AN: My apologies to everyone for the delay, my health isn't great. I will get back to anyone who reviewed or PM'd me ASAP.
Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds. Catherine Jareau is mine, along with anyone else you do not
Oh we don't know the roads that we're heading down
We don't know if we're lost, that we'll find a way
We don't know if we leave, will we make it home
We don't know, there's hope, then we'll be okay
- We Don't Know, The Strumbellas
7:37 am
I walk sleepily down the stairs and follow Spencer's distinctive voice towards the kitchen. I stand by the closed basement door, my heart racing when I realize that the person he's speaking to isn't Dave, and that I have no idea who he is.
"Oh hello," says the dark haired man standing at the stove.
I flounder, the roar of the blender is all consuming. I am incapable of connecting my brain to my mouth.
He frowns slightly; "You came from upstairs so you're not one of the Interpol Agents, are you?"
My breathing speeds up and I shake my head; still unable to speak I look desperately at Spencer's back.
"Hey Spencer?" he says above the sound of the blender, "I think she's looking for you."
Spencer glances over his shoulder and when his eyes catch mine, he immediately turns off the blender. He smiles gently at me from the other side of the island. "Catherine, I thought you were going to sleep for a while longer."
The silence is welcome and I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out.
Spencer sighs and walks slowly around the island, empty hands clearly visible.
I can't focus on Spencer; I keep glancing at the unknown man in Dave's kitchen. Who is he?
"Eyes on me, my love," Spencer whispers in Russian.
My eyes snap to him instantly.
Spencer stands directly in front of me, blocking my view of everything else, and holds out his arms.
I step into them and exhale, releasing most of my terror.
Spencer leans down and kisses my forehead. "I'm sorry Catherine. If I'd known you were going to wake up this early, I would have stayed upstairs with you. Are you okay? Why are you awake, aren't you exhausted?"
"I'm hungry," I mumble against his chest. "I haven't eaten since shortly after the plane took off."
Spencer frowns. "That was over fifteen hours ago."
I nod silently.
"Come say hello first," Spencer murmurs and wrapping his arm protectively around me, walks us closer to the dark haired man. "Stephen, you remember Catherine, don't you?"
When I hear his name, it clicks: this is Gideon's son.
Stephen nods and holds out his hand. "It's been a while."
I swallow my residual fear and shake his hand. "About 8 years. I didn't recognize you, you look different with facial hair."
Stephen laughs. "And you look like an adult instead of a little kid." He looks pensive and nods. "Eight years, since the four of us had dinner. That sounds about right." Stephen smiles kindly at me. "Are you hungry? I've made enough scrambled eggs for everyone and I'm almost finished with the toast. Spencer was in the middle of making strawberry and banana smoothies. Would you like to join us? Some of the agents should be up shortly."
I nod. "Thank you." And whisper, "I'm sorry about your dad."
He stiffens before relaxing slightly. "Thank you."
Spencer directs me to the stool closest to him and kisses my cheek. Then he unplugs the blender and moves it to the island so he can stand between Stephen and myself.
I smile in silent thanks.
Stephen takes four slices of toast out of the toaster oven. "David was catching me up on everyone yesterday. He told me that you're working in France right now. Are you enjoying that?"
I nod.
Spencer turns on the blender and glares at Stephen's back.
Stephen speaks louder: "I noticed you've got a room here, so you must have a key. David should be back soon; he went for a walk. Did you get a chance to see him last night?"
I shoot Spencer a confused look and shake my head in response to Stephen's question.
"Still not one for talking?" Stephen smiles and places toast onto three plates.
I blush.
Spencer turns off the blender and scowls at Stephen. "She talks when she has something to say."
"It's okay Spence," I murmur and rest my left hand on his arm.
Stephen glances curiously between the two of us. "Are you two together?"
"Yes," Spencer snaps before I can even open my mouth.
"They're engaged." Emily's voice comes from somewhere behind me.
I spin around in surprise. "Emily! You're awake!"
"Congratulations!" Stephen's smile is genuine.
Spencer's hackles lower and he murmurs "Thank you."
"Thank you," I smile shyly.
Emily saunters towards us and kisses the top of my head before plopping down on the bar stool next to me and slumping over; arms cushioning her head, looking like she'd rather still be in bed, asleep.
Spencer fills a glass with the concoction from the blender and places it in front of me. "Emily, you said you were going to sleep in. Why are you awake?"
She lifts her head and glares at Spencer. "I need food and coff- caffeine."
Spencer takes a step back. "What about scrambled eggs, toast and a smoothie? Then you can go back to bed and wake up happier later?"
She shakes her head. "I can't go back to bed. Where's Clyde?"
"Haven't seen him." He shrugs and fills two more tall glasses.
Stephen and places a plate of food down in front of me and asks quietly "Is that the guy with the British accent?"
Emily's brown eyes narrow on him. "There are three men with British accents here, unless my prayers have been answered and five of the nine people sleeping in the basement have already left?"
Spencer shakes his head and sits down to eat.
Emily groans.
"Blondish hair and a bit scruffy looking for an agent?" Stephen speaks again.
Emily snorts. "Yeah that's him. Where is he?"
"I don't know." Stephen shrugs. "He went for a walk with David about 30 minutes ago. They should be back soon." He sits down at the far end of the island with a plate of food.
Emily rests her head in her hands and groans.
Stephen looks at his watch. "Spencer it's almost eight, we should leave soon."
"Where are you going?" I frown in suspicion.
Spencer looks guilty. "Stephen and I were going to go up to the cabin and start packing it up."
"Oh," I mumble.
Stephen looks over at us. "You could stay Spencer. I don't think you were expecting company when you agreed to help me."
"No, no," I shake my head. "Go Spence. I'll have a nap and then visit Jenny. Maybe Em will come with me, if she doesn't have to work. You'll be back for dinner though, right?"
"Yes." He kisses me.
Emily reaches over and tugs gently at the end of my braid; "I have to see what mess Clyde has gotten us into first."
I nod, yawn, and mumble: "Where did the Watcher's Council go?"
Emily shoots me a quelling look. "We are far more effective."
I shake my head; "They were effective for a long time. They just didn't evolve with the times."
Emily frowns at me. "I know there was a hidden message in there, but I'm too exhausted for mind games Crierwy."
I shrug.
Stephen looks perplexed but Spencer smiles at me so I smile back.
9:09 am
I put the car in park.
"I can't believe I let you drive!" Emily groans.
I roll my eyes. "I'm not that bad, Emily. I'm just a bit out of practice and you've gotten used to driving on the wrong side of the road. You winced every single time I turned a corner."
She nods. "You're not bad, much better than your fiancé, but remind me to tell Clyde the interns need lessons in defensive driving."
I bite my tongue and widen my eyes to give myself the appearance of innocence.
Emily takes one look at my face and frowns. "You've already had lessons. Who taught you? It wasn't Jennifer."
"It was Derek," I grin. "Though Abby offered me lessons."
She groans. "I should have known!"
"If I hadn't driven your guards would be in the same car as us." I offer her my hand. "Thanks for that by the way."
"You're welcome. You know I wouldn't have them around if they weren't necessary…" Emily squeezes my hand and lets go quickly. "Are you sure you didn't want to sleep at Dave's?"
I nod and get out of the car. "Yeah. I want to see Jenny, she sounded a bit off when I spoke with her on the phone yesterday. I promise I'll have a nap soon so you two can visit, unless you wanted to sleep first Em?"
Emily shakes her head and follows me. "I'll take the first watch."
I smile back at her and ring the doorbell.
Jennifer answers the door in her pyjamas.
I shout "Surprise!" with a big grin on my face.
My sister grabs me and bursts into tears.
I automatically wrap my arms around her.
"Whoops," Emily murmurs and pushes the two of us inside. Then she closes the door and wraps the two of us in a hug. "You're okay Jennifer," she whispers.
"Mommy?" Henry calls from the kitchen. "Is something wrong? Who's at the door?"
Jennifer steps back. "Everything is fine Henry. Go upstairs and get dressed please." She wipes her tears away and glares at me. "You were supposed to call last night and you didn't!"
I flinch. "I'm sorry Jenny. I didn't know that I was going to be on a plane when I said I'd call."
I look around with a frown, "Where's Will?"
Jen reaches out and takes my hand and the three of us head towards the kitchen. "Will is upstairs getting ready. We just finished eating breakfast, are you hungry? We have leftovers. When did you arrive? Where are you staying? Have you seen Spence yet? And if you have, how is he?"
Emily laughs, "We can only answer one question at a time, Jennifer."
Jennifer leads me through into the kitchen and sits down on a chair. She then pulls me onto her lap and wraps me in another hug. "I was so worried," she mumbles against my shoulder.
I drape one of my arms around her shoulders and rest my head against hers. "I'm sorry," I whisper.
Emily leans against the doorframe and calmly answers my sister's earlier stream of questions: "We've already eaten breakfast so we don't need more food right now, though lunch later would be great. We arrived shortly after midnight and went straight to Dave's house. So yes we've both seen Spencer. Dave said he's doing better since you visited with Henry and a bit better again since we arrived."
Henry following the voices appears in the hallway and shrieks; "Auntie Emily!" Then he runs towards her, arms outstretched.
"Henry!" Emily catches him mid leap and swings him around before hugging him to her. "I've missed you!"
"I've missed you!" He echoes back.
Will enters the living room and sees Emily holding Henry but he doesn't see me in the kitchen just beyond. "Emily," He nods. "I suppose I should have expected you to show up."
"Will," She nods back. "I always show up when I'm needed."
"I suppose you do." He smiles. "Did you bring back up this time, or was it unnecessary?"
"I did…" Emily looks around in confusion. "Or at least I think I brought back up. Your wife may have absconded with her though."
Will frowns in confusion.
Emily sighs. "Catherine came with me but she and Jen seem to have disappeared."
"Where's Kit-Cat?" Henry squirms to be put down.
Emily sets him down gently. "Stay put for a minute please Henry."
He frowns up at her, but stands still.
"Will," Emily starts.
He nods, "We're running late. Please go finish getting dressed Henry."
"But I want to show Kit-Cat my batman pyjamas!" Henry pouts adorably.
Will looks at Emily who nods. "You can show her tonight. Jack and your Uncle Aaron are going to be here in 15 minutes so we can go to the park."
Henry crosses his arms. "Mommy is supposed to come too."
Will sighs. "Mommy is going to stay here and visit with your Aunt Emily."
Henry scowls.
Emily crouches down. "Catherine needs to have a nap Henry; she didn't sleep at all on the plane last night so she's really tired. Your mommy and I will make a really yummy lunch and you'll see Catherine when you get back."
Henry nods and climbs the stairs.
Will sighs and enters the kitchen.
Emily follows behind him.
"Hi Will," I wave from my seat on Jen's lap, her head resting against mine.
She looks up, her eyes red.
"Oh Jennifer," Will sighs.
I unwrap Jen's arms from around my waist, stand up, and move aside.
Emily comes to stand behind me and squeezes my shoulder gently.
Will crosses the room and kneels at her feet without touching her he asks: "Are you okay?"
Jen shakes her head.
He closes his eyes and sighs. "Will you be okay if I leave you with Catherine and Emily for a few hours?"
She shrugs.
"I know that it's been a rough couple of weeks but Jennifer, is this about Gideon or about-" He struggles to find the right words, "last year?"
Jen's head snaps up, blue eyes wild.
"Shh!" Will takes her hands in his and whispers.
"I'm sorry Will." She blushes. "I thought today was going to be a good day."
"It still can be," Will smiles. "Just rest for now, and visit with your sisters. They'll take good care of you."
Jennifer's smile is as fragile as glass.
Will kisses both of her hands and whispers, "Jennifer Jareau, you are the strongest person I know, you're going to be okay. Even if it takes time, I will wait. I love you Jennifer." He stands up and kisses her forehead. "I'm going to take Henry to the park with Aaron and Jack." Will looks over at Emily and myself. "I'll call the house before we come back."
Emily nods but I can't take my eyes off Jennifer, she looks defeated.
Will walks out of the kitchen.
Emily gently pushes my shoulder and I walk back to Jen. I stand in front of her, not quite touching, unsure of what to do.
She refuses to look at me but offers me her hand, palm up.
I take it gently in mine.
Emily pulls up a chair and offers Jen one of her hands; she takes it with a sigh.
Will comes back a minute later with a sleeping bag, which he places it in the doorway. "I don't think she's going to let you out of her sight anytime soon so you might just want to have your nap in the living room."
"Thanks Will," I smile at him over my shoulder.
He nods and walks away without a backwards glance.
Even though Henry and Will are gone within the next few minutes, Emily, Jen and I don't move from our positions until Jen's eyes snap open, distress etched into her face. She snatches her hands back and covering her mouth with one, rushes to the bathroom.
Emily frowns and quickly follows Jennifer.
I calmly fill a glass of water at the kitchen sink and grab a package of crackers from the cupboard before walking to the bathroom at a more sedate pace. I can hear Jen emptying her stomach and my lips tip upwards into a small smile which must still be present on my face when I arrive because Emily scowls at me from her position holding Jen's hair back.
I shrug and offer Jen the glass of water.
She whispers her thanks and takes several slow sips.
"You're too calm," Emily frowns, "What's going on?"
I do a quick mental calculation and grin. "Can't you tell?"
Emily's eyes flicker between my grin and Jen's pale face.
I can see the exact moment Emily puts it all together because her eyes light up and she starts to smile. "Jennifer, are you pregnant?"
Jennifer nods at Emily's question and frowns at me. "You weren't supposed to tell anyone."
"I didn't actually tell her." I raise an eyebrow. "Besides, it's been long enough and Em's not stupid. I also know you, you would have said something if you hadn't been puking your guts out."
Emily hugs Jen and whispers, "Congratulations!" before wrinkling her nose at me. "We need to come up with a better term for you to use."
I roll my eyes. "Shall I list all the terms I do know? Spence and I filled a small notebook several years ago, I probably remember most of it."
Jen looking a little green whispers, "Please don't."
"Okay," I pout and offer Jen the package of salty crackers.
She takes them with a small smile.
I yawn. "If you're done we should move to the living room or upstairs to my bedroom. I'm exhausted and you both look it too."
"Your baby sister is so kind," Emily mutters to Jen and offers her a hand up.
"She's your baby sister too, or did you forget?" Jen takes the hand and smiles at Emily.
"I was trying to," Emily grumbles.
"Hey!" I protest from the hallway. "You're just upset that I drove you here!"
They laugh and follow me upstairs.
AN2: Thank you for reading, please review if you have something to say.