• 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 •

Chapter 4

" It all seems stranger than a stranger, so let's dance in slow motion."

Emily rose when the sun did, unable to relax or what she considered "wasting her time" without growing restless. Her caffeine intake was almost inhumane, but she claimed that her morning runs always canceled out at least a cup. Any calls for emergency cases usually came between 6-8. Emily was the first to be notified, and considered it useful to already be up and alert when they came.. As expected her phone rang just as she returned to her apartment, slightly out of breath from her jog. She had been jumpy for the last few days, and hated being stuck in the office for more than a few days just as she had been.

Grabbing her duffle bag that was always waiting for her, ready to go beside the door, she flew down the stairs of her apartment. Approaching her car, she stopped a good three feet away, crouching down to peer underneath it. Even after guaranteeing her safety, she fluidly slid into the car and immediately locked the doors behind her. Her neck quickly snapped back, eyes scanning the backseat for movement. It had been years since... well everything, and working the job she did contributed to her paranoia as well. As her lungs settled into a normal pace again, she turned her keys to start the engine. The car sputtered, her dashboard lit up and then fell silent and dark again. Frowning, she turned her keys in and out again, tapping her nails against the steering wheel with frustration. After a few more tries she gave up, tossing her keys on the passenger seat and whipping out her phone. The team's group chat was still active since she had sent a message about the new case, so she sent out her request for a ride to all of them. Luke responded instantly, but he was already out playing a quick game of basketball with Matt before work, and they at the gym on the opposite side of town from Emily's apartment. Garcia apologized profusely for not being able to offer up a ride, and compensated by asking for Emily's coffee request as she was already picking up an order for the office. JJ was getting her kids on the school bus per usual, and Rossi never even responded to the message. At this point Emily was honestly considering running to the office, when Garcia's typing bubbles returned to the screen.

Just talked to Y/N. She lives 2 blocks down and said she'd pick you up. Also adding her to the group chat once we get to work. You're welcome Em!

E.P: Oh no it's good. I think I might just run. Thanks though Pen.

P.G: Too late, she's already on her way. Be nice.

E.P: What do you mean? I'm always nice!

JJ: ...
D.R: Are you talking about yourself?
E.P: I hate you all.

She was ready to block them all when a message from an unknown number flashed across the top of her screen. Her heart still raced whenever that happened, until she realized it was you, simply letting her know you were here. Emily twisted her body around, scanning the parking lot through the back window. There were no new cars.

E.P: Where?

?: Out front, by your fancy glass doors.

She furrowed her eyebrow, gathering up her stuff and climbing out of the car to walk back towards the entrance. Her feet froze on the asphalt as she got closer and she let out a heavy breath as she muttered. "You've got to be kidding me."

You were distracted as she approached you, grabbing a helmet to hand to her. She accepted it reluctantly and crossed her arms just below her chest. " When Penelope said you could give me a ride, I assumed she meant a car," she drawled, eyeing the white bike that gleamed brightly under the sun's rays.

" Well guess that's why you should never assume things. Now are you getting on or not?" You patted the seat behind you and Emily's eyes narrowed. Slowly she climbed behind you, attempting to leave a few inches of space between your bodies. Her hands hovered in the air awkwardly, unsure of where to place them. You sighed, accidentally revealing your impatience with the woman. " If you're unwilling to touch me due to your enormous sense of pride, you're going to end up as roadkill, but that's up to you." Turning your head back you raised an eyebrow, and caught Emily's body gestures sink into reluctant agreement. Taking her wrists, you wrapped them loosely around your waist, and as a result she slid forward more. The second the sound of the motor vibrated Emily's ears, her hands gripped your body tighter. You had only gotten a block when her head seemed to hide in the crook of your neck, not something she intended to do surely, or you assumed. " Did you never have a boyfriend with a bike when you were a teenager or something? You seem like the type." You called out into the air in front of you, hoping your voice traveled back to her.