Chapter 8 - Arguments and Outbursts

                                    

                                          
Ever since Spencer had caught Emily and Alethea in the break room those few weeks ago, he'd been on edge. He couldn't sleep, he barely ate, and his mind constantly drifted to thoughts of the two of them together. He often thought back to the night he had kissed her at the club those many months ago, wishing that he could take it back. At least then they would still be friends; they would still be able to talk and laugh and make eye contact without feeling awkward and tense.

                          
He'd been keeping a much closer eye on the pair in recent times, and now that he was aware of the situation, he was noticing a lot more of the subtle interactions between them. He noticed when Emily grazed her hand against Alethea's, and when the pair would coincidentally be texting at the same time on the plane. He realised how often Emily would get rides to and from work with Alethea, and how much closer they seemed compared to how close she was with the other team members.
                          
Spencer had wanted to talk to someone about the situation, but if he was honest with himself, he was scared it would make everything that much more real. If he expressed his findings to another person, there would be no more beating around the bush. Spencer felt conflicted, but he decided that for his own peace of mind, he should try to talk to someone. 
                          
When he arrived at the BAU that morning, bracing himself for the cold treatment he was likely to receive from Alethea, he felt frustrated. He had barely made it through the door when he saw Emily leaning against Alethea's desk, which happened to be right across from his. The pair were flirting, as per usual, but for some reason the sight of it this morning hurt more than it usually did. 
                          
He put his things down at his desk, and went to the break room for a coffee, his mood worsening by the second. Inside, he found Garcia and Morgan sat at a table mid conversation, and he gave the pair a silent wave before heading towards the coffee pot. As he poured himself a mug, making sure to mix in a ton of sugar, he heard muffled whispering behind him, and he gave out a loud sigh. When he turned back to the pair, he found their eyes on him, a concerned expression plastered across both of their faces. 
                          
"What's up pretty boy?" Derek asked lightly.
                          
Spencer thought for a moment, before responding, "Nothing". 
                          
He knew his lack of words gave away his true mood, but he didn't know how else to respond to the question. He couldn't be honest, because if he did tell them how he was actually feeling, he'd probably be called into another meeting with Hotch.
                          
Spencer made his way over to them, cup of coffee in hand, and took a seat at the table next to them. The pair shared a brief look, before continuing their conversation once again. Spencer tuned out, his gaze turning back towards Emily and Alethea, who he could see from the glass window of the break room. He watched as Alethea brushed a piece of hair out of Emily's face and tucked it behind her ear. 
                          
Without thinking, he asked, "What do you think is going on between Emily and Alethea?".
                          
There was silence in the break room for a moment, before Garcia responded, "I don't know what you mean".
                          
Spencer sighed, "Haven't you guys noticed the flirting and the touching and the longing looks?".
                          
Derek spoke up, "I mean yeah, we all have, but it's just a joke though. Alethea and I do the same thing. We just enjoy teasing each other, that's all".
                          
Unsatisfied with his response, Spencer continues "They ride in together almost every day, and they also go home together as well. They are always together at work, and I'm sure they spend just as much time together outside of work. And Emily hasn't hooked up with anyone she's met when we've gone out recently. Doesn't anyone find that a little weird?".
                          
The pair share another knowing look, before Garcia says "They're close, I'll admit, but what exactly do you think is going on Spencer? Best friends do hang out together a lot, you know".