"Our best plan of attack would be to get in there undercover to gain the interest of the unsub," Derek quipped as he eyed his fellow agents. His implications went unnoticed by his intended victims.

"I think Morgan is right," Hotch agreed. He nodded in the women's direction, "Only if you're willing."

The unsub had been targeting couples who were new to the area, abducting them and forcing the assumed 'weaker' of the pair to watch as the unsub tortured the 'stronger' to death before murdering the witness. Out of the eight victims the team had uncovered so far, at least one of the people in each couple had identified as part of the LGBTQA+ community. All four couples had visited the same bar before their abductions. The unsub left explicit notes at each crime scene, the last suggesting he would be on the hunt for new victims taunting law enforcement with 'You will never catch me'. The attacks had escalated in a short time and the team was hellbent on catching this unsub before he could reap further havoc on the small Alabama town.

Emily choked on her water when she realized what exactly the men were suggesting. She and JJ would need to set the trap, going undercover as a couple to lure the unsub out of hiding. It wasn't the undercover part that made Emily's heart race, it was the fact she and JJ would have to play lovers for the assignment. She wasn't entirely sure why the thought made her stomach flutter, but she knew it was their best shot at catching the bastard responsible for the murders.

"I'm in," JJ answered without hesitation. "Let's do this."

"I think you mean lez do this," Morgan grinned, chuckling at his own pun. Emily punched him in the arm, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, we can do this," Emily answered, not sure who exactly she was trying to convince more.

She had gone undercover numerous times before in more dire circumstances, such as the two years she spent as Lauren Reynolds. She shuddered thinking about how that operation had ended, her clover scar stinging slightly under her blouse. She had almost lost everything because of that operation. Int he end, she stupidly went after Ian Doyle on her own and she nearly wound up dead. Or rather, she did wind up dead as far as the team knew, she had only recently come back to the BAU and tensions were still high. Other than JJ and Hotch the rest of the team had been under the impression she had been murdered, right up until she showed up seven months later, alive and well. For the most part, her team mates seemed to have forgiven her betrayal, save for Reid who had taken it personally. Emily was dead set on doing anything she could to prove her dedication to the team and if it meant going undercover for this case, then she was ready with bells and whistles on.

"Emily, you should be comfortable with lying to everyone. This should be pretty easy for you," Reid scoffed as he walked out of the room. JJ sighed and Hotch gave her a nonverbal cue to follow after him. She had been the one Reid had reached out to after Emily's funeral. He spent weeks on end on JJ's couch, crying over their loss and she had allowed it to go on, unable to tell him the truth. He would arrive in the middle of the night with tear stained cheeks and swollen eyes and JJ would sit on the couch for hours, arms wrapped around the younger man, attempting to comfort him. She knew he had taken Emily's (presumed) loss the hardest, but she was sworn to keep Emily's status under wraps. Once Emily had returned, Spencer had been unfairly venomous towards her. As far as the team knew, Hotch had made the decision on his own and he had been the only one who knew Emily had survived. He had, up to this point, done his best to keep JJ out of the cross hairs. JJ was grateful for the gesture, but she knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came out.

"Spence," JJ called, as she caught up with Reid in the hallway.

"How can everyone just be okay with this?"

"Spence, she's back now. I know you're upset, but the important part is that she's alive. How can you be so upset by that?" JJ asked, while instinctively rubbing his back just as she'd done on those many nights in her living room.

"How can you not be?" Reid asked. He looked up to her with broken brown eyes. Before JJ could reply the team came out of the conference room and headed down the hallway towards the two agents.

"We need to get a move on if we want you two at the bar by tonight," Hotch said, giving JJ a knowing nod.

JJ squeezed Reid's hand, offering him a small smile of encouragement. They joined the team and followed a local police officer towards the bullpen, to brief everyone before they set their plan in place. JJ knew the truth would have to wait a few more days, at least until the case was over. She wanted to come clean to her friend, but now was not the time nor place. There was a serial killer on a rampage and they would have to work together to bring him in with the least amount of collateral damage to the community.

"You've reached the powerful and all knowing, how can I be of service?" Garcia chimed in her general upbeat demeanour.

"Garcia, I need you to pull up the cameras on this, we're going to need eyes and ears. It's going to be loud, so there's a chance our comms won't work," Emily explained.

"Anything you need, my darling!"

Emily smiled at the chipper sound of her friend's voice. She was happy that Garcia had forgiven her almost immediately, making her the first BAU member to truly make her feel welcomed back at the bureau, "Thanks, Garcia."

"You take care of my gumdrop, Emily! I don't want to have to get mad at you again," Garcia reminded jokingly.

"I promise," Emily laughed, hanging up the phone. She looked across towards JJ, who was busy humming along to the radio as they made their way to the bar. The night air was crisp and lightly scented with an impending rain storm. Emily rolled her window down a bit further, letting her hand glide along in the wind. She couldn't help but think how stunning JJ looked in her tight jeans and navy v-neck blouse, which made her eyes sparkle. Her hair was down and just long enough now that the tips danced over her strong shoulders. Emily had missed JJ more than anyone else, even though they had kept in contact over her hiatus, it wasn't the same as being next to her. Seeing that smile that made Emily's knees weak, hearing that laugh, getting lost in those baby blues. There was definitely something special about JJ, but Emily had never been able to fully admit it to herself, although spent countless nights awake pondering exactly what it was.

"Well, this is it," JJ stated as they pulled into the parking lot of The Roundup. They parked to the side of the building and placed their comms in their ears. JJ ran her fingers through her hair, then quickly applied a coat of lipstick to her lips, before turning to Emily to get final approval.

"You look stunning, Jayje," Emily whispered. "Now are we solid on this cover?"

"I'm Sarah and you're Jessica Hartwell. Moved here a little over a month ago, out to have a good time and meet the locals. With the information from today, we think the unsub specifically goes after couples he sees as having some type of power struggle, so I'll be the dominant one," JJ concluded.

"You?" Emily asked with a raised eyebrow, "Dominant?"

"Oh, you have no idea Mrs Hartwell," JJ purred seductively, leaning in a little too close for Emily's comfort. The brunette pulled back quickly. Emily shrugged, reminding herself it was just a ruse after all, JJ could pretend to be the President for all she cared, as long as it meant this bastard would be in custody.

"Alright, then. After you," Emily insisted as they exited the SUV. They met at the back of the vehicle and JJ took Emily's hand as if they had done it a million times before. Emily blushed, feeling a spark of electricity arch it's way up her arm, before turning into a thousand butterflies in the pit of her stomach. She casually readjusted to intertwine her fingers with JJ's as she tried to keep up with the blonde. JJ was happy to be in the lead, because it meant Emily couldn't see the grin that spread across her face at that simple gesture.

The women entered the bar and scoped out the scene, despite being a small town the bar was rather packed for a Thursday night. Emily chuckled noticing a nearby flier, pointing it out to JJ. Thursday Night Dart Challenge

"Looks like we're here on the right night," JJ grinned. She waved down the bartender, who didn't seem to quite fit in with the rest of the crowd. His tanned skin was covered in intricate tattoos, hair buzzed close to the scalp and each ear boasted multiple gauged piercings. He was wearing a cut off jean vest over a tight fitted black tank that showed off a sculpted physique that Derek Morgan would be jealous of. His voice was raspy as he chatted to customers before making his way to the two women, who had taken up a seat near the end of the bar.

"And what can I get you, blondie?" the bartended asked, not even trying to hide the fact his eyes were lingering on JJ's body.

"I'll have the local brew and whatever Jessica wants," JJ smiled, looking towards Emily, who hadn't recognized the name JJ had used. "Jessica, darling?"

"Oh! Right! I'll have what she's having," Emily replied once she regained focus. She was already getting distracted by the way JJ was leaning forward on the bar, popping her hip to one side accentuating the fit of her jeans. It was going to be a long night and they hadn't even begun the search for the unsub, if he was even in attendance. Though something in Emily's gut was telling her that he was. She knew they had to make their presence know in order to catch his eye, so after their first round of drinks, she pulled JJ from her chair and drug her to the dance floor.

"Em, er, Jessica, please no," JJ groaned while trying to pull free from Emily's strong hold, "You know I don't dance."

Emily used their joined hands to manoeuvre JJ closer, whispering into her ear, "Perhaps JJ doesn't, but something tells me Sarah is full of secrets."

"Damn Prentiss! Laying on the charm!" Derek chimed in over their earpieces. Emily and JJ pulled apart as if the team could see them and blushed at the sudden intrusion on their conversation. They chuckled, eyeing each other awkwardly.

The song changed to something a bit more up tempo and Emily watched more couples joined them on the dance floor. They would have to make some sort of spectacle of themselves if they wished to get the attention of their chosen target, whomever he may be. Emily took JJ by the hand and lead her to the middle of the dance floor. JJ was thankful the dim lighting hid her flushed cheeks when Emily placed her hands on either side of JJ's waist, pulling their bodies into each other.

JJ let herself get lost in the music, taking Emily's lead best she could. They moved to the music as the beat pulsated throughout the crowd. Emily placed her arms on JJ's shoulders, before shockingly dropping smoothly into a squat, tracing JJ's torso with a single finger on her way back up to meet questioning blue eyes. Not to be outdone, JJ turned around and placed her hips squarely against Emily's, grinding into her to the beat of the song. Emily let out a soft moan at the physical connection. JJ shrugged off her hesitations, deciding she was going to make the most of getting to be Emily's 'wife' for one night. She pushed backwards against Emily, while draping her arms over her head, running fingers through her hair. Emily could smell the scent of JJ's hair while JJ rolled her head back to rest against Emily's clavicle while she continued to grind her hips into the brunette. Emily was sure her entire face was scarlet, she bit her lip to keep control over the thoughts suddenly taking over her mind. That thing, whatever it was, was taking hold of her in unexpected ways. She grabbed JJ and spun her back around by the wrist, positing her thigh precariously between JJ's and moving her hips slowly with a certain lackadaisical swagger that was intoxicating. The two got lost in the intimate movements, letting their bodies work against each other, which gained interest from more than a few wandering eyes.

Emily forgot herself for the briefest of moments, but it was just long enough that she leaned in and closed the distance between them. Right as she locked eyes with JJ, her lips only an inch away from the blonde's, a strong hand grabbed her by the shoulder, which instantly refocused her attention. A large man with dirty blonde hair, wearing a tank top and denim jacket smiled at the pair, showing off an ostentatious gold tooth.

"Mind if I cut in with your sexy friend?" he asked Emily as he nodded in JJ's direction.

"No thank you, I'm doing just fine," JJ smiled politely as possible. She moved to take a stance in front of Emily, knowing she might have to hold the brunette back if the man made anymore derogatory remarks.

"Aww come on little lady!" the man beamed, licking his lips suggestively. "Name's Ryan. And I can show you a proper good time."

"The 'little lady' said no thank you," Emily repeated through gritted teeth.

"Don't think I was talking to you, dyke" the man glared.

JJ placed a firm hand on Emily's arm as a reminder that she was supposed to be in the lead for the evening. Emily seemed to understand and stood down momentarily, knowing JJ could take care of herself in the situation.

"Actually, we were just about to head to the dart board. How about I make you a deal?" JJ smiled mischievously. "If you can beat me at a round of darts then you may have a dance."

The hick laughed at the implication and threw out a hand, "Agreed little Missy. But you better be ready for a real man to show you just how to move on the dance floor." They shook hands and he headed across the bar.

"I think we have a potential match," Emily whispered to Derek over the comm. "Ryan, blonde, green eyes, 6'3", Semper Fi tattoo on the right forearm."

"Em, if this guy is ex-Marines you need to keep an eye out. It would make sense that our unsub has tactical training. Don't take you eyes off of JJ. This could be exactly how he lures in his victims, pitting them against each other in a show of force to weed out the dominant. Be careful, Garcia has eyes on the bar and we're outside awaiting your call if things get heated," Derek explained. Emily nodded although she knew he couldn't see her, then escorted JJ towards the dart board where a crowd had already formed. "I'll get Garcia to see what she can find on him, in the meantime try and play it cool."

"See this?" Ryan pointed at a picture of himself on the wall nearby. "That's because I'm the reigning champion around here."

"We'll see about that," the petite blonde laughed as she removed her set of darts from the holder.

"Ladies first," the man chuckled. He guzzled down beer from a frosted mug while his gaze lingered on JJ's tight jeans. Emily caught the inappropriate glare and clenched her jaw, to keep from saying anything. She waited patiently for Derek to come back on the comm with something concrete, so she would have a reason to take the creep out.

JJ positioned herself behind the line and threw her first dart. She hit squarely in the 20 point slice, turning back to Ryan with a smile.

"Well at least you hit the board," Ryan laughed to his table of buddies. He took his place and threw his dart landing on a double 18. The crowd erupted in cheers. "Can't wait to show you exactly how to boot scoot, if you catch my drift," he winked in JJ's direction, making her grimace at the innuendo.

They took turns and JJ stunned the crowd with a bullseye just 8 turns in. Ryan repeated the feat easily, quickly taking the lead. After fifteen minutes the score was down to Ryan with 42 points remaining while JJ was trailing with 51.

"You've got this, uh, Sarah," Emily smiled as she playfully slapped JJ's ass in encouragement. JJ nodded and took a deep breath while she approached the line. She could go for the 50 and then land a 1, but that would take two turns and perfect aim. She decided to take her chances, she steadied her hand, pulled back, closing one eye to focus, and threw her dart with one swift movement. The dart landed firmly on the triple 17.

The perfect game. The crowd went wild and Emily swooped JJ up in her arms in celebration. Before she realized what she was doing, she leaned in planting a chaste kiss on JJ's lips. JJ blushed and pulled away hastily.

"Fucking faggots!" Ryan cursed as he reached in his pocket and produced a knife.

Time slowed as Emily instinctively went to draw her sidearm, which she wasn't wearing. He lunged at her, but she ducked just in time, he missed Emily but managed to slice JJ's cheek with the blade. Emily's blood boiled as she swiftly threw out her leg to catch his leg, sending him falling backwards into a table. He regained control and lunged again, this time Emily landed a closed fist to his face, making blood gush from his nose. He retaliated by grabbing her hair and slamming her face into a nearby table. JJ took an offensive stance, landed a side kick to his chest. Ryan staggered backwards as a loud voice announced "FBI!"

"FBI?" Ryan asked as he held his bloodied nose.

The bar's security, local police, and Derek and Hotch rushed through the front door to break up the fight. Derek quickly placed handcuffs on the bewildered man. Spencer came up from behind with Rossi, immediately going to check on the two women. Emily flexed her swollen hand, instinctively shrugging off Rossi's concern. Reid only half-heartily glanced over at Emily, while making his way to the blonde.

"JJ, are you alright?" Reid asked, dabbing at her bloodied cheek with a napkin.

"I'm fine, it's just a minor cut," JJ reassured. She winced slightly, taking the napkin away form Spencer, who was still dabbing at her cheek worriedly. "Don't worry Spence, I've got it."

"You guys did great," Derek stated. Hotch and a local officer lead Ryan out the front door and into the back of a squad car. "Penelope found out this guy has a history of violence. His wife recently left him for another woman and we think that's what sent him over the edge. With a cocky son of a bitch like this, I'm sure he'll end up confessing in no time. You guys can head to the hospital, Hotch and Rossi are going to head up the interrogation."

"Yeah, I think I could use a once over by a doctor," JJ frowned, acknowledging the blood still dripping down her face. The cut was definitely deeper than she originally thought.

"I guess I can get my hand checked out too. I'll ride along," Emily admitted. She rubbed her already bruised knuckles, cursing under her breath at the amount of pain coming from her damaged hand.

"What? Is the impervious Emily Prentiss accepting medical attention without a fight?" JJ quipped, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe I'm going to watch over you," Emily chided.

There was some truth to her statement. Emily wanted to keep an eye on JJ after such a close call in the bar. Plus, before their night had turned serious she had been enjoying their playful banter and flirtatious dancing. Not to mention, she knew at least one of her knuckles was broken and she would need to get it set so it would heal properly.

They bid their male counterparts goodbye and loaded up in the SUV to head towards the hospital. Once safely inside, Emily began laughing out loud.

"What's so funny?" JJ asked. She had to hold the steering wheel with one hand, while the other was still firmly putting pressure against her wound.

"We just make a terrible pair," Emily conceded. She reached across the console and placed her hand on JJ's thigh, patting it gingerly. JJ's muscles slightly stiffened at the sudden physical contact.

"I don't know, you did kiss me," JJ smiled.

"You know that was just for the part right?" Emily asked. She watch JJ's smile slip momentarily at the reminder. Emily realized her hand was still on JJ's upper thigh, but she decided to keep it where it was for the remainder of the ride, enjoying the reddish tint that flooded JJ's pale skin.

Three hours after their arrival at the hospital, the two women signed their releases and headed out. Emily had wound up with two broken knuckles and much to her dismay a cast, on top of having a minor concussion. JJ escaped without needing stitches, but the nurse had placed a few butterfly bandages on her face, holding the cut closed. JJ helped Emily into the SUV, since the brunette had been dosed with some rather strong pain killers in order to set the broken bones in her hand. Just as she closed the passenger door her phone rang, she fished it out of her pocket and answered as she made her way to the driver side.

"Jareau."

"JJ, we need you guys back at the station. It wasn't Ryan Gentry. There's been another murder," Hotch answered. "How soon can you two be back here? It's going to be a long night."