RED

more movie nights, office gossip, and rainy days

word count: 2079

Monday morning, JJ practically ran into Penelope's office. The team had gotten back from New Orleans Sunday afternoon, and the two girls were ready to have their own little briefing. Penelope spun around in her chair, eyes wide with anticipation. "Tell me everything! What is going on with our beloved Unit Chief and Miss Prentiss?"

JJ grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "Oh, it's so on. I caught them looking at each other during the whole case, and the night we went out? Please. They were practically glued together. And get this— they danced."

Penelope's jaw dropped. "Danced? As in, together? Oh my God, that is huge! Hotch doesn't just dance with anyone, JJ! That's, like, next-level for him."

JJ nodded, her smile widening. "I know, right? And the morning after, Emily was way too happy, especially considering how hungover she was."

Penelope giggled, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "I knew it! I've been picking up vibes for a while now. But, like, Hotch hasn't dated much since his divorce, right? This is big."

JJ lowered her voice even though they were alone. "Yeah, after Haley, he's been really closed off. I mean, there was Beth, but that was brief. This with Emily? It feels different. More serious."

Penelope leaned in closer, eyes sparkling. "Do you think they've—"

At that moment, Spencer walked in, oblivious to their hushed conversation. "Hey, what are you guys talking about?"

Both women straightened up, exchanging a quick glance. "Oh, nothing!" JJ started, but the smirk on her face betrayed her.

Spencer's eyes narrowed, sensing something juicy. "Come on, I know that look. Spill."

Penelope sighed dramatically. "Fine, genius boy. We were discussing a certain pair of agents who might be... getting cozy."

Spencer's face lit up with curiosity. "Wait, who? Hotch and Emily? Seriously?"

JJ and Penelope nodded in unison, trying not to laugh at Spencer's sudden interest.

"No way," Spencer muttered, almost to himself. "I mean, I've noticed some behavioral changes, but I didn't think... Wow. This could be really interesting."

Penelope beamed. "Told you! And them dancing together in New Orleans? That's like seeing a unicorn!"

JJ chuckled. "Well, just keep it on the down-low, okay? We don't want to jinx anything."

Spencer crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "Of course. But now I'm going to have to observe them even more closely."

Penelope snickered, throwing a mock serious look at him. "Just don't make it weird, Spence."

Spencer grinned. "Weird? Who, me?"

All three of them burst into laughter, JJ shaking her head as she left Penelope's office.

The weather outside was cold and rainy, making Emily glad today was a paperwork day. The usual hum of the BAU office was punctuated by the occasional rustle of papers and the soft clicking of keyboards. Emily tried to focus on the stack of files in front of her, but her eyes kept drifting upward, drawn to the glass walls of Hotch's office. Every time she caught herself staring, she mentally cursed, but the pattern repeated itself over and over.

Derek, who had a front-row seat to her distraction, leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "You got something you want to share with the class, Prentiss? Or are you just really into those TPS reports?"