Emily stared at the couple from across the bar and let out a heavy sigh, forgetting about the man sitting beside her. But Rossi heard it, and he turned to her with a frown.

"Something wrong?"

She knew it was pointless to try and lie, so she just sighed again and pointed the couple out. "Look at them."

He raised his eyebrows. "You have a problem with public displays of affection?"

"No, it's just…I can't remember the last time I was kissed like that." She paused. "Hell, I can't remember the last time I had a really good kiss at all."

Somehow, his eyebrows rose even higher. "That's criminal, Prentiss."

Emily rolled her eyes. "You try meeting a decent guy with our schedules."

He let out a big dramatic sigh. "I know. It's a real bitch."

Unable to help herself, Emily laughed, elbowing him in the side. "Bastard."

Dave got to his feet, extending his hand. "C'mon. Let this old bastard walk you home."

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The night was cool, but Emily breathed it in deeply, enjoying their slow pace and the relative quiet of her neighborhood. Rossi walked beside her, his body giving off just enough warmth to make her move a little closer, catching a hint of his aftershave. She closed her eyes briefly until there was a light touch on her arm.

"We're here."

She opened her eyes, finding herself disappointed that the walk was over so soon. Dave stood in front of her, a strange expression on his face.

"Thanks for walking me home," she said quietly.

She froze when his fingers brushed across her cheek so softly that she could have imagined it.

"You deserve to be happy," he murmured.

She laid her hand over his, giving him a sad smile, painfully aware of the ache in her chest. "I'm okay, Dave," she whispered.

His other hand came up and he cradled her face for a moment before leaning in and brushing his lips against hers. It was light and short, and Emily would have let out a whimper if he hadn't kissed her again, pressing more firmly the second time. His beard scratched against her skin, but the sensation set her skin on fire, and she suddenly found herself wondering how it would feel on other parts of her body.

She lost track of time, but he kept the kiss almost chaste, never taking it any further. And when he finally pulled back, Emily saw that her hands were shaking even as they clutched at the front of his shirt.

"Emily," he breathed, leaning his forehead against hers.

But she couldn't take the distance. "Kiss me," she murmured urgent, wincing at her desperation even as she leaned forward.

The next one ripped the floor out from her feet.

She just clung to him and prayed he wouldn't let her fall.