Shadow Of Hearts (Emily Prentiss X OC)

Chapter 31: Confessions and Conundrums

The sun was barely rising when Emily Prentiss arrived at the BAU office. She had slept little the night before, her mind racing with thoughts about the case-and about Echo. The connection between them had deepened during the investigation, and now, it wasn't something she could ignore. It was real, and it was more than just a passing infatuation. But with the intensity of their relationship also came complications, and Emily knew she couldn't keep it to herself any longer.

As she settled into her desk, she glanced over at JJ's office. The media liaison was already there, reviewing a stack of files with her usual diligence. JJ had always been Emily's confidante, someone she could turn to when things got complicated. But this was different. This was about love-and secrets.

Taking a deep breath, Emily stood up and made her way to JJ's office. She knocked softly on the doorframe, waiting for JJ to look up.

"Hey, Em," JJ greeted her with a warm smile, motioning for her to come in. "What's up? You look like you've got something on your mind."

Emily closed the door behind her and took a seat across from JJ, her heart pounding in her chest. "I need to talk to you about something," she began, her voice lower than usual.

JJ's smile faltered slightly, sensing the seriousness in Emily's tone. She leaned forward, giving her friend her full attention. "Of course. What's going on?"

Emily hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's about Echo and me. We've been... seeing each other."

JJ's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. "Seeing each other as in... dating?"

Emily nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes. We've been keeping it quiet because, well, we didn't want to complicate things at work. But it's serious, JJ. I care about her a lot."

JJ let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, processing the news. "Wow, Emily. I didn't see that coming, but... I'm really happy for you. Echo seems like a great person, and if she makes you happy, that's all that matters."

Emily smiled, relief washing over her at JJ's supportive response. "She does. But I'm worried, JJ. About how it might affect the team, the dynamics... everything."

JJ nodded thoughtfully, understanding Emily's concerns. "It's a delicate situation, for sure. But you're both professionals. As long as you keep things clear and don't let it interfere with your work, I don't see why it should be a problem. The team might be surprised, but they care about you, Em. They'll want you to be happy."

Emily sighed, feeling the weight of the secret she had been carrying slowly lift. "I hope you're right. I just don't want to cause any issues, especially with how intense the work is right now."

JJ reached across the desk and squeezed Emily's hand. "You deserve to be happy, Emily. Don't let fear hold you back. If Echo is the one for you, then that's something to celebrate, not hide."

Emily squeezed JJ's hand back, grateful for her friend's unwavering support. "Thanks, JJ. I really needed to hear that."

JJ smiled, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "Besides, you know we're all going to find out eventually. The BAU isn't exactly known for keeping secrets."

Emily laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit. "True. I guess I should be prepared for the teasing when it happens."

"Oh, definitely," JJ agreed with a grin. "But don't worry, we'll all be happy for you-once we get over the shock."

As they shared a lighthearted moment, the door to JJ's office creaked open, and Garcia peeked her head inside.

"Hey, lovebirds," Garcia said with a playful wink. "Am I interrupting something, or can I steal Emily for a minute?"

Emily's eyes widened in alarm, but JJ quickly jumped in. "We were just talking, Garcia. What's up?"

Garcia's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she didn't press further. "Just wanted to let you know, we got a hit on that lead you were looking into. Hotch wants everyone in the briefing room ASAP."

"Thanks, Garcia," Emily said, quickly regaining her composure. "We'll be right there."

Garcia gave them both a knowing smile before retreating back into the hallway.

As soon as she was gone, Emily turned to JJ with a look of mock horror. "Do you think she knows?"

JJ chuckled. "If she doesn't now, she will soon. But don't worry, Garcia is the queen of discretion-until she decides to use her powers for good."

Emily laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I better get ready for that, then."

JJ stood up, grabbing her file and giving Emily a supportive pat on the back. "You'll be fine, Em. You've got this."

As they headed to the briefing room together, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. She had taken the first step in opening up about her relationship with Echo, and it hadn't been as terrifying as she had imagined. With JJ on her side, she felt more confident about facing whatever challenges lay ahead.

But as they joined the rest of the team to tackle the latest developments in their case, Emily knew that the real test was yet to come. Keeping her relationship with Echo professional while solving a case that grew more complex by the hour would be no easy feat.

And with the clock ticking down, the pressure was on for Emily, Echo, and the entire BAU to bring the killer to justice-before anyone else got hurt.