Chapter Text
Penelope Garcia ran into the bullpen with a stack of folders in her hands. The clacking of her heels echoed loudly throughout the surprisingly empty room. The only occupant was JJ who was hunched over her desk. Penelope dropped the files onto the unsuspecting blonde’s desk and stared up at their unit chief’s half open blinds.
“What are these?” JJ squinted suspiciously at the stack, “I thought we were done with the-“
“Never mind about the files,” Penelope waved her hand dismissively. “It’s March 7th.”
“I… know.”
“You think she’s doing okay up there?” Penelope asked. She remembered the first anniversary of Emily’s death and shuddered inadvertently: It hadn’t been a good time for anyone. This was the first one after the brunette had returned from London and so far, there had been no indication that it was anything more than a normal day.
“She wouldn’t say anything even if she wasn’t.” JJ crossed her arms and looked up at the office. She could just make out Emily’s still form beyond the blinds. Despite whatever Emily said or didn’t say, JJ suspected that the newly appointed Unit Chief wasn’t doing too great.
“She’s been here since 5 am.” Penelope fiddled with her fingers, “I know because I checked the cameras…and fine, I checked the logs too. But I had to! She hasn’t even left her office and it’s already been 3 and a half hours” She continued, disregarding the disapproval on JJ’s face. She bit the inside of her cheek, “maybe we should do something for her?”
“Like what?” JJ snorted, “a ‘happy death day’ cake? I’m not sure that would go over so well.”
Penelope sighed and lowered herself onto JJ’s desk, “is it so bad to want to help her?”
“No…” JJ said softly, “but she’s not like you. She… she internalizes everything. That’s just how she is.”
“But we’re her family. We could help.” Penelope pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I know. I don’t think she does though.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of David Rossi.“What are you two whispering about?” He dropped his briefcase on Reid’s desk before making his way towards the two women.
JJ glanced up at the office, hoping Rossi would put two and two together.
“Oh… I am not getting involved in that. I’d rather make vegan carbonara.” He held his hands up in mock terror. “Where is everyone else?” He asked, suddenly registering the emptiness.
“Tara has a consult.” JJ looked down at her watch, “she’s supposed to be back in five minutes though. Alvez and Simmons went to get everyone some coffee. Reid is… I’m not exactly sure.”
She cleared her throat and continued, “We don’t have a case today so I’m just catching up on some reports. And… uh… Emily hasn’t left her office once. Since 5 AM apparently.” JJ said, shooting a pointed look at Penelope.
"Can't fault her for that," Rossi exhaled loudly, running a hand through his graying hair. "It's the 7th after all."
The door of the bullpen creaked open and they watched in silence as their acquaintances filed into the room. Luke was quick to distribute the coffee, "and a vegan caramel frappe for the lady," he set the concoction down next to Penelope and winked.
Penelope looked at him and rolled her eyes, "still calling you newbie."
Tara and Matt seemed to be deep in conversation as a harried Spencer entered after them, "sorry I'm late..." he announced, "got stuck in traffic." he finished lamely, attempting to tighten his tie and pat down his hair.
The bullpen erupted in conversation as everyone greeted each other and discussed their plans for today. Without a case, it looked like the day would be easy and everyone would go home early. As quickly as the conversation had started, it died down as the team noticed Emily's door beginning to open. They stilled, nobody even daring to move a muscle as their Unit Chief descended down the steps. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her clothing was immaculate as always, but it was impossible not to notice the deep eye bags.
"You can all go home." She announced when she reached the bottom step. "We don't have a case today and we're off rotation for this week. As long as you're all done with the paperwork from the Licciardo case, you can go home."
"And Penelope," the brunette crossed her arms over her chest and stared at her flamboyant subordinate, "I don't appreciate the invasion of privacy."
I-I'm sorry ma'am-" Penelope stuttered.
"And don't call me ma'am."
"Sorry. I-I just... it's March 7th and Doyle and... oh, I'm worried about you." Penelope covered her face with her hands. She could feel the heat rising through her face and had no doubts that her face was probably pink.
"I'm fine, Garcia." Emily's tone softened, "I promise."