The team had gone out. They needed to unwind. It had been a long case. This was the start of all of their rituals. They would go out and drink, dance, flirt whatever. And then they would go their separate ways and do the final ritual that they needed to get back to normal.
The night always started with a shot. Each teammate had a favorite shot and each time they went out someone different picked the shot. Tonight was Emily's night, and they all did a shot of Patron. "To life" They clinked the glasses and all drank. They started splitting up then. Emily and Derek to find willing dance partners, JJ and Will also headed to the dance floor but to a darker corner, Dave and Hotch would have another drink, Spencer would stay with them until Austin showed, and Garcia and Kevin would disappear to somewhere.
Soon the dance floor was filled with every one but the most senior members of the team. Each couple had its own distinct style.
Derek was smooth confidence. He was going to get lucky he knew, the team knew it and most of the women in the bar knew it. He enjoyed dancing it was like pre-foreplay.
Emily was aggressive. It was her party and she was in control. She led. The lucky man said nothing just thanked his lucky stars and followed. She was going to get lucky and everyone in the bar knew it. The only question was it going to be the man she started dancing with or the man she ended dancing with.
Reid and Austin were obviously a couple, and dancing was foreplay. Their hands explored each others bodies and nothing was off limits. Reid initiated his fair share in their game.
JJ and Will were the old married couple, even though they weren't married. Their movements, touches, and words conveyed love, warmth and how comfortable their relationship was.
Garcia and Will the middle of the two couples not quite as brazen as Reid and Austin but more provocative than JJ and Will.
Dave had gone off in search of female company for the night he wasn't much for dancing. He claimed he was too old. But old or not he somehow seemed to find his fair share of ladies.
Hotch, their emotionless leader, watched in silence. As he looked at the ladies and their movements on the dance floor he felt the unmistakable feel of his blood beginning to pool down south. He looked around for someone that would fulfill his needs. Soon he joined them on the dance floor. He was quiet and intense on the dance floor. His focus entirely on the woman in front of him.
An hour later and the team split for real. The various couples had all left, Morgan and his latest honey that kept him warm, Emily had also left with someone but not the first guy she danced with. Rossi had been the first to leave tonight was not his night. Soon all that was left was Hotch and the girl he had found. They finished their drinks and walked into the night, Hotch's hand across her waist.
Emily needed a shower. The man she had brought home had wore her out. She smiled in contentment as the hot water hit her sore body. God he was good. Could she choose them or could she choose them. She let the water flow down her body washing away all the sweat and sexual fluids that covered her.
Feeling refreshed she exited the bathroom. She moved to the bed and climbed in. She nestled herself into the arms of the man she had brought home her head on his chest. He hands started tracing the tattoo over his heart.
"Well what do you think did we fool them once again?"
"I think so. Morgan told me my "honey" was almost as good looking as his was."
"I told you George would work. I was getting so hot watching you."
"Really? I guess next time I'll have to see how long you can hold out."
"That's cruel, Mrs. Hotchner."
"No it isn't. It's fun Mr. Prentiss."
He laughed. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They lay in each others arms until sleep came and claimed them. A smile on both of their faces.
A/N So for those of you who don't know, dramatic irony is when the audience knows something the characters don't, thus the title. Review and I'll put in a good word for you upstairs.