be betrayal. Does that make sense?”
JJ just smiled at the detective.
“It makes perfect sense. At least to me. I'm not so sure about other people though.”
“Well, we keep it between us for now.”
They continued to dance not aware of the glances Emily and Natalia were throwing at them and at each other.
“And about that language thing... I'm pretty sure Emily speaks your language just fine.”
JJ looked at Calleigh a little unsure what to think of that.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I'm sure. When we called her from Ryan's house. She was really worried. I don't know her that well, but I bet you're more than a co-worker to her. The way she looked at you in the hospital and the whole evening and the way she looked at me at the hotel sometimes. She was jealous. I bet she's jealous right now and would love to just drag me away from you and take my place.”
JJ had to use all her willpower not to look at Emily at that moment.
“So and what about you and Natalia? Will you be able to forgive her?”
Calleigh shrugged her shoulders a little.
“I don't know. When I first saw that video I was so angry and hurt. I felt really like she betrayed me. And then when you talked to her at the club and she told you what she did and why I got even angrier. I thought I could never look her into the eyes again and feel the same way I did before. But then I realized that it wasn't entirely her fault and that I had no right to feel betrayed, I had no tabs on her. I decided not to follow my heart and let her be. I didn't give her the feeling that she could confide in me. So it's at least partially my fault. We have a lot of stuff to work through and it will probably take a while to overcome all that's happened but if she still wants to be with me... I still love her, maybe even more than before. Life is short. I have to take some chances.”
JJ nodded loosening her grip on Calleigh somewhat.
“Yeah, I guess you're right. Well, what do you say we take a chance right now and swap dancing partners? And no I don't wanna dance with Natalia right now.”
Miami, 1000, June 07, Miami International Airport
The team had already boarded the FBI jet and only JJ and Emily were still out on the airfield. Horatio had just said his good bye to the two agents and had them promise to come and visit. And now Natalia and Calleigh were the only ones left from the Miami lab.
The four women stood in a loose circle and neither knew how to say good-bye. Only when Hotch called from inside the plane did they get into action.
Natalia hugged JJ tightly.
“You know that was quite the kiss Agent Jareau.” Natalia winked at JJ then. “You have to come visit. And soon.”
“We will. And you're not a bad kisser either Miss Boa Vista.”
Emily held her hand out to Calleigh but the detective pulled the older agent in a hug instead.
“Take good care of her. If you hurt her I'll kick your ass from here to the boarder.” But Calleigh was smiling and there was no threat in her voice. She knew that Emily loved JJ. There was no doubt that Emily was everything JJ needed.
“Thanks for saving her and looking out for her. I'm in your debt detective. Hope to see you all soon.”
They swapped hugging partners and Emily and Natalia hugged tightly.
“Fight for her. You're an amazing woman Emily. Sooner or later she'll realize it.”
“Oh no worries I won't give up on her. But you do that too okay. You and Calleigh will work through this. And when we come visit we'll go on a double date.”
“So here we are.” Calleigh said, her voice thick with emotion as she embraced JJ.
“Yes. Here we are again.” Unlike Calleigh JJ wasn't able to hold the tears at bay and she didn't even try to hide them. Those were her friends, there was no need to hide her feelings.
“I'm gonna miss you Cal. I'm a little scared. I don't know how to deal.”
“Hey. You're doing great Sweetie. Just don't rush anything, trust your instincts. They were pretty good the last time I checked. And remember you can call me anytime. Okay? I'm gonna miss ya too.”
Blue eyes met green ones and a silent understanding passed between them. They would always be friends, the other one would always be just a phone call away. They hugged tightly again and then JJ gave Calleigh a peck on the lips. With some difficulties and a fresh wave of tears she finally let go of the blonde detective and boarded the plane. She felt Emily's presence behind her, ready to catch her if she might stumble, and suddenly things didn't seem to be as confusing any more.
The End