Outsider

so much for self-control-8

The case is incredibly disturbing. A man, breaking into houses and forcing the families to act out his scenario of perfect life with him. Then they were slaughtered, children and parents alike. We'd discovered who our unsub was, a therapist who'd interacted with all of the families previously. Currently, we were speaking to the head psychiatrist of the practice, trying to figure out what family he was with. Morgan says a name from a file.

"They're going on vacation to the Adirondacks." The therapist we're speaking to says, looking immediately horrified.

"JJ, get us an address." We race to the cars, JJ getting us an address in record time. We approach quietly and Hotch sends Morgan and I around the back of the house. Through the dining room windows, we see our unsub sitting at the table with the Dunken family, minus the father. Morgan signals and Hotch follows us inside. Our unsub, Karl Arnold, takes off with the baby, down to the basement. Morgan and I follow. He convinces Arnold to put the baby down and it's a blur of lights and the family crying as Arnold is arrested.

"Creepy as hell." Elle mutters as we load back into the cars, hours after the arrest.

"No kidding." Morgan says, sliding in beside me. I let out a small grunt as he shoves me over, so I'm squashed in between them.

"Geez." I huff and Morgan rolls his eyes.

"Quit whining, Vandy." I roll my eyes, but feel a thrill go through me at Morgan's nickname for me. Most of the team seems to have gotten over the cold initial attitude towards me. We start driving and I feel Elle's finger hook through my belt loop. It's a tiny, discreet gesture that she seems to not even think about, but my cheeks heat up.

I pass out on the plane. Quantico is a mess of paperwork and then trudging home, falling into bed immediately. I don't see Elle until two days later, when she barges into my apartment, grinning

"Elle, hi." I say as she whirls into my kitchen. I lean against the counter and watch as she drops her bag on the floor, flicking her hair over her shoulder as she stands up.

"You're coming out with me."

"I-what?" My mind has, unfortunately, flown to my sexuality and the way that I haven't come out to any of my team members.

"That new club in Georgetown. We're going."

"Oh. Oh."

"The whole team is coming, it'll be fun. I promise."

"Elle."

"Come on, Sawyer."

"I'm not going, Elle." There is absolutely nothing I want less than to go to a club with the team. I've grown to like them, but a night of drinking with them isn't exactly my ideal evening. I shudder at the thought of sitting in a club with Hotch staring directly into my soul.

Elle steps right in front of me, putting her hands on the counter on either side of me so I'm trapped.

"Please, baby?" Elle asks and my breathing stops. My entire body heats up at her voice and the closeness between us, her hips inches away from mine. My cheeks heat up and I curse myself for being frustrated enough to let her affect me the way she does.

"Don't-don't call me that." I choke out and she frowns slightly.

"Sorry. I-are you okay?" She asks and I look to the side, willing my heartbeat to slow down. It's cliche, but I'm certain she can hear it.

"Look at me." She says in a low voice. I try to control my breathing as I turn my head, meeting her eyes.

"Sawyer." She says slowly.