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stunudo · 6 years

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BAU Prep School AU: Class of 18

Welcome to the Frederick Buchanan Institute located in scenic Quantico, Virginia, a senior high academy that shapes the best and brightest minds. Its motto is “Behavior, Analysis, Unity,” the mascot the Submariners, colloquially “the Unsubs”. The small school supports the most accomplished faculty from across the country. (image link) 2016-2017 school year Class of 18

Forward

December 31, 2017 4:17pm

Derek had gotten comfortable; the steaks were marinating and there were just a few things to grab from the grocery store. He brought up a college bowl game he had recorded while they were flying home from Chicago. Somehow, he naively thought he could watch it while Penelope was in the shower, as he didn’t need much time to get ready himself.

“Derek Avery Morgan! I know that’s not your middle name, but it’s the middle name I gave you in my head before I knew your real middle name. What are you doing?”

“Watching the game?” Derek answered sheepishly, quickly hunching his shoulders for the onslaught. “Baby girl, the food is ready, and you were in the shower.”

Penelope stormed into the room, placing herself unceremoniously between Derek and the television screen. “What about the decorations? The liquor? The little sparkly hats? Derek, it is our first New Year’s Eve Party, it has to. Be. Purrrrr-fect!”

Derek’s head fell, he gathered his features to not display the amount of amusement he had at her berating him in nothing but a barely cinched towel. He tried to look her in the eye, but his lingered along the way up her body. His mischievous grin caused her to stomp in frustration. She held up a manicured finger, “No! Don’t you even look at me with those bedroom eyes! We have people coming over and you have decorations to pick up.”

“Can I at least get a goodbye kiss?” Derek stood, his sultry voice causing Penelope to roll her eyes. The towel on her head shifting slightly.

“Fine,” She muttered, pretending not to enjoy the way his lips trailed up her jaw. His hand slipped inside her towel and found her bare waist. “Oh, this was a bad idea.” She huffed as her hands linked behind Derek’s neck. Her towel was soon forgotten on the floor of the living room.

7:03pm

Tara strolled through the bourbon aisle at the liquor store just down the street from Penelope and Derek’s place. She ignored the appreciative stares from the men standing behind the counter with the scratch offs and Black and Milds. She had a knee length wool coat over her favorite maxi dress, her unneeded heels marking each graceful step. She didn’t feel obligated to bring something, since Penelope undoubtedly had more than enough food and drink on hand. But she hated to be the first one to arrive, so she killed time on one of the busiest drinking nights of the year. She watched the kids maneuver in the parking lot, doling out their cash to the one legal friend or one with the most acceptable fake i.d.

The brusque man behind the counter with the jilting accent rolled his eyes and refused the frat boy his stash. Tara smiled despite herself, one less driver to worry about tonight, she thought. She settled on a bottle of Jim Beam Black and left the small store with a wistful wink for the law-abiding business owner. The night air was cool, but no where near as cold as New Hampshire in the winter. She enjoyed the block and a half walk, just people watching. Something had struck in the back of her mind after her would-be date with Rossi, something like an itch had taken over.

8:37pm

“Wait! Spence, your tie!” Elle giggled as she pulled his arm back, forcing him to face her. She straightened the satin strands as he tried to bite back the guilty smirk. “Don’t look at me like that! We’re already late!”

“And whose fault is that?” Spencer teased, holding his elbow out for Elle to slip her arm through.

“Yours. Now, stop beaming like a kid in the candy store or everyone will know.”

“I can’t help it.” Spencer tried unsuccessfully to make his face more serious, he shrugged as Elle knocked on the front door. She rolled her eyes, thinking how lucky he was to be cute and hopeless, because she couldn’t stay mad at him for being completely enamored with her.

“Happy New Year!” Derek’s boisterous voice burst through the door as he froze staring. “Elle? Reid?!”

“Hey, Derek,” Elle slipped passed him with a half hug and into the heart of the party. Derek meanwhile tried to have a silent conversation with Reid who was desperately confused by the coach’s dramatic eyebrow motions.

“Man, you mean to tell me, that you, Dr. Nerd-Point-O brought Elle Greenaway to my New Year’s Eve party?!” He clarified with ample approval.

“I’d think it was obvious, Coach. I mean, we’re only living together.” Spencer gave Derek a wilted glance, tucking the tousled strands of hair behind his ears.

“That’s who you were talking about at Tutoring Hour!” Derek swatted Spencer’s chest in a biting back hand. “You dog! Well, congratulations, man, good for you!”

“Thanks, it is good, actually.” Spencer turned bright pink as Derek caught on, because Elle’s hair was particularly pinched in one place and Spencer’s shirt wasn’t tucked in in the back.

“Let me know if you want the tour!” Derek called over his shoulder as he went to let Haley and Hotch in.

Penelope squealed across the room as Elle subtly slipped into the conversation with Chris Callahan, Matt Simmons, JJ and the hostess herself. “You came! Oh, Elle-O-V-E, my sweet, I am so glad you came!”

“Hi, Penelope. How many have you had?” Elle mumbled as she hugged the affectionate blonde.

“Oh, pish, I’m home, I’ll have one more at midnight, but three if you’re serious.” Penelope squeezed Elle one last time before getting back to Chris talking about his new surround sound system. She haphazardly explained who Elle was to Matt and they nodded cordially. JJ and Matt gave Elle an impressed and appraising smirk (respectfully) as she explained she was also Spencer’s live-in girlfriend.

9:12pm

Emily was picking at the veggie tray, desperately trying to look casual while she dwindled the tower of sugar snap peas down to a single layer. Spencer had forgotten to eat and had unceremoniously began filling a tiny snack plate with each of the major food groups, hovering over the toothpicks stacked with cheese cubes. Because though he loved it, dairy didn’t always agree with him. Quickly, Spencer arrived at the veggie tray as Emily was looking off into the party vaguely.

“Phenethylamine, which is often shortened to P-E-A, is actually found in those crunchy varietals that you have been devouring. It’s one of the—"

“Love chemicals. Isn’t it the aphrodisiac found in chocolate?” Emily replied, her voice even and nearing on friendly.

“Research in the eighties linked them, however there has been no repeat success in linking libido and chocolate. But, it can’t hurt. I mean, everybody loves chocolate.” Spencer snatched the last pea pod from the tray as he finished.

“Right. Wow, Reid, got enough food there?” Emily exclaimed as she saw his overflowing plate.

“That’s the plan.” He sighed as he caught Derek and Penelope gossiping across the room. “Emily what would the easiest way to explain how much I regret being unnecessarily cruel last year, be? Well, last school year, and you didn’t deserve that.”

Emily’s eyes narrowed, she watched him twitch as he waited for her response. “Spencer,” his first name sticky in her mouth, “I- I said a lot of things I am not proud of. Let’s just call it square and move on.”

“Really?” Spencer’s eyes still held that brilliant innocence within them.

“Really, Reid.” Emily’s deep-chested chortle burst through. “Happy New Year.”

“And to you,” Spencer bowed his head and headed to find a spot on the couch.

10:48pm

Aaron Hotchner stood back and admired his friends and staff. He was in good company, his beautiful wife laughing at his side, listening to Luke retell a joke so she could memorize it. Around the house his team was reveling in witty conversation and exquisite food. His body was warm from proximity and alcohol, but Haley anchored him in place, instinctively. Luke had acclimated unexpectedly well to life at F.B.I. and Hotch was proud of his choice. He was lamenting losing Simmons when JJ returned from maternity leave next semester and wished he could find a way to keep him on board.

“Well, ask Strauss, there’s got to be funds available.” Haled exclaimed. Hotch hadn’t realized he was thinking aloud. The realization and blatant solution abruptly brought him back to the present.

“How did a guy like me get such a smart and gorgeous wife?” Aaron murmured as Haley huffed in faux exasperation.

“Forgive my husband, he gets like this when he drinks.” Haled sighed through a giggle as Aaron started playing with her hair. “Mr. Serious most days becomes an expressive sap once you get more than two drinks in him.”

“Nah, it’s alright, I mean, there are worse drunks to have around,” Luke grinned, downplaying how out of character the headmaster was acting. He was having a great time getting to know Haley. There were a lot of people he got along well with since moving to Virginia, but something about Hotch’s wife clicked within him. Like a long-lost sister or middle school friend, he felt they could talk for hours and never be bored with one another. Perhaps it was the pleasantness that had caused Luke to miss the forlorn glances from a particular groundskeeper looming near the wine rack on the counter.

11:23pm

“Just use the master, through the bedroom,” Penelope insisted to Tara when she asked for a bathroom. It was awkward waltzing through her co-workers’ intimate spaces, but she had a feeling there were more than two people occupying the other bathroom and she did not have the patience for that wait. It was clear that Derek was wiggling his way into Penelope’s well-established space. The vibrant colors and hanging beads leading to the walk-in closet signature of the guidance counselor while the chest of drawers with minimal jewelry and cufflinks a hint of Derek’s masculine elegance.

She hadn’t realized someone had left the bathroom and caught her snooping. “It’s weird walking through their room, right?” Kate clucked as she lingered at a picture of Derek’s extended family.

“Completely… enthralling,” Tara held up a a particularly oddly knotted tie. “I’m not going to ask.”

“Good idea.” Kate hummed, her bright face more smiley than normal. “I’m having a blast! Are you having fun?”

“Yeah, I was in a mood earlier, but now I’m better.” Tara confided, they were standing in the near the door way, Kate leaning against Derek’s dresser while Tara stood nearly a foot taller than her.

“Oh? Anything the matter?” Kate’s caregiver instincts etched into her face.

“Nah, don’t worry about it.” Tara smiled, letting her friend’s features ease back.

“Uh-oh, looks like somebody still left up some Christmas decorations,” Kate giggled as she pointed to the sprig of mistletoe behind Tara’s head.

“I mean, it’s Penelope, that could be a year-round tradition for her,” Tara shrugged.

“Yeah, but I mean. It’s bad luck to not kiss under it, isn’t it?” Kate seemed overly concerned and as Tara knew the history of the poisonous plant she remained skeptical until Kate stepped over and stood directly beneath it.

“Are you serious? You want me to kiss you, just for luck?” Tara rolled her eyes as she turned to face the very curvaceous petite brunette.

“Duh!” Kate added, closing her eyes and lifting her jaw. Tara’s lack of inhibitions returned full force as her lips met Kate’s. Her hands cradled the nape of Kate’s neck as her mouth opened, if by surprise or pleasure Tara couldn’t be sure. But she did know that Kate was kissing her back, her nimble tongue darting against Tara’s.

“Uh, is anyone in the bathroom?” A voice broke the women apart, their faces burning and eyes locking on to the source.

11:52pm

“Holy crow, it’s almost midnight!” Penelope lept up from the couch where she had been nestled between Grant who had been sipping a massive glass of red and tucked beneath Emily’s reclining legs. Emily huffed as she had catch herself from falling off the couch with an uneven back arch and balancing act with the coffee table. The fact that she held it and sat comfortably back down on her end of the couch, earned her a few hoots and applause.

Penelope shuffled out of the heart of the party to gather the champagne and her midnight smooching companion. “Chocolate Thunder Assemble!”

“That doesn’t really work when you’re looking for one person,” Chris Callahan smiled casually from one of the bar stools.

“Hush!” Penelope pointed and shushed the large man. “Derek! I need thee! Oh, here you are! Pop the bottles, Hot Stuff. We got flutes to full, fill.”

“I’m at your service, Sweet Thing.” Derek purred, easily going down the row and letting the fizzy liquid to snake out of two of the four bottles they had bought for the twelve o’clock toast. They scrambled throughout their home doling out disposable cups and noise makers. Matt graciously changed the channel to the Times’ Square Countdown in NYC. Elle and Spencer were discreetly handed sparkling cider by a winking Derek.

Impeccably timed, Penelope snapped her 2018 headband on as she linked hands with Derek. They stood to the side, enjoying the view of their guests bunching together to chant the formidable countdown.

Spencer and Elle were bumping elbows and shoulders, knuckles and knees to each beat of the countdown like goofy kids.

Emily stood behind JJ her glass held lazily at her hip as they swayed to the chorus around them.

Chris, Kate, Haley and Hotch all stood in a line pumping their fists as if it were a pep rally.

Tara sidled up to Matt as he looked like her best bet for a passing kiss at the buzzer.

“Happy New Year!” The room erupted as the year fell over, bringing hope and happiness in a haze of alcohol and incorrigible optimism. Across town many of their students were celebrating in much similar fashions, yet the teachers carried on, kissing cheeks and hugging one another as if this, truly, would be the best year of their lives. Penelope and Derek were the last to break for air, well, they thought they were.

After hugging everyone again, Penelope stumbled slack-jawed upon Luke and Grant locked in their own intense bubble. She cleared her throat; the room fell silent around the alarmed hostess.

“Uh-kem!” She tried again, prodding Luke’s shoulder forcefully with her fingertip. Dramatically slowly, Luke and Grant separated themselves, their clothes twisted at all angles from their torrid make out session. “Finally! Hugs, the both of you, c’mon!” She made grabby hands in the air as both men begrudgingly stood to give her a squeeze. Once sated she pushed them back together and started collecting empty plates and cups.

Soon the partygoers said their goodbyes, Matt volunteered to drive Grant and Luke, somewhere as neither one of them were quite sober. He paused before he slipped on his seatbelt to check his phone, finally at nearly twelve thirty he received the message he had been waiting for. He replied simply before tucking his phone back into his pocket. “Alrighty boys, whose place is closest?”

Back inside, Elle helped JJ sort through the pile of coats on Pen’s purple duvet.

“Can you believe what a difference a year makes?” JJ waxed philosophical, Elle’s face fell at the harsh reality of last New Year’s Eve.

“Hey, JJ?” Elle caught the blonde off guard as she pulled her hair out from the collar of her winter jacket.

“What’s up?”

“Look, I know what’s done is done. But, I’m really sorry I encouraged you last year, with the guy in the bar. I was miserable and was using you as a distraction from my own shit.” Elle exhaled. “What I’m trying to say is, I’m sorry, JJ. I know it worked out for you and Em in the end, but it shouldn’t have been like that. And some of that is on me.”

“And I wouldn’t have had Henry.” JJ countered. “Elle, I understand that making amends is one of your steps. But, there’s no amends to be made. I made my choices and I’ll continue to live with the consequences. Deal?”

Elle watched her friend closely, her fierce eyes burning with authority, but also a genuine sympathy. “Life is too short for holding on to past mistakes, Elle. I forgive you, but in the end, you have to forgive yourself.”

Elle nodded, letting the tears sting as she gave JJ a half smile. They fell into a gentle hug, friends that had countless moments between them and endless chances for more. Spencer knocked on the door jam when he found Elle and JJ embracing.

“Ready?” He asked simply, trying to hide the concern from his brow as the women chuckled away the tears.

“Yeah, let me just give Pen our best,” Elle smiled simply, leaving a peck on Spencer’s chiseled cheek. JJ and Spencer shared a look, he waved at her before turning to follow Elle out of the bedroom.

Jan 1, 2018 1:34am

“I can’t believe he is still asleep!” JJ shook her head after checking on Henry for the third time since coming home.

“Let him sleep, babe. We can enjoy the extra time to ourselves,” Emily was gently removing her signature heavy mascara, watching JJ in the mirror behind her.

“Who would have thought our world could change so much in a year?” JJ whispered into the hallway. Emily let the memories and confusion float through her thoughts, watching JJ process the same moments from her point of view. The guilt still haunted her, Emily could feel it when Will’s face shown on Henry’s features or when Elizabeth Prentiss made one of her wildly passive aggressive comments.

“From then until now, I wouldn’t change a thing, Jayge.” Emily held JJ’s hands in her own, trying to draw those cerulean irises to focus on her coffee-rich ones.

“And next year? Will we still be here? Together?” JJ asked, more burdens then Emily imagined weighted her words.

“If you’ll have me.” Emily said it simply and before she knew it. But she accepted her words as truth, buttoning her mouth from further confessions.

JJ’s interest was piqued, but instead of answering she laid her head on Emily’s shoulder, her lover’s arms encasing her exhausted form. They stood like that as long as JJ needed, Emily stroking her hair as she grumbled and sighed. Time passes and we either change or we get lost along the way, but Jennifer and Emily were doing it together whether they realized what a miracle they had started or not.

Next Chapter: Slump

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