Emily Prentiss One Shots

Starry Night

Another one that screams 2019. I'm writing a new enagagement fic for Valentines day don't you fret! 

The whole team had gathered at David's for what could only loosely be called a dinner party. It was easy and familiar. Everyone clustered around the backyard fire pit, laughing and teasing between bites of overpriced burgers and half-finished glasses of wine. Stories flowed freely: JJ's kids, Penelope's latest cat drama, Hotch's elusive brother.

You slipped away before anyone noticed, drawn by something beyond the glow of the flames. Curiosity always got the better of you; it was part of your nature. Emily saw it immediately. Her lips curved into a fond smile as she watched you wander toward the edge of the yard, your figure outlined by the flickering firelight. After a moment, she quietly excused herself and followed.

The night air was crisp, tinged with the promise of fall. When she found you, you were standing near the treeline, head tilted back toward the stars. Moonlight painted your face in silver — soft and almost unreal, like a scene she'd stumbled into by accident.

Emily approached slowly, unwilling to disturb the calm wrapped around you. "What has caught your attention, love?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

You turned toward her with a warm smile. "Look," you said, pointing skyward. "The stars. They're perfect tonight."

Emily followed your gaze. The sky stretched endlessly above, scattered with light. "They are," she murmured, stepping closer until your shoulders brushed. "Funny how something so far away can still make us feel small, and alive all at once."

You leaned into her side, soaking in the stillness. "It's moments like this," you said softly, "that make everything worth it."

Emily's hand found yours. "You have this way of finding beauty in everything," she said, her voice warm against the night air. "It's one of the million reasons I love you."

You turned to meet her eyes. "And you have this way of grounding me," you whispered. "You make the world feel steady, real."

The two of you stood there for a while, the hum of laughter and clinking glasses drifting faintly from behind. For that moment, the only things that existed were: the stars, the quiet, and the steady rhythm of Emily's breathing beside you.

When you finally rejoined the group, hand in hand, the warmth between you radiated. Subtle but undeniable. You felt it buzzing in your chest, a spark that wouldn't settle. The ring box in your pocket pressed against your thigh, a constant reminder of what you were about to do.

David caught your glance from across the fire and gave the smallest nod. Somehow, he knew.

Your fingers brushed the velvet box once more before you stood, clearing your throat. Conversations faded, laughter softened. Emily's eyes met yours immediately, curiosity flickering in her gaze.

"Emily," you began, your voice steadier than you felt. "The day I met you, I became the person I wanted to be. You've helped me grow, challenged me, and loved me harder than I ever thought possible. I want every single moment with you. The good, the bad, all of it. I want to grow old with you, drink coffee on our porch, and point out the stars to you for the rest of our lives."

You sank to one knee, heart racing. "Emily Elizabeth Prentiss," you said, holding up the ring, "will you do me the highest honor, and be my wife?"

The night fell silent. Emily's breath caught, her eyes glistening in the firelight. For a heartbeat, neither of you moved. Then she smiled, radiant, unstoppable.

"Yes," she breathed. "A thousand times yes."

The team erupted into cheers. You slid the ring onto her finger, your hands trembling. Emily cupped your face, tears spilling freely now. "Thank you," she whispered. "For loving me like this. For choosing me."

"I love you," you said, voice cracking.

And then her lips were on yours. A kiss that silenced the noise, burned the edges of the world away. Laughter and shouts echoed around you. Derek's voice cut through with a teasing, "It's about damn time!" while Penelope sobbed openly, camera already recording. 

You felt Emily smile against your lips, her hands threading through your hair as you pulled her closer.

When you finally broke apart, breathless and grinning, she rested her forehead against yours. "I love you too," she whispered. "With everything that I am."

The fire crackled, the stars shimmered overhead, and for one impossibly perfect night — surrounded by your found family — you felt infinite.

Your phone buzzed a few minutes later. A message from Penny Girl <3: a video attachment and a single heart emoji. You caught her eye across the fire, mouthing a silent thank you.

She smiled through her tears. You turned back to Emily, your future shining on her hand — and above you, the stars burned brighter than ever.