(Criminal Minds) Bloodsport - 3/...
Title: Bloodsport
Author: darkbardzero
Fandom: Criminal Minds
Pairings: Jennifer Jareau/Emily Prentiss
Ratings: 18
Summary: ‘’Love is just a Bloodsport.’’
Disclaimers: All things Criminal Minds belong to people other than me. I just write stuff.
Author's Notes: Well, this is something that was originally part of a drabble I wrote in the CM music challenge. Back then, I was nudged and encouraged by Steppenwolf_20 to write it full length. So here it is! It’s been in the works for quite a while due to various reasons, but it’s on the tracks now.
Thank You: To Steppenwolf_20 for suggesting it, Sofia_Lindsay for not letting me give up on it early on, and Heidimaggs22 for supporting me, batting ideas around, putting up with rants and waffles, beta’ing and for being my rock!
XXX
''Please?''
The excited blonde pleaded sweetly as she put emphasis on the word, batting her eye lashes with that cute little baby face expression of hers and the dazzling sparkle in gorgeous blue eyes. Right now the supposed adult was suspended in a state of childlike rapture, fully of wonder and awe. It never ceased to amaze just how fantastically cute, how carefree and alive JJ could be. Just experiencing eagerly, living in only that moment.
''Please, please, please, please, please?''
The last please came out elongated and emphasized again as the eyelashes continued to bat and the sheer hopefulness and excitement in her eyes made her think of JJ as a child all innocent and sweet, excited by things to come. How many times had that look managed to warm hearts and create smiles, make experiences so much the better because of her presence? Would her child have those precious eyes that melted hearts?
Delilah sure as hell hoped so.
''Okay! Okay I give!''
JJ squeaked elatedly and bounced on the spot before lunging forward and wrapping her arms around her girlfriend as she continued to bounce. Delilah grunted at the sudden movement and having the blonde throw herself at her as well as bouncing against her and JJ laughed, in turn making the brunette laugh too.
''Thank you, thank you, thank you!''
JJ giggled richly and Delilah couldn't help but feel the warmth it created wash through her as it reached her ears. Couldn't help but admit to herself that climbing onto that death contraption they called a ride was worth it when it made JJ so happy. That's what she wanted to do, make her happy. Hear that laugh and see that smile, that fantastic glow in her eyes that could light through the blackest darkness.
JJ was so beautiful. She thought she was average, if that. Thought there wasn't anything particularly striking about her. Delilah disagreed whole-heartedly. Everything was striking about her. Jennifer Jareau was remarkable and Delilah Forrester was determined to spend a very long time making her believe it.
Delilah grunted again as JJ let go of her so quickly that it caused her to jerk. But she wasn't released for long because in possibly 0.3 seconds after that she felt warm, soft hands on the sides of her face and the familiar feel of velvety lips against her own. Gladly she accepted the kiss, letting JJ open it up into a deep, rolling kiss that was connective and exploratory. Right here in the middle of the carnival. It was perfect.
Delilah hummed lightly as JJ gently pulled back, breathing in deeply as she smiled at the blonde. She loved kissing Jennifer. Even when there were other people milling around, even though the sounds of the carnival echoed all around and lights flashing here and there, all of it had been lost in the face of this woman kissing her like that.
JJ grinned sweetly before reaching forward and taking her hand. Their fingers entwined together automatically, now an expected, instinctual move. Delilah felt her heart boom and a surge of feeling rush through her body that made her feel like she was high. She felt like a kid again. She couldn't get enough of this feeling. Being with JJ was like taking a fantastical trip into a land of magic where she believed anything could happen. And Delilah had never been that person. Had always been the down to earth, feet on the floor type. Born in a place that had nothing magical but all blood and grit and hard and rough. It hadn't turned her into a hard person as such but it hadn't exactly inspired her into flights of fancy either.
And now this. Now her. This glorious woman that made her feel like anything was possible. But the most shocking thing was that she did the same for her too. Made her laugh and smile like she just had. It was a revelation to her.
Delilah only smirked lightly even though JJ's look of pure joy was enough to make her beam. She had to pretend after all that this was a reluctant surrender and of course she had a reputation to keep! But she let herself be led by the hand toward the looming Ferris wheel that had shining lights and squeals of laughter floating down from high carriages. She had no idea why JJ was so obsessed about going on the damn thing but if this is what happened then Delilah thought it was worth it.
She didn't object to having to wait in line even, too distracted by having JJ leaning into her closely so she got to wrap her arms around her affectionately, sharing kisses and light laughter from whispers personal to them. Eventually they got to the front and JJ tugged her into one of the rickety carriages like a kid tugged you downstairs because Santa had been. The attendant gave them a wink as he sealed them in and then they were off.
''Why do you like these things so much?''
Delilah enquired curiously as she peered down the side of the carriage to the earth that was steadily getting further and further away. Her attention was brought back to JJ as the blonde squeezed her hand. The breeze tussled through her hair gently and her smooth, perfectly honeycomb skinned cheeks were a little red from the air now. She looked amazing. The smile gracing her lips was magical and mysterious just like the woman herself.
''Don't you just think there are moments when everything seems possible. When you're suspended in nothing but possibility. Look around.''
JJ's tone was quiet and inspiring and she indicated the darkness around them. But when Delilah looked it wasn't darkness anymore. There were sparkling lights mapping out the land like stars mapped out the sky. It actually stole her breath a little as her sense of magic was increased. She had never experienced anything like this and it was only because of JJ that she was doing now. The blonde snuggled close and Delilah wrapped a hand around her shoulders, leaning her head on JJ's as the slightly older woman rested hers on her shoulder.
''Just breathe. Life is down there. Up here? Anything is possible.''
XXXX
''Wakey, wakey beautiful.''
JJ grunted at the soft and lightly amused voice that floated from somewhere next to her as she felt the pad of a finger stroke down her nose a couple of times just as gently. The blonde scrunched her nose up and made a muffled noise again in protest of the notion of waking up, her body flexing into a little ball but a playful smirk pulling against her lips.
She was so very comfortable and warm, perfectly content with this blissful peace surrounding her. The fresh air drifted in from the open window and JJ not only could hear the sea but smell it too. JJ couldn't help but think to herself that she hadn't been this relaxed in so long that she couldn't even remember. No demanding reporters, no desperate Detective's or scrutinizing big wigs of the FBI, no work…but best of all, no damn serial killers.
''I dun wanna!''
Came the petulant and sleep mumble from the blonde, which raised a highly amused laugh from Delilah. The police officer shuffled properly on the bed on her knees as she chuckled at her lover's childlike behaviour. She had always adored these moments just because of JJ's sweetness during the morning. When she hadn't been disturbed by phone calls to do with work of course. When they could just laze about together with nowhere to go, this is what it tended to be like. But she had a sneaking suspicion that it was extra cute right now because of where they were. Free to just be together and relax and clearly JJ was taking that relaxation thing very seriously.
''Oh that's mature baby, really!''
The brunette whispered with a low chuckle as she leant over JJ to place a gentle single kiss on her lips.
''You have to get up if you want to explore today.''
Delilah pointed out before skimming kisses along the blonde's jaw. Once again JJ sighed again, still sleepy but with an ounce of resignation in it that meant she knew she really had to get up.
''Can't you just tell me what's outside so I can stay here?''
She wondered innocently.
''No!''
JJ huffed.
''Fine! I will get up. But there'd better be coffee! Strong coffee!''
The reluctant Agent stated still with that sweet childlike petulance before she shifted around to rest on her back as she finally opened her eyes. The striking blue that she still couldn't get over, glowing and brilliant met Delilah. They were in Portugal with the sea right outside, such a beautiful blue sea, and it didn't even hold any competition to JJ's eyes.
''I will make you coffee!''
Delilah agreed as she laughed again. JJ just grinned and nodded with a look that clearly said 'so you should'.
''It feels good to be here.''
The slightly older woman stated softly. It was exactly what was needed; some time off from work and Delilah had been so excited about the prospect of visiting Portugal when they had talked about it. She had so much she wanted to show her, so many people she knew here she wanted to introduce her to, friends and family. This was the third day of just over two weeks away and already JJ felt like everything that had pent up in her from back home had gone. And unlike Delilah's Mother who not so secretly hated her, the couple of family members she had met so far were very welcoming and sweet.
''I feels good to have you here. Eu te amo, Bela.''
Lifting her hands up JJ looked at Delilah as she weaved her fingers into dark hair to push it back so she could see her face. Delilah had straddled her now and she was smiling almost shyly down at her as dark eyes glowed.
''What's that mean?''
She asked softly, accepting the fleeting kiss that Delilah leant down for. The brunette remained there so she could whisper by her ear.
''I love you Beautiful.''
XXXX
''Delilah! Will you pay attention?''
JJ sighed in exasperation as she glared across the kitchen breakfast counter at her girlfriend who was currently sporting a goofy, mischievous grin. One that had gotten around JJ plenty of times but today it just seemed to be irking her.
''I am, I swear. Continue.''
Delilah squeaked although JJ was still dubious because of that twinkle in her eyes. She stared at her for a second before taking in a breath and pointing to the counter they were stood on each side of. JJ had laid out various household and kitchen objects to represent the members of each soccer team as she was trying to explain to her giddy girlfriend what the game was all about, and what her position was all about. However Delilah really didn't seem interested.
''Okay. So, that's me…''
JJ pointed to the Tabasco sauce.
''You got that right!''
Delilah snickered but then stopped as JJ shot her another glare. She cleared her throat and clamped her mouth shut quickly, despite the fact she was dying to laugh.
''I'm the central midfielder, okay?''
''I thought you were the Captain?''
''I am. Captain isn't a position Del it's a title.''
''Oh. Who knew!''
JJ groaned.
''You would if you stopped interrupting me and paid attention!''
The blonde snapped as she began to get irritable. Delilah raised her hands and gestured for her to continue. Once again, JJ tried.
''There are 11 players on each side. There's goalkeeper, defense, midfield and attack.''
JJ pointed to the 'players' along the breakfast counter in turn.
''My job is to be the link between the defense and the attack, passing the ball and also defending when the other team are in possession of the ball. I basically control the action.''
JJ regretted her words immediately. Within a second she sighed as she cringed, closing her eyes as she realised her fatal mistake.
''You control the action huh? Makes sense, you can be kinda dom! Central midfielders are good at switching, are they? Explains a lot!''
As expected Delilah had turned everything she had just said into sexual innuendo. Or, less innuendo and blatantly just about sex. Their sex, in particular. It's the mood she had been in the entire morning and it was driving JJ nuts. All she wanted to do was explain to her girlfriend the game so she could understand it when she came along and watched her today. But everything she said Delilah was fooling around with and not paying attention or giving the slightest damn about it.
''You know what, forget it.''
Delilah stood up properly from having been draped on the counter top.
''Oh c'mon, I'm just goofing around.''
''No you're not, you're pissing me off! If you're not interested then why are you even bothering to come and watch today, it's not like you take it seriously. I learnt your damn softball rules for you!''
Delilah flailed slightly as she got the irritated mouthful from the blonde.
''Yeah but JJ, you actually like softball. I'm really not interested in soccer baby; I'm going to watch you. I don't need to learn it to cheer for you from the sidelines. All I need is you out there looking super hot in that outfit!''
JJ pushed back from the counter as she shook her head, well and truly pissed off now. She couldn't stand here any more it was like trying to throw a book at a wall. If Delilah wasn't going to listen she couldn't teach her, and if she wasn't even damn well interested then she couldn't do anything about that despite that she wanted her to be. It was only a game, it wasn't that hard to learn and JJ would have really liked her to have even if she didn't like it. Obviously that was just too much to ask.
''You know what, fuck it. I don't care anymore; I'm going for a shower. Do not follow me.''
XXXX
''Oh my god, get down!''
''I won't!''
JJ shook her head as she covered her face with her hands. God she was so embarrassed right now, her face she could tell had gone completely red but despite that she had to laugh too. Could hear the people in the bar laughing too as she tried to sink into her chair. Right now her girlfriend was stood on the table with a mic in her hand. JJ didn't know how that had happened but it was.
''This gorgeous creature right here? This is my girlfriend, Jennifer! And its Jennifer's birthday today…''
There were a round of cheers that erupted through the bar but JJ was still trying to hide despite that she couldn't stop laughing.
''You're insane!''
She shouted from out of behind her hands.
''Did you hear that? I'm trying to be romantic and she's calling me insane? Typical!''
Yet again the room laughed. JJ wasn't surprised that Delilah was doing this. She was so confident in a way that she wasn't, despite being the focus of the media sometimes she hated the idea of being the focus of attention. It's why she was currently trying to shy away from it right now, but she had to admit the fact that Delilah was making such a fuss was kind of sweet. Each one of their friends who were accompanying them, which included Garcia, Morgan and Reid, were in hysterics and JJ thought Garcia just might have had a hand in this.
''Get up here.''
JJ shook her head.
''I swear to god, get up here or I'm just gunna get this beefcake friend of yours to lift you up here!''
Delilah gestured toward Morgan who grinned smugly, nodding his head thus telling JJ as she peeped out from her hands that he was more than willing to do as Delilah asked. They were all conspirators!
''Every single one of you will pay for this.''
JJ warned as she started to get up, not exactly feeling like she wanted to be man handled by Morgan tonight. She was still burning red but she knew she was going to have no choice in the matter. So she took Delilah's offered hand and stepped up onto the table, not letting go of her hand as there were cheers and applause to which she continued to blush at.
''So first, happy birthday baby.''
''Thank you.''
''I have a little surprise for you, but don't worry, it's not anything to do with the one you're getting at home later!''
Yet again there was more cheering and JJ smacked Delilah lightly. The brunette just gave her a cheeky grin.
''So really, what I wanted to say was this. Jennifer Jareau, I love you. I love everything you do, I love everything you are, even when you're in a bad mood and yell at me and make me sleep on the couch! You make me very happy, and tonight, I'd like to sing you a little song, okay?''
JJ cleared her throat again and nodded as she tried to convince herself a whole bar full of people, mainly women, were not staring at them.
''Okay.''
''But you can't join in, we don't want to deafen these nice folks!''
JJ shoved her lightly again as she pulled a withering glare but smiled at the brunette's playful grin. She had to stand up there, still gripping onto Delilah's hand, throughout the entire song. Which was beautiful, JJ had to admit. She'd have preferred it not to be a public spectacle but that really was just Delilah's way. She guessed she could get over it considering how sweet she was trying to be. And Delilah had a very nice voice too. JJ just thought it was a shame that her girlfriend thought she couldn't sing either.
XXXX
''Ma'am! Ma'am, you need to let them take her.''
JJ tried to force her way past the nurse that had caught her before she could get through the swinging double doors inside the hospital. They were still swinging wide and she could catch glimpses of the staff and paramedics that were rolling the gurney down to the trauma room.
''No! I need to be there for her, let me go!''
JJ was emotional and terrified and still shaking, and she was a lot smaller than the nurse that had managed to grab her. Normally she might have been able to get around her but tonight? Tonight she didn't stand a chance. And all she wanted to do was run in there after them and make sure that her girlfriend knew she was there.
''She's in the best hands, I promise you.''
The nurse insisted. JJ's tear stained face turned to her as watery and overwhelmed eyes looked at her for the first time.
''I don't even…oh my god…she doesn't even know! I never said it back.''
The nurse frowned in confusion at JJ's hysterics.
''What doesn't she know?''
''She shouldn't be in there, I should! He was aiming for me and she loves me, for gods sake I have to go in there! She might be dying because of me and I never said it back to her!''
The night had turned into a disaster. They had only supposed to be out having a good time and they had gotten into the middle of a dangerous situation. One that had resulted in this. Resulted in her girlfriend being at the business end of a knife. One that had initially been aiming for her. Why the hell had she done that? Stepped in front of her like that? She could die right now and it would be all her fault.
''Ma'am, she has the best Doctor's. Please, come with me, you're head needs to be treated, you're bleeding.''
JJ blinked and frowned in confusion.
''No I'm not!''
She scoffed. The nurse looked at her and lifted her eyes up toward her head. JJ lifted up her hand and touched the side of it, just above her temple and cringed as a wave of pain swept through her. Pulling her hand back she saw the bright red blood covering her hand.
''It doesn't matter. I need to stay with her. You can't make me go, I'm FBI. You can't make me go.''
''Honey, I don't care if you're the Director of the damn FBI, you're hurt. Let me treat you, you're no good to her with a head wound, are you? Evidently she cares enough to try and make sure you didn't get hurt, now would she really want you standing out here going un-treated?''
God this woman reminded JJ of her Mother. She had that 'look'. That Mother look that made misbehaving children think twice and the fact that JJ was a fully trained FBI Agent with a badge and a gun wasn't about to faze this woman at all. She was stern but underneath that was genuine care and she had spilt the truth so openly that JJ knew she couldn't argue against it. Fresh tears welled in her eyes as she looked at this compassionate stranger and she nodded in defeat.
''Okay good. You come with me and we'll get you all sorted out. I'll need you to give me some details about you and your girlfriend too, okay? And the police will need to talk to you.''
''Will you stay with me?''
The nurse nodded.
''Of course. What's your name, Agent?''
JJ hated feeling so vulnerable. She was a confident woman and she could normally handle the toughest of situations. Even if sometimes that meant putting her feelings in a box until she was in a place where she could let them out. But now? Now it felt like the sky had come tumbling down on her and she just needed someone to stay with her. Delilah was in that trauma room with a knife wound in her gut, and JJ couldn't stand to be alone through that.
''Jennifer Jareau.''
The nurse smiled and gently looped her arm around JJ's shoulders.
''Okay Jennifer, you come with me sweetheart. My name is Karen.''
15 stitches, one wrist bandage, a couple of painkiller shots, 2 detailed filling in of paperwork and one police statement and 2 hours later found JJ sitting in the quiet waiting room of the surgical floor. It was so very still here, so quiet. JJ could hear the echo's stirring around the hallways and it made her uncomfortable. She was cold and numb and hadn't stopped shaking since she arrived at the hospital. She had relayed all the details that she could remember, everything had happened so fast. Despite the constant danger that she and Delilah were both in with their lines of work, this was still jarring. How something like this could just happen so fast, no matter how well trained and prepared you were to deal with it.
''JJ?''
JJ blinked. Her name sounded just like an echo too but it jarred her enough to stop staring down the corridor where somewhere down there Delilah was in surgery. Exhausted, pained blue eyes looked up, so numb that for a long moment she didn't recognise the man in front of her.
He knelt down in front of her, waiting patiently for her to remember. Knowing how overwhelmed and pained she was, how scared she was. She was shattered right now, injured and by all accounts had taken a very bad knock to the head. She had a slight concussion and she was shot up with painkillers for the cut to her head and the wrist that had been close to broken.
''Hotch?''
JJ squeaked softly, frowning slightly but wincing because it hurt to frown. She starred at her boss like she was wondering if she had slipped into unconsciousness right here in the waiting room and was now dreaming it. She hadn't called anybody, too preoccupied with everything that had happened up to now. Also in the back of her head she still realised that it was the middle of the night.
''The police informed me you had been assaulted in an altercation downtown. I came to see how you were, to stay with you if you need me to.''
He explained softly, keeping his tone caring but even as to speak clearly so that she would understand. Hotch could tell that she was in shock. When he had been called he had asked if his Agent was alright and they relayed that she had been injured but the woman she had been with had been assaulted with a knife. Hotch knew that meant Delilah. He didn't know how bad her injury was but obviously it was bad enough. The hospital was reluctant to give too much away apart from that she had needed immediate surgery and had been in there for over an hour. They had told him about JJ's condition and said there was a nurse waiting with her upstairs on the OR floor before he was led up there.
''She umm…she moved in front of me.''
JJ said weakly, sniffling and trying to wipe away yet another round of tears. She could barely look Hotch in the eyes as he looked at her, confused.
''What do you mean?''
''Delilah. The guy…the guy was going after me, Hotch. And she stopped him. He would've…Hotch I wouldn't have survived from where he was aiming. I owe her my life. What if she dies? What if she dies in there because of me?''
Hotch didn't have any answers. He leant forward and pulled the shaking blonde closer so that she could rest on his shoulder and cry.
''I owe her my life.''
XXX
Friday
9:21pm
Baltimore
''So, tell me about this new profiler.''
JJ blinked, deep blue eyes having been transfixed to the swirling motion of the golden clear wine that had been poured into her glass by the waiter that was serving them. She had watched its patterns swirl and move inside the glass, and she thought it almost looked peaceful. How a glass of wine could look anything other than a glass of wine, she wasn't sure, but it did. And for a moment, part of its peace had been transferred to her. Until Delilah had broken the tranquility of the moment, despite not meaning to.
''Huh?''
Silently, JJ cursed herself for the inarticulate response as she looked up at her girlfriend. Delilah arched an eyebrow as a look of pure teasing mockery coloured her eyes and face, at the response given.
''Hey there Space Cadet, nice trip?''
She quipped mischievously, making JJ roll her eyes as she reached out for the glass, pulling it close to take a sip out of it. That was seriously some good wine there. But this was a good restaurant, one that she insisted on coming to practically every time she was in Baltimore.
After their latest case, JJ felt like she needed some space from Virginia. Or maybe it wasn't the case, so much as the new profiler that Delilah was enquiring after that she needed some distance from. Granted, JJ hadn't worked with Emily on this one. Emily had gone with Gideon and Reid to Guantanamo Bay as she had remained in the offices with Garcia. It had been before that, after the 6am phone call she had received, awakening her from the deep slumber she and Delilah had been in, that they had talked. JJ had dragged herself out of bed, showered and headed into work to deal with the situation they had had. As Hotchner had instructed her, she called everyone in. Emily had been there early however, getting a lay of the land so to speak, so when JJ had strolled in at an hour that was early even for her, they had been alone.
''Quiet smartass! What did you ask me?''
JJ threw a contemptuous look toward her girlfriend playfully, receiving a soft growl type noise in return as Delilah narrowed her eyes at her for being called a smartass. After a second though, she smiled, reaching for her own wine glass.
''I said tell me about this new profiler. He? She? Alien hybrid?''
JJ let a breath out as a soft smile touched her lips, her eyes dipping to stare at the table for a moment. Emily certainly wasn't an alien hybrid. Emily was perfect. She had been so nervous that morning a couple of days ago, but also excited. JJ had fixed her a coffee, and they had gone into the briefing room to talk. After JJ had given her some paperwork and information, she had gone through their protocols and procedures like she said she would, taking it step by step. Having something to concentrate on, Emily seemed to relax. After they were done, they had just started to converse, and JJ had taken the chance to probe a little further into the world of Emily Prentiss.
''She. Emily Prentiss.''
Delilah waited, raising both eyebrows in expectation. When JJ said nothing further, the slightly younger woman flailed her hand in a circle, indicating that she wanted more details.
''That's it? You don't have any feelings about her?''
At that, JJ coughed slightly, almost chocking on her wine but managing to swallow it before she did. Trying not to draw too much attention, she tapped herself on the chest quickly, trying to unblock the lump that had seemingly popped up inside of her throat. Why the hell would Delilah ask something like that? Did she know something? But there was nothing to know, right?
''Honey, are you okay? You're acting a little weird.''
Delilah wondered, frowning in both concern and confusion as she watched the peculiar behaviour of her lover. But she was completely unaware of the question she had asked. Completely unaware that JJ did have a feeling about Emily, one entirely unrelated to work, and she had no idea why JJ had overreacted to a perfectly normal question.
JJ did however. It was because she knew there was something wrong with her feelings toward Emily. She knew she shouldn't be having them. Attraction was one thing, and although she had only known this woman for a couple of days, she knew this was deeper than attraction. And she wished it would go away. Far, far away where it would leave her in peace, where those eyes wouldn't burn into her own, where the air around her wouldn't get thicker and hotter. Where the whispers in Emily's mysterious eyes couldn't be heard by her ears. JJ couldn't work out why this was happening to her. Or what she was supposed to do about it. Maybe this was just the one little part of her that was ready to sabotage her relationship because they had brought up the subject of living together? That had to be it. It was the only thing she could think of. She was freaked, but that was okay. Because she could work on that, and then everything would be fine again.
''Yes, I'm fine. Went down the wrong way. Erm…you were saying?''
JJ cleared her throat, trying to shake away her thoughts and prompt Delilah into talking about anything but her outburst. Preferably she would have preferred to talk about anything but Emily, but her dark haired lover seemed too interested to be put off.
''The profiler? Is she any good?''
Taking a deep and smooth breath in to compose herself again, JJ cleared her throat again lightly, nodding as she gazed down for a moment, before looking at Delilah again.
''She seems to be. Has some hidden talents, it seems.''
''Oh yeah, like what?''
JJ shrugged, daring to sip on her wine again.
''Well she can speak Arabic fluently, which helped our case. Apparently she was raised for a while in Middle Eastern countries. Egypt and such.''
She found the words flowed from her before she even had chance to stop them. She had been as surprised as everyone else when Emily had taken the original document from her, reading it easily without the translation. JJ had been impressed, but had swallowed it back for the case. Emily had mentioned that her Mother was an Ambassador, so JJ had assumed her time in various other countries was linked to that, although Emily had made no mention of it to anyone else. JJ had remained quiet, even when Garcia had asked her if she knew about it when they had had a brief quiet moment during the case. Somehow, JJ had gotten the impression that it was a sore subject for Emily.
''Huh, her name doesn't sound Middle Eastern.''
''No, she's not Middle Eastern. Her Mother works for the State Department, she was assigned overseas a lot when Emily was young.''
JJ corrected automatically, eyes glancing then across the restaurant.
''Oh, her Mom's a career politician huh? So she's a rich kid playing with a badge and a gun.''
JJ looked back at Delilah; jaw dropped slightly as she let a scowl drop onto her forehead in irritation that she had jumped to that conclusion straight away. Instantly the comment got her back up, her hairs standing on end so to speak, in confrontation. Everything in her gut squeezed in knots, every fiber of her feeling the flush of protection for Emily.
''She's not like that.''
The blonde snapped immediately, making Delilah draw her head back slightly almost in surprise from the snappy defense. Yet again though, she raised her eyebrow, this time in challenging question.
''How'd you know? It's not like you know her, is it?''
She retorted, a little pissed off that JJ had gotten grouchy for no reason. She could handle odd behaviour, but uncalled for bitchiness was where she drew the line. All she had wanted to do was have a nice dinner, maybe hit a club after to blow off some steam before rolling in home with every intention of getting JJ out of her clothes in record speed. By the display though, her plan was coming into some serious jeopardy.
''I've talked to her, okay? She's different. You shouldn't just assume something like that, its offensive.''
Delilah scoffed, frowning herself now.
''Says who?''
''Me for starters. God, you can be so ignorant sometimes.''
JJ exasperated, running a hand through her hair as Delilah sat forward in her seat so that she was leaning on the table.
''Me ignorant? Don't you dare put that on me JJ. Not when you know where I come from and what shit I get thrown at me because of it. You know damn well I'm anything but.''
JJ dropped her jaw, automatically going to reply but having no words ready when she did. She looked across at Delilah, seeing the wounded look in her eyes and sighed softly. Closing her eyes, she rubbed the bridge of her nose slowly as she tried to get a hold of herself again. How had things spiraled into a spat so quickly? Whatever this thing was, JJ had already had enough of it. It wasn't fair to Delilah, because she was right.
''I'm sorry. Really, I am. I didn't mean it.''
She apologized quietly, voice full of regret and guilt, sincere in her apology. When she looked up again, she looked at Delilah with a loving expression, mad at herself for being so insensitive. JJ reached out, stroking some hair out the way of her girlfriend's face before stroking along the side of her face. Leaning forward, she was relieved when Delilah accepted the soft but meaningful kiss that she offered. After leaning back, JJ took her lover's hand, entwining the fingers with her own, so they could keep hold of each other across the table.
''Let's just start over, huh? No work talk tonight.''
Delilah suggested, watching the light from the candle that was centre table dance over JJ's skin beautifully. She smiled lightly as JJ looked at her hopefully, already assuming that the evening had been ruined. Delilah was determined to salvage it, and she knew that JJ had meant her apology.
''Sounds like a good idea. Tell me what we're doing after we've eaten, baby.''
JJ suggested, her voice still quiet but now a little happier. Delilah smiled, squeezing the fingers between her own.
''Well given you're so into the trip-hop scene, I figured we'd check out this new club across town. Where I plan to get you good and drunk Miss Jareau!''
JJ laughed, flicking her hair back as she rolled her eyes. The opportunity to check out this place sounded good to her though. Some funky music sounded good right now, and as Delilah had stated it was one of her favourite music brackets…of which there were many. But she could also see exactly where this little devious plan of Delilah's was heading too.
''Oh is that right? And what happens after that?''
Delilah grinned with a perfectly innocent expression, though her eyes betrayed her mischievous and seductive plans.
''Well then we go home, and I get you good and naked!''
JJ raised her eyebrows knowingly.
''So you get good and laid? Is that right?''
She filled in the next step, pretending to be less than impressed. Delilah just chuckled leaning over the table to steal another quick kiss.
''See, I knew there was a reason I love you so much!''