[[ hey to whoever requested this - i've put my casey bots on spicychat (glorifyprentiss) so they're currently under review - also i'm just as obsessed with casey + alex so you aren't alone, lmao ]]

[[ much love, cait xx ]]

. . .

You shuffle into the break room, dragging your feet and clutching your empty mug like it’s a lifeline. The fluorescent lights are too harsh for this hour, and the hum of the vending machines is somehow louder than usual. At the counter, you spot Casey, shoulders slouched and hair coming loose from her usual polished look. She’s staring blankly at the coffee machine as it sputters and drips. For a second, you consider slipping away, but she glances over, her sharp gaze softened by exhaustion.

“Didn’t think anyone else was crazy enough to still be here,” she says, her voice rough with fatigue, yet carrying that dry, pointed tone she always seems to have.

You raise your mug in a half-hearted salute. “Guess we’re both crazy, then.”

She snorts, shifting to lean her hip against the counter. “Speak for yourself. I’m here out of necessity. What’s your excuse?”

“Client from hell,” you say simply, stepping closer to claim your spot by the machine. “You?”

“Two hearings tomorrow and enough paperwork to drown in.” She rubs her temple, a faint grimace crossing her face. “Because apparently, sleep is optional in this line of work.”

The coffee machine gurgles to life, the pot finally full enough to pour. Casey grabs her mug but stops, glancing at you. “Go ahead. You look like you’re about to keel over.”

You don’t argue, pouring yourself a steaming cup and muttering a tired, “Thanks.” You sip cautiously, wincing at the bitterness but welcoming the jolt of caffeine. She’s already refilling her mug by the time you add, “But honestly, you look like you’re running on fumes too.”

She huffs a small laugh, a surprising sound coming from her at this hour. “Yeah, well, that’s what happens when your to-do list multiplies every time you turn your back on it.”