Survivor, emily prentiss

𝟎𝟏𝟒, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫

claire's pov

I begged Emily to tell me where we were going for our date, but she refused to tell me. I told her I hate surprises, but that didn't change a thing. I wasn't even sure what to wear, and it was stressing me out. I settled on a reliable little black dress, with long sleeves and an opened back. It was my lucky dress that Emily hadn't had the chance to see yet.

I straightened my hair and wore tiny hoop earrings that matched the bracelet the team got me as a graduation gift.

Topping the outfit with knee high boots, I look at the time and I still had an hour until Emily would be at my door to pick me up. Maybe I had gotten ready too early, but I was eager for our official first date.

To kill some time, I tidied all the clothes that scattered my bedroom. I didn't want Emily knowing how much of a worrier I was when it came to picking an outfit.

~

I heard a slight knock and I smiled to myself before answering the door. The raven-haired woman stood on my doorway wearing a red v-neck blouse and black dress pants. Her hair was curled and sat beautifully on her shoulders. I look her up and down. "Wow—"

"You look beautiful." She finished for me, softly chewing on her lip. I turn my head and blush softly, snapping back to reality. "Let me just get my jacket." I turn around checking my purse for my keys and wallet before walking out to Emily's car.

The ride was mostly quiet, we talked about work and the recent case, but my heart was racing I had a hard time holding conversation. I think Emily realized I was a little unnerved, because she rested her hand on my leg while the other stay tight on the wheel. I give her a tight lipped smile and watch as she pulls into the parking lot of a new Italian restaurant with a name I could barely pronounce, but Emily said the word beautifully.

"How'd you get a reservation? JJ said her and Will have been trying to get in for weeks!" I say a little shocked.

"I have my ways." She smirked and turned the ignition off. We walk into the lobby and a short dark haired man lead us to a table in the back. It was slightly away from the others, so we had a bit of privacy, which honestly calmed my nerves. I wasn't one for public displays of affection, mostly because I never experienced it. I just wanted Emily to think I knew what I was doing.

"We'll start with a bottle of Merlot and some bruschetta." Emily told the waiter. "Do you know what you want for your main course?" She asked me, and I quickly scanned the menu. "Um, I'll have the spaghetti carbonara." I say, handing my menu over.

"I'll have the same." Emily smiled and watched the waiter walk away. I take a sip of my water and nervously tap my fingers against the table. Emily reached across the table and held my hand. "Hey," She spoke softly. "No need to be nervous. It's just me." Her fingers traced over the top of my hand. I chewed on my lip and grinned, getting lost in her eyes. If you would have told me six months ago I'd be on a date with Emily Prentiss, I would have laughed in your face. Never could I imagine a person like her would be interested in a girl like me.

The waiter came back over with our appetizer and wine, causing Emily to retract her hand. She poured a glass for me, and then one for herself. "I'm happy you stayed with us, you know... at the BAU." She said, taking a sip.

"I am too." I smile back at the older woman. "I'm happy you asked me here tonight." I replied, genuinely. I rub my foot against Emily's leg, as my gaze falls to her top.

emily's pov

I squinted my eyes, trying to read Claire's. "Eyes up here, sweetheart."

Claire's eyes widen and she quickly looks down and I smirk at her timidness. After the other night at my apartment, I was extra gentle with her. I didn't want to give her any reason to hide away from me. The blonde chewed at her cheek. "It's a cute habit." I say softly, brushing my thumb against her cheek. I notice her retract the skin from her teeth and shrug. "I've done it since I was little, my mom hated it." She moved a piece of her hair behind her ear. "Tell me about her."

Claire's eyes met mine and furrowed, "what?"

"Your parents." I prompt. I knew the younger agent grew up in Michigan, but aside from that her private life what somewhat of a mystery to me. Even at her graduation, she didn't introduce any of us to her classmates which at the time made me question if she had any she was particularly close with.

"I, uh... don't know what there is to say." She shrugged. "My mom was in an accident a few years ago that totaled her memory and now lives in a care facility. I visit her whenever I can." She says casually.

"Oh I'm so sorry." I frown, thinking of ways to make this conversation positive. "She must like seeing you. How'd she react when you told her you're working for the FBI?" I smile, taking another sip of my wine.

Claire's fingers trace the rim of her glass. "I haven't told her. She doesn't even remember me, so it's sort of pointless."

I bite my lip. "What about your dad?"

She sighs. "He lives somewhere in California with his new family."

I immediately felt like an idiot for bringing up Claire's parents. From what she told me she wasn't close with her family, and from her body language I could tell for good reason. I didn't press on, when Claire was ready to talk about her past, if ever, I would be there every step of the way to listen. Thankfully she quickly changed the topic. "Hey did you hear that Reid has a girlfriend?!"

"What? Are you serious?" I ask, completely shocked. I had never even heard Spencer talk about a woman that wasn't his mother. She giggled and nods. "Yeah, I heard JJ talking about it. I was so surprised."

"I am too, oh my God." I smile to myself, thinking about the team. My family wasn't a Brady Bunch situation either, but the BAU is better than any family I could ask for. A few moments later our waiter brought over our dishes. I finished mine, while Claire ate about half and boxed the rest to take with her.

The rest of the evening consisted of work talk, Claire going a bit more into detail on her parents, and me talking about my mother. I kept everything light hearted, not wanting Claire to go home feeling overwhelmed after tonight. I was constantly reminding myself she was young. There were certain things she's not ready for, and that's okay. It's my job as her friend to make her comfortable.

I paid the bill and hook my arm onto hers, walking us out to my car. "Em, look, it's snowing!" Claire looked up, holding her palm out and catching snowflakes.

I just watch her and smile. "Driving in this tomorrow is going to suck." I groan.

"No, it's pretty."

Instead of getting into the car, I held onto her as she leaned against the door, staring into the night sky. She was right, the snow was beautiful. But I much rather look at her.