Chapter Text
“Faith means living with uncertainty-feeling your way through life, letting your heart guide you like a lantern in the dark.” –Dan Millman
Emily Prentiss was exhausted. She and the BAU had just successfully solved a multiple child abduction case. In short? An Alabaman couple that was both misguided and very delusional, had successfully kidnapped three small children in an attempt to replace the ones they'd lost in a terrible car crash some odd months earlier. They had just wanted to be parents again... at any cost. But there was only one way Emily could properly describe to situation. Folie à deux: madness shared by two.
The children were found unharmed and fed. Just very confused. Both of the older children, four-year-old Violet and two-year-old Phoebe, had bonded with one of the local officers upon the initial rescue. She looked just like their mother. But then there was the youngest member of the unlikely trio, a handful of weeks old and snatched from her mother's cart at the supermarket. Her name? Emily.
She bonded with Emily during the rescue. Completely flattered and smitten, Agent Prentiss happily looked after her tiny friend at the hospital until her parents were able to make the trip from the next town over. And the older Emily had taken that time to do some personal reflecting on her life. She loved children, even gave serious thought to motherhood for herself. People in her non-BAU life were surprised that she was not a mother. Only one person in her BAU life knew she even entertained the thought.
And Emily would not lie. JJ had been in the middle of her curiosity radar ever since she'd first joined the BAU. However, JJ was in a relationship with a man called Taylor Clark. So she was off-limits. That was that. Emily took comfort in knowing that JJ was pleased with Taylor. That's what it sounded like from the details she'd give, anyway. So it was only in Emily's dreams that JJ was available. Or interested.
Emily herself had not been with a woman for a good long while. But it had been even longer since she'd been with a man. Emily also knew a lot about JJ and vice versa. But because JJ was with Taylor, Emily chose to not push it. Or think too hard. She left things be and enjoyed her friendship with JJ. In return? JJ cheerfully let Emily into her world. They were building a beautiful friendship.
However...
Emily had at last chosen to take matters as far as childbearing went. How so? She'd undergone IVF. But because her career was not exactly the kind where she could arrange for convenient doctor appointments, Emily had had to endure their case in Mobile, Alabama feeling ill for most of the time. Not until the last day did Emily find the time to purchase the best pregnancy test available at the nearest drug store. And take it. Much to her great joy, it was positive. The only witness to that moment? JJ.
The two of them held on to the secret together. JJ had even done her best to look out for Emily in little ways. That said, it soon seemed to Emily that JJ was almost making up for something. Could Emily figure out what? No. She would ask JJ. Tomorrow.
Meanwhile...
Emily had only been home from the airport for but an hour before the doorbell rang.
"How odd." Emily murmured as she padded from the kitchen to her door. "No one should know that I'm home yet."
She opened the door to find JJ there. Scared, trembling, tear-stained, go bag in hand. Something had happened to her. And... it was very bad. Not much could frighten her so.
"Hey." Emily sat JJ on her couch and knelt in front on her. "What's happened?"
JJ cleaned herself up with tissues from a box Emily had offered her as she said, "I didn't mean to show up unannounced. But... my family lives in Pennsylvania. I couldn't think of anywhere else. You also live around the block from where I do..."
"Hey." Emily said gently. "It's over. And you will always be safe with me. I promise. What's happened?"
JJ exhaled shakily. "I called Taylor before we go off the jet so he'd know what we were on the way back. He surprised me by waiting at my place. Everything was good for about ten minutes."
"And," Emily moved closer. "What happened?"
"Taylor availed me as to the real reason he was there." JJ gave another shaky exhale. "I thought I was pregnant before we left. So I took two tests. Taylor stopped my apartment while we gone to collect something he'd left. And he found the box of empty tests I'd accidentally left on my bathroom countertop."
Rather taken aback, Emily carefully asked, "Are you pregnant?"
"No." JJ sighed. "I really thought I was. And I wouldn't be unhappy, but only if I had a partner in that. Everything popped negative."
"Okay." said Emily. "Did you explain that to Taylor?"
"Uh-huh." JJ confirmed. "But he freaked the hell out. Even said that he doesn't want kids. Or have time for any. Ever."
Emily asked, "What does he do?"
"Taylor works for a management firm in the business district." JJ looked Emily in the eyes. "Taylor did not hit me. I ducked and he put his fist through the wall. But I dumped him because I just have no desire to be with someone dangerous. I've seen his bad temper many times. Tonight? It was enough. Now I'm just worried because I left before he did."
"Then stay with me tonight." Emily told her. "I have a spare bed made up in my office. You can have it for as long as you need."
JJ's heart skipped a beat. "Do you mean that?"
Emily nodded. "I do. You're my friend, and your safety matters to me. Always. You've been taking care of me, so I'm going to take care of you. Alright?"
JJ felt her heart bloom. "Okay. Thank you."
Emily gave JJ a pat on her knees. "Why don't you go clean up in the bathroom? I was actually just about to make dinner. So you're just in time."
Suddenly realizing that she hadn't eaten for awhile, JJ rose to her feet as she said, "Wow. That is lucky. I won't take long. But Emily?"
The older woman looked upon the younger one. "Yes?"
"Thank you." JJ hugged her. "Thank you for everything."
And Emily returned the affection. "Of course, JJ. You are absolutely welcome."
Next morning...
JJ ended up falling asleep in Emily's bed. They were not unaccustomed to sharing because they always shared a room while traveling, but this time? It had happened because they fell asleep watching a movie on the television in Emily's bedroom. All was good. Everything was well. Especially when Emily awoke first to find that the odd wight she felt around her waist from JJ. She had hugged her in her sleep. Emily stayed in the moment for a good long while, soaking it in. Some part of JJ cared for her. A lot.
Reality came them. Brutally early. In what form? An emergency summoning from Penelope on Hotch's behalf, alerting them to a meeting at work about a new case. Already. But, as they rode out to Quantico together, Emily could only wonder just what kind of matter would have them out at this hour. It wasn't even dawn. Yet.
As Emily, JJ, Rossi, Derek, Spencer, and Penelope did their best to be alert, Hotch walked into the room. Just a hint of guilt was on his face as he took in their bleariness. He would have loved to have been back in his own bed. But work was work. No matter what time it was. And now? They were facing a matter of the highest priority.
"Good morning." Hotch was greeted by the others' varying yawns when he took his usual spot. "And I do apologize for getting all of you back here so soon. But we jut have just been handed a case that's going to go a little differently than what we usually do."
Spencer lifted one eyebrow. "How different are we talking?"
Himself in the know, Rossi answered him. "Think along the lines of, "You don't have a choice." Everything is undercover."
"And," Hotch said to the group at large. "It came from the desk of Erin Strauss."
But it was these words that everyone finally sat up straighter. Behavioral Analysis Unit Chief Erin R. Strauss was Hotch's direct superior. She was elusive, not exactly friendly, and made sure that her unit knew exactly what she thought of them. No room for errors now.
"Hm." Rossi mused as looked to Hotch. "Guess that's your cue."
He rose to his feet again and began the informative slideshow he'd prepared. It's first overlay? Separate pictures young blonde mothers, each of different backgrounds, but each smiling for the camera. Everyone seemed happy. For the moment.
"Here we have Kelli Alcott, Edith Coolidge, and Irene Henderson." Hotch indicated each woman in turn. "All of them were kidnapped in the last three weeks. And each were massively pregnant, well into their third trimesters."
Derek addressed the elephant in the room. "Were their children born in captivity?"
Hotch nodded. "Yes."
"And," Emily observed. "All of them are young."
JJ nodded. "Mid to late twenties."
Derek asked Hotch, "Did the unsub kill them?"
"No." Hotch responded. "They let them go but have kept the children."
Derek murmured, "My God..."
"Kelli, Edith, and Irene are from the Upper West Side, but were strangers before now." Hotch went on. "They were found wandering together in the Inwood area just last night."
"How are they now?" Penelope asked. "I mean... other than the obvious?"
"Recovering in the hospital. But understandably traumatized." Hotch responded. "The unsub is working within Central Park... but that's a big area to cover. Local PD should have more when we get there. Unfortunately, no one has been able to ID any one suspect."
Rather an un-fun thought popped into Emily's head. "I think we found a baby-trafficking ring."
JJ then pointed to the screen. "Kelli, Edith, and Irene are also very blonde."
"Uh-huh." Spencer nodded. "That is a very specific demographic."
JJ sighed, "But I fit the unsub's preferences quite neatly. For the most part. Guess this means I'm going undercover as an expectant mom?"
Hotch turned off the plasma monitor. "Yes."
Rossi asked JJ, "Think you can handle it?"
Knowing that she didn't have a choice, JJ responded, "Yes. But does anyone have the costume piece I'll be needing?"
"Mhm." Penelope told her. "That's my department. I am coming along to help."
Resigning herself to her fate, JJ turned back to Hotch. "When do we start?"
And the next while passed by quickly. However... because the universe was having it so, Emily made it on to the jet first. Hotch arrived shortly thereafter. Friendly conversation led to her telling him of her news. Pleased for his friend, Hotch congratulated her, even promised to keep it to himself until a green light was given. Quiet conversation at the back of the jet led to Penelope learning of JJ's breakup with Taylor. The tech analyst in her loyalty promised to say nothing of it to anyone else. Rather a feat for someone born having a gift of gab.
The BAU soon found themselves on the third floor of a police precinct in downtown Manhattan, being introduced to the man who had sent for them. Captain Windsor. He was pleasant enough. And very welcoming. But he soon got to the point.
Zeroing in on JJ after the introductions were had, Windsor asked her, "You are the one going undercover today?"
"I am, sir." JJ responded. "Is there a place I can get ready?"
"Right this way." Windsor beckoned to her. "Follow me."
JJ, Emily, and Penelope followed Windsor to the changing rooms near the building's gym on the first floor. The space was big enough to thoroughly get JJ outfitted for what she'd need. And as they were actual rooms, there was no chance that the friends would be overhead. At all. Perfect.
Once Windsor had gone, Emily was quick to lock the door. "Okay. What now?"
Upon hanging up a garment bag she'd been carrying, Penelope set lifted an item out of the box that she'd been carrying. "Feast your eyes on this."
JJ did. Penelope was holding up a professional-grade latex full-term baby bump. Just looking at it gave her butterflies. Did she have any idea of how to process that? No.
Penelope spoke again. "I have no idea how long this operation with take, but here is your baby."
"Wow." JJ marveled. "What is the first step?"
So this was how JJ found herself blouse-less and with her tank-top hiked up to her breasts while her company helped her into her costume piece. That took awhile. Strongs hooks were involved. Plus an even stronger zipper. Getting it off would be an even bigger effort. JJ tried not to think about that. For now.
Completing the task of getting JJ situated, Penelope then spoke to Emily. "Hey. As adorable as you and JJ have suddenly become, I need you to let go of her hands. Please? At least for a minute."
Emily had subconsciously placed her hands atop JJ's. The younger woman was framing her newfound frontal weight as she got used to it. Emily? She had begun to help JJ without even thinking about it. But she and JJ knew that it was because she loved taking care of her.
Moving back, Emily spoke to JJ. "How is it?"
JJ sighed. "Like I swallowed a watermelon. How much does this thing weigh?"
Penelope only just held back a sigh. "Eight pounds and seven ounces."
"Good God." JJ immediately put her hands in the small of her back to offset the weight because she was already feeling it. "I hope that none of my future babies make me ache like this."
Any reply that Penelope could have had at that moment was cut off by the signal of an incoming text. Emily could only look at JJ in surprise as she mulled over the remark she'd made about future babies. True enough, JJ and Taylor were no longer together, but Emily began to wonder just what an actual-pregnant JJ would look like. Even be like. At any rate? She would take care of her even more... if she would have her. At all.
Penelope broke the silence. "Derek is asking for my help on something. Can I trust you two to finish up?"
Emily and JJ said together, "Yes."
JJ locked the door behind her again. She then turned about face to see Emily again. The other woman was looking at her pleasantly, awaiting the next part of the undercover prep. JJ? Her heart was racing a million miles a second. Why? She was trying to steady her nerves because of something she wanted to do. All told? It was now or never.
Emily said curiously, "What is it?"
JJ exhaled heavily as means to center herself. "There is one important thing I need to do right now. And if I don't? I'll regret it."
Emily's heart fluttered. "Yes?"
In one swift move, JJ crossed the small space and pulled Emily close to her. She even rose on to her tiptoes to make the play field somewhat even. But time then stood still, as if no one else in the world existed in those few electrifying moments. Next thing Emily knew? JJ was kissing her. Deeply. And Emily? She melted into the gesture. Dreams did come true.