"Can I have this dance?"
"Does this count as our first date?" JJ asked curiously, arranging her silverware onto her plate like Emily's to indicate she was done with dinner.
"God, I hope not." Emily responded, smiling slightly when JJ laughed lightly.
Ambassador Prentiss had requested (demanded) her daughter's attendance at a dinner function. The formal invitation had been sent to her job so as not to "get lost" (thrown away) like so many others where it had been immediately intercepted by Garcia who wanted Emily open such a fancy looking envelope in her presence. There was, unlike most invitations, a plus one included. It was no secret that Elizabeth preferred her daughter bring men to these types of things despite knowing her daughter was a lesbian, and Emily had seriously considered hiring a "worst possible date" from Craigslist, had actually been discussing the idea with Garcia and JJ over drinks when JJ suggested Emily take her.
Emily had recoiled, not wanting to subject anyone she cared about, let alone had feelings for, to her Mother, but JJ insisted that she'd put on her press liaison face, a nice fancy dress, charm the dickens out of everyone so brilliantly that they would be far too dazzled to be scandalized by the gender of Emily's date, and the Ambassador would end up with egg on her face. Emily had reluctantly agreed, if only because JJ seemed so enthusiastic about it. She often forgot how intriguing these kinds of functions were for people who didn't grow up with being forced to attend them. Thus far, JJ had indeed beguiled and delighted every person Emily introduced her to.
"I suppose you're right." JJ conceded, taking a sip of her wine. "I would much rather be someplace where we're both comfortable for our first date. Besides," she added as almost an afterthought. "I don't like this many people calling me 'Jennifer.' It feels weird."
The live band, which had been playing atmospheric music for dinner, struck up a waltz and people began to move to the dance floor. Emily watched JJ's fingers tap against the linen covered table in time to the music and made an executive decision. Pushing herself delicately away from the table she stood and held her hand out to JJ. "Can I have this dance?" JJ smiled and took Emily's hand, following her out to the dance floor where they quickly fell into a smooth box step. "You've been holding out on me, Agent Jareau." Emily accused with a playful tone.
JJ grinned and lifted one shoulder. "You're not the only woman who has ever taken me ballroom dancing, Agent Prentiss." She retorted, easily picking up the pace as the band switched to a Viennese waltz.