Eight Lives, One Heart

Eight Lives, One Heart 20 ❤️

Alexis sits on a bench at the park, the weight of everything still pressing heavily on her shoulders. She stares ahead, lost in her thoughts, when she suddenly hears the sound of footsteps approaching.

Before she can even look up, a flood of familiar faces surrounds her. It's her teammates—her family—each one of them with an expression of concern and love.

Luke Alvez is the first to reach her. He gently places a hand on her shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile.
Luke: "We're here, Alexis. You don't have to carry this alone."

Next, Matt Simmons steps forward, his face full of compassion. He sits down beside her, carefully placing his arm around her to pull her into a comforting side hug.
Matt: "You've been through so much, but we've got you. All of us."

Then Willa, Roxy, and Ben gather around, their faces filled with empathy as they each share a word of encouragement.
Willa: "You're not alone in this, Alexis."
Roxy: "We're here for you, always."
Ben: "Whatever you need, we've got you."

Tyler Kennedy Strand, her cousin, rushes over and wraps his arms around her in a tight hug, his voice breaking slightly.
Tyler: "I'm so sorry, Lex. I should've been there for you more."

Tasha and April Kepner are close behind, each one offering a comforting touch. Tasha holds Alexis's hand, squeezing it tightly as if to say, I'm here, and April rests her head on Alexis's shoulder.
Tasha: "You've been so strong, but you don't have to be strong all the time. Let us be here for you."
April: "We're family, and we love you. You don't have to hide anything from us."

As they gather around her, Alexis feels a warmth spread through her. For the first time in a long while, she feels truly supported, cared for, and not alone. Mark Sloan and Catherine Avery, Alexis's extended family, also join the group. Mark places a hand on her back, his expression softening as he leans down.
Mark: "You don't have to fight this battle alone. We're here, all of us. Always."

Finally, Alex Karev, Owen Strand, and Aaron Hotchner make their way over, the concern in their eyes palpable. Alex, normally tough on Alexis, softens in this moment, pulling her into a hug.
Alex: "You've been through hell, but we're all here now, and we're not going anywhere."

Owen places his hand on her other shoulder, offering a quiet, supportive presence.
Owen: "Whatever you need, Alexis. We're here to help you heal."

Aaron Hotchner, always the protector, takes a step closer, his voice steady but filled with emotion.
Aaron: "We'll get through this, Alexis. You're stronger than you think."

The group surrounds Alexis, their arms wrapping around her in a circle of love and support. In this moment, the weight of everything she's been carrying begins to feel a little lighter, and she finally allows herself to breathe, letting go of the fear of being alone.

As they hold her, Spencer Reid and Derek Morgan quietly step forward. Spencer offers a soft smile.
Spencer: "You're not alone, Alexis. You've got a whole team behind you."

Derek: "We're your family. And we'll be here, every step of the way."

For the first time in a long while, Alexis feels safe, surrounded by people who truly care. She's not alone anymore. And with them by her side, she knows she's going to make it through.