Criminal Minds One-Shots

Uncharted Waters

Summary: In the midst of a school outing with the Future Federal Employees' Association of America, KC navigates her first heartbreak, finding solace in her parents, JJ and Will.

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The sun shone brightly over the Washington, D.C., skyline as the Future Federal Employees' Association of America's bus rolled to a stop outside the Behavioral Analysis Unit. KC, or Katniss Clementine as her parents named her, could hardly contain her excitement. This was a chance to glimpse the inner workings of the FBI, and she was thrilled—especially because Elias, her boyfriend, was by her side.

As the group entered the building, KC felt the electric buzz of anticipation. They were greeted by the familiar faces of the BAU team, and she felt a swell of pride knowing her parents were part of such an esteemed agency.

During lunch, as they gathered in the conference room, Elias turned to KC with a serious expression. "KC, I really like you. I think I might even... love you."

The words hung in the air, and KC's heart raced, but a wave of confusion washed over her. She had never really thought about what love meant outside of her family. She smiled weakly, unsure how to respond. "Um, thanks, Eli," she managed, her voice trailing off.

Elias's expression faltered. "You don't feel the same, do you?" He stepped back, hurt flashing across his face. "I can't do this if you don't love me back."

Before she could gather her thoughts, he turned and walked away. "I think we should break up."

Stunned, KC felt her heart shatter. She didn't understand why it hurt so much. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she dashed out of the room, her world spiraling. She needed her mom.

JJ was in the hallway, chatting with one of her colleagues. When she saw KC, her heart dropped. "Honey, what's wrong?"

KC threw herself into her mother's arms, sobbing. "Eli... he said he loves me, and I didn't say it back. Now he broke up with me!"

"Oh, sweetie." JJ wrapped her arms tightly around KC, comforting her. "It's okay. Let's find a place to talk."

She led KC to the conference room, the bustling energy outside muffled behind closed doors. "Take a deep breath for me," JJ said softly. "You're okay."

KC leaned against her mother, the warmth of JJ's presence a calming force. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I just... I don't know what love feels like."

JJ stroked her hair gently, a knowing look in her eyes. "That's perfectly normal, KC. Love is complicated, especially at your age. It's okay to be confused."

"I just wanted to be with him," KC sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I thought I could figure it out."

As the tears continued to flow, KC's cries turned more desperate. "I want my daddy!" she sobbed, clutching JJ tighter.

JJ's heart ached at her daughter's distress. "Okay, sweetie. Let me call him." She quickly reached for her phone, dialing Will's number with shaky fingers.

"Hey Babe, How's KC's pick day going?" Will joked cheerfully as soon as he answers on only the second ring/ "Did she decide between you guys and ICE yet?"

"KC needs you. She's hysterical and I can't seem to get her to take a good breath in." JJ answers back, never one to dally in a serious situation. "I'll be right there."

Less than five minutes later, a sweaty and panting Will LaMontagne pushed open the door to the BAU after breaking at least 4 traffic laws to get to his daughter.

Will stepped into the BAU conference room and his heart sank at the sight of KC, tears streaming down her cheeks. As soon as she saw him, she rushed forward and leaped into his arms, forcing him to catch her. She buried her face in his neck, crying even harder, her body shaking with each sob.

"Shhhhh, Darli'," he murmured, wrapping her tightly in his embrace. He began to rub her back in soothing circles, feeling her tension start to ease. "Breath for me, chérie. It's not that bad. We can fix this." His soft New Orleans Creole accent wrapped around his words like a warm hug, calming her storm of emotions as they stood together, cocooned in their own world.

++What happened?++ will mouthed to JJ as he started pacing with KC, much like one would with a toddler who refused to take a nap.

++Eli told her he loves her, and she didn't say it back++ JJ mouthed a reply, glancing at Will. ++He broke up with her.++

Will's heart ached for his daughter. He wrapped her in his strong arms, feeling her tiny frame tremble against him. "It's okay, KC. You're still figuring things out. There's no rush to have everything figured out right now."

KC clung to him tightly, her tears soaking into his shirt. "Why does it hurt so much, Dad?"

"It hurts because you care," Will said softly, brushing her hair back. "Love, even when it's new and uncertain, is powerful. It's part of growing up."

"But what if I never understand it?" KC whispered.

"You will," Will reassured her. "In your own time. Right now, you have your family, and we're here for you. Always."

KC looked up at her dad, her eyes red but hopeful. "Can we just stay like this for a little while?"

"Of course," Will replied, settling next to her. "I'm right here."

As the three of them sat together, KC felt a sense of peace. She might not understand romantic love yet, but in this moment, surrounded by her family, she knew she was loved deeply. That would be enough for now.