Hello, everybody; ModernDayBard here! This is it: the final chapter of 'Darkness and Light'. Hopefully, you've all enjoyed this continuing, evolving tradition. For those of you who've enjoyed Endurance's chapters and want to read more of her works, check out her profile (EnduranceinHope). For now, let's forge on with the finale!
Disclaimer: I own neither these characters nor these songs, I just decided to put them together!
Christmas Eve found the various members of the BAU's top profiling unit taking a moment to breathe, each in their own way. Rossi was entertaining guests, as he would the next day as well. Tomorrow would be team members who'd been unable (or unwilling) to spend the holiday with family, but tonight was a group of men he knew through the VA, and as he served the food and drinks, he let the boisterous conversation wash over him, grounding him, yet again, in the present moment.
In a different house, in a different part of town, Hotch continued a years-long tradition of reading Jack 'A Visit from St. Nick' before bed. The boy was old enough to read for himself, true, but he didn't bring that up as he sipped happily on his cocoa and listened to his father. This moment was for the two of them, and it was special to both.
For her part, JJ had already gotten her little man into bed with the promise of Santa's bounty to be discovered only after a full night's sleep. In all likelihood, Henry would be up well before dawn, but for now, JJ and Will had the time to themselves…
After they set out the presents, that is.
Prentiss, like Rossi, had set tonight aside for her friends outside of work, and the group was making the most of their night out and about in DC. But also like Rossi, she found herself looking forward to the 'small family dinner' for the BAU members who'd otherwise spend the night alone.
Not this year.
Morgan was back in Chicago, back with his family, and making the most of his too-brief time there. The stories he told were highly edited, and focused more on team antics than what they actually did, but it was enough to be here, in this moment, and the thoughts of a dangerous and dark profession, for once, did not intrude too heavily.
Reid had spent a surprisingly pleasant few days in Vegas with his mother. They'd been good days for her, and made better for having her son there. Garcia's package had been too much for the mother and son, and thus the bounty had been shared with many others, and tomorrow's dawn promised another day—a day that, good or bad, would be spent together, at least.
Both had learned not to take that for granted.
Garcia was in her own apartment, and a technicolor blur of activity and excitement. She had a lot to do to get ready for Rossi's party the next day (he could call it a 'family dinner' if he wanted—it was a party, she knew it). There were presents to wrap and goodies to make, and she loved it! She was in her element when caring for others—especially this odd little family of hers—and bringing them some light when they were constantly surrounded by darkness.
But not at this time of year—not if I have anything to do with it!
So, yeah. Bit more of an overview, but I'm running short on writing time and wanted to touch back in with everyone on the team. I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you enjoyed the story as whole, as well. I don't know when I'll be returning for a more regular posting, but apparently, at least for next Christmas!
As always, if you liked it, or saw something you think I can fix/improve on for next time, don't hesitate to leave a review and let me know!
Song: All Is Well
Recommended Version: Voctave
Merry Christmas, everyone!
