Hot Coffee
The soft knocking startled Analise. She swiftly turned away blocking her burn from the sight of the friendly knocker. 'Analise Lawrence do you sleep here?' Emily Prentiss stayed at the window only stepping away to let Ana out of the car. Analise just had time to do up the last button concealing her secrete before straightening up fully. 'And why may I ask are you here so early Miss Prentiss?' she said reaching into the trunk of car to the black overnight bag. 'Thought I might do a quick coffee run before the others arrive. I'm guessing you would like the usual.' Chocolate cream frappuccino with a double chocolate brownie, every day the same. She smiled nodding eagerly, it was a sweet drink to start the better part of the day. 'You know I never did like chocolate.' Emily's laugh was musical; she headed to her car only turning to shout playful abuse.
Passing her desk she threw down more files onto the ever growing pile of paperwork. Dropping the black night bag on the floor next to her chair. As she pulled the brown leather messenger bag off her shoulder it caught her shirt, rubbing against the sore. She yanked it away inhaling abruptly, frozen as her eyes welled. Screwing up her eyes, she made a barrier hoping the tears wouldn't flood through. Settling the rest of her things on the grey desk she glanced at two framed pictures on her otherwise impersonal desk. One was her and the team, it was taken on her last birthday, they had taken the day off and gone to the zoo taking Henry and Jack (J.J. and Hotch's kids) with them. It had been the happiest day of her life. The picture just in front of this one was of her and Tristen. They had been college sweet hearts, this all changed in the second year when she had finished her course early and joined the FBI. The profiler in her told her this was the stressor that had changed him. Could he ever change back? She wanted to change him.
Slowly she turned and walked to the break room tracing the shape of the walls. Reaching for the top cupboard she took down the small first aid kit. Opening the green plastic box she rummaged through the different medical supplies they kept. Finally she came to the square cotton pads and role of medical tape. She took what she need to cover the now throbbing wound and stuffed the box back into the wooden cupboard. She used the box most days making sure to do it early when no one was in yet. She glance at the clock on the plan wall. 6 45. She was later than usual, Spencer and Garcia were sure to be in soon. Facing the corner she once again unbuttoned then navy shirt revealing the mark hidden beneath. The air on the burn stung but in a satisfying way. Placing the largest of the pads over the pink flesh, slowly taping it in place. She used her fingers to press down the edges of the tape. The sudden pressure made her wince, but it was on now so it didn't matter. She turned to leave, reaching for the first of four buttons. Standing in the door way was Dr Spencer Reid 'JESUS Spencer turn around!' The young doctors eyes widened, his face reddening with embarrassment. 'How long have you been standing there?!' she rushed to do up the buttons. 'I just got here I-I was trying to get some coffee, but—' He was cut off. 'My my what do we have here?' Penelope Garcia had pushed her way into the room, her eyes darting from Reid to Analise back to Reid then to Analise as she finally did up the last button. Her eyebrows raised and a sly smile creeping across her face. 'Its n-not what it looks like, I'm not even looking, - I –' Once again Garcia silenced him. 'My lips are sealed fair prince.' And with that she flounced out of the room. Analise stood mouth open. Reid raised an eyebrow over the thick frames of his glasses. They burst into fits of laughter. Reid passed her reaching for the coffee maker. 'Don't bother Prentiss is getting us some acceptable coffee.'
Still giggling they walked into the filling bullpen. 'Right on cue.' A frazzled looking Prentiss balancing eight cups came hurriedly through the doors. Reid and Lawrence managed to remove the top four cups placing them on the nearest desk. 'Do i smell fresh coffee?' Hotch's head poked round the door of his office making them all jump. 'Oh god I didn't even know you were here.' Analise said picking up her cup and paper bag. 'Didn't you know he's always here' Morgan addressed them from the doorway J.J. and Rossi not far behind. Hotch shrugged in reply walking over to the group and grapping his steaming cup. 'Conference room in five, it's a big one' 'When is it ever not' Prentiss muttered walking to her littered desk.
(next chapter starts the case, are you ready. please comment and let me know your thoughts)