Spencer was at his desk in the library looking over the contents of a folder when Christine walked in. As soon as he heard the door open, he shut it and looked up at her with a smile. "Really, Sparky? You're working tonight? It's still Christmas!" she said, pretending to complain. She sat down in his lap as he pushed his chair back from the desk and put her arms around his neck.

"I can't help it," he said, smiling as she kissed his cheek. "You've known for quite some time now that I was a workaholic, dear."

"Yeah, I guess…I suppose it's a good quality, especially when your considerable stamina and energy are focused on entirely on pleasing me."

He chuckled as she kissed his neck and played with his hair. Wrapping his arms around her he chided, "You should be ashamed of being so selfish on Christmas of all days."

"I should be, but strangely, I am not. Maybe you should come up stairs and spank me."

"I might just have to do that, then…"

"But before you do, just to prove that I'm not entirely self-centered, I'll have you know I did get you a little something for Christmas."

"I know. I already found the box of ammo you hid under the espresso machine."

"Hey! You opened it without me?" she replied, genuinely hurt.

"No, I just made an educated guess based on how heavy it is. But thanks for spoiling the surprise now," he teased.

"How did you even find it? I just moved it there this morning!"

"I sensed a disturbance in the force as soon as I came in the room. Incidentally, choosing this room as a hiding place for a gift intended for me was a really poor decision, baby doll."

"Believe it or not, I did actually consider the fact that you'd probably get nosy and start sniffing around for your present, but I couldn't very well leave it hidden behind the umbrella caddy in the closet with all the guests coming in today, and I sure as hell wasn't gonna lug that heavy mofo all the way upstairs, now was I?"

"No, as usual, your logic is unassailable, dear," he said with a smile. "So do I get to open it finally, then?"

"Not until you kiss me," she teased. After obliging, he moved to the sofa and she brought him the box, dropping it heavily on the seat beside him for dramatic effect.

"I noticed you bothered to actually wrap it this time," he said, smiling at the Easter Bunny themed paper.

"Yeah, but I still used duct tape just so you'd know it was from me."

"Oh, of course, I wouldn't expect any less from you," he replied as she handed him a knife to cut through it. He opened the box and tried unsuccessfully to dig through it without getting packing peanuts all over the floor- She wanted me to make a mess, he thought when we saw her grinning- before finding the first of several small packages within. "Oh look- socks," he said, opening the first one with a laugh.

"Yeah, they're not as awesome as my shark socks, though," she replied, holding out and wiggling her feet. "Rawr!"

"Sharks don't roar, dear," he pointed out.

"In my world they do!"

He laughed and shook his head at her before pulling out the next package. "Hey, cool ties! Thank you!"

"Wait," she said, rummaging around in box and pulling out another package or him to open. "Check it out!"

He tore the paper off and said, "Oh, fantastic. Matching underwear."

"Well, you could be a little happier about that! I saved you the trouble of doing it! And I'll have you know, I got more than a few strange looks at Macy's when I was trying to color coordinate them with the ties, sir. And stop giving me that look! I'm still keeping your odd predilection on the down-low. For now, anyway…"

"And yet, I'm strangely not reassured by that promise."

"Yeah, well, just don't ever piss me off, and you'll never force me to make you suffer for it," she said with a grin.

"Again, that's not very reassuring, dear."

"Oh, hush up and keep digging!"

Next he drew out an envelope. "Symphony tickets! Wonderful!"

"Yeah- that one was kinda selfish. I figured that now that I had such a beautiful new dress, I'd better get some use out of it, you know? That, and I wanted us to have at least one last nice night together before I head out on tour again."

"It sound's lovely, really. I can't wait!"

"Good. You've got one more in there before you reach the ammo that may or may not be at the bottom."

He fished around until he found it, unwrapped the layers of tissue paper and gasped. "Wow! Dalek salt and pepper shakers! And a Tardis sugar bowl! I love them!"

"I thought you might. But remember- when guests come over, that shit is not going to be on the dinner table, got it?"

"Oh…" he whined, crestfallen.

"Well, people already know I'm crazy. We don't want them thinking we both are!"

"This is not crazy," he insisted. "This is cool."

"Okay, well, I don't want other ladies to figure out how cool you are and then start scheming to steal you away from me. How's that?"

"It would be more convincing if you could say that without rolling your eyes at me, but I'll take it."

"Great," she said, kissing his cheek and snuggling up to him. "By the way, I do think you're very cool. Except for that goofy Dr. Who shit, of course."

"One of these days, you're going to watch it with me, and then I promise you you'll start to love it."

"Hmmm, not too sure about that. Anyway, I'm glad you like them. And," she added, kissing his neck, "if you come upstairs, I'll give you the rest of your Christmas present."

He sighed heavily and said, "As tempting as that may be, I do have some work I have to finish up yet tonight, first." He stood and went back to his desk to pick up his folder.

"Aw, seriously, Spencer?" she exclaimed. "You gotta be kidding me! It's still technically Christmas!"

"Which is precisely why I must take care of this today," he said, holding the folder out to her. "Go on. Look at it. Then you'll understand why it's so important."

She refused to take it, saying, "No. I don't want to see pictures of chopped up bodies or read a profile of a psychopath. I just want to spend some time with you, and digging through your gruesome, grisly world with you doesn't count!"

"Dammit, Christine! For once in your life, try not to be so insufferably stubborn and just open it!" he demanded.

She glared at him and then snatched it from his hand. "Fine. Have it your way. Then we can both be miserable on…on…Christmas…" Her voice trailed off as she opened the folder and stared at it's contents. As she flipped through the papers within, her eyes started to well up with tears. "Are you serious?" she whispered. "Is this really happening?"

"Yes, it is," he said softly, smiling. "We're really going to Hawaii."

She jumped up and hugged him. "Oh, sweetheart, I've just been dying to go back. Thank you!"

He stroked her head against his chest. "Well, you know my objections to beaches, but as long as you promise we'll get to see other sights, then I suppose I can be persuaded to visit the beach a time or two, as well. I booked the trip for May, because I thought you'd probably appreciate being able to take a break before touring some more…"

"Oh my God," she said, suddenly speaking quickly and excitedly. "You are going to love it! There are mountains and forests and volcanoes and an aquarium and a zoo with gharials…" she pretended to bite at him while making "nom nom nom" sounds.

"Ah, and coffee plantations," he added with a smile.

"And sea turtles and whale watching and malasadas and snorkeling! Yay!" she cried, jumping up and down clapping her hands like a child.

"I don't know about the snork-" She cut him off my kissing him firmly on the lips.

"Just for this, you can have the rest of your Christmas present right here and now, if you want," she said, playfully tugging at his belt.

"Ah, well…I think I'd still like to have that upstairs," he replied with a grin.

"Come on, then!" she giggled, grabbing his hand. "And I promise you, you now officially have a green light to do whatever you want with me tonight!"

"Really? Even that thing where I-"

"Shh! Let's not talk about the thing. But yes. You can even do that! Yay!" she squealed. "We're going to Hawaii!"

As they were getting ready to leave the office the following Friday, Morgan asked Spencer, "So kid- you got any big plans for New Year's Eve?"

"Tomorrow night we're seeing the NSO perform at the Kennedy Center," Spencer replied excitedly.

"Wow, the symphony. Sounds exciting," Morgan replied with a touch of sarcasm that was lost on Spencer.

"I'll say. Those tickets aren't easy to get! Christine gave them to me for Christmas!"

"She get you anything else?"

"Sure- socks, a few ties, a few hundered rounds of ammo, and…a few other things…" he replied, blushing.

"Yeah, lover boy! You got a little special Christmas cheer, didn't you?" Morgan said with a grin.

"Why? Are you jealous?"

"Hey, man! I get plenty of lovin', believe me!"

"Oh really? Gee, what's her name?" Spencer asked innocently. "When do we get to meet her?"

Morgan's eyes narrowed as they stood waiting for the elevator. After a moment he replied, "You know what your problem is? You don't know how to mind your own business."

"Oh- oh really? I don't know how to mind my own business? That's a new one…"

"Yeah, and you wanna know what your other problem is? You're starting to become a real wise-ass, just like your girlfriend!" They both laughed as they got on the elevator. "But seriously, that's tomorrow night. No plans for New Year's Eve?"

"No, nothing other than having dinner at home and watching a few movies. I don't care for large parties with people I don't know, and Christine said she didn't want to be out on the roads too late with a bunch of drunks. And you?"

"Oh, there's a party downtown at one of the clubs, and I've got a date with the lovely Angelique!"

"Now, is this an actual woman, or is she just someone you made up in an attempt to impress me?"

"Hey, kid, watch yourself! She is very real. She's a psychologist, if you must know."

"Uh oh…"

"What? What's wrong with psychologists?" Morgan demanded.

"It's just…you know they're all crazy, right?"

"That is precisely what I'm counting on," Morgan said with a grin. "The crazier in the head, the better in bed, I always say. You of all people should know I'm right!"

"Well, you are certainly not wrong."

"That's what I'm talking about!" he said as he reached out to mess up Spencer's hair.

Sunday evening, Spencer was sitting in the parlor, alone, waiting for Christine to join him so they could start their movie. She and Alex had been doing something secretive in Alex's room, which was starting not only to irritate him with how long they were taking, but was causing him to grow increasingly apprehensive about what mischievous plot the two of them might be hatching against him. He noticed headlights come up the drive and stop in front of the house, and moment's later there was a knock at the door. From upstairs, Christine called down, "Sweetheart, could you get that? Just tell him to wait a few minutes, please!" He furrowed his brow, but did as he was asked and was shocked when he opened the door.

"Anderson! Um, hello? Come in. What brings you here tonight?"

"I'm here to pick up Alex, sir," he replied, somewhat bashfully.

Spencer's eyebrows shot up. "Really. You're here for Alex? I wasn't aware…" his voice trailed off as he stared at the other man. So this is what those two have been fussing around over, he thought. Remembering his instructions, he invited Anderson into the parlor to sit with him and wait for Alex to come downstairs.

Both men sat in awkward silence for a long moment before Spencer asked, "Might I enquire as to your plans for the evening?"

"Yes, sir. I had tickets to dinner and the party tonight at the Hay-Adams," he replied, fidgeting somewhat nervously as Spencer continued to stare at him steadily.

"I see. And this will be the first time you've taken Alex out, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you thought that it was appropriate on a first date to take a young girl to spend the evening at a hotel with you?"

Anderson's jaw fell open as he looked at him, then he began to stammer, "Well, ah…it's a very nice hotel and…you know…we're…we're just going there for dinner, Dr. Reid. Just dinner…and then to the party afterwards…that's all…"

"I see. So when are you planning to bring Alex home?"

"Well, you see…there will be a champagne toast at midnight…so we'll stay for that, and then…""Oh. So you're planning on taking Alex to a hotel and then drink with her all night?" Spencer asked, sitting up straighter.

"No, not all, sir…not all night," Anderson answered, fumbling for words, "just until midnight sir, and then-"

"So then you'll be bringing her home after that?"

"Okay, sir. I mean, yes, sir. I'll bring her home right after that."

"So we'll be expecting her back by 1:00am at the latest then. But, if you're driving, do you also plan on drinking?"

"Oh, no sir. No. I'll…I'll just have a sip at midnight. I promise."

"Good. You know, Alex is very important to Christine and me. She's like family to us, and we want to make sure she's taken care of and treated respectfully. Do you understand?"

"Oh, absolutely, sir! Alex is a wonderful girl-"

"Lady," Spencer corrected. "She is a wonderful young lady."

"Yes, sir. She certainly is, and I-" Anderson stopped short and stood up. "Alex! Hi! Wow, you look just…beautiful!"

Alex blushed and smiled shyly as she stood in a dark red cocktail dress Spencer had never seen before. It had long sleeves and a wide neck that prompted Spencer to say, "You look lovely, Alex, but don't you think it's a bit chilly tonight to be wearing that? Christine, don't you have a nice sweater she could borrow? Her neck will get cold…"

"Don't be ridiculous," Christine said, trying not to laugh. "They're going to be inside all evening in a crowded ballroom, not wandering aimlessly on the streets!"

"But what if they have car troubles? There might be bad weather tonight, and we all know too many people will be driving while intoxicated- they could have an accident…Alex, maybe you should also wear more comfortable shoes, too, just in case you do have problems," Spencer fretted.

"They won't be having any problems, dear," Christine said, rolling her eyes at him.

"Well, you can't be certain of that! Anderson, do you have emergency supplies in your car? And Alex, you've got your cell phone on you, correct?" Spencer continued nervously. Pulling out his wallet, he took out some cash and handed it to her, saying, "Here, now take this in case you have need of a cab or anything. And remember, you can always call Christine or me at any time if you need help…"

"Spencer!" Christine said, putting her hand on his arm. "They're adults! They're going to be all right! Just relax, and let them go so they can have some fun tonight!"

Spencer looked at her perturbed, then said, "Well, I'm…I still think it's a little too late to be out tonight, but…well, I hope you have a nice evening. Just be careful out there, okay?"

"We'll be fine, Spencer," Alex said, giving first him and then Christine hugs. "You guys have a nice night, too, okay?" As Anderson helped her into her coat she added, "I love you guys. See you next year!"

"You, too, sweet pea," Christine said with a smile as she held the door for them. "Have fun!"

"Drive safely," Spencer added, as he stood behind her. "And don't forget- 1:00am!"

"Yes, sir," Anderson replied, as he helped Alex into the car.

"I hope her cell phone is fully charged," Spencer said to Christine as she shut the door. "Did you check that?"

"No, dear, I didn't," she replied with a laugh as she passed Spencer on her way to the parlor.

"Why didn't anybody tell me about this?" he asked, standing in front of her as she sat on the sofa and picked up the remote.

"Well, geez, Sparky! Previously when I mentioned he'd expressed some interest in her you seemed to think it wasn't a big deal at all. Now a month and a half later he needed a date for New Year's Eve and suddenly you're all bent out of shape about it! What's going on in there, huh?" she asked teasingly, playing with his hair after he'd sat down beside her.

"Well, perhaps it seemed like a good idea when I thought they might be grabbing coffee together some afternoon. But it seems much less appropriate now that I know he's taking her out drinking at some cheap hotel until the wee hours of the morning!"

"Okay, you, now just hold up there. First, you know as well as I do that that is no 'cheap hotel'. It's one of the finest hotels in DC, and they're going to enjoy a very elegant dinner, do some dancing, and share a toast at midnight. And I'll have you know that those tickets are actually rather expensive. How am I so sure of that? Because I thought that you and I might go until I saw the price!"

"And do you think she ought to have been wearing so much makeup? He might get the wrong impression of her…"

"Excuse me?!" Christine burst out indignantly. "Alex doesn't wear makeup, so where do you think she got that stuff, hmm? Yeah! That's right- that was my makeup she was wearing, and I'm the one who put it on her!"

"I know! That's the problem!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait. Are you honestly saying that when I wear makeup, I look like some kind of cheap whore or something?"

"What? No! No, you're not…" he stopped and thought for a moment and continued, "look. That's not what I meant at all. It's simply that I understand what he must be thinking when he looks at her when she looks like that, because it's how I think when I look at you. It's one thing to see a beautiful girl on the street or in a photograph, but it's quite another to see the woman you already have feelings for all dressed up and made up…I mean, I know that if I'd been bolder or had more confidence with you on our first date, and if we'd gone to a hotel like that, I'd have wanted to get a room and spend the night with you. That's how I always feel when I look at you."

Christine calmed down and smiled at him. Reaching out to take his hand, she said, "No, Spencer, it wasn't a lack of confidence that kept you from trying to get into my pants on our first date. It was because you're a good man, and because you respected me enough to wait until you were sure I was ready. I mean, maybe you waited a little too long," she added with a chuckle, "but you never would have forced yourself on me. And that's how decent people treat people they care about. I think Grant cares enough about Alex to want get to know her before he tries to hump her. Hell, at least we know he was willing to spend more on her for New Year's than I was willing to spend on you!"

He grudgingly smiled at this last bit, but insisted, "Well, what do we even know about him, really? I mean, I work with the man and even I hardly know anything about him."

"Well, we know he's from Montana and that his parents either have some kind of divided loyalties or are terribly confused individuals."

"What? What makes you say that?"

"Well, he's got an older sister named Clara and a fraternal twin brother named Lee."

Spencer turned and gave her a dubious look. "Really? They named their twin sons Grant and Lee?"

"I know, right? But Lee's the elder of the two, so whichever parent was on Team Gray won the naming derby on that one. We also know that he was hired by the same people who hired you, so obviously he's not a violent felon or pervert. And he is able to put up with all of Aaron's crap without totally going ape shit on him so, clearly he is a patient man…" She looked Spencer as he sat with his arms crossed, unconvinced. Nudging him, she added, "Come on, Aaron may be humorless, uptight and mildly dictatorial, but he is a damn fine judge of character. If Grant's good enough for him, then he's good enough for Alex. Besides, Sparky, she's 21. She's not a child, and she's certainly not your child…"

Spencer sighed heavily. "I know that. But we're still responsible for her, aren't we?"

"I would say I have far more responsibility for that young woman than you. But this is your way, isn't it? You want to protect everyone you care about and solve all their problems, even if it means you have to live their lives for them. But you can't do that, Spencer! Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone is put a little trust in them, and trust that you've given them enough wisdom and confidence to go out and make their own decisions in life. Although," she said, snuggling up to him, "I suppose if you really wanted to go into full dad-mode with them, you should probably be waiting for them on the veranda when they come home tonight. You can even get my 12 gauge out of the safe and be holding it on your lap for full effect."

He laughed as he put his arm around her. "Now you're just trying to be ridiculous…"

"Sure I am. But you know, we are in the South. I think that's how things are done around here." She reached up, put her hand on his cheek and sighed. "You sweet, wonderful, tender-hearted man. You let yourself worry way too much about everyone but yourself. That's going to get you into trouble someday, but I love you for it." She kissed him softly. "Now…let's think about our situation for a moment. It's New Year's Eve, we've got a bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge, and this whole big house all to ourselves for the next several hours. Can you think of anything else we could possibly be doing with our time other than discussing Alex's date?"

He looked down into her smiling eyes and rested his forehead against hers. "Well, there are a few things I can thing of, now that you mention it…"

He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a long, deep kiss. They giggled as they both pulled off one another's clothes and tossed them on the floor. She lay back on the couch, sighing as he caressed and kissed her body, then cried out in delight as he finally thrust himself into her. Her voice grew louder and louder as they made love until, just as she was on the verge of climax, he stopped. "What the…! Shoo! Go on now! Get out of here!" he exclaimed.

"What?!" she gasped. "What the hell is going on?"

He sat up and grabbed the blanket from the back of the sofa and quickly covered both of them with it. "It's that damned cat!" he said, pointing to Spud, who was sitting silently on the floor beside them. "He's watching us!"

"Oh, who the hell cares?" she complained, putting an arm around his neck and trying to pull him back down. "Let him watch. The poor lonely thing could probably use the vicarious thrill!"

"No! I…I can't! I'm not putting on a show for that animal!"

"Oh, for Christ's sake, Spencer," she said, standing up. "Let's go upstairs, then!"

"Here," he said, holding out her discarded clothes for her, which she didn't take.

"No thanks," she replied, marching out of the room as he stood holding the blanket around himself. "I for one don't give a damn what a cat thinks of me!" With that, she slapped her own bare bottom and headed up the stairs.

He hurried up behind her. "I find it remarkable that you refuse to have sex when you think my action figures might be watching you, but you have no problem putting on a display for a live cat!"

"Now see, that's completely different," she replied, laughing as he shut the bedroom door behind them and caught her in his arms. "Cats are natural living creatures. Your dolls are toys for overgrown man-children that have creepy little painted on eyes. Do you understand now?"

"Perfectly," he said, smiling as they tumbled into bed. "I understand you are absolutely out of your mind!"

Not long after midnight, Christine was lying drowsily in Spencer's arms when he sat up, swung his feet over the side of the bed and stood up to stretch. Yawning, she asked, "What are you up to?"

"I thought I'd better go downstairs and pick up the clothes we left all over the parlor," he replied from inside the closet. A moment later he emerged hastily yet fully dressed. "It seems to me that when they get back, it would be best that they not find our underwear all over the room."

"Ah. So that's what you're using as an excuse to wait up for her, hmm?"

He stood looking at her for a moment and admitted, "Well, there's that, too…"

"Wait for me, then," she said, getting up to throw on some pajamas.

"You can't go down there like that," Spencer said, frowning.

"Why, are you worried that Grant might come in and accidentally fall madly in love with me after catching sight of me in my super sexy turtle and starfish jammies?"

"Maybe. Or maybe I'm just afraid he'll figure out how crazy you really are," he teased.

"Hey man, I hate to break it to you, but I'm pretty sure he already knows about that. It's not like I'm trying real hard to keep the crazy under wraps, you know."

They had just finished picking up their things downstairs when Christine suddenly turned out the lights. "What's going on?" Spencer asked.

"I saw headlights! Hurry! Follow me!" He ran after her down the hall and into the library. Tossing the clothes she'd been holding onto a chair, she moved to look out the window.

"Why are we in here?" he asked, standing beside her and peering outside.

"Shhhh! I wanna see if he gives her a kiss goodnight!"

They watched as Anderson got out, held the car door open for Alex, and walked her up the steps to the house. "Dammit! I can't see them from here- can you?" she whispered.

"No, not at all," he replied, straining to get a better look.

Christine grabbed his arm. "Shhhh! I hear the door!"

They both listened for the front door to shut again then crept to the library door to look down the hallway. Alex flipped on the light and stood there, looking back at them. "Well," she said with a grin on her face, "I'm home, safe and in one piece. Satisfied?"

"Very," Spencer answered, feeling his cheeks grow red for having been caught spying on her.

"Not entirely," Christine said. "I want details. How was it?"

"Very nice," she answered. "Dinner was wonderful, and then we danced a little. And he was a perfect gentleman the whole time."

"Did you kiss him?" Christine pressed.

Alex put her hands on her hips. "Not that it's any of your business, but yes. At midnight."

"Was it any good?" she asked, grinning. Alex blushed and tried to look indignant as Spencer elbowed Christine. "What? I wanna know!"

"You're nosey!" she cried.

"Just the one kiss, or did you get another one just now when he dropped you off? Are you going to see him again? Wait! Where are you going?" Christine called after her as Alex turned around and started to walk away.

"I'm going to bed! I'm tired and my feet hurt!" Laughing, she started up the stairs, then stopped and pulled out her phone to read a text. "By the way, Grant says happy New Year to you two!"

"Tell him we wish him the same!" Christine said.

"I don't like that he's texting and driving," Spencer whispered to Christine. "That's very irresponsible."

"I heard that!" Alex said from the top of the stairs.

"Sweet dreams, Alex," Christine called back, giggling. "And happy New Year! We love you!"

"I love you, too, Mom and Dad!" she replied before shutting the door to her room.

"Mom and Dad?" Spencer asked.

"I'm as confused as you are as to why she called us that. I mean, you've got the whole over-protective helicopter parent thing down, but me? I'm way too cool to be a mom! But if you want, we can go back upstairs and practice doing that thing that mommies and daddies do that makes them mommies and daddies in the first place," Christine said with a smile.

He smiled back at her, took her hand, and together they ran back upstairs.

Tuesday morning, Spencer was getting some coffee in the break room when Morgan walked over. He leaned against the counter and asked, "So, kid- how was your quiet little New Year's Eve?"

Spencer stirred his coffee and held I up to take a sip. "It was a rather enjoyable way to spend the evening, though it wasn't exactly a very quiet one."

Morgan grinned broadly. "That's what I like to hear!"

"I quite liked it, as well. How was yours?"

"Yeah, it turned out pretty much the same as yours…"

"I don't know how you do it, Morgan. Your luck with the ladies is astounding!"

"Mine? You're the one who not only gets the fun, but you get the love that comes along with it. That's the kind of luck I wish I had!"

They were both chuckling over this when they heard a voice asking, "Sir, may I have a word with you?" They turned around to see Anderson looking at Spencer. "Alone," he added.

Morgan raised his eyebrows and looked at both of them. "I was just leaving," he said.

As soon as Morgan was out of earshot, Anderson began, "Sir, I've been thinking a lot since Sunday night. It bothered me that you seem to mistrust me. So I have to ask you- does this have to with what happened to Agent Greenaway, or do you simply not like me personally?"

Spencer stood looking pensive for a moment and said, "No, that's not it at all. What happened to Elle was in no way your fault. And perhaps I owe you an apology. When Christine first told me that you'd expressed interest in Alex, to be honest, I thought it was a great idea. She was the one with reservations. Not about you, you see, but rather she was concerned that our personal lives might cause us some professional difficulties. But when you came to the house on Sunday evening, I was caught completely unaware and I believe I reacted inappropriately. You see, Alex is very dear to me. She's as much like family to me as any member of my team- maybe even more so, given that we, for all intents and purposes, live together. So when I was faced with the sudden knowledge that she was going out on a date, I became...very protective of her. She's quite young, she's still rather new to the area, and she's led a difficult life to this point. I just want to make sure she's safe, and that she's treated with the respect she deserves. So I had an overly emotional reaction. From an objective, rational point of view, however, I know you're a trust-worthy man, and I'm sorry if I made you feel I thought any less of you."

Anderson looked at him for a moment and said, "Yes, well, I can appreciate that. If she were my close friend or sister, I'd probably want to make sure I knew what kind of guy she was going out with, too."

"Are you planning to see her again?"

"Oh- didn't you know? Yes, actually. This weekend I have to attend a seminar, but next weekend I've been invited over to your house…"

Spencer chuckled. "Let me guess- they want you to come watch the division playoffs with them?"

Anderson smiled. "Yep. That's the plan, anyway."

"Do you like football?"

"Honestly? I'm more of a baseball fan, myself. But football is okay, I guess. Chris and Alex are pretty crazy about it, though. And I thought it would be my last opportunity to see Alex before they both left for Chris' new tour."

"Well, if it's any comfort, Christine's quite a good cook, so at least the half-time feast should be something to look forward to!"

"Sounds great. And thank you, sir. I'm looking forward to it."

"Oh, and Anderson? Outside the office, you don't need to call me sir. Spencer is just fine."

After the Bears won the division championship on the 14th, Christine and Alex left with Joe on tour. While they were in Albuquerque, the BAU was called to investigate a case in Spencer's home state of Nevada. They found their unsub, but he managed to outsmart them all and elude capture. Spencer hadn't planned to visit Christine on the road so soon, but that weekend he felt he needed to see her. He couldn't figure out what was most distressing about that case- if it was that even he, Dr. Spencer Reid, had been unable to anticipate and thwart the unsub's escape, or if it was watching how deeply their collective failure weighed on Gideon. Of all the members of his team, it was Gideon whom he looked up to and admired the most. When he had first returned to the field, he seemed to be able to handle the stress. Now Gideon seemed to be slowly unraveling before his eyes, as if Elle's shooting had torn a hole in his heart and mind, and each subsequent misstep or failure was causing that tear to open wider and wider.

Usually he could depend on Christine when he was troubled as he now was. She always provided him with the physical comfort, comic relief and insightful wisdom he'd come to rely upon. But this weekend the Bears played for the NFC championship. She, Joe, and Alex could hardly think of anything else. And after they won, she was so excited, he didn't have the heart to burden her with what was on his mind. For the first time in 21 years, the Chicago Bears were going to be playing in the Super Bowl, and he didn't have the heart to spoil her fun.

A/N

If you don't understand why Christine was amused by Anderson's twin's name, Google "Grant and Lee" and "blue and gray". It should be pretty easy to figure out.

Most of this chapter takes place during the show's winter hiatus. The only episode referenced is "No Way Out", which originally aired on January 17, 2007. It takes place in Golconda, Nevada, the location to which the team has been called to apprehend an unsub, later to be revealed as Frank Breitkopf, who has been abducting and dismembering victims across the US for decades. After Gideon (accompanied by Morgan) thinks he was cornered Frank in a local diner, Frank escapes by revealing that he has abducted a school bus full of children whose whereabouts he only reveals after being given the opportunity to escape.