Disclaimer: The BBC owns all the rights

Author's note: This was just a scene that popped into my head a few months ago. I am not sure you can even call it a story. Still, I figured what good does it do resting on my desktop, I might as well share. Merry Christmas everyone!


Somehow Spencer Jordan had expected the last team meeting to be different. Full of talk and emotion – probably with some inappropriate jokes thrown in to lift the atmosphere – but certainly not like this.

He and Eve sat around the table in the middle of the bullpen, which no longer bore any resemblance to the office they had occupied for so many years. It was stripped clean, patiently awaiting its new owners. Grace and Boyd stood in front of the table. This in itself wasn't unusual – but their behaviour very much was. Boyd was fidgeting with his hands and actually seemed nervous. Grace periodically crossed and uncrossed her arms, obviously not quite sure what to do with her limbs.

Eve shot Spence a questioning look and he shrugged, just as confused as she was. Finally Boyd seemed to be unable to take it any longer and he cleared his throat rather loudly – effectively startling Grace, who turned to look at him expectantly.

"Well," Boyd began and to everyone's surprise he took Grace's hand in his. Spence was pretty sure that the faint thudding sound he heard was his own jaw hitting the floor. "In case you haven't noticed or guessed before, yes, Grace and I are…" Boyd continued gruffly, but broke off again, obviously unable to find a fitting description for what it was they were.

"An item?" Grace supplied helpfully and Spence was satisfied that Boyd at least had the good graces to grimace at that. Both Boyd and Grace looked at their two former team members with uncertain looks on their faces. Eve had begun smiling softly, but all Spence was able to do was groan. He pushed himself up from his chair.

"God I hope you're happy with yourselves!" he muttered and without adding anything else he made his way out of the headquarters.

Grace and Boyd gaped after him in shock.

"Now that went well," Boyd said quietly, dropping Grace's hand. The profiler's forehead was creased in confusion and concern.

Eve decided to salvage the situation. She got up and hugged Grace – convincing the profiler that she was very happy with the news.

"Do you think Spence is angry?" Grace asked, still not quite sure what to make of the younger man's reaction.

"Possibly," Eve said with a sly smile on her face, "as far as I know you've just cost him quite a lot of money."

"Hiya," Spence said softly, "long time, no see, eh? Well you know Boyd, no rest for the wicked." He broke off and quietly took in the scenery around him as an icy wind blew around his shoulders.

"Anyway, I just came to give you what's rightfully yours. I hope you're happy, because I was planning on spending the money on a much deserved vacation, but I am a man of honour – stop laughing! – and I pay my betting debts. I promise I'll kick his head should he hurt her." Spence fell silent again, his eyes transfixed on the name in front of him.

"Well, I gotta go, I've got another stop to make. Your successor was crazy enough to bet with me as well… so she deserves to get her money, too." He swallowed softly, fighting to keep his emotions in check. "Take care, Mel. Don't party too hard up there, I fully expect you to still be in shape when we see each other again." With a soft smile he put down a single red rose. Attached to its leaf were 150 pounds. Without looking back, Spence walked towards the exit of the Jewish cemetery. His next stop was the Catholic one at the other side of town.