BULLETS | JEMILY

first date

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If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I'll never have to live without you.

A.A. Milne - Winnie the Pooh

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JJ and I have secretly been in a relationship for about a month now, and with the rest of the team away in Colorado (I took some vacation time), and JJ still in recovery, now seems like the perfect opportunity to just be a couple. I look up some movie times and find something that I think she'll love, and announce that we're going on a date, over coffee. Her expression is so comical. She looks absolutely mortified. "Em, no, our first date cannot be me in sweatpants using crutches." "Don't be silly, you look beautiful. But, don't worry, we have ages to prepare for this. It isn't until the evening." Also, if you're wondering why the crutches, JJ was in bed for two and a half weeks, and the crutches are a precaution whilst she rebuilds her strength. I finish my coffee and watch the light midday traffic. We're sitting outside a small coffee shop near JJ's house. "Em, isn't it going to be just a little bit weird? I mean, we're here as friends, but also... you know..." I nod, completely understanding. "I know, it's not ideal. But I really would like to give it a shot. I- even if it doesn't work out, I still want to be your friend, and I want us to be able to chat and laugh and have a good time without the tension." "Me too." She smiles as she sips the last of her drink. "Well, in the case, I have to get ready for this date of yours." "What do you mean, you look wonderful." I say as she stands up. "Oh please, I haven't washed my hair all week. I'll see you later." "I'll be at your door at six, and not a moment later." I wave even though she's walking away with her back to me, but she does turn momentarily to wave back before turning the corner. 

All afternoon, I can't get the date out of my mind. I really want it to go well. But at the same time, I don't want to force her into something she's not ready for. She just came out of a long marriage, and the last thing I want to do is hurt her, she doesn't deserve any of that. Instead, I just want her to have a laugh and have a good time, in her own time. I sigh, this is going to be trickier than I thought, trying to control myself. The more I think about it, the more it feels like a bad idea. But in the end, I decide to go through with it... I mean, there's no harm in trying, right? I have no idea what to wear for the date. It's dinner and a movie, so I'm thinking casual but smart. Not too dressy. In the end, I settle for a purple blouse with a short black skirt and black heels. I hope it's not too much. I get in the car and start driving to JJ's, filled with excitement and anxiety over what could happen. What if it goes wrong? But... at the same time, what if it doesn't? What if it goes so well that we want to do it again and again and again until someone finds out and we both lose our jobs and it's all my fault and... I stop thinking and pay attention to the road as I hear a horn and suddenly swerve back into my own lane. I had no idea I was wandering over into the next lane. God, I could have just crashed. Time to focus.

It's two minutes to six and I knock gently on her door. And then I worry that she can't hear, so I knock again. She opens the door and I can't help but smile. She looks so beautiful, she's radiating with sunshine and beauty. "Wow, you look amazing." I say straight away. She's dressed in a tight-fitting black and red dress with red heels and she's got the smallest amount of make up on, just enough to accentuate her cheek bones and her lips. "Thanks, you too." She replies. "What happened to the crutches?" I ask as we walk to the car. "Oh, I gave up on them. I'm fine, honestly." She laughs and climbs in to the passenger seat. As I shut the door and start the engine she turns to me. "So, Emily, where are you taking me this evening?" "Ah, my dear, you will just have to wait and see." I answer, pulling out into traffic. She pouts but then looks away and I grin to myself. Maybe this will actually be a good thing? We get to the movie theatre, but it's not just any movie theatre... 

"Welcome, JJ, to the only drive-in theatre in DC." I say as I pull up. Her eyes sparkle and her face lights up. "Oh my goodness, I love these! I used to go to them all the time at home, when I was younger." She says excitedly. "There's blankets in the back, and I think a place to buy popcorn and drinks." I say as I find the perfect spot with an excellent view. "Do you like singing?" I suddenly ask. "Oh, sure, why?" She responds, clearly a little confused. "Because we're watching Mamma Mia." I answer. "Really? I love that film. You're the best, you know." She says and gives me a spontaneous hug, which I am surprised about, but I don't hesitate to hug her back. "Hey, Em?" "Yeah?" "Did I hear you say popcorn?" She grins and I roll my eyes. Don't steal my seat, will you?" I joke as I climb out. "I'll be back." I keep smiling as I walk to the concession stand, buy two large buckets of popcorn and some Twizzlers and head back. When I get back in the car, she's already laid out the blankets and is definitely getting comfortable. "You alright there?" I giggle as I hand her a bucket of popcorn. "You got Twizzlers too? Wow, what don't you do?" She laughs and takes a Twizzler. As the movie plays, I notice her hand resting in between us and I consider moving mine next to hers. It's a subtle movement, but as I move slightly closer, her palm opens and I slip my hand into hers. Her hand feels warm and soft and it's calming to know that she's beside me. They start singing songs and it's not long before we're both belting out the songs. She has the voice of an angel, it's soft and delicate and perfectly in tune. I smile as I watch her, and it's like she can feel my eyes on her because she falls quiet and blushes. "I got a bit carried away there." She laughs. I smile even wider. "No, it was amazing. I could listen to it all day." I respond. 

It feels like we're the only two people here, time has stopped and nothing else matters. Her eyes are focused on mine, and I look back into her blue ones. Her hand, which is nestled in mine, creeps closer to my chest and I slide forwards gently. She leans first, I wait for her, and then follow so that our lips meet in the middle, pressed soft but tightly together, and we kiss. It's tentative at first, but the longer we kiss, the more she wants it and the stronger, more passionate it gets. A small moan escapes her lips and I fight the urge to gently bite her top lip. This feels like enough for now, it is new to her after all, and it feels amazing. After what feels like an eternity, we break apart and giggle, before the phone rings. Of course it has to ring. Mine rings, and then hers does. We both outwardly groan and roll our eyes before answering. "Agent Prentiss." "Agent Jareau." Back to work it is, I guess. At least we had one date. It was good while it lasted. As we drive back to Quantico, JJ smiles and asks, "Again?" "Of course." I reply with a grin and keep driving.