Hey! The end is coming closer, I hope you like reading this story as much as I did writing it! :)

Enjoy! :)

Under The Mistletoe

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." - Norman Vincent Peale

Chap 4: French Cooking & 4 Paws, 1 Heart:

Derek was hanging out for several hours in the mall and his patience was starting to be taxed. The last cases have been particularly hard and he hadn't have time to think about the gift. And the fateful date was coming closer and closer.

"Oh crap! What in the hell am I going to offer Rossi?" He groaned.

He winked to two girls who were eyeing him greedily. They giggled. Suddenly, his gaze came across a library window. After all, maybe he could offer him a good old book? Rossi wasn't interested in computers, clothes or movies. However, he really enjoyed reading. Derek made his way towards the library, looking determined. He wasn't leaving this freaking mall without a gift! However, when he entered the library, he sighed. He wasn't out of the woods yet. The library was gigantic. Huge bookshelves piled up until the ceiling. Derek began pacing up and down, looking for a book which would draw his attention. That's how he spent the next two hours: observing thousands of different books. He even came across books written by Rossi himself. But nothing seemed interesting. During his search, Derek met several persons who, like him, were desperately trying to find a gift idea of last-minute in the huge library. It made him smile. At least, he wasn't the only one in that case! Suddenly, a woman announced over the microphone that the library was going to close. Looking at his watch, Derek realized that it was almost 8 o'clock. With a sigh, he was making his way towards the exit when he saw what he was looking for the entire afternoon. Keeping a cry of joy, he headed toward a big department. He quickly inspected several books and picked a big one. Rossi was very proud of his Italian cooking. Derek smiled. It was now time to see his real level as a cook. And a good traditional French cooking book was a good way to value his level.

Spencer was walking at a leisurely pace in the street, taking his time to admire the decorations put up by the hall for Christmas. The meal was going to take place the day after, at Hotch's house. Spencer had waited the last moment to buy his gift. He knew exactly what he was going to offer to Penelope. He remembered her affection for Sergio. When Emily "died" because of Doyle, Garcia took the cat in and looked after him. She loved him. And Spencer knew Kevin appreciated him too. The daughter of one of Reid's neighbors worked on a voluntary basis with some of her friends for an association which took in abandoned animals, "4 Paws, 1 Heart". While he was getting close to his destination, he could hear barking. Spencer smiled. When Derek started thinking of getting a dog, Reid advised him to go here. He was right. Derek found Clooney. Or rather Clooney found Derek. When the agent entered the park, the dog jumped on him and began licking his face. They're inseparable now. Spencer pushed the gate and entered the garden. He watched with a smile about ten dogs running after balls. He didn't understand how people could abandon an animal like that. He stepped in the little house and caught sight of a young redheaded girl.

"Abby!" He called her.

The teenager turned around and smiled when she saw him.

"Hey Spencer! What are you doing here?"

"We are doing a Secret Santa with my team."

"Who did you pick?" She asked with excitement.

"I picked Penelope Garcia."

"Oh yeah, I remember her. You showed me a picture of your team. She's the blonde with the colorful cloths and the big smile right?

"Yeah that's her. I want to give her a kitten. She loves cats. Do you have a cute one?"

"When it's Christmas time, people like to offer cute kittens. Abandonments usually begin about a week after Christmas, when people realize that a cat or a dog need attention and that it's a lot more easy to just play Nintendogs than having a real animal. I just have one left. He's my favorite."

Spencer smiled.

"You didn't want him to go?"

"No. Mum and Dad don't want any animal at home so I have them here. But it's you. I know he'll be okay with you."

"He's not going to live with me."

"Do you trust Penelope?"

"Of course I do! She's my friend."

"Then that's okay. Cos I trust you."

Spencer smiled and gently ruffled her hair. She giggled.

"Come with me."

All the rooms of the house had been converted by the association, thanks to donations given by generous people. She took him upstairs all the way to a former bedroom. She slowly opened the door and he could admire the work given by these teenagers. Toys were scattered on the floor and several comfortable cushions and kitty litter were lined up against the walls. Ropes hanged from the ceiling, shelves had been tacked on all the walls and several big cat trees were placed here and there.

"Waow!" He whispered.

"Yeah, I know. We're very proud of this place." Abby said with a grin. "Here he is."

The little kitten was rolled into a ball on a cushion. Hearing Abby and Spencer, he lazily looked up and stared at them with his amber eyes. Recognizing Abby, he got up, shaked his tiny head and made his way towards them. He had a long beige fur and the tip of his paws, tail and ears were brown.

"Hey Sweetie!"

Abby stroked him and took him in her arms.

"His name is Cupcake. Isn't he lovely?"

"I'm sure she'll love him!" Spencer said with a grin. "Thank you, Abby!"

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