The music is quiet and slow, and they're pleasantly warm and tingling from the wine, just enough of a glow to make the moment feel infinite. But JJ is leaving for the Middle East again tomorrow, and Ian Doyle's flower sits in a slim vase on the end table. She has been preparing and planning, and as soon as JJ is on her way, Emily is going after him. She can't live with this fear, can't let him get to the team and JJ and Henry…

JJ's hand slides onto her knee, up her thigh. "Emily, talk to me."

She forces herself back into the room, turns to JJ and manages a smile. "I'm going to miss you," she says, tracing her fingertips up JJ's arm.

JJ shakes her head a little, tilting it to the side. "That's not it. You've been different all week, you've been -"

"JJ, don't," Emily says softly, turning to brush JJ's hair back behind her ear. "It's nothing. It's okay."

"You're hiding something."

"You'd know," Emily retorts too quickly, then bites her tongue when JJ's eyes widen, stricken. "We can both spot a cover story, honey," she goes on softly, settling her hand at the back of JJ's neck, combing her fingers through her hair. "Please don't push."

JJ meets her gaze and gives her an appraising look. Something is really wrong, she can tell. Emily has been snapping and skittish for the past week, nothing like herself with JJ or the team or even Henry. Her nails are bitten down and she's been avoiding eye contact, avoiding questions… Her heart drops to her stomach with the sudden, solid realisation that there is absolutely nothing she can do – there's no way she can put off getting on that plane tomorrow. "Tell me you're safe," she says, a lump creeping up her throat and her lip starting to tremble. "Just please…"

Emily leans forward, nudging JJ's nose with her own and kissing her lips lightly. "Dance with me?" she says quietly, sliding her hand into JJ's and standing up.

They fold together, JJ's head coming to rest on Emily's shoulder as their arms wrap around each other and their hips sway softly to the music. "Emily…" JJ whispers, her breath warm on Emily's neck.

Emily closes her eyes, presses her lips to JJ's hair. "I'm okay," she whispers back, holding her closer. "It's going to be okay. I love you, you know that?"