Survivor, emily prentiss

𝟎𝟐𝟎, 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

a/n: i hate this lol. this is not proof read.

emily's pov

The few days Claire stayed with me, she was incredibly clingy, easily frustrated, and just all together difficult. I knew she was going through a rough time, but I didn't understand how her father could bring out this reaction in her. I thought back to our date when she first opened up about her life before college, she only shared a bit, but at the time it was enough for me. I was worried about her, actually worried is an understatement.

At Quantico, Claire watched as Morgan and JJ questioned her father in the interrogation room. I have her space and watched from afar. The team still didn't know we were together, and I didn't want to overwhelm her anymore than I already had. She chewed on her cheek as Morgan's question became more personal.

"How long have you been taking?" He asked the older man.

"On and off since I was twenty." He shrugged. I looked back to Claire, trying to see what she was thinking through her body language, but she was closed off.

"Evans." I turn around to see Hotch with holding a file and Garcia beside him. Claire doesn't turn around, so I softly approach her and walk with her to Hotch's office. "Ev— Claire, we have reason to believe your father isn't telling the whole truth." He starts, weary of his next words. I look to Garcia and see her fiddle her fingers, looking almost guilty.
"What? Of course he is." She crossed her arms. Hotch sighed and handed the blonde the file. She scanned through it with furrow brows and a frown. "Garcia did some digging. It turns out he's not so innocent after all." I look at Hotch for more information, curious as to what was in the folder.

"Claire, your dad didn't just steal from those gang members. He is a gang member." He continued. "He's wanted for sixteen counts of murder in California and Michigan."

Claire's jaw dropped and quickly closed. "N-No. You're wrong. This is some kind of mistake." She stuttered.

"Claire—" I try to comfort her but she slams the file on Hotch's desk and storms out of the office. The three of us look at each other before quickly following her. She goes directly into the interrogation room, despite us calling her name.

"You lied to me." She said sternly. Morgan looked at me, unsure what to do. We all know not to interrupt questioning, especially when you're close to a case, but this situation was different.

Claire's father turned to face her. "I didn't lie, Claire Bear." He replies, clearly holding back the truth. "I should've known, I'm a profiler for gods sake! Tell me when it started. How many people were there, dad?" Her voice got louder and all I could do was watch.

"What are you talking about?"

"How many people did you kill?!" She shouted.

"Alright, that's enough. I want my lawyer." Morgan stepped out of his chair and tried to escort her out of the room. "I hate you!" She shouted.

"Evans! My office, now!" Hotch yelled across the bullpen. I watch as they close the office door behind them and I look at Garcia. She mouths a quick wow and I immediately regain my motor skills. I didn't know whether to feel anger or pity for Claire. I didn't know if i could feel anything at all.

Not long after Claire stormed out, and Aaron called me in. Still trying to collect my thoughts I stand in the doorway.

"I'm giving her a week. I want someone to keep an eye on her, and I know you two are close. Can you do that for me?"

I quickly nod. "Of course, Hotch. Anything."

"Thanks, Prentiss." He sighed and drops his pen. "Make sure Morgan gives him access to a phone to call his lawyer; I don't want her anywhere near this, Emily. I'm serious."

"I'll make sure she's okay."

~

claire's pov

My father wasn't a good person. That much, I always knew. But I loved him despite how badly he treated my mom, because he never hurt me. But showing up to my doorstep asking for my money and lying to my face about taking someone's life, taking many lives... I couldn't just brush that aside. My chest ached for my mother, I wanted her more than anything and all I wished for in that moment was for her to remember... remember who I was and remember that she loved me too.

Underneath all of this pain, was humiliation. I stood up for him, I told the team he wasn't a criminal, I insisted. But I was wrong. I promised Emily he was telling the truth, I felt like such an idiot for not being able to see beneath his lies.

I stormed out to the Quantico parking lot when I remembered we came in Emily's car. I couldn't just take it and leave. Instead, I sat down in the passenger seat and buried my head in my hands. Cried out my anger, frustration, pain... I felt like I was losing control and it was all happening way too fast. I was startled when the door opened. Emily was now beside me in the drivers seat. I didn't even bother asking why.

"Let's go home." She said softly, pulling out of the parking lot.

The drive was silent, just the hum of the radio. It helped not having to talk, and I was internally grateful Emily didn't ask me too. I was a little surprised when we pulled up to my apartment complex instead of Emily's, but I guess since my father is a felon he wouldn't be staying at mine anymore. Emily parked in the visitors parking spot, and I knew that meant she'd be staying a little longer. She held my hand and went up to the third floor.

I searched for my keys and unlocked the door. I couldn't help but start crying again. The place was a mess. Dishes everywhere, cabinets left wide open. It didn't take a profiler to realize some of my things were missing. Emily pulled me into her chest and I gripped on tightly to her shirt.