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Its been a long, frustrating case. And Alex’s first after the finalisation of the divorce.
A case full of “Blak-uh- Miller” every sentence and seemingly heaving with happy couples (or maybe Alex was just noticing them more now).
It hadn’t come as a shock, it was an equal agreement however Alex found herself mourning it still. Not James, just being married. And the presence of Erin Strauss certainly wasn’t helpful, her “what if”. The only time she’s ever felt grateful for the events of the Amerithrax case was on her wedding day because she knew if she saw Erin in that hall, she would’ve left James like some bad soap opera for a life with the woman she loved. Loves.
So she went to the only person who could possibly understand even a little.
“Miller. Do you need something?” The correct name. Not even a stutter. Her pleasant surprise must’ve shown on her face because there was a follow up comment “Haley, after the divorce, got understandably frustrated whenever everyone said my last name instead of Brooks. I figured you’d appreciate the same treatment.” Alex gave Hotch a soft smile and leant on the edge of his desk before explaining her reasoning for the visit. “I uh actually came to ask if you had plans tonight? I have ingredients for a carbonara in and it feels extra quiet in the house knowing not to wait for a call from James so…” she trails off, leaving the sentence open.
The conversation inevitably lands onto the divorces of the two, Aaron avoiding mentioning the latter part of his and Haley’s separation, just focusing on the early, pre-Foyet parts. He and Beth had ended things when he discovered he wasn’t cut out for long distance and the pair of profilers (thanks to the bottle and a half of wine they’d gone through) began muttering about how long it had been since they had any intimacy. Which quickly escalated into the bedroom with heavy kisses and shirts unbuttoned.
It wasn’t until they were both stripped on the bed making each other breathless, Alex’s fantasy slipped out her mouth. She cared for Aaron but deep down they both knew they were picturing other people. Or at least Alex knew she was standing in for Beth. She assumed Hotch considered himself a substitute for James but then the name left Alex’s lips in a passionate sigh
“Erin…”
No reaction.
Of course no reaction.
Erin…Aaron…especially with the slight Texan twang to her accent, they sounded the same.
Fireworks went off in Alex’s heart as she realised what opportunity this gave her just for the night she could do something she never could we James (even if she did end up having to conjure up the blonde to finish without faking it). She could loose herself in her past.
After they both checked in on each other, Aaron gathered his things and gave her a gentlemanly kiss on the cheek once they’d agreed this was a one time thing, leaving feeling more relaxed after some much needed release and grateful for his friend, with zero idea his name never once left her lips.
Meanwhile Alex didn’t feel relieved at all. Just lost. She was a divorcée who just slept with her boss whilst pretending it was her boss’s boss/ex/only ever female partner.
So she sent a text.
Alex: “Erin, I’m unsure if this is still your number however I hope this finds you well. Would you still be interested in getting that coffee? Whenever your schedule allows.
Still yours, Alex Miller.”