Emily glided up the stone staircase with JJ a half step behind, the blonde was clutched anxiously to her friends arm drawing strength from her emanating calm. At the landing a small queue had gathered as the host greeted each guest personally before they made it through the main entry. The couples before them were finely dressed in gowns and tailored suits, each extravagance a testament to their various high powered positions.

"Okay we are next to be greeted, remember no matter what 'French Ambassador -Alain Moreau – devil incarnate' says you have to keep up a polite smile, I'll try to handle him but he can be very forward." Emily whispered quickly before they moved forward. The disdain ripping from her voice made it very clear there was no love lost between the two.

"Ms Emily Prentiss, what a surprise you decided to grace us with your presence this evening. Oh and it seems you have brought me another beauty to woo." A tall handsome man had taken Emily's outstretched hand and laid a lengthy kiss upon it. JJ could feel Emily stiffen at the contact, and watched as the brunettes face muscles twitched trying to withhold a grimace at the open mouthed connection.

"Ambassador Moreau this is my girlfriend Agent Jennifer Jareau, we work together at the FBI" She made pointed intonations to establish the former disrespect had indeed been noticed. "Thank you for inviting us this evening." Before the man had a chance to take JJ's hand Emily had whisked her away, somewhat disrespectfully, ending the conversation and guiding them deeper into the building.

"I saw you mother close by, how lovely you could both attend tonight." Alain called after them, accurately guessing the information would further unsettle his mark.

"Jesus, he practically licked your hand, what a creep." JJ revolted once they were clear of the entry. "At least he didn't have much to say about me." she reasoned.

"Oh trust me he was serious about 'wooing' you, he'll be all over you tonight. He probably thinks he can steal you from me." Emily rolled her eyes, but glanced not so subtly at her friend, as if to determine the likelihood of the blonde jumping ship for the handsome and powerful man.

JJ, having seen the look and tickled by the possessive nature, quickly proclaimed "Sorry Em you're stuck with me forever."

Both women became quiet as they each silently imagined what exactly 'forever' might entail. They were quickly pulled from the reverie by an approaching figure who was poised effortlessly in sensible yet ornate gown and dark heels. Emily seeing her mothers approach grasped the hand still lightly holding her forearm and brought it down to interlock tightly with her own fingers.

"Emily I see you have brought a friend tonight, how nice." Elizabeth said without even a glance at JJ.

Emily nearly rolled her eyes at her mothers choice of words, they both knew full well that Elizabeth not only knew of the addition, but had called seeking more information on her date earlier in the week. "Mother this is my girlfirend Jennifer Jareau" she spoke, turning to facilitate the introduction "Jen darling this is my mother Ambassador Prentiss.". Observing the polite handshake she continued the dialogue she had been rehearsing with herself all week, "I am sure you remember JJ from the BAU, she was a member of the team when we helped you on a case."

"Of course, the media girl." She offers JJ a condescending smile before continuing "I was under the impression the Bureau does not allow such fraternisation."

"Not to worry Mother, everything is above board. How have you been?" Emily attempted to shift the conversation before a full interrogation could commence.

"I have been perfectly well thank you." Elizabeth replied, she turned to study her daughters date trying to assess the potential damage their presence may cause to her reputation. "Ms. Jareau how long have you been dating my daughter?"

"We have been dating for a year Ma'am, however we have been close friends for several years." JJ immediately slipped into her press liaison role, recognising Elizabeth's intent.

"Do you live together?"

"No Ma'am, not yet."

"Do your parents know of your relationship with my daughter?" All pretence of normal conversation faded as the two continued in rapid fire question and answers.

"Of course, they are very supportive of us."

"Are you aware of Emily's full work history?"

"Any decisions Emily has made in the past are at her discretion to share when and if she is willing, respectfully I am not willing to disclose the nature of any private conversations we may have had on such topics." Despite completely shocking Emily, JJ's responses were swift and sincere.

"Do you intend on this being a long term arrangement?" Elizabeth powered on undeterred.

"I would be lucky to continue this relationship with Emily as long as she will have me. Your daughter is the kindest and most courageous person I know, I am incredibly thankful that she has chosen to share her life with me. I am sure you must be incredibly proud to have a daughter that not only serves and protects this country, but creates genuine and loyal friendships wherever she goes." Growing tired of the exchange the blonde smiled politely at the ambassador, reached up to kiss Emily on the cheek and asked "Do you think we could find something to drink? This conversation seems to have parched me."

Emily still completely in shock allowed herself to be guided away from her now passive mother. JJ led them to the nearest bathroom, with directions from a passing waiter. She locked the door after them and let out a breathy chuckle. "Wow you're mum is a bit intense. I mean I knew that but it has never been directed at me before."

The brunette was starting to realise that JJ had immediately come to her defence against her mother, who was so passive aggressive most people would not have realised the underlying implications of the interaction. And the casual way in which the blonde had referred to their relationship was so comfortable that Emily found herself unable to deny the love she felt for her best friend. Surging forward she took JJ's head in her hands and kissed her firmly. She attempted to communicate how appreciative she was and how sincere her affections were with the movement of her lips and the warmth of her embrace. Before she had a chance to feel self conscious of the impulsive display of passion JJ was returning the kiss, and wrapping her hands gently around the body before her.