𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀 𝙂𝙊𝙀𝙎-ˡᵘᵏᵉ ᵃˡᵛᵉᶻ

five

SADIE ROLLED OVER IN BED, HER EYES closed, struggling to find sleep. In the dimly lit room, Luke's tired voice cut through the silence. "Are you okay, babe?" he asked with concern. Sadie let out a groan of frustration. "I can't sleep," she admitted, her restlessness palpable in the quiet room.

Luke pulled Sadie closer and gently kissed her cheek. "What helps you go to sleep?" he inquired, concern evident in his voice. Sadie hesitated for a moment before responding, "Nothing." It was a lie, and even though she said the words, Luke could sense the underlying truth in her reluctance to share.

"C'mon, I know you're lying," he said, but she shook her head. "Just go to sleep, I don't want to keep you awake," she muttered. Luke sighed, realizing there was more to her restlessness."Is that what this is about? You don't want to tell me because you think you're keeping me awake? You know that's not true. And you know what? I won't go to sleep until we do what helps you go to sleep," Luke declared, determination in his voice. Sadie looked away, unable to meet his gaze. Luke gently placed his hand on her cheek, his touch warm and reassuring."Please?" he asked softly, his eyes reflecting genuine concern.

She looked back at him. "I usually go on walks... you can go back to sleep now, and I'll take a walk," she said."I am going with you," he smiled."Luke..." Sadie groaned."I am awake, and I don't feel that tired anymore. Let's just go," he insisted, his determination evident. Sadie hesitated, weighing the option of insisting on going alone versus having Luke accompany her. In the end, she relented, realizing that having him by her side might bring more comfort than she initially thought."Fine," she finally said, offering him a small smile. "But it's just a short walk."

"Short walk it is," Luke agreed, pleased that she agreed.

Sadie put on one of Luke's hoodies and wore sweatpants. Luke also put on a hoodie, and the two slipped into their shoes before heading out for their walk.

They laid together in the grass field, gazing up at the stars. "Do you struggle with sleep a lot?" Luke asked, breaking the peaceful silence. Sadie hummed, contemplating the question. She noticed that the fresh air and the quiet surroundings were gradually making her feel more relaxed."Yeah," she admitted, "especially on nights like these when my mind just won't stop racing."Luke gently intertwined his fingers with hers. "You're not alone, you know. I'm here for you," he said softly.Sadie smiled, grateful for his understanding.

After a while, Sadie finally closed her eyes, feeling the soothing effect of the night air and the calm presence of Luke. "Babe, we're not home. Let's go," Luke whispered gently to a sleepy Sadie.

He helped her up and held her close, guiding her back home. Once there, Luke assisted Sadie with her shoes and tenderly laid her in bed. He stayed by her side for a moment, making sure she was comfortable before brushing a soft kiss on her forehead."Sleep well, love," Luke murmured, pulling a blanket over Sadie.

Sadie woke up in a cold sweat, her breaths coming in rapid succession. The nightmare had gripped her once again, leaving her disoriented in the early hours of the morning. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was 4 am. She was alone in the hotel room, the weight of the intense ongoing case pressing heavily on her.

Carefully, Sadie got out of bed, trying not to disturb the silence of the room. The city lights below twinkled in the darkness as she stepped out onto the hotel balcony, seeking solace in the quiet night. The memories of the case haunted her, and she felt the need for a moment of respite.

The case had taken a toll on Sadie, and as she stood under the hot water of the shower, she tried to wash away the fatigue that clung to her. The heartbreaking nature of the situation weighed heavily on her mind - two innocent kids, gone too soon.After the shower, she dressed in a red turtleneck and black jeans, opting for a simple yet practical outfit. She tied her hair into a ponytail and applied a touch of makeup, attempting to mask the weariness that lingered in her eyes.

Sadie walked into the police station early in the morning, thinking she'd be the first one there. To her surprise, Luke Alvez was already working on the case. He looked up briefly as she entered the room but quickly went back to studying the file.Feeling a mix of annoyance and complicated feelings, Sadie poured herself some coffee, shooting a glare at Luke.

They worked tirelessly for hours, the team gradually assembling to focus on the challenging case. Despite their efforts, they had made little progress. However, a breakthrough came when a police officer entered the room with new information.

"We have something. Francesca Morales, a sixteen-year-old, was just reported missing," the officer informed them. Sadie stood up, ready to take action. "I'll talk to the mother," she muttered, but Hotch intervened. "Take Alvez with you," he instructed.Reluctantly, Sadie glared at Hotch and sighed. Together, she and Luke Alvez made their way to Ms. Morales's house.

A/N:
Short chapter, but the next one will be longer!