Mean Something (Jemily)

Chapter 37-Trials (Emily POV)

Monday morning started bright and early, beginning with taking JJ to her first follow up appointment with her primary doctor. JJ would always joke that she needed to start sending her Christmas cards with as many times as she sees her a year, I was just happy that she was in good hands. The doctor informed us that everything was going as expected, no signs of infection and if JJ promises to rest, she would be cleared for office work within the next 4-6 weeks. I rolled my eyes at the thought of JJ actually resting, she was doing the best she could but that girl never slowed down. I couldn't complain, her passion and work effort were attractive but I wish she would take it easy. "I feel fine though." JJ argued from the passenger seat of the car "JJ, honey, that's the painkillers talking. I don't care if you think you feel well enough to fight god, you can't come back to the BAU until your cleared by a doctor" "Spencer would clear me." She teased "A medical doctor has to clear you." At least her sense of spirit was improved after last nights shock. Replaying Will's outburst over in my head heated my chest up with anger. Who does he really think he is picking a fight with his ex-wife days after she survives another  traumatic experience? If this was how he was willing to act in front of me, I can't imagine how he acted behind closed doors.

Anger continued to roll around in my chest as we drove, only distracted by a quick stop for breakfast and coffee "Does Will do that often?" I asked bluntly, eyes focused on the road "Do what?" She sounded honestly confused "Yell at you. Pick fights in front of Henry." There was a moment of silence between us "Yeah. He didn't at first, but it became more common as time went on." JJ sounded scared "If he ever pulls that shit on you when I'm not around, you call me. Understand?" I stated more than I questioned. I didn't like demanding things from JJ but everything that happened set off warning signals in my mind. JJ nodded slightly as we pulled into the parking lot "Are you sure you're okay to get in by yourself? I can help you." I offered "I love you, and I love that you're so protective of Henry and I but I think I can ride the elevator on my own." I couldn't help but smile back, leaning over to kiss her softly "Okay love. If you need anything, call me. If I don't answer call Garcia and she'll get you through to me." "I will, I promise. Now go you're going to be late!" She said in between kisses before slowly getting out of the car.

Anxiety ran coldly through my veins as I made my way into the BAU. I was 15 minutes early for my meeting with the director, and if everything I heard about him was true he was a kind guy but I highly doubt he's dealt with a situation quite like this yet. I was surprised seeing Rossi take a seat next to me outside of the Directors office "Why are you here?" I asked hoping I wouldn't offend him "I asked to sit in on your meeting." He stated not making eye contact "Oh. Okay. Should I be worried?" I sat trying to read Rossi's body language, but he didn't give any clues. After years of working around some of the best profilers he's definitely picked up some tips on how to avoid being profiled himself "Honestly Prentiss, I'm not sure." His words brought no comfort, I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. I hoped that things could stay the same in the team, but I knew deep down there could be issues. I stood from my chair and followed the director as he motioned us into his office. "Good morning Prentiss, Rossi." He said casually sitting behind his desk. I took the seat directly across from him, while Rossi sat to the side. "I have to admit, being told what this meeting was about was quite shocking..." He said glancing at the papers below him "But I want to hear from you before we continue any further." His voice was strong and his gaze intimidating.

I cleared my throat trying to collect my thoughts "Yes sir," I said respectfully, hoping my anxiety wasn't showing to much "I received a call early Monday morning from our tech analysis Garcia..." I picked at my nails as I recounted the events of last weeks case to the director, thankful he only stopped me once or twice to reiterate some of the more confusing scenarios "So, let me get this straight. Matthew abducted SSA Jareau in attempt to enact revenge on you for the death of his wife on a case before you rejoined the BAU?" He asked glancing down at the files once more "Why exactly would he do that?" "That's actually why I requested this meeting." I watched as the director laid the papers onto the desk, leaning back in his chair. His hands were folded together as he looked me up and down, a disapproving and confused expression shadowed his face. "The Unsub, Matthew, had been unknowingly following me since my arrival back at the BAU. We even have reason to believe he was watching me while I was in London up until his relocation to the states..." I sat up in the chair straightening out my posture trying to regain the sense of any confidence I needed "With this, he gained knowledge of JJ's and I's relationship." "Relationship?" He asked narrowing his eyes "Yes sir... JJ and I have recently become romantically involved." I glanced over at Rossi as I continued to talk  further with the director, hearing him shuffling around in his seat. The director sat up once more rubbing his hand underneath his chin deep in thought. "If you'd excuse us Prentiss I'd like to speak to Rossi alone." I stood up without second thought but to say I was confused was an understatement "Yes sir, of course." I nodded my head before walking out of the office leaving the two to talk alone.

I pulled out my phone taking a seat once again outside of the director's office. Looking around I could see some of the team not so slyly trying to pick any information from me, I gave them a half shrug before sending a reply to JJ's text "How's it going?"-JJ "I don't know. He asked to speak to Rossi alone."-Emily. Seconds late my phone was buzzing again "That's probably good? Right? Rossi has a lot of pull when it comes to the workings of the BAU."-JJ My eyes scanned JJs words a hundred times over trying to believe them. I don't really know how long I was sitting outside the office before I heard the door on my left open up, Rossi nodded, asking me to come back inside. I glanced between the Director and Rossi before taking a seat in front of them, trying to read their expression. Rossi was standing to the left of the Directors desk. My chest was moving up and down radially as the director spoke "Prentiss, as you know the FBI has rules in place to keep relationships between co-workers from forming, even stricter rules when it comes down to a superior dating a subordinate..." His words were hard to hear over the pounding in my chest "But, your team does exceptional work... Providing it does not interfere with that, I'm sure I can convince the board to make any exception." A surprised "Really?" shot out before I had the chance to compose myself "Sorry, yes sir. Thank you." The director kept a stone cold face "There are going to be a few conditions, no PDA while on duty, you're not going to allow your relationship interfere with your decisions. Rossi will have the ability to pull you or agent Jareau from the team and overrule any decisions made by you if he believes they were done so under misguidance." I nodded "Rossi informed me that your work has not changed during the course of your relationship, and while I'm sure the board will insist disciplinary actions are taken, I believe you and Agent Jareau have been through enough this past week... You're both exceptional agents, as well is everyone on your team. Don't mess this up for them." I glanced up at Rossi who greeted me with a warm smile as I spoke "Understandable sir. Thank you again."

"Once Agent Jareau is cleared for work, you will both have to sign the agreement the board comes up with. While I'm not sure what more that will consist of you'll have an appropriate amount of time to look it over." I nodded "And what if the board decides against your decision?" I asked trying to be respectful. Rossi laughed a little sharing a look with the director before speaking "I'm sure we won't have a problem with that." I waited anxiously as the director finished up with his instructions ready to let JJ know of the news. After what felt like forever the director finally released me, I stood up "Thank you again sir." I said reaching for his hand. For the first time I saw the director smile, meeting my outstretched hand for a firm shake before dismissing me. Rossi stayed behind I the office and while I couldn't say for sure I wondered if He and the director had some unspoken history together.