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Emma shifts in her seat as another cramp slowly drags itself through her lower stomach. God, this stupid meeting can’t end soon enough. So far she was managing not to visibly wince, but she can’t keep this up for very long. As soon as Carter says they’re done, Emma is going back to her dorm to lay in bed for the next twelve hours. Another cramp. Ow. Better make that twenty-four hours.
God, when is Carter going to shut up? Emma knows she isn’t really mad at him, she’s just in pain, but that doesn’t change the fact that she wants to pick up a chair and hurl it at him. She looks around the room, trying to distract herself. It’s a Friday afternoon, and everyone in the room looks like they’re praying for Saturday. Kristin is sitting to Emma’s left, and has actually been filing her nails for the last several minutes. Really, it’s hard not to admire her audacity. Emma has grown used to Kristin’s many quirks over the last few months, and she honestly finds them rather endearing.
When another bout of pain tears its way through Emma’s stomach, she can’t stop herself from cringing. Kristin shoots her a concerned look, but no one else seems to notice.
Finally the stupid meeting ends and Emma drags herself out of her chair and out the door. Kristin is quick to catch up with her. “Emma, are you alright? You look like you’re in pain.”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Emma lowers her voice and checks to see if anyone is nearby before speaking. “That time of the month again.”
Kristin is quick to wrap an arm around her shoulders. “Oh, you should be resting! Let’s get you back to your room.”
Under normal circumstances, Emma would be nervous about this sort of affection in public. But the pain in her stomach is clouding her thoughts, and Kristin is so solid and so warm, Emma allows herself to lean against Kristin as they walk back to Emma’s room.
Deep winter has descended upon Quantico, and Emma and Kristin lean into each other as the wind and snow whips around them. Kristin’s hair keeps getting in both of their mouths, and Emma feels her fingers going numb in the cold air. They share a sigh of relief as they enter the dorm building. Emma doesn’t register most of the walk up to her room, too busy focusing on not collapsing from the pain.
When they reach Emma’s room, Kristin guides her to the bed and places a gentle kiss on Emma’s forehead. “I’m going to grab a few things for you, I'll be right back.”
“Hm.” Emma doesn’t give a proper response, simply choosing to flop sideways on her bed as Kristin leaves the room. She rolls herself up in the blankets and hides her face in the pillows, making pained noises. She just wants to sleep. She just wants to cuddle with Kristin. She just wants to stop hurting.
It feels like an eternity before Kristin returns, struggling to shut the door with her arms full. She dumps everything she’s holding onto the bedside table before she returns to Emma. She gently cups Emma’s face with one hand, and Emma leans into the touch. Kristin is always so affectionate and Emma just can’t get enough. The two of them don’t get much time together between cases, but they spend most of their free time cuddling in their rooms, leaning against each other in the library, or sharing kisses whenever they’re alone in the Cool Room.
“I brought you some Advil and a hot water bottle for your cramps. Do you think you can sit up?” Emma nods, and Kristin supports her as she drags herself into an upright position. Kristin hands her the Advil and a bottle of water. Emma gladly takes both.
“Thank you.” She says as she puts the lid back on the bottle. “Can you hold me?”
“Oh, of course I can! Come here.” Kristin pulls her close and Emma tucks her head into Kristin’s neck. Kristin nuzzles her cheek against Emma’s hair, and Emma finally begins to relax.
After a few moments, Kristin remembers everything else she brought. “Do you want the hot water bottle for the pain?”
“Yes please.”
Emma whines when Kristin pulls away to reach towards the bedside table. When she turns back with the hot water bottle, Emma takes the bottle and presses it to her stomach. She scoots all the way into Kristin’s lap with a sigh of pure relief.
“Can I just lay on you for a bit?” Emma’s face is pressed against Kristin’s cheek as she speaks.
“Oh Emma, you know you can cuddle with me anytime.” Kristin turns to press a soft kiss to Emma’s cheek. “Just get some rest, okay?”
“Mm okay. Love you.”
“I love you too.”