Prentiss and Reid began walking toward the balcony. Its entrance was through ceiling-to-floor glass doors. They were open, and a cool breeze blew through the archway. It brushed past Prentiss' shoulder. She shivered a little and felt goosebumps tickle up her arm. She couldn't tell if it was from the cold or from standing next to Reid.
They stepped onto the balcony. It was hexagonal, and the other 5 sides weren't connected to anything. It felt almost as if they were hovering above the earth. The walls came up to around Prentiss' hips, and they were lined with deep red brickwork. Here and there, Reid spotted a brick with a sparkle, perhaps a piece of glass or a grain of sand.
The moon was full. It shone down on Prentiss and Reid, making just enough light that they could see each other. But it was dim enough to keep the mood mysterious. It also kept Reid from seeing Prentiss pick her nails out of nervousness.
"Well," she started, "this is it. I just like the view because you can see the river. Sometimes there's a stray boat that glides through the river. Usually a tour boat. Or romantic tourists." She looked up at Reid. He was standing behind her, and a little to the left, looking out at the water. The city lights were reflecting onto the river, making it shimmer and sparkle in the moonlight.
"It- it's- beautiful up here," he stammered.
"Yeah." Prentiss smiled. She peered to the right of the balcony. "Oh. There's that stray boat."
Reid chuckled a little. Another breeze flew past them. This one was sharper, crisper, colder. Prentiss shivered.
"It's a little colder than usual up here," she admitted. She held her right wrist with her left hand and began to draw it up her arm in an attempt to warm herself up. She felt goosebumps on her forearm, her elbow, her biceps, her shoulders…
She felt another hand on her shoulder. She looked to her right and saw a gentle hand squeezing it. She gasped and looked to her left. Reid's right arm was wrapped around her, and he was smiling shyly at her.
"Sorry," he said. "I, uh, didn't mean to scare you. If you want I can-"
"No, please. It's fine. It's nice. I just wasn't expecting you to-"
"I wasn't either. I mean I've never done-"
"Me neither."
Prentiss just looked up at Reid. She didn't know that he had the ability to understand her like he did. He didn't know that either. She saw his mouth slowly turn up and a subtle smirk emerge. She blushed and looked down at her feet. A smile grew on her face, and she felt her stomach start to flutter.
Reid reached for her chin and lifted it up. His eyes met her and a chill went down her spine. He brushed his hand against her cheek. She turned towards it and looked back at Reid. His hand reached for her hand. He softly held a strand and ran it behind her ear. He hooked his hand behind her neck and pulled her close, close, closer, until…
His lips met hers. Prentiss tensed for a moment, then suddenly was overcome with a feeling of relief and happiness. She ran her hand up his arm and pulled him in closer. She could feel his hand running through her hair as she took a breath. In that instant, she gazed at him, and saw passion in his eyes. He embraced her again and met her lips with his. They continued this game of kiss and breath until Prentiss took the last breath. She looked at Reid, and when he routinely went towards her again, she turned away. He thought it was just Prentiss being a tease, but her eyes grew wide and worried.
"I- I- I can't do this," she cried and ran back inside.
"Emily! Em!" He called after her, but she had already made it inside and was already lost in the crowds. Reid's jaw dropped and he began to shake. What have I done, he thought. Did I scare her? I didn't know what I was doing. I have to go find her…
He ran his hand through his hair and ran inside, determined to find Emily.
