Chapter Text
Emily had been having a rough couple of days. She knew from all the years of watching Hotch and being under his command that rough days came with the territory of being the Unit Chief of an elite section of the FBI, but today... she was really feeling it. The team had just returned from a case in Los Angeles. Weird things always happened whenever the team went there and this time around was no different: Emily had been abducted by a person working for their unsub.
This forced JJ's hand into leading the charge in recovering her. But it also meant that JJ had to lead the rest of the case. Emily spent more time recovering in the hospital than she would have liked.
Now, they were back in Quantico, but it was also nearing seven-thirty at night. Emily and JJ were the only ones left in the office. Rossi, Stephen, Spencer, Penelope, Tara, and Luke had all gone home for the night, each of them talking about their Christmas plans, quite pleased that vacation started the next day. Emily hadn't left the building yet because she wanted to get a head start on the case report. JJ? She had a few personal house-keeping items to take care of at her desk.
Try as Emily might, however, she just couldn't focus and it bothered her. She loved this time of her year. Usually. Her last few Christmases had even been spent in London, a city that she'd long since considered magical. And her parents had even come to visit her in her flat there. It had been the Prentiss Three's first Christmas together in awhile.
But now there was a new person in her life. Mark. The man had sat next to her at a pub one rainy night. Even bought her a drink after finding out she'd had a bad day. But... One thing led to another... and... before long they were a couple.
Emily liked Mark. But there was a bit of an age gap between them, with her being the older one. Mark also happened to be a tad more free-spirited than she. Both of them knew it. Did they discuss that aspect much? No.
Then came the season of change for the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Her own return, accepting the prime leadership role over the unit, Derek's departure, Hotch and Jack being forced into witness protection. All of it made Emily certain of one thing. She belonged in Quantico, heading the Behavioral Analysis Unit. But more importantly? She belonged with her precious friends who knew her best.
And then came another obstacle. Instead of choosing to visit Emily like he'd planned, Mark elected to withdraw. Stay. It did not escape Emily's notice that this power move came on the heels of her suggesting they settle down in the states, and perhaps even become parents. To be a mother was a major want of Emily's. But she didn't broadcast it.
Deciding it was too quiet in her office, Emily called Mark through a video chat. All she'd wanted was to say hello and avail him of her California ordeal. But before she could even finish telling the story, Mark launched into a speech about wanting to end the relationship because to him the long-distance angle didn't seem to be working out. He also threw in a line of calling her selfish for choosing her old life over what they'd made in London together.
Emily cut ties. Hurt, she refused to let Mark have the satisfaction. And so... The last word was hers. For she needed a win.
More than ever, Emily found herself wishing that she had a spouse to go home to, and kids who loved her, but she was alone. That hurt more than initiating a break-up.
One very familiar voice jarred the woman out of her thoughts. "Emily? Are you okay?"
She turned to see JJ in the open doorway. Her friend was watching her curiously. And patiently. But Emily still did her best to not let her feelings show.
"You're still here?" Emily beckoned to JJ. "Thought you would've gone home by now."
JJ laughed as she sat in one of the chairs opposite Emily's desk. "Even though I've been a profiler for awhile now, I still decide where we go. You'll remember. Eventually. My hours are closer to what you keep."
"Right…" Emily murmured.
At once, red flags went off in JJ's mind. She could read Emily like a book. Everybody knew, and easily accepted it. Their bond brought balance to the team, now that they were in the foremost positions of leadership. Emily being so distracted was a cause for concern. Legitimately.
JJ made herself more comfortable. "Okay, Aemilia. What is going on in your head?"
But the older woman immediately deflected. "Ugh! I knew I shouldn't have told you what I'm really called!"
"Or that you were born in Ukraine, but you refused to learn English until you were three, even though your mom was posted in London by then?" JJ sassed. "Or that you didn't even live in the states for the first time until you were almost sixteen?"
Emily complained, "When the hell did I tell you all that?!"
"During our encounter with the green fairy, some years back. Penelope was there. But that was when we learned that you're the silliest drunk of the three of us." JJ laughed before donning a serious expression. "Really, though... I've noticed that ever since we got you back from that warehouse where Jasper hid you, you've been quiet."
"Do you really want to know?" Emily asked softly after a pause.
"Uh-huh." JJ said. "But I've known you since my twenties, Em. You've always been as good as my sister. Always. On top of that? You've been in life nearly for as long as Rosaline was."
Emily had long ago learned the tragic ballad of Rosaline Jareau. She knew all about how JJ had adored her, worshiped her. All the same? Even that little last tidbit gave her quite a bout of surprise. Even a dash of joy.
"R...really?" the dark-haired woman sputtered. "It's been that long?"
JJ didn't miss a beat at all. "Ten years for us, and I knew my sister for eleven. But Aemilia. You're as important to me as my memories of her are."
A puddle of emotion, Emily moved from her desk to the sofa near the door and invited JJ as she went. "Honestly? This is about Mark."
JJ sat with her as she said, "Oh."
Emily sighed, "Can you remember when I said he was going to come visit?"
JJ nodded. "Mhm. He left Europe, huh?"
"Bingo." Emily's voice was dull. "He said that something came up at work. I know him enough to know he chickened out."
JJ asked, "Why?"
"Because I'd brought up the idea of settling down here, he and I." Emily said.
"Hm." said JJ as she felt her heart turn a great loop. "Did reality hit him? Commitment issues?"
Emily nodded. "Yep. He's quite a bit younger than me. And... He doesn't want kids. At all. But I still do."
"Still?" JJ echoed. "You're not..."
"You're cute, JJ, but I was born the year that The Beatles broke up. Now I only have a few years left before I turn fifty." Emily then gestured in the direction of the bullpen. "I Skyped with Mark while you were at your desk. Amongst other things, he gave me the mean version of the 'It's not you—it's me' speech. Then he had the gall to call me selfish when he realized I was choosing the BAU over him and Interpol."
"Wow." JJ winced. "Tell me you dumped him."
"Rest assured, I did. But now there's a bad taste in my mouth because it went down over a video chat." Emily twirled a lock of hair around one finger. "Then I rang my parents after that."
JJ perked up. "Where are they now?"
"Believe it or not, also London." Emily laughed. "They're sad for me about the break-up. My parents have always been loyal that way. But they're pleased I took the initiative. Now? They also did something I certainly didn't see coming."
"Oh?" said JJ. "And just what was that?"
"My parents began the preliminary arrangements to pack up my flat and to ship my things to their house in town." Emily patted JJ's hand absently. "I also told them about accepting the position here. Mother and daddy are completely thrilled."
JJ perked up even more. "Good, Emily! Did you submit your letter of resignation to Interpol yet?"
"Uh-huh, but," Emily turned sheepish. "I have a new problem now."
JJ immediately recalled one of her house-keeping items but kept a miraculously straight expression. "Hm. Perhaps Will and I can help. You matter to us."
Emily was promptly flattered but still gave a nervous laugh. "My parents invited me to stay at their house in D.C. because they won't be back from the U.K. until early March. I just don't think being alone is good for me these days. And, no. This is not about Christmas being around the corner."
"Wait a minute." JJ held her hands in a time-out position. "You've been back for more than a month. Where have you been staying?!"
Finally, Emily said, "At a hotel."
JJ threw up her hands in exasperation. "Aemilia! Why didn't you say anything?"
Emily suddenly felt like she was getting caught coming in after curfew. "It's been a little busy around here, my friend: please tell me I got points for my Interpol resignation!"
JJ softened up. "You do. It's one thing less on your plate. But Will and I can definitely aid you."
Puzzlement became Emily. "How? Color me intrigued."
"Well... I was on the phone for awhile at my desk just now." JJ said. "But one of the phone calls I made was to Will. He wanted me to ask if you're doing anything for Christmas."
"What?" Emily said in genuine surprise. "Really?"
"Yep. Will's a bit shy about it, but... he's always thought of you as a big sister." JJ said. "It started after I told him about the time you held me back to keep me from following him into the hostage situation at that bank."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "That was forever ago."
"I'll always remember it because I got married the day after." JJ winked. "Come stay with us until your parents get back. Once Will finds out about your bind, he'll insist. You matter to us. And we love you. Dearly. So this is me saying, please come stay. We both know that your loneliness will be cured."
"JJ, you are being incredibly generous." Emily struggled to not feel too bowled over. "But... Are you sure? I see you almost every day. My parents won't return until March and this is December."
JJ held her ground. "I'm quite sure. And you are no stranger to my sons, what for every last video chat we've had."
Emily was now beginning to consider JJ's offer. "What are the boys into these days?"
"Henry is an unashamed nerd. He reads whatever he can get his hands on but his comic of choice is currently Spider-Man. The boy also loves Doctor Who." JJ said. "My son takes after his Uncle Spencer and his Aunt Penelope."
"Wow. That's really cute. Now take me about Michael."
"That baby boy is a human live-wire. Michael now knows how to run." JJ said in thoughtfulness. "But when he gets tired, he picks a person to cuddle with until he drops off to sleep. Henry will read to him when he's like that. My sons are best friends. Their bond happened by itself. Will and I sometimes pinch ourselves."
"Amazing." Emily marveled. "What else should I know about Michael? Does he have a favorite game?"
"Yeah. If you engage him in even one game of Knock Down The Block Tower, you will be his new best friend." JJ then exhaled shakily. "But... There are two more items you should know before you give your final answer about all this."
Emily sat up straighter. "Lay it on me."
"The first item is that my family is coming over for Christmas." JJ informed her. "And New Year's, too."
The older woman began recalling old conversations that the two of them had had in the best. "Okay. So then we're talking about your mom. But also your big brother, Theodore and your niece, Isobel. Right? How old is she now?"
"Eighteen." JJ chirped. "She even graduated high school early."
"Wow." Emily was promptly impressed by this new data. "Good for Isobel. Does she have any college plans? Or... the like?"
JJ nodded. "Isobel will be starting at a local cosmetology school in the autumn. She excels with doing hair and nails. Make-up, too. She's a mini Roz in that respect."
"Wow." Emily repeated in wonder. "Anything to know about her dad?"
"TJ is getting transferred here from his architecture firm. The company's 'home base' is in the district. My big brother even earned a grand promotion to being the head of this branch's finance department." JJ proudly told her friend. "He and Isobel are moving to a house in DuPont Circle. Very soon."
Emily felt her own sense of pride. "How excellent. I mean it. Where are they coming from?"
"Topeka. It's only ever been them, though: Isobel's mother passed away in delivery. No one saw that twist coming. But Theodore has never been with anyone since." JJ paused. "Actually... The two of you would get along super well."
"Jennifer," Emily lifted one eyebrow. "Are you trying to set me up with your brother?"
But JJ said in jest, "What good a friend would I be if I didn't at least try to cheer you up after a night like tonight?"
"Good point. Gold star for trying." Emily smiled. "What was the other notice you wanted to avail me of?"
JJ squirmed in her seat. "Uh... From now until March, you're going to have to put up with me puking up my guts every morning."
Emily said in surprise, "I beg your pardon?"
JJ laughed nervously. "Morning sickness is a bitch."
"I... what?" Emily went from confusion to excitement as she then had an epiphany. "JJ? Are you pregnant?"
"I am!" JJ hugged her friend in her own joy. "One of the calls I took out in the bullpen just now was from my doctor. She was delivering a follow-up about some blood work drawn during a check-up last week."
"I see." remarked Emily as they pulled away. "Did you have any idea about being pregnant before then?"
JJ shook her head. "Mm-mm. Didn't even suspect until the call. I was violently sick from day one when I carried my sons. That sucked. But anything unusual that I've been feeling lately is because of all the changes happening at the BAU, and then of course... what you just endured in California."
Emily spoke with slight apprehension. "How do you feel now? Have you told Will?"
"I'm not queasy right now. And I told Will. He is thrilled." JJ heaved a sigh. "Em... I'm at eleven weeks, should my math be correct, but I still had an idea. Guess I should've taken what happened last week as a clue..."
"Go on." Emily encouraged. "What happened?"
JJ sighed, "I was channel-surfing in our room. Caught the last twenty minutes of The Virgin Suicides. And... it turned on the waterworks."
"Well, I should hope so." Emily laughed. "That movie is weird. And it's also more than a little sad!"
JJ blushed. "Will bailed me out by changing the channel and settling on a Jaws marathon. He knows I don't have the willpower to say no to any of those movies. By the time of the first shark attack, I was laughing at how cheesy it looked."
Emily stared as she blurted, "What?!"
"Yeah, I know. Pregnant ladies are weird." JJ clapped her hands together once to re-center the conversation. "Anyway... Do you still want to come?"
Emily didn't hesitate. "Yes!"
JJ was at once alight with more enthusiasm. "Oh, I'm so happy! Is there any specific time you have to be out of your hotel room?"
"Actually," Emily admitted. "Try tomorrow by noon."
"Then I'll make up your bedroom tonight." JJ decided. "You can just follow me home tomorrow, since it's a half day because of the incoming vacation."
"Okay." said Emily. "That sounds good to me."
"Excellent." JJ praised. "We'll even be home before Henry and Will. Michael will be with his nanny but since we only need her for a few hours, I'll give her a bonus when I pay her."
"Cool. I bet she'll appreciate that." Emily pressed one more question. "But Henry wouldn't be weirded out if I come?"
"Nope. We'll tell him before we see him off on the bus tomorrow morning, but he's going to be so thrilled." JJ promised her. "You have nothing to worry about."
"Thanks." Emily stood and pulled JJ to her feet, hugging her. "This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me in... Let us just say, too long a time."
"Anything for my family." JJ returned the hug and then framed her middle with both hands to showcase the shape. "We thought that having a baby after Michael wouldn't even be possible. I guess miracles do happen, huh?"
"Yeah. They do." Emily hugged her again. "I'm so happy for you and Will."
"Thanks." JJ turned bashful. "You are very kind."
Emily smiled and then cast a glance over at her desk where her things were still spread out before looking at JJ, "You about to go?"
"Yes." JJ told her. "And I actually need time to come in a tad bit later in the morning. Perhaps around nine."
Emily quickly connected a dot. "Oh. You and Will have an early-morning appointment to check on the baby?"
"Correct. But mum's the word on this," JJ pointed to her middle. "At the BAU, okay? We'll keep it in the family until after vacation."
"Okay. Deal." Emily beamed when she realized that JJ had also meant her when she'd said family. "At least check in with me until you get back."
"Okay." JJ gave her partner a mock salute. "Do you want to leave together?"
"Yes, please." Emily said. "Meet you at your desk in five?"
JJ bowed theatrically and showed herself out. She had to pack up her own things. But exactly five minutes later, they were both ready. Heading to the lift.
Emily said, "Anything else I should know about Christmas with the LaMontagne-Jareau clan?"
"My mom will rope you into baking cookies with her." JJ said at once.
"Not unlike what my parents do to me whenever we're together for the holidays." Emily chuckled as they emerged into the lobby. "What else?"
JJ pressed the down button on the lift when they reached it. "Isobel can be shy. But don't take it personally. And Michael will probably imprint on you like a baby duckling by tomorrow night."
"This all sounds perfect." Emily said as JJ pressed the button they needed and the doors closed. "I've experienced Christmases all over the world, you know. That was cool. But they all ended the same. Just very quiet."
"Because," JJ said while the lift made its way to the first floor. "It was only ever you and your parents?"
Emily confirmed the supposition the younger woman had made. "Precisely."
JJ now grinned in a devilish way. "Then I'll make sure we really stock up on Christmas poppers because Henry and Isobel always get a real kick out of them. Do you know what I'm talking about?"
The object in question was a kind of party favor: a popper was a brightly-decorated paper tube that was filled with a paper crown, a small toy, and a sheet of jokes. To get to the prizes, one had to pull the tube apart on either end, causing a popping noise in the process—ergo the name.
"I totally know. But we call them holiday crackers in Europe." they left from the lift, walking now into the lobby when the doors opened. "My dad is English-Italian. We've had crackers during the holiday season or birthdays for as long as I've had the coordination and the dexterity to pull them apart."
JJ gave Emily's arm a gentle squeeze. "Then you're going to fit in with us just fine."
By the time Emily got back to her hotel room that night, she felt happier than she had. In awhile. A very long while. The holidays weren't going to be so bad this year, after all.