Chapter 7

Derek walked in the office with a smile, looking down at his phone.

Spencer and Emily shared a look, "Date went well then" Spencer muttered making Emily laugh. Derek looked up when he heard Emily laugh and smile at them, setting his bag on his desk.

He used to have an office, but he missed being with the team, talking and enjoying the talks they have. So, he moved back to the bullpen, keeping the office as a cooling off room.

"How did it go?" Spencer asked in a low voice, remembering Derek's request of keeping his date on the down low.

Derek smiled "It went well. We have another one planned this weekend." Derek laughed a little at Emily's little squeal of excitement and Spencer's little jump smiling.

"So where are you guys going this time?" Emily asked after calming down.

Derek shrugged "I don't know. Alex is picking the place this time." He couldn't wait for breakfast and to see Alex this weekend.

Emily and Spencer shared a look at Derek's fond look. "I have never seen him this way." Spencer whispered. Emily took a quick look at Derek before nodding "I know." Though Emily found it sweet.

Maybe this one would be the one. Emily wished her friend would find someone to settle down with.

"Guys" The three looked up to see JJ standing in front of them with a grim look on her face "Case." Emily sighed, Spencer groaned a little, and Derek frowned.

He looked down at his phone and sent off a text to Alex before slipping his phone in his pocket.

Hopefully they were able to get back before the weekend.

***

Alex, worked on a 1980 Chevy in the garage, when someone called him.

"What's going on?" Alex asked, grabbing his rag and making his way across the garage where his worker, José and a customer stood. José turned to his boss, annoyed "Hey, what's the matter?"

Before José could explain what's going on, the woman stepped forward cutting him off "This-This thug won't fix my car. It's not that big of a problem, I just need my oil change!" The woman glared at José.

Alex stepped in front of his employee "Ma'am I'm going to need you to calm down or you could leave." He warned. The woman stepped back, "Now" Alex turned to José "Explain to me what's going on"

José took a deep breath "This woman came here for an oil change, so I took a look. Her car is a mess. She needs a new battery, engine, oil, spark plugs, and brake lines. She told me, she hasn't gotten this car checked since she bought it 5 years ago, and her husband changes the oil."

"That's a lie! I just need an oil change" The woman snapped.

"Okay, José go take a break, I got this." Alex laid a reassuring hand on José's shoulder, gently pushing her away. Once his employee was out of his sight, he turned to the woman.

"Okay, show me your car, please."

The woman led him to the car José was working on. Alex took one look at the engine and sighed "God this is going to take a while" he muttered.

***

Derek was the first one on the Jet and pulled out his phone, calling Alex. It rang three times before it was picked up.

"Hey, Derek"

"Hey Alex, I didn't know if you saw my text but I'm leaving for a case."

"Oh sorry. I was working with a troubling client." Derek heard Alex sigh on the other end "Do you know how long you'll be gone?"

Derek frowned looking at the Jet door before answering "No. It's a bad one, so I don't think I'll be back in time for breakfast. I'm sorry."

"Hey no, don't be sorry. It's your job, don't apologize for saving someone."

Derek smiled, "That makes me feel better." He heard someone coming up the stairs "I need to go but I'll text you when I can."

"No problem. Go save some lives, Derek."

Derek hung up, sliding his phone in his pocket right when Hotch and Rossi walked in the Jet "You're here early" Rossi commented surprised.

Derek shrugged sliding the tablet closer to him "Thought I get a head start." he said nonchalantly looking down at the tablet.

Hotch and Rossi shared a look but didn't say anything. If Derek wanted to tell them anything, he would.  

***

Alex shifted gears going faster, he kept his grip on the wheel tight as he made a sharp turn. He looked at his speedometer, seeing he was pushing the limits and eased up a little.

"One more lap, then pull in" He heard Jamie in his earpiece.

"Got it." Alex took a deep breath, shifting his gear once more, before picking up speed. The traction from before wasn't there and he smiled, keeping his speed steady.

Keep steady. Breathe in. Don't let go. Breathe out. Keep those turns sharp. Do not hesitate.

"Alright pull in."

Jamie's voice snapped Alex out of his thoughts. He pulled his car into the pit stop, and slipped out through the window "How was that?" Alex asked, pulling off his helmet.

"Good. You just cut your time in half."

Liam showed Alex the timer. 4 minutes and 12 seconds.

Alex smiled, grabbing the water Jamie held out to him "I bet I could cut it more." He smiled while drinking some water.

Jamie laughed, shaking her head, "So how was the date?" She singed nudging Alex.

Alex laughed, "It was good."

"Just good? Nothing else" Jamie asked, wanting to know more.

Alex started pulling off his gloves "He took me to this Mexican place. It was nice." Alex smiled dopily making Liam and Jamie share a look. They haven't seen Alex like this before, looking so... dopey in love before.

"Are you guys going on a second date?" Liam asked.

Alex nodded "We're supposed to go this weekend, but he got called away. If he makes it back then yeah, if he doesn't, we'll change it."

Alex didn't care about the time of his date. He just wanted to spend more time with Derek and if he needs to change the time of his date then he'll change the date.

Derek's job was important to him just like his job was important to himself.

As the three packed up, Alex pulled out his phone, sending a message to Derek, smiling when he got one back immediately. Even if Derek had to work, at least he made time for him.