Emily Prentiss arrived early at the BAU for her first day of work a bit nervous. She wasn't sure how long she would be here, Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner made that clear, but, at least, he was willing to give her a chance to prove herself.

She made her way up to Hotch's office.

"Emily, you're here."

"Yes, sir. What would you like me to do?"

"The team won't be here for a while, but I'm going to have our Media Liaison, JJ, get you situated and go over protocols for the BAU with you. Her office is right down the walkway on the right."

"Yes, sir."

Emily made her way down the hallway to the office that said Jennifer Jareau. She assumed that's what Hotch meant by JJ. She knocked softly.

"Come in," JJ said, not quite looking up from the case file she was reading.

"Agent Jareau. I'm Agent Prentiss. Hotch said I should come see you with help getting settled in."

JJ still hadn't looked up.

"Oh, that's right. Yes, Agent Prentiss, I'll..." JJ went to stand and finally looked up and froze.

At the same time, the two women's eyes met. "Emily?" JJ asked.

"Jennifer?" Emily replied. Both women's mouths were hanging open.

Both women stood in silence for a moment before JJ tried to compose herself.

"Um, yes, Agent Prentiss. I'll be right there to go over protocol with you." JJ wasn't sure what she was supposed to say, so she thought ignoring it would work for now.

"Of course. Thank you, Agent Jareau," Emily said as she walked out and took her place at her desk, finally able to catch her breath.

This was going to be awkward.

Three Months Earlier.

Emily Prentiss had just arrived in D.C. for an extended weekend. Her mother, an Ambassador, had been insistent that she visit, and Emily had put it off as long as she could. She was an FBI agent working in the midwest and stayed pretty busy. In fact, she couldn't remember when she had four entire work-free days.

She arrived in DC early Friday morning, checked into her hotel. Her mother had put up a slight fight at her staying in a hotel instead of with her, but they both knew this would be more comfortable for the both of them.

Her first night in town, Emily decided to hit up a bar nearby her hotel room. Over the years, she had gotten used to being alone, so the idea of going by herself didn't bother her.

When she arrived there was a decent crowd, but it wasn't too packed. Emily found a seat at the bar. She found sitting at the bar was the best way to meet new people and hear interesting stories. If there was one thing Emily enjoyed, it was studying other people.

After a long week, SSA Jennifer Jareau, or JJ as her friends called her, and Penelope Garcia had decided they needed a girls night out. They hadn't been out in a while, and felt like it would be good for them to get out.

They headed out to McCallan's in DC for a few drinks, not interested in anything but relaxing and having a good time. Garcia was one of the few people that knew JJ was bi-sexual, and also knew that lately, she had been more asexual than anything else. She wanted JJ to get out and meet people, enjoy life a little. When she saw the dark-haired woman at the bar that seemed to keep looking at JJ, Garcia began to put her plan into motion.

"Love, why don't you go up to the bar and get us another round?" Garcia suggested. "It's on me."

"Wow, you're drinking quite a bit more than normal tonight," JJ said. She didn't know that Garcia was pouring part of her drinks out while JJ wasn't watching.

"I'll be fine. Besides, I can always call my chocolate thunder to pick me up," Garcia assured her. "Now, go get my drink."

JJ obeyed and headed up to the bar. It was the third trip she had made that night. She found a spot to order next to Emily Prentiss, and casually said hello as she waited for the bartender.

"She'll be back in a minute. I think they needed to restock the Tito's," Emily said as JJ waited for her order to be taken. She stuck her hand out. "I'm Emily."

"Jennifer. Nice to meet you," JJ said.

"Likewise," Emily said.

The two women smiled shyly at each other.

"So, do you come here often?" Emily asked. She couldn't deny that she was attracted to the blonde.

"Every now and then," JJ replied. She also felt attracted to the older brunette. "What about you?"

"No. First time here," Emily said. "I'm just in the city for the weekend visiting family."

Emily studied JJ closely, trying to gauge her interest.

"Are there other places you would suggest? I literally know no one aside from my mother and her colleagues," she asked, smiling slightly.

"Well, this is my favorite bar," JJ said. She waited and then said, "But, if you need a tour guide, I'd be happy to show you around this weekend."

"That would be nice," Emily smiled. "Can I buy your next drink?"

"Oh, um, well, I have a friend here with me, so you don't have to do that," JJ said.

"No. I insist," Emily said. "Besides, as long as you've waited on the bartender, it should be free anyway."

As Emily was saying that, the bartender returned and took the girls drink order. Garcia, noticing JJ and the brunette were seemingly having a good conversation, made her way up to the bar.

"Buttercup, I'm so sorry, but I'm going to have to head out," she said. "My chocolate cream pie is here to pick me up."

JJ laughed. "This is Emily. Emily, this is..."

Garcia interrupted, "I'm the oracle of all things knowledgeable. It's nice to meet you, Emily."

The three girls laughed, as Garcia said good-bye and headed toward the exit.

"Well, she was interesting," Emily laughed.

"Yeah, that's one way to put it," JJ said.

JJ and Emily talked and flirted while having a few more drinks. Finally, Emily spoke up.

"Hey, I don't mean to sound too presumptuous, but would you like to get out of here? My hotel is literally across the street, and I have a fully stocked bar."

JJ smiled, pushed her drink away, and laid some cash on the bar. "I'd love to."