“Emily…”reaching out JJ took her hand, “it’s not your
fault.  None of this is your fault.  I’m sorry for being careless and allowing him
to get to us.” Kissing the back of Emily’s hand, she looked up at the older
woman, love shining in her eyes for her. “I love you Emily Prentiss, but you
can’t protect me from everything.”

“I’ll die before I let him touch you again” she said
intensely.

“You most certainly will not” she said squeezing the other
woman’s hand tightly.  Emily’s words
scared the hell out of her.  “You are not
to do anything reckless,” pulling on her hand she forced Emily to look at her,
“promise me Em…promise me” she said yanking her hand again, forcing herself to
stifle a groan as the movement grated on her ribs.

“Stop Jennifer…you’re hurting yourself, yes…okay, yes I
promise, nothing reckless.” Emily said quickly.
If she kept yanking at her like that she was going to cause herself more
pain.

They stared at one another until Emily leaned in to kiss
her.  Ignoring the pain JJ wrapped her
left hand in her hair and held her there for a passionate kiss.  Pulling away from each other, blue eyes met
brown with love and understanding.

“I have to go.” She said softly as she walked away.

“I know, tell Garcia its safe to come in now,” she said
smiling. “Em?”

“Hmmm” she said turning back.

“Stay safe please.” She whispered.

Smiling, Emily left.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Reid and Rossi checked in with the officers posted on the
sixth floor before heading to Jane’s room.

“You go,” Rossi said, “I’ll wait down by the nurse’s
station” Nodding Reid knocked on the door before going in.

Seeing Maura by Jane’s bedside talking to her was a
relief.  She had been heartbroken earlier
and was happy to see the detective awake.

“Spencer…is everything okay?” Maura asked looking back at
Jane.

“Oh…yes everything is fine, I was just checking on you…
I…well we, Rossi and I wanted to let you know we were on the floor.”  His stutter made the tired detective grin.

“You okay Dr Reid” she said in her raspy voice.

“I should be asking you that detective, glad to see you’re
awake.”

“Me too,” she said softly. “So Dr. Reid, are you going to
tell me what’s going on?” with a raised eyebrow Jane watched as the young agent
shifted uncomfortably on the balls of his feet.
He obviously was not expecting her to be awake.