Mean Something (Jemily)

Chapter 3- Old Friends (Emily POV)

My alarm went off at 8am sharp, my mind not yet caught up to the Virginia time zone. I struggled out of bed and into the small bathroom. Glancing at myself in the mirror I splashed my face with water and tried to wake myself up before I suddenly remembered my plans. Hurrying back to the bedside table I picked up my phone scrolling to JJ's contact and messaged her the address of a small café in-between where I am staying and her house. "Hey, here's the address. Meet me in an hour?" I sent the text message and before I could shut off my phone received a reply "Sounds great. See you soon"-JJ. I smiled down at the message and began getting ready. Opening my suitcase, I realized once again that my wardrobe really did lack in any sort of color. Grabbing a pair of black jeans and a white button up top. Dressing quickly before throwing on some light makeup and rushing out the door. Sitting down in the drivers' seat of my rental car I glanced at the clock 8:45  "I'm going to be late." I worried pulling out of the parking lot.

Finally making it to the café I parked in a spot not far from the front, the clock reading 9:10 "Shit. I hope she doesn't think I stood her up" I let out a small laugh at the thought. Knowing JJ, she was here by the time I got in the car. I stepped into the café and my anxiety calmed smelling the coffee and fresh baked goods. I glanced around the buzzing room and smiled when my eyes caught the glimpse of a familiar face. If I had to guess, JJ already assumed I was going to be late and had gotten us a table in the back of the restaurant. She smiled and stood up as I walked towards her. Embracing in a hug I apologize for being late "Really Em? I know you. You'd never be caught dead late to work but when it comes to casual meetings, you're not one for promptness. I'd be more concerned if you were here on time!" JJ said jokingly. I smiled and finally got a good look at my friend. She was wearing a powdered blue cotton top with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, black jeans, and convers. She looked good, but tired. Her eyes were heavy, the makeup doing a poor job at hiding the dark circles forming under her eyes... In a way, JJ and I were total opposites. She had always been one not afraid to show emotions, I'm not sure if she could but she used that to her advantage. Her unrelenting kindness towards victims and their family's was a blessing, and her passion for justice had always pushed the team when we needed it most. JJ had always been the "Wear your heart on your sleeve, free spirit" kind of girl, but something about her today struck me with concern.

We sat down and started chatting about the items on the menu. After placing our order, I caught JJ looking around at the café in a curious manor "I didn't even know this was here. It's cute." She commented. I smiled and agreed "Yeah I found it on one of my many late-night walks. Believe it or not they're open 24/7 so it's been my go-to after rough cases for a place to clear my head. I mean I love going out with you guys for a drink, but sometimes you just need a quiet place and fresh coffee to really start recovering." She gave me a knowing smile, "So, what are you doing back here? What could pull the famous Emily away from London?" She asked with a slight tease in her voice. "Oh, you know, the usual serial killers." I said with a laugh, "In all honesty I'm here to guest speak at a class, tie up some loose ends and then I'm back to London." JJ nodded curiously, "Well, they made a good choice for a guest speaker." I thanked her and cleared my throat as our coffees were set in front of us. JJ and I both muttered a thank you to the waiter before picking up our drinks and taking a sip, "So..." I dragged out. "How have you been?" I could tell the question didn't catch her off guard, I'm sure she gets asked this a lot. I just hoped she'd be honest with me. "You know, the same. It's been a little difficult with everything that's happened but I'm okay. Henry is growing like a weed! You wouldn't believe how big he's gotten Em! He asks about you all the time." She said, trying to change the subject. "Well maybe I'll have to stop by and see him." I could see her face change in an instant "Oh, uh. Wills taken him out of town for the weekend. He thought I'd still be on a case. I think they'll be back late tomorrow night." Will took Henry out all the time, yet I couldn't help but wonder if there was a reason for the sudden change of her body language. "I should be here all week everything considered. I asked to take some time to oversee a few renovations in my apartment." JJ laughed "You still have that? How long has it been since you've lived there? I never took you as the sentimental type, Em." JJ was right, it had been years since I've spent a night in my old apartment but something about knowing it was here, that I had some place to come back to if anything were to happen was comforting. "I know JJ I'm awful at letting things go. But come on it's an amazing apartment!" I joked back.

We finished up our coffees, paid, and made our way outside "Hey, there's a trail not far from here if you'd like to take a walk?" I asked with the intent to actually talk to her about how she was doing, I hate to admit it but I didn't have the guts to attempt to get more information while we were in a public space. I know JJ, if I were to hint at any kind of weakness in front of a bunch of strangers, she would close up entirely. "Trying to get murdered Prentiss?" She laughed. I loved her laugh. "I've died once or twice already, it's not so bad." I said back casually shrugging. She gasped a bit and playfully punched my shoulder "Alright, show me where this trail is. But if we get jumped don't say I didn't warn you!" We both laughed walking side by side towards the park and the small trail. More small talk ensued till I finally worked up the courage to look her in the eyes "So, how are you? Really?" I watched as her face dropped a little "What do you mean? I'm fine.". "Don't give me that shit JJ, you were kidnapped. Then Spencer contacts me about the file on Trivon a year later?" I could tell she was getting mad "Emily I said I was fine. I didn't ask Reid to contact you. Forget it." JJ's words stung a little, she turned away from me and began to walk away when I reached out grabbing her arm. I noticed her wince a little but she gave in, turning to face me "JJ, look. I'm sorry. We just used to be so close, and now trying to get you to talk at all feels like an uphill battle... You don't have to go through whatever it is alone." I said trying to reassure her and bring her back down. "I know it's been hard. I died, let you guys alone and ran away to Paris... But not once did you allow me to go through anything alone, and if you even THINK I'm going to let you crawl into your mind and shut me out your dead wrong blackbird." She smiled a little at the nickname. Blackbird... It was more than just a silly little nickname. Just the mention of the word brought back the memories of some of the darkest times in our lives, but it didn't bring sadness with it. It brought comfort, because no matter what happened with our jobs, our lives, we had each other. That's how it's always been. JJ sighed and loosened up a little "Emily, I'm fine. I've struggling a bit, and I'm sorry I shut you out, but I promise... I'll be okay." I nodded. I knew she was only giving me half-truths, but I was scared pushing her anymore would result in her continuing to shut me out completely "Okay. Just please remember, I love you." The words rang a little deeper than she knew but she smiled that gorgeous smile and embraced me in a short hug. "You have to stop brining up your death to get your way Em." She joked breaking the tension. I let out a hard laugh "It's a good way to get people to talk!" She rolled her eyes at my comment and we began walking together once again. We made it back to our parked cars and shared another hug before parting ways, promising to meet again Monday morning if nothing came up.