Work Text:
It hadn’t been the easiest to sneak away from the party, and JJ hadn’t managed to get away as far as she had wanted to. She could still hear the music, it was low and playing in the distance. If she wanted and hadn’t been alone she could have had a conversation without trying too hard. She let out a breath and looked up the stringed lights that were hanging around the garden and around the balcony.
A familiar voice broke through the low music, “You’re supposed to stay close.” JJ looked over at Emily, JJ shook her head and rolled her shoulders, “or at least as close so that I can keep an eye on you.” JJ walked closer as Emily spoke, and she was close enough to feel Emily’s breath against her face right now.
JJ leaned closer, “Maybe,” she began, her voice low as she kept her eyes on Emily, “you shouldn’t watch me if you can’t keep up,” she licked her lips, “or if you are scared that I’m going to disappear on you.” Her eyes never left Emily, and even if her voice had been low it had been steady.
Emily watched JJ, she was surprised that JJ seemed as calm and collected as she was. It was hard to focus and form a reply with JJ as close as she was. Emily should have an answer, her job was to watch JJ, to keep her safe. Emily was supposed to follow her if she wanted to leave, and JJ sneaking out without Emily herself or anyone else noticing wasn’t good. Emily knew that she should take a step back, JJ shouldn’t be as close to her as she was, but she couldn’t step back, JJ’s eyes always managed to draw her in and keep her on her toes. “Jennifer,” Emily began, and she took a half step back.
JJ looked at Emily, she shook her head, her hands clenched to fists next to her, “JJ” she replied, “you know,” she licked her lips, “that it’s JJ.”
“I know that you prefer JJ,” Emily replied, “but this is work, and during work,” she took a breath, counted to three in her head, “it’s Jennifer or Ms. Jareau, and we both know what you prefer out of those two.”
“There is no one besides you and me here,” JJ replied, “so call me JJ.” She took a step closer to Emily, ready to challenge. It felt like there was more to this than just the name, “Emily,” she said and she drew Emily’s name out.
“I’m working,” she said, “and the rules we follow during work is that you call me Agent Prentiss.”
“For fucks sake Emily, it’s just you and me here, we don’t have to follow the rules,” JJ said her voice raised as she looked at Emily, “and where does this follow the rules come from,” she kept her eyes on Emily, “you haven’t really been one to follow the rules since you started,” JJ said, “we’ve always followed and made our own rules when it comes to this,” she pointed between herself and Emily. “So why now? Why are the rules so important now?” JJ asked, “Just tell me,” she swallowed, “I’m not stupid, I know something has changed.”
“JJ…” Emily began, and a breath escaped from her lips as she looked at JJ.
“Don’t,” JJ replied, “just don’t.” She shook her head, “I don’t want to hear whatever explanation you have because right now, I wouldn’t even believe it.” JJ turned around, and when she was about to leave, she felt a hand wrap around her wrist, stopping her from walking away.
“I know you won’t believe me,” Emily said, she licked her lips, and she turned JJ so she could look at her, “but you have to believe me that following the rules that were set from the start is the best way for us right now.”
“You say that but you don’t tell me why it’s like that,” JJ said, she looked down, avoiding Emily’s eyes, she knew that she would give in and not demand an answer or explanation from Emily about why it was so important to follow the rules right now. JJ felt a hand under her chin lifting her face up.
“Do you still want me to work with you?” Emily asked, “as security when needed?” She looked at JJ, making sure to keep eye contact, “If you want that, we need to follow the rules, for now,” she gave JJ a small smile, “and if you don’t, then we can do what we want but I will most likely be assigned somewhere else and not be able to attend these things or be around as much.”
“Of course I want to work with you,” JJ replied, “and for you to be around,” she swallowed and looked at Emily.
“Good,” Emily whispered, she cupped JJ cheek, her thumb ran over JJ’s lower lip and she leaned in, and brushed her lips against JJ’s in a soft kiss. “So that means we follow the rules for now, because it seems like someone believes that they know about this,” she pressed a couple of light kisses against JJ’s lips.
“Okay,” JJ whispered against Emily’s lips, “but just so you know, I’m not a fan.” She wrapped her arms around Emily, and brushed her nose against Emily’s neck. “You better come and find me later and make sure that we are alone.”
“Of course, Ms. Jareau.”
JJ shook her head and glared at Emily for a moment, “I guess that means that I should head back inside and act like the perfect daughter for my father during this fundraiser, just so that he can run for office once again.”
“You should,” a sigh left Emily, “that was one of the reasons why I was sent to find you, your father wanted to introduce you to someone.”
“You’re my security tonight, why don’t you protect me from those things.”
“Next time,” Emily replied, “or I’ll figure something out to get you out after a short conversation.”
“You better.”
“Of course,” Emily took a step to the side, “after you, Ms. Jareau.”