CHORUS
You are a woman marked for sorrow.
ELEKTRA
Yes, I know sorrow. Know it far too well.
My life is a tunnel choked by the
sweepings of dread.
⟿ criminal minds
⟿ aaron hotchner
...
CHAPTER ELEVEN: HOW TO CATCH FEELINGS AND THROW THEM INTO THE FIRE WHERE THEY BELONG
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IF BEATRICE HAD a genie right now, she would definitely wish for a burger, a beer, and a fake boyfriend to get her out of this mess.
This particular week had been exceptionally demanding for Beatrice. The recent discussions with Hotchner about addressing the Italian Consulate regarding the revocation of Father Silvano's immunity had taken a significant toll. The Consulate finally relented under the weight of Senator Sterling's influence, allowing the agents to move forward with the arrest. The subsequent avalanche of paperwork from the State Department further compounded her stress, demanding a comprehensive report on the case. As if this isn't enough, an unexpected encounter jolted her already taxed nerves. Just a few minutes ago, the self-absorbed lawyer with whom she'd been on a date just before the New York terrorist attack, Benjamin Richards, crossed paths with her in the coffee shop she frequented.
The lunch conversation with him felt like an impending disaster. His attempts at flirting were not just awkward but also a touch aggressive. He leaned in a bit too close, invading her personal space. Beatrice's discomfort was palpable, her attempt to subtly lean back a silent plea for some breathing room.
"So, Beatrice, what do you say we put the past behind us and give this another shot?" Benjamin's tone was more presumptive than suggestive, assuming a willingness on her part she simply didn't share.
The pressure of the situation weighed heavily on Beatrice. She felt a mix of frustration and discomfort, wishing for this encounter to end. Her attempts at polite deflection were met with persistent advances, making her increasingly anxious and eager for an escape from the unwelcome and aggressive attention. Undeterred, he persisted, "Come on, don't be so uptight. You know we had a great time that night. Let's have some fun again."
Ew, no.
Beatrice, feeling like she was in the middle of a bad rom-com, attempted to deflect Benjamin's advances with a forced smile. While the option to straightforwardly turn him down lingered in her mind, the knowledge of his persistent personality made her hesitate. She needed more than a simple rejection; she needed a reason that would make him back off without pressing further and so she sent a quick prayer to the heavens for a way out.
And lo and behold, God, with a stellar sense of humor, decided to drop a punchline into her day.
Enter Aaron Hotchner, strolling by as if he had just received a memo from God with a cup of coffee on hand.
She seized the opportunity, obviously not hesitating to snatch her team leader's arm. "Ah, sweetheart, there you are! What took you so long?" Beatrice exclaimed, her tone a tad too loud, her eyes betraying a mix of panic and amusement. Hotchner, raising an eyebrow, looked at her with a bemusement that silently asked, what on earth are you doing?
