Notes: Sorry guys, this story isn't going to focus on a case; it will continue to focus purely on the BA relationship. I just needed something for the last chapter, so I mentioned it.

Prompt: Sing/Dance/Act

Chapter 9 – Reception

It isn't the first time they've danced together and it won't be the last, but it's the first time they've done so publicly without making up some excuse to do so.

They are at her younger brother's wedding reception and most of the guests are cops because the groom is a cop and they don't care that their dance will become fuel for the rumor mill because they are sick of the game. They are sick of pretending that they are just partners, that they don't love each other, that they don't go home together every night, that they don't share a bed.

Every eye in the reception hall is fixed on them as they gracefully make their way around the dance floor. His lead is sure and for once she follows without question. She is cradled against his body, her head tucked beneath his chin and there are contented smiles on both of their faces. Her eyes are closed but his are open if only so he can avoid running into the other couples on the floor.

The song ends and if they pull apart now they can blame the atmosphere of the reception for their lack of judgment and mitigate the damage done to their careers, but that is the last thing either of them wants. Without speaking a word, they have decided that they are sick of hiding and pretending and so they don't pull apart at first. They stand on the dance floor, bodies still pressed together and everyone is still watching them intently. After a moment, she steps back and he drops the hand that had been against her back, but he keeps his grip on her other hand as they turn and head back to their table.

It takes a moment for the rest of the guests to remember that these two people are not the couple of the hour and just as suddenly as every eye turned to them, every eye now turned to the newly married couple making the rounds around the room.

Once he is sure that they are no longer the center of attention, he turns to her and smiles the gentle smile he reserves for her and her alone. She smiles back and squeezes his hand beneath the table.

(TBC)