The flight to England was long to begin with, but when they both boarded the plane with a shared secret, it felt so much longer than just a few hours. JJ sat away from Emily trying to create space and distance. The flight was still full of long stolen glances. JJ tried to look anywhere else but at her. She mostly tried to look out the window, where the world was a blur of clouds and sunlight. JJ couldn't help but think of how it was such a stark contrast to the tension that filled the air between her and Emily. The plush seats of the plane were starting to feel more like a prison than a luxury.
Emily mostly tried to keep her eyes glued to her laptop, pretending to work. Eventually, she gave up letting out a sigh and signaling the flight attendant to get her a stiff drink. Sipping on her drink, she tried looking out the window, trying to force herself to look anywhere but where she really wanted to.
The urge to talk was overwhelming for both of them but this was starting to turn into a game of who can avoid eye contact and stay silent the longest. They were both pretty determined and stubborn.
Every now and then JJ could feel Emily's gaze on her but she didn't dare look. What would she say anyway? That she wished they could just ignore the rules that kept them apart? That she dreamed of a world where they could actually be together? JJ's thoughts were a tangled web and she feared that if she spoke, she would only get lost in them more and make the whole situation somehow worse.
After what felt like hours of just hearing the humming of the plane, JJ was looking out the window biting on her lip when Emily cleared her throat and JJ turned her head in the direction of the noise, their eyes catching. JJ was caught in the moment soaking in the way Emily looked. She felt like she was dehydrated and this was her first taste of water.
JJ was snapped out of it when she heard her name coming from those lips she longed for. "Ma,am, I'm sorry did you need anything?"
"Uhh no...Thank you though" Emily answered with a tight lipped smile before she downed the rest of her drink.
After what seemed like ages, they finally landed. Emily was immediately whisked away to do her job, while JJ went to the hotel to handle the arrangements of checking in. Once JJ got to the counter to check in, she put on her best customer service smile. She had to handle this discreetly and couldn't risk making any wrong move and upsetting the worker.
"Hi, I'm here to check in for the suite" She said flashing her smile and slowly sliding her presidental work ID.
The women at the counter nodded, clicking and typing away on her computer. She printed out the paper work and explained how to access the secret tunnel and elevator. JJ politely thanked her. When the worker asked "Let us know if you need anything else. There's also a phone in the room if you need to call instead."
"Um, yes actually. There should be another personal room booked under this account?"
"I'm sorry ma'am. We only have the suite booked"
"Could you double check?"
The worker clicked around on her computer before looking up "No ma'am, there's nothing else booked."
"But I made the reservations myself and I made sure to book another room separately."
"I'm sorry ma'am. We don't have anything."
"Is there one available now then?"
"Sorry, we're completely booked due to the convention in town."
"Greatttt... well thank you" She groaned as she threw her head back.
Later that night, with Emily safely in her room they debriefed the events of Emily's meeting. Then JJ laid out the plans for tomorrow. As things were wrapping up, JJ packed up her belongings getting ready to leave.
"Well ma'am that's all for the day. If you need me just call my cell phone. I'm going to head out."
"Why would I call your cell JJ? You're right next door, I'll just have someone come get you"
"No ma'am. I'm actually staying at the hotel two doors down."
Emily let out a sigh "Give us the room" She said looking at her security detail. As soon as the door clicked shut, she turned to JJ "Are you doing this because of us? You can't even stay in a separate room next door to me? Come on JJ."
"It's not that. The booking didn't go through or something on the extra room so I just found another hotel."
"You couldn't just get a different room? You had to go find a whole other hotel?"
"I tried! They were booked!"
"I'm the President. If you really wanted a room you could have pulled rank and got one."
"I can't! We can't cause a scene here! Or did you forget that?!"
Emily threw her head back in exasperation "God, I didn't forget that JJ. But I need you at least in the same building as me. It's your job to make that happen. You're suppose to know what I need and I need you."
"...You need me?" JJ whispered out
Wide eyed, Emily realized what she had said "Well yes I need you, you're my secretary." She quickly said, trying to play it off.
"Right. Your secretary." JJ said, rolling her eyes.
"Unless you want to be something else?" Emily said, her eyes getting a little hopeful.
"We can't and you know that Em"
"It's always we can't. Maybe I want to be happy. Maybe I want to be loved."
"You're the President of the United States. You could literally have anyone. Don't risk throwing your life away over me"
"I'd risk everything for you, JJ." Emily said as she got closer.
JJ slowly backed away and Emily kept coming closer until her back hit the wall and Emily was nearly inches away from her.
"Tell me you don't want this. Tell me you don't feel this too." Emily said leaning closer and JJ could feel her breath on her face.
"Of course I feel it Em. But we.." JJ was cut off as she stopped breathing, Emily's lips barely ghosting over hers, before the door to the room was open and Emily jolted back. JJ was rattled standing there like a deer in headlights as Emily pretended they were just having a normal conversation. Emily dealt with the security guard and the reason he came into the room, as he was leaving she yelled out for him to make sure to get JJ a room on this floor. Cocky as ever she turned around to JJ "I need you. You're staying here, I don't care."