#Ethan Blake

[ryp3004]

Birthdays through the years

[aliendxde]

i love ragging on his fur coat as if i’m not the one who designed it

[hsslilly-blog]

the agent, the movie star and the fashionista ★

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

I miss HWU.

That's it.

That's the post.

I just want all my fave pixel people back. 🥺

[gamma-rae-bursts]

Home is Where the Heart Is

Yn is a former BAU agent, currently working at Georgetown. She met Alex whilst working for the FBI and is navigating her life with her and their son, Ethan.

Pairing: Alex Blake x Reader

Content Warnings: kind of CM case talk

Word Count: 1800+

Genre: Family Fluff

A/N: I'm going to stand by the fact that Alex Blake is the softest of the soft people, hence this needed to happen. I also hate how little recognition Ethan got in the show so I'm gonna give my boy what he deserves here. I'm thinking of making this into a series of one shots, different Blake Fam x Reader scenarios (may include some angst, knowing me it will) so please let me know what you think of this <3)

Joining the BAU was a dream come true, your way of making the world a safer, better place. And it just so happened to come with many other advantages. Although the beginnings were a little rough for you, feeling very out of place while being surrounded with FBI’s finest agents, soon enough they made you feel like a part of the family, like you truly belonged with them. And throughout the years you got to be a part of the team you’ve formed some of the best friendships with people that you knew you could trust with your life. But there was this one agent you held especially close to your heart, Alex Blake. Ever since she joined the team, the two of you were inseparable. One evening she finally asked you out on a date, to which you have immediately agreed. Falling in love with Alex was easy. Loving her even more so. Months went by and with that your relationship grew, soon enough you were introduced to her son, Ethan. The most precious little boy to ever exist. Not so long after that you moved in together and just a few months in Alex asked you to marry her. And this was your life now, you’ve never been happier.

But there were some definite downsides of the job. After all, there is only so much a human can take, the BAU knew it better than anyone else. There is only so much evil you can be exposed to before it starts consuming you from the inside out. You used to hold onto the last string of hope in each investigation, the hope that the last missing person would be found alive and there would be a somehow happy ending to this story. But at some point, even that was not enough. Over the years you’ve seen some of the worst horrors this world had to offer, you were met with death and misery at every step of your days. You’ve seen families torn apart, lives snatched away prematurely, unnecessary pain inflicted onto so many individuals. You’ve seen enough. You’ve had enough.

Making the decision to leave the team was not easy. You’ve spent countless hours contemplating whether or not to make that step before even mentioning anything to Alex. And after weeks of thinking, weeks of constant arguments in your head, making lists of pros and cons to both options, you finally decided that your time with the team has come to an end. 

Breaking the news to the team was easier said than done. You made a detailed plan how to tell each and every one of them personally, but when the time to put the words into action came you came up with a much better idea. Hotch was the first one, after all he was the person you handed your resignation letter to. Penelope was the second in line (or so she thought), you couldn’t stop yourself from making fun of her for the last time. In reality, you told the whole team that you were leaving and what your plan was, except for her. You knew the blonde woman could not hold a secret in for the life of her, so you all made bets on how long it will take her to spill the tea. When you broke the news to her, one on one, you talked about it as if you didn’t want the rest of the team to know. It took her a whole hour and thirty-four minutes to break, telling everything you told her to Morgan and Spencer. 

That was it. You were no longer an agent working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Just a short few weeks after leaving you managed to secure yourself a nice position as a lecturer at Georgetown University, finally putting your PhD in Biological Sciences to use. 

***

Working at Georgetown was peaceful, the change you so desperately needed. There wasn’t much going on, your days mostly consisted of teaching, going over the material for your classes and marking your students’ papers. To some it might seem a little too boring, but you loved the newly found routine. 

After finishing marking of the last papers, you’ve had for the day it was time to go home. Alex was away on a case for the past few days and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t hope for a phone call from her, telling you that they’re on their way back. 

Just as you got into your car the sound of your ringtone filled the space, getting rid of the silence that previously surrounded you. You smiled to yourself as you read the name that popped up on your screen.

“Hi honey.” the soft voice on the phone spoke, “I think I might have some good news for you.” Alex added, you could tell she was smiling from the way her voice sounded.

“Please tell me you’re coming home; I don’t think anything else would classify as good news at this point.” you replied to the brunette, hopeful you got it right.

“I am, indeed, we’re wrapping up at the station and we’re going to head straight to the jet.” your fiancé said with the usual for her calmness, you, on the other hand, could not contain our excitement. “I’ll see you in a few hours?”

“I can’t wait! I’ve missed you so much baby, so did Ethan” you stated, your voice filled with excitement. “He’s been begging me to do crosswords with him at least five times a day and you know how much I suck at them”

“Oh, come on, you’re not that bad” Alex chuckled, “I’m sure you’ve got at least one of the words right.”

You rolled your eyes and chuckled at your fiancés’ words, the bar for you was set really low, yet somehow you still managed to underperform. “Nope, not a single one, I don’t think Ethan will ever stop making fun of me for that.” Alex laughed as the words left your mouth, “but what can I say, I’d like to see either of you in my lab”

“I think putting me there would be a major safety hazard and you know that” the linguist added, still laughing at your previous statements. “I’m gonna have to go now but see you in a few hours, I love you sweetheart”

“I love you too, Lex.” you assured, after which Alex finished the call. 

On your way home you made a few brief stops to run some errands, you also picked up some of Alex’s favourite takeaway. Cooking wasn’t your strong side, but baking was, and your fiancé was completely aware of that. You usually opted for ordering food when it was your turn to make dinner, another effective tactic you’ve developed over the months was trading your cooking turns by agreeing to make some of Alex’s and Ethan’s favourite desserts.

The last stop you had to make on your way home was the little boy’s school. 

“Hi Mama!” the squeaky voice roamed through the space in your car as Ethan entered it, making himself comfortable in his car seat. 

“Hi honey, make sure to fasten your seatbelt” you replied to him softly. Ethan was a complete copy of Alex, dark, somewhat curly hair forming beautiful waves, big hazel eyes, contrasting with his pale skin, which was covered in light freckles, a precious addition to his face. “How was your day at school?” 

“It was okay!” the little boy cheered to you, “Is mommy coming back home tonight? I really miss her.”

“She is actually! I’ve just talked to her and she should be back in the next few hours,” Ethan’s eyes lit up at your words, “don’t you worry you won’t have to do crosswords with me again” you added chuckling.

“I love you mama but you’re really not good and them.” E.T. teased, a cheeky smile plastered on his face.

You laughed in response to the dark-haired boy’s words. The rest of the drive home was peaceful, Ethan told you some more details about how his day at school went, talking about some of the friends he made, the teachers and what new things he learned that day. It wasn’t long until you reached your final destination, you took the food out of the car and the two of you started heading towards your apartment.

When you opened your front door a lovely smell of your favourite dish filled your nostrils, that’s when you knew Alex, was already home.

“Alex?” you questioned as you and Ethan started taking your shoes and coats off

“In the kitchen!” the woman exclaimed, you knew she had a habit of giving you the wrong time when she planned to come back home, wanting to let you know she was coming back yet still wanting to somewhat surprise you.

“MOMMY!” Ethan called as he ran to the kitchen, filled with joy and excitement to finally have his best crossword buddy back in the house.  “I’ve missed you so much!”

“Aw I’ve missed you too love bug,” she said as she gave the little boy the biggest hug she could, simultaneously picking him up. “And you, I missed you too” the dark-haired woman smiled as she directed her gaze your way. 

“You said you’d be home late in the evening!” you jokingly snarled as you took a few more steps towards her, letting her place a soft kiss to your cheek.

“You can’t blame me for wanting to surprise two of my favourite humans with a nice meal, can you?” she giggles as she put her son down.

“I see we’ve had the same plans Doctor Blake” you smiled as you put the bag with Alex’s favourite takeout on the kitchen island, at which Alex laughed and proceeded to place anther soft kiss, this time on your forehead.

The evening went by peacefully, filled with laughter and Ethan’s snarky remarks regarding your crossword skills. You decided to have Alex’s pasta for dinner, saving the takeaway for the next day, or a midnight snack. Etty was delighted to finally be able to do some crosswords with someone qualified and you just enjoyed watching the two people you loved most. The three of you ended the evening snuggled up on the couch of your living room, Alex in the middle so both you and Ethan would get equal amounts of hugs that you so dearly missed. You decided to watch one of Ethan’s favourite disney films, Frozen. As much as you didn’t want to admit that in front of Alex, it was one of your favourites too. The little boy ended up falling asleep halfway through the movie, snoring gently as he was curled up, wrapping his arms around Alex. When the film finished, you carefully took him to his room, tucking him in his bed, leaving a gentle kiss on his forehead. You joined Alex in your bedroom, wrapping your arms around her in an attempt to hold her as close to you as possible until both of you drifted off to sleep.

This was your happy place. Your found family. Your home.

Taglist:

@nightmarish-fae

Join my taglist here!

[bobbie-robron]

It would appear the young Mr. Sugden is quite a hit with the ladies. (Part 1.2)

Andy still on it with Robert until Daz alerts them Katie is in the pub. But neither get there because Jack (with Victoria) come upon them demanding answers NOW! The confrontation in the pub between Katie and Sadie leads to a drink thrown and a slap! It gets worse as Tom fires Katie on the spot! Again, Robert denies any misdeeds now to his family. Betty, Ethan and Edna commenting on Sadie and Robert 😂. Back at home, Robert goes on the defense (‘But why the hell does no one ever believe a word that I say?’) but it doesn’t stick around needing to talk to Katie…

10-May-2005

[pier-carlo-universe]

L’ombra dietro la porta: un viaggio nell’oscurità con John R. Black. Un’intervista esclusiva al maestro del thriller contemporaneo

Un nuovo capolavoro del brivido. Ho avuto il privilegio di incontrare John R. Black, celebre scrittore di gialli, noto per la sua capacità di intrecciare suspense, psicologia e colpi di scena.

Un nuovo capolavoro del brivido. Ho avuto il privilegio di incontrare John R. Black, celebre scrittore di gialli, noto per la sua capacità di intrecciare suspense, psicologia e colpi di scena. Il suo nuovo romanzo, “L’ombra dietro la porta”, promette di tenere i lettori con il fiato sospeso fino all’ultima pagina. Durante la nostra conversazione, Black ha rivelato i segreti dietro la creazione di…

[virtualenemytimemachine]

My Journey to Becoming a Product Designer and Beauty Specialist at Salon Essentials LA

My name is Ethan Blake, and my journey to becoming a product designer and beauty specialist at Salon Essentials LA has been one of passion, persistence, and a deep love for the beauty industry. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most innovative brands and talented individuals in the field. I hope my story will not only inspire you but also provide actionable steps for those aspiring to follow a similar path.

Finding My Passion for Beauty and Design

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the transformative power of beauty products. Watching my family and friends experiment with haircare and makeup sparked my curiosity about how these products were created. My first hands-on experience came during high school when I interned at a local salon. This experience introduced me to the world of hairstyling and product usage, and I quickly realized I wanted to contribute to this industry in a meaningful way.

After high school, I pursued a degree in product design and cosmetology, where I learned the science behind beauty. Understanding how ingredients interact with hair and skin opened my eyes to the possibilities of innovation in the industry. I was determined to create products that were not only effective but also enhanced confidence and self-expression.

Gaining Experience with Industry Leaders

My first big break came when I landed a position at NARS Cosmetics as a product designer. Working at NARS was an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the beauty industry. I was involved in designing and testing innovative skincare products, which taught me the importance of research, user feedback, and staying ahead of trends.

After several years at NARS, I transitioned to working with top-tier hair salon companies. During this time, I focused on developing professional-grade products that catered to stylists and their clients. This experience laid the foundation for my expertise in haircare and prepared me for my current role at Salon Essentials LA.

Joining Salon Essentials LA

Joining Salon Essentials LA was a dream come true. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation aligned perfectly with my personal values. At Salon Essentials, I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of groundbreaking products, including the Salon Essentials Shampoo, Salon Essentials Conditioner, and the Salon Essentials Relaxer System. These products are designed to meet the needs of both professionals and everyday users, ensuring high performance and exceptional results.

One of the highlights of my role has been working on the Salon Essentials Professional Size range. These larger-sized products cater specifically to salon owners and stylists, making it easier for them to deliver consistent results for their clients. Collaborating with stylists to refine these formulas has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Overcoming Challenges Along the Way

Like any journey, mine hasn’t been without its challenges. Breaking into the beauty industry required resilience and adaptability. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of networking. Building relationships with mentors, colleagues, and industry leaders has been instrumental in my growth.

Another challenge has been staying ahead of trends in such a fast-paced industry. To overcome this, I make it a point to attend beauty expos, read industry publications, and engage with consumers to understand their evolving needs. This dedication to staying informed has allowed me to create innovative products like the Salon Essentials Mousse and Salon Essentials Gels, which have become staples in many salons.

Pro Tips on How to Grow Your Hair Faster

As a beauty specialist, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “How can I grow my hair faster?” Here are some of my top tips:

Use High-Quality Products: The foundation of healthy hair growth is using products that nourish and protect your hair. I recommend incorporating Salon Essentials Shampoo and Salon Essentials Conditioner into your routine. These products are formulated with ingredients that promote scalp health and strengthen hair from root to tip.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Hair growth starts from within. Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly biotin, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are essential for strong, healthy hair.

Avoid Over-Styling: Heat styling and harsh chemical treatments can damage your hair and slow down growth. If you need to style your hair, consider using protective products like the Salon Essentials Mousse and Salon Essentials Gels to minimize damage.

Massage Your Scalp: Regular scalp massages stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging growth. Pair this with the Salon Essentials Relaxer System for a relaxing and effective at-home treatment.

Trim Regularly: While it may seem counterintuitive, trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps prevent split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and cause breakage. Healthy ends contribute to overall hair growth.

Advice for Aspiring Product Designers and Beauty Specialists

If you’re interested in following a similar path, here are some steps you can take:

Educate Yourself: Pursue formal education in product design, cosmetology, or a related field. Understanding the science behind beauty products is crucial.

Gain Hands-On Experience: Intern or work at salons and beauty companies to learn the ropes. Practical experience is invaluable.

Network: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with like-minded individuals. Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities.

Stay Curious: The beauty industry is constantly evolving. Stay informed about trends, new ingredients, and consumer preferences to stay ahead of the curve.

Be Resilient: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed to your goals, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

Looking Ahead

As I continue my journey at Salon Essentials LA, I’m excited to explore new innovations and expand our product offerings. The beauty industry is a dynamic and rewarding field, and I’m grateful to be part of it. Whether you’re an aspiring product designer, a beauty enthusiast, or simply someone looking for tips to grow your hair faster, I hope my story inspires you to pursue your passions and achieve your goals.

Remember, with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll work together to create the next big thing in beauty. Until then, take care, stay inspired, and never stop learning.

[eunoiareview]

Subtle

I believe in the subtle. Colored socks under rolled up pantcuffs. Birds and their white noise filtered through beak prisms. A discourse, civilization, and landscape unto its own melodic theory. A stranger I seem to have known forever. The friend who foreshadows our fault with a glance. Our line and its quake. Ad lib. Blossom. Ornament. Bentwood, metalwarp, and every timbre, film, and lacquer of…

[itshelia]

Is it just me or everyone imagine their fav characters that they are obsessing over in real life???

Like I'll be at work and then I imagine that bitch sitting next to me, talking to me and admiring me while I FUCKING KNOW THAT I HAVENT KISSED A MALE SPECIES IN MY ENTIRE LIFE

I don't know if that's sign of a fucking mental problem or what but I swear if I'm even Slightly upset or tired of my life i WILL open tumblr and start imagining them or talking to them (aka my wall. It be sitting there like the fuck gurl im not your man)

[syncstones]

some stuff

[ryp3004]

Thomas Hunt prided himself on knowing how to handle anything life threw at him. He was a professional. He understood that sometimes things went wrong and you have to adapt. It's a part of life as much as a part of show business. It's one of the things he tries his best to instil in his students, though this particular crop is so hard headed he's surprised they learn anything from him at all.

That being said,

He was not expecting a toddler when he opened his office door. A young student, yes, but not this young.

He looked down at a girl that couldn't be older than five with a confused look. She had long, curly pink hair, bright blue eyes, and, from the looks of it, was missing most of her teeth. She was dressed in a Hollywood U sweatshirt that was far too large for her. They sold kids sizes in the student shop but certainly not toddlers. She was holding a well loved stuffed cow.

"Excuse me." She spoke softly, averting her eyes shyly. "I need help."

Hunt blinked at her.

"Oh?" He said, dumbly though he's loath to admit it. "With what?"

"I can't find my momma..." And, oh no, there are tears welling in her eyes. "Your door says you're a hunter..."

He looks from the plaque on the door that reads 'Prof. Hunt' and back to the little girl.

"Not quite, little one." He places an awkward hand on her head. "But I can help you find your mother."

Her eyes light up and she hugs the cow closer to her. From this angle her eyes take up most of her face.

"Thank you." She says in a practiced tone.

"What is her name?"

"Mom."

Hm.

"Where did you see her last?"

"In the building."

Hmm.

"Do you know which building?"

"Um, it was made of bricks."

Hmmmmmmm.

"Well, do you know your name?"

The little girl nods.

...

...

"May I know your name?"

She gets shy, kicking her feet nervously.

"Momma said I'm not supposed to tell my name to strange old men."

Well, Hunt would hardly consider late 30's old but he digresses. He kneels down in front of her and offers her his hand.

"I'm Tom. I teach at this school. Does your Mom teach here, too?"

The little girl eyes his hand for a moment before tentatively shaking it and then her head.

"No. Momma goes to school here. She lives here, too. I live with Gramma and Grampa." The girl hugs the cow tighter, lip wobbling. "I didn' mean to get lost... I was following the butterfly."

Hunt is scrambling. Internally, of course, he's not going to let this upset toddler see he's freaking out, but the feeling persists nonetheless.

"Well, why don't we look around together? I'm sure she's very worried about you. Here, would you like me to carry you?" He asks, trying to project all of the good will he can muster. It must work because the girl holds her arms up and Hunt scoops her up and places her on his hip.

"Alright, which way should we go first?" He asks, tickling her side softly. Thank God, the girl giggles and the tears leave her eyes. She looks both ways before pointing down the hallway, so Thomas goes that way.

"My name's Ryanne." She says softly into his ear, still clutching her cow.

"That's a very nice name. Tell me, are you here with your mother and father?"

"I don' have a dad."

Okay, not touching that with a ten foot pole.

"Momma brought me here for the weekend. I was with Aunt Addie and Uncle E."

Addie and E? Why does that sound so familiar? It's on the tip of his tongue when Ryanne gently smacks his cheek to get his attention.

"That place! I came from that place!" She points at the student production lot. Most of his students should be there at the moment if they want their assignments to be done on time. This is a good chance to check on their progress and help Ryanne find her mother. He walks into the large building and finds it bustling with activity, students and teaching assistants rushing about.

"There!" She points at the fantasy set at the far end of the lot. From here, he can see several people rushing around, sees that they're yelling but can't quite hear them. "Momma wanted to show me the princess castle."

As he steps closer he can hear the clipped, frantic tone of his most... Difficult student, Rebecca Prince. He doesn't quite see her but he already preemptively rolls his eyes, not eager to deal with whatever distraction she'll pose before he helps Ryanne.

"I hear Momma!" Ryanne wiggles out of his grasp and takes off, Hunt right behind her. They come upon Rebecca gesturing wildly to Ms. Sinclair and Mr. Blake, eyes frantic and panicking.

"I've looked all over the lot, nobody has seen a toddler running around. I just can't believe you guys! I asked you to watch her for two minutes! Two minutes!" Mr. Blake looks guilty and Ms. Sinclair averts her eyes. "We got... Distracted. Ethan got a call... I had to help fix a hem...* Sinclair says lamely. Rebecca goes red in the face, about to snap at her.

"Momma!" Ryanne calls out and Rebecca spins around. She looks like a puppet with its strings cut the way she melts in relief. She quickly drops to her knees and holds Ryanne tightly.

"Jesus Christ, Ry, oh my god, are you okay!?" She pulls back, checking her over with a critical eye. Ryanne giggles as Rebecca, her mother, pokes at her stomach.

"Mhm. Tommy helped me!" That's when Rebecca notices him standing awkwardly to the side. She looks at him for a moment, mouth parted as if to say something before shaking her head and standing, holding onto Ryanne's hand.

"Thank you," Rebecca's eyes are sparkling and Hunt is reminded of the fountains of Versailles as he looks in them. He's about to respond when her eyes and smile turn sharp. "Tommy." She turns to Ryanne and pats her back. "Go apologize to Aunt Addie and Uncle E for running off. They were about to die today." She adds the last part with a glare at her flustered friends and Ryanne happily scampers towards them, the flight and colors of a butterfly already spilling out of her.

Rebecca looks at him for a moment in a way that reminds him of a film critic.

"I didn't know you had a daughter." He says before Rebecca can speak. He sees her eyes widen, a gentle blush adorning her cheeks. "Yeah. She lives with my parents most of the time. Addison and Ethan wanted to meet her and I already finished your project, so I figured this would be a good weekend." She never quite looks away from Ryanne, drinking in the sight of her as the panic slowly dissipates.

"She's very... Polite." He mumbles. Rebecca snorts and Hunt very politely does not point it out, even as the sound replays in his head. "That's all my parents. Trying to make up for their mistakes with me." She rolls her eyes, finally looking at him again. "What a crock of shit, right? I mean, look at me. I'm awesome."

Hunt scoffs. "Hardly. In fact, I'd say you think far too highly of yourself. That's something you'd do well to mind, Ms. Prince. Or is it Mrs.?" What was intended as a playful jab has her bristling and her face becoming stony. "It's Rebecca. Come on, Ryanne, it's nap time." Ryanne nods and bounces over to them before beckoning Hunt closer to her.

He crouches down and is met with a handful of toddler as she hugs him as tightly as she can. "Thank you, Tommy!" She smiles brightly and Hunt feels himself hugging back despite himself. "You're very welcome, Ryanne."

Rebecca picks her up and Ryanne waves at him goodbye over her shoulder, Ms. Sinclair and Mr. Blake following close behind.

What a cute kid.

He'll have to remember to ask after her before class on Monday.

Ask after Rebecca, too.

[skullislandproductions]

I painted Fred and Daphne, as they head off together to “investigate,” in this preliminary art for a “Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra-Doo” poster.

[hsslilly-blog]

a story gets 35% better when it's about contracts

[mrmllde]

back on my favorite bullshit!

[gamma-rae-bursts]

Ethan

You comfort Alex while she finally opens up about her son

Pairing: Alex Blake x Fem!Reader

CW: mentions of death, loss of a child, typical CM case descriptions, reader insert, includes canon dialogue

Genre: Mild Angst

Word Count: 1400+

A/N: This is a slightly different one. I felt like the topic of Ethan should have been explored more in the show, he deserved more than just a brief mention in the last episode ;-; The first part is heavily inspired by season 9 episode 8 "To Bear Witness".

This case was a weird one. A young man was found in wandering the streets of Baltimore. The John Doe was transported to the hospital where it was discovered that the poor man had been lobotomized. Unfortunately, by the time the team got there another woman was kidnapped. The whole team got to work the case was solved in a heartbeat. Fortunately, the woman was alive, but not unharmed, a lobotomy was performed on her too. The perpetrator, who turned out to be a brother of the last victim, was arrested. As the team found out, the motivation for his actions was envy. He was envious of his sister’s achievements in medical school and in his twisted mind lobotomising her was the appropriate solution. Following the arrest, you and Alex were transporting the unsub. The car ride was quiet, filled with uncomfortable but completely justified tension between the two of you and the German man.

“Do you have kids?” Anton spoke up aiming his question at you.

“No.” you replied to the man as you glanced at the linguist sitting at the other side of him, all you hoped for was that that same question wouldn’t fall from his mouth again aimed at the other agent.

“Do you?” the man turned his gaze to Alex.

“No.” Alex snarled and immediately turned her head away from the unsub sitting next to her, now looking out of the window of the car, carefully observing the surroundings. You knew this question brought her back to the period of her life she didn’t share with many people. Minutes had passed and nobody dared to break the silence in the vehicle, it felt like eternity by the time you reached your destination.

***

You and the team were now back in Quantico, getting ready to leave the building and get some well-deserved rest. Most of the agents have already left, you and Alex being the only ones left in the bullpen, and Hotch, of course, in his office.

“Hey.” you said softly as you walked in the brunette woman’s direction “are you okay? I saw you switch in the car ride back when the unsub asked about...”

“I’m fine.” Alex interrupted you and you looked up at her, now meeting her eyes. You knew the woman all too well not to notice the pain in them that she tried to mask it with her soft smile. “Ready to go home?”

“Yeah, of course.” you smiled at the woman and reached for her hand. You knew better than to push Alex to talk. Despite being an excellent linguist who valued clear communication above most things, she often couldn’t find words to express what she felt in those moments. She would come to you when she was ready. The two of you walked together towards the elevator glad to finally have the evening to yourselves.

“I can’t wait to do some crosswords tonight.” the linguist stated with a smile on her lips and you giggled in response, gently squeezing her hand.

The atmosphere in the car ride home was quiet and you didn’t want to be the one breaking the silence. Not for any other reason than giving Alex space to collect her thoughts. It wasn’t long after that you were opening the door of your shared apartment.

“Shall we order some food? I really don’t feel like cooking tonight.” you turned around to look at your girlfriend that was now taking her shoes and coat off.

“Yeah, can do.” the older woman said with a sad grimace, which was followed by a deep sigh.

“How about I draw you a nice bath so you can relax? We can order the food afterwards.” you said softly as you walked towards the brunette, gently wrapping your arms around her waist. You felt Alex tense for a second, but shortly after she allowed herself to melt in your embrace, not letting her eyes wander away from yours.

“That would be lovely.” the woman breathed and pressed a soft kiss on your lips.

“I’ll be right back then” you whispered back and placed a kiss on Alex’s cheek. You then headed towards the bathroom to start preparing a bath for your girlfriend, adding in some of her favourite rose-scented bath salt and lighting up the candles that were standing on your bathroom counter. When the bath was ready you called for Alex, unsure whether she’d like you there with her or prefer to spend the time by herself. When the woman got there and you were about to leave, much to your relief she asked you to stay there with her. Alex got rid of her clothes and proceeded to make herself comfortable in the bathtub and you took your place sitting on the hardwood floor right next to it. There was a brief moment of silence between the two of you before Alex decided to break it.

“I still miss him.” the woman whispered in a barely audible tone, a stray tear falling down her cheek.

She didn’t talk about Ethan much, if at all. Her explanation as to why was that it’s easier to try and push the feelings back than face them, which you’ve come to accept as something that you couldn’t change about Alex. She never wanted to risk falling apart in front of anyone, even herself. But this time felt different.

“I know darling.” you said in a soft, quiet voice, gently brushing her hair behind her ear “Would you like to tell me more about him?” you added, looking straight into her dark brown eyes, giving her a gentle smile. As you continued playing with her hair, Alex let out a deep sigh simultaneously breaking the eye contact the two of you held.

“Yes, I would really like that actually” the agent whispered and chuckled gently “I think you two would have gotten along you know, that little traitor was significantly more interested in sciences than anything to do with literature and linguistics.”

You let out a giggle, squeezing Alex’s hand, as you started speaking “If that was the case, I think we would have gotten along perfectly.”

“Definitely.” she laughed “I think he would have been so much like Spencer. He was so bright, way above any of his friends. I actually considered moving him a grade up, but James convinced me that he would be better off amongst kids his own age.” Alex went on as she continued holding your hand, now drawing small circles on it. “You know, when I look at Spencer, I think about what Ethan could have been, the great things he never got the chance to do…”

You carefully listened as Alex told you everything and anything about her son. From his very early childhood you learned that he was an unusually quiet baby and with that he shocked everyone. His favourite food was, unsurprisingly for a 9-year-old, very cheesy pizza. He would spend his free time in his room, learning how to put together different chemical structures with the “Little Chemist Kit” he got from Alex’s brother, Scott. Ethan loved animals and always made sure to pet every cat and dog he passed. Although he exceeded in school, he hated PE, which made you laugh considering how similar the little boy was to a certain genius.

As the time went on the water in the bath got colder and colder, that’s when Alex decided it was time to get out. You prepared some clean pyjamas for her and proceeded to order some takeout for the two of you as she got herself dressed.

The conversation went on throughout the whole evening, Alex made sure to tell you every little detail that made Ethan so special, every aspect of him that she could recall. All the happy memories they made throughout his 9 years, not focusing on the sad part too much. She pulled out old photographs showing Ethan at various stages of his life, no matter the situation he always had a smile on his face. You listened to everything she had to say, immediately seeing the soothing effect this had on her. The burden of holding all her emotions in leaving her body every second as she continued speaking, all the negativities being replaced by a deep sense of relief. She knew she was safe with you, that she could open up and for the first time in her life, she allowed that to happen.