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Chapter Text

Emily Prentiss sat in a plush leather chair at the center of the room, her back straight and her hands folded neatly in her lap. The mahogany desk before her gleamed under the soft light of the law office, its surface impeccably polished and free of any clutter except for a single manila folder. Her eyes were fixed on that folder, knowing it contained the last words her father would ever speak to her.

The air in the room was thick with tension and barely concealed greed. Emily was acutely aware of the dozen or so people seated around her, each one a potential threat to her inheritance. They were a mixed bunch - close relatives, distant relatives she barely knew, business associates of her father's, and even a few faces she didn't recognise at all. But they all had one thing in common: the hungry look in their eyes as they waited for Mr. Green to begin reading Weston Prentiss’s will.

Among the gathered vultures, as Emily privately thought of them, sat her cousin Theresa. Even from across the room, Emily could feel the weight of Theresa's gaze. Their eyes met briefly, and she felt a familiar surge of dislike. Theresa, with her perfect posture and immaculate business suit, looked every bit the shark she was. The fact that she was here, among the other hopefuls, made Emily’s skin crawl. They had never gotten along, their relationship a mix of rivalry and personal animosity that had only grown more intense over the years.

Six months.
It had been six months since Weston
Prentiss passed away, leaving behind a legacy as vast and complex as the man himself. The delay in reading the will, Emily had been told, was due to the intricacies of her father's estate and the need to ensure all legal matters were in order before proceeding. But now, as she sat here in downtown DC, watching the afternoon sun cast long shadows through the floor-to-ceiling windows, she couldn't help but feel that the wait had only prolonged her grief- and given the vultures more time to circle.

Mr. Green, her father's long-time lawyer and confidant, cleared his throat. He was a balding man in his sixties, with kind eyes hidden behind thick-rimmed glasses.
"Shall we begin?" he asked. The room fell silent, the tension ratcheting up another notch. Emily nodded, swallowing hard. The lump in her throat felt like it had been there for months, a constant reminder of the void her father's passing had left in her life.
"Yes, let's proceed," she managed to say.
As Mr. Green began to read, listing off minor bequests to various charities and distant relatives, Emily’s mind wandered to her parent’s home, the home her father had built from the ground up. It was more than just a house to her; it was her father's loving legacy.

For 2 decades, the house ‘Prentiss Manor’ her father had called it or mansion was more appropriate, had been home to her when she needed to get away from life, a place that felt like a safety net when she left Interpol and returned to her life as Emily Prentiss, she loved her parents, her mother was an ambassador who sadly passed away a few years ago and Emily believed her father just gave up after that, she tried to spend as much time with him as she could but being an FBI agent with the BAU took up a lot of her time. Now he was gone too and Emily was left with a piece of herself missing.

Emily was hardly a spoilt child growing up, but her parents made sure she had everything she needed. After years of moving around from place to place because of her mothers job, her parents finally settled in DC and her father decided he wanted to build her mother a home they could stay in forever, each room designed by him. He wasn’t just an architect, he saw himself more of an artist. Emily had her own wing in the house that he made sure catered to her ever changing style and needs. She loved the house so much she even stayed at home and went to college in the area when she turned 18 just so she didn’t have to leave. Memories of diplomatic parties hosted by her mother, dinners and movie nights with her parents, Christmas’s with all the family filled with laughter and love; it was about the stories behind the home, the moments of joy and connection that the home created. Something Emily was now lacking in her life.

She had spent the last year working with the Behavioural Analyst Unit at Quantico, a job she loved dearly but it meant time away from her father. After her mother had passed, she stayed with her father for a while but he was adamant she go back home eventually. He wanted her to find love and happiness like he had with her mother, to settle down and have a family. He always said Emily worked too hard and was missing out on all the little moments that made life special. He knew how important her job was to her but he wanted his daughter to be happy.

Mr. Green's voice brought her back to the present as he reached a crucial part of the will.
"And to my only child, my beloved daughter, Emily," he read, and she could feel every eye in the room turn to her.
"I leave my assets. I also leave her Prentiss Manor, with the following condition..."
Emily leaned forward slightly, her heart rate picking up. She had been expecting this moment, waiting to hear the words that would let her keep the home she loved so dearly. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Theresa tense.
"The condition," Mr. Green continued, his voice steady,
"is that Emily must be married within six months of this will being read. If this condition is not met, Prentiss Manor will pass to her cousin, Theresa Johnson, Prentiss Manor is a family home and I wish for a family to stay there and fill it with love."

The words hit Emily like a physical blow. She blinked rapidly, certain she must have misheard. Around her, she could hear the soft murmur of surprise and speculation from the assembled group. Theresa's face, when Emily dared to glance at her, wore an expression of shocked delight.
"I'm sorry," Emily interrupted, her voice tight. "Could you repeat that last part?"
"Your father has stipulated that you must be married within six months to inherit Prentiss Manor. If you do not meet this condition, than the home will go to your cousin Theresa." Mr. Green cleared his throat.

"Your father believed strongly in family, Ms. Prentiss. He felt that Prentiss Manor should continue to be a family home, with parties, events and a family whose children can grow up there." He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"Weston was of the opinion that the home should be someone who not only understood love and commitment in theory but lived it in practice.”
Emily set her jaw as the implications of her father's decision sank in. The room around her buzzed with whispers and poorly concealed excitement at this unexpected turn of events. Her mind raced, processing this information while acutely aware of Theresa's triumphant smirk. She knew she had to respond, to show strength in the face of this challenge, but the shock of her father's stipulation left her momentarily speechless. Marriage? Within six months? And if not, Theresa gets the one thing that reminded her most of her parents? The one place she ever felt safe? Her mind reeled at the absurdity of it all.

She was all too aware of how others saw her - Emily Prentiss, the ice queen of DCs social scene. An enigma the family never understood, the secrets she had to keep when working undercover that she only ever shared with her father, the complicated life of the bureau and the politics surrounding her job that only her mother understood. At 36, she was known for her striking beauty: tall and slender, with sharp cheekbones, piercing brown eyes, and long, dark hair that she usually wore in a sleek ponytail. Her wardrobe was a carefully curated collection of designer pieces, each one selected to project an image of confidence. She was the woman who always had it together, who could chase down serial killers as easily as she could attend a charity gala. And how they loved to hate her for that.

Right now though, Emily felt anything but in control. Her carefully maintained composure threatened to crumble as the implications of her father's will sank in. She'd never been one for serious relationships. Her focus had always been on her career, on proving herself worthy of her mother’s legacy as an ambassador. She spent years with Interpol tracking down terrorists and the last year hunting serial killers with the BAU, She faced heartbreak losing her parents but stood tall and never let anyone get close.

She took a deep breath, and then, with a confidence she didn't feel, she let out a short, incredulous laugh.
"Well, in that case, it's lucky that I got engaged last week, isn't it?"
The room fell silent for another moment before erupting into a flurry of whispers. Theresa's triumphant smirk faltered, replaced by a look of disbelief. She let out a derisive snort.
"Oh, please. You expect us to believe that?"
Emily turned to face her cousin, her brown eyes flashing with defiance. Theresa had a point. Emily never dated and there was no reason for anyone to believe she was engaged. She painted on a smile to buy herself some time. Think, Emily. You're good at thinking out of the box. What's
your story?
"It's true, Theresa," she finally said when an idea formed in her head.
"My girlfriend asked for my hand, and I said
yes." She turned back to Mr. Green, her voice steady despite the rapid beating of her heart.
"I still think it's ridiculous that it's in the will, but as it won't affect me since I plan on getting married in the coming six months, I suppose it's just as well."

People gasped and Emily felt a little smug. This was brilliant and quite convincing even if she said so herself. No, she wasn't gay, but her family didn't know that. She could have been in the closet for years, right? Hiding her sexuality until she was forced to come out because of her father's will. That would explain why she'd never introduced anyone to her fiancée.
"Girlfriend?" Theresa's eyes narrowed, clearly not buying the story.
"Please. You're not even gay and besides,
where's your ring?"
"My relationship is my private business," Emily said.

"I wasn't planning on coming out - that's why I don't wear my ring to work or during family affairs, but it seems I have no choice." She shrugged.
"So yes, I'm gay. I have a girlfriend and we're getting married in April."
"Well, isn't that convenient." Theresa's voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Congratulations, Emily. I'm looking forward to meeting this woman at the family Christmas gathering in Aspen." Her lips curved into a challenging smile.
"She is coming, right? Considering you're engaged now?"
Emily felt a moment of panic, but she kept her face carefully neutral.
"Of course she's coming," she replied
smoothly, meeting Theresa's gaze without flinching.
"She wouldn't miss it for the world."
The tension in the room was palpable as the two women stared each other down. The other attendees watched with bated breath, sensing the underlying current of hostility between the cousins.

Mr. Green cleared his throat, breaking the standoff.
"Well, if there are no further questions, I believe we can conclude the reading of the will."
As the meeting began to break up, Emily felt the weight of the lie settling on her shoulders. She had six months to make good on her claim, or risk losing her family home. As she gathered her things, she caught Theresa's eye one last time. Her cousin's expression was clear: the game was on, and Theresa was ready to call Emily’s bluff.

Chapter Text

Striding down the bustling DC streets close to Quantico, Emily’s heels clicked against the pavement with a rhythm that belied her inner turmoil. The events of yesterday's will reading had haunted her through a sleepless night, leaving her with dark circles under her eyes that even her expertly applied makeup couldn't fully conceal.

As she pushed open the door of her regular coffee shop, the familiar aroma of freshly ground beans did little to soothe her frayed nerves. The line was long, as usual, but Emily barely noticed. Her mind was too preoccupied with the impossible task that lay ahead: finding a wife in six months or lose the one place she ever called home.

A wave of relief washed over her as she recognised the familiar face waiting to order ahead of her. Jennifer Jareau or JJ as she liked to be called, a pretty blonde with a quick smile, who always made time for Emily at work. But before Emily could place her order, the man at the front of the queue began berating the barista over some perceived slight in his drink. Emily watched, stunned, as the usually cheerful baristas face contorted with anger. "You know what?" she snapped, her voice rising above the ambient chatter of the shop.
"I've had enough of this crap!" In one fluid motion, she took back the man's cup and poured its contents down the drain. Then, to Emily’s dismay, she untied her apron, threw it on the counter, and disappeared through the back door. JJ jumped in quick to try and control the situation when a manager started arguing with the customer about his behaviour. She tried and failed to de-escalate the problem and after a lot of shouting the customer left without his coffee but not before pushing JJ to the side.

Emily stood there, momentarily frozen. She was annoyed, of course - more at the fact that she wouldn't get her coffee as quick now than at the scene itself. But there was something else, too. A twinge of... admiration?
Finally manned with her caffeine fix, she exited the shop. She was about to hail a cab when she spotted JJ again. The young blonde was stood outside car keys in hand, her hands shaking badly. Tears streamed down her face, smearing her mascara. Emily hesitated. She wasn't one for sentiment or getting involved in other people’s problems. But something - perhaps the lack of sleep, or the stress of her own situation - made her approach. Her and JJ weren’t exactly friends at work, they worked together well but JJ wasn’t an agent like her. It’s not like she thought less of her but she was only the press liaison and hadn’t worked in the field as much.

"I'm sorry that happened," she said, her voice softer than usual.
"It wasn't okay the way that man treated you JJ and you were only trying to help."
JJ looked up, startled. Up close, Emily took a closer look at the younger blonde, she was always quiet at work, going about her day with a steady pace. She had a cute, girly face with big blue eyes, now red-rimmed from crying. Her long blonde hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, wisps escaping to frame her face. "Thanks," JJ sniffled, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand.
"It's not just him, though. I'm just... I'm so tired of it all. Working my ass off all day, Emily we hunt down the scariest of people and I just let a random man push me and it made me cry. I want to be a proper agent like you and Morgan, be a profiler who does field work like Reid but I can’t even deal with an angry man at a coffee shop. Maybe it's time I just gave up and went back home, I don’t know if I’m cut out for the FBI."

"Oh," Emily said, realisation dawning.
"So you want to be in the field more? Work the cases and do undercover work with the team?"
JJ let out a bitter laugh.
"Trying too. Not very successfully, obviously. Hotch doesn’t think I’m ready, he says I need more experience."
Emily found herself unexpectedly intrigued. "It can't be easy, having to stay behind sometimes whilst we all go out, like a constant sprint to keep up."
"It's not," JJ agreed.
“Well I’m here if you want to talk about anything, JJ.” Emily smiled softly and offered JJ her hand. As their hands touched, an idea began to form in her mind. It was crazy, impulsive, and potentially disastrous. But it might just solve both their problems.

"Listen, JJ," she said.
"This might sound strange, but... I need someone to fake being my fiancée over Christmas in a few weeks."
JJ's eyebrows shot up.
"Excuse me?" Emily took a deep breath.
"I need someone to pretend to be my fiancée for a family gathering. It would be like an undercover job. Five days, twenty four hours a day. I'd even pay you, of course, up front."
JJ’s expression shifted from confusion to offense.
"Like I’m an escort, Emily that’s very inappropriate. Plus we work together." she said coldly, turning her back to Emily.

Emily laughed, the sound surprising even herself.
"No, no, you misunderstand. I'm not looking for sex. Plus I’m not gay, so you won’t have to worry. Just someone who can convincingly play the part of my loving fiancée in front of my family, think of it like a mock undercover op with me."
JJ paused, her hand stroking the bridge of her nose.
"Why do you need that?"
Emily hesitated. She couldn't reveal the whole truth - not yet. "It's... complicated family stuff. Let's just say it would make my life a lot easier if I showed up with a fiancée."
"And you want that fiancée to be me? A coworker?" JJ asked, skepticism clear in her voice.
"Potentially. It could be anyone, but you're wanting to get some field work in and a fake undercover gig with me, pretending to be someone else, having to convince others we’re together. It would be like a fake op right? Think of it as an immersive experience, we constantly have to fake chemistry with unsubs or each other in the field! Think of this as experience."

JJ shook her head, but Emily could see a glimmer of interest in her eyes.
"This is insane. You're insane."
"Probably," Emily agreed.
"But I'm also desperate. And I'm willing to pay well for your time."
"How well?"
"How does ten thousand for the week sound?" she suggested, hoping the number wasn't too low.
"Are you serious?" JJ bit her lip, clearly happy with that.
"Wouldn't your family know you're not really engaged?"
"My parents aren't around anymore and my extended family don't know much about my personal life," Emily explained.
"I've been... private about my relationships. It wouldn't be out of character for me to surprise them with a fiancée."
JJ still looked uncertain. "So, what exactly would I have to do?"
"Just be yourself," Emily said, warming to her plan.
"Or rather, be yourself as my loving, devoted fiancée. We'd need to come up with a story, of course. We obviously met at work, fell in love, all that. So we’ll need to tell them how we went from coworkers to engaged. But mostly, you'd just need to be charming and affectionate in front of my family."
"And you're sure this isn't some weird sex thing? We’ve seen enough weird stuff in our line of work." JJ asked, eyeing Emily suspiciously.

Emily laughed again, surprised at how easy it was to do so around JJ.
"I promise, it's not. Though we might have to share a room to keep up appearances. Would you be okay with that?"
JJ took a deep breath, then shook her head.
"Honestly, I not sure about all of this, but..." She blew out her cheeks.
"I suppose we could meet up to discuss it over a drink?"
"Yes, of course. No problem," Emily said quickly.
"Anything to make you feel more comfortable. But we’ve worked together for over a year, already you know me. You know I'm not shady."
"You’ve got my number and you know where I’ll be today. Call me to arrange a meeting?"

"Well, you worked undercover before right? Does your family know about your work?"
“Yeah I’ve had my far share of undercover ops, but my family doesn’t know about that. They know I work for the FBI and that I used to work for Interpol but that’s about it. The UC work helped me be the agent I am today, trust me this will help you.”
JJ sighed and rolled her eyes. "I guess if anyone needs a fake fiancée, it would be someone used to secrets. Talk about practicing what you preach, huh?"
Emily felt a smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
"You have no idea," she murmured. Then, louder,
"So, about that drink?"
JJ tucked her hands into her pockets and gave Emily a long, appraising look.
"Alright, Agent Prentiss. How about tonight? But just to be clear, I'm still a bit weirded out. We'll discuss the details and I'll decide after that."

Chapter Text

Emily stepped into the dimly lit bar, her eyes taking a moment to adjust to the change from the bright lights outside. The place was unlike anywhere she'd been in years - a far cry from the upscale establishments she usually frequented. The walls were covered in an eclectic mix of local art and vintage posters, and mismatched furniture was scattered throughout the space.

The air was thick with the scent of beer and indie music played softly in the background. As she scanned the room, her gaze landed on JJ. The blonde looked completely different from the disheveled look she sported at work today after her run in at the coffee shop. JJ’s long blonde hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she'd applied a touch of makeup that accentuated her big blue eyes. She wore a simple grey sweatshirt that somehow managed to look effortlessly chic, paired with a mini skirt, tights, and ankle boots.

Emily had come straight from work and felt over dressed and out of place in her crisp pantsuit.
"You could have proposed somewhere a bit fancier, you know," she said approaching the table.
"I am paying, after all."
JJ’s eyes flashed with something that looked like annoyance.
"No, this is just fine," she said coolly.
"This place belongs to a friend of mine. I like it here."
It was only then that Emily began to notice details she'd initially missed. Rainbow flags hung in various corners, and she realised with a start that most of the patrons were women, many of them couples. They were in a gay bar.

Emily slid into the seat across from JJ, her curiosity sparked.
"Wait are you...?"
"Gay?" JJ finished for her, one eyebrow raised.
"Yes, I am but that shouldn't matter, because this is a just a fake op right, just practice?. No sex, isn't that what you said? Because if you even think for a moment I'd take money for-"
"No, no, of course not," Emily cut her off quickly, holding up her hands in a placating gesture.
"I already told you, that's not what this is about."

JJ seemed to relax slightly and caught the eye of a passing waitress.
"I'll have a draft beer, whatever's on tap
tonight is fine," she said casually.
Emily raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Make that two scotches, neat," she countered, her tone brooking no argument.
The waitress nodded and left, leaving JJ looking bemused.
"Scotch? Really?"
"If we're going to discuss work, we might as well do it properly," Emily replied.
"Besides, I have a feeling you can handle something stronger than beer."

JJ leaned back in her chair, a challenge in her eyes.
"Oh, I can handle my liquor just fine. I just didn't peg you for a scotch drinker. I figured you'd be more of a... I don't know, expensive wine type." Emily chuckled.
"There's a lot you don't know about me. That's why we're here, isn't it?" Deciding it was time to get to the point, she pulled out a folder from her briefcase and slid it across the table.
"I've drafted up an op plan," she
explained, watching as JJ opened the folder and began to scan the document.
"It outlines the terms of our ‘UC work’ - the dates of the op, the location - the resort in Aspen, the task at hand - pretending to be my fiancée, and the total sum you'll be paid for the week."

JJ's eyes scanned the document, her brow furrowing slightly as she read. She looked up at Emily, curiosity in her expression.
"So, these 'undercover requirements' I'll be involved in ... it says here 'light touches of affection and the occasional quick kiss on the mouth or peck on the cheek'..."
Emily nodded, her face serious.
"I believe in being thorough and transparent. I want there to be no misunderstandings between us. My family has to believe that it's real, like when you go undercover in a couple and have to fake chemistry, it has to be real for them."

"Of course," JJ said.
"It's just funny to see it all spelled out so... clinically. Like we're negotiating a business merger instead of pretending to be in love."
"Well, in a way, we are negotiating a merger of sorts. A temporary joining of our lives for mutual benefit. You get practice in the field and I get what I need." JJ laughed.

"When you put it that way, Agent Prentiss, how could a girl resist? Pecks on the cheek and all."
"Excellent," Emily said dryly.
"No swooning required. Just a little bit of convincing affection. You’ll get some practice doing UC work and I’ll speak to Hotch about you coming into the field more. As you can see you'll be generously compensated for your time and discretion. There's an NDA attached also. It’ll be like working with the CIA, all very secretive and exciting. Speaking of which, you're welcome to let your family know where you'll be if that makes you feel safer. But it's crucial that no one else knows our relationship isn't real. Especially the people we work with. Penelope would have a field day with this. Can you agree to that?"

JJ was quiet for a moment, still looking at the paperwork.
"I asked Penelope about you today, you came out of nowhere when you joined the team but knew all these languages and the cases never bothered you."
"That was to be expected, so I’m not surprised. What did she find?"
"We’ve known you for over a year but you’re some what of an enigma, you have talent on the job but there’s time missing in your life, makes me think there’s more to you then you let on" JJ continued.
"Emily Prentiss, FBI agent by day and mysterious woman by night kind of life. Your mother was an Ambassador for the US and your father just passed recently and they were married for many years. You're on the board of several charities, I’m guessing you took your mother’s place when she died. And according to your Instagram, you have a weakness for French pastries and designer shoes."

Emily took the Scotch the waitress put in front of her and sniffed it before she took a sip.
"You've done your homework, I’ll give you that. Profiled me too I’m impressed."
JJ shrugged.
"I wanted to make sure I wasn't walking
into something... unsavory."
"And your conclusion?"
"It seems safe, so I'll do it."
Emily felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Fantastic," she said, unable to keep the smile off her face.
"I promise, you won't regret it. You might even have fun, UC can be stressful looking over your shoulder wondering if people know the truth but it can be fun and exciting too."

As the server walked away, JJ leaned forward and took a sip of her own drink. "So, if I'm going to pretend to be your fiancée, I need to know more about you. The real you, not just what you’ve told us this past year."
Emily glanced at her watch, then back at JJ. "Do you have plans for the rest of the evening?"
JJ shook her head.
"No, I'm free."

"Then let's start getting to know each other right now," Emily said.
"What do you want to know?" JJ thought for a moment.
"Let's start with the basics. Where did you grow up?"
"Everywhere, I spent some time in the Middle East and in Europe, my mother like you know was an Ambassador so we traveled a lot," Emily replied.

"I currently live in an apartment in Virginia, all very boring. My father was an architect, and I grew up watching him build sky scrapers and even my family home for my mother. Sadly, my father passed away of a heart attack six months ago."
"I'm sorry, you never told us that," JJ said. And your mother?"
Emily’s expression tightened slightly.
"She passed away a few years ago. Cancer."
"Fuck.." JJ winced.
"Were you close to them?"
"I was. Closer to my father probably. My mother and I had more of a complicated relationship since she worked in politics and I wasn’t very fond of that life, but I admired her," Emily said.

"What about you? You mentioned about going back home earlier?"
"Yeah, small town. Not much to do there except dream of getting out. I came to DC right after high school, wanting to serve my country anyway I could." JJ let out a self deprecating laugh.
"Seven years later, and I feel like I’m the pretty girl the BAU put in front on the camera. I'm not complaining but I thought when I joined the FBI I would be doing more. I do love my job but I thought…. Well I guess it doesn’t matter."
Emily nodded. Growing up and moving around she'd met many different people wanting to do the right thing and serve anyway they could and JJ was no different to them. She was beautiful, possibly talented, but with so much competition, it was a game of chance, especially in the bureau.

"What made you want to be an agent?"
"Family are all military and served, I wanted to do my part I guess. Wanted to find somewhere I belonged and I ended up at the BAU. It was like I'd found my place in the world."
"And now? You want to do more?" Emily asked.
"Most days I do. But it's hard. The constant rejection feeling when I speak to Hotch, the struggle to feel like I’m a part of the team..."
"Is that why you agreed to this arrangement?" JJ nodded.

"Partly. The experience will definitely help and you said you’d talk to Hotch for me.
But also... I don't know, it seemed like an interesting challenge and let's face it; it makes for a good story, right?"
As the evening wore on, they continued to talk, sharing stories from their pasts and details about their lives.

Emily learned that JJ had an older sister back home who had died, that she was allergic to cats but loved dogs, and that she could quote entire episodes of Friends from memory. In turn, Emily found herself opening up more than she had in years. She told JJ about the pressure of growing up in her mother’s shadow, about her dreams of running a unit one day, and even about her disastrous attempt at learning to ice-skate last winter.

As last call was announced, she realised with a start that hours had passed.
"I guess we'll have to call it a night," she said, handing her credit card to the waitress before turning back to JJ.
"I'll email you some information about the resort and my family. I'll also send you a storyline for how we met and fell in love."
"Are you sure you don't want to leave our backstory to me?" JJ grinned.
"After all, I am the fun one here, used to being in front of the camera and putting on a show - and something tells me your version might be a bit too... boring."
"Hmm..." Emily shot her an amused smile. "Okay, why not? Let's see what you come up with."

She took her copy of the paperwork and put it in her purse.
"Thank you, JJ. It's a pleasure doing business with you."
Emily knew she'd be able to sleep tonight. She'd found a fiancée and in just five weeks, she and JJ would be heading to Aspen to pull off the performance of a lifetime. Looking at JJ across the table, she felt confident that she'd made the right choice.

Chapter Text

As the black town car pulled up to the private airfield, Emily glanced over at JJ, who was practically pressing her nose against the window. The early morning sun glinted off the polished exterior of the Gulfstream G650, casting a golden glow across the tarmac. JJ gasped.
"Is that it?"
Emily arched a brow at her.
"JJ you've been on a private jet before, why are you so excited about this?"
"Of course I have. But it always involves a case and it’s never fun, plus this is way bigger. This is... wow."

Emily placed a hand on her arm.
"You can gawk all you want now, but when we arrive in Aspen, you'll need to act unimpressed. Remember, we're supposed to be in a relationship. My family won't believe we're engaged if you're starstruck by all of this."
JJ nodded, taking a deep breath to compose herself.
"Right, got it. Unimpressed. I can do that."
They approached the jet, where a smartly dressed flight attendant greeted them with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Ms. Prentiss. Welcome aboard."
"Good morning, Amanda." Emily smiled, guiding JJ up the stairs. As they entered the cabin, JJ’s breath caught audibly. The interior was a vision of luxury, with cream leather seats, polished wood accents, plush carpeting, and soft lighting created an inviting atmosphere. The spacious cabin held four sets of facing chairs with a table in between, and in the back was a daybed with a large TV.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," the flight attendant said, gesturing to the seats. "We'll be taking off shortly. Can I offer you anything to drink before we depart?"
"We'll have coffee and a glass of Champagne, thank you. And a light breakfast once we're in the air." Emily turned to JJ.
"Is that okay with you?"
"Uhmm... yeah, of course. This is incredible. I feel like I'm in a movie."
"Well, you are playing a part I guess. Consider this your first scene."
Emily took a moment to appreciate JJ’s appearance. She had done an excellent job selecting a wardrobe that perfectly balanced Aspen chic with the upper scale DC elite.

JJ wore a cream-coloured cashmere sweater, paired with tailored dark wash jeans. Over this, she had on a camel-coloured wool coat with leather trim, and leather ankle boots with a modest heel, perfect for navigating both city streets and mountain resort pathways.
"You look nice, by the way," she said.
"The clothes suit you. You can keep them, of
course."
JJ's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? But they're almost worth more than you're paying me for the week."
"It's a necessity. Not that there was anything wrong with your style before," Emily added quickly.
"In fact, I quite liked it. But for this week, you need to look like you are with me. Like I said it’s all a fake op right. You have to look the part as well as act it out.”
"You look pretty great too, and that's a nice sparkle I bought you," JJ joked, her eyes lowering to the engagement ring on Emily's hand.

"Yeah..." Emily laughed as she outstretched her manicured hand.
"This pretend engagement turned out to be
quite costly, but I can always sell it."
The flight attendant reappeared, this time pushing a cart with two cappuccinos and a bottle of champagne nestled in ice.
"I don't usually indulge in champagne with my breakfast," Emily said as she took one of the flutes the attendant poured them,
"but I thought it might help loosen you
up a bit."

JJ accepted the glass with a sheepish smile. "You're right. I'm just not used to... all of this," she gestured vaguely around the cabin.
"The wealth, the luxury. It's a little overwhelming. But I promise I'll pull myself together before we get to your family's estate in Aspen, this is just a job right?."
Emily nodded, taking a sip of her champagne.
"I appreciate that. And I understand it's a lot to take in. Just remember, for the next week, this is your life too. You need to act like it's normal."
"I will," JJ assured her, sipping her champagne.

"So, tell me more about your family. You mentioned your uncle owns a chocolate brand?"
"That's right. Uncle Robert's chocolates are sold in high-end department stores and airports across the world. And my aunt Vivian - my father and uncle's sister is the founder of Vivian's Glow, a successful cosmetics brand."
Jade whistled through her teeth.
"Very impressive. You come from quite the entrepreneurial family and your father was quite the famous architect too."
"They do have a knack for business," Emily agreed.
"It's been both a blessing and a curse, to be honest. There's a lot of pressure to succeed, like with my mother being an ambassador, as soon as I joined the bureau and everyone heard my name they all thought she helped me get to where I am now. But I made sure I earned my spot."

"That's understandable. Is there anyone I should be particularly wary of?" JJ asked. Anyone who might give us a hard time?"
Emily’s expression darkened slightly.
"I've never brought a date to a family gathering so I expect them all to be skeptical. But I'm mostly worried about my cousin Theresa." She hesitated, not sure how much to share. She couldn't mention the part in the will that stated she'd have
to be married in six months. JJ would freak out. But maybe once they got to know each other better, JJ would agree to a short marriage of convenience that would bulk up her bank account nicely.
"Theresa's always been... competitive, to put it mildly," She finally said.

"And she doesn't believe I'm engaged."
"Well, we're not," JJ pointed out with a smirk, then quickly sobered at Emily's sharp look.
"Sorry, bad joke. Don't worry, I won't let her catch us out, this is actually good practice, I was a bit worried but actually having to play the part is good experience."

Emily sighed.
“There's something else you should
know," she said hesitantly.
"I'm not actually gay. I sort of... blurted it out in the heat of the moment when..." She
stopped herself. God, she really had to be careful around JJ, and she sincerely hoped her family wouldn't mention the will to her.
"I mean, when I realised that they expected
me to bring someone to the family Christmas gathering."
"What?" JJ burst out in laughter.
"That's... a bit complex, don't you think? I mean, it would be much easier to fake the chemistry if you were actually into women. Or if I was a man."
"I know it complicates things," Emily admitted.
"But they commented they'd never seen me with this so-called fiancée, so I told them that was because I was engaged to a woman, and I'd kept my sexuality private until now. Somehow that felt more believable than me being engaged to a man who wasn't even there with me at the reading of the will." She shrugged.

"Anyway, it will be fine. I've never really had chemistry with men either. I'm just not interested in relationships, period. So in a way, it's all the same to me, I always concentrated on work, never really thought about settling down with anyone. It was my father who was the family man."
JJ studied her for a moment, her head tilted slightly.
"Okay, in a weird way that sort of makes sense. Why go through all this effort though? Why can't you just go there solo?"
"It's complicated. And private," Emily added.
"Just trust me when I say I had to bring a fiancée. That's all you need to know."
"Okay. As long as you don't expect me to actually marry you. "JJ chuckled.
"Imagine that."

Emily felt a blush rise to her cheeks.
"Yeah, imagine that," she echoed. This situation was already turning more complicated than she'd anticipated.
"Anyway, we'll need to discuss how we're going to make this convincing. Maybe run through some scenarios, figure out how we'd react in different situations," JJ said.
"That's a good idea," Emily agreed.
"We have two hours. Why don't we use that time to get our story straight and work on our couple dynamics?" For the duration of the flight, they role-played various scenarios they might encounter with Emily’s family. They practiced how they'd react to nosy questions, how they'd show affection without overdoing it, and even came up with a few inside jokes to make their relationship seem more authentic.

Emily was impressed by JJ’s quick wit and adaptability, and she suggested little details that Emily would never have thought of on her own.
"So, what's our song?" JJ asked, curled up in her seat with her third cup of coffee. Emily blinked.
"Our song?"
"Yeah, you know, the song that was playing when we first met or one we both love. Couples usually have a song. We'll probably have our first dance to it at never-going-to-happen wedding."
"Oh," Emily said, caught off guard.
"I hadn't thought about that. What do you suggest?"
"How about 'La Vie En Rose'? It's romantic without being too cheesy, and it fits the story about how I proposed to you at that French restaurant in Washington." JJ winked.

"After dating in secret for a year."
"Sure, that works. I like that song." Emily connected her phone to the jet's speakers and put on the song. She was surprised when JJ started singing along in French. She had a beautiful voice. When the song finished, she was momentarily speechless. “You can sing," she said after a pause.
"I can play piano too." JJ wiggled her fingers.
"I did a lot of musical theatre in school. It's just something I enjoyed I guess."
"Huh..." Emily stared at her, a smile spreading across her face.
"Well, that makes you even more charming," she said, pleased with her brand-spanking-new talented fiancée. I think this could actually work."

Chapter Text

As the SUV wound its way up the snow covered road, the Prentiss family estate came into view. Emily felt JJ's sharp intake of breath beside her and allowed herself a small smile. The sprawling mountain lodge was indeed impressive, its wooden exterior blending with the surrounding landscape while still exuding an air of luxury and grandeur.
"Welcome home," she said, giving JJ's hand a gentle squeeze. As they pulled up to the front entrance, Emily could see several figures waiting under the heaters on the wide, covered porch. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the introductions to come.

The driver opened the door, and Emily stepped out first, offering her hand to help JJ.
"Don't worry about your luggage," she whispered.
"The staff will bring it in." As they approached the porch, a tall, distinguished looking man with salt-and-pepper hair stepped forward, his arms outstretched.
"Emily, sweetheart!" he boomed, enveloping her in a warm hug.
"It's so good to see you."
"Uncle Robert," Emily said, returning the embrace.
"It's wonderful to see you too." She stepped back and gestured to JJ.
"I'd like you to meet my fiancée, Jennifer Jareau but you can call her JJ."
Uncle Robert's eyebrows rose slightly, but his smile remained warm as he turned to JJ. "Well, well. It's a pleasure to meet you, JJ. Welcome to the family."

JJ stepped forward, her smile bright and confident.
"Thank you, Mr. Prentiss. I've heard so much about you. Your chocolates are divine, by the way." Robert chuckled.
"Please, call me Robert. And I'm glad you enjoy them. We have plenty of them here." He put his arm around a dark-haired woman who joined him.
"And this is my wife, Lara."
Next to step forward was an elegant woman with perfectly coiffed blonde hair and impeccable makeup.
"Emily, dear," she said, air-kissing both of Emily’s cheeks.
"You look fabulous as always."
"Thank you, Aunt Vivian," Emily replied. "You're looking well yourself. JJ, this is my Aunt Vivian, founder of Vivian's Glow cosmetics."
Vivian's eyes swept over JJ, assessing. "Lovely to meet you, dear. I must say, your skin is absolutely radiant. I'd love to know all about your skincare routine." JJ laughed.
"Emily actually gave me some of your
products. They're wonderful."
"Excellent." Vivian beamed.
"I think you'll fit in just fine here."

Emily felt JJ's hand, clasped in hers in between handshakes, growing slightly clammy, but JJ maintained her composure. Lastly, Theresa emerged, looking impeccable as usual and flanked by her husband, Mark.
"Emily, JJ," she said, plastering on one of her fabricated smiles.
"So glad you could make it. I hope the flight
was pleasant?"
"It was fine, thank you," Emily replied coolly.

Theresa's eyes swept over JJ, sizing her up from head to toe. Her gaze lingered on JJ's outfit and perfectly styled hair.
"Well, JJ," she said with a hint of amusement,
"I must say, you're not quite what I expected when Emily said she was engaged to a woman."
JJ raised an eyebrow but maintained her composure.
"And what exactly were you expecting?"
"Oh, you know," Theresa waved her hand vaguely,
"something a bit more... stereotypical, I suppose." Emily set her jaw.
"I wasn't aware there was a dress code for being a lesbian."
Theresa's smile tightened slightly.
"No need to get defensive, cousie. It's just a compliment to your... fiancée."

She turned back to JJ.
"So, tell me, how did you two meet? What do you do for a living, JJ?"
Before JJ could answer, Emily stepped in.
"I think we can save the interrogation for later, don't you? We've just arrived, and I'd like to show JJ around."
Theresa's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded.
"Of course. We'll have plenty of time to chat over dinner. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your whirlwind romance."
As they entered the house, Emily squeezed JJ's hand reassuringly. She could feel the tension in JJ's grip and knew they'd need a moment alone to regroup.

The great room boasted soaring ceilings with exposed wooden beams, a massive stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of the snow capped mountains. Leather sofas and armchairs were artfully arranged around the fireplace, creating cozy seating areas on the polished hardwood floors. Rich, jewel-toned rugs added warmth and color to the space. In one corner stood a grand piano, its glossy black surface reflecting the warm glow of the fireplace.
"This is the heart of the house," Emily explained.
"We spend most of our time here when we're not outdoors."
She led JJ through to the formal dining room, where a long, polished mahogany table dominated the space.
"And this is where we have dinner. Though sometimes we prefer to eat more casually in the great room."

Emily gave JJ a quick tour of the gourmet kitchen. Stainless steel appliances gleamed, and the marble countertops were impeccably clean.
"You don't need to worry about coming in here," she said.
"If you want anything, you can simply ask one of the staff members. They're always discreetly around to attend to our needs. We have chefs, housekeepers, and even a private ski instructor. Everything's taken care of, so all we have to do is relax and enjoy ourselves."

JJ nodded, looking slightly overwhelmed by the grandeur and the concept of having staff at their beck and call.
"This place is beautiful," she said.
Emily smiled, leading her through the house. "My father, my uncle and my aunt bought it together when I was fifteen so it's like a second home to me. There are seven bedrooms in the main house, plus an outbuilding with another two for the kids."
"Kids?" JJ asked.
"Yeah. They sleep in the outbuilding with a nanny so their parents get a break. Theresa and Mark have a seven-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son. They're probably outside playing, you'll meet them later. Theresa is Aunt Vivian's daughter, and Uncle Robert and Aunt Lara never had kids."

As they made their way upstairs, Emily marvelled at the winter wonderland outside the large windows. She always treasured the crisp mountain air, the blanket of snow covering everything in sight - it was like stepping into another world. It was so different here, she always felt calm here when as in DC, where work commitments and the job leave her feeling over worked and like she never had time for her family. But for more than one reason, she was far from at ease this year. She opened the door to their bedroom and ushered JJ inside, closing it behind them. Apart from a fresh lick of paint, nothing had changed in the room she'd claimed as her own when she was a teenager. The king-size bed dominated the space, its heavy wooden frame and plush linens promising comfort after long days on the slopes. A cozy sitting area by the fireplace offered a perfect spot for quiet evenings, while the balcony beyond the French doors provided a private view of the mountains.

Once they were alone JJ's carefully maintained composure crumbled.
"Oh my god," she babbled, her words tumbling out in a rush as she covered her mouth with her hands.
"This place is amazing. But it's so much scarier than I thought it would be. I mean, lying to their faces like that? How do people do this undercover work all the time, like I know it’s your family so it’s more personal but it’s nerve wracking. Your uncle and aunt seem so nice, and here we are, just….. And your cousin Theresa, the way she looked at us? I don't know if I can-"
"JJ," Emily interrupted, placing her hands on JJ's shoulders.
"Take a deep breath. You're doing a great job, truly. But you need to lower your voice. These walls aren't as thick as you might think."

JJ nodded, visibly trying to calm herself.
"Listen to me," Emily continued.
"You don't need to worry. If anyone asks a tricky question, I'll step in. And I won't leave you alone for a moment, so you won't get into any uncomfortable situations. Okay?"
JJ took another deep breath, then nodded. "Okay. You're right. I can do this."
"Good. As we discussed on the flight, Theresa is the one to watch out for, so be prepared."
"What about Robert and Lara?" JJ asked.
"They're good people. Uncle Robert is a lovely man. He's always been supportive and genuinely cares about the family. In a way, he's been more of a father figure to me than my own dad sometimes. Aunt Lara is a sweetheart too, she's got a good heart. They've had their struggles, never being able to have children of their own, but they've always been there for the rest of us, and I spent some time with them after my father..."

JJ's eyes widened as realisation dawned on her. She covered her mouth with her hand, her breath hitching.
"Oh, Emily," she said softly,
"I'm so sorry. Here I am worrying about myself while it's your first Christmas without your father. That must be so hard for you."
Emily felt a lump form in her throat at JJ’s words. She hadn't expected this sudden show of empathy, and it caught her off guard. For a moment, she struggled to maintain her composure, the façade of strength she'd been holding onto since her father's passing threatening to crumble. "It's... it's okay," she managed.
"I'm just trying to focus on getting through this week. On making sure everything goes according to plan." She paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
"Anyway, now you know a bit more about who we're dealing with. Just remember, you're doing great. Now, why don't we unpack and then rest a bit? We're expected to join everyone for an early dinner at five."

Chapter Text

Emily felt tense as they were seated at the dining table. JJ was sitting next to her, looking stunning in her dark jeans and a black silk top with a low V that accentuated her cleavage. She wished she had made more effort herself, suddenly feeling underdressed next to her "fiancée."
The dining room hummed with conversation as her family caught up on the past year, as always, starting off with business, and Emily watched as JJ effortlessly engaged in small talk with Aunt Lara, who was seated on her other side. JJ’s easy charm seemed to work its magic, and Aunt Lara had clearly taken to her.

"So, JJ," Lara was saying,
"Emily tells us you're also an FBI agent. What kind of role do you play within the BAU?"
"Oh, I'm the press liaison, so I try and make sure we get the information out that’s needed when dealing with a case, I also liaise with the family members and deal with local law enforcement," JJ said.
"It can be quite stressful but I’m not in the field like Emily, she’s an incredible agent."
Emily admired how smoothly JJ delivered it. They'd agreed to stick with the truth and tell them about JJ working with Emily as it was easy to find JJ online. Their relationship had to be believable after all, and it was easier to keep the story straight if they only lied about their relationship and not how they met. She reached for her glass of crisp white wine, taking a sip to calm her nerves.

The first course arrived, a beautifully presented tuna tartare. The delicate pink flesh was artfully arranged on the plate, garnished with micro-greens and a drizzle of wasabi aioli. As the family began to eat, conversation continued to flow around the table. Uncle Robert's booming laugh echoed from the head of the table as he regaled everyone with a story about his childhood. Aunt Vivian, seated across from Emily, kept shooting curious glances at JJ, clearly itching to ask more questions. Theresa and her husband Mark sat further down the table, their children seated between them. The kids, who had met JJ before dinner, were delighted with her presence.

"JJ," Emma called out, her voice cutting through the adult conversation.
"Can you do another magic trick?"
JJ chuckled and shot her a wink.
"How about I show you one after dinner? It’s a good one that mine and Aunt Emily’s friend Reid showed me." Jack's eyes lit up.
"Can you pull a rabbit out of a hat?"
"I can't do the rabbit trick, I'm afraid, but I can pull a coin out of your ear." JJ dropped a silence for effect.
"Or, even better... I can teach you how to do it yourself." Jack shrieked with excitement and Emily was laughing despite her nerves. She hadn't expected JJ to be so good with children, but it seemed to come naturally to her.

She became increasingly aware of JJ’s physical presence beside her. Every so often, JJ would lean in and place a soft kiss on her cheek, or gently rub her arm. It was strange, pretending to be in a relationship, and even more so with a woman. But at the same time, there was something oddly comforting about it. Having a plus one, even if it wasn't real, felt supportive in a way Emily hadn't anticipated, and she found herself leaning into JJ's touches, playing along with their charade more naturally than she'd expected. Her mind was preoccupied with the warmth of JJ's leg pressed against hers under the table, the way JJ's hand occasionally found hers and gave it a squeeze. It was all an act, she reminded herself, but part of her liked it.

"So, JJ," Aunt Vivian's voice cut through Emily’s thoughts.
"Tell us how you two met, I know it was at work but what changed from being coworkers to being engaged. I'm dying to know the details." Emily tensed, but JJ smoothly took the lead.
"Well like you know we met at work but we weren’t close to begin with then we bumped into eachother at a coffee shop near Quantico where we are primarily based. Emily and I got talking because we'd placed the exact same complicated order. I was next in line, and she couldn't believe it when I said I'd have the same. She asked me why I was copying her - she's convinced no one gets coffee right the way she does, and I retorted she didn't have copyright on her ridiculous venti, half-caff, triple shot, four-pump vanilla, no-foam, extra hot, light whip, caramel drizzle, soy milk latte, with a sprinkle of chocolate on top, served in a to-go cup." JJ laughed.

"Little did she know that I'd had a bit of a crush on her at work and always felt like there could be something more between us, and I'd been dying to ask her out but I had no idea how to strike up a conversation that wasn’t work related."
"But you like your coffee exactly the same?" Vivian asked.
"No. I normally drink my coffee black," JJ said, resulting in laughter around the table.
The fabricated tale sounded so natural and believable that for a moment, even Emily almost found herself believing it. It was her regular coffee order after all.
"It's true," she chimed in, surprising herself with how easily she fell into the role.
"I was so amused by her boldness that we got talking while we waited for our orders. And then she walked with me to the office, and I couldn't resist telling her to use my number to call me for a date instead of calling me in to work. I'm glad I did."

JJ smiled warmly at her, reaching out to squeeze her hand. The gesture felt surprisingly natural, and Emily realised she was grinning.
"That's so romantic!" Uncle Robert said.
Theresa, however, looked less convinced.
"And how long ago was this?"
"Over a year ago," JJ said.
"We kept things quiet because it took Emily a while to come to terms with her sexuality."
Emily nodded, grateful for JJ's quick thinking.
"Yes... I'm lucky that JJ was so patient with me. I didn't realise I was gay until I met her."
"I have that effect on women," JJ joked, resulting in more laughter.

Uncle Robert chuckled.
"Well, I'm just glad you found each other. It's about time our Emily had someone special
in her life. When is the wedding?"
"In four months," Emily said.
"We were planning on keeping it small and private, just a simple wedding in DC, which is why we haven't sent out invitations yet, but I'd love it if you could all join us." The words were out before she'd thought them through, and she cursed herself for having missed out on such a crucial part of their preparation. Now she'd have to give them details. Little Emma gasped.
"Can I be a bridesmaid?"

Emily felt a pang of guilt twist in her stomach. Lying to adults was one thing, but deceiving an innocent child felt much worse. However, she knew she had to maintain the charade.
"Of course you can honey," she said, forcing a smile onto her face. Emma's face lit up with pure joy. She clapped her hands together and bounced in her seat.
"Really? Can I wear a big dress? And flowers in my hair?"
Emily's guilt intensified, but she kept her expression warm.
"Absolutely. We'll make sure you look beautiful."
As Emma continued to chatter excitedly about her role in the wedding, Emily caught JJ's eye. Her "fiancée" gave her a reassuring smile, but Emily couldn't shake the feeling that their lie was already spiraling out of control. She took another sip of her wine, wondering how they were going to navigate this unexpected complication.

"So you've already set a date?" Theresa asked.
"Because we all have full agendas. You need to let us know where and when. Emily’s heart rate quickened as Theresa pressed for details. She knew her cousin well enough to realise any vague answer would be immediately fact-checked. Taking a deep breath, she decided to commit to a specific date, hoping it would buy them some time.
"Actually, we've set the date for April 2nd. She caught JJ's eye, silently willing her to play along.
"It's a Sunday, which we thought would be perfect for a spring wedding."
Theresa's eyes narrowed slightly, but she pressed on.
"And the location? I assume you've booked a venue by now?"
Emily managed a mysterious smile.
"We have, but we're keeping the exact location a surprise for now. It's in DC, though. We wanted something intimate and meaningful to us both."

"A surprise wedding location?" Theresa raised an eyebrow.
"That's... unconventional."
"Well, you know me," Emily replied, forcing a light laugh.
"I've always liked to do things my own way. Plus, it adds to the excitement, don't you think?"
She could see Theresa wasn't entirely satisfied with the answer, but before her cousin could ask any more probing questions, Uncle Robert chimed in.
"I think it's a wonderful idea!" he exclaimed. "A bit of mystery keeps things interesting. We'll all be there with bells on, won't we?"
JJ gave Emily's knee a reassuring squeeze under the table. Somehow, they'd have to find a way out of this mess, but for now, all they could do was keep the charade going and hope for the best.

Chapter Text

As Emily emerged from the en-suite bathroom, freshly showered and wrapped in a plush robe, she found JJ perched on the edge of the king-sized bed, towelling her damp hair. She was wearing a loose fitting t-shirt that hung just above her thighs, revealing long, toned legs. Under her robe, Emily was wearing a black silk night gown that fell just above her knees and staring down at the bed, she wished she'd brought something with more coverage.
"Well," she said, scooting under the covers,
"one day down, four more to go."

JJ looked up at her.
"It went okay, right?"
"It did. Though I have to admit, I'm exhausted." Emily rolled her shoulders, feeling some of the tension from the day begin to ebb away.
"Lying to my family is more tiresome than I thought it would be."
"Tell me about it," JJ agreed, stretching her arms above her head. The movement caused her t-shirt to ride up slightly, revealing a glimpse of her toned midriff. Emily found her eyes drawn to the exposed skin, and she quickly looked away.

"I made sure to stick to just one glass of wine," she continued, joining Emily in the bed.
"I didn't want to risk letting anything slip."
"Smart move. I did the same." There was a moment of silence, and even though the bed was big, Emily was acutely aware of JJ's presence beside her.
"We'd better rest up," she said.
"We've got a big day of skiing tomorrow."
"Oh, skiing! I'm actually looking forward to that. It's been a while."
"You can ski?" Emily asked.
"I'm okay. There was a ski slope near where I grew up. Nothing like this, of course, but enough to get out there and have some fun in winter." She turned on her side, facing Emily with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"I might even race you down the mountain."
The idea made Emily laugh.
"Oh, you're on," she said, sure JJ would never be able to beat her.

"At least we won't have to talk to my family as much while we're out on the slopes. That will give us a break, at least for a while."
"Yeah." JJ smiled.
"By the way, I don't own proper pyjamas, so I hope this is okay. I can borrow something if you'd prefer me to cover up more..."
"No, no, it's fine. Whatever you're comfortable in."
"Thanks. I usually sleep naked, so this is already a stretch for me. I'll try not to snuggle up to you in my sleep," JJ joked.
Emily felt her cheeks warm at her casual admission, and pictured JJ sleeping naked. She quickly pushed the thought away, unsure why it had such a funny effect on her.

As JJ reached up to turn off the bedside lamp, her t-shirt rode up again, and before Emily could stop herself, she blurted out,
"Do you work out a lot?" JJ paused, her hand on the lamp switch.
"Yeah, I do. Pretty much every day, actually. Being with the bureau you know, you’re expected to keep fit, even Reid has to do some training, I like to make sure I'm in pretty good shape." She shrugged.
"Though I suppose skiing tomorrow will give me a good workout too."
Emily nodded, grateful the lights were out now. She could still see JJ though, as they hadn't closed the curtains. The moonlight reflecting off the snowy landscape outside filtered through the windows and bathed the room in a soft glow.
"You have great abs."
"Thank you. I work hard for them." JJ slid under the covers.
"Do you work out often?"
"Twice a week, at home and Morgan comes to the gym with me sometimes at work. I only do it to stay mildly in shape, just enough for the job I guess; our days in the office are long enough and I prefer to socialise in my spare time." Emily paused.

"By the way, I'm sorry if today was tough. I know this isn't exactly a normal undercover job."
"Don't worry about it," JJ said.
"Honestly, this is the most exciting gig I've had in a while. And let's face it," she added with a playful wink,
"sleeping in a bed with a beautiful woman isn't exactly a hardship."
Emily chuckled nervously as she felt a flutter in her stomach. She knew JJ was just playing her part, maintaining their cover even in private, but something about the compliment felt genuine.
"Well, I'm glad it's not too terrible for you." Emily stared at the ceiling, her mind unexpectedly drifting to thoughts of JJ’s life outside of this unusual arrangement, what JJ was like outside of work.
When she'd first come to JJ about this fake op, she hadn't been particularly curious about her personal life. It was meant to be a simple transaction, after all. A favour for a favour. But now, as they lay side by side in the dimly lit room, Emily realised she wanted to know more about the woman beside her.

"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what's on your mind?"
Emily hesitated for a beat, wondering if she was overstepping.
"I was just wondering... do you have a girlfriend? I mean, I assume you don't, since you said yes to this. I imagine if you did have a girlfriend, she might not be too thrilled about this arrangement."
JJ let out a soft chuckle.
"No, no girlfriend. I've been single for about two years now."
"Really? I would have thought... I mean, you're..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish that sentence without sounding too complimentary.
"Gorgeous? Charming? A catch?" JJ teased, filling in the blanks.
"Well, yes, all of those things. I just assumed someone like you would be snatched up quickly."

JJ sighed, her playful tone fading.
"Dating in DC is... complicated. Everyone's always looking for something better, prettier, someone who can help them climb the ladder, plus with our work schedule there isn’t exactly an abundance of time to go looking for Mrs right. It's exhausting, really. I was in a few long-ish relationships, but they didn't work out and after a while, I just stopped trying."
Emily understood that feeling all too well.
"I can imagine. The dating scene in DC is particularly cut-throat."
"It is," JJ said.
"But I'm sure your world isn't much different. What about you? Tell me about your dating history."

Now it was Emily’s turn to sigh.
"There's not much to tell, honestly. I've dated a few men over the years, but nothing ever got serious enough for us to even consider moving in together. I think... well, I think maybe I've been sabotaging my relationships. Walking away before they even had a chance to get serious."
"Why do you think that is?" JJ asked softly.
Emily bit her lip as she pondered the question. It was something she'd never really allowed herself to examine too closely. "I'm not sure," she finally admitted.
"Maybe it's easier that way. No risk of getting hurt, no messy emotions to deal with. Or maybe..."
"Maybe what?"
"Maybe I'm just not cut out for relationships. My job has always come first. Everything else just.…falls by the wayside."

JJ shifted in the bed, propping herself up on one elbow to look at Emily.
"Or maybe," she said,
"they just weren't right for you."
Emily met her gaze, surprised by the intensity she found there.
"What do you mean?"
"Well," JJ said, choosing her words carefully,
"sometimes when we keep walking away from relationships, it's not because we're sabotaging ourselves. It's because deep down, we know it's not what we really want. Or who we really want."
"Are you speaking from experience?" Emily asked. JJ smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"Maybe. Let's just say I've had my fair share of relationships that didn't work out because I was trying to force something that wasn't there."

Emily returned her smile. JJ's openness was refreshing, especially compared to the guarded interactions she was used to in her professional and personal life.
"Have you given up on dating?" she asked.
"No, I haven't given up on dating. In fact, deep down, I'm a hopeless romantic. I know it might sound silly, especially in this cynical world we live in, especially with what we see on the job, but I truly believe the right person is out there, waiting for me." JJ paused, her gaze drifting to the moonlit window before returning to Emily.
"Someday I'll meet someone who just... fits. Someone who makes all the heartache and disappointment worth it."
"That's... beautiful, you sound like my father. He always believed in soulmates and was a hopeless romantic" Emily said softly. "I wish I had that kind of faith."

"Maybe you just need to open yourself up to the possibility. Love has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it."
As their eyes met, Emily felt a strange flutter in her chest, and quickly attributed it to the late hour and the intimacy of their conversation.
"Now you definitely sound like him. Maybe you're right though," she murmured.
"For now, this pretend engagement will have to be enough adventure for me in the romance department."

Chapter Text

The crisp mountain air filled Emily's lungs as she and JJ jumped out of the ski lift. The sun glinted off the snow, creating a dazzling landscape that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering evergreens dotted the mountainside, their branches heavy with fresh powder. In the distance, jagged peaks pierced the cloudless blue sky, their rugged beauty a stark contrast to the meticulously groomed slopes of the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort. The exclusive resort was a mere five-minute drive from the Prentiss family estate, but it felt like entering another world. Sleek, modern ski lifts whisked visitors up the mountain, while below, a collection of high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and luxury lodges catered to the wealthy crowd that frequented the area.

Everything about the area exuded opulence and sophistication, from the state-of-the-art snow-making equipment that ensured perfect conditions to the attentive staff that anticipated every need. Emily adjusted her goggles, taking in the view. Despite the early hour, the slopes were already buzzing with activity. Skilled skiers carved graceful paths down the mountain, leaving trails of powdery snow in their wake. On the beginner slopes, instructors patiently guided novices through their first tentative runs. She glanced over at JJ, who was tightening the straps on her ski boots. She looked entirely at ease in her black ski suit, her blonde hair tucked neatly under a matching helmet.

"Ready for that race?" she asked, a competitive glint in her eye.
"Or have you forgotten about your bold challenge from last night?"
JJ looked up, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Oh, I haven't forgotten. I hope you're prepared to eat my snow, Prentiss."
Emily laughed, feeling a surge of excitement. It had been a while since she'd felt this kind of playful competition. Usually, her competitive nature was reserved for work, but something about JJ brought out a more carefree side of her.

"We'll see about that," she retorted, then gestured towards the rest of her family, who were already making their way down the slope. Uncle Robert's booming laugh carried on the wind as he showed off for his grandchildren, while Aunt Vivian carved an elegant path, her designer ski suit a splash of colour against the white snow.
"Shall we show them how it's done?" She positioned her skis at the edge of the slope. JJ moved to stand beside her.
"Lead the way, fiancée."
With a shared grin, they pushed off, gliding smoothly onto the slope. The sensation of flying over the snow was exhilarating, and Emily felt a rush of adrenaline as she picked up speed. She leaned into the first turn, her edges biting into the packed snow as she navigated the curve with practiced ease.

To her surprise, JJ kept pace with her, matching her movements with a grace that spoke of years of experience on the slopes. They weaved around other skiers, their movements synchronised as if they'd been skiing together for years. As they approached a steeper section, Emily called out,
"Ready to kick it up a notch?"
"Bring it on!" JJ shouted back, her voice carried away by the wind. Emily crouched lower, streamlining her body as she picked up speed. The world became a blur of white and green as she flew down the mountain, the cold air stinging her cheeks. She could hear JJ close behind her, the soft
swoosh of her skis a constant presence.
They navigated a series of challenging turns, each one pushing their skills to the limit. Emily felt her muscles burning with the effort, but the thrill of the race kept her going. She was impressed by JJ’s ability to keep up - clearly, she had been modest about her skiing prowess.

As they neared the bottom of the run, Emily spotted a narrow gap between two large snowdrifts. It was a risky move, but if she could thread the needle, it would give her the edge she needed to win the race.
Without hesitation, she aimed for the gap, her heart pounding as she approached at high speed. At the last moment, she shifted her weight, expertly manoeuvring through the narrow space. She emerged on the other side with a whoop of triumph, certain she'd left JJ behind. But as she glanced over her shoulder, she was shocked to see JJ right on her heels, having followed her through the treacherous shortcut. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Emily saw the same mix of exhilaration and determination she felt reflected in JJ's gaze.

The finish line between two poles marked by a large banner strung was now in sight. Emily dug deep, pushing herself to go faster. She and JJ were neck and neck, neither willing to concede even an inch.
In the final seconds of the race, Emily's concentration slipped. She dared a glance at JJ and was awestruck by her beauty, even with a helmet on she couldn’t miss those blue eyes and figure hugging ski suit, throwing her slightly off balance. It was all the opening JJ needed. She surged forward, crossing the finish line a fraction of a second before Emily. They both came to a stop in a spray of snow, breathing heavily. For a moment, they just looked at each other, flushed with exertion and excitement. Then, she burst out into laughter.

"I can't believe you beat me," she said, shaking her head in amazement.
"I know this slope like the back of my hand."
JJ grinned, pulling off her goggles. Her blue eyes sparkled with triumph.
"I told you, you'd eat my snow. That was incredible, though. I haven't had a race like that in years."
As they caught their breath, Emily became aware of cheering. She looked up to see her family gathered at the bottom of the slope, applauding their performance. Uncle Robert was beaming with pride, while even Theresa looked grudgingly impressed.

"That was quite a show, you two," Uncle Robert said as he approached.
"I didn't know you had it in you, JJ. You've been holding out on us!"
JJ laughed, her cheeks pink from the cold and exertion.
"I may have downplayed my skills a bit. I didn't want to make Emily nervous before our big race."
Emily felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the physical exertion. She admired not just JJ's skiing ability, but the easy way she interacted with the family. It made their charade feel almost... real.
"Well, I think this calls for a celebratory hot chocolate," Aunt Vivian declared.
"Why don't we all head to the lodge?"

As the family began to make their way towards the nearby lodge, Emily hung back, falling into step beside JJ.
"That really was impressive," she said softly.
"Where did you learn to ski like that?"
"My dad taught me when I was little. Those were some of the happiest times of my life."
Emily felt a pang of something - envy? regret? - at the warmth in JJ's voice. Her own childhood ski lessons had been with a professional instructor, her parents too busy with work to teach her themselves.
"That sounds wonderful," she said sincerely.
"Are you close to your parents?"
"Yes, we're close. We talk often, but I only get to see them about twice a year. With our work schedule it’s hard ti see them, so it's not always easy to make time for visits."

"Were you planning on spending Christmas with them before you signed up to come here?" Emily asked.
"I was," JJ admitted.
"But don't worry about it."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you away from your family during the holidays."
JJ waved off her concern.
"It's okay, really. I'll visit them next month. Besides, if work had called us in, we wouldn’t be here either. That's just the nature of our job isn’t it? - we don’t say no when they call."

As they approached the lodge, Emily suddenly remembered their act and leaned in close to JJ.
“We should probably look more couple-y," she whispered.
"My family's watching."
JJ nodded almost imperceptibly, then smoothly wrapped an arm around Emily's waist. The gesture felt natural, comfortable even, and Emily leaned into the embrace. The lodge was a picture of rustic luxury, with soaring timber beams and a massive stone fireplace dominating the main room. Plush leather armchairs and sofas were arranged in cozy groupings, many occupied by skiers warming up after their runs. The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee and the sweet scent of baking pastries.

As they entered, shedding their outer layers, Emily noticed several heads turn in their direction. She was used to being recognised - the Prentiss family was well-known in these circles - but this felt different. People weren't just looking at her; they were looking at her and JJ as a couple.
"Your adoring public awaits," JJ whispered teasingly, her breath warm against Emily's ear. Emily rolled her eyes, but she couldn't suppress a smile.
"Behave yourself," she murmured back.
They made their way to a large table where the rest of the family had already gathered. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream were being distributed, and the children were eagerly reaching for a plate of freshly baked cookies. Emily noticed once again how JJ fit in seamlessly with her family, laughing at Uncle Robert's jokes and engaging Aunt Vivian in a discussion about her latest skincare line. It was... nice, she realised with surprise. More than nice, actually.

"JJ," Theresa said, her tone deceptively casual,
"You surprised us. Do you and Emily go skiing together often?"
"When we can," Emily interjected.
"Our schedules don't always align, but we try to make time for it."
"Emily usually beats me though," JJ chipped in.
"But today, the victory was mine." She shot Emily a grin, then, without warning, she cupped her cheeks and kissed her. The kiss was brief and chaste, barely more than a peck, yet it left Emily feeling dizzy and breathless, and the intensity of her reaction caught her completely off guard.

Why was her heart racing? Why did her skin tingle where JJ had touched her?
Her mind reeled as she tried to make sense of these new sensations. Was it just the adrenaline from their ski race? The thrill of pulling off their charade? Or was it something more, something she wasn't ready to acknowledge? She looked at JJ, who was now chatting with Emma about their upcoming "wedding," and felt a confusing mix of warmth and panic rise in her chest.

As she sipped her hot chocolate, trying to calm her racing thoughts, Emily realised with a start that the lines between pretence and reality were beginning to blur. And that realisation terrified her more than any serial killer or family expectation ever had.

Chapter Text

Emily and JJ stumbled into their room, faces flushed and muscles aching from a long day on the slopes. Despite the physical fatigue, there was a palpable energy between them, a playful competitiveness that had only grown stronger throughout the day.
"I still can't believe that last run," Emily said, shaking her head as she unzipped her ski jacket.
"You barely edged me out at the end."
JJ grinned, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Barely? I think you mean I clearly and decisively won that race. Two for you, two for me, and that last glorious victory for yours truly."

Emily scoffed, but couldn't hide her smile. "Please, it was so close it hardly counts. I'd call it a draw at best."
"A draw?" JJ gasped in mock offence.
"I'm wounded, Emily. Truly wounded. After my stunning display of skill and grace on that final run, you'd deny me my hard earned victory?"
Their banter continued as they began to peel off layers of ski gear. Emily marvelled at how easy it was to joke around with JJ. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so relaxed and carefree, especially around someone she'd known from work, she always kept her personal and professional life separate.

"You know," JJ said, her tone softening,
"I had a really great time today. I mean, I expected this whole arrangement would be... weird at best, but I didn't think I'd have quite so much fun. It’s quite fun doing undercover work, granted I’m not lying to a drug gang or a murderer but you know."
"I did too," Emily admitted.
"It's been a long time since I've enjoyed myself this much on the slopes. Or anywhere, really."

As JJ began to strip down to her underwear, Emily's eyes were drawn once again to her toned figure. She watched, almost mesmerised, as JJ's smooth skin was revealed inch by inch. The graceful curve of her back, the lean muscles of her legs, the subtle dip of her waist - her gaze traced every line and contour. Suddenly, JJ turned, catching Emily's stare, and Emily quickly averted her eyes, feeling a hot flush creep up her neck. She busied herself with folding her ski pants, trying to act as if nothing had happened.

"Oh, God, I'm sorry," JJ said, grabbing a robe from the back of the bathroom door.
"I didn't even think... I'm just used to changing in front of other women. In dressing rooms at the gym and stuff. And I figured since you're straight and this is all pretend anyway... But that was presumptuous of me. I should have been more considerate."
Emily took a deep breath, willing her heartbeat to slow.
"No, no, it's fine," she insisted.
"Really, JJ. We're both adults here. And we're sharing a room. We should be able to be comfortable around each other."
JJ studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, if you're sure. I just don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"You're not," Emily said, and she was surprised to find she meant it. Uncomfortable wasn't quite the right word for what she was feeling. Flustered, for sure. Or... something else she wasn't ready to name.

As JJ disappeared into the bathroom to shower, she sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind whirling. What was happening to her? She'd never reacted this way to another woman before. But then again, she'd never been in a situation like this either. She thought back over the events of the day. The exhilaration of racing down the slopes with JJ, their laughter echoing across the mountain. The warmth that had spread through her when JJ had casually draped an arm around her. The way her stomach had flipped when JJ kissed her in front of her family...

JJ was just playing a role, of course, and she was playing it well. That's why it felt so natural, so real. Because JJ was a talented agent who was more than capable of field work and acting a part if needed, nothing more. But even as she thought it, Emily knew she was lying to herself. There was something more happening here, something that went beyond their carefully constructed charade. The way her body reacted to JJ's touch, the flutter in her chest when JJ smiled at her, the constant urge to be near her - it all pointed to feelings she'd never experienced before.

She'd always considered herself straight, never questioning her sexuality. But now, faced with the growing attraction she felt towards JJ, she was reevaluating everything she thought she knew about herself. Was this just a fleeting attraction, brought on by the intensity of their situation? Or was it something deeper, something that had always been there, waiting to be awakened? She thought about her past relationships, few and far between as they were. They had all been with men, but none had ever stirred the kind of feelings she was experiencing now. She'd always attributed her lack of interest in romance to being focused on her career, but what if there was more to it?

The sound of the shower shutting off snapped Emily out of her reverie and moments later, JJ emerged, wrapped in nothing more but a towel.
"It's all yours she said," meeting Emily's eyes. With a start, Emily realised she was smiling, just facing her.
"Thank you," she said.
"By the way, I haven't told you this, but you're a very, very good agent, the bureau is really lucky to have you. You’re definitely good at acting the part."
"Thank you," JJ said, running a hand through her damp hair.
"But honestly, there hasn't been much acting involved. I'm just being myself." She paused.
"It's surprisingly easy to be myself around you and your family, as long as there aren't any complicated questions involved."

Emily frowned, shaking her head.
"You're being modest. The touches, the kisses... it all comes across as very natural. I've seen you with the kids, with my uncle Robert. You fit in so seamlessly, it's... impressive."
"Look, I actually like Robert and the kids are cute, so that's easy." A mischievous grin spread across JJ's face, her blue eyes twinkling with something Emily couldn't quite decipher.
"And the kisses and touches..." Her voice
dropped to a playful whisper.
"That's just for my own pleasure."
The words hit Emily like a physical force, leaving her stunned and suddenly very warm. Her heart raced, and she was at a loss for words, her mind spinning with the implications of JJ's statement.

JJ’s playful expression faltered as she noticed Emily’s stunned reaction.
"I'm sorry," she said quickly.
"I'm just teasing you."
"I know," Emily replied, but her voice sounded strained even to her own ears. An awkward silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken words and confusing emotions. Emily fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, not quite able to meet JJ's eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, JJ took a deep breath.
"Look, I... I should be honest," she said.
"Of course I find you attractive. You're not only gorgeous, but you're also intelligent, funny, and a great skier to boot. So, yeah... it's easy."
Emily's head snapped up, her eyes wide as she met JJ's gaze. She saw sincerity there, mixed with a hint of vulnerability that made her heart race even faster.
"I..." she started, but her voice trailed away. How could she respond to that? How could she even begin to sort through the whirlwind of emotions JJ's admission had stirred up?
"I... I should shower," she managed to stammer out, quickly grabbing her things and all but fleeing to the bathroom.

"Wait." JJ stopped her.
"Maybe I shouldn't have said that, even though it was meant as a compliment. Can we talk about this? Just so it's not awkward over dinner later?" Emily felt her cheeks burn as she fumbled for a response. "There's... there's nothing to talk about," she mumbled, one hand on the bathroom door handle, avoiding JJ’s gaze.
"Thank you for the compliment. It's all fine, I promise."
Despite JJ's request to talk, she couldn't shake the overwhelming urge to escape the sudden intensity of the moment. Her heart was pounding, and her thoughts were a jumbled mess. She needed space, needed time to process what was happening.
"I really should shower," she insisted.
"We'll be late for dinner otherwise."
Before JJ could say anything else, she slipped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She leaned against it, closing her eyes as she blew out her cheeks. No. She was definitely not ready to talk about this.

Chapter Text

The fire crackled in the great room and board games were scattered across the coffee table. The air was filled with a mix of laughter, playful banter, and the occasional groan of defeat from the assembled Prentiss family. Emily sat on the leather sofa, JJ close beside her. Theresa, never one to miss an opportunity to stir up trouble, had been peppering them with questions all night, each one more pointed than the last.

"Tell us about your first real date with Emily," Theresa said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
"I'm not talking about your coffee date, but your first evening date."
Emily tensed, but JJ stepped in.
"Oh, it was lovely," she said with a warm smile.
"We met in this little French bistro in DC, tucked away on a side street. Emily had made the reservation, but she was running late from work. When she finally arrived, flustered and apologising, I was already halfway through a glass of wine."
"She looked stunning, of course," JJ continued, giving Emily an affectionate glance.

"But she was so nervous, she knocked over the bread basket reaching for her water glass. We both scrambled to clean it up, and when our eyes met, we just burst out laughing. The ice was broken after that." Emily blinked, momentarily thrown by the detailed fabrication. She'd never been to a French bistro in DC, had never had that experience, and yet the way JJ told it made it feel real.
"We had a lovely dinner and so much to talk about. I remember they were playing La Vie En Rose," Emily added.
"It's our song now."
"How sweet," Theresa replied, her tone making it clear she didn't believe a word of it.
"And Emily, when did you realise you were in love with JJ? It must have been quite a revelation, given your... previous non existing dating history."
Emily opened her mouth to respond, but found herself at a loss for words. How could she describe falling in love with someone when she wasn't even sure what those feelings were supposed to feel like?

JJ’s hand found hers, giving it a squeeze.
"Oh, come on now, Theresa," she said lightly.
"You know Emily’s not one for public declarations. Besides, isn't the important thing that we're happy together?"
Uncle Robert chuckled.
"Well said, JJ. Now, who's up for another round of Monopoly?"
But Theresa wasn't done. She leaned forward, a glint in her eye that Emily recognised all too well.
"You know what might be fun? A game of Truth or Dare. I'm sure we could all learn some very interesting things about our new couple."

"Theresa," Aunt Vivian admonished, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice.
"We're hardly teenagers anymore. Let's stick to more... mature entertainment, shall we?" Emily’s stomach churned. She knew Theresa was trying to trip them up, to catch them in a lie. And while JJ seemed to handle the pressure just fine, Emily was struggling. As if sensing her discomfort, JJ suddenly stood up.
"You know what? I have a better idea," she said, making her way over to the grand piano that stood in the corner of the room. She ran her fingers lightly over the keys.

"How about a little sing-along?"
The tension in the room immediately dissipated as the family perked up at the suggestion.
"Oh, that sounds lovely!" Aunt Lara exclaimed.
"It's been ages since we've had live music in this house.” JJ grinned, settling herself onto the piano bench.
"Any requests?"
As the family called out various song titles, Emily watched as JJ's fingers danced across the keys, her face lit up with genuine joy as she played. It was yet another side of JJ that took her by surprise, and she was captivated. After a few songs, JJ beckoned to Jack and Emma.
"Hey, you two! Want to help me out with the next one?" The children eagerly scrambled over to the piano, their faces alight with excitement.

"Okay, Jack, you sit here next to me," JJ instructed, scooting over on the bench.
"And Emma, you can be my special helper on the other side."
JJ positioned Jack's hands over a few keys on the lower end of the piano.
"Alright, Jack, when I nod at you, I want you to press these three keys, just like this." She demonstrated a simple chord.
"Can you do that?"
Jack nodded, his tongue sticking out of his mouth with concentration while he practiced the chord a few times.
"Perfect!" JJ praised. She then turned her attention to Emma.
"And you, my little songbird, are going to help me with the high notes. When I nod to you, press this key right here, okay?"
Emma giggled, poking at the key.
"Great job, both of you," JJ said.
"Now, let's see if everyone recognizes this tune." With a wink at the family, JJ began to play the opening notes of "Heart and Soul." It was a simple, recognisable melody that brought smiles to everyone's faces.

As she played, she nodded to Jack, who dutifully pressed his chord, filling out the bass line. Every few measures, she'd point to Emma, who would hit her high note with glee. The result was a slightly wobbly but utterly charming rendition of the classic tune, and Emily was laughing along with the rest of the family, all thoughts of Theresa's interrogation forgotten. As the song came to an end, the room erupted in applause. Jack and Emma beamed with pride, and JJ gave them both high fives.

"That was wonderful!" Uncle Robert boomed.
"JJ, you're full of surprises. Where did you learn to play like that?"
JJ shrugged modestly.
"Oh, I took lessons as a kid. It's just something I've always enjoyed and it comes in handy when I'm wanting to entertain."
JJ launched into another song, encouraging the whole family to sing along, She effortlessly charmed them, bringing a whole new level of joy and togetherness to the room. As the evening wore on, the family gradually began to disperse, heading off to bed, some a little tipsy from the wine and still humming melodies. Soon, only Emily and JJ were left in the great room.

"Well, that was fun," JJ said.
"Your family seems to really enjoy music."
Emily nodded, suddenly feeling strangely shy now that they were alone.
"They do. We used to have nights like this all the time when I was younger, before..." She paused.
"Well, Mom used to play."
JJ nodded and patted the piano seat for Emily to sit next to her.
"You must miss them a lot."
"I do." Emily shot her a sad smile.
"But this has been lovely. Mum would have liked you."

She frowned and shook her head when it dawned on her how ridiculous that sounded.
"I mean, this isn't real of course," she added,
"but if it were real... Dad would have liked you too."
"Oh yeah? Are you sure they would be okay with you being engaged to a woman?" JJ teased in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"You know what? I think they would have been fine with that," Emily said with a chuckle. "
They just wanted me to be happy."
"And? Are you happy?"

The question hung in the air between them, and Emily needed a moment to answer.
"I think so. I have a wonderful life on paper. I have a great job, I'm wealthy and healthy..." She met JJ's eyes.
"Are you happy?"
JJ tilted her head from side to side.
"Yeah," she said.
"I'm happy. I may not be wealthy - in fact I'm totally broke - but I wouldn't want to trade places with anyone else. And right now, I'm actually very, very happy. You're great company. I like spending time with you."
"Me too," Emily whispered, meeting her eyes. JJ's words hung in the air between them, and she felt overwhelmed by the realisation that despite all her success in the field with Interpol and the FBI, she'd never felt as alive as she had in the past few days with JJ.

Chapter Text

Emily slowly drifted into consciousness, her
mind still hazy with sleep. The first thing she became aware of was a deep sense of warmth and contentment. She felt safe, comfortable, and utterly at peace. It was a feeling she couldn't remember experiencing in a very long time, perhaps not since childhood. As her senses gradually sharpened, she began to register more details. The softness of the sheets against her skin, the gentle rhythm of breathing that wasn't her own, the weight of her arm draped over something warm and solid. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the darkness of the room.

And then, in an instant, the peaceful bubble burst. Emily’s heart leapt into her throat as she realised her arm was slung over JJ’s chest, her body snuggled close against her pretend fiancée's side. Panic surged through her veins, chasing away any remnants of sleepy contentment. Her pulse quickened so dramatically that she was certain the thundering in her chest would wake JJ. She lay there, frozen in place, hardly daring to breathe.

How had this happened? They had gone to bed on opposite sides, a respectful distance between them. Now, here she was, practically wrapped around JJ like a vine. Despite her rising panic, Emily couldn't help but notice how... nice it felt. JJ's body was warm and soft against hers, their curves fitting together in a way that felt oddly natural. The gentle rise and fall of JJ's chest under her arm was soothing, and she could smell the faint scent of JJ's shampoo - something floral and fresh.

Emily blinked, trying to clear these thoughts from her mind. This wasn't the time to be noticing how nice JJ smelled or how comforting her presence was. She needed to extract herself from this compromising position before JJ woke up and things became unbearably awkward. But how? Emily’s arm felt like lead, and she was acutely aware that even the slightest movement could disturb JJ’s sleep. What if she did wake up? What would she think, finding Emily wrapped around her like this? Would she be uncomfortable? Amused? Or worse... what if she thought Emily had done it on purpose?

Taking a deep breath, Emily steeled herself. She had to at least try to move. Slowly, with infinite care, she began to lift her arm from JJ's chest. Every millimeter felt like a mile, and she held her breath, listening intently for any change in JJ's breathing that might indicate she was waking up. Just as she thought she might succeed in her escape, JJ shifted in her sleep. Emily froze, her arm hovering awkwardly in mid-air. But JJ wasn't waking up. Instead, she was rolling over, turning towards Emily, and before Emily could react, JJ had settled against her, one arm draped over her waist.

If Emily thought she had been panicking before, it was nothing compared to the riot of emotions coursing through her now. JJ's body was pressed all along her side, soft and warm. She could feel JJ’s breath, slow and steady, against her neck, sending little shivers down her spine. This was too much, too intimate. She wasn't used to this kind of closeness with anyone, let alone another woman. And yet... part of her, a part she was trying desperately to ignore, wanted to lean into it. To enjoy the comfort and security of being held like this. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing her racing heart to slow down.

This was ridiculous. She was a grown woman. She shouldn't be lying here, paralysed with indecision over something as simple as sharing a bed. But it didn't feel simple. It felt monumental, like something was shifting inside her, something she wasn't sure she was ready to face. As she lay there, hyper-aware of every point of contact between her body and JJ’s, Emily’s thoughts drifted to the events of the past few days. The easy companionship she'd found with JJ, the laughter they'd shared on the ski slopes, the way JJ had seamlessly fit into her family gatherings. It had all felt so natural, so right.

And then there were the moments that had made her breath catch - the casual touches, the brief kisses for show, the way JJ looked at her sometimes when she thought Emily wasn't paying attention. Emily had brushed these moments off, attributing them to JJ’s acting skills and her own overactive imagination. But now, in the quiet darkness of their shared bed, she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it. Was it possible that the attraction she felt wasn't one sided? JJ had admitted to finding her attractive, but Emily had dismissed it as part of their act. Now, she wasn't so sure. And if it wasn't just an act... what did that mean for her?

She'd never seriously considered the possibility that she might be attracted to women. She'd always assumed her lack of interest in relationships was due to her focus on her career, or perhaps just not meeting the right person. But what if the right person was out there, just not in the package she'd expected? The thought both thrilled and terrified her. If she allowed herself to explore these feelings, to admit that what she felt for JJ might be more than friendship or a work arrangement, it would change everything. Her life, her understanding of herself - all of it would be thrown into question.

Would that be such a bad thing?
JJ stirred and Emily felt her tense slightly, as if she was becoming aware of where her hand had come to rest. JJ lifted her head and soft chuckle escaped her lips, warm breath tickling Emily’s neck.
"Oops," she mumbled sleepily.
"Sorry 'bout that." She began to retract her hand, the movement slow and groggy. Emily surprised herself by catching JJ's wrist.
"It's okay," she whispered, her heart pounding.
"I... I don't mind." She was conflicted, terrified and thrilled all at once and there was a pause, during which Emily could almost feel JJ’s mind processing her words through the haze of sleep.

"You sure?" JJ asked, her voice a mix of confusion and something else Emily couldn't quite identify.
"I'm sure."
With a soft hum of acknowledgment, JJ shifted, turning to fully spoon Emily . Her arm draped over Emily’s waist, pulling her close. Emily felt the full length of JJ’s body pressed against her back.
"Mmm," JJ murmured, her words slurring slightly as she drifted back towards sleep.
"You're so nice... and warm..."
Emily lay there, basking in the intimacy of the moment. Her panic became muted, overshadowed by a growing sense of arousal, and as JJ's breathing evened out, signalling her return to sleep, fantasies started swirling through Emily’s mind.

If it felt like this to be close to JJ, then... what would it feel like to kiss her? To touch her? To be touched in return, with purpose and want? Those thoughts were more than she could handle. As sleep began to reclaim her, Emily’s mind drifted to the impending end of their arrangement. In just a few days, they would return to DC, and this charade would be over. JJ would go back to her life, and Emily would return to hers. They would just be coworkers again. The thought left an unexpected ache in her chest. She didn't want this to end. Not just the pretend engagement, but the companionship, the laughter, the feeling of having someone by her side who understood her.

She knew that come morning, they would need to talk about this, but for now, in the quiet darkness of their shared room, Emily allowed herself to simply be. To enjoy the warmth of JJ’s body against hers, the security of her arm around her waist, and the unfamiliar but not unwelcome butterflies that told her something significant had just changed.

Chapter Text

Emily squinted behind her goggles, grateful for the tinted lenses that shielded her eyes from the glare as they ascended the slope in the ski lift. Despite the chill, she felt overheated in her ski gear, her face flushed with more than just the cold. All morning, she'd been trying to work up the courage to talk to JJ about what had transpired between them the night before. Each time she opened her mouth to broach the subject, however, the words died on her tongue.

How could it feel so casual to pretend to be gay, yet so terrifying to admit she may actually have real feelings for a woman? She glanced at JJ, who was gazing out at the mountain vistas with a content smile. Emily’s breath caught as she took in JJ’s profile - the gentle slope of her nose, the curve of her lips, the wisps of blonde hair escaping from beneath her helmet. When had she started noticing these details? When had simply looking at JJ begun to make her pulse quicken?

"Beautiful view, isn't it?" JJ said, turning to catch Emily staring. Emily quickly averted her gaze, grateful that her goggles concealed the panic in her eyes.
"Y-yes, it's stunning,"
she managed to stammer out.
JJ reached over and took Emily’s gloved hand in hers, interlacing their fingers. The gesture, which should have felt staged for the benefit of keeping up appearances, instead sent a shockwave of arousal through Emily’s body. She tried to steady her breathing, acutely aware of every point of contact between them. This was ridiculous.

They'd been far more intimate than this over the past few days - hugs, kisses on the cheek, even cuddling in bed. So why did something as innocuous as handholding suddenly feel so monumental? Emily cleared her throat.
"JJ, I've been meaning to talk to you about-"
But before she could finish her thought, JJ leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Emily’s cheek.
"Sorry," she murmured, her lips brushing Emily’s skin as she spoke.
"I saw your uncle Robert getting on the lift behind us. Gotta keep up appearances, right?"
Emily nodded mutely, her intended words evaporating like mist. She was hyper-aware of JJ’s proximity, the warmth of her breath, the lingering tingle where her lips had made contact. Was it her imagination, or was JJ being far more tactile today than she had been previously?

As if to confirm her suspicions, JJ shifted closer, draping an arm around Emily’s shoulders and pulling her into the crook of her arm.
"This is nice," she said softly.
"I'm really enjoying myself up here. Last night was lovely too I slept so well." She paused, then added with a hint of mischief in her voice,
"You make an excellent teddy bear, by the way." Emily felt her face flame at the reminder of how they'd woken up tangled together.
"I... I'm glad you slept well. I did too."
JJ lifted her goggles and turned to look at her then, and their eyes met. Emily was captivated by the depth in her gaze, even partially obscured by her goggles. There was something there, an intensity that made Emily’s breath hitch. She watched, as if in slow motion, as JJ’s eyes lowered to her lips.

For one heart-stopping moment, Emily was certain JJ was going to kiss her - really kiss her, not just for show. She saw a flicker of what could only be desire in JJ’s expression, and her own lips parted involuntarily in anticipation. Before Emily could process what was happening, JJ leaned in and pressed her lips to Emily’s. It was longer than their usual performative pecks, but still just a light brush of lips against lips. The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but to Emily, it felt like an eternity. When JJ pulled back, Emily was left shaking. The boundaries between their pretend relationship and whatever was developing between them had become hopelessly blurred, and she no longer knew what was real and what was just for show. She was losing control of the situation.

"You okay?" JJ asked, a note of concern in her voice. Emily forced a smile.
"Yeah. I think so. I'm just..." She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. Failing to find the right way to express how she felt, she simply said the one thing she knew was true.
"I like it when you kiss me."
JJ just stared at her, seemingly at a loss for words. Emily bit her lip and winced.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I'm being silly and getting carried away with this pretend stuff." She groaned.

"Fuck. I'm so embarrassed, I just want to bury myself into the snow.”
"No, don't be," JJ said, squeezing her hand.
"I'm glad you told me." She gently removed Emily’s goggles, her eyes searching Emily’s face intently.
"I like kissing you too. Really like it, actually." She paused, her gaze flickering between Emily’s eyes and lips.
"We should probably talk about this."
"Yeah." Emily nodded.
"Yes, we should." She glanced ahead for a beat, seeing they were nearing the top of the lift.
"Later?"
"Later," JJ agreed. With a moment of hesitation, she leaned in and kissed Emily again.

This time, there was no mistaking it was no longer part of their act. The kiss was long and lingering, filled with tenderness and heavy breaths between them as their lips brushed with a gentle pressure. JJ's gloved hand came up to cup her face, her thumb caressing her cheekbone. The world seemed to fall away as they melted into each other, and there was an undeniable intensity to the kiss - a restrained passion simmering just below the surface. Emily’s heart raced as she savored the warmth of JJ’s lips, the subtle brush of her nose against her cheek. She could feel JJ’s breath, quick and shallow, mingling with her own. A trembling energy took hostage of her, a sense of longing that made Emily ache to deepen the kiss.

As they reluctantly parted, their eyes met with a shared look of wonder and barely restrained want. The kiss may have been innocent by some standards, but its impact was profound, and they were so lost in each other that they almost missed their cue to disembark. At the last second, they fumbled to grab their poles and slide off the lift just in time. As they moved to the side, catching their breath, Emily couldn't help but laugh at their near mishap. JJ joined in, their shared amusement a release of the tension that had been building between them.
"We can take it easy on the slopes today if you want," JJ said.
"No need to race me down the mountain again."
"No!" Emily shook her head.
"I mean, no, that's okay. I'm looking forward to our rematch."
The idea of racing down the mountain, wind whipping past them as they navigated the twists and turns of the slope together, was incredibly appealing. At least when they were skiing, she had something other to focus on than the steamy fantasies that now filled every corner of her mind.

They stood at the top of the slope, adjusting their gear and taking in the challenge. The pristine white snow stretched out before them, promising a thrilling descent, but Emily’s mind was already racing ahead to the conversation they would have later.
"What do you say we head back to the house a bit earlier than everyone else? Maybe we can share a bottle of wine and talk privately? It's so hard to get a moment to ourselves when my family is around."
"That sounds perfect," JJ said, offering a small smile.

As they turned their attention back to the slope, preparing to push off, Emily felt a spark of hope amidst the whirlwind of emotions. Whatever happened next, whatever this thing between them turned out to be, at least they would figure it out together.

Chapter Text

Steam rose from their mugs of mulled wine, carrying the scent of cinnamon and cloves as Emily and JJ sat huddled together on the porch. The crackling fire pit and the twinkling lights strung along the leaves lent an almost magical quality to the scene, as if they were cocooned in their own private world. Emily’s heart raced as she stared into the dancing flames, acutely aware of JJ’s presence beside her. They had retreated here to talk, to address the growing tension between them, but now that the moment had arrived, she didn't know where to begin.

The silence stretched on, filled only by the popping of the fire and the distant hooting of an owl. Emily took a sip of her wine, hoping the spiced warmth would loosen her tongue. But it was JJ who finally broke the silence.
"Did you mean what you said on the slopes?" she asked softly, her eyes reflecting the firelight as she turned to face Emily.
"About liking it when I kiss you?"
Emily felt a blush creep up her neck, but she met JJ’s gaze steadily.
"Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I meant it." She paused, fighting to express the tumult of emotions swirling inside her.
"It's strange," she continued.
"We've only known each other a year and we’ve not interacted outside of work ever, but something has... awakened inside me. It's like a dormant part of myself is suddenly stirring to life."
Her gaze dropped to her hands, clasped tightly around her mug.

"I don't know what to do," she confessed.
"These feelings, this... desire. It's growing more intense with each passing moment, and I can't seem to stop it. I've never experienced anything like this before."
When she looked up again, she found JJ watching her with an intensity that made her breath catch. It was that look again, the one that made Emily ache to know what thoughts were swirling behind those captivating blue eyes.
"I haven't been entirely honest with myself either," JJ said after a moment.
"I've been taking advantage of this situation, perhaps being more physical than strictly necessary for our charade." She took a deep breath.
"The truth is, I'm very attracted to you, Emily, I think I have been since you joined the BAU. And I feel something when I'm with you, something that goes beyond just playing a part."

Emily let out the breath she'd been holding, relief washing over her. She wasn't alone in these confusing new feelings.
"Confession?" JJ said, a hint of nervousness in her voice. Emily nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"I've always noticed you at the coffee shop and when we’re on jet I always want to sit next to you," JJ admitted.
"Every time you came into work, I felt a spark of attraction. I've been drawn to you for months, long before this arrangement. I thought about asking you out, but you just seemed so... I don't know... way out of my league and put together, I suppose. And my life is a mess, so I didn't think you'd be remotely interested."

Emily blinked, taken aback by this revelation.
"You wanted to ask me out?"
"Yeah."
"But... I'm not gay," she said, then paused, reconsidering.
"At least... I mean..." Emily’s voice trailed away.
"Women are often curious." JJ raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
"Besides, are you sure you're not gay?"
They both chuckled, the tension easing slightly.
"Maybe a little bit," Emily conceded. She paused, considering her next words carefully.
"Or maybe a lot. I'd like to find out."
Something in the fire popped, sending a shower of sparks into the night sky. Emily watched them drift upward, feeling as if she too were on the verge of taking flight into unknown territory. JJ shifted closer, her eyes never leaving Emily's face.
"Then let's find out," she murmured.

With exquisite gentleness, she cupped Emily’s face in her hands, her fingers tracing a slow, teasing path along her jawline. Emily’s breath hitched, anticipation curling through her like fire. When JJ leaned in, their lips met softly at first, a gentle press that sent a shockwave of warmth coursing through Emily. But then, JJ’s lips parted ever so slightly, deepening the kiss. Her tongue teased Emily’s lower lip, a silent invitation that Emily didn't hesitate to accept. A low moan of pleasure escaped Emily as their tongues brushed, a languid dance that felt both exploratory and intimate.

Every movement was deliberate, each stroke of JJ's tongue against hers drawing her deeper into a haze of pure sensation. Emily’s hands found their way into JJ's hair, fingers tangling in the silky strands, pulling her closer, needing more. The kiss grew bolder, more consuming, as Emily’s hands drifted down JJ’s neck, her fingertips grazing the exposed skin under her hairline. JJ responded with a soft moan that vibrated against Emily’s lips, sending a thrill through her. The air between them crackled with electricity as their mouths moved hungrily together, tongues tangling, breaths mingling, completely lost in each other.

JJ’s hands weren't idle either; they slid down from Emily’s face to her waist, fingers gripping firmly, pulling her flush against her. Emily’s body responded instinctively, arching into JJ, the heat and want between them growing. Every touch, every brush of lips and tongue, felt like an unspoken confession, each of them revealing more of what lay hidden beneath their layers of pretense. It was raw, urgent, and filled with a need that neither of them had fully understood until now. It was an unfiltered
expression of everything they had been holding back. There was no facade to maintain-just them, giving in to the pull that had been simmering beneath the surface.

When they finally parted, both were breathing heavily. Emily rested her forehead against JJ’s, her eyes closed as she tried to process the intensity of what she'd just experienced.
"Fuck," she whispered, a smile spreading across her face. JJ chuckled softly.
"Yeah..." she agreed.
They sat in silence for a moment, still wrapped in each other's embrace, and Emily felt as if she were seeing the world through new eyes. Everything seemed sharper, more vibrant, but also dauntingly different.
"So," JJ said eventually, pulling back slightly to meet Emily’s gaze.
"What happens now?" It was a loaded question, one that Emily didn't have an immediate answer for. Their arrangement was supposed to be temporary, a business transaction with the hope they could continue this and enter into an arranged marriage. A paid marriage. But JJ didn't know that, and Emily didn't want to ruin the moment by telling her the truth.

Now, with these new feelings blossoming between them, everything had changed, and she was terrified that truth would ruin everything. No. Not yet. She needed time to figure out how to handle this, how to break it to JJ that she was planning on asking for a paid marriage of convenience eventually.
"I don't know," she admitted.
"This is all so new to me. I've never felt this way about anyone before, let alone another woman. It's exciting, but it's also scary."
JJ took Emily’s hand, interlacing their fingers.
"Let's not worry about anything now," she said.
"We still have a few days left here. Why don't we use that time to explore these feelings, to get to know each other better without the pressure of pretending?"
"I'd like that." Emily smiled and decided to push her plan to the background.

Everything could wait. For now, she just wanted to be with JJ, and most of all, she wanted more.
"I... I want to explore this. Physically. I mean..." She trailed off, feeling the blush creep up her neck again.
"I don't really know what I'm doing, but I've been craving it... craving you. And I want to experience more of this with you."
Her confession hung in the air between them, and for a moment, Emily wished she could take the words back, but then JJ’s lips curled into a slow, teasing smile. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned in and
brought her lips to Emily’s ear.
"Well," she said, her voice dropping to a husky murmur.
"I can definitely help you with that." Her flirtatious tone made anticipation coil tight in Emily’s belly as she continued.
"Let me show you how good this can feel."

Chapter Text

Emily pushed her half-eaten dessert away, unable to stomach another bite. Her mind had been elsewhere all evening, barely registering the conversations around her. She looked over at JJ, who was animatedly discussing a movie with Uncle Robert. How was she able to act so normal?
"Are you feeling alright, dear?" Aunt Lara's concerned voice cut through Emily’s distracted thoughts.
"You've hardly touched your crème brûlée and you've been quiet all night."

Emily plastered on a smile and shrugged.
"Actually, I have a headache. I think I might turn in early, if you all don't mind."
A chorus of sympathetic murmurs arose from around the table. Aunt Lara reached into her purse.
"I have some Advil, sweetheart. Here, take these with you."
"Thank you," Emily said, accepting the pills. She stood, her chair scraping against the hardwood floor.
"I'm sorry to be such poor company tonight. I'm sure I'll feel better after some rest."

JJ looked up, her brow furrowed with convincing concern.
"Do you want me to come with you, honey? Make sure you're comfortable?"
Emily nodded, perhaps a bit too eagerly.
"Yes, that would be nice. Thank you."
As they made their excuses and said their goodnights, Emily could feel Theresa's shrewd gaze following them. She quickened her pace, eager to escape the dining room and her cousin's piercing scrutiny. The journey up the stairs felt interminable, and Emily was acutely aware of JJ's presence behind her, the soft sound of her footsteps, the faint scent of her perfume. Her skin tingled with anticipation, her mind racing with possibilities of what might happen once they were alone.

Emily’s hand trembled slightly as she turned the doorknob, and as soon as they were inside, with the door safely closed behind them, the energy in the room shifted palpably. JJ leaned against the door, her eyes dark with desire.
"Finally," she murmured.
Emily’s breath caught in her throat as she took a step closer to JJ.
"I could barely focus on anything they were
saying. All I could think about was... this."
JJ reached out, her fingers ghosting along Emily’s jawline.
"Are you sure?" she asked.

Instead of answering, Emily closed the distance between them, capturing JJ's lips in a searing kiss. All the pent-up longing and desire she'd been suppressing throughout dinner poured into that kiss. JJ responded eagerly, her hands tangling in Emily’s hair as she deepened the kiss. They stumbled backwards, not breaking contact, until the backs of Emily’s knees hit the edge of the bed. She sat down, pulling JJ with her. JJ straddled her lap, her fingers working to unbutton Emily’s blouse as they kissed.

"Is this okay?"
"Yes, I want this," Emily whispered.
As JJ’s fingers trailed down her newly exposed skin, Emily shivered with pleasure. This was all so new, so exhilarating. She'd never felt this level of desire before, this urgent need to touch and be touched. As JJ’s fingers traced delicate patterns across Emily’s skin, it was as if every nerve ending in her body suddenly awakened. Her senses were heightened to an overwhelming degree - the soft whisper of fabric as it slid off her shoulders, the intoxicating scent of JJ’s perfume mingled with the faint musk of arousal, the taste of JJ’s lips still lingering on her tongue.

Colours seemed more vivid, sounds more crisp, and every brush of skin against skin felt exquisitely magnified. Emily marvelled at how her body responded so eagerly, so instinctively to JJ’s caresses. It was as if she had been in a sensory slumber her entire life, and JJ’s touch was finally rousing her to full, glorious wakefulness.
JJ’s lips moved to Emily’s neck, placing soft, open mouthed kisses along her pulse point, and Emily tilted her head back, giving her better access while a soft moan escaped her lips.
"Shh," JJ cautioned, though Emily could hear the smile in her voice.
"We don't want your family to hear."
Emily moaned again, a little louder this time. She couldn't help it, couldn't hold it in. This was their secret, a stolen moment of passion in the midst of their charade. Her hands, which had been resting tentatively on JJ’s hips, grew bolder. She slid them up JJ’s sides, reveling in the soft warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her shirt, and JJ arched into her touch, her breathing quickening.

Emily’s breath came in shallow, uneven bursts as JJ gently turned them around and pushed her down onto the bed. She felt the soft mattress beneath her, but her entire focus was on JJ-on the way her hands moved with a knowing tenderness, the way her lips found new places on Emily’s skin that made her gasp in delight. JJ steadied herself over Emily and stared down at her.
"I want to find out what you like," she whispered.
"How does this feel?" She wedged her hand into Emily’s bra and cupped her breast, her thumb skimming her nipple. Emily gasped, barely able to respond.

She nodded, her lips parting in a breathless affirmation. "Yes..." she whispered.
JJ’s touch was light, exploratory-fingertips trailing softly down her arm now, brushing over her collarbone, her breath a warm whisper against Emily’s skin. Every new touch sent sparks of sensation coursing through her body, each one more thrilling than the last. JJ seemed to sense Emily’s every need, every shift in her breathing,
every flutter of anticipation.

"Can I take this off?" JJ asked as her hand moved to Emily’s waist and down, tracing delicate lines over her jeans, following the curve of her hip.
"Yes," Emily breathed, her voice almost lost in the intensity of the moment.
"Yes. Please."
JJ’s lips met hers again while she unbuttoned her jeans, softer this time but no less insistent. Then she moved back and pulled them off, and Emily was left in only her black, lace bra and panties. She'd chosen them carefully for tonight, imagining JJ’s eyes on her, but now that she was near-naked, she felt exposed and vulnerable.
"You're so beautiful," JJ whispered, staring at her for what seemed like an eternity.

"Are you okay?"
"Uh-huh," Emily murmured after a beat. She wanted nothing more than to have JJ all over her, and she reached behind her and unclipped her bra, tossing it to the side.
"I'm all yours."
JJ’s breath hitched at the sight of Emily bared beneath her, and she leaned in, capturing her lips in another deep kiss, slow and sensual this time. Her hands moved with practiced ease, tracing along the newly exposed skin, her touch reverent yet filled with undeniable hunger. She lowered herself on top of Emily and they both sighed in delight at the contact. Her weight felt delicious, perfect in so many ways, and Emily squirmed underneath her, her
body begging for more as JJ wedged a thigh between her legs.

Emily gasped softly as JJ’s hands explored her, dipping lower, igniting a fire in her core. She clutched at JJ, her fingers trailing up her back, desperate to feel more, to bring her closer. JJ's fingers slipped into her panties and Emily moaned as she found her most intimate spot. The touch was tentative at first, gentle strokes of her clit that sent shivers cascading through her entire body. She arched into JJ's hand, instinctively seeking more, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps as the tension inside her began to coil tighter, winding with each brush of JJ's fingers against her sensitive skin.

"Yes...fuck this feels so good." she breathed. The sensations were overwhelming, each touch sending ripples of pleasure coursing through her. JJ smiled down at her before her lips grazed Emily’s earlobe.
"I want to taste you."
Emily whimpered in response, her hands gripping the sheets beneath her, her hips rolling against JJ’s touch as her mouth moved lower. Over her neck, her collarbone, her breasts. JJ's tongue flicked over her nipple, making her cry out in delight. She was so sensitive, so completely attuned that the lightest touch felt like an electric shock. She gasped, her back arching off the bed as JJ's mouth continued its torturous descent, her lips trailing hot kisses down her stomach, her teeth grazing over her skin while her hands found her breasts and massaged them.

Emily trembled in anticipation, her entire body taut with need, waiting for the moment when JJ would finally claim her, sending her spiraling into a pleasure so intense she could hardly comprehend it. JJ's mouth moved lower still, her kisses becoming
slower, more deliberate, as if savoring every inch of Emily’s skin. Emily’s breaths came faster, shallow with anticipation, her body quivering with longing. When JJ finally reached the edge of her panties, she
paused, her fingers teasingly tracing along the waistband, building the tension even further.

Emily whimpered, her hips lifting off the bed involuntarily, silently begging JJ to continue, to push her over the edge she was so desperately hovering on. JJ looked up to meet her eyes and smiled, clearly enjoying the control she had, and after a moment of exquisite teasing, she slid Emily’s panties down, leaving her completely bare beneath her gaze. JJ lowered herself between Emily’s thighs, her breath hot and tantalizing against her skin. The moment her mouth made contact with Emily’s clit, a shockwave of pleasure rippled through Emily’s body, and she gasped, her hands immediately finding JJ’s hair, her fingers gripping tightly as JJ’s tongue worked its magic. Each flick, each stroke sent her higher, building the pressure inside her until
she thought she might break apart. JJ was relentless, her touch expert, knowing exactly how to bring her to the brink of ecstasy.

The world dissolved around her, and
the only thing that mattered was this-JJ’s mouth on her, and the overwhelming pleasure coursing through her veins.
“Fuck, JJ. Right there baby. Feels so good.”
Emily’s body was thrumming with a feverish intensity while JJ’s mouth and hands skillfully pushed her closer and closer to the edge.
“You taste so good, Em.” JJ breathed out in between flicks of her tongue on Emily’s clit.
The sensations were all-consuming, her mind fogging with pure bliss as every muscle in her body tightened in anticipation of release. And then, with one final stroke of JJ’s tongue, Emily shattered. Pleasure surged through her in powerful waves, and she cried out, her body trembling uncontrollably as she was lost to the overwhelming force of her climax. She clung to JJ, her fingers tangled in her hair as the ecstasy consumed her completely.

As the last tremors of pleasure subsided, Emily collapsed, utterly spent. Her breath came in short, shallow bursts, her body deliciously warm and tingling all over. JJ crawled up beside her, resting her head on Emily’s chest as she gently stroked her side, both of them basking in the quiet aftermath of their intimacy. Emily gazed at her with awe and affection, feeling a deep sense of connection and contentment. JJ wiped her chin and shot Emily a wicked smile of satisfaction. All Emily could do was let out a loud laugh, as she wrapped her arms around JJ and closed her eyes, their hearts still racing in unison as they held each other close. She felt an undeniable sense that nothing would ever be the same again.

Chapter Text

Emily’s body trembled as she lay next to JJ, every part of her alive with sensation. The rush of their shared intimacy was still coursing through her, and her fingers couldn't seem to stop moving, tracing circles on JJ’s skin, marvelling at the softness of her body beneath her touch. She'd never felt this way before-so out of control, yet perfectly in tune with someone else. The vulnerability of allowing herself to be touched, to touch in return, had shaken her. She had spent so much of her life building walls, keeping her emotions in check, afraid to let anyone in.

But JJ... In a matter of days, had slipped past all of her defenses without even trying. And now, Emily couldn't help but wonder if she was ready for what came next. JJ lay beside her, her eyes closed, her breathing calm and even, a small smile on her lips. It was clear she was content, maybe even happy. Emily watched her for a moment, her heart aching with affection. She swallowed hard, trying to push down the emotion that was rising in her chest. She felt raw, exposed. JJ had taken her somewhere she had never been before, and now Emily was unsure of how to navigate the feelings that were swirling within her. She shifted slightly and propped herself up on one elbow. For a long moment, Emily simply stared at her, the weight of everything unsaid between them settling in the pit of her stomach.

"JJ," she finally whispered.
"Hmm?" JJ murmured, pulling her closer.
Emily hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. She wanted to say so many things-to express the whirlwind of emotions inside her-but the words seemed caught in her throat.
"Can I... Can I touch you?"
JJ turned on her side too, to face her in the moonlight. There was a pause, during which Emily could almost feel JJ’s mind processing her words, and then JJ nodded.
"Of course," she said. "If you want."
Emily didn't trust her voice enough to speak, so she simply nodded in return. JJ reached out, guiding Emily’s hand.
"Just follow my lead," JJ said quietly, her tone soothing and encouraging.

Her hand trembled as she traced her fingers over JJ's skin. She could feel JJ's pulse quickening, beneath her fingertips, and slowly, JJ guided her hand down over her chest. Her fingers brushed over the curve of her breast, and JJ let out a soft sigh.
"That feels so good," JJ whispered.
"Just take your time."
Emily nodded, her throat tight with emotion. She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on the feeling of JJ's curves. Slowly, she allowed herself to relax, to let go of the fear and doubt that had been holding her back. She leaned in, brushing her lips against JJ's neck, tasting the salt of her skin.

JJ let out a soft moan, her hands tightening around Emily’s. They kissed, moved against each other, and soon, Emily stopped overthinking her actions. Something had shifted inside her. A soft, powerful release as she let go of the last bit of anxiety that had been holding her back. Her movements became fluid, instinctual, as she followed the rhythm of JJ's body, curiously exploring the delicate lines and soft planes of her skin. Every inch of JJ felt like a discovery, each small sound or sigh drawing her deeper into the moment. She was so soft, so feminine, so deliciously different.

Emily’s breath hitched as her hand slid lower, grazing the curve of JJ's hip and dipping into the warmth between her thighs. Heat radiated against her palm, and she gasped softly, both in surprise and desire, as she felt the slickness beneath her touch. The sensation was overwhelming -soft and wet, and inviting in a way that sent a jolt of pure, unfiltered want surging through her.
“Fuck. You’re so wet baby.” Emily practically moaned out.
“You have that effect on me.”
JJ moaned softly, arching her back in response, and the sound only spurred Emily on, emboldened her. She began to explore more confidently, her fingers slipping deeper into JJ's heat, drawing out quiet gasps of pleasure. It was intoxicating-this feeling of control, of giving and receiving in equal measure.

She could feel the way JJ responded to every stroke, every press of her hand, in a beautiful, unspoken rhythm that bound them together. JJ's breathing quickened, her body moving against Emily’s hand with increasing urgency.
“You’re doing so good Em. Right there…. Don’t stop fucking me like that.”
Emily wasn't just exploring JJ's body; she was discovering her own ability to let go, to embrace the moment without fear. And with every breath, every shared touch, Emily felt herself falling deeper into JJ-into this new, unexpected place where vulnerability felt safe, where desire met emotion in perfect harmony.
“Fuck……I’m gunna come.”

“Come for me, baby. Let me feel how much you want me.”

And then JJ let go, her body surrendering, arching beneath Emily’s touch. A soft, breathless cry escaped her, the sound delicate yet filled with the raw intensity of pleasure. Emily watched in awe as JJ’s eyes fluttered shut, her lashes casting shadows on her flushed cheeks, her mouth slightly parted as she gasped for air. Her body quivered, her muscles tightening and releasing in waves that rippled through her like a force of nature. Her hands clutched at the sheets, her knuckles white with tension, and then relaxed as she gave in fully to the sensation.

Emily’s eyes were drawn to the small details-the way JJ's brow furrowed slightly in concentration before smoothing out in relief, the way her lips curved into the faintest smile as the pleasure ebbed and flowed through her. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her breaths shallow and quick, a sheen of sweat glistening on her skin. JJ’s face was a portrait of beauty, a mixture of pleasure and peace, her features softening as her body settled back into Emily’s embrace. Her moans tapered off into quiet whimpers, her fingers loosening their grip as she found Emily’s hand, squeezing it as though grounding herself. She held JJ close and listened to her breathing. The room was quiet apart from the occasional creak of the bed as they shifted slightly to nestle deeper into each other.

Emily wrapped her arms around JJ, pulling in, their bodies fitting together perfectly as if they were always meant to lie this way. Pressing a soft kiss to the top of JJ's head, her heart felt full and achingly tender. She didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but for now, that was okay. As JJ's breathing grew steady and rhythmic, signalling her drift into sleep, Emily closed her eyes and let herself be fully present. She held onto the stillness, the quiet comfort that enveloped them both. Emily allowed herself to be still, to embrace the quiet and the weight of all that had changed.

She knew this Christmas would be different-there would be no sound of her father's voice, no familiar presence that once anchored her. That loss, deep and unshakable, would always be with her. But lying here, with JJ cradled in her arms, she also knew she had found something unexpected, something precious that softened the ache of grief. In the fragile peace of this moment, she realised that even in the absence of what she had lost, there was room for new beginnings, for love, and for the quiet promise of hope.

Chapter Text

As Emily and JJ descended the stairs hand in hand, the usual peaceful morning atmosphere of the Prentiss family estate had been replaced by a flurry of activity. The grand foyer bustled with people carrying ladders, boxes of ornaments, and strings of lights. Decorators in matching uniforms scurried about, their voices echoing off the high ceilings as they called out instructions and requests to one another.

JJ stopped short at the bottom of the stairs and stared at the display.
"What on earth is going on?" she asked, turning to Emily with a bewildered expression.
"The Christmas decorations are going up," she said.
"We always do it just before Christmas to make it extra special. Aunt Lara is in charge of the whole operation with the help of a stylist and her team."
As if on cue, Aunt Lara appeared from the great room, her normally serene demeanor replaced by an air of excitement. She was deep in conversation with a woman who was showing her something on an iPad.

"Of course you have a stylist and a team to do your Christmas decorations," JJ said, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I just assumed you wouldn't have any decorations since we're not at your actual home." Emily chuckled.
"Oh, this is very much a home for us during the holidays. And Aunt Lara takes the decorating very seriously."
As they made their way through the foyer, carefully sidestepping ladders and piles of garland, they spotted Emma and Jack amidst the chaos. The children were gleefully helping a pair of decorators untangle a massive string of lights, their laughter ringing out above the general din.

"Good morning, you two," Emily called out.
"Having fun?"
Emma looked up, her face beaming.
"Emily! JJ! Come see what we're doing! Mr. Thompson said we could help hang the lights on the big tree in the great room!"
The decorator working with the children smiled warmly.
"They've been a great help," he said.
"We always love having little assistants."
JJ knelt down next to Emma, examining the lights.
"Wow, these are going to look amazing. You're doing a great job."
"What about you?" Emily asked as JJ stood back up.
"What do you usually do for Christmas decorations?"
"Oh, nothing like this," she said with a small laugh.
"I rent a tiny one-bedroom apartment, so there's not really room for a tree. But I like to decorate my bedroom - some fairy lights, a few ornaments. It makes it feel cozy at night. My parents go all out though, and I usually spend Christmas with them. They even have a Santa scarecrow."

She looked around the foyer again, shaking her head in amazement.
"I've never seen anything like this, though. It's incredible."
Emily followed JJ's gaze, taking in the controlled chaos around them. The stylist was now striding through the foyer, her heels clicking authoritatively on the hardwood floor as she called out instructions.
"We need the Swarovski crystal snowflakes for the chandelier," she announced, barely looking up from her iPad.
"And someone please tell me the hand blown glass icicles have arrived. We can't do the window treatments without them."

A harried-looking assistant scurried after her, jotting down notes and relaying instructions.
"It looks more like a renovation than decorating," JJ said as she watched a team carefully maneuver an enormous fir tree through the front door.
"I know it seems a bit... drastic," she admitted.
"But trust me, it'll be worth it once it's all done. Aunt Lara has impeccable taste, and she always manages to create something truly magical."
As they made their way through the house, Emily realised she hadn't let go of JJ's hand since they'd come downstairs. The memory of their shared shower that morning sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. It all felt so beautiful, exciting, and so right, that she'd barely given it a second thought.

They entered the kitchen, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries provided a comforting contrast to the chaos in the rest of the house. Uncle Robert was seated at the kitchen island, a newspaper spread out before him and a steaming mug in hand. As they approached, Emily noticed curious looks from her family members. Aunt Vivian, who was buttering a croissant, paused mid-motion to study them. Even Uncle Robert peered at them over the top of his reading glasses
with an expression Emily couldn't quite decipher. A knot of anxiety formed in Emily's stomach. Did they somehow know more than she thought? Had they discovered that she'd asked JJ to play the role of her
fiancée? How?

She hadn't told anyone. Even though there was little acting involved anymore, the revelation would still ruin everything - and though she didn't care much of what Aunt Vivian and her cousin Theresa thought of her, she did care about her relationship with Uncle Robert and Aunt Lara.
"Good morning, you two," Uncle Robert said, his eyes twinkling with something Emily couldn't quite place.
"Sleep well? Feeling better?"
Emily felt her cheeks warm.
"Yes, thank you," she managed, trying to keep her voice steady.
"You're looking particularly radiant this morning, Emily," he continued, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"It's so nice to see you happy."
It was then that Emily caught sight of her reflection in the polished surface of the refrigerator. She was grinning like an idiot, her whole face lit up with a joy she couldn't hide if she tried. The knot in her stomach loosened as she realised the truth - they weren't looking at her with suspicion, but with happiness and perhaps surprise at seeing her so clearly content.

"Thank you," she said, her smile growing even wider.
"I suppose I'm just excited about the decorations."
JJ gave her a kiss on the cheek, and Emily leaned into her. She'd become addicted to the physical contact and now she was craving it all the time.
"Well, don't let us keep you," Aunt Vivian said, waving them towards the coffee pot.
"I'm sure you'll want to see how the decorating is coming along in the rest of the house."
As they fixed their coffees, Emily reflected on how different everything felt. She'd been dreading this family gathering, nervous about lying to her family. Now, with JJ by her side, she found herself excited about every moment - even the chaos of over-the-top Christmas decorating. They made their way to the great room, where the enormous fir tree was now standing proudly in the corner. A team of decorators swarmed around it, carefully hanging delicate ornaments and draping strings of lights with precision.

“Oh, wow," JJ breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.
"That's a seriously big tree." Then she frowned and turned to Emily.
"Wait... I don't have a present for you."
Emily laughed and leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper.
"Don't worry, that's all taken care of. I bought myself a present from you and vice versa."
"Oh..." JJ laughed along.
"Of course. You came prepared." She paused, meeting Emily’s eyes.
"But still, now I wish I could get you something more personal. Now that things have, well... changed."
"Yeah, me too." Emily cupped her cheek and kissed her. "
Maybe next year? If this works out and-"

"Ellie!" The stylist's voice cut through Emily’s words.
"We need the family tree topper," she called out.
"It should be in a blue velvet box."
While the assistant rushed to locate the elusive tree topper, Emily and JJ sat on the sofa to observe the chaos. JJ turned to her and put an arm around her.
"Yeah, next year," she said sweetly, pulling Emily into the crook of her arm.

Chapter Text

Snowflakes danced in the fading light outside the bedroom window, and Emily stood transfixed, watching the gentle cascade of white against the darkening sky. The sight was undeniably romantic, and she felt unexpectedly moved by the beauty of it all.
"It's magical, isn't it?" JJ's voice came from behind her. Emily turned, a smile playing on her lips.
"It really is." Her gaze shifted from the snowy scene outside to the woman before her. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of JJ in the red satin dress she had bought for JJ.
The dress hugged JJ’s curves in all the right places, the bright colour a striking contrast against her fair skin and blonde hair. The satin shimmered in the warm light of the bedroom, accentuating every graceful movement as JJ adjusted the thin straps on her shoulders.

Emily stared at her, mesmerised by the way the fabric draped and clung to JJ’s body. She'd always appreciated beauty, of course, but this was different. This was a visceral reaction, a pull she felt deep in her core.
"You look absolutely stunning," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. JJ's cheeks flushed at the compliment, a shy smile spreading across her face.
"Thank you," she said, her eyes meeting Emily’s.
"But you... you're breathtaking."
Emily glanced down at her own outfit - a black slip dress from the 1990s, its sleek lines a stark contrast to JJ's more dramatic gown. The dress was simple, elegant, with thin spaghetti straps and a hem that fell just below her knees. She'd paired it with strappy heels and minimal jewellery, letting the dress speak for itself.

"Thank you," she said.
"This dress... it's special to me."
JJ's eyebrows raised slightly, a question in her eyes.
"It was my mother's," she explained.
"Wearing it is a bit of a Christmas tradition for me."
JJ’s expression softened.
"Oh, Emily..."
"After she passed," Emily continued, her fingers absently tracing the delicate lace trim at the neckline,
"I kept a few of her pieces. I wear them on special occasions."
"That's a beautiful tradition." JJ's eyes shimmered with emotion, and she reached out to take Emily’s hand in hers. Emily squeezed JJ’s hand, feeling a rush of affection.

"Don't worry," she said, noting the hint of sadness in JJ's eyes.
"It's a good thing, I promise. It makes me feel closer to her."
"Tell me about her?" JJ asked, leading Emily to sit on the edge of the bed. Emily smiled, a bittersweet ache in her chest as memories flooded back.
"She was... incredible," she began.
"Warm, vibrant, always laughing. She had this ability to make everyone around her feel special, you know?"
JJ nodded, her thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of Emily's hand.
"She was the heart of our family. Dad was always so focused on the his work, but Mom... even though she was a diplomat, she made sure we had traditions, that we took time to just be together. This dress," she gestured to her outfit,
"she wore it to a Christmas party the year before she got sick. I remember thinking she looked like a movie star."

"I can see where you get your elegance from," JJ said. Emily laughed lightly.
"Oh, I don't know about that. Mom had a grace I could never match. But she always encouraged me to be myself, to follow my passions. She's the reason I joined the FBI and went into law enforcement, actually. She saw how much I loved cop shows and stuff like that, even as a kid."
"She sounds wonderful," JJ said.
"I wish I could have met her."
"Me too," Emily replied, surprised by how much she meant it.
"She would have loved you."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with implication as Emily realised the depth of what she'd just said. It wasn't just that her mother would have approved of JJ as a friend. No, she would have loved JJ as the person who had captured Emily’s heart.

"What about your dad?" JJ asked.
"Your first Christmas without him must be hard." Emily nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat.
"Yeah," she said, her voice thick with emotion.
"It's been seven and a half months, but sometimes it still doesn't feel real."
JJ wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. Emily leaned into the embrace, drawing comfort from JJ's warmth.
"He was brilliant," she said.
"Brilliant in his business, always pushing for more, better, bigger. He loved Mom so much and he was a hopeless romantic around her but after she died, it was like he threw himself into work even more to avoid dealing with the grief. He never wanted to talk about her; I don't think he could."

She paused, remembering the long days at home, the quiet dinners where conversation revolved around just work talk.
"I think that's part of why I did the same after my father's passing," she admitted.
"It was easier to focus on the job than to face the empty spaces they left behind, probably why I haven’t opened up to the team as much as I would have liked."
A tear slipped down Emily’s cheek, and JJ gently wiped it away with her thumb.
"Oh, sweetheart," she murmured.
The term of endearment, spoken so naturally, made Emily's heart swell. She turned her face into JJ’s hand, pressing a kiss to her palm.

"It's okay," Emily said, managing a small smile.
"Being here, with you... it's helping. More than I ever expected."
"I'm glad," JJ said softly.
"You deserve all the happiness in the world."
The sincerity in JJ's voice made Emily’s chest tighten with emotion. She wanted so badly in that moment to tell JJ everything - about the will, about the marriage clause, about how what had started as silly work arrangement had become the most real thing in her life.

But the words stuck in her throat. She was afraid - afraid of bursting this bubble of happiness they'd created, afraid of tainting what they had with the complications of her inheritance. And if she was honest with herself, she was afraid of how JJ might react. Would she feel betrayed? Would she think that everything between them had been a calculated move on Emily’s part? So instead of speaking, Emily leaned in and kissed her, and JJ responded immediately, her lips soft and yielding against Emily’s.

The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Girls?" Aunt Lara's voice called from the hallway.
"Everyone's gathering downstairs for drinks before dinner. Are you almost ready?"
Emily cleared her throat, trying to shake off the intensity of the moment.
"Yes, Aunt Lara," she called back.
"We'll be down in just a minute."
They heard Aunt Lara's footsteps retreating down the hallway. JJ stood, smoothing out her dress.
"Well, I suppose we should make an appearance."
Emily nodded, rising to her feet. When she moved to the full-length mirror and applied lipstick, she caught JJ’s reflection watching her.

"What?" She met her eyes with a smile.
JJ shook her head, as if coming out of a daze.
"Nothing. I just like watching you. You have this quiet grace about you. It's beautiful."
Emily blushed at the compliment. She turned to face JJ, suddenly overwhelmed by the depth of her feelings for this woman who had been practically a stranger before they arrived even though they worked together. She closed the distance between them, contemplating kissing JJ again with the risk of smudging her with lipstick, but another knock at the door startled them out of their reverie. This time, it was Theresa's voice that called out, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"If you two lovebirds are quite finished, the rest of the family is waiting. Some of us would like to eat sometime this century."
"We're coming!" Emily called back, then turned to JJ with a mischievous grin.
"She's just jealous. I bet she hasn't been laid since Emma was conceived."

Chapter Text

The grand dining room of the Prentiss family estate had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Garlands of evergreen and holly adorned the walls, their rich green hues punctuated by the bright red of berries. Twinkling fairy lights were woven through the greenery, casting a warm, magical glow over the room. The enormous crystal chandelier that hung above the table had been adorned with delicate glass icicles, catching and refracting the light in mesmerising patterns. At the center of the long mahogany table stood an elaborate centerpiece - made of pine branches that surrounded tall candles. The fine china place settings gleamed in the soft light, each one accompanied by polished silver cutlery and crystal wine glasses.

Emily glanced around at her family, all dressed in their holiday best. Aunt Vivian wore a shimmering gold cocktail dress, while Uncle Robert looked distinguished in a dark green velvet jacket. Of course the children, Emma and Jack, had been coaxed into festive attire too, though Jack was already fidgeting with his bow tie. The kitchen team had truly outdone themselves this year, pulling out all the stops to create a memorable feast. For the starter, they had served a delicate butternut squash soup, garnished with a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds.

The rich, velvety texture and warm, comforting flavours had set the perfect tone for the meal to come. The main course had been a masterpiece of culinary artistry - a perfectly roasted rack of lamb, its exterior crisp and golden, and tender and pink within, accompanied by a medley of roasted winter vegetables glazed with honey and herbs and creamy dauphinoise potatoes. As the main course was cleared away and dessert was being prepared, Uncle Robert stood at the head of the table, tapping his wine glass with a spoon to call for attention.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to him expectantly.
"If I could have everyone's attention for a moment," he began.
"I'd like to propose a toast."
Emily felt a flutter of anticipation in her stomach. Her uncle's toasts were always heartfelt, often touching on family history and shared memories. She reached for her wine glass, her other hand finding JJ's under the table.
"First and foremost," Uncle Robert said,
"I want to remember my dear brother, Weston." He paused, taking a deep breath as his eyes glistened.
“This is our first Christmas without him, and his absence is... deeply felt."
Emily felt a lump form in her throat, her vision blurring as tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked rapidly, trying to maintain her composure.
"Weston was more than just my brother," Uncle Robert continued, his voice wavering slightly.
"He was my best friend, and one of the finest men I've ever known. His passion for life, his dedication to this family, and his unwavering love for his wife and daughter were truly inspiring."

He turned to Emily, a sad smile on his face.
"Emily, my dear, I can only imagine how much you must miss him tonight. Your father loved you more than anything in this world, and I know how proud he was of you."
A tear trickled down Emily’s cheek, and she felt JJ’s arm slip around her.
"To Weston," Uncle Robert said, raising his glass.
"May his memory be a blessing to us all."
The family echoed the toast, a chorus of
"To Weston"
filling the room as glasses clinked together. Emily took a sip of her wine, the rich flavour barely registering as she fought to control her emotions. After a moment of respectful silence, Uncle Robert cleared his throat.
"Now," he said, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth,
"I don't want this evening to be solely about our loss. Weston wouldn't have wanted that. In fact, I'd like to propose a second toast - this time, to love."

All eyes were fixed on Emily and JJ now, and Emily shifted in her seat, a little uncomfortable.
"You see," he said,
"all your father ever wanted was for you to find someone to love as much as he loved your mother. And if he could see you now, Emily... well, I think he'd be over the moon."
Emily felt a rush of conflicting emotions - joy at the genuine happiness she'd found with JJ, however new and fragile, guilt over the deception that had brought them together, and a gnawing anxiety about what her uncle might say next.

"The love between you two is palpable." Uncle Robert gestured to them with his wine glass.
"It's a joy to see, truly. And I think I speak for all of us when I say how happy we are for you both."
Murmurs of agreement rippled around the table, but Emily noticed Theresa remained silent.
“In fact," Uncle Robert continued, his expression growing more serious,
"I genuinely believe that's why in his will-"

Panic surged through Emily. Her heart began to race as she realised where her uncle's speech was heading. She couldn't let him reveal the details of the will - not here, not now. JJ didn't know about the marriage clause behind their fake arrangement. Emily had been planning to tell her, of course, but back in DC, when they were alone and she could explain everything properly. But not now. Not here.

Without thinking, she reached out and struck the neck of the wine bottle. Time seemed to slow as she watched the expensive bottle of Barolo topple, red wine gushing across the pristine white tablecloth like a crimson tide. There was a moment of stunned silence, and then chaos erupted. Chairs scraped against the floor as family members leapt to their feet, trying to avoid the spreading stain. Aunt Vivian let out a dismayed cry as wine splashed onto her golden dress, while Jack and Emma giggled at the unexpected excitement.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" Emily exclaimed, grabbing her napkin and ineffectually dabbing at the rapidly expanding puddle.
"I'm such a klutz, I don't know what happened!"

JJ was on her feet in an instant, helping Emily mop up the mess while simultaneously trying to salvage the elaborate centerpiece. Uncle Robert, his toast forgotten, was calling for the staff to bring more napkins and a fresh tablecloth. As the family and staff bustled around, trying to contain the damage, Emily caught sight of Theresa. Unlike the others, her cousin hadn't moved to help. Instead, she remained seated, her narrowed eyes fixed on Emily with an intensity that made her blood run cold. In that moment, as their gazes locked across the table,
Emily knew that Theresa had seen through her clumsy act. Her cousin's lips curled into a knowing smirk, and Emily could almost see the wheels turning in Theresa's mind, calculating how to use this information to her advantage.

Emily turned away, her hands shaking as she continued to dab at the spilled wine. She felt JJ's arm wrap around her waist, steadying her.
"Hey," she murmured.
"It's okay. Accidents happen."
Emily nodded, not trusting herself to speak. How long could she keep up this charade? How long before Theresa found a way to expose her?
"Don't worry about it, dear," her aunt Lara said kindly, patting her arm.
"We'll have this cleaned up in minutes."
"But your dress..."
"It's just a dress and look, they're already bringing over a clean tablecloth. See? Nothing to worry about."

Emily wasn't worried about her aunt's dress or the tablecloth, but she couldn't tell her that. Then her eyes drifted to Theresa again, who was still watching her like a hawk. She knew that her cousin wouldn't let this go, and she had to make absolutely sure not to leave JJ alone with Theresa. Perhaps it would be best if she told JJ the truth sooner rather than later.