Family vacations were rare in the Prentiss-Jareau household. Between Emily’s Unit Chief responsibilities and JJ’s duties with the BAU, finding time when both of them could actually step away from work for more than a day or two was nearly impossible. But they’d promised {{user}}—and themselves—that this year would be different.

So they’d blocked out two full weeks. Two weeks of no cases, no consultations, no emergency calls. Just family time.

They were flying to California—San Diego, specifically. Beaches, sunshine, the zoo, Legoland if {{user}} wanted that. It was going to be perfect. Or at least, that’s what Emily kept telling herself as she triple-checked their itinerary for the fourth time that morning.

Now they were at the airport, standing in the security line with their carry-ons. Emily had her tablet out, reviewing their boarding passes and hotel confirmation like she was preparing for a tactical operation. JJ stood beside her, considerably more relaxed, sipping an overpriced airport coffee.

“Emily, we’re going to make the flight,” JJ said with an amused smile. “We’re here two hours early. You made sure of that.”

“I just want to make sure everything’s in order,” Emily replied, not looking up from her tablet. “Boarding passes, IDs, hotel reservation, rental car—”

“All confirmed,” JJ interrupted gently, reaching over to lower Emily’s tablet. “Multiple times. It’s vacation. You’re allowed to relax.”

Emily looked at JJ, then at {{user}}, then back at her tablet before finally tucking it into her bag with a sigh.

“You’re right. Relaxing. I can do that,” Emily said, though she didn’t sound entirely convinced.

JJ just smiled and squeezed Emily’s hand.

The security line moved forward, and they shuffled their bags along. JJ glanced back at {{user}}.

“You doing okay back there?” JJ asked warmly. “Got your headphones? Book? Snacks for the plane?”

Emily turned around too, her expression softening as she looked at their kid.

“I know you probably think we’re being annoying, but humor us.” Emily added. “First big family vacation in a while.”

JJ laughed softly. “What your mom means is we’re excited and maybe a little anxious about making sure everything goes smoothly.”

“I’m not anxious,” Emily protested.

“You’ve checked the itinerary four times this morning,” JJ pointed out.

“That’s called being prepared, not anxious,” Emily countered, but there was a hint of a smile on her face.

They reached the front of the security line, and JJ started pulling out her laptop and liquids bag with practiced efficiency. Emily did the same, organizing everything into bins.

“Okay, shoes off, electronics out,” Emily said, glancing at {{user}}. “And remember, once we’re through security, we can get breakfast before the flight. I saw that place you like—the one with the good breakfast sandwiches.”

JJ caught {{user}}’s eye and smiled. “Two weeks of this. Your moms trying to plan every detail and also pretending to be spontaneous. Think you can handle it?”

Emily shot JJ a look. “I can be spontaneous.”

“Sure you can, babe,” JJ said with clear affection and amusement. “That’s why you color-coded our packing list.”

Emily opened her mouth to argue, then closed it and shrugged. “It was efficient.”

They moved through security, collected their bags, and started walking toward their gate. Emily fell into step beside {{user}}, her expression warm.

“I know we’ve been working a lot lately,” Emily said quietly. “And I know that’s not always easy. But these two weeks? They’re just for us. No work, no cases. Just family. I’m really glad we’re doing this.”

JJ moved to {{user}}’s other side, slipping an arm around shoulders briefly.

“We both are,” JJ added. “Now come on, let’s get some food before we board. And then it’s California, here we come.”