It had been two weeks since Aaron had returned to work, and Penelope wondered if he had remembered that Christmas was right around the corner. After all, he had had a lot more on his mind than the holiday, and it would make sense if he had forgotten. So once the team was on its way to Lockport, she called Jessica, knowing that she would most likely answer her call. "Is everything okay, Penelope?" the woman asked as she picked up.

"With the team, yes. I just wanted to ask a personal question, since you would definitely have the answer. Has Aaron prepared for Christmas at all? We're only a week and a half away from the holiday, and I know that with Jack being so young that it's an important day for him. I've already picked up a few small things for him, and you and Aaron, but is the apartment decorated? We haven't had time to see each other in the last two weeks, and I'm a little worried about my little man."

Jessica let out a soft laugh. "And by a few things, do you mean that you've bought out an entire toy store for Jack?"

"No, I knew that wouldn't be too appropriate just yet. I mean, I get away with spoiling Henry, because I'm his godmother, but there's not much room at the apartment for too much stuff."

There was a brief pause, as if Jessica was considering what she could tell Penelope or not. "Well, if you're not busy tonight after work, and for the rest of the current case, I could use your help with a special project for Jack. I'm decorating the house and moving everything in the apartment there while Aaron's gone. He wants it to be a surprise for Jack."

"They're moving back into the house?" she asked, a bit incredulous at that notion.

"I know that it will be hard for him to be there, but the repair work is finally finished, and he wants Jack to get back to some sense of normalcy. So that means returning to the house he grew up in, even though Haley died there. Believe me, I asked him what his reasoning was already, and that was his response. And I get it, I really do, even if it's going to be hard to be in that place once more. So, would you be willing to help me out?"

"Of course, Jessica. Should I meet you at the apartment or the house?"

"How about you start at the house and start decorating the living room for Christmas? I'll make certain that the tree is set up and ready for you to decorate. It will be easier for me to bring the things from the apartment over this afternoon, while Jack is still at school. Would you be up for having lunch with me, and I can give you the spare key to let yourself in?"

"That would work, too, and I'd love to have lunch with you."

"Great. I'll be there at 11:45?"

"Sounds like a plan. See you in a few hours." She hung up with Jessica and slipped her phone back into her purse as she focused on the task at hand, getting all the information that the team needed and sending it on before calling Kevin and asking for him to cover for her lunch break, since she assumed that they might get to talking, and she didn't want to rush the woman. After she had gotten him to agree, she sent a quick text to Derek, letting him know that she would be out of the office from noon until two, but he could text her if Kevin gave them any issues.

Around 11:30, she began to put her system to sleep, knowing that there most likely wouldn't be anything that her team needed before her lunch date. Pulling her purse out of the drawer, she went over to the door and grabbed her jacket, slipping into it before making her way down into the bullpen. "Heading out to lunch?" Anderson asked as she passed by his desk, and she paused to look at him, a smile on her lips.

"Yeah. A friend and I made plans for today, since we have some details to iron out about Christmas, since it's coming up so quickly. Actually, I do have a favor to ask you. I twisted Kevin's arm to get him to look after my team while I was away, but I'm worried about him giving Hotch and the others grief. Would you just check in on him every so often? I should be back by two."

"Ooh, you're giving me the opportunity to crack the whip? I will so take you up on that, Penelope." He winked at her, causing her to burst into a fit of giggles, and he tried to look innocent, failing miserably as he gave into his own giggles.

"Is this a private joke?"

Penelope stood up straight and turned to see Strauss standing there, a cool look on her features. "Not really, Anderson was just reacting a little too gleefully at being able to crack the whip over Kevin while I'm out for lunch. A friend and I are making plans for Christmas."

"I see. Well, if Mister Lynch gives you any problems, Agent Anderson, feel free to invoke my name in order to see results. Ms Garcia, may I walk with you to the elevators?" She nodded and gave Anderson a small wave before following Strauss out into the hall. "I know that it is getting very close to Christmas, but I'm hoping that you might have a little more luck than I have at getting my youngest's present. I am not nearly as well versed in the internet as I would like."

"Oh, of course! Just email me what you want me to find, and I will do my best to source it for you." She gave the woman a friendly smile, trying to cover the way her breath hitched in her throat when she gave her a relieved, beautiful, smile in return.

"Thank you. I may have left this way too long, and…"

Her voice trailed off, and Penelope couldn't help but notice the far away look that came over her eyes, the smile becoming tight and pained. "That's what a computer guru is for, don't you worry. And I'll be back around two, so make certain you send it over while I'm at lunch, and I can get right on that for you." Reaching out, she touched Strauss's upper arm, wanting to offer her solidarity in that moment. "Remember, my ear is always open. Derek says that I listen pretty well, even if I can't help but give advice."

"Again, thank you for the offer, but I'm fine. And I'll make certain to get that information to you as soon as I get back to my office."

Penelope nodded and stepped into the waiting elevator car, watching as Strauss strode off towards her office, her heels clacking heavily against the floor. Something had obviously upset her, and Penelope couldn't help but wonder what had happened. Letting out a soft sigh, she rode down to the lobby, and smiled as she watched Jessica enter the doors. Before she had to go through the hassle of security, Penelope rushed forward, giving her a warm hug before turning them to walk outside. "You're right on time!"

"I left early, just in case there was traffic, and of course there was. But I thought that I would see your office?"

"Eh, I had to talk to Anderson before I left, and then Strauss needed to speak with me, so I figured I'd just come down and wait, since I was out of my office already." Jessica nodded as she brought Penelope over to her car. "So, where are we going to?"

"I found this cute little café when I was out with a friend the other day. I hope that you like it."

Penelope nodded as she climbed into the passenger seat and settled back, smiling a little as they got under way. Jessica was listening to Queen, and it wasn't long before Penelope was quietly singing along to the current song, Jessica joining in. There was something so right about bonding with her, and Penelope wondered if she should go out and get something else for her for Christmas, something to match her interests a little better. "So, you have me until almost two, since I told Strauss that that was when I was planning to be back."

"Perfect. That means we can talk for a good long time. We'll just have to keep an eye on time. I wouldn't want her to yell at you."

"Well, I'm going to be trying to find a present for one of her children, so I think that I might get a little bit of leeway," she replied, a cheeky grin spreading across her face as she gave Jessica a small wink. Jessica giggled and nodded as she pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. "All right, let's go eat and have a good chat," she said as she got out of the vehicle and followed Jessica to the door, looking forward to a good time with her friend.