A/N: Thank you so much to those of you still reading this story, and an extra thank you to the few of you who reviewed! I love hearing your comments and suggestions, so please keep it up! I'm not quite sure where I will want this story to end, but I have a decent enough idea, so let me know if you have any thoughts!

Disclaimer: Unless anything has changed, I don't own anything.

Chapter 6.

Emily offered Aaron a nervous smile as she watched his eyes tracing over the jet. She nibbled her lip, half excited and half nervous for the night to come. She wasn't sure how he'd react, or if he really even wanted this. She knew he would most likely do anything for her, but… A Ball with the President of the United States? Yikes, that was a big step. Most guys only have to worry about meeting the parents… Aaron had to worry about meeting The President and The Ambassador. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to move forward. Without hesitation, he followed.

"So, over here we have all types of games, poker, board games, card games." He raised an eyebrow at this and she nodded, sending him a full smile now. "It's my dad's favorite part." She heard quiet footsteps behind her. She turned her head and met the eyes of her stylist.

"Miss. Prentiss, so sorry to intrude-"

"Not at all, Michaela. Thanks so much for helping me." Sensing Aaron's confusion, Emily nodded quickly, stepping in between them. "Oh, Michaela, this is Ryan - my date for the evening," she grinned as he stepped forward and shook Michaela's hand. "-and Ryan, this is my stylist. And one of my longest, best friends from home. All of it is her doing; she's the one who is going to make me look like a princess tonight." She chuckled as Michaela shook her head, her red lips forming a wide smile across her pale face.

"Oh please, you already look like a princess!" Aaron nodded his agreement, his features matching hers.

"I concur, Em. You do." He tipped his head and smirked as Emily shook her head vehemently.

"Well, I hate to interrupt, and Ryan, I promise I won't steal her away for too long, but," the stylist eyed Emily, "You ready for your transformation?" The brunette nodded and with one last glance at Aaron, she followed the other woman into a backroom, leaving Aaron alone with the other agents.

A large man with dark skin walked towards the young agent and nodded, offering his hand. "Tyson." They shook hands and Tyson glanced at his watch before speaking again. "We've been instructed to take you back to wardrobe to find a tux for you. ETA is about two hours, and we want to have everything ready when we land." Aaron nodded and followed him to a back room on the opposite side of the jet that Emily had gone into. Tyson pulled the door closed behind them and Aaron glanced around, taking in the racks of tuxedos and other suits. He wondered how all of this could fit on this jet, and how much these suits were worth. He highly doubted he'd be able to afford one on his own paycheck. He eyed the colored ties and bowties, wondering what color his date would be wearing. He pictured her, standing gracefully and tall, exactly like the princess Michaela had described.

Twenty minutes later, he eyed himself in the mirror as an older male prodded his left calf, trying to tailor the tuxedo pants to his height. He had tried on tux after tux, wondering if Emily was having the same amount of luck. He huffed out a small breath, not caring for the charcoal gray color of uniform he was currently dressed in. As if sensing this, Oliver, the man dressing Aaron, shook his head and walked over to another rack they hadn't touched yet.

"I always say the tux chooses the man." His voice was almost lost in the thick racks, and Aaron strained his ears just to hear him. In a moment or so, Oliver returned with a large grin, holding up a lack tuxedo jacket and pants, a white collared dress shirt, and a black bowtie to match. He accepted the garments and disappeared behind the curtain again. He stripped back down to his boxers, folded the old garments back onto the hanger, and then carefully stepped into the black trousers. He found they hugged his legs nicely, and didn't seem to be too short like the last ones had been. He slipped the shirt over his muscular arms and buttoned it at his chest. The jacket came over the white button down, and he stepped from out of the curtain, his eyes catching his reflection in the mirror.

Oliver clasped his hands together in excitement. "Yes, yes, I do believe this is the one!" He stepped closer and picked up the bowtie, adjusting it around his neck. "Well, how about it, huh?" He nodded at the mirror, "Dashing indeed. Miss Emily is going to love you." He winked and took a step back, giving Aaron time to gather his thoughts as Oliver collected the discarded garments behind the curtain.

Aaron eyed the bowtie carefully. He was more of a tie kind of guy, but… He raised an eyebrow at himself and adjusted the fabric around his neck. He actually didn't look half bad. In fact, he did look rather… swarthy. He just hoped Emily would like it. Her opinion mattered more to him than anybody else's. He grinned at the image of her in his brain, feeling his chest tighten at the thought of holding her close and dancing with her. He was in way too deep. He felt a pang of guilt hit him and he swallowed thickly. He had to tell her. He couldn't keep this up any longer.

The next two hours went by fast, and he hadn't seen Emily since her stylist had taken her from him. He sat in one of the large reclining chairs, watching the sports channel. The TV had every single game recorded, and he was watching a rerun of one of the superbowls with his favorite team. Aaron was on the edge of his seat as the New York Giants were just about to score the winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills when he heard someone clear their throat quietly from behind him. Recognizing that it was Emily, his head whipped around quickly, and he shot up from the seat.

He nearly fell back down into the chair again as his eyes caught sight of her. She looked exquisite. He marveled at her beauty, his jaw nearly dropping as his breath hitched in his chest. "Emily…" He finally found the ability to speak, and slowly, they both made their way to each other. Michaela stood a few feet behind her, grinning at the male's reaction. It was everything she hoped it would be.

Aaron managed to shut his mouth and stared at her, meeting her in the middle. She didn't look like a princess; she looked like a queen. His eyes traced over the way her hair was pinned to the back of her head, tresses of her ebony hair hung down in soft curls on either side of her face. His heart thumped at the way the dress clung to her tiny figure, hugging and accentuating each curve of her body, the way her ample breasts filled the gown in all the best ways possible. He heard a small squeak from her and he slowly brought his eyes up to meet her nervous face. He realized she was toying with her bottom lip. But why was she nervous…?

And then he remembered.

He hadn't spoken yet. Oh. Oh shit.

He cleared his throat quickly, chastising himself silently before rushing to assure her of how beautiful and radiant she looked. "Emily, you look amazing." His voice came out too high and he blinked his eyes closed before opening them again. He took in the royal blue tulle and how large the ball gown was. It had lace and delicate beading that traveled up and down the sides and front, and he could only imagine how the dress would do as he spun her around the dance floor. He grinned at the thought. She was all his. He tried his voice again, "You're so beautiful." He slowly reached forward and picked up her hand, bringing it to his lips. She had gotten her nails done as well. They were now designed delicately in a french tipped manicure.

Emily's nervous smile slowly turned into a grin to match his. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding and stepped forward. He dropped her hand and she closed the distance between the two of them. Careful to not ruin her hair, she tucked her head under his chin and inhaled his scent. "You look really great too." She leaned her head up and kissed his jaw as he hugged her tightly to his chest. She met his eyes, catching the darkness there. She had seen it once before, and she knew what it meant. She was his. She gasped.

...

"Emily! Who's your date?"

"Emily, who are you wearing?"

"How 'bout a kiss, you two?"

"Emily! Over here!"

Smiling, Emily placed her hand in Aaron's larger one. They walked into the ballroom, and he felt Emily lean into his side just a bit. They had arrived to the ball in a limo, and Aaron was ready to show Emily off on his arm. He glanced sideways at the brunette by his side and kissed the top of her head before whispering to her, "You wanna dance?"

Emily chuckled softly and nodded slowly and they made their way into the middle of the ballroom. Applause erupted as they made themselves seen. She gave the hand holding hers a squeeze and placed her other hand on his shoulder, the conductor striking up the orchestra. He automatically placed his other hand on her waist, and closed the distance between them. "You look beautiful tonight, Emily." Brown orbs met his hazel eyes, and her smile widened as she leaned her head upon his shoulder. The two swayed to the music, both saying nothing, but letting their eyes do the talking. He loved having her so close to him. He caught a whiff of her perfume and smiled sadly, knowing this wouldn't last. He had made a vow to himself that he was going to tell her tonight. He couldn't keep lying to her.

He loved her.

He swallowed the lump rising in his throat and nestled her head with his chin, just holding her to him, taking in the moment. How the fuck had he fallen so deeply?

Glancing around the room, he felt wandering eyes on him. Surely everyone was wondering who he was, and why he was dancing with the First Daughter so intimately? Trying to ignore them, Aaron brushed his hand down the small of her back. "Em." He whispered her name, looking down at the top of her head.

The song slowed to a stop, and Emily lifted her head from his shoulder, her eyes shining bright as she caught his warm hazel ones. "Thank you for coming with me tonight." Her arms snaked around his neck and she hugged him tightly.

She released him after a moment, her hands dropping down by her side as applause rang throughout the ballroom once more. Her father was about to be introduced. "Come on!" She took his hand and they weaved through the crowd toward the front just as her father appeared in front of the stage

"We are gathered here tonight to have fun, have a few laughs, make some memories, and maybe if I'm lucky, I'll even get a shot at dancing with my beautiful wife, Elizabeth." He grinned down at her, winking in her direction. Everyone in the room clapped as Emily caught her mother laughing softly, her cheeks reddening just a hint.

"Oh, you are so lucky." She chuckled softly. Emily grinned at her parents, knowing that this was a special night for all of them.

"Have fun tonight, ladies and gentlemen. And thank you for coming out tonight." With that, he left the stage and made his way over to his wife. He grabbed ahold of her and walked through the crowd to the corner of the large room, knowing know that it was her chance to introduce them to her boyfriend. The orchestra striked up again and music began to fill the ballroom as couples took to dancing.

Emily grabbed Aaron's hand and tugged him gently. "It's time to meet Daddy." She turned back when he didn't move. Her hand gave his a squeeze and she brushed her lips to his cheek, "Ryan, are you okay?" She frowned, noticing something was off. He had had a few conversations with her father on the phone now, so why was he so afraid? Her father seemed to like Ryan, at least he never gave her any reason to think otherwise, so what was holding him back now? She didn't understand.

"Em, I- I have to tell you something." He wet his lips, his throat suddenly parched. He pulled his hand from her grasp and glanced around the ballroom, his eyes settling across the large room, spotting several people from the FBI, the state senators, the governors, and a lot of other people he didn't recognize.

"Ryan, you can tell me after. I really want you to meet my father; and he wants to meet you too."

Knowing she wasn't going to give in anytime soon, he sighed, ducking his head slightly as he let her pull him across the floor.

"Emily, darling, you look positively divine tonight." Her mother purred at her daughter, "Absolutely stunning." She nodded, kissing her daughter's forehead before taking a step back and shifting her eyes over to the tall, dark, handsome man at her daughter's side.

Emily hugged her father tightly, congratulating him on his toast. She followed her mother's gaze and stepped to the side. "Dad, this is Ryan Hughes. My b-"

Aaron stepped forward, cutting her off before she could say boyfriend. Her father didn't need to know just how close they had gotten. He took in a deep breath and held out his hand to shake hands with the President.

"Ah, if it isn't the famous Ryan Hughes. A pleasure it is to finally meet you, sir." Emily smiled, watching her father give his hand a firm shake.

"With all due respect, sir, the pleasure is all mine." Aaron greeted warmly, giving him a large smile, and flashing a dimple.

"And this is my mother," Emily watched as he moved in front of The First Lady and Ambassador.

He bowed his head politely as he reached for her outstretched hand. "You're even lovelier in person." He smiled, releasing her hand. "A pleasure to meet both of you."

Elizabeth blushed softly and grinned, bowing her head at the young man, "Thank you, Mr. Hughes. You can call me Elizabeth."

Christopher Prentiss looked from his daughter to the man in front of him and gave a friendly smile, "Hoping you are enjoying the ball?"

"Yes, of course, Sir." Aaron nodded his head once more. The President looked like he wanted to speak again, but was cut off as a tall, thin woman approached, carrying a folder to her chest.

"Oh, excuse me, Mr. President. The Halliwells have arrived." She nodded, taking her leave.

Christopher Prentiss nodded, taking a step back from the couple and his wife, "Right. Well excuse me for a minute. I will talk with you both later." He met Emily's eyes and then glanced over at Aaron, winking.

Emily watched her father leave, her mother trailing behind him. "Well, that went rather well."

Aaron shrugged, a gentle smile pulling at his lips, still thinking about having to tell her the truth about himself. "They're nice people, Emily."

Emily smoothed down her hair and took Aaron's arm again, leading him towards the door. "You said you wanted to talk?"

"I- yeah, Em. Let's get some air."

"Christopher, why did that boy look rather familiar?" Elizabeth tilted her head as she tried to remember meeting him before. "I can't help but think I've met him before…"

She caught his eye and raised an eyebrow, as she studied his suddenly nervous face. She placed her hands on her hips. "Christopher Prentiss, what did you do?"

"Now, Elizabeth. Don't get angry with me." He whispered, leaning closer to her, kissing her cheek, "I may have… Uh, well, hired him to protect our daughter while she was away at school."

"You what?" She hissed, making sure their voices couldn't be heard by any onlookers. "Christopher, you didn't. Please tell me you didn't." She shook her head, her eyes glancing in her daughter's direction as she led Aaron out of the hall.

"Hey, it worked out, okay? She's safe. He's a good man. Smart, in the FBI. It all worked out."

She took a step away from her husband and sighed, shaking her head, "We will talk about this later. But you invaded your daughter's trust and privacy. Does she even know?" She waited for her husband to confirm her suspicion as he shook his head slowly. "Oh, Christopher."

Emily opened the front door of the venue and walked outside into the warm air. Her attention was too focussed on Aaron, not noticing the crowd gathered just outside the door, waiting for them. She quickly glanced around, reporters, protestors, fans, everyone. She took in a deep breath, trying not to lean into Aaron's side.

"Emily! Over here!"

"Emily," a reporter took a step closer to her, all eyes turned to them. "How do you feel about your father's domestic policy? And does it affect your education at all?"

Emily stood tall as she had been taught, Aaron by her side, ready to spring into action. "Well, I think my father's administration-" she was cut off as a large bang was heard, screams echoing, as well as gunshots going off in the immediate area.

She stiffened, knowing she needed to get out of here and fast. The area quickly turned into a sea of panic. She felt her feet leave the ground, as muscular arms swept her up and carried her back into the building. The two secret service agents who had followed her and Aaron outside, fell in line, one taking the lead, and the other taking the rear. Aaron gripped her tightly, Emily's arms wrapping around his neck as she was carried, bridal style, down the hallway, and down the stairwell.

"Little Sparrow on the way!" she heard Turo, the first agent announce over his com unit They made it down the stairs, waiting for the SUV that would take her and Aaron away.

"Ryan?"

He ignored her, his training coming into play as he stood with her in his arms. His body was on high alert, ready to take off running if need be. The first SUV came and left, a diversion. She was told to never ride in the first car. It was always the first one to be gunned down.

She heard Serguei, the other agent announce in his com, "Little Sparrow is at location four." She turned her head to look at Aaron, just as the second car pulled up.

Aaron lifted her into the car, and she moved over, waiting for him to join her.

He didn't. He stared at her with sad, alert eyes.

"Little Sparrow secure." It was Aaron's voice this time.

Emily's eyes widened, her face falling, unable to look away. She let out a quiet sob, understanding at last. "No." The door slammed shut and The SUV immediately started speeding off, out of the underground garage. She chanced one look back at him from outside the window, putting her hand to the bulletproof glass as her throat constricted tightly. He was just standing there, staring after her.

She couldn't breathe. Her heart thundered against her ribcage, the blood rushing to her ears as his words repeated, over and over again, in her head. 'Little Sparrow secure.' Those three words that had just broken her heart.

He was an agent all this time.

He played her.

He deceived her.

And she made it so damn easy for him.

The silent tears trekked down her cheeks. She didn't even bother trying to hold them back. Her driver stole a glance at her from the rearview mirror, not understanding what had happened. "It's okay, Ms. Prentiss. We're bringing you back home. It'll be over soon." This seemed to have the opposite effect on her, as she laid her face in her hands and let out a sob.

Her chest ached, she was broken. Broken, but also enraged. He lied to her. After everything they'd been through, he lied to her. Her father had lied to her, making her think that he actually trusted her. She swallowed the ever growing lump in her throat and shook her head, unable to control her labored breathing.

She didn't know how long the car had stopped moving before she realized they were back at The White House, but she clambored out of the black SUV, her dress trailing behind her, as she accepted the driver's hand. She wiped at her face, no doubt smudging her makeup that had taken an hour to perfect, and she walked inside, agents following her safely into the house. She walked down the hallway, her father already waiting for her, his head hung in shame. "Emily-"

"Don't." She snapped. He was probably the last person she wanted to see right now. She tried to walk past him but couldn't control herself. She turned back, glaring at him, her eyes on fire. "How could you? And was there anybody else who didn't know, except for me?!" She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes again, threatening to spill.

"Emily." He whispered her name, taking a step closer to his daughter.

She shook her head, taking a large step back.

"I'm sorr-"

"Save it." She walked out of the room, her dress swishing after her. Emily passed down the East corridor, past the library, and around the bend, heading towards the stairs. She dashed up them, nearly tripping over her dress and heels. She kicked the shoes off, picking them up and running the rest of the way up the stairs and to her bedroom.

Elizabeth finally came out from behind the bend in the wall and stood next to her husband. "I hate to say I told you so… But I told you so." She huffed out a sigh and turned her head into his chest while he wrapped his arms around her frame. "You need to talk with your daughter tonight, not as the president. But as her father. Give her some time, Chris, she'll be okay." She nodded into his neck, giving him a tight squeeze, "Our baby is strong. She'll get through this."

Christopher nodded, his heart aching after having seen his daughter cry. And he was the reason for her tears. He took in a small breath and released it, "You know, she gets that stubbornness from you, right?" Elizabeth chuckled and kissed his cheek before leading him to the kitchen.

Emily had managed to change out of her ballgown, and into a pair of old sweats and a teal lace pajama top. She flopped down on her bed. She didn't know how long she had been crying into her pillow before sobering up enough to lift her head. She sat up in the bed, suddenly feeling very small in the large bed. She grabbed the television remote from her nightstand, and clicked the television on. She wasn't surprised to see the very first thing airing on the news tonight was about her.

"First Daughter, Emily Prentiss-" She clicked to another channel.

"Emily Prentiss, only daughter of the President, dating her secret service agent."

She flicked to another channel, her eyes glistening with fresh tears. "Ryan Hughes, boyfriend and secret service agent-" She didn't hear the rest as a knock at her door took her attention away.

She sighed softly, wiping at her face again, "What?"

"Can I come in?"

It was her father. She heard the sadness and guilt in his voice and shrugged, "I guess." The door creaked open slowly and his head appeared from behind the door.

"I know you don't want to talk. But Emily, you have to know how sorry I am."

She swallowed, raising her eyes up to meet his as she sat up in her bed, hugging her knees to her chest. She didn't speak. She didn't know what to say.

Christopher Prentiss finally crossed the room, a plate of strawberries in one hand, the other held a bowl. Emily could only guess it to be chocolate dip, based on the smell. Damn, her father always knew how to get to her.

He turned his attention to the television, watching as the anchor continued to babble about Emily and her 'new boyfriend'. They even showed the clip from tonight, gunshots and all. Christopher stared at the screen, watching as Aaron lifted his daughter into his arms just after the first gunshot, without even hesitating. "I'm really sorry, Emily." He shook his head. "But what could I do? I couldn't jeopardize your safety. What choice did I have?"

Emily watched him with dark eyes as he crossed his legs underneath himself on the bed. "You had the choice to be honest with me, to tell me the truth." Her voice was quiet, the anger still present in it, but not as prominent as before. "You had the choice not to lie to me, as my father and as the president."

He offered her a strawberry, she took one.

"I deserve that." He let out a low breath. Both of them didn't know that Elizabeth Prentiss lurked just on the other side of the bedroom door, listening in. "Honey," Emily looked up at her father. "One day I hope you understand my actions."

She nodded slowly, thinking about this. "I do." She looked down at her bedspread, suddenly finding a thread to pick at. "I do understand, and that's what makes this so hard." She took in a labored breath, and couldn't help but ask, "What's going to happen to him?"

Emily hung her head, afraid of the answer. She was angry at him, but she didn't want him to lose his job.

"Truth be told, Emily, I don't really know at the moment. I can get him transferred, or find him another position-"

She shook her head, "No, he can stay on security detail."

"It is, officially up to the FBI, but I'll see what I can do." He nodded, patted her knee, and stole one more strawberry from the plate before getting off her bed. He paused before leaving her bedroom, and he turned back to face her, "I'm so sorry, Emmy. I love you."

"Love you too, dad." Her voice was soft, the anger now completely gone from her voice. All that was left was sadness. "Night."

Elizabeth Prentiss backed away from the door as her husband took his exit. She watched him with sad eyes, offering him a small smile. "You did good." She whispered, rubbing a hand down his back, as she followed him down the stairs.

"Sometimes, I think…" He whispered, "Sometimes being a father is a lot harder than being The President." He rubbed his temple. He looked into his wife's eyes, "What happened to that little girl we used to read bedtime stories to?"

"She grew up, Chris. She grew up."

"We have an amazing daughter, Liz." He cupped her cheek with his palm and kissed her. "Come on, let's get some rest. I have to figure out what's going to happen now."

A/N: I wanted to include more of the ball, but it just wasn't where I wanted to be… I kinda want to move this story along, as it's always taken me a lot longer than I thought it would… But I'm really enjoying writing it.

Please leave a review? They really help. I'm not kidding.

-Emily