Behind the Mask | Emily Prentiss x Reader

Masks and Ambitions

You adjusted the smooth satin of your mask, fingers tracing the intricate lace that framed your eyes. The mask was delicate, crafted from the finest black lace, its floral patterns forming a beautiful filigree that hinted at your features beneath. It felt light, almost weightless, tied securely with a soft ribbon at the back of your head. The satin ends brushed your bare neck, a subtle reminder of the glamor of the evening.

This wasn't your world—not really—but tonight, you'd play the part. You ran your hands down the sleek fabric of your dress, feeling the luxurious softness of the material. The gown was a deep, elegant black, hugging your figure before flowing into a floor-length skirt. The plunging neckline added a touch of daring sophistication, balanced by the billowing, sheer sleeves that draped gracefully around your arms. The high slit in the skirt moved with you, a whisper of movement that caught the light, revealing a flash of your leg as you stepped forward.

The annual masquerade ball was one of the most exclusive events of the year for Washington D.C.'s elite. Politicians, FBI directors, high-ranking officials—everyone who held any power under the Capitol dome was here, their faces hidden behind masks, their laughter echoing off the marble floors. It was a chance to network, to impress, to be seen. Thanks to your best friend, you had a coveted invitation in hand and a perfect excuse to be among them.

You took a deep breath, feeling the soft fabric of your dress glide against your skin as you moved. With the mask concealing your identity and the elegant dress making you feel every bit the part, you eyed the crowd, ready to embrace the night. From across the room, Alexandra "Lexi" Hargrove shot you a reassuring grin, her blue eyes glinting behind a delicate golden mask. Lexi was at home here, gliding through the clusters of suited men and jeweled women like she'd been doing it all her life. As the daughter of Senator Raymond Hargrove and former diplomat Eleanor Hargrove, she had.

But tonight wasn't just for Lexi's benefit; she'd brought you here to help you network, to get your face in front of people who could make or break careers. She was the kind of friend who believed in your FBI ambitions as much as you did, maybe even more. You'd always admired her confidence, her fearlessness in navigating this glittering, cutthroat world, and more than once, her family had offered you the sense of belonging you'd struggled to find with your own. Her parents had always welcomed you warmly, especially knowing that your own family connections were... complicated. Growing up, your family had been loving but distant, too absorbed in their own world to see your drive and ambition. When your friend's parents took you under their wing, you felt a sense of pride you'd never known. They'd been delighted at your career choice, even more so when you confided your dream of joining the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

"Are you sure I don't look ridiculous?" you murmured as she approached, checking the flowing lines of your dark gown for the hundredth time.

Lexi laughed softly, tucking a stray lock of her blond hair under her mask. "You look perfect, and you're going to be fantastic. Trust me." She tilted her head, studying you for a moment. "Besides, my parents are practically ready to adopt you. If I get one more 'Oh, she's such a wonderful young woman' from Mom, I might start getting jealous."

You chuckled, rolling your eyes. "As if anyone could replace you as their favorite."

Lexi gave you a warm look, squeezing your arm. "They just want to make sure you know you have a family here. And they'd do anything to see you in the BAU. You know Dad practically told half his colleagues in Congress that his 'honorary daughter' is the next big thing in the Bureau."

Heat rose in your cheeks at the thought. "That's sweet of him. Really. It's just... this isn't exactly my world. It feels a little surreal."

Lexi smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Welcome to my life. Come on, Dad's over by the bar. He's dying to introduce you to some people."