Chapter Six: A TARDIS of Whovians

The Eleventh doctor the Fourth Doctor and a Weeping Angel walked down the street. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but it is just the start of this chapter. Just a chapter about three friends spending a Saturday the way three Whovians do: by gathering with other Whovians to discuss the magic of Doctor Who.

Reid and Garcia had met Persephone at her house. They liked her outfit. She didn't make it, citing both the lack of time and her lack of skill in terms of textiles. She'd just got one from a dressing up shop in town. When they saw what she was dressed up as they had fun moving just when no one was watching.

"Don't turn your back!" Reid had breathed dramatically.

"Don't look away!" Garcia added, joining in on the game.

"And don't blink!" All three friends said in unison.

The convention was being held in a hotel a short drive from Persephone's house. Once they entered the bar that everyone waited in they were surprised to see quite how busy it was.

"Kevin's totally devastated that he can't come today but his boss was quite adamant about him attending the team-building exercise," Garcia stated.

Persephone was quietly quite glad that Kevin could not make the session. It did after all mean that she could attend the conference. She didn't say that of course, it would be a tad disrespectful.

"I don't think I've seen so many Whovians in one place." Persephone tried to change the subject.

"Mmm." Reid thought out-loud "I wonder what the collective noun for Whovians would be."

"A TARDIS?" Persephone suggested.

"A TARDIS of Whovians." Garcia tried it out on her tongue "That sounds about right to me."

Of course, just because it was a rather warm day didn't stop Reid from stopping off at the refreshment stand and purchasing a cup of coffee. He declared that it was vastly overpriced but that it was also worth it. Persephone was tempted to order a cup of tea but doubted that a random refreshment stall in Quantico would sell anything worth drinking.

While they were queueing up to go in, Persephone took a picture of Reid. He held up his coffee and had such a goofy grin on his face that she felt she had to capture the moment forever.

As they left the bar and entered the large hall the hotel has set aside for a question and answer session, the trio shared favourite memories from Doctor Who. They were rather looking forward to asking the creators all about theories and past plot holes that were never explained. They were not disappointed. Unfortunately, they were not able to ask a question themselves but the ones that were asked were well-thought-out and interesting, to say the least.

After that, they were led to another room where people were getting autograph books signed. Chris Chibnall was there and so was Steven Moffat and even Murray Gold. The trio had been ridiculously excited to speak to them and Garcia even persuaded Murray Gold to change her ringtone to his favourite orchestral piece from Doctor Who.

They discussed and debated with other Whovians and even talked about the spin-off series the BBC produced. Persephone got some attention for being quite obviously British. They listened to her talk about she grew up watch Doctor who when it was announced that they were continuing the series, Persephone herself had been a teenager.

"Suddenly everyone was talking about it. Parents were excited to share the 'stay behind the sofa' moments they had growing up. It became part of our culture. It was that Saturday show you had to be quiet for. I'm sure it was the same for a lot of you here but back home it was everyone. It was the talk on the playground on Monday morning and much to our teacher's dismay it carried on to the class too."

There were nods at this. People would talk about their experience of the community behind Doctor Who. As the internet grew more popular more and more of them started watching, the discussions that happened grew and grew. There may have been plenty of people who discussed it in America, both online and in-person. To Persephone, however, it was nothing compared to the culture back home, at least not in the early days.

Talk then turned to Torchwood. The general consensus was that while a little gruesome in some parts, it was considered a pretty brilliant spin-off. Persephone was astounded to discover that so few of them (including Reid and Garcia) had neither heard nor watched The Sarah Jane Adventures which, although aimed at children, Persephone had enjoyed immensely. A certain show called Class was thankfully never mentioned.

With many thanks said and promises to check up The Sarah Jane Adventures given; people started to leave. It was getting towards lunchtime and people were getting hangry.

"You know I met David Tennant once." Persephone mentioned as they left the conference. They had an amazing day. Each of them had a bag of gifts and goodies.

They waited for her to elaborate. When she didn't Garcia nudged her gently.

"Come on Pumpkin Spice. You can't just say something like that and leave it. We need details!"

"It was a chance and brief encounter. I doubt he will remember it. He was doing his food shop and he was looking for the Gruyère. We talked for a bit, but he was busy, and I didn't want to take up too much of his time."

"You mean you didn't ask him for his autograph?" Reid asked incredulously.

"Of course, I didn't. I didn't have a pen and I wasn't going to ask for one in the dairy aisle of Eastbourne's Tesco. There is a well-known rule that you don't ask for someone's autograph while they are doing day to day stuff."

Reid shrugged his shoulders at her and Garcia shook her head, both evidently amused.

"What do you want to do now?" Persephone asked "I'm pretty hungry. I could murder a good meal right now."

It was quickly decided that they should grab a bite to eat. Persephone was delighted to find a British inspired pub on the corner of the high street's main thorough-fair. It did the usual American food but had several classic British meals. While her fish and chips were nothing on her local's back in England, it was still delicious.

As they were coming out of The Horse and Hare they bumped into Emily. Quite literally.

"Bloody hell!" Persephone swore. "I seem to be bumping into everyone this week. I'm terribly sorry. I hope I didn't hurt you."

Emily smiled at the trio.

"I'm fine. Anyway, it's as much my fault as it is yours. You guys having fun?" Emily asked indicating their outfits with a nod of her head.

"Yeah. It's the Doctor Who Convention this week. Did you know that Persephone has met David Tennant? The David Tennant."

"David Tennant. Isn't he the guy from Bones?"

"I can't believe you've just said that!" Reid answered dramatically. He threw his hand over his chest feigning hurt.

"That's David Boreanaz you're thinking of. David Tennant played the 10th Doctor from Doctor Who." Garcia explained.

"Oh well. It's an easy mistake to make." Emily retorted.

Reid looked like he was about to explode.

"An easy mistake to make?" He bellowed "I'll give you easy!"

Persephone snorted and placed a hand on the doctor's shoulder.

"Come on. Let's go before Spen has a brain aneurysm." She suggested pushing a still spluttering Reid down the pavement. She turned to Emily who was watching the scene with a conniving grin plastered on her face. Persephone deduced that the women had been winding the young genius up.

"Are you coming, Agent Prentiss? We're not sure what we're doing now but you're welcome to join us. If you two play nice that is."

Emily nodded her head.

"Yeah, I think I will tag along if that's ok. We so rarely have time to hang out together outside of work it will be nice to make use of our free time. And Ambrose please drop the 'Agent'. Call me Emily or Prentiss. There's no need to be so formal."

Emily had a secret mission. It was one that many other members of the team were involved in. It was called 'Operation Get Persephone to be Less Formal'. The name needed work but what it lacked in originality, it made up for being self-explanatory. It had been so far varying in terms of success but at least she was not calling her 'ma'am' like she had done the first few weeks. She had been working at BAU for four months now and was getting a little better on the formality front.

"I can't help it. You were a legend back at Interpol both here and back in London. But if you really insist I will drop the 'Agent."

Emily mentally marked off a score in the 'win' column.

"Well, thank you. Most either think I got there because of my name or think I'm infallible. Neither are true nor helpful."

"Those people are naive if they think the world is as simple as that. You obviously belong here or Agent Hotchner would have got rid of you."

Reid decided to cut there but chose not to highlight the fact she had elected not to use Hotch's nickname when referring to their boss in the third person.

"Yeah. Hotch's is a pretty good judge of character and skill. I mean you have to be if you're leading a team of profilers. That includes you too."

"You're very kind Spen thank-you. But I'm still adjusting to the team and you're still adjusting to me. I haven't proved myself, not to Agent Hotchner yet and certainly not to Chief Strauss. I haven't even met the latter yet."

"I wouldn't worry about that Persephone." Garcia replied "Hotch likes and respects you. If he didn't he would say. As for Strauss, well I can guarantee you'll meet her at some point. She'll see to that. Be thankful you haven't had a meeting with her as of yet."

"Wait really?" Persephone asked wanting to find out more about the Section Chief. She had been given the impression that they didn't like her much.

"She's a bit of a dragon and has a thing against Hotch. When you do meet if she doesn't like you then don't worry. Being disliked by Strauss is practically a requirement for the job." Reid explained.

"Unless you're Rossi." Emily interjected "Or she wants something from you."

Persephone must have looked alarmed because Emily gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. She's relatively harmless. Her bark is worse than her bite. She can't really do anything without the upper brass' approval and they like Hotch so we're safe." Emily added.

It helped calm her nerves slightly. It was good to have some background information surrounding the Section Chief, it meant that when she did finally meet her, she would be slightly better prepared than before.

"Where are we actually going?" Reid asked looking around to see where they were. They had been walking down the street for a few minutes now, but they weren't going in any particular direction.

"Why don't we go to the arcades?'' Garcia suggested.

Prentiss looked towards Persephone and shook her.

"They might let you two in. But I highly doubt they'll allow a woman dressed up as a Weeping Angel in." She pointed out.

The shocked look on Reid's face was so funny Persephone wished that they had had the foresight to take another photo.

"Yes, I know what a Weeping Angel is and no I do not watch Doctor Who. I do however have three friends that like and one that talks nonstop about it. You pick a few things up." Prentiss explained.

Persephone decided that it would be a good idea to get changed before heading to the arcades. After all, the wig she was wearing was starting to itch and the cardboard wings were really bugging her. She tried not to overthink Prentiss' statement. She had said she had three friends who watched Doctor Who. Did that mean she considered Persephone a friend? Then again Garcia's boyfriend, Kevin, watched Doctor Who. Surely Prentiss considered him a friend. After all, it would make more sense.

After a quick change into something more comfortable, the three 'maybe' friends made their way to the arcade. Along the way, she struck up a conversation with Prentiss. They talked about Interpol and cross-referenced the agents that worked there in both agents' days. The arcade was a bit further than they had remembered but nobody minded. It was a nice day and the walk was pleasant.

Persephone had not spent much of her time in arcades. There was that one time with Hotch of course but as a child, it just hadn't been part of her experiences. She could defiantly see the appeal though. The bright colours and loud sounds would certainly appeal to most children. The prizes would certainly be something she would have loved as a kid. In one machine there was a massive Hershey's chocolate bar. That one didn't appeal to her as much. Nothing beat Dairy Milk.

No sooner had they arrived did Garcia pull Reid away, deciding that her 'Baby Genius' was the answer to winning a prize. Prentiss turned to Persephone as the two left, Reid still protesting as they went around a corner.

"So, I guess it's just you and me Ambrose." Prentiss commented.

"If we hear screams we know Garcia's killed Reid." Persephone responded lightly.

"Oh, Garcia wouldn't kill Reid. She'd just make him disappear; never to been seen again."

"So, what do you want to do Prentiss?"

"Air hockey?" Emily suggested pointing to the table.

Persephone amended the previous statement about visiting arcades in her head. She had visited them as a child. Once.

"Come on. We are going to be late."

Persephone tried her hardest to keep up with the man and his son. She didn't see why she had to stay with these people she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

"Why did she have to come, dad?" The boy asked his father.

"Because we can't leave her on her own Toby. Now, do you have Frank's present?"

Toby nodded and held up a present wrapped up in blue wrapping paper and one of those big bows Persephone felt was entirely unnecessary.

"Good. I can see Frank over there with his parents. Why don't you run on ahead and say hello?"

Once Toby was gone his dad turned to Persephone. His face promised nothing good for her. He suddenly thrust another gift into her hands. It was smaller, green, and had no bow this time.

"Luckily for you, Frank's parents have asked for you to join too. I don't see why you should, but it will look suspicious if I say no. So, you will attend you will give Frank this gift and you will behave, or you will regret it. Understood?"

Persephone nodded. That was obviously not good enough for the man as he grabbed her arm in a grip that was by no means light.

"Understand?" He asked again. She knew what he wanted: she was used to it.

"Yes sir."

The party was actually quite fun, but it went too quick for Persephone's liking. Soon Toby's parents went to cut the cake and fill the party bags. The parents would be coming to pick up their kids. In the meantime, the children were allowed some free play as long as they stayed in the perimeters allowed.

Having been left alone to her own devices Persephone decided to go towards the air hockey table. A girl was already there. She had brown hair tied lovingly back into a ponytail with a bow.

"Hello." The girl greeted "You're one of my cousin's friends, aren't you? You're here for his birthday."

"I'm not really. I don't know Frank but he's friends with Toby and since I'm living with him, his parents asked me along too."

"Oh. Well, I'm glad. I am only here because he is my cousin but he's really annoying. So are his friends. I'm Megan by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Megan. I'm Persephone."

Usually, when she introduced herself people commented on her name and asked, 'what sort of a name is that?'. Megan didn't. She smiled.

"Want to play air hockey?" She asked.

Two played for a bit. Just as they were getting the decider game she heard someone calling her name.

"NOT NOW!" She shouted back the excitement of the game making her forget herself.

"What did you just say to me girl‽"

Persephone spun around like a tornado and saw Toby holding two-party bags standing next to his dad. Oh, carp. The puck landed in her goal with a 'clunk' making her flinch.

"Say goodbye and get yourself in the car. Now." Toby's dad ordered.

Persephone turned back to Megan who was looking at her guiltily.

"Congratulations." Persephone thanked the seriousness of the situation not making her forget her manners.

"Thanks. I'm sorry I got you in trouble."

"Don't worry about it. Goodbye."

"Bye." Meagan waved.

Persephone rushed off eager not to anger anyone further. She was stopped by a firm hand holding her arm. It was in the same place he'd grabbed it earlier and as a result pressed down on the upcoming bruise.

"When I told you to behave did you think I was joking?"

"No sir."

"Did you think you would get away with showing me so much disrespect?"

"No sir."

"And?"

"I am sorry sir."

He smiled. It was not a kind smile.

"Oh, believe me you will be. Get in the car. I will deal with you later."

"Persephone?"

Persephone was brought out of her musing by Prentiss' concerned tone.

"Huh?"

"Are you alright?" She asked.

"Oh, I'm fine. Anyway, Air Hockey? The first one to 5 wins!"

Emily knew exactly what she was trying to do. She was trying to deflect so she didn't have to talk about what had just happened. She obviously had some sort of flashback and it was clear it wasn't a nice memory. It was also clear she didn't want to discuss it, so Emily decided to respect that.

After a few rounds of Air Hockey and without a winner, the pair decided to call it quits and locate the other two. Garcia was splitting her time between hugging a narwhale plushie and hugging Reid. The former was blushing.

They spent a few hours playing different games together until it was time to call it and day. It was getting dark and while it was Sunday tomorrow it would be just their luck to get called on a case. Anyway, they had things they needed to do tomorrow. So, with their goodbyes said each went their separate way.

Soon it was just Persephone and Reid left on the pavement. Reid decided to be gentlemanly and walk Persephone home. His mother had ingrained in him how to treat women even if his father had not. She taught him not to see women as helpless, but that chivalry wasn't dead. No doubt Persephone could take care of herself, but her house was in his direction, so it made sense. Anyway, it meant the two could chatter some more and that was nice.

"I really enjoyed today." Reid said.

"Me too Spen." Persephone agreed.

Reid's eye, brows rose in surprise. Persephone looked at him by way of requesting an explanation.

"Is everything ok?" She asked when he gave no response."

"No, it's fine. It's just that's the third time you've called me Spen."

Persephone blushed. She hadn't even realised she'd been doing it. She tended only to give nicknames to people she'd grown close to. If this was the third time she had done it meant she had got close to him in record time.

"I'm sorry. I'll stop." She promised. She thought the nickname rather suit Reid but if disagreed then she would stop. It was only right.

"No!" Reid exclaimed rather urgently. He blushed and tried again. "I mean I like it when you call me that."

"You do?"

"Yeah. It's like JJ calling me Spence. I really like it. You're the only one that calls me Spen."

"Well, then I will continue to do so Spen."

A couple of seconds later they were at Persephone's front door.

"This is me. Goodnight Reid. I will see you on Monday."

"Goodnight Persephone."

She shut the door and went into the kitchen. She quickly heated some leftovers and switched on the tv, trying to decide what to watch. She smiled when she noticed what BBC America was playing. It was entirely appropriate for the situation. It was Doctor Who. So, she settled down with her pasta bake from yesterday, poured herself a tea and settled down to watch it.

After watching nearly, a series of Doctor Who she decided that it was about time to get ready for bed. It was nearly midnight. Thank god it was Sunday tomorrow. Just before she got in bed she decided to send a quick text to Reid hoping he wasn't already asleep.

Persephone: Hey thanks for today I really enjoyed myself.

A few minutes later Reid responded

Reid: You're welcome. I'm really glad you could come.

I will have to find a way to thank you the two of you. It would be rude not to.

You don't have to do that Persephone.

I do. Like I said it would be rude not to.

Do you have that picture you took of me?

Yeah. One second.

Persephone sent a picture message.

Thanks!

See you Monday

Persephone smiled. She replied to Reid's last message in kind. Then she changed his contact name to 'Spen' before changing it back again. She wasn't quite ready for that.