Paige emerged on the roof wearing jeans and a T-shirt, utterly taken aback at the elaborate setup. The party wasn't a surprise, but Paige wasn't allowed to participate in the planning, which made her a little nervous.
She was aghast at what she saw on the roof. Everyone was dressed in semiformal attire, and there were linen tablecloths, real dishes, catering from Escala, and a table filled with presents. "You guys, I can't believe you did all of this!"
Toby spoke for the group. "What can we say, you have succeeded in civilizing us."
Paige smiled. "Thank you guys so much."
After a couple of hours of eating, drinking and celebrating with each other, Sly gathered the team to begin the distribution of presents. There was a special chair for Paige to sit.
Toby went first. "Ms. Dineen, our fearless emotional liaison, who after spending the day chasing a plane decided to work with us anyway. Today we take this opportunity to celebrate your professional and academic achievements." Toby searched the table, locating his gift. "Before you joined Scorpion, there were many words you could have used to describe Walter, Happy, Sly, and myself. None of these words would have been 'stable' or 'family.' YOU changed that. No matter what, you help us to stay stable." He motioned for Paige to open her gift. "This is a gombac," Toby stated as he moved to grab the item. He had it specifically designed in a lavender color. Knowing how much Paige liked the scent, he hoped that she liked the color as well. "A gombac is a specifically-designed rock that will always return to its most stable point no matter how you place it. That is what you do for us Ms. Dineen, you keep us stable, or as stable as we can get for a group of geniuses."
Paige was touched by the gift and by Toby's words. She stood up to give him a hug and a chaste kiss on the cheek, wiping her lipstick after. These actions did not go unnoticed by Walter, who, from his position slightly out of Paige's view, was able to stand and glare at Toby. These aggressive movements from Walter caused Toby to immediately end his encounter with Paige.
~~~ SCORPION ~~~ SCORPION ~~
Happy stood next, searching the present table for her gift. Obviously, her actual gift was not on the table, but she handed Paige the card that she had prepared. Happy wasn't great at expressing emotions, especially out loud in front of people; she hoped her handwritten note would explain.
"Hey, no fair," shouted Toby, "you have to share your thoughts with all of us."
Happy turned and responded, "Well actually, we agreed to get presents that showed Paige that she has helped us grow emotionally. My present does that, and now she will know why, which fulfills the purpose of the gift."
"Fine," Toby reluctantly conceded.
Paige's expression quickly turned from amused to serious as she began to read Happy's card. Just wanted you to know that you're family now. I know we have had our differences, but you've proven your loyalty to the Cyclone. Since you are officially part of our family, you should also have a "workspace" in the garage. We all agreed that while you may not have an IQ that's as high as ours, you are a genius in the kitchen. That is why I am going to install those slate countertops that all the fancy kitchens have. Welcome to our family.
By the time she finished, there were tears in Paige's eyes. "How did I not see them?" she asked.
"I put them under a tarp in the back of the garage, I figured you wouldn't think twice about it. The, uh, kitchen will be inaccessible for about a week, but that won't matter because…"
"A-HEM," Cabe cleared his throat loudly and obviously to get Happy's attention.
"Uh, right, it won't matter because we have plenty of money for take-out."
Paige furrowed her brow. "You're lying."
Before she could ponder Happy's statement anymore, though, her son bounded toward the table grabbing the gift he and Sly had been working on. He excitedly handed it to his mother. Paige gasped and immediately started to tear up as she opened the wirebound book. The picture on the cover, designed by one of Paige's artist classmates, showed two separate spheres of the brain, with various symbols identifying each sphere. These two spheres were separated by a suspension bridge, where two figures, representing Paige and Ralph, ran towards each other with their arms open.
As Paige's crying continued, Ralph looked around, anxious that he had made a mistake with the gift. Toby spoke with a grin. "Bud, your mom is just extremely happy. Even I don't understand why women cry when they're happy. I think it's safe to continue."
As his mother turned the page, Ralph nervously explained, "Sylvester and I formulated a project based on the Fibonacci Sequence. The Fibonacci Sequence is a series of numbers where the next number is established by adding the two previous numbers. When this equation is graphed it creates a spiral." Ralph moved closer to his mother. "Scientists don't know why, but the Fibonacci spiral exhibits itself in art, architecture, and even nature."
Ralph continued, explaining how the photos were overlaid with a Fibonacci spiral. Below each photo was the equation used to create the spiral. Paige's tears had been flowing steadily ever since she opened the book. They finally started to subside as she got up to wordlessly embrace her son, even tousling his hair, something she didn't do so much anymore. After all, her boy was growing up.
Paige tried to dry her tears. "Why are some of the pages blank?"
Everyone turned to Cabe. "Paige, words can't describe how much you mean to this team. Nothing can repay you for what you've done to ensure the security of this nation, or the world, or for how you have created such a family out of this group of misfits. I'm gonna be honest, when these geniuses said they were going to try to come up with gifts to show how much you've helped them develop emotionally, I didn't trust them to come through. I'm pleasantly surprised that they've done so well. Regardless, I arranged an additional gift, just in case. Before I get to that," Cabe handed Paige an envelope, "here is a little something just between you and me. Toby!" he snapped before the shrink could pipe up, "if you say I have to read the note out loud, I will shoot you." Turning back to Paige, Cabe continued, "As a thank you, Homeland is going to provide transportation for you and guests all throughout Europe for three weeks. The team here all chipped in to make sure that you enjoyed luxurious accommodations throughout your stay."
Paige put her hands on her mouth, trying unsuccessfully to hold back tears.
Cabe continued, "Uh, we weren't sure if you wanted to travel alone, or with one," Cabe turned to Walter as he spoke, "or two other people. So just let me know and we can finalize the plans." He patted Walter on the shoulder, "Walter here helped me work up a draft itinerary based on places he thought you would want to see, but nothing is set in stone yet, so feel free to change it."
Paige was rendered speechless for a moment, until she said thickly, "I'm, uh, still not sure what this has to do with the blank pages in the book."
Ralph took over again. "So there are great works of art, lots of great architecture, and cool natural wonders in Europe. I thought it would be cool to fill those pages together. The team agreed."
Sylvester added, "Megan thought this would help with taking pictures. She wanted me to remind you that…"
"Life is about making good memories," Paige replied as she started to get choked up again. "I'm so overwhelmed. Thank you guys so much for everything."
Toby interjected as Paige went to give hugs to the team. "Wait, you haven't received all of the team gifts yet. Let's have it, Mr. 197."
"I would very much like to give Paige my gift in private."
"Hey, that doesn't count as a gift," Toby smirked.
Walter furrowed his brow. "How can you say what will or won't count as a gift without knowing what the proposed gift is?"
Paige quickly regained her poise, and set her mind to doing what she did best: serving as Walter's liaison. "I'm sure Walter wouldn't mind if I tell you all about it tomorrow. As a matter of fact, I also have a gift for Walter that I would prefer to deliver in private, and he can fill you in tomorrow."
Toby smirked. "I shall very much look forward to learning about these private gifts."
Happy glared at Toby before responding, "However, if the gifts are too personal, you can keep them to yourself."
Toby moved to protest, but the serious look on Happy's face convinced him to agree to the compromise.
~~~~ SCORPION ~~~ SCORPION ~~~
Paige had been staring at Walter throughout the whole discussion, intrigued by the idea of a gift that he had to give her in private. She wanted nothing more than to grab him and go to the loft, but she had her own gifts to distribute, and she preferred that they were truly alone before the festivities continued in the bedroom. Although she had written them all detailed notes explaining the gifts. So maybe she could speed up this distribution process and proceed to the after party she had been planning in her head.
The sight of her boyfriend standing at the railing with Ralph, chatting excitedly over something in the clear night sky, made the man even more irresistible. She smiled, her mind made up, and strode towards the corner where her gift bags were. Sly noticed where she was headed, and once again called everyone from their separate locations to gather around Paige.
"I just wanted to get you all a little something to show how thankful I am for everything you've done for me," Paige's voice grew thicker, "and for Ralph. I wouldn't have been able to achieve this milestone without you all." Paige started to distribute the gifts. "I think you geniuses have engaged in quite the emotional outpouring for today, so I will let you all open your gifts in private. There are notes that explain them."
Everyone was busy opening their gifts. Paige stood up to excuse herself to the restroom, and stumbled ever so slightly. This did not go unnoticed by a certain curly-haired genius, the only one on the roof not busy opening a present. He was by her side in what seemed like a second. "Hey, uh, are you okay?"
Paige grinned, as she always did when her unemotional boyfriend displayed protective instincts. "Yes Walter, I'm fine. I think I just overdid it a bit with the celebration."
"Well, after all of your achievements, you, uh, deserve to celebrate. Let me help you down the stairs. I don't want you to fall."
Walter was unsure of what to do while Paige was in the bathroom. He didn't want to wait for her at the door like she was a child, so he opted for sitting on the bed. He closed his eyes and began going over the melody for the song he was going to play and sing for Paige later.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear Paige exit the bathroom or feel her climb onto the bed. He only noticed her when he felt a pair of soft lips on his neck. He sighed, leaning back and then turning to face the most beautiful college graduate he'd ever seen. The way she was looking at him caused him to gulp. "Paige…uh, the party." He tried to keep his composure as her hands started exploring.
"We ate, drank, danced, exchanged gifts, I'd say the party is over." She didn't break eye contact as she began to run her hands over his body before settling them around his neck.
Walter cleared his throat. "We should, uh, w-we should say goodbye then."
Paige grabbed him by the waist as he turned to leave. "I think four geniuses and a Homeland Security agent can figure out that we won't be returning to the party." Paige pulled Walter by his tie, until he was next to her on the bed.
"Oh, okay," was all the genius could manage as Paige started to gently kiss his face before attacking his lips with her own.
~~~~ SCORPION ~~~ SCORPION ~~~~~
On the roof, everyone was marveling over their gifts. Toby showed his note to Happy. "And you told me not to mettle. I'm glad someone appreciated my considerable efforts in getting these two together."
Happy wasn't paying Toby any attention as she was too busy inspecting the picture of Paige's tattoo. "That's badass, looks like Paige has a dark side."
On the other side of the garage, Ralph was alternating between making plans to attend the Super Fun Guy premiere with Sylvester and looking at the airplane project he would complete with Cabe. It was a few minutes before he opened his package and was amazed at all of the activities his mom had planned for him. He went to thank her and noticed for the first time that she wasn't on the roof and neither was Walter.
Cabe saw Ralph looking around frantically, and instantly realized why. Something told the agent that he should go look for Walter and Paige instead of sending Ralph.
He came down the stairs into the loft, calling for Paige and Walter. After a few minutes, he heard a combination of laughter and sighing, as well as the popping of kisses. Cabe smiled to himself. Clearly, he didn't have to worry anymore about whether Walter would ever find love. The agent returned to the roof to announce that the party was, indeed, over.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
1.I do not own Scorpion or its characters, CBS owns Scorpion and its characters
2.Special Thanks to my betareader: lookingforthestars (I can't wait to see how she concludes her Collins trilogy. The first two stories are Anniversary and Renewed)
3.Life has come at the Cyclone fast in the last couple of weeks, but Season 3 will be here before we know it. I'm sure that KELYES on screen magic is still there.
4.Karman Line Prize: I have been trying to write the final chapter, but haven't been satisfied with anything yet. I will keep working on it, and post it as soon as I am done.
5.I hate to start another story, but I have something I've been thinking about. It's a little late for Ralph Appreciation Week, but it's a future fic involving Ralph. Walter is away and Ralph has to take the lead on his first case, investigating a plane crash.
6.As usual read, review, and enjoy!