Shadow Of Hearts (Emily Prentiss X OC)

Chapter 35: Undercover Secrets

Emily leaned back on the bench, the tension of the day ebbing away as she soaked in the quiet moment with Echo. The stars overhead flickered like distant candles, offering a brief respite from the darkness they were chasing in the field. Echo was sitting close, their shoulders brushing, and the simple touch was enough to send a comforting warmth through Emily.

"You mean the case?" Emily asked, her voice low and calm, though she knew that wasn't what Echo had meant.

Echo chuckled softly, a sound that Emily was beginning to adore. "Not exactly," she admitted, turning slightly to face Emily. "I mean us. Hiding in plain sight-it's thrilling, but it's risky. We're supposed to be focused on catching killers, not... whatever this is between us."

Emily nodded, her thoughts mirroring Echo's. "I know. But it's also hard to ignore, isn't it?" She glanced at Echo, her dark eyes meeting those of her partner, seeing the same mix of determination and vulnerability reflected back at her.

"It is," Echo agreed, her voice dropping to a whisper as if speaking the truth too loudly might break the fragile balance they were maintaining. "But we're good at what we do. We can keep this separate from the job. It doesn't have to get in the way."

Emily smiled softly, admiring Echo's confidence. "You're right. We just need to be careful, especially around the team. If they find out, it could complicate things."

Echo nodded, leaning back to gaze at the stars again. "Agreed. But it's worth it, don't you think?"

Emily's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Echo's voice. She reached out, her hand finding Echo's in the darkness, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It is. We just have to be smart about it."

They sat in companionable silence for a while longer, the weight of their words hanging between them like a silent vow. Despite the challenges ahead, both of them knew they were committed to making this work. The risks were real, but so was the connection they shared.

Eventually, Echo turned to Emily, her voice filled with a mix of playfulness and seriousness. "So, you think JJ suspects anything?"

Emily smirked. "JJ has a sixth sense about these things. She hasn't said anything, but I wouldn't be surprised if she's already pieced it together. She's too observant for her own good."

Echo laughed quietly. "We'll have to be extra careful, then. I'm not ready for the team to start teasing us just yet."

Emily nodded, already thinking of ways to maintain their cover. "We'll keep it professional at work. No lingering looks, no secret smiles. Just partners on a case."

"Right," Echo agreed, though the teasing glint in her eyes suggested she might find it hard to stick to that rule. "Partners on a case. Got it."

As the night grew colder, they both knew it was time to head back to their rooms and try to get some rest before the next day's challenges. Emily walked Echo to her door, lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.

"Good night, Echo," Emily said, her voice softer than usual.

"Good night, Emily," Echo replied, her gaze lingering on Emily's face for a heartbeat longer before she stepped inside.

Emily made her way back to her own room, her thoughts swirling. Their relationship was a delicate balancing act, but it was one she was willing to maintain, no matter how complicated it got. She just hoped the risks wouldn't outweigh the rewards.

---

The next morning, the team reconvened at the local police station, refreshed and ready to dig deeper into the case. Hotch briefed them on the latest developments-Garcia had uncovered more connections between the old disappearances and local folklore, adding new layers to the profile they were building.