The BAU was abuzz with holiday cheer as the team prepared for their annual Christmas Eve party. Lights twinkled from every corner, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon. JJ and Spencer stood together, both dressed up for the occasion—JJ in a deep red dress that accentuated her figure, and Spencer in a sharp navy suit that made him look dapper.
"Are you ready for this?" JJ asked, her excitement palpable.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Spencer replied, adjusting his tie. "It's a good chance to see everyone and celebrate what we've accomplished this year."
As they entered the main gathering area, they were greeted by familiar faces. Emily was the first to spot them, her smile brightening the room. "Look at you two!" she exclaimed, giving them both a warm hug. "You're a vision."
"Thanks, Emily," JJ said, glancing around to see Rossi, Luke, Matt, and Tara mingling with colleagues, laughter echoing off the walls.
"Let's grab some drinks and join them," Spencer suggested, leading JJ toward the refreshments.
----------------------------------------------------------------
(Festivities and Familiar Faces)
The evening unfolded with joy—stories were shared, laughter echoed, and the holiday spirit was palpable. JJ caught up with Tara, discussing how the kids were adjusting, while Spencer chatted with Luke about new developments in the field.
But amidst the celebration, JJ kept an eye on Donna, who was sitting quietly with Matthew and Maisey at a nearby table, watching the festivities with wide eyes. As the music played and the laughter grew louder, JJ noticed Donna fidgeting, her fingers tapping anxiously against the table.
"Spencer, I think Donna might be getting overstimulated," JJ said, concern flickering in her eyes.
"Let's keep an eye on her," Spencer replied, his attention focused on the little girl.
----------------------------------------------------------------
(The Chaos Begins)
Just as JJ feared, the noise levels escalated, and Donna's anxiety peaked. Without warning, she stood up and bolted for the exit, her wide eyes filled with panic. "Donna!" JJ called, but the crowd's laughter drowned her out.
Spencer was quick on his feet, weaving through the throng of guests. He reached Donna just as she reached the door. "Hey, Donna, wait!" he called, catching her arm gently.
"Go!" she cried, pulling away from him.
"Donna, look at me," Spencer said, kneeling down to her level. He could feel the judgmental stares of other adults lingering around them, but his focus remained solely on her. "I need you to breathe. Here, put these on." He placed noise-canceling headphones over her ears, shielding her from the overwhelming sounds around her.
Donna's eyes darted around, but as Spencer guided her through deep breathing exercises, she slowly began to calm down. "Inhale... one, two, three... exhale... one, two, three," he encouraged softly.
Finally, after a few moments, Donna's breathing steadied. "Good job," Spencer praised, giving her a reassuring smile.
Spencer held Donna's hand, ignoring the judgmental stares, as he lead her back to the twins.
----------------------------------------------------------------
(The Teasing)
Once she joined Matthew and Maisey, JJ and Spencer took a moment to breathe themselves, relieved that they had managed to help Donna. But trouble brewed anew as some kids from the party began to poke fun at her.
"Look at the weird girl with the headphones!" one kid laughed. "What's wrong with you?"
Maisey stepped in front of her sister, frowning fiercely. "Leave her alone!"
But the teasing continued, and soon, the atmosphere became charged. "You're just weird, Donna! Why can't you be normal?" another child taunted.
Frustrated and hurt, Maisey ran off to find JJ and Spencer, her small fists clenched. "Mom! Dad!" she shouted accidentally, realizing her mistake only after the words slipped out.
The room fell silent, eyes widening as JJ and Spencer exchanged shocked glances. "What did you just say?" Spencer asked, his heart racing.
Matthew, feeling protective, jumped up and faced the taunting kids. "Shut up! You don't know anything!" He swung his fist at one of them, hitting a boy in the shoulder.
"Hey! No fighting!" Spencer shouted, but the chaos had already erupted. Matthew's anger turned into a full-blown argument, voices rising as the other kids jeered at him.
Amidst the ruckus, JJ felt panic rising in her chest. "Matthew, stop!" she called out, but her words were drowned out by the shouting.
----------------------------------------------------------------
(The Unexpected Rescue)
Just as JJ and Spencer moved to intervene, they realized that Donna had slipped away again, unnoticed in the chaos. JJ's heart dropped. "Spencer, where's Donna?" she whispered, fear creeping in.
Spencer quickly scanned the room, dread washing over him. "I'll find her," he said, and before JJ could respond, he darted toward the exit.
Meanwhile, outside in the cold evening air, Donna had run away from the party, her small frame disappearing into the dark. Just as Spencer reached the door, he spotted her—standing still, her breathing quickened as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings.
But then, to their surprise, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Penelope Garcia, dressed in festive red, stepped into view. "Well, if it isn't my favorite little elf!" she exclaimed, noticing Donna. "What are you doing out here all alone?"
"No leave me; alone help plush," Donna said, her voice trembling as tears pooled in her eyes.
"Sweetheart, I'm not going anywhere," Garcia said, her tone soft and comforting. "Let's go back inside together, okay? You're safe with me."
Just then, Spencer caught up, relief flooding him as he saw Donna with Garcia. "There you are," he said, kneeling beside her. "You're okay now, Donna. Let's go back to the party together."
As they walked back, Spencer and Garcia flanked Donna, making her feel secure. The chaos of the party faded slightly, the warmth of the holiday spirit surrounding them. JJ spotted them approaching and rushed to Donna's side, wrapping her arms around her tightly.
"Sweet girl, I was so worried," JJ said, kneeling down to Donna's level. "You're safe now."
The evening had turned chaotic, but in that moment, with family and friends surrounding them, the warmth of the holiday settled over them. They would face the challenges together—stronger as a family than ever before.
YOU ARE READING
A House Is Not Always A Home: A Criminal Minds Fanfic
FanfictionAn inbetween where they didn't need the parallel universe. A JEID fanfic :) In the year following Garcia's leaving and the passing of Spence's mom, JJ spent all of her time devoted to taking care of Reid through his grief. JJ called it quits the mom...
