Spencer Reid: Afterlife.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything!
AN: I am so sorry for being gone for so long! I've been so busy I completely forgot about fanfiction. But for those of you who are still reading, I am determined to finish this fic over the next few weeks. So, enjoy!
Chapter Ten: A Garcia Christmas.
Two months and nine cases had now past since Reynolds had joined the team and – with the exception of Garcia – they were still not all that welcoming to the young doctor. It was now December 23rd and the team had just finished their last case before their three day Christmas break.
Everyone was in the bullpen finishing off the paperwork for the aforementioned last case before they would gather around the BAU Christmas tree – as they always did – and exchange presents.
Despite the general happiness of the festive season, they were all quite sombre; it would be their first Christmas without Reid.
Reynolds was the first to finish, and – without any of the team noticing – he grabbed his bag and slipped out of the bullpen; he did not want to intrude on their Christmas gathering, knowing that it was highly unlikely that he was welcome.
A few minutes later, the others finished up and gathered around the large Christmas tree that was set in the middle of the bullpen, an equally large collection of presents beneath it.
Hotch delved under the tree for his gifts and handed them out, starting off the festivities.
After half an hour of unwrapping gifts, the BAU team thought they were finished when Hotch spotted another group of presence beneath the large fir, stuffed right at the back, almost out of sight.
"Whose are these?" Hotch asked the equally bewildered team as he pulled them out.
Garcia's voice rang out. "They're from Sam."
The team were still bewildered as they slowly unwrapped their respective gifts. Only Garcia had a smile as she pulled out the items inside; a set of vintage jewellery and a beautiful pair of hot pink high heels.
Morgan stared speechless at the football signed by the Chicago Bears.
JJ smiled at the large teddy bear for Henry and the gorgeous birthstone necklace for herself.
Hotch too smiled at the baseball set for Jack and the driving day certificate for himself.
Rossi grinned when he saw the brand new hunting rifle.
Tears fell from Emily's eyes as her fingers gently ran over the expensive leather jacket; the one she had wanted for so long and had only ever told Spencer about.
JJ was the only one to voice their collective thought. "Did anyone get Reynolds anything?"
Silence said everything.
"Two months..." Garcia couldn't find the words to express her disappointment. "I can't believe you guys."
Morgan's eyes strayed to the tree and then back to Garcia. "I don't see yours baby girl."
"Mine are in the car because I'm spending Christmas Eve with him"
Morgan went silent
"He already didn't stay because he told me he didn't feel welcome, but this just takes the cake."
Shaking her head, Garcia picked up her bag and gifts and stood, staring down at the rest of the team. "You don't have to like him, but you could at least be civil. For Reid's sake, if anything."
Turning, Garcia stalked to the door, looking back only to say one last thing. "Merry Christmas guys. I'll see you on Monday."
"You act like you're forgetting about Spence"
Garcia's eyes were like thunder; if looks could kill, JJ would be on the floor.
"I could never forget about my junior G-Man, but I'm not going to treat Reynolds like he's invisible. That's not what Spencer would want" With that, Garcia turned on her heel and left the bullpen.
Each and every team member sitting around the glittering Christmas tree could not deny the pit of guilt now gnawing at them.
Sam's apartment was decorated with so many Christmas decorations that it looked akin to Santa's grotto. Fluffs of fake snow and hanging snowflakes decorated the walls, colour changing icicles by the window. A large fir tree stood in the corner, beautifully decorated with a hand made angel at the top.
A fresh batch of iced cookies lay on the small coffee table next to two empty Christmas themed mugs; a red snowman and a pink angel.
Sam himself was humming as he finished off a second batch of cookies, his repertoire currently on Jingle Bells.
He was broken from his reverie however when there came a knock at the door. A large smile on his face, he moved to open it. "Hey. You're early."
Penelope Garcia stood on the other side, looking into the apartment with slight awe. "Now this really is Christmas. Do you know Santa?"
She was grinning at him, wearing a fluffy santa jumper and red jeans, her hair tied back with bells, and he couldn't help but return it.
"Yeah, but my best friend is the Easter bunny." He quipped, moving aside to let her in.
Garcia laughed and she was amazed by how easy it had become to banter with Sam. Of course she wasn't done grieving. Truthfully, Garcia doubted she'd ever be able to let her precious genius go, but she at least felt a little better. More able to enjoy the festive season.
She only hoped the others would start to be a little more welcoming.
"Ooo! I smell cookies." She quickly headed over to the table, picking up a pink iced snowflake.
Sam moved back to the open kitchen, smiling at her as she took a large bite. "I'm working on a second batch now. I used to make these with my godson."
A memory flashed through Garcia's mind and her expression suddenly became a little sad. She stared down at the half bitten cookie. "Spence used to do the same with Henry."
Sam was quick to see her expression and quickly moved to retrieve the empty mugs from the table, setting the kettle to boil for hot cocoa. "Tell me about him."
"Spencer?" Garcia looked up at him, a little unsure what he was asking. But when Sam simply continued to make the hot chocolate, a small smile on his lips, she spoke. "He was perfect. I mean, I know everyone always says that, but really he was. You couldn't fault him. I said this to Hotch… after… and it's true. He always thought of others before himself. He was such a good godfather to Henry and now…" She broke off as tears fell from her eyes, and Sam was quick to draw her into a hug.
"It's okay to miss him."
"I know."
Slowly he moved back, filling the two mugs with hot cocoa and handing her the pink angel. She smiled at the image before taking a sip.
"Penelope… Do you believe in angels?" Sam seemed almost hesitant to ask and Garcia could help but laugh a little.
"In this job? Of course." She replied. "With all the bad out there, I have to believe in something good."
Sam smiled. "Then believe that your friend is watching over you."
Garcia hugged him again. "I already do."
They stayed that way for a few moments before Sam spoke. "Thank you."
"For what?" Garcia frowned, confused.
"Letting me in. The others…"
Garcia cut him off, smiling again. "Will get there. You, my little jelly tot, are going to be fine. You've just got to force them to open up. After all, no-one can be as outgoing and lovable as I am!"
"Jelly tot?" Sam looked at her bewildered.
"Yes. Because you are cute and squishy. Now come on!" She flopped onto the couch and grinned. "It's not Christmas without Disney cartoons."
Sam grinned and came to sit beside her, both of them nursing their cocoa, and hit play.
Outside, underneath the bright rays of the moon, snow began to fall. It collected on the outer sill of Sam's window, topped by a small white feather.
Even as the night continued, moving into the early hours of the morning, the feather did not move an inch.
Christmas day.
Spencer certainly was watching.