𝐵𝒰𝑅𝑅𝐼𝐸𝒟 𝒮𝐸𝒞𝑅𝐸𝒯𝒮

Chapter 9: Running on Empty

No time for makeup. No time to make herself look put together.

She ran a hand through her hair, trying to smooth it down as she rushed toward the door.

Just as she grabbed her keys, Will's voice stopped her.

"Don't forget when you're supposed to be home."

JJ tensed.

"I don't want to have to remind you what happens when you're late."

She swallowed, gripping the keys tighter.

Without looking back, she stepped out the door and into her car.

As soon as she was out of the driveway, she let out a shaky breath, her hands gripping the wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Her hands tightened around the steering wheel as she pulled into the FBI parking garage. She was already twenth minutes late, and she knew the second she walked in, the team would notice.

She took a moment before stepping out of the car, adjusting the sleeves of her sweater to make sure no bruises peeked through. The morning sun was too bright, making her headache worse. She hadn't slept more than three hours, and every muscle in her body ached from both exhaustion and the force of Will's hands the night before.

It took every ounce of controle to straighten her back and walk through the doors like nothing was wrong.
_______________________________

The moment she entered the bullpen, JJ could feel eyes on her.

"You're late," Garcia said first, her voice light but still concerned.

JJ forced a smile. "Yeah, sorry. Traffic was terrible."

She didn't stop walking, hoping to avoid any further questions. But as she reached her desk, Emily's voice cut through her air.

"You okay?"

JJ looked up. Emily was leaning against her desk, arms crossed, head slightly tilted. Studying her.

"I'm fine," JJ answered quickly, dropping her bag and sitting down. She reached for the first file she could find and opened it, pretending to be deeply focused.

Emily didn't say anything right away, but she didn't have either. JJ could feel her watching, waiting. After a few seconds, she sighed and finally walked away.

JJ let out a quiet breath of relief.

For now, she had avoided the conversation.
_______________________________

The day dragged on. JJ buried herself in paperwork, barely speaking unless necessary. Her body was sore, and every time she moved, she had to stop herself from wincing. She wasn't sure if she was actually being discreet about it because Emily seemed to notice every time.

During lunch, JJ tried to sneak away with just a cup of coffee, but Emily caught up with her.

"You should eat something," Emily said, her tone casual but pointed.

JJ shrugged. "Not really hungry."

Emily didn't push, but JJ could tell she wanted to.

She quickly changed the subject. "So, any word on when the next case will come in?"

Emily exhaled theough her nose, clearly not buying the deflection, but played along. "Hotch says nothing active yet. We're waiting."

JJ nodded, sipping her coffee. She could feel Emily's eyes on her, searching for something she wasn't ready to give.
______________________________